Nirvana‘s third and final album, In Utero, is being reissued in honor of its 30th anniversary.
The set will be available in various formats on October 27, the most expansive of which being the super deluxe eight-LP vinyl and five-CD editions. In those, you’ll find the original album remastered, various bonus tracks and B-sides, such as the Dave Grohl-written song “Marigold,” and a total of 53 previously unreleased recordings, including full live shows from a 1993 Los Angeles show and a 1994 New York City performance, which notably took place just months before Kurt Cobain‘s death.
Originally released September 21, 1993, In Utero had the difficult and unenviable task of following Nirvana’s world-conquering 1991 album Nevermind, which launched Cobain, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl into superstardom and brought the grunge scene into the mainstream. The album lived up to the task, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 and spawning the singles “Heart-Shaped Box” and “All Apologies.”
Cobain died by suicide in April 1994, effectively ending Nirvana. Grohl soon went on to form Foo Fighters.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or worried about a friend or loved one, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Songwriter Desmond Child had a hand in co-writing some of the biggest stadium anthems and sing-alongs of our time, including Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer” and Aerosmith’s “Dude Looks Like A Lady.” But some of those may never have happened had it not been for KISS’ Paul Stanley.
Child tells ABC Audio that Stanley was his “main mentor,” noting, “He taught me how to write stadium anthem songs the KISS way. … Songs had to be uplifting. The singer could never be a victim. They couldn’t be a loser. It was always about victory and success.”
But while Stanley supported Child, KISS’ Gene Simmons didn’t feel the same way about him. Child co-wrote one of the band’s biggest hits, “I Was Made For Lovin’ You,” but he says Simmons was initially very resistant to the tune.
“I think that he appreciates my contribution to KISS now, but at that time that song was a kind of oddball,” Child says, noting Simmons thought the song sounded like dance music. And he wasn’t completely wrong.
“It was a dance beat with rock guitars, and it actually changed the course of pop music,” Child says, suggesting it paved the way for artists like Prince and Madonna to experiment with all types of sounds.
“From that moment on, all things were possible,” he says. “I just think that that song was revolutionary.”
You can read more tales of Child’s work with Bon Jovi, KISS, Aerosmith and more when his new memoir, Livin’ On A Prayer: Big Songs Big Life, comes out September 19. It is available for preorder now.
After weeks of speculation, The Rolling Stones have confirmed their new album will be called Hackney Diamonds.
But fans will have to wait a little bit longer for the full details. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood are expected to share full details about the album during a press conference on Wednesday, September 6, that will be moderated by Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon.
The event will be held in East London’s Hackney district and streamed live globally on YouTube starting at 9:30 a.m. ET. In a post on social media The Stones promised they’ll be, “Talking new album, new music, new era.”
Hackney Diamonds will be The Rolling Stones’ first album of original songs since 2005’s A Bigger Bang. They first started teasing the new album in late August with a cryptic newspaper ad in the British paper the Hackney Gazette.
Aerosmith has begun their goodbye to the road. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers launched their Peace Out farewell tour in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, September 1.
According to setlist.fm, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton and Brad Whitford treated the fans to an 18-song, hits-filled set, that also included a few deep cuts. Drummer Joey Kramer is sitting out this tour, with John Douglas filling in behind the drum kit.
The show kicked off with the appropriate choice of “Back in the Saddle,” with the set featuring such hits as “Love in an Elevator,” “Janie’s Got a Gun,” “Ragdoll,” “Dream On,” “Sweet Emotion” and more, with the band wrapping up the night with their classic “Walk This Way.”
The show also included some deep cuts for fans, including the Toys in the Attic track “Adam’s Apple” for the first time since 2018, as well as “No More No More” and “Seasons of Wither.”
The set also included a performance of “Movin Out,” from the band’s 1973 self-titled debut. According to USA Today, that performance was a tribute to the late guitarist Jeff Beck, with Perry telling the audience the white Fender Stratocaster he was playing was from Beck’s collection. Perry also sang lead vocals on the set’s only cover, Fleetwood Mac’s “Stop Messin’ Around.”
Aerosmith’s Peace Out tour is set to run until January 26 in Montreal, Canada. The tour also includes a very special New Year’s Eve show in the band’s home city of Boston, Massachusetts. A complete list of dates can be found at aerosmith.com.
Tributes have been pouring in following the news that “Margaritaville” singer Jimmy Buffett passed away Friday, September 1 at the age of 76.
According to the official obituary posted to the late singer’s website, Buffett died after a four-year battle with Merkel Cell Skin Cancer, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. The obit notes, “He continued to perform during treatment, playing his last show, a surprise appearance in Rhode Island, in early July.”
