Classic Rock Report

Classic Rock, Friday, September 3, 2010

Tony Blair Says Bono Could Run A Country

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair thinks that Bono has what it takes to run a country. Spinner.com cites excerpts from Blair's new memoir in which he writes that the U2 rocker would have been a better choice to succeed him than Gordon Brown. In the book, titled "A Journey," the former PM says Bono, "could have been a president or prime minister standing on his head. He had an absolutely natural gift for politicking, was great with people, very smart and an inspirational speaker...motivated by an abundant desire to keep on improving, never really content or relaxed."

Bono has expressed his admiration for Blair over the years, too. In 2007, immediately preceding Blair's exit from office, Bono told NME.com, "What I admire the most about Tony Blair is that despite all accusations of a slick PR machine, spin doctoring and the like, he has almost all of the time exposed himself to bad press and outcry for doing the things he believed in."

Roy Orbison's Widow Discusses "Last Concert"

The widow of late music great Roy Orbison is discussing his "Last Concert." The CD, "Roy Orbison: The Last Concert," captures the rocker's December 4th, 1988 performance in Highland Heights, Ohio, just days before his death. Barbara Orbison says the 14-track recording from Eagle Rock Entertainment is a great piece of history for any fan of Roy's work.

Barbara says she'd like to extend Roy's legacy with a Broadway show or a film about his life, citing his contribution to music and his role in American history. Roy Orbison died on December 6th, 1988 of a heart attack in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He was 52. The months leading up to his death were among the busiest and most successful in his career. In November 1988, he'd shot footage for a video for his single "You Got It." He was also on the charts with The Traveling Wilburys, the super group that also featured Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne and George Harrison. "Roy Orbison: The Last Concert" is in stores now. For more information, visit www.royorbison.com.

Sir Elton, Russell To Debut Album In New York

The live debut of a collaboration between Sir Elton John and Leon Russell is jumping coasts. SoundSpike.com reports that the singer-songwriters will perform tracks from "The Union" at New York's Beacon Theater on October 19th, which is also the album's U.S. release date. The longtime friends had previously announced that they'd perform live together for the first time in support of "The Union" at Los Angeles' Palladium. That November 3rd gig is still happening, but New York is now the location of the artists' first live performances of tracks from the album.

Oscar-winner T-Bone Burnett serves as producer on the 16-track project. Guest artists on "The Union" include Brian Wilson, Booker T. Jones, and Neil Young.

Guns N' Roses Dodge Bottles In Ireland

Guns N' Roses has another memorable gig that they probably would like to forget. Entertainment.ie reports that the rockers exited early from their Wednesday night performance at Dublin's O2 arena after a bottle was thrown onstage. The band started their set over an hour after opener Danko Jones left the stage. Once they began, several bottles were hurled toward the stage. This led Axl Rose to warn the unruly crowd, "One more bottle, we go home. It's up to you. We would like to stay. You want us to stay? We wanna stay. We wanna have some fun." The band played three more songs, but between songs -- as Rose was introducing the group -- another bottle shot out from the crowd. The rocker made good on his word. He and the rest of the band exited the stage.

O2 staff members reportedly spent more than a half-hour trying to quell the crowd without success. Guns N' Roses eventually returned to perform for a what was described as a "small but pretty irate crowd."

Harrison's Widow Approves Of Santana-India.Arie Collaboration

George Harrison's widow is giving her approval to a cover of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." Spinner.com reports that a new version of The Beatles' track, sung by India.Arie for the Carlos Santana album "Guitar Heaven," inspired emotion in Olivia Harrison after she heard it performed live. Arie comments, "I like the idea. I'm honored by the possibility that I just made her happy in that her husband's not here and she's hearing the song." Santana adds that Olivia's encouragement itself is a milestone. The guitarist comments, "It says that we have become those that we admire."

Santana and Arie debuted "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" live at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas last week for an audience of VIP guests, including Harrison. The album "Guitar Heaven" will hit the market on September 21st.

Book Profiling Australian Rockers AC/DC Due Next Month

A book profiling the ascent of AC/DC is due next month. Voyageur Press will release "AC/DC High-Voltage Rock 'N' Roll - The Ultimate Illustrated History" on October 15th. The book traces the highly-successful rockers' trajectory back to its roots on the club circuit in Australia. "AC/DC High-Voltage Rock 'N' Roll" features visuals that range from handbills and posters to backstage passes and performance photography. Some of rock's leading journalists pen the side bars and essays in "AC/DC High-Voltage Rock 'N' Roll." The book also features an afterword written by Def Leppard's Joe Elliott.

In related news, AC/DC is off the road at the moment. The rockers wrapped up their Black Ice World Tour this past June in Bilboa, Spain. That trek hit over 28 countries during its almost two-year run.

Slash Making A Three-D "Sword"

Slash already has a video for "By The Sword," but the clip will get a multi-dimensional update in the near future. The guitarist tells Spinner.com, "We're applying three-D to it after the fact. It's actually the perfect video for it because it's got a lot of depth shots and shots where everything stops, freezes, and stuff is moving around it, so the three-D of that will look cool." The video also features the song's vocalist, Wolfmother's Andrew Stockdale. Slash is also planning another clip from his self-titled solo effort. He recently revealed via Twitter that during his stint in Los Angeles for the Sunset Strip Music Festival, he was planning to shoot a video with Fergie that came from a concept she had for "Beautiful Dangerous," the song she contributed to his album.

Today's Birthdays

Beach Boy Al Jardine is 68.
Steppenwolf bassist George Biondo is 65.
Grand Funk Railroad drummer Don Brewer is 62.
Former Thin Lizzy guitarist Eric Bell is 64.

Today In History

In 1955
Bill Haley and His Comets turned down a tour of Australia paying two-thousand-dollars-a-day because the group was afraid to fly.

