Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks Announce New Album

 

After a highly successful 2023 tour with The Band Geeks, Jon Anderson decided to expand the creative partnership with the band to create new material for a potential new studio album. The result of this effort is TRUE, which will be released on August 23 by Frontiers Music. 

The nine-song album will be a welcome gift to all fans of the singer's 40 years as a member of the multi platinum Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Yes. The album’s collection of songs harkens back to Yes’s classic 70s sounds as well as to their latter day success with the album 90125. The album’s release will be preceded by two singles and videos, the first arriving mid June for the song “Shine On.” The album was co-produced, engineered, and mixed by Band Geek bassist and musical director Richie Castellano.

Anderson and The Band Geeks embark on their summer 2024 tour starting May 30th in New Brunswick, NJ.  The tour will encompass three legs and will run through September. Additional September dates will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

See below for the current tour dates:

5/30/2024 - Thursday - New Brunswick, NJ - State Theatre

6/1/2024 - Saturday - Englewood, NJ - Bergen PAC

6/3/2024 - Monday - Rochester, NY - Kodak Center Theatre

6/6/2024 - Thursday - Albany, NY - Hart Theatre

6/8/2024 - Saturday - Hammondsport, NY - Point of The Bluff Concert Pavilion

6/13/2024 - Thursday - Chicago, IL - Copernicus

6/15/2024 - Saturday - St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

6/18/2024 - Tuesday - Greensburg, PA - Palace Theater

6/20/2024 - Thursday - Hershey, PA - Hershey Theatre

6/22/2024 - Saturday - Concord, NH - Capitol Center for the Arts

6/25/2024 - Tuesday - Boston, MA - Shubert Theatre

6/27/2024 - Thursday - Ridgefield, CT - Ridgefield Playhouse

7/21/2024 - Sunday - Patchogue, NY - Great South Bay Music Festival

7/24/2024 - Wednesday - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium*

7/27/2024 - Saturday - Peachtree City, GA - Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheatre

7/30/2024 - Tuesday - Camdenton, MO - Ozarks Amphitheater*

8/2/2024 - Friday - Bonner Springs, KS - Azura Amphitheater*

8/4/2024 - Sunday - La Vista, NE - The Astro Outdoors*

8/7/2024 - Wednesday - Waite Park, MN - The Ledge Amphitheater*

8/10/2024 - Saturday - Denver, CO - Paramount

8/14/2024 - Wednesday - Phoenix, AZ - Celebrity Theatre

8/16/2024 - Friday - Thousand Oaks, CA - Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center

9/13/2024 Friday Glenside PA Keswick Theatre

9/15/2024 Sunday Glenside PA Keswick Theatre

*w/Special Guests The Return of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

For more information, visit JonAnderson.com.

Jesse Colin Young Reissues 1982 Album 'The Perfect Stranger' Digitally

Jesse Colin Young has released a digital re-release of his 1982 solo album, The Perfect Stranger. The album features collaborations that tie together Young’s smooth vocals, lyricism, and musical arrangements. 

Young also re-released two of the album's singles, “Fire on the Water” and “Fight For It.” The former is penned with Michael McDonald of Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers. Reflecting on their collaboration, McDonald said, “I had the privilege of working with Jesse Colin Young in the 80s. I have great admiration for Jesse as an artist, singer, and songwriter, and followed his body of work with the Youngbloods and as a solo artist. Needless to say, I'm an avid fan. I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity to work with Jesse.” 

"Fight For It" features a duet with Carly Simon 

Regarding the process of creating the album, Young says: “Writing and recording The Perfect Stranger in 1980 was a thrill-a-minute for me, having never done any co-writing with amazing songwriters or recorded with LA’s finest studio musicians…Writing songs with Michael McDonald, Wendy Waldman and Danny O’Keefe was a dream come true and took me to musical places I had never been…It just doesn’t get any better.”

For more info on the album, visit jessecolinyoung.com.

Black Country Communion Issues New Single 'Enlighten' from Upcoming Album 'V'

Black Country Communion, featuring the talents of Glenn Hughes, Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham, and Derek Sherinian, has just released "Enlighten," the latest single from their upcoming fifth studio album, V, set for release on June 14th. 

Now available on all major streaming platforms, "Enlighten" is a triumph of lyrical depth and musical innovation, penned by Hughes and Bonamassa. The production, helmed by long-time collaborator Kevin Shirley, captures the essence of the band's dynamic sound and evolving artistic expression.

"Enlighten" explores themes of self-awareness and spiritual awakening, conveyed through Hughes' emotive lyrics and the intricate guitar work of Bonamassa. Resonating with the band's signature fusion of hard rock and soul-stirring blues, the song stands as a testament to Black Country Communion's growth and mutual admiration, symbolizing their commitment to producing music that is authentic, heartfelt, and reflective of their shared experiences and vast musical expertise. Check out the song below.

