Friday, January 30, 2015

Live Set From 1978 Leads Year-Long Celebration Of Bob Marley's 70th Birthday

Celebrating what would have been Bob Marley’s 70th birthday, a variety of releases and events to commemorate the legend, his work and iconic impact will be unveiled in 2015.  Over the course of the year, his legacy will be remembered by new releases of rare and unreleased material as well as fan favorite deluxe editions of his most memorable work.  The first release will be available on February 17.   

Bob Marley & The Wailers' Easy Skanking In Boston ’78 features two historic live shows from Boston’s Music Hall, June 8, 1978.  This new and unreleased performance  is from the Marley family giving unprecedented access for the first time to their  personal material from their private collections and their vaults. The album will be available on Blu-ray/CD combo pack as well as DVD/CD and standalone CD versions.  Additional newly created animated material will also be a part of this release, marking the first time the family has incorporated this technology into any official Marley releases.

The video footage was shot with a hand-held camera by a fan that Marley allowed to sit right in front of the stage. The result is remarkable imagery that captures Marley from just a few feet away, allowing one to experience the intimacy of his set.  While the cinematographer was shooting with film and forced to change rolls of tape, the gaps in the live footage have been augmented with specially created animation over the existing audio. The animation video elements were produced and created by the animation team of S77, whose credits include recent projects for Bruno Mars, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Disney, ESPN and many others. The 46-minute video includes seven of the 13 songs in the full set.

Highlights of the performance include a lively “Jammin’” and “The Heathen,” a song Marley and the band didn’t perform during the second set. The show features them at their most comfortable, truly enjoying themselves in the spotlight, basking in the appreciation of the audience.

Marley, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, is notable not only as the man who put reggae on the global map, but, as a statesman in his native Jamaica, he famously brought together the country’s warring factions — symbolized by rival politicians Michael Manley and Edward Siega joining hands on-stage -- during his legendary “One Love Peace Concert” in Kingston, which took place on April 22, 1978, less than six weeks before this Music Hall performance in Boston. It was five years since Marley and the band arrived from Jamaica, with the 1977 release of Exodus, recorded in London just after an assassination attempt on his life, turned into not just a socio-political statement, but one which included such hits as the title track, “Waiting In Vain” and “One Love,” paving the way for their next release Kaya and a world tour in ’78.  Together with his music’s theme of liberation, Marley’s own rags-to-riches story brought inspiration to subjugated people around the world, where he was revered as a larger-than-life leader.

Today, Bob Marley remains one of the 20th century’s most important and influential entertainment icons. Marley’s lifestyle and music continue to inspire new generations as his legacy lives on through his music. In the digital era, he has the second-highest social media following of any posthumous celebrity, with the official Bob Marley Facebook page drawing more than 74 million fans, ranking it among the Top 20 of all Facebook pages and Top 10 among celebrity pages. Marley’s music catalog has sold millions of albums worldwide

Thirty years after its original release, Bob Marley & The Wailers’, Legend, shared the top of the charts, holding the No. 5 spot on Billboard’s 200 Album Chart among Maroon 5 (#1), Jeezy (#2), Guardians of the Galaxy Soundtrack (#3), and Ariana Grande (#4). LEGEND also holds the distinction of being the longest-charting album in the history of Billboard magazine’s Catalog Albums chart and remains the world’s best-selling reggae album. Marley’s accolades include inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994) and ASCAP Songwriters Hall of Fame (2010), a GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award (2001), multiple entries in the GRAMMY® Hall Of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2001).  For more information visit: bobmarley.com and facebook.com/bobmarley.

Here's the set listing for the Bob Marley & The Wailers' Easy Skanking In Boston ’78 CD:

1. Slave Driver
2. Burnin' and Lootin
3. Them Belly Full
4. The Heathen
5. Rebel Music
6. I Shot the Sheriff
7. Easy Skanking
8. No Woman, No Cry
9. Lively Up Yourself
10. Jammin'
11. War/No More Trouble
12. Get Up Stand Up
13. Exodus
TRT: 1:15:17

Here's the set listing for the Bob Marley & The Wailers' Easy Skanking In Boston ’78 Blu-Ray/DVD:

1. Rebel Music
2. I Shot the Sheriff
3. No Woman, No Cry
4. Lively Up Yourself
5. Jamming
6. War/No More Trouble
7. Exodus
TRT approx. 46min

And here's the complete list of the performers on Bob Marley & The Wailers' Easy Skanking In Boston ’78:

Bob Marley - vocals, guitar
Carlton Barrett – drums
Aston Barrett – bass
Marcia Griffiths - backup vocals
Rita Marley - backup vocals
Judy Mowatt - backup vocals
Tyrone Downie – keyboards
Alvin Patterson – percussion
Julian Marvin - lead guitar

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Black Sabbath Bassist Geezer Butler Arrested After Bar Brawl

Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler was arrested last night in California after a bar fight, police said.

Officers were called to the Corkscrew Saloon on the Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley National Park shortly after midnight on Tuesday, January 28.

Inyo County Sheriff's Office said Terence Michael Butler, 65, was arrested for misdemeanour assault, public intoxication and vandalism.

He was released after "detox and citation", police said.

The Californian police department said an argument escalated into "a physical confrontation", resulting in an individual being struck and a window being broken.

Police gave Birmingham-born Butler's address as Beverly Hills, California.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Sly Stone Wins $5 Million Verdict Against Former Manager & Attorney

Sly Stone, singer and songwriter for Sly & The Family Stone, has been awarded $5 million by a Los Angeles jury in his lawsuit against a former manager and attorney he claimed diverted royalties from his music for their own benefit.

The Los Angeles Superior Court announced its verdict on Tuesday, after two days of deliberations.

Stone’s litigation, filed under his real name Sylvester Stewart, involved millions of dollars in royalties and stretched over almost five years.

He filed suit in 2010, claiming that manager Gerald Goldstein and attorney Glenn Stone in the late 1980s induced him to sign an employment and shareholder agreement with Even Street Prods., but that they instead used the arrangement to divert millions in royalties, leaving him unable to get the money he said was due him.

The jury awarded $2.5 million in damages against Even St. Productions, $2.45 million against Goldstein and $50,000 against attorney Glenn Stone.

“It was a classic case of Hollywood accounting, but I guess it would have to be called record industry accounting,” said Nick Hornberger of Hornberger Law Corp., the lead attorney for the singer.

The jury, he said, “sent a very clear message.”

Gregory Bodell of Kozberg & Bodell, lead attorney for the defendants, said via e-mail that the jury found that Sly Stone was underpaid by $2.5 million under the employment agreement with Even St. Prods., and that the money was paid instead to Goldstein and Stone.

“We are disappointed in the finding and believe it will be changed by further proceedings,” Bodell said.

Stone, whose real name is Sylvester Stewart, testified that he had not received any royalty payments between 1989 and 2000.

