Friday, June 26, 2015

Grateful Dead ' Fare Thee Well' Chicago Shows Coming To CD & Video This Fall

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead, the "core four" original members - Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Bob Weir - will reunite at Chicago's Soldier Field for one of the most anticipated concert events in recent history. Fare Thee Well: Celebrating  50 Years Of Grateful Dead will occur over three nights on July 3, 4, and 5, 2015, marking the original members' last-ever performance together. 

The band will be joined by Trey Anastasio (guitar), Jeff Chimenti (keyboards), and Bruce Hornsby (piano). The group will perform two sets of music each night, nearly 20 years to the day of the last ever Grateful Dead concert with Jerry Garcia, which took place at the same historic venue.

Fare Thee Well: Celebrating  50 Years Of Grateful Dead will be available November 20 from Rhino/Grateful Dead in a variety of audio and video formats, outlined below. Dead.net, the official Grateful Dead website, is the only place fans can get complete audio and video for all three shows.

The two dead.net exclusive versions, one 12-CD/7-Blu-ray and the other 12-CD/7-DVD, will each be limited to 20,000 individually numbered copies on their first run. The dead.net versions will also feature an exclusive bonus disc featuring a behind-the-scenes look captured by Justin Kreutzmann.

Included on the disc will be footage from the Grateful Dead ticketing office documenting the 350,000 plus tickets requests received for the shows, vignettes from the parking lot scene at Soldier Field and backstage material from the shows themselves.

Fare Thee Well - Dead.net Exclusive Complete Versions

  • 12-CD/7-Blu-ray Complete Version - Full audio and high-definition video from all three shows on CD and Blu-ray plus exclusive bonus disc of behind-the-scenes footage. Individually numbered, limited edition of 20,000.
  • 12-CD/7-DVD Complete Version - Full audio and video from all three shows on CD and DVD plus exclusive bonus disc of behind-the-scenes footage. Individually numbered, limited edition of 20,000.

Fare Thee Well - Retail Versions

  • 4-CD/2-Blu-ray Version - Full audio and high-definition video from final show (July 5) on CD and Blu-ray.
  • 4-CD/2-DVD Version - Full audio and video from final show (July 5) on CD and DVD.
  • 2-Blu-ray Version - Full high-definition video from final show (July 5) on Blu-ray.
  • 2-DVD Version - Full video from final show (July 5) on DVD.
  • 2-CD "Best Of" Version - Audio highlights from all three shows.
  • Digital Download - Audio and video from the final show (July 5) will be available as well as audio from the "Best Of" version. 

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Lynyrd Skynyrd & The Confederate Flag Controversy

The Confederate flag has become a symbol of racism and disparagement after the murders of nine black parishioners at Charleston, S.C.'s, historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church on June 17. 

A website full of racist invective, registered in the name of gunman Dylann Roof, surfaced, containing images of the self-declared white supremacist holding the Confederate banner. The fact that it still flew at the state Capitol building in Columbia prompted a nationwide outcry and protest on the statehouse grounds, and on Monday (June 22) South Carolina governor Nikki Haley called for its removal.

On Wednesday, Alabama governor Robert Bentley ordered the flag removed from the Capitol grounds in Montgomery. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced the same day that the time had come to remove the statue of Robert E. Lee from Lee Circle in New Orleans. Walmart, Sears, eBay and Amazon decided to stop selling merchandise that used its image, CNN reported, noting "the announcements are the latest indication that the flag, a symbol of the slave-holding South, has become toxic."

A tragic tipping point had spurred an avalanche of great proportions, and even many who had long cringed at the display of the symbol were surprised at its size, that government and big business were so ready to repudiate the image. Maybe they shouldn't have been so startled; after all, even Lynyrd Skynyrd wanted to stop flying the Confederate flag.

Confederate iconography runs through the Southern rock and outlaw-country movement of the 1970s, and no single act, perhaps, was more associated with it than Skynyrd. They used the flag image on multiple album covers; their standard stage set long included a massive Confederate battle flag backdrop.

But it's never been clear what Lynyrd Skynyrd wanted it to mean.

According to the 2006 Southern-rock history "Dixie Lullaby," whose subtitle is "A Story of Race, Music and New Beginnings in a New South," the band's Confederate flag-waving rebel-outlaw brand was a creation of producer Al Kooper, who is from Brooklyn.

Guitarist Gary Rossington, the only remaining original member of the band, made big waves in 2012 when he told CNN that Lynyrd Skynyrd would stop using the flag as its stage backdrop.

"Through the years, people like the KKK and skinheads kinda kidnapped the Dixie or Southern flag from its tradition and the heritage of the soldiers, that's what it was about," he said. "We didn't want that to go to our fans or show the image like we agreed with any of the race stuff or any of the bad things."

After a backlash from fans, the band brought back the flag. In what seemed like a peculiar compromise, though – at least during its performance at the 2014 Gretna Heritage Festival – the backdrop was the band logo, with the American flag patterned into the letters.

A medium-sized Confederate flag hung off to the side at stage left, where not everyone in the crowd could see it. During the closing "Freebird," Johnny Van Zant (Ronnie's brother, and the current lead singer) draped an American flag across the microphone stand.

Lynyrd Skynyrd has all but eviscerated the Confederate flag from its identity at this point. Earlier in the week, on the band’s official online store, there were only two items of clothing, a shirt for a man and one for a woman, which has the controversial flag on it — and while it was faded into the background in the colors of yellow and black, it was hardly noticeable upon first glance.

At press time, both items had been removed.

And when it comes to the music Skynyrd is selling, all of the albums prominently displaying the Confederate flag, including the 1988 release celebrating the tribute tour the year prior and the hits compilation Legend, are missing, despite their popularity.

Finally, a cursory search via YouTube of recent shows finds a complete absence of the offending flag from any shows. Instead, it’s been replaced with the standard American flag — even a shredded one that hangs from singer Johnny Van Zant’s microphone.

And while top rock ’n’ roll apparel sites like Rockabilia and Old Glory feature a smattering of Lynyrd Skynyrd products, from T-shirts to coffee mugs that incorporate the Confederate flag, On the official front, however, it would seem the band has completely distanced itself from the imagery.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

David Bowie's 'Five Years 1969 - 1973', First In Career-Spanning Box Set Coming In September

The just announced David Bowie's Five Years 1969 - 1973 will be a 10-album/12-CD box, 10-album/13-LP vinyl set, and digital download, featuring all of the material officially released by Bowie during the nascent stage of his career from 1969 to 1973. All of the formats include tracks that have never before appeared on CD/digitally as well as new remasters.the first in a series of boxed sets spanning his career.

