Classic Hits

ZZ Top‘s Billy Gibbons contributed the lead track to the album May the Circle Remain Unbroken: A Tribute to Roky Erickson, which was released as a limited-edition colored-vinyl LP on July 17th as part of the 2021 Record Store Day event and now also can be purchased on CD.

The album features a variety of mostly contemporary artists saluting late Texas psychedelic rock pioneer Roky Erickson, who died in 2019 at age 71. Gibbons recorded a version of “(I’ve Got) Levitation,” a 1967 single by Erickson’s early band The 13th Floor Elevators, who was a big influence on Billy’s own music.

“[The 13th Floor Elevators] inspired me to start a group following in their footsteps called The Moving Sidewalks,” Gibbons tells ABC Audio, referring to his pre-ZZ Top band. “Elevators go up, sidewalks move forward, so it was a match made in heaven. We had a great admiration for everything that Roky did. And to this day, they remain great inspirations.”

The 13th Floor Elevators were best known for their debut single, “You’re Gonna Miss Me,” a minor 1966 chart hit that has become a garage-rock classic.

Acclaimed alt-country artist Lucinda Williams recorded a version of the song for May the Circle Remain Unbroken. Other artists featured on the tribute include Wilco‘s Jeff Tweedy, ex-Screaming Trees frontman Mark Lanegan, Gary Clark Jr. and the duo of Alison Mosshart of The Kills and longtime Bob Dylan touring guitarist Charlie Sexton.

In addition to 13th Floor Elevators covers, the album features renditions songs from Erickson’s long solo career.

Reflecting on Roky’s passing, Gibbons says, “[H]e’s gone but not forgotten. We’ll have many more days of enjoying Roky Erickson and his great sounds.”

May the Circle Remain Unbroken is available at LightintheAttic.net. Here’s the track list:

“(I’ve Got) Levitation” — Billy Gibbons
“Starry Eyes” — Mosshart Sexton
“For You (I’d Do Anything) ” — Jeff Tweedy
“Clear Night for Love” — Lynn Castle & Mark Lanegan
“Don’t Fall Down” — The Black Angels
“Be and Bring Me Home” — Neko Case
“Red Temple Prayer (Two-Headed Dog)” — Margo Price
“Roller Coaster” — Gary Clark Jr. & Eve Monsees
“Night of the Vampire” — Ty Segall
“You’re Gonna Miss Me” — Lucinda Williams
“If You Have Ghosts” — Chelsea Wolfe
“May the Circle Remain Unbroken” — Brogan Bentley

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Joni Mitchell will be honored as the 2022 MusiCares Person of the Year at the charity’s 31st annual Person of the Year benefit gala, which will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center on January 29, two nights before the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.

“I’m honored to be chosen as Person of the Year by this great charity,” the 77-year-old Canadian singer/songwriter, an eight-time Grammy winner, says in a statement. “I look forward to being part of this gala that will help MusiCares continue their inspired work in providing a support system for those in need.”

The event traditionally features a tribute concert where many artists from across a various musical genres perform the songs of the honoree. The gala also features a dinner and a silent auction offering VIP experiences, celebrity memorabilia and more.

“We are so excited to bring together an amazing lineup of artists to celebrate the musical legacy of Joni Mitchell,” says MusiCares executive director Laura Segura. “She is being honored not only for her iconic music and lyrics, but for her trailblazing spirit and the inspiration she’s brought to so many artists.”

The Person of the Year gala benefits the MusiCares Foundation, which provides medical, financial and personal assistance to in-need members of the music community.

Last year’s gala was replaced by the virtual Music on a Mission event because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The presentation featured highlights from past Person of the Year galas.

For more information about the 2022 MusiCares Person of the Year gala, visit MusiCares.org or email personoftheyear@musicares.org.

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Gene Simmons has apologized to David Lee Roth after making some insulting comments about founding Van Halen frontman during a recent Rolling Stone interview while discussing why Roth, who was KISS‘ 2020 support act, wasn’t opening for them on the band’s 2021 U.S. tour.

