Monday, July 31, 2017

Star-Studded Ultimate Jam Night To Pay Tribute To Adrenaline Mob's David Z

This Tuesday (August 1), Ultimate Jam Night, the weekly revue held at the world-famous Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, will present a special tribute to Adrenaline Mob bassist David Z. Doors open at 8:00 and, as always, the show is free. 

A number of special guests, including Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider, Sebastian Bach (formerly of Skid Row), Jeff Scott Soto (Yngwie Malmsteen), Dug Pinnik (King's X), Bruce Kulick (KISS, Grand Funk Railroad), Joe Retta (Heaven & Earth), Mark Wood (Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray), Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot), Richie Kotzen (Winery Dogs), Mike Portnoy (Winery Dogs, Flying Colors), Rikki Rockett (Poison), and many more, are expected to perform.

The Ultimate Jam Night house band featuring Quiet Riot bassist and UJN founder Chuck Wright, drummer Matt Starr (Mr. Big, Ace Frehley), guitarist Mitch Perry (Edgar Winter, MSG) and keyboardist Walter Ino (Survivor) will be on hand to support the musicians. Paulie Z, the brother of David Z, will host the night.

David Zablidowsky, aka David Z, was the bassist for both Adrenaline Mob and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He was tragically killed on July 14 when a tractor-trailer struck Adrenaline Mob’s RV, en route to a gig at the State Theater in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Ultimate Jam Night will celebrate the bassist's life and career. Although the event is free, organizers will be asking for donations for the Official David Z Scholarship Fund to benefit the music school at Brooklyn College. To make a donation, go to http://davidzfund.com.

A full house is expected, so fans should get to the Whisky early. For those who can't make it to the Sunset Strip, the entire night will be broadcast on www.zinna. tv.

Friday, July 28, 2017

Gentle Giant Compilation Coming To Vinyl, CD & Blu-ray

Three Piece Suite, a unique compilation from 70s progressive rock pioneers Gentle Giant, is coming on September 29. The set comprises a specially curated selection of songs and compositions from the band’s first three albums (Giant, Acquiring the Taste, Three Friends) presented in both 5.1 surround sound and stereo. 

There are nine tracks from the albums, plus a pre-debut song, remixed by Steven Wilson. The choices were determined by the limited availability of multi-track master tapes from the era. Only a few songs from each album are known to exist as multi-tracks, with the rest presumably lost.

Three Piece Suite is available in the following formats:

*A two-disc digipak containing 96/24 animated Blu-ray plus CD.
*A single disc digipak CD.
*A two-disc gatefold LP in180g high-end vinyl.
*A digital download of the two disc Blu-Ray plus CD version.

“Giant,” “Nothing At All,” and “Why Not” are from the band's self-titled debut. “Pantagruel’s Nativity,” “The House, The Street, The Room” comes from Acquiring The Taste, while “Schooldays,” “Peel the Paint,” “Mr. Class And Quality,” and “Three Friends” from Three Friends complete the selections of original recorded material.

Also included is a previously unreleased song called “Freedom’s Child” from the band's first recording sessions with legendary producer Tony Visconti.

“I was a very optimistic young man in 1970," Visconti recalls. "I thought music like theirs would save the world from mediocrity. I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth in it. I championed their cause by becoming sympathetic to the point where I temporarily joined the band for both albums. I modified their arrangements and pulled off some stunning audio effects that gave their sound more depth and immediacy. The band knew I was on their side. I remember there being a great feeling of camaraderie during the sessions.”

Wilson explains the process of restoring the recordings. "“To create the new mixes, I used Logic as the software and Universal Audio plug-ins, which provide emulations of classic analog outboard effects, channel strips and old mixing desks…I used these tools to clean things up and bring out some more clarity, detail and definition in some of the instrumental interplay. There was never a question of trying to outdo the original mixes, but offer different perspectives on them.”

For fans of Gentle Giant, great musicianship and progressive rock, Three Piece Suite is a must have and an incredible insight into the earliest days of one of prog's most inventive and influential bands.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/gentlegiantband.

Thursday, July 27, 2017

ELO's 'Out Of The Blue' Celebrates 40 Years With Picture Disc Edition

Out Of The Blue, Electric Light Orchestra's seventh studio album, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, will release the first-time-ever picture disc edition of the ELO classic, remastered from the original master tapes, on Friday, September 29. A digital download of the album is included.

Released in October 1977, the double album was a conceptual brainchild of Jeff Lynne, who wrote and produced the entire record. Ir was the first ELO release to feature the group's logo as a three-dimensional flying saucer/space station, a visual motif central to the band's live shows. It peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200 and has gone on to sell upwards of 10 million copies worldwide. Out Of The Blue is the first double album in UK chart history to spawn four Top 20 singles.

