Classic Rock 93.9

Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford, the Metal God himself, celebrates his 70th birthday today.

Halford’s gritty banshee wail is one of the defining voices of heavy metal. He joined Judas Priest in 1973, just in time to record the Birmingham, U.K., band’s debut album — 1974’s Rocka Rolla.

Halford co-wrote most of the band’s songs, helping them become one of the most popular metal acts of the 1970s and ’80s. Among the many classic tunes Halford sang and co-wrote were “Living After Midnight,” “Breaking the Law,” “Hot Rockin'” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.”

The singer left Judas Priest in 1992, and for the next 11 years he focused on solo projects, including the bands Fight and Halford and the industrial-influenced duo 2wo.

During a 1998 MTV interview, Halford revealed that he was gay. While his sexual orientation had long been widely rumored, Rob noted in his 2020 memoir Confess that he decided to keep his homosexuality secret during Priest’s early years because he was worried being openly gay might’ve hurt the group’s career.

Halford rejoined Judas Priest in 2003 and has continued to tour and record with the band ever since. The group’s latest studio album, 2018’s Firepower, peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200, the band’s highest position ever on the chart.

Speaking with ABC Audio last year while promoting Confess, Halford listed some of his favorite Judas Priest albums, singling out Rock Rolla, 1976’s Sad Wings of Destiny, 1980’s British Steel, 1986’s Turbo, 1990’s Painkiller, the 2008 “big metal rock opera” Nostradamus and Firepower.

“What a great metal trail Priest has left,” Rob added, “and I’m thrilled beyond words that have been a part of it all.” 

Judas Priest launches a North American tour on September 8 in Reading, Pennsylvania.

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Following the death of Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts on Tuesday, the group’s three surviving current members — singer Mick Jagger and guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood — all posted online tributes to their longtime band mate.

Jagger took to his social media pages to post a fairly recent photo of Watts laughing while sitting behind his drums.

Richards posted a heart-wrenching pic on his social media sites of Charlie’s empty drum kit with a sign hanging off a nearby mic stand that reads, “Closed — Please Call Again.”

As for Wood, he posted a black-and-white on his official website of Watts and him smiling while sitting in chairs positioned back to back.

Meanwhile, The Rolling Stones’ official website appears to have taken all of its content offline and simply features a pic of Charlie looking into the camera with a slight smile and folded arms.

According to a statement from his spokesperson, Watts died peacefully Tuesday morning “in a London hospital…surrounded by his family.”

Watts’ passing follows an announcement from The Stones earlier this month that he’d undergone an unspecified medical procedure and likely wouldn’t be able to join the band on their 2021 No Filter Tour of North America.

The announcement also revealed that Watts had asked Steve Jordan to “stand in” for him on the trek. Jordan has played drums on all of Richards’ solo albums.

The Stones’ tour is scheduled to kick off on September 26 in St. Louis.

pic.twitter.com/YUR6lckf8k

— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) August 24, 2021

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R.E.M. has announced a reissue of the band’s 1996 album New Adventures in Hi-Fi in honor of its 25th anniversary.

The expanded collection, which includes the original album remastered, accompanied by 13 B-sides and rarities, is due out October 29. One of the bonus tracks, an alternate version of the song “Leave,” is available now for digital download.

“I actually might prefer this version to the one that’s on the record,” says frontman Michael Stipe. “Well, I wouldn’t say I prefer it, it just tells a different story with the lyric.”

The reissue also includes a never-before-released “outdoor projection film,” which was displayed on city buildings to promote the album’s original 1996 release, as well as a 52-page book that includes contributions from all four R.E.M. members, plus Radiohead‘s Thom Yorke, Patti Smith and producer Scott Litt.

Originally released September 10, 1996, New Adventures in Hi-Fi came towards the end of R.E.M.’s peak run in the ’90s, when they broke through into rock stardom with 1991’s Out of Time and 1992’s Automatic for the People. Though not quite as commercially successful as Out of Time or Automatic — or even 1994’s Monster — it was still certified Platinum by the RIAA, peaking at #2 on the Billboard 200 and and producing the singles in “E-Bow the Letter,” “Bittersweet Me” and “Electrolite.” “E-Bow the Letter” was a duet with Smith.