Exclusive to the boxed sets will be Re:Call 1, a new two-disc compilation of non-album singles, single versions & B-sides. It features a previously unreleased single edit of "All The Madmen," which was originally set for a U.S. release but was never actually issued. Also included is the original version of "Holy Holy," which was only ever released on the original 1971 Mercury single and hasn't been available since.

Also exclusive to all versions of Five Years 1969 - 1973 will be a 2003 stereo remix of The Rise and Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars by the album's original co-producer Ken Scott, previously only available on DVD with the LP/DVD format of the 40th anniversary edition of the album.

The vinyl boxed set has the same content as the CD set pressed on audiophile quality 180-gram vinyl.

The boxed set's accompanying book, 128 pages in the CD box and 84 pages in the vinyl set, will feature rarely seen photos as well as technical notes about each album from producers Tony Visconti and Ken Scott, an original press review for each album, and a short foreword by legendary Kinks front man Ray Davies.

The CD boxed set will include faithfully reproduced mini-vinyl versions of the original albums and the CDs will be gold rather than the usual silver.

An alternate cover has been created for the 2003 mix of Ziggy Stardust by Ken Scott, which features an outtake from the original Heddon Street photo session. There is also newly originated artwork for Re:Call 1 featuring a 1973 in-studio image from renowned photographer Mick Rock.

Five Years 1969 - 1973 includes:

Six Original Studio Albums:
David Bowie AKA Space Oddity*
The Man Who Sold The World*
Hunky Dory*
The Rise and Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars
Aladdin Sane
PinUps*

*New 2015 Remasters

Two Live Albums:
Live Santa Monica '72 
Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture Soundtrack

Exclusive To The Boxed Sets:
The Rise and Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars (2003 Ken Scott mix)

Re:Call 1 
Disc One

  1. "Space Oddity" (Original UK Mono Single Edit)*
  2. "Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud" (Original UK Mono Single Version)*
  3. "Ragazzo Solo, Ragazza Sola"
  4. "The Prettiest Star" (Original Mono Single Version)*
  5. "Conversation Piece"*
  6. "Memory Of A Free Festival (Part 1)"
  7. "Memory Of A Free Festival (Part 2)"
  8. "All The Madmen" (Mono Single Edit)* previously unreleased 
  9. "Janine"*
  10. "Holy Holy" (Original Mono Single Version)* only ever issued on original '71 Mercury single
  11. "Moonage Daydream" (The Arnold Corns Single Version)* 
  12. "Hang On To Yourself" (The Arnold Corns Single Version)*


Disc Two

  1. "Changes" (Mono Single Version)*
  2. "Andy Warhol" (Mono Single Version)*
  3. "Starman" (Original Single Mix)
  4. "John, I'm Only Dancing" (Original Single Version)
  5. "The Jean Genie" (Original Single Mix)
  6. "Drive-In Saturday" (German Single Edit)
  7. "Round And Round"
  8. "John, I'm Only Dancing" (Sax Version)
  9. 'Time" (U.S. Single Edit)
  10. "Amsterdam"
  11. "Holy Holy" (Spiders Version)
  12. "Velvet Goldmine"

All tracks stereo except *mono

The vinyl boxed set has the same content as the CD boxed set pressed on audiophile
180-gram vinyl.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Has Drummer Deen Castronovo Been Fired From Journey?

Photo: Getty

Journey have replaced drummer Deen Castronovo for upcoming live dates with drummer Omar Hakim, who has previously worked with Madonna, Miles Davis and others. Last Saturday, June 20, Hakim made his debut with the band at the Hollywood Bowl, and is expected to stay on for shows in July and August.

Castronovo, a member of Journey since 1998, was arrested in Salem, Oregon on Sunday, June 14, after police were called to his home. Sky News reports that the musician has been charged with misdemeanour assault, coercion and menacing (the legal term for threats of physical harm). Castronovo's lawyer, Jeffrey Jones, has denied any wrong doing on the musician's part. The drummer has not commented on his status with Journey.  

Castronovo was released on bail after his $20,000 bail was met. He is not allowed to contact the woman in question in the meantime. A plea hearing has been scheduled for June 30.

Castronovo was also arrested in 2012 for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. He described the situation at the time as a "misunderstanding", saying: "It was a misunderstanding that should not have been escalated to such a level in the first place."

No word yet on whether Castronovo will return to the band, although speculation is high that he may be dismissed permanently.  

Monday, June 22, 2015

Inside Van Halen's Upcoming Tour -- Hitting an Amphitheater Near You

Nearly 40 years into a dynamic touring career, Van Halen will again take its powerful catalog to its passionate fan base on its third consecutive tour with David Lee Roth as front man and Wolfgang Van Halen (son and nephew of the bands' namesakes in guitarist Eddie and drummer Alex, respectively) on bass with a 40-plus date tour to begin July 5 at the White River Amphitheatre in Seattle, Washington.

It's a lineup Van Halen fans embrace, as was proven last time out in 2012 on the Different Kind of Truth tour, Van Halen's first with Roth on vocals since the 2007/2008 World Tour, which itself was the first with Roth since he left the band in 1985.

The 2015 tour has no new original recorded content to support, but the band has released Tokyo Dome Live In Concert, its first live set with Roth, recorded in 2013, along with remastered versions of classic albums Van Halen and 1984. The unusual flurry of activity for one of rock's most beloved -- but sporadically active -- bands begs the question of "why now?"

"The boys had some time off and they wanted to get out again," says VH manager Irving Azoff, citing the album releases as an added catalyst, along with the fact that, "No one is getting any younger."

Few bands typify "arena rock" more than Van Halen, but the upcoming tour is outdoors, promoted by Live Nation and primarily playing the promoter's amphitheaters. Asked why outdoors this time, Azoff offers, "Summer, summer, summer. Van Halen has not performed many outdoor shows, so this is something new for them."

Despite 2012's success, the tour ended on sour note when Van Halen pulled the plug on a scheduled 30-date final leg. Amid Internet rumors of rancor among band members, a source close to the band told Billboard at the time that "fatigue" was the reason. Now, Azoff says, "The last 30 dates were not cancelled, they were never 'officially announced,' and the guys were dead, beat, exhausted."

Regardless, dates have been added to the upcoming tour for Los Angeles and New York, and Azoff says sales are "keeping with anticipations." Bob Roux, co-president of North American Concerts for tour promoter Live Nation, says projections call for the tour to gross more than $30 million and finish as one of the company's top-grossing shed tours of the summer. "Van Halen has one of the deepest and most revered song catalogs in the business," says Roux, "and their concerts are just hit after hit. Their showmanship has always been legendary, and we are happy to once again be their tour promoter this summer."

