Friday, June 29, 2012

Legendary Tommy Roe Releases 'Devil's Soul Pile'

Tommy Roe is back with his first new CD release in many years called Devil's Soul Pile. Roe's new album not only contains the rock 'n' roll music we grew up with but songs with important messages for today's times.

"I called the new CD Devils Soul Pile, after a song I have written and included in the line up," Roe says. "The song is a departure from my normal and expected style, and one that tells the story of dysfunctional families, and the effect it has on our youth and our neighborhoods. Lyrically, this song is a bit serious, and was inspired by the everyday news of violence in our neighborhoods and cities. But a song that ends with a message of hope."

Other songs on the record include "Memphis Me," "Remember," "It's For You I'm Me," "Without Her" and "Water Underneath My Burning Bridge."

"For me, songwriting comes in waves and I will write as many new songs as possible during these short periods of creativity," Roe explains. "This collection contains some of my latest efforts and although I never know when the next rush of new ideas will come, if ever. I am always hopeful for just one more song to write. It's just something I love to do and I hope you enjoy."

In support of the new album, Roe has been performing several select dates in the US and Canada. He and his band are also looking at offers from the UK and Europe for the upcoming year.

A bona fide international star, Tommy Roe wrote and recorded six "Top 10" hits between 1962-69, more than any other solo American artist. To his credits he has 11 US Top 40 hits, 6 Top 10s, 4 Certified Gold singles, and 2 #1 Hits. He is a member of the Hit Parade Hall of Fame, The Georgia Music Hall of Fame, and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. On September 2, 2012 Tommy Roe will be inducted into the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association (IRRMA) Hall of Fame.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, roe began writing songs at the age of fourteen, and his first recording effort yielded the international #1 hit..SHEILA. In 1963, he headlined the now famous UK tour, in which a rising band called the Beatles were the opening act.

AN EVENING WITH TOMMY ROE is a new show featuring all his hits, plus less familiar tunes,
and new material as well.

The show features full band, unplugged and solo segments.The band is led by veteran guitarist/music director Rick Levy.

 “I am really excited about my new show,” Roe says. “I will be featuring some of the new songs I have written, along with some obscure material I have recorded through the years, and get many requests to do. Of course I will highlight the hits, like 'Sheila,' 'Everybody,' 'Hooray For Hazel,' 'Sweet Pea,' 'Jam Up and Jelly Tight' and 'Dizzy', along with some of my favorite covers. I will also do a Q&A session in the middle of the show while the stage is being set for my acoustic set with band leader and lead guitarist Rick Levy. This is a new addition to our show, and something I really enjoy. It gives me a chance to get up close and intimate with our audience, kind of like I do at home with family and friends.”

Tommy Roe will be performing on these dates:

June 16 – Fountain of Life Fair – Gray, TN
June 18 – The Villages – FL
August 31 – DiamondJo Casino – Dubuque, IA
September 1 – Winnavegas Casino – Sloan, IA
September 2 – Hall of Fame Induction – Arnolds Park, IA

Tommy Roe promo video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=acd5ZTjEKaA&feature=youtu.be.

To purchase Tommy Roe's Devil's Soul Pile, go to http://cdbaby.com/cd/tommyroe.

To purchase Tommy Roe's Devil's Soul Pile digital download from Amazon, go to http://www.amazon.com/Devils-Soul-Pile/dp/B0088V0986/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1339640677&sr=1-1.

To purchase Tommy Roe's Devil's Soul Pile digital download from iTunes, go to 
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/devils-soul-pile/id533340557.

For more information, go to www.tommyroe.com.
   

         
   



Thursday, June 28, 2012

Musicares, Grammys Honoring Bruce Springsteen

The Recording Academy, the music industry body that hosts the Grammy Awards, has revealed that Bruce Springsteen will be feted as the 2013 Musicares Person of the Year. Musicares, the charitable spinoff of the Recording Academy, is to host an A-list gala two nights before the Grammys on Feb. 8.

It's typical for the Musicares honoree to receive a lengthy tribute section on the Grammy telecast. Paul McCartney was recognized in 2012, and he performed twice on this year's broadcast, once with new song "My Valentine" and another with the grand finale medley comprising "Golden Slumbers," "Carry That Weight" and "The End" from the Beatles' Abbey Road. The show-closing performance featured Springsteen.

Springsteen, of course, is no stranger to the Grammy Awards. He opened the 2012 show with his recent single, "We Take Care of Our Own." Its accompanying album, Wrecking Ball, was released in March of this year and should be considered a favorite for multiple Grammy nods, especially with its heavy political and social undercurrent. To date, he's received 20 Grammy Awards.

The Musicares Person of the Year recognizes a musician’s artistic and philanthropic efforts.

"Bruce Springsteen is a truly gifted and renaissance artist of our time, a national treasure, and an exemplary humanitarian," Recording Academy chief Neil Portnow said in a statement. "His career is a testament to the power of creative excellence, and his contributions as a philanthropist speak to the tenacity of the human spirit."

As part of the Musicares acknowledgment, Springsteen is to be the guest of honor at the charitable ball two nights prior to the Grammy telecast. The fundraiser is one of the most-coveted music industry events, as it features a host of pop stars past and present reinterpreting the works of the honoree.

The 2013 Grammy Awards ceremony is to be held at Staples Center on Feb. 10 and broadcast live for the East Coast on CBS.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Jefferson Starship Releasing 'Tales From The Mothership' Live 4-CD Set

“Roswell UFO Parade & Festival Hosts Jefferson Starship Sci-Fi Extravaganza” read the headlines for the annual July 3rd event that took place in Roswell, New Mexico in 2009.

Jefferson Airplane founder Paul Kantner and his legendary band Jefferson Starship and special guests, which included original Grateful Dead keyboardist Tom Constanten, performed a one-of-a-kind sci-fi concert at Pearson Auditorium in Roswell in honor of the town's famed annual parade.

The group was also bestowed the honor of being the parade's 'Grand Martians' that year and rode atop a special float especially built for them. The entire concert was filmed and recorded, and in addition to such iconic hits as “White Rabbit,” “Somebody To Love,” “Volunteers” and “Wooden Ships” recorded by its forebear Jefferson Airplane (the last two penned by Kantner), a special program of science fiction themed compositions and select recordings were performed, some for the first time ever!

Now, much to the excitement of Jefferson Starship fans across the globe UK's Gonzo MultiMedia is releasing the the entire concert in an extravagant 4-CD box set called Tales From The Mothership.

In 1971 the band's first album (Paul Kantner's first solo album actually), Blows Against The Empire was also the first rock music recording ever nominated for literary science fiction's prestigious Hugo Award.

