Wednesday, December 23, 2015

You Can Stream The Beatles Beginning Christmas Eve

The Beatles, who have long withheld their legendary catalog from streaming services, will finally offer up their discography to Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon's Prime Music and more starting December 24th at 12:01 a.m. local times around the globe. The Fab Four announced their entry into the world of streaming with a video that reflects on their entire recording career and trumpets "The Beatles Now Streaming."

Instead of agreeing to an exclusive partnership to bring their music to the streaming realm – like Taylor Swift and Apple Music, Prince and Tidal, etc. – the Beatles' catalog arrives on nine different streaming services, including Rhapsody, Deezer, Slacker Radio, Google Play and Microsoft Groove.

In addition to the Beatles' U.K. LPs, the streaming deal also features the two volumes of The Past Masters, Yellow Submarine and a trio of greatest hits compilations, The Beatles 1962 – 1966, The Beatles 1967 – 1970 and 1, totaling 224 songs.

It's unclear why the Beatles' Apple Corps and Universal Music Group opted to finally come to streaming services, but it follows a pattern of the Fab Four holding out on new musical mediums until they're ready to join the party on their terms. The Beatles' catalog didn't come to iTunes until 2010, more than five years after the digital music store launch. Prior to that, the Beatles' discography was similarly sluggish to embrace compact disc.

The solo discographies of all the Beatles are also available on streaming services, with George Harrison's albums the latest to join the fray in October. As Financial Times notes, the Beatles' arrival is bad news for Fab Four tribute acts that have populated streaming services with their covers in the absence of Beatles; the Beatles Tribute Band's "Here Comes the Sun" has chalked up over 7 million streams on Spotify alone, which reportedly boils down to royalties in the thousands of dollars.

In celebration of the arrival of their catalog on streaming services "here, there and everywhere," the Beatles' official website has posted a graphic of the revolving Earth being illuminated by the sun, with countries currently past 12:01 a.m. December 24th local time able to access the Fab Four's albums on streaming services.

"The band of sun appears where The Beatles are streaming now. Watch as the music spreads around the globe on Christmas Eve," the band's site wrote, encouraging fans to use the hashtag #TheBeatlesStreaming on social media. At press time, that includes the Pacific Ocean and the western half of Australia.

Following the announcement of the Beatles' streaming, Google Play offered up some statistics about the most searched Beatles albums and song lyrics, with Abbey Road and "Hey Jude" topping the lists.




Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Peter Cetera Will Not Perform With Chicago At Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction

Reports about Peter Cetera rejoining Chicago for the group's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in April are apparently false. 

Keyboardist Robert Lamm says he spoke out of turn to Radio.com when he said that Cetera -- who left the band in 1985 to pursue a solo career -- would sing though not necessarily play bass with Chicago on April 8 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

"I've mistakenly said Cetera would be playing," Lamm said. "He has emphatically declined. My email exchanges with Cetera were misinterpreted by me, and I've apologized to him, and likewise apologize to the music press community and fans."

Cetera has not confirmed whether he will be attending the ceremony.

Cetera sang lead on Chicago favorites such as "25 or 6 to 4," "Feelin' Stronger Every Day" and "Just You 'n' Me," and shared vocals on "Saturday in the Park" and the two-part "Dialogue."

He also wrote hits such as "Wishing You Were Here," "If You Leave Me Now" and "Baby, What a Big Surprise."

He released his self-titled first solo album in 1981 while still in the band. He continues to perform but has not yet commented on Chicago's Rock Hall induction, which will include the band's seven original members.

Trumpeter Lee Loughnane said recently that he would welcome the chance to play with Cetera again, noting "That sounds fine to me. I haven't spoken with Peter in awhile, but if he wants to come sing with us, come on, baby! I'm ready. We're still playing the tunes. I think he is, too, so we should know the material."

Original drummer Danny Seraphine parted ways with Chicago in 1990, and left the music world for 15 years. Currently part of CTA with Marc Bonilla, Seraphine posted on his Facebook page that he is grateful for Chicago's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.

"I never realized it would feel this good.This award belongs to all of us, ESPECIALLY THE FANS that let their voices be heard for all these years," he wrote. "Thank you for never giving up, it wouldn't have happened without your support. Thank you to Jann Wenner and the RRHOF voting board for voting us in on the first ballot, that is also great honor. This really couldn't have come at a better time, we can hopefully join together and celebrate the legacy and enduring body of music we all created in 1967."

It has not been officially confirmed whether or not Seraphine will join the band at the ceremony. However, in a follow-up post, the drummer said the following: "I just want to reassure everyone that I WILL be performing with Chicago Band at the RRHOF induction ceremony. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Peace Danny Seraphine."

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Bruce Springsteen Joined By Paul McCartney For 'SNL' Holiday Finale

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band were joined by Paul McCartney as the group rocked "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" on Saturday Night Live’s December 19 episode over the show's closing credits. The former Beatle added to the merriment of the song with some jingle bells.

“Tina, have you been good?” Springsteen asked Tina Fey, who shared hosting duties with Amy Poehler. “Amy? Paul?”

This was the first time Springsteen and McCartney shared the stage since appearing together at a 2012 concert in London that went past curfew, resulting in the pulling of the plug. In a similar moment, NBC cut the performance of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” before the song concluded.

It took two men -- saxophonist Jake Clemons and SNL's Kenan Thompson -- to fill in the shoes of Big Man Clarence Clemons. Thompson stepped in to deliver the line, “you better be good for goodness sake.”

The band played three songs during the show, including the live debut of “Meet Me in The City,” a never before released song from The River sessions. The track is included on Springsteen's new box set, The Ties That Bind: The River Collection.

The Boss also performed the lead track, “The Ties That Bind,” on SNL.

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band will hit the road for The River tour in January.



