Monday, March 31, 2014

New Album Coming From Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

According to Rolling Stone, Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers are finishing up their 13th studio album, Hypnotic Eye, an 11-track collection co-produced by Petty, Mike Campbell, and Ryan Ulyate, for a   summer release. 

The Hearbreakers — Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, Ron Blair, Steve Ferrone, and Scott Thurston — have been working on Hypnotic Eye with Petty in Los Angeles on and off since 2011. The first songs born in those sessions, according to Petty, were scrapped because they sounded too much like “the blues bag” of their last album, 2010′s Mojo.

Tracks that ultimately made the cut include “American Dream Plan B,” “Faultlines,” “Red River,” “Burn Out Town,” and “Shadow People.” Petty and band will tour in support of Hypnotic Eye this year.

Also on the way, possibly by Christmas, is a 20th anniversary two-disc reissue of Petty’s rustic solo gem Wildflowers. It’ll have 10 previously unreleased songs.

Finally, there are plans for a live album documenting last year’s intimate theater runs at NYC’s Beacon and LA’s Henry Fonda.


Friday, March 28, 2014

Kate Bush Sells Out 22 London Comeback Concerts in 15 Minutes

English singer-songwriter Kate Bush is performing live for the first time in 35 years, so it's no surprise the tickets have turned into a hot item. Still, though, the response to Bush's Before the Dawn concert series has been astounding -- tickets to the 22 dates sold out in less than 15 minutes this morning, according to the BBC.

All shows take place at the same venue, London's Hammersmith Apollo, making the mass sellout even more impressive.

According to the BBC, tickets that originally sold for 135 pounds (approximately $224) are being resold on secondary sites for upwards of 1,000 pounds (approximately $1,662).

The tickets first went on sale this morning (Friday) at 9:30 a.m. GMT (5:30 a.m. EST).

Bush has concerts scheduled for Aug. 26-27, 29-30, Sept. 2-3, 5-6, 9-10, 12-13, 16-17, 19-20, 23-24, 26-27, 30, and Oct. 1.

Bush's last tour was 1979's Tour of Life, which she completed when she was only 20. Bush was hailed for her artistry, but as the Guardian surmises, she refused further tours due to a fear of flying and her own lofty personal standards. To worsen the case, Bush's lighting director tragically died in an accident at a 1979 concert.

As fate would have it, the Tour of Life ended in 1979 at the same venue she'll play this year -- Hammersmith Apollo, which was then called the Hammersmith Odeon.

Bush enjoyed top 10 singles in her homeland with "Man With The Child in His Eyes," "On Stage," "Babooshka," "Running Up That Hill," and "Don't Give Up," her 1986 collaboration with Peter Gabriel.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Fleetwood Mac Announces On With The Show Tour

It’s official! After a 16-year absence, Christine McVie will be re-joining Fleetwood Mac band mates Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks as they launch the On With The Show Tour. 

The tour will kick off on Tuesday, September 30 in Minneapolis, Minn. at the Target Center and the reunited band will perform 34 shows in 33 cities across North America.

Christine McVie has not toured with the band since 1998’s The Dance Tour. During Fleetwood Mac's 2013 tour, the four members happily welcomed her back on the stage during their show at London's O2 Arena, where she performed their classic "Don't Stop" and received a wild ovation from the crowd.

"It was so comfortable being back onstage with them as if no time had passed, and then we all started talking and it feels like the time is right. I'm really happy," she commented.

"As far as we're concerned, she's never really left. We are overjoyed to have Christine back on stage with us," said the other members of Fleetwood Mac in a joint statement.

Fleetwood Mac is also scheduled to appear on Today’s Summer Concert Series on the Plaza At Rockefeller Center on October 9.

Tickets go on sale beginning Monday, April 7 through the Live Nation mobile app and at www.livenation.com.

On With The Show Tour Dates:

*all dates, venues and cities below subject to change.

9/30 - Target Center - Minneapolis, MN
10/2 - United Center - Chicago, IL
10/6 - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY
10/10 - TD Garden - Boston, MA
10/11 - Prudential Center - Newark, NJ
10/14 - Consol Energy Center - Pittsburgh, PA
10/15 - Wells Fargo Center - Philadelphia, PA
10/18 - Air Canada Centre - Toronto, ON
10/19 - Nationwide Arena - Columbus, OH
10/21 - Bankers Life Fieldhouse - Indianapolis, IN
10/22 - The Palace of Auburn Hills - Detroit, MI
10/26 - Canadian Tire Centre - Ottawa, ON
10/31 - Verizon Center - Washington, DC
11/1 - XL Center - Hartford, CT
11/10 - MTS Centre - Winnipeg, MB
11/12 - Credit Union Centre - Saskatoon, SK
11/14 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB
11/15 - Rexall Place - Edmonton, AB
11/18 - Rogers Arena - Vancouver, BC
11/20 - Tacoma Dome - Tacoma, WA
11/22 - Moda Center - Portland, OR
11/24 - Sleep Train Arena - Sacramento, CA
11/25 - SAP Center at San Jose - San Jose, CA
11/28 - The Forum - Los Angeles, CA
11/29 - The Forum - Los Angeles, CA
12/2 - Viejas Arena at SDSU - San Diego, CA
12/3 - Oracle Arena - Oakland, CA
12/10 -  US Airways Center - Phoenix, AZ
12/12 - Pepsi Center - Denver, CO
12/14 - American Airlines Center - Dallas, TX
12/15 - Toyota Center - Houston, TX
12/17 - Philips Arena - Atlanta, GA
12/19 - BB&T Center - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
12/20 - Tampa Bay Times Forum - Tampa, FL

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Expanded Pink Floyd & Syd Barrett Story Coming To DVD

Originally made in 2001, The Pink Floyd & Syd Barrett Story documentary is being reissued with additional bonus material, necessitating a double-DVD set available on May 20.

The Pink Floyd & Syd Barrett Story explores the tragic, yet celebratory life of the late Syd Barrett, lead guitarist and prominent songwriter of early Pink Floyd. With contributions from all members of Pink Floyd, as well as managers, friends, and others close to Barrett, the documentary traverses the tale of this enigmatic rock legend, from his intelligent, thought-provoking songwriting and indelible stamp on the psychedelic music genre, to his 1968 departure from the band, when his increasingly erratic behavior made his continued participation in the band impossible.

This set also includes the additional interview “Roger Waters On Syd Barrett,” and a second disc with bonus uncut interviews with Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright, and a performance of “Love You” by Graham Coxon. At 214 minutes, The Pink Floyd & Syd Barrett Story is an in-depth and comprehensive study of this music and cultural icon.

Here's a clip from The Pink Floyd & Syd Barrett Story:

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Elton John Celebrates Birthday With Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Reissue, The Million Dollar Piano Concert Film

As Elton John celebrates his 67th birthday this week, an expanded reissue of his 1973 double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road hits the marketplace and a special live performance of The Million Dollar Piano from  Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas will be shown in 1,200 cinemas worldwide on Wednesday, March 26.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, the seminal 1973 breakthrough album, has been remastered and issued on CD, vinyl, limited-edition yellow vinyl, and in a box set featuring recordings of Live at Hammersmith 1973 on CD, a DVD of Bryan Forbes’ 1973 film Elton John and Bernie Taupin Say Goodbye to Norma Jean and Other Things, along with a 100-page illustrated hardback book packed with rare photos, memorabilia and a new essay containing interviews with Elton John and Bernie Taupin. It will also be available as an HD Pure Audio Blu-Ray album.

Included in the Deluxe Edition and box set versions is a suite of nine, new cover versions of classic songs from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road performed by Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sandé, Fall Out Boy, Hunter Hayes, Imelda May, John Grant, Miguel featuring Wale, The Band Perry, and Zac Brown Band.

This was the album that created a true superstar.  Although he was already known in 1973 due to the growing success of his previous albums — including Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player, Elton John and Honky Chateau — it was Goodbye Yellow Brick Road that made Elton John a household name. The album, which went on to sell 31 million copies, perfectly marries the various elements of John’s craft with classic songwriting, glam stomp, R&B, gospel, jaw-dropping performances, soul and a large helping of brilliant showmanship.

