Classic Rock News

Moonage Daydream, the David Bowie documentary that’s the first movie about the late rock legend to be officially sanctioned by his estate, premiered today in theaters around the world.

As previously reported, Moonage Daydream, which was written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Brett Morgen, includes previously unseen footage and performances of the late rock legend, as well as unheard music, and features Bowie’s own narration.

The movie is described as “a sublime kaleidoscopic experiential cinematic odyssey that explores Bowie’s creative, spiritual, and philosophical journey.”

The film includes 47 musical tracks, mixed from the original recordings. David’s longtime friend, collaborator and co-producer Tony Visconti served as the musical producer of the project.

Visit MoonageDaydream.film to find out where the movie is playing in the U.S. and Canada.

A companion soundtrack album also was released today via digital formats, a two-CD version will follow on November 18.

Billboard recently reported that the movie will get its TV premiere on HBO and HBO Max in the spring of 2023.

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Alice Cooper, Bad Company/Free frontman Paul Rodgers and ex-Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum are among the artists who will perform at Rock the Plaza, an upcoming fundraising concert supporting the restoration of the historic Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs, California.

The show takes place November 11 and is being presented by the Save the Plaza Theatre initiative. The city-run campaign aims to bring the venue, which first opened in 1936, back to its “former glory” following years of disrepair.

Other artists on the concert’s lineup include Paul McCartney touring guitarist Brian Ray, Queen touring multi-instrumentalist Spike Edney, Who touring bassist Jon Button, Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme and Australian guitar virtuoso Orianthi.

Many of the participating acts live in or have close connections to Palm Springs.

The event will feature a silent auction that includes an autographed Brian May “Red Special” guitar, a guitar signed by Cooper, an autographed fan that Adam Lambert used during Queen concerts, a pair of go-go boots signed by Nancy Sinatra and a two VIP tickets for a Barry Manilow concert in Las Vegas.

For ticket info, visit SavethePlazaTheatrePS.com.

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The first taste of late Who bassist John Entwistle‘s upcoming compilation, Rarities Oxhumed — Volume One, has arrived.

A newly remastered version of “I’ll Try Again Today” was released Friday as an advance digital single. The song previously appeared on The John Entwistle Band‘s 2000 album, Music for Van-Pires.

As previously reported, the 13-track album, which will be released on CD October 21, features previously unheard studio tracks, demos, remastered live performances and other unreleased gems, mostly from Entwistle’s solo career.

The compilation includes a song called “Bogey Man,” which includes a guest appearance by late Who drummer Keith Moon, and a demo version of “Where Ya Going Now,” a tune that John had intended for The Who to record.

Rarities Oxhumed — Volume One also features several tracks that appeared on Music for Van-Pires, which was The John Entwistle Band’s final album, as well as that group’s live renditions of The Who’s “Trick of the Light” and the Roger Daltrey solo hit “Under a Raging Moon.”

Rarities Oxhumed — Volume One is the first in a series of planned Entwistle compilations that are being put together by Entwistle Band drummer Steve Luongo and the Deko Entertainment label.

“John and I began touring together in 1987. Every tour was more fun than the last. That was the idea. Play loud aggressive rock & roll, have fun, laugh our a**es off, travel to the next gig, and repeat,” Luongo says. “During the 15 years that we worked together as a rhythm section, we remained true to that cause. Along the way we recorded some records and created a sizable catalog of ideas and material for the future. The future is now.”

You can preorder the album, as well as special bundles, now at Merchbucket.com.

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Talking Heads‘ debut album, Talking Heads: 77, was released 45 years ago Friday, September 16, and the influential new wave band is marking the milestone in multiple ways.

To begin, Talking Heads have launched its first-ever official website, online store, Instagram page and YouTube channel.

Premiering Friday on the YouTube channel are videos for songs “And She Was,” “Blind” and “Love for Sale,” which have been newly upgraded to HD. Additional high-def Talking Heads videos will be uploaded to the channel in the coming months.