In the Rolling Stone interview, Simmons seemingly negatively compared Roth’s career to the late Elvis Presley‘s.  Iin response, Diamond Dave posted a photo on his social media sites of a boy holding up his middle finger with the caption “Roth to Simmons.”

Now, in a new video interview with US Weekly, Simmons says, “I am so sorry and ashamed…that I hurt David’s feelings,” adding, “I don’t mean to hurt people’s feelings, and every once in a while, diarrhea of the mouth comes out.”

In the Rolling Stone interview, Simmons began by saying that during Roth’s heyday he was “the ultimate frontman,” but then said, “I don’t know what happened to him…I prefer to remember Elvis Presley in his prime. Sneering lips, back in Memphis…I don’t want to think of bloated naked Elvis on the bathroom floor.”

Simmons tells US Weekly, “I read that quote, and somehow the way they put it together…there was a segue to Elvis bloated on the ground and fat and naked and I don’t wanna see that. I wasn’t talking about David, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is I hurt David’s feelings, and that’s more important than the intent. So I sincerely apologize for that.”

Simmons also discussed with US Weekly how he signed Van Halen to his production company early in their career, then “produced their first 24-track 15-song demo and championed the band.”

KISS continues its End of the Road farewell tour tonight with a show in Toledo, Ohio.

(Video contains censored profanity.)

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Vanilla Fudge had their biggest hit in 1967 with a psychedelic cover of The Supremes‘ classic “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” and now the veteran rockers are set to release a rendition of another chart-topping smash by the legendary Motown group — “Stop! In the Name of Love.”

The band’s new version of “Stop! In the Name of Love” will be released on September 6, and will be available as a digital download and for streaming.

The track features the final recording of founding Vanilla Fudge bassist Tim Bogert, who died of cancer in January at age 76. A pre-order/pre-save link for the song includes a 30-second instrumental snippet from the tune, as well as a brief recording of Vanilla Fudge members Vince Martell, Carmine Appice and Mark Stein sharing memories of Bogert.

Meanwhile, according to a post on the band’s Facebook page, Vanilla Fudge has nine U.S. concerts lined up, spanning from a September 30 show in St. Charles, Illinois, through a November 17 date in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Doors guitarist Robby Krieger is on the bill of seven of the gigs, including a November 15-16 stand in New York City.

Here’s the full list of dates:

9/30 — St. Charles, IL, The Arcada Theater*
10/1 — Des Plaines, IL, Des Plaines Theater*
10/26 — Leesburg VA, Tally Ho Theater
10/27 — Warrendale, PA, Jergels
10/29 — Riverhead, NY, Suffolk Theater*
10/30 — Sugar Loaf, NY, Sugar Loaf PAC*
11/15 — New York, NY, Sony Hall*
11/16 — New York, NY, Sony Hall*
11/17 — Ridgefield CT, The Ridgefield Playhouse*

* = with Robby Krieger.

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Following the death of Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts on Tuesday, the group’s three surviving current members — singer Mick Jagger and guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood — all posted online tributes to their longtime band mate.

Jagger took to his social media pages to post a fairly recent photo of Watts laughing while sitting behind his drums.

Richards posted a heart-wrenching pic on his social media sites of Charlie’s empty drum kit with a sign hanging off a nearby mic stand that reads, “Closed — Please Call Again.”

As for Wood, he posted a black-and-white on his official website of Watts and him smiling while sitting in chairs positioned back to back.

Meanwhile, The Rolling Stones’ official website appears to have taken all of its content offline and simply features a pic of Charlie looking into the camera with a slight smile and folded arms.

According to a statement from his spokesperson, Watts died peacefully Tuesday morning “in a London hospital…surrounded by his family.”

Watts’ passing follows an announcement from The Stones earlier this month that he’d undergone an unspecified medical procedure and likely wouldn’t be able to join the band on their 2021 No Filter Tour of North America.