Thursday, December 17, 2015

Deep Purple, Chicago, Steve Miller, Cheap Trick & NWA Announced As 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees

With the induction of Cheap Trick, Chicago, Deep Purple and Steve Miller -- along with relative rookies N.W.A -- as its class of 2016, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is bringing some pre-holiday joy to fans who have felt those acts have been slighted and deserving recognition sooner than this.

The five acts, along with other honorees to be announced later, will be feted at the 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on April 8 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the second time the event has been held at the arena. HBO will again film the ceremony for broadcast later in the spring, most likely in May.

Tickets will go on sale to the public during February, with Rock Hall members receiving early access to a limited number of tickets.

The four classic rock acts have been among those often cited by critics who have charged the Rock Hall with being too elitist and dismissive of some of rock's massively popular groups -- particularly from the '70s. The class of 2016 begins to fill in some of those perceived "holes" in the Hall's ranks, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation President and CEO Joel Peresman tells Billboard that changes made in the nominating process, particularly cutting the nominating committee in about half, may have created more of a portal for these acts.

"Before, when we had more than 40 people on the committee, there was just so little time for more than just going around the room and giving your list," Peresman says. "This year, there was more free-form discussion where people could truly be advocates and ask more and better questions. [The committee] could dig a little deeper into the importance and the impact of these bands and discuss them in greater depth and make more of a case that maybe helped get them on the ballot."

Despite being eligible before, it was the first year on the ballot for Cheap Trick, Chicago (which won the public fan vote, tallying nearly 37.7 million nods) and Miller, while Deep Purple and N.W.A have appeared before. The original quartet and septet lineups, respectively, of Cheap Trick and Chicago are being inducted, while the Deep Purple roster will encompass the group's first three lineups, including three teams of singers and bass players. Some of the intriguing reunion possibilities for the ceremony include Chicago with singer/bassist Peter Cetera for the first time since 1985 and with drummer Danny Seraphine since 1990, Cheap Trick with estranged drummer Bun E. Carlos, and Deep Purple with guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who's been gone since 1993.

The members of Deep Purple, of course, have been particularly caustic in their comments about the Rock Hall, with bassist Roger Glover saying that "it's not something we care about, to be honest," and guitarist Ritchie Blackmore saying last year that he likely would not attend the ceremony. But Peresman says the induction news was greeted with enthusiasm by the band's management. "It's very interesting that people have certain opinions about it when they're not inducted, and for the most part they put that past them and realize what an honor it is and really embrace it."

This year's class certainly gives hopes to fans of other bands -- notably the Moody Blues, Journey, Yes (which was on this year's ballot) but also many others -- who have been campaigning for their favorites' inclusions. Whether that pans out, of course, remains to be seen. "This was the result that came out of this particular year's meeting. We'll see how that goes next year," Peresman says. "Once it gets out of the [nominating] committee, it's really in the hands of the voters."

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Journey Singer Arnel Pineda Releases Christmas EP

Journey vocalist Arnel Pineda has released a solo Christmas EP called Sounds Of Christmas, available now as a digital download through iTunes and on CD on December 18 at Amazon

The release features four tracks -- "This Christmas," "Christmas Day," "Christmas Time," and "Jingle Bells."

"I am pleased and honored to have the opportunity to sign with Imagen Records for my solo projects such as my new Christmas record out now, and my full length solo album coming out next in 2016, and of course, be able to work with such amazing crew and management of Imagen Records," Pineda said. "To all the Journey fans, thank you for all your love and support to me and our whole band, looking forward to Journey's tour next year. God bless everyone."

Pineda recently signed a multi-record deal with Imagen Records, with plans to release a new solo album in 2016.

"I am very proud and excited to have such a worldwide sensation as Arnel added to our lineup at Imagen Records," says president Bob Winegard.


Monday, December 14, 2015

AC/DC Announces 2016 American Tour Dates

AC/DC just announced the next leg of their current Rock or Bust tour, with 2016 dates spanning the U.S. The series of 20 shows kicks off Feb. 2 in Tacoma, Wash., and concludes April 4 at Madison Square Garden.

The band has spent much of 2015 touring, with shows through the U.S., Europe, and Australia. Tickets for the next leg of the tour go on sale this Friday, Dec. 18.

Visit AC/DC more information.

The full list of 2016 shows is below:

February 2 - Tacoma Dome - Tacoma, WA            
February 5 - MGM Grand Arena - Las Vegas, NV          
February 8 - Pepsi  Center - Denver, CO              
February 11 - Fargo Dome - Fargo, ND                
February 14 - Xcel Energy Center - St. Paul, MN            
February 17 - United Center - Chicago, IL              
February 20 - Scottrade Center - St. Louis, MO          
February 23 - American Airlines Center - Dallas, TX                
February 26 - Toyota Center - Houston, TX            
February 29 - Sprint Center - Kansas City, MO      
March 8 - Philips Arena - Atlanta, GA              
March 11 - BB&T Center - Ft. Lauderdale, FL    
March 14 - Greensboro Coliseum - Greensboro, NC      
March 17 - Verizon Center - Washington, DC      
March 20 - The Palace - Detroit, MI              
March 23 - Nationwide Arena - Columbus, OH        
March 26 - Quicken Loans Arena - Cleveland, OH        
March 29 - First Niagara Center - Buffalo, NY              
April 1 - Wells Fargo Center - Philadelphia, PA      
April 4 - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY

Friday, December 11, 2015

Bruce Springsteen Adds Second Los Angeles Show To 2016 River Tour

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have added a second show on March 17th at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, which will go on sale today (Friday, December 11) at 5:00 pm through Ticketmaster. 

The River Tour, a nine-week US trek coincides with the release of The Ties That Bind: The River Collection, a comprehensive look at the era of the 1980 The River album that's been called "Springsteen's best archival release yet."