"Forty years on, I would never have imagined that this music would take on a life of its own," says Lynne.

Formed in Birmingham, England in 1970, ELO was designed to create progressive modern pop music combining classical and rock elements. Lynne has consistently been ELO's guiding light and driving force, writing virtually all of the group's original material while producing the albums.

From 1972 through 1986, the golden era of recording and touring, ELO racked up more combined UK and US Top 40 hits than any other band on the planet while selling more than 50 million records worldwide. During the same period, ELO scored twenty Top 20s on the UK Singles Chart and fifteen Top 20s on the US Billboard Hot 100.

More recently, recording and touring as Jeff Lynne's ELO, saw the 2015 release of the critically acclaimed album Alone In The Universe on Columbia Records, the first album of all-new music released by the band in over a decade. ELO was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on April 7, 2017.

The Out Of The Blue picture disc edition is available for pre-order now at
https://LegacyRecordings.lnk.to/Outoftheblue/lang/us.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Stick Men Featuring King Crimson Members To Tour North America In Support Of 2016 Studio Album & Forthcoming Double Live Album

In support of their their 2016 studio album Prog Noir and forthcoming digital-only live album “Roppongi - Live in Tokyo 2017, Featuring Mel Collins,” Stick Men, featuring Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto of King Crimson and Markus Reuter, will tour North America starting in August.

“Stick Men are happy to continue their Prog Noir tour with U.S. and Canada dates in August and September," Levin says."And the band has a new release, Rapongi - Live in Tokyo 2017, accompanied by the great King Crimson sax and flutist Mel Collins. The unique sounding band is at the peak of their abilities, helping define progressive rock.”

Mastelotto adds, “Here we come! It's the back in the van tour as our Stick Men power trio heads up the East Coast all the way into Canada and then back to touch the northern Midwest.”

To purchase Stick Men's new live “double” download album Roppongi - Live in Tokyo 2017, Featuring Mel Collins: 
http://www.iapetus-media.com/stick-men-roppongi (European store)
https://stickmen-moonjune.bandcamp.com/music (USA store)

Stick Men is a progressive rock band created by musicians with extensive experience playing together. Mastelotto and Levin are the rhythm section of the legendary band King Crimson. Mastelotto is in demand all over the world as the premier drummer for progressive rock. Levin plays in Crimson, with Peter Gabriel, and has recorded with John Lennon, David Bowie, Pink Floyd and others. Markus Reuter is a renowned composer and guitarist who designed and plays his own unique touch style guitar.

Before Roppongi - Live in Tokyo 2017, Featuring Mel Collins, Stick Men have released five studio CDs (Soup, Absalom, DEEP, Open, Prog Noir) as well as two live albums.

Stick Men “Prog Noir” Chapter 4 North American Tour Dates:

Sat, Aug 12 - Schenectady, NY (The Van Dyke)
Sun, Aug 13 - Asbury Park, NJ (The Saint)
Tue, Aug 15 - New Hope, PA (Havana)
Wed, Aug 16 - Newton, NJ (Newton Theater)
Thu, Aug 17 - New York, NY (The Iridium)
Fri, Aug 18 - Pawling, NY (Daryl's House)
Sat, Aug 19 - Natick, MA (Natick Center For Arts)
Sun, Aug 20 - Portland, ME (One Longfellow Square)
Tue, Aug 22 - Northampton, MA (The Iron Horse)
Wed, Aug 23 - Burlington, VT (Higher Ground)
Thu, Aug 24 - Montreal QC, Canada (Cafe Campus)
Fri, Aug 25 - Quebec City, QC, Canada (Auditorium du Cégep Garneau)
Sat, Aug 26 - Ottawa, ON, Canada (The Rainbow)
Sun, Aug 27 - Toronto, ON, Canada (The Garrison)
Tue, Aug 29 - Buffalo, NY (The Waiting Room)
Wed, Aug 30 - Cleveland, OH (The Beachland Ballroom)
Thu, Aug 31 -  Indianapolis, IN (Irving Theater)
Fri, Sep 1 - Chicago, IL (Reggie's)
Sat, Sep 2 - Milwaukee, WI (Shank Hall)
Sun, Sep 3 - Auburn Hills, Detroit, MI (Callahan's)

The Stick Men are releasing a free digital download companion album to the limited edition promotional CD KOLLEKTED (Blue), which is currently available exclusively at King Crimson concerts.

For this download version we've assembled some other favorites under the name KONNEKTED (Red), and included are also some rather odd tracks from the catalog. Enter “0” (zero) to download for free.

