First Five Queen Albums To See Reissue In March

March 14, 2011 sees the re-release of Queen's first five albums — one of the most exciting and influential back catalogues of all time. Recorded in the maelstrom of the early 1970s London music scene, Queen created a groundbreaking and unique soundtrack that remains globally influential today. Theatrical, imaginative, diverse, melodic and unpredictable they had a sound and a look all of their own. Sitting alongside their contemporaries like Led Zeppelin and David Bowie, Queen set the standard for British rock in the 1970s and became one of the most thrilling, glamorous and downright rock 'n' roll bands of all time.

"Queen", "Queen II", "Sheer Heart Attack", "A Night At The Opera" and "A Day At The Races" have been specially remastered and each will be released as a standard CD as well as a deluxe two-disc set which will feature new bonus content. Each deluxe album will be released on iTunes featuring bonus tracks plus additional sleeve notes, unseen pictures and videos. The albums also set the scene for their band's forthcoming Stormtroopers In Stilettos Global exhibition that launches in London on February 25.

From the pure raw rock of "Queen" through to the majestic anthems on "A Day At The Races", the first five albums highlight the diverse talent, musical ambition and already global success of a band made up of some of the best songwriters, musicians and performers of all time.

Alice Cooper Baffled By Robert Plant's Unwillingness To Take Part In Zeppelin Reunion

During a recent interview with the Palm Springs Boxing Examiner, legendary rocker Alice Cooper was baffled when he was told fellow singer Robert Plant confessed that he may be too old to perform Led Zeppelin songs.

"I go out on stage and say 'turn it up,'" Cooper said. "I never get tired of playing my songs."

Cooper continued, "They are just standing there. What is so hard? Jimmy Page wants to do it. John Paul Jones wants to do it. And they got John Bonham's son [Jason], who is a killer drummer. All they need is Robert Plant. But what is Robert Plant out there doing? Playing folk music! What is he doing?"

Plant recently spoke about his reluctance to commit to a Zeppelin reunion tour — and took time out to take a swipe at his peers who rely too heavily on their past laurels. Plant told Rolling Stone that his heart is simply not in the band's music anymore, saying, "The preparations for (the 2007 reunion show) were fraught and intense, but the last rehearsal was really, really good, for all that it represented and all that we were trying to capture. But I've gone so far somewhere else that I almost can't relate to it. . . It's a bit of a pain in the pisser to be honest. Who cares? I know people care, but think about it from my angle — soon, I'm going to need help crossing the street."

Plant added that he has zero interest in becoming a nostalgia act simply to please the masses. "There's nothing worse than a bunch of jaded old farts, and that's a fact," he said. "People who have written their story -- they've gotten to the point where nothing moves. I don't deal in that, ad I don't deal with anybody who deals in that."

Texas Blues Rocker Lance Lopez To Play First Ever UK Dates This Spring

At the tail end of the first leg of a trans - continental tour in support of his latest release, the Jim Gaines (Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, Santana) produced 'Salvation From Sundown' (MIG/String Commander) Dallas,Texas based blues rock guitarist Lance Lopez will be appearing for his first ever UK gig  at London's Leicester Square Theater on April 2nd.

Lopez will be returning to the UK  the following month as he will be playing at the Picture House during the Hebden Bridge Blues Festival in Yorkshire, England May 28th.

Lopez has garnered a fervent international following over the course of the past decade due to his fiery, awe inspiring guitar work, which has earned accolades from such legends as ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, B.B. King and British guitar god Jeff Beck, who has called him "A very exciting and intense blues guitarist".

Running from the 27th to the 30th of May 2011, and in a variety of venues across Hebden Bridge, the Hebden Bridge Blues Festival will showcase some of the very best new Blues musicians, responsible for taking the music into the next decade. Other artists confirmed as performing and headlining during the festival include Marcus Bonfanti, the Jon Amor Band , featuring The Hoax frontman Jon Amor, up and coming blues rock guitarist Chantel McGregor, Clare Free and many others. 

