Thursday, July 31, 2014

Geoff Tate Bids Farewell To Queensrÿche, Renaming Band Operation Mindcrime After Tour

On the day his “Farewell Tour” as Queensrÿche began, Geoff Tate  announced that his current version of Queensrÿche will be forging ahead as Operation: Mindcrime after the tour ends.

Named after Queensrÿche’s epic 1988 concept album from 1988, the band features Geoff Tate, Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake), Simon Wright (AC/DC, Dio), Randy Gane (Myth) and Kelly Gray (Queensryche 1998 – 2001, 2012 – present). Plans are set for them to enter the studio in September to begin recording a trilogy project that Tate's been working on for the past two years.

Tate, who has always enjoyed telling stories through music, considers the creation of the forthcoming trilogy one of his biggest and most ambitious works to date.

“I tried to reduce the story and eventually got it down to 37 ideas that needed representing to complete the story,” Tate explains. “I knew that one record wouldn’t cover it and that it would have to be a trilogy. It’s an exciting project and one we’d like to release the first part of sometime next spring.”

With the evolution of his band, the singer would like to concentrate on concept and story albums in the years to come. Fans like to call it, “Thinking Man’s Metal” and Geoff plans to continue expanding the musical dimensions of your mind.

“It doesn’t seem that long ago when I first brought the Mindcrime story to the band… they were, initially, against it. Chris DeGarmo was the first one to get on board and, once he did, we were able to move forward with what became one of our greatest achievements as a band.”

With the release Operation: Mindcrime – which won critical and popular acclaim and comparisons to the Who’s Tommy and Pink Floyd’s The Wall – Queensrÿche went on to bring their style progressive hard rock to sold out audiences the world over. With Tate at the helm, Queensrÿche sold over 20 million albums worldwide and performed in over 46 countries.

That was then, this is now and Geoff Tate is looking forward to what lies ahead with his trilogy project.

“It is so refreshing to be able to concentrate on the many stories and ideas that I have been working on with no boundaries or restrictions,” states Tate, further adding, “With the newly-named band, I think fans will continue to enjoy the music we create and perform together and hope they share this new musical journey with us.”

Menawhile, Geoff Tate and his band mates have already hit the road, opening last night in Redondo Beach (and tonight in San Juan Capistrano where VintageRock.com will be). The tour will span the states for a 22-date trek of Queensrÿche Starring Geoff Tate – The Farewell Tour.

QUEENSRYCHE STARRING GEOFF TATE / 2014 FAREWELL TOUR

Wednesday, July 30 - Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach, California
Thursday, July 31 - The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, California
Friday, August 1 - Sycuan Casino in El Cajon, California
Saturday, August 2 - House of Blues in Las Vegas, Nevada
Sunday, August 3 - The Canyon Club in Agoura, California
Thursday, August 7 - Strummer's in Fresno, California
Friday, August 8 - Theatre Deville in Vacaville, California
Saturday, August 9 - Downtown Amphitheater in Morgan Hill, California
Tuesday, August 12 - Music Marathon Works in Nashville, Tennessee
Wednesday, August 13 - Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh, North Carolina
Thursday, August 14 - The Chop Shop in Charlotte, North Carolina
Friday, August 15 - Ziggy's by the Sea in Wilmington, North Carolina
Saturday, August 16 - Ziggy's in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Sunday, August 17 - Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia
Tuesday, August 19 - Trees in Dallas, Texas
Wednesday, August 20 - Aztec Theatre in San Antonio, Texas
Friday, August 22 - Rialto Theatre in Tucson, Arizona
Saturday, August 23 - Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona
Sunday, August 24 - Sunshine Theater in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Tuesday, August 26 - The Depot in Salt Lake City, Utah
Thursday, August 28 - The Cotillion in Wichita, Kansas
Saturday, August 30 - Tailgaters in Bolingbrook, Illinois

www.queensryche.com
www.facebook.com/GeoffTateOfficial
www.twitter.com/GeoffTate

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Don Henley To Present Robert Redford With Environmental Award

Actor Robert Redford is the recipient of the Walden Woods Project's 2014 Global Environmental Leadership Award in recognition of his enduring commitment to a range of environmental initiatives. 

WWP founder and Eagles drummer/singer Don Henley will present the award during a fundraising event on Tuesday, September 16 at the Citi Performing Arts Center/Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts, featuring an intimate concert by the Eagles.

Proceeds from the event will support the mission of the Walden Woods Project, the Massachusetts-based charity founded in 1990. The organization protects Thoreau's Walden Woods and applies Thoreau's philosophy through educational programs that address the global environmental challenges of the 21st century.

Don Henley praised Redford's environmental leadership saying, "Bob Redford was an environmentalist long before the well-being of our natural resources became an international concern. Throughout his extraordinary career as an acclaimed actor, director and producer, he has devoted himself to myriad environmental initiatives too lengthy to enumerate."

Redford added, "I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend?"


Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Led Zeppelin Reissues Continue With Deluxe Editions Of IV, Houses Of The Holy

The Led Zeppelin reissue campaign got off to a remarkable start in June as deluxe editions of Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin II, and Led Zeppelin III debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. The albums achieved similar international success with debuts near the top of the charts in more than a dozen territories, including Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

Now, reissues of Led Zeppelin IV (the third best-selling album in U.S. history) and Houses Of The Holy are being prepared for an October 28 release. As with the previous deluxe editions, both albums have been newly remastered by guitarist and producer Jimmy Page and are accompanied by a second disc of companion audio comprised entirely of unreleased music related to that album.