But attorneys for Goldstein and Glenn Stone contended that the singer was paid millions, but broke an agreement to make new records. They claim that the singer was not tricked into signing the contract, but was aware of the terms and renewed the agreement 40 times over 15 years between 1994 and 2006.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Global Music Industry Comes Together For Record Breaking NAMM Show

As the music products industry returns home to 100 countries worldwide, they leave the 2015 NAMM Show empowered with fresh ideas and products to amplify the power of music. Held January 22-25, NAMM welcomed a record number of exhibitors to Anaheim. Major product debuts, a bumper crop of new-to-NAMM exhibitors paired with engaging thought-leaders created what many NAMM members called the freshest NAMM Show in years.

“In an unpredictable and chaotic marketplace, the NAMM Show has become the reliable and predictable platform where our members can come for business, education and inspiration,” said NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. “From fledgling entrepreneurs to the most established brands, everyone here has an equal shot. The industry showed up with unparalleled energy and we hope they are leaving better prepared for success in the new year.”

As the number of musical tribes attending NAMM expands, this year’s edition grew to the largest and most inclusive event in the National Association of Music Merchants’ (NAMM) 114-year history. A record 1,621 exhibiting companies brought their entrepreneurial spirit to Anaheim. That energy was palatable, as the show saw a 6% increase in exhibiting companies over 2014’s event making for the largest NAMM Show exhibitor line up ever.

A mix of NAMM member buyers, exhibitors and their invited guests, NAMM’s Generation Next and Music Education Day participants (college music students and school music teachers) along with media resulted in in a record 99,342 NAMM Show registrants, the largest gathering in NAMM Show history. An 11% increase in international registration and a 2% increase in buyer numbers also made it the most diverse.

Even NAMM Show vets with decades of exhibiting under their belts hopped from their booths to note the heavy stream of buyers. “Our traffic flow has been much higher than the last few years, and while attendance is clearly up these are quality visits, not just quantity. Dealers are here to make decisions on purchases, see what's new, but also to learn about ways that we can help them grow,” Terry West, president and CEO of Pearl Corporation.

While products rule the show floor, it’s the face-to-face opportunities that draw the industry together. “I've had the most honest, straightforward conversations with vendors on where we can take our business. Brands are here figuring out how we can work together beyond products. I've never worked harder,” said Gayle Beacock, Co-Owner of Beacock Music in Washington. “Coming out of this show, I have a very clear plan and solidified direction.”

For buyers worldwide, NAMM is the ultimate music store with limitless opportunities for growth. “I tour the show floor imagining that I am a customer in my own shop—what things jump out at me—because if it evokes a reaction in me, chances are it’s going to evoke a reaction on the part of my customer,” said Monster Music’s Brian Reardon of Levittown, NY.

New Brands Abound

The number of new exhibiting companies more than doubled from 2014, as 331 companies showed at NAMM for the first time. These new brands made up 18% of the total exhibit count, bringing a fresh sense of wonderment to the NAMM Show.

“We’re seeing innovation and change everywhere – especially at this year’s NAMM with the big guys releasing major new products and the infant industry of brands we’d never heard jumping right in the mix with them. Many products are going back to the old school, touch-sensitivity. People are here turning knobs and using instruments outside of the computer,” Peter Dods, Owner of Easy Music Center, Oahu, Hawaii.

Part of the hands-on resurgence Dods refers to can be credited to the hundreds of modular synthesizer brands popping up throughout the show. “It's our first time showing together as a community. We are here to personally educate people that are interested in modular synthesizers, so that it’s not too intimidating. Products like modular synthesizers you have to see in person to make a buying decision,” said Cyrus "Cyrusrex” Makarechian, owner of MuffWiggler.

Major Announcements

NAMM opened to a flurry of headline grabbing product announcements from exhibitors including Korg, Moog and more. Avid used the NAMM platform to make a major announcement on day one. “We’re able to see all of our audiences at NAMM from students to studios to major media companies, engineers and producers,” said Jennifer Smith, CMO, Avid. To amplify their reach across NAMM audiences Avid featured demos with musical icons including Dave Mustaine, Butch Vig and Randy Jackson.

A Global Marketplace

The NAMM Show’s global stature grew with 13,208 international registrants traveling to Anaheim from abroad, an 11% increase over 2014. International exhibitors topped 600 companies in search of new opportunities. “We feel we are producing a world-class product and this is a world-class show," said Albi Merz of Switzerland’s Soultool Customized Guitars. “The buyers and the people we want to see – they are right here at NAMM.”

The world’s most prominent retailers travel to NAMM to forecast trends. “Compared to 10 or 20 years ago, there is an increasing presence of new areas besides traditional music. You can feel the change of the music scene every year by coming to the show, and you can convey that change to the retail customers in the Japanese market. That is why I come to the NAMM Show every year,” said Mototsugu Shimamura, Chairman of Shimamura Music Corporation, Japan’s largest music instrument retailer.

From the other side of the globe, Robert Wilson of the U.K.’s Sound Technology also taps into trends at NAMM. “We attend the NAMM Show to find out what the latest trends are and to generally stay abreast of the industry—it’s a very quick-changing industry. This is the place, the environment made especially for checking in.”

Full Days and Nights

Iconic guests shared insights that the industry will be quoting for years to come. Where other than NAMM does the day start with Woz and close with Slash on the same stage?

Apple Co-founder Steve Wozniak shared passionate insights laced with humor to the best-attended NAMM U session in history. Chris Stuenkel, a buyer for Austin bazaar noted that Woz’s session "Inspires you to see what you can do, what a big impact you can have.” Moby not only picked up the Music For Life Award, NAMM’s highest honor, but also shared straightforward thoughts on the creative process with college students. Evening award events from the 30th Annual NAMM TEC Awards featuring Slash and Nathan East to the She Rocks Awards featuring Colbie Caillat and The Bangles added to the star-studded trade show’s allure.

As Woz said during his breakfast chat with Joe Lamond, “Music is like a magic dust bringing love to people.” The industry returns home from a busy NAMM Show with a sprinkling of magic dust, and a renewed love for the business of music.

Looking Forward

Keep the momentum going in Nashville when Summer NAMM returns to the beautiful Music City Center July 9-11. Global growth opportunities abound at NAMM Musikmesse Russia, September 10-13 and ProLight + Sound NAMM Russia, September 10-12. The NAMM Show returns to Anaheim January 21-24, 2016.

Monday, January 26, 2015

Slash Wins Les Paul Award At 30th Annual NAMM TEC Awards

Guitarists Orianthi, Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter, Slash and Richie Sambora jam at the NAMM TEC Awards  
(Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for NAMM)

Recording, audio and music industry professionals honor excellence in sound technology and creativity at the 30th Annual NAMM TEC AWARDS, held January 24 in Anaheim, Calif. The professional audio and music production industry's most prestigious awards celebrate excellence in 30 creative and technical achievement categories. The awards are held annually during the NAMM Show, the world’s leading global music industry trade event, which draws more than 95,000 members of the music products industry to Anaheim.

“The people and products that were nominated at this year's TEC Awards, especially on this milestone 30th anniversary, deserve our respect and admiration,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “And those select few who have gone home with a coveted TEC Award have set a high bar for the industry. These are the tools and sounds that will shape the music we will be listening to for years to come.”

