The Session Man: Nicky Hopkins, a documentary film that tells the story of the prolific virtuoso session pianist Nicky Hopkins, will be released in North America November 5th on TVOD/PPV on Amazon Prime, additional major platforms and will also be available on DVD in late 2024.
Featuring commentary from Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Peter Frampton, Pete Townshend and more, The Session Man explores the legendary 30-year career of Nicky Hopkins and his contributions to over 250 albums, including John Lennon’s Imagine, The Who’s My Generation, and countless iconic songs like “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker, “Sympathy For The Devil” by The Rolling Stones and “Revolution” by The Beatles.
Directed by Mike Treen, The Session Man has been shown at festivals in a number of countries, winning awards in London, Berlin, Rome, Madrid, Los Angeles and Paris. It is scheduled to be screened in The New Zealand Indie Film Festival and The Albuquerque Film Festival at the end of September.
"Nicky Hopkins was a dear friend and iconic piano player," says Peter Frampton. "No one had his wonderful touch, feel and choice of notes. I was lucky to have him play on my Somethin’s Happening record. I miss him and listen to him often. He taught me plenty."
Classically trained at The Royal Academy of Music, London, Nicky Hopkins could play Rock and Roll piano like nobody else. His legendary piano riffs and dazzling musical motifs helped ordinary tracks become iconic. With a career spanning 30 years until his tragic early death at age 50, he played with some of the greatest bands and artists in the world including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Steve Miller Band, Joe Cocker, Jerry Garcia, Art Garfunkel and many others.
By the late 1960’s, Hopkins was one of the busiest and most successful session players in London. He then joined the Jeff Beck Group with Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood, which took him to America. He settled in Mill Valley enjoying the free-wheeling San Francisco ‘Bay Area Bands’ and playing at Woodstock with Jefferson Airplane. The 1970’s were his most successful period, commuting across The Atlantic to play with The Stones, John Lennon, and on countless sessions in Los Angeles.
Living with Crohn’s disease since his teens, his ability to tour was limited, although he would manage tours with The Rolling Stones, Joe Cocker and Art Garfunkel. But it was in the recording studio where he became a legend amongst his peers.
Nicky Hopkin’s story is told in the film by Albert Lee, Antonia Cipollina, Arthur Rochester, Benmont Tench, Bill Wyman, Billy Nicholls, Bro Paul Brown, Chris Kimsey, Chris Welch, Chuck Leavell, Dave Davies, Glyn Johns, Graham Parker, Gray Levett, Greg Phillinganes, Harry Shearer, Helen O’Hara, Jack Casady, Jim Keltner, Joe Tansin, John Goddard, Jorma Kaukonen, Julian Dawson (Nicky’s biographer – author of And on Piano… Nicky Hopkins), Keith Richards, Merrell Fankhauser, Mick Jagger, Mike Hurst, Mike McCartney, Moira Hopkins (Nicky’s widow), Morgan Fisher, Nils Lofgren, Paddy Milner, Pete Edmonds, Pete Sears, Pete Townshend, Peter Frampton, PP Arnold, Rory Kaplan, Sarah Sleet (CEO of Crohn’s & Colitis UK), Shel Talmy, Slim Jim Phantom, Terry Reid and Tom Speight.
The Session Man’s narrator, Bob Harris, former presenter of the BBC’s The Old Grey Whistle Test, had no hesitation in confirming that, “His contributions on their records made him Rock and Roll’s greatest Session Man.”
John Lodge, best known as the bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues, will be back on tour in November 2024 in the USA. Following the critically acclaimed and sold out shows earlier this year, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is continuing in his celebration of Moody Blues music and their epic album Days of Future Passed.
The November run starts in Clarksburg, WV on Nov. 12, and ends in Royal Oak, MI on Nov 19. Then the tour will recommence in February 2025. All dates are on sale today, and special VIP packages are available that include a special personalized hello video from Lodge, together with limited edition merchandise and a great seat. Ticket link here.
‘Performs Days of Future Passed’ encompasses a first set of Moodies classics featuring fan favorites such as "Isn’t Life Strange," "Legend of a Mind," "I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)," and "Ride my See-Saw." The second set features renditions of "Nights in White Satin" and "Tuesday Afternoon."
Lodge performs songs written by late Moody Blues members Mike Pinder and Ray Thomas. The group's drummer, Graeme Edge, appears on screen for a very special video, reciting his poems, "Morning Glory" and "Late Lament." Jon Davison of Yes sings “Nights in White Satin,” “Tuesday Afternoon,” and other classic Justin Hayward-penned hits.
“In crafting this show, I wanted to ensure there was a place for all my Moodies bandmates. It’s a joy to perform not only my own songs but those of my friends Ray and Mike, and to hear Jon sing Justin’s songs," Lodge says. "But my greatest joy is seeing Graeme up on stage with me, it never stops being emotional. My hope is that we can all take a trip down days of future passed together, and that audiences will leave feeling as if something joyful happened to them. It’s been a tough year, but thanks to the love of my family, and the support of my fans, I’m delighted to be back on the road, so thank you all for keeping the faith.”
Joining Lodge on stage is his ‘10,000 Light Years Band’ comprised of long term collaborator Alan Hewitt (Music Director and Keyboards) and Billy Ashbaugh (Drums) from the Moody Blues touring band, together with Duffy King (Guitars) and Jason Charboneau (Cello).
NOVEMBER 2024 TOUR DATES
Nov 12, Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center. Clarksburg, WV - Tickets
Nov 14, Historic Park Theatre & Event Center, Cranston, RI - Tickets
Nov 15, Bergen Performing Arts Center, Englewood, NJ - Tickets
Nov 17, Temple Live at Columbus Athenaeum, Columbus, OH - Tickets
Nov 19, Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak, MI - Tickets
Guitarists Ian Gothe And Fernando Perdomo have taken 11 songs originally recorded by UK prog-rock band Camel and given them a 'makeover' for a new album from Think Like A Key Music called Never Let Go - A Tribute to Camel.
