Gibson Custom announced a guitar fit for every sharp dressed man, the Billy Gibbons Pearly Gates Limited Edition Les Paul Standard. And now you can own it. Billy Gibbons’ favorite axe has always been his beloved Pearly Gates – a rare 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard with legendary angelic qualities.
It has appeared on every track of every ZZ Top album to date, and sings with a 'God-like voice' unlike any other guitar. And now, the master craftsmen at Gibson Custom have recreated it in excruciating detail – right down to the last scratch and ding. Gibbons’ legendary Pearly Gates – a rare 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard – is like no other guitar in the world. The Gibson Custom Shop and Billy Gibbons himself took painstaking steps to make sure the replica of this sacred instrument is true to its every form. There are three different models, all in very limited quantities.
Gibbons was a young musician weaned on blues and rock in Texas. After years of listening to such greats as Eric Clapton, Gibbons began his search for his first Les Paul guitar. His search included a ’58 Flying V but the guitar that he was destined to find and nickname 'Pearly Gates' was a ’59 Les Paul. It didn’t come to Gibbons right away but through a girlfriend, a thirties model Packard automobile and part in a movie. Gibbons notes that in the early days of the band they acquired a Packard automobile. It was a huge vehicle that caused a stir on the road. Not long after they acquired the vehicle one of their girlfriends needed a way to get to California to try out for a movie part. The band gave her the Packard to get there and the girlfriend got the part. Thinking the car had special powers, they named it 'Pearly Gates.' Later the girlfriend sold the car to a collector and sent the money to the band. The money arrived the same day Gibbons got an offer to buy an old guitar, a ’59 Sunburst Les Paul, he bought it. After calling the girlfriend to discuss the circumstances both agreed that the money went for a good cause and since it came from the Packard they decided to keep the name 'Pearly Gates' for the guitar and the rest is history. Billy continues to make divine music to this day on the legendary instrument. The ’59 Gibson Les Paul is one of the most desirable guitars today.
The Billy Gibbons 'Pearly Gates’ Les Paul Standard will be produced in a very limited quantity of only 350 guitars – 250 will receive Gibson Custom’s patented V.O.S. finish, 50 will be aged to look exactly like the original Pearly Gates, and another 50 will aged and personally signed and played by Gibbons himself.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Gibson Custom Guitars Announce The Billy Gibbons Pearly Gates Limited Edition
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The Jimi Hendrix Experience 'Live At Woburn' To See Release July 28
On July 28th, the official Jimi Hendrix bootleg label Dagger Records will release 'The Jimi Hendrix Experience : Live At Woburn'. Recorded live at the Woburn Music Festival, Bedfordshire, England on July 6th, 1968, this previously unreleased 7 track recording was captured in front of an enthusiastic crowd some 14,000 strong who turned out for the performance.
By July 1968, Axis: Bold As Love was still a top selling album but Jimi had long since moved on to new challenges. To Hendrix, performances such as Woburn were unique, shared experiences and not simply personal appearances intended to help shift units of albums or singles.
At Woburn, Jimi skipped songs from Axis: Bold As Love altogether, electing instead to ‘jam' as he called it—kicking off his set with a spirited "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." The trio followed with "Fire," and despite beset with buzzing, crackles and otherwise unwanted noises throughout their set, The Experience continued to persevere doing their best to surmount the technical problems that hampered an otherwise animated set.
Although opting to bypass music from Axis: Bold As Love, Hendrix did foreshadow his next album at Woburn, stretching out a marvelous 10+ minute version of "Tax Free;" an early contender for Electric Ladyland and a favorite Experience vehicle for improvisation. Hendrix followed up with another extended improvisational rendition of "Red House" before closing the show with a trio of live concert stalwarts "Foxey Lady," "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" and "Purple Haze."
In launching into "Purple Haze," Jimi kicked off a boisterous feedback opening, buttressed by Mitchell and Redding and complete with tremolo bar swoops, wah-wah pedal shadings and soaring dive bomb styled bursts that transitioned seamlessly into the song's unmistakable opening notes. At its conclusion, the audience roared with approval. While no microphones were positioned to fully capture the intensity of their reaction, their enthusiasm and calls for more can be easily heard through Jimi and Noel's stage microphones.
The Experience's performance at Woburn Music Festival would mark the trio's last performance in England until the two celebrated concerts in February 1969 at the Royal Albert Hall.
To preview the release go to this location.
Beatles 1974 Planned Reunion Was Stopped By Yoko Ono
The UK's Daily Mail is reporting that John Lennon and Sir Paul McCartney planned a Beatles reunion in 1974 but it was stopped by Yoko Ono, a new book claims.
