Widespread Panic Adds Jones Beach Show with Umphrey's McGee and Taulk

Widespread Panic, Umphrey’s McGee, and Tauk will split the bill at Nikon at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY on June 20. 

The Jones Beach show will be one of three with Umphrey's McGee and the first time that Panic has has performed at the venue since their 2009 tour with The Allman Brothers Band. 

Widespread Panic has also added a couple of shows in Nashville, TN at the Ascend Amphitheater prior to the Lockn’ Music Festival in September.


Please see below for the complete listing of tour dates for Widespread Panic.





Widespread Panic 
Spring/Summer Tour Dates 2015:

April 30 New Orleans, LA—NOLA Jazz & Heritage Festival
May 22 Orange Beach, AL—The Amphitheater at the Wharf
May 23 Kingston Downs, GA—Counterpoint Music Festival
May 22-24 Chillicothe, IL—Summer Camp Festival
June 16 Lewiston, NY—Artpark Amphitheater

June 17 Boston, MA—Blue Hills Bank Pavilion

June 19 Jay Peak, VT—Stateside Amphitheater*
June 20 Wantagh, NY—Nikon at Jones Beach Theater*

June 21 Pittsburgh, PA—Stage AE*

June 23 Lincoln, NE—Pinewood Bowl

June 24 Kansas City, MO—Starlight Amphitheater

June 26 Morrison, CO—Red Rocks

June 27 Morrison, CO—Red Rocks

June 28 Morrison, CO—Red Rocks

July 2 San Antonio, TX—Majestic Theatre

July 3 San Antonio, TX—Majestic Theatre

July 4 San Antonio, TX—Majestic Theatre
July 8 Dallas, TX—AT&T Winspear Opera House
July 10 Albqurque, NM—Sandia Casino

July 11 Telluride, CO—Ride Festival

July 12 Telluride, CO—Ride Festival
July 15 Oklahoma City, OK—Zoo Amphitheatre

July 17-19 Louisville, KY—Forecastle

July 17 Rogers, AR—Arkansas Music Pavilion

July 18 Southaven, MS—Snowden Grove Amphitheater

September 5 Nashville, TN—Ascend Amphitheater
September 6 Nashville, TN—Ascend Amphitheater
September 10-13 Arrington, VA—Lockn’

Notes: *w/Umphrey’s McGee

‘St. Anger’ Is Jimmy Page and Jack White’s Favorite Metallica Album (Ultimate Classic Rock)

You won’t find many Metallica fans who list 2003′s St. Anger among their favorite of the band’s albums, and producer Bob Rock understands why — but he also knows of a couple famous rockers who disagree.

Read More of Jeff Giles' article @ Ultimate Classic Rock: 'St. Anger' Is Jimmy Page and Jack White's Favorite Metallica Album

New Music Review: Ryan Adams Live at Carnegie Hall (Pitchfork)

After Ryan Adams finishes "Come Pick Me Up", his definitive song and the one which ends both performances captured on Live at Carnegie Hall, he leans into the mic and screams: "THAT’S IT! YOU’RE SAD NOW!!! NOW YOU’RE SAD!!! EVERYBODY’S SAD NOW! YEAAAAHHH!!!!" The thunderous applause lets you know that everyone in attendance on this first night is in on the joke: Adams is big enough to play Carnegie Hall now, because thousands of people have discovered that listening to Ryan Adams alone is akin to giving your sadness a spa day.

Read Ian Cohen's full review of Ryan Adams' Live at Carnegie Hall @ Pitchfork

May 2015 New Music Releases (Ultimate Classic Rock)

Ultimate Classic Rock's list of May 2015′s new music releases finds big rock artists such as Sammy Hagar, Whitesnake and Jeff Beck looking back on their past, as well as a wide array of reissue gems. 

Hagar offers At Your Service, a live set that introduces the group Circle with Jason Bonham as well as former Van Halen and Chickenfoot collaborator Michael Anthony



Read More @ Ultimate Classic Rock: May 2015 New Music Releases

On the turntable this Sunday...Sound & Color

Sound & Color is the second studio album from American rock band Alabama Shakes. It was released on released on April 21, 2015 via ATO Records, MapleMusic Recordings and Rough Trade Records. 

