Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Rare Tommy Bolin Recordings To Be Released

A collection of rare and unreleased recordings from Tommy Bolin, Who played guitar with Deep Purple, James Gang and Billy Cobham, will be released on August 13th on Purple Pyramid Records.

Whirlwind is produced by Greg Hampton and Johnnie Bolin, and features rare material from Bolin's jazz-rock band Energy, an epic 26-minute version of “Marching Powder” (called “Marching Bag” here) from his first solo album Teaser, as well as songs Bolin was preparing for his third solo album before his untimely death in 1976.

Whirlwind will be released in both a beautiful 8-panel, 2-CD digipak and a 2-LP gatefold vinyl set. For the ultimate collector, Purple Pyramid Records will be releasing a special limited (1,000 only) deluxe box edition of this exciting collection, which includes the 2-CD digipak plus 4 color postcards, a Tommy Bolin signature guitar pick, collectable patch and pin.

Says producer Greg Hampton, “Tommy's music was way ahead of its time. He's one of the truly greatest guitarists to ever live, and he left an incredible legacy that will continue to influence and inspire musicians forever. The tracks on Whirlwind are remarkable because they give you a glimpse into the amazing diversity Tommy was capable of.”

Check out the promotional video featuring rare footage of Tommy Bolin tearing up the stage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp-O9n72LWo.

To purchase Whirlwind:
Deluxe edition: http://www.amazon.com/Whirlwind-Deluxe-Edition-Tommy-Bolin/dp/B00D3ZJGGS
2-CD set: http://www.amazon.com/Whirlwind-2Cd-Edition-Tommy-Bolin/dp/B00D3ZJCBW
2-LP set: http://www.amazon.com/Whirlwind-Tommy-Bolin/dp/B00D3ZJEPG
iTunes: http://georiot.co/3l2

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Guitar Prodigy Jared James Nichols Hits The Road In Support Of EP

The American music scene has been looking for someone to step into the role of guitar player laureate--and right on time is the 22-year-old blues rock prodigy  Jared James Nichols. 

The emerging singer, songwriter and performer is gearing up for the July 23 release of his EP Old Glory & The Wild Revival, marking his first studio EP (he released a live EP in 2012). 

Released on Swing House Quality Recordings, Old Glory & The Wild Revival was produced by Warren Huart (Aerosmith, The Fray) and is available digitally and at all the venues on The Wild Revival tour (full tour itinerary below).

The tour kicked off July 27 in Fresno, CA, continues tonight in Portland, OR, and culminates when the guitarist performs at the legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip Festival next weekend, with the Cult, ZZ Top and Kid Rock, and then over Labor Day weekend in Milwaukee, WI with Aerosmith and Kid Rock.

Blues and classic rock ‘n roll embodied, Nichols is a very welcome addition to the new wave of classic rock & R&B influenced acts like Gary Clark Jr., Vintage Trouble, and The Stone Foxes with a work ethic and charisma that is virtually unmatched.

He gets down to the nitty-gritty with songs that hit close to home, touching on the timeless blues aesthetic in every way possible while still managing to put his own thoughtful twist on it. He keeps that sound pumping, turning any room into an instant party, eliciting stunned looks for his mesmerizing guitar licks. The new EP tracks are: “Blackfoot” (with Jessica Childress from “The Voice”), “Let You Go,” “Can You Feel It?,” “Sometimes…” and “Take My Hand.”

Tour dates are as follows:

7/30 - Kelly’s Olympian - Portland, OR
7/31 - Sunset Tavern - Seattle, WA
8/1 - Egyptian Theatre - Boise, ID
8/4 - Buffalo Chip - Sturgis, SD
8/5 - Buffalo Chip - Sturgis, SD
8/6 - Buffalo Chip - Sturgis, SD
8/8 - The Hog Wallow Pub - Salt Lake City, UT
8/9 - Fat’s Grill - Salt Lake City, UT
8/10 - TBA
8/11 - Red House Studios - Walnut Creek, CA
8/15 - Velvet Jones - Santa Barbara, CA
8/29 - Veterans Park Stage - Milwaukee, WI
8/31 - Veterans Park Stage - Milwaukee, WI
9/1 - Veterans Park Stage - Milwaukee, WI  

For more information on Jared James Nichols, check out the following:

EPK - http://tinyurl.com/qft4roj
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/Jaredjamesnichols

Monday, July 29, 2013

Debbie Harry May Retire From Blondie

 Debbie Harry may be ready to call it a day with Blondie after four decades of making music together. The singer is apparently considering her options following the group's new album, Ghosts of Download.

"Nothing is confirmed yet," Harry's spokesman says. "They are in a hiatus at the moment." But the band's drummer, Clem Burke, revealed that age may be wearing on the 80s icon who turned 68 on July 1.

"Debbie is 11 years older than the rest of us, so it's on her mind," explained Burke. "We've tried to keep it going for as long as possible, but it's not just up to me. Nothing is finalized yet, but obviously there's no Blondie without Debbie Harry."

