Music News

ABBA Share 'Ridiculously Happy' New Single 'Just A Notion'

October 25, 2021 6:00 am

Swedish pop legends ABBA released a new single, "Just A Notion," which will be part of their upcoming album, Voyage, on Friday (October 22).

ABBA originally wrote and recorded "Just A Notion" in the summer of 1978 during the early sessions of their sixth studio album Voulez-Vous. However, the song did not make the final cut on the album.

It's a "treasure from the past," the band said. "Just A Notion is a ridiculously happy song and hopefully it will cheer you up in these dark times!" ABBA founding member Björn Ulvaeus posted on social media.

"It's a good song with great vocals. I know that we played it to a publisher in France and a couple of other people we trusted and as far as I can remember they liked it very much. So it's a mystery and will remain a mystery," Ulvaeus said.

"Now Benny has recorded a new backing track to which we've added drums and guitars, but all vocals are from the original 1978 tracks," he added. "In a way, it demonstrates what we plan to do with ABBA Voyage in 2022. There, we will have a live band playing, but all vocals will be from the old recordings."

Last month, ABBA released two new songs, "Don't Shut Me Down" and "I Still Have Faith In You," from Voyage, which is scheduled to arrive on November 5.

(Photo: Baillie Walsh)

Zakk Wylde Opens Up About Playing Rhythm Guitar With 'Heroes' On New Ozzy Album

October 25, 2021 2:00 am

Zakk Wylde has revealed it was an "honor" to play rhythm guitar with his "heroes" on Ozzy Osbourne's upcoming new album.

The Black Sabbath legend had recently confirmed that 15 songs have been recorded for his upcoming follow-up to 2020's Ordinary Man album. The album is being produced by Andrew Watt, and will feature guest appearances by Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Tony Iommi and Wylde.

Speaking to Music Radar, Wylde said, "The new Ozzy stuff is sounding great. And for sure, it's an honor to play on a record with all my heroes. It's pretty cool. I can't wait for everyone to hear it. I've always loved 'Blow By Blow' and 'Wired', but honestly, every record Jeff Beck has put out is amazing."

"It definitely sounds slamming," he added. "The same goes for all the guys - what Tony Iommi played, and then Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck, it's all killer for sure. On those tracks I'm playing rhythm guitar for my heroes. it's crazy! It sounds awesome and I'm beyond honoured to be doing it."

Earlier this month, Ozzy told Metal Hammer that his new album will be "similar in tone to Ordinary Man, but I can't describe it completely. I've not heard it for a while because it keeps going over to the next person to add their parts - we're f*cking around with it all the time."

(Photo: Joanna Corwin)

The Band To Release 50th Anniversary Editions Of 'Cahoots'

October 24, 2021 10:00 am

On December 10, Capitol/UMe will release remixed, remastered and expanded 50th Anniversary Editions of The Band's classic fourth album, Cahoots.

The 50th Anniversary Editions include a multi-format Super Deluxe 2CD/Blu-ray/1LP/7-inch vinyl box set along with digital, 2CD, 180-gram half-speed-mastered black vinyl and limited-edition 180-gram black vinyl packages.

The Anniversary Edition releases were overseen by The Band's principal songwriter Robbie Robertson and sport a new stereo mix by Bob Clearmountain from the original multi-track masters.

The box set, CD and digital configurations boast a bevy of unreleased recordings. They include Live at the Olympia Theatre concert held in Paris in May 1971, and early and alternate versions of "Endless Highway" and "When I Paint My Masterpiece" along with six other early takes, outtakes, instrumentals, and stripped-down mixes.

Pre-order for the Cahoots 50th anniversary editions is available now at https://TheBand.lnk.to/CahootsPR

The first flavor of the new mix can be heard with Friday's release of "Life Is A Carnival" (2021 Stereo Mix), streaming now and available for immediate download with digital album pre-order.

