This week marked the 40th anniversary of the release of Bryan Adams’ breakthrough album, Cuts Like a Knife. The album, Bryan’s third, was his first U.S. top 10 album and gave him his first three U.S. hit singles: “Straight from the Heart,” the title track and “This Time.” Bryan says credit for much of the album’s success goes to MTV.
Bryan tells ABC Audio that MTV was hugely responsible for the successful 1983 release: “There was a fraternity of probably 10 artists that they put on heavy rotation: Madonna, Dire Straits, Michael Jackson, myself, Duran Duran. And we got played over and over.”
In fact, the video for “Cuts Like a Knife,” starring a Penthouse model named Raquel Pena, was one of the most popular videos of 1983. It was filmed in the empty swimming pool of an abandoned YMCA in LA, which was also the location for the party Bryan’s label threw when the album went Platinum.
“Back then, when MTV first started, it was a cable thing … and not everybody had cable,” Bryan says. “But anyone that did have cable was getting all these songs all the time. So I’m really, really grateful to them. I wish it still existed.”
As previously reported, Bryan and his band performed Cuts Like a Knife in its entirety at London’s Royal Albert Hall in May 2022; the full performance hits streaming on February 3. He believes the album holds up after 40 years.
“It was really exciting to go back and listen to those songs,” Bryan says. “Some of the songs I’d never played ever live. I had to sit in a rehearsal hall for a few days and get my head around it.”
Late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury would be turning 77 this fall if he were still alive, and a big party is planned in his honor.
The Official 77th Freddie Mercury Birthday Party 2023 is going down September 2, three days before his real birthday on September 5. It will be held at the Casino Barriere in Montreux, about two hours outside of Zurich, Switzerland. The bash will feature a live performance by the United Kingdom Queen tribute band Live Killers, who’ll celebrate the golden anniversary of Queen’s 1973 self-titled debut album by playing it in its entirety. They also promise Queen hits and some deep cuts.
Tickets for the event go on sale January 27, with proceeds benefiting the Mercury Phoenix Trust, which raises funds for the fight against HIV/AIDs. It was founded by Queen’s Brian May, Roger Taylor and their manager Jim Beach in memory of Freddie, who died from the disease in 1991.
As previously reported, Crosby, Stills & Nash’s Graham Nash has already paid tribute to his late bandmate David Crosby, who died Thursday at the age of 81, and now their fellow bandmate Stephen Stills has offered his thoughts on Crosby’s passing as well.
Stills shared in a statement:
“I read a quote in this morning’s paper attributed to compose Gustav Mahler that stopped me for a moment: ‘Death has, on placid cat’s paws, entered the room.’
I shoulda known something was up.
David and I butted heads a lot over time, but they were mostly glancing blows, yet still left us numb skulls..
I was happy to be at peace with him.
He was without question a giant of a musician, and his harmonic sensibilities were nothing short of genius. The glue that held us together as our vocals soared, like Icarus, towards the sun.
I am deeply saddened at his passing and shall miss him beyond measure.”
The music world is mourning the loss another rock legend with the death of David Crosby Thursday at the age of 81, and many took to social media to pay tribute to the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.
Melissa Etheridge, who had two children with ex-Julie Cypher thanks to Crosby’s sperm donation, shared a picture with Crosby, writing “I am grieving the loss of my friend Beckett and Bailey’s biological father, David,” adding, “He gave me the gift of family. I will forever be grateful to him, Django, and Jan. His music and legacy will inspire many generations to come. A true treasure.”
The Beach Boys‘ Brian Wilsonalso remembered Crosby, noting, “I don’t know what to say other than I’m heartbroken to hear about David Crosby,” adding, “David was an unbelievable talent – such a great singer and songwriter. And a wonderful person. I just am at a loss for words.”
And Carole King also paid tribute, sharing, “My old friend David is gone, but he left us with his words, his music and his beautiful voice,” adding, “My deepest condolences to Jan, Django and everyone who loved David Crosby.”
Other tributes include:
Roseanne Cash – “I can’t begin to say how influential Crosby, Stills and Nash were for me. I’m grateful David Crosby lived, and so very sad he’s gone.”