Ghosts of Download, Blondie's 10th studio album, is due later this year. The record's guest musicians include Beth Ditto, Latino hip-hop crew Los Rakas and the Colombian collective Systema Solar.

"As a band, we have always taken great pride in constantly reinventing our sound and style," Harry said recently. "I think if you love what you do – and as a band we love to make music – that's why we keep doing what we keep doing."

Blondie have more concerts scheduled in September and October, and will reportedly play at least a handful of dates next year.

Formed in New York in the mid-70s, Blondie have sold more than 40 million albums, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

JJ Cale Dead At 74 After Heart Attack


Grammy award winning singer and songwriter JJ Cale, one of the most versatile musicians of his era who played everything from rock and roll to blues and jazz, has died after suffering a heart attack, according to his official website.

Cale, who was 74, won a Grammy award in 2008 for The Road to Escondido, which he recorded with singer-songwriter Eric Clapton. His association with Clapton goes back to when the guitarist had hits with Cale's "Cocaine" and "After Midnight." Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Call Me The Breeze" was also written by Cale.

Born in Oklahoma City, Cale migrated to Los Angeles in the 1960s and flourished.

Neil Young once described Cale as the best electric guitar player he had ever seen other than the late Jimi Hendrix.

Cale's official website said he died on Friday night at Scripps Hospital in La Jolla, California. There were no immediate plans for memorial services, the website said.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Mick Jagger Turns 70: 10 Great Performances


More than four decades ago, Mick Jagger claimed that he couldn’t imagine jumping around a stage and singing rock and roll when he was 30. If things didn’t turn out quite like he imagined they might, Jagger — who turns 70 today  — has certainly beaten the odds. Not only has rock music not cut him down as it has far too many others, it’s kept him young.

An impossibly agile performer, Jagger — as these clips, presented in chronological order, attest — still has most of the moves he displayed when he first took the stage with the Rolling Stones a half century ago.

“It’s All Over Now” (1964)

“Little Red Rooster” (1964)

“Lady Jane” (1966)

“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1969)

“All Down the Line” (1972)

“Waiting On A Friend” (‬‬‬1981)

“Some Girls” (2006)

“Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of “ with U2 (2009)

“Brown Sugar” (2013)

The Real Moves Like Jagger Dance

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Toronto Film Festival To Premiere Films On Jimi Hendrix, Alice Cooper's Manager

A biopic on Jimi Hendrix and a documentary on Alice Cooper's outlandish manager will make their premieres as part of the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

The festival, which opens September 5, is often considered the starting point for numerous films that go on to become significant awards contenders. In recent years, it has also had major music stars -- Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Neil Young -- on hand to promote documentaries. The festival announced gala screenings and premieres on Wednesday morning.

OutKast's Andre Benjamin portrays Jimi Hendrix in the long-awaited film All is By My Side, directed by John Ridley. The film was made in the U.K. without the cooperation of the Hendrix estate.

Mike Myers of Austin Powers fame makes his directorial debut with Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon, a documentary on the manager of Alice Cooper, Blondie, Luther Vandross and Raquel Welch.

Two other films dive into fictional rock 'n roll tales. Jim Jarmusch's Only Lovers Left Alive concerns a David Bowie-like rock star (Tom Hiddleston), who also happens to be a  vampire, his bloodsucking belle (Tilda Swinton) and her irascible sister (Mia Wasikowska). Swedish auteur Lukas Moodysson's We Are The Best chronicles  three pre-teen outcasts who form an all-girl punk band.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Rolling Stones Release Hyde Park Live Album

The Rolling Stones are celebrating their recent homecoming in London with an iTunes-only live album, titled The Rolling Stones - Hyde Park Live.

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood were all smiles as they rolled through decades of hits, including set-opener "Start Me Up," "Paint It Black" and "Sympathy for the Devil," at the pair of Hyde Park shows, held July 6 and 13.

The concerts took place almost 44 years to the day after their legendary (and free) concert in the park, just days after guitarist Brian Jones's death.

In his review of the July 6 show, critic Paul Sexton marveled at the band's stamina and showmanship.

"In a quarter-century of watching the Stones, I don't think I've ever seen them all smile so much on stage, nor maintain quite such momentum throughout two hours of classic hits. On a glorious summer's evening, all of Hyde Park gazed in awe at Mick Jagger's boundless showmanship on the vast video screens, behind the giant model trees that framed the stage, and had a collective I'll-have-what-he's-having moment."

Hyde Park Live is available exclusively on iTunes through Aug. 19.

