But also out of work are all the hard working people who put in tireless hours to make concerts happen ... the first people at the show setting up amps and the last people to leave after the show is over ... the ROADIES !
You can now help these hard working people out with a cool new fundraiser - called One for the Roadies.
Crew Nation - an organization 'created in the wake of the pandemic to extend a helping hand to the touring and venue crews who depend on shows to make a living' . and keeper of all things cool - YETI, have joined forces with a bunch of musicians - having them customize the Roadie® 24 Cooler - which you can bid on now through August 10.
Look who's getting into the weekly online concert broadcast game - The Who!
The band has decided to dust off their archival concert footage and offer them to us for free weekly online viewing.
Their “Join Together @ Home” offerings will occur over the next six weeks, starting Saturday, Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET. The first installment will include live clips from their 1982 New York City show at Shea Stadium plus “an exclusive ‘red carpet’ premiere clip from Roger Daltrey”
The Who - Live At Shea Stadium 1982
The band will ask viewers to support their charitable partners - the Teenage Cancer Trust and Teen Cancer America - throughout the stream.
The band says:
“As you have faced the inconvenience of isolation these past months, please think of the many teenage cancer patients who are in the fight of their lives. Follow your local guidelines, stay safe, relax and watch The Who, and do one of the most important things you can do today, donate to help teens facing cancer ... If you can’t donate to both charities just choose the one that’s closest to your heart. But whatever you do please make sure you donate.”
Heartbreakers keyboardist Benmont Tench had this to say about the song:
“I don’t remember hearing this. I think this is one where I would have said, ‘Oh, come on. Let’s cut this.’ I don’t remember even trying it. When it came on, I was so thrilled. But I was also mad like, ‘What? We didn’t cut this?’ When I first heard it, I was so happy that it almost made me cry because I was hearing him do something I hadn’t heard.”
The song is one of several tracks that was recorded during the Wildflowers sessions - but eventually scrapped after Petty was forced to release the album as a single LP instead of his envisioned double record.
“Single album concerts often don’t scan right for a concert...But with the amount of material I have for the Wildflowers double album, I think I’ve got enough tempos and types of songs that I could do a live show … And it’ll be fun for the audience since there’s a bunch of songs they’ll know.”
The estate still plans on releasing a Wildflowers celebratory release - an “exhaustive chronicle of the making of one of Petty’s most enduring albums” and has shared the demo version of “You Don’t Know How It Feels"
Tom Petty - You Don't Know How It Feels (Home Recording)
Just days after appearing on Taylor Swift's chart topping single “exile,” Justin Vernon aka Bon Iver is back with another new track - and he enlisted some friends to help ... The song, titled "AUATC,” (which stands for Ate Up All Their Cake) credits Bruce Springsteen, Jenny Lewis, and Baltimore's Jenn Wasner (Wye Oak) as contributing vocalists
The song - which you can hear below along with the video showing off some sweet dance moves from Randall Riley was released with the following message in support of social justice and anti-capitalist causes:
From celebrating art and music, to empowering women, to liberating incarcerated people, to fighting climate change, these organizations work tirelessly to foster a world that celebrates our humanity on a local, national, and global level.
R.E.M. has announced theywill rebroadcast their 1999 Glastonbury festival set at the as a limited run livestream via YouTube.
The concert footage will only be live for 72 hours starting at 3 p.m. EST on Thursday, August 6th. The set included classic R.E.M. like “The One I Love,” “Losing My Religion,” “Everybody Hurts,” “Man on the Moon” and “It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine).”
Michael Stipe said in a statement:
“Hole (who played earlier) did such a great set, I was like — I’ve got to ramp this up, I’ve got to be great. I think it was maybe a moment for R.E.M. and the U.K. where we had kind of been forgotten or pushed aside by younger bands, and that was a particular moment at Glastonbury where I think we pulled ourselves back to the front of the line and actually proved, this is what we’re capable of. It was a great show for us!”
On Sunday - the festival organizers offered a free screening of the new concert documentary Our Voices Together on YouTube, featuring some never-seen-before performances.
