Thursday, August 31, 2017

Elton John Remembers Princess Diana On Anniversary Of Her Death

Sir Elton John has remembered Princess Diana on the anniversary of her death.

It was 20 years ago today (August 31) that the Princess Of Wales passed away after being involved in a car crash in a tunnel in Paris.

John, who was friends with Diana, reworked his 1973 song ‘Candle In The Wind’ in her memory. He performed it at her funeral and released it as a charity single that has gone on to sell more than 33 million copies worldwide.


The iconic musician marked the anniversary of the Princess’ passing by posting a photo of the pair together on Instagram. “20 years ago today, the world lost an angel #RIP,” he captioned it, as Entertainment Tonight reports.

Earlier this year, John was named the first ever Record Store Day ‘Legend’. He recently said that vinyl “sounds better” than CDs and streaming.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Mick Ronson Documentary Coming To Theaters In September, Video In October

Fans of David Bowie rejoice! Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story, a new documentary from producer/director Jon Brewer, is coming to the big screen for a limited run in various cities throughout the U.S. A DVD and Blu-ray will be available on October 27.

The film examines the life and work of guitarist Mick Ronson, best known As Bowie's sidekick in the Spiders From Mars, the band that backed the Ziggy Stardust singer in the early 70s. Ronson went on to collaborate with Bob Dylan, Ian Hunter, Lulu, Lou Reed, Morrissey and John Mellencamp. In 1993, while working on a solo album, Ronson passed away before receiving the recognition he so richly deserved.

With exclusive voice-over contributions from David Bowie, Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story features archival backstage footage, much of it never seen, along with photos from photographer Mick Rock.


"Both Mick Ronson and David Bowie together were the ultimate duo," Brewer says, "They performed and recorded like magicians and created masterpieces that will live on forever."

Following the Parade Deck Films theatrical release, Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story will be distributed in the U.S. by MVD Entertainment Group via Blu-ray + DVD, transactional video on demand, and download. Screening dates and locations are as follows:

September 1st:
Los Angeles, CA - Laemmle Music Hall
New York, NY - Cinepolis
Buffalo, NY - The Screening Room
Kansas City, MO - Screenland Arts & Crafts Film Festival
Albuquerque NM - The Guild Cinema

September:
Portland, OR - Clinton Street Theater

September 4th and 5th:
San Francisco, CA - Roxy Theater  ***Angie Bowie Q&A via Skype

September 6th:
Philadelphia, PA - Philamoca

September 8th:
Phoenix, AZ - Harkins Valley Art Theater
Columbus, OH - Gateway Film Center
Wayne, PA - Reel Cinema

For showtimes and tickets, contact the theater of your choice.

To pre-order the Blu-ray+DVD package, go to https://mvdshop.com/products/beside-bowie-the-mick-ronson-story-blu-ray-dvd-blu-ray.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash Movie Banned By Judge

The family of two members killed by the 1977 accident have won an injunction against the film Street Survivor: The True Story of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash.

In an opinion out on Monday, U.S. District Court judge Robert Sweet writes, "Cleopatra is prohibited from making its movie about Lynyrd Skynyrd when its partner substantively contributes to the project in a way that, in the past, he willingly bargained away the very right to do just that; in any other circumstance, Cleopatra would be as 'free as a bird' to make and distribute its work."

Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines were two Lynyrd Skynyrd members who were killed in a 1977 plane crash. According to lore, survivors took a "blood oath" never to use the name Lynyrd Skynyrd again. That pact was tested a decade later by a "Lynyrd Skynyrd Live" album in conjunction with a 1987 tour. Afterwards, the parties entered into a settlement agreement, adopted by a judge as a "Consent Order." One of the signatories was Artimus Pyle, a former drummer for the band. He attempted to put his signature to the order "under protest."

When word of Street Survivor got around, heirs of Van Zant and Gaines as well as founding lead guitarist Gary Rossington, sued the makers and alleged Pyle assisted the making of the movie in violation of his agreements.

The filmmakers argued that Street Survivor didn't and wouldn't represent any authorization from the band, that the production company wasn't a party to the agreements, and that the film constituted free speech.

"This is a case in which the defendant has an affirmative constitutional right to engage in the speech for which it is being sued: in producing and releasing the film, Cleopatra is exercising its right to make a film about a newsworthy event from the past, a form of constitutionally protected free speech," wrote Cleopatra's lawyer.

"Cleopatra misstates the nature of this case," replied the other side. "Cleopatra is free to make a movie about Lynyrd Skynyrd and/or about the plane crash. What Cleopatra is not free to do, however, is to make such a movie in concert and participation with Pyle in violation of the restrictions imposed on him by the Consent Order."

The judge ordered up an expedited trial, and after hearing evidence, he has now sided with the heirs.

According to Sweet's findings of fact, Cleopatra paid Pyle to fly out to Los Angeles in June 2016 to discuss his involvement. An interview would later be used to create the film's screenplay. Pyle signed an agreement with Cleopatra that entitled him to five percent of the film's net receipts and a "consultant" or "co-producer" credit. He was also contracted to narrate the film, make a cameo appearance in it, and contribute an original song to the film. In his meetings, Pyle didn't tell the filmmakers about the consent order, but did inform them of the litigious history over Lynryd Skynyrd. After Pyle became involved, and news articles were written about the production, plaintiffs sent Celopatra a cease and desist letter.

Sweet determines in his opinion that just because Pyle attempted to notate the consent order "under protest," that doesn't render his signature non-consensual.

"As such, the evidence supports the conclusion that there was a 'meeting of the minds' at the time the Consent Order was signed, and the circumstances here foreclose Cleopatra's ability to argue that Pyle is not bound by the strictures of the Consent Order," states the opinion.

The judge then goes on to conclude that Cleopatra can be bound by the consent order.

"If there was a violation of the Consent Order by Pyle, it is within the power of the Court to enjoin those acting in concert with him, not 'to force non-parties to abide by the terms of that order,' but 'insofar as [it is] essential to the implementation of that order.'"

Sweet says the defendants have violated the consent order and rejects the argument that use of Van Zant and Gaines' names and likenesses are protected as "nominative fair use."

"Cleopatra's consultations with Pyle were important because the Film incorporates, in substantive part, the depictions of Van Zant, Gaines, and the rest of the Lynyrd Skynyrd band, as well as major bits of their history," continues the judge. "Cleopatra argues that their Film is Pyle's story, as no part of the Film depicts the history of Lynyrd Skynyrd without Pyle and which is permitted under the terms of the Consent Order. To an extent, this is true: there is no doubt that Pyle plays a central role in the Film. However, the inverse of Cleopatra's claim is true too: no part of the film depicts Pyle outside his time with Lynyrd Skynyrd. As such, there is also no doubt that the Film is a film about the Lynyrd Skynyrd band. As the facts have demonstrated, none of the Defendants received the requisite authorization under the terms of the Consent Order in depiction of Van Zant or Gaines or in the use of the Lynyrd Skynyrd name, and therefore all have violated the Consent Order."

