Grateful Dead Announce 19-CD 'Friend Of The Devils: April 1978' Set

 

The Grateful Dead's 1978 Spring Tour was more than just a peak of its post-hiatus period; it forever redefined the band's concert experience by establishing "Drums" and "Space" as regular live segments.  An upcoming boxed set called Friend Of The Devils: April 1978 includes eight shows from the start of that historic tour, capturing the early days of these second-set traditions.

Friend Of The Devils: April 1978 will be available exclusively from Dead.net on September 20. This 19-CD box set is limited to 10,000 individually numbered copies and contains eight previously unreleased concerts. 

Pre-Order Friend Of The Devils: April 1978

Check out an unreleased live version of "U.S. Blues," recorded at Duke University on April 12, 1978, below.

Betty Cantor-Jackson originally recorded these shows, which audio engineer Jeffrey Norman has mastered using Plangent Processes tape restoration and speed correction. Steve Vance designed the collection's custom box, which features a removable wave drum, inviting you to unleash your inner Rhythm Devil. Acclaimed artist Matthew Brannon created the set's original artwork. Celebrated for his unique approach to printmaking, Brannon's works have been exhibited in prestigious institutions like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Kunsthalle in Düsseldorf. The deluxe collection also includes a 48-page book with original liner notes by author Steve Silberman and photos by James Anderson, Bob Minkin, and more.

Grateful Dead archivist David Lemieux says: "These eight shows tell the story of a band that was engaged, inspired, and focused on bringing their A-game every single night…If there was ever a tour on which the Dead deliver every single moment, it's this one."

Friend Of The Devils: April 1978 includes complete shows from Curtis Hixon Convention Hall, Tampa, FL (4/6/78); Sportatorium, Pembroke Pines, FL (4/7/78); Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Jacksonville, FL (4/8/78); Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA (4/10/78 and 4/11/78); Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke University, Durham, NC (4/12/78); Cassell Coliseum, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, VA (4/14/78); and Huntington Civic Center, Huntington, WV (4/16/78). 

The concert at Duke will also be released separately. Duke '78 will be available on September 20 from Rhino.com in triple CD, four-LP, and digital configurations. 

On Friend Of The Devils: April 1978, the Dead mine their rich 13-year history, performing early songs ("Dupree's Diamond Blues" and "New Minglewood Blues"), favorites from the 1970s ("Jack Straw" and "Eyes Of The World"), deep cuts ("It Must Have Been The Roses"), and traditionals ("Iko Iko" and "Peggy-O.") "Estimated Prophet" and "Dancing In The Street" from their latest album, 1977's Terrapin Station, were already in heavy rotation. Meanwhile, "Fire On The Mountain" was an essential part of the tour, even though it wouldn't officially come out until the fall. 

Christened Rhythm Devils by Mickey Hart, the "Drums" segments from the 1978 Spring Tour were unique affairs. Members of the band and road crew would join Hart and Billy Kreutzmann on stage for extended rhythmic explorations that frequently lasted over 15 minutes. On Friend Of The Devils: April 1978, the "Drums" and "Space" combination was emerging as a permanent feature of Dead shows, one that would continue for the next 17 years. Indeed, these intervals of free playing became so central to the Dead experience that it's hard to imagine shows unfolding any other way.

The "Drums" performance at Duke University was particularly intense, lasting more than 20 minutes. In the liner notes, Steve Silberman describes the scene: "[It] began with Billy thrashing on his kit and using his elbow to change its pitch, making it sound like a talking drum. Mickey, equally engaged, was wearing a Jerry T-shirt. Then the road crew joined the party. What's that? Steve Parish is playing a cowbell! Finally, the big man himself comes out, strokes his beard, sits down, maybe takes a puff or a toke, and picks up a pair of sticks. Mother of God, Garcia is playing steel drums – and loving it!"

Celebrating its 10th season, the Good Ol' Grateful Deadcast debuts on August 29th, exploring these eight shows and this era in depth, and inviting fans to contribute their memories at stories.dead.net. With more than five million downloads and counting, the official Grateful Dead podcast is a treasure trove of new interviews, rare archival audio, and surprising cultural history. Listen to previous episodes of the Good Ol' Grateful Deadcast, read transcripts, and subscribe at https://www.dead.net/deadcast. 