For more information on Lance Lopez and for additional tour dates go to this location.

For more information on the Hebden Bridge Blues Festival go to this location.

Chickenfoot Ready To Record Second Album

Classic Rock is reporting that Chickenfoot - Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani and Michael Anthony are to start recording their second album on January 29.

The follow-up to the successful 2009 self-titled debut, there’s no release date as yet. Nor is it known whether drummer Chad Smith will be involved, because of his commitments with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Find out more at http://www.chickenfoot.us/

Michael Schenker Group, Jethro Tull, Black Country Communion Confirmed For High Voltage 2011

Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles is reporting that following the exciting announcement that heavy metal legends Judas Priest will play their farewell festival performance as High Voltage headliners and metal heroes Dream Theater will be closing the weekend with their only 2011 UK festival performance, organizers have announced that joining them on the main stage is none other than heavy rock supergroup Black Country Communion, featuring Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Trapeze) on vocals and bass, Jason Bonham (UFO, Led Zeppelin) on drums, Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) on keyboards, and Joe Bonamassa (the blues-rock solo star) on guitar and vocals. The band released its debut album in 2010 and will not be performing at any other UK festival this year.

They will be joined on the main stage by Michael Schenker Group, led by the guitar hero who made his name in the 1970s with two iconic bands - Britain’s UFO and Germany’s Scorpions.

The legendary Jethro Tull – led by charismatic singer and flute player Ian Anderson and guitarist Martin Barre – are set to headline the Prog Stage; this is a UK exclusive, Tull’s only UK show of 2011.

Following a lengthy hiatus two cult prog bands have reformed to join us on the Prog Stage, Spock's Beard will perform another UK festival exclusive and British heroes Caravan add to the occasion alongside Mostly Autumn, Pallas and The Enid.

For more info visit Highvoltagefestival.com.



High Voltage 2011 - High Voltage 2011 Preview

John Bonham Threatened To Punch Sting At Police Concert

Late Led Zeppelin drum legend John Bonham once threatened to beat Sting up backstage at a Police concert.

Bonham took his son Jason to the show and then arranged for him to meet his idol - but the encounter almost turned violent after the drummer accidentally stepped on Sting's foot.

Jason Bonham, now of supergroup Black Country Communion, tells Spinner.com, "I thought Sting was the coolest thing in the world.

"He (dad) managed to get me backstage and he threatened to punch Sting. It was hilarious.

"Dad stepped on his foot and he (Sting) was very cocky back then. He was the new young frontman and had that punk kind of attitude. Dad was probably a dinosaur to him, even at 32.

"I remember him saying, 'Hey man, don't step on my blue suede shoes.' My dad said, 'I'll step on your f**king head in a minute'."

Blues Rock Guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor To Undertake UK Tour In May

Following her acclaimed performances supporting Black Country Communion at their debut UK concerts in December 2010, guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor returns to the UK in May 2011 to undertake a full-scale nationwide tour of her own.

Shaw Taylor will perform music from her debut album ‘White Sugar’, alongside tracks taken from her 2010 follow-up ‘Diamonds in the Dirt’, the exciting new album which has cemented her place as one of the most promising new artists on the international blues circuit.

Dates on the May 2011 UK tour include; Wolverhampton Robin (May 17), Buxton Opera House (May 18), Edinburgh Caves (May 20), Glasgow o2 Academy (May 21), Aberdeen Lemon Tree (May 22), York Opera House (May 23), Newcastle o2 Academy (May 25), Sheffield o2 Academy (May 27), Manchester Academy (May 28), Bristol Tunnels (May 29), London Islington o2 Academy (May 31); Tickets are on sale now and available from 0871 230 1101 and www.seetickets.com.