In 1957
Elvis Presley's "Loving You," the soundtrack to his movie, was the number one selling album.

In 1966
John Lennon accepted a part in the movie "How I Won the War."

Donovan's "Sunshine Superman" hit number one on the pop singles chart.

In 1967
Woody Guthrie died of Huntington's Chorea at the age of 52. Guthrie was Arlo Guthrie's dad and a major influence on many rock and pop artists, including Bob Dylan.

In 1968
The Rolling Stones' song "Street Fighting Man" was banned in Chicago after the Democratic National Convention riots.

In 1969
Elvis Presley was cast in the film "The Trouble with Girls."

In 1970
Arthur Brown was arrested at the Palermo Pop '70 Festival in Italy after he set fire to his helmet and stripped naked during his performance. He was put in solitary confinement for four days, and received a message from members of the community telling him to leave the country.

The Dave Clark Five broke up.

Canned Heat guitarist Al "Blind Owl" Wilson died of a heroin overdose. He was 27.

In 1971
The Jefferson Airplane's album "Bark" was certified Gold.

In 1974
Elton John released the single "The Bitch is Back."

In 1977
Elvis Presley's "Way Down" was number one on the UK pop singles chart, while his album "40 Greatest Hits" was number one on the albums chart.

Heart's "Barracuda" peaked at number eleven on the U.S. pop singles chart.

Styx's album "The Grand Illusion" broke into the U.S. albums chart.

In 1982
Fleetwood Mac, Jackson Browne, The Grateful Dead, and Santana were among the artists who performed at the "US Festival" in San Bernardino, California.

In 1983
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble's album "Texas Flood" broke into the albums chart.

In 1992
The Los Angeles coroner announced that Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro, who had passed away a month earlier, died from heart disease brought on by long-term cocaine use, not pesticide poisoning, which was what his manager had initially reported.

David Bowie became the first person in four years to be featured on the cover of "Architectural Digest."

In 1994
John Mellencamp and Me'Shell NdegeOcello's cover of Van Morrison's "Wild Night" peaked at number three on the pop singles chart.

Crosby, Stills, and Nash released the album "After The Storm."

In 2003
Ozzy Osbourne postponed his UK tour as he recovered from foot surgery. He'd injured his foot during the Ozzfest tour.

One of the late George Harrison's guitars was put on display at the Fender Museum in Corona, California. Ten days later the instrument was sold at an auction.

In 2008
The Charlie Daniels Band performed at an event in Minneapolis, Minnesota promoting arts education in conjunction with the Republican National Convention in St. Paul.

In 2009
The late Michael Jackson was laid to rest with a private burial service at the Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. Gladys Knight performed at the ceremony, while other celebrity friends including Stevie Wonder, Elizabeth Taylor, Macaulay Culkin, Chris Tucker and Jackson's ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley were also in attendance.

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Classic Rock, Thursday, September 2, 2010

Plant Says He Feels "Far Away" From Heavy Rock

Robert Plant is admitting that he no longer feels a connection with heavy rock, the musical genre that made him a star. The legendary Led Zeppelin frontman made the comment after checking out Zeppelin band mate John Paul Jones' show with his hard-rocking band Them Crooked Vultures in London. Plant told the UK newspaper "The Independent," "I feel so far away from heavy rock now. It's quite odd, how mine and John's paths seem to have crossed over -- we've sort of gone into each others' worlds a bit." In his pre-Zeppelin days, Jones played as a session musician on "softer" recordings with the likes of Cat Stevens and Dusty Springfield.

Plant is continuing his musical path this month with the release of "Band of Joy" on September 14th. The album reportedly expands on the folk rock sound that he explored with Alison Krauss on 2007's Grammy-winning album "Raising Sand."

Bon Jovi, Brad Paisley Doing Free Concerts For The Gulf

Bon Jovi will head South next month to bring the spotlight back to Alabama coast tourism following the BP oil spill. The New Jersey rockers will headline the first of two shows on the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama called "Concerts For The Coast." The band's October 15th show is a freebie, but fans will need a ticket for admission. Two days after Bon Jovi's concert, country star Brad Paisley will perform on Sunday, October 17th. Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft says, quote, "Bring your beach blanket and enjoy two incredible concerts on the pristine white sandy beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama." For tickets and additional details, visit www.concertsforthecoast.com.

Bon Jovi and Paisley are the latest music stars to use their fame to help the region. In July, "Jimmy Buffet & Friends: Live from The Gulf Coast" attracted 35-thousand concert goers to Gulf Shores' public beach.

Yoko Ono Announces Plans To Remember Lennon's Birthday

As the date that would have marked John Lennon's 70th birthday approaches, Yoko Ono is announcing her plans. RollingStone.com reports that the late Beatle's widow says she'll be on an island off Reykjavik, Iceland to observe the day this October 9th. There, she'll host the annual lighting of the Imagine Peace Tower. After the lighting, The Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band -- featuring Yoko's son, Sean Lennon -- will play live. Ono says, "The fact that this year is John's 70th birthday year is very special for us all. We are all together celebrating John for having given us so much good energy in his lifetime and now."

John Lennon was born in Liverpool, England on October 9th, 1940. The music legend was gunned down in front of his Manhattan home on December 8th, 1980 by Mark David Chapman.

Beatles' Compilations To Be Reissued Next Month

EMI is giving the world more Fab Four reissues next month. Variety.com reports that this October 19th, the music distributor will turn out remasters of "The Beatles/1962-1966" -- referred to as the "Red" album based on its 1973 packaging -- and "The Beatles/1967-1970" -- known as the "Blue" album, also for its original packaging. The production team behind the English band's successful 2009 reissues will create the remasters. Included in these new versions of "Red" and "Blue" will be photos of the band, new essays by music writer Bill Flanagan, and booklets featuring the releases' original liner notes.

