Two Days of Pure Blues starting May 6th
2009 Blues Music Awards will Follow the Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Memphis
The 2009 Blues Music Awards are coming up on Thursday, May 7th following the Blues Hall of Fame Induction night on May 6th.
The event, organized by the Blues Foundation and sponsored by the Gibson Foundation, Eagle Rock 
Entertainment and SonyBMG Legacy, among others, will be held at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis, TN.
Even though the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducts artists for their musicianship in many genres that go beyond rock n’ roll, the Blues Hall of Fame is purely blues oriented in its acknowledgements. To name a few of the inductees, Taj Mahal, Buddy and B.B. King will be headlining the ceremony.
The Blues Music Awards have been a Memphis trademark for years, with the exception of a few dates when the event was hosted in the Mississippi Delta.
With 26 award categories, there are over 130 nominees, with 5 or 6 in each category. Categories include traditional blues, contemporary blues, acoustic blues, blues-rock and soul blues; as well as best performers, best album and best song sorts. In addition, a B.B. King Entertainer Award is also customary, one of the most prestigious titles in the ceremony.
Amongst nominees is Buddy Guy for Best Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year, as well as his record ‘Skin Deep’ for Album of the Year. Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials are also nominated in the Traditional Blues Album of the Year for their release ‘Full Tilt’, competing with blues great B.B. King for his album ‘One Kind Favor.’
The Blues Music Awards will be held less than a month from today, on May 7th in Memphis, the capital of Blues music. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Cook Convention Center Box Office by calling (901) 527-2583 ext. 10.
Awaiting the 43rd-Montreux Jazz Festival
Awaiting the 43rd-Montreux Jazz Festival
One of the best music shows in Europe, the Montreux Jazz Festival will be starting on July 3rd, 
extending through July 18th.
Offering two full weeks of concerts and renowned musicians, the festival will not only cover jazz, but many associated music genres as well.
This year’s Jazz Festival is the 43rd date in its history, since the first 3-day festival held in 1967.
Amongst many talented performers, 2009 artists include Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Beck, blues icon B.B. King, Herbie Hancock, Baaba Maal, The Dave Mathews Band, the John Scofield Piety Street Band, Steve Winwood and bass prodigy Victor Wooten.
Tickets for the Montreux Jazz Festival are for sale, with ticket prices ranging from 65CFH to over 250CFH. The Festival will be holding several free concerts, so take a look at the official program for a list of free shows and guest appearances.
If you are planning on visiting Montreux for this year’s festival, you’ll be happy to know that a partnership with CFF allows you to get a 20% discount on train fares to the festival with your concert tickets. If you are leaving the festival after dark, there are nightly-trains available that will make your late travelling a breeze.
For more information, visit the Montreux Jazz Festival website here.
Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to be held at
Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to be held at
Cleveland’s Public Hall on April 4th, 2009
The Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame announced the 2009 Inductees on January 14th. Their Induction Week Event will begin on March 28th, closing on April 4th with the official Induction Ceremony that will be held in Cleveland. After 12 years of it historically being featured at New York’s Waldorf Astoria, the ceremony will take place at Cleveland’s Public Hall in Northeast Ohio.
For the first time in their 24-year history after its foundation in 1986, the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame has opened the Induction Ceremony to the public, selling out tickets within weeks of announcing their sale. The ceremony will be broadcasted Live on Fuse TV and streamed online on various different websites for the rest of the world to witness.
Inductees are only eligible for consideration 25 years after their debut release.
The 2009 inductees are:
Performer Category:
Jeff Beck
Little Anthony & The Imperials
Run D.M.C.
Bobby Womack
Metallica
Early Influence Category:
Wanda Jackson
Sidemen Category:
Bill Black
Spooner Oldham
DJ Fontana
The announced inductees in the Performer category are hip-hop New York based group RUN D.M.C., the 1960’s R&B, soul and country influenced performers BOBBY WOMACK and LITTLE ANTHONY & THE IMPERIALS. Also the heavy thrash metal group METALLICA, and legendary blues-rock/heavy-metal influenced guitarist & former member of the Yardbirds, JEFF BECK. Jeff Beck has been credited with 4 Grammys for Best Rock Instrumental Performances, and deemed one of the ‘100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time’ by Rolling Stone magazine.
Inducted In the Early Influence category was 50’s American country music singer WANDA JACKSON. Jackson was merely 15 years old when she released her first recording.