In addition, a new collection of exclusive Talking Heads: 77-themed merchandise is now available at the group’s official store, including exclusive shirts, hats, hooded sweatshirts and other items.

Meanwhile, new Dolby Atmos mixes of all eight Talking Heads studio albums — Talking Heads: 77, 1978’s More Songs About Buildings and Food, 1979’s Fear of Music, 1980’s Remain in Light, 1983’s Speaking in Tongues, 1985’s Little Creatures, 1986’s True Stories and 1988’s Naked — were also released Friday.

Talking Heads guitarist/keyboardist Jerry Harrison oversaw the Dolby Atmos mixes.

Talking Heads: 77 introduced the world to the Talking Heads, one of the bands to emerge from the punk scene revolving around the famed New York City club CBGB. The album includes the classic song “Psycho Killer.”

The band — frontman David Byrne, drummer Chris Frantz, bassist Tina Weymouth and Harrison — remained active until 1991. They reunited only once since then, in 2002, when they performed at their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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Ringo Starr‘s latest EP, a four-song collection titled EP3, was released Friday on CD and digital formats.

As its title suggests, EP3 is the third in a series of EPs; the former Beatles drummer has now recorded and released three EPs since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coinciding with EP3‘s arrival, Ringo has debuted an official music video for lead track, the upbeat rock tune “World Go Round.” The song was co-written by Toto lead singer Joseph Williams and founding Toto guitarist and longtime All Starr Band member Steve Lukather.

The video features Starr at his home studio and rehearsal space, playing the song with Lukather and recording vocals with some backing singers. The clip also includes scenes of Williams playing keyboards.

The other three tracks on EP3 are “Everyone and Everything,” which was written by hit-making producer and songwriter Linda Perry; “Let’s Be Friends,” a catchy dance tune co-written by Starr’s longtime studio engineer Bruce Sugar and acclaimed songwriter Sam Hollander; and “Free Your Soul,” a laid-back, reggae-flavored tune that Starr co-wrote with Sugar.

Vinyl and cassette versions of the EP are due out on November 14.

EP3 was preceded by the Zoom In and Change the World EPs, which were released in March 2021 and September 2021, respectively.

Meanwhile, Ringo currently is touring North America with his All Starr Band; their next concert takes place tonight in Clearwater, Florida.

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Ozzy Osbourne has premiered the first episode of his new behind-the-scenes series documenting the making of his new solo album, Patient Number 9.

The six-and-a-half-minute video is titled “When Ozzy Calls” and features interviews with a selection of the many guests that contribute to Patient Number 9, including Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready, Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo, Black Label Society frontman Zakk Wylde, Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan, producer and guitarist Andrew Watt and Ozzy’s wife, Sharon Osbourne.

You can watch “When Ozzy Calls” streaming now on YouTube. The second episode debuts next Friday, September 23, followed by the third and final installment on September 30.

Patient Number 9 is out now. It also includes contributions from Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Black Sabbath‘s Tony Iommi and late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.

(Video contains uncensored profanity)

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Bush has premiered a new song called “Heavy Is the Ocean,” a track off the band’s upcoming album, The Art of Survival.

In a statement, frontman Gavin Rossdale says that “Heavy Is the Ocean” “sets the tone and the gravitas” for  The Art of Survival as the record’s opener.

“I love the power of the ocean,” Rossdale shares. “It’s mesmerizing to me. It feeds your soul. The song uses the imagery I love.”

“At this point, I’m chained at the zoo of rock!” he adds. “So, I was like, ‘F*** it, I’m going to turn that puppy up.’ This one definitely represents The Art of Survival.”

You can listen to “Heavy Is the Ocean” now via digital outlets.

The Art of Survival, the follow-up to 2020’s The Kingdom, will be released October 7. It also includes the previously released single “More than Machines.”

Bush is currently on tour alongside Alice in Chains and Breaking Benjamin. The outing concludes October 8 in Mansfield, Massachusetts.