Direct links for this album are:
https://stickmen.bandcamp.com/album/konnekted-free-download (European store)
https://stickmen-moonjune.bandcamp.com/album/konnekted-free-download (USA store)

To purchase Stick Men's “Prog Noir”:
https://stickmen.bandcamp.com/album/prog-noir (European store)
https://stickmen-moonjune.bandcamp.com/album/prog-noir (USA store)

Official website:
http://www.stick-men.net
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/stickmenofficial

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Hall & Oates, Tears For Fears Postpone California Shows Due To Family Emergency

Hall & Oates and Tears for Fears have postponed several of their tour dates due to a Tears for Fears family emergency.

On Twitter, the SAP Center in San Jose, California, announced that tonight's (July 25) show would be postponed. Concerts scheduled for Friday (July 28) and Saturday (July 29) at Staples Center in Los Angeles are also on hold. And Tears for Fears will not be performing a headline show in Santa Barbara tomorrow night (July 26).

At this time, there are no further details regarding the family emergency. Tickets will be honored for the rescheduled dates.

Monday, July 24, 2017

Roadcase Royale Featuring Heart's Nancy Wilson Sign With Loud & Proud Records

Heart's Nancy Wilson and former Prince’s New Power Generation's Liv Warfield's soulful, rock super group Roadcase Royale has signed with Loud & Proud Records and plan to release their debut album, First Things First, September 22, 2017. The album was produced by Roadcase Royale bassist Dan Rothchild, along with the band.

"Nancy and Liv are magic together, and the musicianship is outstanding," said Tom Lipsky, President Loud & Proud Records. "The interesting blend of talents and influences is what makes Roadcase Royale special. Most importantly, there is a fire within this group to do something original, to feed off each other and explore new creative directions. It is exciting to see that kind of passion and drive in artists that have already accomplished so much. We are proud to be their label partners."

"Roadcase Royale is a band I've always wanted to be in," says Wilson. "We all write and create songs as a unit. It's an inspired democracy. Liv and Ryan both bring a whole new level of magic to our new sound. I'm amazed after devoting my life to rock music how it now feels so brand new. That's why our first album is called First Things First."

In a concert review from May 31, VintageRock.com says, "Wilson and Warfield have created a refreshingly original new group that has the ability to bring a little something for everyone to the table."

The name of the band, Roadcase Royale came to the group during a backstage meeting they had last year. Wilson said, "When I came up with the name Roadcase Royale it was an interesting symbol to me since the big heavy-duty road cases that our amps drums and guitars travel in are much like the musicians they accompany on the road. Strong and regal looking yet all scuffed up and dented, covered in funny stickers that tell the story of a crazy traveling circus."

In addition to Wilson (guitar) and Warfield (vocals), Roadcase Royale features Ryan Waters (lead guitarist) along with Heart members Chris Joyner (keys), Dan Rothchild (bass), and Ben Smith (drums).

The sextet made their live debut March 25, 2017 at the 5th Annual Rock Against MS Benefit Concert in Los Angeles.

The band will play several headline dates beginning September 10, 2017 at The Gramercy Theatre in New York and will embark on a major U.S. tour this fall, opening for Bob Seger.

Friday, July 21, 2017

Foreigner Reunites Four Original Members On Stage For First Time Since 1980

Four of the five surviving original members of Foreigner reunited for a three-song encore during the band's concert last night (Thursday, July 20) at the Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre in Wantagh, New York.

Singer Lou Gramm, keyboardist Al Greenwood and multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald joined Mick Jones to perform "Long, Long Way From Home," "I Want To Know What Love Is," and "Hot Blooded". This marked the first time Jones, Gramm, Greenwood and McDonald had all shared a stage together since 1980.

"It was great to have Lou, Al and Ian join us on stage last night, and certainly brought back some special memories, " Mick Jones, Foreigner's leader and sole original member still with the band, said. "All the original guys are out there playing live shows and working on studio projects. A performance by the entire original band for a Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction next year would be a great way to cap off our 40th anniversary celebrations." Check out a clip from last night's below.

J


Thursday, July 20, 2017

Rare Rolling Stones Photos Up For Auction

Barnebys.com, an online search service for arts, antiques and collectibles, is bringing rare photography of the Rolling Stones to art collectors and music lovers alike.

Images by celebrity photographer Terry O'Neill of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the rest of the band members, on stage and at play, are now available through Barnebys.com for less than $100.

"While there are many rare items that have sold for extraordinary prices, there are also less expensive ways to own a piece of celebrity," said Pontus Silfverstolpe, auction expert and co-founder of Barnebys.com. "In a world fascinated by fame, memorabilia from popular musical artists is now highly sought after."

With major auctions of rock and pop music collectibles hosted by London and New York auction houses, these photos, along with signed guitars, programs, rare albums and autographs from the Rolling Stones and other artists, will be available through Barnebys.com beginning today and running through July 28th.