X Release 'Ruby Church' Video From Upcoming Final Album

 

Los Angeles punk pioneers X have released a video behind “Ruby Church,” the opening song on the band's upcoming final album, Smoke & Fiction. The song is a powerful testament to resilience and joy, encapsulated in the line, "you stood your ground / with a smile on your face.” 

Singer Exene Cervenka describes “Ruby Church” as one of her favorite songs to sing on this recording, likening it to a foreign film from the 60s starring Anna Magnani, enveloped in deep red stained-glass light. The band's other singer and bassist John Doe, who penned the lyrics, envisions “Ruby Church” as ‘a jeweled sanctuary where the hero protects and inspires the people around him with a gift of joy. The lyrics were written shortly after our beloved friend Paul Rubens passed. He had a super power to laugh his crazy laugh, give a knowing smirk and bring everyone along."

Check out the “Ruby Church” video below.

Achieving greatness is impressive, but maintaining it for nearly half a century is truly remarkable. For forty-seven years, X has embodied excellence, establishing themselves as one of America’s most innovative and intricate punk bands. From their groundbreaking debut in 1980 to their latest, Alphabetland, in 2020, X has consistently been a formidable presence. 

Now, the final chapter is upon us. Prepare to experience the culmination of an extraordinary journey as X releases their ninth and final studio album, Smoke & Fiction, produced by Rob Schnapf (known for his work with Beck and Foo Fighters), set for release on August 2, 2024, through Fat Possum Records.

Pre-order Smoke & Fiction >

X ~ The End is Near ~ Smoke & Fiction Tour:

7/30 - Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up - SOLD OUT

7/31 – Los Angeles, CA – Amoeba Records (in-store appearance)

8/19 - Menlo Park, CA - The Guild Theatre

8/20 - Menlo Park, CA - The Guild Theatre

8/22 - Boise, ID - Knitting Factory

8/23 - Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory

8/25 - Portland, OR - The Aladdin

8/28 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Depot

8/30 - Denver, CO - The Summit

9/01 - Albuquerque, NM - The El Rey

9/22 - Derry, NH - Tupelo Music Hall

9/23 - Boston, MA - The Wilbur

9/25 - Albany, NY - Empire Live

9/26 - Rochester, NY - Water Street Music Hall

9/28 - Falls Church, CA - The State Theatre

10/1 - Patchogue, NY - Patchogue, Theatre

10/2 - Philadelphia, PA - Keswick Theater

10/3 - New York, NY - Town Hall

10/18 - Austin, TX - The Paramount

10/19 - San Antonio, TX - Empire Live

10/21 - Houston, TX - White Oak Music Hall

10/22 - Dallas, TX - Granada Theater

10/24 - Memphis, TN - Minglewood Hall

10/25 - Nashville, TN - Brooklyn Bowl

10/26 - Birmingham, AL - Iron City

10/27 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse

10/29 - Charlotte, NC - The Neighborhood Theatre

10/30 - Columbia, SC - The Senate

More dates TBA

Watch X in 60 Seconds below

Visit X on Facebook.

'Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision' Box Set To Accompany Documentary Out September 13

On September 13, Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision, a deluxe box set that accompanies the upcoming documentary by the same name, will be released. Included are 39 tracks (38 previously unreleased) that were recorded by the new-look Jimi Hendrix Experience (Billy Cox on bass, Mitch Mitchell on drums) at Electric Lady Studios between June and August of 1970, just before the guitarist’s untimely death the following month.

In celebration of the forthcoming release, on August 8, the City of New York will be temporarily renaming the portion of West 8th Street between 6th Street and MacDougal Street JIMI HENDRIX WAY. This is the block on which Electric Lady Studios was built and still stands. There will also be a media screening event inside the studio that night.