Joe Bonamassa To Release New Studio Album 'Dust Bowl' In March

Hard rockin' blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa will release his 12th full-length solo album 'Dust Bowl' in the UK on Monday March 21st 2011 (US release is March 22nd). The album will coincide with Bonamassa's forthcoming "Dust Bowl 2011 World Tour" that will take in cities across America, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia.


"I think Dust Bowl is the best album we've ever done," says Bonamassa. "I'm finding more inspiration in storytelling in my 30s, in writing songs that are about something more profound than 'my baby left me.' I like albums that are made with the right intentions and sound organic and a little rough around the edges, like a great band playing live in the room."

Dust Bowl is Joe Bonamassa's sixth collaboration with producer Kevin "The Caveman" Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Black Crowes, Black Country Communion) and features collaborations with Nashville legends Vince Gill and John Hiatt, female vocalist Beth Hart, and Joe's Black Country Communion band-mate, Glenn Hughes.

Gill lends his signature guitar stylings to the John Hiatt/John Porter-penned “Tennessee Plates,” on which Hiatt duets with Bonamassa. Gill also plays on “Sweet Rowena,” a song he composed with frequent writing partner Pete Wasner. Arlan Scheirbaum, Beth Hart and Blondie Chaplin play on the Michael Kamen/Tim Curry track “No Love On The Street,” and Glenn Hughes sings on the Paul Rodgers-penned Free classic “Heartbreaker.”

In other Bonamassa related news, guitar legend Leslie West of Mountain in a posting on his Facebook page has revealed that  Bonamassa was in the studio to lay down some tracks for the upcoming Mountain album.

For more information on Joe Bonamassa go to this location.

Steven Tyler Turned Down Jimmy Page's Offer To Record With Led Zeppelin

hennemusic is reporting that Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler not only jammed with Led Zeppelin following that band’s celebrated 2007 reunion, but was asked by Jimmy Page to write a record with them and he turned the offer down.

Tyler dropped the Zeppelin bombshell on Howard Stern’s show early Tuesday morning, while making the media rounds in NYC to promote American Idol’s launch Wednesday night.

    Stern: Did you audition for Led Zeppelin?

    Tyler: Ya, I went over there and played with them.

    Stern: But doesn’t that piss off Joe when you’re gonna leave Aerosmith and go be with Led Zeppelin?

    Tyler: Of course it does. No, I spoke to Jimmy – actually, I spoke with his manager Peter Mensch, who’s been a good friend of mine forever, gave him his first job. And he said that they’d just played live and Robert wouldn’t play with them again, and ‘wanna come over and jam with the guys?’ I went ‘Hello!?!’ So, I went over and played.

    So, look at me now: not only did I sing to McCartney, but I played with Zeppelin. So, I’m in heaven.

    And, by the way, when I looked Jimmy in the eyes and it came time to...'you wanna write a record with me?’ I went, ‘No'

    Stern: To Jimmy Page? Why not?

    Tyler: Because I’m in Aerosmith. He’s the biggest band in the world and so am I in a band like that. I have such an allegiance to my band and I love it so much.


To read more and to hear the entire interview go to this location.

Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood Talks Being Evicted With Hendrix

Ronnie Wood and Jimi Hendrix were once kicked out of the flat they shared because they failed to housetrain the Rolling Stones rocker's dog.

The Rolling Stones rocker shared a flat with the legendary musician and friend Pat Arnold in London's Notting Hill but Pat asked them both to leave when they failed to house train Ronnie's pooch.

Ronnie explained: "I shared a flat with Jimi in Notting Hill Gate for a couple of weeks. He was quite a gentle flatmate. He gave me a dog - a basset hound called Loopy.

"We were living with Pat Arnold, who was the singer in The Ikettes but she threw me and Jimi out because the dog kept s***ting everywhere."

Although they only lived together for a few weeks, 63-year-old Ronnie still remembers the pair's impromptu jamming sessions in the flat and admits he was overawed by his late pal's prowess on guitar.

