Arctic Monkeys have announced they will release a live album, Arctic Monkeys - Live At The Royal Albert Hall - with proceeds  benefiting the charity  War Child UK "to help fill what could be up to a £2 million deficit they are facing in 2021, caused by the devastating impact of Covid-19 on their fundraising. These funds are urgently needed to support those who are worst hit by the virus." 

The album is due out December 4 via Domino (pre-order here)

In a statement - the band said:

On June 7, 2018 we played a very special show at London’s Royal Albert Hall. All the proceeds from that memorable night were donated to War Child UK in support of the vital work they do protecting, educating and rehabilitating children who have experienced the trauma of conflict and the horror of war. The situation that was bad in 2018 is now desperate and those children and their families need our help more than ever. To enable War Child UK to reduce their funding deficit and continue their valuable work, we are happy to be able to release a live album, recorded that evening at The Royal Albert Hall. All proceeds will go direct to the charity. We thank all our fans in advance for their support of this release and in turn for their support of War Child UK

The band also released a short trailer video and keep scrolling to check out the 20-song track list.

Track list
1. Four Out Of Five
2. Brianstorm
3. Crying Lightning
4. Do I Wanna Know?
5. Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?
6. 505
7. One Point Perspective
8. Do Me A Favour
9. Cornerstone
10. Knee Socks
11. Arabella
12. Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino
13. She Looks Like Fun
14. From The Ritz To The Rubble
15. Pretty Visitors
16. Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair
17. I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
18. StarTreatment
19. The View From The Afternoon
20. R U Mine?

Through all the let downs of 2020 - there have been some silver linings musically ... and they have been coming in the form of unlikely duets lately.  

First we got Kurt Vile and John Prine's rendition of 'How Lucky' from Vile's EP 'Speed, Sound and Lonely KV' 

And now - we have another unlikely duet - with Willie Nelson pairing up with Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs for a transformative cover of the Queen / David Bowie classic 'Under Pressure'. 

The two came together via a long shot - with KO asking Willie through a mutual friend if he'd ever be willing to collaborate.  To her surprise - Willie agreed.  

Karen O went on to say: 

“At this point my mind was melting but I had to focus and pull a song out of the ether that was worthy of a living legend and spoke to the people in troubled times, not an easy assignment.  Then like a bolt out of the blue ‘Under Pressure’ came to mind—I’ve heard this song countless times without processing the gravity of what Bowie and Freddie were singing about, maybe because their performances are so exhilarating you get swept away in the high of that duet."

"Our cover was meant to be more intimate but just as saturated with the power of love.  I can’t listen to this song without tearing up every time Willie comes in, one of the purest voices which of course reflects a pure heart, and I get to sing alongside it. I never knew if it was actually going to happen but you must dare to dream. I hope the song brings as much light to the listener as it has to me in dark times.”

Tenacious D -- aka  Jack Black and Kyle Gass  had planned a “The Purple Nurple Tour" for 2020 - visiting  the 'Swing States' across the country to help encourage a massive voter turnout in this year’s election  ... well - obviously the tour was canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in the U.S.

But -- JB and KG knew that ,with great rock comes great responsibility' and were determined to find a way to help get the vote out this fall. What they landed on is better than anyone could have dreamed: a raucous, pitch-perfect cover of the Halloween classic “Time Warp” from the legendary camp hit Rocky Horror Picture Show! 

And the D enlisted some help of their friends for the ensemble piece - including Susan Sarandon, Sarah Silverman, John Waters, Jamie Lee Curtis, Karen O, Reggie Watts, Ezra Miller, Ilana Glazer, Phoebe Bridgers, John Heilemann, George Takei, Eric Andre, King Princess, Michael Peña, and Peaches!

Check it out below and DON'T forget to vote! 

Independent Venue Week might not be one of the most celebrated holidays - but in 2020 - it's a pretty big deal ... with musicians not touring causing stages to remain dark - venues have relied on our help (and hopefully the governments) to be able to make their bills. 

As part of their 2020 celebration - the folks at Independent Venue Week - have put together a massive 65+ item eBay auction - including one of a kind rock memorabilia. 

Independent Venue Week is hosting a fundraiser to benefit the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund, a fund dedicated to providing a financial lifeline to the venues and promoters suffering from catastrophic revenue loss. Hosted as an eBay for Charity auction, the Independent Venue Week fundraiser will donate net proceeds directly to the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund via its fiscal sponsor the Giving Back Fund. With donations from Gibson, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Blue Note Records, Blue Oyster Cult, and many more, the Independent Venue Week fundraiser stands alone as the world’s first independent venue flea market.