In Paul McCartney: A Life, author Peter Ames Carlin suggests that he missed working with Lennon and tried to orchestrate a comeback.
Carlin claims that thirty five years ago Sir Paul, paid a surprise late night visit to a studio in California where Lennon was recording.
According to the book the pair played music into the early hours of the morning with Stevie Wonder, who was also working there.
The session went so well Lennon invited Sir Paul, now 67, and his first wife Linda over for dinner at his rented house in Malibu with girlfriend and assistant May Pang,
According to reports Mr Carlin spoke to Miss Pang, who the late singer was seeing during a break in his marriage from Miss Ono.
She told him she had heard Lennon talk about ‘getting the guys back together’ for a concert in the autumn of 1974.
But Mr Carlin states that Sir Paul inadvertently doomed the comeback by telling Lennon that he had recently seen his estranged wife and that she was keen to see him.
Miss Ono has often been blamed as the cause of The Beatles bitter split in 1970.
The couple had agreed to spend time apart with Lennon living in California and his wife in New York.
He famously called this 18 month hedonistic period his ‘lost weekend’.
After Sir Paul’s message the pair were reconciled and the plans for a reunion concert were cancelled.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
David Gilmour, Bob Geldof, Chrissie Hynde Contribute To Benefit Cover Of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Classic
David Gilmour of Pink Floyd has contributed to a song called "Chicago/Change the World" in support of Gary McKinnon, who faces 6 charges for hacking 97 Pentagon and NASA computer systems.
The song, by Graham Nash and originally recorded by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, has been treated to new lyrics by Gary's mother, Janis Sharp, which Graham has generously approved.
The song is addressed to US President Barack Obama, and highlights Gary's perilous legal position as he continues his seven-year fight against deportation, which, under the terms of the treaty, does not require the US to produce any proof of wrongdoing; however, the agreement is not reciprocal and the treaty, originally put in place by then-Home Secretary David Blunkett, has been much criticized for the way in which UK citizens only are exposed to deportation without a domestic judicial process. Nick Mason and Guy Pratt were not involved.
According to Chrissie Hynde, "Gary McKinnon is clearly not a terrorist, and the US is in danger of using a sledgehammer treaty to crush him like a nut. The US doesn't allow its own Nationals to be tried abroad, so let Gary be free to face the music in his own country".
David Gilmour played Keyboards, Bass and electric guitar. He also sang a verse. Chrissie Hynde is the main vocalist.
To download the track go to this location.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Gary Moore 'Essential Montreux' Box Set To Hit Stores July 28th
Arguably one of the greatest blues and rock guitarists to come out of Ireland, Gary Moore has made the Montreux stage his personal playground, having taken the Swiss crowd by storm on numerous occasions. Eagle Rock has captured several of these sonic performances, and is proud to present the 'Essential Montreux' 5CD box set on July 28 (MSRP $49.98).
Pulled from five different concerts at the acclaimed jazz festival, Essential Montreux spans over a decade’s worth of performances. Clocking in at over six hours, this special edition box set features Moore’s appearances from 1990, 1995, 1997, 1999, and 2001. Proving that this blues-rocker has only sounded better with time, 'Essential Montreux' is a cornucopia of his signature sound. It’s the perfect showcase of Moore’s brand of gritty blues, swinging rock, and the wailing, howling intricacy of his guitar-work.
A champion of blues-rock, Gary Moore got his start in the 60s with Skid Row. After befriending the late Phil Lynott (Eagle recently released a tribute concert Gary hosted for Lynott on Blu-ray in April 2009), Moore rotated between a solo career and several stints in Thin Lizzy. Studying at the altar of Jimi Hendrix, John Mayall, and Elvis, and mentored by Fleetwood Mac's’s Peter Green, he also provided his sizzling guitar lines in the fusion band Colosseum II, before his successful solo career took off in the 80s. A culmination of a solid and triumphant career, this 5-CD box set captures the magnitude of this majestic lead guitarist. It is truly worthy of the title Essential.