Coroner Reveals Tawny Kitaen's Official Cause Of Death

October 24, 2021 7:00 am

The Orange County Coroner's Office has revealed that Julie E. "Tawny" Kitaen, who passed away over five months ago, died from dilated cardiomyopathy.

Kitaen, popular for her roles in a number of '80s music videos, passed away on May 7 at the age of 59 in her home at Newport Beach, California. The Orange County Sheriff's Department in California ruled the death natural.

According to the Mayo Clinic, dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that usually starts in your heart's main pumping chamber (left ventricle). The ventricle stretches and thins (dilates) and can't pump blood as well as a healthy heart can. Over time, both ventricles may be affected.

Other contributing factors to her death, according to the report, include mild coronary atherosclerosis, mirtazapine, mirtazapine metabolite, alprazolam, acetaminophen, pregabalin and hydrocodone.

Kitaen's daughters, Wynter and Raine, had initially confirmed their mother's death back in May on Kitaen's Instagram account.

"We just want to say thank you for all of you, her fans and her friends, for always showing her such support and love. You gave her life everyday," their statement said. "We miss her and love her and we know her legacy will live on forever."

(Photo: Samuel Goldwyn Pictures)

AC/DC Share Nostalgic 'Through The Mists Of Time' Video

October 4, 2021 4:00 am

AC/DC recently released a nostalgic music video for "Through the Mists of Time," the latest single from their 2020 album, Power Up.

The video, which originated from a concept from Angus Young, was directed by Najeeb Tarazi. It features footage shot by Clemens Habicht of each of the five band members in five separate shoots around the world. Josh Cheuse is the creative director of the visual.

In addition to the band's impressive archive of music videos, performance clips from "Shot in the Dark," "Witch's Spell," and "Realize" also feature in the visual.

Tarazi and Cheuse got Paris-based visual effect studio Mathematic's support to combine the elements in order to "take the stage together to perform." It gives the effect of AC/DC literally playing a concert through the mists of time.

The video ends with a regal image featuring seven past and present band members - Bon Scott, singer Brian Johnson, drummer Phil Rudd, bassist Cliff Williams, guitarists Angus and Stevie Young - on a Sistine Chapel-like painted ceiling.

John Mellencamp Shares Bruce Springsteen Duet 'Wasted Days'

October 4, 2021 1:00 am

John Mellencamp recently shared "Wasted Days," a duet with Bruce Springsteen. The song is the first single from Mellencamp's upcoming 25th studio album, due to arrive next year.

The song, with musical arrangement, featuring several instruments, sees Mellencamp and Springsteen go on a nostalgic trip, taking turns with lead vocal duties.

"How many days are lost in vain / Who's counting down these last remaining years? / How many minutes do we have left?" they wonder at one point.

"Wasted days, Wasted days / We watch our lives just fade away to more wasted days," the legendary musicians sing in the chorus.

Rumors of Mellencamp and Springsteen working together were doing the rounds for several months. Mellencamp officially confirmed the collaboration in May.

"Bruce is singing on the new record and is playing guitar," he told Billboard during Clive Davis' virtual 2021 Grammy gala.

Rolling Stones Share Previously Unreleased Cover Of Chi-Lites' 'Troubles A' Comin'

October 3, 2021 9:03 am

The Rolling Stones recently shared their previously unreleased cover of The Chi-Lites' "Troubles A' Comin."

The Chi-Lites, who recorded the song in 1971, placed it on the B-side of their two top 10 R&B singles that year, "Are You My Woman (Tell Me So)" and "(For God's Sake) Give More Power To The People."

The Rolling Stones, who recorded the song's cover version in Paris in 1972, made it a guitar-driven, mid-paced track.

The cover is set to appear on the band's forthcoming 40th anniversary edition of their 1981 album Tattoo You, which will feature a number of previously unreleased tracks.

The newly remastered and expanded edition of Tattoo You is set to arrive on October 22. The edition will include nine extra songs as part of a 'Lost & Found: Rarities' disc, recorded during the same era as the original 11-track album. It will also contain the band's 1982 appearance at Wembley Stadium.