The judge runs through other affirmative defenses including free speech under the First Amendment.

"As the Consent Order is a private agreement that is narrowly-tailored to protect the bargained-for rights of its signatories, with whom Cleopatra chose to do business, this argument fails," responds the judge.

Cleopatra's lawyer has told the judge he will be seeking immediate relief from an appeals court.

Monday, August 28, 2017

Yes & King Crimson Drummer Bill Bruford Releases Definitive Boxed Set

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Bill Bruford, who originally played drums for Yes, and later played with King Crimson and Genesis, as well as established a prolific solo career of his own, is releasing a comprehensive box set Bruford 1977-1980: Seems Like A Lifetime Ago. Scheduled for release on Winterfold Records on October 28th, pre-orders are now being taken for the Limited Edition eight-disc set, which features unreleased, remixed or remastered material, and a signed certificate. To pre-order your copy, go to Burning Shed or PledgeMusic.


“I wanted to play drums in a certain way and if you want to hear them played in that way you've got to write the song, " Bruford says regarding his solo career and band Bruford. "You've got to control the audio environment in which your drums are going to be heard and once you're doing that you're into a solo career. Looking back, the band dispatched these tricky little compositions with a smile on its face; with brio, vigor and only a handful of wrong notes. The band was over-caffeinated - short on subtlety but long on the sort of majestic stately themes with antecedents in progressive rock that set it apart from contemporaneous American outfits. We were a rock group with a jazz sensibility, rather than a jazz group with rock leanings.”

Alongside the drummer, Bruford 1977-1980: Seems Like A Lifetime Ago showcases the prodigious talents of keyboardist Dave Stewart, bassist Jeff Berlin, guitarist John Clark, and guitarist Allan Holdsworth, who passed away in April. The set is dedicated to Holdsworth.

“The great thing about Bill is that he's not just a drummer. He doesn't just think about what he's playing...he's thinking about the whole picture; thinking about soundscapes; what the guitar is doing; the arrangement; the keyboard sounds and so on," Stewart remarks. "He's got this composer/arranger mentality which was there from the beginning and he evolved through the life of the band. He's a deep-thinking musician and it was great working with him for that very reason.”

Berlin adds, “I learned a lot from Bill. Bill was the person who opened more doors for me not only with regards to reputation...he opened up doors to me about sound, presentation, interplay, the elements of a performance, the elements of group interaction. I think it was one of the happiest and musically productive periods I ever had in my career. I was working with fine human beings and with fine musicians.”
The eight-disc limited edition of Bruford 1977-1980: Seems Like A Lifetime Ago features previously unreleased, remixed, or remastered material from the Bruford band of the late 1970s, presented in a 12” box complete with 16-page color booklet and a signed, numbered certificate of authentication. Four gatefold sleeves contain two discs each: 

  • Feels Good To Me DVD: 5.1 surround sound mix and original 1978 mix remastered
  • Feels Good To Me CD: 2017 Jakko Jakszyk remix from original master tapes 
  • One Of A Kind DVD: 5.1 surround sound mix and original 1979 mix remastered plus additional audio
  • One Of A Kind CD: 2017 Jakko Jakszyk remix from original master tapes
  • Gradually Going Tornado CD: remastered
  • The Bruford Tapes CD: remastered with bonus track
  • Live At The Venue CD: previously unreleased: recorded London 1980
  • The 4th Album Rehearsal Sessions CD: previously unreleased: eighteen sketches of new material recorded 1980

The set also includes a 16-page 12” booklet with a Sid Smith essay, new interviews with the producers, engineers, band members, eyewitnesses and others, previously unseen archive visual material, and the complete band date sheet with contemporary critical reaction. Also two black and white 10” x 8” band photos, one A3 size color poster accompanying Live At The Venue, and one signed, numbered certificate of authentication. The boxed set is produced by Bill Bruford.

Jakko Jakszyk, King Crimson's current singer and guitarist, mixed remixed Feels Good To Me and One Of A Kind into surround sound.

“I use the original mixes as a guide and Bill handed over the whole 5.1 remix to me," Jakszyk recalls. "It becomes an immersive experience. I'm not talking about flying instruments around 360 degrees. While that's possible it's also ridiculous...it's all about sculpting the sound into three dimensions. The new versions of these albums sound much bigger, fatter and warmer and whilst I'm keen to take credit for that the reality is that this is Dave Stewart, Jeff Berlin, Bill Bruford and Allan Holdsworth, and it's not just about their playing abilities; it's that they've got their sound together and what you need to do is replicate that and not mess about with it.”

For more information, visit:
Bill Bruford's official website - http://www.billbruford.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/billbruford/

Friday, August 25, 2017

Gentle Giant Inducted Into Portsmouth UK Wall Of Fame

On Wednesday (August 23), members of 70s progressive rock band Gentle Giant were inducted into Portsmouth UK Wall of Fame at Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Square, in Portsmouth, UK. 

In attendance were all three Shulman brothers — Phil (horns), Derek (vocals) and Ray (bass and strings) — and keyboardist Kerry Minnear. Portsmouth, a British southern port city and naval base, is where Gentle Giant and (their first band) Simon Dupree & The Big Sound were formed.

Other Portsmouth Hall of Fame inductees include Roger Hodgson (Supertramp), Steve Hackett, Mick Jones (Foreigner), Joe Jackson, John Mayall, Peter Sellers, Charles Dickens, Edgar Alan Poe, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Rudyard Kipling, and Neil Gaiman.

“This city is where we started it all," Derek Shulman said. "Memories of starting and ending the band are all about Portsmouth. We all went to school here, it’s where we made our lives. It’s an honor to be honored in this way.”

Gentle Giant formed in 1970 with the Shulman brothers, Minnear, and guitarist Gary Green. The band had two drummers before settling on John Weathers in 1972. Over the next decade, they recorded 10 albums and toured the world before splitting in 1980.

On September 29, Three Piece Suite, a specially curated selection of songs and compositions from Gentle Giant's first three albums (Giant, Acquiring The Taste, and Three Friends), will be released.

The set will include a CD and a Blu-ray disc with 5.1 surround sound and stereo remixes by Steven Wilson. There are nine tracks from the albums, plus a pre-debut song. The selections 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.