Tracklisting:
Disc 1 – 1990:
'All Your Love'
'Midnight Blues'
'You Don’t Love Me'
'Texas Strut'
'Moving On'
'Too Tired'
'Cold Cold Feeling'
'Further On Up The Road'
'King of the Blues'
'Stop Messing Around'
'The Blues Is Alright'
'The Messiah Will Come Again' (with Albert Collins)
Disc 2 – 1995:
'If You Be My Baby'
'Long Grey Mare'
'Oh Pretty Woman'
'I Loved Another Woman'
'Merry-Go-Round'
'The Stumble'
'Need Your Love So Bad'
'You Don’t Love Me'
'Key To Love'
'All Your Love'
'Since I Met You Baby'
'The Blues Is Alright'
'Stop Messing Around'
'Jumpin’ At Shadows'
Disc 3 – 1997:
'One Good Reason'
'One Fine Day'
'Cold Wind Blows'
'I’ve Found My Love In You'
'Always There For You'
'Oh Pretty Woman'
'Walking By Myself'
'Business As Usual'
'Out In The Fields'
'Over The Hills and Far Away'
'Parisienne Walkways'
Disc 4 – 1999:
'Walking By Myself'
'Since I Met You Baby'
'Need Your Love So Bad'
'Tore Down'
'You Don’t Love Me'
'All Your Love'
'Still Got The Blues'
'Too Tired'
'The Sky Is Crying'
'Further On Up The Road'
'Fire'
'Parisienne Walkways'
Disc 5 – 2001:
'You Upset Me Baby'
'Cold Black Night'
'Stormy Monday'
'Oh Pretty Woman'
'All Your Love'
'Still Got The Blues'
'Too Tired'
'How Many Lies'
'Fire'
'Enough Of The Blues'
'The Prophet'
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Reunited Arc Angels Take Flight At The House Of Blues
On Friday, Austin's own reunited legendary Arc Angels took flight at Houston's House Of Blues, playing a two hour set of their own brand of hard edged Texas blues rock.
The Arc Angels consist of guitarists Doyle Bramhall II and Charlie Sexton and drummer Chris Layton. Bassist Mark Proct is also joining the band for the 2009 reunion.
After a 17 year split, the band has a live CD/DVD from some 2005 performances in Austin in the works, with tentative plans for a fall release. And the band is also working on songs for its first studio recording since 1992.
To read a review and see pictures from the show go to this location
For more info go to the official Arc Angels website.
The Arc Angels "Shape I'm In" live at The House Of Blues, Houston TX :
Robert Plant Honored With CBE
The Associated Press is reporting that Robert Plant received a royal honor from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace on Friday, putting the former Led Zeppelin front man one notch above his old band mate Jimmy Page.
But, Plant joked he and Page would not be fighting over rank, even though Plant's new Commander of the British Empire is a higher honor than Page's Order of the British Empire.
"If we can remember each other's phone number at this time in life it's a miracle," he joked. "We're still good friends, we both enjoy a rather dark sense of humor that comes, I think, from being from rather the wrong side of the tracks for all those wild years."
Plant opted not to take part in a Led Zeppelin reunion tour last year, choosing instead to concentrate on his collaboration with American bluegrass singer Alison Krauss.
Here's Percy when he was merely rock royalty in 1969 :
Going Further On Up The Road With Joe Bonamassa At The North Sea Jazz Festival
Last night, July 10th, hard rockin' blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa performed a stellar set at the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands. One of the many highlights was his rendition of the Bobby "Blue"Bland classic "Further On Up The Road".
As previously reported, in May the guitarist was joined by rock legend Eric Clapton at London's prestigious Royal Albert Hall for a version of the same song.
The North Sea Jazz Festival is an annual jazz festival held each second weekend of July in The Netherlands. This year's lineup included King Of The Blues B.B. King, jazz guitarists Lee Ritenour and George Benson, British soulstress Duffy among many others.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Paul Revere & The Raiders Guitarist Drake Levin Dies At 62
The L.A. Times is reporting that Drake Levin, lead guitarist for Paul Revere & the Raiders during the quintet's hit-making prime in the mid-1960s, died Saturday at his home in San Francisco after a long battle with cancer, according to his longtime friend and former Raiders bandmate Phil Volk. He was 62.
Levin's four-year stint with the Raiders, known for its campy Revolutionary War uniforms, thigh-high black riding boots and tri-corner hats, coincided with a string of top 10 hits including "Kicks," "Hungry" and "Good Thing."
For a time he was one of the most recognizable American rock guitarists through the group's weekly appearances on the Dick Clark-produced music series "Where the Action Is."
The band's 1965 hit "Just Like Me," prominently featuring Levin's double-tracked lead guitar, is on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's list of "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll." The song hit #11 on the Top 40 singles charts that year.
Levin's prominence as a guitarist helped him land subsequent work playing with organist Lee Michaels, singer-songwriter Emitt Rhodes and others. After settling in the Bay Area, he became one of the region's top blues players and formed groups of his own, including Billy Dunn and Bluesway. He last played with his Raiders cohorts at a 1997 reunion in Portland that featured all the mid-'60s band members except Revere, who has continued touring with his own lineup.