EMI scored a financial success with reissues from The Beatles' vast catalog last year. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the company has reported sales of ten million units of the group's 2009 remasters worldwide.

KISS To Rock The Epicenter Festival This Month

KISS is co-headlining with rapper Eminem at a California festival this month. The Epicenter Twenty Ten fest will host KISS, Eminem, and a diverse roster of other acts as it kicks off on Saturday, September 25th. The two-day outdoor music event is scheduled to take place this month on the 25th and 26th at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. Also scheduled to rock at Epicenter Twenty Ten are The Sting, House of Pain, Papa Roach, Bad Religion, Blink 182, and The Black Pacific.

KISS, meanwhile, is confirmed to play live on the road through the beginning of next month. The New York rockers are playing the Marcus Amphitheatre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin tonight, and in Tinley Park Friday night. As of now, KISS' last announced 2010 date is in Guadalajara, Mexico on October 2nd.

Today's Birthdays

Electric Light Orchestra's Mik Kaminski is 59.
Toto keyboardist Steve Porcaro is 53.

Today In History

In 1955
The pink Cadillac Elvis Presley purchased for his mother two months earlier was in an accident. The crash, which occurred just south of Texarkana, Texas; caused one-thousand-dollars worth of damage to the vehicle.

In 1965
The Beatles released the single "Yesterday," and the band's single "Help" was certified Gold.

The Rolling Stones appeared on the British TV show "Ready Steady Go!"

In 1970
Phil Collins answered an ad in the paper placed by Genesis looking for a new drummer.

In 1971
The Grateful Dead finally tracked down former manager Lenny Hart, who had embezzled 70-thousand-dollars from the group, leaving the band broke.

Members of the Rolling Stones filed a lawsuit against former managers Andrew Loog Oldham and Eric Easton over royalties stemming from the group's first record deal.

In 1972
Rod Stewart's "You Wear It Well" hit number one on the pop singles chart.

The Hollies' "Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress)" peaked at number two on the pop singles chart.

Jim Croce's "You Don't Mess Around With Jim" peaked at number eight on the pop singles chart.

In 1975
Syracuse, New York's Great American Music Fair, featuring performances from Jefferson Starship and the Doobie Brothers, ended in a melee when 500 fans crashed the gate. Sixty arrests were made.

In 1978
George Harrison married Olivia Trinidad Arias, who was working as a secretary at his Dark Horse record label.

Boston's album "Don't Look Back" broke into the albums chart.

In 1979
Bill Wyman, Ringo Starr, Dave Mason, Todd Rundgren, and Kiki Dee played a set together on Jerry Lewis' Muscular Dystrophy Telethon.

In 1982
Keith Richards' home in Surrey, England, was badly damaged by fire.

In 1988
Amnesty International's "Human Rights Now" tour, including Bruce Springsteen and Peter Gabriel, kicked off at Wembley Stadium in London.

In 1993
Neil Young performed "Rockin' in the Free World" with Pearl Jam at the "MTV Video Music Awards."

In 1995
Chuck Berry and Bruce Springsteen were among the rockers performing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opening concert in Cleveland.

In 1997
Linda McCartney had a photographic exhibition at the Museum of the City of San Francisco.

In 2005
Journey returned to the road with the first of two shows in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It was the band's first performance following keyboardist Jonathan Cain's appendectomy several days earlier, and consequently the group only played for about 90 minutes instead of playing its more typical three-hour sets.

In 2007
Moby Grape, Country Joe McDonald, Canned Heat, The Chambers Brothers' Lester Chambers, and The Youngblood's Jesse Colin Young were among the performers at San Francisco's Summer of Love 40th anniversary concert.

In 2008
Styx performed at an event highlighting Minnesota's role in the agriculture industry in conjunction with the Republican National Convention in St. Paul.

A private funeral for Jerry Reed took place in Nashville. The 71-year-old singer-songwriter died a day earlier following a lengthy battle with emphysema.

In 2009
The Rolling Stones were denying rumors that Charlie Watts has left the group, calling the original report "a fabricated story."

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Classic Rock, Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Heart's Back This Week With "Red Velvet Car"

One of the music business' "sister acts" is back this week with a new studio album. Sony Legacy released Heart's "Red Velvet Car" on Tuesday. It's the first studio album from Ann and Nancy Wilson in six years. The project features music that Mikael Wood of "The Los Angeles Times" describes as "strong." Wood further states, "Rare is the band doing work this good at such an advanced age; rarer still is the band doing it, as Heart does on 'Red Velvet Car,' without employing a sober return-to-roots approach." "Red Velvet Car" is available now.

In related news, Heart is continuing to play their hits on the road through the end of the year. The band's playing the DTE Energy Center in Clarkston, Michigan on Friday, September 3rd.

Patti Smith, Music Elite Play Arkansas Show

Patti Smith "and friends" are making headlines for a show in Arkansas over the weekend. Billboard.com reports that Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder and Oscar-nominated actor Johnny Depp sang a few songs with Smith at a Saturday concert. The show at Little Rock's Robinson Hall coincided with a rally for the "West Memphis Three" -- three youths whom many believe were wrongly convicted of murder in 1993. Other music celebrities in attendance included the Dixie Chicks' Natalie Maines and members of the newly-formed Fistful of Mercy -- Ben Harper, Joseph Arthur, and George Harrison's son, Dhani.

Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley, Jr., and Jason Baldwin were teenagers when they were convicted in 1993 in West Memphis, Arkansas for the murders for three children. The so-called "West Memphis Three" have garnered extensive media attention in the years since their incarceration. Supporters of the West Memphis Three believe that the young men are serving time for crimes that they did not commit, citing new evidence presented since the original case was tried.