One of our favorite items - a pair of original seats from Merriweather Post Pavilion! 

A signed first edition hardcopy Bruce Springsteen "Born To Run"

And a 1962 Hofner Solid Bass owned (and signed) by The Shins' James Mercer that was mentioned in his interview with Rob Timm .

You can view all the items HERE - but please don't run the bid up too high on the Merriweather seats! 

2020 was supposed to the be the year of the Foo ... 

Dave Grohl and his band of Foo Fighters were going to celebrate their 25th anniversary in grand fashion ... first- they were going to embark on their US Van Tour ... and then they were slated to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their first record with a massive all day festival at FedEx Field in DC ... but ... ya know ... 2020 happened. 

But Dave Grohl is the king of pivoting. I mean - the man played a show with a broken leg sitting on a throne made of guitars! 

So in 2020, we've seen him get into a virtual battle of the bands, release a story telling IG account, start a fanzine, lead Zoom sing a longs -  and now - Foo Fighters have released a new / old live recording of a radio show from 1996. 

The story goes ... a DJ named Scott Weiss found a tape he forgot he had of the Foos from 1996 from a radio show called ROCKLINE.  The set features the tracks For All The Cows, How I Miss You, Wattershed and Up In Arms ... 

“I was cleaning my garage and came across this DAT tape in an old box .. I thought ‘Oh yeah, this is from that time I recorded the Foo Fighters for a nationwide radio broadcast!’ ... In 1996, I was working at a small recording studio in Seattle. The studio took a booking to do a radio interview session with the Foo Fighters and I was booked as the audio engineer. It was a really fun night. Putting this tape in and giving it a listen after all these years was such a flashback! It’s a unique recording and I don’t think Foo fans often get a chance to hear Dave sing like he did that night. And the Watershed improve was a show-stopper! Thanks for the memories guys!”

Scott posted a pic of the tape online and the band caught wind of it ... 

???? Might have to get our hands on that DAT...https://t.co/0NBNWnG3Il#FF25 pic.twitter.com/1QJygElbyc

— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) October 21, 2020

One thing led to another - I mean, c'mon  ... if Dave Grohl and Jeff Bezos asked you for a cassette - are you turning them down? 

And here you have Foo Fighters Live On The Radio 1996: 

Some people spent their quarantine time binge watching Netflix ... some people spent it baking bread (OK - a lot of people got into baking) .... But Chelsea, Max and Spencer of Shaed decided to dedicate their down time to writing and producing their debut album.  

" Like everyone, our lives were turned upside down 8 months ago and as a family, we've been searching for the upside. We locked ourselves away and began writing an album that encompasses all of the fears, anxieties and emotions that have consumed us all. The first single off our album reflects how we have tried to stay positive, present and not be afraid to break out in a dance party when everything feels out of control! " 

So far we have the first single from that album -  No Other Way - and we think its a heckuva follow up to there smash debut single Trampoline 

And if you want to hop in the way back machine - you can revisit SHAED's Private Artsit Showcase performance at Rams Head Onstage 

In 1970, Paul McCartney released his first solo album – McCartney.  Ten years later - in 1980 - he released his second - McCartney II .  .  . and on December 11, 2020 - he will release his third -  McCartney III

The record - which was written, performed and produced by Paul McCartney - will be released December 11 on Capitol Records across digital platforms, on CD, and on LP manufactured by Third Man Pressing. Vinyl configurations will range from standard 180g to a Third Man Edition of 3,000 hand-numbered red vinyl copies, a ‘333’ Edition sold only via Third Man Records online store and limited to 333 copies on yellow-with-black-dots vinyl created using 33 recycled vinyl copies of McCartney and McCartney II, a U.S. indie retail exclusive pressing of 4,000 hand-numbered white vinyl LPs, and more.

Speaking about III, Paul said:

“I was living lockdown life on my farm with my family and I would go to my studio every day. I had to do a little bit of work on some film music and that turned into the opening track and then when it was done I thought what will I do next? I had some stuff I’d worked on over the years but sometimes time would run out and it would be left half-finished so I started thinking about what I had. Each day I’d start recording with the instrument I wrote the song on and then gradually layer it all up, it was a lot of fun.  It was about making music for yourself rather than making music that has to do a job. So, I just did stuff I fancied doing. I had no idea this would end up as an album.”