The nature of the classic rock business and amphitheater shows overall make good day-of-show weather paramount in the show selling through, as walk-up business is critical. Roux says Van Halen remains a crowd-pleaser, owning, "one of the deepest and most revered song catalogs in the business, and their concerts are just hit after hit."

Van Halen's 2015 tour is a likely winner under the stars this summer, and the band's touring legacy is assured. "Van Halen is perhaps one of the greatest rock 'n roll bands of all time," Azoff says, "and always will be."

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Alice Cooper 'The Studio Albums 1969-1983' Box Set Ready For Summer Release

Alice Cooper has rattled the cages of the establishment with his hard-rocking music and theatrical stagecraft for nearly five decades. Since his 1969 debut, Cooper has sold more than 50 million albums, headlined sold-out tours, influenced countless artists, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. Because there is no rest for the wicked, Cooper will hit the road this summer for a massive North American tour with Mötley Crüe.

Rhino has the perfect soundtrack to haunt your nightmares with a new 15-CD boxed set that includes all of the albums that Cooper recorded with Warner Bros. Records: The Studio Albums 1969-1983 will be available on July 31. The set will also be available digitally.

The set is presented in a clamshell box and includes 15 albums: Pretties For You (1969), Easy Action (1970), Love It To Death (1971), Killer (1971), School's Out (1972), Billion Dollar Babies (1973), Muscle Of Love (1973), Welcome To My Nightmare (1975), Alice Cooper Goes To Hell (1976), Lace And Whiskey (1977), From The Inside (1978), Flush The Fashion (1980), Special Forces (1981), Zipper Catches Skin (1982), and DaDa (1983).

Alice Cooper along with guitarists Glen Buxton and Michael Bruce, bassist Dennis Dunaway and drummer Neal Smith recorded seven albums together, including four consecutive platinum records that culminated with the #1 album Billion Dollar Babies in 1973. This line-up generated indelible hard rock classics like "I'm Eighteen," "School's Out," "Elected," "Hello Hooray," and "No More Mr. Nice Guy."

After releasing the platinum-certified Alice Cooper's Greatest Hits in 1974, Cooper launched a successful solo career in 1975 with Welcome To My Nightmare. The concept album about a child's nightmares peaked at #5 on the charts, was certified platinum, and featured the hit ballad "Only Women Bleed."

Over the next eight years, Cooper recorded seven more solo albums for Warner Bros. Among the many highlights from that period are the ballad "I Never Cry," the Top Ten smash "You And Me" from Lace And Whiskey, "How You Gonna See Me Now" off of From The Inside, and "Clones (We're All)" from Flush the Fashion.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Reservations For Def Leppard's 'Hysteria On The High Sea' Begin Today!

Reservations for Def Leppard's inaugural fan cruise, "Hysteria on the High Seas," a unique, four-day, four-night voyage out of Miami on January 21-25, 2016, aboard the MSC Divina, go on sale today (6/18).

Def Leppard will sail with their fans aboard the MSC Divina for the entire cruise, as "Hysteria on the High Seas" visits Grand Bahama Island and the private island paradise of Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

Two payment plans are available for cabins aboard the full-ship charter, which are priced starting at $899 USD per person for double-occupancy cabins, and $600 USD per person for quad rooms (government fees, taxes, and gratuities not included). For booking and more information, visit: DefLeppardCruise.com.

This cruise is a fantasy camp for enthusiasts of Def Leppard, with non-stop entertainment, activities and fun. While this cruise is about all things Def Leppard, the "Hysteria" continues with some of the great names from the 80's and beyond, with an initial lineup that includes: Tom Keifer; Last in Line; Eric Martin (Mr. Big); Ritchie Kotzen; Kip Winger; Eddie Trunk and Luc Carl with more to come.

In addition, passengers sailing aboard the cruise will received complimentary admission to an exclusive pre-cruise event on Wednesday, January 20 in Miami, FL, featuring special guest artists and more (details TBA).

Def Leppard's "Hysteria On The Seas" fan cruise will include:

  • Complimentary admission to the Def Leppard Cruise Pre-Partyon January 20 (Details TBA)
  • Stops at two exciting ports of call, Grand Bahama Island and private island oasis, Half Moon Cay.
  • Def Leppard Theater Performance
  • Def Leppard "Storytellers" Performance and Q&A
  • Def Leppard's Vivian Campbell in Last in Line Performance
  • Eddie Trunk's "Def Leppard, Behind the Music"
  • Daily performances from support artists on four stages throughout the ship
  • Support Artist "Storyteller" Performances
  • Support Artist Meet & Greets/Photo Ops, Jams and Q&A Sessions
  • Special Events, Theme Nights and much more

Additional Def Leppard events to be announced

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Neil Young Is Not Endorsing Donald Trump For President

Most everyone was surprised to hear Neil Young’s famously anti-Republican rock anthem “Rockin’ in the Free World” on Tuesday when Donald Trump announced that he was running for President of the United States. 

Perhaps the most surprised was Young himself, who had no idea that the right-leaning real-estate developer planned to use his 1989 hit for his presidential announcement, and issued a statement Tuesday evening clarifying that he is absolutely not endorsing the host of Celebrity Apprentice for president.

“Donald Trump was not authorized to use ‘Rockin' In The Free World‘ in his presidential candidacy announcement,” Young’s long-time manager Elliot Roberts said in an e-mail circulated to press. “Neil Young, a Canadian citizen, is a supporter of Bernie Sanders for President of the United States of America."

This message was apparently not received by Trump, who also used the song during his entrance at an Iowa event tonight. If it is any consolation to Young, though, Trump’s other musical choices this evening seem just as unauthorized and befuddling.

The Wall Street Journal reported that along with "Rockin’ In The Free World," there was "a medley of ’Phantom of the Opera,’ the Rolling Stones, and pop tunes before [Trump] took the stage."

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Isle of Wight Festival Honors Jimi Hendrix With Record Attempt

Britain kicked off its summer music festival season on the Isle of Wight with a world record attempt in honor of Jimi Hendrix 45 years after his last UK performance at the venue.

As a sideshow to performances by groups such as Fleetwood Mac, Blur and The Prodigy, thousands of music fans donned masks bearing the face of the guitar hero to try to get the most people wearing the same mask in the same place.

Hendrix played at the Isle of Wight Festival shortly before his death aged 27 in September 1970. Footage from that performance was beamed on Saturday from the stage, renamed "The Electric Church" for the occasion in honor of his music.