He recalled: "We did used to sit on the bed and exchange ideas on the guitar. He could flip it over and play equally well left or right-handed. Like Ronnie O'Sullivan with the snooker cue."

Former Charlie Daniels Band Guitarist Tommy Crain Passes Away At 59

John Thomas “Tommy” Crain, Jr., who played guitar in the Charlie Daniels Band (the CDB) for more than a decade and became one of the most prominent musicians in the genre of Southern Rock Music, died Thursday, Jan. 13.

During his 15-year run with the CDB, Crain played on over 20 of the band’s albums and co-wrote over 60 songs with the group, including the Grammy Award-winning song, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”

 "Tommy Crain will always be a part of the CDB family and his music will always be a part of the CDB sound," Charlie Daniels said in a statement. "We have lost a good friend and the world has lost a unique, creative and precious human being. We send our deepest condolences to the family of our brother Tommy Crain. You were special, buddy. We're gonna miss you."

Dire Straits' "Money For Nothing" Banned In Canada

According to Spectator Wire Services, the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council has ruled that Dire Straits’ 1980s hit 'Money For Nothing' (which features The Police's' Sting on background vocals) is too offensive for Canadian radio.

The ruling, released Wednesday, was in response to a complaint against St. John’s radio station CHOZ-FM. The listener complained that the word faggot – which appears three times in the song is “extremely offensive” to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

The council is an independent body created by Canadian radio and television broadcasters to review the standards of their content.

The award-winning song was the first single off of Dire Straits’ album 'Brothers in Arms' and has been an international music staple for 25 years.

The council ruled that the song contravenes its ethics code which states: “broadcasters shall ensure that their programming contains no abusive or unduly discriminatory material or comment which is based on matters of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or physical or mental disability.”

It ruled that “faggot,” when used to describe a homosexual, is “even if entirely or marginally acceptable in earlier days, is no longer so.”

Offending Lyrics from Money for Nothing, by Dire Straits:

The little faggot with the earring and the makeup

Yeah, buddy, that’s his own hair

That little faggot’s got his own jet airplane

The Who's Roger Daltrey To Join Ex Grand Funk Frontman Mark Farner, Mountain's Leslie West, AC/DC's Cliff Williams For New York City Benefit January 17th

The Who's Roger Daltrey, former Grand Funk Railroad singer and guitarist Mark Farner, AC/DC bassist Cliff Williams, Mountain guitarist Leslie West, Free/Bad Company drummer Simon Kirke, 3 Doors Down and others will come together on Monday night January 17, 2011 in New York for a benefit concert for Farner's 21-year old son Jesse, who was seriously injured in a fall last summer.

Speaking of the show, Daltrey says, "We are all very fortunate, in our business, to be able to give back. And sometimes circumstances demand that we give back to our brothers and sisters in the rock and roll business." And Farner is thankful, saying, "Roger is a man's man with a good heart and that means more to me than anything either of us has accomplished in music."

For more information go to this location.

Glenn Hughes : Second Black Country Communion Album To Be Released In June, Tour To Follow

On a posting on his Facebook page, legendary Black Country Communion vocalist Glenn Hughes  - who along with guitarist Joe Bonamassa, drummer Jason Bonham and keyboardist Derek Sherinian are currently recording the follow -up to the supergroup's critically acclaimed debut album with producer Kevin Shirley in Hollywood - has revealed that the studio album, with the working title 'BCC 2' will be released in June 2011.

Hughes says in the post : " BCC 2 will be released in June ~ when we start our Summer tour... thanx for all your very positive messages... GH" He goes on to say, "We recorded our first new BCC 2 song 2day... it F------ Rocks... play it loud..."

For photos from the studio sessions go to this location.