The official theatrical premiere of Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision will be on August 9 at Quad Cinema in Manhattan at 7:00 PM and feature a post-screening Q&A session with director and co-producer John McDermott, co-producer and president/CEO of Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. Janie Hendrix, and producer/engineer Eddie Kramer. The film is distributed by Abramorama and all confirmed worldwide theatrical bookings for it can be found at ajimihendrixvision.com/showtimes/

Pre-order Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision

Directed by John McDermott and produced by Janie Hendrix, George Scott and McDermott, the film features exclusive interviews with Steve Winwood (who joined Hendrix on the first night of recording at the new studio), Experience bassist Billy Cox and original Electric Lady staff members who helped Hendrix realize his dream. The documentary includes never-before-seen footage and photos as well as track breakdowns of Hendrix classics such as “Freedom,” Angel” and “Dolly Dagger” by recording engineer Eddie Kramer. The package includes an extensive booklet filled with unpublished photos, Hendrix’s handwritten song drafts, and comprehensive liner notes. The new release comes on the heels of another feature-length documentary that was created by the same team; Music, Money, Madness… Jimi Hendrix Live In Maui, which was nominated for a GRAMMY in the Best Music Film category in 2022.

Contained on the five vinyl LPs or three CDs in the Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision box set are 39 tracks recorded by Jimi and his band — consisting of bassist Billy Cox and drummer Mitch Mitchell — at the studio within the last four months of the guitarist’s life. Hendrix was hard at work creating First Rays Of The New Rising Sun, the ambitious double album that would follow his 1968 masterwork Electric Ladyland. Inspired by the possibilities of the new studio, the Experience built classic fare such as “Night Bird Flying,” “Freedom,” and “Dolly Dagger” from the ground up. The set offers a comprehensive look at the work Hendrix undertook during that fruitful summer of 1970. The music ranges from four-track demo recordings of “Valleys Of Neptune” and “Heaven Has No Sorrow,” alternate arrangements of promising new songs such as “Come Down Hard On Me” and “Belly Button Window,” extraordinary, live in the studio takes of “Tune X/In From The Storm,” “Astro Man” and “The Long Medley,” a stirring, 26 minute spontaneous exploration of “Beginnings,” “Hey Baby (New Rising Sun),” “Keep On Groovin’” and “Freedom.” Additionally, the box set present many of the mixes the guitarist completed with engineer Eddie Kramer before leaving to begin a European tour on August 30 at the Isle Of Wight festival in England.  Hendrix would never again return to Electric Lady Studios.

Leading the project is a previously unreleased version of “Angel [Take 7].”  This newly mixed, stripped down version includes the original performances recorded by Hendrix, Mitchell and Cox on July 23, 1970.  It does not include any of the drums and additional percussion elements Mitchell opted to add to this master take after Jimi had died. Have a listen below.

The project also includes 20 newly created 5.1 surround sound mixes of the entire First Rays Of The New Rising Sun album plus three bonus tracks [“Valleys Of Neptune,” “Pali Gap,” and “Lover Man”]. The Blu-ray includes the critically acclaimed, full-length documentary Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision. The film chronicles the creation of the 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. 

The Sweet Release New Single & Video -- 'Little Miracle'

 

The Sweet, the 1970s band who who scored a string of hit albums and singles due to their highly melodic and anthemic sound and glam look have released a new single/video called “Little Miracle.” Model Dominique Mercedes makes her stunning debut appearance in the video, and her innocent yet enticing beauty captures the essence of true love. Singer Patrick Alan Stone along with his band mates deliver the goods, with a catchy tune that has the legs to go all the way. The video can be viewed below. 

The Sweet's classic 70s line-up featured Brian Connolly on lead and backing vocals, Steve Priest on bass, backing and lead vocals, Mick Tucker on drums, backing and occasional lead vocals, and Andy Scott on guitar, keyboards, backing and lead vocals.

After the passing of Connelly (in 1997) and Tucker (in 2002), Priest wanted Sweet to carry on and for its line up to possess the talent, feel and high energy that The Sweet had in its glory days. Priest’s new line-up was an instant smash success, playing hundreds of concerts across the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, and many other countries around the world – for well over a decade, until Priest’s passing in 2020. 

Shortly after, it was decided that The Sweet should continue onward, as Stevie and Richie were part of that line up and were asked to carry on by Steve. Sweet 2024 is comprised of frontman Patrick Alan Stone, guitarist Jimmy Burkard, keyboardist Dave Schulz, bassist Stevie Stewart, and drummer Richie Onori.

