‘Saturday Night Live’ 50th anniversary docuseries features episode about Blue Öyster Cult ‘More Cowbell’ sketch

January 7, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

A new docuseries celebrating the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live debuts in January and will feature an episode about the infamous “More Cowbell” sketch, which aired in 2000 and centered around the recording of Blue Öyster Cult’s classic tune “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.”

According to a press release, the docuseries’ third episode, aptly titled More Cowbell, will feature Blue Öyster Cult’s Eric Bloom, Buck Dharma and Albert Bouchard, the latter of whom actually plays the cowbell in the song. Music producer Bruce Dickinson, who is portrayed by Christopher Walken in the sketch, is also set to appear.

Also featured in the episode is Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Kattan and Chris Parnell, who were all in the cowbell sketch, as well as Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl and Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme.

If you’re surprised that there’s a whole episode about that one sketch, you’re not the only one. In the trailer for the documentary, Fallon is heard saying, “This is beyond my wildest dreams that you’re making a documentary about the cowbell sketch.”

SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night debuts Jan. 16 exclusively on Peacock.

Elton John taps his pal Chappell Roan to headline his annual Academy Awards Viewing Party

January 7, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

Elton John has been a supporter of Chappell Roan since 2023, before she became a Grammy-nominated megastar. Over the past year, the two have become good pals, so it’s no wonder that Elton has tapped the “Hot to Go!” singer to perform at his 33rd Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards® Viewing Party.

This year, the event will take place in West Hollywood, California, on March 2 and will be hosted by Elton and his husband David Furnish, along with co-hosts Neil Patrick Harris and his husband David Burtka, plus Jean Smart and Sheryl Lee Ralph.

Over the years, Elton’s annual bash has raised nearly $115 million for the fight to end HIV/AIDS. In a statement, he says, “David and I are thrilled to gather with friends and supporters once again, and we’re honored to welcome the bold and authentic Chappell Roan as this year’s performer, whose artistry embodies the power of music to inspire change.”

Among the stars who will serve on Benefit Committee for the event: Mick Jagger, Hozier, Sharon Stone, Megan Thee Stallion, Sean Penn and Jeffrey Wright.

Lenny Kravitz announces new Las Vegas residency dates

January 7, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

Lenny Kravitz is returning to Las Vegas.

The rocker just announced a new set of dates for his Blue Electric Light Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM. Lenny is set to return for five more shows: Aug. 1, Aug. 2, Aug. 6, Aug. 8 and Aug. 9.

A Citi presale kicks off Wednesday at 10 a.m., with tickets going on sale to the general public starting Saturday at 10 a.m.

Lenny launched his Blue Electric Light Las Vegas residency in October, and the new shows are the only U.S. dates on his calendar. He does have several European dates booked for 2025 and will next play Lyon, France, on Feb. 22. A complete list of dates can be found at lennykravitz.com.

Developers apologize after bulldozing childhood home of AC/DC stars

January 7, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

Developers in Sydney, Australia, have issued an apology after bulldozing the childhood home of AC/DC rockers Malcolm and Angus Young, the Herald Sun reports.

Burwood Square Pty Ltd purchased the home in February 2023 and recently demolished it, something that shouldn’t have happened because in 2013 the property was added to the National Trust List of Historic Homes. The company claims it was not informed of the home’s historical significance.

“We regret that the previous long-term owner did not share this vital part of the property’s background with us,” Burwood Square Pty Ltd general manager Leon Kmita said. “Learning about this connection after our plans were already underway has shocked us. We are genuinely sorry for this oversight.”

The company went on to share its “heartfelt regret” at the demolition, noting, “[W]e now recognize how deeply this location resonates with the AC/DC community and fans worldwide.”

It also said it is hoping to use material from the site to create a “special space” so fans “can gather to celebrate the band’s enduring legacy.”

“We feel a strong responsibility to honor AC/DC’s legacy and to make amends to all the fans who hold this band in such high regard,” Kmita added. “While we cannot change the past, we are dedicated to celebrating this significant part of their story.”

He adds, “To the global fanbase of AC/DC, please know that we hear you, appreciate your deep admiration for this legendary band, and are devoted to making this right.”

The Young family moved into the home in 1963 after arriving in Sydney from Scotland. The Young brothers went on to found the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band at the home in 1973. Burwood plans to build a residential development on the site.

On This Day, Jan. 7, 2020: Rush drummer Neil Peart passed away

January 7, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

On This Day, Jan. 7, 2020 …

Rush drummer Neil Peart passed away following a battle with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. He was 67.

Peart had been diagnosed with the disease over three years earlier, but kept his condition a secret from the public.

Peart joined Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson in Rush in 1974, six years after it had been formed. They went on to release 19 albums together and sell millions of records, earning 14 Platinum and three multi-Platinum albums in the U.S.

The band released their final album, Clockwork Angels, in 2012. In 2015 Peart announced in an interview that he had retired from music.

Rush were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

Bon Jovi’s ‘Slippery When Wet’ deluxe and vinyl versions coming in February

January 7, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

If you’ve always “Wanted” a deluxe edition of Bon Jovi‘s Slippery When Wet — “Dead or Alive” — your dream has come true.

The band will release a deluxe version of their world-beating 1986 album on Feb. 28, 2025, as well as various vinyl variations of the original album. Those variations include a limited-edition picture disc and — appropriately, given the LP’s title — a limited-edition liquid-filled disc. If you’re feeling very nostalgic, there’s also a cassette version.