A spokeswoman said organizers were still establishing whether a world record had been set. Proceeds from the masks, one pound each, will go to children's charity Well Child, with 5,000 pounds ($7,750) raised so far.

Electronic music band The Prodigy were among the first acts to perform at the June 11-14 festival off the English south coast, followed by 1990S Britpop act Blur and rock band Fleetwood Mac who closed the event.

"Happy" singer Pharrell Williams also performed.

The festival is considered the first major music festival in the British summer calendar ahead of Glastonbury later this month.

Monday, June 15, 2015

The Moody Blues Cruise Announce Line-Up For Third Cruise

The Moody Blues have announced the initial line-up for their third fan cruise experience -- The Moody Blues Cruise III -- departing from Miami, FL. on February 26, 2016 for four days and nights, visiting tropical ports including Key West, Florida and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas on the spectacular cruise ship, NCL Pearl. 

The Zombies, The Orchestra, Ambrosia, Randy Hansen and Mellow Yellow will all return to perform. As in past years, fans can expect multiple sets from these fan favorites as well as photo ops during the cruise.

Three new special guests will join the 2016 cruise: Christopher Cross, Renaissance and Rare Earth. Christopher Cross made history in 1981, winning five Grammy Awards and became one of the decade's most successful performers. Renaissance, led by iconic vocalist Annie Haslam, brings their unique sound to the cruise with a fusion of folk, jazz, rock and classical influences.  Finally, Rare Earth will rock the Moodies Cruise with their top 40 hits from the '70s, including "Get Ready," "I Just Want To Celebrate" and many more.

Other classic performers confirmed include: John Waite, The Ides of March, Randy Hansen with the Music of Jimi Hendrix, plus Matthew and Gunnar Nelson performing Ricky Nelson Remembered, a special tribute to their legendary father. Fans will be treated to special performances at multiple venues aboard the NCL Pearl, showcasing these special guest artists with more artists to be announced.

Fans will have access to private concerts, Q&A sessions, Fan Jam and Karaoke Bar, special events and activities, while interacting with musical guests that influenced the music of the 70s, 80s and beyond.

For tickets and more info on THE MOODY BLUES CRUISE:
moodiescruise.com 
facebook.com/moodiescruise 
twitter.com/moodiescruise 

Sunday, June 14, 2015

The Rolling Stones' 'Sticky Fingers' Heading Back To Top 10 On Billboard 200 Chart

The Rolling Stones’ reissue of its classic No. 1 album Sticky Fingers is heading back to the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart for the first time since its 1971 release. Industry forecasters suggest the revamped set -- which was remastered and re-released on June 8 in a variety of formats -- may move around 35,000 equivalent album units in the week ending June 14.

The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week based on multi-metric consumption, which includes traditional album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). The chart’s new top 10 will be revealed on Wednesday, June 18.

Sticky Fingers -- which spent four weeks at No. 1 in 1971 -- has been absent from the tally since 1981. For charting and sales tracking purposes, nearly all versions of the album will be linked together on Billboard’s charts and in Nielsen Music’s tracking system. (One permutation of the album, dubbed the Super Deluxe edition, will track and chart separately due to its extensive addition of content. That version could move around 10,000 units.)

The reissued Sticky Fingers is the third expanded reboot that the Rolling Stones have released in recent years. It follows the 2010 revamp of its 1972 No. 1 Exile on Main Streetwhich re-entered at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, and the 2011 reissue of the 1978 No. 1 Some Girls, which returned at No. 46.

Friday, June 12, 2015

John Fogerty On Upcoming Memoir, Creedence Comeback

After nibbling on a few finger sandwiches at teatime, John Fogerty now feels energized to talk about his upcoming memoir and summer concert tour.

Aptly called 1969, the 41-city tour represents that prolific year for Creedence Clearwater Revival: They released three albums -- and Fogerty wrote one of the most profound protests songs of all time.

"Fortunate Son" took a harsh look at America's inequities during the military draft for the Vietnam War.

"It just seemed like the young male sons of rich people were managing to escape being drafted or at least being sent to places that weren't dangerous," Fogerty recently told the Associated Press.

Instead, the poor and middle class were shipped overseas to fight in the war.

"I really took a harsh look at that," the Army veteran said.

Ironically, Fogerty decided to name his memoir after the song. Published by Little Brown, Fortunate Son: My Life, My Music comes out in October.

While the 70-year-old Fogerty feels a little funny about it, he finds the title is appropriate is a different way.

"The words still mean what they mean and yet to call my own book `Fortunate Son' is certainly some sort of a leap," he said.

"As I a kid I wanted to make music and dreamed about being like my musical heroes and eventually it came true. I have become very fortunate, so that's my take on the use of the phrase now."

Until then, Fogerty is on tour, playing a very Creedence-heavy set, but it wasn't always like that. Legal troubles with his band and record label soured him on playing songs from his old band. In the 1980s, he was sued by record label, Fantasy Records for copying his own song. They claimed his 1985 hit "The Old Man Down the Road" ripped off "Run Through the Jungle." Both were written by Fogerty, but the label owned the copyright. A jury sided with Fogerty.

There was also bad blood with his former band mates, including his brother Tom, who passed away in 1990, over control of the band and a variety of issues. They were also in court over royalties owed to Fogerty by performing his songs. The problems were so intense that when the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, Fogerty refused to perform with them.

Now with those dark day behind him, Fogerty feels the book will come out at the right time.

"It's no longer about having an axe to grind. If you asked me 15 years ago it might have been quite different. A lot of stuff happened to me in show business and my personal life and there were certainly periods where I was pretty angry and pretty bitter," Fogerty said.

Now that his life is at peace - he's now happily married and plays music with his sons Shane and Tyler - Fogerty has no plans to reunite with remaining members of the band.

"Through the years I have left that question open. I think it's safe to say the longer time you spend on the earth the more you realize you don't know everything that's gonna happen, but the other fellas recently made it difficult for me to do it," Fogerty said.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Keyboard Legend Rick Wakeman Presents WAKEmanFest This Fall


WAKEmanFEST is the brainchild of Rob Ayling from Gonzo Multimedia and was conceived as a three day event that would revolve around people Rick Wakeman has worked with spanning over 40 years in the music industry and his own band, The English Rock Ensemble. The festival will run  Friday, October 30 through Sunday, November 1.

The event will be held at the legendary Boston Gliderdrome in Lincolnshire. The venue started life as a roller skating rink, but began to attract musical acts in the 1950's. The venue's golden age came after it was rebuilt in 1964 following a fire. The rink remained but the Starlight Rooms opened and the biggest names in pop headed to the east of England, which includes Yes, The Kinks, Small Faces, Elton John, T.Rex and Jimi Hendrix to name a few.