From devoted Camel-ites to prog neophytes, Never Let Go offers something for everyone. It’s not just a tribute; it’s a love letter to prog rock, a masterclass in musicianship, and a journey through time and space. Its where Prog Past Meets Prog Future. Never Let Go is proof, you might say, that you can teach an old Camel new tricks. It’s the perfect soundtrack for your next desert trek or interstellar journey.
Watch an animated video below for “City Life, ”one of the songs from Never Let Go.
Born to an Armenian family in Iran, Ian Gothe spent much of his adolescence traveling across continents in search of a home. After he and his hard-won guitar left Iran before the revolution, the 14-year-old lived with family in England and later made his way to the United States by way of a year in Baltimore before finally settling in Los Angeles, where he lives today. Citing the influences of British bands such as Camel and Genesis, and many less well-known musicians, Gothe’s style is an eclectic triumph that fuses not only musical genres but also crosses language barriers as well with songs that feature both English and his native Armenian.
Fernando Perdomo is a powerhouse of the LA music scene who has made a name for himself as an in-demand producer, singer/songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is a featured guitarist in the Netflix documentary Echo In The Canyon, where his is seen backing up Jakob Dylan, Fiona Apple, Brian Wilson, Norah Jones, Regina Spektor, Cat Power, and Jade Castrinos. He is also played on every track on the official soundtrack album of the film along with Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Josh Homme as well as the aforementioned artists. He has opened for Todd Rundgren, Leon Russell, Filter, Adrian Belew, and Kasim Sulton. His latest solo album, Self, is available at BandCamp.
Never Let Go was produced and engineered by Gothe and Perdomo, mixed and mastered by Zach Ziskin, and recorded in Los Angeles at Sherman Oaks based Forward Motion Studios. Gothe’s credits on the album include vocals, 6 and 12-string acoustic guitar, classical guitar, flute, bass, and tanpura. Perdomo plays electric guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, electric sitar, and sings harmony vocals on the record. Other featured players include singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Dave Kerzner, as well singer Durga McBroom, who toured with Pink Floyd in the 80s and 90s, lending ethereal vocals to “Another Night.”
DGM and Panegyric are releasing the 50th anniversary edition of King Crimson's classic album Red. The double Blu-ray + double CD edition features completely new Dolby Atmos, 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio Surround and stereo mixes by Steven Wilson.
Red was one of the earliest mixes undertaken by Steven Wilson in 2009, as King Crimson was the first of a number of artists to be mixed by the Porcupine Tree leader. Its appropriate that he return, some 15 years later, to take the album into the Dolby Atmos era.
“What I hear on Red is the best representation of 72-74 era line-up in the studio," Wilson says. "In effect this is a power trio record and their sound is just huge."
Red - The 50th Anniversary Edition features:
• Four-disc boxed set with 2 x Blu-ray & 2CDs
• Two Blu-rays featuring completely new mixes of the album in Dolby Atmos, 5.1 DTS-HD MA Surround, and Hi-Res stereo by Steven Wilson, New Elemental Mixes in Hi-Res stereo by David Singleton, a number of extra tracks drawn from the existing sessions reels mixed by David Singleton, all three mixes of the live album USA in Hi-Res Stereo, five audio restored bootleg concert recordings from the 1974 US tour making their debut on disc & the audio restored bootleg of the band’s final US show in Central Park NYC on July 1st, 1974
• Two CDs feature new stereo + instrumental mixes by Steven Wilson and new Elemental Mixes & a sequence of studio recordings detailing the making of ‘Starless’ mixed by David Singleton
• Two vinyl replica sleeves in a rigid slipcase with booklet including photos and new sleeve-notes by King Crimson Biographer Sid Smith
• Complete album’s worth of Elemental Mixes by long-time King Crimson producer (and band manager) David Singleton – using the original multi-track recordings to present a very different audio picture of the album, with greater separation of instruments & utilizing many recorded elements recorded for, but not included in, the original mixes.
As King Crimson biographer Sid Smith puts it in his new notes for the album: “David Singleton’s elemental mixes pull the veil aside on the original sessions and act as a kind of alternative account, a ‘Red’ that could have been, revealing the different passes and takes that the band undertook as well as those Collins, Charig and McDonald as they engaged with the material.”
Red was recorded immediately after King Crimson’s final US tour of 1974 and the anniversary edition reflects that by including all three Hi-Res stereo mixes of the live album USA in its full concert versions. Also included are a quintet of audio restored bootlegs being issued on disc for the first time, alongside a bootleg of the band’s final US concert in New York in 1974, which Robert Fripp claimed was “the first gig since the 1969 Crimson where the bottom of my spine registered ‘out of this world’ to the same degree.”
In the decades since its release, Red has gone from being an album that was, upon release, under-promoted – as the band had already split up, to being one of the most lauded albums of its era and (after In The Court of the Crimson King), King Crimson’s biggest selling album.
By the time King Crimson entered the studio in July 74, the band had spent the best part of two years on the road, recorded two albums along the way (“Larks’ Tongues In Aspic” and “Starless And Bible Black”) and shed two band members en route; percussionist Jamie Muir having quit early 1973, and violin/mellotron player David Cross at the end of the US tour just a week prior to the recording of Red.
Crimson had built a reputation as one of the tightest, most powerful bands on the rock circuit. Recording as a trio in Olympic studios in London, with one improv piece (Providence) drawn from that final US tour and with contributions from former members & friends on saxophones, violin, and oboe, the group produced the last Crimson studio album of the 70s and one of the decade’s masterpieces – Red.
