Music – Page 3710 – 105.7 WDNY

Music, actually: Elton John & Ed Sheeran’s new Christmas song is coming on Friday

November 29, 2021 by WDNY Radio

After Ed Sheeran teased it a while back, we now have a release date for his holiday collaboration with Elton John: a song called “Merry Christmas.” The date is revealed in an adorable video inspired by everyone’s favorite British Christmas movie, Love, Actually.

In the video, we see Elton answering his door to find Ed on his doorstep with a series of cue cards, which detail the story of how the collab came about.

“Hello. Last Christmas, I received a call from my mate, Elton John, and he told me, ‘We should do a Christmas song,'” the cue cards read as Ed goes through them one by one. “And I replied, ‘Yeah, maybe in 2022.’ But I actually wrote the chorus that day, and here we are.”

Ed continues to shuffle through the cue cards: “Our Christmas song, ‘Merry Christmas,’ is out this Friday. Go pre-order or pre-save it now. It has sleigh bells. A lot of them.”

All the U.K. profits from “Merry Christmas” will be donated to Ed and Elton’s respective favorite charities: the Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

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Queen’s Brian May says his words were “subtly twisted” into seemingly anti-trans comments

November 29, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Last week, Queen‘s Brian May gave an interview to the British paper The Mirror in which he reacted to the BRIT Awards — the British equivalent of the Grammys — doing away with the male and female solo artist categories in favor of just one single solo artist award. Now, he’s clarifying his comments, which some have interpreted as being unsupportive of the transgender community.

On Instagram, May wrote, “Yes – I was ambushed and completely stitched up by a journalist…and it’s led to a whole mess of press stories making it look like I’m unfriendly to trans people. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

“My words were subtly twisted. I should have known better than to talk to those predatory Press hacks,” the guitarist continues. “Sincere apologies to anyone who has been hurt by the stories. My heart is open as always to humans of all colors, all creeds, all sexes and sexualities, all shapes and sizes – and all creatures. We all deserve respect and an equal place in this world.”

May went on to thank fans who “stepped up to defend me,” adding, “It means so much that you have faith in me.”

The guitarist was quoted as saying of the category change, “It’s a decision that has been made without enough thought..I get so sick of people trying to change things without thinking of the long-term consequences.”

He then mentioned the current “atmosphere of fear,” in which people are “are afraid to say how they really think,” and was quoted as saying that if Queen’s original lineup were around today, they wouldn’t have been considered diverse enough.

“We would be forced to have people of different colors and different sexes and we would have to have a trans [person],” the paper quoted him as saying.

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George Harrison passed away 20 years ago today

November 29, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the death of George Harrison, who passed away from complications from lung cancer at age 58.

Harrison, of course, first came to fame as the lead guitarist of The Beatles, then had a long and successful career as a solo artist.

While the Fab Four was dominated by the talented and prolific songwriting team of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Harrison eventually made major contributions to the band with his own compositions, including “Taxman,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Here Comes the Sun” and the #1 hit ballad “Something.”

George also helped introduce Indian music to the pop world thanks to sitar-driven tunes like “Love You Too” and “Within You Without You.”

Following The Beatles’ breakup in 1970, Harrison became the first member of the band to score a chart-topping solo hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with “My Sweet Lord.” In addition, the album on which that song appeared, the three-LP All the Things Must Pass, spent seven weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200.

Harrison hit #1 on the Hot 100 again in 1973 with “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)” and once more in 1987 with “Got My Mind Set on You.”

George also was a member of the successful supergroup The Traveling Wilburys, along with Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison and Electric Light Orchestra frontman Jeff Lynne.

Harrison was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice — in 1988 as a member of The Beatles and, posthumously, in 2004 as a solo artist.

In August, a 50th anniversary reissue of All Things Must Pass was released in a variety of formats and configurations, including a Super Deluxe version featuring 42 previously unreleased tracks.

Tom DeLonge reflects on 10 years of Blink-182’s ‘Neighborhoods’: “It’s pretty f***ing rad”

November 29, 2021 by WDNY Radio

This past September marked the 10th anniversary of Blink-182‘s Neighborhoods, the band’s last album with Tom DeLonge prior to his departure from the group in 2015. Arriving two years after Blink reunited in 2009 following their 2005 breakup, the record’s often competing sounds reflected the creative tensions felt by DeLonge and his now-former band mates, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker.

Speaking with ABC Audio, DeLonge recalls the polarizing fan reaction to Neighborhoods between those who liked the new direction, which brought in more atmospheric sounds akin to his Angels & Airwaves side project, and others who felt it strayed too far from classic Blink.

“You have this divide, a parting of the Red Sea or some s***,” he laughs.

In the past decade, though, there’s been a seeming growth in appreciation among Blink fans for Neighborhoods. DeLonge compares it to another initially misunderstood album: Beastie Boys‘ sophomore effort, Paul’s Boutique.

