------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and features by
Ross Muir
Music Critic, Freelance Writer, Artist Review & Promotion
"Putting the Words to the Music"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and features by
Ross Muir
Music Critic, Freelance Writer, Artist Review & Promotion
"Putting the Words to the Music"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Latest Muirsical Thoughts
A selection of topical music news snippets and announcements, a number of which include
a dash of Muirsical humour or an alternative, behind-the-spin view of the official press-blurb.
There was a surprise for Kensington Palace guests and onlookers recently when Jon Bon Jovi knocked out an acoustic performance of ‘Living on a Prayer’ at the Winter Whites Gala for the homeless charity Centrepoint.
But there was a bigger surprise was when the singer was joined on stage by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Taylor Swift.
Good on William for being part of the sing-a-long but as perhaps expected, there was some discomfort during the chorus sing-a-longs and most certainly some embarrassment as it became about one particular individual drawing the attention and detracting from what the event was all about.
But that’s Taylor Swift for you…
But there was a bigger surprise was when the singer was joined on stage by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Taylor Swift.
Good on William for being part of the sing-a-long but as perhaps expected, there was some discomfort during the chorus sing-a-longs and most certainly some embarrassment as it became about one particular individual drawing the attention and detracting from what the event was all about.
But that’s Taylor Swift for you…
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bruce Springsteen seems to be getting more prolific with age.
High Hopes, due for release in January 2014, will be Springsteen’s seventh studio album of the Millennium and third in the last five years.
The album promises a number of different musical colours, large and small E Street Band combinations and appearances from Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello.
High Hopes also features a number of cover songs, re-recorded versions of earlier Springsteen songs and newly recorded out-takes from previous recording sessions.
‘American Skin (41 Shots),’ written in 2000 and performed live (appearing on Live in New York City) with a rare studio appearance on a 2001 Promo CD, finally gets a formal studio outing.
Three covers feature on the album: ‘Just Like Fire Would’ (by Australian punk rock band The Saints), ‘Dream Baby Dream’ (originally performed by the American electronica/ proto-punk band Suicide) and ‘High Hopes’ (written by Tim Scott McConnell and recorded by The Havalinas).
The title track has already been covered by Springsteen; it was recorded in 1995 and released on the Blood Brothers EP.
The new version has already been made available via download (with pre-orders of the album) and you can make your own mind up on its interesting alternative rock meets latin-esque Santana sound via the video below.
Bruce Springsteen seems to be getting more prolific with age.
High Hopes, due for release in January 2014, will be Springsteen’s seventh studio album of the Millennium and third in the last five years.
The album promises a number of different musical colours, large and small E Street Band combinations and appearances from Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello.
High Hopes also features a number of cover songs, re-recorded versions of earlier Springsteen songs and newly recorded out-takes from previous recording sessions.
‘American Skin (41 Shots),’ written in 2000 and performed live (appearing on Live in New York City) with a rare studio appearance on a 2001 Promo CD, finally gets a formal studio outing.
Three covers feature on the album: ‘Just Like Fire Would’ (by Australian punk rock band The Saints), ‘Dream Baby Dream’ (originally performed by the American electronica/ proto-punk band Suicide) and ‘High Hopes’ (written by Tim Scott McConnell and recorded by The Havalinas).
The title track has already been covered by Springsteen; it was recorded in 1995 and released on the Blood Brothers EP.
The new version has already been made available via download (with pre-orders of the album) and you can make your own mind up on its interesting alternative rock meets latin-esque Santana sound via the video below.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Download Festival, the more metal-orientated successor to the original Donnington rock festival Monsters of Rock, pulled out a bit of a surprise when it was announced Status Quo would be one of the featured acts for the 2014 event.
How the Quo’s twelve-bar and three chord boogie will be received by the fans of Avenged Sevenfold, Linkin Park (two Download 2014 headliners) Steel Panther, Alter Bridge et al remains to be seen, as does just what Quo quartet will play the gig – the current line-up or the ‘Frantic Four’ original line-up that recently reformed for a select number of gigs.
Aerosmith will also play as a headliner.
Download 2014 takes place over Friday 13th, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th of June; tickets are now on sale.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Download Festival, the more metal-orientated successor to the original Donnington rock festival Monsters of Rock, pulled out a bit of a surprise when it was announced Status Quo would be one of the featured acts for the 2014 event.
How the Quo’s twelve-bar and three chord boogie will be received by the fans of Avenged Sevenfold, Linkin Park (two Download 2014 headliners) Steel Panther, Alter Bridge et al remains to be seen, as does just what Quo quartet will play the gig – the current line-up or the ‘Frantic Four’ original line-up that recently reformed for a select number of gigs.
Aerosmith will also play as a headliner.
Download 2014 takes place over Friday 13th, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th of June; tickets are now on sale.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Download 2014 will be joined by another major metal-based festival next year when Sonisphere returns to Knebworth and the UK after a two-year absence.
Iron Maiden and Metallica have been announced as the major-name players and it’s expected the Sonisphere appearances will be the only 2014 shows in the UK for either band.
Sonisphere isn’t just making an impact by grabbing the two biggest metal bands in the world as its headliners; 2014 also marks the 40th anniversary of rock events held at Knebworth House.
Sonisphere takes place from Friday the 4th of July to Sunday the 6th of July 2014 and tickets are on sale now.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Iron Maiden and Metallica have been announced as the major-name players and it’s expected the Sonisphere appearances will be the only 2014 shows in the UK for either band.
Sonisphere isn’t just making an impact by grabbing the two biggest metal bands in the world as its headliners; 2014 also marks the 40th anniversary of rock events held at Knebworth House.
Sonisphere takes place from Friday the 4th of July to Sunday the 6th of July 2014 and tickets are on sale now.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Scorpions Farewell World Tour, which seems to have been extended until they say cheerio to every individual Scorps fan personally, recently included two acoustic sets performed in the beautiful setting of the Lycabettus Theatre in Athens.
It was also the first ever open-air show in the history of MTV’s famous Unplugged series.
The sets were performed and recorded in September and will see the light of day in double CD, DVD and Blu-ray format on the 2nd December.
The Scorpions Unplugged will be a perfect souvenir of the shows and a memento of a significant event in what the band continue to categorically confirm will be their last ever tour.
Scorpions singer Klaus Meine recalled the performances and previous visits to the theatre:
“We played here many years ago. It is a beautiful place. I can remember that even back then the fans climbed onto the surrounding rocks. Of course we played some of the greatest classics this time but we also performed a few new songs, as well as material that we had never played live up to then.”
It was also the first ever open-air show in the history of MTV’s famous Unplugged series.
The sets were performed and recorded in September and will see the light of day in double CD, DVD and Blu-ray format on the 2nd December.
The Scorpions Unplugged will be a perfect souvenir of the shows and a memento of a significant event in what the band continue to categorically confirm will be their last ever tour.
Scorpions singer Klaus Meine recalled the performances and previous visits to the theatre:
“We played here many years ago. It is a beautiful place. I can remember that even back then the fans climbed onto the surrounding rocks. Of course we played some of the greatest classics this time but we also performed a few new songs, as well as material that we had never played live up to then.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Even in this recessional age it was no surprise that the Eagles recently announced 2014 UK and Ireland Arena dates saw most of those tickets disappearing within hours of tickets going on sale.
It was also no surprise that a couple of extra dates were soon added to the UK leg of the ongoing The History of the Eagles world tour.
An Eagles concert puts you in front of one of the most successful and legendary pop/ rock bands of all time, but with tickets going all the way up to £140 a pop, I’ll stick to the UK’s premier and award winning Eagles tribute band Talon, thanks.
But then you are paying for the pleasure of hearing some of the Greatest Hits any band can claim, along with a smattering of not exactly unsuccessful Don Henley and Joe Walsh material.
But the paying-that-price-because-people-still-will reality is down to the fact this is yet another major tour monopolised by One Live Nation Under Ticketmammon. Sorry, Ticketmaster.
No, wait, right the first time.
For those whipping out their credit card and happy to Take It To The Limit to get the best seats in the house, The History of the Eagles UK and Ireland dates are:
28th May 2014 – LG Arena, Birmingham
29th May 2014 – LG Arena, Birmingham
31st May 2014 – The Hydro, Glasgow
2nd May 2014 – The Hydro, Glasgow
4th June 2014 – O2 Arena, Dublin
6th June 2014 – Dublin Arena, Dublin
16th June 2014 – O2 Arena, London
18th June 2014 – O2 Arena, London
20th June 2014 – O2 Arena, London
23rd June 2014 – First Direct Arena, Leeds
25th June 2014 – Manchester Arena, Manchester
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Even in this recessional age it was no surprise that the Eagles recently announced 2014 UK and Ireland Arena dates saw most of those tickets disappearing within hours of tickets going on sale.