Red emerged as a distillation of everything Crimson had been working towards live and in the studio between 72 and 74. In the half century since its release it has built an enviable, enduring reputation among fans and professional musicians alike – with bands from each succeeding decade citing it as an important influence.
Last week saw the launch of The Experience Hendrix Tour for the first time since the (pre-pandemic) 2019 edition. This marks the tour’s 20th anniversary, and the kickoff took place, most fittingly, at the Paramount Theater in Seattle, the hometown of Jimi Hendrix.
For the occasion and by arrangement with the city’s Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop), the Fender Stratocaster guitar that Jimi Hendrix played at Woodstock in 1969 was brought to the stage. Janie Hendrix, President and CEO of Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. and Authentic Hendrix, LLC, brought the priceless guitar, known as Izabella, to the venue where it was played by a number of EH Tour participants including Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Eric Johnson and Ayron Jones.
The tour continues through October 19th with a varying line up of players playing homage to the legacy of Jimi Hendrix, including Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Zakk Wylde, Samantha Fish, Dweezil Zappa, Taj Mahal, Hunter Hayes, The Doors’ Robby Krieger, Chuck Campbell and Calvin Cooke from The Slide Brothers, Stanley Jordan, Ally Venable, Mato Nanji, Dylan Triplett, Arthur Menezes, Mathias Lattin, Henri Brown and the aforementioned Shepherd, Johnson and Jones, as well as drummer Chris Layton from Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band’s Kevin McCormick and Noah Hunt, and other notable players.
The concept for the Experience Hendrix Tour dates back almost 30 years to the 1995 Seattle Bumbershoot Festival. Experience Hendrix sponsored a three-hour show, under the musical direction of Narada Michael Walden that featured former Jimi Hendrix Experience and Jimi Hendrix Band of Gypsys alumni Mitch Mitchell, Noel Redding, Billy Cox and Buddy Miles. A single concert at San Diego’s Street Scene in 2001 and 2002 expanded by 2004 into a full-fledged national tour with this year’s outing marking the 20th anniversary of the Experience Hendrix Tour. The tour presents a host of great artists collaborating and interpreting Hendrix’s legendary songs as part of a powerhouse, three-hour concert experience. The wide range of multi-generational artists who participate in a reflection of the ecumenicism of Jimi Hendrix’s classic repertoire and the diversity of those whose lives have been indelibly affected by his music.
Janie Hendrix commented, “The Tribute Concert Tour is at the heart of the mission to memorialize Jimi and celebrate him for his musical influence on the world. When we had our first Tribute Concert, in was on the heels of winning the fight to regain Jimi’s music rights. This year’s tour has the distinction of being our first after a global shutdown. In a sense we’ve won another fight, and this is our celebration in honor of Jimi! Having Izabella with us on stage for this tour is an amazing feeling. This instrument was such an incredibly special guitar to Jimi. So special, in fact, he wrote a song about her. I think the lyrics ring true even now. They still have relevance and meaning. Jimi talked about winning the fight for the sake of love. And that’s the message we want to convey all across the country. Anything you love has to be worth fighting for. Izabella and Jimi’s positive musical message live on; Jimi continues to inspire!”
In addition to the tour, this fall is a busy time for Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. with the October 4 release of Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision, in partnership with Legacy Recordings (the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment). This deluxe box set contains the feature-length documentary of the same name, plus 39 audio tracks (38 previously unreleased) on either 3 CDs or 5 vinyl LPs. Every track was recorded between June and August of 1970 at Electric Lady Studios with drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Billy Cox, just before Hendrix’s untimely death the following month.
The documentary chronicles the creation of the still fully operational recording studio, rising from the rubble of a bankrupt Manhattan nightclub to becoming a state-of-the-art recording facility inspired by Hendrix’s desire for a permanent studio. It is currently on a worldwide theatrical run and showtimes can be found at ajimihendrixvision.com/showtimes/.
Visit experiencehendrixtour.com for artist line-ups for each of the following remaining 2024 Experience Hendrix Tour dates:
09/25 – Santa Rosa, CA – Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
09/26 – Saratoga, CA – The Mountain Winery
09/27 – Las Vegas, NV – Smith Center
09/28 – Highland, CA – Yaamava’ Theater
09/29 – Tucson, AZ – Fox Theatre
10/01 – Anaheim, CA – City National Grove
10/03 – San Diego, CA – Rady Shell At Jacobs Park
10/04 – Mesa, AZ – Mesa Arts Center/Ikeda Theater
10/05 – Albuquerque, NM – Mesa Arts Center/Ikva Auditorium
10/06 – Colorado Springs, CO – Pikes Peak Center
10/09 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre
10/10 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
10/ 11 – Ft. Worth, TX – Will Rogers Auditorium
10/12 – Tulsa, OK – River Spirit Casino
10/13 – Shreveport, LA – Shreveport Municipal Auditorium
10/15 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
10/16 – Evans, GA – Columbia Country Performing Arts Center
10/17 – Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall
10/18 – Pompano Beach, FL – Pompano Beach Amphitheater
10/19 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheater
Dave Mason has announced the cancellation of his Fall “Traffic Jam 2024” west coast tour run after doctors detected a serious heart condition during a routine appointment that requires immediate medical attention. His team of doctors expect a full and successful recovery and Mason plans to resume his touring plans in 2025.
Mason said, “I’m heartbroken to have to cancel these dates, but it's Doctor’s orders. I’ll be back, and better than ever, in 2025.”
The following shows have been canceled. Contact point of purchase for refund information.