The album spent eight weeks at No.1 and went platinum seven times over in the U.S. It also contains  “Candle in the Wind;” a No.1 hit three times, in three different versions, in three successive decades, ultimately becoming the biggest-selling single of all time. There are dynamite standards such as “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” and “Bennie and the Jets,” the latter being the song that led John to becoming the first white performer to appear on the influential American R&B TV show Soul Train. In a career filled with highlights that other artists can only dream of, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road stands as a towering achievement, a defining moment in the most exciting era in rock history.

Limited edition yellow vinyl versions of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road are available from http://store.eltonjohn.com and http://www.theboxsetstore.co.uk.

Meanwhile, Elton John continues his residency  at The Colosseum, Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas with The Million Dollar Piano. On Wednesday, March 26, CinemaLive in association with Rocket Music Entertainment Group, Yamaha Entertainment Group of America and Universal Music Group will bring The Million Dollar Piano to 1,200 cinemas worldwide in over 40 countries including the USA, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, the UK and Ireland.

The Million Dollar Piano includes all of John’s greatest hits from throughout his career including ‘Rocket Man,’ ‘Tiny Dancer,’ ‘Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting,’ ‘I’m Still Standing,’ ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,’ ‘Crocodile Rock’ and ‘Your Song.’

At the centerpiece of the performance is the show’s namesake piano, an engineering marvel featuring more than 68 LED video screens created by Yamaha. Nearly four years in the making, the state-of-the-art piano is the perfect accompaniment to the songs, displaying fantastical imagery to complement the entertainer’s fan favorites. Creating a whimsical, one-of-a-kind entertainment experience, the piano weighs in at nearly 3,200 pounds.

Elton John says, “I’ve had the best time [in Las Vegas] because I always thought of it as a challenge and wanted put on the best show. I don’t think there could be a better looking show than this in Vegas or in any venue anywhere.”

Visit http://www.CinemaLive.com for a full list of cinemas where the event will take place on March 26, 2014.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Yes Announce Summer Tour

Throughout 2013, the iconic and Grammy-winning rock band Yes marked a career first by performing a triple-header concert featuring three of their classic albums in their entirety, all in one concert. For 2014, the band is back to rock crowds nationwide with an amazing show. 

The 35-date summer tour will feature Yes performing--in their entirety--1971’s groundbreaking album Fragile for the first-time ever and a repeat performance from last year’s tour of 1972’s Close to the Edge, followed by an encore of the band’s greatest hits.

Kicking off July 8 in Boston, the tour will then stop at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall July 10 before making its way throughout the Northeast, hitting Wallingford, CT, Westbury, NY, Newport, RI, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and more. Among their many tour stops, YES will perform in Detroit, Madison, Chicago, Nashville, Louisville, Atlanta, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Houston, Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Diego and San Jose before wrapping August 24 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.

During the encore on the upcoming tour, the band will perform material off Heaven And Earth, their new studio album, out July 8.

Fragile is considered to be their U.S. breakthrough album peaking at #4 on the Billboard Album charts in the U.S. The RIAA-certified double platinum album has sold over two million copies and features Yes’ hit single “Roundabout” and other classics like “Long Distance Runaround” and “Heart of the Sunrise.” It also marks the band’s first collaboration with artist Roger Dean on cover art, who has designed many of the band’s album covers and logos.

Close To the Edge — widely regarded as one of the greatest progressive rock albums ever recorded — was on the U.S. charts for 32 weeks, peaking at #3.  A Rolling Stone review noted, “Yes’ colors are subtle, almost imperceptible tints, but the main strokes are bold and thick, applied with sureness and natural instinct.” Inspired by Siddhartha and their “state of mind” at the time, the Gold-certified album featuring epic suites such as “Close To The Edge” and “And You And I” was named one of the “100 Greatest Guitar Albums of All Time” by Guitar World (2006).

Tickets will go on sale beginning Friday, March 28. Special show packages, which include near-stage seating, a meet-and-greet with the band, exclusive limited-edition gifts from Yes, and much more, will be available. For more information on prices, on-sale dates and to purchase Yes packages/tickets, go to www.yesworld.com.

 Spend “An Evening with YES” this summer in the following cities:

7/8 - Blue Hills Bank Pavilion - Boston, MA
7/9 - Radio City Music Hall - New York, NY
7/11 - Toyota Oakdale Theatre - Wallingford, CT
7/12 - NYCB Theatre at Westbury - Westbury, NY
7/13 - Newport Yachting Center - Newport, RI
7/15 - Warner Theatre - Washington, DC
7/16 - Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom - Hampton, NH
7/18 - Seneca Allegany Casino - Salamanca, NY
7/19 - Tower Theater - Philadelphia, PA
7/20 - Carnegie Music Hall - Munhall, PA
7/22 - Meadow Brook - Rochester Hills, MI
7/23 - Hard Rock Live Northfield Park - Northfield, OH
7/25 - Overture Hall - Madison, WI
7/26 - Copernicus Center - Chicago, IL
7/28 - Ryman Auditorium - Nashville, TN
7/29 - Louisville Palace - Louisville, KY
7/30 - Symphony Hall - Atlanta, GA
8/1 - Seminole Hard Rock Live - Hollywood, FL
8/2 - Mahaffey Theater - St. Petersburg, FL
8/3 - Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre - Orlando, FL
8/5 - Bayou Music Center - Houston, TX
8/6 - Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie - Grand Prairie, TX
8/7 - Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland - Kansas City, MO
8/9 - Paramount Theatre - Denver, CO
8/10 - TBA
8/12 - Ikeda Theatre at Mesa Arts Center - Mesa, AZ
8/13 - Legends Theater at Route 66 Casino - Albuquerque, NM
8/15 - The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, NV
8/16 - City National Grove of Anaheim - Anaheim, CA
8/18 - Humphrey’s Concerts By the Bay - San Diego, CA
8/19 - City National Civic - San Jose, CA
8/21 - Tulalip Amphitheatre - Tulalip, WA
8/22 - Spirit Mountain Casino - Grand Ronde, OR
8/23 - Thunder Valley Casino Resort - Lincoln, CA
8/24 - Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA

Sunday, March 23, 2014

John Lennon Doodles, Drawings, Poems Up For Auction


The largest private collection of nonsense poems, doodles and comic drawings by John Lennon will be sold in New York in June, auctioneer Sotheby's said.

Ranging from gibberish descriptions of Lennon's native city Liverpool, in northern England, to a drawing of a "National Health Cow" in an apparent jab at Britain's national health service, the collection reveals a lesser known side of the celebrated British singer, who was shot dead in 1980.

The drawings and original manuscripts are part of the collection of publisher Tom Maschler, creator of the prestigious literary award the Booker Prize, who published them in two books, "In His Own Write" (1964), and "A Spaniard in the Works"

The collection, named "You Might Well Arsk", has a pre-sale estimate of around 800,000 dollars over 89 lots, Sotheby's said.

The sale coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' first appearance in America on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964. Watched by 73 million Americans, it shot the band to stardom.

The drawings and poems all date back to the early 1960s at the height of 'Beatlemania', Sotheby's said.

One of the unpublished typescripts contains a reference to the record-breaking British band's first single "Love Me Do", released in 1962.

"The Beatles (a band) hab jud make a regord ... a song they whripe themselves called 'Lub Me Jew'", Lennon wrote in his characteristic gibberish style.

"It's very much like Lewis Carroll. 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' and 'Through the Looking Glass' were two of Lennon's favorite books from childhood and he read them on a yearly basis," said Philip Errington, director of printed books and manuscripts at Sotheby's.

"It is gibberish, it is gobbledygook, and yet it's funny, it's humorous verse."

Not everyone was as convinced of their literary value. In a parliamentary debate in 1964, a Conservative politician, Charles Curran, used Lennon's nonsense verse to attack Britain's education standards.

"He (Lennon) is in a state of pathetic near-literacy," Curran said. "He seems to have picked up bits of Tennyson, Browning and Robert Louis Stevenson while listening with one ear to the football results on the wireless."

Maschler tracked Lennon down at a concert after coming across the drawings and writings in 1962 and convinced him to make a book out of them.