Among the tributes coming in for Buffett, Paul McCartneywrote, “It seems that so many wonderful people are leaving this world, and now Jimmy Buffett is one of them. I’ve known Jimmy for some time and found him to be one of the kindest and most generous people.”
McCartney recalled a time while on vacation he had forgotten his guitar and Jimmy had a roadie restring one of his so the left-handed McCartney could play it. Buffett then gifted McCartney with a left-handed guitar made by a friend. “It’s a beautiful instrument, and every time I play it now it’ll remind me of what a great man Jimmy was,” he writes.
James Tayloralso posted a lengthy tribute to his “old pal” Buffett, calling him “a real example of a man” adding he was “a model of how to enjoy the great gift of being alive.”
Other tributes include:
President Joe Biden – “A poet of paradise, Jimmy Buffett was an American music icon who inspired generations to step back and find the joy in life and in one another. We had the honor to meet and get to know Jimmy over the years, and he was in life as he was performing on stage – full of goodwill and joy, using his gift to bring people together. “
Former President Bill Clinton wrote that Buffett’s “music brought happiness to millions of people,” adding, “I’ll always be grateful for his kindness, generosity, and great performances through the years, including at the White House in 2000. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and legion of devoted fans.”
Kenny Chesney shared video of him singing one of Buffett’s tunes writing, “So goodbye Jimmy.Thanks for your friendship and the songs I will carry in my heart forever. Sail on Sailor.” The post also featured a live performance of him and Jimmy singing “Margaritaville.”
Sammy Hagar – “The Godfather of lifestyle. Jimmy started it all and took it farther than anyone. He taught us all how to live. Jimmy taught us all how to wear shorts, flip-flops and a worn out T-shirt, walk on stage or to your favorite restaurant, and be comfortable.”
Jon Bon Jovi – “Jimmy Sail on my good friend Luv u.”
Graham Nash – “I was so sad to hear that my friend Jimmy Buffett has passed away. He had a truly uplifting spirit and a real gift with words. Sending love to his family, to the wonderful Coral Reefer Band, and all his many fans who love him.”
Sheryl Crow – “He was as he always was… a bright light! With a wonderful sense of humor and always so warm. I will miss knowing he is on the planet. He is up there sailing the bright blue Caribbean!”
Bob Seger – “Sunshine personified. I never met a human being that didn’t like him. He’ll be greatly missed.”
Ben Stiller – “I’m so sad about the great @jimmybuffett. His music was more than just the lifestyle – it was emotional and iconic. Made the world a better place and always will. Sending love to his family.”
Beach Boys‘ Mike Love – “Your music brought joy to so many people, including me. It was always a pleasure when our paths crossed and we were able to share the stage together.” He added, “Your sense of humor and gracious nature was a pleasure to be a round. Although we’ll miss you, we’ll continue to enjoy the beautiful music that you’ve blessed upon us. No more shoes, just your toes in heaven’s sand.”
Blake Shelton – “Heart broken this morning hearing of Jimmy Buffett’s passing. What an incredible talent and man. His songs will live on forever. I’ll bet most of y’all don’t know that he wrote the theme song for @BarmageddonUSA for me about 2 years ago. Raising a glass today to the Son of a son of a Sailer.”
Jason Aldean – “It’s a sad day today. I woke up to the news of Jimmy Buffett’s passing. His music has been the soundtrack to my life. Spending a lot of my childhood in South Florida, he was the epitome of a free spirit and lived a lifestyle that we all admired and strived to emulate,” adding, “You inspired a lot of us Jimmy and you will forever be remembered. RIP brother.”
It’s a sad day in Margaritaville. Legendary musician Jimmy Buffett passed away Friday, September 1 at age 76.
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1 surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” read the announcement on his website and social media. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
Associated with feet-in-the-sand island vibes, Buffett was best known for such classic songs as “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “Why Don’t We Get Drunk.” He released over 30 records and was known for his almost constant touring schedule with his Coral Reefer Band, drawing a devoted fanbase, affectionately known as Parrotheads.
Buffett also dabbled in writing, releasing bestsellers Tales from Margaritaville in 1989 and Where Is Joe Merchant? in 1992, as well as his own memoir, A Pirate Looks at 50, which was released in 1998. He also released the novels A Salty Piece of Land in 2004 and Swine Not? in 2008, as well as two children’s books, The Jolly Mon and Trouble Dolls, with his daughter Savannah Jane Buffett.
His music was also turned into a musical, Escape to Margaritaville, which debuted on Broadway in March 2018. Although the show closed after just 124 regular performances, a national tour launched in 2019.
In addition to music, Buffett was well known for his many hugely successful business ventures, including restaurants like the Margaritaville Café, the now-defunct Cheeseburger in Paradise chain and LandShark Bar & Grill.