In keeping with McCartney & McCartney II’s photography by Linda McCartney, the principal photos for III were shot by Paul’s daughter Mary McCartney—with additional photography by Paul’s nephew Sonny McCartney as well as photos Paul took on his phone

It seems Miley Cyrus is going through a cover song phase lately ... and we're not made at it ... the singer has been giving her intrepretation of a wide aray of artists - including Hall & Oates, Billie Eilish, Blondie, Britney Spears and even Metallica (which apparently she will release a whole album of) 

But it was her cover of Zombie by The Cranberries at this past weekend's Save Our Stages Fest that we are really feeling.  Maybe it was nostalgia for the song or the impassioned performance she gave to a gravely empty room ... we're not sure - but we do know it was amazing ... 

Before the end of her set - Miley echoed the sentients of all the SOS Fest artists with her feelings on independant live music venues and the perils they are facing: 

"We're here at the Whisky a Go Go, where so many of our favorite artists have begun their journey to be icons. And without venues like the Whisky, we might have never heard of artists like Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Guns N' Roses and thousands of other bands. So let's do whatever we can to keep this historic landmark alive." 

And it's not just us who'e been impressed with Miley's covers (and Iggy Pop inspired performances) ...  Debbie Harry herself praised her in a recent interview with NME.

"I thought she did a great job and I liked the way the performance looked and she’s a force to be reckoned with ... I’m really proud of the fact she did our song and made it uniquely hers."  

The estate of the late Tom Petty announced a major celebration is coming to honor what would have been the legendary Heartbreaker's 70th birthday. 

The virtual celebration will be streamed on TomPetty.com and feature previously unseen live footage from Petty and the Heartbreakers plus performances and appearances from a slew of musicians - including  Stevie Nicks, Beck, Spoon, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Eddie Vedder, the Foo Fighters, Gary Clarke Jr, and The Flaming Lips and many many more - including Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench. 

The bash comes three years after Petty's death - and keeps in the tradition of the birthday bashes fans had been holding in person in his hometown of Gainesville, Fla. and just a week after the release of the box set for his 1994 album "Wildflowers" 

The show will be used to continue to  raise awareness and proceeds for the Save Our Stages campaign, helping independent concert venues that have been shuttered by COVID 

Julien’s Auctions has revealed some of the items that will be included  in their “Icons & Idols Trilogy: Rock ‘N’ Roll” taking place on Friday December 4th & Saturday, December 5th.  

 The live and online auction will include  700 historic artifacts from some of the most iconic and legendary music artists,  including Prince, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Madonna,  Johnny Cash, Jim Morrison, the Rolling Stones, Queen, David Bowie, The Police, Guns N’ Roses, Bob Marley, Elton John, Whitney Houston, Little Richard, Cher, and many more.

Details on all of the items are still to be revealed - but the auction house has announced that some of the items up for auction will include: 

-A Fender Stratocaster played, and smashed, by Kurt Cobain on Nirvana’s 1994 In Utero Tour, a crystal-studded white glove worn by Michael Jackson on the Jackson brothers’ 1984 Victory Tour, and two guitars owned, played and partly designed by the late Eddie Van Halen. 

A pair of electric guitars partially designed and played by Eddie Van Halen will be part of an auction of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia in December. The instruments feature hand striping in the style Van Halen used for most of his guitars dating back to 1978. https://t.co/rPZuq15yU2

— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) October 19, 2020

The VH guitars include a 2004 EVH Charvel Art Series electric guitar and a customized electric guitar the legend built at his home studio with his guitar tech Matt Bruck.  Both guitars were hand-striped by Van Halen in the familiar style of most of his guitars and are expected to sell for between $60,000 and $80,000.

Dave Matthews joined a bevy of musicians over the weekend taking part of in the Save Our Stages Fest - a three-day virtual benefit festival rallying to aid independent music venues at risk of closing their doors permanently due to the pandemic. 

Dave's perfromance came from the Jefferson Theater - in his hometown of Charlottesville, Va.  It was the first time Dave had performed there since 1993(!) 

Dave's seven song / 30 min set includes Oh, Bartender, Gravedigger, Singing from the Windows, Save Me, The Ocean and the Butterfly (debut), and Some Devil

Check it out : 

Dave even had a special poster made for the performance - which you can purchase HERE

Foo Fighters were among the amazing list of  acts who took part in the three day Save Our Stages Festival fundraiser  to help Independantly Owned Music Venues .  The Foos went mostly unplugged for a five-song, 30-minute set filmed at The Troubadour.

