Classic Rock News

An archival live album capturing the very first concert by the veteran rock band Cactus will be released this Friday, January 21, on multiple formats.

The album, titled The Birth of Cactus 1970, was recorded at a show that also featured The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Grateful Dead and Steve Miller Band. The concert featured Cactus playing several tunes from its 1970 self-titled debut, as well as select songs from its second and third albums — 1971’s One Way…or Another and Restrictions.

Cactus was formed by Vanilla Fudge drummer Carmine Appice and bassist Tim Bogert around the time of their group’s initial breakup. The band’s original lineup also included singer Rusty Day of The Amboy Dukes and guitarist Jim McCarty of Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels.

Appice recalls of Cactus’ first gig, “I remember…hanging out with Hendrix who was a friend of Cactus. We got on stage and the energy level was off the charts! All the songs kicked major a**. We were so excited to get Cactus going and this show helped. Crowd was great and we did ROCK!!”

The Birth of Cactus 1970 can be pre-ordered now and will be available as a CD digipak and a limited-edition purple-vinyl LP, as well as in digital formats.

Here’s the album’s track list:

“One Way…or Another”
“Sweet Sixteen”
“No Need to Worry”
Medley: “Let Me Swim/Big Mama Boogie/Oleo”
“Feel So Good”
“Parchman Farm”

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Heart‘s Ann Wilson has released a music video for her cover of Alice in Chains‘ 1993 grunge classic “Rooster” that you can watch now at her official YouTube channel.

The clip mixes visually distorted footage of Wilson singing the song with a variety of disturbing images and segments, including new and archival photos and film of soldiers, a baby doll set on fire, maggots feeding on a dead fly, a depressed looking older man drinking a bottle of liquor, a military drone and more.

Alice in Chains guitarist/singer Jerry Cantrell wrote “Rooster” about the psychological scars his father experienced while serving in the Vietnam War.

Wilson first released her version of “Rooster” in December 2020 as the B-side of a limited-edition vinyl single that also featured her rendition of the 2004 Steve Earle song “The Revolution Starts Now.”

A video of Ann performing “Rooster” also was shown during the virtual Founders Award tribute honoring Alice in Chains that was presented by Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture, a.k.a. MoPOP, in December 2020.

On her social media pages, Wilson has posted a screen grab of a Seattle Times interview from December 2020 in which she explains that the “Rooster” music video originally was created to be shown at the Founders Award tribute to Alice in Chains, noting that the organizers decided not to use it because they preferred live footage of artists performing.

Ann added, “[S]ometime I’ll put that video out because it’s really cool. Just maggots and war stuff and darkness and insanity.”

Wilson’s “Rooster” cover also is available as part of a five-song EP compiling some of her recent solo recordings titled Sawheat 8 that she released last June.

(Video contains images that may disturb some viewers.)

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On the heels of the release of their latest studio album, The Boy Named If, Elvis Costello and his longtime backing group The Imposters will be the musical guests this Friday, January 21, on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, airing 11:35 p.m. ET on CBS.

Costello also will take part in an interview on the show.

The Boy Named If, which was released this past Friday, is a 13-track collection that’s described in a press statement as an album “of urgent, immediate songs with bright melodies, guitar solos that sting and a quick step to the rhythm.”

Costello explained about the project, “The full title of this record is The Boy Named If (And Other Children’s Stories). ‘IF,’ is a nickname for your imaginary friend; your secret self, the one who knows everything you deny, the one you blame for the shattered crockery and the hearts you break, even your own.”

The Boy Named If is available on vinyl, CD, cassette and digital formats. There’s also “an 88-page hardback storybook edition,” each copy of which is signed and numbered by Elvis, although that version appears to be currently sold out.

The storybook edition features 13 illustrated short stories that have the same titles as the album’s songs and relate to the corresponding tunes in some way. The stories feature the lyrics of the songs, and the illustrations were created by artist Eamon Singer.

Meanwhile, coinciding with The Boy Named If‘s release, Costello debuted a lyric video for the title track on YouTube. The clip appears to offer an animated version of the illustrated story that accompanies the song.

Costello and The Imposters’ current plans to promote the album include a U.K. tour that kicks off June 5 in Brighton, England.

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Just days after Judas Priest announced that they would be moving forward as a four-piece live outfit without touring guitarist Andy Sneap, the heavy-metal legends apparently have changed their minds and will continue as a quintet with Sneap.

In a message posted on their social media pages, Judas Priest says, “Hello metal maniacs…given all that has recently evolved and transpired we have decided unanimously as a band to continue our live shows unchanged with [singer] Rob [Halford], [bassist] Ian [Hill], [guitarist] Richie [Faulkner], [drummer] Scott [Travis] and Andy.”

The note also explains that longtime guitarist Glenn Tipton, who retired from touring full time with Judas Priest in 2018 after revealing he’d been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, will continue to join the band at select concerts “whenever he’s able.”

The message concludes, “[S]o see you all soon as we forge ahead celebrating 50 massive heavy metal years of Judas Priest together!”