"I wanted to create a festival I would want to go to myself. We have chosen as the venue for this three-day event, the Boston Gliderdrome in Lincolnshire because of its amazing history," Wakeman said. "I remember playing there many times over the years, especially with Yes. We are also hoping to organizing various hotel deals for people to book into as well. It all starts on the Friday with a full day Saturday and a very special charity day on the Sunday which finishes around 5:00 pm so everybody can head off home.”

As of June 1st, WAKEmanFEST is lining up like this...

Friday October 30th
Registration from 2:00pm
Video room open showing RW and related DVDs.
5:30pm – 6:00pm - Q&A with Cadbury Sisters
6:30pm – 7:00pm - Q&A with The 3 (or possibly 4) Wakeman’s.

Evening performance:
7:30 – 8:15pm - The Cadbury Sisters.
9:00 – 11:00pm - Wakeman Cubed.

Saturday October 31st
Video room running all day
VIP room open all day
2:00pm – 3:00pm - Q&A with cast of Sir Henry of Rawlinson's End.
4.30pm – 5:00pm - Q&A with Rick & The English Rock Ensemble
5.30pm – 6.00pm - Q&A with The Electric Strawbs.

Evening performance:
6:30pm – 7:30pm - Sir Henry of Rawlinson's End.(Rick Wakeman guesting)
8:00pm – 9:00pm - Strawbs (with Rick Wakeman guesting at end)
10:00pm – 11:30pm - English Rock Ensemble

Sunday November 1st
11:30am – Reception before buffet lunch
Midday – 2:00pm - lunch and table magic
During lunch - Three games people for people to play with all proceeds to the Grand Order of Water Rats plus an auction.

Entertainment:
2:00pm – 2:30pm - The Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra
2:35pm – 3:00pm - Magician !
3:05pm – 3:45pm - Kevin Orkian
4:00pm – 5:00pm - Rick Wakeman & The English Rock Ensemble - Chrissie Hammond also making a guest appearance.

For more information: 

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

John Lennon's Lost 1962 Gibson Acoustic Guitar Featured In 'Beatles Gear - The Ultimate Edition'

A rare guitar find has dominated recent headlines and captured the imagination of Beatles fans all over the world. John Lennon's original 1962 J-160E Gibson acoustic guitar, a significant instrument in the history of the Beatles, had been lost for over 50 years. The guitar has recently been identified and is featured in Andy Babiuk's new book due out this fall, Beatles Gear - The Ultimate Edition, published by Backbeat Books.

Babiuk, the leading authority on equipment used by the Beatles, was contacted earlier this year by John McCaw regarding an old J-160E that he owns. "I get calls and email all the time from people telling me that they think they have an instrument owned by the Beatles and 99% of the time it's nothing," said Babiuk. "But there was something about McCaw's story that was intriguing."

Upon a physical examination of the guitar, Babiuk was able to match the wood grain in the guitar's spruce top to photos of Lennon playing a J-160E guitar with the Beatles in the early 60s. "Wood grain is like a fingerprint, no two are the same, and without a doubt it is a match," he said.

"It's one of the most important of all Lennon's guitars, as he used this J-160E to write some of the Beatles' biggest hits, and played the guitar on countless live performances and on many Beatle recordings," he adds. "It is one of the most historically important guitars to ever come up for auction."

Babiuk reveals details about John Lennon's Gibson J-160E in his new book, Beatles Gear - The Ultimate Edition. Since this is a find of historic proportions, the book's publisher, Backbeat Books, decided to feature the guitar on the cover of the revised and expanded edition of this best-seller.

Beatles Gear -The Ultimate Edition will be available on October 27, 2015. A tome with more than 500 pages, the book will provide new insights about the gear the Fab Four embraced throughout their brief but revolutionary career, from their earliest days as the Quarrymen to the dissolution of the Beatles in 1970. John, Paul, George, and Ringo's moves from cheap early instruments to the pick of 1960s technology are carefully and entertainingly documented in an easy-to-read narrative, fully illustrated with many previously unseen photographs, a cache of rare memorabilia, and a unique collection of specially photographed instruments used by the Beatles.

John McCaw, the current owner, has consigned the historically significant guitar to Julien's Auctions, the world's premier entertainment and music memorabilia auction house, which will offer the Lennon J-160E for sale this November 6th and 7th at their annual Icons & Idols: Rock "n" Roll auction in their Beverly Hills Gallery. In an exclusive special engagement, the guitar will go on display prior to the auction at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas, from June 13-29 for the opening of the GRAMMY Museum® and Fab Four Exhibits Ladies & Gentlemen...The Beatles Exhibition! It will then be displayed at the GRAMMY Museum® in Los Angeles from July 2-September 7, 2015 and at Julien's Auctions Beverly Hills from November 2-6, 2015.

Beatles Gear - The Ultimate Edition is available for pre-order now at beatlesgearultimate.halleonardbooks.com



Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Steven Wilson Partners With Yahoo! For June 13 Livestream

Singer-songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and multiple Grammy-nominee, Steven Wilson, has teamed up with Yahoo! Music for a livestream of his show on Saturday, June 13, live from The Wiltern in Los Angeles.  

Wilson brings his critically acclaimed visual experience to the living rooms of fans across the globe as he just set out on the first leg of his North American tour in support of his current release, his fourth solo release, Hand. Cannot. Erase..

Fans can tune in on June 13th at 8:00pm PT here: https://screen.yahoo.com/live/event/steven-wilson.

The concert can be seen through Yahoo Screen on iOS, Android, mobile web, desktop, and Smart TV platforms including Apple TV, Roku, and Xbox 360.

Best known as founder and front man of British rock act Porcupine Tree, Wilson has produced and collaborated with diverse acts as Opeth, Blackfield, Yes, Roxy Music, and XTC. His prolific engineering work can be heard on his mixes of classic releases from King Crimson, Jethro Tull, and most recently the 5.1 surround sound version of Tears For Fears’ classic Songs From The Big Chair reissue, released in November 2014.

For his current tour, Wilson assembled a virtuoso band that includes Nick Beggs (bass), Adam Holzman (keyboard), Guthrie Govan (guitar), David Kilminster (guitar) and Craig Blundell (drums).

Hand. Cannot. Erase. features Wilson, members of his touring ensemble, Marco Minneman on drums, and vocal accompaniment from Ninet Tayeb.