Led Zeppelin IV and Houses Of The Holy will each be available from Atlantic/Swan Song in the following formats:
  • Single CD - Remastered album packaged in a gatefold card wallet.
  • Deluxe Edition (2CD) - 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. 
  • Deluxe Edition Vinyl (2LP) - 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 featuring new alternate cover art 
    • Remastered album on 180-gram vinyl in a sleeve replicating first pressing
    • Companion audio on 180-gram vinyl in a sleeve with new alternate cover art  
    • High-def audio download card of all content at 96kHz/24 bit 
    • Hard bound, 80 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 
The second round of reissues begins with one of the most artistically influential and commercially successful albums in the history of music, Led Zeppelin IV. Released in November 1971, the album defined the sound of rock music for a generation with ubiquitous anthems such as "Stairway To Heaven," "Rock And Roll," "Black Dog," and "When The Levee Breaks." The album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, has been certified 23x platinum by the RIAA.

The Led Zeppelin IV deluxe edition includes unreleased versions of every song heard on the original album including alternate mixes of "Misty Mountain Hop" and "Four Sticks," mixes of "The Battle Of Evermore" and "Going To California" heavy with guitar and mandolin, and the fabled, alternate version "Stairway To Heaven," mixed at the Sunset Sound Studio in Los Angeles which lets fans hear one of the most revered songs of all time as they have never heard it before.

Led Zeppelin topped the charts again in 1973 with Houses Of The Holy, which features legendary tracks such as "The Song Remains The Same" and "No Quarter" while also showcasing the continuing evolution of the band's signature sound with the reggae-tinged "D'yer Mak'er" and the funk jam "The Crunge." The album has been certified diamond by the RIAA for sales of over 11 million copies.

The seven unreleased tracks on the companion audio disc include rough and working mixes for "The Ocean" and "Dancing Days" that reveal a deeper look inside the recording sessions of these classic songs. Other standout recordings include the guitar mix backing track for "Over The Hills And Far Away" and a version of "The Rain Song" without piano.

Led Zeppelin IV
Track Listing
1.    "Black Dog"
2.    "Rock And Roll"
3.    "The Battle of Evermore"
4.    "Stairway To Heaven"
5.    "Misty Mountain Hop"
6.    "Four Sticks"
7.    "Going To California"
8.    "When The Levee Breaks"

Companion Audio Disc
1.    "Black Dog" - Basic Track With Guitar Overdubs
2.    "Rock And Roll" - Alternate Mix
3.    "The Battle Of Evermore" - Mandolin/Guitar Mix From Headley Grange
4.    "Stairway To Heaven" - Sunset Sound Mix
5.    "Misty Mountain Hop" - Alternate Mix
6.    "Four Sticks" - Alternate Mix
7.    "Going To California" - Mandolin/Guitar Mix
8.    "When The Levee Breaks" - Alternate UK Mix

Houses of the Holy
Track Listing
1.    "The Song Remains The Same"
2.    "The Rain Song"
3.    "Over The Hills And Far Away"
4.    "The Crunge"
5.    "Dancing Days"
6.    "D'yer Mak'er"
7.    "No Quarter"
8.    "The Ocean"

Companion Audio Disc
1.    "The Song Remains The Same" - Guitar Overdub Reference Mix
2.    "The Rain Song" - Mix Minus Piano
3.    "Over The Hills And Far Away" - Guitar Mix Backing Track
4.    "The Crunge" - Rough Mix - Keys Up
5.    "Dancing Days" - Rough Mix With Vocal
6.    "No Quarter" - Rough Mix With JPJ Keyboard Overdubs - No Vocal
7.    "The Ocean" - Working Mix

Monday, July 28, 2014

Wings To Reissue Venus And Mars & At The Speed Of Sound

As part of the Paul McCartney Archive Collection, classic Wings albums Venus And Mars (1975) and At The Speed Of Sound (1976) will be reissued on September 22nd (UK), and September 23rd (US), 2014.

Both albums will be available in a variety of physical and digital formats:

Standard Edition: Starting with a 2-disc (2 CD) Standard Edition, the first CD will feature the original remastered album and the second CD will include bonus audio made up of material including demos and unreleased tracks.

Deluxe Edition: The 3-disc (2-CD, 1-DVD) Deluxe Edition will be housed in a hardback book featuring unpublished photographs, new interviews with McCartney, material from his archives and expanded track-by-track information. The deluxe version bonus DVD will be comprised of filmed material from around the time of each release, some of which has never been seen before.

Vinyl: The albums will also be available on special gatefold vinyl editions (vinyl editions include a download card).

Digital: Digitally Venus And Mars and At The Speed Of Sound will be made available as both standard and deluxe versions — including Mastered for iTunes and Hi-Res formats.

Check out the trailers and track listings below...

Venus And Mars

CD 1: Remastered Album
1. Venus and Mars
2. Rock Show
3 Love In Song
4. You Gave Me The Answer
5. Magneto and Titanium Man
6. Letting Go
7. Venus and Mars — Reprise
8. Spirits Of Ancient Egypt
9. Medicine Jar
10. Call Me Back Again
11. Listen To What The Man Said
12. Treat Her Gently — Lonely Old People
13. Crossroads

CD 2: Bonus Audio
1. Junior’s Farm
2. Sally G
3. Walking In The Park With Eloise
4. Bridge On The River Suite
5. My Carnival
6. Going To New Orleans (My Carnival)
7. Hey Diddle [Ernie Winfrey Mix]
8. Let’s Love
9. Soily [from One Hand Clapping]
10. Baby Face [from One Hand Clapping]
11. Lunch Box/Odd Sox
12. 4th Of July
13. Rock Show [Old Version]
14. Letting Go [Single Edit]