Levin is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sandra; sons David and Darby; his mother, Charle; his brother Jeff and his sister Lori.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
New Eric Clapton Book Available
Our good friends at AntiMusic are reporting that a new book celebrates the amazing, forty-plus year career of rock guitar giant Eric Clapton. Titled 'Eric Clapton: The Essential Interviews', the long-overdue project boasts many of the legendary classic rock guitarist's honest, engaging and indispensable press interactions.
Commencing with Clapton's efforts as part of blues rock maestros Cream, 'The Essential Interviews' traces his efforts with Blind Faith, Derek & the Dominos and as one of the most inventive solo artists in the history of rock music. Offering revelations on his unique life along the way, this telling book chronicles Clapton's life and work as it documents his strength in overcoming addiction and the death of his young son in his own words.
A must-read for any E.C. fan, Eric Clapton: The Essential Interviews was Edited by John D. Luerssen for Rock Reader Books. Available for advance purchase and immediate delivery (via download) - here
News Briefs : RIP Fender Guitar Pioneer George Fullerton, Ex Crimson Glory Vocalist Midnight
More sad news to report, which is seeming to be recurring on a daily basis recently. Following on the heels of Michael Jackson, Sky Saxon and ex Beatles/Stones manager Allen Klein (whom depending on who one talks to, may or may not be mourned), comes word that George Fullerton, a co creator with Leo Fender of the Fender Stratocaster passed away at the age of 86.
Fullerton, a longtime associate of Leo Fender who played a crucial role in the electric-guitar innovator's extraordinary success through his broad-based skills as a musician, artist and technician, died Saturday of congestive heart failure.
Blabbermouth.net is also reporting that vocalist Midnight, formerly of 80's progressive power metal band Crimson Glory passed away earlier today at the age of 47 from “total kidney and liver failure”. The vocalist sang on Crimson Glory’s first three albums — Crimson Glory (1986), Transcendence (1988) and Strange and Beautiful (1991) — before going into self-imposed exile for almost a decade.
According to Jon Oliva’s Pain guitarist Matt LaPorte, who played on some of Midnight’s recent solo recordings, the singer (real name: John Patrick Jr. McDonald) passed away at 3:45 a.m EST on Wednesday, July 8 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida.
He eventually rejoined Crimson Glory in 2005 but was dismissed in January 2007 following the revelation that he was arrested in Sarasota, Florida and charged with "DUI [driving under the influence] with .20 [blood-alcohol level] or higher or having a passenger under 18" years of age. Midnight, who gave his occupation as "painter" to the authorities at the time of the arrest, was also cited for driving with a suspended/ canceled/ revoked license.
Crimson Glory "Lonely" from the 1988 album 'Transcendence':
Queen's Brian May Upset At Leaked Freddie Mercury/Michael Jackson Tracks
Classic Rock Magazine is reporting that Queen guitarist Brian May is angry after “music thieves” exploited Michael Jackson’s death by releasing previously unheard tracks by Jackson and Queen’s late frontman Freddie Mercury on the Internet.
Jackson and Mercury worked together in the 1980s on a number of tracks that have never been heard officially by the public.
May revealed the existence of the songs last week, saying: “He [Jackson] used to come and see us when we were on tour in the States.
“He and Freddie became close friends, close enough to record a couple of tracks together at Michael’s house, tracks which have never seen the light of day.”
But May has been left incensed after two tunes by the pair, State Of Shock and There Must Be More To Life Than This, ended up on YouTube.
May fumed: “The music thieves at work as usual.”
Sphere: Related ContentTuesday, July 7, 2009
Vintage 1982 Show From NWOBHM Metal Merchants Saxon Available Online
Our good friends at Bravewords.com are reporting that WolfgangsVault.com has posted a classic show from NWOBHM stalwarts Saxon from 1982 (Kiel Auditorium, St. Louis, MO). While there are just six songs (Biff Byford chatter throughout the 41:58 running time), it's all early gems: 'Motorcycle Man', 'And The Bands Played On', 'Strong Arm Of The Law', 'Play It Loud', 'Wheels Of Steel' and 'Denim & Leather'. While the site (hosting many old King Biscuit shows) is free, registration is required to listen.
To acess the show go to this location
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Infamous Ex Beatles, Rolling Stones Manager Allen Klein Dies At 77
CNN is reporting that music manager Allen Klein, whose clients included the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, died Saturday after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease, his publicist said. Klein was 77.
The son of Jewish immigrants from Hungary, Klein founded his firm Allen Klein & Co. in the late 1950s before the label evolved into ABKCO Music & Records in New York. The independent label holds the copyrights to music by the Rolling Stones, Sam Cooke, the Animals, the Kinks, Pete Townshend of the Who. Chubby Checker, Bobby Womack and hundreds of others.
