New versions of George Harrison’s ‘Be Here Now’ released from reissue of ‘Living in the Material World’

October 24, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

Two new versions of the George Harrison track “Be Here Now” have just been released, both of which will appear on the upcoming 50th anniversary reissue of Harrison’s second solo album, Living in the Material World.

The Harrison estate just released what’s being called the “Take 8” version, which was recorded Oct. 12, 1972, as well as a new mix from Grammy Award-winning engineer Paul Hicks. Both are available now via digital outlets.

Coinciding with the releases is a new video, including art from guru Ram Dass’ Be Here Now book.

The 50th anniversary reissue of Living in the Material World is set to drop Nov. 15 in a variety of formats, including a super deluxe edition featuring 12 previously unreleased recordings, a newly mixed version of the album and a Blu-ray featuring the album in Dolby Atmos; and a 7-inch single of a previously unheard recording of “Sunshine Life for Me (Sail Away Raymond)” featuring Harrison’s Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr and The Band’s Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson and Rick Danko.

There will be two-LP and two-CD deluxe editions and single CD and LP versions, with limited-edition color vinyl variants.

All formats are available for preorder now.

Director Thom Zimny says ‘Road Diary’ captures the ‘magical’ experience of a Bruce Springsteen concert

October 24, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

The Bruce Springsteen documentary Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band premieres Friday on Hulu and Disney+, and the film’s director, Thom Zimny, tells ABC Audio exploring what goes into The Boss’ live shows was “something that I’ve always wanted to do.”

“I also wanted to go beyond the traditional concert film,” he says, adding he was hoping to capture “that sort of magical thing that happens onstage” at a Springsteen show.

Zimny has collaborated with Springsteen on several previous projects, including the 2020 doc Letter To You, and he says getting to be around Bruce is “a gift.”

“After 24 years, it’s been so life changing and such a positive element in my development as a filmmaker,” he adds.

In the film, Bruce’s wife, and E Street Band member, Patti Scialfa opens up about her six-year battle with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.

“We were talking about the beauty of the live show and the music, and it went into the conversation and details of why she’s not been touring as much lately,” Zimny says, noting the trust they’ve built up over the years made it easier for her to talk about her condition.

“And for me as a filmmaker, that’s the best gift you can get is this space of trust and a dialogue that’s honest,” he says.

At 75, fans are always worried Bruce will hang it up, but Zimny says he doesn’t see that happening.

“I think the film Road Diary reflects what I see every time I am lucky enough to hang out in a rehearsal or show or soundcheck,” he says. “There’s no sense of a retirement in any fashion that I see. So if anything, I just hope to keep up with him.”

Metallica adds Australia & New Zealand dates to 2025 M72 tour

October 23, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

Metallica will return Down Under for the 2025 leg of their M72 tour.

The metal legends have announced a run of dates through Australia and New Zealand, running from Nov. 1 in Perth to Nov. 19 in Auckland. Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies will also be on the bill.

Tickets go on sale Nov. 4. Members of the Metallica fan club will have access to a presale beginning Oct. 29.

For all ticket info, visit Metallica.com.

The world M72 tour launched in 2023 in support of Metallica’s latest album, 72 Seasons. It continued throughout 2024 and will return to the U.S. in April 2025.

Elton John to appear on Dua Lipa’s concert special

October 23, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

Elton John will make a special appearance on an upcoming concert special starring pop star Dua Lipa.

An Evening with Dua Lipa — capturing her special one-off concert at Royal Albert Hall on Oct. 17 — is heading to TV screens later this year. It will feature John and Dua performing their duet “Cold Heart,” which interpolates several Elton songs, including “Rocket Man” and “Sacrifice.”

“I wanted to remember this show forever so we captured it to share with you too,” Dua wrote alongside the trailer for the special Wednesday on Instagram. “ONE NIGHT ONLY with me, my band, The Heritage Orchestra and the one and only Elton John at Royal Albert Hall coming soon to @CBStv and @itv @itvxofficial … who’s ready to see thissss?!!!!”