The band also discussed special memories they have for the venue   

Foo Fighters - Live from Troubadour (#SOSFEST)

The #SOSFest features 30+ artists performing at venues across the country for a livestream special put together by YouTube Music and the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA). Dave Matthews, Phoebe Bridgers, The Roots, Brittany Howard and Foo Fighters are some of the acts bringing attention to the plight of independent venues struggling during the pandemic and raising funds and awareness for the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund.

Here is an update on this week’s filming in Annapolis with Travis Pastrana’s  Hoonigan Productions aka 'Project Crabby Wampus'

One would have to assume that the filming is for Travis' new show 'Life Sized Toys'

The crew has received an event permit from the City of Annapolis for Thursday, October 22 to film in areas around downtown Annapolis.

The filming will cause road closures and parking restrictions, which will be rolling as the filming moves from one area to another.

The filming will take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

The project will involve precision driving and stunts.

Areas of downtown will occasionally be secured for the safety of the public.

Filming is set to take place in the following areas:

•         6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. - City Dock/Newman Street/Compromise Street and Dock Street areas. Expect road closures and parking restrictions. This area will not be open to the public.

•         11:30 to 4 p.m. - School Street/Church Circle/West Street. Expect road closures and parking restrictions. Taylor Avenue/Poplar Avenue (behind the Graduate Hotel). Expect road closures.

Road closures will be limited to a few minutes at a time. Designated film crew staff will facilitate resident access to their homes during the time of filming. Annapolis Police will assist with traffic control and road closures. “No Parking” signs will be posted 48 hours in advance of the filming.

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***AGAIN ***The public should be aware that there may be areas of downtown that are completely off-limits during the time of setup and filming. If you plan to come to watch, please be aware that you may be turned away at the site. 

For more information, visit the FAQs on the City of Annapolis website: https://www.annapolis.gov/1723/Hoonigan-Productions-October-22-FAQ

Foo Fighters were  Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s musical guest on Thursday night (10/16) - promoting this weekend's gigantic Save Our Stages Virtual Music Festival (streaming on YouTube October 16-18)  

The band gave a preview of their Saturday night set from the Toubador in LA with an accoustic version of their 1999 hit “Learn to Fly" 

 

 

 

 

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Foo Fighters performed an acoustic version of their 1999 classic “Learn to Fly” on Jimmy Kimmel Live to promote their set at this weekend’s #SOSFest (not dedicated to the #pencefly ) ... #wrnr #foofighters #davegrohl #learntofly #saveourstages #sos

A post shared by WRNR (@103wrnr) on Oct 16, 2020 at 6:17am PDT

The band's stream will begin at 10:35pm EST and the virtual festival is being organzied by the National Independent Venue Association - who's goal it to obtain support the independent music venues crippled by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Here's the full line up and schedule ... you can view the show HERE 

On October 23rd - Bruce Springsteen will release Letter To You his twentieth studio album - and  first new studio album with the E Street Band since 2014's High Hopes.

The album,  is receiving high praise from the critics - including us here at WRNR ...  will be accompanied by an Apple TV+ documentary of the same name - focused on Bruce's  recording of the album and  his long-time collaboration with his E Street Band.

It also features "full performances from the E Street Band, in-studio footage, never-before-seen archival material, and a deeper look into Letter to You from Springsteen himself. Written by Springsteen and directed by his frequent collaborator Thom Zimny, the film is a tribute to the E Street Band, to rock music itself, and to the role it has played in Springsteen’s life.”

Check out the trailer below ... and preorder the album HERE

Back in 2017 - daredevil / stunt driver  Travis Pastrana wanted to bring his Nitro Circus World Tour to Annapolis, MD so he could perform in his hometown ... and although it as met with some opposition - the event was approved and the show sold out Navy Marine Corp Stadium 

Travis and co. must have made a good impression on the city officials - because they have been granted a permit to film in downtown Annapolis on October 22. 

Here's what we know: 

• A permit to film was granted to Hoonigan Productions for a project dubbed Project Crabby Wampus.
• The project involves precision driving and stunts
• Filming is set to take place October 22, 2020 from 6a to 6p.  
• Residents and visitors can expect road closures and parking restrictions in the downtown area, including at City Dock, Newman, Compromise and Dock streets in the morning as well as on School Street, Church Circle and West Street, as well as behind the Graduate Hotel on Taylor and Poplar Avenues in the afternoon. 

The city has posted the following Q&A on their website:

Q. I got a letter that a film project will be happening on my street. Will I be able to get into my home? 

Yes. Road closures will be limited to a few minutes at a time. There will be designated film crew staff to facilitate access to your home.

