The children of Metallica are hitting the road together.
Bastardane, featuring James Hetfield‘s son Castor Hetfield on drums, and OTTTO, featuring Robert Trujillo‘s son Tye Trujillo on bass, have announced a co-headlining tour, making stops in a number of California cities in May and June.
Both Bastardane and OTTTO are also playing the Bottle Rock Napa Valley festival over Memorial Day Weekend, which Metallica is headlining.
By the way, Hetfield and Trujillo aren’t the only Metallica members with kids following in their dads’ rocker footsteps. Lars Ulrich‘s children Myles and Layne Ulrich also have a band, Taipei Houston.
Mick Jagger and Sheryl Crow in 2013; Paul Natkin/WireImage
Sheryl Crow has released a cover of the 1969 Rolling Stones song “Live with Me” that features none other than Mick Jagger playing some blues harmonica licks throughout the track.
The song is featured in her new documentary, Sheryl, and on its accompanying soundtrack. The film will get its television premiere on Showtime on May 6, and the album, titled Sheryl: Music from the Feature Documentary, will be released the same day.
Crow has had a long association and friendship with The Rolling Stones, and performed “Live with Me” in concert with the band as far back as 1994.
According to a press release, the movie “[n]avigates Crow’s seminal yet hard-fought musical career battling sexism, depression, perfectionism, cancer, and the price of fame — before harnessing the power of her gift.”
As previously reported, the album is a 35-track compilation that features the Grammy winning singer and songwriter’s biggest hits, including “If It Makes You Happy,” “Soak Up the Sun,” “All I Wanna Do,” “Strong Enough,” “Everyday Is a Winding Road” and many others.
The album also is packed with deep tracks and three newly recorded songs, one of which is the “Live with Me” cover, as well as collaborations with other stars including Stevie Nicks, Eric Clapton, Sting, Keith Richards and the late Johnny Cash.
Sheryl: Music from the Feature Documentary can be pre-ordered now, and will be available digitally and as a two-CD set.
Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett has released a new song called “High Plains Drifter,” the first preview off his upcoming debut solo EP, Portals.
The instrumental piece includes contributions from orchestra conductor Edwin Outwater, who previously collaborated with Metallica for their 2019 S&M2 concerts, as well as Queens of the Stone Age drummer Jon Theodore and members of the LA Philharmonic.
“The music for ‘High Plains Drifter’ initially came from a Flamenco piece I had written,” Hammett explains. “It was a two-and-a-half-minute piece, and I really liked it, but it was one of those riffs that would be hard to integrate into Metallica.”
He adds, “I knew I wanted to do something with it, even though it came out spontaneously. I had been sitting outside messing around with a Flamenco acoustic guitar I’d just bought, and it flowed out in the moment. I was determined it would have a life. It would have its moment.”
“High Plans Drifter” is available now via digital outlets. It’s one of four instrumental tracks included on Portals, which will be released in full on Record Store Day, April 23.
May’s rendition of “Maybe Baby” will be featured on a bonus disc of the forthcoming deluxe reissue of his second studio album, 1998’s Another World, due out April 22. The song originally appeared on an EP called Retro Rock Special that Brian released under the alter ego T.E. Conway and that was only available at the time to those who purchased Another World.
“I’ve never done a Buddy Holly song, and I did ‘Maybe Baby,'” says Brian, reflecting on the cover. “That song more than probably any other, is the reason that I’m here doing this, playing guitar and being a rock star and being a very fortunate person.”
The “Maybe Baby” video features a montage of fan artwork capturing the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer at various ages, and in various styles.
The paintings and drawings appearing in the clip all come from the new book Another World: The Bri-Art Collection, which celebrates the new reissue and will be released the same day. The book features over 300 pieces created by both professional and amateur artists, and includes a number of images that can be viewed in 3-D with OWL Stereoscopic Viewer designed by May that’s packaged with the volume.
The Another World reissue, which you can pre-ordered now, features a remastered version of the original album, as well as a bevy of previously unreleased remixes, rarities, live tracks and covers.
Founding Blondie guitarist Chris Stein has announced that he’ll be sitting out the band’s next series of concerts because of an issue with his heart.
In a message posted on his Twitter and Instagram pages, Stein writes, “I’m sad and frustrated to report that I’m not going out with the next bunch of Blondie touring. I’ve been dealing with a dumba** condition called Atrial Fibrillation or AFib which is irregular heart beats and combined with the meds I take for it I’m too fatigued to deal.”
The 72-year-old musician adds, “I’m still all in with recording and other band projects and I should be out for [discussion events, etc.,] later on…That’s it, I’m fine, I’m around here and I love you all.”
Stein also reports that original Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock will be playing with Blondie on the band’s upcoming shows.
Meanwhile, in a separate Facebook post, Stein notes that the heart condition was the reason he was sitting down during Blondie’s most recent shows.
He adds, “My brain is doing great and I’ve been writing during [the COVID-19 pandemic],” while revealing that he has a book deal in place in the U.K. for a memoir, while things are pending in the U.S.