It was also no surprise that a couple of extra dates were soon added to the UK leg of the ongoing The History of the Eagles world tour.
An Eagles concert puts you in front of one of the most successful and legendary pop/ rock bands of all time, but with tickets going all the way up to £140 a pop, I’ll stick to the UK’s premier and award winning Eagles tribute band Talon, thanks.
But then you are paying for the pleasure of hearing some of the Greatest Hits any band can claim, along with a smattering of not exactly unsuccessful Don Henley and Joe Walsh material.
But the paying-that-price-because-people-still-will reality is down to the fact this is yet another major tour monopolised by One Live Nation Under Ticketmammon. Sorry, Ticketmaster.
No, wait, right the first time.
For those whipping out their credit card and happy to Take It To The Limit to get the best seats in the house, The History of the Eagles UK and Ireland dates are:
28th May 2014 – LG Arena, Birmingham
29th May 2014 – LG Arena, Birmingham
31st May 2014 – The Hydro, Glasgow
2nd May 2014 – The Hydro, Glasgow
4th June 2014 – O2 Arena, Dublin
6th June 2014 – Dublin Arena, Dublin
16th June 2014 – O2 Arena, London
18th June 2014 – O2 Arena, London
20th June 2014 – O2 Arena, London
23rd June 2014 – First Direct Arena, Leeds
25th June 2014 – Manchester Arena, Manchester
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Due to demand, American southern and country rockers Blackberry Smoke have announced three additional UK tour dates on their 2014 mini-tour of the UK and Europe.
I’m not surprised – the band’s mix of an early Lynyrd Skynyrd and American country produces a fine blend and, coupled with excellent song writing, makes for one of the best new band's currently recording and touring.
The only mystery is the fact the dates are still primarily rock cafés and clubs but the excellent third album, 2012’s The Whippoorwill, was their first to make a dent in the Billboard charts so it’s still relatively early days for Blackberry Smoke.
And let's not forget that, in this rebranded day and reunion age, melodic and classic/ retro rock does bigger business, generally, than the best that new bands have to offer; so it’s perhaps not that surprising.
The Whippoorwill didn’t get a review on FabricationsHQ when it was released back in August of last year but it was issued primarily for the North American market – the album however will get a Deluxe Edition (bonus tracks) European release early next year to coincide with the tour.
And rest assured what people are missing, or have missed thus far, will be covered in a Featured Review come February 2014.
The additional dates are in Nottingham, Manchester and London; the complete list of dates is as follows.
Blackberry Smoke UK & European Tour Dates, Spring 2014:
Friday, February 28th – King Tuts, Glasgow
Saturday, March 1st – Bodega, Nottingham
Sunday, March 2nd – Academy 3, Manchester
Monday March 3rd – Islington o2 Academy, London
Wednesday, March 5th – Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton
Thursday, March 6th – Winston, Amsterdam, Holland
Saturday, March 8th – Kagelbanan, Stockholm, Sweden
Monday, March 10th – Rock Café, Hamburg, Germany
Tuesday, March 11th – White Trash, Berlin, Germany
Wednesday, March 12th – Blue Shell, Koln, Germany
Thursday, March 13th – Strom, Munich, Germany
Saturday, March 15th – Nouveau Casino, Paris, France
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I’m not surprised – the band’s mix of an early Lynyrd Skynyrd and American country produces a fine blend and, coupled with excellent song writing, makes for one of the best new band's currently recording and touring.
The only mystery is the fact the dates are still primarily rock cafés and clubs but the excellent third album, 2012’s The Whippoorwill, was their first to make a dent in the Billboard charts so it’s still relatively early days for Blackberry Smoke.
And let's not forget that, in this rebranded day and reunion age, melodic and classic/ retro rock does bigger business, generally, than the best that new bands have to offer; so it’s perhaps not that surprising.
The Whippoorwill didn’t get a review on FabricationsHQ when it was released back in August of last year but it was issued primarily for the North American market – the album however will get a Deluxe Edition (bonus tracks) European release early next year to coincide with the tour.
And rest assured what people are missing, or have missed thus far, will be covered in a Featured Review come February 2014.
The additional dates are in Nottingham, Manchester and London; the complete list of dates is as follows.
Blackberry Smoke UK & European Tour Dates, Spring 2014:
Friday, February 28th – King Tuts, Glasgow
Saturday, March 1st – Bodega, Nottingham
Sunday, March 2nd – Academy 3, Manchester
Monday March 3rd – Islington o2 Academy, London
Wednesday, March 5th – Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton
Thursday, March 6th – Winston, Amsterdam, Holland
Saturday, March 8th – Kagelbanan, Stockholm, Sweden
Monday, March 10th – Rock Café, Hamburg, Germany
Tuesday, March 11th – White Trash, Berlin, Germany
Wednesday, March 12th – Blue Shell, Koln, Germany
Thursday, March 13th – Strom, Munich, Germany
Saturday, March 15th – Nouveau Casino, Paris, France
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Europe - 30th Anniversary Guitar Auction Noble PR Press Release
On Sunday December 15 2013, Europe, one of Sweden’s most successful rock groups of all time, will celebrate their 30th Anniversary with an exclusive auction of ten customised guitars based on ten of their albums.
Proceeds from the sale of the Final Countdown guitar will help charity in the Philippines.
Stockholms Auktionsverk has been accorded the honour of auctioning off ten uniquely airbrushed Gibson/ Epiphone guitars, personally autographed by all band members including previous Europe members Kee Marcello and Tony Reno.
Viewing is on the premises in Magasin 5 (Palermogatan 21-23) Stockholm (as well as online) between 28th November and 15th December 2013.
Opening times Monday - Friday 1pm to 5pm (CET) and Saturday 11am to 4pm (CET).
The Online Auction will take place on Sunday the 15th December, 2013.
Catalogue and bidding: www.stadsauktion.se
The ten guitars have been airbrushed by Lazy Joe and include exclusive adaptations of the artwork from Europe's following albums:
Europe (1983), Wings Of Tomorrow (1984), The Final Countdown (1986), Out Of This World (1988), Prisoners in Paradise (1991), Start From the Dark (2004), Secret Society (2006), Almost Unplugged (2008), Last Look at Eden (2009), and Bag of Bones (2012).
Proceeds from the sale of the Final Countdown guitar will help charity in the Philippines.
Stockholms Auktionsverk has been accorded the honour of auctioning off ten uniquely airbrushed Gibson/ Epiphone guitars, personally autographed by all band members including previous Europe members Kee Marcello and Tony Reno.
Viewing is on the premises in Magasin 5 (Palermogatan 21-23) Stockholm (as well as online) between 28th November and 15th December 2013.
Opening times Monday - Friday 1pm to 5pm (CET) and Saturday 11am to 4pm (CET).
The Online Auction will take place on Sunday the 15th December, 2013.
Catalogue and bidding: www.stadsauktion.se
The ten guitars have been airbrushed by Lazy Joe and include exclusive adaptations of the artwork from Europe's following albums:
Europe (1983), Wings Of Tomorrow (1984), The Final Countdown (1986), Out Of This World (1988), Prisoners in Paradise (1991), Start From the Dark (2004), Secret Society (2006), Almost Unplugged (2008), Last Look at Eden (2009), and Bag of Bones (2012).
The guitars have been especially customized for this once-in-a-lifetime auction to celebrate Europe’s 30 Anniversary in the music business: “We wanted to create something really special to mark our 30th anniversary,” says Europe drummer Ian Haugland.
The proceeds from the sale of the Final Countdown guitar will go to the charity Medicins Sans Frontiers/ Läkare utan gränser.
“We think they are doing very important and inspiring work, giving medical aid in emergency areas around the world, including the charity work in the Philippines,” says Europe bass guitarist John Leven.
“We believe this is something a Europe fan, a lover of guitars and art would appreciate,” added lead singer Joey Tempest.
Europe has toured extensively throughout Germany, Spain, Turkey, Japan and Mexico this year; the band concludes their world tour on the 14th December in Sandviken, Sweden.
For further info about the guitar auction: Expert in charge, Maria Granström (Sweden)
Tel: +46 8 453 67 24; email: maria.granstrom@auktionsverket.se
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The proceeds from the sale of the Final Countdown guitar will go to the charity Medicins Sans Frontiers/ Läkare utan gränser.
“We think they are doing very important and inspiring work, giving medical aid in emergency areas around the world, including the charity work in the Philippines,” says Europe bass guitarist John Leven.
“We believe this is something a Europe fan, a lover of guitars and art would appreciate,” added lead singer Joey Tempest.
Europe has toured extensively throughout Germany, Spain, Turkey, Japan and Mexico this year; the band concludes their world tour on the 14th December in Sandviken, Sweden.