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Ozzy Osbourne 'Barks At The Moon' During Solar Eclipse

While he's been performing live shows for nearly five decades, this week marked a first for Ozzy Osbourne.  The Black Sabbath singer performed "Bark At The Moon" as the August 21 eclipse plunged the entire field in southern Illinois into darkness. See the video below.



Osbourne, joined for the set by his longtime collaborator Zakk Wylde, is on the road for a series of shows that will lead up to his triumphant return as the Saturday OZZFEST headliner of this year's OZZFEST MEETS KNOTFEST Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5 at Glen Helen Amphitheater and Festival Grounds in San Bernardino, CA.

Osbourne's first solo shows since finishing up with Black Sabbath mark the first time he's toured with Wylde since 2006.  They are joined by longtime collaborators Blasko (bass), Tommy Clufetos (drums) and Adam Wakeman (keyboards).

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

'We Are One' Benefit To Feature Doobie Brothers, Little Feat Members

Playing For Change, the multimedia company responsible for the popular 'Songs Around The World' video series, has announced it will host WE ARE ONE, a concert benefiting the Playing For Change Foundation and celebrating 10 years of positive change through music. 

Official partners for the event include Los Angeles' premier rock radio station 95.5 KLOS, LA Weekly, and Japan-based music app Nana. The concert will take place on Tuesday, October 3, at the historic Mayan Theater in downtown Los Angeles and feature performances from Doobie Brothers members Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, and John McFee, as well as Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett from Little Feat, plus The Playing For Change Band, that features 10 respected musicians from 10 different countries -- world-renowned drummer James Gadson; The Ambassador of Soul, Ellis Hall; legendary harmonica player Lee Oskar; and more.

Ticketing options include an exclusive VIP experience with a pre-show meet and greet reception with The Doobie Brothers and musicians, bar offerings, a priority seating area, and VIP gift bag, which includes a commemorative poster. Tickets for the benefit will be available at 10 a.m. PST on Friday, August 25 at https://tickets.alistixs.com/event/weareone/.

Playing For Change has garnered much success over the years by combining musicians from all walks of life, all over the world and showcasing music's unifying power. Their videos have more than 450 million total online views, with their first Songs Around The World video, "Stand By Me," accumulating more than 100 million views on YouTube since its release in 2008. Artists such as Keith Richards, Bono, Jack Johnson, David Crosby, Jimmy Buffett, Sara Bareilles, Manu Chao, and many others have participated in these multi-cultural videos performing songs such as Bob Marley's "One Love" and "War/No More Trouble," Otis Redding's "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay," and John Lennon's "Imagine."

Playing For Change's new record, being released next year, features The Doobie Brothers along with more than 20 musicians from across the globe in a Song Around The World version of the band's iconic hit song, "Listen to the Music." The video for this song will be premiered at the show on October 3rd.

"This concert represents 10 years of traveling to over 50 countries connecting the world through music. From the streets and villages to the stage to the hearts of the people, Playing For Change," states Mark Johnson, Co-Founder of Playing For Change.

For more information, please visit http://www.playingforchange.com and https://playingforchange.org.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

'King Of The Boogie' Celebrates John Lee Hooker's 100th Birthday

Craft Recordings, the Catalog division of Concord Bicycle Music, is proud to announce the release of King Of The Boogie, a career-spanning retrospective, honoring blues icon John Lee Hooker. Due out September 29th, the five-CD set delves deep into the catalog of the influential artist, featuring not only his iconic hits, but also rarities, live recordings and several previously unreleased tracks. 

Housed in a 56-page book, the collection includes a wide selection of photos, taken throughout the musician's life, plus new liner notes by writer and John Lee Hooker historian Jas Obrecht, as well as by the artist's longtime manager and friend, Mike Kappus.

John Lee Hooker was born on August 22, 1917, near Clarksdale, Mississippi to a sharecropping family. Throughout the years, there has been some academic debate about his original birth year. However, the Hooker family maintains 1917 as the de facto date. Says daughter Zakiya Hooker, "As we all know there was no great push for accuracy back then in that portion of the community. But we just stick to what my father told us, which was what he was told by his mother."

As a young man, Hooker worked his way up north to Detroit to pursue his passion of music. By 1948, the artist had a hit on his hands with one of his earliest recordings, "Boogie Chillun'." From there, Hooker would record over 100 albums throughout the course of his six-decade-long career, building a diverse collection of fans along the way: from folk musicians and beatniks, to the stars of the British Invasion. The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana are among those who cite Hooker as a major influence. In his liner notes, Mike Kappus recalls that, "Everyone who knew John Lee Hooker loved him and felt privileged to be in his presence. While he influenced generations of musicians with his incomparable style, that impact on musicians stepped up to yet another level once they got to know and, universally, love him."

In his later years, as the bluesman found himself in one of the busiest, most productive eras of his career, Hooker was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Blues Hall of Fame and Memphis Music Hall of Fame; was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and took home four GRAMMY® Awards, plus a coveted Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000. He passed away the following year

Tasked with narrowing down Hooker's vast catalog into five CDs, box set producer Mason Williams curated the collection to narrate the artist's story. "Even at 100 songs, this set is just a snapshot of John Lee Hooker's incredible and influential career," says Williams, "but one that takes you on the long journey he took from his early days in Detroit, to his time in Chicago recording for Vee-Jay Records and up through his later collaborations with Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt and Santana, among others."

King Of The Boogie will be released as part of a year-long, multi-partner centennial celebration, honoring the music and influence of John Lee Hooker, and will be a companion piece to an exhibit of the same name, which kicks off on August 22 at the GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi. John Lee Hooker: King Of The Boogie includes Hooker's performance outfits, guitars, photos, awards and, of course, his music. The exhibit will be on display through February 2018, before traveling west to the GRAMMY Museum® at L.A. LIVE.

Additional centennial partners include The Blues Foundation, The Delta Blues Museum, Living Blues, Oxford American, the John Lee Hooker Estate, and Epiphone Guitars, who are currently planning the release of a limited-edition John Lee Hooker Zephyr Outfit sometime in early 2018.

Hooker's daughter Zakiya has worked closely with all partners on her father's centennial events, and affirms, "Today, on what would have been my father's 100th birthday, I am so thrilled to see him celebrated-both with the exhibit, as well as with the announcement of this special collection of music. I know that his fans will be excited to hear rare performances, and to read the touching words of his longtime manager, Mike Kappus, as well as those of the wonderful Jas Obrecht. It was a pleasure to watch this box set come together, and I can't wait to see it shared with the world."

To pre-order King Of The Boogie, and to find exclusive John Lee Hooker merch, please visit: johnleehooker.com/kingoftheboogie.