Highlighting the film - Roger Waters & Lucius collaborating once again to cover the late John Prine's "Hello in There" (Waters and Lucius performed with Prine at the 2017 Newport Folk Festival) which Roger recalls as "Precious memories"
"Hello in There" (John Prine cover w/ Lucius)
Another amazing collaboration from the film featured Courtney Barnett and Phoebe Bridgers coming together from different parts of the world (Melbourne, Australia and Los Angeles) to cover Gillian Welch's 2001 song "Everything is Free."
Courtney Barnett and Phoebe Bridgers - Everything Is Free (Gillian Welch cover)
Like pretty much every music festival in 2020 - Lollapalooza US was forced to cancel its in person version - but the genius' behind the granddaddy of fests decided to 'pivot' instead of simply postponing - and hosted a 4 day live stream virtual festival via YouTube.
There were 2 major highlights of new footage from the 4 days of live and archived performances ...
First - was Chris Cornell‘s teenage daughter Toni performing a stripped down acoustic- rendition cover of Pearl Jam's “Black” :
Also worthy of mentioning - Perry Farrell, Dave Navarro, Stephen Perkins, and Chris Chaney reunited Jane's Addition and performing ‘I Would For You’ and ‘Stop!’.
Farrell also reunited Porno For Pyros for their first live performance in 24 years and his t project Kind Heaven Orchestra staged a tribute to David Bowie by covering ‘Ziggy Stardust’.
It a big weekend for The Go-Go’s ... yes - the iconic all-female L.A. punk band, have released their first new recording in nearly 20 years, “CLUB ZERO” (which you can stream below) and their new Alison Ellwood (Laurel Canyon, History of the Eagles) directed documentary THE GO-GO’S, will premiere on Showtime.
The film gives "full access to The Go-Go’s, both past and present, this candid archive-rich documentary assesses the group’s place in music history as it focuses on their roots as a formidable contender in L.A.’s late ‘70s punk scene, detailing their rise to the top as they become one of the decade’s most beloved acts as well as an unstoppable force. It also examines the personalities and dynamics behind their rise, fall and numerous reincarnations. Until this definitive film, there has never been a serious appraisal of and showcase for The Go-Go’s’ talents or achievements – as musicians, ground breakers, but even more so, as survivors."
Check out the trailer:
And as for their new single - a live version of “CLUB ZERO” is a self-produced song was “created via email exchanges amongst band members"
Club Zero
Don't have Showtime? Use code GOGOS to get 50% off a Showtime subscription for the first month after a 30-day free trial. Redeem by 8/15. New subscribers only!
So rather than pack it in and plan for 2021- the grandfather of music festivals has put together 4 days of live and global Lolla archival footage that they will stream on YouTube
Plus - You have Alabama Shakes 2015 set (Thursday @5:05pm), Paul McCartney's 2015 set (Thursday @ 9:50pm), SHAED (Friday @ 7:10pm), The Cure's 2013 set (Friday @ 8:00 pm), Janes Addiction (Saturday @745p), Pearl Jam's 2018 set from Brazil (Saturday @ 8:40pm), Grace Potter & the Nocturnals' 2011 set (Sunday @ 7:05pm), Portugal. the Man's 2018 set (Sunday @ 8:15p), and Arcade Fire's 2010 set (Sunday @ 9:35pm)...
On the July 23rd (episode 77) - Tweedy covered Billie Eilish'sI Love You ... you can hear it below... here is a recap of the entire hour:
-Jeff says that he's as old as Roy Orbison was when he made the first Traveling Wilburys record
--I Love You (Billie Eilish cover)
--Jeff says he hasn't learned Magnetized
--Jeff plays an instrumental version of Deeper Down
--Jeff explains he can't show his record collection right now because they're everywhere and everything's a mess
--Far Far Away (in a different key)
--Jeff settles the record on the Corona commercial featuring Love Is Everywhere (Beware): it's mostly Pat's vocals used in the commercial
--Rilkean Heart (Cocteau Twins cover sung by Sammy)
--Susie mentions that Casey and Spencer will be performing on Hideout Cosmic Country Friday
--Ain't It Strange (Dr. Dog cover sung by Sammy)
--Susie and Jeff talk about meeting Barack and Michelle Obama
--Jeff says that he got to visit the White House and meet the Obama's dog, but Barack wasn't there. He left him the Diamond Light 10 inch single.
--Reincarnation (Roger Miller cover)
In other Jeff Tweedy news - if you are feeling the itch for a live concert and either in the Chicago area or willing to travel - JT will be performing playing a drive-in concert on September 18 at The McHenry Outdoor Theater in Illinois.