In addition to Kantner, Blows featured a 'Who's Who' of Bay Area musicians including David Freiberg from Quicksilver Messenger Service. Freiberg and Kantner, later launched the ongoing Jefferson Starship, eventually writing the hit “Jane.” David rejoined the band full time in 2005.

In 1991 the late great rock impresario Bill Graham signed on to produce Blows from a 'scripted stage play concept' co-written bu Paul Kantner and his (then) new manager Michael Gaiman, a lifelong fan. Sadly, Bill was killed in a helicopter crash and the idea was shelved until Sony Pictures pitched an 'option' for a Blows motion picture in 1996.

“That was a big year for sci-fi,” recalls Gaiman.

Stemming from a shared interest in 1950s science fiction film and literature, Paul and Michael have worked together for nearly 25 years. In 2008 they co-produced (along with David Freiberg), Jefferson's Tree of Liberty, Jefferson Starship's first studio recording in a decade. The album garnered stellar reviews worldwide. In 2009 Jefferson Starship headlined The Heroes of Woodstock, the authorized touring commemorative of the 1969 Woodstock Music & Arts Festival.

“On July 3rd, 2009, thanks to the Roswell UFO Festival Committee and Cool 94.9 Radio, we got to scratch that itch and assuage a long time desire to stage a mosh of rock music and science fiction,” says Gaiman.

Along with Paul Kantner and David Frieberg, Jefferson Starship also features lead singer Cathy Richardson (who played Janis Joplin on Broadway in Love, Janis) and longtime band members Slick Aguilar, Chris Smith and Donny Baldwin. In addition to Grateful Dead's Tom Constanten, special guests include Pete Sears (the band's former bass & keyboard player on all their hits), Barry Sless (guitar & pedal steel with Phil Lesh & Friends), former lead vocalist Darby Gould and legendary folk artist Jack Taylor, one of Paul Kantner's early musical influences.

Renegade Productions, the band's frequent collaborator (Jefferson's Tree of Liberty was the first album ever recorded in their new studio at the time) staged the production and provided custom sound, lighting and image projection. Karl Anderson of Global Recording Artists filmed the event dubbed Tales From The Mothership, a joint production of The Roswell UFO Festival Committee and Jefferson Starship. “It's not a documentary, not a 'rockumentary', not a 'mockumentary'...it's a 'Spockumentary,” Gaiman quips.

Along with the entire concert from July 3, 2009, the 4-CD set also includes rehearsals from 6/27/2009 and the band's soundcheck before the show.

For more information, go to http://jeffersonstarship.com.

To order Jefferson Starship's Tales From The Mothership, go to http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/search/product_details/15498/Jefferson_Starship-Tales_From_The_Mothership_-_Roswell_UFO_Festival_3_July_2009.html.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Van Morrison Returns To Blue Note For 'Born to Sing'

The legendary voice of Van Morrison is returning to Blue Note Records. The artist, whose classic albums include Astral Weeks, Moondance and Tupelo Honey, will release Born To Sing: No Plan B on Oct. 2, the label announced Tuesday.

Blue Note president Don Was calls Morrison "one of the greatest singer/songwriter/musicians of all time."

In his statement announcing the move, Morrison praises the label, which released his Grammy-nominated What's Wrong With This Picture? in 2003.

"With most record companies being so corporate I am happy to be working with Don Was and the team at Blue Note," he says. "To have such a creative music person as the head of my recording label assures me that all the effort taken to write and record this new album will be rewarded with a music-based focus and marketing approach."

Since the early 1990s when he ended his association with Mercury, Morrison has recorded for Polydor, Virgin and Lost Highway. His latest release, the 2009 concert album Astral Weeks Live At the Hollywood Bowl, was released on his own Listen to the Lion imprint.

Born To Sing: No Plan B was produced by Morrison and recorded in his native Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Tracklist:

1.  Open The Door (To Your Heart)
2.  Going Down To Monte Carlo
3.  Born To Sing
4.  End Of The Rainbow
5.  Close Enough For Jazz
6.  Mystic Of The East
7.  Retreat And View
8.  If In Money We Trust
9.  Pagan Heart
10.  Educating Archie

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Robert Plant To Bring The Sensational Space Shifters To Alabama

Robert Plant will perform one of only two North American shows this summer at Birmingham’s Historic Alabama Theatre on Sunday, August 12th.

The performance will feature Plant’s latest project, The Sensational Space Shifters. The singer will be joined for this show by Patty Griffin, who collaborated with Plant in 2010 on the Band of Joy project.

The Sensational Space Shifters are:
  • Robert Plant – vocals, harmonica
  • Juldeh Camara of JuJu – ritti (one-stringed African Violin), kologo (African Banjo), talking drum, vocals.
  • Justin Adams of JuJu, Jah Wobble – guitar, bendir, vocals
  • John Baggott of Massive Attack, Portishead – keyboards
  • Liam “Skin” Tyson of Cast – guitar, vocals
  • Dave Smith of JuJu, Outhouse Ruhabi – drums and percussion
  • Billy Fuller of JuJu, Beak – bass guitar, vocals

Friday, June 22, 2012

The Who's 'Quadrophenia' Documentary To Debut At U.S. Cinemas

The Who are to reveal all about the making of their groundbreaking 1973 album Quadrophenia as part of a major new documentary, which is to be screened across America for one night only this summer.

The Who: Quadrophenia - Can You See The Real Me? The Story Behind The Album will premiere at select cinemas on July 24.

The documentary features an introduction from guitarist Pete Townshend and includes never-before-heard anecdotes and additional performances of songs from the Quadrophenia album, which is considered one of the most important rock releases.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Photos Of Beatles' First U.S.Tour Exhibited In NYC

A new exhibition featuring photos of The Beatles' first tour of America has opened in New York.

The Liverpool legends' first journey to the US and the height of the Beatlemania craze in the early 1960s was photographed by Curt Gunther, and a retrospective of his work, Unseen Beatles, is currently taking place at the Morrison Hotel Gallery in Soho, New York.

Speaking of how close he was to the band, Gunther's son says: "He was there on every plane ride and in every hotel room. I think there was real, genuine affection between The Beatles and my dad."

The photos the photographer collected include not just the band playing live, but also of their downtime, with them riding horses and goofing around with manager Brian Epstein. Peter Blachley, co-founder of the Morrison Hotel Gallery, says: "You can see it in the photographs. There were no handlers. Just, 'Hang out, you're one of the band now'."