Black Country Communion has earned a formidable reputation over the past 15 years, not only as phenomenal songwriters but as a compelling live act, renowned for their commitment to musical excellence and innovation. Released on the heels of their first U.S. concert in over 11 years, "Enlighten" serves as an exciting glimpse into the full spectrum of what the album promises, heralding a vibrant new chapter for the band and their fans globally.

For my info, visit blackcountrycommunion.com.

Anticipation For Dead & Company’s 'Dead Forever: Live at Sphere' Residency Grows With New Interactive Attraction

Debuting on May 15 at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, Dead & Company’s “Dead Forever Experience” is a centralized hub for fans that will feature interactive activities, art exhibits, exclusive merchandise and much much more. 

The Dead Forever Experience will be open five days a week for the duration of Dead & Company’s Dead Forever: Live at Sphere residency and will be open to the public at no charge.

​Visitors can explore more than 22,000 square feet of interactive exhibit space across two floors, which will be located at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. 

Some of the highlights of the “Dead Forever Experience” will include:  

- A 1:4 scale functioning recreation of the infamous Wall of Sound:  The massive and revolutionary sound system with stacked speakers was originally designed by audio engineer Owsley Stanley specifically for the Grateful Dead’s concerts in 1974.  This 500-speaker, 7,000-watt multichannel wall was built by Anthony Coscia of “Le Petit Mur De Son.” 

- Participation Row: The continuing partnership between Dead & Company, HeadCount, and REVERB where fans have gathered to take action for people and the planet since 2015. Fans can visit the Participation Row Pop-Up to get involved with causes important to the band, support nonprofit groups, collect a free VOTE pin, bid on charity auctions, and reflect on the incredible positive impact that Dead & Company fans have made over the years.   

- Art at the Edge of Magic:  Mickey Hart’s new immersive art exhibition showcasing his groundbreaking vibrational expressionism. This exhibit will be the first of its kind, showcasing dozens of sensory-enhancing pieces touching on all of Hart’s art forms and mediums, including a breathtaking blacklight immersion. 

- SiriusXM Grateful Dead Channel Zone: Pre-show broadcasts hosted by Gary Lambert, David Gans, and Big Steve Parish will air throughout opening weekend starting Thursday, May 16, and will continue every Thursday through the residency with the Big Steve Hour.  

- An American Beauty: Grateful Dead Photography 1965-1995:  A photography exhibit curated by Jay Blakesberg and his daughter Ricki will feature 145 images by 27 different photographers, including many rare and unseen photographs.  The exhibition is capped off with a section devoted to the continuation of “The Long Strip Trip,” featuring Dead & Company images taken by Jay Blakesberg and Chloe Weir. 

- The Cinema, an exclusive Vibee VIP experience, will feature Dead & Company’s epic performance from Cornell University’s Barton Hall.  The historic benefit concert for nearly 5,000 fans took place on May 8, 2023, the same date and venue as the Grateful Dead’s highly acclaimed performance at Cornell in 1977.  

In addition to the immersive exhibits and interactive activities, the "Dead Forever Experience" will include a retail store where fans will have the opportunity to explore a diverse selection of items. The store will offer collector-worthy and exclusive Dead & Company merchandise, including show posters, apparel, and accessories. The store will also feature Grateful Dead vinyl and merchandise from James Perse, Teton Gravity Research, and more.  Fans can enjoy an atmospheric bar and lounge offering specialty cocktails and other beverages for sale and discover many additional surprises throughout the experience.

For more info, visit deadforeverexperience.com.

Dead Forever: Live at Sphere opens May 15. With Dead & Company's new Sphere stage and lighting designs final, the band is releasing limited production hold tickets for the engagement. Tickets are available at deadandcompany.com. 

Vibee is the official VIP Concert & Hotel Package partner for Dead & Company’s residency at Sphere and is the only way to access ticket bundles for all three weekend shows. For ticket and Vibee VIP Concert and Hotel Package information, please visit deadforever.vibee.com.

One lucky fan and their guest can experience three electrifying Dead & Company shows during the Dead Forever residency. Not only will flights be provided, but you will stay at the Venetian Resort Las Vegas.

The winner will be treated to great tickets for all three shows, with official Vibee VIP perks including priority entry into Sphere, special access to the band’s immersive fan portal, and exclusive commemorative keepsakes.

Access to The Sphere Experience, an immersive two-part experience featuring interactive Atrium exhibits and Darren Aronofsky's Postcard from Earth, is also included.

To enter for a chance to win, fans must donate $10 or more in support of HeadCount and REVERB in making a change through the power of music. 