He also licensed the Margaritaville name for a line of tequila, foods, clothing and more, including hotels, cruises, and even retirement villages and casinos. And in 2006 he teamed up with Anheuser-Busch for a new beer line, LandShark Lager.
All of this and more helped land Buffett on Forbes’ World’s Billionaires List in 2023, with a fortune of $1 billion.
In July, Buffett made a surprise appearance at a Rhode Island concert headlined by songwriter and Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band bandmate MacMcAnally. He’d previously canceled a show in May, informing fans that he’d been hospitalized to “address some issues that needed immediate attention.”
It never got any higher than #41 when it was released back in 1984, but Talking Heads‘ Stop Making Sense, the soundtrack to their seminal concert film, has just debuted in the top 10 of Billboard‘s Top Album Sales chart.
Driving sales of the album is a new 40th anniversary reissue, which includes the complete concert for the first time. There are also two unreleased songs from the series of 1983 shows at LA’s Pantages Theater that were filmed: “Cities” and “Big Business/I Zimbra.”
The album sold 12,000 copies, making it Talking Heads’ best sales week since Luminate, formerly known as Soundscan, starting tracking sales electronically in 1991. Ninety-five percent of the sales came from vinyl.
On the Billboard 200 chart, the album reenters at #73, marking its first appearance on that chart since 1986.
Meanwhile, a remastered version of the film will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, followed by a one-week engagement at IMAX theaters starting September 22. From September 29 on, it’ll be in wide release.
Ted Nugent recently wrapped up his Adios Mofo ’23 farewell tour. But if you didn’t see him, you apparently have three more chances in the next couple of months, starting Friday, September 1.
In the latest episode of his series The Nightly Nuge, the rocker thanked everyone who has come to his concerts over “the last 65 years” — which would indicate that he’s been playing since he was 10 years old — and then added, “By the way, I’m gonna continue.”
Nugent says he’ll be “on stage with STYX” at “a casino in Michigan,” referring to the band’s show September 1 at Firekeeper’s Casino in Battle Creek, Michigan. He adds, “Night Ranger is coming to Jackson, Michigan, and I will be on stage with Night Ranger. And then in October, Sammy Hagar‘s coming to Michigan, and I will be on stage with Sammy Hagar.”
Night Ranger is playing Jackson, Michigan, on September 8, while Hagar is playing Firekeeper’s Casino on October 21.
“I’m still enthused and inspired and motivated and stimulated beyond measure, as you can tell, by my passion for the music,” he adds. “But it’s because my music represents the human experience.”
They’re definitely not the target demo, but it appears that even Rock & Roll Hall of Famers in their 70s can’t resist the lure of Barbie.
The Kinks‘ Dave Davies posted a video on his socials that shows him inside an animated Barbie movie digital frame. As it moves, the 76-year-old rocker appears to be holding up a little pink flower. The video is set to The Kinks’ 1964 version of Chuck Berry‘s “Too Much Monkey Business.”
“I had a lot of fun watching Barbie,” Davies writes in the caption. “I’m a big fan of Ryan Gosling.. he had a quirky part. Nice to see Michael Cera as Allen.”
Fans seemed to appreciate the post, with one writing, “Dave is the real g. Keeping up with the youngsters.” Another wrote, “This Ken is an iconic guitarist,” while another raved, “This is the greatest post I’ve ever seen.”
No word on whether or not Davies caught a “Barbenheimer” double feature while he was at the theater.
Metallic Spheres, a 2010 collaborative album by Pink Floyd‘s David Gilmour and the British ambient techno act The Orb, is getting a fresh look.
The album has been “reimagined” and remixed, and will be released on September 29 as Metallic Spheres In Colour. The new version has been overseen by The Orb founder Alex Paterson and Youth, who produced the original album.
In a statement, Youth says, “The idea for Metallic Spheres In Colour, was that Alex Paterson could have done more on the first version, and he didn’t really have the opportunity because we had a philosophy of making the music like the Blade Runner soundtrack meets Wish You Were Here. So, I asked him, ‘Why don’t we remix it and make it like an Orb classic?’ And in doing that, it’s almost like a completely different album.”
An excerpt from one of the album’s suites, “Metallic Spheres In Colour: Movement 1,” is now available. It comes with a trippy animated video created by Kavi Karnapuradas, who is both a graphic designer and a Hare Krishna monk.
The original album came from a musical project Gilmour was involved in that was designed to raise money to support the case of Gary McKinnon, a British hacker who was facing extradition to the U.S. The proceeds from Metallic Spheres, the album that grew out of that project, were donated to that effort; the extradition was later overturned and McKinnon escaped prosecution in the U.K.