Here's the band performing one of the standout tracks from their debut, "Song Of Yesterday" live at Wolverhampton UK 12-29-2010 :

Classic Baker Gurvitz Army 1975 Live Performance To See DVD Release In February

On February 22, 2010 via MVD Entertainment, an archival show by legendary drummer Ginger Baker's post Cream band Baker Gurvitz Army, 'Baker Gurvitz Army - Live 1975' will be released on DVD in the U.S.

The Baker Gurvitz Army came into existence when former Gun and Three Man Army members Paul and Adrian Gurvitz joined forces with Baker in 1974.

The Baker Gurvitz Army was the first real musical project for Baker since the short-lived band Salt in 1972 and Ginger Baker's Airforce some two years prior to that. This live recording was filmed in a German television studio in early February 1975 for broadcast. The band were at that time promoting their second album 'Elysian Encounter'.

The total playing time of the studio based film runs to over sixty minutes and follows the band's set list of the period drawing on tracks from both of their then available albums, the self titled 'Baker Gurvitz Army' and 'Elysian Encounter'.

Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton Donate Guitars For Blues Benefit Auction

Legendary British rock guitarists Pete Townshend of The Who and Eric Clapton are donating  guitars to be auctioned off during the Music Maker Relief Foundation's Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, which heads out January 22-29th.

Townshend is donating a signed Gibson SG guitar, while besides donating a guitar Clapton also made a charitable gift of 5,000 British pounds to the foundation as an incentive to blues fans to contribute to the silent auction.

Fans can make a bid on the guitar even if they are not on the cruise. To make a bid, send an e-mail to Denise Duffy at denise@musicmaker.org or call (919) 643-2456. Bidding starts at a minimum of $4,000, said Tim Duffy, president of Music Maker.

All proceeds from the auction will benefit Music Maker programs, which include grants and other assistance to blues musicians, and also musicians who play various forms of traditional American music.

Musicians receiving help from the organization must play music rooted in a Southern tradition, be 55 years or older and have an annual income less than $18,000.

Major Philip Lynott Exhibition To Be Set For Dublin In March

The Philip Lynott Exhibition, the biggest ever collection of memorabilia, song lyrics, exhibits, paintings, tributes and photographs of the late rock legend, is set to be seen in a very special exhibition in Dublin, Ireland beginning on March 4, 2011.

Put on by long running Irish music magazine Hot Press, it reportedly will give a unique insight into the Irish rocker's background, work and life.

Featuring also guitars, basses and other equipment used by Lynott, there will also be tour jackets worn by the singer, flight cases used by Thin Lizzy, lyric books, school reports and Lynott's shares in Manchester United Football Club on display – as well as personal letters, cards and other unique items collected by his mother Philomena and other friends over the years. Original artwork, multimedia and video will also be part of the exhibition.


March 2011 will be designated Philip Lynott Month, with The Philip Lynott Exhibition being hosted on the top floor of Stephen's Green Shopping Centre , right in the heart of Philo's beloved home town.

For more information go to this location.

In other Lynott related news, a very rare full song "The Story Of My Life" has surfaced in full via a video on YouTube courtesy of ThinLizzyFanpage. Unreleased, an outtake from the 'Trouble Boys' sessions with Snowy White on guitar, previously only a short snippet was leaked earlier this year.

Check the track out here :

Blackmore's Night To Release 'Autumn Sky' Stateside January 18th

On January 18th, via Spinefarm Records in the U.S., Blackmore's Night - featuring ex Deep Purple/Rainbow guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and wife Candice Night will release their new studio album 'Autumn Sky'.

Autumn Sky consists of 14 new Blackmore's Night songs, plus a cover of “Celluloid Heroes” from The Kinks. Recorded during Candice's pregnancy, Candice and Ritchie have dedicated the 'Autumn Sky' album to their newly born daughter Autumn Esmerelda Blackmore.

Blackmore's Night's last album, 'Secret Voyage', debuted at #1 on the Billboard New Age Chart and held that spot for four consecutive weeks.

