Deep Purple releases 'Portable Door,' first song and video from upcoming new album "=1"

Check out the hard rocking new track from Deep Purple courtesy of the newly-posted official music video and learn more about the legendary band's upcoming album =1 out July 19, 2024...Robert Kinsler

Deep Purple / Photo: Jim Rakete

New York, NY (April 30, 2024) – Deep Purple, following the announcement of their new studio album ‘=1’, releases the first single, ‘Portable Door’, today. The new song is now available for streaming and as an instant gratification track with all ‘=1’ download pre-orders. Listen to the new song

Accompanying the release, the music video for ‘Portable Door’ will premiere today at 05:00pm CET / 04:00pm BST / 11:00am ET on the Deep Purple YouTube channel (LINK). Produced by the Berlin-based agency Mutter & Vater and directed by Leo Feimer, the video showcases Deep Purple against the backdrop of the new album artwork, capturing the band in their essence as they share a stage and perform together. The enigmatic album title ‘=1’ encapsulates the band’s philosophy of unity amidst complexity, promising an album that resonates deeply with their five decades spanning hard rock legacy. Produced once again by iconic Bob Ezrin, ‘=1’ captures the purest classic Deep Purple sound, without relying on nostalgia. Access the new album In a recent interview regarding the sonic direction of their upcoming album, guitarist Simon McBride shared insights, saying: “The new album will reflect what the five of us create in the rehearsal room. Many of the songs, like ‘Portable Door’, were written in the first sessions and literally came together in 5 or 10 minutes. It all was so easy and natural.” Frontman Ian Gillan, highlighting the organic nature of Deep Purple’s song writing, added: “Throughout Deep Purple’s history, our best songs have always been those that were written in no time at all. We’ve played what felt good and developed songs as we have always done.” In celebration of the new album, Deep Purple will perform more than 60 concerts worldwide this year during their ‘=1 MORE TIME’ tour. With three consecutive No.1 albums in their back pocket, this is Deep Purple at their pinnacle. ‘Now WHAT?!’ (2013), ‘inFinite’ (2017), and ‘Whoosh!’ (2020) have sold over one million copies worldwide, making Deep Purple one of the most successful rock bands currently active. The latest studio album, “Whoosh!”, reached #1 on the album charts in 7 countries and charted in the top 10 in another 12. ‘=1’ will be released on July 19th via earMUSIC as Ltd. CD+DVD (Digipak), CD (Jewelcase), 2LP Gatefold (black, 180g), Ltd. Purple 2LP Gatefold (180g), Ltd. Crystal Clear 2LP (180g) and Ltd. Box Set (CD+DVD Digipak, 2LP black Gatefold, 3x exclusive 10” vinyl editions feat. live recordings from Deep Purple’s 2022 tour, exclusive Collector’s T-shirt, 2x exclusive guitar picks, 1x exclusive art print, 1x exclusive lanyard, and the chance to win a Golden Ticket giving access to every show on the Deep Purple ‘=1 MORE TIME’-tour). All LPs include a rich 12-page LP sized booklet – exclusively in the first print run! The bonus DVD features the approx. 60min documentary ‘Access All Areas’ joining Deep Purple backstage on tour and providing an exclusive look behind the scenes. Further exclusive items are available via the official album store: Ltd. 2LP Picture Disc, Ltd. Cassette, strictly limited canvas signed by all band members – limited to 150 items only and various other merchandise items. =1 MORE TIME TOUR DATES: Aug. 14 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live Aug. 15 – Tampa, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock Event Center Aug. 17 – The Woodlands, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Aug. 18 – Durant, OK @ Choctaw Casino – Grand Theater Aug. 19 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena Aug. 21 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center Aug. 22 – Sterling Heights, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill Aug. 23 – Tinley Park, IL @ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Aug. 25 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage Aug. 27 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre Aug. 28 – Gilford, NH @ BankNH Pavilion Aug. 30 – Camden, NJ @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion Aug. 31 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center Sept. 1 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater Sept. 3 – Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater Sept. 4 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Broadview Stage at SPAC Sept. 6 – Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Sept. 7 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live Sept. 8 – Scranton, PA @ The Pavilion at Montage Mountain Tickets are available at www.deeppurple.com.