Upon its release, Sound & Color received very positive reviews from critics. At the review aggregator Metacritic, the album currently holds a score of 80 based on 13 critics, indicating "generally positive reviews"

Mumford & Sons Premiere Latest Single "Snake Eyes" (jambands.com)

Mumford & Sons have shared yet another track from their forthcoming Wilder Mind in the form of “Snake Eyes.” 

Please follow the link to jambands.com read more and see a clip of Mumford & Sons performing "Snake Eyes" live.

Aerosmith Unveil Complete Dates for Summer 2015 'Blue Army' Tour (UCR)

Aerosmith return to the road June 13 for a series of summer dates they’re calling the ‘Blue Army Tour.’ 

The band is sticking to North America for this run of shows, which will see them performing “a set including their career-defining biggest hits.” The tour derives its name from a tribute to the group’s longtime fans, according to guitarist Joe Perry, who says in a press release announcing the dates, “The name Blue Army came from the fact that everyone in our audience from the ’70s were wearing blue denim and it looked like a sea of blue, thus the Blue Army.”


Read More of Jeff Giles' article @ Ultimate Classic Rock: Aerosmith Unveil Complete Dates for Summer 2015 'Blue Army' Tour 

Eddie Vedder Performs With the Sonics at Seattle Record Store (Pitchfork)

The Sonics did a Record Store Day set at Easy Street Records in Seattle. During their intimate performance, they were joined by another hometown hero: Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder. Watch them do "Leaving Here" from their new album This Is the Sonics via Stereogum. 

Read more of Evan Minsker's artcile @ Pitchfork

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2015

Ringo Starr has learned many things in his decades-long musical career, but during his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction speech, he gave his top tip for musicians in a band: "If you fart, own up."

Read More of Ultimate Classic Rock's coverage on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction's: Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame - Ultimate Classic Rock 

"It's like my record collection is actually sitting in this room," Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong said midway through his acceptance speech at the 30th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. "The fact that I heard Patti Smith's Horses as a kid, and now there you are standing there."

Read more @ Rolling Stone: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ringo-starr-inducted-green-day-shine-at-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-20150419#ixzz3Xrjjzxr8

Record Store Day 2015 Recap

The third weekend in April has come and gone and Record Store Day 2015 was an overwhelming success here in Knoxville, TN for the local independent record stores that participated in the annual event. 

Despite the flippers, long lines, and stress associated with the annual vinyl collector's holiday, Record Store Day continues to grow larger each year and remains a celebration of independent records stores and a gathering for music lovers around the world.

I started my day off at Wild Honey Records in Knoxville, TN and couldn't help but noticing that the line outside the store had almost doubled in size from last year's line with approximately 75 folks patiently waiting for the doors to open on Saturday morning. While I missed out on one of the two Phish MSG Box Sets that Wild Honey Records had in-stock, I was able to find most everything else on my 'want list' including the White Stripes' Get Behind Me Satan,  Run The Jewels, Gov't Mule's Stoned Side of the Mule Vol 2, Jerry Garcia's Compliments, and one for the kiddo's-The Lego Movie Soundtrack on gorgeous 2-LP picture discs.

My next stop was McKay's, which opened for business an hour later and with a much smaller crowd on-hand, waiting to get in.  In a scene that would have fit in on the game show, Supermarket Sweep, I picked up a few more RSD exclusives and some used vinyl as quickly as possible, as I had to be back home by 9:20 am to take my youngest son, Elijah, to his tee ball game.  The day was not over for me as both Elijah and my seven year-old, Elliott, expressed interest in venturing out with me after their games...

After my two sons' respective soccer and tee ball games were finished, we made Record Store Day our new father and sons' tradition an had an absolute blast.  

We went to Lost and Found Records first and enjoyed the live music and free food/drinks while we shopped for more music.  I have to say that the folks at Lost and Found know how to throw a shindig as the atmosphere was fun and they kept the party rocking all -day long...