Among the Rolling Stones items currently available for auction:

  • "I Can't Get No Satisfaction" original RIAA white matte gold 45 record award.  Estimate: $7,000 - $9,000
  • Signed "Bridges to Babylon" Album. Estimate: $3,000 - $4,000
  • Original Vintage Concert Tour Pins.  Estimate: $300 - $500
  • 8 x 10 black and white original photograph.  Estimate: $75 - $125

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Guns N' Roses May Be Planning 'Appetite For Destruction' 30th Anniversary Show In NYC

Appetite For Destruction, Guns N’ Roses' classic debut album turns 30 on Friday (July 21), and the band appear to be teasing a special anniversary show or shows.

On Twitter, a fan shared GnR posters featuring the “Appetite30th” hashtag that appear in and around New York City’s Apollo Theater, suggesting the band could be preparing to play there to mark the album’s birthday.

In 2016, the group reunited with original members Slash and Duff McKagan for the first time in two decades. Guitarist Matt Fortus, who has been a member of the band since 2002, has recently spoken about plans for a new album.

“We haven’t started recording anything," he said. "When I say that, as far as in the studio doing an album. We’ve been recording a lot of stuff, just ideas, assembling ideas, but not going into a studio and actually tracking a new record.”

He added: “It’s sort of too good not to happen at this point, that’s how I feel about it. This band is really a force right now, and I definitely hope that we do, and I think we’re all sort of counting on it, and we’re also planning on it.”

The guitarist went on to praise frontman Axl Rose’s songwriting skills, saying: “I think the genius of Axl is his ability to assemble songs, from different parts, and make them feel cohesive as a song. I’ve never seen anybody able to do that in the same way.”

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

New David Bowie Box Set Covers 1977 To 1982

Parlophone Records has announced the third in a series of David Bowie box sets called David Bowie: A New Career In A New Town (1977-1982). The follow-up to the award-winning and critically acclaimed David Bowie: Five Years (1969 - 1973) and David Bowie: Who Can I Be Now? (1974 - 1976) will be released on September 29. A brand new remix of the 1979 album Lodger by longtime Bowie producer/collaborator Tony Visconti will be included. 

The 11-CD box, 13-piece vinyl set and the Mastered For iTunes and standard digital download sets feature all of the material officially released by Bowie between 1977 and 1982. It includes the so-called "Berlin Trilogy" of albums on which he collaborated with Visconti and Brian Eno as well as the Baal E.P., appearing here for the very first time in its entirety on CD, and is closed by Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps).

The box set also includes Low, "Heroes," Stage (Original and 2017 Versions), the former in the vinyl box will be pressed on yellow vinyl (replicating its original limited edition U.K. release and the latter of which features two previously unreleased tracks), Lodger (Tony Visconti 2017 Mix), Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps), Re:Call 3 (featuring contemporary single versions, non-album singles, b-sides and songs featured on soundtracks) and the "Heroes" E.P., a compilation exclusive to the set celebrating the 40th anniversary of the song, which rounds up the German and French album and single versions of the track in one place for the first time.

The Lodger remix was started with David's blessing before his passing in January 2016. Tony Visconti has revisited the original multi-tracks at Human Studios and remixed the album with the benefit of modern technology to better highlight the album's nuances. Always a personal favorite of Bowie's, this version of the album will also feature newly "remixed" artwork featuring unseen images from the original cover photographic session from the archive of the Estate of photographer Duffy, working closely with his son Chris.

Also exclusive to each box is Re:Call 3, a new compilation featuring remastered contemporary single versions, non-album singles and b-sides, and songs featured on soundtracks. The cover features a photo by Christian Simonpietri taken at Hansa Studios in Berlin during the "Heroes" sessions in 1977. The Baal E.P. in its entirety is making its CD debut while "Beauty And The Beast" (extended version) and "Breaking Glass" (Australian single version) are making their debuts on CD and digitally.

"Beauty And The Beast" (extended version) is available now as digital download upon pre-order of the boxed set. This version of the "Heroes" album track is making its digital and CD debut having previously only been available on a rare US promo 12" and as a limited 12" release in Spain.

The physical boxed set's accompanying book, 128 pages in the CD box and 84 in the vinyl set, will feature rarely seen and previously unpublished photos by photographers including Anton Corbijn, Helmut Newton, Andrew Kent, Steve Schapiro, Duffy, and many others as well as historical press reviews and technical notes about the albums from producer Tony Visconti.

The CD box set will include faithfully reproduced mini-vinyl versions of the original albums, and the CDs will be gold colored rather than the usual silver. The vinyl boxed set has the same content as the CD set and is pressed on audiophile quality 180g vinyl.


Monday, July 17, 2017

Yes Announce More Dates For 2017 Summer Tour

2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Yes has revealed additional tour dates for this summer's YESTIVAL outing with special guest Todd Rundgren and an opening set from Carl Palmer's ELP Legacy honoring the magic of Keith Emerson and Greg Lake, as well as a few special "Evening With Yes" shows.