For further info about the guitar auction: Expert in charge, Maria Granström (Sweden)
Tel: +46 8 453 67 24; email: maria.granstrom@auktionsverket.se
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The latest end-of-the-year musical awards ceremony came courtesy of the Classic Rock Awards, with Black Sabbath perhaps predictably picking up a number of trophies.
The awards are certainly well named – classic rock acts, both living and deceased, that won awards included Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones and Rory Gallagher.
The full list of award winners was as follows:
The Living Legend Award (Sponsored by Orange Amplification) – Black Sabbath
Event of the Year (Sponsored by Roadrunner) – Black Sabbath going to #1 with 13
Breakthrough Award – Virginmarys
The Musicians’ Union Maestro – James Dean Bradfield
Tommy Vance Inspiration Award (Sponsored by Spinefarm Records) – Rory Gallagher
Outstanding Contribution (sponsored by Monitor Audio) – Mott the Hoople
Classic Album (sponsored by Eagle Rock) – Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton – John Mayall
V.I.P. Award (sponsored by currencies.co.uk) – Shep Gordon
Metal Guru (sponsored by Mascot Label Group) – Zakk Wylde
Best New Band (sponsored by Kraken) – The Temperance Movement
Album of the Year (sponsored by Live Nation) – Black Sabbath - 13
Reissue of the Year (sponsored by Alchemy) – Fleetwood Mac - Rumours 35th Anniversary Edition
Film of the Year – Led Zeppelin - Celebration Day
Band of the Year (sponsored by Investec) – The Rolling Stones
Spirit Of Prog (sponsored by USM / UMC) – Alex Lifeson
The Showmen – The Darkness
Innovator – Wilko Johnson
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The awards are certainly well named – classic rock acts, both living and deceased, that won awards included Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones and Rory Gallagher.
The full list of award winners was as follows:
The Living Legend Award (Sponsored by Orange Amplification) – Black Sabbath
Event of the Year (Sponsored by Roadrunner) – Black Sabbath going to #1 with 13
Breakthrough Award – Virginmarys
The Musicians’ Union Maestro – James Dean Bradfield
Tommy Vance Inspiration Award (Sponsored by Spinefarm Records) – Rory Gallagher
Outstanding Contribution (sponsored by Monitor Audio) – Mott the Hoople
Classic Album (sponsored by Eagle Rock) – Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton – John Mayall
V.I.P. Award (sponsored by currencies.co.uk) – Shep Gordon
Metal Guru (sponsored by Mascot Label Group) – Zakk Wylde
Best New Band (sponsored by Kraken) – The Temperance Movement
Album of the Year (sponsored by Live Nation) – Black Sabbath - 13
Reissue of the Year (sponsored by Alchemy) – Fleetwood Mac - Rumours 35th Anniversary Edition
Film of the Year – Led Zeppelin - Celebration Day
Band of the Year (sponsored by Investec) – The Rolling Stones
Spirit Of Prog (sponsored by USM / UMC) – Alex Lifeson
The Showmen – The Darkness
Innovator – Wilko Johnson
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As to be expected, what would seem to be fairly minor news – classic/ veteran rock band discovers two very old/ previously unheard songs – has become a major interest subject due to the fact the band in question is Led Zeppelin.
What makes them all the more intriguing is the fact they seemingly feature John Paul Jones on lead vocals; all will be revealed when they appear as bonus tracks on the forthcoming remastered re-releases of the band’s classic back catalogue next year.
According to Robert Plant, he “…found some quarter-inch spools. I had a meeting with Jimmy [Page] and we baked them up and listened to them. And there's some very, very interesting bits and pieces that probably will turn up on these things.”
Which almost guarantees that, no matter what the quality of the rare tracks, the album/s they appear on will be the best selling rock re-releases of 2014.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What makes them all the more intriguing is the fact they seemingly feature John Paul Jones on lead vocals; all will be revealed when they appear as bonus tracks on the forthcoming remastered re-releases of the band’s classic back catalogue next year.
According to Robert Plant, he “…found some quarter-inch spools. I had a meeting with Jimmy [Page] and we baked them up and listened to them. And there's some very, very interesting bits and pieces that probably will turn up on these things.”
Which almost guarantees that, no matter what the quality of the rare tracks, the album/s they appear on will be the best selling rock re-releases of 2014.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REO Speedwagon - Live at Moondance Jam Frontiers Records
Broadcast on Palladia, Direct TV and VH1 Classic in early 2013, Live at Moondance Jam features a baker’s dozen classic REO Speedwagon tunes, including the hits ’Keep on Loving You,’ ’Take It on the Run’ and ‘Can’t Fight This Feeling,’ along with the first ever live version of ‘In Your Letter.’
The packages also feature ‘Don't Let Him Go,’ ‘Keep Pushin',’ ‘Time for Me to Fly,’ ‘Back on the Road Again,’ ‘Roll with the Changes,’ ‘Ridin' the Storm Out,’ ‘157 Riverside Avenue,’ ‘Golden Country’ and ‘Like You Do.’
Additionally, both the CD+DVD and Blu-ray packages contain a bonus interview with REO’s iconic vocalist Kevin Cronin.
Formed loosely in the late '60s at college in Champaign, IL, REO (named after the precursor to the light truck) rode to gigs in station wagons, hopping from small gigs to even tinier gigs, just to get their name out.
It worked, as fans quickly realized there was much more going on here than your average college party band.
By the early '70s the band's unrelenting drive, as well as non-stop touring and recording, jump-started the burgeoning rock movement in the Midwest; it carved a path that was eventually followed by STYX, Kansas, Cheap Trick and more.
Platinum albums and freeform FM radio staples such as ‘Ridin' the Storm Out’ followed, setting the stage for 1980's explosive Hi Infidelity record.
REO rode the top of the charts with a RIAA-certified 22 million albums sold in the U.S. and 40 million around the globe, with a string of gold and platinum records and international hit singles.
Even now, fully established with songs on the radio in every city and town they ever set foot in, REO Speedwagon still has that Midwest work ethic – their eyes have always been on the future and on the road and not a year has gone by where REO Speedwagon didn't perform live, thrilling fans with hit filled sets.
The band's younger fans might not realize the sheer impact REO has had on music and the culture of rock 'n' roll. Hi Infidelity's millions in sales were fuelled by massive hit singles such as ‘Keep On Loving You’ and ‘Take It On the Run.’
Thirty-plus years later, the nine-times certified platinum Hi Infidelity still remains a high-water mark for rock bands; the album spent 15 weeks in the #1 slot, a feat simply unattainable in music today.
At the centre of REO's desire to keep it rocking for the fans is Kevin Cronin, who looks like he's found the fountain of youth – along with the secret to penning some of the biggest hits in rock.
With bandmates Bruce Hall on bass, keyboardist Neal Doughty, Dave Amato on lead guitar and drummer Bryan Hitt, REO has remained busy since the band celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2007.
These days REO are still doing what they've always done – taking good care of their legacy while keeping the focus on the future.
REO's career will always carry on with music that continues to define excellence in song craftsmanship and brilliant live performance for several generations of fans.
REO Speedwagon:
Neal Doughty – keyboards, organ, piano, synthesizer
Kevin Cronin – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano, keyboards
Bruce Hall – bass guitar, vocals
Dave Amato – lead guitar, vocals
Bryan Hitt – drums, percussion
Live at Moondance Jam
Produced by Sarah Brock
CD:
Don't Let Him Go; Keep on Loving You; In Your Letter; Take It on the Run; Keep Pushin'; Golden Country; Can't Fight This Feeling; Like You Do; Time for Me to Fly; Back on the Road Again; Roll with the Changes; Ridin' the Storm Out; 157 Riverside Avenue.
DVD / Blu Ray:
Don't Let Him Go; Keep on Loving You; In Your Letter; Take It on the Run; Keep Pushin'; Golden Country; Can't Fight This Feeling; Like You Do; Time for Me to Fly; Back on the Road Again; Roll with the Changes; Ridin' the Storm Out; 157 Riverside Avenue.
Bonus Material: Interview with Kevin Cronin
Cat #: FR CDVD 625 Code: 8024391062548
Blu-Ray: Cat #: FR BR 625 Code: 8024391062586
Release dates: November 19th (North America); November 29th (Europe)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The packages also feature ‘Don't Let Him Go,’ ‘Keep Pushin',’ ‘Time for Me to Fly,’ ‘Back on the Road Again,’ ‘Roll with the Changes,’ ‘Ridin' the Storm Out,’ ‘157 Riverside Avenue,’ ‘Golden Country’ and ‘Like You Do.’
Additionally, both the CD+DVD and Blu-ray packages contain a bonus interview with REO’s iconic vocalist Kevin Cronin.