DVD: Bonus Film
1. Recording My Carnival
2. Bon Voyageur
3. Wings At Elstree
4. Venus and Mars TV Ad

At The Speed Of Sound

CD 1: Remastered Album
1. Let ‘Em In
2. The Note You Never Wrote
3. She’s My Baby
4. Beware My Love
5. Wino Junko
6. Silly Love Songs
7 Cook Of The House
8. Time To Hide
9. Must Do Something About It
10. San Ferry Anne
11. Warm And Beautiful

CD 2: Bonus Audio
1. Silly Love Songs [Demo]
2. She’s My Baby [Demo]
3. Message To Joe
4. Beware My Love [John Bonham Version]
5. Must Do Something About It [Paul’s Version]
6. Let ‘Em In [Demo]
7. Warm And Beautiful [Instrumental Demo]

DVD: Bonus Film
1. Silly Love Songs Music Video
2. Wings Over Wembley
3. Wings In Venice

Friday, July 25, 2014

Jon Anderson & Jean-Luc Ponty Form New Band

Jon Anderson and Jean-Luc Ponty announce the formation of a new ensemble - The Anderson Ponty Band! Yes's original singer and songwriter for 35 years, Anderson has had a successful solo career, which includes working with such notable music artists as Vangelis, Kitaro, and Milton Nascimento. International jazz superstar Jean-Luc Ponty is a pioneer and undisputed master of violin in the arena of jazz and rock. He is widely regarded as an innovator who has applied his unique visionary spin that has expanded the vocabulary of modern music. Together these two music icons form a musical synergy that is unparalleled!

“A breakthrough feeling came as I sang with Jean-Luc's music, to be in a band again is very exciting on many levels, we will play and sing our way around the world and have fun, for music is pleasure, music is all that is, music is God,” Anderson said in a statement.

The Anderson Ponty Band also includes Jamie Dunlap on guitars - well known as a film and television composer, most notably 'South Park'; Wally Minko on keyboards - virtuoso player and composer who has performed and recorded with many worldwide stars including Pink, Toni Braxton, Jean-Luc Ponty, Tom Jones and Barry Manilow; Baron Browne on bass who has played with Steve Smith, Billy Cobham and Jean-Luc Ponty; and Rayford Griffin on drums and percussion, who has played with Stanley Clarke Band, George Duke, Jean-Luc Ponty and Michael Jackson. The band will visit the music created by Jon Anderson and Jean-Luc Ponty over the years with new arrangements, virtuosic performances and new energy, while creating new compositions as well.

The Anderson Ponty Band have been writing and arranging old favorites during the past three months. They will be in residence for three weeks in September at Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, Colorado, rehearsing, recording and playing a public performance on Saturday September 20th. An album will be finished in Los Angeles and is scheduled for release in early 2015. Also, a videography documenting the making of the album will be released as well as videos and performances. A world tour beginning in March 2015 is in the planning stages.

The Anderson Ponty Band announce the launch of a Kickstarter campaign today July 25th beginning at 2PM Eastern. The campaign will encourage fans and friends to become a stakeholder in the project. Numerous tiers of donations will be rewarded by album downloads, premium CD/DVD packages, VIP ticket access, merchandising, special one of a kind collectibles, special meet and greets with the band and much more.

Kickstarter campaign: http://bit.ly/apband2014

Anderson Ponty Band Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andersonpontyband

Jon Anderson official website: www.jonanderson.com
Jean-Luc Ponty official website: www.ponty.com

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Farm Aid 2014 Details Announced

For 2014, Farm Aid will stage its annual concert in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Saturday, September 13. Farm Aid 2014 will rock Walnut Creek Amphitheatre and shine a spotlight on the family farmers whose hard work and ingenuity are essential for all of us.

Farm Aid 2014 will feature Willie Nelson & Family, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Jack White and many more artists.

It will be a full day of music, homegrown food, hands-on activities in Farm Aid's Homegrown Village and, of course, family farmers.

Tickets for Farm Aid 2014 go on sale Friday, August 1, at 10 a.m. EDT.

Tickets will be available at www.livenation.com, Ticketmaster outlets, Walnut Creek Amphitheatre's Box Office, or by phone at 800-745-3000. Ticket prices range from $49 to $175.

For the latest concert updates and information all summer long, like us on Facebook and follow @FarmAid on Twitter.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Ozzy Osbourne's Legacy Celebrated On 'Memoirs Of A Madman'

This October, Ozzy Osbourne's career will be celebrated with the Epic Records/Legacy Recordings Memoirs Of A Madman collections.

Due out October 7, Memoirs Of A Madman (CD) serves as a career spanning audio release, featuring 17 of Osbourne's greatest hit singles compiled in one place for the first time in his career and will be available in a single CD, two-LP set and two-LP picture disc set configurations.  Pre-order now available at Amazon.

The Memoirs Of A Madman (DVD) is a definitive visual two-disc DVD set which includes classic music videos, along with unreleased and out-of-print live performances, plus interviews from his solo career.  Both sets offer fans of the multi-platinum recording artist, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and three-time Grammy® winning singer and songwriter hours of entertainment from Osbourne’s distinguished solo career.  Pre-order also available at Amazon.

On July 22, fans got a sneak peek of Memoirs Of A Madman via Twitter. By using #OzzyRules in accordance with the number of tweets, engaged fans were able to unscramble the cover artwork and unlock a video teaser (http://smarturl.it/ozzy_memoirs_teaser).

