Bruce Springsteen has been getting a lot of flack for not changing up his set lists during his current tour with the E Street Band, but he still drops in some surprises for fans, and that certainly was the case for the final night of his three-night stand at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
According to setlist.fm, the Sunday, September 3, show featured the tour debut of The River track “Two Hearts,” the first time he performed the song with the E Street Band since 2017. Other set list additions included “Something In The Night,” “Spirit in the Night” and “Atlantic City.” “Spirit in the Night” was also performed during the MetLife show on September 1, marking the tour debut of the track.
The encore also had The Boss veering from the normal show, with the inclusion of “Jungleland” and “Detroit Medley,” ending the night with “Jersey Girl” instead of the usual “I’ll See You In My Dreams.”
Next up, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band bring their tour to Syracuse, New York, on September 7. A complete list of dates can be found at brucespringsteen.net.
Foo Fighters added some extra punk rock energy to their performance at the Jazz Aspen Snowmass festival in Aspen, Colorado, on Sunday, September 3.
Dave Grohl and company invited Billy Idol onstage during the show to cover the Sex Pistols song “Pretty Vacant.” The live collaboration celebrated the birthday of Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, who turned 68 on Sunday.
“Great doing #p[r]ettyvacant with @foofighters,” Idol wrote in a social media post. Foo Fighters also shared a number of photos from the set on their Facebook.
Foo Fighters have been playing one-off headlining shows and festival sets throughout the year in support of their latest album, But Here We Are. They’ve marked the Foos’ first performances with new drummer Josh Freese, who joined following the 2022 death of Taylor Hawkins.
The next Foo Fighters show is scheduled for September 7 in Brazil. They’ll be back in the U.S. for Chicago’s Riot Fest on September 15.
Aerosmith scored their first and only #1 hit with “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing,” which was written by DianeWarren.
The song was the theme to the hit action flick Armageddon, which starred Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler’s daughter Liv.
Three other Aerosmith songs were included on the movie’s soundtrack, “What Kind of Love Are You On,” a cover of TheBeatles‘ “Come Together” and a remix of “Sweet Emotion.”
“I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” spent four weeks on top of the Billboard Hot 100 and also topped the charts in several other countries, including Australia, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland and more.
Metallica‘s second concert at Phoenix’s State Farm Stadium has been postponed due to frontman James Hetfield catching COVID-19.
The show, which was originally set to take place on Sunday, September 3, will now take place Saturday, September 9. All previously purchased tickets for September 3 will be honored for the rescheduled date.
If you need proof of Hetfield’s diagnosis, you can check out a photo of his positive COVID test via Metallica’s Facebook.
Metallica is currently on their M72 world tour in support of their latest album, 72 Seasons. For each stop on the tour, Metallica is playing two shows with completely different set lists.
The first Phoenix show, which took place Friday, September 1, was slightly shorter than the past M72 shows, featuring only 14 songs played instead of the usual 16.
In other, happier Metallica news, the metal legends’ All Within My Hands charity foundation has teamed up with the dessert company Enlightened to create a signature ice cream bar to raise money for local food banks.
The frozen treat will be available starting Wednesday, September 6, and is shaped like Hetfield’s signature ESP Truckster guitar.
Nirvana‘s third and final album, In Utero, is being reissued in honor of its 30th anniversary.
The set will be available in various formats on October 27, the most expansive of which being the super deluxe eight-LP vinyl and five-CD editions. In those, you’ll find the original album remastered, various bonus tracks and B-sides, such as the Dave Grohl-written song “Marigold,” and a total of 53 previously unreleased recordings, including full live shows from a 1993 Los Angeles show and a 1994 New York City performance, which notably took place just months before Kurt Cobain‘s death.
Originally released September 21, 1993, In Utero had the difficult and unenviable task of following Nirvana’s world-conquering 1991 album Nevermind, which launched Cobain, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl into superstardom and brought the grunge scene into the mainstream. The album lived up to the task, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 and spawning the singles “Heart-Shaped Box” and “All Apologies.”
Cobain died by suicide in April 1994, effectively ending Nirvana. Grohl soon went on to form Foo Fighters.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or worried about a friend or loved one, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Songwriter Desmond Child had a hand in co-writing some of the biggest stadium anthems and sing-alongs of our time, including Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer” and Aerosmith’s “Dude Looks Like A Lady.” But some of those may never have happened had it not been for KISS’ Paul Stanley.