In case you were wondering - yes, there are a ton of safety guidelines (and a COVID liability waiver). In addition to the show being 18+, the venue has the following FAQ's answered:
Can I get out of my car?
Yes, but you must stay within the confines of your space allocated to your vehicle as much as possible. You may lay in the bed of your truck or in the back of a van, you can stand next to your car, but MUST stay in your designated square of space with your party. If you are outside of the vehicle you must wear your mask at all times.
Are masks required?
Face masks are required anytime you are outside of your vehicle and in all public areas such as the concession cart, restrooms, or box office
What do I do, if I need to visit the restroom?
The bathrooms will be open, with plenty of hand soap and sanitizer available in each. We have also provided protective toilet seat covers in each stall. We just ask that you dispose of the toilet seat covers in the small garbage can in each stall. Please do NOT flush them down the toilet. Every other stall will be closed so we can sanitize them. We will then open those stalls, close the others and, in turn, sterilize those as well. There will be markers on the floor to help with the 6’ of social distancing that everyone is expected to abide by. Please be responsible with following the spacing guidelines when and where available, and of your best discretion in any places where you may not see any markers.
What do I do, if I want to purchase concessions or merch?
Merch & concession stands will be open. There will be markers on the floor to help with the 6’ of social distancing leading up to both that everyone is expected to abide by. Please be responsible with following the spacing guidelines when and where available, and of your best discretion in any places where you may not see any markers.
How do tickets work per car, person, and dedicated space?
A single car pass ticket includes entry for up to 4 people per vehicle. There must be a legal seat and seatbelt for every passenger inside the car. Based on the number of legal & available seats/seat belts beyond the 4 included tickets, a discounted upgrade can be purchased for $30 per person. If you choose to bring less than 4 people the starting base price will remain the same and will not be discounted, no minimum passenger requirement for entry.
If you have the space and the quaranteam to join you safely, we recommend doing so. It will offset the price to be cheaper per person in the party too! So come out with your squad, but keep in mind the whole party needs to fit comfortably in the dedicated space provided with your vehicle, and everyone is expected to follow those perimeter guidelines.
No parking available for oversized vehicles (i.e. large vans, buses, motorhomes, etc)
Can we purchase the extra tickets when we arrive, and for a full car at the gate?
Since we are operating at a limited capacity, we expect this event to sell out. It is STRONGLY encouraged to purchase your vehicle pass and extra passenger tickets in advance to ease and quicken entry into the venue, and to help limit any unnecessary points of contact.
If you do decide at the last minute there is an extra person in your party, we will have customer service attendants at the main entrance to assist with passenger add-on tickets.
We will have 4 entry lanes with one dedicated to day of show purchases and upgrades.
Please follow the directional signage upon entry - If you enter into the wrong lane and do not have all of your tickets you’ll be asked to go to the back of the main line. Please don’t be that party.
Full vehicle day of show purchases on-site will only be offered while space lasts.
Again, we cannot urge you enough to plan before you arrive and purchase online at www.collectivpresents.com
What ticket types are available?
We tried to make this as simple as possible for you. The front 2 rows in front of the stage will be sold as premium viewing.
In addition to premium passes will be sold in the following sections - Front Lot, Middle Lot, and Back Row locations.
Each section will be parked as first come, first serve basis, so we encourage everyone to plan on arriving early.
Age Restrictions?
This event is 18+ for entry. All passengers must have a valid ID for entry into the show.
Is there re-entry?
There is no re-entry.
How does sound work?
We will have a full PA system in place for these shows so plan on rolling down your windows to enjoy the show.
You will be allowed to place chairs in front of/next to your car as long as you do not exceed the designated area assigned to your car. Masks are required whenever you are outside of your personal vehicle. No exceptions.
What time should we arrive?
We encourage everyone to arrive early and allow enough time to get situated in your spot before the show begins.
Doors at 6:00PM
Each section will be parked in order of arrival, so we recommend arriving early.
Can we bring food?
Yes - please note grills, BBQ pits, open fires, tents and the like are NOT-permitted, You are welcome to bring your own pre-cooked food and nonalcoholic beverages. We will also have concession carts on-site offering food and beverages for purchase.
What concessions are available?