Richie Kotzen Releases New Single 'Cheap Shots'

 

Fresh from a 95-date world tour and album release with The Winery Dogs in 2023, Richie Kotzen returns with a brand new single and lyric video called “Cheap Shots” released today (May 1st). A gloriously powerful slice of guitar-driven and hard-riffin’ heavy rock, with Kotzen’s passionate vocals calling out haters and people who take advantage of others, it pulls no punches and delivers knockout hooks throughout.

“I really never know how, when or where inspiration will strike for a song idea,” explains Kotzen. “I never try to force anything because I know ultimately at some point in time life will hand you a situation and for a guy like myself that is the perfect spark. I’m not someone that likes to outwardly go at it with someone if I feel I was wronged but I certainly use my creative outlet as a song writer to exercise that stuff out of me so I never find myself carrying around resentment or bad vibes. 

“So if someone does you wrong, multiple times, then we’re done here. You’re your own worst enemy. I’ve tried to help and now I’m a target? Nope… No thanks… I’m off the bus. My attitude is ‘Get it out! Throw it in the trash where it belongs.’ Move on and forget ‘em! That is really where the song is coming from.”

Check out “Cheap Shots” below.

The single, which will be a part of a full-length album to be released later in the year, came together very quickly in March 2024 after a trip back to Kotzen’s hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania.

“It has been quite a while since I have released new solo music and I feel very fulfilled to have come to a place where I’ve got new music I believe in,” continues Kotzen. “Although I find myself writing all the time not always do I feel compelled to share the work. When the story for ‘Cheap Shots’ came to me I knew I had the perfect lead track to follow up where I left off from my previous record.

“Of course I’m thrilled to be able to say I’ve got a new song for you but I’m equally overjoyed to announce the upcoming live dates. In fact, the timing is perfect as we embark on an extensive European tour in June which will end in the UK on July 13th at London’s Islington Assembly Hall. And these dates will most likely spill into a North American Fall tour as well.”

Ahead of Richie Kotzen’s European tour he plays two warm up shows in Southern California in mid-May. Full tour dates are below. Tickets and VIP package links at richiekotzen.com.

USA

5/17 - The Canyon Montclair, Montclair, CA

5/18 - The Canyon Agoura Hills, Agoura Hills, CA

EUROPE

6/4 - Batschkapp, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany

6/5 - Colos-Saal, Aschaffenburg, Germany

6/6 - Rosenhof GmbH, Osnabrück, Germany

6/8 - Sweden Rock Festival 2024, Sölvesborg, Sweden

6/9 - Pumpehuset, København, Denmark

6/11 - Victory Podium, Alkmaar, Netherlands

6/12 - Turbinenhalle Oberhausen, Oberhausen, Germany

6/13 - Metropool, Hengelo, Netherlands

6/14 - Le Forum, Vaureal, France

6/16 - Sala Riviera, Madrid, Spain (SOLD OUT)

6/17 - La Salamandra, Barcelona, Spain

6/20 - Rock Imperium Festival 2024, Cartagena, Spain

6/22 - Crossroad, Angoulins, France

6/24 - Garage, Saarbrucken, Germany

6/25 - Große Freiheit, Hamburg, Germany

6/26 - F-Haus, Jena, Germany

6/28 - Backstage Halle, Munich, Germany

6/29 - Amphiteatre, Sokolov, Czechia

6/30 - Charita Olomouc, Olomouc 9, Czechia

7/1 - Collosseum Club, Košice I, Slovakia

7/4 - Dürer Kert, Budapest, Hungary

7/5 - Majestic Music Club, Bratislava I, Slovakia

7/6 - Metal Park 2024, Romano D'ezzelino, Italy

7/7 - Dynamo, Zürich, Switzerland

7/10 - Limelight, Belfast, United Kingdom

7/11 - Opium Live, Dublin 8, Ireland

7/13 - Islington Assembly Hall, London, United Kingdom

Deep Purple Releases ‘Portable Door’, First Song And Video From Upcoming New Album ‘=1’

Deep Purple, following the announcement of their new studio album =1, have released the first single, "Portable Door." Produced by the Berlin-based agency Mutter & Vater and directed by Leo Feimer, the video for "Portable Door" showcases Deep Purple against the backdrop of the new album artwork, capturing the band in their essence as they share a stage and perform together. Check it out below.

The enigmatic album title =1 encapsulates the band’s philosophy of unity amidst complexity, promising an album that resonates deeply with their five decades spanning hard rock legacy. Produced once again by iconic Bob Ezrin, =1 captures the purest classic Deep Purple sound, without relying on nostalgia.