Winners in the creative category include the production team behind the #1 hit song “Happy” from Pharrell Williams, audio production experts from the hit film Gravity and sound professionals in the tour/event category for Sting & Paul Simon: On Stage Tour, among others.

Everything from wireless technology to software and an earpiece technology company were recognized in the evening’s technical achievement categories. Native Instrument’s Razor 1.5 instrument software nabbed the top spot for Musical Instrument Software, while Shure’s GLXD6 Guitar Pedal Receiver with Tuner edged out competitors in Wireless Technology. Other winners in technical achievement include DPA Microphones’ d:screet Necklace, honored for Sound Reinforcement.

Comedian and musician, Sinbad served as the evening’s host. Bassist Nathan East and iconic music engineer Ed Cherney were inducted into the NAMM TEC Awards Hall of Fame.

Iconic guitarist Slash received the evening’s highest honor, the Les Paul Award, named for the revolutionary inventor and esteemed musician. The award recognizes individuals or institutions that have set the highest standards of excellence in the creative application of audio and music technology. A tribute band in Slash’s honor included Orianthi, Don Was, Alex Acuna and Kenny Aranoff.

CREATIVE ACHIEVEMENT

RECORD PRODUCTION / SINGLE OR TRACK
“Happy,” Pharrell Williams

RECORD PRODUCTION / ALBUM
Lazaretto, Jack White

TOUR / EVENT SOUND PRODUCTION
Sting & Paul Simon: On Stage Tour

REMOTE PRODUCTION / RECORDING OR BROADCAST
56th Annual GRAMMY Awards

FILM SOUND PRODUCTION
Gravity

TELEVISION SOUND PRODUCTION
Game of Thrones

INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT SOUND PRODUCTION
Call of Duty: Ghosts

STUDIO DESIGN PROJECT
Berklee College of Music, 160 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA

TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT

ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT
API 505 DI 500-Series DI Module

AUDIO APPS FOR SMARTPHONES & TABLETS
PreSonus Capture for iPad

HARDWARE / PERIPHERALS FOR SMARTPHONES & TABLETS
Apogee MiC 96k

MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIERS
Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5052

STUDIO MONITORS
Genelec 8010

RECORDING DEVICES
Zoom H5 Handy Recorder

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT AMPLIFICATION & EFFECTS
Line 6 POD HD Pro X

AMPLIFICATION HARDWARE - STUDIO & SOUND REINFORCEMENT
Grace Design m920 Monitoring System

COMPUTER AUDIO HARDWARE
Universal Audio Apollo Twin

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT HARDWARE
Nord Lead A1

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SOFTWARE
Native Instruments Razor 1.5

SIGNAL PROCESSING HARDWARE
Dangerous Music The Dangerous Compressor

SIGNAL PROCESSING HARDWARE (500-Series modules)
Rupert Neve Designs 551 EQ

SIGNAL PROCESSING SOFTWARE
iZotope RX3 Audio Repair Suite

SOUND REINFORCEMENT LOUDSPEAKERS
Meyer Sound LYON

MICROPHONES - SOUND REINFORCEMENT
DPA Microphones d:screet Necklace

MICROPHONES – RECORDING
Neumann TLM 107

HEADPHONE / EARPIECE TECHNOLOGY
AKG K812 Headphones

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY
Shure GLXD6 Guitar Pedal Receiver with Tuner

WORKSTATION TECHNOLOGY
Steinberg Cubase 7.5

SMALL FORMAT CONSOLE TECHNOLOGY
Solid State Logic Matrix 2

LARGE FORMAT CONSOLE TECHNOLOGY
API "The Box"

For more information, visit www.tecawards.org.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

2015 NAMM: Media Preview Day Video Interviews

January 21, 2015

Anaheim, CA

Correspondent: Jordan "Junkman" Wolsch
Footage captured and edited by Tom Riehl
***

Hartley Peavey - Founder & CEO of Peavey

IK Multimedia Audio Interface Products

Monster DNA PRO 2.0 Headphones


IZ Technology's Radar Studio

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Guitarist Michael Schenker Announces North American Spring Tour

Few rock guitarists have as impressive a resume as Michael Schenker does - as he has supplied his six-string talents to such world-renowned acts as the Scorpions, UFO, and the Michael Schenker Group over the years. And it is now confirmed that Schenker will be touring North America come the spring, in support of his killer new disc, Spirit On A Mission, coming on March 24.

Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock line-up proves to be one of the strongest that the German guitarist has ever played with, as it features the former Scorpions "Rock You Like A Hurricane" rhythm section of Francis Buchholz (bass) and Herman Rarebell (drums), as well as Doogie White (vocals, formerly of Rainbow), and Wayne Findlay (guitar/keyboards, and longtime Michael Schenker Group member).

 The tour kicks off on March 25th at the Rockbar Theater in San Jose, CA (the day after the release of Spirit On A Mission), and wraps up on May 2nd at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA (with special guest Don Dokken on the bill). In between, the tour will go coast to coast, including a performance at the Gramercy Theatre in NYC on April 15th.

 “Promotion is definitely the next step,” says Schenker of hitting the road in support of Spirit On A Mission. "Wherever we are needed around the world, we will be there to promote Spirit On A Mission. I want to make Temple of Rock its own entity. Right now it is still using the Michael Schenker platform but eventually I want it to stand on its own feet as Temple of Rock."

To get a taste of the new line-up, view the video for the tune "Vigilante Man" here:

Undoubtedly, this set of North American dates are the first step towards establishing Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock as a global force. Temple Of Rock — Spirit On A Mission — World Tour Featuring: Michael Schenker (guitar) Doogie White (vocals) Herman Rarebell (drums) Francis Buchholz (bass) Wayne Findlay (7 string guitar/keyboards).

Temple Of Rock — Spirit On A Mission — World Tour
Featuring:
Michael Schenker (guitar)
Doogie White (vocals)
Herman Rarebell (drums)
Francis Buchholz (bass)
Wayne Findlay (7 string guitar/keyboards)

MAR 25 2015 @ Rockbar Theater in San Jose, CA
MAR 27 2015 @ Tonic in Portland, OR          
MAR 28 2015 @ Studio Seven in Seattle, WA          
APR 01 2015 @ Boardwalk in Orangevale, CA
APR 02 2015 @ Yoshi's in Oakland, CA          
APR 03 2015 @ Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood, CA          
APR 04 2015 @ M-15 Concert Hall in Corona, CA
APR 07 2015 @ Vamp'd in Las Vegas, NV          
APR 08 2015 @ Livewire Concert Hall in Scottsdale, AZ          
APR 10 2015 @ Trees in Dallas, TX          
APR 11 2015 @ 210 Kapones Live in San Antonio, TX          
APR 12 2015 @ 18th Street in San Leon, TX          
APR 15 2015 @ Gramercy Theatre in New York, NY          
APR 16 2015 @ Eclipse in Binghamton, NY
APR 17 2015 @ Newton Theatre in Newton, NJ
APR 18 2015 @ The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ          
APR 20 2015 @ Sellersville Theater in Sellersville, PA          
APR 22 2015 @ Rockpile West in Toronto, Ontario Canada
APR 23 2015 @ Concord Music Hall in Chicago, IL  (Enuff Z Nuff guests on this performance)
APR 24 2015 @ Harpos Concert Hall in Detroit, MI          
APR 25 2015 @ Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, IL  (Enuff Z Nuff guests on this performance)      
APR 26 2015 @ Freaksters in Pontiac, IL          
APR 28 2015 @ Buffalo Rose in Golden, CO          
APR 30 2015 @ Ramona Mainstage in Ramona, CA          
MAY 01 2015 @ Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA          
MAY 02 2015 @ Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA (Special Guest Don Dokken)

