Eric Clapton’s ‘MTV Unplugged’ performance to debut in theaters

January 13, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

Eric Clapton’s iconic MTV Unplugged performance is coming to the big screen.

Eric Clapton Unplugged … Over 30 Years Later is set to debut in select U.S. and U.K. theaters on Jan. 27 and Jan. 28. The 90-minute special will then stream on Paramount+ starting Feb. 12.

In addition to the original Unplugged special, the new release will feature new content, including commentary from Clapton about the inspiration behind the songs and footage of performances shot for the crew before he took the stage.

Clapton recorded his episode of MTV Unplugged on Jan. 16, 1992, in front of a small audience at Bray Film Studios in Windsor, England.

The taping featured performances of such songs as “Tears in Heaven,” about the death of his 4-year-old son, Conor, and an acoustic version of “Layla.”

A live album of the special was released in August 1992 and went to #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. It also won three Grammy Awards, including Record and Song of the Year for “Tears In Heaven,” and sold 26 million copies worldwide to become the bestselling live album of all time.

Tickets for Eric Clapton Unplugged … Over 30 Years Later are on sale now.

On This Day, Jan. 13, 1973: Eric Clapton made his stage comeback at the Rainbow Theatre in London

January 13, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

On This Day, Jan. 13, 1973 …

Eric Clapton returned to the stage after a two-year hiatus with two back-to-back shows at the Rainbow Theatre in London. During that two-year break Clapton battled a heroin addiction and recorded his second solo album, 461 Ocean Boulevard.

An all-star lineup of guest stars supported Clapton at the show, including The Who’s Pete Townshend, who organized the concert, Ronnie Wood, Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi.

A live album of the concert was released that September, with an expanded edition released in 1995 to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the concert.

Tony Levin looks back at his life on the road with new video for ‘Road Dogs’

January 13, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

Legendary musician Tony Levin, best known for working with King Crimson and Peter Gabriel, is giving fans a glimpse of his life on the road with the video for “Road Dogs,” a track from his latest solo album, Bringing It Down to the Bass, which dropped in September.

The black-and-white comic book-style clip features personal photos and video from Tony’s career on the road, including his recent BEAT tour, which featured Adrian Belew, Steve Vai and Danny Carey celebrating the 1980s era of King Crimson, as well as from his time working with King Crimson, Gabriel and more. It also pays tribute to the crew that handles all the behind-the-scenes of a tour.

“We road dogs who tour all the time aren’t just the players onstage – as the lyrics say, there’s trucking & rigging and loading and gigging,” Tony shares. “[M]any of my photos of the crews in action seemed right for the video.”

Bringing It Down to the Bass is available now on double vinyl, CD, Blu-ray and digital streaming.

Bruce Springsteen, Roger Daltrey among the musicians paying tribute to Sam Moore

January 12, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

Bruce Springsteen is one of the many artists paying tribute to legendary Sam & Dave singer Sam Moore, who passed away Friday at the age of 89.

“Over on E Street, we are heartbroken to hear of the death of Sam Moore, one of America’s greatest soul voices,” Springsteen wrote on social media. “There simply isn’t another sound like Sam’s soulful tenor in American music.”

“Having had the honor to work with Sam on several occasions, he was a sweet and funny man,” Bruce added. “He was filled with stories of the halcyon days of soul music, and to the end had that edge of deep authenticity in his voice I could only wonder at. We offer our prayers to his wife Joyce and thanks for the immortal recordings Sam left us. God bless.”

Along with the message, Springsteen and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame shared a video of The Boss being joined by Moore for a performance of Sam & Dave’s classic tunes “Hold On, I’m Coming” and “Soul Man” at the Rock Hall’s 25th anniversary concert at New York’s Madison Square Garden in 2009.

In addition to that performance, Moore appeared on three songs on Springsteen’s 1992 album Human Touch, while Springsteen appeared on Moore’s track “Better to Have and Not Need.”

The Who’s Roger Daltrey also remembered Moore, writing, “When I think back to my teenage years and the sounds of the records which would eventually shape my life to come, Sam Moore’s voice still rings fresh in my ears. His pure soul voice was inspirational to me. Thank you, Sam for the great music.”

Others paying tribute to the soul legend include Sammy Hagar, Jon Bon Jovi, Nile Rodgers, Stevie Van Zandt, Chuck D and more.

Who needs Dylan? Timothée Chalamet to be host and musical guest on ‘Saturday Night Live’

January 10, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

Timothée Chalamet does his own singing and guitar playing in the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, and it looks like he’s getting ready to do it live.

The actor has been booked to not only be the host of the Jan. 25 episode of NBC’s Saturday Night Live, he’s going to be the musical guest, as well.

While it’s unknown if Chalamet will sing as Dylan during the broadcast, the announcement comes after he was nominated for a Golden Globe and SAG Award for playing Dylan in the film, which is in theaters now.

And Chalamet certainly has plenty of Dylan songs to pick from. In a November interview with Entertainment Weekly, the film’s producer Fred Berger revealed that Chalamet performs 40 Dylan songs in A Complete Unknown.

This will be Chalamet’s third time hosting SNL and his first time as musical guest.

After more than 300 weeks, Elton John’s ‘Diamonds’ tops the UK album chart

January 10, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

Elton John has landed another #1 album in the U.K., but it sure took him a long time to get there.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s 2017 best-of, Diamonds, tops the U.K. Official Chart after spending 374 weeks on the chart. When the album was first released it debuted at #5 and eventually peaked at #2 — until now.

Diamonds now holds the record for having both the most weeks in the top 40 and the most consecutive weeks in the top 40 before hitting #1. And after not dropping out of the top 100 since its release, the album is now the Elton record to spend the most time in the top 100.