Satriani's New Single Streams On His Website, Album's Due Next Month

Joe Satriani is giving fans a sample listen to his upcoming studio project. The guitarist is currently streaming the single "Light Years Away" on his website, www.Satriani.com. That's the first track off Satriani's "Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards," the album that Sony Music Digital is releasing on October 5th. In addition to the streaming single, Satriani is offering a pre-sale that includes added features. Fans who buy "Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards" via pre-sale will also get an autographed copy of the CD, an advance MP3 download of "Light Years Away" on September 7th, and a ticket pre-sale code for access to Satriani concert tickets before they go on sale to the general public. The pre-sale bundle costs about 15-dollars.

Here is a listing of tracks appearing on Joe Satriani's "Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards."

1. Premonition
2. Dream Song
3. Pyrrhic Victoria
4. Light Years Away
5. Solitude
6. Littleworth Lane
7. The Golden Room
8. Two Sides To Every Story
9. Wormhole Wizards
10. Wind In The Trees
11. God Is Crying

Carlos Santana Previews Cover Album In Vegas

Carlos Santana is previewing highlights from his upcoming cover album, "Guitar Heaven." RollingStone.com reports the veteran axe man hosted an event at Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel last Wednesday. The show was part of the 63-year-old rocker's "residency" at the Sin City hot spot. Joining Santana at the Hard Rock were Chris Daughtry, India.Arie, and Gavin Rossdale. All three took to the stage to perform tracks from "Guitar Hero" live. India.Arie did the singing on George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," while Rossdale sang the T.Rex track, "Bang A Gong." Daughtry warned the crowds before his song that he didn't have the range of Def Leppard's Joe Elliott. He then belted out a cover of Leppard's "Photograph" that reportedly brought the Vegas crowd to its feet.

Other guests on Carlos Santana's "Guitar Heaven" include singer Rob Thomas, rapper Nas, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and hard rocker Scott Weiland. The album is due on September 21st.

Here is a list of tracks on "Guitar Heaven."

Whole Lotta Love' featuring Chris Cornell (Led Zeppelin)
'Can't You Hear Me Knockin'' featuring Scott Weiland (The Rolling Stones)
'Sunshine Of Your Love' featuring Rob Thomas (Cream)
'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' featuring india.arie and Yo-Yo Ma (The Beatles)
'Dance the Night Away' featuring Pat Monahan (Van Halen)
'Back In Black' featuring Nas and Janelle Monáe (AC/DC)
'Riders On the Storm' featuring Chester Bennington and Ray Manzarek (The Doors)
'Smoke On the Water' featuring Jacoby Shaddix (Deep Purple)
'Photograph' featuring Chris Daughtry (Def Leppard)
'Bang A Gong' featuring Gavin Rossdale (T. Rex)
'Little Wing' featuring Joe Cocker (Jimi Hendrix)
'I Ain't Superstitious' featuring Jonny Lang (Howlin' Wolf, Jeff Beck Group)

Jackson Browne Due On Stage Tonight After Illness

Jackson Browne is expected to be back on stage tonight in Pennsylvania following a cancellation in upstate New York earlier this week. TheDailyNewsOnline.com reports that the singer's show at Shea's Performing Arts Center in Buffalo on Monday was abruptly canceled due to illness. According to a statement from promoter Live Nation, Brown was ordered by doctors not to perform that evening. Live Nation is offering refunds to ticket holders for the Buffalo show at point of purchase.

The "Dr. My Eyes" rocker is apparently on the mend and scheduled to play the Toyota Pavilion in Scranton, Pennsylvania tonight with multi-instrumentalist David Lindley. From there, Browne and Lindley are off to the MAC Center at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey on Thursday, September 2nd and the Borgata Spa & Resort Event Center on Saturday, September 4th.

Alex Lifeson Discusses Rush Album In The Works

Rush's Alex Lifeson is talking about juggling tour life with efforts to put out a new album. The guitarist tells MusicRadar.com that the band put a dent into "Clockwork Angels," its upcoming album, before launching its "Time Machine" tour. Lifeson says Rush wrote six songs earlier in the year for "Angels." Two of these tracks were recorded before the band kicked off its live shows in Albuquerque, New Mexico earlier this summer. Lifeson adds, "Our decision to go on tour during an album project -- I don't know, we just thought it'd be kind of cool. Plus, there's nothing that gets your playing chops together like being on tour. We wanted a break in the routine, and I think we didn't want to just sit in a studio and feel burdened with coming up with an hour's worth of music at one time." "Clockwork Angels" will release next year.

Rush's "Time Machine" tour will continue this week with a show tomorrow night at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. This Friday, the Canadian rockers will play the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey.

Guitar Stolen From Rock Band "The Guess Who"

A guitar from the classic rock band "The Guess Who" was stolen sometime Saturday during a concert in Blue Ash, Ohio. The band was in the area performing at "The Taste Of Blue Ash." Police say one of the band's assistants put a Gibson model EC30 acoustic guitar into a case and left it off stage. When he returned a short time later, the case was gone. The guitar is valued at four-thousand dollars.

Today's Birthdays

Sly and the Family Stone drummer Greg Errico is 64.

Today In History

In 1965
James Brown and Booker T. & the MGs appeared on the TV show "Shindig!"

In 1967
Boz Scaggs joined The Steve Miller Band.

In 1968
Mick Jagger began work on the film "Performance."

In 1969
Chicago released its "Chicago Transit Authority" album.

In 1971
Led Zeppelin released the album "Led Zeppelin IV," including the song "Stairway to Heaven."

In 1972
David Bowie released the song "John, I'm Only Dancing" in the UK. It was another four years before the song was released in the U.S. because of its supposedly gay lyrics.