E Street Band memberSteven Van Zandt – “RIP David Crosby. As a member of The Byrds, 1 of the historically essential Artists that created the Artform of Rock. The Byrds, Bob Dylan, Beatles, Stones, Kinks, Who, Beach Boys & Yardbirds, showed future generations like us what was possible. We owe him, and them, everything.”
Marianne Faithfull – “‘I don’t like greed, I don’t like ignorance. I really don’t like anger. But I love love.’ – @thedavidcrosby. Rest in peace to the brilliant David Crosby. He will be greatly missed.”
Tom Petty’s official Twitter account – “Tom counted David Crosby as a friend and a hero. He visited often at his house in the valley. He was funny, provocative and electric with talent. His contribution to music will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and love to his family, bandmates and fans.”
The Doors – “The world has lost yet another ethereal fixture of the ‘60s peace and love movement; a legend within his own right, and every group he was a part of. Coming up in the same era as The Doors, David Crosby had the voice and song writing abilities that made him completely unique…”
Sebastian Bach – “As much as I loved his music I loved his thoughts on Twitter as well. Rest In Peace David Crosby ✌️ thank you for the lifetime of inspiration.”
Jason Isbell, who performed with Crosby on Red Rocks in 2019 – “Grateful for the time we had with David Crosby. We’ll miss him a lot.”
Hanson – “We are so sad to hear of the passing of the legendary David Crosby, a man of unbelievable talent. As a small tribute, here’s our cover of CSNY’s ‘Teach Your Children’. Rest in Peace, David.”
Michael Des Barres– “David Crosby stuck to his guns. A difficult and gifted man. Whose talent and taste was immense. His harmonious voice still echoes in Laurel Canyon. A proud man who said what he said, and felt what he felt with no apology. A brilliant songwriter, and an American Icon, RIP.”
Metallica has premiered a new song called “Screaming Suicide,” a track off the band’s upcoming album, 72 Seasons.
“‘Screaming Suicide’ addresses the taboo word of suicide,” says frontman James Hetfield. “The intention is to communicate about the darkness we feel inside.”
“It’s ridiculous to think we should deny that we have these thoughts,” the singer continues. “At one point or another, I believe most people have thought about it. To face it is to speak the unspoken. If it’s a human experience, we should be able to talk about it. You are not alone.”
You can listen to “Screaming Suicide” now via digital outlets, and watch its accompanying video streaming on YouTube.
72 Seasons, the follow-up to 2016’s Hardwired…to Self-Destruct, will be released April 14. It also includes the previously released single “Lux Æterna,” which has sat at #1 on Billboard‘s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart for the last six weeks.
Metallica will support 72 Seasons with a giant world tour, which kicks off in April in Europe and then comes to the U.S. in August.
If you are in crisis or know someone in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
Kevin Kane/Getty Images For The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
Def Leppard makes a cameo in the new Netflix film Bank of Dave, and they are giving fans a look at what went into the making of their scene. The band shared some behind-the-scenes footage of them shooting the cameo, which was filmed March 5, 2022, in Wakefield, England.
In the video, Joe Elliott calls the film a “feel good” movie, which he seemed happy to be a part of. “I get to do some acting. I’m hoping I get my Equity card, so I’m just trying to get into character,” he says. “It should be a bit of fun.”
Bank of Dave tells the real-life story of a working-class, self-made millionaire named Dave Fishwick, who istrying to set up a community bank to help his town’s local businesses survive. It stars actor Rory Kinnear, whose been in Penny Dreadful, Black Mirror and James Bond films, including Quantum of Solace and Skyfall. The cameo has the band performing at a charity fundraiser for the bank.
“What a special day,” drummer Rick Allen shares in the behind-the-scenes video. “I’m really excited about how this turns out and I think it’s just really an honor to be involved with something like this, with such a fantastic story.”
Bank of Dave is currently streaming on Netflix in the United Kingdom.
Graham Nash has shared a heartfelt tribute to his Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young bandmate David Crosby, who passed away Thursday at the age of 81.
“It is with a deep and profound sadness that I learned that my friend David Crosby has passed,” he writes on Instagram. “I know people tend to focus on how volatile our relationship has been at times, but what has always mattered to David and me more than anything was the pure joy of the music we created together, the sound we discovered with one another, and the deep friendship we shared over all these many long years.”