Blondie kicks off a 10-date U.K. tour on April 22 in Glasgow, Scotland. The trek runs through a May 7 concert in Birmingham, England, and ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr will open all dates. The band also has a handful of California performances lined up in May, including sets at the 1980s-themed Cruel World festival on May 14-15 in Pasadena.
Then, in August, Blondie will launch a 10-show U.S. trek dubbed the Against the Odds Tour, featuring U.K. punk veterans The Damned as the support act.
Edgar Winter‘s new album, Brother Johnny: An All-Star Tribute to Johnny Winter, hit stores Friday. As its title suggests, the 17-track collection features Edgar teaming up with a variety of well-known musicians to pay homage to the music of his late brother, blues-rock guitar legend Johnny Winter.
Among the many stars who contributed to the project are Ringo Starr, Joe Walsh, ZZ Top‘s Billy Gibbons, Michael McDonald, ex-Allman Brothers Band members Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks, Toto‘s Steve Lukather, and late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.
“I thought this was gonna be a hard album to make, but this turned out to be just a joyous, inspiring, uplifting experience for me,” Edgar tells ABC Audio. “It was just so amazingly beautiful to do this with a lot of my longtime friends, and then a lot of people that I had never met.”
Edgar says one standout track is a version of Johnny’s soulful 1974 ballad “Stranger,” which features Starr, Walsh and McDonald.
Edgar explains that he initially envisioned Walsh playing guitar on a version of Chuck Berry‘s “Johnny B. Goode” that’s included on Brother Johnny, but notes that after Joe heard “Stranger,” he “flipped out,” and insisted on contributing guitar to that track.
After Walsh signed on, Edgar says he felt comfortable enough to ask Ringo, Joe’s brother-in-law, to play drums on “Stranger.” Winter admits that he “was blown away” when Starr agreed.
Edgar tells ABC Audio that it was his wife, Monique, who suggested getting McDonald to sing “Stranger,” which he immediately realized was a great idea.
“I just knew that it would be something special,” he notes. “And I really do feel like it’s a magical vocal, and one of the highlights on the album.”
Here’s Brother Johnny‘s full track list:
“Mean Town Blues” — featuring Joe Bonamassa
“Alive and Well” — featuring Kenny Wayne Shepherd
“Lone Star Blues” — featuring Keb’ Mo’
“I’m Yours and I’m Hers” — featuring Billy Gibbons & Derek Trucks
“Johnny B. Goode” — featuring Joe Walsh & David Grissom
“Stranger” — featuring Michael McDonald, Joe Walsh & Ringo Starr
“Highway 61 Revisited” — featuring Kenny Wayne Shepherd & John McFee
“Rock ‘n’ Roll Hoochie Koo” — featuring Steve Lukather
“When You Got a Good Friend” — featuring Doyle Bramhall II
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” — featuring Phil X
“Guess I’ll Go Away” — featuring Taylor Hawkins & Doug Rappoport
“Drown in My Own Tears”
“Self Destructive Blues” — featuring Joe Bonamassa
“Memory Pain” — featuring Warren Haynes
“Stormy Monday Blues” — featuring Robben Ford
“Got My Mojo Workin'” — featuring Bobby Rush
“End of the Line” — featuring David Campbell Strings
Daniel Knighton/Getty Images; Bobby Bank/Getty Images
Peter Frampton, George Thorogood and doo-wop/rock ‘n’ roll legend Dion DiMucci are among the artists who will be taking part in acclaimed blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa‘s third annual Stream-A-Thon charity event scheduled for Saturday, May 1, at 3 p.m. ET.
The event benefits the Fueling Musicians program launched by Bonamassa’s Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation to help support supports musicians in need. Bonamassa will host the presentation, which will feature over two hours of music performed by more than 25 artists.
In addition to Frampton, Thorogood, Dion and Bonamassa, the lineup includes Litte Feat/Doobie Brothers keyboardist Bill Payne, Eric Gales, Tommy Emmanuel and Mike Dawes.
To date, To date, the Fueling Musicians program has raised more than $500,000 for touring musicians who have faced financial difficulties and whose livelihood has been impacted by the the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the music industry.
To find out more information about the Fueling Musicians program and to donate to the cause, visit KeepingtheBluesAlive.org.
“I am so thankful for the incredible support from our industry partners and for the fans who have donated to this program,” Bonamassa says. “Through the generosity of our contributors, we can continue to impact musicians who still need our help.”
John Fogerty is featured on a new album called Americana Railroad made up of train-themed songs recorded by a variety of artists.
The 19-track collection, which will be released on CD and digital formats on June 17, was the brainchild of veteran roots rocker Carla Olson and her husband and longtime manager, Saul Davis. Olson is known for her series of collaborations with late Byrds member Gene Clark, while an early version of her band The Textones featured future Go-Go’s bassist Kathy Valentine.
Americana Railroad features a mix of traditional and contemporary songs involving trains.
Fogerty contributes a version of the classic Steve Goodman folk song “City of New Orleans” that features Mickey Raphael on harmonica.