About Deep Purple There simply aren’t enough superlatives to properly acknowledge the contribution Deep Purple has made to rock music. Having sold more than 100 million albums and filled global arenas for decades, there’s little wonder that the respected British radio station Planet Rock named the group the '5th Most Influential Band Ever’. The band were also presented the ‘Legend Award’ at the 2008 World Music Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. Deep Purple truly are ‘rock royalty’. With a body of work spanning seven decades, Deep Purple has helped pioneer and define the hard rock genre while progressively moving into new areas, both keeping their sound fresh and attracting new fans to the legions who have remained loyal since the band’s inception. The celebrated MKII line up of Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore were responsible for creating many of the defining rock albums of the early 70’s, including ‘Made In Japan’, universally accepted as one of the most important and influential live albums of all time. Known as one of the hardest working bands ever, Deep Purple has continued to release No.1 albums and tour globally since forming in 1968, with little rest. In 2007 (almost 40 years after being formed), the band performed 40 dates in France to an award-winning audience, and they continue to spend much of their year on the road selling out arenas across the globe. Deep Purple has stayed true to its musical roots taking from an eclectic mix of styles to create a distinctive sound that defines the band today, but which in turn, has created a legacy that very few bands could ever hope to replicate. The band has written and produced so many “classic,” well- known songs, that its audience range widely in age and background – something the band has readily embraced. Deep Purple’s recent studio album, ‘Whoosh!’ (2020), followed their worldwide chart-topping albums ‘inFinite’ (2017) and ’NOW What?!’ (2013). 2024 sees the release of their brand-new album ‘=1’. On all albums, Deep Purple joined forces with producer Bob Ezrin, who has worked with the likes of KISS, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed and Alice Cooper. Furthering their collaboration with Ezrin, in 2021 and during the pandemic the band recorded a collection of cover songs from their own homes (normal for most bands nowadays, revolutionary for a band that records everything together in the studio), creating an eclectic and celebratory history of their roots in music, in the shape of ‘Turning To Crime’. In 2022 came the sad news of Steve Morse’s departure due to personal circumstances. Moving forward, Deep Purple sought out the masterful skills of guitarist Simon McBride and played the year out in style, exciting crowds with a new energy and excitement. Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey, and Simon McBride continue with renewed vitality, pushing the boundaries of hard rock to audiences around the globe, proving that Deep Purple are very much here to stay.

William Shatner unveils new single & lyric video from his first ever Children’s album 'Where Will The Animals Sleep? - Songs For Kids And Other Living Things!'

Check out the newly-released lyric video for the first track from William Shatner's forthcoming children's album set for release on May 17. It's fun!...Robert Kinsler

Beloved Hollywood Icon WILLIAM SHATNER Unveils New Single & Lyric Video From His First Ever Children’s Album Where Will The Animals Sleep? - Songs For Kids And Other Living Things!

Los Angeles, CA – One of the greatest storytellers of his generation, a scion of the stage, master of the musical performance and fearless artistic innovator is facing his toughest audience yet - kids! William Shatner, beloved Star Trek actor and real-life space traveler, proudly presents his newest musical project, an ingenious, infectious and thoroughly entertaining album, Where Will The Animals Sleep? - Songs For Kids And Other Living Things! This 13-song project unites the talents of Shatner with longtime guitarist for They Might Be Giants, Dan Miller, and award-winning YA novelist Robert Sharenow, who together create a menagerie of characters drawn from the animal kingdom who sing and dance and share their stories on this whimsical and educational release. Mr. Shatner declares, “This is a children’s album but I think children of all ages will be intrigued and entranced at the songs that are on this album!”

