Dave Grohl joins Love Rocks NYC 2024 lineup

March 4, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

Dave Grohl has joined the lineup for the 2024 Love Rocks NYC benefit concert.

The show takes place Thursday, March 7, at New York City’s Beacon Theatre. Previously announced performers include The Black Keys, Tom Morello, Hozier, ex-Eagles guitarist Don Felder, The Struts‘ Luke Spiller, Nile Rodgers, Joss Stone, Lucius, Allison Russell and Trombone Shorty.

Comedians Conan O’Brien, Tracy Morgan and Jim Gaffigan will host, and Martin Short will be making an appearance.

The annual Love Rocks NYC concert supports God’s Love We Deliver, which “prepare[s] and deliver[s] nutritious, high-quality meals to people who, because of their illness, are unable to provide or prepare meals for themselves.”

If you can’t make this year’s show, you can watch it live via the platform Veeps. The stream begins Thursday at 8 p.m. ET. For more info, visit Veeps.com.

In other Grohl happenings, the Foo Fighters frontman just had an eventful weekend in Las Vegas. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Grohl was in attendance at the Netflix Slam tennis match at Vegas’ Michelob Ultra Arena on Sunday, March 3. Additionally, fan-shot footage caught Grohl dancing and singing along to U2 during the final night of their residency at the high-tech Sphere venue on Saturday, March 2.

On This Day, March 4, 1967: The Rolling Stones hit #1 with “Ruby Tuesday”

March 4, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

On This Day, March 4, 1967…

The Rolling Stones landed their fourth #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Ruby Tuesday.”

The tune, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, was released as the B side to the single with “Let’s Spend the Night Together,” although in the U.K., where it went to #3, the two tracks were released as a double A-sided single.

“Ruby Tuesday,” which was later included on the U.S. version of their album Between the Buttons, went on to be one of the band’s classic tunes and is often played at their live shows.

The track was certified Gold by the RIAA.

In total, The Rolling Stones have had eight #1 hits in the U.S., their last being “Miss You” in August 1978.

The band is set to hit the road this year, with their Hackney Diamonds tour kicking off April 28 in Houston, Texas. A complete list of dates can be found at rollingstones.com.

The Rolling Stones & AARP launch Hackney Diamonds tour sweepstakes

March 4, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

The Rolling Stones are giving fans a chance to win a VIP experience to their upcoming Hackney Diamonds tour.

The trek is sponsored by AARP, and the Stones are teaming up with the organization for the over-50 crowd on a new sweepstakes in which winners will be flown to Las Vegas and set up with premium tickets to the band’s May 11 concert at Allegiant Stadium.

Three grand prize winners will be chosen, with the prize also including a two-night hotel accommodation and a backstage meet and greet with the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers.

The sweepstakes is only open to U.S. residents 18 or older, but all folks have to do is register for a chance to win. More info can be found at aarp.org/rockout.

The Rolling Stones will kick off their Hackney Diamonds tour on April 28 in Houston, Texas, with dates confirmed through July 17 in Santa Clara, California. A complete schedule can be found at rollingstones.com.

U2 wraps Las Vegas residency with appearance by drummer Larry Mullen, Jr.

March 3, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

U2 wrapped their Las Vegas residency, U2: UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere, this weekend with two special shows — and a couple of special guests.

Rumors had suggested that U2 drummer Larry Mullen, Jr., who sat out the residency as he recovered from surgery, would join them for the last two shows, and he did — but as a spectator. Fan shot footage posted to YouTube showing Bono shouting out Larry in the audience during the March 1 show.

“That is the man who pinned the note on the notice board at Mount Temple Comprehensive School all those years ago. And we are very grateful that he did and that he’s here with us tonight,” Bono said. “We wish him a speedy, speedy, speedy recovery. We love you, Larry Mullen Jr.” The band then launched into “Beautiful Day.”

“What an incredible night at Sphere-So Grateful to Bono Edge and Adam and of course Bram for an amazing job-very emotional night for me personally,” Larry later wrote on Instagram, praising Bram van den Berg, who filled in for him during the residency.

But Larry wasn’t the only special guest in the house. According to setlist.fm, for the final show on March 2, U2 brought out Achtung Baby producer Daniel Lanois during their performance of “One.”