The band achieved massive commercial success around the globe in the '70s, including such hits as “Ballroom Blitz,” “Fox On the Run,”  “Love Is Like Oxygen,” “Little Willy,” “Blockbuster,” “Action,” “Teenage Rampage,” and “AC/DC,” among many others. This new release demonstrates the same driving force and unpredictable musical quality that has always been the hallmark and essence of The Sweet’s iconic sound.

Confirmed Engagements:

July 25 Hollywood CA - The Bourbon Room

August 23 Regina SK - Shake the Lake 

August 24 Toronto ON - Sobey’s Stadium

September 6   St. Charles IL - Arcade Theater

September 7   Wisconsin Dells WI - Crystal Grand Music Theatre

September 8   Nashville IN - Brown County Music Center

November 8    Warren MI - Andiamo Celebrity Showroom

For more info, go to thesweetband.com.

Rainbow's 'Live In Munich 1977' Double CD + DVD Package Due September

On September 19, Mercury Studios will release Rainbow's Live In Munich 1977 as a Special Edition double CD+DVD package. This show has been previously released as individual DVD and double CD packages in the past, and this is the first time they have been packaged together.

Rainbow was the brainchild of legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, created in 1975 after his departure from Deep Purple. A string of hit albums ignited immediate success, which persevered until 1983, when Blackmore disbanded the group (and re- joined Deep Purple). Featuring the line-up of Blackmore, Cozy Powell (drums), Bob Daisley (bass), David Stone (keyboards), and vocalist Ronnie James Dio, the excitement in the air during this night was electric. This might be due, in part, to Blackmore’s late arrival to Munich just before the concert, after being smuggled out of Austria after trouble with the police at a gig two nights earlier. This seemed to inspire both the band and the audience to create a truly remarkable gig.

The DVD includes original promo videos for “Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll,” “Gates Of Babylon,” and “L.A. Connection,” a photo gallery, slideshow with audio commentary, interviews, and the “Rainbow Over Texas ‘76” feature, which includes additional interviews and performance footage. Truly, Live In Munich 1977 is a brilliant showcase of Rainbow with the classic Ritchie Blackmore/Ronnie James Dio/Cozy Powell line-up.

'Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision' Trailer Released

The trailer for Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision has been released, providing a nice glimpse into the upcoming documentary that chronicles the conceptualization and construction of the famed recording studio in Manhattan that opened less than a month before Jimi Hendrix's untimely death in 1970. Abramorama has recently acquired global theatrical distribution rights from Experience Hendrix, L.L.C., and will be premiering it on August 9 at Quad Cinema, less than a half mile from the still fully-operational Electric Lady Studios. 

View Trailer For Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision below:

“The construction of Electric Lady [Studios] was a nightmare,” recalls award-winning producer/engineer and longtime Jimi Hendrix collaborator Eddie Kramer in the trailer. “We were always running out of money. Poor Jimi had to go back out on the road, make some money, come back, then we could pay the crew . . . Late in ’69 we just hit a wall financially and the place just shut down. He borrows against the future royalties and we’re off to the races . . . [Jimi] would say to me, ‘Hey man, I want some of that purple on the wall, and green over there!’ We would start laughing about it. It was fun. We could make an atmosphere that he felt comfortable in and that he was able to direct and say, ‘This is what I want.’”

Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision recounts the creation of the 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. Electric Lady Studios was the first-ever artist-owned commercial recording studio. Hendrix had first envisioned creating an experiential nightclub. He was inspired by the short-lived Greenwich Village nightspot Cerebrum whose patrons donned flowing robes and were inundated by flashing lights, spectral images and swirling sound. Hendrix so enjoyed the Cerebrum experience that he asked its architect John Storyk to work with him and his manager Michael Jeffery.  Hendrix and Jeffery wanted to transform what had once been the Generation Club into ‘an electric studio of participation’. Shortly after acquiring the Generation Club lease however, Hendrix was steered from building a nightclub to creating a commercial recording studio.