Formed loosely in the late '60s at college in Champaign, IL, REO (named after the precursor to the light truck) rode to gigs in station wagons, hopping from small gigs to even tinier gigs, just to get their name out.
It worked, as fans quickly realized there was much more going on here than your average college party band.
By the early '70s the band's unrelenting drive, as well as non-stop touring and recording, jump-started the burgeoning rock movement in the Midwest; it carved a path that was eventually followed by STYX, Kansas, Cheap Trick and more.
Platinum albums and freeform FM radio staples such as ‘Ridin' the Storm Out’ followed, setting the stage for 1980's explosive Hi Infidelity record.
REO rode the top of the charts with a RIAA-certified 22 million albums sold in the U.S. and 40 million around the globe, with a string of gold and platinum records and international hit singles.
Even now, fully established with songs on the radio in every city and town they ever set foot in, REO Speedwagon still has that Midwest work ethic – their eyes have always been on the future and on the road and not a year has gone by where REO Speedwagon didn't perform live, thrilling fans with hit filled sets.
The band's younger fans might not realize the sheer impact REO has had on music and the culture of rock 'n' roll. Hi Infidelity's millions in sales were fuelled by massive hit singles such as ‘Keep On Loving You’ and ‘Take It On the Run.’
Thirty-plus years later, the nine-times certified platinum Hi Infidelity still remains a high-water mark for rock bands; the album spent 15 weeks in the #1 slot, a feat simply unattainable in music today.
At the centre of REO's desire to keep it rocking for the fans is Kevin Cronin, who looks like he's found the fountain of youth – along with the secret to penning some of the biggest hits in rock.
With bandmates Bruce Hall on bass, keyboardist Neal Doughty, Dave Amato on lead guitar and drummer Bryan Hitt, REO has remained busy since the band celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2007.
These days REO are still doing what they've always done – taking good care of their legacy while keeping the focus on the future.
REO's career will always carry on with music that continues to define excellence in song craftsmanship and brilliant live performance for several generations of fans.
REO Speedwagon:
Neal Doughty – keyboards, organ, piano, synthesizer
Kevin Cronin – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano, keyboards
Bruce Hall – bass guitar, vocals
Dave Amato – lead guitar, vocals
Bryan Hitt – drums, percussion
Live at Moondance Jam
Produced by Sarah Brock
CD:
Don't Let Him Go; Keep on Loving You; In Your Letter; Take It on the Run; Keep Pushin'; Golden Country; Can't Fight This Feeling; Like You Do; Time for Me to Fly; Back on the Road Again; Roll with the Changes; Ridin' the Storm Out; 157 Riverside Avenue.
DVD / Blu Ray:
Don't Let Him Go; Keep on Loving You; In Your Letter; Take It on the Run; Keep Pushin'; Golden Country; Can't Fight This Feeling; Like You Do; Time for Me to Fly; Back on the Road Again; Roll with the Changes; Ridin' the Storm Out; 157 Riverside Avenue.
Bonus Material: Interview with Kevin Cronin
Cat #: FR CDVD 625 Code: 8024391062548
Blu-Ray: Cat #: FR BR 625 Code: 8024391062586
Release dates: November 19th (North America); November 29th (Europe)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anyone looking for a little quirkiness in their rock and roll could do worse than check out 'Down to the Grain' from Alfred Buning.
Singer and guitarist Buning is from Amsterdam and while he describes his music as “80’s rock” his vocal and its rhythmic cadence give 'Down to the Grain' a slightly different rock and roll slant.
The same was true of Fake Bluff, the 2012 album by singer and guitarist Jes Falcon and a release that was reviewed by FabricationsHQ.
Falcon is originally from Spain but lives in Amsterdam (regarding himself as “an Amsterdam-ian”) and, avoiding the obvious jokes, there is clearly something in the Amsterdam air because both Jes Falcon’s and Alfred Buning’s vocal style give their music an alternative edge and a discordant charm.
The single 'Down to the Grain' is currently enjoying airplay in parts of the US, Germany and the UK and Buning, who first performed at the age of 12 at the famous Paradiso venue in Amsterdam, is now looking for support opportunities in the US and Europe as well as the right management and record company to release his forthcoming CD album License to Rock.
Singer and guitarist Buning is from Amsterdam and while he describes his music as “80’s rock” his vocal and its rhythmic cadence give 'Down to the Grain' a slightly different rock and roll slant.
The same was true of Fake Bluff, the 2012 album by singer and guitarist Jes Falcon and a release that was reviewed by FabricationsHQ.
Falcon is originally from Spain but lives in Amsterdam (regarding himself as “an Amsterdam-ian”) and, avoiding the obvious jokes, there is clearly something in the Amsterdam air because both Jes Falcon’s and Alfred Buning’s vocal style give their music an alternative edge and a discordant charm.
The single 'Down to the Grain' is currently enjoying airplay in parts of the US, Germany and the UK and Buning, who first performed at the age of 12 at the famous Paradiso venue in Amsterdam, is now looking for support opportunities in the US and Europe as well as the right management and record company to release his forthcoming CD album License to Rock.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarastro Blake - New Progmantics Press Release
Progressive music enthusiasts worldwide are buzzing with excitement about the debut release by Italian ensemble Sarastro Blake, titled New Progmantics.
Sarastro Blake is a new musical project which takes its inspiration from the Alan Parsons Project as a band format, meaning it revolves around a few selected musicians, plus other special guests who are chosen for their specific talent and for certain songs.
Featuring prog legends Rick Wakeman, Richard Sinclair (Caravan/ Hatfield & The North), Nick Magnus (Steve Hackett), David Paton (Alan Parsons Project), Dave Lawson (Greenslade), Billy Sherwood and Amanda Lehmann (Steve Hackett band), Sarastro Blake’s New Progmatics just may be one of the top prog releases of 2013.
The project first came to light when Paolo Pigni (bass, acoustic guitars and vocals) teamed up with multi-instrumentalist and member of prog group Mogador, Luca Briccola, who also produced the album.
Richard Allen, also of Mogador, helped with vocals and management.
Mirko Soncini and Filippo Pedretti, both of Celtic Harp Orchestra, played drums and violin respectively. Last but not least, Serena Bossi and Marco Carenzio from folk prog outfit Trewa (also led by Briccola) provided vocals.
Says Paolo:
“The concept behind the album is quite ‘romantic’ as the title suggests. There is the seeking of a spiritual path and certain nostalgia of the past, which are embedded in the lyrics of some of the most illustrious British poets and painters. Some of the lyrics I wrote myself, which I published a few years ago in a booklet called A Pocketful of Poetry under the pseudonym George William Payne. In the end I realized most of the words dealt with love, whether spiritual or for a person, with hope and disillusion.”
Each special guest artist was chosen for their specific talent and for certain songs on New Progmantics…
“When Paolo first invited me to play on his album I have to admit I was filled with trepidation, however, after hearing the track he wanted me to play on I started ‘noodling’ and came up with a couple ideas which I hope are simpatico. The track concerned was a homage to Scotland, the land of my forefathers and it’s true to say, although I probably have more Italian blood in my veins and definitely more Italian wine, the song conjured up a feeling of nostalgia for the Highlands.” – Dave Lawson
“I learned a lot from bands like YES, Genesis, Pink Floyd and King Crimson and could relate immediately to what I heard in the music that Paolo sent me. I informed him that I’d be happy to lend my voice to such a polished project…I experimented with harmonies and slight changes in the melody to suit my voice, but all and all they got it right with the songs and I was able to sing the melodies easily and had a lot of fun doing so.” – David Paton
Although titled New Progmantics, the album has nothing ‘new’ about it, but rather it is retro, old fashioned and indeed romantic! It is a work filled with genuine inspiration, and with some melodies that one will remember for a long time to come…
“It was a real pleasure to play on New Progmantics and I’m delighted to be part of the project. There’s such a diversity of music here, highly melodic and atmospheric. Paolo and Luca have chosen their guest artists with utmost care and intuition, each one being perfectly matched to their particular tracks. This album should delight prog fans old and new…” – Nick Magnus
“I enjoyed playing on Paolo’s record because it was very challenging music to play. He is a very creative musician/ composer and has made a very unique record indeed. I am honoured to be part of it.” – Billy Sherwood
“It’s always great fun to play a solo or add keyboards to a track on an album you are not directly involved with and this was no exception. I was really pleased with the end result and I hope everybody who listens to the track feels the same.” – Rick Wakeman
“I really enjoyed singing and playing bass on the new Sarastro Blake album!” – Richard Sinclair
To purchase Sarastro Blake New Progmantics:
http://www.mentalchemyrecords.com/shop.htm
For more information: http://www.sarastroblake.com/
Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarastro Blake is a new musical project which takes its inspiration from the Alan Parsons Project as a band format, meaning it revolves around a few selected musicians, plus other special guests who are chosen for their specific talent and for certain songs.