In addition, an exclusive autographed limited edition fan bundle will be available (http://myplay.me/1abf).  This includes an autographed poster, 2 DVD set, CD, 2 LP picture disc vinyl, along with a Creative Allies fan designed poster, which will feature an image personally chosen by Osboure. See http://creativeallies.com/contests/977-create-artwork-for-ozzy-osbourne.

Ozzy Osbourne's ongoing solo career spans four decades -- as both a successful solo artist and as the lead singer of Black Sabbath -- and his music is as relevant today as ever; it still resonates daily on TV, in movies, on radio and at stadium sports events. His tenth studio album, 2010’s Scream debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard charts, featuring the No. 1 Mainstream Rock smash “Let Me Hear You Scream.”

From the first notes of  1980’s solo debut Blizzard Of Ozz and follow-up Diary Of A Madman to classic albums No More Tears and Scream, no hard rock solo artist has had quite the same reach as Ozzy Osbourne; his distinctive vocal delivery and larger than life onstage persona quickly endeared him to millions of rockers.  

More information at:
http://www.ozzy.com/us/home
https://www.facebook.com/ozzyosbourne
https://twitter.com/OzzyOsbourne
http://instagram.com/ozzyosbourne

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Beetles Kill George Harrison Memorial Tree

If only the beetles had let it be...

In a strange, ironic twist of fate, the pine tree planted in 2004 in memory of George Harrison in Los Angeles will need to be replanted because the original tree died as a result of insect infestation.

According to the Los Angeles Times, "The memorial tree in Griffith Park had grown to more than 10 feet tall as of 2013, but LaBonge said the tree beetle onslaught was too much for the tree. Trees in Griffith Park have occasionally been the victims of bark beetles and ladybug beetles, among other tree-unfriendly creatures."

Harrison, who died in 2001, spent his final days in Los Angeles and because he was a noted gardener, the tree was planted in his memory.

A date has yet to be set for the replanting.

Monday, July 21, 2014

The Raskins Get Exposed On Mötley Crüe, Alice Cooper Tour

The Raskins, fronted by twins Roger and Logan Raskin, have been opening the Mötley Crüe and Alice Cooper 2014 Summer Tour since June. Tonight, they play the legendary Hollywood Bowl, which marks the final appearance of Mötley Crüe together on stage in their hometown.

The Raskins describe their sound as "rock, retro, alternative, pop-rock, singer-songwriter," and upon hearing their self-titled debut album, many will instantly agree.

The duo is equally at home offering up rocking tunes like the single "We Had It All," and more pop-oriented fare on "Open Our Eyes."

As the Raskins earn their stripes on the current tour running through November, It is only a matter of time until they claim their spot alongside the top melodic rock acts.

Check out the video for "We Had It All." 


Remaining dates with Mötley Crüe and Alice Cooper are as follows:

07/21 - Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, CA
07/22 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Irvine, CA,  
07/23 - Shoreline Amphitheatre - Mountain View, CA
 07/25 - Reno Events Center - Reno, NV
07/26 - Sleep Country Amphitheater - Ridgefield, WA
07/27 - White River Amphitheatre - Auburn, WA
07/29 - Sleep Train Amphitheatre - Wheatland, CA
07/30 - Sleep Train Amphitheatre - Chula Vista, CA
08/01 - USANA Amphitheatre - Salt Lake City, UT,  
08/02 - Pepsi Center - Denver, CO
08/03 - Sprint Center - Kansas City, MO
08/05 - Sturgis Buffalo Chip - Sturgis, SD
08/06 - Sioux City, IA Tyson Events Center
08/08 - Tinley Park, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
08/09 - DTE Energy Music Theatre - Clarkston, MI
08/12 - Blossom Music Center - Cuyahoga Falls, OH
08/13 - First Niagara Pavilion - Burgettstown, PA  
 08/15 - Oak Mountain Amphitheatre - Pelham, AL  
08/16 - Verizon Wireless Encore Park - Alpharetta, GA
08/17 - MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre - Tampa, FL  
08/19 - PNC Music Pavilion - Charlotte, NC  
08/20 - Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach - Virginia Beach, VA
08/22 - Jiffy Lube Live - Bristow, VA
08/23 - Susquehanna Bank Center - Camden, NJ
08/24 - Comcast Center - Mansfield, MA
08/26 - Saratoga Performing Arts Center - Saratoga Springs, NY  
08/27 - Great Allentown Fair - Allentown, PA
08/29 - Nikon at Jones Beach Theater - Wantagh, NY 
08/30 - PNC Bank Arts Center - Holmdel, NJ  
08/31 - Darien Lake Performing Arts Center - Darien Center, NY
10/10 - Chesapeake Arena - Oklahoma City, OK
10/11 - Cynthia W. Mitchell Pavilion - The Woodlands, TX
10/12 - CenturyLink Center - Bossier City, LA  
10/14 - KFC Yum! Center - Louisville, KY  
10/15 - Bridgestone Arena - Nashville, TN  
10/19 - Veterans Memorial Arena-  Jacksonville, FL
10/21 - Bon Secours Arena - Greenville, SC
10/22 - Greensboro Coliseum - Greensboro, NC
10/24 - Borgata Events Center - Atlantic City, NJ  
10/25 - Borgata Events Center - Atlantic City, NJ
10/26 - Mohegan Sun Arena - Montville, CT
10/28 - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY
10/29 - Oncenter War Memorial - Syracuse, NY  
11/05 - Mississippi Coast Col. - Biloxi, MS
11/06 - Landers Center - Southaven, MS
11/08 - Joe Louis Arena - Detroit, MI
11/09 - iWireless Center - Moline, IL
11/11 - Resch Center - Green Bay, WI
11/12 - Alliant Energy Center - Madison, WI
11/13 - CenturyLink Center - Omaha, NE
11/15 - Xcel Energy Center - St Paul, MN
11/16 - FargoDome - Fargo, ND
11/22 - Spokane Arena - Spokane, WA

Friday, July 18, 2014

Jeff Beck, ZZ Top Set To Embark On U.S. Tour

This August will see long time music legends and mutual admirers Jeff Beck and ZZ Top tour together for the first time ever.  The tour launches in Missoula, MT, on August 8 and will run for five weeks with stops in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Denver, Detroit, Dallas, Boston and NYC (full itinerary below).  