With a career spanning nearly two decades, the band of minstrels has gained crossover success all over the world with its new genre of “Ren and Rock” music. They also have  appeared nationwide on PBS and Discovery channel specials, and been awarded the Best Album of the Year and Best Vocal Album of the year by NPR New Age Reporter for their past 7 studio CDs.

Listen to “Highland” from Autumn Sky here:

The Allman Brothers Band Announce Final Five Beacon Theatre Dates

The Allman Brothers Band have just added the final five dates to their run at the Beacon Theatre in NYC.

As previously announced, the band had lost their 2010 booking at the Beacon to a Cirque Du Soleil show called "Banana Shpeel."

At the press conference announcing the run, the band received a personal apology from Jay Marciano, president of MSG Entertainment. Tickets for the first eight dates of the March run are on sale now.



BEACON THEATRE DATES
03/10/11 Thu Beacon Theatre New York, NY
03/11/11 Fri Beacon Theatre New York, NY
03/12/11 Sat Beacon Theatre New York, NY
03/14/11 Mon Beacon Theatre New York, NY
03/15/11 Tue Beacon Theatre New York, NY
03/17/11 Thu Beacon Theatre New York, NY
03/18/11 Fri Beacon Theatre New York, NY
03/19/11 Sat Beacon Theatre New York, NY
03/21/11 Mon Beacon Theatre New York, NY *
03/22/11 Tue Beacon Theatre New York, NY *
03/24/11 Thu Beacon Theatre New York, NY *
03/25/11 Fri Beacon Theatre New York, NY *
03/26/11 Sat Beacon Theatre New York, NY *

For more info go to this location.

Singer Songwriter Gerry Rafferty Passes Away Aged 63

Gerry Rafferty, who had Top 10 success with Stealers Wheel's "Stuck in the Middle" and his own "Baker Street," died on Tuesday in London from liver failure after a long battle with alcoholism.

The Scottish-born singer and songwriter had reportedly been hospitalized during November in Dorset, England, with a grim prognosis. He was taken off life support and showed some improvement until this week. He was 63.

Born in Paisley in 1947, Rafferty was the third child of a hard-drinking Irish miner who frequently abused his family. After his father died when he was 16, Rafferty left school to work and play music. After the Mavericks, his first band with school friend Joe Egan, fell apart, Rafferty joined the Humblebums, a folk band that featured future comedian and actor Billy Connolly.

The Humblebums went their separate ways after a few albums, Rafferty released a solo album in 1971 and formed Stealer's Wheel with Egan in 1972. The band's eponymous debut featured the hit 'Stuck in the Middle With You,' which sold over a million copies and was later featured in Quentin Tarantino's 'Reservoir Dogs.' The group, which had a top 40 hit with 'Star' in 1974, disbanded in 1975 after diminishing success and legal troubles.

With contract issues finally settled, Rafferty recorded a soft-rock solo album, 'City to City,' in 1978 and hit the big time with the single 'Baker Street.' The song eventually hit No. 2 on the US charts and No. 3 in the UK, with the album selling over 5.5 million copies. Rafferty followed up the albums with the successful 'Night Owl,' and acclaimed but less lucrative LPs like 'Snakes and Ladders' and 'Sleepwalking.'

Sadly, around this time he spiraled into alcoholism, leading his wife of 20 years, Carla, to divorce him in 1990. His drinking troubles continued, with an incident at a posh London hotel making the news in 2008. In 2009, rumors swirled about his health until representatives for him issued a statement saying that he was doing well and working on a new album. That year, he released 'Life Goes On,' which featured six new recordings and remastered tracks from his previous records.

Rafferty is survived by his daughter, Martha, granddaughter, Celia, and brother, Jim.  

Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Tom Morello, Robert Randolph Among Those Appearing On New Robbie Robertson Album

Where's Eric!, the Eric Clapton fansite is reporting that on April 5,2011, 429 Records will release 'How To Become Clairvoyant', former guitarist for The Band Robbie Robertson's first new album in over a decade.