Gundriver opening act for entire tour.

www.michaelschenkerhimself.com

MEET & GREET PACKAGES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT:
www.michaelschenkerstore.com

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Led Zeppelin Shares 'Houses of the Holy' Demo From Physical Graffiti Reissue

The 40th anniversary reissue of Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti will arrive February 24, complete with a second disc of early, alternative takes of its songs. To get ready for the bounty of bonus material, the band has shared an alternate mix of the classic "Houses of the Holy."

This rough mix version is noticeably different than the one that appeared on the 1975 double album. It's a little shorter, the guitar is mixed differently, the bass is a little louder, and the vocals a little more raw.

In addition to all the Physical Graffiti demos and alternate takes, the reissue is also available in a variety of formats: a deluxe edition with companion audio, a deluxe vinyl edition, and a super deluxe box set, which features a 96-page book.

Check it out below:

Monday, January 19, 2015

'Aerosmith Rocks Donington 2014' To Kick Off ‘Classic Music Series’ In Movie Theaters On February 26

Fathom Events, Cinema 1 and Eagle Rock Entertainment are partnering to present a monthly “Classic Music Series” to be kicked off by legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Aerosmith.

Fans will be blown away by Aerosmith on the big screen for a special one-night concert film on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 7 p.m. local time. The band was captured live at Donington Park in Leicestershire, UK, in June 2014 as part of their 2014 “LET ROCK RULE” tour.

The Aerosmith Rocks Donington 2014 19-song set list includes hits like “Love In A Elevator,” “Janie’s Got A Gun,“ “Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing,” “Dude Looks Like A Lady,” “Walk This Way,” “Dream On,” “Sweet Emotion” and many more.

Tickets for “Aerosmith Rocks Donington 2014” are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. It will be presented in more than 300 select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website.

"It's always an absolute hoot that leaves me howling at the moon, performing at Donington we couldn't have had a better time on stage that night,” says Steven Tyler.  “I could feel the vibes of all the greats pulsing through the stage like AC DC, Rage Against the Machine, Metallica and so many more.”

“We have played Donington many times but this performance was one of our best,” said Joe Perry. “Thanks to our fans who were there who helped us make it a night to remember.  We are proud to have it be part of this theatrical series and it will give our fans who weren’t there around the world a chance to relive an ass kicking night of rock and roll.”

"We’re really proud and grateful to have been chosen to headline the Download festival at Donington for 2014,” Tom Hamilton says. “It was an awesome experience and I think this film captures it.  Special thanks to the insane fans who stuck with us through mud and rain.”

“Aerosmith are rock legends and I am very proud Cinema 1 is a part of bringing this incredible band’s live concert performance to theaters across America,” said Ray Carolin, CEO of Cinema 1. “I am certain their fans are going to be blown away when they experience Aerosmith Rocks Donington 2014.”

The first event in the “Classic Music Series,” Aerosmith Rocks Donington 2014 will be followed monthly by a who’s who of rock and pop which will be revealed shortly. Expected events include: a singer with a history of hits since the 1950s face-to-face with a modern pop mega-star, the beloved progenitors of the jam band genre, one of the UK’s greatest and most influential rock acts, a lauded guitar god and many, many more.

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Dallas Taylor, Drummer For CSNY, Passes

Dallas Taylor, who manned the drums for Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young in the early stages of their career, died on Sunday, January 18. He was 66. His wife, Patti McGovern-Taylor, posted the news on her Facebook page, but did not disclose the cause.

"This morning at 2:30 a.m., I lost the love of my life, Dallas W. Taylor," wrote McGovern-Taylor. "He came into my life almost 18 years ago and saved me as much as I may have saved him. To me he was just a good man, a good friend, a good father, a good grandfather or Pop Pop, a great drummer and much beloved by many."

A native of Denver, Colorado, Taylor cut his teeth as a session musician in the early 1960s, soon joining the psychedelic rock band Clear Light. After the group achieved modest fame with the single "Black Roses" in 1967, he was recruited into Crosby, Stills and Nash; Taylor performed on their breakthrough self-titled debut album, released in 1969, and their following album, Déjà Vu (with another new member, Neil Young, in 1970).

Taylor's live highlights include performing with Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young at Woodstock in 1969 and with Van Morrison at the 1974 Montreux Jazz Festival. After leaving music, he worked as a drug and alcohol interventionist in Los Angeles.

McGovern-Taylor's Facebook post reads, in full:

This morning at 2:30 am I lost the love of my life Dallas W Taylor, he came into my life almost 18 yrs ago and saved me as much as i may have saved him, To me he was just a Good Man, a Good Friend, a Good Father, a Good Grandfather or Pop Pop, a Great Drummer and much beloved by many. I cannot even find the words to put down to say how grateful I am for the many friends and family who have been there for both of us these many days he has spent in the hospital, especially last night. I know he is a peace. He will be missed beyond words, it is so very hard to imagine my life without him by my side, but i feel his love even as i write these words. Much Love to you all …Patti

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Pink Floyd's Nick Mason Says Apple Got Away 'Scot-Free' With U2 Album Release

Nick Mason of Pink Floyd has said he is surprised Apple got away "scot-free" following the controversial release of U2's latest album on iTunes. 

Songs of Innocence by the Irish band was automatically downloaded onto all Apple subscribers' iTunes accounts when it was released last September. Speaking in a new interview with GQ, Mason says that while the move certainly "backfired" for U2, he thinks Apple should also take some accountability.

"It's made everyone think again about how they want their music delivered, given or sold. [...]it highlights a vital aspect to the whole idea of music in the 21st century," Mason said. 'What's also interesting is that Apple seem to have got off scot-free. No-one's blaming them. Apple has done great things, but it has also contributed to the devaluation process."

Mason also has reservations about Spotify and streaming services in general. He said: "iTunes is already beginning to look rather passé, and instead it's Spotify that looks like the future. What we need is another two or three billion people using it, then it would make more sense for musicians. At the moment, the pay-out, particularly for unknowns and only slightly-knowns is… pathetic."

Late last year Mason's band mate Dave Gilmour joined Bombay Bicycle Club onstage at Earls Court in London for the final gig at the venue. Pink Floyd released their latest album The Endless River in 2014.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Billy Joel, Mumford & Sons & Robert Plant On Bonnaroo 2015 Bill

Billy Joel, Mumford & Sons, and Robert Plant are among the big names set to appear at this year's Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, the annual happening announced Tuesday. 