Monday, August 21, 2017

REO Speedwagon Presented With RIAA 10X Diamond Award For 'Hi Infidelity'

Last Thursday (August 17), REO Speedwagon received a Recording Industry Association of America® RIAA 10X Diamond Award for the band’s landmark album, Hi Infidelity, surpassing 10 million units in the United States (one of only 115 albums [approximately] to ever reach that status). 

At a presentation on Sony Music’s New York City rooftop, the members of REO Speedwagon accepted the award from SiriusXM’s Mark Goodman, along with RIAA, Legacy Recordings and Sony Music executives.   

Hi Infidelity, released in 1980, spent 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard top albums chart and featured the massively popular hit singles “Keep On Loving You” and “Take It On the Run.”

After nearly five decades since forming, the band is still playing to audiences worldwide with concerts featuring their two number one singles, “Keep on Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” along with hits and fan favorites including, “Take It on the Run,” “Time for Me to Fly,” “Roll With the Changes,” “Ridin’ The Storm Out,” and more.

To date, REO Speedwagon has sold 40 million albums around the globe.

Sunday, August 20, 2017

The Rock Pack Brings Five Top Classic Rock Singers To Trinidad

Top Rock Entertainment, in coordination with Tank Sound Co. and Guardian Media Limited, presents The Rock Pack, a night of never-ending hits, on Wednesday, August 30, 2017, 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM (UTC-04) at the Jean Pierre Complex at the Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago. For more information and tickets, call (868) 324-3107 / 748-1275.

The Rock Pack, a rotating cast of iconic rock singers performing “hit after hit after hit” around the world, will feature two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Gregg Rolie, an original member of Santana and Journey, Grammy winner and original Toto vocalist Bobby Kimball, Mickey Thomas of Starship, former Journey vocalist Steve Augeri, and the show’s founder and former Asia singer John Payne.

The star-studded concert features each singer briefly talking about their career before launching into some of their most revered songs. Classics such as  “Black Magic Woman”, “Africa,” “Separate Ways,” “We Built This City,” “Only Time Will Tell,” “Hold The Line,” “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Heat of the Moment,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Rosanna” and many more will be performed.

“I decided to create a unique concert concept that was, start to finish, full of monster hits by iconic vocalists,” Payne explains, adding. “I wanted the Classic Rock fans to enjoy the hit songs of some of our most iconic bands.”

Check out highlights of The Rock Pack


For more information, go to:
http://www.therockpack.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TheRockPack/
https://www.toprockentertainment.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TopRockEntertainment

Saturday, August 19, 2017

New David Bowie Biography Paints Sordid Picture

New details about David Bowie‘s life have emerged in an upcoming biography, David Bowie: A Life.

The book, written by British GQ editor Dylan Jones, is described as “as intimate a portrait as may ever be drawn”.

The singer passed away on January 11, 2016, following an 18-month battle with cancer. He died just three days after final album Blackstar was released, and two days after his 69th birthday.

The biography reveals that Bowie’s wild alter ego Ziggy Stardust meant the singer often received some odd propositions.

Groupie Josette Caruso describes the time Bowie was once offered a “warm, dead body” to have sex with, while on tour in Philadelphia in September 1972.

According to the Mail Online, she tells how Bowie’s bodyguard answered a knock on the door and then called for the singer, who came back looking “white as a sheet”.

“He obviously looked like such a freak that some sick people thought he might be into necrophilia,” Caruso says.

“Who on Earth do they think I am? Why would they think I’d be interested in something like that?” Bowie reportedly said.“Why would I be interested in fucking a dead body?”

“David Bowie was his very own creation, his very own work of art,” writes author Dylan Jones.“This was the boy from postwar Brixton with his sights set on the world.”

David Bowie: A Life will be released on September 12.

Friday, August 18, 2017

Robert Plant Preps New Studio Album

Robert Plant's new album, Carry Fire, will be released by Nonesuch/Warner Bros. Records on Friday, October 13, 2017. 

Carry Fire is available now for pre-order at all digital music retailers and via nonesuch.com and robertplant.com with an instant download of the album's first track, "The May Queen." Pre-orders also include an exclusive limited-edition print of the album art.

Carry Fire, Plant's eleventh solo album and first full-length release since 2014's acclaimed lullaby and...The Ceaseless Roar was produced by the singer in the west of England and Wales, at Top Cat studio in Box, Wiltshire with additional recordings at Real World and Rockfield studios. As with lullaby, Plant is accompanied by The Sensational Space Shifters: John Baggott on keyboards, moog, loops, percussion, drums, brass arrangement, t'bal, snare drum, slide guitar, piano, electric piano, bendir; Justin Adams on guitar, acoustic guitar, oud, E-bow quartet, percussion, snare drum, tambourine; Dave Smith on bendir, tambourine, djembe, drum kit; and Liam "Skin" Tyson on dobro, guitar, acoustic guitar, pedal steel, twelve-string.

Plant and the Space Shifters are also accompanied on Carry Fire by a number of special guests. Chrissie Hynde joins Plant on the duet "Bluebirds Over The Mountain" (written by rockabilly legend Ersel Hickey and later recorded by both Richie Valens and The Beach Boys). Albanian cellist Redi Hasa performs on three tracks, as does the celebrated Seth Lakeman on viola and fiddle.

Plant and the Space Shifters (which now includes Lakeman) will celebrate Carry Fire's release by beginning a world tour in November 2017 starting in UK & Ireland and touring all corners of globe Dates will be announced soon at robertplant.com.

Plant and the band spent two years on the road together supporting lullaby and...The Ceaseless Roar, their unique sound and vision ultimately evolving into something even more creative and powerful.

Plant, who lived in Texas for a time before returning to his native England three years ago, together with his friends, present the songs Carry Fire, melding unusual rhythms with naturalism and smoldering power.

"It's about intention," the singer says. "I respect and relish my past works but each time I feel the lure and incentive to create new work. I must mix old with new. Consequently the whole impetus of the band has moved on its axis somewhat, the new sound and different space giving way to exciting and dramatic landscapes of mood, melody and instrumentation."

Check out the video for "The May Queen" below.
  

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Super Deluxe 30th Anniversary Edition Of Classic 1987 Whitesnake Album Coming In October

Whitesnake had already released a string of Top 10 albums in England before the band conquered the world in 1987 with their eponymous record, also known in some countries as 1987, which was certified multi-platinum and featured the smash single "Here I Go Again." The classic album turns 30 this year and Rhino is celebrating with four new versions, including an expansive boxed set. 