Sneap is a veteran guitarist and producer who co-produced Judas Priest’s most recent studio album, 2018’s Firepower. He was tapped by the band to step in for Tipton on tour that same year after Glenn revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis.

As previously reported, Judas Priest will relaunch their 50 Heavy Metal Years tour with a North American leg that kicks off March 4 in Peoria, Illinois.

The trek features rescheduled dates that were postponed last year after Faulkner suffered an aortic aneurysm onstage during the band’s set at the Louder than Life festival in Kentucky last September. Faulkner announced in November that his recovery was going well, and he’s expected to be with the band when the trek begins.

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John Mellencamp‘s latest studio album, Strictly a One-Eyed Jack, gets its release this Friday, January 21, and the lauded singer/songwriter shares some details about the project in a new interview with Forbes, including how he wound up collaborating with Bruce Springsteen on three songs.

Mellencamp says the collaboration came about “quite by accident,” after he and Springsteen played together at the 2019 benefit concert for Sting‘s Rainforest Fund.

“Bruce and I…met each other years ago, but we just knew each other enough to say hi. But we did a rainforest thing for Sting and…all of a sudden he was like my big brother, and he treated me like I was his sibling, and I treated him with respect,” John explains. “And then we became really good friends, and it just kind of happened. He came to Indiana, he stayed at the house. It was great.”

Springsteen appears on the songs “Wasted Days,” “Did You Say Such a Thing” and “A Life Full of Rain.”

Mellencamp tells Forbes that rather than a collection of disconnected individual songs, Strictly a One-Eyed Jack features 12 tunes he wrote from the perspective of a specific character.

“[A]ll the songs are really one guy speaking,” John notes. “It’s just one guy talking about his life, his future, his self.”

Mellencamp also addressed how his singing voice has changed as he’s gotten older, admitting he’s pleased with its weathered quality.

“I was happy when I heard me sing [the new song] ‘Gone So Soon,’ that I sounded like Louis Armstrong,” the 70-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer maintains. “It wasn’t anything I tried to do, it’s just that cigarettes take their f***ing toll on your vocal cords…But I’m happy that I sound that way.”

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The Scorpions have just released the title track of their forthcoming studio album Rock Believer, which is due out on February 25.

The tune, which is available now via digital formats, combines a catchy melody sung by frontman Klaus Meine with soaring rock accompaniment highlighted by harmonized guitar solos.

Meine, who wrote the song’s lyrics, notes, “Over the years, we’ve heard people say lots of times that rock is dead. But there are still millions of rock believers out there all over the world that prove them wrong. Our fans are the best in the world. We’ll see you someday somewhere out there, because we’re Rock Believers, just like you.”

As previously reported, the “Rock Believer” single’s cover art was designed by Klaus Voormann, who famously created the cover of The Beatles‘ classic 1966 album Revolver. A music video for the song will premiere on The Scorpions’ YouTube channel this Tuesday, January 18, at 12 p.m. ET.

Following the video’s premiere, The Scorpions will be hosting a special after-party and Q&A event that will be accessible to subscribers of the YouTube Premium service. You can submit questions for the band members now in the comments section of this Facebook post.

Rock Believer‘s title track is the second advance song issued from the album, following “Peacemaker.” You can pre-order the album now.

The Scorpions will kick off their 2022 tour itinerary in support of Rock Believer with a nine-date Las Vegas residency at the Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood, running from March 26 to April 16. Visit The-Scorpions.com for more info.

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As Loverboy prepares to return to the stage for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, the veteran Canadian rockers have released a brand-new single, “Release,” that they recorded remotely during lockdown.

The hard-rocking, ’80s-influenced song is available now via streaming services, while a video for the tune has premiered at Loverboy’s YouTube channel. The clip features the band performing the song together, mixed with archival footage of the group playing at various concerts.

Loverboy guitarist Paul Dean began writing “Release” for a heavy-metal band that wanted him to collaborate with them, but when the project fell through, he decided that the song could work as a tune for his own group.

“It started out as a frustrated call to action, after months of lock down, and morphed into a metal anthem about the loyalty and commitment of that audience,” explains Dean, who says the lyrics were inspired by the 2005 documentary Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey.

Paul adds, “The communal aspect of heavy rock is almost like a religion. I’ve always been a big metal fan; my son and I have seen many of those bands in concert.”

Dean enlisted his Loverboy band mates to help finish the song, including frontman Mike Reno, who contributed some lyrics as well as lead vocals.

Paul also praises Loverboy drummer Matt Frenette, who sent him seven different drum takes to choose from for the track.

“That was amazing,” Dean enthuses. “It totally blew me away.”

Loverboy will play their first concert in nearly two years on January 23 in Ridgefield, Washington. The band has a variety of other headlining shows scheduled leading up to their upcoming spring/summer tour with Styx and REO Speedwagon, which kicks off May 31 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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A new collection of Jimi Hendrix-inspired footwear and accessories created by shoe designer John Fluevog in partnership with the Experience Hendrix company, which oversees the late guitar legend’s legacy, will be available starting later this month.