The final lineup came after Bonnaroo's "Bonnaroo Lineup Announcement Megathon" event that trickled band's names to fans in a series of announcements through a hotline phone number.

This year's Bonnaroo will also include performances by My Morning Jacket, Bassnectar, Alabama Shakes, Childish Gambino, Flume and Hozier, among others, totaling more than 125 in all. See the full lineup below.

The event will again take place at the Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tenn., its home since 2002. Last year's performers included Elton John, Kanye West, Skrillex and Jack White.

Bonnaroo 2015 Full Line Up:

Billy Joel
Mumford & Sons
Deadmau5
Kendrick Lamar
Florence and The Machine
Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters
My Morning Jacket
Bassnectar
Alabama Shakes
Childish Gambino
Flume
Hozier
Slayer
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
Belle and Sebastian
Spoon
The War On Drugs
STS9
Ben Folds
SuperJam
Atmosphere
Atomic Bomb! Who Is William Onyeabor?
Tears for Fears
Brandi Carlisle
Twenty|One|Pilots
The Bluegrass Situation SuperJam featuring Ed Helms & Special Guests
Flying Lotus
Earth Wind & Fire
Caribou
Gary Clark Jr.
SBTRKT
Punch Brothers
Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood
Tove Lo
Run the Jewels
Dawes
G-Eazy
Trampled By Turtles
Sturgill Simpson
Moon Taxi
AWOLNATION
Sylvan Esso
Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn
Guster
Jamie XX
Against Me!
Odesza
SOJA
Jerry Douglas Presents Earls of Leicester
Bleachers
Rudimental
Mac DeMarco
Tycho
The Very Best
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib
Shakey Graves
Shabazz Palaces
Gramatik

Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Jungle
Benjamin Booker
Houndmouth
The Growlers
Glass Animals
Ana Tijoux
SZA
Courtney Barnett
Rhiannon Giddens
Royal Blood
Tanya Tagaq
Woods
Hurray For The Riff Raff
Iceage
Temples
Between The Buried & Me
Rustie
Ryn Weaver
Dopapod
Pokey LaFarge
Priory
Bahamas
Strand of Oaks
Phox
Gregory Alan Isakov
Brownout Presents Brown Sabbath
The Districts
Madisen Ward & Mama Bear
DMA's
Catfish & The Bottlemen
Jon Cleary & The Monster Children
Pallbearer
Dej Loaf
Christopher Denny
Hiss Golden Messenger
King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard
Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas
Unlocking the Truth

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

J. Geils Band's House Party Live In Germany Coming To DVD

On February 24, 2015, Eagle Rock Entertainment will issue the first-ever release of House Party Live In Germany, the classic Rockpalast concert from The J. Geils Band, on DVD+CD and Digital Audio. 

The year was 1979. The J. Geils Band were touring Europe in support of the Sanctuary album and its hit single “One Last Kiss,” when they made a pit stop in Essen, Germany to perform on the famed television series Rockpalast. Filmed on April 21 at the Grugahalle, the aptly-named House Party Live In Germany features The J. Geils Band delivering their brand of raw, raucous, R&B-soaked Rock ‘N’ Roll in a solid 14-song set. The first half of the concert focuses on material from Sanctuary, while the second half blasts through earlier breakthrough hits, like “Looking For A Love,” “Give It To Me,” and “Ain’t Nothing But A House Party.”

In the 70s, The J. Geils Band developed a reputation for their faithful devotion to down-n-dirty bar blues (while most of their contemporaries drew more heavily from British blues-rock and psychedelia). As time progressed, their sound expanded into new directions and acquired more pop influences, leading them to score massive crossover appeal and commercial success with their 1981 album Freeze Frame and its smash hit “Centerfold.” House Party Live In Germany catches the band just before that key turn in the band’s career.

Track Listing:
1.) Jus’ Can’t Stop Me
2.) I Could Hurt You
3.) Sanctuary
4.) One Last Kiss
5.) Teresa
6.) Nightmares
7.) Wild Man
8.) Looking For A Love
9.) Give It To Me
10.) Whammer Jammer
11.) Ain’t Nothing But A House Party
12.) Where Did Our Love Go
13.) Pack Fair and Square
14.) First I Look At The Purse

Monday, January 12, 2015

Neil Young's PonoPlayer Rumored To Secure Hi-Def Beatles Catalog

It took about nine years for the Beatles to travel the long and winding road to Apple's iTunes store. It looks like Neil Young may not have to wait as long to get the Fab Four's coveted catalog added to his high-end Pono music store.

According to a report by Roger Friedman of Showbiz411, Paul McCartney is said to be very keen to get his old band's music ready for the just-launched Pono store, which uses the high-quality FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) format as its standard.

Friedman does not reveal his source, but later mentions chatting with will.i.am about Pono -- and getting an earful about already getting to hear Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band on the Toblerone-shaped device. "It's going to blow your mind," Will said of hearing the 1967 album.

The Pono Music Store launched last week with a library of 2 million-plus songs from the three major labels. "We want to start a community of music lovers worldwide so future generations will be able to hear today's classics in a way that's representative of what music really is, instead of having a museum of MP3 files," Young said at the CES convention in Las Vegas.

But Young's adherence to high-quality audio files is being met with cynicism from some critics, who say the average listener won't hear a difference between CD-quality and the lossless format. Sources inside Pono itself have reportedly told the New York Post that even some of the company's product engineers are skeptical.

The report alleges that "PonoMusic has decided to hawk so-called 'hi-res' files as a marketing strategy" geared to "numbers-obsessed audiophiles." Citing an unnamed source at Pono, the selling of larger files is being called a "business strategy."

The source added: "It has been clear throughout that Neil Young himself is all about the hi-res. There's no doubt in his mind that it sounds better."