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will play March 15th and 17th at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena for the final rock-n-roll shows in the historic venue before it permanently closes its venerable doors.

The original The River Tour began Oct. 3, 1980, two weeks before the release of Springsteen's fifth album, and continued through Sept. 4, 1981. With sets that regularly approached the four-hour range, the 140-date international tour firmly established a reputation for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band as marathon performers.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band returns to add to the list of 36 concerts played in either the Arena, or the neighboring Memorial Coliseum, and a cumulative audience of 846,000 fans.

Springsteen precedes the tour with a Dec. 19 performance on Saturday Night Live, his third appearance on the NBC show.

The River Tour is the first for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band since the 2014 High Hopes Tour. Each night of the tour will be mixed for release on Live.BruceSpringsteen.net as high-quality downloads and CDs. Recordings will be available within days of each performance.

The Ties That Bind: The River Collection includes 52 tracks on four CDs with a wealth of unreleased material and four hours of never-before-seen video on three DVDs. It contains the original The River double album; the first official release of  The River: Single Album; a CD of 1979/80 studio outtakes; a brand-new documentary about The River; and a coffee-table book of 200 rare or previously unseen photos and memorabilia, with a new essay by Mikal Gilmore.

The set also includes a two-DVD film of never-released, newly edited multi-camera footage from a Nov. 1980 show in Tempe, AZ, described by NPR as a "holy grail."

The E Street Band's members are: Roy Bittan – piano, synthesizer; Nils Lofgren – guitar, vocals; Patti Scialfa – guitar, vocals; Garry Tallent – bass guitar; Stevie Van Zandt – guitar, vocals; and Max Weinberg – drums; with Soozie Tyrell – violin, guitar, vocals; Jake Clemons – saxophone; and Charlie Giordano – keyboards.








Thursday, December 10, 2015

NAMM 2016 Honors Event Highlighted By Star-Studded Ronnie Montrose Tribute Concert

It looks like the entertainment options that usually surround the upcoming NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, just got more interesting with a star-studded tribute concert for legendary rock guitarist Ronnie Montrose. 

On Saturday, January 23, 2016, “Ronnie Montrose Remembered” will take place at the Observatory in Santa Ana, CA. So far, featured guests include Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford, guitarist Brad Gillis of Night Ranger and Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Steve Stevens of Billy Idol, guitarist Tracii Guns (formerly of L.A. Guns), guitarist Doug Aldrich (formerly of Whitesnake), guitarist and vocalist Derek St Holmes of Ted Nugent, singer Keith St John of Montrose, singer Jeff Scott Soto of Trans Siberian Orchestra, bassist Ricky Phillips of Styx, drummer Troy Luckketta of Tesla, and many more still to be announced.

Billed as a “NAMM 2016 HONORS” event, the show will feature songs from the early Montrose records as wells as from the Edgar Winter Group, Van Morrison, Gamma, and Ronnie Montrose solo records.

Ronnie Montrose's career began in the early 1970s when he recorded and toured with artists such as the Edgar Winter Group, Van Morrison, and Boz Scaggs.  In 1973, he formed the band Montrose, which featured singer Sammy Hagar, drummer Denny Carmassi, and bassist Bill Church. The band was referred to as “America’s answer to Led Zeppelin.” Their debut album, produced by Ted Templeman, is still widely considered one of the most beloved and influential hard rock albums of the 20th Century.

A portion of the proceeds from “Ronnie Montrose Remembered” will go towards helping musicians in need of medical assistance through Sweet Relief, a charity Montrose stood behind wholeheartedly.

Also, at some point during the concert, Guitar Player magazine will be presenting their annual ‘Rock the Nation” award to this year’s young prodigy guitarist.

More information and tickets are at the following outlets:

http://www.observatoryoc.com/event/nammjamm2016
http://www.ronniemontroseremembered.com/
https://www.facebook.com/events/963298233729226/

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Joe Satriani Announces G4 Experience 2016

Joe Satriani has revealed the details for the 2016 G4 Experience at Glen Cove Mansion in Long Island, NY, August 8-12, 2016. Packages are on-sale now at www.G4EXPERIENCE.com.

Now in its third year, the G4 Experience quite literally brings the Grammy Award-nominated guitarist back home. Satriani grew up in the Long Island area, cutting his teeth at venues in the surrounding neighborhoods.

One of his very first students was none other than best friend and fellow native Steve Vai. That makes Glen Cove Mansion the ultimate location for the G4 Experience.

“Going home just makes this year even more special,” Satriani said. “It adds a deeper meaning for myself and all of the instructors involved. That’s one of the big reasons that I’m so excited for you to join us near my old stomping grounds. Overall though, 2016 sees the G4 Experience once again evolve, preserving everything attendees loved about previous years, while adding a new dimension. I hope to see you there!”

Satriani welcomes some of the instrument’s foremost talents as instructors, including Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Alex Skolnick, Mike Keneally, and more.

Over the course of four days, campers will live, eat, breathe, and sleep guitar in the company of these legends. 200 spots are currently available and they will sell out, so place your order as soon as possible.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Buy The New Vanilla Fudge Release, Win A Trip to See Them In Concert!

During the month of December, Little Steven's Underground Garage syndicated radio show will be featuring the new Vanilla Fudge single, "I'm A Believer." 

To celebrate, Cleopatra Records and Vanilla Fudge would like to reward one lucky customer with a free trip to see Vanilla Fudge with  Blue Öyster Cult at The Theatre In Westbury in New York on February 6, 2016.

In addition to the trip to see Vanilla Fudge, the winner will receive a VIP backstage pass and a limited-edition Swag Bag to boot.

The rules are simple: Buy a copy of the new Vannila Fudge release Spirit Of '67, take a selfie of yourself holding up the LP or CD, and go to this link to upload your selfie and proof of purchase.

