Billy Joel & Sting announce co-headlining show in Tampa

October 12, 2023 by Classic Rock 93.9

Talk about a huge double bill. Rockers Billy Joel and Sting are teaming up for a One Night Only concert at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on February 24.

A Citi ticket presale for begins Monday, October 16, at 10 a.m., followed by a Verizon presale on Tuesday, October 17, at 10 a.m. The general onsale will then kick off Friday, October 20, at 10 a.m.

The show will be the first time Joel and Sting have co-headlined a concert. The friends do have a history of performing together, though, as Billy has been on the bill for Sting’s Rainforest concerts multiple times, the last time being in 2008.

Of course, this isn’t the first time Joel has co-headlined a stadium show with a fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Famer. He has toured with Elton John several times and is currently sharing the stage with Stevie Nicks. The two artists next play Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 10.

A complete list of Joel dates can be found at billyjoel.com.

Lenny Kravitz drops “TK421,” the first single off his new ‘Blue Electric Light’ album

October 12, 2023 by Classic Rock 93.9

Lenny Kravitz is back with new music. The rocker just released the new track “TK421,” the first single off his upcoming double album Blue Electric Light, dropping March 15.

“TK421” is described as a “fast-paced rock ‘n’ roll romp,” with a nod to Boogie Nights and Star Wars.

Kravitz has also dropped a new video for the song, which is certainly racy. He’s practically naked for a good portion of the clip, with his chiseled body on display for fans to see.

You can listen to “TK421” now via digital outlets and watch the NSFW video on YouTube.

Blue Electric Light is Kravitz’s 12th studio album and his first album in five years. His last release was 2018’s Raise Vibration.

The album is available for preorder now.

KISS’ Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons sued over guitar tech’s death

October 12, 2023 by Classic Rock 93.9

KISS is being sued by the family of their late guitar tech, Fran Stueber, who passed away from COVID-19, which he contracted while on tour with the band.

Rolling Stone has obtained court documents filed by Fran’s widow, Catherine Stueber, along with other family members, who are suing Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley for negligence and wrongful death. KISS manager Doc McGhee, tour promoter Live Nation and Marriott International are also named in the suit.

Fran Stueber, who was Stanley’s longtime guitar tech, passed away in October 2021, after contracting COVID-19 during the band’s End of the Road tour. The court documents suggest the “dangerous condition created by Defendants” led to his death, noting, “the failure to enforce or have adequate Covid-19 policies or procedures caused a Covid-19 outbreak amongst band members and tour personnel.” It also claims that after coming down with COVID, Stueber was abandoned in Detroit to quarantine at a hotel.

The docs say Stueber called McGhee for help when he got sicker, and the manager said he was sending a doctor but allegedly never did. Instead, a crew member was sent and found Stueber unresponsive. Stueber passed away two days later.

The family is suing for unspecified special damages, damages relating to past, present and/or future wage loss and income, and medical expenses.

Lars Ulrich never rehearsed until four or five years ago, says James Hetfield

October 12, 2023 by Classic Rock 93.9

Despite being the drummer in the biggest metal band in the world, the instrumental chops of Metallica‘s Lars Ulrich are often debated. The latest comments from frontman James Hetfield may only add fuel to that fire.

In the latest episode of The Metallica Report podcast, Hetfield shares, “An interesting fact: Lars never rehearsed. Ever.”

However, he says that changed about four or five years ago.

“He started getting really into rehearsing,” Hetfield says of Ulrich. “I mean, he’ll rehearse four days for a two-hour set, which is what he needs to do, which is awesome.”

As you might expect, the r/Metallica subreddit is all over this revelation.

Ulrich’s been bringing his now-rehearsed drumming skills to Metallica’s ongoing M72 world tour, which continues November 3 in St. Louis.

Rod Stewart refuses to play Saudi Arabia over treatment of women & LGBTQ+ community

October 12, 2023 by Classic Rock 93.9

Rod Stewart has revealed he refuses to perform in Saudi Arabia because of the nation’s treatment of women and the LGBTQ+ community.

“I’m grateful that I have a choice whether or not to perform in Saudi Arabia. So many citizens there have extremely limited choices… women, the LGBTQ community, the press,” he shared on Instagram. “I’d like my choice not to go … to shine a light on the injustices there and ignite positive change.”

Along with his statement, Stewart linked to an article in The Mirror, which quoted a source who claimed Stewart had turned down huge sums of money to play shows in the nation, including an over $1 million offer to play in Qatar.