Alongside Gunther's photos are pictures by another photographer close to the band, Robert Whitaker, who famously posed the band with a number of dismembered toy dolls and raw meat for the album cover of US release 'Yesterday and Today'.

The Unseen Beatles exhibition of Robert Whitaker and Curt Gunther's work is on throughout the summer. For more info visit morrisonhotelgallery.com.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

1981 Rolling Stones Show With Muddy Waters Coming To DVD

Leave it to Eagle Rock Entertainment to come up with a rare gem of rock’n’roll and blues history. July 10 is the street date for the DVD and special two-disc DVD/CD package of Muddy Waters & The Rolling Stones Live At The Checkerboard Lounge Chicago 1981. Additionally, this delectable slice of American history will also be released as a DVD/2LP vinyl set on September 11.

On November 22, 1981, the Rolling Stones were criss-crossing America on one of their mammoth tours when they had a night off in Chicago, Illinois. What to do? The decision was a no-brainer. Muddy Waters (1915-1983) was in town that night performing at his own juke-joint, The Checkerboard Lounge. It didn’t take long before The Master called up to the stage his students, vocalist Mick Jagger, guitarists Ron Wood and Keith Richards and piano player Ian Stewart. The four Stones wound up jamming with Muddy and his band to the absolute delight of the lucky patrons there that night and, man, they raised the roof.

It was all caught on camera and recorded for posterity.

Now, with the advantage of DTS Surround Sound, Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Stereo, mixed and mastered by Bob Clearmountain, this 90-minute wang-dang-doodle has been lovingly preserved for the ages. Add Buddy Guy, Junior Wells (1934-1998), and other musicians into the equation and the sum of these parts is not only greater than the whole but worth salivating over. Heretofore only available as a bootleg, this is the complete package that will have musicologists buzzing.

TRACK LISTING:

DVD:
1) Sweet Little Angel 
2) Flip Flop And Fly 
3) Muddy Waters Introduction 
4) You Don’t Have To Go
5) Country Boy 
6) Baby Please Don’t Go 
7) Hoochie Coochie Man 
8) Long Distance Call 
9) Mannish Boy 
10) Got My Mojo Working 
11) Next Time You See Me 
12) One Eyed Woman 
13) Baby Please Don’t Go (Instrumental) 
14) Blow Wind Blow 
15) Champagne & Reefer
 
CD:
1) Introduction Instrumental 
2) You Don’t Have To Go 
3) Baby Please Don’t’ Go 
4) Hoochie Coochie Man
5) Long Distance Call 
6) Mannish Boy 
7) Got My Mojo Working 
8) Next Time You See Me 
9) One Eyed Woman 
10) Blow Wind Blow 
11) Champagne & Reefer 

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Rush Bringing String Ensemble On Clockwork Angels Tour

With Clockwork Angels, their first new album in five years, just out, Rush is planning a tour that will surprise many of the Canadian trio's fans.

"Our intention is to take strings out on the road," guitarist Alex Lifeson says. Orchestrations, arranged by David Campbell, are featured on several of Clockwork Angels' tracks, and Lifeson says Rush will employ a small string ensemble, likely eight to 10 pieces, to recreate those pieces and to be added to some of Rush's older material. "It's just something different for us, and I can't wait to hear what it sounds like."

Lifeson says Campbell will be writing arrangements for the tour, which kicks off Sept. 7 in Manchester, N.H., and will likely appear at some of the shows as well. "Certainly in the beginning he'll be out for a bit," the guitarist says. "I think his intention is to use these musicians he's been working with for a long time, who he trusts, and once they're settled in he doesn't have to be around all the time and he can come out whenever he feels like it."

Lifeson says the production is "still in a planning stage" but promises that "it's a while new show. It's new staging, new lighting, everything is new and fresh about it. I would say that it's an evolutionary extension of what the (2010-11) Time Machine Tour was, but we are definitely freshening it up and bringing and there'll be a lot of new video stuff going on." And, of course, Lifeson and his mates expect to dedicate a considerable amount of stage time to Clockwork Angels, a concept album that will be followed by a novel co-written by drummer/lyricist Neil Peart and Kevin J. Anderson.

"The set list is quite fluid these days," Lifeson reports. "We're dropping and replacing songs constantly, and that's the way it always goes before we get into rehearsals. There's a great deal of pressure on us now to do the whole record, which we don't anticipate. I think our intention is probably to prepare the whole thing; whether we'll do it or not we're still not sure, especially on the first leg of the tour. There's still a lot of older stuff we want to do, and we've got some great songs lined up from the past. We'd be loathe to drop them to add more of Clockwork Angels, at least on the first leg. It's always nice to switch up on the second leg and make it a little different."

Lifeson hasn't read the Clockwork Angels novel yet, but says Peart was recently in the studio to record an audio version of the book. "That is all coming together very quickly and it will definitely be done in time for the tour, if not shortly before," he notes.

As for other Clockwork Angels adaptations, Lifeson cracks that "maybe if we can get Trey and Matt (Parker and Stone of South Park fame) to do the musical we'd have some success with it. But, you know, we're focused on the tour right now. The album just came out. The book is very important to Neil, and that's his little baby. But certainly for the three of us, the album has been the most important thing, and what happens and comes of it, we'll see. We're preparing for the tour, and right now that's what our focus is. It's been very, very busy in the Rush camp for the past couple of months."

Monday, June 18, 2012

Paul McCartney Turns 70

It seems like only yesterday that “When I’m 64″ became a reality for Sir Paul McCartney, but today, he hits an even bigger milestone: turning 70.

Of course, the Beatles legend hardly looks or acts his age, since he continues to remain a vibrant force as both a touring and recording artist.  In the last year alone he’s gotten married; collaborated on his first ballet, “Ocean’s Kingdom;” performed in North America, Abu Dhabi, Europe, South America and Mexico; released a new album of standard tunes, “Kisses on the Bottom;” was honored with the 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year award; received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; directed his first music video; and played at Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee concert.

If that’s not enough, McCartney has plenty of upcoming plans in store for fans, including a performance at the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in London next month, a brand-new album that’s expected out in early 2013; and, of course, more touring.

All this activity would be impressive for a rock star at any age, much less one supposedly in the twilight of his career — and that’s not even mentioning all of his previous achievements, which would take several days.  Let’s just say that McCartney’s work with The Beatles, Wings and as a solo artist has made him the wealthiest, and arguably most famous, musician on the planet.