Featuring prog legends Rick Wakeman, Richard Sinclair (Caravan/ Hatfield & The North), Nick Magnus (Steve Hackett), David Paton (Alan Parsons Project), Dave Lawson (Greenslade), Billy Sherwood and Amanda Lehmann (Steve Hackett band), Sarastro Blake’s New Progmatics just may be one of the top prog releases of 2013.
The project first came to light when Paolo Pigni (bass, acoustic guitars and vocals) teamed up with multi-instrumentalist and member of prog group Mogador, Luca Briccola, who also produced the album.
Richard Allen, also of Mogador, helped with vocals and management.
Mirko Soncini and Filippo Pedretti, both of Celtic Harp Orchestra, played drums and violin respectively. Last but not least, Serena Bossi and Marco Carenzio from folk prog outfit Trewa (also led by Briccola) provided vocals.
Says Paolo:
“The concept behind the album is quite ‘romantic’ as the title suggests. There is the seeking of a spiritual path and certain nostalgia of the past, which are embedded in the lyrics of some of the most illustrious British poets and painters. Some of the lyrics I wrote myself, which I published a few years ago in a booklet called A Pocketful of Poetry under the pseudonym George William Payne. In the end I realized most of the words dealt with love, whether spiritual or for a person, with hope and disillusion.”
Each special guest artist was chosen for their specific talent and for certain songs on New Progmantics…
“When Paolo first invited me to play on his album I have to admit I was filled with trepidation, however, after hearing the track he wanted me to play on I started ‘noodling’ and came up with a couple ideas which I hope are simpatico. The track concerned was a homage to Scotland, the land of my forefathers and it’s true to say, although I probably have more Italian blood in my veins and definitely more Italian wine, the song conjured up a feeling of nostalgia for the Highlands.” – Dave Lawson
“I learned a lot from bands like YES, Genesis, Pink Floyd and King Crimson and could relate immediately to what I heard in the music that Paolo sent me. I informed him that I’d be happy to lend my voice to such a polished project…I experimented with harmonies and slight changes in the melody to suit my voice, but all and all they got it right with the songs and I was able to sing the melodies easily and had a lot of fun doing so.” – David Paton
Although titled New Progmantics, the album has nothing ‘new’ about it, but rather it is retro, old fashioned and indeed romantic! It is a work filled with genuine inspiration, and with some melodies that one will remember for a long time to come…
“It was a real pleasure to play on New Progmantics and I’m delighted to be part of the project. There’s such a diversity of music here, highly melodic and atmospheric. Paolo and Luca have chosen their guest artists with utmost care and intuition, each one being perfectly matched to their particular tracks. This album should delight prog fans old and new…” – Nick Magnus
“I enjoyed playing on Paolo’s record because it was very challenging music to play. He is a very creative musician/ composer and has made a very unique record indeed. I am honoured to be part of it.” – Billy Sherwood
“It’s always great fun to play a solo or add keyboards to a track on an album you are not directly involved with and this was no exception. I was really pleased with the end result and I hope everybody who listens to the track feels the same.” – Rick Wakeman
“I really enjoyed singing and playing bass on the new Sarastro Blake album!” – Richard Sinclair
To purchase Sarastro Blake New Progmantics:
http://www.mentalchemyrecords.com/shop.htm
For more information: http://www.sarastroblake.com/
Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dave Edmunds - ...Again Cherry Red Records
With …Again, Dave Edmunds releases his first newly recorded material for two decades.
…Again contains new and self-penned tracks and some rarely heard Edmunds’ recordings, together presenting a personal and truly consistent collection.
Four brand new tracks, two of which are Dave Edmunds’ own compositions – 'People Wanna Get High' and the title track.
Two covers – 'Georgia On My Mind' and 'Your Song,' which Edmunds has road tested and recently laid down in his own fashion; the former boasts his Beach Boys harmonies and the latter his Jerry Reed picking.
'Return To Sender' was recorded as a tribute to legendary songwriter Otis Blackwell and driven by Edmunds desire to be as close as to original as possible. 'Babyface' captures the spirit of Little Richard. Both make an Edmunds album appearance for the first time.
The CD sleeve notes, written by Edmunds, are a track by track personal account.
Dave Edmunds - ...Again
Released: 18th November 2013
Code: RPM522
Track Listing:
1. Again
2. Chutes and Ladders
3. Halfway Down
4. I Got the Will
5. I Love Music
6. Standing at the Crossroads
7. Return to Sender
8. Georgia On My Mind
9. It Doesn’t Really Matter
10. People Wanna Get High
11. I Still Love You
12. Babyface
13. The Claw
14. Your Song
15. A Better Word For Love
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
…Again contains new and self-penned tracks and some rarely heard Edmunds’ recordings, together presenting a personal and truly consistent collection.
Four brand new tracks, two of which are Dave Edmunds’ own compositions – 'People Wanna Get High' and the title track.
Two covers – 'Georgia On My Mind' and 'Your Song,' which Edmunds has road tested and recently laid down in his own fashion; the former boasts his Beach Boys harmonies and the latter his Jerry Reed picking.
'Return To Sender' was recorded as a tribute to legendary songwriter Otis Blackwell and driven by Edmunds desire to be as close as to original as possible. 'Babyface' captures the spirit of Little Richard. Both make an Edmunds album appearance for the first time.
The CD sleeve notes, written by Edmunds, are a track by track personal account.
Dave Edmunds - ...Again
Released: 18th November 2013
Code: RPM522
Track Listing:
1. Again
2. Chutes and Ladders
3. Halfway Down
4. I Got the Will
5. I Love Music
6. Standing at the Crossroads
7. Return to Sender
8. Georgia On My Mind
9. It Doesn’t Really Matter
10. People Wanna Get High
11. I Still Love You
12. Babyface
13. The Claw
14. Your Song
15. A Better Word For Love
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Love, Poetry and Revolution - Various Artists 3 CD Set Cherry Red Records
Cherry Red’s dedicated UK psych imprint Grapefruit is proud to announce the release of the 3CD anthology Love, Poetry and Revolution; a journey through the British psychedelic and underground scenes 1966-1972.
Housed in a clambox with a lavishly annotated and illustrated 36 page booklet, this important release features much rare material, including previously unissued demo recordings by Tintern Abbey and Blossom Toes.
Various heavyweight underground bands (The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown, Hawkwind, The Deviants) rub shoulders with acts who recorded some of the rarest, most valuable albums of the era (Forever Amber, Complex, Peter Howell & John Ferdinando), while the box also includes a number of subterranean bands - Middle Earth regulars Jade Hexagram, Neon Pearl, Respect and others – who failed to release anything during their lifetime. ·
Embracing psychedelic pop (The Mirage, Jason Crest, Shy Limbs, Crocheted Doughnut Ring etc), the burgeoning progressive rock scene (T2, Czar, Fat Mattress) and acid folk (the likes of Simon Finn and Mark Fry), Love, Poetry and Revolution draws on a number of catalogues, including Beacon (The Fut, Information, pre-Damned act Taiconderoga), the Vic Keary stable and various collector labels (Sunbeam, Acme, Tenth Planet/Wooden Hill) to give a fascinating, all-embracing overview of what was a tumultuous few years in British pop/rock history.
Love, Poetry and Revolution
3 CD Set
Cherry Red Records / Grapefruit Records
Code: CRSEG025T
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Housed in a clambox with a lavishly annotated and illustrated 36 page booklet, this important release features much rare material, including previously unissued demo recordings by Tintern Abbey and Blossom Toes.
Various heavyweight underground bands (The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown, Hawkwind, The Deviants) rub shoulders with acts who recorded some of the rarest, most valuable albums of the era (Forever Amber, Complex, Peter Howell & John Ferdinando), while the box also includes a number of subterranean bands - Middle Earth regulars Jade Hexagram, Neon Pearl, Respect and others – who failed to release anything during their lifetime. ·
Embracing psychedelic pop (The Mirage, Jason Crest, Shy Limbs, Crocheted Doughnut Ring etc), the burgeoning progressive rock scene (T2, Czar, Fat Mattress) and acid folk (the likes of Simon Finn and Mark Fry), Love, Poetry and Revolution draws on a number of catalogues, including Beacon (The Fut, Information, pre-Damned act Taiconderoga), the Vic Keary stable and various collector labels (Sunbeam, Acme, Tenth Planet/Wooden Hill) to give a fascinating, all-embracing overview of what was a tumultuous few years in British pop/rock history.
Love, Poetry and Revolution
3 CD Set
Cherry Red Records / Grapefruit Records
Code: CRSEG025T
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This year's corporate award ceremonies – sorry, the Q Magazine and Mercury Prize awards – have come and gone and while the Usual Suspects and predictable nominating nature of the awards took centre stage, there was a pleasant surprise when the Q Best Album award went to Biffy Clyro for Opposites.