Robertson's fifth solo album, it's jam-packed with guest artists including Eric Clapton (who co-wrote three tracks), Steve Winwood, Tom Morello, Robert Randolph, Trent Reznor and more. Pino Palladino (The Who, John Mayer Trio) (bass) and Ian Thomas(Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton) (drums) make up the rhythm section for the 12-track disc. Robertson co-produced the album with Marius de Vries.

The disc's title track will be featured on the season two soundtrack for the popular HBO television series, True Blood. "He Don't Live Here No More" features Eric Clapton on harmony vocals and electric guitar.

How To Become Clairvoyant Track List
01. Straight Down The Line
02. When The Night Was Young
03. He Don't Live Here No More
04. The Right Mistake
05. This Is Where I Get Off
06. Fear of Falling
07. She's Not Mine
08. Madame X
09. Axman
10. Won't Be Back
11. How To Become Clairvoyant
12. Tango For Django

To hear "When The Night Was Young" go to this location.

Blues Rock Guitar Legend Johnny Winter Drug Free For The First Time In Four Decades

Vintage Vinyl News is reporting that the Blues Foundation has posted a short story on their site saying that blues rock guitar legend Johnny Winter is starting the year 2011 drug free for the first time in many years.

According to the posting, his manager, Paul Nelson, had been slowly decreasing Winter's methadone dosage over the last three years without Johnny being aware of it.  Eight months ago, the dosage of the pills finally reached zero meaning that Winter is now drug free for the first time in forty years.

Nelson's gift to the singer/guitarist for Christmas was the knowledge that he was totally free of his demons.  According to the article, "Johnny could not be more amazed, happier and healthier..."

Vintage Live Robin Trower BBC Collection Due In February

Due out February 15, 2011 via EMI, 'Robin Trower at the BBC 1973-1975' is the most comprehensive collection to date of Robin Trower’s recordings for the BBC.

From his first John Peel session in March 1973 whilst promoting his debut solo album for Chrysalis Records ‘Twice Removed From Yesterday’, featuring ‘Man Of The World’, ‘Daydream’, ‘Sinners Song’ and the album’s title track, through recordings for Bob Harris including such classics as 'Too Rolling Stoned', ‘Day Of The Eagle’ and ‘Alethea’, as well as two further sessions for John Peel. This 2 CD set is completed by a concert recorded for the BBC in January 1975, performing songs from his first three LPs, including breakthrough album 'Bridge Of Sighs' and his then new album, 'For Earth Below'.

All 30 tracks have been included for their historical importance, and to present a complete anthology of Robin Trower’s BBC sessions from 1973-1975. The set also includes brand new liner notes written by Classic Rock magazine's Malcolm Dome after conducting an exclusive interview with Robin.

Track listing:

CD1
1. Twice Removed From Yesterday (John Peel Session)
2. Man Of The World (John Peel Session)
3. Daydream (John Peel Session)
4. Sinner’s Song (John Peel Session)
5. Day Of The Eagle (Bob Harris Session)
6. Little Bit Of Sympathy (Bob Harris Session)
7. Lady Love (Bob Harris Session)
8. Daydream (Bob Harris Session)
9. The Fool And Me (Bob Harris Session)
10. Alethea (Bob Harris Session)
11. Too Rolling Stoned (Bob Harris Session)
12. I Can’t Wait Much Longer (Bob Harris Session)
13. Bridge Of Sighs (John Peel Session)
14. In This Place (John Peel Session)
15. Alethea (John Peel Session)
16. Little Bit Of Sympathy (John Peel Session)