The New York sale will take place on June 4.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Record Store Day Releases Announced

Record Store Day 2014 will be celebrated at independent record stores worldwide on Saturday, April 19, 2014. And with that, several special limited edition releases are planned. Among the highlights are the following...

Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, has announced several 7" and 12" vinyl titles for Record Store Day 2014. From Aerosmith, limited edition 180-gram audiophile 12" vinyl reissues of 1976's Rocks, 1977's Draw the Line, 1979's Night In The Ruts, and 1982's Rock In A Hard Place, the only album in Aerosmith history to not include guitarist Joe Perry.

A 12" double 180-gram audiophile limited edition of the Allman Brothers Band's Live At The Beacon Theatre 1992 includes 10 tracks from Play All Night: Live at the Beacon Theatre 1992, the celebrated two-CD live album produced by Warren Haynes. This set showcases key performances from the Allman Brothers Band's first extended run, now an annual tradition, at New York's Beacon Theatre.

Live At Monterey, the Jimi Hendrix Experience's mythic US debut performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, will be pressed on 200-gram audiophile grade vinyl by QRP, with all analogue mastering by Bernie Grundman.  This edition includes an essay by Jimi Hendrix Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell.

How about a stunning recreation of the 7" single "Say Goodbye to Hollywood"/"Baby Please Don't Go" cut by Ronnie Spector and The E Street Band at the CBS Studios in 1977 and produced by Sugar Miami Steve (aka Steve Van Zandt). This is the only release credited to the just “The E Street Band.” Billy Joel wrote “Say Goodbye To Hollywood” as a musical tribute to the sound of the Ronettes, so it was fitting that Ronnie Spector record her own version, with Bruce Springsteen's backing band (and Bruce himself on acoustic guitar).  The B side is a Steve Van Zandt original.

Meanwhile, Rhino has announced a special Record Store Day 2014 pressing of the Doors' Weird Scenes Inside The Gold Mine. Originally released in 1972 and long out-of-print, this gold-certified double album was the first compilation to be released after Jim Morrison's death in 1971.

The 22 songs that appear on the collection provide a wide-ranging introduction to the music recorded between 1967-71 by the original quartet, John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison. The band's longtime engineer Bruce Botnick remastered the music heard on this reissue, which takes its title from a lyric in "The End."

A 7"picture vinyl disc of David Bowie's "1984" will also be released by Rhino. The B-side is a live version of "1984," taken from a December 1974 on "The Dick Cavett Show" and has had limited release since then. This is the first time it appears on vinyl.

ABKCO will issue The Animals,  the Animals' 2nd British EP featuring the hit "Boom Boom." Never before released in the U.S., the special 10" release celebrates the Animals'50th anniversary.

Fans at RecordStoreDay.com and VanguardRecords.com voted for a reissued Blessed Are, Joan Baez's seminal 1971 album, remastered from the original tapes by David Glasser at Airshow Mastering and presented in an 'exact replica' double-LP gatefold package.

Concord is releasing The 1969 Singles by Creedence Clearwater Revival, a 10" white vinyl of four singles and their B-sides -- SIDE 1: "Mary," "Born On The Bayou," "Bad Moon Rising," "Lodi"; SIDE 2: "Green River," "Commotion," "Down On The Corner," and "Fortunate Son" -- released in 1969.

For a complete listing of releases scheduled for Record Store Day 2014, go to http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialReleases.


Wine, Dine & Music Cruise Featuring America To Set Sail For Five-Day Caribean Voyage

Flying Dutchmen Travel announce their second annual Wine, Dine & Music Cruise, a five-day Caribbean voyage aboard the Norwegian Pearl October 25-30, 2014. 

This year’s cruise will feature world renowned musicians including the Grammy-Award winning duo America, award-winning wine from Kendall-Jackson, celebrity chef John Ash, comedy and much more.

Cabins are priced starting at $699.00, cruise only, based on double occupancy. To book, visit www.winedineandmusiccruise.com or contact Flying Dutchmen Travel at 800-248-7471.

“It’s your turn” to experience this all-inclusive one-of-a-kind vacation visiting the tropical ports of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas and Nassau, where the Norwegian Pearl transforms into Northern California Wine Country. Wine, Dine & Music Cruise has partnered with Kendall-Jackson and their family of wines, which will be sending along winemakers and sommeliers to delight and educate passengers on wine, food and wine pairing as well as the history of the wineries.

In addition, a free bottle of premium wine will be delivered nightly from the family of Kendall-Jackson Winery to each stateroom and a wine program will be available to purchase, offering tastings and food pairings (click here for details). This cruise lets you explore a variety of award-winning wines from wine country without the worry of driving, booking hotels, choosing a restaurant or missing out on your favorite wine seminar or cooking class. Whether you are a novice or expert wine enthusiast, this is a truly special opportunity to have a fun, educational and stress-free culinary tourism experience while sailing the seas of the Caribbean.

A number of concerts and onboard activities have been confirmed (listed below) that promise an exciting week of great wine, food and music. Here is a list of features and activities confirmed for this year’s Wine, Dine & Music Cruise:

  • America 
  • the World Classic Rockers (a cruise favorite last year with their repertoire of original hits from Boston, Journey, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Santa and Steppenwolf)
  • Neal McCoy, country music legend 
  • the “ARRIVAL FROM SWEDEN - the Music of ABBA,” one of the world’s most popular ABBA show bands
  •  Chris Mann, finalist on “The Voice” 
  • Phil Thompson, pop pianist and vocalist 


Along with performances, meet 'n greet and jam sessions will allow passengers a rare opportunity to hang with some of their musical heroes.

Chef John Ash, the internationally recognized chef, educator and author who is credited as one of the creators of Wine Country Cuisine, will be adding his recipes to one of the menus for your dining pleasure. Chef John Ash will also be is offering his renowned seminar, the “Marriage of Food and Wine,” a 2 day, 2 ½ hour total class for $110.00 per person (this class is usually $125 in Napa at the Culinary Institute where Ash teaches).

Tracey Shepos Cenami--who is in charge of the Wine & Cheese pairing program at Jackson Family Wines--will be offering wine and cheese tastings, and you can join her for some amazing culinary experiences on the ship.  A full blown culinary kitchen has been set up on the Pearl, and you will have the opportunity to watch her create dishes that will send you home anxious to revolutionize the way you entertain.

Comedian Cory Kahaney, another cruise favorite from last year, appeared in the first season of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and made it to the finale, where host Jay Mohr called her performance “flawless.” Cory has appeared on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” and a new TV special for “Nick Mom.”

For more information on Wine, Dine & Music Cruise, visit:

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Rare 1973 Studio Recordings Featuring Malcolm, Angus & George Young To Be Released

Just before Malcolm and Angus Young took us down that Highway to Hell, they joined with their talented brother, George Young and guitarist Harry Vanda, to form the brief, yet musically significant group, The Marcus Hook Roll Band.  

Back then, there was no such person as Marcus Hook, nor did the ‘band’ originate from the borough of Marcus Hook in Pennsylvania. George and his fellow musicians only ever existed as a band in studio, releasing three singles and one album in the early ’70s. When any of these tracks turn up on internet auction sites today, collectors bankrupt their PayPal accounts to win them. Now, The Marcus Hook Roll Band is releasing their one and only album, 1973’s Tales of Old Grand-Daddy, on June 3 through Parlophone as CD/vinyl/digital download.

The truth is, if the Marcus Hook Roll Band had ever come out of the studio, played live, travelled the world, promoted their records, and found the success they certainly deserved, then the AC/DC phenomenon that electrified the rock ‘n roll landscape for decades, might never have gotten off the ground. Do we have your attention now?  The Marcus Hook Roll Band is one obscure, but significant, persona of the legendary partnership of Harry Vanda and George Young.

Their better known personas are the ‘60s beat phenomenon The Easybeats, and later the mysterious entity Flash and The Pan. Dutchman Harry Vanda and Scotsman George Young first met as displaced teenagers in an immigration hostel in Sydney, Australia. Having heard the single “Natural Man”, Capitol Records (USA) immediately expressed an interest in producing an album from The Marcus Hook Roll Band.

The Album - Tales of Old Grand-Daddy

The main recording was during July/August 1973 in Sydney.  A key ingredient was the “duty free” supplied by producer Alan “Wally” Waller—Jim Beam Old Grand-Dad bourbon whiskey — hence the album name.