Klein represented dozens of artists, including Sam Cooke, the Animals, Bobby Darin and Herman's Hermits. He changed the music industry when he represented Sam Cooke in negotiations with RCA, winning the artist control of his own master recordings.
Known for a tenacious and often blunt style in negotiations, Klein's greatest coups were inking contracts with the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, though both relationships ended in legal battles.
ABKCO built up a catalog of copyrights to more than 2,000 songs, including much of the Stones' 1960s catalog. Klein retained ownership of those titles even after splitting with the Stones. In 1969, John Lennon persuaded the other Beatles that Klein should take over the group's business affairs, but Paul McCartney resisted the move and some music historians say the appointment hastened the Beatles' split.
Lennon later fell out with Klein, who was thought to be the target of the former Beatle's 1974 song "Steel and Glass."
Klein was convicted of tax fraud in 1979 and served two months in prison for failing to report income from sales of promotional records by the Beatles and other groups; the records were supposed to be given away. The Rolling Stones grew so infuriated with Klein – whose company still owns an enormous chunk of their 1960s songs – that Mick Jagger once chased him down the hall of a posh hotel.
Klein, who was already representing "British Invasion" artists such as the Animals, Dave Clark Five and Herman's Hermits, set his sights on the Rolling Stones, who were laboring under an onerous deal. He renegotiated their pact in 1965, and ended up managing the group for about five years, taking a 20 per cent fee.
The Stones eventually tired of Klein. But the only way to break free of him was to give up the rights to their master recordings and to such timeless tunes as "Satisfaction" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash."
The animosity continued for decades, culminating in dueling lawsuits over rights and royalties and a 1984 trial.
Klein was reputed to be the basis for the slick manager "Ron Decline," played by John Belushi, in the parodic 1978 film The Rutles.Defending his tough style, Klein told Playboy magazine in 1971: "The music business is about 99 percent no-talent losers who can't stand a winner in their midst."
In 1971, Klein worked with George Harrison to organize the "Concert for Bangladesh" at Madison Square Garden, one of the first major benefit concerts of the rock era.
Late in his career, Klein agreed to license a sample of a Rolling Stones song to the British group the Verve for their hit single "Bittersweet Symphony." But after the song was released, ABKCO successfully argued in court that the Verve had used too much of the sample and won 100 percent of the song's royalties.
Klein is survived by his wife Betty, their three children and four grandchildren. Services will be held in New York on Tuesday.Sphere: Related ContentSaturday, July 4, 2009
Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam Walking On Hot Coals In Milwaukee
On June 30th, fast rising blues rock guitarist Davy Knowles (who recently opened for Jeff Beck and Chickenfoot) played Milwaukee's Summerfest with his new version of Back Door Slam on the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse Stage. Knowles and company included in their set a blistering nine minute plus version of the late, great Irish guitarist Rory Gallagher's "Walk On Hot Coals".
Here's some fan produced footage :
Friday, July 3, 2009
Led Zeppelin To Fill In For Michael Jackson Shows?
Seeing as it's from the UK's paragon of reliability The Sun, you might want to take this with a grain of salt, but they are reporting that music bosses hope Led Zeppelin will play some of Michael Jackson's O2 arena gigs.
AEG Live, the team behind the King of Pop's 50-night stint, want the rock supergroup to alternate shows with Abba.
Both bands - who have sold 600 million albums between them - have been offered big money to reform.
Led Zep stars Jimmy Page, 65, Robert Plant, 60, and bassist John Paul Jones, 63, have been approached.
They played their only concert in 19 years at the O2 in 2007 and are seen as one of the few acts who could rival Jacko. His This Is It tour was due to start at the London venue on July 13.
AEG face multi-million pound losses if they cannot fill the slots. A source said: "Only Michael Jackson could sell out 50 nights at such a big arena, but Led Zeppelin and Abba combined might just rival him. There is huge money on the table."
KISS Mainman Gene Simmons Mouths Off On Michael Jackson
KI$$ bassist/vocalist and noted attention whore Gene Simmons says he’s heard enough celebrity tributes to Michael Jackson, and wants to hear from the kids who accused the late pop singer of molestation.
“I want the kids who’ve accused him, to be blunt, of molestation, to have their say,” Simmons told The Canadian Press in a telephone interview from Los Angeles on Thursday.
“I want to hear what they have to say. Not celebrities. Let’s celebrate the talent and everything later, let’s just figure out if there are any victims here.”
The recently deceased Jackson was tried for child molestation in 2005 but was ultimately acquitted of all charges by a jury. He faced a similar accusation in 1993 but that case was settled out of court.
Simmons said he initially declined to provide his opinion on Jackson, but that enough time had elapsed since the singer’s death for him to break his silence.