In 1973
Steve Miller Band released the album "The Joker."

Bob Dylan released the single "Knocking On Heaven's Door." It was on the soundtrack to the movie "Pat Garrett and Billy The Kid."

In 1975
New releases included Bruce Springsteen's album "Born To Run" and the Kiss concert disc "Alive!"

In 1977
Genesis released the album "A Trick of the Tail."

In 1980
Keyboardist Ken Hensley left Uriah Heep.

Fleetwood Mac ended a nine-month tour with a show at the Hollywood Bowl.

In 1981
Bob Dylan released the single "Heart of Mine" in Europe.

In 1986
The original "American Bandstand" studio at WFIL-TV in Philadelphia was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1987
Mick Jagger released the single "Let's Work."

In 1994
Roger Daltrey played the last concert to be performed at the Coliseum in Richfield, Ohio.

In 1995
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was dedicated in Cleveland Ohio.

In 1996
The Rolling Stones released the video "Rock And Roll Circus."

In 1998
David Bowie launched his Bowienet online community.

In 2003
Elton John's Are You Ready For Love" hit number one on the UK pop singles chart, but the song wasn't new. It was an outtake from 1977.

In 2005

The lease expired on the New York City club CBGB, with the club owner and property management unable to come to a new rental agreement. However, arrangements were made to keep the venue open beyond the original lease terms, and the club was set to close 13 months later. E Street Band guitarist Steve Van Zant had been a key figure in the negotiation efforts between the club and the property management.

In 2006
A planned 60th birthday party for the late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in the singer's home town of Zanzibar, Tanzania was scrapped in the wake of strong opposition from a local Islamic group, which threatened to disrupt the festivities.

In 2007
Bo Diddley was released from a Florida hospital, eight days after he suffered a heart attack.

In 2008
AC/DC's new song "Rock 'n' Roll Train" was featured in ads that began running for the CBS drama "Criminal Minds."

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Classic Rock, Monday, August 30, 2010

Guns N' Roses' UK Performance Cut Short, Guitarist Reacts

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Guns N' Roses isn't happy after being forced to cut their performance short during the UK's Reading Festival over the weekend. Guitarist DJ Ashba posted his thoughts on Twitter following GNR's abbreviated show. Ashba wrote, "Apparently the promoter has a personal grudge with Guns N' Roses stemming from eight years ago. If this was the case, why book the band? He knows our show. Let me guess?... to take our fans' money and then not allow us to give them a show that they paid for." Using a few other choice words, Ashba accused the promoter of being "money-grubbing" and called his decision to cut the power on the band's show "selfish." He added that the promoter, "allowed music blasting throughout the venue till early in the morning." Ashba did admit that GN'R was a little late in arriving to the festival, and apologized for that. However, he said, "our fans paid to see a show, and that's why we showed up, to give them just that." Despite the disruption, Ashba says, "They pulled the power, but failed to kill the connection as 90-thousand people sang 'Paradise City.'"

Last week, the BBC reported that Reading Festival organizer Melvin Benn had warned Guns N' Roses to be punctual, recalling the band's two-hour late arrival at the festival eight years ago. He said he had to be strict because the local councils of the surrounding English neighborhoods have a curfew for music shows.

John Bonham Tribute Planned In Hollywood

Hollywood's Key Club will serve as the setting for an all-star tribute to the late John Bonham next month. Blabbermouth.net reports that a VIP lineup -- which includes Quiet Riot's Frank Banali and John's son, Jason Bonham -- will remember the Led Zeppelin drummer at the club this September 25th. The date marks the 30th anniversary of Bonham's death. Also scheduled to appear are Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Chickenfoot fame and Simon Wright, who's been behind the kit for AC/DC and DIO. In a nod to Bonham's nickname, The Key Club is dubbing the evening "Bonzo: The Groove Remains The Same." Tickets for the one-night-only show start at 28-dollars and can be purchased now at www.keyclub.com.

John Bonham died on September 25th, 1980 at age 32. He was recruited to join Led Zeppelin in 1968. In related news, another Bonzo tribute featuring son, Jason Bonham, is on its way to the Region. "Jason Bonham's Led-Zeppelin Expereice" will be at Merrillville's Star Plaza Theatre on October 21st.

Sir Paul Urges NASA Not To Use Monkeys For Research

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Sir Paul McCartney is urging NASA to reconsider its use of monkeys for research. In a letter posted on the PETA.org website, the former Beatle wrote that he's concerned about the space agency's plans to gauge the effects of space travel by exposing squirrel monkeys to radiation. McCartney -- who's a longtime supporter of space exploration -- wrote, "I believe NASA has the ingenuity to investigate the health effects of space travel without confining and experimenting on animals as was done in the old days. It would be terribly disappointing if in our zeal to explore new frontiers and to learn about the fascinating universe where we live we began to regress in our treatment of the animals with whom we share this planet."

McCartney isn't the only one voicing concern about the testing. A number of experts and former engineers have spoken out about the NASA's current research plans.

Big Names Collaborate On Ray Davies' Duets Album

Kinks frontman Ray Davies is putting fresh touches on his catalog with a little help from some high-profile friends. Davies' still-untitled duets album is expected before the end of the year. The blog "Hipsters United" reports that The Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan appears on the project, singing with Davies on a version of the 1981 hit, "Destroyer." Bruce Springsteen also shows up on "Better Things." Another act out of New Jersey, Bon Jovi, makes an appearance on "Celluloid Heroes." The late Alex Chilton, Lucinda Williams, Spoon, Mumford & Sons, Frank Black, Amy MacDonald, and Paloma Faith are also contributors. However, a previously reported collaboration with The Killers will not be a part of the final album.

In related news, it was just last month that Davies announced the sale of the historic Konk Studios. In addition to The Kinks, the English studio has hosted the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Blur, Elvis Costello, Culture Club, and pop stars Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue.