Filming is set to take place in the following areas: 

6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Oct. 22 - City Dock/Newman Street/Compromise Street and Dock Street areas. Expect road closures and parking restrictions. This area will not be open to the public. 

11:30 to 4 p.m. Oct. 22 - School Street/Church Circle/West Street. Expect road closures and parking restrictions. Taylor Avenue/Poplar Avenue (behind the Graduate Hotel). Expect road closures. 

Q. Do the stunts and precision driving pose a threat to historic buildings and infrastructure in downtown Annapolis?   

Precision driving involves a professional driver and stunt coordinators who ensure not only driver safety, but also that infrastructure will not be compromised during the shoot. In addition, physical protections will be used in areas of particular sensitivity.

Q. Will there be aerial filming? Is that legal? 

Yes, the film crew intends to use drones. Please note that the use of drones or other aircraft for filming is done by videographers licensed by the FAA. It is legal to capture aerial footage. 

Q. Are my tax dollars subsidizing this project? 

No, all City of Annapolis funds that are expended providing police, fire and public safety assistance during the filming will be reimbursed by the film production company. 

Q. I got a letter that I can’t park on my street because of the filming. Where can I get my parking pass? 

If your residential parking space has been eliminated during the filming, please contact SP+. Free parking with a coupon is available at Hillman or Gotts Garage.  Passes may be picked up in the SP+ office located at 60 West Street, Suite 106,  between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Proof of residency is required.  If you have questions, please call the main number for SP+ (443-648-3087) during business hours.  

Q. Will I have ample notice to move my car off the residential street?

“No Parking” signs will be posted 48 hours in advance of the filming. Vehicles not moved are subject to impounding at the owner's expense or relocation via tow truck.

Q. What will be the noise level and will it be consistent through filming? 

Stunt driving involves noise. It will be temporary, intermittent and in different areas of the city. There may be moments when it is loud. 

Q. Can I bring my children to watch at a safe distance?

Annapolis Police will be closing roads and cordoning off areas of downtown to ensure the safety of the public.  Due to the nature of these stunts, there may be areas that are completely off-limits during the time of setup and filming. There is no way to guarantee that all areas will be accessible to the public at all times. If you plan to come to watch, please be aware that you may be turned away at the site. 

Q. I do not want to be inadvertently filmed, how do I prevent that?

The filming is limited to specific areas at specific times as addressed in the film schedule (above). The best bet to avoid being filmed is to avoid the areas in question during the time of filming. 

The COVID-19 pandemic caused  just about every music festival in 2020 to be postponed and ultimately cancelled.  But many of these festivals followed their cancellation notice with an announcement of 2021 dates and lineups.  But it remains to be seen just how will organizers be able to host these large scale events.  

Festival and concert organizers are well versed in risk management already - but the Coronavirus is a much larger issue than mosh pits and excessive drinking.  And now, a group of official music industry bodies in the UK have unveiled COVID-19 guidance for festivals.  

The 20-page document, which will be updated monthly - as the pandemic is a fluid situation - was released by the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), the Association of Festival Organisers (AFO), the Events Industry Forum (EIF) and Attitude Is Everything have teamed up with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and Public Health England (PHE).  The guide is seen as “operational planning considerations, to inform further work and planning on how festivals could take place in the future”. 

Association of Independent Festivals CEO Paul Reed explained: 

“Risk mitigation is what festival promoters do for a living, so the intent of this guidance is to outline COVID-19 specific planning considerations that will allow for bespoke risk assessment approaches in liaison with relevant authorities and agencies,”

The document, which offers guidance to  “all who work in and interact with the music festival sector to facilitate planning considerations and festival activities” , has a specific COVID-19 safety measures section, which includes: onsite testing and contact tracing, requiring attendees to have masks and hand sanitizer, social distancing protocols, crowd size considerations and site layout adjustments.  

You can read the full document HERE

On October 22, 1990, a band took the stage at the Off Ramp in Seattle ... little did we know that 30 years later that band would be one of the most decorated bands of their generation.

Pearl Jam is going to mark the anniversary of that show with a live stream performance of a past show (2016's Philadelphia show at the Wells Fargo Center ).  The epic 32-song, three-hour performance, that starts with them playing their debut album Ten in its entirety.

On October 22, Pearl Jam will stream the April 29, 2016 Philadelphia show on @NugsNet.