Our last stop was the Disc Exchange, another long-standing independent record store in Knoxville that also had an impressive lineup of live music and a massive sidewalk sale on used vinyl that lasted the remainder of the afternoon/evening.  We were able to catch our friend, Erick Baker's set at Disc Exchange and also managed to crate dig for some decent bargains as well.

In summary, it was great to see my favorite local record stores full of customers and other music enthusiasts making their rounds on Saturday.  Sure, there are plenty of folks snatching up RSD exclusives to re-sell online, but even this minor annoyance cannot defeat the spirit of what has become one of my favorite holidays each year. 

-Will Fisher, The Showbiz Kids

40 Artists Who Should Be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (UCR)

As another group of inductees marches into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, let’s pause for a moment to recognize the many artists who’ve yet to be recognized. Along the way, the Rock Hall’s induction committee has gotten plenty right; no offense to anyone already in, or going into, the hall. But there should have already been room made for influential acts like Deep Purple and Yes, as well as for big names like Judas Priest, the Doobie Brothers, Iron Maiden and Cheap Trick.

Read More of Nick DeRiso's article @ Ultimate Classic Rock: 40 Artists Who Should Be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 

On the turntable this Sunday...Get Behind Me Satan

Get Behind Me Satan is the fifth studio album by American alternative rock band The White Stripes, released on June 7, 2005, on V2 Records. Though still basic in production style, the album marked a distinct change from its guitar-heavy 2003 predecessor, Elephant. With its reliance on piano-driven melodies and experimentation with marimba on "The Nurse" and "Forever For Her (Is Over For Me)", Get Behind Me Satan plays down the punk, garage rock and blues influences that dominated earlier White Stripes albums. Frontman Jack White plays with different technique than in the past, trading in his electric guitar for piano, mandolin, and acoustic guitar on all but a handful of tracks, as his usual riff-conscious lead guitar style is overtaken by a predominantly rhythmic approach. Rolling Stone ranked it the third best album of the year and it received the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album in 2006. As of February 2007, Get Behind Me Satan had sold 850,000 units in the United States.

Jack White recorded the album at his own Third Man Studios in Detroit, Michigan, and mixed it at Ardent Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. This represented a change from their previous album because The White Stripes did not use a professional studio for production work.
Jack White has explained that the title, Get Behind Me Satan, refers to a well-known line from the story of the Temptation of Jesus which is later repeated against the disciple Simon Peter, in Matthew 16:23 of the New Testament. In the King James Version, the quotation is slightly different: "Get thee behind me, Satan". Jack White has also stated in an interview on the radio show Fresh Air that "truth is the number one theme throughout the album Get Behind Me Satan." Relating that point to the album's multiple reference to movie actress Rita Hayworth, White said she became an "all-encompassing metaphor" for the album since she changed her last name from something that revealed her Latina heritage, and the way celebrity was cast upon her.

Get Behind Me Satan was, for ten years, the only album by The White Stripes to not be commercially released in a vinyl format. The reason behind it was because The White Stripes had intended to re-record Get Behind Me Satan entirely live in a New Zealand studio and wanted that to be the official vinyl version. However, the studio that they were planning to record it in no longer had the recording equipment to make it possible. As a result, at the time there was never a commercially released vinyl of the album. Yet, there are only a few copies of the album on vinyl LP that were given exclusively to music journalists for review, which have since become coveted collector's items. They were released by both XL Recordings and V2 Records and each label had only 300, making the total 600 and highly rare. However, for Record Store Day 2015, Jack White's Third Man Records are releasing a limited vinyl edition with a lenticular gatefold sleeve, pressed on red and white vinyl. A commercially released version with standard artwork pressed on standard black vinyl will be released later in the year.

The album cover was used in the Gilmore Girls episode "I Get a Sidekick Out of You", with Lane and Zach in Meg and Jack's positions, respectively. It was also used for the 2008 Ozy and Millie calendar as both the front cover and for the month of January with the characters Ozy and Mille replacing Jack and Meg.

Record Store Day 2015

Find a participating record store here.

Please follow the link to see a listing of all RSD Special Releases.