New additions to the 30-date tour include San Diego, Reno, San Francisco, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Cedar Rapids and Boston, among other cities. Kicking off August 4 in Greensboro, NC, YESTIVAL will travel throughout the U.S. and Canada until September 19, with stops in Brooklyn August 11 at the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk and Los Angeles August 29 at the Microsoft Theater. Tickets for all YESTIVAL dates are currently on sale, except for the new September 1, 17, 18 and 19 shows, which go on sale to the public this Friday, July 21. See below for full list of YESTIVAL tour dates and go to www.yesworld.com for all ticketing information.

This summer's annual trek will feature a set list of greatest hits from all of the band's studio albums up to 1980, showcasing the storied history of one of the world's most influential, ground-breaking, and respected progressive rock bands. YES--Steve Howe (guitar since 1970), Alan White (drums since 1972), Geoff Downes (keyboards; first joined in 1980), Jon Davison (vocals since 2011) and Billy Sherwood (guitar/keyboards in the 1990s and the late Chris Squire's choice to take over bass/vocals in 2015) -- will treat fans to such hits as "Roundabout" and "Starship Trooper," performing at least one song from each of the band's first 10 albums starting with 1969's Yes to 1980's Drama.

"I think the presentation will be an interesting one because we're going to play the songs chronologically," Howe recently revealed to Guitar World (August 2017 issue). "It'll allow our fans to really get a sense of our development and how our music evolved album to album during the course of 12 years. In an hour and a half, you'll get a nice picture of that period." He also added, "We want to play things we enjoy, but maybe they should be songs we haven't done in a while. We'd like to have a few surprises up our sleeves."

The details for YESTIVAL were initially revealed live on SiriusXM April 5 during the "SiriusXM Volume Presents an Artist Confidential with Yes." The exclusive hour-long in-studio event in New York City featured an interview with the band, hosted by David Fricke, and acoustic performances of "Roundabout," "Leaves of Green," and "Clap."

YESTIVAL 2017 Summer Tour Dates:

8/4 - Greensboro, NC - White Oak Amphitheatre at Greensboro Coliseum Complex
8/5 - Boone, NC - Holmes Convocation Center
8/7 - Baltimore, MD - Pier Six Concert Pavilion
8/8 - Upper Darby, PA - Tower Theatre
8/10 - Mashantucket, CT - The Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino
8/11 - Brooklyn, NY - Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk
8/12 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Center
8/14 - Hershey, PA - Hershey Theatre
8/16 - Greensburg, PA - The Palace Theatre
8/17 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
8/19 - Elgin, IL - Festival Park - Grand Victoria Casino
8/20 - Cleveland, OH - Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
8/22 - Oklahoma City, OK - The Zoo Amphitheatre
8/23 - Sugar Land, TX - Smart Financial Centre
8/25 - Phoenix, AZ - Celebrity Theatre
8/26 - Las Vegas, NV - The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
8/28 - San Diego, CA - Balboa Theatre**
8/29 - Los Angeles, CA - Microsoft Theater
8/31 - Reno, NV - Grand Sierra Resort - Grand Theatre*
9/1 - San Francisco, CA - Warfield Theatre*
9/3 - Tulalip, WA - Tulalip Amphitheatre
9/5 - Vancouver, BC - Queen Elizabeth Theatre***
9/7 - Edmonton, AB - Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium***
9/8 - Calgary, AB - Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium***
9/11 - Moorhead, MN - Bluestem Center for the Arts Amphitheatre***
9/12 - Cedar Rapids, IA - McGrath Amphitheatre***
9/14 - London, ON - Budweiser Gardens***
9/17 - Boston, MA - The Wilbur Theatre*
9/18 Huntington, NY - The Paramount*
9/19 Huntington, NY - The Paramount*
 
* Yes only
** with Carl Palmer only
*** with Todd Rundgren only

Friday, July 14, 2017

Mercury Insurance Will Send Fans On Tour With Foreigner

Mercury Insurance,  in partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, is celebrating this summer’s concert season by giving 80s rock fans the chance to win the ultimate live music experience – touring with Foreigner. 

The online “Foreigner Tour Sweepstakes Presented by Mercury Insurance” is the first of three classic rock tour experiences Mercury is awarding this year.

Foreigner fans can enter for a chance to win by visiting Foreigner Tour Sweepstakes and completing the registration form during the promotional period that runs from now through August 17, 2017. The winner of the Foreigner Tour Sweepstakes will be drawn on or about August 19, 2017.
 
“Foreigner is one of the biggest rock bands in history, producing 10 multi-platinum albums and playing hundreds of sold out shows around the world,” said Erik Thompson, Mercury’s head of advertising and public relations. “Going on tour with them is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we’re thrilled to be able to provide this experience to Foreigner fans.”