U2, Hansard To Star In "Music Of Ireland" Documentary

U2 is one of subjects in an ongoing PBS documentary series. Billboard.com reports that the network's "Music of Ireland" is returning to the airwaves with a second chapter that features Bono and company; Oscar-winning songwriter Glen Hansard; singer-songwriter Damien Rice; and the alt-rock band The Script. "Music of Ireland" premiered in February with an episode called "Welcome Home." Its second installment -- "Welcome To America" -- will debut this fall. Barnes & Noble will distribute the DVD and CD counterparts to the series about musicians from the Emerald Isle. "Music of Ireland: Welcome To America" will pick up in the 1980s with an emphasis on the role U2 played as it broke through internationally. Sinead O'Connor and The Corrs will also be featured.

Springsteen Deluxe Set To Offer "Darkness" CD Reissue, DVD

Bruce Springsteen collectors may be in for quite a stocking stuffer this holiday season. Variety.com reports that rock and roll's "Boss" has announced the release of a deluxe set to accompany the reissue of "Darkness On The Edge Of Town." The set -- available on November 16th -- will feature three CDs and three DVDs. Included are a remastered version of 1978's "Darkness" and two additional CDs with 21 tracks from the vaults of Springsteen's career that have never been released before. Also in the set is "The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story," a feature-length documentary about the making of the album.

In related news, "The Promise" is scheduled to premiere on the big screen at the Toronto Film Festival next month. HBO will debut the film on the small screen on October 7th.

Dickinson Calls Glastonbury "Too Polite," Talks Tour Life

Bruce Dickinson is speaking out on one of the biggest annual music events in the United Kingdom. The Iron Maiden frontman told London's "The Sun" that The Glastonburry Festival is just too proper for Maiden. Dickinson said, "Glastonbury is a bit too cream cakes and afternoon tea for us. It's all yurts and people being far too polite." The 52-year-old singer also used his "Sun" interview to dispel illusions that Maiden's touring life is luxurious. Dickinson described the amenities backstage on the road by saying, "We just have three loaves of white bread, some butter, a tin of tuna fish and some beers. People come backstage looking for the spread and we say: 'Go make yourself a sandwich.'"

In related news, Iron Maiden just scored its fourth number one album across the pond last week with "The Final Frontier." "Frontier" is the band's 15th studio project and it features the advance single, "El Dorado."

Paul Rodgers Calls Aguilera's "All Right Now" "Rocking"

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Former Free frontman Paul Rodgers is dishing on Christina Aguilera's cover of "All Right Now." Rodgers tells Spinner.com that he thought the pop star's interpretation of Free's 1970 anthem was "rocking." Rodgers adds, "I loved it. I've heard some people do that, and, eh, you know -- it's quite hard to pull off, really. But she gave it some stick. It was good." Aguilera performed the rock and roll classic in concert in 2000. The track then appeared on her DVD, "My Reflection."

"All Right Now" originally appeared on "Fire and Water," Free's third studio album. The track was also heavily featured in the Oscar-winning 1999 film, "American Beauty" starring Kevin Spacey.

Today's Birthdays

Illustrator R. Crumb is 67. He designed the cover of Big Brother and the Holding Company's 1968 album "Cheap Thrills."

Today In History

In 1957
Buddy Holly and the Crickets, the Del-Vikings, and Little Richard were among the artists who performed at "Alan Freed's 3rd Anniversary Show."

In 1963
The Beatles' collarless jackets went on sale in England.

In 1965
Bob Dylan released the album "Highway 61 Revisited."

In 1966
The Byrds released the album "Fifth Dimension."

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In 1969
The three-day Texas International Pop Festival opened, featuring Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Santana, Grand Funk Railroad, and Chicago.

Zager and Evans' "In the Year 2525" hit number one on the UK pop singles chart.

In 1970
Jimi Hendrix played his last gig in Britain. It was on the last day of the Isle of Wight festival.

In 1972
John Lennon and Yoko Ono staged the "One To One" charity benefit for the Willowbrook Hospital in New York.

In 1973
Two years after Jim Morrison's death, the Doors broke up.

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Wings' drummer Denny Seiwell left the group.

In 1980
Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust" broke into the Top 40.

In 1981
The Rolling Stones released the album "Tattoo You."

In 1984
An auction of Beatles' memorabilia in London brought in more than 270-thousand-dollars. An unpublished manuscript by John Lennon fetched more than 23-thousand-dollars, while one of Ringo Starr's snare drums went for nearly 15-hundred-dollars.

In 1986
David Lee Roth's "Yankee Rose" peaked at number 16 on the pop singles chart.

The Beatles' "Twist and Shout" broke into the Top 40. It had been rereleased as part of the soundtrack to the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."

In 1988
Bruce Springsteen and wife Juilanne Phillips divorced.

In 1991
Jan & Dean's Jan Berry married Gertie Filip in a ceremony in Las Vegas, during a Jan & Dean show.

In 1992
Don McLean and wife Patrisha became parents to a daughter, Wyatt.

In 1995
Velvet Underground member Sterling Morrison died at the age of 53. He had non Hodgkin's lymphoma.

In 1997
An extensive collection of Elvis Presley memorabilia was sold at an auction in London and Berlin. His 1960s Gretch guitar was one of the biggest money makers, bringing in more than 66-thousand-dollars.

In 1999
The Beatles' movie "Yellow Submarine" was screened in Liverpool in celebration of the rerelease of the film.

In 2003
Paul McCartney's daughter Stella married boyfriend Alasdhair Willis in a ceremony in Scotland. Celebrity guests included Madonna, the Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde, Coldplay's Chris Martin, Kate Moss, and Liv Tyler.