Whitesnake: Super Deluxe Edition will be available on October 6 for $49.98. The 4-CD/DVD collection includes the original album with newly remastered sound, unreleased live and studio recordings, classic music videos, concert footage, a 30 minute documentary, featuring a new interview with David Coverdale, Whitesnake's founder and lead singer. The music comes with a 60-page hardbound book that's filled with rare and unseen photos from the era, an extended essay based on new interviews with Coverdale, plus a booklet of the album's lyrics, handwritten by Coverdale. The audio will also be available via digital download and streaming services.

Three other versions of Whitesnake will also be available the same day. A Deluxe Edition will be available in both 2-CD ($19.98) and 2-LP ($29.98) versions, each including the newly remastered album expanded with a selection of unreleased bonus recordings. A single-disc version of the newly remastered album will also be available.

This also marks the first release under a newly signed catalog deal with Whitesnake and Rhino Entertainment, the catalog division of Warner Music Group. This new deal includes both the North American and Japanese rights, marking the first time a substantial amount of the Whitesnake catalog will reside under Warner Music Group worldwide.

"It gives me great joy to finally have so much of my Whitesnake catalog all under the same roof with the Warner family and I'm thrilled to be now working with this tremendous team on a worldwide basis," says Coverdale. "I have great memories of being with Warner back in my days with Deep Purple then when I was with Geffen, when they were distributed by Warner, so it feels like coming home to now have Whitesnake there. This elaborate reissue is the perfect project to kick off the new relationship."

"Whitesnake is one of the all-time great rock 'n' roll bands, with David being an absolute icon as a vocalist and front man," says Rhino President Mark Pinkus. "We are absolutely thrilled to now have so much of the Whitesnake catalog with Warner on a global basis and are excited for the fans to see what great releases we have planned for the coming years."

Soon after its release in April 1987, Whitesnake became a huge success around the world, selling multi million copies. It peaked at #2 on the Billboard album chart and spawned four popular singles: "Still Of The Night," "Give Me All Your Love," "Is This Love" (which reached #2) and the #1 hit "Here I Go Again."

Whitesnake: Super Deluxe Edition comes with an entire disc of unreleased live performances featuring Adrian Vandenberg, Vivian Campbell & Tommy Aldridge, recorded during the band's 1987-88 tour. The music includes live versions of several tracks from 1987, plus Whitesnake classics "Slide It In," "Love Ain't No Stranger," and "Slow An' Easy."

An additional disc spotlights the creative process behind Whitesnake with a selection of 11 unreleased demo and rehearsal recordings, including early versions of nearly every song on the album called 87 Evolutions. The final disc introduces newly remixed versions the album's four singles, and includes rare radio mixes, as well as songs from 87 Versions, an EP released exclusively in Japan.

The DVD from Whitesnake: Super Deluxe Edition includes music videos for the four singles, all of which have been carefully restored and remixed in 5.1 Surround Sound for the first time ever. In addition, the DVD also features a new 30 minute documentary about the making of Whitesnake, a new promo video made especially for this set of the 1988 version of "Here I Go Again" and unreleased live footage from the 1987-88 tour.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

It Costs 28.75 To Visit Elvis Presley's Grave During Vigil

For nearly four decades, fans of the late singer Elvis Presley have made a solemn procession past his grave at his Graceland mansion during the annual candlelight vigil commemorating his death, without paying a penny.

This year, on the 40th anniversary of the rock n’ roll icon’s death, it’s going to cost them $28.75.

Visitors who plan to attend the vigil beginning Tuesday night and running into Wednesday must have an Elvis Week Property Pass wristband to walk up the long driveway and past the graves where Presley and relatives are buried, Graceland told the Associated Press in a written statement. The $28.75 wristband also provides access to a new $45 million entertainment complex at the Memphis tourist attraction.

Graceland, operated by Elvis Presley Enterprises, says it anticipates large crowds and it has updated its security measures for Elvis Week, the annual celebration of Presley’s life and career in music and movies. Presley died on Aug. 16, 1977, in Memphis.

“In order to keep everyone safe and ensure an enjoyable and meaningful event for all, we have worked closely with local, state and federal security authorities to establish new procedures that have been widely used across the U.S.,” Graceland’s statement said.

A few Presley fans made a pilgrimage to Graceland the year he died, and they’ve continued coming ever since. Graceland says it averages 500,000 visitors per year from around the world, and attendance for this year’s vigil has been projected at 30,000 to 50,000.

The announcement surprised fans who didn’t know about the charge when they made plans to come to Elvis Week. Some reacted with angry messages on social media, saying they won’t attend another vigil.

Longtime fan Fred Schwarz of Springfield, Illinois, said Tuesday that he and his wife have been to several vigils and have enjoyed them. But not this year. He says fans should be insulted at the new charge.

“I looked forward to going down there this year, and they come up with all this,” Schwarz said. “I don’t want to even go to Memphis anymore. The people running that are not Elvis fans. They are in business. Corporations, they want the bottom line.”

Elvis Presley Enterprises was created by the Elvis Presley Trust to manage its assets, according to Graceland’s website. It was wholly owned by the Elvis Presley Trust and his daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, until 2005. Elvis Presley Enterprises is now majority-owned by Graceland Holdings, led by managing partner Joel Weinshanker. Lisa Marie Presley retains 15 percent ownership in the company.

The new entertainment complex is part of a $140 million expansion, which also includes a $90 million, 450-room hotel that opened last year. The complex, featuring exhibits of Presley’s cars, clothing and other personal items, replaces the aging buildings that housed the exhibits for years.

Access to restaurants, gift shops and an entertainment tent where people gathered before the vigil used to be free, though visitors still actually had to buy the food or memorabilia at the eateries and shops.

Now, access to them is included in the fee to enter the complex.

Cheryl Skogen, of Los Angeles, was third in line waiting on Tuesday morning for the vigil later that evening.

“I don’t think Elvis would like it if he knew the fans were charged to go up and see,” she said.

Some fans don’t have a problem with the charge. Joe Makowski, who saw Presley more than 80 times in concert and came to Graceland after Presley died in 1977, said it’s a good idea because of the cost of security. He also said these types of charges are seen at other tourist attractions.

“It goes along with the territory of the popularity of Elvis,” said Makowski, of St. Petersburg, Florida. “There’s a price for that as well, to accommodate all the people.”

News of the vigil charge also upset Anthony Stuchbury, of Bolton, England, who has been to Graceland more than two dozen times but did not come this year.

“I understand they are a business, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with them making money,” Stuchbury said. “But the current price-gouging situation has created so much friction, it’s even dividing fans.”

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Mercury Insurance Is Sending Fans To Join Scorpions 2017 Crazy World Tour

Mercury Insurance, in partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, is celebrating this summer’s concert season by giving classic rock fans the chance to tour with Scorpions. 