Child tells ABC Audio that Stanley was his “main mentor,” noting, “He taught me how to write stadium anthem songs the KISS way. … Songs had to be uplifting. The singer could never be a victim. They couldn’t be a loser. It was always about victory and success.”
But while Stanley supported Child, KISS’ Gene Simmons didn’t feel the same way about him. Child co-wrote one of the band’s biggest hits, “I Was Made For Lovin’ You,” but he says Simmons was initially very resistant to the tune.
“I think that he appreciates my contribution to KISS now, but at that time that song was a kind of oddball,” Child says, noting Simmons thought the song sounded like dance music. And he wasn’t completely wrong.
“It was a dance beat with rock guitars, and it actually changed the course of pop music,” Child says, suggesting it paved the way for artists like Prince and Madonna to experiment with all types of sounds.
“From that moment on, all things were possible,” he says. “I just think that that song was revolutionary.”
You can read more tales of Child’s work with Bon Jovi, KISS, Aerosmith and more when his new memoir, Livin’ On A Prayer: Big Songs Big Life, comes out September 19. It is available for preorder now.
After weeks of speculation, The Rolling Stones have confirmed their new album will be called Hackney Diamonds.
But fans will have to wait a little bit longer for the full details. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood are expected to share full details about the album during a press conference on Wednesday, September 6, that will be moderated by Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon.
The event will be held in East London’s Hackney district and streamed live globally on YouTube starting at 9:30 a.m. ET. In a post on social media The Stones promised they’ll be, “Talking new album, new music, new era.”
Hackney Diamonds will be The Rolling Stones’ first album of original songs since 2005’s A Bigger Bang. They first started teasing the new album in late August with a cryptic newspaper ad in the British paper the Hackney Gazette.
Aerosmith has begun their goodbye to the road. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers launched their Peace Out farewell tour in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, September 1.
According to setlist.fm, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton and Brad Whitford treated the fans to an 18-song, hits-filled set, that also included a few deep cuts. Drummer Joey Kramer is sitting out this tour, with John Douglas filling in behind the drum kit.
The show kicked off with the appropriate choice of “Back in the Saddle,” with the set featuring such hits as “Love in an Elevator,” “Janie’s Got a Gun,” “Ragdoll,” “Dream On,” “Sweet Emotion” and more, with the band wrapping up the night with their classic “Walk This Way.”
The show also included some deep cuts for fans, including the Toys in the Attic track “Adam’s Apple” for the first time since 2018, as well as “No More No More” and “Seasons of Wither.”
The set also included a performance of “Movin Out,” from the band’s 1973 self-titled debut. According to USA Today, that performance was a tribute to the late guitarist Jeff Beck, with Perry telling the audience the white Fender Stratocaster he was playing was from Beck’s collection. Perry also sang lead vocals on the set’s only cover, Fleetwood Mac’s “Stop Messin’ Around.”
Aerosmith’s Peace Out tour is set to run until January 26 in Montreal, Canada. The tour also includes a very special New Year’s Eve show in the band’s home city of Boston, Massachusetts. A complete list of dates can be found at aerosmith.com.
Tributes have been pouring in following the news that “Margaritaville” singer Jimmy Buffett passed away Friday, September 1 at the age of 76.
According to the official obituary posted to the late singer’s website, Buffett died after a four-year battle with Merkel Cell Skin Cancer, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. The obit notes, “He continued to perform during treatment, playing his last show, a surprise appearance in Rhode Island, in early July.”
Among the tributes coming in for Buffett, Paul McCartneywrote, “It seems that so many wonderful people are leaving this world, and now Jimmy Buffett is one of them. I’ve known Jimmy for some time and found him to be one of the kindest and most generous people.”
McCartney recalled a time while on vacation he had forgotten his guitar and Jimmy had a roadie restring one of his so the left-handed McCartney could play it. Buffett then gifted McCartney with a left-handed guitar made by a friend. “It’s a beautiful instrument, and every time I play it now it’ll remind me of what a great man Jimmy was,” he writes.
James Tayloralso posted a lengthy tribute to his “old pal” Buffett, calling him “a real example of a man” adding he was “a model of how to enjoy the great gift of being alive.”