Track List:

1. Start Me Up
2. It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll
3. Tumbling Dice
4. Emotional Rescue
5. Street Fighting Man
6. Ruby Tuesday
7. Doom And Gloom
8. Paint It Black
9. Honky Tonk Women
10. You Got The Silver
11. Before They Make Me Run
12. Miss You
13. Midnight Rambler
14. Gimme Shelter
15. Jumpin' Jack Flash
16. Sympathy For The Devil
17. Brown Sugar
18. You Can't Always Get What You Want
19. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

Saturday, July 20, 2013

London’s Royal Philharmonic Scores Fleetwood Mac’s Classic Album Rumours With Guest Appearance By Peter Frampton

One of the world’s most storied and esteemed orchestras, The Royal Philharmonic, continues its bold, symphonic reinterpretations of contemporary rock music, this time revisiting the ‘70s melodic rock favorite Rumours by Fleetwood Mac in its entirety.

Recorded at the historic Abbey Road studios, this release marks the first time the RPO have taken on an entire album, from opening note to closing refrain. The roughly 50+ musicians who comprise the orchestra were aided in their quest by the guiding hands of arrangers James Graydon and Richard Cottle as well as very special guest appearances by the legendary Peter Frampton and steel guitarist Sarah Jory.

The RPO couldn’t have selected a better album to recreate. Released in 1977 and considered the high water mark not only of Fleetwood Mac’s extraordinary career but of ‘70s rock in general, Rumours produced a string of hits including “Go Your Own Way,” “Don’t Stop,” “The Chain,” and “Gold Dust Woman.”

Graydon comments, “Rumours was such an important album in terms of both songwriting and production. Although we were mindful of the fact that these songs are very well known, we decided to approach the arrangements from a slightly different perspective to make it work in the orchestral world.”

Executive producer Anthony Klein remarks, “It was a privilege to work with the Royal Philharmonic, and to have them play and record those classic songs in such an iconic room as Studio 2 at Abbey Road made the whole project even more epic. We now have a fantastic album and hope that it will appeal to all generations.”

You can buy The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Plays Fleetwood Mac's Rumours at  iTunes or Amazon.

Friday, July 19, 2013

The Black Crowes Announce Fall Tour Dates

The Black Crowes have announced a new leg of U.S. dates for their “Lay Down With Number 13” tour, running September 5 through December 14, encompassing headline dates and festival/special event shows.

This news comes as the band is gearing up for their co-headlining tour with the Tedeschi Trucks Band which runs July 19 in Nashville, TN through August 15 in Rochester Hills, MI.

The band’s “Lay Down With Number 13” tour -- ending a two-year hiatus -- kicked off March 24 with five sold-out U.K. shows. They’ve been flying high since in the U.S. and in Europe, where they performed June 18 to July 6, including headlining shows, festivals and two stadium concerts with Bruce Springsteen.

As always, The Black Crowes -- Chris Robinson (lead vocals, guitar), Rich Robinson (guitar, vocals), Steve Gorman (drums), Sven Pipien (bass), Adam MacDougall (keyboards) and new member Jackie Greene (guitar, vocals) -- reach deep inside their songbook and extensive catalog. They perform greatly varied set lists and establish a deep, magical bond with their audiences.

The Black Crowes have sold over 35 million albums and are known as one of rock’s best live acts.  These powerful performances are captured on their latest release Wiser For The Time, a four-sided vinyl collection and double album digital download (Silver Arrow/Megaforce Records).

The Black Crowes’ tour dates below, with more to be announced soon:

9/5 - Ommegang Brewery - Cooperstown, NY
9/7 - Interlocken Festival - Arrington, VA   
9/8 - Interlocken Festival - Arrington, VA   
9/10 - Iron City - Birmingham, AL
9/11 - Arkansas Music Pavilion - Fayetteville, AR
9/13 - Telluride Blues & Brews - Telluride, CO
9/15 - Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre - Salt Lake City, UT
9/22 - Orpheum Theatre - Madison, WI
9/24 - Mark C. Smith Concert Hall - Huntsville, AL
9/25 - Thalia Maria Hall - Jackson, MS
9/27 - Winstar Casino - Thackerville, OK                                             
9/28 - ACL Live @ The Moody Theater - Austin, TX
10/1 - Civic Theatre - New Orleans, LA                           
10/2 - Civic Theatre - New Orleans, LA
10/5 - St. Augustine Amphitheatre - St. Augustine, FL
11/11 - Boulder Theater - Boulder, CO    
11/13 - Ogden Theatre - Denver, CO
11/15 - Ogden Theatre - Denver, CO
11/16 - Ogden Theatre - Denver, CO
11/19 - Table Mountain Casino - Friant, CA
11/20 - The Wiltern - Los Angeles, CA
11/22 - The Wiltern - Los Angeles, CA 
11/23 - The Wiltern - Los Angeles, CA 
12/6 - Schnitzer Hall - Portland, OR  
12/7 - Paramount Theatre - Seattle, WA
12/10 - Majestic Fox Theater - Bakersfield, CA
12/11 - Avalon San Diego - San Diego, CA
12/13 - The Joint @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, NV
12/14 - Bill Graham Civic Auditorium - San Francisco, CA

For more ticket information, visit:

http://www.blackcrowes.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Black-Crowes/8333596474
http://www.youtube.com/blackcrowes

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Former Three Dog Night Singer Chuck Negron Using Kickstarter To Fund Album

Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night and currently on this year's Happy Together Tour, is hoping to hit the studio soon and put out a brand new album next summer for fans to enjoy tentatively titled, Then And Now, which will feature three never-before-released Three Dog Night bonus tracks.