In 2004
Carlos Santana was honored as the 2004 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year at a ceremony in Los Angeles. Santana also performed at the event, along with Dave Matthews, the Black Eyed Peas, and Matchbox Twenty's Rob Thomas.

Kris Kristofferson was named as an inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The famed singer-songwriter, perhaps best known for penning Janis Joplin's hit "Me and Bobby McGee," was formally introduced to the Country Hall during the Country Music Association Awards ceremony ten weeks later.

In 2006
Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" topped Britain's Planet Rock radio's listener's poll of the best guitar solos.

In 2007
The documentary "Meat Loaf: In Search of Paradise," chronicling the veteran performer's supporting tour behind his CD "Bat Out of Hell 3: The Monster Is Loose," had its debut screening at the Montreal Film Festival.

In 2008
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band was the headliners for the second day of the two-day Harley-Davidson's 105th Anniversary Celebration concerts. Other performers at the four-day event included Daughtry, the Black Crowes, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Puddle of Mudd, Los Lonely Boys, Blind Melon, and The Crave, as well as ZZ Top, Peter Frampton, Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult, Dr. John, and War.

London's Victoria and Albert Museum purchased the original, handpainted drawing of The Rolling Stones' iconic lips and tongue logo at an auction, paying 92-thousand-500-dollars for the artwork.

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Classic Rock, Friday, August 27, 2010

Arrests Surround U2's First Ever Show In Russia

U2's first concert on Russian soil may be remembered for the arrests that surrounded it. BBC News reports that police took activists into custody Wednesday night for their alleged lack of permits. The activists were camped outside of U2's Moscow show. Identified as members of Amnesty International, they reportedly made attempts to talk to concert goers as they handed out informational leaflets. Sergei Nikitin, head of Amnesty International's Russian Offices, says he was told by U2's management that the group had permission to be outside the venue. Nikitin adds, "I am very sad about what happened. I do not know if Bono knew about what happened to us, but I fear that he did not. It was a typical publicity event, which this organization has carried out in every city where U2 has performed."

According to Spinner.com, representatives from U2's ONE foundation against AIDS were not arrested, but were asked to leave the stadium. The incident took place just one day after Bono met with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev about the global AIDS crisis. The concert itself was reportedly a success, with an estimated 75-thousand fans in attendance. U2 will be on stage next Monday, August 30th. The band is playing the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, Austria.

Slash & Friends To Rock The Third Annual Sunset Strip Festival

Los Angeles' fabled Sunset Strip is welcoming big names through tomorrow, including guitar star Slash. Variety.com reports that Sunset Boulevard -- known for its billboards, night clubs, and bumper to bumper traffic -- is hosting the Third Annual Sunset Strip Music Festival. The event launched on Thursday and will continue through tomorrow night. Slash is part of tomorrow's lineup. The Guns N' Roses alum will be joined during his set by singers Myles Kennedy and Fergie. Among the other acts booked for tomorrow are Kid Cudi, The Smashing Pumpkins, and rapper Common.

The strip's rock and roll fixtures, clubs like The Roxy, House of Blues, and The Viper Room all will serve as venues for the fest. Festival managing director Karmen Beck comments, quote, "Almost every inch of the street is going to be occupied by some sort of sponsor, experience or band." Beck adds that many of the booked artists started out at clubs on The Sunset Strip.

Bon Jovi To Release Their "Greatest Hits" In November

Look for two career-spanning collections from Bon Jovi this November. A single-disc, called simply "Greatest Hits," will feature 16 tracks from the New Jersey rockers including "It's My Life," "Livin' On A Prayer," and "Who Says You Can't Go Home." The single disc will also include two new songs. One of them -- "What Do You Got?" -- is an advance track which will debut by the end of this month. "Greatest Hits: The Ultimate Collection" will feature 28 tracks on two discs. The new material from the single "Greatest Hits" disc, plus two more new songs, will appear on "The Ultimate Collection."

Island Records will release Bon Jovi's single-disc "Greatest Hits" and the band's double-disc "Greatest Hits: The Ultimate Collection" on November 9th.

Historic "Big Four" Concert Coming To Video

Fans of metal's "Big Four" who didn't get to Sofia, Bulgaria over the summer can now see the bands' show there on video. Universal Music has announced plans to release "The Big Four: Live from Sofia, Bulgaria" to DVD and Blu-Ray on October 19th. The video will capture Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth on one bill at a Sonisphere show filmed on June 22nd, 2010. The video will feature the full shows of all four bands. Also on "The Big Four: Live from Sofia, Bulgaria" will be interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. Universal will also release a limited edition super deluxe box set with the DVDs, five CDs with all of the live performances, a "Big Four" guitar pick, a poster, photos, and a 24-page booklet.

Three of "The Big Four" are reteaming next month. Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax will co-headline on the second leg of the "American Carnage" tour. That trek will begin on September 24th in Dallas, Texas at the Superpages.com Amphitheater.

Jimmy Page "Photobiography" Due Next Month

If a picture tells a thousand words, the new book "Jimmy Page" will deliver about 650-thousand words to the rocker's fans. The guitarist who helped define the sounds of Led Zeppelin and The Yardbirds will be celebrated with photography in the upcoming book, "Jimmy Page." Page appears in 650 images for the project, which will be available on September 27th. Don't look for "Jimmy Page" at the local mall bookstore, however. Only 25-hundred copies of "Jimmy Page" -- all signed by the "Stairway To Heaven" legend himself -- will be offered at the price of 667 British pounds or about one-thousand-35 U.S. dollars. Genesis Publishing is distributing "Jimmy Page." For more information, visit www.jimmypagebook.com.