An Evening with Dua Lipa will premiere Dec. 15 on CBS.

Warren Haynes’ Christmas Jam pushed to 2025 as Asheville, North Carolina, recovers from Hurricane Helene

October 23, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

Gov’t Mule’s Warren Haynes has announced that his annual Christmas Jam won’t be happening this year. The show takes place each year in Haynes’ hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, but due to the damage the city suffered in Hurricane Helene they are not moving forward with the 2024 edition.

“The devastation from Hurricane Helene in Asheville has been heartbreaking,” reads a post on the show’s website. “Despite the immense challenges to every day life and the future, the community has come together in an inspiring way, with strangers helping one another.”

“Rebuilding will take time and collective effort,” the post continues. “Unfortunately, holding a concert in Asheville this year isn’t possible, as resources are focused on emergency efforts. Christmas Jam 33 will take place in Asheville in 2025.”

The statement notes that a lot of support is needed for the folks affected by the hurricane, adding, “we are working on several initiatives including other benefit concerts in order to raise funds quickly.”

Haynes launched Christmas Jam in 1988, and proceeds from the show benefit Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. Artists who’ve played Christmas Jam in the past include The Allman Brothers Band, Peter Frampton, The Doobie Brothers, Dave Grohl, Sheryl Crow and Steve Miller Band.

Paul McCartney and George Harrison’s kids meet up at London concert

October 23, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

Two of Paul McCartney‘s kids showed up to support fellow Beatles legend George Harrison‘s son, Dhani Harrison, at his concert in London Monday.

James McCartney and Stella McCartney took a moment to snap a photo with Dhani Harrison at his London gig on Tuesday, which James McCartney later shared on Instagram.

“Great gig last night in London watching @dhaniharrison! Please support his music,” he wrote in the caption, which showed him posing alongside his sister and Dhani Harrison in what appeared to be a backstage area.

Dhani Harrison is a musician in his own right and has released several albums over the years both in his work as a solo artist and with the bands Thenewno2 and Fistful of Mercy. In addition to his Oct. 21 show in London, he performed several recent shows in Berlin and Paris.

James McCartney is also a musician and has released several studio albums through the years, including the recent Beautiful Nothing.

Stella McCartney is a successful fashion designer.

The Beatles’ children have made a habit of supporting each other through the years in their respective careers, even collaborating with one another on occasion. In April, James McCartney released a song titled “Primrose Hill,” which he co-wrote with his “good friend” Sean Ono Lennon, son of Beatles legend John Lennon and his wife, artist and activist Yoko Ono.

“With the release of this song it feels like we’re really getting the ball rolling and I am so excited to continue to share music with you,” James McCartney wrote in an Instagram post at the time.

Paul McCartney shared Stella and James McCartney with his late wife Linda McCartney, who died in 1998. Dhani Harrison is George Harrison’s only child, whom he shared with wife Olivia Harrison.

Rob Halford shares love of Chappell, Gaga, Taylor

October 23, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

It’s not just the pop fans who love Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift. Turns out their music also appeals to Rob Halford as well..

In an interview with The Houston Chronicle, the Judas Priest frontman was asked what he’s been listening to lately. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer replied, “Chappell [Roan] is amazing. I turned on to Gaga instantly. Her talent is just extraordinary. And she says she’s a huge fan of Chappell. The way that the torch is passed from performer to performer, artist to artist, it’s a beautiful thing to do.”

Halford, whose nickname is The Metal God, added, “What’s remarkable about people like Gaga or Taylor Swift is their longevity … pop songs can be gigantic, and then you’ll never hear them again. But then you’ll get a Madonna or a Cher or a Gaga, or hopefully Chappell or a Taylor Swift. The way they craft their music, it becomes immortal. I’ll still be banging my head to ‘Paparazzi’ on my deathbed.”

“I don’t know whether it’s because I’m a gay man and I just have this joy and love of all things creative and arts, I absorb it. I don’t believe in barriers,” Halford noted.