The announcement also revealed that Watts had asked Steve Jordan to “stand in” for him on the trek. Jordan has played drums on all of Richards’ solo albums.

The Stones’ tour is scheduled to kick off on September 26 in St. Louis.

pic.twitter.com/YUR6lckf8k

— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) August 24, 2021

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Madonna took to Instagram on Tuesday to celebrate her twin daughters, who turned nine years old.

The singer posted a slideshow of photos of Stella and Estere throughout the years and captioned it, “Happy Birthday Stella and Estere!!!! 2 Beautiful Souls……….who bring nothing but Joy to everyone they meet.  So Grateful to have you both in my life.”

Madonna adopted the two girls from Malawi in 2017. She’s also mom to 24-year-old Lourdes, 21-year-old Rocco, 15-year-old David Banda and 15-year-old Mercy.

Just last week, Madonna shared photos from her own birthday bash. She celebrated her 63rd birthday with all six of her children and boyfriend Ahlamalik Williams.

 

 

 

 

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Tributes are pouring in from throughout the music world following the sad news that longtime Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts died today at the age of 80.

Among the many stars paying homage to Watts are surviving Beatles members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, and pop-rock legend Elton John.

McCartney has posted a video message on his social media sites in which he says, “So sad to hear about Charlie Watts…dying. He was a lovely guy, and I knew he was ill, but I didn’t know he was this ill. So, lots of love to his family, his wife and kids and his extended family, and condolences to The Stones. A huge blow to them, because Charlie was a rock and a fantastic drummer, steady as a rock. Anyway, so…Love you, Charlie, I always loved you, beautiful man. And great condolences and sympathies to his family.”

Ringo wrote on his Twitter feed, “God bless Charlie Watts we’re going to miss you man peace and love to the family,” and accompanied the note with a photo of him and Watts apparently exchanging a pair of drumsticks.

Meanwhile, Elton John tweeted, “A very sad day. Charlie Watts was the ultimate drummer. The most stylish of men, and such brilliant company. My deepest condolences to [family members] Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte. And of course, The Rolling Stones.”

Here are only a few of the many other tributes that well-known artists have posted in honor of Watts:

Brian Wilson: “I’m just shocked to hear about Charlie Watts. I don’t know what to say, I feel terrible for Charlie’s family. Charlie was a great drummer and I loved the Stones music, they made great records. Love & Mercy.”

John Fogerty: “I first saw The [Rolling Stones] in 1966 in the Bay Area and have been a fan ever since. Charlie Watts was one of the great drummers and will be missed. Rest easy Charlie.”

Robbie Robertson: “Charlie’s drumming is powerful and unique. His approach is entirely his own and helped shape the sound of rock and roll. Blessings Charlie Watts.”

KISS‘ Paul Stanley: “AWFUL NEWS. One of the true timeless icons and the backbone of the Stones. Hard to fathom the loss. So very sad.”

Def Leppard‘s Joe Elliott: “Devastating news, those in the know know he was the heart & soul of the band…I had the absolute pleasure of meeting him a few times, a total gentleman…it goes without saying he will be sorely missed.”

Joan Jett: “Charlie Watts was the most elegant and dignified drummer in rock and roll. He played exactly what was needed – no more – no less. He is one of a kind.”

Patti Smith: “Mourned and beloved by all.”

Duran Duran: “So saddened to hear about the passing of Charlie Watts. An absolute inspiration to a legion of drummers since the 1960’s. A man of grace, style, dignity and composure.”

Chic‘s Nile Rodgers: “Rest In Power #CharlieWatts RIP. You are a smooth brother. Thanks for all the great music.”

Sheryl Crow: “A hero is gone. No words. A huge gaping hole in the universe.”

Tom Morello: “Rock n roll would not be rock n roll without the rhythm, the style, the VIBE of this incredible musician. Rest In Peace #CharlieWatts, one of the greatest and most important architects of the music we love.”