Vanilla Fudge will host the drawing on January 4th in New York City. The winner will be contacted by the band shortly after the drawing.

Vanilla Fudge drummer Carmine Appice says Spirit Of ‘67 is “the best album we’ve done since our very first album. Great vocal arrangements and instrumental performances from everyone in the band!”

The band's lead vocalist and keyboardist Mark Stein agrees, adding that Spirit Of ’67 is a record he's proud of. "The success of Vanilla Fudge has always been based on our interpretations of songs by great artists. Our style of classic and symphonic rock lives large on this effort, and the performances and arrangements I would hope will be enjoyed by both old and new fans alike.”

Vanilla Fudge guitarist Vinny Martell is also happy with Spirit Of ’67, saying it "the continuation of the journey we began in the Summer of Love -- psychedelic, rhythmically powerful arrangements and performances of happening tunes of that era colored by the insight and vision of who we are today.”

To pick up your copy of  Spirit of '67, go to http://flyt.it/vanillafudgespiritof67.

Vanilla Fudge's official website is at http://www.vanillafudge.com.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Black Sabbath Reissuing First Three Albums As Deluxe Versions

 
In January, Black Sabbath will make its triumphant return to North America to launch their highly anticipated "The End" final tour. That same month, the greatest metal band of all time will also release deluxe editions of its first three studio albums: Black Sabbath, Paranoid, and Master of Reality.

Each deluxe edition includes the 2012 remaster of the original album, available on CD for the first time, along with a second disc of outtakes previously unreleased in North America. All three albums will available January 22 as double CD  and LP sets.

Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward made their debut as Black Sabbath in 1970 with the band's self-titled album. The new deluxe edition of Black Sabbath includes studio outtakes from the 1969 sessions for the album, including alternate versions of "Black Sabbath" and "N.I.B.," as well two versions of the UK single "Evil Woman (Don't Play Games With Me)."

The same year that Sabbath's debut arrived, the band released its follow-up Paranoid. This metal masterpiece has gone on to be certified 4x platinum. The deluxe edition features phenomenal instrumental takes on "War Pigs," "Iron Man" and more, along with versions of "Paranoid" and "Planet Caravan" with alternate lyrics.

The group's third album, Master of Reality, arrived in 1971 and introduced fans to essential Sabbath tracks like "Sweet Leaf" and "Into The Void." The deluxe edition builds on that legendary album with versions of "Children Of The Grave" and "Sweet Leaf" that have different lyrics. There is also an instrumental version of "After Forever" and an outtake for "Solitude" with an alternative guitar tuning.

These deluxe editions and massive world tour mark "The End" for Black Sabbath, as the band writes the final chapter in its incredible story. The 2016 farewell tour promises to surpass all previous tours and will feature the band's most mesmerizing production ever.

The live collection Past Lives, originally released in 2002 but long out-of-print, will also be reissued as double CD and double LP sets on the same date. It features performances recorded between 1970 and 1975 - when the band was at the height of its dark powers - and includes phenomenal live versions of essential tracks like "War Pigs," "Paranoid," "Snowblind" and "N.I.B."

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Previously Unreleased Music From Greg Lake, Geoff Downes Available On CD

Ride The Tiger, a previously unreleased album by Emerson, Lake & Palmer bassist and vocalist Greg Lake and current Yes keyboardist Geoff Downes has finally surfaced and now out on CD.

Ride The Tiger contains six songs which the duo wrote together. One of the songs was recorded by Asia song, while two others were recorded by ELP. Four of the tracks appeared on compilations, but this is the first time they have been collected together with the other tracks.

“To be honest, I thought that these recordings had simply disappeared off the radar until one of my management team, Daniel Earnshaw, reminded me of their existence, " Lake explains. "My initial reaction was not entirely positive as I generally view many of these re-releases to be a bit tiresome; however, upon hearing these recordings again I immediately identified their value, both in terms of song writing and of musicianship and production."

“One of the privileges of my career has been the opportunity to embrace a number of bespoke projects with some of the world’s greatest musicians, " Downes adds. "Greg Lake, of course, was at the forefront of the progressive revolution, lead vocalist and bassist with both King Crimson and ELP, bands which literally changed the world, pushing boundaries of excellence and creativity, creating a brand new musical genre from London which would soon captivate the planet."

Ride The Tiger is available now at all the usual outlets, including Amazon.

Monday, November 30, 2015

Ian Anderson Adds 2016 Dates For 'Jethro Tull: The Rock Opera' Shows

The Jethro Tull: The Rock Opera concert tour returns to the States starting April 2016, in which Ian Anderson celebrates the life and times of English agriculturalist Jethro Tull.

Ian Anderson is known as the legendary frontman for the classic rock band Jethro Tull and reimagines his namesake with a narrative set in the near future. The show presents some of the best known songs from the repertoire of Jethro Tull.

Jethro Tull: The Rock Opera,  written and performed by Ian Anderson, runs from April 1 through the 16, with shows in Waukegan IL, continuing through the Midwest in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin, and through the south in Tennessee, Alabama and Atlanta.

In the rock opera, Anderson touches on topical issues including including climate change, intensive food production and population growth. New material specially written for this show includes "Prosperous Pasture," "Fruits Of Frankenfield,” "And The World Feeds Me," "Stick, Twist, Bust," and "The Turnstile Gate."

The show features many Tull favorites, including "Heavy Horses," "Farm On The Freeway," "Songs From The Wood," "Aqualung," "Living In The Past," "Wind-Up," "A New Day Yesterday," "The Witch's Promise" and "Locomotive Breath," sometimes with slightly re-written lyrics to better tell the tale.