“It was different, and it was genius in its own way,” DeLonge says. “But it took people a few years to understand why it mattered so much.”

“On the moments where [Neighborhoods] really gelled, it’s pretty f***ing rad,” he adds.

DeLonge now feels that he may have been “too heavy-handed” in trying to change Blink’s sound for Neighborhoods, something he admits Barker and Hoppus were “probably rightfully hesitant” to do. Should he ever return to the band, though, DeLonge believes he’d be able to strike a better balance between what all band members want from a Blink record.

“Knowing that I’ve gotten so much out of my system with this type of music with Angels & Airwaves, I don’t need Blink to land here, like I might’ve 10 years ago,” he says.

In the meantime, you can listen to DeLonge’s new AVA album, Lifeforms, out now.

Release of John Lodge’s new live album delayed until January; check out “Gemini Dream” video

November 24, 2021 by WDNY Radio

The Royal Affair and After, the forthcoming live album from longtime Moody Blues singer/bassist John Lodge, was scheduled for release on December 3, but according to a message on Lodge’s social media pages, it’s now been pushed back until January 14, 2022.

The note explains that the “world-wide supply chain issue” that currently is affecting so many businesses has led to “a production and shipping delay.”

The message continues, “John and all his team are very upset by this news and hate to let you all down, especially those of you hoping Santa would leave [the album] under your tree on Christmas.”

However, the previously announced limited-edition blue-vinyl LP version of The Royal Affair and After is still scheduled to be released on January 28, 2022.

In related news, Lodge has released a live version of the 1981 Moody Blues hit “Gemini Dream” as a second advance digital single from the album. You also can check out a music video for the performance, which combines live footage with kaleidoscopic animation, at John’s official YouTube channel.

As previously reported, The Royal Affair and After features performances from a 2019 Las Vegas show that Lodge and his 10,000 Light Years Band played during his stint as an opening act on the Yes-headlined Royal Affair Tour. It also includes songs recorded during John’s subsequent U.S. solo trek.

Two of the songs feature guest vocals by current Yes frontman Jon Davison, including a rendition of “Ride My See-Saw” that was released recently as the first advance digital single from the album.

After being forced off the road in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lodge will return to touring in March 2022 with a series of U.S. dates.

Brandy, Eve, Naturi Naughton and Nadine Velazquez drop new “All Rise” music video from ‘Queens’

November 24, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Queens co-stars Brandy, Eve, Naturi Naughton and Nadine Velazquez gave their fans a Thanksgiving treat Wednesday with a new music video, “All Rise (The Supreme Court),” from Tuesday night’s episode of the ABC series.

In the episode, titled “Behind the Throne,” the ladies shot their first new music video in two decades. In the “All Rise (The Supreme Court)” video, which is set in a courtroom, the Queens rap about female empowerment. The clip also features Queens character Lil Muffin, portrayed by Pepi Sonuga.

Queens follows the original members of a fictional popular ’90s rap group who reunite in hopes of recapturing their hip hop crowns.

Naughton, who gave away Thanksgiving dinners Monday in Jonesboro, Georgia, says the song is very special.

“It was such an honor to perform this song with these QUEENS and make powerful statements to the world! I’m blessed to share the screen with you @brandy @therealeve @nadinevelazquez & @pepisonuga,” she commented on Instagram.

Brandy also shared her holiday plans, in a video posted on Instagram.

“My favorite thing about Thanksgiving is spending time with my family, and of course my momma’s food,” she said. “She only cooks twice a year, Thanksgiving and Christmas, so we gonna get that meal.”

Paul McCartney, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen auctioning instruments to benefit The Edge’s Music Rising charity

November 24, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Paul McCartney, Elton John and Bruce Springsteen are just a few the famous musicians who’ve contributed instruments and other memorabilia to an auction benefiting Music Rising, a charity organization co-founded by U2 guitarist The Edge and producer Bob Ezrin.

The former Beatles legend is selling a Yamaha BB-1200 bass that he played live and in the studio with his old band Wings during in the ’70s. Elton has contributed a signed Yamaha Motif-8 keyboard that he played live for nearly a decade. The Boss is parting with a signed Americana Original ’50s Fender Telecaster guitar.

Other artists contributing instruments or other items to the sale include The Edge and his U2 band mates Bono and Adam Clayton, The Rolling Stones‘ Ronnie Wood, Steve Miller, former Eagles guitarist Don Felder, Joe Walsh, Slash, Rush‘s Alex Lifeson, Lenny Kravitz, Alice Cooper, KISS‘ Paul Stanley, Green Day, Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Joan Jett, Dave Grohl and Pearl Jam‘s Eddie Vedder.

The auction, which take place live and online on December 11, will be hosted by Van Eaton Galleries in Los Angeles.