Directed by John McDermott and produced by Janie Hendrix, George Scott and McDermott, the film features exclusive interviews with Steve Winwood (who joined Hendrix on the first night of recording at the new studio), Experience bassist Billy Cox and original Electric Lady staff members who helped Hendrix realize his dream. The documentary includes never-before-seen footage and photos as well as track breakdowns of Hendrix classics such as “Freedom,” “Angel” and “Dolly Dagger” by Eddie Kramer.

The documentary explains in depth that while Jimi Hendrix’s death robbed the public of so much potential music, the continued success of his recording studio provides a lasting legacy beyond his own music. John Lennon, The Clash, AC/DC, Chic, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and hundreds more made records at Electric Lady Studios, which speaks to one of Jimi’s lasting achievements in an industry that has radically changed over the course of the last half century.

Screenings of Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision 

(Check local listings for additional dates)

August 9  - Quad Cinema - New York, NY              

August 13 - Center for the Arts in Natick - Natick, MA                   

August 15 - Regent Theatre - Arlington, MA               

August 15 - Center for the Arts in Natick- Natick, MA                   

August 19 - Laemmle NoHo 7 - North Hollywood, CA    

August 19 - Carolina Theatre - Durham, NC                 

August 20 - Laemmlie Monica Film Center - Santa Monica, CA        

August 20 - Center for the Arts inNatick - Natick, MA                   

August 21 - Laemmle NewHall - Santa Clarita, CA         

August 23 - Mary D. Fisher Theater - Sedona, AZ                  

August 25 - Avonca Beach Theatre - Avonca Beach, AUS   

August 26 - Woodward Theater - Cincinnati, OH              

August 28 - Avonca Beach Theatre - Avonca Beach, AUS    

August 29 - The Cabot - Beverly, MA                 

August 30 - Gateway Film Center - Columbus, OH             

September 2 - Gateway Film Center - Columbus, OH             

September 8 - WFMU - Jersey City, NJ             

September 9 - Grail Moviehouse - Ashville, NC                 

September 13 - The Flicks - Boise, ID                      

September 16 - The Grand Illusion Cinema - Seattle, WA                  

September 17 - The Hollywood Theatre - Portland, OR                

September 18 - The Light Addlestone - Addlestone, UK            

September 18 - The Light Bolton - Bolton, UK                   

September 18 - The Light Bradford - Bradford, UK                

September 18 - The Light Cambridge - Cambridge, UK            

September 18  The Light New Brighton - New Birghton, UK        

September 18  The Light Banbury - Oxfordshire, UK           

September 18  The Light Redhill - Redhill, UK                   

September 18  The Light Sheffield - Sheffield, UK                

September 18  The Light Sittingbourne - Sittingbourne, UK         

September 18  The Light Stockport - Stockport, UK               

September 18  The Light Thetford - Thetford, UK                

September 18  The Light Walsall - Walsall, UK                  

September 18  The Light Wisbech - Wisbech, UK                

October 7 Old Town Center for the Arts - Cottonwood, AZ           

New Wishbone Ash Coffee Table Book Coming In August

No Easy Road – Wishbone Ash Live In The 70’s, a coffee table book from Madfish, is the first official tribute to the band’s life on the road during their classic years from 1970-1980. The 216-page tome, set for release on August 30th, offers a unique glimpse into the band’s journey and features contributions from Martin Turner, Andy Powell, Steve Upton, Laurie Wisefield, and head roadie Mark Emery.

No Easy Road includes many previously unseen photographs captured by renowned photographers Jill Furmanovsky (Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin), Michael Putland (The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney), Barry Plummer (Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley) and Dick Barnatt (Alice Cooper, Rod Stewart), alongside personal photographs from the band members' private archive plus images of rare memorabilia and tour ephemera.

Limited to just 1000 copies, each book comes with a photo signed by four band members: Laurie Wisefield, Andy Powell, Steve Upton and Martin Turner.

The book comes packed in a rigid slipcase containing a bonus 10-track KRO-NCRV concert CD, originally broadcast in Holland during the landmark Startruckin' 75 Tour - an essential addition for any Wishbone Ash enthusiast.

No Easy Road follows Madfish’s recent 50th anniversary edition of the band’s 1972 classic album, Argus.

Pre-order No Easy Road – Wishbone Ash Live In The 70’s.