In the sidemen category, drummer DJ FONTANA and bassist BILL BLACK (who both played in Elvis Presley’s band) were inducted, as well as American songwriter, keyboardist and session musician SPOONER OLDHAM. Oldham has contributed to hit songs such as “I never loved a man” by Aretha Franklin, “Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett; as he has performed with music legends Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Jackson Browne.
Ian Gillan’s new Album ‘One Eye to Morocco’ to be released late March
Deep Purple’s vocalist, Ian Gillan, has been working on his first solo album in over a decade. The record titled ‘One eye to Morocco’ is said to highlight the versatility of Gillan, with tunes far from the heavy metal scope, and closer to the roots of rock and blues. It’s likely that if you liked ‘Accidentally on Purpose’, then you’ll enjoy this one as well.
Produced and recorded in Canada with producer Nick Blagona, the new release includes collaborations from Steve Morris, guitarist Michael Lee Jackson, bassist Rodney Appleby and drummer Howard Wilson. Other apperances include Joe Menonna on saxo, Lance Anderson on the Hammond Organ and Jesse O’Brien on keyboards. The album’s UK street date has been set for March 23rd, while the U.S. release will be a week later, on March 31st.
‘One Eye for Morocco’ will premiere on Rockline Radio -with Ian Gillan as a guest- on March 25th at 8:30 pm PT. Fans will be able to call Rockline Radio to speak with Gillan at 1800-344-ROCK.
One Eye to Morocco Track Listing:
- 1. One Eye To Morocco
- 2. No Lotion For That
- 3. Don’t Stop
- 4. Change My Ways
- 5. Girl Goes to Show
- 6. Better Days
- 7. Deal With It.
- 8. Ultimate Groove
- 9. The Sky is Falling Down
- 10. Texas State of Mind
- 11. It Would Be Nice
- 12. Always the Traveler
Lynyrd Skynyrd Set to Tour with Kid Rock
Lynyrd Skynyrd Set to Tour with Kid Rock, New Album for Release Late 09
The southern blues-rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd will be joining Kid Rock for a second year of their ‘Rock & Rebels’ Tour in June 09. The groups will be kicking off in West Palm Beach, Florida on June 26, to follow with shows in 19 other U.S. cities.
In addition to their upcoming tour, Lynyrd Skynyrd has recently signed a recording contract with Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records to release a new album by the end of this year. The album has not yet been scheduled, but it is estimated to be out by late 2009.
Skynyrd’s last studio album ‘Vicious Cycle’ was released on May 2003; a record that no longer included the musicianship of Leon Wilkenson, who died of lung and liver disease in a Florida hotel in 2001.
Once again, the band will be recording a new album remembering fallen fellow musician, Billly Powell. Powell was a founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, songwriter and keyboardist to the band since 1972. He passed away this last January 28th, of a heart attack – making him the 7th member in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s history to pass on.
Nevertheless, Lynyrd Skynyrd has always went on to continue the show, determined to fulfill the wishes of their departed band-mates.
The band will be performing, along Kid Rock for 20 dates starting June 26:
| Date | Location | Venue |
| June 26 | West Palm Beach, FL | Cruzan Amphitheatre |
| June 27 | Tampa, FL | Ford Amphitheatre |
| June 28 | Atlanta, GA | Lakewood Amphitheatre |
| June 30 | Houston, TX | Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion |
| July 1 | Dallas, TX | Superpages.com Center |
| July 7 | Buffalo, NY | Darien Lake Performing Arts Center |
| July 8 | Holmdel, NJ | PNC Bank Arts Center |
| July 10 | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | Blossom Music Center |
| July 11 | Indianapolis, IN | Verizon Music Center |
| July 12 | Tinley Park, IL | First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre |
| July 14 | Pittsburg, PA | Post Gazette Pavilion |
| July 21 | Maryland Heights, MO | Verizon Music Center |
| July 22 | Cincinnati, OH | Riverbend Music Center |
| July 24 | Raleigh, NC | Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek |
| July 25 | Virginia Beach, VA | Verizon Virginia Beach Amphitheatre |
| July 26 | Charlotte, NC | Verizon Amphitheatre Charlotte |
| July 29 | Boston, MA | Comcast Center |
| July 20 | Hershey, PA | Hersheypark Stadium & Star Pavilion |
| August 1 | Washington, DC | Nissan Pavilion |
| August 2 | New York, New York | Nikon at Jones Beach Theater |
Black Sabbath’s Bestselling Album ‘Paranoid’ for re-Release in April
Black Sabbath has been deemed to be one of the heaviest, darkest bands of all time. With more than 12 albums and a black metal dedicated line-up, the band set the bar for many metal groups that came, thereafter. Originally known as Polka Tulk and later as Earth, Black Sabbath is said to have been inspired not only by blues and metal, but also by the dark, gothic elements of 70’s horror movies.