Foo Fighters & Friends Rock Dave Grohl's Birthday At The Forum - Review & Photos

Review by Junkman
Photos by Paul A. Hebert / Forum Photos
"Ya know, about 6 years ago, I celebrated my birthday at Medieval Times, and until now, I thought that was the coolest birthday party ever. This blows that away."
Foo Fighters front man Dave Grohl celebrated his birthday in a big way at the Forum in Los Angeles (technically, Inglewood) along with his band and lots of special guests, with a sold-out three and a half hour show that got 2015 off to a bang. To paraphrase Grohl, it will make all the rest of the shows in 2015 suck in comparison.
Tickets for the show went on sale just a few days before the event, and naturally, created quite an online frenzy. Portions of the proceeds went to the MusiCares Foundation, a longstanding organization that helps musicians through financial, personal and medical crisis.
At around 8:30 PM, the house lights dimmed and out came the Foo Fighters to a center in-the-round rotating stage that was accessible by a long "ego ramp" that stretched from the stage all the way to the risers. But the Foos were not alone. Grohl welcomed the crowd, remarking, "We have a lot of fuckin' guests tonight, so let's get stared now.
With that, he called out Kiss front man Paul Stanley. The familiar strains of the Kiss classic "Detroit Rock City" sent the crowd into fist-waving bliss, and it was on! Stanley also sang "Do You Love Me," also from the 1976 Destroyer LP. To a huge applause, he disappeared down the ramp as Grohl gushed.
After a few well-received Foo Fighters songs, including the terrific track "Rope," the band welcomed more guests, this time it was Tenacious D members Jack Black and Kyle Gass, along with guitarist Slash, to perform the Queen classic "Tie Your Mother Down" and a rousing version of Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song," with Black clearly having a ball channeling Robert Plant and company.
The Foo Fighters then played two of my favorite songs of the set. "Congregation" from their 2014 album, Sonic Highways, which was originally done along with the Zac Brown band in Nashville (watch the Foo Fighters' Sonic Highways HBO TV show for an in-depth look at the recording of it) and "Walk" from 2011's Wasting Lightrelease, which had most of us in the audience jumping around and screaming the chorus.
A huge onstage "Solo Cup" filled with bottles of champagne kept the Foos in a happy mood throughout the set, in particularly guitarist Pat Smear, who was grinning from ear-to ear (I'm a poet and didn't know it) as he truly was having a blast. It was time for more fun, as joining the band next was none other than the legendary Alice Cooper, sporting a "Coop" adorned letter sweater. He and the Foos rocked the classics "Schools Out" and "Eighteen,"driving the crowd into a frenzy.
After two more FF songs, the Taylor Hawkins-penned "Cold Day In The Sun" and a sing along version of "Monkey Wrench," it was time for more guests. Next up was a real surprise: "Ladies and gentlemen, from Queens Of The Stone Age please, welcome Nick Oliveri," went Grohl's spirited intro. And with that Oliveri joined the band for an absolutely killer version of the Roky Erickson classic "Two Headed Dog," completely nailing it in every way.
Grohl and company continued to dole out the hits, with a rousing "Learn To Fly" as well as an earthshaking "White Limo," while interacting with the audience and striking "rock star poses" along the huge ramp that lead from the stage. Clearly enjoying himself, Grohl said something to the effect that this was, "like a backyard kegger, and all my friends are invited," keeping with the whole birthday party theme. After a nice version of "Arlandria," Black Label Society guitar god Zakk Wylde joined the band to blast through the Black Sabbath classics "N.I.B" and "Fairies Wear Boots."
The band regrouped and kept the hits- a- comin'. "Times Like These" is such a great song and really seemed to sum up the night for Grohl. "Outside," another great song from Sonic Highways, followed and was well-received from the already blown away Forum crowd. There was lots of love in this room tonight and it was given back by the beaming members of the Foo Fighters after each and every number.
Explaining to the crowd that "without this band, there would not even be a Foo Fighters," Jane’s Addiction singer Perry Farrell came up to rock with the band, and he sprinted down the ramp and leaped into "Mountain Song." Looking fit and thin and showing off his finest stage moves, Farrell then launched into a rather sloppy version of the Rolling Stones' "Miss You," but the band started to feel the groove, as did the crowd, and the technicalities took a back seat.
During the Foo Fighters' next set of songs came what I thought was the highlight, for me anyway, of the evening. The Sonic Highways HBO series focuses on the band travelling to a different city, and writing and performing with the local musicians of that city. One episode in particular that is my favorite is the New Orleans episode. I fell in love with that city the first time I visited, and the first night I was in town, I got to experience the talents of a very young Trombone Shorty, who was a big part of theSonic Highways episode. So he came out and completely schooled the band and the crowd with an epic performance during "This Is A Call." I can only describe him to the unaware as the Jimi Hendrix of trombonists. What he does with that instrument has got to be seen to be believed. I'm sure he made a lot of new fans with this performance and rightly so.
After a very honest version of the FF hit "Best Of You," it was time for more magic. Dave Grohl said one of the guys on his "bucket list" of people to jam with was ready to come out and blow the roof off the place. And indeed it did. Joining the band was none other than Diamond David Lee Roth!
Appearing shirtless, with a denim jacket, baggy pants and his lately trademark "newsboy" cap covering up a shockingly shaved head, Roth shucked and jived his way up the ramp and lead a fun version of "Panama" from Van Halen’s 1984 album. Struggling to find his range it seemed, he actually made reference to a "Freudian slip" during the break down part of the song.
It was interesting to see the still fit rocker sporting huge body tattoos and whenever he took his cap off like during "Ain't Talkin' Bout Love," you could see what seemed like the scars of scalp surgery on his now shaved head. The band, as well as myself and the rest of the crowd, were absolutely thrilled to have him in the building, much less performing onstage. I'm pretty sure he got the biggest applause of the evening.
It was now approaching midnight, and the always affable Grohl thanked the crowd and told them how much he appreciated them for coming, even taking time to acknowledge a girl in the crowd who held a sign that she drove 15 hours to see the show. It is that kind of personal interaction with his audience that makes Grohl the kind of "every man" that people identify with and love so much.
The band then launched into "Everlong," probably their biggest hit, and, naturally the sing-along continued. But this night had to end on an incredible high note. To do so, there was only one guy who we had not seen yet. He has been sick, and it's been well documented that he is Dave Grohl’s friend and idol, so when Lemmy Kilmister from Motorhead ambled up onstage, I was not surprised. He was also joined by Slash and Zakk Wylde. "What song is it that you would like to sing, Lemmy?" is what Grohl asked. And Lemmy and company blasted out a rockin' version of the Chuck Berry classic "Let It Rock," which was the perfect cap to a killer evening at the Fabulous Forum.
Not one person in the building could say they were not blown away by the nearly four hours of non-stop rock. It was a "totally rad birthday party" in every sense, as well as quite a showcase on how tight a band the Foo Fighters are. My hats off to the band for truly showing the normally jaded Los Angeles audience what a true rock show is all about. And of course, a big happy birthday to the great Dave Grohl. Keep it up, sir, your presence is surely appreciated by me and all who love the rock!
My thanks to the lovely KLB and Shauna D for the ticket.

Friday, January 9, 2015

2015 She Rocks Awards Full Event Lineup Announced

The Women’s International Music Network has announced the complete lineup for the 2015 She Rocks Awards, taking place Friday, January 23, 2015, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel in Anaheim, California, during the 2015 Winter NAMM show. 

With an impressive artist lineup and co-hosting duties being shared between WiMN Founder Laura B. Whitmore and platinum-selling guitarist and solo artist Orianthi, the 2015 She Rocks Awards promise to be the most dynamic She Rocks Awards ceremony yet. Honorees include:

  • Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum artist Colbie Caillat*
  • Grammy Award-nominated saxophone player and singer-songwriter Mindi Abair*
  • Iconic, platinum-selling all-female pop band The Bangles*
  • Avedis Zildjian CEO Craigie Zildjian
  • Beacock Music Co-Owner Gayle Beacock
  • Vice President for Online Learning and Continuing Education/ CEO for Berklee’s award-winning online continuing education program, Berklee Online, Debbie Cavalier
  • Vice President of Brand Marketing for C.F. Martin & Co, Amani Duncan
  • Editor of Music Inc. and UpBeat Daily magazines, Katie Kailus
  • Vice President of iconic Capitol Studios Paula Salvatore 

*Also performing

The She Rocks Awards will be kicked off by Americana band SHEL, and throughout the evening will feature an all-star house band led by acclaimed guitarist Gretchen Menn, and include Zepparella members Angeline Saris on bass, Clementine on drums, and guest keyboardist Jenna Paone.