AC/DC Play First Post-Malcolm Young Show at Coachella (UCR)

AC/DC performed their first full concert since the health-related departure of founding guitarist Malcolm Young last night, closing out the opening night of the 2015 Coachella Festival in Indio, California. Malcolm’s nephew Stevie has taken his place in the band. 






Read More of Matthew Wilkening's article @ Ultimate Classic Rock: AC/DC Play First Post-Malcolm Young Show at Coachella: Setlist, Video, Photos 

Summer Camp Adds Grateful Dead Tribute Shows, Including moe. w/Bruce Hornsby (jambands.com)

The Summer Camp Music Festival will celebrate 50 years of the Grateful Dead with some special programming at this year’s event.  Joe Russo’s Almost Dead will take the stage on Saturday, and Sunday will see moe. pay tribute to the Grateful Dead with special guest, Bruce Hornsby. 

Read full article @ jambands.com

Ryan Adams to Release New Songs on 7" Vinyl

Ryan Adams recently announced the release of his next installment in his 7” vinyl series set for April 28. 

The recording,  "I Do Not Feel Like Being Good," will feature three new songs, including the title track, “How Much Light” and “In the Dark.” 

Please follow the link for more details.

Faith No More Add Tour Dates and Scheduled to Appear on "The Tonight Show"

Faith No More will release their first album in over 18 years,  Sol Invictus, on May 19th. The band will be appearing on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" on May 13th.

FNM also recently announced their U.S. Tour dates which has now been extended through the end of the summer. For more information and tickets please follow the link to Faith No More's official website. 

Please see the dates for their U.S. Tour below:


Faith No More U.S. Tour 2015:


04-15 Vancouver, British Columbia - PNE Forum
04-16 Seattle, WA - Paramount Theater
04-17 Portland, OR - Keller Auditorium
04-19 San Francisco, CA - Warfield
04-20 San Francisco, CA - Warfield
04-22 Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern
04-23 Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern
04-24 Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern
04-25 Santa Ana, CA - The Observatory
05-07 Chicago, IL - Concord Music Hall
05-08 Detroit, MI - The Fillmore Detroit
05-09 Toronto, Ontario - Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
05-11 Boston, MA - Orpheum Theatre
05-13 New York, NY - Webster Hall
05-14 New York, NY - Webster Hall
05-15 Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory

07-26 Austin, TX - Austin Music Hall
07-27 Dallas, TX - South Side Ballroom
07-28 Houston, TX - Bayou Music Center
07-30 Atlanta, GA - Masquerade Music Park +
07-31 Raleigh, NC - Red Hat Amphitheater +
08-01 Philadelphia, PA - Skyline Stage at the Mann Center +
08-02 Columbia, MD - Merriweather Post Pavilion +
08-04 Boston, MA - Blue Hills Bank Pavilion +
08-05 New York, NY - Madison Square Garden

Phish's Mike Gordon Announces Solo Tour (Rolling Stone)

Phish bassist Mike Gordon will return to the road this for a 16-date tour starting June 5th at the Charleston Music Hall in Charleston, South Carolina. 







Read more of Jon Blistein's article @ Rolling Stone: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/phishs-mike-gordon-announces-solo-tour-20150407#ixzz3WixvPgtF

On the turntable this Sunday...Murmur

Murmur is the debut studio album by the American alternative rock band R.E.M., released in 1983 on I.R.S. Records. Murmur drew critical acclaim upon its release for its sound, defined by singer Michael Stipe's cryptic lyrics, guitarist Peter Buck's jangly guitar style, and bassist Mike Mills' melodic basslines.

Recording

R.E.M. started recording its debut album in December 1982. I.R.S. paired R.E.M. with producer Stephen Hague, who had a higher profile than the band's previous producer Mitch Easter. Hague's emphasis on technical perfection did not suit the band; the producer made the group perform multiple takes of the song "Catapult", which demoralized drummer Bill Berry. Also, Hague took the completed track to Synchro Sound studios in Boston and added keyboard parts to the track without the band's permission and to their dismay. Unsatisfied, the band members asked the label to let them record with Easter. I.R.S. agreed to a "tryout" session, allowing the band to travel to North Carolina and record the song "Pilgrimage" with Easter and producing partner Don Dixon. After hearing the track, I.R.S. permitted the group to record the album with Dixon and Easter.