Remaining dates:

June 09 - Boulder Theater - Boulder, CO
June 11 - Mesa Arts Center - Mesa, AZ    
June 12 - The Grove - Anaheim, CA                  
June 13 - The Wiltern - Los Angeles, CA                      
June 14 - The Warfield - San Francisco, CA            
June 16 - Aladdin Theater - Portland, OR        
June 17 - Neptune Theater - Seattle, WA          
June 20 - Vogue Theatre - Vancouver, Canada
June 22 - Myer Horowitz Theatre - Edmonton, Canada  
June 23 - Theatre Junction Grand (Flanagan Theatre) - Calgary, Canada      
June 26 - The Danforth Music Hall - Toronto, Canada    
June 27 - Montreal Jazz Festival - Montreal, Canada
June 28 - Montreal Jazz Festival - Montreal, Canada
June 29 - Impérial - Quebec City, Canada
Sept 28 - Royal Albert Hall - London, England
Sept 29 - Royal Albert Hall - London, England

For more on StevenWilson, visit his website at www.stevenwilsonhq.com.

Monday, June 8, 2015

Joe Satriani Teams With Robin DiMaggio On Song For Annual Presidential General Assembly

Guitarist Joe Satriani and UN Musical Director Robin DiMaggio have teamed up to compose and produce a new song entitled “Music Without Words” to be unveiled at the June 30th Annual Presidential General Assembly of the UN 69th Session Gala in New York City.  The Assembly and Gala feature world dignitaries as well as the Heads of States from nations across the globe.  Accompanying the song will be a video, compiled by the UN, featuring footage of people the world over.

The song was co-written by the two exclusively for this event and produced by DiMaggio as the UN Musical Director.  On his collaboration with Satriani, DiMaggio stated “Working with Joe has brought a new meaning to music, this masterpiece was a collaboration of elegance and prestige. This unforgettable melody is for all the human beings in sync with enlightenment and peace.”

A meeting between these two iconic musicians first took place when Robin, as musical director for the Arsenio Hall Show, asked Satriani to sit in with his band last fall.  A friendship sparked between the two and discussions of collaborating for the UN, began.  Fast forward to June 30th when the piece will debut at the UN Assembly. "Robin came to me with a beautiful challenge,” Satriani says, “to create a melody that would touch the hearts of six billion people, a call to humanity, a message of love. He sent me an awesome groove to get the ball rolling, I sent him back a melody, and we kept the collaboration going until we were both blown away. I’m thrilled with the final mix and can’t wait for people to hear it.”

The song also features vocals from Ms Monet, a Grammy-award winning vocalist, songwriter and performer who has sung with everyone from Boz Scaggs to Faith Hill, Toto and Queen Latifah.  It was DiMaggio’s decision, to blend the beauty of Ms Monet’s vocals with Satriani's guitar to create such an incredibly moving piece.

Satriani is currently readying his 15th solo album, Shockwave Supernova for release on July 24th. This Friday (June 12), he will appear at "A Benefit for Cliff III” at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. It will feature performances by Satriani, Steve Vai and Animals As Leaders. The show will be emceed by VintageRock.com correspondent Junkman.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Grateful Dead's Last Concerts Will Be Broadcast Live On SiriusXM

SiriusXM announced today that it will broadcast the Grateful Dead’s three-day concert series Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of Greatful Dead live July 3-5 from Chicago’s Soldier Field on its dedicated Grateful Dead Channel.

For Deadheads everywhere unable to score tickets to one of the summer’s most profitable concerts (210,000 tickets sold out within an hour on Feb. 28, and it could “easily generate $250 million in total revenue,” as Billboard reported) , this comes as a welcome alternative.

“As generations of Dead fans eagerly anticipate these historic shows, we are thrilled that our subscribers who were not able to get tickets will still be able to experience this iconic band performing together one last time," said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM.

Produced in collaboration with the band, the dedicated channel’s hosts, David Gans and Gary Lambert, will do a special edition of their weekly talk show “Tales from the Golden Road” before and after the concerts. Grateful Dead archivist David Lemieux will be a special guest.

This reunion series in Chicago will be the last time the Dead, now consisting of Bob Weir, 67; Phil Lesh, 75; Mickey Hart, 71; and Bill Kreutzmann 69, perform together live.  

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Led Zeppelin Reissue Program Concludes With Deluxe Editions Of Presence, In Through The Out Door & Coda

Deluxe Editions of Led Zeppelin's final three studio albums: Presence, In Through The Out Door, and Coda will be released on July 31. The reaction to the first six Led Zeppelin album reissues has been extraordinary, with albums charting in the Top 10 around the globe whilst also garnering five-star reviews and other critical accolades along the way. 

As with the previous deluxe editions, Presence, In Through The Out Door, and Coda have been newly remastered by guitarist and producer Jimmy Page and are accompanied by companion audio comprised of previously unreleased music related to the original release selected and compiled by Page.

Presence, In Through The Out Door, and Coda will each be available in the following formats:

• Single CD - Remastered original album. Presence and Coda will be packaged in a
  gatefold card wallet. All CD and LP versions of In Through The Out Door will be
  wrapped in a brown paper page replicating its initial release.
• Deluxe Edition (2CD and 3CD) - Remastered album, plus a second disc of unreleased
  companion audio. Coda will feature two companion audio discs.
• Single LP - Remastered album on 180-gram vinyl, packaged in a sleeve that replicates
   the LP's first pressing in exacting detail. All vinyl versions of In Through The Out Door
   will also include the water-sensitive insert that replicates the inner sleeve from the
   album's initial release.
• Deluxe Edition Vinyl - Remastered album and unreleased companion audio on
   180-gram vinyl. Coda will feature two companion LPs.
• Digital Download - Remastered album and companion audio will both be available.
• Super Deluxe Boxed Set - This collection includes:  
   o Remastered album on CD in vinyl replica sleeve.
   o Companion audio on CD in card wallet.
   o Remastered album on 180-gram vinyl in a sleeve replicating first pressing.
   o Companion audio on 180-gram vinyl.
   o High-def audio download card of all content at 96kHz/24 bit.
   o Hard bound, 72+ page book filled with rare and previously unseen photos and memorabilia.
   o High quality print of the original album cover, the first 30,000 of which will be individually       numbered.

Originally released in 1976, Presence was recorded during a whirlwind 18-day session at Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany. The album, which peaked at #1 in both the U.S. and UK and was certified triple platinum, crackles with energy on Zeppelin classics like "Nobody's Fault But Mine" and  "Achilles Last Stand" and delivers powerful jolts of the group at its visceral best.
 