Other tributes include:
President Joe Biden – “A poet of paradise, Jimmy Buffett was an American music icon who inspired generations to step back and find the joy in life and in one another. We had the honor to meet and get to know Jimmy over the years, and he was in life as he was performing on stage – full of goodwill and joy, using his gift to bring people together. “
Former President Bill Clinton wrote that Buffett’s “music brought happiness to millions of people,” adding, “I’ll always be grateful for his kindness, generosity, and great performances through the years, including at the White House in 2000. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and legion of devoted fans.”
Kenny Chesney shared video of him singing one of Buffett’s tunes writing, “So goodbye Jimmy.Thanks for your friendship and the songs I will carry in my heart forever. Sail on Sailor.” The post also featured a live performance of him and Jimmy singing “Margaritaville.”
Sammy Hagar – “The Godfather of lifestyle. Jimmy started it all and took it farther than anyone. He taught us all how to live. Jimmy taught us all how to wear shorts, flip-flops and a worn out T-shirt, walk on stage or to your favorite restaurant, and be comfortable.”
Jon Bon Jovi – “Jimmy Sail on my good friend Luv u.”
Graham Nash – “I was so sad to hear that my friend Jimmy Buffett has passed away. He had a truly uplifting spirit and a real gift with words. Sending love to his family, to the wonderful Coral Reefer Band, and all his many fans who love him.”
Sheryl Crow – “He was as he always was… a bright light! With a wonderful sense of humor and always so warm. I will miss knowing he is on the planet. He is up there sailing the bright blue Caribbean!”
Bob Seger – “Sunshine personified. I never met a human being that didn’t like him. He’ll be greatly missed.”
Ben Stiller – “I’m so sad about the great @jimmybuffett. His music was more than just the lifestyle – it was emotional and iconic. Made the world a better place and always will. Sending love to his family.”
Beach Boys‘ Mike Love – “Your music brought joy to so many people, including me. It was always a pleasure when our paths crossed and we were able to share the stage together.” He added, “Your sense of humor and gracious nature was a pleasure to be a round. Although we’ll miss you, we’ll continue to enjoy the beautiful music that you’ve blessed upon us. No more shoes, just your toes in heaven’s sand.”
Blake Shelton – “Heart broken this morning hearing of Jimmy Buffett’s passing. What an incredible talent and man. His songs will live on forever. I’ll bet most of y’all don’t know that he wrote the theme song for @BarmageddonUSA for me about 2 years ago. Raising a glass today to the Son of a son of a Sailer.”
Jason Aldean – “It’s a sad day today. I woke up to the news of Jimmy Buffett’s passing. His music has been the soundtrack to my life. Spending a lot of my childhood in South Florida, he was the epitome of a free spirit and lived a lifestyle that we all admired and strived to emulate,” adding, “You inspired a lot of us Jimmy and you will forever be remembered. RIP brother.”
It’s a sad day in Margaritaville. Legendary musician Jimmy Buffett passed away Friday, September 1 at age 76.
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1 surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” read the announcement on his website and social media. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
Associated with feet-in-the-sand island vibes, Buffett was best known for such classic songs as “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “Why Don’t We Get Drunk.” He released over 30 records and was known for his almost constant touring schedule with his Coral Reefer Band, drawing a devoted fanbase, affectionately known as Parrotheads.
Buffett also dabbled in writing, releasing bestsellers Tales from Margaritaville in 1989 and Where Is Joe Merchant? in 1992, as well as his own memoir, A Pirate Looks at 50, which was released in 1998. He also released the novels A Salty Piece of Land in 2004 and Swine Not? in 2008, as well as two children’s books, The Jolly Mon and Trouble Dolls, with his daughter Savannah Jane Buffett.
His music was also turned into a musical, Escape to Margaritaville, which debuted on Broadway in March 2018. Although the show closed after just 124 regular performances, a national tour launched in 2019.
In addition to music, Buffett was well known for his many hugely successful business ventures, including restaurants like the Margaritaville Café, the now-defunct Cheeseburger in Paradise chain and LandShark Bar & Grill.
He also licensed the Margaritaville name for a line of tequila, foods, clothing and more, including hotels, cruises, and even retirement villages and casinos. And in 2006 he teamed up with Anheuser-Busch for a new beer line, LandShark Lager.
All of this and more helped land Buffett on Forbes’ World’s Billionaires List in 2023, with a fortune of $1 billion.
In July, Buffett made a surprise appearance at a Rhode Island concert headlined by songwriter and Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band bandmate MacMcAnally. He’d previously canceled a show in May, informing fans that he’d been hospitalized to “address some issues that needed immediate attention.”