George Young recounts the experience. “We had Harry, myself and my kid brothers, Malcolm and Angus. We all got rotten, except for Angus, who was too young, and we spent a month in there boozing it up every night. That was the first thing Malcolm and Angus did before AC/DC. We didn’t take it very seriously so we thought we’d include them to give them an idea of what recording was all about.”

Appropriately named, engineer Richard Lush, explains, “The sessions were great fun, fuelled with plenty of Old Grand-Dad bourbon. Angus Young drank milk. Despite their youth, as we all now know, Angus and his brother Malcolm played guitars as well as Harry.”

The production notes, recently unearthed at Abbey Road Studios reveal that on many of the tracks, Malcolm Young shared rhythm guitar and guitar solos.  The Kentucky bourbon seems to have affected everybody’s memory. For instance, there is some great slide guitar on the album but no-one can remember who supplied it. Harry thinks it might have been Kiwi-born Kevin Borich, but Kevin does not remember being there. Wally vaguely remembers Malcolm doing some slide-guitar, but really can’t be sure. So the challenge for the astute listener is to figure out which licks and solos belong to a seventeen year old Angus Young. We’ve got our money on the second guitar in the ‘Cry For Me’ lead break.

Tracklisting

CD & DD:

1. Can't Stand The Heat
2. Goodbye Jane
3. Quick Reaction
4. Silver Shoes & Strawberry Wine
5. Watch Her Do it Now
6. People and the Power
7. Red Revolution
8. Shot in the Head
9. Ape Man
10. Cry For Me
11. One Of These Days (Previously Unreleased)
12. Natural Man (1972 A-Side of Regal Zonophone RZ 3061)
13. Moonshine Blues (1974 B-Side of ‘Can't Stand The Heat’ BASF ‎– 06 19196-0)
14. Louisiana Lady (1973 A-Side of Regal Zonophone RZ 3072)
15. Ride Baby Ride (Previously Unreleased)

Vinyl:

Side 1

1. Can't Stand The Heat
2. Goodbye Jane
3. Quick Reaction
4. Silver Shoes
5. Watch Her Do it Now

Side 2

1. People And The Power
2. Red Revolution
3. Shot In The Head
4. Ape Man
5. Cry For Me

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Iggy Pop Reflects On Stooges Drummer Scott Asheton, Future Of Band

Last Sunday (March 16), original Stooges drummer Scott Asheton died of a heart attack at age 64. Today, legendary Stooges frontman Iggy Pop provided a poignant retrospective on his relationship with Asheton, which sheds light on their lifelong collaborations and the future of the band.

In the lengthy narrative for Rolling Stone, Pop recalls meeting Asheton while working at the Ann Arbor, MI record store Discount Records. After attending a Doors concert, the pair formed the Stooges in 1967 alongside Asheton's brother Ron (guitar) and Dave Alexander (bass).

Pop reminisces on teaching Asheton to play the drums and the restrained, yet authoritative style he developed: "He hit the drum very hard, but there were never a lot of elbows flying… Scott always played a little behind the beat, always a little back. He would hold the band back, just very slightly, from where it might have gone if it was going to rush ahead."

A generation after crafting the Stooges' classic albums, he recalls reforming the band with Asheton in 2003 to perform at Coachella. Even then, the drummer was a musical authority in the band, tutoring new bassist Mike Watt to the band's catalog.

Pop also reflects on Asheton, the man: "Scott just had a certain dignity about him and everyone was always glad to have him in the room. He looked like he could be a tough customer, but I never even heard of him flicking a fly. He looked like the Marlboro Man."

He reveals that aside from music, he was an avid outdoorsman, invested in hunting, fishing and even birdwatching.

Looking ahead, Pop says he "can't see the band playing in the future" and also says he has no plans to tour solo: "I've toured almost every year out of the past forty years. I'll probably tour again at some point, but I don't know when and I don't know how." Still, Pop confesses, "I don't want to say that I'm done with the band."

He mentions jamming with Asheton as recently as last Memorial Day weekend, noting that although he couldn't play as heavily as he once did, he "could wrap up his wrists and get a heavy sound." He mentions a mishap the drummer endured in 2011 that resulted in hospitalization, though he keeps the details private. Asheton was not able to tour with the band thereafter, but  was able to play on their last album, 2013's Ready to Die.

Asheton's brother Ron died of a heart attack in 2009. Regarding Scott Asheton, Pop reflects, "He started playing with Ron in their basement with a little equipment and some dreams. Now they're back together again in some sense."

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Super Duper Alice Cooper To Premiere At Tribeca With Multiple Screenings To Follow


As previously announced, the upcoming official Alice Cooper documentary, Super Duper Alice Cooper, will premiere at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival on April 17, 2014, and will hit theaters nationwide beginning April 30, 2014.

The film, presented by Banger Films, in association with Eagle Rock Entertainment, will screen in over 250 U.S. cinemas and venues following the premiere. A special pre-recorded “Keep Calm & Just Ask Alice” Q&A and welcome from Alice will be included exclusively with each screening.

See below for a current list of U.S. theatrical and venue screenings, sorted by their original screening date. Several of the mentioned theaters and venues will show multiple screenings of Super Duper Alice Cooper, so make sure to check your local listings for more information.

UPCOMING SUPER DUPER ALICE COOPER U.S. SCREENINGS:

4/30:
Fairfax, VA - Angelika Mosaic      
Dallas, TX -  Angelika Film Dallas
Plano, TX - Angelika Film Plano
San Diego, CA - Gaslamp 15
Honolulu, HI - Ward Stadium 16
Sacramento, CA - Tower Theatre
La Mesa, CA - Grossmont Center 10
Rohnert Park, CA - Rohnert Park 16
Bakersfield, CA - Valley Plaza 16
New York, NY - Village East
Manville, NJ - Manville 12-Plex
Murrieta, CA - Cal Oaks 17
Cleveland, OH - Capitol Theatre
Cleveland, OH - Shaker Square Cinemas
Pittsburgh, PA - Southside Works Cinema
Peoria, AZ - Arrowhead Fountains 18
Oklahoma City, OK - Bricktown 16
Chandler, AZ - Chandler Fashion 20
Moreno Valley, CA - Moreno Valley 16
Denver, CO - Northfield 18
Phoenix, AZ - Scottsdale 101
Arlington, MA - Regent Theatre
Claremont, CA - Claremont 5
North Hollywood, CA - NoHo 7
Pasadena, CA - Playhouse 7
Amherst, NY - The Screening Room Inc.
Chestnut Hill, MA - Showcase SuperLux
Millbury, MA - Blackstone Valley 14 Cinema de Lux
Dedham, MA - Showcase Cinema de Lux Legacy Place
Bridgeport, CT - Showcase Cinemas Bridgeport
White Plains, NY - City Center 15: Cinema De Lux
Whitestone, NY - College Point Multiplex Cinemas
Edgewater, NJ - Edgewater Multiplex Cinemas
Farmingdale, NY - Farmingdale Multiplex Cinemas
Holtsville, NY - Island 16: Cinema De Lux
Lowell, MA - Showcase Cinemas Lowell
Foxboro, MA - Showcase Cinema de Lux Patriot Place
Providence, RI - Providence Place Cinemas 16
Springdale, OH - Springdale 18: Cinema De Lux
Warwick, RI - Showcase Cinemas Warwick
Randolph, MA - Showcase Cinema de Lux Randolph
Revere, MA - Showcase Cinema de Lux Revere
Elmsford, NY - Greenburgh Multiplex Cinemas
Yonkers, NY - Showcase Cinema de Lux Ridge Hill
Bonita Springs, FL - Prado Stadium 12

5/1:
San Francisco, CA - Balboa Theatre
Cincinnati, OH - Esquire Theatre
Columbus, OH - Gateway Film Center
Sparta, NJ - Digiplex Sparta
Mechanicsburg, PA - Digiplex Mechanicsburg
Camp Hill, PA - Digiplex Camp Hill
Williamsport, PA - Digiplex Williamsport
Bloomsburg, PA - Digiplex Bloomsburg
Selinsgrove, PA - Digiplex Selinsgrove
Reading, PA - Digiplex Fairgrounds
Solon, OH - Digiplex Solon Cinema 16
Surprise, AZ - Digiplex Surprise Pointe 14
Bloomfield, CT - Digiplex Bloomfield
Lisbon, CT - Digiplex Lisbon
Torrington, CT - Digiplex CINEROM Torrington
Temecula, CA - Digiplex Temecula Tower 10
Apple Valley, CA - Digiplex Apple Valley 14
Bonsall, CA - Digiplex River Village
Oceanside, CA - Digiplex Mission Marketplace 13
Poway, CA - Digiplex Poway 10
Westfield, NJ - Digiplex Rialto Westfield
San Rafael, CA - California Film Institute

5/2:
Phoenix, AZ - FilmBar

5/7:
Athens, OH - Athena Grand

5/13:
Tuscon, AZ - The Loft Cinema

5/19:
Bridgeport, CT - Bijou Theatre

Watch The Official Trailer Here


Monday, March 17, 2014

Mick Jagger's Girlfriend Found Dead In Apparent Suicide

L'Wren Scott, fashion designer and model, was found dead Monday (March 17) in Manhattan, authorities said. .