Accompanying Beck on the road will be Jimmy Hall on Vocals, Rhonda Smith on bass, Jonathan Joseph on drums and Nicolas Meier on guitar.  Hall, lead singer for the Southern rock group, Wet Willie, previously joined Beck in 1985 singing lead vocals on Beck’s album, Flash and was nominated for a Grammy award for the performance.

Also, just announced, is the special opening act on this fantastic double bill, 21-year-old Texas guitar prodigy, Tyler Bryant, who has previously opened for Jeff Beck, Aerosmith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Joe Bonamassa, BB King, Heart and Vince Gill among many others.  Bryant will appear on all dates except as noted below.

Formatted with musical synergy in mind, stops along the touring route will offer fans full Jeff Beck and ZZ Top sets, with a finale that joins the English fret master with the Texas rockers each night of the tour.  ZZ Top is touring in support of two new releases this summer including The Very Baddest of ZZ Top, a new compilation from Warner Bros. and Live At Montreux 2013 on DVD and Blu-ray Disc from Eagle Rock Entertainment.

Although groundbreaking with the headliners, this tour is not the first live collaboration between the two camps. Gibbons joined Jeff Beck and his band on stage at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 at New York’s Madison Square Garden, where they performed The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s “Foxey Lady” and ZZ Top’s hit “Rough Boy” together. The following year Jeff Beck joined ZZ Top in Lucca, Italy for an extended rendition of the band’s signature piece “La Grange.” Remarkably, however, this marks the first time Jeff Beck and ZZ Top are doing any sort of extensive touring together.

ZZ Top with Jeff Beck Tour Itinerary:

August 8 - Ogren Park - Missoula, MT
August 9 - Chateau Ste. Michelle - Woodinville, WA
August 10 - Cuthbert Amphitheatre - Eugene, OR
August 12 - The Mountain Winery - Saratoga, CA
August 13 - Greek Amphitheatre - Los Angeles, CA
August 15 - Ironstone Amphitheatre - Murphys, CA
August 16 -  The Joint - Las Vegas, NV
August 17 - AVA Amphitheatre - Tucson, AZ
August 19 - Sandia Casino - Albuquerque, NM
August 20 - Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre - Englewood, CO
August 22 - Zoo Amphitheatre - Oklahoma City, OK
August 23 - Starlight Theater - Kansas City, MO
August 24 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Maryland Heights, MO
August 27 - DTE Energy Music Theatre - Clarkston, MI
August 28 - Ravinia  Festival - Highland Park, IL
August 29 - Seneca Allegany Casino - Salamanca, NY
August 30 - Concert Venue @Harrah’s - Atlantic City, NJ
August 31 - MGM Grand Theater @ Foxwoods - Mashantucket, CT
September 2 - Blue Hills Bank Pavilion - Boston, MA
September 3 - Merriweather Post Pavilion - Columbia, MD *
September 4 - Nikon @ Jones Beach Theater - Wantagh, NY
September 6 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Alpharetta, GA
September 7 - St. Augustine Amphitheater - St. Augustine, FL
September 9 - Cruzan Amphitheater - West Palm Beach, FL
September 10 - Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheater - Tampa, FL
September 12 - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion - The Woodlands, TX
September 13 - Winstar Casino - Thackerville, OK **

*Tyler Bryant and Gary Clark Jr. open
**ZZ Top and Jeff Beck only

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Ron Howard To Direct Documentary On Beatles Touring Years

A new, Apple-authorized Beatles documentary feature about the band’s touring years is in production. The film will have the full co-operation of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison.

Ron Howard is set to direct, and White Horse Pictures and Imagine Entertainment will produce. Grammy Award-winning Nigel Sinclair, Scott Pascucci and Academy Award-winner and multiple nominee Brian Grazer to produce with Howard. Michael Rosenberg and Guy East will serve as executive producers

The film will focus on The Beatles' journey from the early days of the Cavern Club in Liverpool and engagements in Hamburg to their last public concert in Candlestick Park, San Francisco, in 1966.

Ron Howard said, "I am excited and honored to be working with Apple and the White Horse team on this astounding story of these four young men who stormed the world in 1964. Their impact on popular culture and the human experience cannot be exaggerated."

For more information, go to http://www.thebeatlesliveproject.com.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

New Judas Priest Album Debuts In Billboard Top 10

Judas Priest's 17th studio effort Redeemer Of Souls is set to debut in the Billboard 200 charts at #6, which is the highest US album chart debut of the legendary British band's career. Also, with a #5 chart debut in Canada, it is the highest chart-peaking album and first top five debut in the Canada Soundscan era.

And the album reviews have been some of the best of Priest's entire career as well, including Rolling Stone declaring "'Redeemer' is proof that Priest can still call themselves metal's defenders of the faith," while All Music Guide stated "'Redeemer of Souls' is also the loosest (attitude-wise), leanest (arrangement-wise), and most confident-sounding collection of new material the band has released in ages."