While Macca himself has said his birthday plans will be low-key, that hasn’t stopped his well-known fans from offering their birthday wishes and marveling at his remarkable career:

Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, whose band covered The Beatles’ “Come Together” for the 1978 movie Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and who serenaded McCartney during the 2010 Kennedy Center Honors event, says his fellow rock legend really knows how to live life to its fullest.
“He’s got a whole second wind and a new childhood and a new marriage,” Tyler told ABC News Radio.  “Y’know, he’s gettin’ it every night on stage and hopefully in bed with his new wife!  God bless him.”

Phil Collins said he still can’t believe that as a kid, he was recruited to be an extra in The Beatles film A Hard Day’s Night, and now, today, he and Paul are friends and colleagues.  “Suddenly, 30, 40 years later, you’re playing with the guy and he knows your name and comes up and talks to you,” an incredulous Collins told ABC News Radio.  “It’s a little bit out of The Twilight Zone.”  And Phil, who’s basically quit making new music, says McCartney makes him feel a bit guilty about that.  “Every time I say that I’ve stopped, I think, ‘Well, he still going!’” he admitted.  “I admire him for keeping going.  So, happy birthday, Paul.”

The Beatles and The Beach Boys have always had a special relationship, and Brian Wilson, who turns 70 himself on Wednesday, has nothing but good wishes for his old pal.  Currently out on tour with the reunited Beach Boys, Wilson said, “I hope he’s as happy as we are, and I wish him very much luck on his concerts.”

Eagles bass player Timothy B. Schmit said he wishes Paul “70 more years,” adding, “I learned how to sing from listening to him…His bass playing is so unique and powerful.  I learned a lot from him.”

Donovan, whose friendship with Paul and the rest of the Fab Four dates back to the mid ’60s, has a musical wish for McCartney.  “They say it’s your birthday /Buh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh /It’s my birthday too, yeah,” the folk-rock great sang, delivering the opening lines to the classic 1968 Beatles tune “Birthday.”  He then added, “Well, I’m not 70 yet, but what I say is seven is a good number.”

Randy Bachman, of Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive fame, offered up some glowing praise for McCartney’s old band, saying, “As time goes by, anyone who wasn’t a Beatle fan, if you don’t become one now or tomorrow, you’re missing out on one of the greatest pleasures of life.”

Bonnie Raitt is another fan who admires McCartney's longevity. “He is just non-stoppable,” she said, recalling one of his concerts a few years ago where he blew her away by performing for three hours and playing an amazing guitar solo on a rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady.” “I couldn’t even believe it was him on guitar,” she said.  “He is really showin’ us how to do it…He’s just one of our greatest songwriters ever and such a great singer and a great person.”

Squeeze’s songwriting team of Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford were sometimes compared to McCartney and Lennon during their own band’s heyday.  Tilbrook says of McCartney: “There’s not a time when I hear a Beatles record and don’t gravitate towards what he’s playing on the bass…If he did nothing else, his bass playing is amazing.  I wish him all the very best.”  Difford added, “‘Listen to What the Man Said’ — that’s the first song that springs to mind.  I think he’s an incredible artist.”

And lastly, Faces/Small Faces keyboardist Ian McLagan, whose band this year joined McCartney and The Beatles in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, said, “Happy Birthday, Paul.  God bless ya.  He never stops. God, he’s amazing.”

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Bob Seger, Gordon Lightfoot Among Songwriter Hall Inductees

Stevie Nicks prefers writing a song over meeting a handsome prince. Ne-Yo claimed songwriting saved his life. And Bob Seger said writing a song is the hardest, yet most rewarding thing that he does.

Converging opinions thrived at the 43rd annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction ceremony in New York where Seger, along with Canadian folk rocker Gordon Lightfoot, "Gambler" songwriter Don Schlitz, and Jim Steinman of "Bat Out of Hell" fame became the latest members of the prestigious club. The writers of the long-running musical "The Fantasticks" were also inducted.

Seger opened the show with a spirited version of his 1973 classic, "Turn the Page." He was then inducted by Valerie Simpson who performed "We've Got Tonight" in his honor.

On the red carpet before the performance, Simpson said that steamy track has a very special power.

"It's one of the sexiest songs I know, it put more people in bed than I can imagine," Simpson said.

Ne-Yo was honored with the Hal David Starlight Award. It's given to young artists who are making a significant impact with their original music.

"To have a person who has written a song that I look up to or that I grew up listening to tell me that I am good at it too. That means the world to me," Ne-Yo said of Hal David, a frequent songwriting partner to Burt Bacharach.

Then he explained how writing songs saved him.

"I was a pretty riled up little kid, and if not for my mom giving me the pad and the pen and telling me to take my emotions and put them there, then there was no telling then I might I have been sticking you up or something," Ne-Yo joked.

After being inducted by Swizz Beatz, Ne-Yo told the crowd of nearly 900 that he didn't prepare a speech because he still didn't believe he was standing there.

While Nicks was not inducted, she did honor Bette Midler with the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award, and even performed "The Rose,' the song made famous by Midler in the 1979 movie of the same name.

"People ask what is your favorite thing to do in a night? Be in a fantastic studio with a great poem and a piano and a little tape recorder. That is my idea of a great time," Nicks said.

Lightfoot, known for such hits as "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" and "Sundown," performed his haunting 1970 ode to his failed marriage, "If You Could Read My Mind."

On the red carpet he explained his motivation: "My life had been a bit of a roller coaster. I think at that time I was going through the lower dip and sort of climbing up again."

Over the years, artists from Barbra Streisand to Johnny Cash covered the song.

One of the evening's funniest moments came from Jim Steinman, who wrote songs for Meat Loaf on his first two Bat Out Of Hell albums. After Loaf and Constantine Maroulis performed an abridged version of the nearly 10-minute title track, Steinman noted: "They shortened the song so much I felt like I was watching an episode of 'Glee.'"

The Songwriters Hall of Fame was created in 1969 by a group of established songwriters, including the legendary Johnny Mercer. The organization's mission is to shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of songwriters.

Friday, June 15, 2012

JetBlue, Night Ranger Honor New 'Rock of Ages' Movie

JetBlue Airways, the largest carrier out of Long Beach, is celebrating the release of Warner Bros. new theatrical release Rock of Ages, featuring Night Ranger, by rolling fares back to the '80s.

On June 15, the day the movie is released in theaters, JetBlue will offer the "What's Your Price For Flight" fare sale at www.jetblue.com for as low as $40 for all-in travel between Long Beach and Oakland, San Francisco, Sacramento or Las Vegas and $70 for all-in travel between Long Beach and Seattle or Portland, OR. Flights are on sale today only through 11:59 p.m. PT for travel between September 11, 2012 and October 3, 2012.