The body of L’Wren Scott, 47, was found hanging from a scarf on a doorknob by her assistant at 200 11th Ave. around 10 a.m., sources said.

Scott texted her assistant at 8:30 a.m. and asked that she come over, police sources said. When she arrived, she found the body and called 911.

Police did not suspect foul play, a source said, but the Medical Examiner’s Office will determine a cause of death. No suicide note was found.

The former model met Jagger in 2001.

Scott began her career as a model in Paris shortly after graduating high school in her home state of Utah. She went on to pose for notable brands such as Thierry Mugler and Chanel, before moving to California in the early ‘90s and establishing herself as a sought-after stylist.

Scott also launched her fashion brand in 2006. Sarah Jessica Parker, Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman have all worn her gowns to the Academy Awards, while other high-profile names such as Reese Witherspoon, Christina Hendricks, Sandra Bullock and even First Lady Michelle Obama have been seen wearing her designs.

Her work can also be seen on the big-screen: she designed the costumes for 1996’s “Diabolique,” “Ocean’s Thirteen,” “Eyes Wide Shut” and “Shine a Light,” Martin Scorsese’s documentary about The Rolling Stones.
In February, she announced she had canceled her London Fashion Week show.

Friday, March 14, 2014

Johnny Winter Documentary Premieres At SXSW, Talks New Album

Eric Clapton, ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, Ben Harper, Mark Knopfler, Joe Perry and Dr. John are among the guests on the second edition of classic blues covers coming from legendary blues guitarist Johnny Winter.

The follow-up to his 2011 album Roots, Winter's manager-guitarist Paul Nelson finished mixing part two prior to heading to South By Southwest in Austin where a documentary on Winter premiered, the Texas guitarist sat in with Jimmy Kimmel's band and performed a showcase of his own. Megaforce/Sony will again release the album, most likely in June or July; the plan is for Winter to ultimately do four editions of Roots.

"We started this series of traditional songs that Johnny grew up on -- I knew it was an easy formula for him to digest," says Nelson, who has been in Winter's band for eight years and managing him for six. "He was happy to do this and it fueled his need to do this, relearn songs from the past. It was educational."

Winter turned 70 in February, celebrating with a New York performance and Sony Legacy's release of a four-CD box set True To The Blues. The film and Winter-branded products such as hot sauce and barbecue sauce will be released as part of his seven-decade celebration as he tours about 100 to 140 dates a year.

The documentary, Johnny Winter: Down and Dirty, openly details the demons of Winter's youth in Beaumont, Texas, and his battles with drugs as director Greg Oliver ("Lemmy") captures him in 2010 as he is being weaned off Methadone. Future screenings are in the works. Nelson executive produced the film.

"This movie gives fans an explanation of what was wrong," Nelson says, noting that Winter spent years going through the motions and needed to become more self-sufficient in life and as a musician. "A lot of the times (in films) you see guys go from success to pits of hell and back up. For the sake of the movie, you wonder if they're going to fall off the wagon. You can see Johnny get healthier through the course of the movie. He's a little slow because of the OCD, but its more than just a music show. It's VH1 Behind the Music, but with a PBS twist."

The idea for filming Winter on the road was an idea hatched so Neal could send footage to Winter's doctors while they were getting him off drugs and helping him deal with his OCD. Winter is indeed a man of habit and backstage at the Long Center in Austin where Jimmy Kimmel Live! was taping, Winter killed time watching episodes of The Twilight Zone and Happy Days, two of the countless shows they bring on the road to allow him to keep to his schedule.

Once he took the stage at the SXSW showcase, Winter and the Kimmel band performed segments of "Johnny B. Goode," "Jumpin' Jack Flash," "Tore Down" and "Highway 61 Revisited"; the night before, he performed "Johnny B. Goode," "Bonie Maronie" and "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl," saving his slide for the very end.

"I like playing songs from when I was first getting into music," Winter says. "That's just fun to do those songs, lot of good memories."

Winter, as the film explains, has become progressively more engaged in interviews over the last fur or five years, speaking in sentences and even paragraphs after years of delivering one word answers that frustrated most interviewers. The Roots project has him focused on the classics that inspired by Chuck Berry, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and Elmore James.

"Songs mostly from the '50s," he says of the new album, "and a lot of guests. If there's good people, other good musicians, people enjoy it. I just love it."

He adds, "It's just to bring it to the people of today who haven't listened to the old music. It's better than anything they hear today."

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Deluxe Versions Of First Three Led Zeppelin Albums Coming In June

John Bonham, John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant came together in 1968 as Led Zeppelin. Over the next decade, the band would become one of the most influential, innovative and successful groups in modern music, selling more than 300 million albums worldwide. Their songs are some of the most celebrated in rock 'n' roll history that, to this day, resonate with fans young and old around the globe. Still, no matter how many times you may have listened to their music, you've never heard Led Zeppelin like this before.

With the June 3 release of deluxe editions of Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin II, and Led Zeppelin III, the band will launch an extensive reissue program of all nine of its studio albums in chronological order, each remastered by guitarist and producer Jimmy Page. Led Zeppelin will also open its vaults to share dozens of unheard studio and live recordings, with each album featuring a second disc of companion audio comprised entirely of unreleased music related to that album.

"The material on the companion discs presents a portal to the time of the recording of Led Zeppelin," says Page. "It is a selection of work in progress with rough mixes, backing tracks, alternate versions, and new material recorded at the time"

Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin II, and Led Zeppelin III will each be available June 3 from Atlantic/Swan Song in the following formats:
  • Single CD - Remastered album packaged in a gatefold card wallet
  • Deluxe Edition (2-CD) - Remastered album, plus a second disc of unreleased companion audio
  • Single LP - Remastered album on 180-gram vinyl, packaged in a sleeve that replicates the LP's first pressing in exacting detail (For example, III will feature the original wheel and die cut holes)
  • Deluxe Edition Vinyl - Remastered album and unreleased companion audio on 180-gram vinyl
  • Digital Download - Remastered album and companion audio will both be available
  • Super Deluxe Boxed Set - This collection includes:    
    • Remastered album on CD in vinyl replica sleeve 
    • Companion audio on CD in card wallet
    • Remastered album on 180-gram vinyl in a sleeve replicating first pressing
    • Companion audio on 180-gram vinyl 
    • High-def audio download card of all content at 96kHz/24 bit. (Live tracks are 48kHz/24 bit)
    • Hard bound, 70+ page book filled with rare and previously unseen photos and memorabilia
    • High quality print of the original album cover, the first 30,000 of which will be individually numbered
    • Led Zeppelin will also include a replica of the band's original Atlantic press kit
The Led Zeppelin legend began in January of 1969 with the group's eponymous debut. From the opening salvo of "Good Times Bad Times," on through to "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You," "Communication Breakdown," and "Dazed And Confused," the album introduced the band's unmistakable sound and left an indelible mark on the music landscape. Led Zeppelin has been certified diamond by the RIAA for sales over 10 million and was inducted into the Grammy® Hall of Fame in 2004.