It was also recently announced that Priest (singer Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis) will be hitting the road this fall, along with special guests Steel Panther.

To purchase Redeemer Of Souls, available as both a 13-track standard version and a 18-track deluxe version, follow these links:

iTunes -  http://smarturl.it/redeemerofsouls-albm 
Amazon - http://smarturl.it/redeemerofsouls-amzn



Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Otis Redding Honored In Hollywood With Gibson Art Guitar, Son's Whisky Concert


The late Otis Redding will be honored with a Gibson Art Guitar on The Sunset Strip today (Tuesday, July 15) at the Whisky A Go-Go.  His son, producer, musician and recording artist Otis Redding III will autograph the larger-than-life Gibson Guitar that has been specially created for the legendary music boulevard in conjunction with Gibson GuitarTown Sunset Strip and then perform a special acoustic performance.  This event is open to the public and free of charge.

The painted guitar was created by artists Raphael Saadiq and Upendo Taylor as a tribute to Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Otis Redding.   This guitar along with many others, will be featured as part of the Gibson Experience during the Sunset Strip Music Festival (SSMF) on September 20 and 21, 2014.

The art guitar signing event signifies Redding’s West Coast debut at the Whisky A Go-Go in 1966 and the impact he made on the famous Sunset Strip Boulevard. Known for such legendary hits as “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay,” “Try a Little Tenderness” and “These Arms of Mine,” Redding was one of the greatest singer/songwriters of our time and influenced many musicians performing today.

To view or download a map and photos of the guitars, visit http://bit.ly/GTown2013map.

For more information, please visit www.thesunsetstrip.com/guitartown.

Monday, July 14, 2014

Neil Young & Crazy Horse Cancel Israel Gig Over Security Concerns

Neil Young & Crazy Horse have cancelled an upcoming gig in Israel due to the "current security situation" in the country.

The band were due to perform in Tel Aviv's Hayarkon Park on July 17 but according to a press release, the gig will no longer take place. The statement issued claims that Young and his band will return to Israel when the country is at peace with Palestine.

"It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we must cancel our one and only Israeli concert due to tensions which have rendered the event unsafe at this time," reads the statement. "We'll miss the opportunity to play for our fans and look forward to playing in Israel and Palestine in peace."

In addition, Young added, "I will be making donations to both the Louise & Tillie Alpert Youth Music Centre of Israel, and Heartbeat, two organizations that teach music to Palestinian and Israeli youth simultaneously by enabling them to play music together."

Neil Young & Crazy Horse performed in London this past weekend, playing a gig in Hyde Park as part of this year's British Summer Time festival. Playing on a bill which also included The National, Midlake and Tom Odell, the set featured a number of lesser known tracks from Young's catalog, along with a handful of classics and a new song.

Friday, July 11, 2014

Everly Brothers To Be Honored With Rock Hall Concert

The Rock and Roll of Fame will honor the Everly Brothers with a tribute concert this fall.

The Rock Hall announced Thursday that surviving member Don Everly will appear at the October 25 event at PlayhouseSquare's State Theatre in Cleveland.

Phil Everly died from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease earlier this year. His older brother said in a statement that he wishes "Phil were here to share this honor." Don Everly also thanked the Rock Hall and the duo's fans "for keeping the Everly Brothers alive."

Singer Rodney Crowell will work as the musical director for the concert, which will take place during the Rock Hall's 19th annual "Music Masters" series. Performers will be announced at a later date.

The Everly Brothers were inducted into the Rock Hall in 1986 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.

Check out VintageRock.com's 2012 interview with Phil Everly below.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Randy Bachman Releasing Career Retrospective CD/DVD Set

There are few musicians who have penned as many iconic rock tunes as Randy Bachman. Often referred to as the "architect of Canadian rock n’ roll," Bachman’s catalog of hits include "American Woman," "These Eyes," "No Time," "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet," "Takin' Care of Business," and "Roll On Down the Highway." And now, Bachman himself offers thrilling in-concert renditions and earnest tales behind the creation of all of these classics (and many more) on Every Song Tells A Story, a 14-track CD/DVD set scheduled for release on Tuesday, August 19 via the Independent Label Services Group (ILS).

Recorded in April 2013, at Pantages Playhouse Theatre in Winnipeg, Every Song Tells A Story features Bachman in a rare and intimate setting, weaving together the transcendent and iconic hits of the Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive with the often-humorous stories that originally brought the songs to life.


Inspired by his award-winning radio program 'Vinyl Tap,' Bachman takes his master storytelling and voluminous musical knowledge on the road and leads fans on a guided journey that encapsulates the last 30 years of popular music presented by one of the greatest rock legends of our time.
A legendary figure in the rock and roll world through his talents as a guitarist, songwriter, performer and producer, Bachman has earned over 120 Platinum and Gold album and single awards, garnered the No. 1 spot at the top of radio play lists in over 20 countries and has amassed over 40 million records sold. 

Earlier this year, Bachman was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville, as well, he received his second inauguration into the Canadian Musician’s Hall of Fame when Bachman-Turner Overdrive are honoured at the 2014 JUNO Awards; The Guess Who were previously inducted in 2001.