New Adventures also marked R.E.M.’s final album with founding drummer Bill Berry, who left the band in 1997.

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Alice in Chains‘ Jerry Cantrell has teamed up with Gibson to create his own signature guitar.

The Wino Les Paul Custom is based on the grunge rocker’s own Les Paul, complete with a wine-red finish. Only 100 instruments were made, and each one was signed by Cantrell on the headstock.

“The Wino has always been one of my favorite guitars,” says Cantrell. “It’s a really good-looking guitar.”

Should you have $8,999 to spend, or if you like looking at guitars you’ll likely never own, you can check out Cantrell’s Wino Les Paul now via Gibson.com.

Cantrell, meanwhile, will be releasing a new solo album called Brighten on October 29. The record, Cantrell’s first solo outing in nearly 20 years, includes the lead single “Atone.”

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Tributes are pouring in from throughout the music world following the sad news that longtime Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts died today at the age of 80.

Among the many stars paying homage to Watts are surviving Beatles members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, and pop-rock legend Elton John.

McCartney has posted a video message on his social media sites in which he says, “So sad to hear about Charlie Watts…dying. He was a lovely guy, and I knew he was ill, but I didn’t know he was this ill. So, lots of love to his family, his wife and kids and his extended family, and condolences to The Stones. A huge blow to them, because Charlie was a rock and a fantastic drummer, steady as a rock. Anyway, so…Love you, Charlie, I always loved you, beautiful man. And great condolences and sympathies to his family.”

Ringo wrote on his Twitter feed, “God bless Charlie Watts we’re going to miss you man peace and love to the family,” and accompanied the note with a photo of him and Watts apparently exchanging a pair of drumsticks.

Meanwhile, Elton John tweeted, “A very sad day. Charlie Watts was the ultimate drummer. The most stylish of men, and such brilliant company. My deepest condolences to [family members] Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte. And of course, The Rolling Stones.”

Here are only a few of the many other tributes that well-known artists have posted in honor of Watts:

Brian Wilson: “I’m just shocked to hear about Charlie Watts. I don’t know what to say, I feel terrible for Charlie’s family. Charlie was a great drummer and I loved the Stones music, they made great records. Love & Mercy.”

John Fogerty: “I first saw The [Rolling Stones] in 1966 in the Bay Area and have been a fan ever since. Charlie Watts was one of the great drummers and will be missed. Rest easy Charlie.”

Robbie Robertson: “Charlie’s drumming is powerful and unique. His approach is entirely his own and helped shape the sound of rock and roll. Blessings Charlie Watts.”

KISS‘ Paul Stanley: “AWFUL NEWS. One of the true timeless icons and the backbone of the Stones. Hard to fathom the loss. So very sad.”

Def Leppard‘s Joe Elliott: “Devastating news, those in the know know he was the heart & soul of the band…I had the absolute pleasure of meeting him a few times, a total gentleman…it goes without saying he will be sorely missed.”

Joan Jett: “Charlie Watts was the most elegant and dignified drummer in rock and roll. He played exactly what was needed – no more – no less. He is one of a kind.”

Patti Smith: “Mourned and beloved by all.”

Duran Duran: “So saddened to hear about the passing of Charlie Watts. An absolute inspiration to a legion of drummers since the 1960’s. A man of grace, style, dignity and composure.”

Chic‘s Nile Rodgers: “Rest In Power #CharlieWatts RIP. You are a smooth brother. Thanks for all the great music.”

Sheryl Crow: “A hero is gone. No words. A huge gaping hole in the universe.”

Tom Morello: “Rock n roll would not be rock n roll without the rhythm, the style, the VIBE of this incredible musician. Rest In Peace #CharlieWatts, one of the greatest and most important architects of the music we love.”