The concession building will be open to the public at a limited capacity and we will be offering freshly made Cheeseburgers, Hot Dogs, Popcorn, Jumbo Pretzels, and Nachos.
We will also offer a variety of Candy and Bottled Beverages from beverage/food/snack carts in the parking lot.
What steps are being taken to enforce social distancing, & safe dancing?
If you need to leave your car, masks are required. The State of Illinois has a mask policy in effect, we will have a zero tolerance policy on this, anyone not following this rule will be asked to put on a mask or leave the venue.
Your entire party is required and expected to responsibly stay in your dedicated space for your car and party, unless visiting an approved area where distancing must and will be enforced.
6 foot markers will be placed in these approved aforementioned areas such as concessions, merch and restrooms.
Our working staff will submit to a temperature check upon arrival, a pre-shift health screening, will be required to wear masks and receive sanitation training prior to arrival at work. All working staff will be provided and required to wear PPP including masks and gloves.
Disposal masks will also be available upon request if needed to guests.
Are Flow toys allowed?
Flow toys are allowed as long as they stay within the borders of your dedicated parking space and are used safely, not bothering or endangering anyone in (or out of) your party.
What forms of payment do we accept?
Credit Card and Cash payments will be accepted. We strongly encourage everyone to use credit card payments whenever possible.
What if it rains?
The show is rain or shine. You stay in your car for safety. In the event of severe weather messaging will be broadcast on video screens throughout the venue on our social media platforms.
Can I bring my dog?
Only service animals will be allowed on-site, no dogs or other pets will be permitted into the event.
As we approach the 2020 election - the Artist Rights Alliance (ARA) has composed an open letter condemning the unlawful use of copyrighted music by politicians at campaign rallies - that has been co-signed by a myriad of musicians including Pearl Jam, The Rolling Stones, REM, Lorde, and more.
The message, specifically targeted to the Republican and Democratic National, Congressional, and Senatorial committees, came with the following statement:
“We’ve seen so many artists and estates dragged into politics against their will and forced to take aggressive action to prohibit the use of their music — usually songs that are broadcast during political rallies. It can confuse and disappoint fans and even undermine an artists’ long term income — and mostly it’s just not right. Politicians that want to represent the public trust must do better — by seeking consent before exploiting an artist’s or songwriter’s image and work.”
photo: Monika Clark
Here is the full letter and list of signees:
July 28, 2020
Dear Campaign Committees:
As artists, activists, and citizens, we ask you to pledge that all candidates you support will seek consent from featured recording artists and songwriters before using their music in campaign and political settings. This is the only way to effectively protect your candidates from legal risk, unnecessary public controversy, and the moral quagmire that comes from falsely claiming or implying an artist’s support or distorting an artists’ expression in such a high stakes public way.
This is not a new problem. Or a partisan one. Every election cycle brings stories of artists and songwriters frustrated to find their work being used in settings that suggest endorsement or support of political candidates without their permission or consent.
Being dragged unwillingly into politics in this way can compromise an artist’s personal values while disappointing and alienating fans — with great moral and economic cost. For artists that do choose to engage politically in campaigns or other contexts, this kind of unauthorized public use confuses their message and undermines their effectiveness. Music tells powerful stories and drives emotional connection and engagement — that’s why campaigns use it, after all! But doing so without permission siphons away that value.
The legal risks are clear. Campaign uses of music can violate federal and (in some cases) state copyrights in both sound recordings and musical compositions. Depending on the technology used to copy and broadcast these works, multiple exclusive copyrights, including both performance and reproduction, could be infringed. In addition, these uses impact creators’ rights of publicity and branding, potentially creating exposure for trademark infringement, dilution, or tarnishment under the Lanham Act and giving rise to claims for false endorsement, conversion, and other common law and statutory torts. When campaign commercials or advertisements are involved, a whole additional host of rules and regulations regarding campaign fundraising (including undisclosed and potentially unlawful “in-kind” contributions), finance, and communications could also potentially be breached.
More importantly, falsely implying support or endorsement from an artist or songwriter is dishonest and immoral. It undermines the campaign process, confuses the voting public, and ultimately distorts elections. It should be anathema to any honest candidate to play off this kind of uncertainty or falsely leave the impression of an artist’s or songwriter’s support.