He adds, “David was fearless in life and in music. He leaves behind a tremendous void as far as sheer personality and talent in this world. He spoke his mind, his heart, and his passion through his beautiful music and leaves an incredible legacy. These are the things that matter most.”
Finally he offers, “My heart is truly with his wife, Jan, his son, Django, and all of the people he has touched in this world.”
Crosby, Stills & Nash, which also featured Stephen Stills, formed in 1968. They released their self-titled debut in 1969. Neil Young later joined them, and they released Déjà Vu, their first album as a foursome, in 1970; it went to number one. In addition, Crosby & Nash released four albums together.
Two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer David Crosby passed away Thursday, according to a statement issued by his wife to Variety. He was 81.
“It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away,” read the statement. “Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us. His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music.” It continues, “Peace, love, and harmony to all who knew David and those he touched. We will miss him dearly. At this time, we respectfully and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and try to deal with our profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers.”
Born in Los Angeles in 1941, Crosby launched his career as a member of the Byrds, joining the band in 1964 and appearing on their first five albums. In 1968, along with Stephen Stills of Buffalo Springfield and Graham Nash of the Hollies, he formed Crosby, Stills & Nash, which released their self-titled debut in 1969. The group went on to win the Grammy for Best New Artist that year. They were later joined by Neil Young and performed their second-ever gig together at Woodstock. Their first album as a foursome, 1970’s Déjà Vu, went to number one.
In addition, Crosby & Nash released four albums together and Crosby had a prolific solo career, releasing his first solo album, If I Could Remember My Name, in 1971. In 1996 he also formed the group CPR, aka Crosby, Pevar & Raymond, with guitarist Jeff Pevar and pianist James Raymond. Raymond was his son, whom he gave up for adoption in 1962 and reunited with as an adult.
As a songwriter, Crosby wrote or co-wrote such songs as CSN’s “Wooden Ships,” “Guinevere” and “Longtime Gone,” as well as CSNY’s “Almost Cut My Hair” and “Déjà Vu.” He also wrote the Byrds tracks “Lady Friend” and “Everybody’s Been Burned.”
Crosby, a longtime outspoken political activist, was a 10-time Grammy nominee with one win. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 with the Byrds and in 1997 with CSN. A documentary about his life, David Crosby: Remember My Name, produced by Cameron Crowe, was released in 2019.
The rocker had a history of drug and health problems over the years, although he was also a longtime advocate for cannabis and even launched his own cannabis brand, Mighty Croz. In 1994 he received a liver transplant following a long battle with hepatitis C, although it caused some controversy because people questioned how someone with a known history of drug and alcohol problems was able to get a new kidney. In 2022, he revealed that he suffered from tendonitis that was preventing him from playing guitar.
Crosby was the father of four children: Raymond with Celia Crawford Ferguson; daughter Erika with Jackie Guthrie; daughter Donovan with former girlfriend Debbie Donovan; and son Django with wife Jan Dance. In addition, Melissa Etheridge revealed in 2000 that Crosby was the sperm donor for the two children she had with ex-partner Julie Cypher: son Beckett, who died of an overdose in 2020, and daughter Bailey.
Michael McDonald is one of the many artists booked to help celebrate Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson as they are honored as the Recording Academy’s MusiCares Persons of the Year.
McDonald is part of an all-star lineup that also includes Lionel Richie, Sheryl Crow, Dionne Warwick, The Temptations, Isley Brothers and the Four Tops, along with John Legend, Brandi Carlile, Mumford & Sons and Trombone Shorty.
The 32nd annual MusiCares Persons of the Year benefit gala is set for February 3, two days before the Grammy Awards, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Proceeds from the gala, which also includes a silent auction, will finance essential support for MusiCares, which provides music professionals with health and human services across a spectrum of needs.
The Eagles are extending their time on the road. The band just added another date to their Hotel California tour.
The latest show is set to take place April 8 in Baltimore, Maryland, with tickets going on sale January 27 at 10 a.m. ET.
The Hotel California tour, which the Eagles launched in 2019, has the band playing their classic 1976 album in its entirety, backed by an orchestra and choir. In addition to the album, the band, which currently consists of Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, with Vince Gill,also treats fans to a set of greatest hits.
The 2023 leg is set to kick off February 17 in Lincoln, California. Eagles.com has the complete list of tour dates.