The album Paranoid, set for re-release on April 8th, was Black Sabbath’s second album – follow-up to their 1st self-titled record – and second association with producer Rodger Bain. The record was released under their original line-up, Tony Iommi on guitar, Gezzer Butler on bass guitar, Bill Ward on drums and Ozzy Osbourne on vocals.
Upon release in September of 1970 in the UK, and later in the US on January of 1971, the band’s second album was everything that the fans and music critics wanted to hear. By 1995, ‘Paranoid’ had sold more than 4 million copies, acquiring a quadruple Platinum status and granting, since its release, monumental recognition to the group.
The album’s popularity was encompassed, perhaps, not only due to good music but also to the themes addressed in their tunes; a clear a representation and perception of a world in chaos prognosticated by the Vietnam War and the Cold War developing at the time. Aside from wartime references in many of their tracks, topics of mental disease and drug abuse are also exposed in many of Sabbaths songs ie.Planet Caravan, Hand of Doom, Fairies Wear Boots.
The band’s focus on the issues brought on by war was so that the album’s original title used to be ‘War Pigs’, alike the name of the album’s first track. In an attempt to reach a broader audience and refrain from directly offending any Vietnam War advocates, the title was changed to ‘Paranoid’, also a track in the album.
The story goes the song ‘Paranoid’ was an unplanned, improvised song Black Sabbath put together as a filler for the scarcely packed release. Much to the band’s surprise, the song had become so popular that it reached #4 on the UK charts.
The bestselling album’s re-release set for April 8th of this year will not only include the original 1970 version of the record on the 1st disc, but also a quadraphonic mix on the 2nd disc, and original studio recordings of each track on the 3rd one.
The track listing is set as follows:
Disc 1 – Original Version
1. War Pigs
2. Paranoid
3. Planet Caravan
4. Iron Man
5. Electric Funeral
6. Hand of Doom
7. Rat Salad
8. Fairies Wear Boots
Disc 2 – Quadrophonic Mix
1. War Pigs
2. Paranoid
3. Planet Caravan
4. Iron Man
5. Electric Funeral
6. Hand of Doom
7. Rat Salad
8. Fairies Wear Boots
Disc 3 – Unreleased Recordings
1. War Pigs – instrumental
2. Paranoid – alternative lyrics
3. Planet Caravan – alt. lyrics
4. Iron Man – instrumental
5. Electric Funeral – instrumental
6. Hand of Doom – instrumental
7. Rat Salad – instrumental
8. Fairies Wear Boots – inst.
Along with the new unreleased material, the album will also include rare photos and artwork of the band, as well as copies of the recording notes that gave place to it.
Black Sabbath toured with Ozzy Osbourne in a reunion world trek from 1997 to 2005. Osbourne was fired from the band in 1979 and later replaced by Ronnie James Dio who took over vocals until the mid 80’s.
Presumed to have changed their name to ‘Heaven & Hell’ upon reuniting with Ronnie James Dio in 2007, the band is still expected to tour under the Black Sabbath name and original line-up in a near future.
Happy Birthday Rory Gallagher
Rory Gallagher was born on March 2nd, 1948 in Ballyshannon, Ireland. The blues rock musician sold over 30 millions records in his lifetime, and was one of the first Irish men to be recognized in the music world. His classic Sunburst Stratocaster guitar sang the blues, as it emulated a heavy metal sound that scraped the limits of the blues-rock music genres; stretching it and elevating it into the signature Gallagher sound.
Rory Gallagher passed away on June 14th of 1995 after a series of complications that arose following a liver transplant earlier that year.
He would be 61 today.
In memory of Gallagher and as thank you for his legacy, the Rory Gallagher Tribute Festival is beginning today in Dublin, Ireland at RadioCity. Performers include the Dave McHugh Band, Slumming Angers, and Sham~Rock.