Track Listing:
1. Prairie Town
2. Shakin’ All Over
3. These Eyes
4. Laughing
5. No Sugar Tonight
6. No Time
7. American Woman
8. Roll On Down The Highway
9. Let It Ride
10. You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet
11. Takin’ Care Of Business
12. Hey You
13. Undun
14. Lookin’ Out For 1

Bachman & Turner Tour Dates:
7/26 - Ohio Expo Center & State Fair - Columbus, OH
8/23 - Oregon Amphitheater - Albany, OR
8/24 - Alaska State Fair - Palmer, AK
8/30 - Cannery Casino & Hotel - Las Vegas, NV
11/1 - England Brothers Park (Born to Ride Jam 2) - Pinellas Park, FL

Randy Bachman Tour Dates w/ Peter Frampton and Buddy Guy plus special guests:
8/26 - The Mountain Winery - Saratoga, CA
8/27 – Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA
8/29 - Oval Park - Visalia, CA

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Deep Purple Touring North America In August

Deep Purple, fresh off a European tour to support their 19th studio album NOW What?!, is heading stateside for a North American trek! The tour kicks off August 4 in Scottsdale, AZ (all tour dates below).

NOW What?! was originally released in North America in April 2013 via earMusic / Eagle Rock Entertainment. The album marked the next great chapter in the band’s 40+ year career, blending the classic 70s Deep Purple spirit with modern production and a progressive mindset.

Having reached #1 in Germany, Russia, Czech Republic and Austria, charting Top 5 in 7 countries and Top 10 in 10 countries, not to mention hitting the British Top-20 for the first time in 20 years, Deep Purple celebrated with the release of NOW What?! Gold Edition earlier this year, which included additional songs and a live bonus disc.

In anticipation of their return to North America, Deep Purple will release their next single “All The Time In The World” to radio.

Deep Purple US / CANADA Dates:

08/04/14 - Talking Stick Casino - Scottsdale, AZ
08/05/14 - Ventura County Fair - Ventura, CA
08/06/14 - Orange County Fair - Costa Mesa, CA
08/08/14 - Thunder Valley Casino Amphitheatre - Lincoln, CA                                
08/09/14 - Douglas County Fair - Roseburg, OR                            
08/10/14 - Snoqualmie Casino - Snoqualmie, WA
08/13/14 - Mountain Winery - Saratoga, CA
08/14/14 - Harrah’s Rincon Casino Event Center - Valley Center, CA                    
08/15/14 - Fremont St. Downtown - Las Vegas, NV                    
08/16/14 - Peppermill Casino Concert Hall - Wendover, NV                            
08/20/14 - Festival Park - Elgin, IL  
08/21/14 - Caesars Casino - Windsor, ON
08/22/14 - Casino Rama - Rama, ON      
08/24/14 - Mayo PAC - Morristown, NJ
08/25/14 - Bergen PAC - Englewood, NJ
08/26/14 - NYCB Theatre at Westbury - Westbury, NY
08/29/14 - Hard Rock Casino - Biloxi, MS
08/30/14 - Hard Rock Live - Orlando, FL
08/31/14 - Seminole Hard Rock Live Arena - Hollywood, FL

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Music Vault Brings 12,000 Classic Vintage Rock Concert Clips To YouTube

Today, Music Vault unveils more than 12,000 videos of Vintage Rock concert footage on YouTube, the world's biggest stage.

The collection holds 2,000 hours of exclusive video spanning the past 50 years and rare performances by some of the biggest names in music history, including Bob Dylan, The Who, and Bruce Springsteen as well as such contemporary indie acts as St. Vincent and Fleet Foxes.

Launched in April, Music Vault draws material from bygone venues, programs and archives, including Bill Graham Presents, The King Biscuit Flower Hour, Woodstock and the Newport Jazz and Folk festivals, as well as the recent film holdings of indie websites Daytrotter and Paste Magazine.

Music Vault's vast array of rock, jazz, blues, country, indie, folk and comedy video is owned and managed by Wolfgang's Vault.

"After two years restoring, transferring, mixing and mastering thousands of tapes from our enormous archive, we're thrilled and extremely proud to share this massive treasure with the YouTube music community," Music Vault content editor Bill Antonucci said in a release.

"We believe this content deserves to be seen by the largest audience possible, and our partnership with YouTube allows us to do just that. Younger music fans will now be able to experience what it was like to see these classic bands at the peak of their powers while their parents relive the thrill of seeing shows they actually attended."

Watch for daily video features and weekly curated playlists. Music Vault's Pioneers of Funk video playlist is topped by, who else?, James Brown, singing "Super Bad" at The Ritz in New York in 1986.

Monday, July 7, 2014

Legendary Guitarist Bernie Marsden To Release Shine Solo Album

Guitarist Bernie Marsden and Mascot Label Group's Provogue Records have announced a September 30 release date for Shine.  Marsden has been a prolific artist since the early 1970s, contributing performances to approximately 100 albums.  He has enjoyed a successful long-running solo career, alongside being a key member of ensembles that include Whitesnake, UFO, Wild Turkey, Babe Ruth, Paice Ashton & Lord, Cozy Powell’s Hammer, Alaska, M3 and others.

Looking towards the release of Shine, the Buckinghamshire-born guitarist shares, “To me, it’s a classic rock album with a modern feel.  When I asked the bosses at Provogue what type of album they wanted from me, they simply replied: ‘Make a Bernie Marsden album’. And that’s what I did.”

The light, airy commercial feel of ‘Shine’ is largely attributable to producer Rob Cass, who pieced together its contents in Studio 3 of the legendary Abbey Road facility, though the backing tracks for three of its selections were cut at Riverside Studios in Somerset. During the 1980s, Cass had actually spent six months as the lead singer of Marsden’s group Alaska before carving a career as a successful producer with a wide range of rock, pop and classical artists. It was Cass who sought out Marsden, emailing him to suggest they catch up over a reunion lunch at the home of his production company, located at Abbey Road Studios.