As a precursor to the movie and also in honor of the '80s, on June 14, JetBlue also hosted a special performance by the rock band Night Ranger at Long Beach Airport. Best known for their 1984 mega-hit "Sister Christian," which is featured in New Line Cinema's new musical film 'Rock of Ages,' Night Ranger performed the first-ever live musical concert at Long Beach Airport. JetBlue partnered with Long Beach Airport, KLOS-FM and Warner Bros. for this special customer experience. Fans enjoyed a personal, intimate acoustic 30-minute performance of the rock band's classics.

Night Ranger performed with JetBlue's runways and Los Angeles County as its backdrop. Additionally, fans paid homage to the '80s by showing up clad in their finest threads from the era. JetBlue representatives were on hand with great prizes such as travel certificates for the first 80 fans that showed up in '80s gear and a vacation package for the most original costume. Photos can be viewed at: http://blog.jetblue.com/?p=21990.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

2012 Sunset Strip Music Festival To Celebrate The Doors

Sunset Strip Music Festival (SSMF) organizers have announced that the fifth annual three-day music festival -- taking place on the Sunset Strip, Thursday, August 16 through Saturday, August 18 -- will celebrate the music and legacy of The Doors.

The festival will kick off with an exclusive VIP event honoring the iconic Sunset Strip band on August 16, which will feature an all-star band celebrating The Doors, and will conclude with an all-day street fest on Saturday, August 18.

Marilyn Manson will headline the outdoor street fest, which will also feature performances by the offspring, Bad Religion, and very special guests Black Label Society. Many of the artists will  perform their take on some of the Doors’ legendary songs.The venues within the street festival closure -- The Roxy Theatre, Whisky A Go-Go and Key Club -- will also host full lineups from more than 50 bands throughout the day.

As in years past, Sunset Boulevard will be closed to traffic between Doheny Drive and San Vicente Boulevard and transformed into a premier concert destination with two outdoor stages, beer gardens, an artist autograph tent, an outdoor VIP rooftop lounge, silent disco, VIP Lounge at On The Rox, food trucks and interactive experiences.

“We are happy to bring another amazing and diverse lineup to the boulevard as we celebrate the music and legacy of one of The Sunset Strip’s most influential artists, the Doors,” noted SSMF executive director Todd Steadman. “We’re also excited to mark the fifth year of the music festival. SSMF is a homegrown, not-for-profit festival that continues to grow each year. It is shaped by a team of venue owners who partner each year to create a unifying event that celebrates The Sunset Strip and the community of musicians and music fans it has fostered. We look forward to seeing past attendees and welcoming new fans to this year’s event.”

The Doors -- organist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, drummer John Densmore and late singer Jim Morrison -- have earned worldwide notoriety for being one of the most influential rock groups of all time. With an intoxicating, genre-blending sound, provocative and uncompromising songs, and the mesmerizing power of Morrison's poetry and presence, the Doors had a transformative impact not only on popular music but on popular culture.

The band was formed in Venice, Calif., and remains a vital piece to the legacy and history of The Sunset Strip. It was on the Strip that the Doors got their start at the London Fog before moving down the street to perform as the house band at the Whisky A Go-Go. A show at the Whisky in August 1966 helped them land a deal with Elektra Records, which would propel the band into international music icons.

"The Doors are honored to be celebrated by the magical, legendary Strip,” says Manzarek.  “A great leap forward from the Summer Of Love to today. What a great time we're going to have! The Sunset Strip. Live bands, loud music, Rock and Roll. It's the ‘60s all over again, and everyone is welcome. Dancing in the streets. Joy, Love, Peace.  And we want to get it all together just One - More - TIME! Could this be the beginning of the new Golden Age? Let it be so." 

Krieger says, "It's a thrill to be honored by The Sunset Strip Music Festival this year. Venice was our home, but The Doors lived and came of age on the Sunset Strip. It's exciting to see that the legacy we helped create is still alive and thriving today!" 

Densmore adds, "The Sunset Strip in the ‘60s was the incubation canal for an entire renaissance in music, and its impact is still with us.  The Doors are proud to be honored this year at the fifth annual SSMF celebration."

Tickets for SSMF 2012 are on sale at TicketWeb and are free of additional ticketing fees. Ticket options include general admission August 18 street festival ticket for $75 and VIP options for $135, which includes access to the rooftop VIP area with views of the West stage, VIP areas in the beer garden and venues, access to VIP lounge On The Rox, a separate entrance and additional perks. A very limited number of three-day VIP passes will also be available for $250.

These special passes include access to the Doors celebration on Thursday, August 16, VIP access to the August 18 street festival and entrance to all of the Sunset Strip Venues on August 16, 17 and 18 -- House of Blues, The Roxy Theatre, Viper Room, Whisky A Go-Go and Key Club -- pending capacity.

For more information, visit www.sunsetstripmusicfestival.com, like www.facebook.com/sunsetstripmusicfestival and follow https://twitter.com/#!/SSMF.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Hologram Mania: Estates For Elvis, Hendrix & Morrison Pile On Bandwagon

The King may have left the building, but a virtually resurrected Elvis Presley will soon return to a concert venue near you.

With estates of deceased musical acts exploring the revenue possibilities of virtual live performances, the visual effects company that created the Tupac Shakur "hologram" seen at this year's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is leading the charge. The company, Digital Domain Media Group, recently signed an exclusive deal with Core Media Group (formerly CKx) to jointly produce a series of "virtual" Elvis likenesses for various entertainment projects.

Digital Domain chairman/CEO John Textor says the virtual Elvis project will cost millions and is still in the early stages of development. Jack Soden, president/CEO of the Core Media division known as Elvis Presley Enterprises, sees massive potential for the Presley project. "We'll own these images," Soden says, adding that the concerts-which might range from traveling tours to residencies-would be unlike anything Elvis fans have previously witnessed.

"This is not repurposing old footage that the world has already seen," Digital Domain chief creative officer Ed Ulbrich says, referencing how the recent Tupac projection was also built from scratch. "We're making totally original and exclusive performances so that fans can have new experiences."

The estates for other artists including Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix have also been considering the idea of holographic live performances following the Tupac hologram's appearances with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg at Coachella in April.

Jeff Jampol, who manages the Doors as well as the estates of Morrison, Otis Redding, Janis Joplin, Peter Tosh and Rick James, hopes to eventually create a multimedia experience featuring the band. The show might take place in either a tent or a freestanding building, with the walls pixilated like a large TV screen and utilizing lasers, lights, high-quality sound, vibrations, projected imagery and the 3-D figures, he says.