R.E.M. entered Reflection Studios in Charlotte, North Carolina in January 1983 to begin recording sessions with Easter and Dixon. Much of the band's material for the album had been tested on preceding tours. Because of its bad experience with Hague, the band recorded the album via a process of negation, refusing to incorporate rock music clichés such as guitar solos or then-popular synthesizers, in order to give its music a timeless feel.  Berry in particular was resistant to "odd" musical suggestions, insisting that his drums be recorded in a drummer's booth, a practice that was antiquated at the time. Dixon and Easter took a hands-off approach to much of the recording process. The pair would only fix up a vocal track or ask singer Michael Stipe to re-record a vocal if it was very substandard.

Murmur's sound characterized the quieter, introverted side of the first wave of alternative rock in the United States. The sound was new at the time, though not stepping beyond the constructs of traditional rock music. The guitars have a bright, ring-like chime that brought on comparisons to The Byrds, and the bass guitar has the bright punchy sound of the Rickenbacker favored by Mike Mills. Mills carries much of the melodic element of the music on the bass, contributing to the moody sound of early R.E.M. albums. Also contributing to this sound is the distant singing of Michael Stipe whose obscure lyrics, sung indistinctly, lend to the mystery and depth of the music.
In a rare instance of R.E.M. co-writing, Stipe asked friend Neil Bogan to contribute lyrics to "West of the Fields."

The front cover features an image of a large quantity of the noxious weed kudzu, which grows so rapidly that it overtakes the landscape and kills other plants by completely shading them. The trestle featured on the back cover of the original vinyl LP release, originally part of the Georgia Railroad line into downtown Athens, has become something of a local landmark. Plans to demolish the trestle, now commonly referred to as the "Murmur Trestle," met with public outcry. On October 2, 2000, the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission voted to save the trestle. In 2012, the local government said it can't afford to keep it and called the wooden edifice unsafe.
Copies of the initial tape edition—catalogue number CS 70604—list "There She Goes Again" as the final track, but it is not present. This mistake was fixed with subsequent printings.

The album drew substantial critical acclaim. Rolling Stone gave the album four out of five stars. Reviewer Steve Pond felt the album fulfilled the promise the band showed on Chronic Town. He wrote, "Murmur is the record on which [R.E.M.] trade that potential for results: an intelligent, enigmatic, deeply involving album, it reveals a depth and cohesiveness to R.E.M. that the EP could only suggest." He concluded, "R.E.M. is clearly the important Athens band." It was Rolling Stone's Best Album of 1983, beating Michael Jackson's Thriller, The Police's Synchronicity and U2's War. Buck noted in 2002 that I.R.S. was "mind-boggled" by the album's positive reviews, especially in the British press, since R.E.M. had not yet toured that country. Murmur was released in April 1983. The record reached number 36 on the Billboard album chart. A re-recorded version of "Radio Free Europe" was the album's lead single and reached number 78 on the Billboard singles chart that year. Despite the acclaim awarded the album, by the end of 1983 Murmur had only sold about 200,000 copies, which I.R.S.'s Jay Boberg felt was below expectations. Murmur was eventually certified gold (500,000 units shipped) by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1991.

Since its release, Murmur has featured heavily in various "must have" lists compiled by the music media. In 1989, it was rated number eight on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 greatest albums of the 1980s. In 2003, the TV network VH1 named Murmur the 92nd greatest album of all time. Some of the more prominent of these lists to feature Murmur are shown below; this information is adapted from acclaimedmusic.net.

Sammy Hagar On Van Halen’s New Live Album: ‘What the (Expletive) Are These Guys Thinking?’ Read More: Sammy Hagar On Van Halen's New Live Album: 'What the (Expletive) Are These Guys Thinking?' (UCR)

Sammy Hagar isn't pulling any punches when it comes to the new live album from his old band Van Halen. 

“They've got some pretty rough vocals,” Hagar tells the Las Vegas Review Journal, before talking frankly about his attempts to avoid all things Van Halen when talking with reporters.