Scorpions Announce New Album 'Rock Believer,' World Tour

October 3, 2021 4:00 am

The Scorpions announced that their 19th studio album, Rock Believer, will be released on February 11, 2022, and followed up with a world tour.

As a prelude to the album, the first single, "Peacemaker," will come out on October 21.

During the pandemic, the band retreated to the studio in their German hometown of Hanover and started working on new songs.

"The album was written and recorded in the Scorpions DNA with core Schenker/Meine compositions," says frontman Klaus Meine. "We recorded the album as a band live in one room, like we did in the 80s."

The Scorpions will kick off their "Rock Believer World Tour" in March 2022 in Las Vegas. The band will play 9 shows as part of their residency at the Planet Hollywood Hotel.

Afterwards, they will cross the Atlantic to Europe. They will play 6 concerts in France and 6 shows In Germany supported by Wolfgang Van Halen's new band Mammoth WVH.

Scorpions Rock Zone fan community members have exclusive first access to tickets and VIP packages. Tickets will go on-sale to the general public on Friday at 10 am CEST.

Lost David Bowie Album 'Toy' To Be Released In January

October 3, 2021 12:00 am

A never before released David Bowie album Toy will be officially released on January 7, the day before what would have been the late legendary musician's 75th birthday.

Bowie planned to record the album "old school," with his band playing live, choosing the best takes and then releasing it as soon as possible. Unfortunately, in 2001 the concept of the "surprise drop" album release and the technology to support it were still quite a few years off, making it impossible to release Toy as instantly as Bowie wanted.

Now, twenty years after its originally planned release, Bowie's co-producer Mark Plati says, "From time to time, he used to say 'Mark, this is our album' - I think because he knew I was so deeply in the trenches with him on that journey. I'm happy to finally be able to say it now belongs to all of us."

Available in 3CD or 6x10" vinyl formats, TOY (TOY:BOX) is a special edition of the album. The package also contains a 16-page full-colour book featuring previously unseen photographs by Frank Ockenfels 3.

Toy finishes with a new song from which the album takes its title, "Toy (Your Turn To Drive)." It was constructed from a jam at the end of one of the live takes of "I Dig Everything."

On November 26, Parlophone Records/ISO Records will release David Bowie 5: Brilliant Adventure (1992 - 2001), the fifth in a series of box sets chronicling his career from 1969 to the 21st century. It is an eleven CD box, eighteen-piece vinyl set and standard digital download box set collection.

(Photo: DavidBowie.com)

Elton John, Stevie Wonder Reunite On 'Finish Line'

October 2, 2021 7:03 am

Music legends Elton John and Stevie Wonder have teamed up to release "Finish Line," the latest single from Elton's upcoming all-star album The Lockdown Sessions.

Elton was full of praise for Wonder while speaking about the song, saying, "Stevie's voice is as good as I can ever remember hearing him - he sounds like a 17-year-old again, he's singing with a sheer joy and exuberance in his vocals."

"I've always loved collaborating with Stevie, and I'm delighted that after fifty years of friendship we finally get to do a full-blown duet. He has always been so kind and sweet to me, and his talent is beyond ridiculous. When you listen to what he does vocally and instrumentally on 'Finish Line' you think, this is a true genius here," he added. Elton also described The Lockdown Sessions as one of the best records he has made.

Kanye West's Sunday Service choir supported the duet, produced by Andrew Watt.

"Finish Line" is the third collaboration featuring the two legends. The others are their charity single "That's What Friends Are For" and "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues."

Sting Unleashes 'Rushing Water' From Forthcoming Album

October 2, 2021 3:03 am

Sting on Thursday unleashed a driving new single, "Rushing Water," from his forthcoming album The Bridge.

The Bridge is set for release on November 19 via A&M/Interscope/Cherrytree Records.

The new song, available now on all digital service platforms, is accompanied by a performance-fueled, chiaroscuro music video, directed by Eric Ryan Anderson.