The companion audio for Led Zeppelin features a previously unreleased performance recorded on October 10, 1969 at the Olympia Theatre in Paris. The nine-song set features seven tracks from the album, including an epic 15-minute version of "Dazed And Confused," as well as "Heartbreaker" and "Moby Dick," which would debut on Led Zeppelin II later that month.

The band wrote and recorded nearly all of Led Zeppelin II while touring relentlessly to support its debut album. Incredibly, the album was released just seven months after Led Zeppelin in October of 1969. Led Zeppelin II features some of the band's most beloved tracks including "Ramble On" and "Heartbreaker" as well as "Whole Lotta Love," considered by many to be one of the greatest rock 'n' roll songs of all time. The album is certified diamond by the RIAA with sales of over 12 million copies.

The Led Zeppelin II companion audio gives fans the first peek into the band's recording sessions, with alternate mixes of five songs from the album, backing tracks to "Thank You" and "Living Loving Maid (She's Just A Woman)," and the previously unreleased track "La La."

Following the whirlwind success of their first two albums and near constant touring, Page and Plant took to the now famous Bron-Yr-Aur cottage in Wales in 1970 to start the early composition of Led Zeppelin III. They later convened with Bonham and Jones for rehearsals before entering London's Olympic Studios to begin recording in May 1970. Fueled by classic tracks such as "Immigrant Song" and "Since I've Been Loving You," the album soared to the top of charts worldwide upon its release in October of 1970 and has since been certified 6x platinum.

The nine tracks featured on Led Zeppelin III 's companion audio continue to offer a window into the band's recording process with seven studio outtakes of songs from the album as well as three previously unheard compositions: "Jennings Farm Blues" (an instrumental forerunner of "Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp"), "Bathroom Sound" (an instrumental version of "Out On The Tiles"), and their take on the blues classics "Keys To The Highway/Trouble In Mind."

Led Zeppelin continues to be honored for its pivotal role in music history. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005, and a year later was awarded with the Polar Music Prize in Stockholm. Founding members Jones, Page and Plant - along with Jason Bonham, the son of John Bonham - took the stage at London's O2 Arena in 2007 to headline a tribute concert for Ahmet Ertegun, a dear friend and Atlantic Records' founder. The band was honored for its lifetime contribution to American culture at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2012. In January of 2014, the band won their first ever Grammy award as Celebration Day, which captured their live performance at the Ertegun tribute concert, was named Best Rock Album.

Led Zeppelin

1.   "Good Times Bad Times"
2.   "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You"
3.   "You Shook Me"
4.   "Dazed And Confused"
5.   "Your Time Is Gonna Come"
6.   "Black Mountain Side"
7.   "Communication Breakdown"
8.   "I Can't Quit You Baby"
9.   "How Many More Times"

Companion Audio Disc
Live At The Olympia - Paris, France
October 10, 1969
1.      "Good Times Bad Times/Communication Breakdown"
2.    "I Can't Quit You Baby"
3.    "Heartbreaker"
4.    "Dazed And Confused"
5.    "White Summer/Black Mountain Side"
6.     "You Shook Me"
7.     "Moby Dick"
8.    "How Many More Times"

Led Zeppelin II

1.   "Whole Lotta Love"
2.   "What Is And What Should Never Be"
3.   "The Lemon Song"
4.   "Thank You"
5.   "Heartbreaker"
6.   "Living Loving Maid (She's Just A Woman)"
7.   "Ramble On"
8.   "Moby Dick"

Companion Audio Disc
1.   "Whole Lotta Love"
2.   "What Is And What Should Never Be"
3.   "Thank You"
4.   "Heartbreaker"
5.  "Living Loving Maid (She's Just A Woman)"
6.   "Ramble On"
7.  "Moby Dick"
8.  "La La"

Led Zeppelin III

1.   "Immigrant Song"
2.   "Friends"
3.   "Celebration Day"
4.   "Since I've Been Loving You"
5.  "Out On The Tiles"
6.  "Gallows Pole"
7.  "Tangerine"
8.  "That's The Way"
9.  "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp"
10.  "Hats Off To (Roy) Harper"

Companion Audio Disc
1.   "The Immigrant Song"
2.   "Friends"
3.   "Celebration Day"
4.   "Since I've Been Loving You"
5.  "Bathroom Sound"
6.   "Gallows Pole"
7.  "That's The Way"
8.  "Jennings Farm Blues"
9.  "Keys To The Highway/Trouble In Mind"

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Randy Rhoads Remembered CD, Tour Planned For Summer

Brian Tichy, Joe Sutton, Brent Woods, Kelle Rhoads and the Rhoads family, who organized the Randy Rhoads Remembered concert on Saturday, January 25th, 2014, during the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, are planning a CD and tour.

Based on reviews and feedback from the press, fans, and artists involved, it was agreed to take the RRR show a step further... on the road!  Not only that, they've recorded a tribute style "thank you" album; not only to honor guitar legend Randy Rhoads,  but to also show appreciation to all the amazing artists that took time to be part of the first RRR event.

Randy Rhoads Remembered - Volume I: Thank You features many of the players that performed during the January event, including Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme/Rihanna), Michael Devin (Whitesnake), Brad Gillis (Night Ranger/Ozzy Osbourne), Tracii Guns, Stephen LeBlanc (Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience), Ray Luzier (Korn), Kiko Louriero (Angra), Robert Mason (Warrant/Lynch Mob), Kelle Rhoads, Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne/Billy Idol/Big Noize), Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (GN'R), Brian Tichy, Chas West (Bonham/Lynch Mob/Diamond Head/The Moby Dicks), Brent Woods (Vince Neil/Sebastian Bach/The Moby Dicks), Phil X (The Drills/Bon Jovi).

The record also includes two bonus tracks of Kelle Rhoads' new classical piano record produced by Brent Woods as well as a "Live At Musonia School Of Music" version of the Dee Guitar Orchestra closing the record just like they closed RRR with as many guitarists who can make the session playing "Dee," Rhoads' classical guitar piece.

"A 'Thank You' record is the least I can do to show how appreciative I am of the union of mightiness and full blown camaraderie for a pretty cool idea I had; an idea that obviously resonated with all fans whether they be guitar heroes or non-musicians that love Randy Rhoads and the music he wrote!," Brian Tichy says.  "This kind of record has never been done before so I am excited to get it out!! You gotta hear the tones and performances of these guitar gods! What's already been tracked is so badass!"

When asked about the Randy Rhoads Remembered tour, Tichy says the idea took shape the night of the first show. "Promoters and agents expressed interest that night. I love it! I get to play drums all night!  We will take fewer guitarists on tour but now they all get to play more tunes!"

Scheduled for May 2014 release, Randy Rhoads Remembered - Volume I: Thank You is produced by Tichy and Brent Woods at their respective studios. Coinciding with the release, a record release party and full length concert will be staged at House Of Blues in Los Angeles in May, followed by a US tour starting on the East Coast in late May. Suebsequnt shows are being planned for the South American, European and Japanese markets. RRR will also do an encore show during the 2015 NAMM convention.

For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/RandyRhoadsRemembered

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Winery Dogs Offers Fans Intimate Experience At Dog Camp

Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and Richie Kotzen of The Winery Dogs have announced Dog Camp, their first annual immersive program for aspiring musicians of all ages and levels, set for July 21-25, 2014 at Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, NY.

Produced by Dreamcatcher Events, this special vacation experience offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with the three legends as campers attend instrument-specific clinics, learn songwriting mechanics, and enjoy very special intimate performances and jam sessions from The Winery Dogs and special guests. Look for the daily itinerary for Dog Camp to be announced in the coming weeks and check out a video of Mike Portnoy talking about Dog Camp below.


Tickets for Dog Camp are on sale now at www.winerydogcamp.com. Attendees will have access to all workshops, seminars, gourmet meals, performances, jam sessions, and camp activities.

“We’ve all done clinics over the years, but it’s always been something that’s primarily centered around one instrument that each of us has typically done on an individual basis,” says drummer Portnoy. “Dog Camp is the first time that any of us have hosted or participated in a true ‘Band Camp.’ As a result of that, we’ve got some incredible surprises in store for everybody attending.”