With featured performances, food and beverages, giveaways, a silent auction, networking opportunities and more, the third annual She Rocks Awards brings together industry professionals, music icons, artists, fans, and media to celebrate women in music. A portion of the proceeds of the event will go to benefit the Girls Rock Camp Alliance.

This event has sold out for the past two years and does not require a NAMM badge to attend.

The She Rocks Awards is sponsored by The Gretsch Company, Guitar Center, Seymour Duncan, The Avedis Zildjian Company, C.F. Martin & Co, Weber Mandolins, Fishman, 108 Rock Star Guitars, Casio, PRS Guitars, Yamaha, Berklee Online, Roland, Kind, LAWIM, International Musician, Making Music Magazine, 95.5 KLOS, OC Weekly, as well as NewBay Media, and their publications Guitar World, Guitar Player, Acoustic Nation, Bass Player, Electronic Musician and Keyboard Magazine.

Purchase tickets and find out more about the She Rocks Awards at www.sherocksawards.com.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Deluxe Edition Of Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti Arrives Next Month

The Led Zeppelin reissue campaign continues in 2015, turning the spotlight on the double album Physical Graffiti. The deluxe edition of the group's sixth studio album will arrive 40 years to the day after the original debuted on February 24, 1975.

The reissues of the first five Led Zeppelin albums in 2014 found both commercial successes, with multiple titles reaching Top 10 chart status in countries around the world, as well as widespread critical acclaim, including the recent Classic Rock "Reissue Of The Year" Award.

As with the previous deluxe editions, Physical Graffiti has been newly remastered by guitarist and producer Jimmy Page and is accompanied by a disc of companion audio comprising previously unreleased music related to the original release.

Physical Graffiti will be available in the following formats:

  • Double CD - Remastered album packaged in a replica of the original LP jacket.
  • Deluxe Edition (3CD) - Remastered album on two discs, plus a third disc of unreleased companion audio.
  • Double LP - Remastered album on 180-gram vinyl, packaged in a sleeve that replicates the LP's first pressing in exacting detail. 
  • Deluxe Edition Vinyl (3LP) - Remastered album and unreleased companion audio on 180-gram vinyl.
  • Digital Download - Remastered album and companion audio will both be available in standard and high-definition formats.
  • Super Deluxe Boxed Set - This collection includes:    
    1. Remastered double album on CD in vinyl replica sleeve. 
      Companion audio on CD in card wallet featuring new alternate cover art. 
      Remastered double 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-definition audio download card of all content at 96kHz/24 bit.
      Hard bound, 96 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.
Certified 16x platinum in the U.S., the commercial success of Physical Graffiti was equaled by its critical reception. Generally regarded as one of the greatest double albums of all time, the original 15 tracks represent a creative tour de force that explores the band's dynamic musical range, from the driving rock of "Custard Pie" and acoustic arrangement of "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" to the Eastern raga of "Kashmir" and funky groove of "Trampled Under Foot."

The companion audio disc that accompanies the deluxe edition of Physical Graffiti has seven unreleased tracks, including rough mixes of "In My Time Of Dying" and "Houses Of The Holy," as well as an early mix of "Trampled Under Foot" called "Brandy & Coke." All the unreleased companion tracks offer fans a chance to hear well-known songs from a different perspective, including the Sunset Sound mix of "Boogie With Stu" and "Driving Through Kashmir," a rough orchestra mix of the band's eight minute opus "Kashmir." Also featured is "Everybody Makes It Through," a strikingly different early version of "In The Light" with alternate lyrics.

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

Physical Graffiti
Track Listing

Disc One
1. "Custard Pie"
2.  "The Rover"
3.  "In My Time Of Dying"
4.  "Houses Of The Holy"
5.  "Trampled Under Foot"
6.  "Kashmir"

Disc Two
1.  "In The Light"
2.  "Bron-Yr-Aur"
3.  "Down By The Seaside"
4.  "Ten Years Gone"
5.  "Night Flight"
6.  "The Wanton Song"
7.    "Boogie With Stu"
8.    "Black Country Woman"
9.    "Sick Again"

Companion Audio Disc
1. "Brandy & Coke" (Trampled Under Foot - Initial Rough Mix)
2. "Sick Again" (Early Version)
3. "In My Time Of Dying" (Initial Rough Mix)
4. "Houses Of The Holy" (Rough Mix With Overdubs)
5. "Everybody Makes It Through" (In The Light Early Version/In Transit)
6. "Boogie With Stu"  (Sunset Sound Mix)
7. "Driving Through Kashmir" (Kashmir Rough Orchestra Mix)

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Jimmy Carter To Present Bob Dylan With MusiCares Honor

Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter will present Bob Dylan with the 2015 MusiCares Person of the Year honor next month in Los Angeles.

The Recording Academy announced Tuesday that Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson and Jack White will perform at the pre-Grammy show Feb. 6 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Other performers on the night will include Beck, the Black Keys, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Norah Jones, Tom Jones, Los Lobos, John Mellencamp, Bonnie Raitt, Eddie Vedder, Neil Young and singer-songwriter John Doe. Don Was will serve as the musical director.

Dylan's accolade was announced last September. At the time, Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the MusiCares Foundation and The Recording Academy, said Dylan's "body of creative work has contributed to America's culture, as well as that of the entire world, in genuinely deep and lasting ways."

Added MusiCares Foundation Board chair Bill Silva: "Bob Dylan's songwriting ability is unmatched, and it will be an extraordinary evening to hear his work showcased by such a remarkable group of artists."

Past MusiCares Person of the Year honorees include Bono, Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel and Quincy Jones. Proceeds from the event, which is in its 25th year, will support MusiCares, which provides financial and medical help to musicians in need.

The 57th annual Grammys Awards will take place Feb. 8 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The awards will air live on CBS.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Coachella 2015 Lineup Features AC/DC & Steely Dan

Festival organizers are wasting no time getting music fans excited for this year’s Coachella Music & Arts Festival. I’d barely wiped the holiday sleep from my eyes this week before they landed on the press release announcing 2015’s Coachella lineup, and it’s a doozy.

AC/DC, Jack White, and Drake are headlining the three nights of Coachella, with so many other big-name acts set to perform, including Steely Dan and Alabama Shakes.

A few additions amongst the smaller acts include Sylvan Esso, Glass Animals, The Orwells, MØ, Angel Olsen, St. Lucia, and many more.

Check out the full Coachella lineup below:




Monday, January 5, 2015

Kanye West Fans Asking 'Who Is Paul McCartney?' Were Joking

Angry music fans eager to crucify those darn kids were handed a too-good-to-be-true situation when a surprise Kanye West/Paul McCartney collaboration called "Only One" left young people tweeting, "Who is Paul McCartney?" on New Year's Eve.