“I’m so happy to have a UK #1 album with Diamonds,” Elton wrote on social media. “It came out in 2017, which feels like a lifetime ago. This is the first time it’s topped the charts since its release, I’m blessed that so many incredible things have happened with my career during that time. I’m overjoyed and want to sincerely thank all my incredible fans for their constant love and support.”

“What a great start to the year,” he said in an accompanying video. “I could not be happier. Yesss!!!!”

Elton’s husband and manager, David Furnish, told Music Week that the #1 is “a testament to the ongoing relevance of the hardest working artist there is.”

Diamonds’ recent resurgence is thanks to the release of a super-deluxe Blu-ray edition and a limited-edition vinyl version of the album.

The album is now Elton’s ninth #1 in the U.K. His previous chart-toppers include 1973’s Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road; 1974’s Caribou and Elton John’s Greatest Hits; and 2021’s The Lockdown Sessions.

Billy Joel pushes January gig to November due to ‘medical procedure’

January 10, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

After a stellar 2024, Billy Joel‘s 2025 is starting off a little bumpy: He’s had to reschedule his first concert of the year — not counting New Year’s Eve — for medical reasons.

Billy was set to perform Jan. 17 at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, but the show has now been postponed to Nov. 1 due to “a medical procedure,” according to a statement on his Instagram.

“I’m disappointed to share that I must postpone my concert at Hard Rock Live,” Billy said. “I appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing everyone in November.” Tickets for the Jan. 17 show will be valid for the new date. Fans who can’t make the new show can get refunds from the point of purchase from now through March 11.

Billy is scheduled to perform Feb. 8 with Sting in Indianapolis and has a solo show planned at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, on Feb. 22.

Bill Medley releases ‘Crying Time,’ featuring Michael McDonald, from upcoming album

January 10, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

The Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley has shared a new single from his upcoming album, Straight from the Heart, which is due out Feb. 14.

The 12-track album, Medley’s first new record in over a decade, has the legendary singer covering classic country ballads with the help of special guests. The latest release is a recording of “Crying Time,” featuring The Doobie Brothers’ Michael McDonald. The tune was originally recorded by Ray Charles and written by Buck Owens.

“I really love this song, and it was one that I felt that I could relate to. Being married a few times and experiencing the highs and lows and knowing when it’s over — It’s ‘Crying time,’” Medley shares. “I admire Michael and loved singing with him on this duet. Our old school roots and singing came together so easily.”

“Bill Medley takes his rightful place alongside other great vocalists such as Ray Charles, Tony Bennett and Nat Cole in showing us a greater depth to the compositions he chooses to perform,” McDonald adds. “It only takes a timelessly soulful voice to do that.”

“Crying Time” is available now via digital outlets.

This is the third track Medley has released from Straight from the Heart, following “These Days” featuring Vince Gill and “(Since You’ve) Gone” featuring Keb’ Mo’. The album is available for preorder now.

David Bowie, Bob Dylan make ‘Rolling Stone’s’ list of the 250 greatest albums of the 21st century so far

January 10, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

Rolling Stone has come out with its list of the 250 greatest albums of the 21st century so far, with albums from David Bowie and Bob Dylan making the list.

Dylan lands at #19 with Love and Theft, which was released in 2001; the mag calls it a “ragged masterpiece.” He also places at #149 with 2020’s Rough and Rowdy Ways.

Bowie’s final album, Blackstar, which the rocker recorded while battling liver cancer, ranks at 25. It was released in 2015 just two days before he died. The mag calls the record “one of the greatest final acts in rock history.”

Other albums making the list include Bruce Springsteen’s The Rising (2002), Green Day’s American Idiot (2004), Brian Wilson’s Smile (2004), U2’s All That You Can’t Leave Behind (2000), Paul Simon’s So Beautiful or So What (2011), R.E.M.’s Reveal (2001), and Paul McCartney’s Chaos and Creation in the Backyard (2005).

As for the #1 album, that goes to Beyoncé‘s 2016 release, Lemonade, with Radiohead’s 2000 record, Kid A, coming in at #2.

The complete list can be found at RollingStone.com.

Elton John wishes his ‘great mate’ Rod Stewart a happy birthday: ‘So many great memories’

January 10, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

Elton John and Rod Stewart haven’t been that close in recent years, but Elton still made it a point to wish his old pal a happy 80th birthday on Friday.

On his Instagram Story, Elton posted a slideshow of pictures of the two of them through the decades. One picture shows Elton in drag, sitting in Rod’s lap; another shows them side by side in bathtubs. “Happy birthday to my great mate! @sirrodstewart,” Elton wrote. “So many great memories over the years! Hope you have a brilliant day celebrating! Much love!”

Elton and Rod used to be so close that they had special nicknames for each other — Rod was “Phyllis” and Elton was “Sharon” — and played elaborate pranks on each other. But in 2018, Rod ticked Elton off by going on TV and saying that Elton’s farewell tour was a “dishonest” ploy to get more money.

In his autobiography, Elton wrote about Rod’s comment, “I certainly didn’t feel like I needed a lecture on the feral spirit of rock and roll from someone who’d spent most of the last decade crooning his way through the Great American Songbook … I thought he had a f****** [nerve], complaining about me promoting a tour while he was sat on a TV show promoting his own tour.”

Rod told ABC Audio in 2021, “We don’t see each other anymore. We don’t keep in contact. The romance is over. I suppose, you know, we contact each other through the press now. If I say something b***** about him, he’ll use the press to get back at me. But we love each other. That’s what counts.”

Meanwhile, Rod took to Instagram Friday to thank his “loyal and rowdy fans … for giving me such a wonderful life,” adding, “I’ve not finished yet.”

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