Foreigner has 16 Top 40 hits, including “Feels Like The First Time,” “Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “Juke Box Hero,” and the worldwide no. 1 hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is.”

The winner will get to select three Foreigner concert stops that include:
• August 27 – The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
• August 29 – Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, Chula Vista, California
• August 30 – Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, California
• September 1 – Toyota Amphitheatre, Wheatland, California
• September 2 – Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, California

Mercury will provide the winner with:
• Roundtrip airfare for two to each city
• Hotel accommodations for one night in each city (double occupancy)
• Two tickets for each show
• A VIP meet-and-greet
• Tour merchandise

As a special bonus, if you visit mercuryinsurance.com/foreigner to get a fast and free auto quote, then purchase a Mercury auto policy by August 17, 2017, you will receive two tickets to a Foreigner concert of your choice in Arizona, California or Nevada, courtesy of your new agent.

All tickets are subject to availability and quantities are limited. Tickets will be given for Foreigner concerts between August 27 and September 2, 2017.

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Def Leppard's Phil Collen Joins Joe Satriani's G4 Camp, Writes Tribute

Soon after Def Leppard’s Phil Collen was invited to join the annual G4 Experience, led by guitar great Joe Satriani, he was moved to write an instrumental in homage to the guitar master.

“I was honored when Joe invited me to join the G4 experience and I decided to write and record an instrumental track called 'Yo 2 Joe' as a tribute to him," Collen explains. "I was further honored when he played on the track with me because he is such an amazing artist.  I wanted the track to reflect the vibe of his influential Surfing with the Alien album. Thirty years later, he continues to wow generations of guitar players and music fans alike.“

The track will be released as a single on July 21 and will be given free to those attending the camp.  Pre-orders for the track at flyt.it/yo2joeiTunes

Also joining Satriani and Collen at this year's G4 Experience: Surfing with the Alien 30th Anniversary are Warren DeMartini [Ratt], and Paul Gilbert. The event takes place on July 24-28 at Asilomar Center in Carmel, CA.

For its fourth installment, the G4 Experience enjoys a game-changing and historic first. The camp will celebrate the writing, recording, and performance of Satriani’s seminal GRAMMY Award-nominated, platinum-selling 1987 epic, Surfing with the Alien — one of the most successful instrumental guitar albums ever made. Recognizing the record’s 30th anniversary, campers will enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pull back the curtain on the album with the visionaries behind the music.

Satriani will be joined by his original live band during the record’s tour cycle, Stu Hamm and Jonathan Mover, return for the first time since 1995 for the evening’s performances.

For more information on G4, visit http://g4experience.com.

Monday, July 10, 2017

Linda Ronstadt's 'Simple Dreams' Gets Expanded for 40th Anniversary

Linda Ronstadt released one of the most successful albums of her groundbreaking career in 1977 with the #1 Grammy®-winning smash Simple Dreams. It was the singer's eighth studio album and would go on to sell more than three million copies in the U.S. alone.

Rhino has revisited the classic 40 years later to create a new version that features remastered audio, plus a trio of live songs taken from a 1980 concert performance. Simple Dreams: Expanded Edition will be released on September 15.

When Simple Dreams. came out in September 1977, it became Ronstadt's fifth consecutive platinum-certified album. A few months after its release, the album would finally end Fleetwood Mac's record-breaking 29-week stay atop the Billboard Album Chart when it replaced Rumours at #1. The success of Simple Dreams spread beyond America, hitting #1 in Australia and Canada, while reaching the Top 20 in the Netherlands, France, New Zealand, and the U.K.

An instant classic, Simple Dreams spawned two massive hits thanks to Ronstadt's cover of Buddy Holly's "It's So Easy," which peaked at #5, and a cover of Roy Orbison's "Blue Bayou" that reached #3 on the Pop Chart and #2 on the Country Chart. In 1978, that platinum-certified single earned Ronstadt Grammy nominations for both Record of the Year and also Best Pop Vocal Performance Female. The album also won the Grammy for Best Recording Package.

Along with major hits, Simple Dreams. also featured several tracks that would emerge as fan favorites, like the singer's take on Warren Zevon's "Poor Poor Pitiful Me" and the Rolling Stones' "Tumbling Dice." Country superstar Dolly Parton joined Ronstadt on the traditional ballad "I Never Will Marry," a Top 10 hit on the Country charts. Almost a decade later, Ronstadt, Parton, and Emmylou Harris would release their first Trio album.

In addition to newly remastered sound, the Expanded Edition of Simple Dreams also includes bonus live recordings of "It's So Easy," "Poor Poor Pitiful Me," and "Blue Bayou." All three are taken from a concert recording that originally aired on HBO in 1980 and are available here for the first time as standalone audio tracks.