Lenny Kravitz: “The beat of The Stones. There are no words, every groove has spoken for itself.”

Paul on Charlie Watts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rn2elK6cFE

— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 24, 2021

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Here’s some advice if you attend a show by Wolfgang Van Halen‘s group Mammoth WVH show: Don’t request “Panama.”

The son of late Van Halen icon Eddie Van Halen is currently on tour with his solo band while opening for Guns N’ Roses. His sets have consisted of songs from the group’s self-titled debut, but apparently people think he should be playing songs from his dad’s band.

In a tweet Monday evening, Wolfgang posted a screenshot from a recent exchange on his Facebook page, in which a fan wrote, “Wolfie. I like your stuff. I just think the time to honor your Dad is now. You’ve already shown you can stand on your own!”

The screenshot also shows Wolf’s response, which reads, “I honor my dad by existing and doing what I do every day.” He then wrote, “I’m not f***in’ playing ‘Panama’ for you guys.”

Wolf captioned the post, “Y’all are never gonna f***in stop are ya,” adding that he wants to perform the David Bowie and Mick Jagger version of the Motown classic “Dancing in the Street,” which Van Halen also memorably covered, “just to piss y’all off.”

Wolf also pointed out the hypocrisy in people accusing him of “riding his daddy’s coattails” when he played bass in Van Halen for the band’s last 14 years, but are now essentially telling him to do exactly that in wanting him to now play his dad’s music.

“Lol I should get a shirt that says ‘I’m not f***in’ playing ‘Panama’ for you guys,'” he concluded.

Mammoth WVH’s tour with Guns N’ Roses continues Wednesday in San Jose, California.

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Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, who kept the beat for the legendary British rockers since joining the band in January 1963, has died at the age of 80.

A statement from Watts’ spokesperson provided to ABC News reads, “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts. He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family. Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also as a member of The Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation. We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time.”

Watts’ passing follows an announcement from The Stones earlier this month that he likely wouldn’t be able to join the band when they kicked off their 2021 No Filter Tour of North America because he was recovering from an unspecified medical procedure.

A longtime jazz aficionado, Watts developed a rock-steady style and swing that was the perfect complement to The Stones’ blues and R&B-influenced rock.

Other than frontman Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards, Charlie was the only member of the band to appear on every Rolling Stones album.

Here’s just a small sampling of the classic Stones hits featuring Watts: “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Paint It, Black,” “Ruby Tuesday,” “Honky Tonk Women,” “Brown Sugar,” “Angie,” “Miss You” and “Start Me Up.”

Watts was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Rolling Stones in 1989. Outside of the band, Watts has released albums with various jazz, blues and boogie woogie groups, including Rocket 88, The Charlie Watts Orchestra, The Charlie Watts Quintet, The Charlie Watts Tentet and The ABC&D of Boogie Woogie.

In addition to his drumming skills, Charlie was known for being a stylish dresser who enjoyed wearing tasteful suits. In 2006, he was chosen for Vanity Fair‘s International Best Dressed Hall of Fame List.

Contrary to The Rolling Stones’ bad boy image, Watts was a devoted husband who was married to his wife, Shirley, for over 56 years. The couple have one daughter, Seraphina, born in 1968.

In 2004, Watts was diagnosed with throat cancer, but after receiving radiotherapy treatment, the disease went into remission.

In a 2008 video interview posted on The Stones’ YouTube channel, Charlie reflected on his drumming style, noting, “My thing, whenever I play, is to make it a dance sound. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a blues or whatever, it should swing and bounce.”

Richards was one of the most passionate and vocal fans of Watts’ drumming. In a 2019 interview with U.K. newspaper The Sun, Keith gushed, “He’s absolutely amazing. It’s indescribable to find a drummer like Charlie Watts, exceptionally brilliant.”

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Alice Cooper, Pearl Jam‘s Eddie Vedder and Elvis Costello are among the artists hosting new episodes of Audible’s ongoing Words + Music series, an audio program described as a combination of music and storytelling.