Chances of Led Zeppelin 2009 Tour Shattered
Just days after publicly speaking of a Led Zeppelin Tour without Robert Plant, and even possibilities of a new band name; Manager Peter Mensch sent the world a heart chilling message: “Led Zeppelin are over!”
Rumors began in 2008, after Led Zeppelin performed a reunion tour at London’s 02 in late 07. Word was Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham were looking to tour once again in mid-late 2009, but vocalist Robert Plant was not interested in another reunion.
Busy touring with Allison Krauss, Plant explained his focus was entirely on that project; and that another Led Zeppelin Tour right now, would just deflate the band’s legacy.
But in September of 2008 the London Sun published the news that Robert Plant, after his unyielding reluctance to take part had Okayed the coveted tour and would be participating in the reunion. The world celebrated the warming news but skepticism of it being just a rumor haunted many.
And so it was. In late 2008 the tables turned with new information that Robert Plant wouldn’t participate; followed by news in January of a Robert Plant-less Led Zeppelin Tour. Manager to the band, Peter Mensch, stated that the band would tour – with or without Plant – and was in the process of looking for a new vocalist. Mensch also mentioned the possibility of the band not touring under the Led Zeppelin name.
Just days after making these statements, yet months into the beginning of this informational (and emotional) rollercoaster, Peter Mensch reported what no Led Zep concert-deprived fan wanted to hear: “Led Zeppelin are over! If you didn’t see them in 2007, then you missed them.” Mensch’s tactful delivery also explained that the band had tried several vocalists, but upon not finding a fitting replacement, they decided not to tour or record altogether.
A sad but wise decision given that Robert Plant’s voice, such as Led Zeppelin’s sound, is complementary, unique and irreplaceable.
According to Billboard, and from Mr. Plant himself, when asked about reforming Led Zeppelin, he only expresses frustration. “. It’s been both frustrating and ridiculous” [to hear rumors of a reunion) he said. This is a clear hint that we won’t be seeing him onstage amongst Jimmy Page, Jason Bonham or John Paul Jones anytime soon, and that it was, after all, just a rumor.
But who is to say the trio won’t be, in fact, playing under a new name; and perhaps releasing a new recording in the future? In my wishful thinking, I hope that if Led Zeppelin is, in fact, over that it won’t necessarily mean Page, Jones and Bonham will not form a new band sometime down the road.
Hopefully, we will get to hear some more from all these talented musicians, on-stage or off-stage; whether it’s under the Led Zeppelin name, or not.
ZZ Top founder, Billy Gibbons, Collaborates on Russian Metal Band’s New Release
The guitarist is to guest star in Pushking’s new album ‘Duets’, along with Deep Purple members Ian Gillan, Glen Hughes, Joe Lynn Turner, and many more.
Russian metal-rock band Pushking are featuring high-profile collaborations in their upcoming album named ‘Pushking – Duets’, produced by Fabrizio Grossi. The release will pack 19 songs that the band has been playing since 1996, perhaps as a brief timeline of their constant evolution.
Amongst collaborators, ZZ Top founder and Houston native Billy Gibbons stands out. Born in 1949, Gibbons began playing guitar as a teenage boy. Also founding member of the 60’s band Moving Sidewalks that once opened for the Jimi Hendrix Experience – he is known for his 1959 Gibson Les Paul (a.k.a. Miss Pearly Gates), his industrious guitar riffs and infamous coin string-picking technique.
Gibbons formed ZZ Top in 1969 along with Frank Beard and Dusty Hill, and released 14 albums with commended popularity. He has played with various music icons, including B.B. King, John Mayall and Les Paul.
On Pushking’s new album, Gibbons will be performing in the song ‘Knight Rider’, and will be collaborating both on lead guitar and vocals.
Pushking’s forthcoming release will be also guest starring Deep Purple veterans Joe Lynn Turner (also from Rainbow), Glen Hughes (also from Black Sabbath) and Ian Gillan (also solo) to aid in their heavy metal/bluesy approach.
Other artists also include American rock singer and songwriter, Alice Cooper, American hard rock guitarist Paul Stanley (KISS) and English rock singer Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alcatraz).
The new albums release date has not yet been confirmed, but it is scheduled to be out on sale before the end of this year.