“We’ll be living together, hanging together, and jamming together,” Portnoy continues. “We want you to ask as many questions as possible, and we’re going to engage you on a one-on-one basis to help you realize your goals as a player.”

“What's interesting is to talk about music, concepts, objectives, reasons why you're playing the instrument, what you want to achieve, and how to get to that point, rather than talking about major versus minor scales,” says lead vocalist/guitarist Kotzen. “I love that feeling of sharing concepts with people. In The Winery Dogs, we all have various experiences that a lot of other people don't have. It's an opportunity to share that and grow; the feeling of moving forward and learning and experiencing something new. That's what excites me about Dog Camp. It's the creative process and creativity that make me want to do music, and I want to share that."

"I want to emphasize that players should keep an eye on what we're doing and why during the performances," adds bassist Sheehan. "In between songs or mid-song, I want to stop to make a point about what's going on and why. The expertise of being able to play ensemble is a bit of a lost art with kids today. They don't do what we did when we were growing up. Right away, we just got in a band whether we could play or not. Now, kids want to get up to a level of expertise and then join a band."

“[During the seminars] I like to have back-and-forth communication,” Sheehan continues. “I want to speak with people and hear their opinions, disagreements, and challenges. I believe anyone who attends will see a jumpstart in their quest to achieve their dreams."

Dog Camp offers a variety of pricing options, based on the variety of available accommodations. All activities will be held at Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, NY, which features an eclectic array of comfortable, rustic country-inn accommodations as well as primitive tent camping. All accommodations are just steps away from daily camp activities. Guests can enjoy the spring-fed swimming pool, on-site access to the Esopus Creek, and explore the splendors of the Catskills on the nearby network of hiking trails. Dedicated to the celebration of nature, music and the arts, this one hundred-acre wonderland of mountains, fields, and streams is a world of its own.

The Dog Camp website is at www.winerydogcamp.com.

The Dog Camp Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Winery-Dog-Camp-with-Billy-Sheehan-Mike-Portnoy-and-Richie-Kotzen/600934109989009.

The Dreamcatcher Events website is at www.dreamcatcher-events.com.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Jimi Hendrix Biopic Goes Forward Without Hendrix Music

The Beatles, Cream, the Animals, Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones all played roles in the development of Jimi Hendrix in 1966 and 1967, a 12-month period that saw the guitarist emerge from Curtis Knight's rhythm section to form the Experience and take a starring role in the Monterey Pop Festival that altered the history of rock 'n' roll.

The story is told in Jimi: All By My Side without the benefit of any Hendrix recordings.

"The most serious of the challenges," says "All By My Side" producer Danny Bramson, "was the responsibility of creating and recording new and original material that puts you in the environment of interpreting Hendrix. I needed a guitarist with the skill and dexterity, but also that X factor of malleability where you can transcend your ego and personal styles and licks and let the musicology of Hendrix shine. I felt Waddy Wachtel was it for me."

While the film includes three-dozen recordings from the likes of Dylan, Small Faces, Buddy Guy and T-Bone Walker, guitarist Wachtel, bassist Leland Sklar and drummer Kenny Aronoff created the film's original music, interpreting the evolution of Hendrix as a stylist whether jamming with Cream, playing New York's Cafe Wha?? or shaping the Jimi Hendrix Experience with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell. For each setting they used different guitars, amps and drums, recording at Capitol Studio A with Niv Adiri, who won a sound mixing Oscar for Gravity.

"I was never preoccupied with getting the iconic material, " says Bramson, who saw Hendrix perform in Los Angeles at the Forum and the ill-fated Newport Pop Festival at Devonshire Downs in June 1969. "I felt so strongly in trying to go for interpretation of Hendrix and the musical environment that surrounded him and mirrored his sense of finding himself as a guitarist."

Timing could not be better for Jimi: All By My Side, which was well received at its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and plays at SXSW this week in advance of its June theatrical release. Its writer-director John Ridley is coming off an Oscar win for penning 12 Years a Slave; star Andre Benjamin is back in the news with Outkast's 40-festival reunion tour that begins in April at Coachella; and the U.S. Postal Service is unveiling a Hendrix stamp on March 13 in Austin.

Jimi: All By My Side is Bramson's first as a hands-on producer after nearly three decades of doing music supervision. The former concert promoter and label chief (he helped break Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers)  is most closely associated with the films of Cameron Crowe, having overseen the music on Singles, Almost Famous, Vanilla Sky and others. Besides working on the Ray Charles biopic Ray, he spent the early part of the 21st century overseeing soundtracks for Warner Bros. Records.

The film was made for $5 million, which Bramson says was half a million dollars less than Dreamworks provided for the music budget of Almost Famous. "I had never ever swam in financial waters that shallow," he says.

Here's a clip from the film:


Friday, March 7, 2014

Dave Mason Releasing New Album, Touring With Traffic Jam

Dave Mason, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and a co-founding member of Traffic, has announced the May 13 release his new album, Future's Past (Something Music/MRI), featuring new versions of his classic songs plus new material that he has written and performed on tour over the last few years. 

Renowned for such Traffic hits as “Feelin’ Alright” (covered by Joe Cocker) and “Hole In My Shoe,” plus his solo signature tracks “We Just Disagree” and “Only You Know and I Know,” Mason’s acclaimed solo career continues to flourish as he tours the U.S. with his new project billed as “Dave Mason's Traffic Jam.”

The cover art illustration for Future's Past was done by none other than Mr. Graham Nash from a photo he took of Mason while he was at Nash’s place in Hawaii.

Of the new release, Mason says, “There is a great version of ‘Dear Mr. Fantasy’ that is kind of a re-write. There is a version of ‘World in Changes’ that is absolutely nothing like the original and there is a great live version that is absolutely beautiful of ‘Sad and Deep as You.’ There are two or three songs that were on a CD called ‘26 Letters 12 Notes’ that I did seven years ago, a Robert Johnson song, ‘Come On in My Kitchen’ and a brand new song called ‘That’s Freedom.’”

As part of a collaboration with Pledge Music, they are making a number of limited-edition items available for fans including vinyl, t-shirts, laminates, signed and numbered CDs and more.  Check it out here: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/davemason.  

He’s earning accolades on the road for the Traffic Jam tour, which kicked off January 3 in Atlantic City, NJ, and will continue through the rest of the year with new dates to be announced. Mason has been touring and recording regularly since he co-founded Traffic in 1966, after which he went on to a successful and acclaimed solo career as well as recording and/or touring with artists including Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, George Harrison, Delaney & Bonnie, Graham Nash, Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh, Fleetwood Mac and more.

For the most updated list of tour dates and tickets, please visit http://www.davemasonmusic.com/tour.

Mason is excited to perform the music of Traffic. “I think that it is important to keep alive the legacy of four young men from the heartland of England and their contribution to contemporary music,” he says.  “And Traffic Jam, aside from the obvious material, will hopefully grow into the basis for other artists to participate. Keep the spirit alive!”

Tracklisting for Future’s Past:

Dear Mr. Fantasy                    
World In Changes                  
You Can All Join In                
As Sad And As Deep As You
Good 2 U
El Toro (Spanish Blues)
Come On In My Kitchen
How Do I Get To Heaven
That's Freedom
For lyrics and all credits, visit http://www.davemasonmusic.com/fp

Check out Dave Mason's Traffic Jam in the following cities:

4/5 - Bright House Networks Amphitheater - Bakersfield, CA
4/6 - Yoshi’s San Francisco - San Francisco, CA
4/25 - Wildey Theatre - Edwardsville, IL
4/26 - Wentz Concert Hall - Naperville, IL*
5/1 - The Midland Theater - Newark, OH
5/2 - Clark State Com College / Performing Arts Center - Springfield, OH
5/4 - Smith Opera House - Geneva, NY
5/9 - Carnegie Hall Inc. / Hamilton Auditorium - Lewisburg, WV
5/16 - Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Center - Woonsocket, RI
5/17 - Keswick Theatre - Glenside, PA
5/18 - The Newton Theatre - Newton, NJ
5/22 - Towne Crier Café - Beacon, NY*

*Indicates Dave Mason Band dates

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Queen + Adam Lambert Announce Summer Tour


As expected, Queen and Adam Lambert have announced a North American summer tour that will take the legendary rock band and the young-gun singer on a 19-date trek starting June 19 in Chicago.