Simmons said he knew Jackson roughly 26 years ago. At the time, Simmons was living with Diana Ross and found Jackson to be “charming and shy and self-effacing, you know, very pleasant, obviously talented”.
Jackson paid millions of dollars to settle out of court with a 13-year-old who accused him of molestation in 1993, Simmons noted.
“I want to know what that boy has to say,” Simmons said.
“So while it’s sad that [Jackson] had this sad life and I understand, that’s horrible – Michael’s not the only victim. I want to know what these boys have to say.”
Sphere: Related ContentLennon guitar fetches £205,250 At Christie's Auction
One of John Lennon's guitars from the early years of his Beatles career sold for £205,250 ($335,430 US dollars) at auction yesterday, almost doubling its £100,000 - 150,000 estimate.
Lennon bought the 1958 Hofner Senator guitar from Hessy's Music store in Liverpool and auctioneers believe he kept it at home for song-writing purposes.
It was accompanied by a fax of a 1982 letter from George Harrison saying the guitar was one of Lennon's first guitars.
Neil Roberts, head of Popular Culture for Christie's auction house said they were overwhelmed with bidders on the phones and online as well those in attendance.
"It's quite amazing to have. You can't hope for more. It is so rare for Lennon's guitars to come on auction. Music memorabilia is a very strong component within Christie's," he said.
Art collectibles experts were also carefully watching a rare, photo signed by all members of the Jackson 5 which sold at £1,625 - nearly three times its estimate .
Fine arts collectibles expert, Robert Korzinek, said it was a sign of things to come for such memorabilia. "We'll see an increase in demand for anything associated with Michael Jackson. A good comparison is what is happening in the album charts. Sales are soaring," he said.
But with an increased demand, collectors may be vulnerable to fakes.
Korzinek said: "Any market is open to forgeries. That's why you want to focus on the provenance. Items tell a story that bring them closer to their idols. If you can prove it was associated with them it adds to the value. The advice is to ask whether the association makes sense."
Christie's, who have received a high number of inquiries about Jackson memorabilia do not want to predict the affect of Jackson's death on the value of items. Roberts said: "I think it is a volatile area and we need things to stabilize, but the market is going to get quite saturated."
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Alice In Chains Talk New Album, Tour
Armed with its first album in nearly 14 years, Alice in Chains singer-guitarist Jerry Cantrell and drummer Sean Kinney tell Billboard.com the band's new album "Black Gives Way To Blue," which is due out September 29 on Virgin/EMI, doesn't stray too far from the Seattle band's influential catalog.
"It's nice to sound like yourself," laughs Kinney. "It's not really that hard, actually. I know people are blown away that we really sound like ourselves, and I understand the apprehension, but it's not really that big a stretch to sound the way that you sound."
Adds Cantrell, "We were just hoping to make the best record we possibly could and we did that. Sean and I talk a lot about when you do a record you've been working on it a long time and you're pretty sick of it by the time somebody else hears it. You're already thinking of the next thing. And we're still listening to this. It's still like really exciting to listen to and that's really good."
The group has booked a brief European run in August with a month-long Stateside tour in September. Cantrell hints more legs are due to follow.
"We're not going to stop touring when the record comes out," Cantrell laughs. "That would be like an old pattern we're trying not to do again."
While the album's lead single hasn't been announced, new track "A Looking in View" is currently streaming on aliceinchains.com, with other new songs including "Your Decision" and "Check My Brain." Kinney says the vibe of the 11-track album, which is its first effort with new singer-guitarist William DuVall, continues in the Alice in Chains tradition of tackling different styles and sounds, from the hard rock nature of "Dirt" to the acoustic-minded "Jar of Flies."
As far as the recording of a new album, the band's first since its 1995 self-titled effort and the 2002 death of original singer Layne Staley due to a heroin/cocaine overdose, nothing was for certain when the band members reunited in 2006.
"It's been a really slow process," Kinney says. "As long as it felt genuine and it came from the right place, and we all were cool with it, then we'd take another little step. Two years ago we really weren't talking about doing a record. We were on tour and we've been playing and jelling together and Will (DuVall) was getting incorporated into how things are going down. But we always had a jam space backstage where riffs and stuff started happening."
Finally, both Alice in Chains members said the spirit of Staley remains with the band. In fact, without going into specifics, there apparently is material on "Black Gives Way To Blue" that deals with their former singer.
"He's always a part of my everyday life," Kinney says. "There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of him. And there's a lot to address, with all of that stuff coming to the forefront. A lot has happened since 1995, a lot has happened in our lives and we've never talked about it or discussed it publicly. So some of that is what's addressed here. That's the way we operate, it's about what really happened in life. We're not really the fast cars and chicks songs. It's basically what's happened in life, but a lot has happened since the last record. And it's on this record."