So come along on a wondrous journey through the natural world with William Shatner as your guide and narrator through the sticky sweet adventures of the honey bee, to the majesty of bird migrations, to the hidden world of the Coral Sea, and the secret communication between mushrooms and trees. For a preview of what’s to come, check out the album’s first single “Elephants And Termites,” a hilarious and captivating look at the unique symbiotic relationship between the large, itchy elephants and the tiny termites whose nests provide the perfect scratching post. The song, as well as the album, is sure to inspire and cultivate a love for creatures of all kinds, shape and size!

Stream/download the single: https://orcd.co/williamshatner_elephantsandtermites

The single is being released in conjunction with a lyric video that brings the album’s artwork to cartoonish life!

Watch the lyric video: https://youtu.be/rglmyscCYkA

Where Will The Animals Sleep? - Songs For Kids And Other Living Things will be available on all formats including CD and vinyl starting May 17. Order your copy today!

Order the CD/VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/store/?s=william+shatner+where+will+the+animals+sleep&post_type=product

Pre-order/pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/williamshatner_wherewilltheanimalssleep

TRACK LIST
1. Elephants And Termites
2. Oh My Honeyguide
3. 7000 Miles On A Non-Stop Flight
4. Barnacle Bill The Sailor
5. Chomp, Chomp, Chomp
6. Mushrooms Talk To Trees
7. Where Would The Animals Sleep?
8. Aphids And Ants
9. I'm A Coral See In The Coral Sea
10. The Rhino's Guard
11. Why Do We Bug You
12. Secret Agent Whale
13. Birdsong Symphony

Ringo Starr new EP 'Crooked Boy' is now available digitally; watch the great new video for "Gonna Need Someone"

Watch the great positive music video for Ringo Starr's new song "Gonna Need Someone" and learn more about the artist's new EP "Crooked Boy" out now...Robert Kinsler

ACCOMPANIED BY A NEW MUSIC VIDEO  “GONNA NEED SOMEONE"

FEATURING RINGO STARR AND NICK VALENSI, DIRECTED BY JOHANN RASHID

VIEW HERE

 

Fans can pre-order the black vinyl and CD now, releasing May 31, 2024

 

 

Friday April 26, 2024 - Today Ringo Starr's EP Crooked Boy, originally released on April 20, 2024 as a limited edition on Record Store Day, is now available for streaming everywhere. Additionally, fans can pre-order the black vinyl and CD now, releasing May 31, 2024. 

 

Crooked Boy includes 4 songs all written and produced by Linda Perry - “February Sky,” “Gonna Need Someone,” “Adeline,” and “Crooked Boy.” After previously collaborating on two songs that appeared on earlier Ringo EPs (“Coming Undone” on Change the World and “Everyone and Everything” on EP3), Linda approached Ringo and asked if she could produce an entire EP.  This is the result. 

 

“I love what Linda did and I think all the songs are all great but one thing I did ask her was to write me a rocker. And that’s ‘Gonna Need Someone’ and I love it! Nick Valensi plays guitars on it – and on all of the EP – and he is great," added Ringo. Listen to him talk about this HERE.

 

So it is fitting that to mark the digital release that it is accompanied by the official video for "Gonna Need Someone." The video features Ringo and Nick Valensi and was directed by Johann Rashid and produced by Nick Ventura, creative by Peter Savieri with additional cinematography by Sophie Hur and Nick Ventura.  The video is a perfect companion to the high paced track - and features both new footage as well as footage taken from Ringo's own archives. 

 

Watch the video, HERE.  

 

Fans got a first listen to the entire EP at Amoeba Music Hollywood on April 18^th, watch HERE, and a chance to get an Amoeba exclusive 7" red vinyl of "February Sky" (HERE). There was second celebration on Record Store Day when friends joined Ringo and producer Linda Perry at a playback at Morrison Gallery at the Sunset Marquis, with a photo exhibit built around the cover image shot by Harry Benson. 