Blues Bash at Clayton Center to star Johnny Winter and John Dee Holeman on March 14th
The Clayton Center, located 15 miles from Raleigh in North Carolina, will be holding the 4th Annual Blues Bash on March 14th, at 8pm. The show will feature the performances of bluesmen Johnny Winter and John Dee Holeman, in a mix of the many blues subgenres and assorted influences that have shaped the musicianship of each artist through the years.
John Dee Holeman, originally from Orange County and currently a Durham, NC resident, will be bringing the country, folk and jazz into the equation, as well as the blues filled vocals that are prominent in his works. Influenced by Blind Boy Fuller and Thomas Kurt amongst others, Holeman began playing the blues when he was 14. Despite not being a professional artist, Holeman is of high demand in the music world, and keeps busy playing for small and big concerts alike. Recently John Dee participated in the 7th Annual Fishin’ Blues Tournament, hosted in Puerto San Jose in Guatemala, and played side by side with Little Freddie King.
Winner of the National Heritage Fellowship Award in 1988, and North Carolina’s Folk Heritage Award in 1994, Holeman is expected to put on a thrilling performance and to be a remarkable complement to Johnny Winter’s guitar.
Winter’s legacy extends since the 1960’s, 15 years after he was born in Texas on February 23rd. Johnny moved on from his first ever band Johnny and the Jammers to later release albums such as ‘Johnny Winter’ (68) ‘Saints & Sinners’ (74), ‘Nothin’ but the Blues’ (77) and his more recent Grammy nominated album ‘I’m a Bluesman’ (04). Also a producer, Winter produced the albums ‘Hard Again’ and ‘I’m Ready’ by Muddy Waters, helping Waters achieve two Grammy Awards.
Having recorded over 22 official albums, and over a dozen unofficial ones; Johnny Winter is known for a heap of accomplishments he has built throughout his career.
Known for essential guitar blues with a twist of rock, Winter’s music style, along with John Dee Holeman’s will be the perfect ingredients for a well-blended Blues Bash concert.
The show will be taking place on March 14th at 8PM. Tickets (US$ 22) can be purchased directly at Clayton Center’s box office, via phone at 919.553.1737 or online, at www.etix.com.
February Blues Album Releases: -Johnny Winter, John Lee Hooker and Bobby Jones
Bobby Jones’ new solo album Coming Back Hard, recorded by Delta Groove Productions, was released February 17th. The new recordings feature the artist’s soul filled vocals, and a glimpse of Jones’- Chicago influenced –blues. Recently performing for the Mannish Boys in their CD “Big Plans,” Jones began his career in the late 1950’s in Chicago, and is considered one of the greatest blues artists to still record today.
John Lee Hooker has forever been a true veteran of the blues genre, influencing many great artists and aspiring performers alike. Shout! Factory’s new release – 50 Years: John Lee Hooker Anthology – encompasses a double album that features 32 songs by the legendary blues guitarist, including his 1948 hit “Boogie Chillen” and special collaborative work with Muddy Waters, Carlos Santana, Larry Veeder and Bonnie Raitt. Also released on February 17th, John Lee Hooker’s Anthology will sure quench the music thirst of many classic blues enthusiasts.
Johnny Winter’s Live Bootleg Series Vol. 4 was released February 10th by Friday Music Records. This 4th volume of an archive series includes 10 tracks, 9 live songs and an acoustic representation of Muddy Water’s “Rollin’ and Tumblin’”; with the assistance of drummer Tom Compton and bassist John Paris as Winter’s support band. Once producer of Muddy Water’s Grammy Award-winning albums ‘I’m Ready’ and ‘Hard Again’ in 1987 and 1988, the musician, songwriter and producer follows a classic blues style that is overly hard to resist.
Rock n Roll Hall of Fame
Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to be held at Cleveland’s Public Hall on April 4th, 2009
The Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame announced the 2009 Inductees on January 14th. Their Induction Week Event will begin on March 28th, closing on April 4th with the official Induction Ceremony that will be held in Cleveland. After 12 years of it historically being featured at New York’s Waldorf Astoria, the ceremony will take place at Cleveland’s Public Hall in Northeast Ohio.
For the first time in their 24-year history after its foundation in 1986, the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame has opened the Induction Ceremony to the public, selling out tickets within weeks of announcing their sale. The ceremony will be broadcasted Live on Fuse TV and streamed online on various different websites for the rest of the world to witness.
Inductees are only eligible for consideration 25 years after their debut release.