The online “Scorpions Tour Sweepstakes Presented by Mercury Insurance” is the final rock tour experience Mercury is awarding this season.

Fans can enter the Scorpions Tour Sweepstakes by visiting mercuryinsurance.com/scorpions and completing the registration form through September 17. The winner of the Scorpions Tour Sweepstakes will be drawn on or about September 18.  

“Going on tour with your favorite band is a bucket list item for many music fans, but most of us have never gotten the chance,” said Erik Thompson, Mercury’s head of advertising and public relations. “We’re going to make that dream come true for one lucky Scorpions fan, and we want to make sure it’s an experience the winner will never forget.”

The Scorpions have sold more than 100 million records worldwide with such rock anthems as “Rock You Like A Hurricane,” “No One Like You,” “Send Me An Angel,” and the Billboard hit and one of the best-selling singles of all-time, “Wind Of Change.”

The winner will get to select three Scorpions concert stops that include:
• October 3 – Grand Sierra Resort, Grand Theatre, Reno, Nevada
• October 4 – Oracle Arena, Oakland, California
• October 7 – The Forum, Los Angeles, California
• October 8 – Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, Arizona

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; and
• Tour merchandise.

Also, if you visit mercuryinsurance.com/scorpions to get an auto quote, then purchase a Mercury auto policy by September 20, you will receive two tickets to a Scorpions concert of your choice in Arizona, California or Nevada from the list above, courtesy of your new agent.

All tickets are subject to availability and quantities are limited. Ticket requests must be submitted no later than five days prior to the requested Scorpions concerts.

For more information about Mercury Insurance, visit www.mercuryinsurance.com.

Monday, August 14, 2017

Bethel Woods Center For The Arts Announces Historic Woodstock Preservation Campaign

In celebration of the 48th Anniversary of the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – the not-for-profit cultural center and museum located at the fabled festival's historic site – has announced a Crowdrise fundraising campaign to support new preservation and interpretation efforts.

On the weekend of August 15-17 in 1969, Nearly a half-million people gathered on Max Yasgur's farm in Bethel, New York, for the Woodstock festival, a three-day event that has come to represent a generation, and the power of peace, love and music. This watershed moment in American history continues to be a beacon of hope for people of all generations, and its historic site attracts visitors from around the globe.

As the 50th Anniversary approaches, Bethel Woods continues to carry on that spirit, while preserving and interpreting its historic site. The organization has embarked on a series of historic preservation projects that will enhance the visitor experience, restore and open to the public new areas of the festival site, and introduce immersive technologies that will immerse guests in the site's history.

In support of these projects, Bethel Woods launched an online campaign via Crowdrise, to raise the funds needed for the Bindy Bazaar Trails Project, which will restore the forested trails of the festival's marketplace, providing access to walking trails including reproductions of the iconic signage that proclaimed the "High Way," "Groovy Way," and "Gentle Path" in the woods. In the spirit of community that permeated Woodstock, Bethel Woods is raising the funds needed for this project via the online fundraising platform, Crowdrise with a goal of $25,000 – seeking individual donations starting at just $10. To be a part of preserving this important piece of our cultural heritage, please visit crowdrise.com/preservingwoodstock.

Bethel Woods' CEO Darlene Fedun said, "At its heart Woodstock was about the peaceful community that grew out of quite difficult circumstances, working together and sharing what they had with each other – and so is this fundraiser. This is a true example of how each of us, when united as a community, can make a much greater positive impact together, and through this fundraiser can contribute to preserving a treasured piece of history for future generations."

Recently, the Woodstock site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, formally acknowledging the significance of its heritage and setting in motion continued preservation efforts. Located 90 miles from New York City, Bethel Woods also features an 800-acre campus including a Pavilion amphitheater with a capacity of 15,000, an intimate indoor performance space, arts and humanities programs for all ages, and the award-winning Museum at Bethel Woods. Visit bethelwoodscenter.org for more information and to plan your visit.

Friday, August 11, 2017

Career-Spanning Steve Miller Band 'Ultimate Hits' Sets To Be Released September 15

Guitarist, singer, songwriter and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Steve Miller has produced and personally directed the curation and creative process for two new, career-spanning Steve Miller Band Ultimate Hits collections, to be released September 15 by Capitol/UMe. 

Ultimate Hits is available now for preorder in a single CD and digital edition featuring 22 essential Steve Miller Band tracks, including three previously unreleased rarities, and in an expanded double CD and digital deluxe edition with 40 tracks, including the acclaimed band's top hits, live tracks, and eight previously unreleased recordings from the studio and the stage. On October 27, both editions will be released on 180-gram vinyl in two LP and four LP deluxe packages, which are also available now for preorder.

Both Ultimate Hits editions feature Steve Miller Band's biggest worldwide chart-toppers, including "Take The Money And Run," "Rock'n Me," "Jet Airliner," "The Joker," "Abracadabra," "Jungle Love," and "Fly Like An Eagle."  The single CD and digital edition adds two previously unreleased live recordings, "Living In The USA" and "Space Cowboy," as well as a never-before-released Steve Miller solo recording of "Seasons." The double CD and digital deluxe edition also features those rarities, plus five more previously unreleased studio and live recordings, including a demo for "Take The Money And Run." The cover art for Ultimate Hits was designed and photographed by StormStudios in collaboration with Miller.

Preorder Steve Miller Band Ultimate Hits:

1CD; Digital; 2LP Vinyl - https://ume.lnk.to/SMBUltimateHits 

2CD; Digital; 4LP Vinyl (Deluxe Edition) - https://ume.lnk.to/SMBUltimateHitsDeluxe

It was recently announced that Steve Miller has brought his entire catalog of recorded music to Capitol, where he originally began his recording career in 1967. Miller has opened his vault/warehouse of music, footage, photos, memorabilia, artwork, handwritten notes, journals, and more to Capitol/UMe to include in his upcoming releases. Steve Miller Band's new Ultimate Hits collections, produced by Miller, launch the initiative.

"Selecting material to include in these two collections and revisiting the creation of these recordings I'm reminded of how I learned to make multi-track recordings from Les Paul and play lead guitar from T Bone Walker, " Miller said. "I've been blessed to work with so many wonderful musicians and engineers and friends over the years.  Mostly I want to thank you our fans who come out to our shows and listen to our records. I hope you enjoy this as much I did putting this together for you."

For more information on the Steve Miller Band, visit his website at stevemillerband.com.

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Santana Pays Tribute to Glen Campbell During Detroit Show

Love for the late Glen Campbell knows no genre boundaries, as Santana showed on Wednesday night in suburban Detroit.

The group included a stylized version of Campbell's Grammy Award-winning 1967 single "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" during its performance at the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill in Sterling Heights, Michigan, marked by Carlos Santana and keyboardist David K. Matthews improvising on the song's themes.