Friday, July 7, 2017

Ringo Starr Celebrates His 77th Birthday With New Record, Peace & Love

Story by Shawn Perry
Photos by Erin Perry
On Friday, July 7, 2017, Ringo Starr celebrated his 77th birthday at Capitol Records, the label that helped launched the Beatles in America. Every year since 2008, the drummer has had what he calls “Peace & Love” events on his birthday. It started in Chicago, then New York City, Hamburg, Nashville, and Los Angeles, where it’s been for the last three years.
Before he posed for pictures, talked to the press, cut the cake and had everyone join in for a bit of “Peace & Love,” Starr released a snippet of the title track of his upcoming 19th solo album, Give More Love, online. The record drops September 19, and features lots of the drummer’s friends, including Paul McCartney, Steve Lukather, Joe Walsh, Peter Frampton, Don Was, Edgar Winter and many others over 10 brand new tracks.
If you know anything about Ringo Starr, you know he has no shortage of friends. When it comes to his annual birthday celebration at Capitol’s famed tower in Hollywood, now in its third year at this location, the stars turned out.
Joe Walsh (also Starr’s brother-in-law), Don Was, Edgar Winter, Van Dyke Parks, Nils Lofgren, Richard Page, Matt Sorum, Zak Starkey (Starr’s son), Ed Begley, Jr, Gregg Bissonette, Jenny Lewis, Jim Keltner, Richard Lewis, David Lynch and Chris Carter were all on hand for the birthday celebrations and noontime #PeaceAndLove salute.
Before the main event, Don Was, Jenny Lewis, Van Dyke Parks, Michael Bearden, Haitian singer Emmanuel Jal and South Sudanese rapper Paul Beaubrun came up for smooth takes of Starr’s 1971 hit “It Don’t Come Easy.” They followed with a version of Starr’s 2010 song “Peace Dream,” with a heavy rap from Beaubrun.

Meanwhile, Ringo Starr’s Facebook page posted live videos of #PeaceAndLove celebrations from all over the world. Here in Los Angeles in front of the Capitol Records building. Starr stepped up to the stage, counted down to 12:00, and had his invited guests and the assembled crowd standing on Vine Street to shout out "Peace and Love."

Afterwards, “Peace & Love” wristbands were thrown out to friends and anxious onlookers, alike. If you were lucky, you got a “Peace & Love” cookie. Starr and his friends adjourned to the Capitol Records Tower for more Peace & Love. The oldest member of the Beatles knows the world is a violent place. He was born just before the Germans unleashed a “blitz” of several bombings upon his hometown of Liverpool. Seemingly levelheaded and grateful for his success, Ringo Starr has always conveyed a positive image. As he said to one reporter, “All I can do is my part…to keep saying, ‘Peace and love.’”

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Styx Teams With Oticon To Stream World’s First Live Rock Concert To Hearing Aid Wearers

In a world’s first, Oticon, Inc. has joined forces with chart-topping rock band Styx for a live concert broadcast exclusively for fans wearing the company’s Oticon Opn™ Internet-connected hearing aids. Scheduled as part of the band’s nationwide summer tour, this will be the first time a live performance will be delivered directly to hearing aid wearers, enabling them to stream the heart-pumping sounds of an in-person concert directly to their hearing aids. The partnership will highlight Styx’s continued commitment to high-quality sound as well as Oticon Opn’s life-enhancing open sound experience.
Opn, Oticon’s family of Internet-connected hearing aids, can communicate directly with a full range of connected devices, so wearers can listen to TV; connect with doorbells, smoke detectors, and other smart devices; and even get the weather—all through their hearing aids. And now, hearing aid wearers can add “listen to the live broadcast of a rock concert” to the list.

The award-winning Opn also performs well at in-person events. The small, discreet hearing aid delivers a more natural, clear, and open sound that allows users to more easily participate in conversations in crowded, noisy environments such as restaurants, public venues or even live rock concerts. Now available as a rechargeable solution, Opn miniRITE hearing aids can be charged overnight to provide wearers with all-day power to last through any big event.

In addition to demonstrating the wireless connectivity of the Opn platform, the live broadcast will highlight Styx’s legendary production quality, which it has replicated on its new album, The Mission, released on June 16. Styx produced the album, the band’s first in 14 years, using many of the same analog production and recording technologies that gave the band its distinctive sound on hits such as “Renegade,” “Come Sail Away,” and “Blue Collar Man.”

“We are proud to announce a special alliance with Oticon to present the first live concert to be streamed to fans wearing Oticon Opn hearing aids,” said Tommy Shaw, vocalist and guitarist for Styx. “Hearing loss affects fans of all ages and with Oticon’s new technology, we are looking forward to being a part of this historic event!”