Cooper will give a rare inside look at the real person behind his iconic shock-rock persona in Who I Really Am: The Diary of a Hollywood Vampire, debuting October 7.

Vedder’s installment, titled I Am Mine, is set to premiere October 21, and will find the grunge rocker “reflecting on a life at the intersection of art, sensitivity, masculinity, and ascendant pop/rock-super stardom that defined an age.”

Costello will host an episode titled How to Play the Guitar and Y that premieres September 16. The program is described as “[p]art masterclass, part madcap guitar-manual” that will feature the eclectic singer/songwriter delivering “a love letter to the guitar, to music, and to the restorative power of ‘play.'”

Other artists taking part in new installments of the Words + Music series include Dave Matthews and Against Me!‘s Laura Jane Grace. Previous episodes have been hosted by Sting, James Taylor, Patti Smith, Sheryl Crow, and Green Day‘s Billie Joe Armstrong.

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Today, August 24, marks the 40th anniversary of the release of The Rolling Stones‘ classic 1981 album Tattoo You.

Tattoo You spent nine consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 in the fall of ’81, holding the top spot on the chart longer than any other Stones album.

Tattoo You featured three singles that reached the Billboard Hot 100’s top 20 — “Start Me Up,” “Waiting on a Friend” and “Hang Fire,” which peaked at #2, #13 and #20, respectively.

Respected music journalist and author Alan Light tells ABC Audio that many people consider Tattoo You to be “the last great Rolling Stones album,” while noting that it’s “such a funny and odd project” in the band’s history.

What made Tattoo You unusual was that it was put together from unfinished outtakes that The Rolling Stones had recorded during various sessions throughout the 1970s and that the band revisited to complete for the album.

Because of this, ex-Stones guitarist Mick Taylor, who left the group in late 1974, actually appears on two of the record’s tracks.

Tattoo You also features contributions from a variety of guest musicians, including keyboardists Nicky Hopkins, Ian Stewart and Billy Preston, founding Santana percussionist Michael Carabello, The Who‘s Pete Townshend and legendary jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins.

Townshend sang backing vocals on the song “Slave,” while Rollins delivered a memorable solo on “Waiting on a Friend,” and also played on “Slave” and “Neighbors.”

To date, Tattoo You has sold over 4 million copies in the U.S. As announced last week, The Rolling Stones will release a 40th anniversary reissue of the album on October 22. The reissue’s deluxe versions will feature nine previously unreleased tracks from that period to which the band has added new vocals and guitar.

Here’s Tattoo You‘s original track list:

“Start Me Up”
“Hang Fire”
“Slave”
“Little T&A”
“Black Limousine”
“Neighbours”
“Worried About You”
“Tops”
“Heaven”
“No Use in Crying”
“Waiting on a Friend”

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In February, Paul McCartney announced plans to release a book this fall called The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, which offers a self-portrait while also profiling 154 songs he’s written throughout his long career.

Now, the former Beatles legend has unveiled the full list of songs that will be featured in the book, spanning alphabetically from “All My Loving” though “Your Mother Should Know.”

The Lyrics, which is available for pre-order now, will be published on November 2. McCartney reveals that the two-volume work will include lyrics to an unrecorded Beatles song titled “Tell Me Who He Is.”

As Sir Paul was writing of the book, the handwritten lyrics to the tune were discovered in one of his notebooks that’s believed to be from the early 1960s.

The Lyrics also will feature other handwritten lyric sheets, as well as rare personal photos, drawings and rough drafts of songs. McCartney has penned commentary about each tune to give fans a look inside his creative process.

As previously reported, the commentary was based on conversations McCartney had over the course of five years with Pulitzer Prize-winning Irish poet and Princeton University professor Paul Muldoon.

Following the book’s November 2 publication, the British Library in London will host a free companion display dubbed “Paul McCartney: The Lyrics” that will be open from November 5 of this year to March 3, 2022. The exhibit will feature handwritten lyrics and photographs spanning Sir Paul’s entire career.

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