The 32-song set includes Ten played front to back, newly mixed in stereo & 5.1 digital surround sound. Stream the never-before-seen full-color HD footage 10/22-10/25: https://t.co/awSKMuF3Zj pic.twitter.com/U3feUQi1iZ

— Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) October 10, 2020

The never before seen footage, which will stream on Nugs.TV, was  mixed in stereo and 5.1 digital surround sound by Pearl Jam Producer, Josh Evans and was captured in full color by 11 HD cameras by videographer Blue Leach and edited by PJ archivist Kevin Shuss.  

The band coupled the announcement with the release of the new song- Get It Back - Written by drummer Matt Cameron.  You can hear the song below: 

Pearl Jam - Get It Back

Now .. we need to get this COVID thing under control so Pearl Jam can get their US Gigaton tour dates rescheduled!  

Jack White was a last minute fill in as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live this week (October 10, 2020) - and the third man decided to dedicate his performance from 30 Rock to  Eddie Van Halen - who passed away this week from cancer at the age of 65. 

 

 

 

 

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Watch Jack’s blistering performances of “Ball and Biscuit” with “Don’t Hurt Yourself” and “Jesus Is Coming Soon” + “Lazaretto” from last night’s episode of @nbcsnl. (Link in bio) #snl #jackwhite #billburr Photo by @maryellenmatthewsnyc

A post shared by Jack White Live (@officialjackwhitelive) on Oct 11, 2020 at 9:31am PDT

White announced the tribute earlier in the day - posting a picture of the cobalt blue guitar, designed by Van Halen that he would play later that night - noting 'he wouldn't insult the man's talent by trying to play one of this songs..' 

 

 

 

 

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i thought it could be a nice gesture for me to use this blue eddie van halen model guitar for one of the songs tonight on SNL. the guitar was designed by eddie (with a few customizations i had added). eddie was very kind to me and saw to it that this guitar was made for me to my specs. i wont even insult the man’s talent by trying to play one of his songs tonight. thanks again eddie for this guitar and rest in peace sir.

A post shared by Jack White Live (@officialjackwhitelive) on Oct 10, 2020 at 1:03pm PDT

White went on to perform  “Ball and Biscuit” with “Don’t Hurt Yourself” and “Jesus Is Coming Soon” + “Lazaretto” - which you can view below: 

Jack White: Ball and Biscuit/Don't Hurt Yourself/Jesus Is Coming Soon (Live) - SNL

Jack White: Lazaretto (Live) - SNL

The 2020 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, honoring Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, The Notorious B.I.G., T. Rex, Whitney Houston and The Doobie Brothers was cancelled - but the rock must go on - and the HOF has announced a virtual ceremony will be televised on HBO - November 7th.  

Additional artists -including:  Bruce Springsteen, Dave Grohl, Iggy Pop, St. Vincent, Ringo Starr, Billy Idol, Diddy, Miley Cyrus, Don Henley, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Chris Martin, Gwen Stefani, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Heart's Nancy Wilson, Adam Levine, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, Charlize Theron have been confirmed to "speak further on how the 2020 Inductees have impacted their personal and professional careers" 

More guests will be announced for this year's event - and so far - the 2021 induction ceremony will go on in person as planned 

Wayne Coyne and The Flaming Lips have always been forward thinkers in terms of their music and performances.  And now - they are taking one of those 'ideas' a step further and making it a reality: a bubble show. 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Wayne Coyne (@waynecoyne5) on Oct 3, 2020 at 3:19pm PDT

The band is planning to play a show later this fall in their hometown of Oklahoma City with the band performing in and fans watching from inside inflatable bubbles ... to keep with social distancing and COVID safety protocol.  The unnamed venue normally can have 4000 attendees - but only 100 attendees in bubbles 

The band came up with the idea earlier this year and put it to the test for a promotional appearance on late night TV: 

According to Coyne:

"I mean, it seems absurd, but we at first were just doing it as not a joke, but just as a kind of funny thing, and now it's becoming kind of serious and real ... We're starting to get ready to do an actual show where yeah, there's three people in each of these space bubbles, and we play... We think maybe playing two shows a night, and getting a big audience in there each time."

He continued: 

 "We don’t want this to be [a super spreader event] like that Smash Mouth [concert]. We want this to be safe and a great experience. Those are the things the venue is allowing us to set up so we can start to figure out how it will work. The part about playing in the bubble, we already have down. It’s how we get the crowd in and out without cross-contamination that we need to figure out, but they’re giving us a few weeks in this venue to figure it out."

More details as they become available 

With as much as  we've all been missing being able to see live music (it's slowly making a return) - music venues and bands have been missing it even more ... 