9.20.24 Celebrity Theatre - Phoenix, AZ
9.21.24 Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station - Las Vegas, NV
9.24.24 Lobero Theatre - Santa Barbara, CA
9.26.24 The Canyon - Montclair, CA
9.27.24 The Coach House - San Juan Capistrano, CA
9.28.24 The Libbey Bowl - Ojai, CA
10.3.24 Humphreys Concerts by the Bay - San Diego, CA
10.4.24 The Coach House - San Juan Capistrano, CA
10.5.24 The Clark Center for the Performing Arts - Arroyo Grande, CA
10.9.24 Rio Theatre - Santa Cruz, CA
10.10.24 The Center for the Arts - Grass Valley, CA
10.12.24 Harrah's Lake Tahoe - Stateline, NV
11.7.24 Book Signing Event at Nashville Social Club - Carson City, NV
In addition to touring, Mason, who penned “Feelin’ Alright,” "We Just Disagree," and many other rock staples, recently released his long awaited memoir, Only You Know & I Know.
In 1964, at the height of their popularity, The Beach Boys put their Southern California-soaked sunshine spin on Christmas music with a mix of originals and inspired renditions of holiday favorites. Their fourth LP of the year, The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album was an instant classic, and over the ensuing six decades has become one of the group’s most beloved albums as well as one of the most cherished Christmas collections in the holiday music canon.
The 60th anniversary of The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album is being commemorated with a numbered, limited edition LP on custom zoetrope vinyl, available exclusively via TheBeachBoys.com, uDiscover Music and Sound of Vinyl. The record includes a new gatefold jacket that features a holiday photo spread and a bonus 7″ with the single version of “Little Saint Nick” plus “Auld Lang Syne” on translucent “Ruby Red” color vinyl. The 7” single will also be available separately on “Ice Blue” vinyl. Both will be released November 8 via Capitol/UMe and are available for pre-order now.
A delightful fusion of The Beach Boys’ signature harmonies, lush instrumentation and the joyous spirit of the holiday season, The Beach Boys' Christmas Album is a quintessential holiday record that captures the essence of the band’s distinctive sound. Inspired by his production hero Phil Spector and his LP, A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector, released the year prior,
Brian Wilson similarly aimed to create an album that honored the season and appealed to all generations. Led by the perennial favorite, “Little Saint Nick,” a Santa-fied spin on group’s hit “Little Deuce Coupe,” first released in 1963, Side 1 features five Brian Wilson-composed originals, with most lyrics written by Mike Love, performed by Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson and Al Jardine. Other standouts include the jubilant romp, “The Man With All The Toys,” the joyous disillusionment of “Santa’s Beard,” and the harmony-laden “Merry Christmas, Baby” and “Christmas Day,” notable for marking the first time Al Jardine sang lead. The first half closes with their swinging take on “Frosty The Snowman,” filled with their trademark harmonies and a 40-piece orchestra arranged by Dick Reynolds of The Four Freshman, another one of Brian’s musical heroes.
Side two of the album comprises six Christmas standards, performed with the orchestra, beginning with the gorgeous “We Three Kings Of Orient Are,” and spanning a whimsical “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” the stunningly beautiful “White Christmas” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” and concluding with the traditional Scottish New Year’s Even anthem, “Auld Lang Syne,” imbued with a harmonically rich arrangement. The lush arrangements and intricate harmonies bring a fresh twist to familiar tunes, making it accessible to both new listeners and those nostalgic for the past.
At the same time, The Beach Boys are also celebrating the 60th anniversary of their two iconic 1964 albums, Shut Down, Vol. 2 and All Summer Long with limited edition fan-focused color vinyl pressings. Shut Down, Vol. 2, which includes such classics as “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “Don’t Worry Baby” and “The Warmth Of The Sun, is available on blue and white marble custom color vinyl, while All Summer Long, featuring all-time greats like “I Get Around,” “All Summer Long” and “Little Honda,” is pressed on sunrise color vinyl. Both records are housed in a high-quality jacket, numbered from 1 to 1964 and available exclusively via uDiscover Music, Sound Of Vinyl and The Beach Boys’ official webstore.
2024 also marks the historic 60th anniversary of The Beach Boys’ debut on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” On September 27, 1964, The Beach Boys captivated millions of American viewers with their beachy vibes and irresistible melodies. Their appearance on the show solidified their status as one of America’s foremost musical acts and introduced them to an even broader audience. Performing their first No. 1 hit, “I Get Around,” along with “Wendy,” the energy and charisma the band brought to the stage mirrored their “California Cool,” as they donned their signature stripe shirts and were surrounded by hot rods. However, it was their intricate, perfect harmonies, and arrangements that not only enraptured viewers, but established their place among the other rock and roll legends who graced the Sullivan stage during this time, such as The Beatles, who first performed on February 9, 1964, igniting a friendly rivalry. Watch The Beach Boys on “The Ed Sullivan Show” performing “I Get Around” and “Wendy.”
Don Preston, best known as the keyboardist with Frank Zappa and The Mothers Of Invention, will be touring Europe later this month. Preston leads a life filled with music, innovation, and experimentation in acoustic and electronic music. He was one of the first performers to drag a pile of oscillators and filters onstage. In the early 60s, Zappa would come to see Preston’s “electronic music with films of bacterial life” shows in Los Angeles. Soon, Preston was part of Zappa’s radical new group The Mothers Of Invention, touring and playing on classics like We're Only In It For The Money and Roxy & Elsewhere from 1966 to 1973.
Preston has played with everyone from Elvin Jones, Gil Evans, and Nat King Cole to The Residents, Jack Bruce and Robbie Krieger. His keyboard solos on Zappa albums, as well as countless soundtracks like Coppola’s Apocalypse Now, are considered ground-breaking moments in synthesizer music history.
Still very active in his 90s, Preston was there for the dawn of electronic musical performance, and today grafts new technologies into his experimental palette with software synths & iPhone apps, blending jazz, rock, comedy, magic and ambient synths into a captivating performance.