And for that 40th and final night, U2 added a song to the final encore that was appropriate for the occasion: “40.” It was the first time they’ve performed the tune during the residency and the first time they’ve played it since 2016.

While U2 is vacating the Sphere, other acts are already booked to take their place. Phish will play the venue from April 18-21, followed by Dead & Company, who’ll headline 18 shows from May 16 to June 22.

Don McLean dropping new album, ‘American Boys’, in May

March 1, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

Don McClean is getting ready to share some new music. The “American Pie” singer will release his new studio album, American Boys, on May 17.

McClean has enlisted the a cappella group Home Free for two songs on the album, including the just released title track, which he describes as a “tribute to his rock and roll heroes.”

“This is an album of all new songs,” he shares. “The title track, ‘American Boys,’ which features the guys from Home Free, is a fun song about the boys who invented rock and roll. America invented this music. Only America invented this music.”

You can listen to “American Boys” now via digital outlets and on YouTube.

American Boys is available for preorder now. Here is the track list for the album:

“American Boys” (Feat. Home Free)
“Thunderstorm Girl”
“Stone Cold Gangster”
“Truth And Fame”
“The Gypsy Road”
“I Shall Find My Way”
“Mexicali Gal”
“Vacant Luxury”
“The Ballad Of George Floyd”
“The Meanest Girl”
“Marley’s Song (Save Yourself)”
“Resurrection Man”
“Gotta Make You Mine” (Bonus Track)

Roger Daltrey enjoys a specially brewed beer for 80th birthday

March 1, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

Roger Daltrey turned 80 on Friday, March 1, and he celebrated with a nice cold beer. But it wasn’t just any old can of suds.

The Who frontman showed off his birthday beverage of choice on social media: Rogers Pale Ale, a beer specially brewed for him by Lakedown Brewing company that featured a classic photo of Roger on the can.

“What better way to mark your 80th birthday than having your own beer made by your family brewery!” read the post. “A very happy birthday Roger!”

Unfortunately, Who fans won’t be able to sample Roger’s birthday brew. It was made only for him and it’s not for sale.

Roger’s big day was also celebrated by plenty of fans who took to social media to wish the rocker a happy 80th. He also got a message from the cancer charity Teenage Cancer Trust.

Daltrey has curated the organization’s charity concerts for the past 24 years but is stepping down after this year’s shows, which are happening at the end of March.

“Happy 80th Birthday to our incredible Honorary Patron,” Teenage Cancer Trust wrote. “There’s not long to go until this year’s @RoyalAlbertHall shows, marking Roger’s final year as curator. So to celebrate his big day, here’s a throwback to Roger’s performance at the hall last year.” The post was accompanied by photos from last year’s concerts.

The Who will headline Teenage Cancer Trust shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall on March 18 and 20. Daltrey’s time as curator will be celebrated at the same venue on March 24 with a special concert featuring guests Robert Plant with Saving Grace, Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, Stereophonics’ Kelly Jones and Paul Weller.

Deep Purple drops new animated video for “Smoke On The Water”

March 1, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

Deep Purple has shared a new video for their classic track “Smoke On The Water.”

The animated clip recounts recounts the story of the song’s origin. It was inspired by the events that surrounded the recording of Deep Purple’s 1972 album, Machine Head. In 1971 the band planned to record at Montreux Casino, but the venue caught fire during a concert by Frank Zappa when someone in the audience fired a flare gun.

The title of the song is a reference to smoke from the fire spreading over Lake Geneva.

“It’s been an honor to put visuals to this song, undeniably one of the greatest rock tracks of all time. The fact that the song is itself a story meant we had no shortage of inspiration for the scenes that accompany the music,” co-directors Dan Gibling and Luke McDonnell share. “The writing of the album was an adventure summed up in the lyrics, and we hope we have created an accompanying adventure that existing and new fans will enjoy.”

The new clip is for a 2024 remix of the track that will be featured on the new Machine Head: Super Deluxe Edition, which will be released as a three-CD/LP/Blu-ray set on March 29. It features new stereo and Dolby Atmos mixes of the 1972 original album, courtesy of Dweezil Zappa. There’s also the 1974 quadrophonic mix, and a new 2024 remaster of the original album and two live concerts.