Many fans that grew up listening to Styx are now at the age where hearing loss becomes more prevalent. In fact, one in six baby boomers experience hearing loss, making it difficult for them to enjoy concerts, theater, and other public events. This new active generation of people with hearing loss wants solutions that allow them to stay engaged in all aspects of their lives, and the advanced technology of Oticon Opn enables them to do just that. From making it easier to follow and participate in conversations with multiple speakers to delivering the unmatched sound of a live Styx concert, Opn proves that when treated, hearing loss sufferers can live active, social lives.

“This partnership between Oticon and Styx is a match made in sound quality heaven,” said Sheena Oliver, Vice President, Marketing at Oticon. “The Styx live broadcast is an exciting way to reach Opn wearers who are affected by hearing loss, and also helps to remind people of all ages about the importance of hearing health. Through this event, we will demonstrate how Oticon Opn enables those with hearing loss to rock on and actively participate in all of life’s moments and memories.”
For more information on the entire Oticon Opn family, visit www.Oticon.com/Opn.

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Iron Maiden Unveil New 'Hallowed' Beer Brand

Drink up because Iron Maiden has another new beer to pour. 

The veteran British heavy metal group is throwing its considerable muscle behind Hallowed, a bottled ale which is bound to flow at pubs and parties across the U.K. from October.

British family business Robinsons is brewing the Belgian style beer, which will come in limited edition 330 ml bottles with an image of the iconic mascot Eddie on the label, robed in traditional monk attire (apparently a nod to the Trappist monastic brewing tradition in Belgium).

Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson gave the drink the thumbs-up. “What makes this brew pretty special is that we’re adopting a Belgian yeast for the first time,” he says in a statement. “I’m a big fan of Belgian beers, so I jumped at the chance to brew my own. While I get very excited about experimenting with new formulas and ingredients, the thing about Belgian beer is that it’s as much a way of life as it is a drink. We’ve tried to bottle that philosophy in Hallowed, albeit with a British twist.”

At  6.0% ABV, Hallowed isn’t too heavy. Though true fans will rue the missed opportunity to set its alcohol content at 6.66%.

The new beverage comes off the back of Iron Maiden’s Trooper, which has sold more than 15 million pints since it was first served back in 2013, while the band who gave us "Wasted Years" has also dabbled with limited edition beers Trooper 666 and Red ‘N’ Black.

Fans eager to sample the new drop will need to get in quick. It’ll be sold for just four months, with details to be announced in due course at the social media accounts for Iron Maiden Beer and Robinsons Brewery.

Iron Maiden is on the final, U.S. leg of their world tour in support of The Book of Souls, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.

Monday, July 3, 2017

Greg Lake's Autobiography 'Lucky Man' Now Available In The UK

Greg Lake first won acclaim as lead vocalist, bass guitarist and producer when, together with Robert Fripp, he formed King Crimson. Their first album, the landmark In the Court of the Crimson King, co-produced by Lake, featured the iconic song “21st Century Schizoid Man.” King Crimson pioneered progressive rock and paved the way for many famous bands that followed, from Yes and Genesis to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

In December 1969, Lake met keyboardist Keith Emerson at the Fillmore in San Francisco during a North American tour; the two shared common bonds: European musical influences and a desire to reinterpret classical works while creating a new musical genre. After being introduced to drummer Carl Palmer, they formed the first progressive rock supergroup Emerson, Lake and Palmer.

To date, ELP has sold over 50 million records. Lake produced Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Tarkus, Pictures at an Exhibition, Trilogy, Brain Salad Surgery, Works Vol. 1 & 2, and two different live albums. All went platinum and featured a series of hit singles, most written and all sung by Lake. The three created a unique live theatrical performance which featured Emerson attacking his keyboards with knives, Palmer playing a 2.5 ton stainless steel kit and Lake performing on a £6,000 Persian rug which had its own roadie. One of their very first performances was at the historic Isle of Wight Festival in 1970 and they went on to headline California Jam, one of the biggest concerts of the 1970s, attended by 350,000 people.

Probably the voice of his generation, Greg Lake fronted the greatest rock supergroup of the 1970s but never held with the “progressive” tag that attached itself to both the music and the excess. Lucky Man not only charts the highs and lows of a career in rock music but also reflects on the death of Keith Emerson last year, living with terminal cancer and the end of life.

Lake can best be summed up by his now-famous line: “Material wealth is a very fleeting pleasure ... when you can buy anything you want and do anything you want, you soon discover that you actually don't want any of it.”

To purchase Greg Lake's Lucky Man autobiography, go to http://amzn.to/2t8BwZy.

Watch the promotional video: https://www.facebook.com/GregLakeOfficial/videos/1691998314174403/

Greg Lake's official website: http://greglake.com/
Greg Lake's official FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/GregLakeOfficial/


Jeff Lynne's ELO Announces 2024 North American Fall Tour

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