Classic Rock News

In October 2021, Queen drummer Roger Taylor toured the U.K. in support of his new latest album, Outsider. A collection of performances from the trek is set to be released on September 30.

The Outsider Tour Live will be available as a two-CD set, as a two-LP package and via digital formats.

The 22-track album includes versions of Queen’s “These Are the Days of Our Lives,” “Rock It (Prime Jive),” “Tenement Funster,” “Under Pressure,” “I’m In Love with My Car” and “Radio Ga Ga,” as well as covers of Led Zeppelin‘s “Rock ‘n’ Roll” and David Bowie‘s “Heroes.”

It also features performances of songs from 2021’s Outsider and Taylor’s earlier solo records. The performances were taken from eight of the 14 concerts Roger played on the trek, including the tour finale in London.

Queen guitarist Brian May made a surprise guest appearance at the show, joining Taylor and his solo band for renditions of Little Richard‘s “Tutti Frutti” and Queen’s “A Kind of Magic,” both of which are on the record.

The Outsider Tour Live can be preordered now. Physical versions, as well as special exclusive bundles, can be purchased at Queen’s online store.

A performance of Taylor’s 1999 solo tune “Surrender,” which includes vocals by his solo band member Tina Keys, has been released as the lead single from the live album via digital services.

Taylor has dedicated the album to the memory of late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, referring to him as “My wonderful brother who brought sunshine into all our lives.”

Here’s full track list of the album’s two-CD version:

CD 1
“Strange Frontier” — Live from London
“Tenement Funster” — Live from London
“We’re All Just Trying to Get By” — Live from Plymouth
“A Nation of Haircuts” — Live from Guilford
“These Are the Days of Our Lives” — Live from Norwich
“Up” — Live from Bournemouth
“Gangsters Are Running This World” — Live from Plymouth
“Absolutely Anything” — Live from Norwich
“Surrender” — Live from Bournemouth
“Man On Fire” — Live from London
“Rock It (Prime Jive)” — Live from London
“Under Pressure” — Live from London
“Say It’s Not True” — Live from Bexhill

CD 2
“I’m In Love with My Car” — Live from Guilford
“Outsider” — Live from Plymouth
“More Kicks” — Live from Guilford
“Foreign Sand” — Live from Plymouth
“Tutti Frutti” — Live from London
“A Kind of Magic” — Live from London
“Rock ‘n’ Roll” — Live from Newcastle
“Heroes” — Live from Coventry
“Radio Ga Ga” — Live from Guilford

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Elton John had a closer relationship with Queen Elizabeth II than most global music stars: not only did she knight him and make a member of the Order of Companions of Honour — two extremely prestigious accolades — he was a bona fide friend of the royal family. It’s no wonder he’s penned an emotional tribute to the late monarch.

On Instagram, Elton writes, “Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s passing. She was an inspiring presence to be around, and led the country through some of our greatest, and darkest, moments with grace, decency and a genuine caring warmth.”

“Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly,” Sir Elton concluded.

Elton recorded a special performance for the queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration in June. He also performed at her Golden Jubilee, marking her 50th year on the throne, and her Diamond Jubilee, when she hit 60 years on the throne.

Elton is said to be close with Princes William and Harry, the sons of his dear friend Princess Diana. Of course, he famously performed at her funeral in 1997; his and Bernie Taupin‘s tribute to her, “Candle In the Wind ’97,” subsequently became the best-selling single of all time.

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The passing of Queen Elizabeth II is likely to hit some of the world’s most famous musicians hard because during her reign, she bestowed royal honors on many of them, including knighthoods. 

While some famous artists turned down knighthoods or other honors, including The Rolling Stones‘ Keith Richards, David Bowie and ex-Beatle George Harrison, most were more than happy to make the trip to Buckingham Palace to receive their medals from either the queen herself or a high-ranking member of the royal family, such as then-Prince Charles or Prince William.

Here’s a list of all the rock and pop stars who’ve received such honors, starting with the highest one, a knighthood.