 

In other Ringo news:   Ringo will also be taking his All Starr Band back on the road for 12 shows this Spring - dates and 9 shows this Fall (4 more coming soon):   Spring Dates (May/June): May 22 Las Vegas, NV - The Venetian May 24 Saratoga, CA – The Mountain Winery May 25 Las Vegas, NV - The Venetian  May 26 Las Vegas, NV - The Venetian  May 28 San Bernadino, CA – Yaamava Theatre May 29 Las Vegas, NV - The Venetian  May 31 Las Vegas, NV - The Venetian  Jun 1 Las Vegas, NV - The Venetian  Jun 5 Mexico City, MX - Auditorio Nacional Jun 6 Mexico City, MX - Auditorio Nacional Jun 8 Hidalgo, TX - Payne Arena Jun 9 Austin, TX - The Moody Theater    Fall Dates (September):  Sept 12 Omaha, NE - The Astro Amphitheater Sept 14 New Lenox, IL - Performing Arts Pavilion @ The Commons  Sept 15 Kettering, OH - Fraze Pavilion Sept 17 Washington DC - The Anthem Sept 18 Medford, MA – Chevalier Theatre Sept 20 Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena Sept 22 Niagara Falls, ON - Fallsview Casino Resort Sept 24 Philadelphia, PA - TD Pavilion at The Mann Sept 25 New York City, NY - Radio City Music Hall    Additionally, Ringo recently published his 8th book, Beats & Threads, through Juliens Auctions. Ringo’s trend setting threads were as signature as the beat of his drums and this book features over 200 images including never before seen photos and extensive details on his drums. Ringo–in collaboration with noted historian, author, speaker, drummer, and vintage drum collector, Gary Astridge–offers for the first-time the most comprehensive look at his legendary Beatles-era drum kits containing decades of research-based information with curated and detailed photographs of these pieces of music history. It is available now through www.juliensauctions.com    For More information, please visit Ringo’s website, RingoStarr.com

Chris Stapleton's version of Tom Petty's "I Should Have Known It" debuts today

Check out the powerful new version of Tom Petty's "I Should Have Known It" recorded by Chris Stapleton out today. A great version. More details about "Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty" is below...Robert Kinsler 

CHRIS STAPLETON’S VERSION OF

TOM PETTY’S “I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN IT” DEBUTS TODAY (Friday, April 26, 2024)

PETTY COUNTRY: A COUNTRY MUSIC CELEBRATION

OF TOM PETTY OUT JUNE 21

TRIBUTE ALBUM FEATURES DOLLY PARTON, DIERKS BENTLEY, GEORGE STRAIT, LUKE COMBS, WILLIE NELSON, WYNONNA JUDD, LAINEY WILSON, HEARTBREAKERS’ MIKE CAMPBELL & BENMONT TENCH AND MORE

April 26, 2024—Chris Stapleton’s take on Tom Petty’s “I Should Have Known It,” from the forthcoming Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty, debuts today with an accompanying audio video that features vintage photos of Petty—watch/share HERE.

The track originally appeared on Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ 2010 album, Mojo, and again on the late rocker’s 2019 posthumous greatest hits album, The Best of Everything. Beloved by fans, “I Should Have Known It” became one of the most enduring live songs amongst Petty’s more recent material.

The new track comes ahead of Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty, the country tribute album lovingly curated by some of the late rocker’s closest friends and collaborators. It’s set for release on June 21 via Big Machine Records in partnership with the Tom Petty Estate and is available to pre-order HERE.

“I Should Have Known It” arrives on the heels of “Southern Accents,” reimagined by Petty’s friend and fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Dolly Parton. The beautifully intimate version of what Petty considered to be one of the best songs he ever wrote has taken on a new life in the world of country music—watch the video directed by Trey Fanjoy, featuring poignant home videos and professional footage of Petty throughout his life, HERE. Dierks Bentley’s take on the Petty classic, “American Girl,” premiered as Bentley’s highest charting single upon launch—listen/share HERE. The track is currently climbing through the Top 35 on Country radio.