Singer and songwriter Burton Cummings, most famously known as the voice of The Guess Who, has announced his long awaited new solo album, A Few Good Moments, arriving at all DSPs and streaming services via JoJo Productions on Friday, September 27. Digipack CD and 2xLP orange vinyl with gatefold sleeve will follow later this year. A Few Good Moments is Cummings’ first new solo album in over a decade.
Produced by Cummings, A Few Good Moments sees the renowned artist and lead singer and principal songwriter of The Guess Who backed by his long-time band. Highlights include “Up to the Minute” which was co-written with Jim Vallance (co-writer of some of Bryan Adam’s biggest hits), a pair of songs co-written with guitarist Michael Zweig, “Magic Town” and “Speak To Me,” as well as a cover rendition of “Shape I’m In,” written by Marc Benno, Doyle Bramhall, and Doyle Bramhall II and originally performed by blues-rock supergroup Arc Angels.
Cummings says: “The songs on this album took a while to become the proper collection. I believe in these songs because they are the result of having lived more years. At this point I have no interest in writing teenage love songs. Aging has changed the writing and that’s natural. I believe in these songs and I hope that the people who have followed my material enjoy them. I want this album to stand up when it’s listened to years from now.”
Cummings will celebrate A Few Good Moments – along with classic songs from The Guess Who and his RIAA Gold-certified solo career – with The 60th Anniversary Hits Tour, a wide-ranging North American headline run set to travel the US and Canada through March 2025. The epic schedule begins tonight, September 13, with a top-billed festival performance at Deadwood, SD’s Deadwood Jam 2024 and includes shows at such vaunted venues as Solana Beach, CA’s Belly Up (January 14), Nashville, TN’s Ryman Auditorium (February 2) and Washington, DC’s Warner Theatre (March 19), dates accompanied by special guest Jim Messina, and the sold-out Rock Legends Cruise XII 2025 (benefitting the Native American Heritage Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting hunger and providing basic life necessities to families living on Reservations in South Dakota, and featuring such fellow icons as Alice Cooper, Styx, Foghat, Robin Trower, and Colin Blunstone).
THE 60th ANNIVERSARY HITS TOUR 2024/2025
SEPTEMBER
13 – Deadwood, SD – Deadwood Jam 2024 *
14 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre #
17 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory #
18 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads #
20 – Tulsa, OK – River Spirit Casino Resort
21 – Arlington, TX – Arlington Music Hall
23 – Marion, IL – Marion Cultural and Civic Center #
25 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre #
26 – Huber Heights, OH – Rose Music Center at The Heights #
28 – Northfield, OH – MGM Northfield Park Center Stage
29 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center
OCTOBER
1 – Hopewell, VA – Beacon Theatre #
2 – Munhall, PA – Carnegie of Homestead
4 – Collingswood, NJ – Scottish Rite Auditorium #
5 – Lynn, MA – Lynn Memorial Auditorium #
18 – Windsor, ON – The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
19 – New Buffalo, MI – Four Winds Casino Resort New Buffalo
NOVEMBER
1 – Enoch, AB – River Cree Casino & Resort
3 – Tsuut’ina, AB – Grey Eagle Event Centre
4 – Regina, SK – Conexus Arts Centre
8 – Niagara Falls, ON – OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino
DECEMBER
28 – Moncton, New Brunswick – Casino New Brunswick
30 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Club Regent Event Centre
31 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Club Regent Event Centre
JANUARY 2025
11 – Chandler, AZ – Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
12 – San Juan Capistrano, CA – Coach House Concert Hall
14 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up
15 – Palm Desert, CA – McCallum Theatre
17 – Los Angeles, CA – The Novo
18 – Laughlin, NV – Edge Lounge
21 – Santa Rosa, CA – Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
23 – Tacoma, WA – Emerald Queen Casino
25 – Airway Heights, WA – Spokane Live
FEBRUARY 2025
2 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
4 – Sumterville, FL – The Tracy Performing Arts Center
5 – Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre
7 – Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall †
8 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Au–Rene Theater at Broward Center For The Performing Arts †
11 – Sarasota, FL – Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall †
13 – 17 – Miami, FL – Rock Legends Cruise XII 2025
MARCH
9 – Jim Thorpe, PA – Penn’s Peak
15 – Westbury, NY – NYCB Theatre At Westbury
19 – Washington, DC – Warner Theatre
22 – Joliet, IL –Rialto Square Theatre
26 – Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theater
28 – Shipshewana, IN – Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
Blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa continues to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his album, Different Shades Of Blue, with the release of a brand-new single, “Scarlet Town.” Now available on all streaming platforms for the very first time, released this past Friday the 13th, this haunting blues track serves as the second single from the anniversary edition of Different Shades Of Blue, following the release of the high-octane “Better The Devil You Know.”
Originally written and performed by Bob Dylan on his 2012 album Tempest, “Scarlet Town” brings listeners into a mysterious and evocative landscape with its powerful lyrics and masterful instrumentation, offering a more introspective side to Bonamassa’s artistry. The song highlights his talent for honoring classic tracks while making them uniquely his own. It showcases his ability to re-create vivid imagery and tell a compelling story through music, drawing fans deeper into the album that marked a pivotal moment in his career.
The release of “Scarlet Town” is part of a special series of previously unreleased rarities from the Different Shades Of Blue era, each offering a new perspective on the evolution of Bonamassa’s artistry. As fans revisit this pivotal album, they’ll discover hidden gems and unique tracks that highlight Bonamassa’s continued growth as a musician.
Different Shades Of Blue, originally released on September 23, 2014, debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it Bonamassa’s highest-charting album at the time and solidifying his status as a dominant force in blues-rock. This anniversary re-release provides fans with a fresh opportunity to engage with the album’s legacy, adding new dimensions to this cornerstone of Bonamassa’s discography.