The National Independent Venue Association has been fighting to help Save Our Stage - pressing for venues to receive government assistance through the Heroes Act - but since negotiations have been cancelled - they have had to pivot to help the venues in another way  ... and the #SOSFest was born 

The Save Our Stages Festival will feature three days of top touring artists performing at marquee venues - all streamed on YouTube October 16-18.  Check out the trailer and RSVP now!  Keep scrolling for a list of performers (in alphabetical order) 

Performances over the 3-days include:

Adam Melchor at The Hotel Cafe

Alec Benjamin at The Hotel Cafe

Bea Miller at The Teragram Ballroom

Black Pumas at The Parish

Brittany Howard at Ryman Auditorium

Brothers Osborne at Mercy Lounge

Cautious Clay at World Cafe Live

Dave Matthews (Solo) at Jefferson Theater

Dillon Francis at The Teragram Ballroom

Dizzy Fae at First Avenue

FINNEAS at The Teragram Ballroom

Foo Fighters at The Troubadour

G-Eazy at The Independent

Gus Dapperton at LPR

Jason Mraz at Belly Up Tavern

JP Saxe at The Troubadour

Kelsea Ballerini at Exit/In

Leon Bridges at The Troubadour

Little Big Town at Exit/In

The Lumineers at Boulder Theater

Macklemore at Neumos

Major Lazer at Gramps

Marshmello + Demi Lovato at The Troubadour

Miley Cyrus at Whisky a Go Go

Monica at Center Stage

Nathaniel Rateliff at Boulder Theater

Phoebe Bridgers at The Troubadour

Portugal. The Man at Crystal Ballroom

Reba McEntire at Ryman Auditorium

The Revivalists at Tipitina's

Rise Against at Metro

The Roots at Apollo Theater

Sebastian Yatra at Broward Center for the Performing Arts

YG at The Troubadour

Jack White's Third Man Records has announced plans to release a greatest hits album from one of the greatest bands.  The White Stripes Greatest Hits will be out on CD and a double LP gatefold set, as well as digitally on December 4. 

As with anything Jack White related - there are little details other than the release date at this point.  Here's what we know - the album will include 26 songs, with  Ball and Biscuit being the only confirmed track so far.   If you want to get your hands on the red/white/black "detonation" colored vinyl - you'll have to subscribe to the Third Man Vault club by 10/31. 

The band shared a live video of that song from a 2003 Tokyo show to get you primed for some vintage Jack and Meg - 

The White Stripes - Ball and Biscuit (Live at Shibuya-AX, Tokyo, Japan - 10/22/2003)

It has seemed like forever since we've been to a full scale concert  - but thanks to the dedicated folks at Baltimore Soundstage, All Good Productions, and Showtime Productions - concerts are back in Maryland - via the Showtime at the Drive In Series at the Frederick County Fairgrounds.  When the group announced the series, we were excited ... when they announced that the series would kick off with one of our favorite bands, Mt. Joy, we were even more excited. 

Check out how the show went and WRNR's Bobby on the Street's chat with Matt from Mt Joy :

At The Drive In with Mt. Joy

The show was Mt Joy's 7th show of a 10 show drive in tour, marking the first time they have been able to play songs from their new album.  Ironically- one of the last show's the band played was in Baltimore - at Rams Head Live. 

Mt. Joy: Strangers - Live at Showtime at the Drive In

A few notes about the show and venue - in case you are planning on attending on of their future shows - including Grace Potter, The Front Bottoms, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, or Blackberry Smoke: 

Tickets are sold in three tiers- Golden Circle (up front), Premium (in the middle) and General Admission (in the back) ... there was not a bad vantage point from anywhere on the grounds.  The giant movie screen showing HD video of the show made it possible to see from wherever. 

Get there a little earlier to the time gates open to get the best spot according to your ticket location though  ... once you have been parked by the staff - that is your spot ... on the plus side - you don't have to worry about someone who arrived late forcing their way to the front :)   

Bring chairs, food, and drinks.  You are allowed to sit outside your car and enjoy your own libations and food - but there are also some tasty local beers and food for sale 

Everyone seemed to practice social distancing - staying in their allotted space 

Thank you to everyone who has no doubt worked tirelessly to make these concerts happen ... here is to hoping the weather cooperates and attendees can continue to show good judgement so the shows  can continue! 

Bruce Springsteen fans are going to get a double does of The Boss on October 23rd.  