The deluxe edition, available digitally and as a two-CD set, features seven bonus tracks, including an acoustic version of “Wanted Dead or Alive,” four live tracks from the band’s 1987 tour, and previously unreleased mixes of “Raise Your Hands” and “Livin’ On a Prayer.” Of the live tracks, two have never been heard before.

Everything’s available to preorder now at Bon Jovi’s online store.

Upon its release in August 1986, Slippery When Wet debuted at #1 and stayed there for eight weeks. It was the top-selling album of 1987 and has since been RIAA-certified 12-times Platinum. Featuring “Livin’ On a Prayer” and “Wanted Dead or Alive,” the album also includes “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Never Say Goodbye” and “Raise Your Hands.”

Here’s the track listing:

Original Album (Disc 1)
“Let It Rock”
“You Give Love A Bad Name”
“Livin’ On A Prayer”
“Social Disease”
“Wanted Dead Or Alive”
“Raise Your Hands”
“Without Love”
“I’d Die For You”
“Never Say Goodbye”
“Wild In The Streets”

Bonus Tracks (Disc 2)
“Wanted Dead Or Alive” (Acoustic Version)
“Livin’ On A Prayer” (Thank You Goodnight Remix)
“Raise Your Hands” (Extended Obie O’Brien Mix)
“Wild In The Streets” (Live at Cincinnati Gardens, March 18, 1987)
“Livin’ On A Prayer” (Live at Cobo Arena Detroit, March 11, 1987)
“Wanted Dead Or Alive” (Live at Cobo Arena Detroit, March 11, 1987)
“Let It Rock” (Live at Nassau Coliseum, August 9, 1987)

Blondie’s Debbie Harry on the downside of turning 80: ‘Everyone’s gone already’

January 7, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

Blondie‘s Debbie Harry will turn 80 in July. So, how does she feel about celebrating such a milestone birthday?

“I don’t walk around thinking every minute, oh my God, I’m going be 80 — but that’s sort of how I feel,” she tells the U.K. paper The Times. “My mother used to say in her head she was 25 and I’m the same. But thinking about it all the time could be your downfall.”

“And I don’t really want the same kind of life I did when I was younger. I’ve done that!” she says. “That’s the beauty of aging — you know what it’s about. You have it in your heart and soul and your memory bank … or does that sound like an excuse? Should I go out and party every night?”

Harry does plan to celebrate her big day but she says it may be a little bittersweet.

“I’m going to have a whopping great party with everyone there,” she says. “Though one of the bad things about aging is everyone’s gone already.”

“In the 1980s, or maybe 1990s, there was a show at CBGB’s gallery. I went around the room and 50 [percent] of the musicians in the photos were gone and that was years ago,” she says. “It’s what they call diminishing returns.”

But just because she’ll be 80 doesn’t mean Harry will slow down. In fact, Blondie’s Chris Stein has shared that the band is in the studio, with a new album expected this year.

After more than 300 weeks, Elton John album may finally hit #1

January 6, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

Talk about a slow climb to #1: An Elton John album is looking like it’s finally going to top the U.K. chart after hanging around in the Top 40 for more than 300 weeks.

Elton’s greatest hits compilation Diamonds, originally released in 2017, has spent a total of 325 weeks inside the U.K. Top 40, but the highest it’s gotten to date has been #2. However, thanks to the release of a super-deluxe Blu-ray edition and a limited-edition vinyl version, the album is predicted to finally reach #1 in his home country.

If the album does top the chart, it’ll be Elton’s ninth #1. His past #1 albums include classics like Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Caribou and Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player, as well as his most recent LP of new music, 2021’s The Lockdown Sessions.

Meanwhile, Elton made headlines at the Golden Globes for poking fun at his eyesight problems. While presenting the award for best original score with his pal Brandi Carlile, he said, “There’s been a lot of stories going on about my regressive eyesight and I just want to reassure everybody that it’s not as bad as it seems. So, I’m so pleased to be here with my co-host, Rihanna.”

Bruce Springsteen to guest on new album from The Waterboys

January 6, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

Bruce Springsteen is set to make a guest appearance on a brand new album from The Waterboys.

Life, Death and Dennis Hopper, the band’s 16th record, is set to drop April 14, with Springsteen lending his voice to the track “Ten Years Gone.” The album also features guest appearances by Steve Earle, Fiona Apple, The Go-Go’s Kathy Valentine, Dawes frontman Taylor Goldsmith and others.

The 25-track album is described in a press release as an ode to the late Oscar-winning actor Dennis Hopper, noting it’s “the epic story of the trailblazing American actor and rebel told through a song cycle depicting not only Hopper’s story but the saga of the last 75 years of western pop culture.”

Life, Death and Dennis Hopper is The Waterboys’ first album of new material since 2022’s All Souls Hill. It is available for preorder now.

The Black Crowes to play Boston Calling in May

January 6, 2025 by Classic Rock 93.9

The Black Crowes are set to play Boston Calling this year. The three-day festival is happening Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25, in Allston, Massachusetts.

The band is part of the May 24 bill, which will be headlined by Fall Out Boy and also feature Avril Lavigne, Cage the Elephant and others.

Luke Combs and Dave Matthews Band are the festival’s two other headliners, with the lineup featuring over 50 acts, including Sheryl Crow, TLC, Spin Doctors, Vampire Weekend and Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello.

A presale for tickets kicks off Wednesday at 10 a.m. ET. More info on tickets and the full lineup can be found at bostoncalling.com.

Boston Calling is one of two shows The Black Crowes have confirmed for 2025. The other is FloydFest, happening July 23-27 in Floyd County, Virginia. They wrapped their Happiness Bastards (The Reprise) tour in December.

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