Monday, June 29, 2009
The Black Crowes Announce Second And Third Leg Of North American Tour
The Black Crowes announce the second and third leg of their 2009 ‘Stuck Inside Utopia” Tour.
‘Stuck Inside Utopia’ begins August 25, 2009 at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia and concludes in the US with a five night run of shows at the legendary Fillmore in San Francisco on December 6, 2009.
On September 1, 2009, The Black Crowes will release their new studio CD, 'Before the Frost...' and celebrate with a live performance on the “Late Show with David Letterman.”
A second album, titled '…Until The Freeze', will be given away for free exclusively through a unique download code which is included in Before The Frost… as a “thank you” to their fans for two decades of continued support.
The Black Crowes are: Chris Robinson (vocals),Rich Robinson (guitar, vocals), Steve Gorman (drums), Sven Pipien (bass), Adam MacDougall (keyboards) and Luther Dickinson (guitar).
Tickets for the second and third legs go on sale and are available at the box offices and through www.livenation.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
For a listing of all tour dates go to this location.
Deep Purple's 1970 Heavy Rock Classic 'In Rock' To Get Audiophile Gold Release
On July 21st, Deep Purple's 1970 heavy rock classic 'In Rock' will receive the audiophile gold limited edition, numbered CD treatment courtesy of Audio Fidelity.
In 1970 heavy metal was just beginning and it was Deep Purple that combined the heaviness and the speed to form what we now know as heavy metal. 'In Rock' is one of those seminal albums. Deep Purple's fourth studio album, and the first with the classic Mk II lineup was their breakthrough album. Heavy guitar riffs from guitar god Ritchie Blackmore and heavily fuzzed Hammond B-3 organ from Jon Lord were now the order of the day. The opening track, the fully restored, un-edited, complete, full-length 5:55 version of "Speed King" shows no mercy as it instantly blasts out of the speakers with a raw, unbridled hard rock sound. Also included is the 10-minute epic and all-time concert favorite, "Child in Time". The album is issued in remastered form from the original master tapes.
To pre order go to this location.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
A Day In The Life For Sir Paul : McCartney Joins Neil Young Onstage In Hyde Park
Last night, June 27th, Paul McCartney joined Neil Young at the latter's show at Hyde Park, London, England for a rendition of the Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper' classic "A Day In The Life".
The Canadian rocker's performance at the Hard Rock Calling festival was the final date of a two-year world tour in which he closed many of his concerts with his version of the Beatles classic, including his headline set on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury only the night before.
To read a full account go to this location courtesy of The Guardian UK.
Santana / Journey Founding Member Gregg Rolie Releases Limited Edition Live CD
Legendary Santana / Journey founding member and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Gregg Rolie has released a limited edition CD of his band in concert in 2007. On this 12-track CD, the Gregg Rolie Band whip up a blistering performance featuring all the beloved Santana hits, as well as tracks from his 2001 critically acclaimed solo CD 'Roots' and a few new songs. Songs include "No One To Depend On", "Jingo", "Evil Ways". "Black Magic Woman", "Soul Sacrifice" and others.
The final track on the CD, "Bailamos El Son", was taken from Rolie's performance on the PBS special Trini Lopez Presents The Legends of Latin Music. Filmed at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles last October, the program will be aired in June 2009.
Celebrating its 40th Anniversary, this year Warner Home Video released a Blu-Ray and DVD Ultimate Collector's Edition with high definition picture and sound of 'Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace & Music', which features two hours of bonus material, some of it newly-discovered extra footage of Santana's historic Woodstock performance included in the package.
Held at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas on March 23rd, along with Santana alumni Michael Shrieve, Rolie resided on a discussion panel of performers, film makers and key technicians who helped create the timeless music classic and Oscar winning 'Best Documentary' Woodstock.
Also, the Gregg Rolie band recently performed at the Hard Rock Cafe New York for the premiere of the new 'Woodstock' DVD / Blue-Ray release. Audience members were treated to a guest appearance by drummer Michael Shrieve during the set.
For more info on Gregg Rolie go to his official website.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Trailer For Long-Awaited Randy Rhoads Documentary Posted Online
A 10-minute trailer for "Randy Rhoads: Last Train Home" (working title), the long-awaited documentary film on the life of celebrated rock guitarist Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot), can be viewed below.