The companion audio disc that accompanies Presence has five unreleased reference mixes from the sessions, which reveal works in progress. Along with alternate incarnations of "For Your Life" "Achilles Last Stand" and "Royal Orleans," there is also the previously unheard instrumental curiously titled "10 Ribs & All/Carrot Pod Pod (Pod)."

On its release in the summer of 1979, In Through The Out Door topped the U.S. and UK album charts and has since been certified six-times platinum. Sadly, it would be the last album that Led Zeppelin recorded prior to drummer John Bonham's passing the following year. Among the seven album tracks are "Fool In The Rain" and "All My Love," two songs that remain rock radio staples to this day.  

The album's companion audio disc features an unreleased rough mix of every track from the original album, including early versions with working titles such as "The Hook" ("All My Love"),  "The Epic" ("Carouselambra"), and "Blot" ("I'm Gonna Crawl").

The appropriately titled Coda was Led Zeppelin's final album of studio recordings. Released in 1982, it was comprised of eight unreleased tracks recorded between 1970 and 1978. It peaked at #6 on the album charts and has been certified platinum in the U.S.  

The reissue campaign ends with a double-barrel blast of Led. Coda will be the only Led Zeppelin deluxe edition to include two companion discs, featuring 15 tracks recorded between 1968 and 1974. The oldest song in the collection is also perhaps the most interesting. The frenetic blues jam "Sugar Mama" was recorded in 1968 at Olympic Studios during sessions for the band's eponymous debut. The song was completed but never officially released until now. "Baby Come On Home" from the same session is also included in the set. Also included is the previously unreleased "St. Tristan's Sword," a rollicking instrumental recorded during the Led Zeppelin III sessions in 1970.

In 1972, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page took a fabled trip to India to perform with the Bombay Orchestra and now, for the first time, recordings from these sessions will be officially released with dynamic takes on "Friends" and "Four Hands" ("Four Sticks" from Led Zeppelin IV). Among the many other highlights featured here is an early version of "When The Levee Breaks" from 1970 titled "If It Keeps On Raining"; rough mixes of "The Wanton Song" and "In The Light," from the Physical Graffiti sessions at Headley Grange, the latter a different alternate version than the one included in the Physical Graffiti Deluxe Edition; and an instrumental mix of "Poor Tom" from 1970.

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 Page, Plant, and Jones, and 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.

Presence
Track Listing
1. "Achilles Last Stand"
2. "For Your Life"
3. "Royal Orleans"
4. "Nobody's Fault But Mine"
5. "Candy Store Rock"
6. "Hots On For Nowhere"
7. "Tea For One"
Companion Audio
1. "Two Ones Are Won"  (Achilles Last Stand - Reference Mix)
2. "For Your Life"  (Reference Mix)
3. "10 Ribs & All/Carrot Pod Pod (Pod)" (Reference Mix)
4. "Royal Orleans" (Reference Mix)
5. "Hots On For Nowhere" (Reference Mix)

In Through The Out Door
Track Listing
1. "In The Evening"
2. "South Bound Saurez"
3. "Fool In The Rain"
4. "Hot Dog"
5. "Carouselambra"
6. "All My Love"
7. "I'm Gonna Crawl"

Companion Audio
1. "In The Evening" (Rough Mix)
2. "Southbound Piano" (South Bound Saurez - Rough Mix)
3. "Fool In The Rain" (Rough Mix)
4. "Hot Dog" (Rough Mix)
5. "The Epic" (Carouselambra - Rough Mix)
6. "The Hook" (All My Love - Rough Mix)
7. "Blot"  (I'm Gonna Crawl - Rough Mix)

Coda
Track Listing
1. "We're Gonna Groove"
2. "Poor Tom"
3. "I Can't Quit You Baby"
4. "Walter's Walk"
5. "Ozone Baby"
6. "Darlene"
7. "Bonzo's Montreux"
8. "Wearing And Tearing" Companion Audio
Disc One
1. "We're Gonna Groove"  (Alternate Mix)
2. "If It Keeps On Raining" (When The Levee Breaks - Rough Mix)    
3. "Bonzo's Montreux" (Mix Construction In Progress)
4. "Baby Come On Home"
5. "Sugar Mama" ( Mix)
6. "Poor Tom" (Instrumental Mix)
7. "Travelling Riverside Blues" (BBC Session)
8. "Hey, Hey, What Can I Do"
Disc Two
1. "Four Hands" (Four Sticks - Bombay Orchestra)
2. "Friends" (Bombay Orchestra)
3. "St. Tristan's Sword" (Rough Mix)
4. "Desire" (The Wanton Song - Rough Mix)
5. "Bring It On Home" (Rough Mix)
6. "Walter's Walk" (Rough Mix)
7. "Everybody Makes It Through" (In The Light - Rough Mix)

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Hippiefest Tour 2015 To Bring 'Hot Fun In The Summertime!'

The popular Hippiefest tour returns this summer to celebrate an incredible era in music and American culture. To say that it will be "hot fun in the summer time" and a "family affair" would be an understatement as the Family Stone will headline this year's 10-year anniversary Hippiefest tour that will also include Rick Derringer, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels and Badfinger featuring Joey Molland.

Beginning in early July, Hippiefest returns for its seventh tour in ten years on a psychedelic journey that will likely encompass twenty dates spanning the United States throughout the beginning of October.

The Family Stone, featuring original founding members Jerry Martini, Cynthia Robinson and Greg Errico, will be performing the music of Sly & The Family Stone including such classics as "I Wanna Take You Higher," "Everyday People," "Hot Fun in the Summertime," "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)," "Family Affair," "Everybody is a Star," "Stand!" and "Dance to the Music." The group recently welcomed Phunne Stone, daughter of Sly Stone and Cynthia Robinson, as their new female vocalist leading them into their 50th Anniversary in 2016. The band initially hit the scene in 1966 and was the first major American rock band to have an "integrated, multi-gender" lineup. In 1993, Sly & The Family Stone were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, who would eventually cite two of their songs, "Dance to the Music" and "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again)," among The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. In 2001, they were awarded the R&B Foundation Pioneer Award and, in 2004, Rolling Stone ranked them 43rd on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All-Time. In 2006, Sly & The Family Stone would make a memorable appearance at the Grammy Awards. Joining Cynthia, Jerry, Greg and Phunne is the powerful lead vocalist, Alex Davis, Musical Director and bassist Blaise Sison and lead guitarist Nate Wingfield.