It is available for preorder now.

AC/DC’s ‘Back in Black’ inspires new book of mystery short stories

March 1, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

A new book of mystery stories inspired by the music of AC/DC is set for release this summer.

Black in Black, named after the band’s seventh studio album, is an anthology featuring 10 mysteries each named after a song on the album, one of which is a new Jack Reacher tale by Andrew Child.

Other authors contributing short stories to the anthology include Reed Farrel Coleman, Heather Graham, Tori Eldridge and Ward Larsen.

The book is the third installment in Blackstone Publishing’s Music and Murder Mystery Series. Previous books were inspired by the Eagles’ Hotel California and Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

Back in Black: An Anthology of New Mystery Short Stories will be released July 16 and is available for preorder now.

“Totally unexpected”: Rod Stewart and Jools Holland celebrate #1 UK album ;Swing Fever’

March 1, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

Twenty years ago, Rod Stewart topped the U.S. charts with Stardust: The Great American Songbook, Volume III, a collection of standards. Now he’s topped the U.K. charts with another collection of standards — this time done in an upbeat, big-band style.

Swing Fever, Rod’s new album with Squeeze keyboardist-turned-bandleader Jools Holland, has hit #1 in their home country. Rod says in a video, “Are we happy about this, Jools? Totally unexpected.” Holland adds, “I’m so happy, this has never happened to me before. I’m absolutely delighted, thank you so much.”

Rod wrote on Instagram, “What a beautiful day 1st of March and number 1 in the charts. From the bottom of my heart I thank everyone involved in the success of Swing Fever and the immense effort you’ve all achieved for a couple of old timers.”

While this is Rod’s 11th #1 LP in the U.K. — and his first in four years — it’s Holland’s first one. “It means more to me than anything I’ve ever had,” Holland tells the BBC. “I think the last big-band record that was number one was probably in 1946.” The highest he’d gotten previously was #3, with a Squeeze best-of album.

Rod tells the BBC he still remembers the moment he heard he’d gotten his first #1 album, 1971’s Every Picture Tells a Story. “I was driving along in my nice Bentley … it came on the radio in the afternoon that the album was number one and also number one in America,” he recalls.

“I drove around and went all the way back to my mum and dad’s house, gave them a big hug and we all had a cry together. So I remember it like it was yesterday.”

Keith Richards releases cover of “I’m Waiting for the Man” in honor of Lou Reed’s birthday

March 1, 2024 by Classic Rock 93.9

Keith Richards is paying tribute to the late Lou Reed on what would have been the rocker’s 82nd birthday.

The Rolling Stones guitarist has just shared a cover of “I’m Waiting for the Man,” a track he recorded for the upcoming compilation The Power of the Heart: A Tribute to Lou Reed. It will be available on vinyl exclusively at independent retailers for Record Store Day on April 20, with the CD and digital release happening the same day.

“To me, Lou stood out,” Richards shared. “The real deal! Something important to American music and to ALL MUSIC! I miss him and his dog.”

You can listen to “I’m Waiting for the Man” now via digital outlets and watch the video on YouTube.

In addition to Richards, The Power of the Heart: A Tribute to Lou Reed features covers by such artists as Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Rickie Lee Jones, Rufus Wainwright, Lucinda Williams and Rosanne Cash.

“I’m Waiting for the Man,” written by Reed, was released by his band Velvet Underground in 1967. It appeared on their debut album, The Velvet Underground & Nico.

Here is the track list for The Power of the Heart: A Tribute to Lou Reed:

“I’m Waiting for the Man” – Keith Richards
“I Can’t Stand It” – Maxim Ludwig & Angel Olsen
“Perfect Day” – Rufus Wainwright
“I’m So Free” – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
“Sally Can’t Dance” – Bobby Rush
“Walk on the Wild Side” – Rickie Lee Jones
“I Love You, Suzanne” – The Afghan Whigs
“Coney Island Baby” – Mary Gauthier
“Legendary Hearts” – Lucinda Williams
“New Sensations” – Automatic
“Magician” – Rosanne Cash
“The Power of the Heart” – Brogan Bentley

+ More