Director Peter M. Margolis of Dakota Pictures and his crew started filming on March 19, 2007, when hundreds of fans gathered at Rhoads' grave in San Bernardino, California to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his death. Since then, Margolis has filmed more than 100 interviews, with Rhoads' family and friends and people who worked with him. The list of names includes Kelli Garni, the original bassist in Quiet Riot; Carlos Cavazo, the guitarist in the "Metal Health" line-up of Quiet Riot; Sarzo and his brother Robert, who was considered as a replacement for Rhoads in Ozzy's band; Jodi Raskin, Rhoads' girlfriend at the time of his death; Grover Jackson, whose company made Rhoads' signature guitars; Randy's brother Kelle, who's wearing the silver "RR" ring Rhoads had on when he died; and Mountain guitarist and '70s legend Leslie West, one of Rhoads' idols.
Commented Margolis, "Two years is a very long time to spend shooting a film; however, not that long for a documentary of this nature.
"I remember reading an article in the Hollywood Reporter several months ago regarding a documentary due out about singer Patti Smith. They were interviewing the director who claimed that it took him seven years from start to finish. I remember thinking that seven years seems like an eternity to work on one project, but as we approach two years, I can now see how that could be possible.
"While shooting all through 2008, we began editing as well. It took eight months just to sift through all of the interviews dealing with the period of 1975-1979 to create a cohesive story from that time period.
"This documentary has taken us across the United States more than once, as we have shot in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Nevada to name a few. In addition, we recently returned from England where we filmed Bernie Tormé, Lindsay Bridgwater, Johnny Cook, Chris Tsangrides, Pete Way, Lee Kerslake, Max Norman and a few surprise interviews. We also shot extensively at Ridge Farm studios where the band lived and recorded for long periods of time while the records were being produced."
In 1982, Rhoads, the then-lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne's Blizzard Of Oz, and two others were killed at Flying Baron Estates, just outside Leesburg, Florida, when their small plane struck Osbourne's tour bus, then crashed into a mansion.
AC/DC, Metallica, Joe Bonamassa, The Answer Among Nominees For 2009 Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Awards
The nominations for the 2009 Classic Rock Roll Of Honour were exclusively unveiled this week by legends of rock parody Spinal Tap.
The band took time out of rehearsals for their show at Wembley Arena on 30 June to announce the shortlists for the 6 public voted categories at a media launch in Hard Rock Cafe’s backstage Hard Rock Calling VIP garden in Hyde Park, London. The winners will be announced at the gala ceremony, which takes place Monday 2 November at the Park Lane Hotel.
In support of a tremendous return to the world stage, AC/DC are nominated for three awards – Album Of The Year, for Black Ice, which made history debuting at #1 on album charts in 29 countries upon its release in October 2008, Band Of The Year, and Event Of The Year, which puts them in direct competition with the Nominations Launch hosts Spinal Tap.
Seemingly never off the road, the inimitable force of Iron Maiden gives them an equal amount of nominations, up against AC/DC for Band Of The Year (and also Metallica, Faith No More and Kings Of Leon), and taking on KISS, The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Anvil and the Woodstock festival for DVD / Film Of The Year (for Flight 666). Bruce Dickinson and Co. also compete for Event Of The Year for picking up a BRIT Award in February.
Newcomers to the classic rock scene The Parlor Mob do well with two nominations, the first for Best New Band, up against Chickenfoot, Diagonal, fellow label mates Steadlür, Crippled Black Phoenix and New Device, and for the prestigious Album Of The Year category. As always, competition is fierce in this category, with opposition from not only AC/DC and Metallica, but also Guns ‘N’ Roses, Heaven and Hell, Dream Theater, Black Stone Cherry, Joe Bonamassa, The Answer and The Raconteurs.
Metallica compete for Album Of The Year (for Death Magnetic) and Band Of The Year whereas Anvil, after an emotional return to rock, are this year nominated for DVD/Film of the Year and Event Of The Year for their ‘resurrection’.
Reissue Of The Year sees ZZ Top, Def Leppard and Motorhead lock horns with The Who, Pearl Jam, Black Sabbath, The Kinks, Deep Purple and The Move.
Public voting on all of these categories is online at classicrockmagazine.com and in Classic Rock Magazine from 22 July. Other awards to be presented on the night include The Classic Rock Living Legend Award, Classic Songwriter, Showman Award, Tommy Vance Inspiration Award, Outstanding Contribution, Classic Album, Metal Guru, and VIP Award.
“Now in their fifth year, our Awards have established themselves as the most prestigious event on the classic rock calendar. With Classic Rock magazine enjoying its highest ever circulation, and with rock giants such as AC/DC, Metallica and Iron Maiden heading our list of nominations, the music that we embrace in the pages of our magazine is in fine fettle. Everyone tells you the record industry is in dire straits but to be honest there’s never been a better time for classic rock music” says Geoff Barton, Editor-At-Large, Classic Rock.
Spinal Tap announcing the nominees at Hyde Park, London 6/25/09 :