According Negron's Kickstarter page, the singer has been in the studio this year working on his new album, but he needs help to continue. "Times have changed in the music industry and trying to produce an album on your own is very costly. Often the project gets shelved and is never released due to lack of funding. Many fans have been waiting for years for the release of his [Negron's] new song, 'I Live Alone'. This is a perfect example of how lack of funding can halt an amazing project. Now, through Kickstarter we can break through that obstacle - with your help!"

Negron co-founded Three Dog Night in 1967.  The group went on to become one of the most successful bands of the late 60's and early 70's with 21 Billboard Top 40 hits (seven of which went gold) and three number one songs including "Joy to the World," "Black and White" and "Mama Told Me (Not to Come)."  The band's first gold record was "One," which featured Negron on lead vocals as did "Joy to the World," "Old Fashioned Love Song" and many of their other greatest hits.

To learn more and make a pledge, go to http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2147181529/chuck-negron-then-and-now?ref=live.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Trailer for The Fifth Beatle Graphic Novel Released

A new trailer for The Fifth Beatle graphic novel and feature film is now online at http://vimeo.com/70196926.  

The Fifth Beatle recounts the untold true story of Brian Epstein, the brilliant visionary who discovered the Beatles in a cellar in Liverpool, nurtured, protected, and guided them to international stardom, and died extremely successful and painfully lonely at the age of 32.

It’s a human story about the struggle to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds — Epstein was homosexual when it was a felony to be so, Jewish at a time of anti-semitism, and from Liverpool when it was just a dingy port town. It’s a story about staggering ambition yielding staggering success, through a desire to change the world by messages of love and peace. A story about being an outsider and trying desperately to belong. A story about speed, triumph, and tragedy. A story whose themes resonate deeply across generations, sexes, and sexual preferences. A story full of dreams and music… The greatest music of all time.

The Fifth Beatle charts Brian Epstein’s discovery of The Beatles and his work to sharpen them into the stars they became — crafting their infectious image and presentation from truly rough and tough beginnings, securing a record deal when no one wanted to touch them, successfully bringing them to a world stage with a scale and scope no music impresario had ever attempted, and eventually proving through Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band that pop music could be an inspirational art form. Brian Epstein’s boast — “The Beatles will be bigger than Elvis!” — seemed absurd in 1961, but proved not just prophetic but humble by 1967.

Yet behind this “behind the music” story, The Fifth Beatle also follows Epstein’s personal struggles and his desire to be “one of the boys” — a true “Fifth Beatle” if you will — in the face of crushing personal obstacles and loneliness from never having fallen in Love. His struggles with rapid, overwhelming success in the face of his simple human desire to belong.

For more information about The Fifth Beatle, go to http://thefifthbeatle.com/.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

David Bowie Presents 'Valentine's Day' Video

David Bowie has gift-wrapped a new video for “Valentine’s Day” -- the fourth single and video from his latest album The Next Day.

The Thin White Duke is front and center in the clip, where he spends the entirety in a cavernous, industrial site with only a red headless electric guitar to keep him company.

The clip is directed by Indrani and Markus Klinko, who previously collaborated with Bowie on the artwork for his critically acclaimed 2002 album Heathen.

There’s no “Valentine’s Day” massacre. It’s a clean video, with a single location and one actor – Bowie. And it’s in “safe” territory, following the two controversial Bowie clips which came before, "The Stars (Are Out Tonight)" and “The Next Day.”

“The Next Day” became a particularly hot talking point when it was briefly removed for violating YouTube's Terms of Service. The clip was reinstated, with a spokesperson explaining that it was taken down by mistake. On that occasion, he managed to offend a leading Catholic advocacy group, which blasted his "mess" of a video with its corrupt cardinals, philandering priests and a Christ-like Bowie figure.

David Bowie celebrated his 66th birthday earlier this year by dropping a new single "Where Are We Now?" and he announced news of his first album since Reality 10 years ago. The Next Day went on to be a global hit, arriving at No. 1 in the U.K. and No. 2 in the U.S.

"Valentine’s Day" will be issued as a limited-edition picture disc from Aug. 19, with the track “Plan” on the b-side. You can the video at http://youtu.be/S4R8HTIgHUU.

There’s still no word on whether Bowie will hit the road for a tour in support of The Next Day.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival 2013 Coming To Theaters

Bringing the ultimate guitar concert featuring the most legendary guitarists in the world to select U.S. movie theaters, NCM Fathom Events and Crossroad Concerts LLC present Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival 2013 on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m. (local time).