The tour has already played in the UK, Italy, Spain, Russia, Brazil and Argentina, recently finishing an eight day run in the North East U.S. to widely encouraging reviews.

In her review of the show for VintageRock.com, Donna Erichsen says Jethro Tull: The Rock Opera is a "night not to be missed."

Anderson is accompanied by David Goodier (bass), John O'Hara (keyboards), Florian Opahle (guitar), Scott Hammond (drums) and surprise virtual guests on screen including Ryan O’Donnell who shared the stage with Ian in recent tours for Homo Erraticus and Thick As A Brick 2 and Icelandic singer/violinist/actress Unnur Birna Björnsdóttir who appears on screen throughout the show.

In addition to U.S. dates in April and October 2016,  Jethro Tull: The Rock Opera will be performed in Czech Republic, Sweden and Germany plus more cities and countries to be announced.

Look out for tour dates and much more information at www.jethrotull.com.

2016 North America Tour Dates

4/1/16 - Genesee Theatre - Waukegan IL  
4/2/16 - Fox Cities Performing Arts Center - Appleton, WI
4/4/16 - Uptown Theater - Kansas City, MO
4/5/16 - Holland Performing Arts Center - Omaha, NE
4/7/16 - Embassy Theatre - Fort Wayne, IN
4/8/16 - Murat Theatre - Indianapolis, IN
4/9/16 - Devos Performance Hall - Grand Rapids, MI  
4/11/16 - Akron Civic Theatre - Akron, OH
4/12/16 -  Aronoff Center for the Arts - Cincinnati, OH
4/13/16 - Ryman Auditorium - Nashville, TN  
4/15/16  -Montgomery Performing Arts Center - Montgomery, AL
4/16/16 - Fox Theatre - Atlanta, GA

Monday, November 23, 2015

David Lee Roth's 'Eat 'Em And Smile' Band Reuniting In Hollywood Night Before Thanksgiving

Lucky Strike’s Ultimate Jam Night, a weekly award-winning music event produced by Quiet Riot bassist Chuck Wright, will present the 30th Anniversary of the Eat ‘Em And Smile Band.  

Eat ‘Em And Smile is Van Halen singer David Lee Roth’s multi-platinum debut album release that reached number 4 on the Billboard chart.

The performance will mark the first time in 30 years that guitarist Steve Vai, bassist Billy Sheehan and drummer Greg Bissonette have played together. With guest vocalist Ralph Saenz from Steel Panther out front, they will be performing some of the hits from Eat ‘Em And Smile.

Since those days, Vai has become recognized as one of the world’s great guitarists with a prolific solo career. Sheehan is currently pulling double duty with the Winery Dogs and Mr. Big, while Bissonette has played with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band since 2008.

Guitarist John 5 (Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson) is also scheduled to perform a set of his own.

Ultimate Jam Night takes place at Lucky Strike Lanes in Hollywood, at the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and Highland Ave.

This is a free, general seating event, so if you're planning on going, get there early.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Jon Anderson & Matt Malley's “Family Circle” Single Considered For Grammy Nomination

Original Yes singer/songwriter Jon Anderson and Counting Crows Matt Malley's recent critically acclaimed single for charity, “Family Circle,” has been entered for consideration for a Grammy nomination. 

The money received from the single has gone to the following charities: Anderson's Flutie Foundation,  Malley's Sahaja Yoga Meditation, and the National Autistic Society, backed by GONZO Multimedia president Rob Ayling.

“ 'Family Circle' came together when Matt sent me the beautiful music earlier this year, " Anderson says. "I sang the song and lyric idea and sent it back to Matt, thanking him for the great energy. Eventually, Matt added some more sounds and the haunting guitar solo. We decided to have all sale proceeds go to our respective charities. It's a pleasure to release this around Thanksgiving time, reminding us of our connection with our families and how our children keep us together, bonding our love of life.”

Malley adds: “Not only am I a fan of Jon's voice but I’m a fan of his fearless spiritual outlook which appears in all of his music. A mutual friend said we should meet and got us in touch and after talking a little, Jon said, 'So send some music!' - so I had a cup of my best Darjeeling tea, went into my studio and came up with the instrumental arrangement that you hear on 'Family Circle'. I sent the file up to Jon and it came back with his marvelous voice, lyrics…everything that brought the song to becoming fully realized.”

Since parting ways with Yes in 2008, Anderson has been a busy man, having recently released his solo album Survival and Other Stories, and teaming up with jazz violinist Jean-Luc Ponty to form the AndersonPonty Band. The ensemble is currently on tour promoting the newly released CD/DVD Better Late Than Never.

Malley is an Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe nominated songwriter best known for co-founding Counting Crows back in the early 90s. He left the band in 2004, so he could work from his studio at home and be with his family.

Check out "Family Circle" below:




Thursday, November 12, 2015

Nils Lofgren Receives Outstanding Contribution Award At Classic Rock Awards

The Classic Rock Roll Of Honour, an annual awards program established in 2005 by Classic Rock Magazine in the UK, took place on Wednesday, November 11, at The Roundhouse in London.  

Each year, the Outstanding Contribution award toasts the towering figures who have straddled their era, shaken the scene, left their fingermarks on a stellar catalog and safeguarded the spirit of rock as it rolls on through the decades.

This year they chose to bestow this honor on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame E Street Band Member Nils Lofgren, an artist whose rock ‘n’ roll résumé is second to none. Previous recipients of the Outstanding Contribution Award include Jeff Lynne, Bob Ezrin, John Paul Jones, Ronnie Wood, and Jeff Beck, amongst others.  

Lofgren was able to accept the award in person, as he is currently crisscrossing the UK on his second tour of the United Kingdom this year, promoting his new album, Face the Music Tour.