"We're trying to get to a point where 3-D characters will walk around," Jampol says, noting that he's been exploring the idea for about eight years with British music video/commercial director Jake Nava. "Hopefully, 'Jim Morrison' will be able to walk right up to you, look you in the eye, sing right at you and then turn around and walk away."

Janie Hendrix, the rock legend's sister and Experience Hendrix president/CEO, has been working with London-based company Musion Systems for about a year to create a virtual version of her late brother. "For us, of course, it's about keeping Jimi authentically correct," she says. "There are no absolutes at this point."

Some concert promoters believe such virtual "live" performances from deceased acts could develop into a larger trend, but the concept would likely work best as cameos during a more contemporary show-much like Tupac's "guest spot" at Coachella-instead of prerecorded full-length concerts.

"There are plenty of opportunities to use it as an extra piece of entertainment," says Nederlander Concerts CEO Alex Hodges, who promotes concerts in California. "It has to be done creatively, and there are limitations to that before it wears people out."

Monday, June 11, 2012

Time To Freak Out... Zappa's Back

The music of Frank Zappa is now back in the hands of the Zappa Family Trust. To celebrate this, the estate has signed a global license and distribution deal with Universal Music Enterprises to release 60 of the iconic composer's recordings. The roll-out kicks off July 31 with 12 recordings, with another dozen recordings to be released monthly through the end of 2012.

"The ink is not yet dry on The Zappa Family Trust's worldwide deal with Universal Music Enterprises," says Gail Zappa. "They made us the offer we couldn't refuse -- for all the right reasons. It is a win-win for all of us, but mostly for Frank Zappa. Long may his baton wave. We are so ready to go."

"The artist and composer, Frank Zappa, is one of the most important and influential artists in music history with his prolific body of work, including his breakthrough rock 'n roll concept albums. We are honored that Gail Zappa and the Zappa Family Trust have entrusted us with his legacy. We intend to honor him and bring high quality releases, digital and physical, for his new and longtime fans," said Bruce Resnikoff, President/CEO, Universal Music Enterprises (UMe).

Now fully back in hands of the Zappa Family Trust -- headed by Zappa's widow Gail Zappa -- the releases will honor the iconic legacy of the composer, musician, bandleader and filmmaker. 

Zappa was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 (although the family would like to know where it is). The official biography: Frank Zappa, American composer, 1940-1993.

The UME deal is for the entire Zappa catalog as it appeared on Frank Zappa's own independent label, Barking Pumpkin Records. Many of the original analog masters have been remastered for this occasion. The entire catalog will launch July 31, just in time for Frank Zappa's daughter Diva's birthday -- an occasion that will be celebrated along with the entire Zappa family.

The initial 12 Frank Zappa releases included are as follows:
1. Freak Out! (1966) 2. Absolutely Free (1967) 3. Lumpy Gravy (1968) 4. We're Only In It For The Money (1968) 5. Cruising With Ruben & The Jets (1968) 6. Uncle Meat (1969) 7. Hot Rats (1969) 8. Burnt Weeny Sandwich (1970) 9. Weasels Ripped My Flesh (1970) 10. Chunga's Revenge (1970) 11. Fillmore East, June 1971 (1971) 12. Just Another Band From L.A. (1972).

For more information, go to www.zappa.com.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

The Beach Boys Set For Highest Charting Album In 37 Years

The Beach Boys are aiming for their highest charting album on the Billboard 200 in 37 years as That's Why God Made The Radio could debut in the top three next week.

The new Billboard 200 chart's top 10 will be revealed on the morning of Wednesday, June 13.

Industry sources project that the Beach Boys' album may sell around 60,000 to 65,000 copies by the end of the tracking week on Sunday, June 10. That figure will also include nearly 20,000 copies that were pre-ordered during the band's concert appearance on the QVC shopping network on May 16.

The last time the Beach Boys were this high on the Billboard 200 was in October of 1974, when the greatest hits package Endless Summer spent one week at No. 1.

That's Why God Made The Radio is the band's 29th studio album and was released as part of the group's 50th anniversary celebration.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Ex-Fleetwood Mac Guitarist Bob Welch Dead

Bob Welch, an early member of rock band Fleetwood Mac who enjoyed a successful solo career with hits such as "Ebony Eyes," died on Thursday (June 7) of an apparent suicide at his home in Nashville. He was 66.

Police said Welch's body was found by his wife Wendy with a single gunshot wound to the chest, and he had left a suicide note. Welch suffered from health problems, but police did not disclose what those issues were.

Mick Fleetwood, one of the founding members of Fleetwood Mac and Welch's manager during his solo career, had remained in close contact with his former band mate over the years and told Reuters that Welch's suicide was "incredibly out of character."

"He was a very, very profoundly intelligent human being and always in good humor, which is why this is so unbelievably shocking," he said.

"He was a huge part of our history which sometimes gets forgotten ... mostly his legacy would be his songwriting abilities that he brought to Fleetwood Mac, which will survive all of us," Fleetwood said.

"If you look into our musical history, you'll see a huge period that was completely ensconced in Bob's work."

Welch is the second member of Fleetwood Mac to die this year. In January, another former guitarist for the band, Bob Weston, died in London from a gastrointestinal hemorrhage, at the age of 64.

Welch was born on August 31, 1945 in Los Angeles to movie producer father Robert L. Welch and actress mother Templeton Fox. He moved to Paris to study French at the Sorbonne, then returned to Los Angeles in the early 1970s.

He was invited to join Fleetwood Mac after the departure of founding members Peter Green and Jeremy Spencer. He played guitar and was a vocalist with the band from 1971 to 1974, working on five of their early albums including 1971's "Future Games," 1972's "Bare Trees" and 1973's "Mystery to Me."

It was after Welch's departure from the band in 1975 that Fleetwood Mac went on to find its largest measure of fame on albums such as 1977's "Rumours" with the addition of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks to the band's lineup.

Nicks released a statement, calling Welch's death "devastating."

"He was an amazing guitar player - he was funny, sweet - and he was smart - I'm so very sorry for his family and for the family of Fleetwood Mac - so, so sad," Nicks said.

Welch fell out with his former band mates after suing the group in 1994 for unpaid royalties, which led to his exclusion from the group's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 1998.

The singer and guitarist formed a hard rock group called Paris in 1975, releasing two albums, "Paris" and "Hunt Sales," before disbanding the group a few years later and embarking on a solo career.

His debut solo record, the pop-driven "French Kiss" in 1977, went platinum and produced the hits "Sentimental Lady," "Ebony Eyes" and "Hot Love, Cold World." Welch followed up with 1979's "Three Hearts," and four more albums throughout the early 1980s, none of which emulated the same success as "French Kiss."

He moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1987 and formed a short-lived group called Avenue M, before moving to Nashville in the late 1990s, working on a songwriting career and releasing a tribute to bebop music, "Bob Welch Looks At Bop," in 1999.

His most recent albums, 2003's "His Fleetwood Mac Years and Beyond" and 2006's "His Fleetwood Mac Years and Beyond 2," had previously unreleased material as well as new compositions.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Rare TV Performances From Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band Coming To DVD

Don Van Vliet (1941-2010), better known to his legions of fans as Captain Beefheart, was one of the most enigmatic figures in rock music. From the age of three, he painted and sculpted, and had an obsession with animals and the natural world.

As a teenager, he was friends with Frank Zappa, and as early as 1963, they recorded a demo under the name ‘The Soots’. Sadly this was unsuccessful, and the world would have to wait a few more years before Beefheart’s own unique take on the blues would be heard by anyone outside his own particular circle of friends.

Safe As Milk, his first album, came out in 1967, and, according to Hunter Davies’ eponymous biography of The Beatles, John Lennon was an early fan. Probably the most important album of the Captain’s career was the Zappa-produced Trout Mask Replica, which was released in 1969.

In 1972, behind the albums, The Spotlight Kid and Clear Spot, Beefheart and His Magic Band  toured the UK and Europe, performing two concerts at London's famed Royal Albert Hall. On April 12th , in the middle of the European leg of the tour, Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band stopped off at the Beat Club studios in Bremen, Germany to film a session for later transmission. Of the four songs filmed that day only one track has ever been broadcast.

Now, over 40 years later, much to the excitement of Beefheart fans worldwide, premier UK label Gonzo MultiMedia is releasing Capt. Beefheart & His Magic Band's The Lost Broadcasts with the historic Beat Club sessions on DVD for the very first time!

For more information, go to www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Queen's Jubilee Highlighted By Paul McCartney, Elton John

A glittering parade of artists from the 1950s to the present day - from Sir Cliff Richard and Sir Tom Jones to Jessie J and Ed Sheeran - performed outside Buckingham Palace on Monday night (June 4) at the Diamond Jubilee Concert in honor of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

British talent from the Queen's 60-year reign also included Annie Lennox, Madness, Robbie Williams, his Take That bandmate Gary Barlow and an array of decorated superstars that additionally featured Dame Shirley Bassey and two more Knights of the Realm, Elton John and Paul McCartney. Non-British artists on the bill included Stevie Wonder, Kylie Minogue, Grace Jones, will.i.am, soprano Reneé Fleming and pianist Lang Lang.

The concert took place on a spectacular, special-built stage for a live audience of some 20,000, with a reported 250,000 people stretching all the way down the Mall towards Trafalgar Square. Many millions more watched live through the primetime television coverage on BBC1.

Highlights of the three-hour-plus show included a winning rendition of "O Sole Mio" by English tenor Alfie Boe, who temporarily assumed a rock 'n' roll persona to conclude in Elvis style; and pianist and bandleader Jools Holland, joined by his frequent collaborator and distinguished vocalist Ruby Turner, who was her usual ultra-soulful self on a classy version of the Billy Preston co-write "You Are So Beautiful."

Williams had opened the show in reliably swaggering form on his trademark barnstormer "Let Me Entertain You," returning later with "Mack The Knife," while Barlow and the Commonwealth Band delivered the first live performance of "Sing," the title song from his Jubilee-inspired album collaboration with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Prior to that, Barlow had duetted with Cheryl Cole on a cover of Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now" that exposed "X Factor" celebrity judge Cole's vocal limitations to the full. The contrast was particularly stark when Grace Jones delivered an accurate rendition of "Slave To The Rhythm" while swaying a perfectly-balanced hula hoop on her hips.

Two British stalwarts in the seventh decade of their careers, Richard and Bassey, celebrated their own longevity, Sir Cliff with a hits medley and Dame Shirley with perhaps the only song she could have chosen, "Diamonds Are Forever." Meanwhile, Minogue was in disco mood, in a mix that included "Spinning Around" and other hits.

It was also a night to admire the staying power of Tom Jones, 47 years a star and, as his outstanding new Universal Island album "Spirit In The Room" shows, every bit the vocalist he ever was. His two-song set included an inspired reworking of "Delilah," reinvigorated in acoustic flamenco style. Even if the Queen only took her seat just after his performance, Prince Harry was seen singing along.

Perhaps it was the absence of her husband Prince Philip, taken to the hospital earlier in the day with a bladder infection, that accounted for the Queen's sometimes stern expression as she watched the later stages of the event. Elton John was himself fighting back from his recent hospitalization and played with dependable dash, even if he was not at his sparkling best on a three-song selection.

As night fell, Stevie Wonder raised the crowd with "Sir Duke," "Isn't She Lovely" and, joined by will.i.am, "Happy Birthday" and the indestructibly funky "Superstition." The ageless "Nutty Boys" Madness then performed "Our House" on the Buckingham Palace roof, with some highly effective projections that, at one point, made it appear that a London bus was driving across the front of the Queen's house.

As so often, it was left to Paul McCartney to conclude the proceedings and, indeed, to bring the Royal Box to its feet. "Magical Mystery Tour" was followed by a trip even further back into his, and Her Majesty's, reign for "All My Loving." A de rigeur "Let It Be" led to an explosive "Live And Let Die."

As the celebrations around the Palace mirrored those of countless street parties across Britain tonight, Macca was joined by the entire cast on stage as he sang a closing "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da." Not to be upstaged at her own bash, the Queen took the stage, accompanied by members of her family including Prince Charles, who addressed her as both "Your Majesty" and "Mummy," before she lit the National Beacon, and a different type of fireworks show commenced.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Neil Young & Crazy Horse Set U.S. Tour Dates

Neil Young and Crazy Horse will launch a North American arena tour in early October that will run through early December. Ticket prices range from $47.00 to over $255 and go on sale this Friday at 10 a.m.

Young and Crazy Horse haven't performed a full concert together since their Greendale tour wrapped in March of 2004, making this their longest hiatus since forming in 1969.

The group reformed last year to record a series of folk covers for Americana, out today.

They have also recorded an album of original material, which should surface sometime later this year.

"There are lots of instrumentals, lots of excursions," Young told Rolling Stone. "But they're real songs. It has one that's 26 minutes long … [the tour] is going to be [songs from] the past, the present and the future."

Though the bulk of their tour dates are in October and November, Young and Crazy Horse will play the Red Rock's Ampitheater in Morrison, Colorado, and the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in San Francisco in August.