Read More of Nick DeRiso's article @ Ultimate Classic Rock: Sammy Hagar On Van Halen's New Live Album: 'What the (Expletive) Are These Guys Thinking?' 

Yes and Toto to Tour Together in 2015

Yes and Toto have recently announced their plans to tour North America together this summer with dates kicking off in CT on August 7 through mid-September when the bands will close the tour in Vancouver.  For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit the Yes or Toto sites. 

Yes-Toto Summer Tour 2015:

August 7 Mashantucket, CT—Fox Theater, Foxwoods Resort Casino
August 8 Newark, NJ—New Jersey Performing Arts Center
August 9 Atlantic City, NJ—Event Center, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
August 11 Brooklyn, NY—Barclays Center
August 12 Baltimore, MD—Pier Six Pavilion
August 14 Huber Heights, OH—The Rose Music Center at The Heights
August 15 Detroit, MI—Freedom Hill Amphitheatre
August 16 Chicago, IL—First Merit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
August 18 Des Moines, IA—Iowa State Fair
August 19 St. Charles, MO—The Family Arena
August 21 Biloxi MS—Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
August 23 Clearwater, FL—Ruth Eckerd Hall
August 25 Houston, TX—The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
August 26 San Antonio, TX—Majestic Theatre
August 27 Grand Prairie, TX Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie
August 30 Littleton, CO—Denver Botanic Gardens
August 31 Salt Lake City, UT—Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre
September 2 Tuscon, AZ—AVA Amphitheater at Casino del So Resort
September 4 Scottsdale, AZ—The Pool at Talking Stick Resort
September 5 Papa, CA—Starlight Theater, Pala Casino Spa Resort
September 6 Los Angeles, CA—Greek Theatre
September 8 Saratoga, CA—The Mountain Winery
September 10 Shelton, WA—Little Creek Casino Resort
September 11 Airway Heights, WA—Northern Quest Resort & Casino
September 12 Coquitlam, BC—Hard Rock Casino Vancouver 

Rolling Stones Announce North American Summer Tour, ‘Sticky Fingers’ Reissue Read More: Rolling Stones Announce North American Summer Tour, 'Sticky Fingers' Reissue (Ultimate Classic Rock)

The Rolling Stones will be back on the road — and back in the United States — this summer.
The band has announced a 15-city stadium trek it’s dubbing the ZIP Code Tour, promising “a set packed full of classic Stones hits,” set to begin May 24 in San Diego and continue through July 15 in Quebec... 


Read More of Jeff Giles' article @Ultimate Classic Rock: Rolling Stones Announce North American Summer Tour, 'Sticky Fingers' Reissue 

Record Store Day 2015

With less than two weeks before Record Store Day 2015, we wanted to make sure that we at The Showbiz Kids shared all of the information and links with you, our readers.

The list of titles being released ONLY AT RECORD STORES is only a click away, in TWO versions: A handy PDF that you can use as a shopping/wish list and a Pull Down menu with more detail and artwork. These are the pieces that will be released at REAL LIVE RECORD STORES on April 18. 

Keep in mind that things change OFTEN in this business, and we’ll be making changes to the list when that happens. Fixes, tweaks, new descriptions, additions and cancellations as they happen. Life is a work in progress, there’s a poster out there with a kitten in an adorable but precarious situation that says so. And so is our list.

Watch Van Halen’s ‘Ellen DeGeneres Show’ Performance (Ultimate Classic Rock)

Mere days after they shut down Hollywood Boulevard (and endangeredDavid Lee Roth‘s nose) during a special performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Van Halen traveled down the TV dial for an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show...

Read More of Jeff Giles' article @ Ultimate Classic Rock: Watch Van Halen's 'Ellen DeGeneres Show' Performance 

Rolling Stone: 10 Things We Learned Spending Two Days With Bill Withers

In a little under a month, Bill Withers will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. "I'm grateful to whoever remembered me," he says. "When I die, they'll probably put this on my tombstone." Withers hasn't performed a public concert since the early 1990s, and the 76-year-old soul icon still isn't sure if he's going to at the April 18th ceremony at Cleveland's Public Hall.