This special, one-night event will feature the best performances and backstage access from Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival pre-recorded over two nights at Madison Square Garden this past April. Tickets for the live concert sold out within minutes of going on sale, but fans can experience one of the hottest events of the year from their local theater as Clapton gathers his most respected colleagues in the music industry for a jam session. The live concert and portions from the cinema event benefit the Crossroads Centre, a treatment and education facility for chemically dependent people, based in Antigua and founded by Clapton.

Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival 2013 will be presented in nearly 500 select movie theaters around the country through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.

Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

Musicians featured in the cinema event include the Allman Brothers Band, Blake Mills, Booker T., Buddy Guy, Derek Trucks, Doyle Bramhall II, Eric Clapton, Gary Clark Jr., Gregg Allman, Jeff Beck, John Mayer, Keith Richards, Keith Urban, Los Lobos, Robert Cray, Sonny Landreth, Vince Gill and Warren Haynes.

Since 2004, the Crossroads Guitar Festival has taken place every three years and the 2013 edition is the fourth in the series. A mix of sultry blues, classic rock and country jams, the festival offers a wide sampling of legendary guitarists and their greatest hits, where anything can unfold onstage at any time.  Since its inception, Clapton’s vision for the Crossroads Guitar Festival has been to create an event where his friends and contemporaries can have fun and perform together for the benefit of a good cause.

“NCM Fathom Events is thrilled to bring audiences the concert event of the summer as Eric Clapton and the world’s best guitarists combine for an unforgettable night in cinemas across the country,” said Dan Diamond, senior vice president of Business Development of NCM Fathom. “The Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival has long been one of the premiere events in music, and communities of fans nationwide will enjoy the ultimate concert experience on the big screen with amazing sound and front row seats.”

Check out a trailer for the film at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZDUIhyoIoU&feature=share&list=UUSAexy0-lgubAz-JpyGKGSA.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Raiding The Rock Vault To Celebrate Boxing Legend Leon Spinks With Special ‘Night of the Champion’ Performance

Raiding The Rock Vault, the hit Las Vegas show that takes audiences on a magical musical journey, and features classic anthems from the Rolling Stones, the Who, the Doors, Led Zeppelin, and many others, will be saluting Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion boxer Leon Spinks with a very special performance on August 17.

In honor of Spinks’ 60th birthday, (July 11) a “Night of the Champion” show will take place at LVH – Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, formerly the Las Vegas Hilton. This is just happens to be the historic location where Spinks defeated Muhammad Ali in 1978. Proceeds from the night will go to The Richard Steele Foundation & Boxing Club and New Vista.

“Leon Spinks is a living legend,” said John Payne, creator, director and producer of Raiding The Rock Vault. “LVH is one of the locations where he made history and we’re honored to celebrate him and support two local nonprofits that are dedicated to wonderful causes.”

Spinks brought home the gold medal at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal as a champion in the light heavyweight division. The next year, he made his professional boxing debut and worked his way up the ranks, becoming one of the leading heavyweight challengers. In 1978, he defeated Muhammad Ali for the undisputed heavyweight championship at LVH in what was considered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

Ticket prices for Raiding The Rock Vault’s “Night of the Champion” with Leon Spinks range from $59 to $150 (plus tax & fees) for a special Rock Star Package (includes tickets in first five rows, t-shirt, concert program, album, meet and greet and VIP pass). Proceeds from tickets will go to The Richard Steele Foundation & Boxing Club, which helps youth and families thrive through education, intervention, leadership initiatives and community outreach, as well as New Vista, an organization dedicated to developing programs to meet the needs of intellectually challenged individuals.

For an up-to-date schedule or to purchase tickets, visit the LVH box office or log onto thelvh.com, vegas.com, or ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 702-732-5755 or 1-800-222-5361.


Thursday, July 11, 2013

New Gov't Mule Album To Feature Guest Stars

Gov't Mule tried something different for their upcoming 10th studio album. The blue-rock veterans' first release for Blue Note Records Shout! will be a double-album -- one set collecting 11 new tracks, and the other featuring an all-star line-up of artists interpreting those songs.

The likes of Elvis Costello, Dr. John, Ben Harper, Toots Hibbert, Glenn Hughes, Jim James, Myles Kennedy, Dave Matthews, Grace Potter, Vintage Trouble's Ty Taylor and Steve Winwood will guest on the second disc of Shout!.

"No one's done this before, which is exciting," says Gov't Mule's singer, guitarist and co-founder Warren Haynes in a statement. "But it’s even more exciting actually listening to these artists sing our songs,” he continues. "Their performances bring new ideas, energy and sometimes even different meanings to every number."

Shout!, Gov’t Mule’s first studio set in four years, is due September. 24 in North America and is available for pre-order at mule.net. The "Prepare To Shout Tour" will roll out this summer in support of the album.