"So honored to receive Classic Rock Mag's Outstanding Contribution Award and share the night with Amy and so many great musicians and friends, especially Andy Newmark, my award presenter," Lofgren said. "The UK has always been a magical music community to me and a second home to perform in. Amazing night!”

Just prior to departing for the UK, the guitarist performed at the Bridge School Benefit, an annual event organized by Neil Young. Young and Lofgren performed the song "Believe," adding harmonica and sharing some vocals.

When Lofgren returns from his 21-day UK tour, he will embark on US dates, currently booked through mid-year 2016.

For more information, visit www.nilslofgren.com.

Remaining Nils Lofgren dates on UK tour:

11/13 - Scarborough Spa
11/14 - Edinburgh Queen's Hall
11/16 - Inverness Eden Court
11/17 - Aberdeen Music Hall
11/19 - Whitley Bay Playhouse
11/20 – Buxton Opera House
11/21 - New Brighton Floral Pavilion
11/22 - Watford Colosseum

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

David Bowie Shuts Down Danny Boyle-Directed Musical About Him

There was almost a David Bowie-themed film -- a musical, no less -- from one our generation’s most acclaimed directors. 

Danny Boyle was working on a Bowie musical before the musician himself shut down the project, according to Radio Times.

In the interview, Boyle stated the project was axed when Bowie would not grant him permission to use his music. In an opportune twist of fate -- for Boyle devotees, at least -- the director was left “in grief” and instead channeled his creative energy into making Steve Jobs. In Boyle’s words, he directed the 2015 film to “fill the space in my heart left by the abandoned Bowie script.”

Boyle had been working on the Bowie script with Frank Cottrell Boyce, who also wrote the Factory Records film 24 Hour Party People.

Still, Boyle said he is "very keen" to continue the film in the future.

In more positive Bowie news, he shared a two-minute sample of his chilling new song “Blackstar.” The track will appear on his 2016 album of the same name and soundtrack the opening credits of the new Canal+/Sky Atlantic television program, The Last Panthers.

Blackstar, the album, is due January 8, on Bowie’s 69th birthday.

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Featured VintageRock.com Review: The Beatles - 1+ on Blu-ray Disc & CD

1+

The Beatles

When The Beatles 1 CD compilation first came out in 2000, I was suspicious and took a few hardy swings at it. I argued that there were better, more comprehensive compilations and that this single disc with 27 British and American Number One (1) hits was a calculated, convenient money grab. Of course, it was pitched as a nice and tidy way to introduce the band to a new generation, which, at the time, was feasting on Britney Spears and on the verge of trading in their CDs for digital downloads. At the same time, the Beatles' website has just launched and a television special called The Beatles Revolution highlighted the group's influence on trend-setters and celebrities of the day. EMI went on record, saying that would become the greatest selling record of all time (it isn't, although it has sold a respectable 30 million copies). Fifteen years later, 1+ comes along and adds restored videos of the band performing those same hits to the mix. Now we're getting somewhere.
This time, the 27 Number Ones (1) get visual with CD/DVD and CD/Blu-ray Disc configurations featuring videos for each song, along with new stereo and 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS HD surround audio mixes.  The Beatles 1+ is over 200 minutes of 50 TV appearances, promotional films and clips, which means that in addition to the 27 Number Ones (1), there are 23 more videos. A good majority of these clips have been around in one form or another, but questionable sources often resulted in low quality. Apple brought in an 18-person team of film and video technicians and restoration artists to clean things up. Frame by frame, they adjusted the color grading, added digital enhancements, and provided new edits. While many of the earliest black and white TV appearances still seem a bit washed out, the latter-day color promotional films the Beatles shot have been scrubbed up to high definition specs.
As to be expected, most of the clips are of the band lip syncing to the songs, either on a stage for a variety show or for the films they made to resolve the issue of being everywhere at once. In the process, they invented the abstract music video with footage shot behind "Rain," "Strawberry Field Forever" and "Penny Lane." Each video seems to have a great story, which you can get from the liner notes or Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr's audio commentary and filmed introductions for some of the clips. Normally, I don't bother with commentaries, but McCartney is hilarious when he throws in a few light and airy remarks about the crowd that surrounded the Beatles when they performed "Hey Jude" on the David Frost Show. Starr shares his dislike for riding horses during the filming for "Penny Lane" - apparently something he and the other Beatles had never done before. McCartney's insights into how the film for "Strawberry Fields Forever" was put together with Swedish director Peter Goldmann reveals a critical point at which the Beatles consciously began moving away from their mop-top image to the more psychedelic, surreal and hip stage of their career.
Sonically, The Beatles 1+ features new stereo and 5.1 surround audio remixes, produced from the original tapes by Giles Martin (son of George) with Sam Okell at Abbey Road Studios. The accompanying CD will likely replace your 2000 original issue or 2009 reissue. For anyone with a Blu-ray Disc player, you can hear some, if not all, the tracks in 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS HD surround (it's not broken down in the credits). Likely, those surround mixes would come from the newer videos created for the Love and Anthology releases, although closer listening may reveal more. Of course, the best thing about the DVDs and Blu-ray Discs are the videos, especially the dazzling colors in "Hello Goodbye," and the young fresh faces of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Mike Nesmith, Patti Boyd and Donovan surrounding the Beatles at Abbey Road as the manic camera captures the chaotic, friend-filled studio session for "A Day In The Life." A handful of clips from the dormant Let It Be film may give hope to those waiting for its reissue. Put together with every else on 1+, there's more than plenty to savor until that day comes.
~ Shawn Perry
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Thursday, November 5, 2015

Current Yes Bassist Billy Sherwood Releases Three CDs

Billy Sherwood, who played second guitar for Yes in the 1990s and was rehired earlier this year as bassist in place of the late Chris Squire, has reissued his 2014 studio album Divided By One, along with a compilation called Collection, on CD.  