Enter self-proclaimed music history professors, who took to Twitter and exploded into a sputtering cloud of outrage, reeling against kids these days who don't even know about the Beatles.

But as it turns out, the real problem isn't uneducated music listeners -- it's Twitter users who can't recognize a joke.

And it's not just Twitter users who were fooled by the (not all that subtle) trolling. The Mirror U.K. and Good Morning America rounded up a few tweets from confused kids asking, "Who is Paul McCartney?" But a little digging reveals that every Twitter user GMA and The Mirror blasted for their alleged ignorance was clearly joking about not recognizing one of the most celebrated musicians ever.

After the exposure, some of the users clarified they were joking, while others (pretty hilariously) kept trolling.

But really, you shouldn't have to strain your brain to figure out the sarcasm in a tweet like this:

If anything, the ensuing outrage is more about people who are all too ready to be angry (or just keen to feel superior to others) than it is about uneducated music fans.

In fact, Twitter users pretending McCartney isn't already a huge deal are in good company. At the height of Beatlemania, George Harrison introduced McCartney's first live performance of "Yesterday" with the following quip: "For Paul McCartney of Liverpool, opportunity knocks!"

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Best Vintage Rock Concerts Of 2014

Another year, and it seems like the concerts never stopped. The Rolling Stones and the Who, a couple of personal favorites who topped 2013's list, were MIA in our part of the world, but there were plenty of other shows to feast on. Of the 47 shows we reviewed on Vintage Rock in 2014, it was difficult to narrow our favorites down to just 10, but here goes, with all apologies to any show we missed, but we pretty much loved them all.
~~

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

October 10, 2014
The Forum
Los Angeles, CA

Out of all the bands I’ve gone to see over the years, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers may well be the most quintessentially authentic, true-to the-heart rock & roll band there is. Yes, they’ve been around for nearly 40 years, but they don’t come across as an over-the-hill nostalgic act. Well coiffed with a suave and comfortable vibe; armed with more guitars than a music store has in their inventory; little room for fireworks or over-the-top stage gimmickry at the expense of a few sleight-of-hand drawls from Petty and first-class riffs and rides through expansive spaces, rich in melody and catchy choruses — it all bubbled to the surface at the Forum. Read more >
~~

Journey
Steve Miller Band
Tower of Power

August 2, 2014
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Irvine, CA

Journey, the Steve Miller Band and Tower of Power closed out their 2014 summer tour together in Irvine, California, on a balmy Saturday night. Traveling to more than 30 cities in roughly two and half months, the tour came full circle, having opened on May 15 at the Sleep Train Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, California — a two-hour drive south from Irvine. It was billed as the “San Francisco Fest,” and it was the first time all three had embarked on the road together. The sold-out audience crammed into the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater is a sign they should consider doing more shows. Maybe next summer. Read more >
~~

ZZ Top
Jeff Beck

August 16, 2014
The Joint
Las Vegas, NV

Talk about a dream team. When it was announced ZZ Top and Jeff Beck were getting together for a summer tour, I knew I had to go to one of the shows. Over the years, I’ve seen both ZZ Top and Jeff Beck several times, so there was little chance I was going to miss a double bill like this. I couldn’t make the show at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, so I opted for The Joint in Las Vegas and made a weekend out of it. The fact that the show fell on the 37th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s passing was of little significance until I realized I was staying in a hotel he used to frequent. Read more >
~~

Steely Dan

July 12, 2014
The Forum
Los Angeles, CA

SI finally saw Steely Dan and now I can say what I’ve been thinking all this time: they are truly a world-class live act. Nowadays, it’s common to see the big bands with expanded live lineups so they can recreate every nook and nuance of a record. As I was to learn, this is nothing new to Steely Dan — they’ve has been doing it for ions. For their show at the Forum, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were accompanied by a superb 11-piece band that could do no wrong. Virtually every song in the set was a bona fide hit (or should have been), so it was important every player stay true to the original. On the Jamalot Ever After 2014 Tour, they are exceeding all expectations with riveting rave-ups at every turn. Read more >
~~

Deep Purple
Blue Öyster Cult

August 6, 2014
Pacific Amphitheatre
Costa Mesa, CA

The last time Deep Purple visited the Orange County Fair was in 2007 when they shared a bill with Edgar Winter and Blue Öyster Cult. Tonight, seven years later, the Purple and Blue part of that equation returned to the scene of the crime. I last caught Deep Purple when they appeared at the Greek with an orchestra in 2011. Tonight was bound to be equally special because they would be rolling out tunes from their sensational 2013 release, NOW What?!. But first, it was up to Blue Öyster Cult to get the party started. Read more >
~~

Mountain Jam X: A Family Affair

June 5 - 8, 2014
Hunter Mountain, NY

Hunter Mountain in the Catskills of New York has hosted Mountain Jam for the past decade. The four-day festival’s highlight for 2014 was one of the final performances of the Allman Brothers Band. Read more >
~~

Aerosmith & Slash

April 8, 2014
Whisky A Go-Go
Hollywood, CA

Aerosmith made a rare appearance at the Whisky A Go-Go to officially announce their “Let Rock Rule” summer tour with Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. The special invitation-only media event included an onstage performance from Aerosmith, with an appearance by Slash. Read more>
~~

Ian Anderson

September 18, 2014
Segerstrom Hall
Costa Mesa, CA

It’s taken a little while to sink in, but I think I’ve finally figured out why Ian Anderson has put Jethro Tull — the band not the idea — on the backburner. Although it may be difficult to separate the two, not having to live up to the disparate expectations of Jethro Tull has allowed Anderson to cast his creative exploits across a wider canvas. That being said, it’s easy to believe that Anderson’s solo ventures, especially those of the last two years — 2012’s Thick As A Brick 2 and 2014's Homo Erraticus — could have just as well been Jethro Tull albums, but then you’d be missing the whole point. The clarification I needed happened at the Segerstrom Hall. Read more>
~~

Rival Sons

September 19, 2014
The Observatory
Santa Ana, CA

For the first show behind their fourth album Great Western Valkyrie on home-turf California, Rival Sons let loose with a soulful, hard rockin’ set — de rigueur in their quest to becoming the next big rock band in the States. They’ve already dazzled fans all over Europe, where they continually appear at huge festivals and headline mid-size venues. It’s only been in the last couple years that Rival Sons have started to gain traction in America. A summer swing through Canada and select dates in the Midwest and East coast, including two sold-out shows in New York City, have helped ignite a growing appreciation for the Long Beach band, so seeing them where they got their start brought a higher level of expectation for the Santa Ana mix of old and young.Read more >
~~

Flying Colors

October 2, 2014
James R. Armstrong Theatre
Torrance, CA

The opening night of a rock and roll tour is typically something special. Seeing Flying Colors, a band who has only toured once before, on the opening night of their second tour was beyond your garden-variety special. It was extra special. They played the same venue of their very first show two years before — the low-key, inconspicuous, off-the-mainstream-grid James R. Armstrong Theatre. No beer garden or cocktail bar, but water was only a buck; with a bag Doritos, another fifty cents. Read more >

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...