The second-side of the project came about on a whim, and a prayer. Haynes drew-up a wishlist and put to his band the idea of pursuing singers to see if they connected with the material. The group agreed, and it was set in motion. Haynes entered a New York studio with several of the vocalists and others contributed their parts from elsewhere.

One of those tracks, "Funny Little Tragedy”, which is performed by Elvis Costello on the "all-star" disc, is not only "different from anything Gov't Mule’s ever done," explains Haynes, "it kind of reminded me of The Attractions or The Clash."

Gordie Johnson co-produced four of the tracks with Haynes, including "Scared To Live," a track that began life as a Beatles-esque ballad and evolved as a reggae song.

"We’ve always taken a non-traditional approach to everything we’ve done, and it works for us," says Haynes. “One of things we’re very proud of about this record is that all the songs stand up for themselves and have their own personality. Hopefully, hearing another singer interpret them helps shine even more of a light on the songs and somewhere in that picture people get a glimpse of what Gov’t Mule does."

The group -- comprising Haynes, Matt Abts (drums), Danny Louis (keyboards/guitar) and Jorgen Carlsson (bass) -- have sold more than three million song downloads through their site MuleTracks, according to a spokesperson.

Haynes himself has been dubbed rock ‘n roll’s Iron Man. He’ll reaffirm that nickname when he hits the road with the Allman Brothers Band in August and September and for dates with Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration, from July 30.

"Shout!" disc two track listing:
1. “World Boss” with Ben Harper
2. “Funny Little Tragedy” with Elvis Costello
3. “Stoop So Low” with Dr. John
4. “Captured” with Jim James
5. “Whisper In Your Soul” with Grace Potter
6. “Scared To Live” with Toots Hibbert
7. “No Reward” with Glenn Hughes
8. “Bring On The Music” with Ty Taylor (Vintage Trouble)
9. “Forsaken Savior” with Dave Matthews
10. “Done Got Wise” with Myles Kennedy (Alter Bridge)
11. “When The World Gets Small” with Steve Winwood

Gov’t Mule Tour Dates:
July 27 - Gathering of the Vibes - Bridgeport, CT   
Aug. 17 - Peach Festival - Scranton, PA                 
Sept. 5 - Interlocken Festival - Arrington, VA    
Sept. 13 - Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival - Fredericton, NB   
Sept. 15 - Grand Point North - Burlington, VT    

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

The LP Tour To Feature Four Bands Playing Four Albums In Their Entirety

The inaugural LP Tour will feature Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Soul Asylum, The Wailers and Matthew Sweet each playing a pivotal album of theirs, front to back. Stops includes Los Angeles on Saturday, July 20th at the Gibson Amphitheatre performance. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com and Livenation.com.

Big Head Todd and the Monsters’ breakthrough album, 1993’s Sister Sweetly, spent over a year on the Billboard Top 200.  The album launched three hit singles: "Bittersweet," "Broken Hearted Savior" and "Circle," all of which reached Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart. Sister Sweetly was certified platinum within a year of its release.

Soul Asylum’s Grave Dancers Union sold over three million albums and spent 76 weeks on the Billboard charts after its 1992 release.  The album features hits like "Somebody to Shove," "Black Gold" and "Runaway Train." "Runaway Train" was awarded a Grammy in 1993 for Best Rock Song.

Together with Bob Marley, the Wailers have sold over 250 million albums and have played to an estimated 24 million people across the globe.  Their twelfth album, 1984’s Legend, is the best-selling reggae album of all time. The anchor of the band is Aston “Family Man” Barrett, who was co-producer on many of Marley's records and was responsible for almost all of the bass lines on Marley's hits.

Matthew Sweet's third album, 1991’s Girlfriend, has been called the "best power pop album of the 1990s" (A.V. Club).  The album hit #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and went gold in the U.S. on the strength of its two singles.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Styx & REO Speedwagon's Rock To The Rescue Raises Over $100,000 For Victims Of Boston Bombings

The April and May “The Midwest Rock ‘N Roll Express” tour with Styx, REO Speedwagon and Ted Nugent was successful in more ways than one. Styx and REO Speedwagon’s Rock to the Rescue charity organization not only raised thousands of dollars for local charities at each tour stop, but they also raised $108,000, which will go directly to the Boston One Fund, helping victims of the Boston marathon bombings.

Donations were collected along the 21-date trek when fans purchased a silent raffle ticket to win a guitar signed by all three acts.  

"Like all Americans, we have watched the events in Boston and wondered what we could do to help.  We know the fans of all three bands will once again rise with us to help our friends in Boston.  We Are Boston!”  -- STYX

"We feel such sadness for those innocent people in Boston who have suffered so much and are still suffering now.  We think of those victims of senseless violence as we sign the guitar which is to be donated on their behalf each night.  In our small way, we do what we do."  -- REO Speedwagon  

“The Nugent band and family are surrounded by Americans who care deeply about each other and are dedicated to give all we got in times of need.  We again face a tragedy that we can all help with, and are proud of this charitable heart and soul effort.”  – Ted Nugent

Spearheaded by Tommy Shaw’s daughter, Hannah Shaw, Rock to the Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, whose mission is to build strong, healthy communities through the support of grassroots organizations across the country.  As of last year, at every Styx tour date Rock to the Rescue partners with a local group to give back through community outreach, fundraising, and volunteer support.