The insider noted, “Rod was determined to do the right thing and couldn’t accept the offer, no matter how much money was on the table. Some things are more important.”

On This Day, October 12, 1981: U2 releases their second album, ‘October’

October 12, 2023 by Classic Rock 93.9

On This Day, October 12, 1981…

U2 released their second album, October, featuring many songs about religion and spirituality, including “Gloria.”

The band started writing the album during their Boy tour, but after a briefcase with all their new lyrical and musical ideas was stolen backstage in Portland, Oregon, Bono was forced to improvise new lyrics during recording sessions, which he described as chaotic.

After several pleas from Bono to the people of Portland over the years, the briefcase was finally returned to U2 in 2004.

Stewart Copeland sharing early Police diaries in October

October 12, 2023 by Classic Rock 93.9

Back in January, The Police drummer Stewart Copeland announced he’d be sharing his personal diaries from the early days of the band in a new book. Well, fans won’t have to wait much longer to read it.

Police Diaries is set to drop on October 26 and will feature actual scans of diary entries between 1976 and 1979, along with new commentary from Copeland. The rocker takes fans inside the band’s “starving years” and shares both classic and previously unseen photos.

Police Diaries is available for preorder now in three formats. In addition to a Classic edition, there’s a 500-copy Signature edition that comes with a CD of previously unreleased Copeland home recordings and a reprint of a classic Outlandos D’amour poster.

There’s also a 100-copy Ultimate edition that features the same bonuses as the Signature edition, a vintage recycled leather-bound copy of the book and a signed band print of a photo taken in Sting’s basement in 1978.

The musician Jon Bon Jovi’s son admires most … isn’t his dad

October 12, 2023 by Classic Rock 93.9

What does it take to impress a kid these days? Even being a global superstar and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer isn’t enough for Jon Bon Jovi‘s son.

In a joint interview with Barron’s, Jon and his son Jesse Bongiovi discuss their award-winning rosé, Hampton Water, which is now available in all 50 states, as well as more than 50 countries. As part of the interview — in which they hint they may be expanding their line of wines — the father and son answer a series of fill-in-the-blank questions, such as naming their go-to meals and favorite vacations.

But things get sticky when the question turns to, “The musician I admire the most is … .” Jon’s answer? “Paul McCartney. He is still singing, touring and writing. Of course, he was part of the greatest band that ever existed.”

But Jesse’s response is, “Harry Styles. He is the man.” Awkward!

And things don’t get much better when Jesse’s asked what song of his dad’s he listens to the most.

“I don’t sit around and listen to my dad’s songs much,” he says. “If I had to pick, it would be ‘Bed of Roses.'”

And it seems we won’t be hearing Jon perform that ballad — or any other love song — at his other son Jake‘s wedding to actress Millie Bobby Brown: She’s already said her future father-in-law won’t be singing at their wedding because “the man needs a break.”

Jimi Hendrix doc getting special New York screening

October 12, 2023 by Classic Rock 93.9

The Jimi Hendrix documentary Music, Money, Madness … Jimi Hendrix In Maui is getting a special screening in New York City.

The special event will take place October 25 at the LOOK Dine-In Cinemas W57 in Manhattan and will feature a Q&A with the film’s producers: Janie Hendrix, Hendrix’s sister and Experience Hendrix CEO, and John McDermott, who also directed the film. Eddie Kramer, Hendrix’s original audio engineer, will also take part in the Q&A.

Music, Money, Madness … Jimi Hendrix In Maui follows the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s 1970 visit to Maui and their participation in the critically panned counterculture film Rainbow Bridge, produced by their controversial manager Michael Jeffery. It features never-before-seen original footage, along with new interviews and more.

Tickets for the screening are on sale now.

John Fogerty buys Sylvester Stallone’s California ranch

October 11, 2023 by Classic Rock 93.9

John Fogerty has found a new California home.

According to the Robb Report, the Creedence Clearwater Revival rocker recently purchased Sylvester Stallone’s 2.2-acre ranch in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley.

Fogerty reportedly paid $17.2 million for the property, which was a bargain considering Stallone was asking for $22.5 million. The sale price was also less than what Stallone initially paid for it in 2022.

The home is located in the gated community of Hidden Hills, home to several other stars. In addition to the main house, a guest house and a large cabana, it features a horse barn and arena for horse riding. There’s also a vegetable garden and fruit-bearing trees, a private swimming pool, fire pit area and more.

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