(Video contains uncensored profanity) 

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Creedence Clearwater Revival‘s live album and documentary film focusing on a previously unheard and unseen 1970 concert at London’s historic Royal Albert Hall both got their release today.

The album, titled At the Royal Albert Hall, is available on CD, cassette, 180-gram vinyl and digital formats.

The film, Travelin’ Band: Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall, premiered today on Netflix. As previously reported, the movie, which is and is narrated by Jeff Bridges, includes footage of CCR’s entire April 14, 1970, concert at the Royal Albert Hall. It also features archival interviews with all four Creedence members, scenes of the band touring Europe in 1970 and a look at the group’s history.

“Of the live performances that we have recorded, that was the best performance,” CCR drummer Doug “Cosmo” Clifford tells ABC Audio of the Royal Albert Hall show.

Clifford says he got a kick out of watching footage of the gig, noting that the movie is Creedence’s first and only concert film.

“It’s really a funny thing. I know that’s us and I know that’s me on the drums … but when I look at it, it’s like it’s another band,” Cosmo says. “You know, I’m watching somebody else pound away on the stage.”

Regarding Bridges’ participation in the film, Clifford says, “I’m a big fan of his, for sure … I can’t think of a better narrator than Jeff.”

Meanwhile, the Travelin’ Band film will be available on Blu-ray as part of a super deluxe At the Royal Albert Hall box set that will be released November 14. The package also will feature CD and two-LP vinyl versions of the album, a bonus CD containing music that’s featured in the movie, a booklet and more.

Here’s the album’s full track list:

“Born on the Bayou”
“Green River”
“Tombstone Shadow”
“Travelin’ Band”
“Fortunate Son”
“Commotion”
“Midnight Special”
“Bad Moon Rising”
“Proud Mary”
“The Night Time Is the Right Time”
“Good Golly Miss Molly”
“Keep On Chooglin'”

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Steely Dan‘s first seven studio albums, released from 1972 through 1980 on ABC and MCA Records, will be reissued on vinyl as part of a yearlong campaign, set to kick off this November.

The initiative is being overseen by founding Steely Dan frontman Donald Fagen and will feature the release of the albums on 180-gram vinyl, limited-edition premium Ultra High-Quality Vinyl mastered at 45 rpm and on the Super Audio CD format aka SACD.

The reissue campaign begins November 4 with the rerelease of the band’s 1972 debut album, Can’t Buy a Thrill, which featured hits “Do It Again” and “Reelin’ In the Years,” as well as the enduring gem “Dirty Work.” The album peaked at #17 on the Billboard 200 and has since been certified Platinum.

The other six reissues — 1973’s Countdown to Ecstasy, 1974’s Pretzel Logic, 1975’s Katy Lied, 1976’s The Royal Scam, 1977’s Aja and 1980’s Gaucho — will be released periodically throughout 2022 and 2023.

All of the albums are being meticulously remastered, most of them from the original analog tapes.

The Ultra High-Quality Vinyl versions are pressed on 200-gram vinyl and will be packaged in a box that includes a booklet explaining the creation of the superior-quality disc, along with a certificate of inspection.

You can preorder the Can’t Buy a Thrill reissue now.

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Wolfgang Van Halen has announced a deluxe version of his band Mammoth WVH‘s self-titled debut album.

The expanded collection is due out November 11 and includes three bonus tracks: “Talk & Walk,” which was previously exclusive to the Japanese version of the album, and the previously unreleased songs “As Long As You’re Not You” and “Goodbye.”

You can listen to “Talk & Walk” now via digital outlets.

The original Mammoth WVH was released in June 2021. It includes the singles “Don’t Back Down,” “Epiphany” and “Distance,” Wolf’s tribute song to his late father, the iconic Eddie Van Halen.

Mammoth WVH is heading to Europe with Alter Bridge in November, followed by a U.S. tour with Myles Kennedy and company that’ll launch January 2023. Before that, Wolf will perform at the Los Angeles Taylor Hawkins tribute concert on September 27; he played Foo Fighters‘ London tribute show earlier this month.

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