This announcement follows Bonamassa’s latest triumphs, including the success of his live concert film and album Live At The Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart. This marked Bonamassa’s 28th #1 album on the Billboard Blues chart, a record-breaking achievement in the genre. The album also reached the top of the Billboard Classical Album and Classical Crossover Album charts, showcasing Bonamassa’s versatility and ability to blend genres seamlessly.
In addition to revisiting Different Shades Of Blue, Bonamassa is gearing up for his highly anticipated U.S. Fall Tour, following the success of his Blues Deluxe Tour, which celebrated his seminal Blues Deluxe albums. With electrifying performances still fresh in fans’ minds, Bonamassa shows no signs of slowing down as he prepares to deliver his unmatched live experience to audiences across the country this fall.
U.S. FALL 2024 TOUR
September 15 - Telluride, CO - Telluride Blues & Brew Festival*
October 26 - Henderson, NV - Lee’s Family Forum
October 28 - Santa Barbara, CA - The Granada Theatre
October 30 - Rancho Mirage, CA - The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage
November 1 - Tucson, AZ - The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
November 2 - Phoenix, AZ - Arizona Financial Theatre
November 3 - Long Beach, CA - Terrace Theater
November 5 - San Diego, CA - San Diego Civic Theatre
November 7 - San Jose, CA - San Jose Civic
November 8 - Sacramento, CA - SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
November 9 - Reno, NV - Grand Theatre
November 12 - Portland, OR - Keller Auditorium
November 13 - Boise, ID - Morrison Center
November 16 - Salt Lake City, UT - Eccles Theater
November 17 - Cheyenne, WY - Cheyenne Civic Center
November 19 - Park City, KS - Park City Arena
November 20 - Springfield, MO - Juanita K. Hammons Hall
November 22 - Minneapolis, MN - State Theatre
November 23 - Minneapolis, MN - State Theatre
November 26 - Springfield, IL - UIS Performing Arts Center
November 27- Appleton, WI - Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
November 29 - Davenport, IA - Adler Theatre
November 30 - Des Moines, IA - Des Moines Civic Center
*Not part of the U.S. Fall Tour
U.S. SPRING 2025 TOUR
February 16 - Seattle, WA - Climate Pledge Arena
February 19 - Milwaukee, WI - The Riverside Theater
February 21 - Chicago, IL - The Chicago Theatre
February 22 - Cleveland, OH - Playhouse Square
February 25 - Buffalo, NY - Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
February 27 - New York City, NY - Beacon Theatre
February 28 - Boston, MA - MGM Music Hall at Fenway
March 1 - Mashantucket, CT - Foxwoods Resort & Casino
March 3 - Easton, PA - State Theatre
March 5 - Charleston, WV - Clay Center
March 7 - Cherokee, NC - Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center
March 8 - Atlanta, GA - Fox Theatre
March 10 - Chattanooga, TN - Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium
March 12 - Greensboro, NC - Steven Tanger Center
March 14 - Charlotte, NC - Ovens Auditorium
March 15 - St. Augustine, FL - The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
March 16 - Mobile, AL - Saenger Theatre
March 18 - Evans, GA - Columbia County Performing Arts Center
March 19 - Melbourne, FL - The King Center
KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AT SEA
March 21-26 - Miami, FL - Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea X
EUROPE TOUR 2025
April 21 - Glasgow, UK - SEC Centre
April 23 - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
April 25 - Liverpool, UK - M&S Bank Arena
April 26 - Nottingham, UK - Motorpoint Arena
April 27 - Brighton, UK - Brighton Centre
April 29 - Oberhausen, DE - Rudolf Weber Arena
April 30 - Munich, DE - Olympiahalle
May 2 - Prague, CR - O2 Universam
May 3 - Warsaw, PL - COS Torwar
May 6 - Hannover, DE - Zag Arena
May 8 - Frankfort, DE - Jahrhunderthalle
May 9 - Frankfort, DE - Jahrhunderthalle
May 10 - Antwerp, BE - Lotto Arena
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit jbonamassa.com.
Chronicling a landmark moment for blues guitar and music in the 21st century, Eric Clapton will release the new live album and concert film Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival 2023 on November 29, 2024. It will be available in various configurations, including 4CD/2Blu-Ray, 6LP Vinyl, 2DVD, and Digital (streaming & Dolby ATMOS mix).
Last year, Clapton hosted and curated the seventh installment of his Crossroads Guitar Festival on September 23 and 24 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. It notably marked the event’s return after a four-year break, selling out the iconic arena on both days. Once again, Clapton carefully assembled a powerhouse cohort of influential guitarists representing various eras and styles. The impressive lineup boasted Joe Bonamassa, Clapton, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Eric Gales, H.E.R., Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Los Lobos, John Mayer, The Marcus King Band, Roger McGuinn, John McLaughlin, Santana, The Wallflowers, and many more. Not to forget, Bill Murray served as the evening’s “Master of Ceremonies.”
Coming together, the set rotated between blues staples, American Songbook classics, and generational rock ‘n’ roll anthems shocked to life by this elite six-string consortium.
The initial Pay-Per-View broadcast beamed out the performance to fans everywhere. Now, they can revisit the show on the 2DVD or 2Blu-Ray set. The Festival incited widespread critical applause. Forbes raved, “my God, it was breathtaking,” and Guitar.com summed it up best, “the lineup for this year’s Crossroads Festival could be described as—well, let’s just call it absolutely insane.” Guitar World hailed it as “a six-string celebration.”
Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival continues a legacy of its own, beginning with the first iteration in New York in 1999 and carried through Dallas, TX in 2004, Bridgewater, IL in 2007 and 2010, New York in 2013, and Dallas, TX in 2019. As always, all profits benefited The Crossroads Centre Antigua, a treatment and education facility for chemically dependent persons founded by Clapton.
The Festival has always served as a discovery point and launchpad for artists. Once again, it gathered the past, present and future of guitar music onto one stage for unparalleled musical events.
Originally compiled for U.S. release between January 1964 and March 1965 by Capitol Records and United Artists, seven Beatles albums have been analog cut for 180-gram audiophile vinyl from their original mono master tapes for global release on November 22 by Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/UMe. Out of print on vinyl since 1995, the seven mono albums are available now for preorder in a new eight-LP box set titled The Beatles: 1964 U.S. Albums In Mono, with six of the titles also available individually.
All seven albums – Meet The Beatles!; The Beatles’ Second Album; A Hard Day’s Night (Original Motion Picture Sound Track); Something New; The Beatles’ Story (2LP); Beatles ’65; and The Early Beatles – feature faithfully replicated artwork and new four-panel inserts with essays written by American Beatles historian and author Bruce Spizer. The albums’ new vinyl lacquers were cut by Kevin Reeves at Nashville’s East Iris Studios. The box set collects the seven albums, and all except The Beatles’ Story are also available individually.
On February 7, 1964, scores of screaming, swooning fans gathered at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to catch a glimpse of John, Paul, George and Ringo as The Beatles took their first steps on American soil. Two nights later, on February 9, 73 million viewers in the U.S. and millions more in Canada tuned in to CBS to watch The Beatles make their American television debut on “The Ed Sullivan Show”. In this cultural watershed moment in American history, The Beatles performed five songs on the live broadcast. “Beatlemania”, already in full, feverish bloom in The Beatles’ native U.K. and developing in the U.S., exploded with blissful fervor across America and around the world. The British Invasion had begun.
Shortly before The Beatles’ history-making Stateside visit, Capitol Records secured exclusive U.S. rights to release the band’s recordings in a deal with EMI. The storied, already iconic record label rush released Meet The Beatles! on January 20, 1964. The album features 12 tracks drawn largely from the band’s U.K. album With The Beatles (released November 22, 1963). Showcasing the band’s original songwriting, Capitol replaced five cover songs from the U.K. album with three originals: both sides of The Beatle’s first Capitol single (“I Want To Hold Your Hand”/“I Saw Her Standing There”) and the latest U.K. single’s B-side (“This Boy”). The album hit Number 1 and held the top spot for 11 weeks, launching a hitmaking string of Beatles albums compiled, titled and packaged by Capitol for the American market.
By early April, more than 3.6 million Meet The Beatles! albums had been sold, and on the singles front, The Beatles swept the Billboard Hot 100’s top 5 positions on April 4, a stunning chart record that still stands. On April 10, Capitol released The Beatles’ Second Album. Its 11 tracks include the five covers not included on Meet The Beatles!, three songs previously released in the U.S. by the Swan and Vee-Jay labels, plus the B-side to the band’s U.S. “Can’t Buy Me Love” single (“You Can’t Do That”), and two new songs recorded in March during sessions for the band’s soon to be released debut film, A Hard Day’s Night (“I Call Your Name” and a cover of Little Richard’s “Long Tall Sally”). Upon release, The Beatles’ Second Album replaced Meet The Beatles! atop Billboard’s albums chart for five weeks at Number 1.
On June 26, United Artists rush released the U.S. soundtrack album for A Hard Day's Night, which the studio would release to theaters nationwide in August. Along with its buoyant title track, the album features “Can’t Buy Me Love”, “And I Love Her”, and five more Beatles originals, as well as four George Martin-arranged orchestral instrumentals of Beatles songs. The soundtrack topped Billboard’s albums chart at Number 1 for 14 consecutive weeks, tallying a whopping 51 weeks on the chart. Capitol quickly released “A Hard Day’s Night” as a single, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and selling more than a million copies in short order.
Released by Capitol on July 20, The Beatles’ Something New album includes five songs featured in the band’s A Hard Day’s Night film and six tracks new for America, including “Things We Said Today” and “Any Time At All”. Something New held at Number 2 on Billboard’s albums chart for nine weeks, just below the soundtrack.
Released in U.S. theaters in August, A Hard Day’s Night was a box office smash and a critics pick, earning two Academy Award nominations. Within days of the film’s release, The Beatles returned to North America for a monthlong mad dash of 32 concerts across the U.S. and Canada from August 19 to September 20.
Capitol’s next Beatles release was on November 23: The Beatles’ Story, described on its cover as “A Narrative and Music Biography of Beatlemania on 2 Long-Play Records.” A charming audio grab bag of band member interview clips and quips; Beatles song snips; instrumental versions of Beatles songs performed by the Hollyridge Strings; narration and Beatles storytelling by John Babcock and others; plus various other bits and bobs, the gatefold-packaged double album has a relatively short total runtime of 50 minutes across its four sides.
Capitol capped 1964 with the forward-looking Beatles ’65 album, rush released on December 15 and promising “Great New Hits by John * Paul * George * Ringo” on its cover. The album plucks eight tracks from the U.K. Number 1 Beatles For Sale album (released December 4), plus three more songs new for America, including “I’ll Be Back” and both sides of the band’s latest U.K. single (“I Feel Fine”/“She’s A Woman”). Out in time for the holidays, Beatles ’65 sold nearly two million copies within its first two weeks of release and held Number 1 for nine of its 71 weeks on Billboard’s albums chart.
1964 was a banner year for The Beatles in the U.S. (and all around the world), even by the band’s own ‘toppermost of the poppermost’ standards. The Beatles racked up 17 U.S. Top 40 singles including six Number 1s, six Top 10 albums including four Number 1s, and a blockbuster film. By year’s end, Capitol had sold more than 15 million Beatles records.