“I'm very excited to finally have Divided By One, my seventh solo release, come out on CD," Sherwood says. "I'm proud of the record and look forward to getting it out there. I had many requests to release it on CD as it was only for download till now."

Collection is the ideal introduction to Billy Sherwood's solo career. Sherwood says the set features songs from each of his previous solo records. There are also two bonus tracks — one is the previously unreleased "Dark To Light" and the other is a cover of Sting's "I Hung My Head."

Both CDs are available through all mainstream retailers and digital platforms.

If you purchase these discs directly from www.billysherwoodcollection.com, you will receive a special signed postcard.

Sherwood's newest solo effort, Citizen, drops on Friday, November 6. The album features an impressive list of guest stars, including Chris Squire, Tony Kaye, Steve Hackett, Geoff Downes, Colin Moulding, Steve Morse, Jerry Goodman, Alan Parsons, Rick Wakeman, Patrick Moraz, Jon Davison, Jordan Rudess and John Wesley.

Sherwood says the most special track on the record is "The Citizen," which sets the stage for the concept behind it all.

"This track is the last recording of Chris Squire and he's larger than life on it," Sherwood points out. " I recorded him not too long ago in a Holiday Inn when I went to visit with him just before he fell ill."

Sherwood will join Yes when they set sail from Miami on November 15 for the third annual Cruise To The Edge. The band will be joined by Marillion, Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Allan Holdsworth, Spock’s Beard, Nektar, and many others.

In the Spring of 2016, Yes will embark on a UK and European tour to play 1971's Fragile and 1980's Drama in their entirety.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Rhino Entertainment Unveils Holiday Gift Guide For 2015

From our friends at Rhino Entertainment...


LZ




Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti/In Through The Out Door/Coda
Street Date: 2/24/2015 & 7/31/2015
Super Deluxe Edition CD/LP Box/ Price: $159.98  each
Swan Song/ Atlantic

bee gees






Bee Gees - 1974-1979
Street Date: 3/23/2015
5-CD/ Price: $44.98
Reprise Records
Mats





The Replacements - The Complete Studio Albums: 1981-1990
Street Date: 4/14/2015
Price: $59.98 
Also Available: The Replacements - Twin Tone Years 4-LP Box
Rhino

Yes







Yes - Progeny: Seven Shows From Seventy-Two
Street Date: 5/26/2015
14-CD/ Price: $89.98
LP Boxed Set Also Available
Rhino
 



HerbieHancok_350x350






Air - virgin Suicides - 15th Anniversary Boxed Set
Street Date: 6/16/2015
Price: $119.98
Parlophone
Chicago 1






Chicago - The Studio Albums 1969-1978 (Vol. 1)
Street Date: 7/10/2015
10-CD/ Price: $79.98
Vol. 2 Also Available
Rhino





America






America - The Warner Bros. Years 1971-1977
Street Date: 7/17/2015
8-CD/ Price: $54.98
Warner Bros. Records
Doobie






The Doobie Brothers - The Warner Bros. Years 1971-1983
Street Date: 7/24/2015
10-CD/ Price: $79.98
Warner Bros. Records
SOM





The Sisters Of Mercy - First And Last And Always
Street Date: 7/24/2015
4-LP/ Price: $74.98
Elektra



Alice





Alice Cooper - The Studio Albums 1969-1983
Street Date: 7/31/2015
15-CD / Price: $99.98
Rhino
Faces






Faces - 1970-1975: You Can Make Me Dance, Sing Or Anything...
Street Date: 8/28/2015
4-CD & 4LP/ Price: $54.98 & 129.98
Warner Bros. 
A-ha






a-Ha - Hunting High & Low (30th Anniversary Super Deluxe
Street Date: 9/18/2015
5-CD/ Price: $59.98
Rhino
GD - 30






Grateful Dead - 30 Trips Around The Sun:
 The Definitive Live Story (1965-1995)
Street Date: 9/18/2015
4-CD/ Price: $59.98
Grateful Dead/Rhino
billy cobham






Billy Cobham - The Atlantic Years 1973-1978
Street Date: 9/25/2015
8-CD/ Price: $59.98
Atlantic
david boiwe 5 years






David Bowie - Five Years 1969-1973
Street Date: 9/25/2015
12-CD & 13-LP/ Price: $149.98 & $249.98
Parlophone
alanis






Alanis Morissette - Jagged Little Pill (Collectors Edition)
Street Date: 10/30/2015
4-CD/ Price: $49.98
Rhino
lou reed





Lou Reed - The Sire Years: Complete Albums Box
Street Date: 10/30/2015
10-CD/ Price: $59.98
Rhino
otis soul man






Otis Redding - Soul Manifesto: 1964-1970
Street Date: 10/30/2015
12-CD/ Price: $69.98
Rhino
velvet underground






The Velvet Underground - Loaded: Re-Loaded 45th Anniversary Edition
Street Date: 10/30/2015
6-CD/ Price: $79.98
Rhino
A-ha






Miles Davis-The Last Word: The Warner Bros. Years
Street Date: 11/27/2015
5-CD/ Price: $64.98
Warner Bros. Records
aretha






Aretha Franklin - The Atlantic Albums Collection
Street Date: 11/13/2015
19-CD/ Price: $105.98
Atlantic
paul butterfield






Paul Butterfield - Complete Albums 1965-1980
Street Date: 11/13/2015
14-CD/ Price: $59.98
Rhino
A-ha






Fare The Well: Celebrating 50 Years Of Grateful Dead
Street Date: 11/20/2015
12-CD/7-Blu-Ray &  12-CD/7-DVD/Price: $189.98 & $174.98
Grateful Dead/Rhino
jethro tull