In addition to the release of his album (recorded with the E Street Band) - they'll also be able to watch a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic artist’s creative process in the documentary feature film, “Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You,” from Apple Original Films.  

The film offers  full performances from The E Street Band, in-studio footage, never-before-seen archival material and a deeper look into Letter To You from Springsteen himself. 

According to an official press release:

“Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You" captures Springsteen recording "Letter To You" live with the full E Street Band, and includes final take performances of ten originals from the new record. Written by Springsteen and directed by his frequent collaborator Thom Zimny (“Western Stars,” “The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash,” “Springsteen on Broadway”), the film is a tribute to the E Street Band, to rock music itself and to the role it has played in Springsteen's life."

The film will be available October exclusively on AppleTV+  on October 23 ... see the official trailer below:

Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch, Mac, select Samsung and LG smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV and Roku devices, as well as at tv.apple.com, for $4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial

Like pretty much every band these days - Joseph is missing playing shows and connecting with their fans - much like we the fans are missing seeing live music. 

So in an attempt to  get back to some sort of norm - the Closner sisters have recorded three performances that they will stream this week, dubbed 'All the Songs We've Ever Played'  ... Each show will highlight one one of their three albums (Native Dreamer Kin, I'm Alone, No You're Not, and Good Luck, Kid) 

A note from the band about the shows reads:

Hi friends, how are you? Whatever your answer is in this moment, we are here to offer you some music – hopefully as some kind of companion in it. Since we couldn’t come be with you in person we recorded three separate shows, one for each album we’ve released! We’re calling it ALL THE SONGS WE’VE EVER PLAYED. So for all you Native Dreamer Kin fans who wish we’d play Gold and for all of you who have requested Tally Marks or wish we still closed the set out with Sweet Dreams, this is for you.  We also have a few extra treats in there – a couple of songs we never released and some covers. We’re so very pleased to share these shows with you and we’ll be watching along and chatting with you when they air!

 

 XO, JO

 

P.S. We’ve got merch like an in-person tour! Just imagine it’s at a table in the back of the room and you just bought your drink and you’re chatting with Brettley between sets. 

We are super exited to hear the sisters and those amazing harmonies!  It was just last week that we were reminiscing about last October when they played a showcase for us in Annapolis 

When 10 year old drumming sensation Nandi Bushell started posting videos of herself playing drums along to some of her favorite rock songs - we're pretty sure she never imagined it would lead to her having a virtual battle of the bands with one of the biggest rock stars in the world - Dave Grohl.

If you are unfamiliar- Bushell's talents caught our eye last year with her YouTube drumming videos.  She caught the eye of several rock stars - but her target was set on one - Mr Foo Fighter himself - Dave Grohl.  

Earlier this year - she challenged Dave to a drum off ... and after some persuasion from friends - Dave engaged in a digital battle that saw him write a theme song for the mighty percussionist.  

Nandi was floored - but wasn't ready to let him win the war - so she donned he best cape, picked up her guitar, bass and drum sticks - and penned her own song to Dave, exclaiming - 

“Mr Grohl. The song you wrote for me was truly, truly EPIC! You really are LEGENDARY! 

 

I wrote a song for you to say THANK YOU! I made up and played all the instrument parts myself, just like you! It’s called ‘ROCK and GROHL, The EPIC Battle’!

 

I hope you love my song, as much as I love your song for me! Whoever wins this round, it’s been an HONOUR to battle you. The Rock Gods of old are happy! Thank you Dave Grohl and [Foo Fighters].”

All we can say is that there better be a time post COVID when these two can share a stage together! 

Washington DC's treasured 9:30 Club is celebrating it's 40th birthday this year  ... while sitting dormant for most of 2020 wasn't probably the way the club's owners wanted to celebrate this milestone - Pollstar did recognize 'the club' on September 30th (you know- 9/30) with a live streamed Zoom call featuring Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, a surprise call in from Ian MacKaye (Fugazi, Minor Threat) Big Tony from the legendary DC go-go band Trouble Funk and The Slickee Boys' Mark Noone.  Also on the call were Seth Hurwitz, chairman of I.M.P. and owner of the 9:30 Club, I.M.P's Donna Westmoreland,  9:30 Club's Jen Hass, I.M.P.'s Audrey Fix Schaefer and 9:30 Club's Karim Karefa. 

The call talked about the club's amazing history and what can be done to save our treasured venues that are facing closures. 

The club also released a line of limited edition merch to celebrate their 40th birthday: 

Get the gear HERE! 

And happy birthday to 9:30 Club ... we miss you!