The 2009 inductees are:
Performer Category:
Jeff Beck
Little Anthony & The Imperials
Run D.M.C.
Bobby Womack
Metallica
Early Influence Category:
Wanda Jackson
Sidemen Category:
Bill Black
Spooner Oldham
DJ Fontana
The announced inductees in the Performer category are hip-hop New York based group RUN D.M.C., the 1960’s R&B, soul and country influenced performers BOBBY WOMACK and LITTLE ANTHONY & THE IMPERIALS. Also the heavy thrash metal group METALLICA, and legendary blues-rock/heavy-metal influenced guitarist & former member of the Yardbirds, JEFF BECK. Jeff Beck has been credited with 4 Grammys for Best Rock Instrumental Performances, and deemed one of the ‘100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time’ by Rolling Stone magazine.
Inducted In the Early Influence category was 50’s American country music singer WANDA JACKSON. Jackson was merely 15 years old when she released her first recording.
In the sidemen category, drummer DJ FONTANA and bassist BILL BLACK (who both played in Elvis Presley’s band) were inducted, as well as American songwriter, keyboardist and session musician SPOONER OLDHAM. Oldham has contributed to hit songs such as “I never loved a man” by Aretha Franklin, “Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett; as he has performed with music legends Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Jackson Browne.
Eric Clapton 2009 Confirmed Tour Dates
The musician is performing in Japan, with Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, UK, and U.S.A to follow in his upcoming schedule.
Three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, CBE and 18-time Grammy Award-winner Eric Clapton simply is a timeless icon of music history.
Known both for being a former member of great bands such as The Yardbirds, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith and Delaney and Bonnie and Friends, as well as for his remarkable solo guitar work and collaborations, Clapton has played with stars like The Beatles, Roger Waters, Dire Straits and Joe Cocker, amongst many.
Clapton’s 2009 World Tour began this February in Japan, and it is currently 3 dates into the tour. Featuring special edition tickets due to Clapton’s 35th anniversary since his debut in Japan in 1974, the musician will be playing in Tokyo on February 18th and 19th, traveling to Saitama and Budokan for 2 shows with legendary guitarist Jeff Beck on the 21st and 22nd, only to return to Tokyo on the 24th for 3 more solo performances.
Along with Clapton, this year’s shows will feature musicians Doyle Bramhall II on guitar, Chris Stainton on keyboards, Willie Weeks on bass, Abe Laboriel Jr. on drums and Sharon White & Michelle John on backing vocals as his supporting band.
After closing in Japan, Eric Clapton and his group will be then hitting New Zealand’s Vector Arena on March 4th, moving on to Australia from the 7th to the 14th of that month.
The Australian venues Clapton will be playing at include the Hunter Valley Hope Estate Winery (07/03), the Sydney Entertainment Centre (08/03) and Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena (11/03).
The songwriter will be taking a brief break before resuming his tour in Dublin’s O2 Arena, in Ireland, on May 11th, then moving on to the UK for two consecutive weeks of performances.
The UK Tour opening show will take place in Liverpool’s Echo Arena on May 13th, followed by one performance at the MEN Arena in Manchester on the 14th, and sixteen consecutive shows at the Royal Albert Hall in London from the 16th to 31st of May.
Along for the ride will be 1990’s blues group the Arc Angels (featuring Charlie Sexton) who will be presenting the supporting act for each of Clapton’s concerts in the UK.
Following the UK tour, Clapton will be stopping by 15 cities in the U.S.A. starting June 10th with former band mate and fellow guitarist Steve Windwood. Clapton and Windwood had formed the group Blind Faith in 1969 after Cream’s dissolution in 1968. Following the opening act in East Rutherford on June 10th, the performers will be moving down to Philadelphia, PA (12/06), Washington, DC (13/06), Columbus, OH (15/06), Chicago, IL (17/06); St. Paul, MN (18/06), Omaha, NE (20/06), Denver, CO (21/06), Dallas, TX (23/06), Houston, TX (24/06), Glendale, AZ (26/06), Las Vegas, NV (27/06), Oakland, CA (29/06) and Los Angeles, CA (30/06).
Clapton was born in Ripley in Surrey, England on 1945 and got his first guitar in 1960. In more than 45 years of musicianship, the artist has recorded many hits, both in his former bands as in his solo work. Deemed one of Rolling Stone’s ‘100 Guitarists of All Time’ and the only musician to be a triple Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Eric Clapton is one the most legendary, iconic and influential guitarists still active today.