Jethro Tull - Too Old To Rock 'N' Roll: Too Young to Die
Street Date: 11/27/2015
2-CD/2-DVD/ Price: $59.98
Also Available: Minstrel In The Gallery 2-CD/2-DVD
Chrysalis
jethro tull






Fleetwood Mac - Tusk Deluxe
Street Date: 12/4/2015
5-CD/2-LP/1-DVD-A/ Price: $119.98
Warner Bros. 
A-ha






Pantera - The Complete Studio Albums 1990-2000
Street Date: 12/18/2015
5-CD & 5-LP/ Price: $34.98 & $74.98
Rhino/Atlantic

Monday, November 2, 2015

David Crosby, Ginger Baker Headline Rock 'N Roll Fantasy Camp In Los Angeles

Singer and songwriter David Crosby (Crosby, Stills & Nash) and drummer Ginger Baker (Cream) will come together in Los Angeles to headline Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp on November 6 and 7, with a show at the Whisky A Go Go on Sunday, November 8.  

Many of the “campers” play well and even gave up careers as musicians to become CEOs and lawyers. Some campers can’t play well, but have dreamed of becoming a Rock Star. So, on November 6 and 7, they will rehearse with industry professionals in a fun, professional setting, then jam with Crosby and Baker. The culmination of camp is performing at the Whisky on November 8.

Rock Star Counselors include Danny Seraphine (Chicago), Alan White (Yes), Vinny Appice (Dio), Bruce Kulick (KISS, Grand Funk Railroad), Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot), Ty Dennis (Kreiger-Manzarek Band), Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne), Teddy Andreadis (Gun N’ Roses), Buster Akrey (Iron Butterfly), Kane Roberts (Alice Cooper), and Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot),

For more information, go to http://www.rockcamp.com/fantasy-camp-with-ginger-baker.php.

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Legacy Recordings Releasing 'Jaco: Original Soundtrack' On Record Store Day Black Friday 2015

Legacy Recordings is releasing Jaco: Original Soundtrack on Friday, November 27, 2015. A single-disc collection of music from the documentary film, Jaco, the set includes three new recordings including two riveting interpretations of Jaco classics: "Come On Come Over" by Mass Mental (featuring Robert Trujillo, Armand Sabal-Lecco, Flea, Whit Crane, Benji Webbe, Stephen Perkins & C-Minus) and "Continuum" by Rodrigo y Gabriel; and "Shine," the new track by Tech N9ne containing a sample of "Kuru," as recorded by Jaco Pastorius.

Produced by Robert Trujillo and Jaco's eldest son John Pastorius IV, Jaco: Original Soundtrack brings together 16 essential recordings including Jaco Pastorius solo tracks, Weather Report masterpieces and musical collaborations with Joni Mitchell, Ian Hunter, Herbie Hancock and more. The album offers music fans the rare evocative sonic soundscape, "Longing," featuring the bassist's daughter Mary Pastorius (vox), Chuck Doom (bass), Robert Thomas, Jr. (hand drums/drum kit) and God (rain/thunder).

A full-length documentary film chronicling the life, music and ongoing influence of the mythic electric bass pioneer Jaco Pastorius, Jaco is produced by Robert Trujillo (bassist for Metallica, Infectious Grooves, Mass Mental) John Pastorius IV, Bob Bobbing, and John Battsek of Passion Pictures ("Searching for Sugar Man," "Project Nim") and marks the directorial debut of documentary filmmaker Paul Marchand and Stephen Kijak ("Scott Walker: 30 Century Man," "Cinemania").

Jaco incorporates interviews with musical visionaries including Sting, Joni Mitchell, Flea, Jerry Jemmott, Bootsy Collins, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana and others with never-before-seen photos and films from the Pastorius family archive.

This film reveals the story behind the bassist's life and music, both as a solo artist and member of Weather Report, the tragic arc of his demise and early death and the enduring influence and inspiration of his artistry and genius.

Legacy's Jaco: Original Soundtrack includes liner notes on Jaco Pastorius penned by Robert Trujillo and album co-producer Chuck Doom.

Also slated for consumer home release on November 27, Jaco, the documentary, will be available via VOD, streaming services, digital download and on DVD and Blu-ray.

The film had its world premiere earlier this year at Austin's SxSW Film Conference & Festival, accompanied by a panel discussion featuring filmmakers Trujillo and Marchand as well as longtime Pastorius collaborator Peter Erskine (Weather Report, Word of Mouth) and Executive Producer John Pastorius.

Jaco has garnered acclaim at a number of major festivals, including the inaugural Asbury Park Music in Film Festival and the Montreal International Jazz Festival. The film “(captures) the essence of what made Jaco Pastorius such an influential artist,” declared the Montreal Gazette, praising “the glowing words of Marchand’s interviewees and the many recorded and live musical excerpts that he lets speak for themselves” and hailing Jaco as “an enlightening introduction to a groundbreaking musician.”

Jaco: Original Soundtrack
Compilation Produced by Robert Trujillo & Johnny Pastorius

1. Come On, Come Over - Jaco Pastorius
2. Continuum - Jaco Pastorius
3. River People - Weather Report
4. Teen Town - Weather Report
5. Portrait of Tracy - Jaco Pastorius
6. The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines (Live Version) - Joni Mitchell
7. All American Alien Boy - Ian Hunter
8. Liberty City (with Herbie Hancock) - Jaco Pastorius
9. Okonkole Y Trompa - Jaco Pastorius
10. Barbary Coast - Weather Report
11. Crisis - Jaco Pastorius
12. Longing - Mary Pastorius
13. Nineteen Eighty Seven - †††
14. Shine - Tech N9ne
15. Continuum - Rodrigo y Gabriela
16. Come On Come Over - Mass Mental (featuring Robert Trujillo, Armand Sabal-Lecco, Flea, Whit Crane, Benji Webbe, Stephen Perkins & C-Minus)

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...