Other artists who appear on the album include Rocky Burnette, founding Electric Flag keyboardist Barry Goldberg, former Blasters guitarist Dave Alvin, longtime Paul McCartney touring guitarist Brian Ray, and Gene Clark’s son, Kai.
Olson is featured on three songs, including the album’s lead track, “Here Comes That Train Again,” a duet with Long Ryders member Stephen McCarthy, who also wrote the track. You can check out the tune at PopMatters.com and on YouTube.
Among the other noteworthy songs on the album are renditions of “Mystery Train,” “Train Kept A-Rollin’,” Woody Guthrie‘s “This Train,” Graham Nash‘s “Marrakesh Express” and Curtis Mayfield‘s “People Get Ready.”
“The Americana Railroad album is a collection of both history and metaphor for your listening and thought provoking pleasure,” says Olson.
“Here Comes That Train Again” — Stephen McCarthy & Carla Olson
“The Conductor Wore Black” — Robert Rex Waller Jr. with Chip Kinman
“Mystery Train” — Rocky Burnette with Barry Goldberg
“This Train” — Peter Case
“City of New Orleans” — John Fogerty with Mickey Raphael
“Marrakesh Express” — Dustbowl Revival
“Train Leaves Here This Morning” — Kai Clark with Byron Berline
“Train Kept A-Rollin'” — Gary Myrick
“Southwest Chief” — Dave Alvin
“500 Miles” — Alice Howe
“People Get Ready” — Deborah Poppink
“Steel Pony Blues” — Dom Flemons
“Runaway Train” — John York
“Waiting for a Train” — Paul Burch & Fats Kaplin
“Freight Train” — AJ Haynes of Seratones
“Whiskey Train” — Carla Olson & Brian Ray
“Mystery Train” — James Intveld with Barry Goldberg
“Midnight Rail” — Robert Rex Waller Jr. with Todd Wolfe
“I Remember the Railroad” — Stephen McCarthy & Carla Olson
A Van Halen tour featuring drummer Alex Van Halen, guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani and ex-Metallica bassist Jason Newsted was apparently discussed.
That revelation comes from Newsted himself, who tells The Palm Beach Postthat Alex had recruited Satriani to step in for his late brother and band mate, Eddie Van Halen, and had been searching for a bassist.
Newstead says he was approached for the project about six months ago, and traveled to California to jam with the pair before deciding not to continue with the project.
“There’s nobody that can top [Van Halen], so how do you show it honor?” Newsted says. “I didn’t want it to be viewed as a money grab. And then it kind of just all fizzled.”
It’s unclear whether the tour would be considered a tribute to be Van Halen, or whether the band was supposed to be a rebooted version of the iconic “Panama” rockers. It’s also unclear whether Alex and Satriani still plan to pursue the project without Newsted.
Eddie died October 2020. Prior to his passing, a tour potentially featuring the return of bassist Michael Anthony and all of Van Halen’s past vocalists — David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar and Gary Cherone — was discussed, but was ultimately scrapped due to Eddie’s health issues.
Eddie’s son Wolfgang Van Halen, who played bass in Van Halen since 2006 and now fronts the band Mammoth WVH, has repeatedly said that the band is done following his father’s death. “You can’t have Van Halen without Eddie Van Halen,” Wolf told ABC Audio in 2020.
A new film titled Moonage Daydream billed as “a definitive…portrait” of the late David Bowie will be released soon, BMG has announced.
The movie, which has been in the works for five years and was written and directed by Brett Morgen, is the first film to be officially sanctioned by Bowie’s estate.
In a press statement, Moonage Daydream is described as “a sublime kaleidoscopic experiential cinematic odyssey that explores Bowie’s creative, spiritual, and philosophical journey.” The movie includes previously unseen footage and performances, and will feature Bowie’s own narration. The film includes 47 musical tracks, mixed from the original recordings. David’s longtime friend and collaborator Tony Visconti is serving as the project’s musical producer.
BMG executive-produced and financed Moonage Daydream with Live Nation Productions. The Neon production company is handling distribution in the U.S. The film will be shown in theaters, including select IMAX cinemas. Cable and streaming rights have been licensed to HBO and HBO Max, where, according to Billboard, the film will get its TV premiere in spring 2023.
Moonage Daydream is the first movie of a multiple-film agreement Morgen has struck with BMG for IMAX productions. Brett’s previous credits include the 2012 Rolling Stones documentary Crossfire Hurricane and 2015’s Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck.
“This has been a five year labour of love to honour one of the greatest song catalogues in music history,” says BMG executive Fred Casimir. “BMG is proud to build on our long-term relationship with the David Bowie estate working hand-in-hand with our partners Live Nation Productions to bring Brett Morgen’s vision to the big screen.”
BMG holds a 25% stake in Bowie’s song catalog dating from 1970 to 1977, including such classics as “Changes,” “Starman,” “Ziggy Stardust,” “Life on Mars,” “Rebel Rebel” and “Fame.”