As the rendition finished Santana told the crowd, "That was for a brother that went home. That was for Glen Campbell," then joking it was "'By The Time I Get To Tijuana'"...I think it was Phoenix. Anyway, that's a tribute to Glen Campbell."

Campbell passed away Tuesday at the age of 81 after several years battling Alzheimer's disease.

Carlos Santana released Power Of Peace, a collaboration with his wife Cindy Blackman and the Isley Brothers, on July 28.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Phish Celebrate Baker's Dozen Run At Madison Square Garden

Phish has just concluded their unprecedented Baker's Dozen run at New York City's Madison Square Garden. Beginning Friday, July 21, and continuing through Sunday, August 6, the milestone 13-night run brings Phish's total performances at MSG to a remarkable 52 in the years since their debut at the legendary New York City venue in December 1994.

The Baker's Dozen saw 227,000 tickets sold for 13 one-of-a-kind shows. Phish performed 26 unique sets featuring a grand total of 237 songs with no repeats during the three-week run. Among the song selection were countless classics, innumerable rarities, myriad surprises, and many covers.

Along with its immeasurable musical delights, The Baker's Dozen was especially notable for its donut-inspired production, a theme of course suggested in the 13-show run's title. Thousands of free donuts were given away nightly to fan who arrived early, made by Philadelphia's beloved Federal Donuts, with Phish nodding to the night's select pastry with corresponding songs.

Fans purchasing the entire 13-show run received exclusive donut-shaped tickets, while longtime Phish friends, Ben & Jerry's ,produced a limited edition flavor  "Freezer Reprise"  available only at two events in New York City and Burlington, VT, both in association with Phish's philanthropic initiative, The WaterWheel Foundation.

Phish made history, not only for themselves but also for the host city and venue. The New York City Mayor's Office marked the conclusion of the shows by issuing a proclamation announcing August 6 as "Phish Day." In recognition of the run, Madison Square Garden presented the band with a commemorative, permanent banner that was hoisted into the rafters at the end of the run's final show.

The shows were webcast exclusively via livephish.com, where the audio is now available for download or via LivePhish+, Phish's subscription-based streaming service.

Monday, August 7, 2017

Rolling Stones Guitarist Ronnie Wood Feared The Worst With Cancer Call

Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood has revealed that he feared the worst after being diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year.

The 70-year-old guitarist says he thought it might be “time to say goodbye,” after a doctor performing routine tests offered the news that he “had this supernova burning away on my left lung.”

Wood said he decided not to have chemotherapy if results turned out to be bad.

“I wasn’t going to lose my hair," he stated. "This hair wasn’t going anywhere.”

A week after the diagnosis, doctors told Wood the cancer hadn’t spread

“Let’s get it out now,” Wood expressed. "Before I closed my eyes for the operation, I looked at the doctor and said, 'Let battle commence.'"

According to Wood, the operation was successful.

"I’m OK now," he explained. "But I’m going to have a check up every three months. They caught it early. People have to get checked. Seriously have to get checked. I was bloody lucky but then I’ve always had a very strong guardian angel looking out for me. By rights I shouldn’t be here."

Saturday, August 5, 2017

Roger Waters Tells Anti-Trump Tour Critics To ‘Go See Katy Perry’ Instead

Pink Floyd‘s Roger Waters has hit back at critics of his ‘Us + Them’ tour, which features anti-Trump imagery.

Doctored images of the president were shown in bright, Warhol-like colors depicting him with lipstick, with breasts, with a Klan hood, without pants (showing a tiny penis), with his head on a pig and with the word “charade” written over his face.

A giant, flying, drone-controlled pig also flew around a giant screen with the words “welcome to the machine” written on it juxtaposed by an image of Trump with dollar signs over his eyes and a word bubble saying, “I won!”. The other side of the pig simply read: “piggy bank of war.”

Waters also showcased some of Trump’s most heinous quotes about his proposed border wall, 9/11, taxes, women and his daughter Ivanka followed by the words “fuck Trump”.

The imagery has drawn some criticism – mainly when Waters has played Republican states in America. Speaking to CNN about the critics, Waters said: “I find it slightly surprising that anybody could have been listening to my songs for 50 years without understanding,”

When asked what he would say to fans looking to escape politics during his show, Waters replied, “Go see Katy Perry or watch the Kardashians. I don’t care.”

Waters also revealed that the imagery caused American Express to pull out as a sponsor of the tour, costing $4 million. See the full interview below.


Waters recently released Is This The Life We Really Want? on June 2. It was his first LP since 1992’s Amused To Death. The album, which has been produced and mixed with Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich, was released as a 180-gram vinyl LP, on CD and digitally.

He apparently drew inspiration from the antipathy he feels toward the Trump administration, as well as a dramatic radio play he had been writing before working on the LP about a man and his granddaughter investigating why children were being killed in faraway lands. “Two or three of the songs from that idea are on this album,” he said. “Nigel Godrich persuaded me that for the purposes of a rock & roll record, which is what this is, he felt my theatrical idea – I’d written the whole thing as a radio play – was less than ideal.”

Friday, August 4, 2017

Neil Young To Release Album Recorded In 1976

Neil Young will open his archive and release Hitchhiker, an unreleased new studio album he recorded over 40 years ago. 

The release date is August 4, 2017 on Reprise Records. The 10-track acoustic solo album was recorded in Malibu, California, at Indigo Studio in 1976.

The original session was produced by Young's long-time studio collaborator David Briggs. Pre-order for Hitchhiker begins today.  Go here for details:   https://wbr.ec/hitchhiker

Recorded between Zuma and American Stars and Bars as a solo album in a single session, the resultant performances are truly breathtaking and passionate. The simplicity of a single voice and guitar captured here is as pure and powerful as it gets, with only Young, Briggs and actor Dean Stockwell in the room at the time of recording.

A few of the songs would not appear on vinyl until years later. Some have never been heard, included in the original sessions for Neil Young and Crazy Horse's Dume, another unreleased record of original sessions that yielded the classic album, Zuma.

When the Hitchhiker album was recorded, none of the included songs had ever been released and many of the performances of the songs were the first ever. This is truly an album of original performances.

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Paul McCartney Played Drums On New Foo Fighters Album

The Foo Fighters’ new album Concrete and Gold is out in September, and Dave Grohl has built a lot of hype surrounding the surprise guests who will be featured on the album. One of them is allegedly “the biggest pop star in the world,” as Grohl told Annie Mac on BBC Radio 1 last month, though he later clarified that the star isn’t Adele or Taylor Swift.