“Some of the world’s greatest musicians and friends of Music Rising have generously donated their personal instruments to raise money for Music Rising,” The Edge says in a statement. “We hope you have a chance to bid on one or more of the beautiful instruments in the auction.”

Music Rising was first formed in 2005 to support New Orleans and Gulf South-area musicians in need following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The auction will raise money for those musicians now affected by the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.

For more information about the auction, visit VEGalleries.com.

Record Store Day Black Friday takes place this week; includes releases from Hall & Oates, Aerosmith, U2 & more

November 24, 2021 by WDNY Radio

After enjoying their Thanksgiving feast this week, music fans can head to their local independent record shops to check out the limited-edition vinyl releases available for the 2021 edition of Record Store Day’s Black Friday sale.

Releases from Hall & Oates, Aerosmith, U2, Fleetwood Mac and Carole King are among the discs that will be available.

Hall & Oates’ Black Friday release is Fall in Philadelphia: The Definitive Demos 1968-71, a collection of early recordings the duo made before their debut album came out. The LP is pressed on orange vinyl.

Aerosmith’s Black Friday offering is a 1971: The Road Starts Here, featuring a previously unheard early recording of the band playing several song in their rehearsal room, including “Dream On.” It’s available on vinyl and cassette.

U2 is issuing a four-track EP celebrating the 40th anniversary of their popular early tune “Gloria.” The disc, which is pressed on yellow vinyl, features the studio version of the song, plus three live renditions recorded in three different decades.

Fleetwood Mac is offering a two-LP set titled Alternate Live, a 14-track collection featuring performances of various songs taken from the band’s deluxe reissues of the Rumours, Tusk and Mirage albums.

King is issuing In Concert — Live at The BBC 1971, a live album featuring the lauded singer/songwriter performing songs from her landmark album Tapestry, including a guest appearance by James Taylor.

Other artists issuing 2021 Black Friday releases include The Bee Gees, Ray Charles, Leonard Cohen, Sam Cooke, Dire Straits, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Jorma Kaukonen, Little Feat, Modern English, Todd Rundgren, The Shangri-Las, Dusty Springfield, The Staple Singers, Stray Cats, Joe Strummer, Tammi Terrell and Heart‘s Nancy Wilson

For the full list of releases and participating stores, visit RecordStoreDay.com.

Adele sets yet another chart record, predicts which song from ’30’ her son will “hate” in the future

November 24, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Just when you thought there were no chart records left for Adele to set, she goes ahead and sets another one.

The duet version of her song “Easy on Me” that features country superstar Chris Stapleton has just entered Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart at number 25. This is her first appearance on one of Billboard‘s country charts, and it’s allowed her to set that new record.

As Billboard notes, “Easy on Me” is the first song ever to appear on the pop, rock, R&B/hip-hop and country airplay charts since Billboard modernized its chart data back in 1990. Before that, the last song to achieve that feat was “We Are the World,” the 1985 charity single recorded by USA for Africa, a huge collective of the biggest names in music.

In addition, this is now the 17th Billboard airplay chart Adele has appeared on in her career, out of the 25 airplay charts that Billboard publishes. Mariah Carey has also appeared on 17 of those charts; the only other artist who’s been on more is Pharrell Williams, with 18.

In other news, Adele predicts that her nine-year-old son Angelo might have a bad reaction to one of the songs on 30 when he gets older: “My Little Love.”

While appearing on the Canadian show q with host Tom Power, Adele admitted, “He’ll probably go through stages of hating it when he’s a teenager.” The song features Voice Note recordings of Adele talking with Angelo about her divorce. But while it may be embarrassing for him, she says she felt she “had to include” it because “it was an important part of the puzzle.”

She explained, “It sorted out some of the clutter that was going on in my ability to talk about how I was feeling.”

Dave Grohl, Eddie Vedder auctioning guitars to benefit The Edge’s Music Rising charity

November 24, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Dave Grohl and Eddie Vedder are all taking part in an auction benefiting Music Rising, a charity organization co-founded by U2 guitarist The Edge and producer Bob Ezrin.

The Foo Fighters frontman is contributing a signed Gibson Explorer guitar, while the Pearl Jam vocalist will be offering the guitar he smashed on stage during a 2018 concert.

Other participating artists include U2’s Bono and Adam Clayton, Slash, Noel Gallagher, Rush‘s Alex Lifeson, Lenny Kravitz, Alice Cooper, Coldplay‘s Chris Martin, KISS‘ Paul Stanley, The Rolling Stones‘ Ronnie Wood, Halestorm‘s Lzzy Hale, Kings of Leon, Green Day, Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Joan Jett, and Rage Against the Machine‘s Tom Morello.

The auction, which takes place December 11, will also feature several guitars from The Edge himself, as well as from the late Lou Reed.

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