He concluded, “I think that all music is a feast. All of it touches me in various ways. And I translate all of that into my own work.”

Halford’s willingness to embrace other music genres was clear a few years ago at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, when he duetted with Dolly Parton.

Grateful Dead to be honored as the 2025 MusiCares Person of the Year

October 23, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

The Grateful Dead has been chosen as the 2025 MusiCares Person of the Year, with the honor coming as they celebrate their 60th anniversary.

Surviving original members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh and Bobby Weir will be recognized for “their immense contributions to music, their tireless philanthropic efforts and their pioneering role in fostering communities through their concerts and activism.” The night will also feature a special posthumous tribute to the band’s late founder, Jerry Garcia.

“We are deeply honored to be recognized as MusiCares Persons of the Year,” Hart, Kreutzmann, Lesh and Weir said in a statement. “This honor is truly a testament to the legacy of the music, which has always been bigger than us—it’s about the connection between us, the crew, and all those who’ve been on this long strange trip.”

They add, “It’s not just about what we create, but about making sure the people behind it, behind us every night, the ones who quietly make it all happen, get the support they need to keep going, no matter what life throws at them. We’re grateful to stand with MusiCares and hope everyone continues to support this vital mission to ensure music thrives in perpetuity.”

Launched in 1991, previous MusiCares Person of the Year recipients include Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell and Tom Petty. Grateful Dead is only the third band to receive the honor; Fleetwood Mac got it in 2018 and Aerosmith got it in 2020.

The 2025 MusiCares Person of the Year gala will take place Jan. 31 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, two nights before the 67th annual GRAMMY Awards.

Pete Townshend on the future of The Who: ‘We will definitely do something next year’

October 23, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

Well, here’s some good news for fans of The Who.

While Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey have been trading comments over the past year about the future of the band, Townshend has now given fans hope for a possible tour in the near future.

“I met with Roger for lunch a couple of weeks ago. We’re in good form. We love each other,” he tells The Standard. “We’re both getting a bit creaky, but we will definitely do something next year.”

Townshend suggests that a new album’s unlikely but not out of the question, sharing, “The album side of it … Roger’s not keen. But I would love to do another album and I may try to bully him on that.”

And if they do go back to touring, it seems Pete’s ready to get back to basics.

“The last big tours that we’ve done have been with a full orchestra, which was glorious,” he says, “but we’re now eager to make a noise and make a mess and make mistakes.”

Meanwhile, Townshend had some thoughts on another big tour that’s happening next year, the Oasis reunion tour.

“Well, I’m disappointed,” he told the paper, but when asked if it was because he couldn’t get a ticket, Pete replied, “No, because I really like their solo albums.”

Graham Nash doesn’t think he’ll play with Neil Young and Stephen Stills again

October 23, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

We will never be able to see Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young again now that David Crosby has passed, but Graham Nash says it’s doubtful he’ll ever play with his other bandmates, Stephen Stills and Neil Young, again either.

While talking to Rolling Stone about the new CSNY live album, Live At The Fillmore East, 1969, Graham noted that they dedicated the record to Crosby because “he really was the heartbeat of this band, and his passing brought a halt to us all making music together.”

“I don’t think that me and Stephen and Neil will ever play together again,” he added.

As for why he doesn’t think it’ll happen, Nash explains, “There’s no heart there. David was the center of it all, as crazy as he was. And my God, he was crazy. But he was the heart of this band,” adding, “And that’s why I think that if Stephen and Neil and I ever played together, people would be missing Crosby. We would be missing Crosby. It just would be a much colder scene.”

“I really miss him. I miss him more every day because life is choices, and I only choose to remember the good times that David and I had, the good music that we made together,” Nash says. “When I try and think about the bad things that happened, I don’t want to do that. I made the choice to only remember the good stuff.”

David Crosby died Jan. 18, 2023.

Live At The Fillmore East, 1969 is due out Friday. It’s available for preorder now.

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