In a recent interview regarding the sonic direction of their upcoming album, guitarist Simon McBride shared insights, saying: “The new album will reflect what the five of us create in the rehearsal room. Many of the songs, like ‘Portable Door,’ were written in the first sessions and literally came together in 5 or 10 minutes. It all was so easy and natural.”

Singer Ian Gillan, highlighting the organic nature of Deep Purple’s song writing, added: “Throughout Deep Purple’s history, our best songs have always been those that were written in no time at all. We’ve played what felt good and developed songs as we have always done.”

In celebration of the new album, Deep Purple will perform more than 60 concerts worldwide this year during their =1 MORE TIME tour.

=1 MORE TIME TOUR DATES:

Aug. 14 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live

Aug. 15 – Tampa, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock Event Center

Aug. 17 – The Woodlands, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Aug. 18 – Durant, OK @ Choctaw Casino – Grand Theater

Aug. 19 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena

Aug. 21 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center

Aug. 22 – Sterling Heights, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill

Aug. 23 – Tinley Park, IL @ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre

Aug. 25 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage

Aug. 27 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre

Aug. 28 – Gilford, NH @ BankNH Pavilion

Aug. 30 – Camden, NJ @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

Aug. 31 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center

Sept. 1 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

Sept. 3 – Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater

Sept. 4 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Broadview Stage at SPAC

Sept. 6 – Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Sept. 7 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live

Sept. 8 – Scranton, PA @ The Pavilion at Montage Mountain

Tickets are available at deeppurple.com.

The Hollywood Stars Announce 'Starstruck,' Their First Album Of New Material Since 1977

The Hollywood Stars have shared details of Starstruck, the Los Angeles band's first album of new material in over four decades. Starstruck will be released on CD and as a download by Rum Bar Records on June 14, and supported by a headlining concert at The Viper Room the next night (for tickets, visit The Viper Room. 

A vinyl LP arrives September 1 on Sioux Records. 

Originally assembled by rock ‘n’ roll svengali Kim Fowley in 1973, The Hollywood Stars recorded three albums during the 1970s, although only one was released during that decade. The self-titled The Hollywood Stars surfaced on Arista Records in 1977, and the band toured the U.S. with label mates The Kinks. Forty years later, the long-shelved remaining pair of LPs finally saw the light of day, with Shine Like a Radio: The Great Lost 1974 Album debuting in 2013, and Sound City in 2019. 

Although The Hollywood Stars had split by 1978, two of their early original recordings went on to find major success with other artists of the era — “Escape” appeared on Alice Cooper’s platinum-certified Welcome to My Nightmare (1975) while “King of the Night Time World” was included on a pair of multi platinum-selling albums by Kiss, Destroyer (1976) and Kiss Alive II (1977).

After decades of inactivity, The Hollywood Stars reformed with several original members to perform at a benefit concert in Los Angeles in 2018. The night was a success, and the decision was made to carry on. The last five years have been spent playing shows in support of their Sound City album, culminating in a 50th anniversary concert in Tarzana, California in December 2023. A four-song digital EP of new material, Still Around, was also released last year.

The lineup of the band responsible for the new Starstruck album is vocalist Scott Phares and drummer Terry Rae (founding members in 1973), bassist Michael Rummans (joined in 1976), and guitarists Jeff Jourard and George Keller (recruited in 2023). Jourard was an early member of The Motels and co-wrote that band’s second single, “Total Control,” with Martha Davis. He also played guitar on 1976’s Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. Keller has played sessions with Tina Turner and George Cromarty and played alongside Rummans in the LA garage rock band, The Sloths. 

“It’s hard to express the joy I felt about entering the studio last year with this great band,” said Phares. “I left the original group in 1974, just months after completing our first album, so it’s been 50 years since I’ve worked on an album with The Hollywood Stars. Everyone contributed to the songwriting, including our two new members, and we came up with songs that stay true to our vision.” 

Recorded at Kitten Robots Studios, Starstruck was produced by the band, Loren Molinare (The Dogs, Slamdinistas), and Paul Roessler (The Screamers, 45 Grave). Each member of The Hollywood Stars contributed to the songwriting, with the album being split almost evenly between new and old compositions. “Bad, Bad Man” dates back the farthest, pre-dating even the first lineup of The Hollywood Stars. It is based on an idea by the group’s original main songwriter, Mark Anthony, and was recently finished by Phares. “Shortage of Love” was co-written in the early ‘70s by Phares and Fowley. Starstruck’s first single, the rousing glam singalong “Taxi Driver,” originally appeared on the 1977 debut album by Hero, a group for which Phares was the frontman after leaving The Hollywood Stars in 1974. Rummans contributes three tracks, including “Haunted” which first appeared on The Sloths’ 2015 album, Back from the Grave. “Total Control” is a remake that revisits Jourard’s days with The Motels.