Lenny Kravitz: “The beat of The Stones. There are no words, every groove has spoken for itself.”

Paul on Charlie Watts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rn2elK6cFE

— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 24, 2021

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Here’s some advice if you attend a show by Wolfgang Van Halen‘s group Mammoth WVH show: Don’t request “Panama.”

The son of late Van Halen icon Eddie Van Halen is currently on tour with his solo band while opening for Guns N’ Roses. His sets have consisted of songs from the group’s self-titled debut, but apparently people think he should be playing songs from his dad’s band.

In a tweet Monday evening, Wolfgang posted a screenshot from a recent exchange on his Facebook page, in which a fan wrote, “Wolfie. I like your stuff. I just think the time to honor your Dad is now. You’ve already shown you can stand on your own!”

The screenshot also shows Wolf’s response, which reads, “I honor my dad by existing and doing what I do every day.” He then wrote, “I’m not f***in’ playing ‘Panama’ for you guys.”

Wolf captioned the post, “Y’all are never gonna f***in stop are ya,” adding that he wants to perform the David Bowie and Mick Jagger version of the Motown classic “Dancing in the Street,” which Van Halen also memorably covered, “just to piss y’all off.”

Wolf also pointed out the hypocrisy in people accusing him of “riding his daddy’s coattails” when he played bass in Van Halen for the band’s last 14 years, but are now essentially telling him to do exactly that in wanting him to now play his dad’s music.

“Lol I should get a shirt that says ‘I’m not f***in’ playing ‘Panama’ for you guys,'” he concluded.

Mammoth WVH’s tour with Guns N’ Roses continues Wednesday in San Jose, California.

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Prince‘s deadly opiate addiction was triggered by a painful stage accident in 1984, according to a new biography published Tuesday.

In Nothing Compares 2 U: An Oral History of Prince, author Touré writes that the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer hurt his back while rehearsing for his iconic Purple Rain tour, the New York Post reports. Prince planned to sing a song while sitting in a bathtub 10 feet off the ground. While rehearsing the scene, the bathtub broke.

“It fell 10 or 12 feet with him in it. I never moved so fast in my life,” recalls Alan Leeds, Prince’s tour manager at the time. “After that, his back hurt day after day. Then in LA, he slipped and hurt his knee. He got some meds and finished the tour, but I don’t think his hip and his leg were ever completely normal after that.”

Prince died April 21, 2016, from an accidental overdose of the synthetic opioid fentanyl. According to the book, he depended on opiates for several years to relieve his pain.

“His use of pain pills was probably longer than maybe some of us might have thought because, when he started getting his aches and pains, I think he really relied on it,” says Wendy Melvoin, guitarist for The Revolution. “And he was little. I think it just got worse for him over time.”

Jill Jones, a former background vocalist who also dated Prince, says that when he died at Paisley Park, there were “thousands of pills all over the building.”

“I felt the whole fentanyl thing was just him escaping pain from the hip,” says Brown Mark, The Revolution’s bassist, “and it got out of hand.”

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Alice Cooper and Elvis Costello are among artists hosting new episodes of Audible’s ongoing Words + Music series, an audio program described as a combination of music and storytelling.

Cooper will give a rare inside look at the real person behind his iconic shock-rock persona in Who I Really Am: The Diary of a Hollywood Vampire, debuting October 7.

Costello will host an episode titled How to Play the Guitar and Y that premieres September 16. The program is described as “[p]art masterclass, part madcap guitar-manual” that will feature the eclectic singer/songwriter delivering “a love letter to the guitar, to music, and to the restorative power of ‘play.'”

Other artists taking part in new installments of the Words + Music series include Pearl Jam‘s Eddie Vedder and Dave Matthews. Previous episodes have been hosted by Sting, Smokey Robinson, James Taylor, Patti Smith, Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crow, and Green Day‘s Billie Joe Armstrong.

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