Knighthoods

1986 — Bob Geldof, organizer of Live Aid [honorary knighthood, cannot be called “sir” because he’s Irish]

1995 — Iconic British pop star Cliff Richard [also received an OBE, Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire]

1996 — Beatles producer George Martin [now deceased]

1997 — Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney [also received an MBE, Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire]

1998 — Elton John  [also received a CBE, Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, and the Order of the Companions of Honour]

2002 — Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones

2006 — Tom Jones [also received an OBE, Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire]

2007 — Bono of U2 [honorary knighthood, cannot be called “sir” because he’s Irish]

2016 — Van Morrison [also received an OBE]

2016 — Rod Stewart [also received a CBE]

2017 — Ray Davies of The Kinks [also received a CBE]

2018 — Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees [also received a CBE]

2019 — Ex-Beatle Ringo Starr [also received an MBE]

CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire)

2003 — Sting [ex-The Police]

2004 — Roger Daltrey of The Who

2004 — The Bee Gees [Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb]

2005 — Brian May of Queen

2009 — Robert Plant [ex-Led Zeppelin]

2021 — Rick Wakeman of Yes

2022 — Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s songwriting partner

OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire)

1994 — Eric Clapton

2011 — Annie Lennox of Eurythmics

2017 — Ed Sheeran

2019 — Elvis Costello

2020 — Jeff Lynne of ELO

2020 — Roger Taylor of Queen

2021 — Alan Parsons of Alan Parsons Project [also record producer]

2022 — Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues

MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire)

2013 — Adele

2019 — M.I.A. (“Paper Planes” singer and rapper)

2022 — Mel B of The Spice Girls (for her charity work)

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An archival live album capturing The Jimi Hendrix Experience‘s 1969 performance at the Los Angeles Forum will be released on November 18, nine days before what would’ve been the late guitar legend’s 80th birthday.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Los Angeles Forum: April 26, 1969 will be available on CD, as a two-LP vinyl and via digital formats.

The concert, which has never been released in its entirety before, features the trio’s original lineup of Jimi Hendrix, bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell performing a set that includes classics like “Foxey Lady” and “Purple Haze,” and deeper cuts such as “Red House,” “Spanish Castle Magic” and “I Don’t Live Today.”

The show also featured a rendition of the obscure instrumental “Tax Free” by the Swedish duo Hansson & Karlsson plus Hendrix’s take on the “Star Spangled Banner,” recorded several months before his historic performance of the national anthem at Woodstock.

The band ended the concert with an epic 17-minute medley combining “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” with Cream‘s “Sunshine of Your Love.”

The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Los Angeles Forum: April 26, 1969 was remixed by longtime Hendrix studio engineer Eddie Kramer and features liner notes that includes a preface by ZZ Top‘s Billy Gibbons, who attended the Forum show. It can be preordered now.

The version of “I Don’t Live Today” from the album got its premiere yesterday at LAist.com and is available now as an advance digital track.

In other news, a comprehensive new official book about Hendrix titled JIMI will be released on November 15. The book features extensive biographical info, rare photos, memorabilia and more. It also includes refections about Hendrix’s influence by such music stars as Paul McCartney, Ronnie Wood, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and Dave Grohl.

Here’s the album’s full track list:

“Intro”
“Tax Free”
“Foxey Lady”
“Red House”
“Spanish Castle Magic”
“Star Spangled Banner”
“Purple Haze”
“I Don’t Live Today”
“Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”
“Sunshine of Your Love”
“Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”

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John Mellencamp, blues legend Buddy Guy and singer/songwriter John Hiatt have joined the lineup artists who will perform at the latest exhibit of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay‘s collection of rock memorabilia and other historic artifacts, which is scheduled for this Friday, September 9, at the Colts’ home field, Lucas Oil Stadium.

As previously announced, the Indianapolis event will feature a performance of The Jim Irsay Band, which features Irsay backed by founding R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, longtime Mellencamp guitarist Mike Wanchic, John Fogerty touring drummer Kenny Aronoff and other noteworthy musicians.