Capitol released The Early Beatles on March 22, 1965. The album’s 11 tracks were first released in the U.S. by Vee-Jay Records, starting in February 1963 with the “Please Please Me”/“Ask Me Why” single, with the rest issued in January 1964 on Vee-Jay’s Introducing The Beatles album. Vee-Jay also released three songs from that album as hitmaking U.S. singles in early 1964 (“Twist And Shout,” “Do You Want To Know A Secret,” and “Love Me Do”). Capitol’s exclusive American release rights for the tracks took effect in October 1964 upon settlement with Vee-Jay, and The Early Beatles collected them for their Capitol debut.
Sixty years on, Beatlemania is timeless. The Beatles’ beacon is alight evermore, renewed with the wonder of each generation’s joyful discovery and in creative exploration of the band’s music and cultural eminence by musicians, filmmakers, writers, and other fans of all stripes.
London label Transmission have announced a new edition of Porcupine Tree’s Grammy-nominated 2007 album Fear Of A Blank Planet to be released October 24. With a 112-page hardback book, five CDs, and a Blu-ray disc, the new edition includes remasters of Fear Of A Blank Planet and the Nil Recurring mini album, approximately 55 minutes of previously unreleased demos, an early live performance of a still work-in-progress version of the album, as well as BBC and instore session recordings - the most complete collection of the album and related material to date.
Highlights include a live recording of a work-in-progress version of the album made at The Garage, Saarbrucken on September 23, 2006, while the band were still refining and developing the material. This has been mixed from the multitrack tapes for the first time for this edition.
There's also a five-track BBC radio session (Maida Vale Studios, April 13, 2007) plus an eight-song acoustic / unplugged in-store performance from Park Avenue, Orlando (October 4, 2007).
A Blu-ray Disc includes remastered stereo and 5.1 surround sound mixes of Fear Of A Blank Planet and Nil Recurring, as well as a new 2024 documentary, 'The Making of Fear Of A Blank Planet'. There's also three music videos, three songs performed live on film at The Palladium, Koln (December 4, 2007) and two live visual films.
Originally released in 2007, Fear Of A Blank Planet is Porcupine Tree's ninth studio album and both band and fans alike consider it to be a high point in their catalogue. Their biggest selling album at the time, it was the band’s first album to break into the Billboard Top 100 in the USA as well as charting significantly across Europe, earning them a Grammy nomination in the process. The album includes guest appearances from Robert Fripp (King Crimson) & Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson and featured in Rolling Stone Magazine’s Greatest Prog Albums Of All Time as well as being named Classic Rock’s Album of the Year in 2007.
A concept album inspired by the Bret Easton Ellis novel Lunar Park, Fear Of A Blank Planet’s lyrics address how the adolescent protagonist battles his terminal boredom and attention-deficit disorders with a regimen of prescription drugs, TV, computer gaming, mindless violence, empty sex, and self-harm.
Following the release of Fear Of A Blank Planet in 2007, Porcupine Tree solidified their reputation as one of the rock’s most celebrated bands with their 2009 release The Incident garnering critical acclaim and earning the band another Grammy nomination. After a significant hiatus while members moved on to other projects, 2022’s highly anticipated return with Closure/Continuation demonstrated the band's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of their sound.
The Painted Turtle and The Bridge School are thrilled to announce “Harvest Moon,” a special daytime benefit concert featuring legendary musicians Neil Young and Stephen Stills, with additional artists to be revealed soon. Set against the stunning backdrop of The Painted Turtle camp in Lake Hughes, CA, this intimate event will take place on Saturday, October 5th, offering guests a unique opportunity to enjoy live music in a picturesque setting just 50 minutes from The Getty in Los Angeles. All proceeds will support The Painted Turtle, which provides children with serious medical conditions a free and transformative camp experience year round, and The Bridge School, which offers essential educational services to children with severe speech and physical disabilities.
The concert will begin as attendees arrive to the sounds of the marimba ensemble Masanga. As the day progresses, Neil Young and Stephen Stills will take the stage for individual sets, joined by other talented performers to be announced. The event will culminate with a sunset performance, creating a magical atmosphere for all who attend. The festival-like day will also feature family-friendly activities, including face painting, food trucks, and much more.
In order to maintain an intimate and uncrowded experience, ticket quantities are limited. General Admission tickets go on sale Friday, September 6 for $275 including fees. Sponsorship and VIP packages are available, with exclusive benefits such as overnight cabin stays, camp activities, and a gourmet dinner prepared by a top chef.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the community to Harvest Moon at The Painted Turtle,” said April Tani, Executive Director of The Painted Turtle. “This event not only brings together amazing musicians and families but also raises vital funds for two organizations committed to changing lives. It’s a day of music, fun, and philanthropy—what could be better?”
Recorded initially for a video release, the audio from the concert has, inexplicably, never been issued as a standalone release. Nor has a live album from the 1980s line-up previously appeared on vinyl. Sheltering Skies presents the complete King Crimson performance across two LPs pressed on 200-gram vinyl or a single CD, both completed with the addition of the recording of ‘The Sheltering Sky’ from the previous night’s concert at Cap d’Agde.
The 1980s King Crimson was, in terms of concert performances/album releases, still less than a year old when this album was recorded. The collective decades of experience of the individual musicians is funneled through the enthusiasm and freshness of the line-up and the newness of the material to produce a special concert recording.
While King Crimson material from this period is always in demand, with the forthcoming US tour by Beat (King Crimson’s Adrian Belew and Tony Levin, joined by guitarist Steve Vai and Tool drummer Danny Carey), performing the material from that period, there is increased interest in hearing this material as it was originally performed.
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