The John Fluevog + Jimi Hendrix collection includes The Stand Up Electric Lady and The Tudor Jimi boots, as well as a uniquely designed bag, belts and bracelets.

The designs were inspired by Hendrix’s life, music, lyrics, art and fashion sense, and Fluevog and his team worked closely with Jimi’s family to create items that pay proper tribute to the rock icon.

The Stand Up Electric Lady is a tall platform boot featuring silk scarf lacing, while The Tudor Jimi is an ankle boot that boasts braided appliqué. Both boots will be available in variations featuring either gold embroidery or purple velvet. The velvet used in the boots features examples of Hendrix’s handwriting.

“I feel such a sense of privilege to be connected to a cultural icon at the level of Jimi Hendrix,” Fluevog says in a statement. “We went deep into Jimi’s clothes, style and overall journey; one can envision him swinging down the streets of London in this collection looking perfect. We’re so proud of it and we’d like to think Jimi would be delighted with our collective efforts.”

Adds Janie Hendrix, Jimi’s sister and Experience Hendrix’s CEO, “If ever a product line has drawn from the very essence of the Hendrix experience, this one has. Fluevog has truly grasped the signature style and energy of Jimi and created pieces that could very well have come out of his closet. The ‘wow effect’ that Jimi unveiled every time he appeared is definitely there!”

The Hendrix collection will be available at John Fluevog stores and website starting January 27.

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Evidently, Rod Stewart, Snoop Dogg and Heidi Klum is the musical trio we didn’t know we needed.

Heidi, who’s not known as a singer, has teamed up with rap icon Snoop Dogg for a dance track called “Chai Tea with Heidi,” produced by L.A.-based producer duo WeddingCake.  In the track, Snoop raps, while Heidi sings the hook — which is lifted from Rod’s 1983 hit “Baby Jane.”

Specifically, Heidi sings the song’s chorus: “When I give my heart again I know/ It’s gonna last forever/ No one tell me where or when I know/ It’s gonna last forever.”

“I’m most honored that these Super Stars have included ‘Baby Jane’ in this memorable song,” says Rod in a statement.

Heidi adds, “I am still pinching myself to make sure this really happened. It was truly an honor to work with Snoop Dogg and WeddingCake to create this fun and upbeat song that will hopefully make you want to get up and dance. This would not have been possible if [the] iconic Sir Rod Stewart didn’t give us approval to use melody and lyrics to his ‘Baby Jane.'”

As for Snoop, he notes, “I know that all of Europe will be hearin this in tha clubs til 6 in tha mornin. Lookn forward to getting back overseas n performing it live ya dig?!?!”

As for why the song is called “Chai Tea with Heidi,” at one point, Snoop raps, “Girl, you’re hot and you’re sweet like chai tea/ After the show we can kick it like tai chi/ Me and you in the mood, that’s likely/ Get your dance on, baby, entice me.”

Wonder what Heidi’s ex-husband — Grammy-winning singer Seal — thinks of his former wife’s foray into music?

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Rolling Stone has unveiled its list of the 10 highest-earning music artists for 2021, and the tally is made up mostly up veteran acts who sold the rights to their music catalogs last year.

Topping the list is Bruce Springsteen, who earned a whopping $590 million last year, $550 million of which came from the sale of his publishing copyrights and master recordings to Sony, the parent company of his longtime label. The Boss’ 2021 earnings also included money he made from his Springsteen on Broadway performances, the Spotify podcast he did with Barack Obama, and the book that emerged from the podcast.

Landing at #3 on the tally was Paul Simon, who enjoyed a $260 million payday in 2021. Simon also sold his entire music catalog to Sony Music Publishing last year, including his solo compositions and those he wrote for Simon & Garfunkel.

Also in the top 10 of the list were The Red Hot Chili Peppers at #6 with $145 million in earnings, Lindsey Buckingham at #7 with $100 million and Mötley Crüe at #8 with $95 million in income. All three acts sold the rights to their music publishing and/or master recordings in 2021.

Discussing the wave of music catalog acquisitions that’s been taking place recently, Josh Gruss, CEO of Round Hill Music, notes, “These are almost like pieces of art — there’s a finite number of real, super-high-quality hit songs from the past — and there’s this sort of all-out grab to own those rights…It’s a very steady stream of revenue that’s there.”

Only three artists in the top 10 didn’t sell their music rights last year — Jay-Z, Kanye West and Taylor Swift.

Here are the 10 artists who made the most money in 2021

1. Bruce Springsteen — $590 million
2. Jay-Z — $470 million
3. Paul Simon — $260 million
4. Kanye West — $250 million
5. Ryan Tedder — $200 million
6. Red Hot Chili Peppers — $145 million
7. Lindsey Buckingham — $100 million
8. Mötley Crüe — $95 million
9. Blake Shelton — $83 million
10. Taylor Swift — $80 million

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