"The song 'Rushing Water' is a fitting start to an album that seeks to bridge all of the petty differences that can separate us," Sting says.

Written by Sting, "Rushing Water" features Dominic Miller and Gavin Brown on guitars, Josh Freese on drums, Martin Kierszenbaum on organ and keyboards, Fred Renaudin on additional synthesizers and Gene Noble on background vocals.

The 17-time Grammy Award winning artist collaborated with Kierszenbaum and Brown for the song's music.

The Bridge, penned in a year of global pandemic, showcases Sting's prolific and diverse songwriting prowess, with this new set of songs representing styles and genres explored throughout his inimitable career. Another new song, "If It's Love" - an infectious ear worm - is also available now on all digital platforms.

Sting's new weekly web TV series, "On the Bridge" premiered Tuesday and features an intimate glimpse into the musician's everyday life as he prepares to launch his new album.

(Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson)

Jethro Tull Announce 50th Anniversary Enhanced Edition Of 'Benefit'

October 1, 2021 11:59 pm

Marking the 50th anniversary of their classic 1970 album Benefit, Jethro Tull will release an "enhanced edition" of the record on November 5.

Benefit (The 50 Anniversary Enhanced Edition) will be a 4CD/2DVD set, featuring remixes by Steven Wilson, previously unreleased material, packaged within a deluxe hardback book, containing commentary from contributors alongside images of the band creating and performing their first million-selling album.

CD3 delivers a previously unreleased Steven Wilson remix of Jethro Tull performing at Tanglewood in 1970, while DVD2 has the previously unavailable film footage of that show. CD4 contains a newly remastered mono version of a previously unreleased concert at The Aragon Ballroom in 1970.

The 100-page book contains an essay from Martin Webb, who expands upon the 2013 "A Collector's Edition" booklet notes.

Ian Anderson, Martin Barre, Glenn Cornick, and Clive Bunker comment on each of the album's tracks. The book also features interviews with Robin Black (studio engineer of Benefit and many other Jethro Tull albums), Terry Ellis ('executive producer' of Benefit), Joshua White and Steven Wilson explaining the mixing of Benefit in 2013.

The enhanced edition comes after pandemic-enforced delays.

(Photo: Rhino)

Judas Priest's Richie Faulkner 'Stable And Resting' After Emergency Heart Surgery

October 1, 2021 9:00 am

Judas Priest lead guitarist Richie Faulkner is "stable and resting" after undergoing emergency heart surgery this week.

The update on Faulkner's condition was provided by his partner Mariah Lynch on Instagram on Tuesday.

"Richie underwent major emergency heart surgery. He is stable & resting. If you know him, you know how tough & strong he is. So tough that he finished the show & kept the hair flips coming. There's no one like him. We'd be lost without him," Lynch wrote, accompanied by a photo of the couple holding up their 1-year-old daughter Daisy Mae.

Judas Priest announced on Monday that they are putting the remaining part of their U.S. tour on hold after Faulkner was admitted to the hospital due to a "major medical heart condition."

The English heavy metal band assured its fans that new dates will be announced "as soon as we have any updates from his doctors on when we can reschedule the dates."

Tickets that are already purchased for the cancelled dates will be valid.

Judas Priest's "50 Heavy Metal Years Tour," which kicked off in Reading, Pennsylvania, on September 8, was scheduled to run until the concluding show at the Hamilton First Ontario Centre in Ontario on November 5.

(Photo: Stefan Bollmann)

David Lee Roth Announces 2021-2022 Las Vegas Residency

October 1, 2021 3:00 am

Former Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth has announced a Las Vegas Residency at Mandalay Bay's House Of Blues.

The five-night residency will kick off with a New Year's Eve show and include four nights in early January 2022.

Tickets for residency will start at $63.50, plus applicable fees, and go on sale Saturday, October 2 at 10 a.m. PT.

Roth originally kicked off a residency at the same venue in January 2020. However, in March 2020, he postponed the final six shows of his Las Vegas residency due to the coronavirus pandemic.