Every Starman and his auntie believed that particular award was ear-marked for The Next Day by David Bowie, but Bowie failed to pick up a single Q award, even although he was nominated in six categories.
The 2013 Mercury Prize delivered perhaps the best example of the King’s New Clothes in musical form yet when James Blake won out, with gushing plaudits for the electronic music producer, musician and sampler’s second album, Overgrown.
The critics who see/ hear Overgrown in all its invisibly clothed finery used words such as “melodic,” “unique” and "substantial."
Melodic it is not (but then it’s not geared to be), and while different it is hardly unique.
Artists have been incorporating electronic sounds, samples, treated vocals and large amounts of space around sounds for years – and with far more interesting, harmonic or creative results than James Blake and his overgrown work of insubstantial material.
Mercury Prize winner it may be, but a musical or artistic statement of any significance?
Hardly.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Every Starman and his auntie believed that particular award was ear-marked for The Next Day by David Bowie, but Bowie failed to pick up a single Q award, even although he was nominated in six categories.
The 2013 Mercury Prize delivered perhaps the best example of the King’s New Clothes in musical form yet when James Blake won out, with gushing plaudits for the electronic music producer, musician and sampler’s second album, Overgrown.
The critics who see/ hear Overgrown in all its invisibly clothed finery used words such as “melodic,” “unique” and "substantial."
Melodic it is not (but then it’s not geared to be), and while different it is hardly unique.
Artists have been incorporating electronic sounds, samples, treated vocals and large amounts of space around sounds for years – and with far more interesting, harmonic or creative results than James Blake and his overgrown work of insubstantial material.
Mercury Prize winner it may be, but a musical or artistic statement of any significance?
Hardly.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Old Boston-ian Tom Scholz recently confirmed the legendary band that has become a long-lasting brand will release a new album in December.
Life, Love & Hope, the first Boston album since Corporate America in 2002, is expected to contain eleven tracks and will feature vocal contributions from the late Brad Delp (the original and, for many, only voice of Boston), Tommy DeCarlo (a featured live vocalist since 2008), Kimberley Dahme (who also played bass in later incarnations of the band and appeared on Corporate America), David Victor and Scholz himself.
Work on the album started in 2003 and Life, Love & Hope is now available for pre-order at Amazon (released 6th of December in the US, 9th of December in the UK).
Song excerpts can be heard on the official website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life, Love & Hope, the first Boston album since Corporate America in 2002, is expected to contain eleven tracks and will feature vocal contributions from the late Brad Delp (the original and, for many, only voice of Boston), Tommy DeCarlo (a featured live vocalist since 2008), Kimberley Dahme (who also played bass in later incarnations of the band and appeared on Corporate America), David Victor and Scholz himself.
Work on the album started in 2003 and Life, Love & Hope is now available for pre-order at Amazon (released 6th of December in the US, 9th of December in the UK).
Song excerpts can be heard on the official website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The success of the recent Status Quo Frantic Four dates has, unsurprisingly, led to a set of 2014 dates by the original and classic Quo line-up, since increased by four dates due to demand.
The band have confirmed this is the last time ever-presents Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt will perform alongside Alan Lancaster and John Coghlan as a foursome, but then it wasn’t that long ago a Frantic Four reunion was considered to be one of the few classic band/ line-up reformations that could never conceivably happen.
Full list of Frantic Four 2014 UK tour dates, with extra shows, are as follows:
Friday 28th March – London Hammersmith Apollo
Saturday 29th March – London Hammersmith Apollo
Monday 31st March – London Hammersmith Apollo (extra show)
Thursday 3rd April – Wolverhampton Civic Hall
Saturday 5th April - 02 Apollo Manchester
Sunday 6th April - 02 Apollo Manchester (extra show)
Tuesday 8th April - 02 Academy Glasgow
Wednesday 9th April - 02 Academy Glasgow (extra show)
Thursday 10th April - Wolverhampton Civic Hall (extra show)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The band have confirmed this is the last time ever-presents Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt will perform alongside Alan Lancaster and John Coghlan as a foursome, but then it wasn’t that long ago a Frantic Four reunion was considered to be one of the few classic band/ line-up reformations that could never conceivably happen.
Full list of Frantic Four 2014 UK tour dates, with extra shows, are as follows:
Friday 28th March – London Hammersmith Apollo
Saturday 29th March – London Hammersmith Apollo
Monday 31st March – London Hammersmith Apollo (extra show)
Thursday 3rd April – Wolverhampton Civic Hall
Saturday 5th April - 02 Apollo Manchester
Sunday 6th April - 02 Apollo Manchester (extra show)
Tuesday 8th April - 02 Academy Glasgow
Wednesday 9th April - 02 Academy Glasgow (extra show)
Thursday 10th April - Wolverhampton Civic Hall (extra show)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In what seems to be a musical world of either reimagined classic rock (who’s reformed this week?) or a pop culture built on talentless musical vapidity (music made to watch not to listen to) it’s refreshing to be able to present something just a little bit different from guitarist, singer and songwriter Ken Acorn.
Ken Acorn has been featured on this site before, with his Celtic pop-ballad 'Hearts of Scotland' (the musician lived in the Auld Country for a number of years); Acorn has the knack of producing what are relatively simple songs, structure wise, but carrying strong melodies, thoughtful lyrics or, in the case of 'Avocado Aficionado,' more than a pinch of non-conforming fun, quirkiness and charm.
In the words of the man behind the, ahem, “fruity” jazz club number of yesteryear:
“Welcome to a quirky little world of dinner jackets, champagne flutes, cigarette holders and the ultimate fruit. Yes, welcome to the world of The Avocado Aficionado. This chap has a distinct perspective on the world seen through green tinted spectacles. His opinions are firm but his feelings for avocados are truly tender. This is his story and his song.”
It’s also the best song the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah band never wrote.
Ken Acorn has been featured on this site before, with his Celtic pop-ballad 'Hearts of Scotland' (the musician lived in the Auld Country for a number of years); Acorn has the knack of producing what are relatively simple songs, structure wise, but carrying strong melodies, thoughtful lyrics or, in the case of 'Avocado Aficionado,' more than a pinch of non-conforming fun, quirkiness and charm.
In the words of the man behind the, ahem, “fruity” jazz club number of yesteryear:
“Welcome to a quirky little world of dinner jackets, champagne flutes, cigarette holders and the ultimate fruit. Yes, welcome to the world of The Avocado Aficionado. This chap has a distinct perspective on the world seen through green tinted spectacles. His opinions are firm but his feelings for avocados are truly tender. This is his story and his song.”
It’s also the best song the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah band never wrote.
Ken Acorn’s other songs can be heard (and/ or purchased) on his Bandcamp page:
http://kenacorn.bandcamp.com/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://kenacorn.bandcamp.com/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Black Stone Cherry will ensure their UK fans play a major role in the band’s four 2014 dates at Glasgow, Manchester, London and Wolverhampton – the two-hour sets will be created around fan submitted song choices, with each show being different from the others.
The band will also involve the audience via Question & Answer sessions during breaks in the set; the sets themselves will also feature songs from a new studio album due for release around the time of the dates.
Song choices for the set lists can be submitted at:
www.facebook.com/officialblackstonecherry
Black Stone Cherry UK dates:
Tuesday 25th February – Glasgow, Barrowlands
Wednesday 26th February – Manchester, Ritz
Friday 28th February – London, Koko
Saturday 1st March – Wolverhampton, Wulfrun
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The band will also involve the audience via Question & Answer sessions during breaks in the set; the sets themselves will also feature songs from a new studio album due for release around the time of the dates.
Song choices for the set lists can be submitted at:
www.facebook.com/officialblackstonecherry
Black Stone Cherry UK dates:
Tuesday 25th February – Glasgow, Barrowlands
Wednesday 26th February – Manchester, Ritz
Friday 28th February – London, Koko
Saturday 1st March – Wolverhampton, Wulfrun
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Good news for fans of Daryl Hall and lovers of varied forms of pop, rock and soul
The critically acclaimed and award winning performance series Live from Daryl’s House has renewed its agreement with Viacom Media Networks’ music channel Palladia.
The new shows will start in early 2014 and will continue to premiere on www.lfdh.com, where previous instalments, some 62 in total, are archived.
Daryl Hall commented “I’m thrilled to be able to start producing these new shows for our ever-widening audience, after renewing our relationship with Palladia.
A day doesn’t go by that I don’t hear from fans about how much they love the show, and everyone knows how much I enjoy doing it. Believe me when I tell you, the best is yet to come.”
For the past seven years Live from Daryl’s House has continued to build its reputation, success and acclaim.