Like all other citizens, artists have the fundamental right to control their work and make free choices regarding their political expression and participation. Using their work for political purposes without their consent fundamentally breaches those rights — an invasion of the most hallowed, even sacred personal interests.
No politician benefits from forcing a popular artist to publicly disown and reject them. Yet these unnecessary controversies inevitably draw even the most reluctant or apolitical artists off the sidelines, compelling them to explain the ways they disagree with candidates wrongfully using their music. And on social media and in the culture at large, it’s the politicians that typically end up on the wrong side of those stories.
For all these reasons, we urge you to establish clear policies requiring campaigns supported by your committees to seek the consent of featured recording artists, songwriters, and copyright owners before publicly using their music in a political or campaign setting. Funding, logistical support, and participation in committee programs, operations, and events should be contingent on this pledge, and its terms should be clearly stated in writing in your bylaws, operating guidelines, campaign manuals, or where you establish any other relevant rules, requirements, or conditions of support.
Please let us know by August 10th how you plan to accomplish these changes.
Rumors of a Porno For Pyros reunion have swirled for several years, but those rumors were all but confirmed when PFP member Mike Watt admitted that he and the rest of the band (Perry Farrell, Stephen Perkins, and Peter DiStefano) had filmed four songs together.
We now know that this footage will be used for this weekend's LollapaloozaYouTube livestream (July 30-August 2). The appearance will be the band's first performance in 24 years.
PFP aren't the only band to appear on the live stream - 150 bands are set to appear - including live and archival footage from Paul McCartney, The Cure, Jane's Addiction, Illiterate Light, Arcade Fire, Lorde, Alabama Shakes, Gary Clark Jr, and many many more.
The four-night broadcast event kicks off this Thursday (July 30) at 5pm CT - and can be viewed exclusively live on the Lolla YouTube channel... the full schedule will be released this Wednesday, (July 29)
In what can only be considered irony - Bono and the Edge of U2 and St. Vincent aka Annie Clark both took to social media on the same day to post covers of the Led Zeppelin’s classic “Stairway To Heaven” yesterday (July 26)
St. Vincent's post, on her Instagram, was a nod to all the six string strummers who have not been able to play in their local guitar store:
Since guitar stores have been closed, I thought you might have missed the sound of someone fumbling through ‘stairway to heaven.’ (Not pictured but honorable mention, ‘smoke on the water’ ‘sweet home Alabama’ ‘black dog’ ‘where ever I may roam’). Love to all my guitar players out there. I know. I miss it too.” Don’t forget “Enter Sandman, Annie!
Bono and the Edge had a little more serious note to their cover - dedicating it to their long-time road crew who like to play the song while soundchecking before shows.
Bono says:
“There’s one annoying aspect of an Irish crew that has to be said ... Wherever you go in the world, whatever venue you’re playing — whether it’s the Olympia or 3 Arena or Madison Square Garden — you walk into the venue and it’s a big moment, and you’ll hear a song that we said, ‘We’ll never, ever play this.’ And that’s right, ‘Stairway to Heaven.’ These professionals believe they play this better than the band. And you know, it might be true.”
So who covered it better ... take a listen to both below:
Earlier this year- Dave Grohl started his Dave's True Stories series - telling amazing tales of his rock and roll career. And now, he's made the first audio post to the series - coming to the defense of some of our most essential workers - teachers.
“So, with me being a high school dropout, you’d imagine the current debate surrounding the reopening of schools wouldn’t register so much a blip on my rock & roll radar, right? Wrong. My mother was a public school teacher.”
Please take 10 minute to listen to the full post below ... his well articulated thoughts are mostly serious - with a little Dave humor sprinkled in here and there.
The post ends with this powerful quote - "Teachers want to teach, not die. And we should support and protect them like the national treasures that they are. For without them, where would we be. May we show these tireless altruists a little altruism in return. I would for my favorite teacher, wouldn't you?"
The Rolling Stones have released a never before heard song “Scarlet,” ahead of the deluxe reissue of Goats Head Soup. The new track features Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist Rick Grech (Traffic, Blind Faith, Family).
The track was recorded in October 1974, when The Rolling Stones were due to enter the recording studio - and the band in the studio before them just happened to be Led Zeppelin.