Read more of Andy Greene's article @ Rolling Stone: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/10-things-we-learned-spending-two-days-with-bill-withers-20150327#ixzz3VsVoLZFB

On the turntable this Sunday...Sea of Cowards

Sea of Cowards is the second studio album by the American alternative rock band The Dead Weather. It was first released on May 7 in Ireland, then on May 11, 2010, in the U.S. and May 10 in the United Kingdom.

The album was streamed on the band's website, via continuous vinyl playback, for a period of 24 hours from April 30 to May 1. It was subsequently available for streaming on various media streaming websites such as National Public Radio and KCRW. This album was number 11 on Rolling Stone '​s list of the 30 Best Albums of 2010.

In 2009, the group worked on 15 songs over three days at White's Nashville studio, Third Man Records. The reconvened at the studio in December, and recorded the album in three weeks.  The vinyl LP version was pressed at United Record Pressing in Nashville, Tennessee.

On May 3, before the album's release, the band played a special show at White's Third Man Records where Sea Of Cowards was played in its entirety. The show was streamed on MySpace and subsequently appeared on the band's YouTube channel. The performance was released on 12" Vinyl through the Third Man Records' Vault subscription service, recorded live to analog tape and pressed directly to vinyl. This is in contrast to the controversial mastering process of the original album.

According to Billboard magazine, "the grinding blues that drives tracks like 'Hustle and Cuss' and 'Gasoline' take the Dead Weather to a new level of intensity." Brisbane periodical mX identified the song as "a grimy road trip through voodoo blues, garage rock and even metal."

In interview with The Sun, White said that "the album title refers to the way the internet allows people to spit venom and knock people in a cowardly way using fake names. It seems to me that people aren't teaching this generation anything about responsibility. The internet allows people to make a statement that the whole world can read and listen to-but they're too much of a coward to leave their actual name."

Nectar’s Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Jon Fishman and More (jambands.com)

Nectar’s in Burlington, VT continued its 40th anniversary celebration with a very special edition of Bluegrass Thursdays earlier last week. 

The venue, which hosted numerous Phish shows in the 1980s (most recently on March 14, 1989), welcomed Phish drummer Jon Fishman for a night of music with Jamie Masefield, Doug Perkin and Tyler Bolles. Phish keyboardist Page McConnell also attended the show, though he did not perform with the quartet. 

                                         Read more @ jambands.com 

Kenny Chesney Kicks Off the Big Revival Tour (Rolling Stone)

Kenny Chesney has had a picture of Thursday, March 26th in his mind for a long time now. That day marked not only his 47th birthday, but also the start of a cross-country party that will bring songs on his The Big Revival album, along with two decades of hit after chart-topping hit, to life.

Read more @ Rolling Stone: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/kenny-chesney-kicks-off-the-big-revival-tour-see-behind-the-scenes-photos-20150326#ixzz3VsO0A1ql

Peter Hook Will Honor Ian Curtis By Playing Joy Division's Entire Catalog (Spin)

Once their forthcoming U.S. tour concludes, Peter Hook and the Light will journey to Christ Church in Macclesfield, England on May 18 to perform every song Joy Division ever wrote and recorded.  



The church is reportedly located at the center of town and is where the late Ian Curtis attended mass when he was young; the May 18 date is significant, of course, because that will mark the 35th anniversary of Curtis' suicide. Titled "So This Is Permanence," the show is billed as "Celebrating the life of Ian Curtis," with all proceeds planned to benefit the Epilepsy Society and the Churches Conservation Trust. 

Read more @ Spin

Iron Maiden Remain 'Extremely Optimistic' for Bruce Dickinson's Recovery (Ultimate Classic Rock)

Iron Maiden have issued another statement regarding singer Bruce Dickinson, who’s been undergoing cancer treatments lately. And echoing a statement they issued a couple weeks ago, the band says that Dickinson is well on his way to a full recovery. 


Read More of Michael Gallucci's article @ Ultimate Classic Rock: Iron Maiden Remain 'Extremely Optimistic' for Bruce Dickinson's Recovery