Daryl Hall has received a Webby Award for Best Variety series (from more than 10,000 entries) and an O Music Award from MTV.
A live version of the show, featuring Hall and guests Sharon Jones and Allen Stone, toured nationally.
The previous 62 episodes of Live From Daryl’s House have featured a diverse and interesting musical mix of well known performers including Joe Walsh, Booker T and the MGs, Blind Boys of Alabama, Rob Thomas, Smokey Robinson, Nick Lowe, K.T. Tunstall, Todd Rundgren and Dave Stewart, along with new artists such as Nick Waterhouse, Rumer, Allen Stone, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Parachute, Sharon Jones and Neon Trees.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The critically acclaimed and award winning performance series Live from Daryl’s House has renewed its agreement with Viacom Media Networks’ music channel Palladia.
The new shows will start in early 2014 and will continue to premiere on www.lfdh.com, where previous instalments, some 62 in total, are archived.
Daryl Hall commented “I’m thrilled to be able to start producing these new shows for our ever-widening audience, after renewing our relationship with Palladia.
A day doesn’t go by that I don’t hear from fans about how much they love the show, and everyone knows how much I enjoy doing it. Believe me when I tell you, the best is yet to come.”
For the past seven years Live from Daryl’s House has continued to build its reputation, success and acclaim.
Daryl Hall has received a Webby Award for Best Variety series (from more than 10,000 entries) and an O Music Award from MTV.
A live version of the show, featuring Hall and guests Sharon Jones and Allen Stone, toured nationally.
The previous 62 episodes of Live From Daryl’s House have featured a diverse and interesting musical mix of well known performers including Joe Walsh, Booker T and the MGs, Blind Boys of Alabama, Rob Thomas, Smokey Robinson, Nick Lowe, K.T. Tunstall, Todd Rundgren and Dave Stewart, along with new artists such as Nick Waterhouse, Rumer, Allen Stone, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Parachute, Sharon Jones and Neon Trees.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scottish band Del Amitri, who haven’t performed in more than a decade, will play at Glasgow’s newest venue The Hydro in January as part of Celtic Connections 2014.
The date is also the first of their A to Z of Us twelve date UK tour.
Formed in 1983, Del Amitri had four Top 10 albums and a number of memorable hits including ‘Nothing Ever Happens’ and ‘Kiss This Thing Goodbye.’
With Del Amitri at Glasgow will be The Big Dish, another outstanding Scottish band who had their own set of critically acclaimed release but, sadly, and unlike Del Amitri, the success they deserved eluded them.
The Big Dish did have their own very successful reunion at Celtic Connections in 2012 however.
Both bands will be joined by the Dallas based duo The O’s, who combine folk, blues, country and pop into their power duo musicality.
Del Amitri UK Tour 2014
January:
24th - Glasgow, The SSE Hydro, Celtic Connections
26th - Newcastle, City Hall
27th - Leeds, O2 Academy
28th - Cambridge, Corn Exchange
30th - Bournemouth, O2 Academy
31st - Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall
February:
1st - Manchester, O2 Apollo
2nd - Liverpool, Empire
4th - Bristol, Colston Hall
5th - Oxford, New Theatre
6th - Wolverhampton, Wolves Civic
7th - London, Hammersmith Apollo
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The date is also the first of their A to Z of Us twelve date UK tour.
Formed in 1983, Del Amitri had four Top 10 albums and a number of memorable hits including ‘Nothing Ever Happens’ and ‘Kiss This Thing Goodbye.’
With Del Amitri at Glasgow will be The Big Dish, another outstanding Scottish band who had their own set of critically acclaimed release but, sadly, and unlike Del Amitri, the success they deserved eluded them.
The Big Dish did have their own very successful reunion at Celtic Connections in 2012 however.
Both bands will be joined by the Dallas based duo The O’s, who combine folk, blues, country and pop into their power duo musicality.
Del Amitri UK Tour 2014
January:
24th - Glasgow, The SSE Hydro, Celtic Connections
26th - Newcastle, City Hall
27th - Leeds, O2 Academy
28th - Cambridge, Corn Exchange
30th - Bournemouth, O2 Academy
31st - Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall
February:
1st - Manchester, O2 Apollo
2nd - Liverpool, Empire
4th - Bristol, Colston Hall
5th - Oxford, New Theatre
6th - Wolverhampton, Wolves Civic
7th - London, Hammersmith Apollo
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now this is my sort of game – and is absolutely superb.
All brilliant but Milli Vanilli, Steve Augeri, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber and a host of others would have beaten them (but then they have the advantage of experience).
All brilliant but Milli Vanilli, Steve Augeri, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber and a host of others would have beaten them (but then they have the advantage of experience).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It's life, Jim; but not as we know it," etc.
Strange new worlds indeed...
"It's life, Jim; but not as we know it," etc.
Strange new worlds indeed...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Was just having a chat with a writer friend who was making the point about how extreme popularity doesn’t necessarily equate to high quality (in terms of any artistic or creative merit).
The debate was based on TV and touched on fictional literature but after the chat I did a bit of musical number-crunching (as you do)...
The Spice Girls are the best selling female group of all time and their debut album became the best-selling album ever by a female group.
They are statistically – in sales recognition and popularity – the most successful British band since Pope John Paul and Ringo Harrison got together to make a bit of a noise together.
One Direction – in less than two years – have sold an estimated 19 million singles, 10 million albums and have an estimated and combined wealth in the region of £25 Million.
Of course this pales into insignificance when compared to JLS; the four-some are worth an estimated and combined £24 Million.
The JLS boys are each millionaires six times over; One Direction have a paltry five mill each.
No wonder the One Direction boys had to get a mate to buy a camcorder (out of his own pocket I hope), film them and make a movie, bless ‘em.
All of which makes me think my friend might just be on to something.
Was just having a chat with a writer friend who was making the point about how extreme popularity doesn’t necessarily equate to high quality (in terms of any artistic or creative merit).
The debate was based on TV and touched on fictional literature but after the chat I did a bit of musical number-crunching (as you do)...
The Spice Girls are the best selling female group of all time and their debut album became the best-selling album ever by a female group.
They are statistically – in sales recognition and popularity – the most successful British band since Pope John Paul and Ringo Harrison got together to make a bit of a noise together.
One Direction – in less than two years – have sold an estimated 19 million singles, 10 million albums and have an estimated and combined wealth in the region of £25 Million.
Of course this pales into insignificance when compared to JLS; the four-some are worth an estimated and combined £24 Million.
The JLS boys are each millionaires six times over; One Direction have a paltry five mill each.
No wonder the One Direction boys had to get a mate to buy a camcorder (out of his own pocket I hope), film them and make a movie, bless ‘em.
All of which makes me think my friend might just be on to something.
Of course extreme popularity can also equate to extreme quality, whether that be because someone or something is remarkably clever, brilliant, creative, talented, artistic, funny, innovative, well-written, etc.
But in the world of popular musical MTV-based entertainment, we have living breathing manufactured proof of the opposite; usually every 12 to 18 months.
Marketable Commodity is more important than Musical Creativity.
One (Live) Nation under the God of Mammon.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
But in the world of popular musical MTV-based entertainment, we have living breathing manufactured proof of the opposite; usually every 12 to 18 months.
Marketable Commodity is more important than Musical Creativity.
One (Live) Nation under the God of Mammon.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian May, at the recent Freddie For a Day event, hinted at the possibility of another Queen album.
But rather than a new album with Adam Lambert who has featured in live shows or another with Paul Rodgers, May was alluding to an album more akin to 1995’s Made in Heaven, the last album to feature the vocals of Freddie Mercury. The band's charismatic and legendary singer had died four years prior.
”We thought we'd exhausted everything that was around and could be worked on, but since then a number of things have come to light from various sources that we'd just plain forgotten about, including the stuff with Freddie and Michael Jackson.”
There is no doubt another Queen album with Mercury’s voice would generate massive interest and if the work he did with Michael Jackson is made available/ included it guarantees massive sales, no matter what the quality.
And therein lies the problem.
Made in Heaven was a best-seller, what with the poignancy of some of the recordings and the posthumous use of Freddie Mercury’s last vocals, but contrary to critical and fan acclaim it was a patch-work album.
It also included older vocals from Mercury and re-workings or remixes of two of the singer’s previous (solo) tracks.
And if the tracks have come from “various sources” you have to wonder abut the quality and why they haven’t surfaced before now.
People also seem to forget there were four members in Queen but I would be very surprised if John Deacon is remotely interested in putting so much as a bass note down on any new – or old – studio recordings.
Better to let sleeping legends, lie, Brian; but demand will dictate otherwise.