It's doubtful that anyone will be sitting down when Rick Derringer breaks into his well-known rock anthem, "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo." Forty plus years after its release, the song continues to be a staple on classic rock radio and was featured in several movies including The Spirit of '76, Rush, Stag, What A Girl Wants and the cult classic, Dazed and Confused. It's a little known fact that years before his success as a solo artist, Rick had a band at the age of 17 called The McCoys that had a #1 hit in 1965 called, "Hang on Sloopy." The song would eventually be knocked out of the top spot by The Beatles' "Yesterday." A year after its release, The McCoys would find themselves as the openers for the entire Rolling Stones American tour. Although "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" was written and recorded a few years earlier with friend Johnny Winter, it would be Rick's solo version in 1973 that would propel him into the stratosphere of rock. In 1977, he would appear on the last Led Zeppelin North American Tour. In the years to follow, Derringer would perform with such artists as Alice Cooper ("Under My Wheels"), Steely Dan ("Show Biz Kids" and "Chained Lightning"), Todd Rundgren, Richie Havens, Edgar Winter, Johnny Winter and Weird Al Yankovic among others. In 2011, Rick toured as a part of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band just prior to embarking on that year's Hippiefest tour. In recent years, Derringer has performed on the popular Rock'n'Blues Fest tour that has included Edgar and Johnny Winter.  

The hits began for Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels at the tail end of '65, with the release of their first hit single, "Jenny Take a Ride!". In 1966, they recorded and began to perform a medley featuring Little Richard's "Jenny Jenny" and Chuck Willis' classic R&B song, "C.C. Rider." The song would quickly enter the Top Ten charts, setting the stage for what was to come that year. Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels would follow up their initial hit with two more in '66 including a rendition of the Righteous Brothers' "Little Latin Lupe Lu" and the song that would, ultimately, be their biggest hit, "Devil With A Blue Dress On/Good Golly Miss Molly." A year later, in typical Detroit fashion, Ryder and the band kept their pedal to the metal and delivered another Top Ten song called "Sock It To Me-Baby!" Shortly after his success with The Detroit Wheels, Mitch Ryder would experience a Top 40 hit as a solo artist with "What Now My Love." At the end of 1979, Bruce Springsteen would pay tribute to the band by performing the "Detroit Medley," a selection of the band's greatest hits including "Devil With A Blue Dress On/Good Golly Miss Molly," "Jenny Take A Ride!" and "C.C. Rider" for the triple live No Nukes album. In 1983, Mitch released an album titled, Never Kick A Sleeping Dog, produced by John Cougar Mellencamp that thrust him back into the spotlight with the Prince-penned song, "When You Were Mine." Ryder has recorded over two dozen albums in his illustrious career and continues to tour all over the world. Known for his incredible live show, Mitch Ryder is coming at you with all his hits in a night to remember.

If you're aware of such classic rock songs as "Come and Get It," "No Matter What," "Day After Day" and "Baby Blue," then you'll thoroughly enjoy the Hippiefest performance of  Badfinger featuring Joey Molland. A veteran of Hippiefests past, Molland returns with the music he helped make famous. At the end of 1969, Molland auditioned for a band called The Iveys that would soon be renamed Badfinger. As they say, the rest is history. From 1970 to 1972, the band would experience four consecutive worldwide hits. Molland departed in 1974, quickly forming another band called Natural Gas that would go on to tour with Yes and Peter Frampton. In the years to follow, Molland would perform with various incarnations of Badfinger in addition to putting out a few solo projects. Due to its use in the finale of the hugely popular TV show, Breaking Bad, "Baby Blue" has had a recent resurgence of sorts, being introduced to a whole new audience and generation. On March 31 of this year, a song Molland wrote years ago titled, "Sweet Tuesday Morning," was released on iTunes to benefit WhyHunger, a grassroots support organization started by the late, great Harry Chapin. Recorded by Mary Ramsey (10,000 Maniacs) and a new songstress by the name of Savannah, the song features Joey on guitar and harmony vocals.

Here's the schedule for the Hippiefest Tour 2015:  

July 9 - Fox Tucson Theatre in Tucson, Arizona
July 10 - Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa in Ferndale, Washington
July 11 - Crossroads KC at Grinders in Kansas City, Missouri (The Family Stone, Rick Derringer, Badfinger featuring Joey Molland and Peter Rivera)
July 12 - Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in San Antonio, Texas
July 25 - Tioga Downs Casino & Racetrack Grandstand in Nichols, New York (Felix Cavaliere's Rascals, Lovin' Spoonful, Rick Derringer and Badfinger featuring Joey Molland)

August 8 - Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel in Morton, Minnesota (The Family Stone, Rick Derringer and Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels)    
August 13 - The Florida Theatre in Jacksonville, Florida
August 14 - Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
August 15 - Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida
August 16 - The Plaza Live Theatre in Orlando, Florida
August 20 - South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset, Massachusetts
August 21 - Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis, Massachusetts
August 22 - NYCB Theatre at Westbury in Westbury, New York
August 23 - Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, New Jersey

October 2 - Tarrytown Music Hall in Tarrytown, New York
October 3 - Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois
October 4 - Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, Illinois
October 6 - Norfolk County Fair in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada (Rick Derringer, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels and Badfinger featuring Joey Molland)          

*Additional dates likely to be announced.

Individual artist websites are as follows:
www.thefamilystonemusic.com
www.rickderringer.com
www.mitchryder.net
www.badfingersite.com

Monday, June 1, 2015

Robert Plant Has 'Whole Lotta Love' For Napa

Robert Plant brought old school rock to the Bottle Rock Napa Valley Music Festival at Napa Valley Expo on Saturday (May 30) night. 

"It's good to be here," he told the crowd. His hour and a half of music brought just the right amount of Led Zeppelin nostalgia to wine country, while allowing his newer work to shine.

Dressed in a shiny silver shirt and black pants, the former Zeppelin frontman began his set as the temperature cooled way down in Napa Valley.

"We'll be playing some new songs and some songs from yesterday," Plant promised.

The singer performed many new tracks including "Turn It Up," "Rainbow" and "Little Maggie," mixing in classics like "Black Dog," and "Going to California." And although his "Black Dog" was a barely recognizable arrangement, by the time he sang "Whole Lotta Love" and ended with "Rock and Roll," the rocker reminded everyone of his legendary status.

The third annual, three-day BottleRock Napa Valley Music Festival, which ran from May 29 - 31, featured an eclectic lineup with Friday's show headlined by Imagine Dragons, Plant at the top slot on Saturday, and No Doubt closing out the festival on Sunday.

Just moments after the final notes sounded on the 2015 festival, BottleRock Napa Valley announced the dates for next year's fandango: May 27-29, 2016. And, yes, that is Memorial Day Weekend.

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...