Keith Richards recalls the track “Scarlet” was an accident -
"We walked in at the end of a Zeppelin session. They were just leaving, and we were booked in next and I believe that Jimmy decided to stay ... We weren’t actually cutting it as a track- it was basically for a demo, a demonstration, you know, just to get the feel of it, but it came out well, with a line up like that, you know, we better use it.‘’
When the pandemic started, Buddy Clements' family knew they needed a way to keep him active and positive.
Clements, who is 90 years old, had recently lost his wife of 57 years so his family decided to keep his spirits up by letting him do what he loves to do - entertain. They began learning dances and posting them on the popular social media channel - TikTok.
The silly dance videos received great reception but his daughters say they didn't expect the videos to go viral - some have over 200,000 views!
Clements' daughter, Lisa Colmus, says seeing his enthusiasm and moves at 90 is equally impressive and inspiring!
The 2020 LOCKN' Festival - originally scheduled for June 2020 to celebrate Phil Lesh's 80th birthday - was postponed due to coronavirus. Rather than rescheduling to 2021 - like most other festival are doing - LOCKN' is still planning on moving forward with an in-person festival October 2-4, 2020.
We want to update everyone on the current state of our planning for LOCKN’ 2020. As we develop our plans to produce LOCKN’, the safety of our fans, staff, vendors, and artists remains our number one priority. Because the public health authorities are continuing to learn more about how the coronavirus spreads, the procedures for LOCKN’ must be flexible to ensure we are conforming to the latest guidance and recommendations. So with the understanding that things might change, here are some of the ways we are planning to make it possible to gather together and experience live music in a safe manner this October.
The site continues to explain the policies:
They are exploring the possibility of having mobile Covid testing labs at the main entrance - with on-site test rapid results being available. Additional health screenings will be administered throughout the grounds as well.
Face masks will be required to be worn (by all attendees, staff and partners) with reasonable exceptions for people eating or drinking while physically distanced from others.
The LOCKN' show field will be divided into sections, each having a limited capacity that will be filled daily on a first-come, first-served basis .. and physical distancing will be enforced.
Going cashless and using your wristband to for onsite purchases will be highly recommended.
The size and spacing in the camping areas will be increased.
Shared surfaces throughout the venue and campgrounds will be disinfected regularly and an increased amount hand sanitizing stations will be located throughout the grounds.
There will be no re-entry and only 3 day passes will be sold.
This list is only a snapshot of our current thinking. As we learn more over time, we will continue to update you. We are here for you and we are excited to see you again soon. If anyone can follow the House Rules and have fun at the same time, it’s LOCKN’.
On what would have been his 56th birthday (July 20), the Chris Cornell estate has released the musician’s previously unreleased cover of Guns N’ Roses’ classic 1989 ballad, “Patience.”
Before his passing, Chris heard his daughter Toni, then 12, sing “Patience” in their house. She asked him to record the song so she could sing along with him. The finished song was completed a few months before Chris’ death in 2017 *sigh*
“His birthday seemed the perfect time to share this and celebrate Chris, his voice, music, stories and art. It is true a man is not dead while his name is still spoken… and, through his art, an artist’s soul still burns just as bright as ever upon all those that look up to him and his memory. Releasing music that was special to Chris keeps a part of him here with us — his heart and his soul. His love and his legacy.”
When the coronavirus pandemic hit - one of the first categories of business to shut down was the concert industry ... and unfortunately - the reality is they will be one of the last to reopen.
And while we miss the live music experience terribly - one expert predicts our wait to return to concerts may extend to late 2021 or most likely - 2022.
Marc Geiger, the Lollapalooza co-founder and former William Morris Entertainment global head of music, was a guest on The Bob Lefsetz Podcast, and when asked when he thought concerts would return in the era of COVID, his prediction was grim : “In my humble opinion, it’s going to be 2022.”
Referring to events like concerts and sporting events as 'super-spreader events', Geiger says there are at “probably 20” roadblocks" that need to be addressed and overcome before these events can return.
The virus is a key roadblock of course - so a vaccine will be key. Social distancing options another ... and a third key roadblock he sees: insurance. “With [COVID], there’s infinite liability,” he said, and there will be a huge challenge for venues and promoters to find insurance companies willing to cover their events.
Geiger goes on to say - “the next six months may be more painful than the last six months, and maybe the next six months after that are even more so.”