Heart‘s Ann Wilson already had been announced as a special guest performer at the event, which also will celebrate the start of the 2022 NFL season. The exhibit will open at 2 p.m. ET, while the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The event is free and open to the public, but tickets will be required to attend, and can be reserved at Eventbrite.com.

Irsay’s collection includes guitars and other items that were used and/or owned by Bob Dylan, members of The Beatles, The Who‘s Pete Townshend, Prince, Eric Clapton, The Grateful Dead‘s Jerry Garcia, Pink Floyd‘s David Gilmour, U2‘s The Edge, The Doors‘ Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain and many other famous musicians.

Some non-music-related items also are part of the collection, an original “Wanted” poster for John Wilkes Booth, a baseball bat used by Jackie Robinson and a robe worn by Muhammad Ali.

In addition, the exhibit will feature unique memorabilia from the Colts’ history in both Indianapolis and Baltimore, including game-used uniforms and equipment, autographed items and more.

Visit JimIrsayCollection.com for more info.

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Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones and Slash are among a variety of famous musicians who recently performed live with one of a series of Ukraine-themed Gibson Les Paul electric guitars that will be auctioned this November to raise money for Ukrainian relief.

Gibson craftsmen created a limited-edition run of the Guitars for Peace Les Paul Custom guitars, which feature the azure blue and gold colors of the Ukrainian flag.

This summer, various artists played the guitars while on tour and signed special autograph books that will be auctioned to benefit the cause.

Other artists participating in the initiative include Rush‘s Alex Lifeson, Mark Knopfler, Chic‘s Nile Rogers and Madness.

The guitars and autograph books will be up for bid as part of the latest installment of the Julien’s Auctions “Icons & Idols: Rock ‘n’ Roll” sale, scheduled to take place November 11-13 at the Hard Rock in New York City and online at JuliensLive.com. Bidding for the items will start October 11.

All of the money raised by the auction of the Ukraine-themed guitars will be donated to humanitarian relief for the Ukrainian people in the wake of Russia’s invasion and to help the country rebuild after the conflict ends. The campaign was organized in conjunction with Gibson Gives, the company’s charitable arm.

“I’m happy to auction this beautiful guitar of mine to benefit the fine people of Ukraine,” says McCartney. “Hopefully it will help them through this aggressive Russian invasion.”

Adds Slash, “It is an honor to represent the brave sovereign state of Ukraine. I’m proud to support them during this conflict.”

To help raise additional funds, a Gibson Gives Guitars for Peace T-shirt is now available for purchase at Bonfire.com.

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A new exhibition celebrating the performance history of Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band will open October 15 at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles.

“Bruce Springsteen Live!” will look at the rock legend and his group’s journey from playing Jersey Shore bars to thrilling stadiums across the world with their dynamic marathon concerts.

The exhibition, which is being presented by the Grammy Museum in partnership with The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth University, will feature artifacts spanning Bruce and the band’s 49-year history, as well as interactive displays, concert footage and interviews.

Items on display will include stage costumes and props, concert posters, photos and instruments, including Springsteen’s Born to Run Esquire guitar, the late Clarence Clemons‘ saxophone, Max Weinberg‘s Tunnel of Love drum kit and the late Danny Federici‘s accordion.

In addition, fans will have the chance to submit a video of them seeing Springsteen and the E Street Band live that may be incorporated into a film presentation shown at the exhibit. Videos can be submitted at GrammyMuseum.formstack.com.

The Grammy Museum is inviting fans to visit the L.A. institution on September 23, Springsteen’s 73rd birthday, to share their Bruce stories and wish The Boss a happy birthday on camera.

“Bruce Springsteen Live!” will be on display at the museum through April 2, before traveling to a new location.

“Few performers embody the soul and excitement of live rock ‘n’ roll like Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band,” says Grammy Museum Executive Director Robert Santelli. “This exhibit will give fresh insight into how they’ve been able to remain one of the greatest live acts for five decades.”