Deep Purple Confirms Tour Dates for 2009
First date is set to be at Japan’s International Forum in Tokyo, on April 9th.
Heavy metal’s pioneers Deep Purple have confirmed several dates for their 2009 performances. Beginning April 09, the band will be playing in Japan until the 13th of the same month. By May 1st they will be in Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia; taking a break before hitting Norway, Denmark, Sweden Finland, Turkey, Greece and Lebanon in early July.
They will also performing at the British Motor & Music Festival in London on July the 30th, after which they will head to Estonia, Ukraine and Moscow for more shows.
The band has also announced, but not yet confirmed the dates for their 4-show UK tour in November of ’09. Deep Purple is temporarily scheduled to begin their UK Tour on November 10th at the Manchester Apollo, followed by consecutive daily performances at the Glasgow SECC, the Birmingham LG Arena and the London HMV Hammersmith.
The confirmed dates can be found at the band’s official management website: www.deep-purple.com
IMHO
Not sure about this line up called ‘Deep Purple’ no Richie Blackmore, not to mention Jon Lord is missing Mmm will have to give it a listen.
T.J.
Eagle Rock to Release Rory Gallagher, Paul Rodgers and Jeff Beck Live Performances in March ‘09
Eagle Rock Entertainment has many releases scheduled for this year, some of whic
h feature the works of music legends Rory Gallagher, Jeff Beck, Paul Rodgers and Ian Gillan.
Set for release on DVD and BluRay is guitarist Jeff Beck’s must-see performance at London’s Ronnie Scotts in 2007. The concert documentary titled ‘Jeff Beck Performing this Week’ is set for release March 31st. 2009, presenting collaborations from Eric Clapton and Joss Stone, amongst others.
Paul Rodgers Live in Glasgow BluRay will be released that same day; featuring Rodgers 2006 UK Tour and an anachronous assortment of songs that he has played throughout his career. The new release encompasses tunes from his days as front-man in bands FREE, Bad Company, The Firm and Queen. Alongside interviews with the musician, bonus features include a special performance of “Sunshine” by Rodger’s son, Steven.
Also up for release in late March is Ian Gillan’s DVD/BluRay One Eye To Morocco, recorded with the line up from the popular album ‘Live in Anaheim’. The Deep Purple vocalist presents in this solo album tunes influenced by 50’s rock artists such as Ray Charles, Little Richard and James Brown.
Last, but certainly not least, is guitarist Rory Gallagher’s Live in Cork DVD/BluRay release – also set for March 31st. The video is a remastered version of Gallagher’s performance at Cork’s Opera House in 1987, filmed by Irish television and originally released on VHS as ‘Messin’ With The Kid – Live At The Cork Opera House’. Bonus features include Rory Gallagher’s Discography, pictures and stories from his early days and a short documentary titled ‘Big Guns’.
B.B. King to Play 4 Concerts in UK with John Mayall
B.B. King to Play 4 Concerts in UK with John Mayall
The late June ‘09 Tour will hit Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and London.
Despite having had announced retirement from international touring in 2006, B.B. King is set to play four arena concerts in Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and London at the end of June. Both King and John Mayall (75) – a blues-rock pioneer for his release of ‘Bluesbreakers’ in 1966 – will be splitting performances, each of them taking over one half of the show.
King had last performed in UK during his 5-date UK Farewell Tour in 2006 with Gary Moore. Now 83, with over 15,000 performances and 61 years of music making under his belt following his debut in 1947, King continues to represent music’s crème de la crème.
He has collected many empowering acknowledgements during his career such as three honorary doctorates in music by Mississippi, Yale and Brown University; over 15 Grammy’s -including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987 – and a prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom, given to King by President G.W. Bush at the age of 80.
B.B. King’s top works include songs “The Thrill is Gone”, “Every Day I Have the Blues” and “I Like to Live the Love”; as well as albums ‘My Guitar Sings the Blues’ (1986), ‘Blues Summit’ (1994) and ‘Live at the Apollo’ (1992) between many, many others. His numerous collaborations have aided iconic artists such as Eric Clapton, Jimmi Vaughan, Robert Cray, Bo Diddley and U2.
IMHO
B.B. King is one of the greatest blues players of his style around. He has sporned so many good players to take up the blues guitar. I am really looking forward to these up and coming performances.
T.J.