Marsden offers, “Rob wanted to thank me for having sent him an air ticket to come to London from Ireland [to join Alaska] and helping to get his career underway.  Coincidentally, I was looking for a producer because I’ve been writing, playing and producing for too long. I really liked the sounds that Rob gets, and that’s how the whole thing came together. If people think I was recording at Abbey Road because Whitesnake’s ‘Here I Go Again’ made 18 gazillion quid then they’re quite wrong… though it did make 17 gazillion quid!”

Marsden believes that the famous facility has an atmosphere that permeates the sounds created within its walls – hence the album’s final instrumental song is titled NW8, after the studio’s postcode. He reflects, “The Beatles recorded Revolver, my favorite album of theirs in Studio 3, so it has that sense of history.  I honestly believe Abbey Road to be the best studio in the world.”

Although Marsden was wary of flooding the credits with too many special guests, Shine does feature some extremely well-known names, from Joe Bonamassa to Whitesnake singer David Coverdale, and the Deep Purple duo of Ian Paice (drums) and Don Airey (keyboards). Jimmy Copley of Jeff Beck fame behind the kit and Mark Feltham of Nine Below Zero also supplies some breathtaking harmonica playing.

“I can’t help it, I’ve got a lot of mates – and quite a few of them are guitar players," Marsden says.


Thursday, July 3, 2014

Deep Purple's Ian Gillan To Front “Smoke on the Water” World Record Performance

Deep Purple's Ian Gillan has sung "Smoke on the Water" thousands of times -- but never with thousands of guitar players. 

Gillan has signed on to be part of an attempt to break the world record for the most number of amateur guitarists playing at the same time -- named Guitars on the Beach -- which takes place September 6 in Lyme Regis on England's southeast coast, where Gillan has a home.

Last year's event featured 2,267 guitarists performing Buddy Holly's "Rave On" to set a record for Great Britain's largest band ever, but organizers are gobsmacked that Gillan has volunteered to be part of this year's festivities.

"My jaw hit the floor," said Guitarist on the Beach founder Geoff Baker. "This is sensational news. Clearly 'Smoke on the Water' will now be the main event for many. It's the classic guitar riff and not difficult to play...This is going to be amazing."

The current world's record for massed amateur guitarists is 6,546, set during 2009 in Poland, and Baker says with Gillan's involvement "many more people will now want to take part. It's something to write home about, that you once played with Ian Gillan in a band with thousands of guitarists."

In addition to "Smoke on the Water," the Guitars on the Beach participants will also play "Rave On" and Status Quo's "Rocking All Over the World."

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Bob Marley's Legend Reissued In 5.1 Surround Sound

Originally released on May 8, 1984, Bob Marley’s Legend illustrates the remarkable life and recording career of one of reggae music’s most important figures. This iconic collection not only serves as the perfect introduction to the music of Bob Marley, it has become an essential part in every Marley collection. It remains the world’s best-selling reggae album and continues to be one of the best-selling catalog albums, exceeding 15 million RIAA®-certified copies in the U.S. alone and over 27 million worldwide.

Today, Universal Music Enterprises celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Legend with the release of the CD/Blu-ray Pure Audio Disc™ combo set Legend 30th Anniversary Edition. Coupled with the original release of Legend, this deluxe version features this iconic collection entirely mixed in 5.1 by the GRAMMY® Award winning producer Bob Clearmountain on Blu-Ray Pure Audio Disc™ and now includes the original, early studio version of “No Woman No Cry,” in lieu of the previous live version.

Also featured are two, previously unheard alternate takes of “Easy Skanking” and “Punky Reggae Party” recently discovered in the Marley vault. Classic Marley anthems include “Three Little Birds,” “Get Up Stand Up,” “One Love/People Get Ready,” “No Woman No Cry” and “I Shot The Sheriff,” which was later a No. 1 hit for Eric Clapton, as well as “Jamming,” “Exodus,” “Redemption Song” and “Is This Love.”

Both the CD and Blu-Ray Pure Audio Disc™ are housed in a 28-page, case-bound book featuring extended liner notes, unseen photos and forewards written by Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and liner notes by author of the book Marley, Christopher Farley. Legend 30th Anniversary Edition will also be made available on tri-color vinyl (yellow, green and red) and pressed as a double gatefold LP allowing for a higher fidelity sound quality that is closer to the original source.

More than 30 years after its release, Legend continues to top the Billboard charts hitting No. 1 on the Top Reggae Albums in 2002, No. 1 on the Top Pop Catalog charts in 2009, 2012, 2013 and 2014, No. 26 on The Billboard 200 in 2009, Top 10 on the Top Digital Albums chart in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014, and Top 20 on The Billboard 200 in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Legend holds the distinction of being the longest-charting album in the history of Billboard magazine’s Catalog Albums chart, 1110 weeks (and counting). It’s been on the Billboard 200 or Catalog chart since 1988.

Blu-Ray Pure Audio Disc™ TRACK LISTING:
1. IS THIS LOVE      
2. NO WOMAN NO CRY (studio version)
3. COULD YOU BE LOVED
4. THREE LITTLE BIRDS
5. BUFFALO SOLDIER
6. GET UP STAND UP
7. STIR IT UP
8. EASY SKANKING  (alternate version/additional track)
9. ONE LOVE / PEOPLE GET READY
10. I SHOT THE SHERIFF
11. WAITING IN VAIN
12. REDEMPTION SONG
13. SATISFY MY SOUL
14. EXODUS  
15. JAMMING
16. PUNKY REGGAE PARTY   (alternate version/additional track)

Jeff Lynne's ELO Announces 2024 North American Fall Tour

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