Visit GrammyMuseum.org for more info.

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Elton John remains firm that once he wraps his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour he’s permanently closing the chapter on touring.

Speaking with the U.K.’s The Hits Radio Breakfast Show, the legendary singer said, “I can assure you it’s the final tour. I will be doing some charity shows, if I’m asked, but … I’m really adamant that I’m not touring again. I can’t.”

Elton continued, “I’ll be 76 when I finish [this tour]. I need to be with my family. My boys will be teenagers!”

But just because he’s done with touring doesn’t mean he’s writing music out of his life. “I will always make music,” the Grammy winner professed. “I will always be doing my radio stuff and whatever. But, I’ve been playing music since I was 17, professionally — that’s 57 years!”

Elton admits he doesn’t know what’ll happen once he wraps his current tour, adding, “Life is full of surprises.”

“I wasn’t expecting to do a record this year and look what happened,” the “Hold Me Closer” singer continued, referencing his new collaboration with Britney Spears. 

Elton added “one phone call” can significantly alter his plans, as happened with the 1994 Disney animated movie The Lion King — a movie he says “changed my life.”

He said he got a phone call from lyricist Tim Rice, who asked Elton to collaborate with him in composing the movie’s soundtrack. “Look what happened,” the Oscar winner said. “You never know what the phone’s going to [have].”

Elton and Rice composed the tracks “Circle Of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” “Hakuna Matata,” “Be Prepared” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” the latter of which won an Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

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The British Crown Dependency of the Isle of Man will issue a new collection of eight David Bowie-themed stamps on September 12 in honor of the late rock legend’s acting career.

The “David Bowie: Actor” stamp series features depictions of Bowie in five movies, in the 1980 Broadway stage production of The Elephant Man, and in the 1982 BBC adaptation of the Bertolt Brecht play Baal. The collection also includes a special stamp that boasts a 2016 image of David from his last photoshoot.

The films commemorated in the stamp set are 1999’s Everybody Loves Sunshine, which was shot on the Isle of Man; 1986’s Labyrinth; 1983’s Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence; 1978’s Just a Gigolo; and 1976’s The Man Who Fell to Earth.

The stamp collection and related products were designed by Jonathan Barnbrook, an award-winning designer who helped create Bowie’s album covers from 2002’s album Heathen to his final studio effort, 2016’s ★ (Blackstar). Barnbrook was also the artistic adviser and a contributor to the “David Bowie Is” exhibit that opened at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum in 2013.

“[A]n incredible amount of work has been done to get this collection to where it is now, and to be something the fans will be happy with,” says Barnbrook.

The stamp set, which can be preordered now at IOMPost.com, is available in various configurations, including as a sheet, as a card set, in a booklet and in an album. There’s also a deluxe release called Bowie Box, which combines the card set and the booklet in a specially designed slipcase and gatefold wallet.

Last November, the Isle of Man post office issued a stamp collection honoring The Bee Gees‘ Barry Gibb, who was born on the island.

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Ozzy Osbourne appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America on Wednesday for his first TV interview since undergoing what his wife, Sharon, called a “major operation” in June.

Speaking with ABC News correspondent Chris Connelly, Ozzy shares, “Since I had the surgery, I’ve improved quite considerably.”

The procedure, which Sharon previously said would “determine the rest of [Ozzy’s] life,” was related to a fall the metal legend suffered in 2019, which aggravated injuries he’d previously sustained in a 2003 ATV accident.

“He would literally be crying in pain some days,” Sharon tells GMA of Ozzy’s pre-surgery condition.

“Before, I would be talking to you like this,” Ozzy adds, bending over towards the ground. “After this other surgery, I can hold my head up now.”

Ozzy’s recovery continues as he’s set to perform during halftime of the NFL’s season opening game this Thursday, September 8. His new album, Patient Number 9, drops on Friday.

You can watch the entire interview with Ozzy and Sharon airing on ABC’s Nightline Wednesday night at 12:35 a.m. ET.

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