But rather than a new album with Adam Lambert who has featured in live shows or another with Paul Rodgers, May was alluding to an album more akin to 1995’s Made in Heaven, the last album to feature the vocals of Freddie Mercury. The band's charismatic and legendary singer had died four years prior.
”We thought we'd exhausted everything that was around and could be worked on, but since then a number of things have come to light from various sources that we'd just plain forgotten about, including the stuff with Freddie and Michael Jackson.”
There is no doubt another Queen album with Mercury’s voice would generate massive interest and if the work he did with Michael Jackson is made available/ included it guarantees massive sales, no matter what the quality.
And therein lies the problem.
Made in Heaven was a best-seller, what with the poignancy of some of the recordings and the posthumous use of Freddie Mercury’s last vocals, but contrary to critical and fan acclaim it was a patch-work album.
It also included older vocals from Mercury and re-workings or remixes of two of the singer’s previous (solo) tracks.
And if the tracks have come from “various sources” you have to wonder abut the quality and why they haven’t surfaced before now.
People also seem to forget there were four members in Queen but I would be very surprised if John Deacon is remotely interested in putting so much as a bass note down on any new – or old – studio recordings.
Better to let sleeping legends, lie, Brian; but demand will dictate otherwise.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan McCafferty, the gravel-voiced front man of Nazareth and along with bassist Pete Agnew an ever-present original of the Scottish hard rockers, has retired from the band.
After two recent instances of collapsing on stage and finding it difficult to breathe, the 66 year old McCafferty has been forced to retire, as a statement from the band confirms:
“We sadly have to tell you all that Dan has been forced to retire due to ill health. He suffers from C.O.P.D. (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
It has gotten worse lately and after trying to play a festival in Switzerland last weekend Dan found it impossible to continue after performing only three songs. In the dressing room afterwards he told the band that he couldn’t go on any longer. We’ll keep you updated on further developments."
C.O.P.D. is the very disease that was the root cause of ex Blue Oyster Cult musician Allen Lanier’s passing earlier this month; Dan McCafferty's decision to retire was a wise – and the only – decision.
McCafferty has stated he hopes the band continue and many classic rock acts do continue in one-remaining-original-member scenarios, but I sincerely hope the “further developments” lead to either a new band or a name change that honours the legacy (Hair of the Old Dogs or Raz-Ama-Naz wouldn’t be a bad fit for the current Boys in the Band, Pete).
Because Nazareth is now, unarguably, a brand and not a band.
Here’s to a healthy retirement Dan; thanks for the big-voiced memories.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After two recent instances of collapsing on stage and finding it difficult to breathe, the 66 year old McCafferty has been forced to retire, as a statement from the band confirms:
“We sadly have to tell you all that Dan has been forced to retire due to ill health. He suffers from C.O.P.D. (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
It has gotten worse lately and after trying to play a festival in Switzerland last weekend Dan found it impossible to continue after performing only three songs. In the dressing room afterwards he told the band that he couldn’t go on any longer. We’ll keep you updated on further developments."
C.O.P.D. is the very disease that was the root cause of ex Blue Oyster Cult musician Allen Lanier’s passing earlier this month; Dan McCafferty's decision to retire was a wise – and the only – decision.
McCafferty has stated he hopes the band continue and many classic rock acts do continue in one-remaining-original-member scenarios, but I sincerely hope the “further developments” lead to either a new band or a name change that honours the legacy (Hair of the Old Dogs or Raz-Ama-Naz wouldn’t be a bad fit for the current Boys in the Band, Pete).
Because Nazareth is now, unarguably, a brand and not a band.
Here’s to a healthy retirement Dan; thanks for the big-voiced memories.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Following the success of the Thick as a Brick tour, Ian Anderson will be back on stage for a UK tour in 2014.
The shows will feature songs from his forthcoming concept album, scheduled to be recorded early next year and released around Easter.
The album is described as “Folk-Prog-Metal” by Anderson and it seems the Jethro Tull front man is not being as tongue-in-cheek with that classification as some may think, certainly not going by his official statement:
“After winning the Grammy for best ‘Hard Rock/Metal’ album back in 1988, this seems like an opportunity to justify that strange and misplaced accolade with a new album to celebrate the more forceful, full-on rock credentials which are found in many of my songs over the last 45 years.
It's not an end to the acoustic and gentler moments but more of an emphasis on the louder aggressive flute style which marked me out from the earliest days of Jethro Tull.”
Tickets for the shows go on sale on September the 4th.
Ian Anderson, UK Tour dates 2014:
April
28th Brighton Dome
29th Southampton Guildhall
May
1st Salisbury City Hall
2nd Liverpool Philharmonic
3rd Birmingham Symphony Hall
4th Oxford New Theatre
6th Bristol Colston Hall
7th High Wycombe Swan Theatre
8th Guildford G Live
9th Cambridge Corn Exchange
10th Ipswich Regent Theatre
11th Leicester De Montfort Hall
13th Derby Assembly Rooms
14th Manchester Palace Theatre
15th York Royal Opera House
16th Newcastle Sage Theatre
18th Edinburgh Festival Theatre
19th Perth Concert Hall
20th Aberdeen Music Hall
21st Inverness Eden Court
24th London 02 Shepherds Bush Empire
25th London 02 Shepherds Bush Empire
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The shows will feature songs from his forthcoming concept album, scheduled to be recorded early next year and released around Easter.
The album is described as “Folk-Prog-Metal” by Anderson and it seems the Jethro Tull front man is not being as tongue-in-cheek with that classification as some may think, certainly not going by his official statement:
“After winning the Grammy for best ‘Hard Rock/Metal’ album back in 1988, this seems like an opportunity to justify that strange and misplaced accolade with a new album to celebrate the more forceful, full-on rock credentials which are found in many of my songs over the last 45 years.
It's not an end to the acoustic and gentler moments but more of an emphasis on the louder aggressive flute style which marked me out from the earliest days of Jethro Tull.”
Tickets for the shows go on sale on September the 4th.
Ian Anderson, UK Tour dates 2014:
April
28th Brighton Dome
29th Southampton Guildhall
May
1st Salisbury City Hall
2nd Liverpool Philharmonic
3rd Birmingham Symphony Hall
4th Oxford New Theatre
6th Bristol Colston Hall
7th High Wycombe Swan Theatre
8th Guildford G Live
9th Cambridge Corn Exchange
10th Ipswich Regent Theatre
11th Leicester De Montfort Hall
13th Derby Assembly Rooms
14th Manchester Palace Theatre
15th York Royal Opera House
16th Newcastle Sage Theatre
18th Edinburgh Festival Theatre
19th Perth Concert Hall
20th Aberdeen Music Hall
21st Inverness Eden Court
24th London 02 Shepherds Bush Empire
25th London 02 Shepherds Bush Empire
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As I’ve stated many times in articles and on this site the current Ayrshire music scene is fighting way above its weight as regards the number, and quality, of contemporary and traditional singer songwriters, indie pop performers and alternative rock bands.
The latest act that could well follow in the successful footsteps of Biffy Clyro are Less Than Sober, a young five-piece that are None Too Shabby with their hybrid musicality of alternative and melodic rock – not the most obvious of musical bedfellows and never the easiest genres to mix.
But the band from Saltcoats, North Ayrshire have proven it can be done with the radio friendly indie rock of ‘Wanted.’
That first single, released back in February, is starting to get itself – and the band – noticed via Youtube and the official music video, on-line social media networks and the band’s live reputation (Less Than Sober sold out Pivo Pivo in Glasgow as part of the screening premier for the video, followed by another sold out show in the city at the Flat 0/1 club).
The latest act that could well follow in the successful footsteps of Biffy Clyro are Less Than Sober, a young five-piece that are None Too Shabby with their hybrid musicality of alternative and melodic rock – not the most obvious of musical bedfellows and never the easiest genres to mix.
But the band from Saltcoats, North Ayrshire have proven it can be done with the radio friendly indie rock of ‘Wanted.’
That first single, released back in February, is starting to get itself – and the band – noticed via Youtube and the official music video, on-line social media networks and the band’s live reputation (Less Than Sober sold out Pivo Pivo in Glasgow as part of the screening premier for the video, followed by another sold out show in the city at the Flat 0/1 club).
Formed in 2008 by singer and songwriter Kris McDowall, the band are now completed and defined by Ricardo Garcia (drums), Darren Kelly (lead guitar/ backing vocals), Sandy Holmes (rhythm guitar/ backing vocals) and Malky Nunn (bass guitar).
Less Than Sober are currently working on an album; it’s hoped the debut release will see the light of day later in 2013.
'Wanted' available on iTunes.
Band Website: http://www.lessthansober.com
Less Than Sober are currently working on an album; it’s hoped the debut release will see the light of day later in 2013.
'Wanted' available on iTunes.
Band Website: http://www.lessthansober.com