Rock to the Rescue originally started in 2001 as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and is the brainchild of Styx singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw and REO Speedwagon singer/keyboardist/guitarist Kevin Cronin.  The two musicians brought together bands and artists such as Bad Company, Journey, Survivor, Kansas, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many others to be part of “Volunteers For America” concert events in Dallas and Atlanta that ultimately raised over $775,000 for victims of 9/11, as well as the Port Authority police department in New York City. 

For more info, go to  www.rocktotherescue.net and www.facebook.com/rocktotherescue.

Monday, July 8, 2013

The Eagles Bring Bernie Leadon Back For Tour

The Eagles aren't messing around when they call their current run the History of The Eagles tour. The concert series, which kicked off Saturday in Louisville, KY, features original guitarist Bernie Leadon along with the rest of the group.

Leadon hasn't been with the band since 1975. According to rumors, he left the group because he felt it was straying too far from its country-rock roots, but Leadon says this isn't true. He claims that he felt the band needed a break and "some time to regroup," and the rest of the band didn't take too kindly to the idea. Leadon last played with the band in 1998 during the band's Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame induction.

Founding member Don Henley said that the Eagles would have been happy to welcome back original bassist Randy Meisner as well, but Meisner has been suffering some health complications from a choking incident earlier in 2013. Meisner is expected to recover, and Henley hints that, God willing, the bassist could join the band later in the tour.

One former Eagle fans shouldn't expect to see on stage is guitarist Don Felder. Felder was kicked out of the band in 2001 and immediately filed a wrongful termination lawsuit in response. Henley and fellow member Glenn Frey countersued, and relationships haven't gotten any better since.

Henley has not ruled out a Felder appearance entirely, but did say that no reunion would happen while a lawsuit was on the table.

Regardless of the lineup, if Eagles fans want to see the band, they should make it this tour. The tour scheduled to run through 2015, at which point Henley hints the members might be too old to tour any further.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Rolling Stones Strut Back To 1969 Woodland For London Hyde Park Gigs

The Rolling Stones will take a step back in time this weekend by replicating a woodland in London's Hyde Park present for a 1969 show there that became a tribute to band founder Brian Jones.

Jones had already left the Stones the last time frontman Mick Jagger, guitarist Keith Richards and drummer Charlie Watts played the royal park 44 years ago for a gig meant to introduce his replacement Mick Taylor.

But two days before their appearance the 27-year-old Jones drowned in his swimming pool under the influence of drugs and alcohol, turning the concert into a commemoration.

Now the band with an average age of 69, fresh from a wildly acclaimed Glastonbury festival debut and riding high on celebrations last year marking 50 years in music, have a chance to reinvent the past with sold out concerts on July 6 and 13.

"Hyde Park holds such great memories for us and we can't think of anywhere better to perform to our UK fans this summer," Jagger said in April, announcing the first of the two concerts.

Model oak trees and thousands of branches have been brought in for the set with sources saying that the Stones wanted an environment that was as natural as possible.

"When Mick and the band looked out from the stage back in the 60s, all they could see was a sea of people and a load of trees, but many of those have been cleared or replanted since," a source told British media. "They want to recreate the woodland."

Philip Norman, who wrote the unauthorized biography Jagger, said although the modern audience may not remember Jones's adventurous musical brilliance, the band's long-serving fans would be looking for a nod to the man who started it all.

"A lot of the old hardcore fans and a lot of the people who knew the Stones in those days would be very pleased and proud if (Jagger) would (acknowledge Jones) and he may well do," Norman said.

Nostalgia has played a major part in the Rolling Stones's activities of the past year as they celebrated 50 years in the music business and embarked on a North American tour.

The Rolling Stones lived up to their reputation as one of the greatest rock'n'roll bands when they played to more than 100,000 revelers at last weekend's Glastonbury festival.

The Stones have chosen a crop of "indie" bands to support them in front of a crowd of 65,000 at Hyde Park, with The Vaccines and The Temper Trap sharing the bill. Representatives for the band said there was no truth to a rumor that Grammy-winning singer Adele would appear.

The Rolling Stones emerged alongside the Beatles in the early 1960s to become one of the most successful groups in rock and roll history with hits such as "Jumpin' Jack Flash", "Satisfaction" and "Sympathy for the Devil".

They last went on the road for their A Bigger Bang tour from 2005 to 2007, playing 144 shows around the world and grossing more than $550 million, one of the world's most lucrative rock tours.