David Lee Roth 2021-22 House of Blues Las Vegas Residency Dates:

Dec. 31, 2021Jan. 1, 2022Jan. 5, 2022Jan. 7, 2022Jan. 8, 2022

Bruce Springsteen To Perform At Stand Up For Heroes Benefit Show

October 1, 2021 12:03 am

Bruce Springsteen will headline the Stand Up for Heroes live benefit show to honor American veterans and their families.

The 15th Annual Stand Up For Heroes celebration will be held on November 8, at 8 p.m. ET at Alice Tully Hall at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York, to raise awareness and funds for the Bob Woodruff Foundation.

Stand Up for Heroes is presented by the Bob Woodruff Foundation and the New York Comedy Festival.

SUFH will feature performances by comedians and musicians, including Nate Bargatze, Jim Gaffigan, Grace Gaustad, Nikki Glaser, Sing Harlem, Donnell Rawlings, and Jon Stewart.

"Our military community sacrifices so much for their fellow citizens. They have earned our enduring respect, and more importantly, our support. For 15 years, that has been the inspiration behind Stand Up for Heroes - an evening to honor, celebrate, and take action in support of our veterans and their families." said Bob Woodruff, co-founder of the Bob Woodruff Foundation.

Tickets for Stand Up for Heroes go on sale through bobwoodrufffoundation.org and the Lincoln Center box office. All attendees must be vaccinated and wear masks in accordance with state and venue guidelines.

Last year, the Stand Up for Heroes event was conducted virtually due to the pandemic.

Bob Dylan Announces Fall U.S. Tour Dates

September 30, 2021 5:00 am

Bob Dylan's fall U.S. tour dates have been announced. The U.S. leg is part of the legendary troubadour's four-year worldwide tour, named after his 2020 album, Rough and Rowdy Ways.

"The Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour" will kick off in Milwaukee on November 2 and run through 2024 in cities across the globe.

Dylan will be performing live after a gap of nearly two years.

The first dates go on sale starting Friday, October 1.

Only fall 2021 show dates of the "Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour" have been revealed so far, and the remaining schedule will be announced later.

Fall 2021 Tour Dates:

Nov. 2 - Milwaukee, WI @ Riverside TheatreNov. 3 - Chicago, IL @ Auditorium TheatreNov. 5 - Cleveland, OH @ Key Bank State TheatreNov. 6 - Columbus, OH @ Palace TheatreNov. 7 - Bloomington, IN @ IU AuditoriumNov. 9 - Cincinnati, OH @ Procter & Gamble HallNov. 10 - Knoxville, TN @ Knoxville AuditoriumNov. 12 - Louisville, KY @ Palace TheatreNov. 13 - Charleston, WV @ Municipal AuditoriumNov. 15 Moon Township, PA @ Robert Morris Univ. - UPMC Events CenterNov. 16 - Hershey, PA @ Hershey TheatreNov. 19 - New York, NY @ Beacon TheatreNov. 20 - New York, NY @ Beacon TheatreNov. 21 - New York, NY @ Beacon TheatreNov. 23 - Port Chester, NY @ Capitol TheatreNov. 24 - Port Chester, NY @ Capitol TheatreNov. 26 - Providence, RI @ Providence Performing Arts CenterNov. 27 - Boston, MA @ Wang TheatreNov. 29 - Philadelphia, PA @ The MetNov. 30 - Philadelphia, PA @ The MetDec. 2 - Washington, DC @ The Anthem

(Photo: Raph_PH)

Billy Idol Announces 2022 U.K. Tour With The Go-Go's

September 30, 2021 2:00 am

Billy Idol will return to the United Kingdom in June next year with the Go-Go's for the "Roadside Tour 2022."

The U.K. tour is in support of Billy Idol's new album The Roadside, his first new release in nearly seven years.

The Go-Go's will be accompanying the English singer as special guests, making their first performance on a British music stage in 26 years.