George Harrison's Son Joins Fistful Of Mercy

Ben Harper's new "supergroup" is enlisting the son of a Beatle. TwentyFourBit.com reports that Harper recently formed the collaboration Fistful of Mercy with singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur and Dhani Harrison, son of the late George Harrison. Fistful scheduled its first live show on Thursday at the Seattle record store, WS Easy Street. The music blog AntiQuiet.com also reports that Fistful is planning to release an album this October. The trio of musicians will reportedly tour in support of the unnamed project.

Dhani Harrison was thrust into the music scene following his father's death in November 2001. The now 32-year-old collaborated with Jeff Lynne to finish George's album, "Brainwashed."

Motorhead Compilation On The Way This Fall

Motorhead has a compilation album on the way this fall. MetalUngerground.com reports that the English band will release "Aces Up My Sleeve: The Collection" on October 18th via the UK distributor Spectrum/Universal Music. The 20-track project will include selections like "Ace of Spades," "Overkill," "I Got Mine," and "Heart Of Stone." Motorhead lead singer Lemmy Kilmister was in the news recently. The 65-year-old picked up an award from "Vegas Rocks!" magazine last Sunday in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lemmy won in the Vegas Rocks! Lifetime Legend category. Other rockers in attendance included Glenn Hughes, and Dee Snider of Twisted Sister.

The track listing for Motorhead's "Aces Up My Sleeve: The Collection" is as follows:

"Ace Of Spades"
"Bomber"
"Iron Fist"
"Leaving Here"
"Killed By Death"
"Louie Louie"
"Stay Clean"
"Overkill"
"Please Don't Touch"
"Dead Men Tell No Tales"
"The Chase Is Better Than The Catch"
"Eat The Rich"
"I Got Mine"
"Nothing Up My Sleeve"
"Heart Of Stone"
"Motorhead" (Live)
"Damage Case"
"(We Are) The Roadcrew"
"Shine"
"Iron Horse / Born To Lose"

Judas Priest Guitarist Turns UK Estate Into Golf Course

Judas Priest's K.K. Downing is demonstrating that his talents extend beyond music. The guitarist has designed a new 27-hole golf course at his Astbury Hall estate in England. He tells the UK's "Shropshire Star" that he consulted experts as he was working on the project, but notes it's his own design. The rocker says the course, on his 450-acre spread "has been borne from my experiences on golf courses from around the world. I am fortunate enough to have played some of the finest the world has to offer and I feel privileged to have been able to create a property that encompasses all my cherished experiences." Troon Golf is managing the course, which will be open to the public next month. Downing plans to officially launch the course with a celebrity charity golf tournament on September 15th.

Today's Birthdays

Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson is 57.

MTV veejay "Downtown" Julie Brown is 27.
Bassist Tim Bogert is 66. He was a member of the groups Vanilla Fudge and Beck, Bogart, and Appice.
Ringo Starr's wife Barbara Bach is 63.

Today In History

In 1955
Fats Domino's "Ain't That A Shame" peaked at number ten on the pop singles chart.

In 1965
Elvis Presley and The Beatles met at Elvis' Bel Air, California, mansion. The Fab Four spent roughly four hours with The King.

Bob Dylan's album "Highway 61 Revisited" was released.

In 1966
The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" broke into the Top 40.

In 1967
Beatles manager Brian Epstein was found dead at his apartment in London from an overdose of sleeping pills. He was 32. Meanwhile, Britain's "Sunday Express" reported that former Beatles drummer Pete Best was now working at a bakery in Liverpool.

In 1969
The Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Women" hit number one on the U.S. and UK pop singles charts.

In 1970
A ten-year-old Michael Jackson was featured in "Look" magazine.

In 1972
New album releases included The Raspberries' self-titled effort, featuring the hit "Go All The Way," and Uriah Heep's "Demons and Wizards."

In 1977
Crosby, Stills, and Nash's "Just A Song Before I Go" peaked at number seven on the pop singles chart.

Supertramp's "Give A Little Bit" peaked at number 15 on the pop singles chart.

In 1982
Aerosmith released the album "Rock in a Hard Place."

Robert Plant's first solo album "Pictures At Eleven" and Crosby, Stills, and Nash's album "Daylight Again" were certified Gold.

In 1983
David Bowie's "China Girl" peaked at number ten on the pop singles chart.

In 1986
John Lennon's leather jacket fetched 15-hundred-dollars at an auction in London.

It was ZZ Top day in Texas.

In 1990
Stevie Ray Vaughan and three members of Eric Clapton's band were killed in a helicopter crash in Wisconsin. Vaughan and Clapton were touring together. Clapton was not on the helicopter.

In 1991
Alice Cooper was inducted into Hollywood's Rock Walk of Fame.

In 1995
Neil Young performed with Pearl Jam at the Redding Festival.

In 1998
Former Fleetwood Mac founder Peter Green began a tour in Cleveland, Ohio. He was supporting the album "The Robert Johnson Songbook," which was his first album in nearly 20 years.

In 2002
The Who's 1965 album "The Who Sings My Generation" was rereleased as a 30-track, two-CD set that included a number of bonus songs that had never been released before.

In 2003
Paul McCartney was entered into the new edition of the "Guinness Book of World Records." With 26 entries, he had the world's record for having the most world's records.

The Rolling Stones played a rare club date, at the Astoria in London, as part of their Licks world tour.

In 2006
Ringo Starr's wife Barbara suffered a fracture to her right leg when she was kicked by a horse. The injury, which occurred on her 59th birthday, required surgery.

In 2007
The evidence phase of Phil Spector's murder trial ended, and the producer's lead attorney Bruce Cutler resigned, citing a difference of opinion with Spector over the content of the defense closing.

In 2008
Mackenzie Phillips, the daughter of the late Mamas and the Papas frontman John Phillips, was arrested while going through security at Los Angeles International Airport for alleged drug possession.

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