Joining Lambert will be original Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor.

After the Windy City, Queen and Lambert will hit towns across Canada and the United States at arenas in Toronto, Los Angeles, Detroit and New York, before wrapping up July 20 in Washington, DC. The tour is presented by Live Nation.

On July 5 and 6, the band will return to Las Vegas, where they "stole the show" at last year's iHeartRadio Music Festival. They first performed together in May 2009 on an episode of "American Idol" (Lambert was runner-up on the show's eight season). They also rocked the 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards along with several dates in Russia, Ukraine, Poland and London.

"Queen is one of the quintessential rock bands of all time. They've influenced bands for years to come," Lambert said Thursday morning during an appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America."

In a press release announcing the tour, May hinted that this could be the last time North America will see Queen live on this scale, saying "Let's rock those beautiful arenas JUST ONE MORE TIME!" Lambert called the tour "beautifully surreal" and vowed to honor the memory of original Freddie Mercury, who died in 1991.

"He's a personal hero of mine, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to sing such powerful music for fans of this legendary band," he said.

Ticket begin going on sale Friday, March 14.

Queen + Adam Lambert Dates:

June 19 - Chicago (United Center)
June 21 - Winnipeg (MTS Centre)
June 23 - Saskatoon (Credit Union Centre)
June 24 - Edmonton (Rexall Place)
June 26 - Calgary (Scotiabank Saddledome)
June 28 - Vancouver (Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena)
July 1 - San Jose (SAP Center)
July 3 - Los Angeles (The Forum)                  
July 5 - Las Vegas (The Joint)
July 6 - Las Vegas (The Joint)
July 9 - Houston (Toyota Center)
July 10 - Dallas (American Airlines Center)
July 12 - Detroit (The Palace of Auburn Hills)
July 13 - Toronto (Air Canada Centre)
July 14 - Montreal (Bell Centre)
July 16 - Philadelphia (Wells Fargo Center)
July 17 - New York (Madison Square Garden)
July 19 - Uncasville, CT (Mohegan Sun Arena)
July 20 - Washington, DC (Merriweather Post Pavilion)

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

California Breed Featuring Glenn Hughes & Jason Bonham Releasing Debut Album In May

Think of California and you think of brilliant color and bright sunlight. Think of a breed and it's all about bloodlines and brotherhood. Put the two together as California Breed, and you have an exciting new band of 2014, built around the foundation of legendary vocalist-bassist Glenn Hughes, drummer extraordinaire Jason Bonham, and 23-year-old newcomer guitarist-singer-songwriter Andrew Watt.

Mixing massive riffs, gutsy vocals and gale force rhythms, this powerful three-piece band will release their self-titled debut album,  produced by Dave Cobb (Jamey Johnson, Rival Sons, Shooter Jennings), on May 20 on Frontiers Records.

The self-titled California Breed was recorded at Cobb’s Nashville studio and features co-writing credits among the three-man lineup. “It’s proper rock,” Hughes said, “but at the same time it’s very now. Andrew is as influenced by Mick Ronson as he is Jimmy Page.”

“This kid is amazing,” Bonham added. “The first time we met, I thought he looked like the white Jimi Hendrix. And he plays in the studio likes he’s onstage!”

Glenn Hughes, whose credits include time with Deep Purple, guesting with everyone from Black Sabbath to Earth, Wind & Fire, and play in rock supergroup Black Country Communion, has carved such a distinctive style, blending the finest elements of hard rock, soul and funk.

The legacy of Led Zeppelin lives on in Jason Bonham, son of Zep's legendary John Bonham. He has inherited the best of his father's drumming skills while mastering his own distinctive and dynamic technique. Since the late 80s, Bonham fronted his own outfit Bonham, and played with Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page, Foreigner, Heart and, most recently, movie composer Hans Zimmer.

Andrew Watt is a soulful singer/songwriter & multi-instrumentalist whose high energy aggressive style and creative spirit are synonymous with New York City.

When Black Country Communion disbanded, Hughes and Bonham had a strong desire to keep playing together. Their only challenge was finding a new guitarist worthy of their musicality.  Easier said than done for these stars who between them have worked with some of the greatest guitarists in history – including Ritchie Blackmore, Tony Iommi, Jimmy Page and Joe Bonamassa, to name just a few.

Then fate took a hand in things when Hughes' friend Julian Lennon introduced him to the astounding talents of a New York City hotshot guitarist named Andrew Watt.

“Literally, the first day me and Andrew got together, we wrote two songs,” recalls Glenn. “One was ‘Chemical Rain’ and the other was ‘Solo,’ both of which are now on the finished album. I was so moved by the music, I said, ‘We’ve got to record this!’ That’s when I called Jason.”

Cut to autumn 2013. Recording with Dave Cobb at his studio in Nashville added all the finishing touches.
At Cobb’s insistence, every vocal was recorded live as the band was playing.

“Totally the reverse of what I’m used to,” Hughes remarked. “But I went into that aggressive rock soulfulness and everything down to the whispers, it was all done live! I enjoyed myself so much, just going for it. For what is on paper, a three-piece, the sheer range of sounds and melodies you get from California Breed are breathtaking.

For more information on California Breed, visit:
www.californiabreed.com
www.facebook.com/CaliforniaBreed
https://twitter.com/CaliBreedBand
http://instagram.com/CaliforniaBreedOfficial/#
http://www.youtube.com/user/CaliBreedBand
https://plus.google.com/+CaliforniabreedOfficial/posts
https://myspace.com/california.breed

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Alice Cooper, Paul Rodgers Added To Rock Legends Cruise III

Rock Legends Cruise III, setting sail in February 2015 and benefiting the Native American Heritage Association, has just announced the additions of legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Alice Cooper along with the incomparable Paul Rodgers, who returns from Rock Legends Cruise II by popular demand.

"Cruising with my friends The Doobie Brothers and Mr. Cooper, in aid of those living below the poverty line who are assisted by the Native American Heritage Association, is a win-win situation," Rodgers said.

The two rock icons lead the latest wave of artists recently added that include Dave Mason's Traffic Jam, The Outlaws, Molly Hatchet, Rik Emmett, Ten Years After and the Artimus Pyle Band (see currently confirmed line-up in its entirety below).

The artists on board collectively boast over 50 Top 40 hits, which doesn't even include some of the songs that have become fan favorites.

Over 50 concerts in all, truly representing the ultimate classic rock vacation of a lifetime.

Rock Legends Cruise III departs Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Thursday, February 19, 2015, then docks in Nassau, Bahamas on Saturday, February 21 before returning to Fort Lauderdale on Monday, February 23.

In between the concerts, meet & greets, Q&A forums, and everything else "Rock Legends," passengers will be able to enjoy such on board activities as surfing (thanks to the ship's FlowRider surf simulator), basketball (full-sized court), boxing (full-sized ring), golf (mini course), rock climbing (wall), cantilevered whirlpools and a variety of gourmet restaurants and casual dining.

Although cabins are selling quickly, a variety of levels are still available including Interior, Promenade Interior, Ocean View, Superior Ocean View with Balcony, Junior Suites with Balcony and "Family" level offerings with pricing beginning at $1,099.00 per person (double occupancy).

For further information including specific details, ticket/cabin purchase, what's included and answers to FAQs, please go to www.rocklegendscruise.com or call 888-666-1499.

For information on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas, please see http://www.royalcaribbean.com/liberty.

For artist interviews regarding the Cruise, please contact Jeff Albright / The Albright Entertainment Group at rockstarpr@aol.com.

ROCK LEGENDS III LINE-UP AS OF FEBRUARY 2014

The Doobie Brothers
Alice Cooper
Paul Rodgers
38 Special
The Marshall Tucker Band
Dave Mason's Traffic Jam
Blue Oyster Cult
Uriah Heep
The Outlaws
Molly Hatchet
Rik Emmett
The Edgar Winter Band
Ten Years After
Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown
Pat Travers Band
The Artimus Pyle Band
Swamp Da Wamp
The Blue Lords

Stay tuned for further possible additions!

Jeff Lynne's ELO Announces 2024 North American Fall Tour

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