"We are thrilled to be sharing the stage with Billy Idol on his 2022 Summer UK tour dates. We haven't had an opportunity to play for our British fans in 26 years and can't wait to see you all," The Go-Go's said.

Tickets go on sale to the public at 9 am Thursday.

Tour Dates:

Sat 11 June, 2022 Glasgow, UK - The SSE HydroMon 13 June, 2022 Manchester, UK - AO ArenaWed 15 June, 2022 Birmingham, UK - Resorts World ArenaSat 18 June, 2022 London, UK - The SSE Arena WembleySun 19 June, 2022 Cardiff, UK - Motorpoint ArenaTue 21 June, 2022 Leeds, UK - First Direct Arena

Muse, Lewis Capaldi, Lionel Richie & More To Play Isle Of Wight Festival 2022

September 30, 2021 12:00 am

Lewis Capaldi, Lionel Richie, Kasabian, Muse, and Pete Tong & The Heritage Orchestra presents Ibiza Classics conducted by Jules Buckley will headline the Isle Of Wight Festival 2022 main stage.

Other artists set to perform during the June 16 - 19, 2022 event include Nile Rodgers & Chic, Blossoms, Rudimental, Tom Grennan, Sigrid, Craig David Presents TS5, The Vaccines, Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott, Shaggy, Happy Mondays and Mavis Staples.

The 2021 Isle Of Wight Festival was held last month after getting postponed due to the pandemic.

Festival promoter John Giddings said, "We couldn't have asked for a better return to the island this year: we had sunshine all weekend and some fantastic performances. We're already looking ahead to next year and the artists announced today can't wait to come and entertain us."

Tickets for the Isle of Wight Festival 2022 go on sale this Thursday at 8 am.

Barclaycard customers can get 10 percent off for every presale ticket they buy through Barclaycard Entertainment in their exclusive presale until 8 am on September 30.

Judas Priest Postpone U.S. Tour After Guitarist Richie Faulkner Hospitalized

September 29, 2021 11:00 am

Judas Priest have put the remainder of their U.S. tour on hold after lead guitarist Richie Faulkner was admitted to a hospital due to a "major medical heart condition."

"It is with deep regret that we have to postpone the rest of our US tour. Richie Faulkner has major medical heart condition issues which have landed him in the hospital where he is being treated," the heavy metal band said in a statement. "In the meantime, we are all sending love to our falcon to wish him a speedy recovery."

Judas Priest assured their fans that new dates will be announced "as soon as we have any updates from his doctors on when we can reschedule the dates."

Tickets that are already purchased for the cancelled dates will remain valid.

Judas Priest's U.S. tour, which kicked off in Reading, Pennsylvania, on September 8, was scheduled to run until the concluding show at Hamilton First Ontario Centre in Ontario on November 5.

Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett Share Behind-The-Scenes Look At 'Love For Sale'

September 29, 2021 8:00 am

Pop superstar Lady Gaga and music legend Tony Bennett recently released a trailer for the upcoming collaborative album, Love For Sale, which is set to drop on Friday, October 1.

The trailer features a behind-the-scenes look at the recording of some of the songs from the album, including "Love for Sale," "Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love)," "I've Got You Under My Skin," "Just One of Those Things," "Night and Day," and "Do I Love You?"

Gaga also discusses how her second collaborative album with Bennett came about, revealing the legendary singer called her right after their first album together, Cheek to Cheek, was released.

"I think it was the next day after the record released and it had gone No. 1," explains Gaga. "He said, 'I wanna make this Cole Porter record with you.' And I said that I'd do it. And guess what? We did it."

Love For Sale will be available in standard, deluxe, vinyl and cassette configurations as well as a collectible box set edition.

Fans can also pre-order the deluxe version on CD and vinyl exclusively through Target, featuring the bonus tracks "I've Got You Under My Skin," and "You're the Top."

ViacomCBS also recently announced that it has teamed up with Gaga and Bennett for three exclusive specials to be shared via CBS, MTV Entertainment Group, and Paramount Plus over the coming months.

(Photo: Kelsey Bennett)

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