Here are all of the known dates for Neil Young and Crazy Horse's North American tour:

8/5 Morrison, CO – Red Rocks
8/6 Morrison, CO – Red Rocks
8/10-12 San Francisco, CA – Outside Lands (Day of performance TBD)
10/3 Windsor, ONT – WFCU Centre
10/5 Kingston, ONT – K ROCK Centre
10/6 London, ONT – John Labatt Centre
10/8 Cleveland, OH – Wolstein Center
10/09 Pittsburgh, PA – Petersen Center
10/11 Chicago, IL – United Center
10/13 Austin, TX – Austin City Limits
10/14 Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Convention Center
10/17 Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl 
11/10 Seattle, WA – Key Arena
11/11 Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
11/13 Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome
11/14 Saskatoon, SK – Credit Union Centre
11/16 Winnipeg, MB – MTS Centre
11/19 Toronto, ONT – Air Canada Centre 
11/23 Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
11/24 Ottawa, ONT – Scotiabank Place
11/26 Boston, MA – TD Garden
11/27 New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
11/29 Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
11/30 Fairfax, VA – Patriot Center
12/04 Bridgeport, CT – Webster Bank at Harbor Yard

Friday, June 1, 2012

California Saga Opening Beach Boys' Weekend Of California Shows

Over the last 50 years the Beach Boys have become the most successful band in American music history. As they celebrate that anniversary with a new album and an international tour their children come to together to honor that legacy and write a new chapter in this family band.

“California Saga” is a band comprising of the historic bloodlines that fueled some of the greatest songs in the pop music songbook. With a rare vocal blend only possible in siblings the band explores the Beach Boys rarities catalog and brings to life songs that may never have been performed live before.

The group will make their debut performing alongside The Beach Boys at the Hollywood Bowl on Saturday, June 2nd, then will be given the stage the following night to open the Sunday, June 3rd show in Irvine at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. Additional show dates to be announced.

CALIFORNIA SAGA featuring…

Carnie Wilson:
Brian Wilson’s daughter Carnie is a talented singer and television personality. In 1989 she co-founded with sister Wendy and friend Chynna Phillips the band “Wilson Phillips.” Their tight harmonies landed the band three #1 singles and six top 20 hits. Carnie hosted her own talk show and is in constant demand for various television projects, including several popular reality TV series.

Wendy Wilson:
Brian Wilson’s daughter Wendy is also a founding member of the wildly successful band “Wilson Phillips.” With hits like “Hold On” and “Release Me” she has been nominated for four Grammy’s and has won the prestigious Billboard Music Award for hot 100 “single of the year.” Wendy is also a sought after television personality featured in several popular reality TV series.

Christian Love:
Mike Love’s son Christian is the quintessential beach boy. Since 2004 Christian has toured as a guitarist and vocalist in the Beach Boys. With a vocal styling reminiscent of the late Carl Wilson, Christian can be heard night after night singing the leads of songs like “Good Vibrations” and “Then I Kissed Her”. Christian has released several albums of original material over the years with his own band, “5 Alarm.” He is also an avid beach volleyball player competing as often as his tour schedule will allow.

Ambha Love:
Mike Love’s daughter Ambha frequently joins her dad on stage to add her bluesy sultry lead vocal to the Beach Boys 1973 hit “Sail On, Sailor.” Ambha currently studies drama and voice with aspirations of a professional singing career. She is also an avid equestrian.

Justyn Wilson:
Carl Wilson’s son Justyn bares a striking resemblance to his late father visually and spiritually engaging you with the same sweetness that was so transparent in his fathers’ performances on signature songs like “God Only Knows.” Justyn followed in his fathers’ footsteps with his own band “In Bloom” which found success on a regional basis and landed a song in a major motion picture. Justyn and his brother Jonah’s most proud accomplishment maybe the formation of the “Carl Wilson Foundation.” The brothers have produced several high profile events that raised over $500,000.00 dollars for the fight against cancer that claimed their dad in 1998.

Carl B. Wilson:
Dennis Wilson’s son Carl was also a founding member of the LA based band “In Bloom” which over the course of ten years found him performing at “Woodstock ‘99” and various other historic Los Angeles hot spots. Carl is currently busy co-producing an upcoming biopic called “The Drummer.” Due to be released in 2013 it is the fascinating story of the Beach Boys founding member, drummer, Dennis Wilson. He is also the proud father of two young sons

Matt Jardine:
Al Jardine’s eldest son Matt accompanied his father on tour many times throughout his childhood. Matt began his career in music working as an assistant road manager for The Beach Boys. After literally being called onstage to perform as a percussionist in the middle of a major tour, he was later asked to sing lead & back-up vocals & soon was singing & performing full-time as a touring member of The Beach Boys back-up band. He toured with The Beach Boys from 1991 through 1998 & sang on three of their studio albums. He worked briefly with Brian Wilson, toured extensively with Mike Love’s California Beach Band & is currently a member of Al Jardine’s Endless Summer Band. He sang on his father’s solo album, “A Postcard from California” with his father & music legends Glen Campbell, David Crosby, Neil Young & Brian Wilson. Earlier this year, Carnie & Wendy Wilson asked him to join Wilson Phillips on selected dates as a back-up singer & percussionist. He is currently working on a solo album and tours extensively with several bands. Matt’s incredible soaring falsetto has graced the stages of all the surviving Beach Boys bands at one point or another over the last decade.

Adam Jardine:
Al Jardine’s son Adam Jardine, is a songwriter & vocalist & tours extensively with his father’s Endless Summer Beach Band. As a child, he grew up spending his summers on the road with The Beach Boys & later sang background vocals on their album “Still Cruisin.” He has most recently recorded with his brother Matt on their father’s solo album “A Postcard from California”, which included musical greats Neil Young, David Crosby & Brian Wilson. When not on the road, he lives in Northern California with his wife & writes original music.

The band also features two noteworthy supporting musicians. Billy Hinsche who toured with the Beach Boys for decades and was the founder of the group “Dino, Desi and Billy” and Rob Bonfiglio a talented singer/songwriter/guitarist who’s compositions can be heard in major and independent motion pictures and television. He has also produced a record called “Dedicated” for Wilson Phillips released on the Sony/Masterworks label. It was a labor of love that featured songs made famous by the trio’s parents.

Jeff Lynne's ELO Announces 2024 North American Fall Tour

  Jeff Lynne’s ELO is set to embark on the band’s final tour dubbed “The Over and Out Tour.” The 27-date trek, produced by Live Nation, will...