Now, it’s been revealed that Paul McCartney has also had a hand in the album, playing drums on one of the songs.

“He’s a pal,” Grohl told ET Canada.

“He hadn’t even heard of the song," drummer Taylor Hawkins added. "He comes in and Dave picked up an acoustic and showed him real quick. He sat on his special drum set that his tech set up for him. I sat there with a drumstick conducting. He did two takes.”

So, if you’re looking for a drummer to nail a song in two takes, look no further than former Beatle Paul McCartney. Concrete and Gold is out September 15.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Jeff Beck's 'Live At The Hollywood Bowl' To Be Released On CD, DVD, Blu-ray

Last summer, guitar virtuoso Jeff Beck celebrated 50 years of his musical career with an extraordinary concert at the famous Hollywood Bowl. Beck set the stage ablaze with incredible live versions of “For Your Love,” “Beck’s Bolero,” “’Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers,” “Big Block,” “Over Under Sideways Down,” “A Day In The Life,” “Blue Wind,” and more. The night also included a list of special guests that included Steven Tyler, Billy F. Gibbons, Jan Hammer, Beth Hart, Jimmy Hall and Buddy Guy.

On October 6, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Jeff Beck: Live At The Hollywood Bowl on CD, DVD and Blu-ray. A special DVD and triple LP version is available for pre-order exclusive through PledgeMusic.

Over the course of Beck’s illustrious 50-year career, the trailblazing guitarist has earned many accolades. He’s been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – twice! First, as a member of the Yardbirds in 1992 and then again, as a solo artist in 2009.

He has earned a total of eight Grammys during his long career. From his time with The Yardbirds, to the Jeff Beck Group and his solo career, Beck’s sound and stylistic exploration has mesmerized fans and critics worldwide. This concert captures his musical journey, with a set list spanning from his first Yardbirds’ recordings to recent tracks from 2016’s Loud Hailer. As the evening progressed, Beck was joined onstage by those legendary peers. The show climaxed with all guests delivering a stirring encore performance of “Purple Rain” in tribute to Prince, who had passed away a few months before the concert.

Live At The Hollywood Bowl is a stellar showcase of Jeff Beck’s history and musicianship, and a fitting addition to Eagle Rock Entertainment’s collection of Jeff Beck titles.


Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Black Country Communion is Back

 
Black Country Communion delivers classic rock musicianship on another level. The Anglo-American rock group comprising vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze), drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, Foreigner), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Alice Cooper, Billy Idol) and blues-rock guitarist/vocalist Joe Bonamassa, will release their long awaited and highly anticipated fourth album, BCCIV, via J&R Adventures on Friday, September 22, 2017. This is the band's first studio album since 2013's 'Afterglow'.

Just like its three predecessors, BCCIV was overseen by legendary producer Kevin Shirley, whose catalog of hit classic rock records for Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Aerosmith, Journey, The Black Crowes, has made him the hottest producer that rock music has to offer. Shirley, who originally had the idea of putting Hughes and Bonamassa in a band after seeing them jamming together onstage in Los Angeles back in November 2009 – is the group's unofficial 'fifth member'.

Black Country Communion is an earth-shattering combination of American and British rock influences — a bona fide super group that conveys to the world a simple but important message: classic rock is alive and in good hands in the 21st century. Their communion together forms something that is greater than the sum of its parts, creating a legacy being cemented within the halls of music history.

Due to extensive solo touring schedules, this super group is hard to catch live and currently only has three live concerts scheduled with no immediate plans for more.  Just announced today, the group will play two UK exclusive shows at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall on January 2nd, 2018, and at the Eventim Apollo Hammersmith in London on January 4th, 2018.

For ticket information visit www.bccommunion.com. BCC will also make a special guest appearance to perform on Joe Bonamassa's Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea Music Festival sailing February 26 - March 2, 2018.

The initiative for the new album came from Joe Bonamassa, who contacted the band in 2016 to see if they would be up for going back into the studio to write and record a fourth album.  Says Joe, "I just felt the time was right for Black Country Communion to go back into the studio and write and record a new album. When I contacted Glenn, Derek and Jason, they immediately agreed to give it shot. The timing was right."

Black Country Communion's inception took place when front man and bass guitarist Glenn Hughes and Joe Bonamassa fused their styles on stage in Los Angeles in November 2009 for an explosive performance at Guitar Center's King of the Blues event. With the help and guidance of producer Kevin Shirley, they further added to their rock lineage by recruiting drummer Jason Bonham and keyboardist Derek Sherinian. Taking their name from an industrial area in Britain, and the birthplace of both Hughes and Bonham, Black Country Communion released their self-titled debut album in 2010, and with that, unleashed their brand of take-no-prisoners hard rock to a world thirsting for music with substance.

During its first week of release in the UK, BCC's debut album hit the #1 spot in the Official Top 40 Rock Album Chart. It was voted #3 in Classic Rock's "Critics Album of the Year" poll, and listeners of Planet Rock crowned BCC as the Best New Band of 2010.

In the States, former VH1 Classic TV show "That Metal Show" dubbed BCC as the Best New Rock Band of the last 10 Years. The band was also the recipient of the Best Breakthrough Act award at Classic Rock's prestigious Roll Of Honour Awards.

Following the release of another two studio albums, 2011's well-received Black Country Communion 2 and 2012's equally impressive Afterglow, plus a smoldering live CD released in 2011, Live Over Europe, the band has firmly established themselves as one of hard rock's premier acts. The band took a hiatus in 2013 and focused on their successful solo careers.

BCC has cultivated a reputation not only as amazing songwriters, but as a powerful live act, is only exceeded by their dedication to their craft, and a willingness to challenge and motivate each other to make the best music they can. Their latest, BCCIV, is destined to become one of the biggest hard rock albums of 2017.

"We had around four months to write this album, and I think the results speak for themselves," comments Glenn Hughes. "All four of us wanted to make a record that stood up to the first three albums, however, the new album is more of a progression, as we wanted to be careful not to repeat the previous albums. A lot has happened since we last recorded the Afterglow album in 2013, so, in many ways, the new album shows BCC with a much harder, riffier, bigger and bolder sound.

The band assembled to record BCCIV at Cave Studios in Los Angeles in January 2017.  The songs on BCCIV will appeal to all fans of high quality hard rock, also those that admire singers of distinction. Hughes is not known as The Voice of Rock for nothing.

In terms of content, BCCIV expands upon the progression that took place between the first three albums. With an abundance of heavy riffs, undeniable hooks, melodic flair and infectious choruses, BCCIV is a spectacular album that gets bigger and bolder with repeated spins.

"I wanted the new album to physically shake your soul. It's a wake-up call." explains Hughes.

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...