Live performances have emerged as the major money earner in the music business as record sales go digital, with growing numbers of veteran acts returning to the stage and attracting well-heeled, ageing fans willing to pay high ticket prices.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Rival Sons Announce U.S. Tour Dates, Some With Sammy Hagar

Rival Sons announces a 14-city tour beginning August 20 with stops in Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis and Lake Tahoe, wrapping in San Francisco on September 7. The Long Beach, CA-based group has also been invited to perform a select number of shows with Sammy Hagar on his “Four Decades of Rock” summer tour.

Guitarist Scott Holiday says, “Well, we're finally hittin’ our homeland for a handful of tour dates. Ask and ye shall receive! And what a cool thing to get to go out and support a legend…and super cool fella like Mr. Sammy Hagar! I think this one’s gonna be a blast.”

Hagar has been a fan of the Rival Sons for a while, since he first heard their 2009 debut Before The Fire.  “These guys are the real thing,” he says.  “Their first CD was great, showing off a lot of styles from the 60s, 70s and 80s. These boys have done their homework…now road-tested. The Sons have made a CD (Head Down) that truly lives up to the band’s name. This is a giant step from a great previous CD…not easy.  But for those that like classic rock but are tired of the same old songs, I highly recommend this CD…and even better, go see 'em live--they deliver.” Hagar and Rival Sons frontman Jay Buchanan come from the same town of Fontana, CA.

Rival Sons has been the road supporting their third album Head Down (released March 19th on Century Media Records), which reached #1 on the Rock chart in 2012 in the U.K., garnered the group four-star reviews overseas as well as magazine covers and the “Breakthrough Artist” award at the 2012 Classic Rock Awards show in London.

The album features “Keep On Swinging,” which hit #1 on the Active Rock Radio Charts in Canada and remained at the top for six straight weeks.  The band made their major national television debut when they performed “Keep On Swinging” on ABC-TV’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! in March, which can be viewed at http://www.hulu.com/watch/464788.    

The group is also set to perform two shows at the Telluride Festival on July 13 in Colorado.  They’ll perform a main stage show during the day along with Steve Earle, Rodrigo y Gabriela and Big Head Todd & The Monsters.  They’ll also perform a headlining show that night at Telluride’s Sheridan Opera House. See the full line-up at http://www.ridefestival.com/home/schedule/.

Rival Sons U.S. tour dates are as follows.  ** indicates dates with 'Sammy Hagar.

7/13 - Telluride Festival - Telluride, CO
8/20 - Budweiser Events Center - Loveland, CO**
8/22 - Mojo’s - Columbia, MO
8/23 - Charter One  - Chicago, IL**
8/24 - Minnesota State Fair  - St. Paul, MN**
8/25 - Rave Bar - Milwaukee, WI
8/26 - DTE Energy Music Theatre - Clarkston, MI**
8/27 - Deluxe - Indianapolis, IN
8/29 - Summit City - Whitesburg, KY   
8/30 - 3rd & Lindsley - Nashville, TN   
8/31 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - St. Louis, MO**
9/4 - Vina Robles Amphitheatre - Paso Robles, CA**
9/5 - Thunder Valley Casino Resort - Lincoln, CA**
9/6 - Cabo Wabo - Lake Tahoe, CA
9/7 - America's Cup - San Francisco, CA**

Monday, July 1, 2013

John Waite Releases Live Album

Live: All Access is the new live album from John Waite. The album was released on iTunes June 11th and is a sparkling collection of live recordings of songs from the recent Rough and Tumble album, along with the solo albums Ignition and No Brakes, as well those classic tunes from The Babys era.

Waite's trademark vocals are crystal clear and every bit as powerful as the original studio recordings. The No Brakes band consists of Keri Kelli on guitars, Tim Hogan on bass, and Rhondo on drums.

"It was a great time” states Waite. “Keri had been working his way into the songs. The energy was worth recording. I took a shot at capturing the energy. We were having a blast and it shows in the performance. I think it was a golden time. It cost a small fortune to record and some of the shows were just so good it was worth going after. The band has come a long way and I would like to continue to put something out every 8 months. It's a great record..... Raw, no overdubs or bullshit. It's the truth!!!"

John Waite has been successfully writing, recording and performing some of the most listenable, enduring and appreciated popular music for more than 35 years.

He was lead vocalist for The Babys and Bad English. As a solo artist, he scored several international hits, including 1984's "Missing You," a #1 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 and a top ten hit on the UK Singles Chart.

Live: All Access is available now on iTunes and in physical format at live shows, with copies soon to be made available on his website www.johnwaitethesinger.com.

John Waite will be touring extensively in 2013 to support the effort.

For more  information, check out the official website at www.johnwaitethesinger.com.

John Waite Facebook:  www.facebook.com/Grenadine4

John Waite Twitter: www.twitter.com/John_Waite

Jeff Lynne's ELO Announces 2024 North American Fall Tour

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