In 1973, the Grateful Dead's iconic dancing bears made their debut on the back cover of the group’s 1973 LP "History of the Grateful Dead, Volume 1 (Bear’s Choice)."
And now - they are getting their own sneakers - courtesy of the NIKE SB line. The brand confirmed they will release the limited edition Nike SB Dunk Low Grateful Dead shoe in green and yellow on July 24 at "select skate shops" .. and in orange at FTC, a skateboard shop located in San Francisco's Haight/Asbury district on July 18.
There's been rumors and images of the shoes for several months - but this official announcement comes with the following description: “...the shoe playfully features bear-inspired detailing, such as a faux-fur and suede upper, a frayed Nike Swoosh mimicking the bears’ collars and an image of the bear on the tongue. (Another iconic Grateful Dead logo, the Steal Your Face skull, is printed on the underside of the sockliner”.
The late Hal Willner was known for putting together all kinds of special music projects ... and as one of his last projects before he passed was AngelHeaded Hipster: The So , which will come out September 4 via BMG (pre-order here).
The 26 song Marc Bolan/T. Rex tribute album features covers by U2 (ft. Elton John), Nick Cave, Joan Jett, Father John Misty, Lucinda Williams, Perry Farrell, Todd Rundgen, Kesha, Sean Lennon + Charlotte Kemph Muhl, Julian Lennon + Victoria Williams, and more.
So far we have heard two tracks from the record - Nick Cave's cover of "Cosmic Dancer" and most recently Joan Jett's rendition of Jeepster with Marc Ribot on guitar, Jim White on drums, and Thomas Bartlett on piano and arrangements. Hear both tracks below
This is no punk squat house ... Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong's Oakland, California French Normandy-style home has hit the market - and could be yours for $7.25 million.
WELCOME TO PARADISE! Located at Julia Morgan's historic 1911 Red Gate Mansion site, this extraordinary home has impressive provenance. After the 1991 fire burned many architecturally significant homes, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong enlisted architect Mark Becker to design this privately gated, 6,911sf French Normandy home. The stately front steps are an homage to its enchanting past w/ over $1m in restorative masonry using the original Red Gate bricks. The home has a comfortable ease, yet exudes richness at every turn: dramatic light filters in & casts shadows on the curvature, a rough-hewn wood beam ceiling draws you into the volume of the foyer, and intentionally imperfect walls mix seamlessly w/ antique lighting from the French flea market at St-Ouen. GG Bridge & SF skyline views abound, including at the pool & cabana. And as any rockstar needs, a recording studio & original flyers from the band's early days at iconic 924 Gilman create an edge among the historical elegance.
Since the world wide COVID-19 lock downs started - residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities have been some of the hardest hit - having very little interaction with the others outside their facilities.
One nursing home in the United Kingdom has come up with a fun way to engage their residents - having them recreate iconic album covers.
Sydmar Lodge Care Home residents and carers have been recreating classic album covers. The home has now been in lockdown for 4 months. pic.twitter.com/XS5YQ4f1Sw
The adorable idea was the brainchild of activities coordinator Robert Speker - who had the residents dress up for photo shoots and posed for photos that were used to mimic album art by David Bowie, The Clash, Adele, Queen, and more .
Speker said his "aim was to show care homes need not be a sad environment, even during this pandemic" and that the residents had a "good giggle" at the activity :)
Live music venues have been some of the hardest hit businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They were the first to close - and will be one of the last to re-open. It has been predicted that nearly 90% of these venues will not be able to rebound from the closure. Let that sink in ....
Baltimore based band Future Islands are back with their first new single in nearly three years - 'For Sure'. Watch the post-apocolyptic Sam Mason directed video below.
In regards to the track, the band had this to say:
For Sure is a song about love and trust, because one cannot exist without the other. It’s a summer song, where love is the sea, and trust is giving us the courage to jump. And love is waiting. Trust is waiting. It’s a song about opened doors and closed ones. Ones that open into the world and ones that never close.
For Sure was written in the summer of 2018 but it’s coming out in a very different kind of summer. So many people around the world are far away from those we love, unable to hold them, through fear of sickness and death, or quarantined by closed borders. And all we can do is wait, hold on to that love, and trust those around us to make the right decisions. So that hopefully, next summer, we’ll be back together, on that precipice, jumping into the sea.