CD2
1. Fine Day (John Peel Session)
2. Confessing Midnight (John Peel Session)
3. It’s Only Money (John Peel Session)
4. Gonna Be More Suspicious (John Peel Session)
5. Day Of The Eagle (BBC In Concert)
6. Bridge Of Sighs (BBC In Concert)
7. Gonna Be More Suspicious (BBC In Concert)
8. Fine Day (BBC In Concert)
9. Lady Love (BBC In Concert)
10. Daydream (BBC In Concert)
11. Too Rolling Stoned (BBC In Concert)
12. I Can’t Wait Much Longer (BBC In Concert)
13. Alethea (BBC In Concert)
14. A Little Bit Of Sympathy (BBC In Concert)

Line-up
Robin Trower: Guitar
James Dewar: Bass & Vocals
Reg Isidore: Drums (1973-1974)
Bill Lordan: Drums (1975)

Rock Legend Chuck Berry Collapses During Show In Chicago

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that about an hour into a rapidly-deteriorating concert at the Congress Theater Saturday night, Chuck Berry slumped over an accompanist's keyboard before being helped offstage.

The 84-year-old rock and roll legend and a backing band of three Chicago musicians attempted to resume the show for a packed house about 15 minutes later, but Berry almost immediately was taken off again to be checked by paramedics who had been called to the scene.

After being examined, Berry returned one last time to thank the fans who had waited in hopes for the show to continue, but he left the stage -- using a bit of his signature "duck walk" -- without playing again. Shortly afterward, he walked out of the theatre's stage door on his own into an awaiting limousine. Berry signed a release saying he was OK, and he was not taken to a hospital, according to Fire Department spokesman Joe Roccasalva.

"All I know is he felt faint, he felt weak, and I was told to call 911," said Michael Petryshyn, the concert's promoter, backstage after Berry's departure.

Berry had been active in recent days: He had performed two shows in New York City the night before. Although Berry performs regularly in his hometown of St. Louis, he infrequently gives concerts elsewhere.A message left with Berry's management Sunday was not returned.

The show had started promisingly. Taking the stage in a red sequined shirt, black slacks and a white sailor hat, Berry began with "Roll Over Beethoven," one of his many 1950s hits, which formed the foundation for guitar-based rock and roll.

Although Berry played this and following songs - "Sweet Little Sixteen" and "School Days" -- at slower tempos than the original recordings, he filled them with his classic guitar riffs and sang them with weathered authority. Drummer Steve Gillis and bassist Bill Stephens kept the songs swinging steadily, and Vijay Tellis-Nayak added jubilant boogie piano.

Things then quickly began going off the rails. Berry played snippets of blues songs and an unsteady version of " Memphis Tennessee," before taking an extended pause to try to retune his guitar, complaining that it was out of key with the piano. He made several unsuccessful attempts at "Let It Rock," in part seated at the piano, and performed disjointed bits of "Carol" and "Johnny B. Goode."

Berry revived to lead the crowd in a sing-along of "My Ding-a-Ling" and acknowledged things weren't going well, telling the crowd he'd try to do better at entertaining them. It was not to be. After a version of "Reelin' and Rockin'" they found the band gamely following his inconsistent tempo, Berry made his way to the piano, where the show came to an end completely at odds with the joy in his music.

"Obviously, something was off," said Petryshyn, the promoter. "Fifteen minutes into the set it went from fine to something wasn't right. He was starting songs mid-song, playing 15 seconds of a song."

"I'm sorry to see his health be in that shape," Tellis-Nayak said. "He obviously loves performing. The music is still there. It's hard to see his health deteriorating. He may be working harder than he should."

Roger Waters To Release Live 'The Wall' DVD?

The NME is reporting that Roger Waters could be set to release a live DVD of 'The Wall'.

A notice on the former Pink Floyd man's website - RogerWaters.com, reveals that all six gigs at the O2 Arena in London will be filmed next May.

No official confirmation about a DVD release has been made, although the notice goes on to tell fans not to use flash photography as "flash wipes out the images projected on 'The Wall', which are the most important part of the show."

As previously reported, Pink Floyd's Roger Waters and David Gilmour are set to perform the band's classic 'Comfortably Numb' at a selected gig on Waters' tour.