Executive produced by Petty’s close confidant, Grammy award-winner George Drakoulias (Barbie, The Black Crowes, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), with Randall Poster (Killers of the Flower Moon, Skyfall, Wes Anderson) and Scott Borchetta (Big Machine), Petty Country finds some of the most lauded voices in country music exploring the extensive Petty catalog and putting their own personal touches on some of his greatest hits. Highlights include a handful of songs by Petty’s longtime friends and collaborators, such as George Strait, Steve Earle, Willie Nelson with Lukas Nelson, bluegrass pioneer Marty Stuart and The Heartbreakers’ Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench. Contemporary country superstars Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Wynonna Judd, Carly Pearce, Lady A, Margo Price, Rhiannon Giddens—who most recently played banjo and viola on Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em”—Thomas Rhett and Lainey Wilson pay tribute to the late rocker with their own spin on fan favorites. See below for a complete track list for Petty Country.

Tom Petty, albeit widely known for his rocker grit and California anthems, is often credited as contemporary country music’s biggest rock influence. A Gainesville, Florida native, Petty straddled the American coasts, leaving his native Florida for his adopted home of Los Angeles, while keeping one foot firmly rooted in the south. The region’s influence can be heard throughout Petty’s discography, with lyrics about growing up in the south paired with his famous airtight melodies and rough vocal character that defines the state of country music today.

In celebration of the new music, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will feature archival artifacts seen in the “Southern Accents” music video in June as an extension of their acclaimed “Western Edge” exhibit. The exhibit will showcase select items from Petty’s career that highlight his western edge such as tour assets from his 2001 Way Out West tour, an iconic Nudie suit inspired “Planets” blazer worn famously during his 1985 Southern Accents tour, “Southern Accents” handwritten song lyrics, western style wardrobe pieces worn on and off stage and Petty’s Gretsch 6130 Roundup Western electric guitar.

Petty’s deep roots in country music saw collaborations and long-lasting friendships with a number of the genre’s greatest artists, including Carl Perkins (Petty inducted Perkins into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame), Johnny Cash (The Heartbreakers were the backing band on Cash’s Unchained), June Carter Cash, Marty Stuart, John Prine, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, George Strait, Hank Williams Jr. and Willie Nelson. Today, country songwriters consistently reference their love and admiration for Petty, and in many ways, how Petty’s influence shaped their own sound.

Over his 40-year career, Tom Petty became one of the biggest cultural icons in the world. In addition to the 13 studio albums he made with the Heartbreakers, Petty recorded 3 solo albums, including the acclaimed Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers. Petty was also a member of the supergroup, Traveling Wilburys, and in the pre-Heartbreakers band, Mudcrutch. Hailed as one of the greatest rock artists of all time, Petty’s list of achievements include: multiple Grammy Award winner, 80+ million records sold, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Tom Petty passed away in 2017 shortly after completing his 40th anniversary tour, but his music continues to reach fans, both new and old, around the world today.

PETTY COUNTRY—TRACKLIST

1. “I Should Have Known It” by Chris Stapleton
2. “Wildflowers” by Thomas Rhett
3. “Runnin’ Down A Dream” by Luke Combs 
4. “Southern Accents” by Dolly Parton
5. “Here Comes My Girl” by Justin Moore
6. “American Girl” by Dierks Bentley
7. “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” by Lady A
8. “I Forgive It All” by Jamey Johnson
9. “I Won’t Back Down” by Brothers Osborne
10. “Refugee” by Wynonna Judd & Lainey Wilson
11. “Angel Dream No. 2” by Willie Nelson & Lukas Nelson
12. “Learning To Fly” by Eli Young Band
13. “Breakdown” by Ryan Hurd feat. Carly Pearce
14. “Yer So Bad” by Steve Earle
15. “Ways To Be Wicked” by Margo Price feat. Mike Campbell
16. “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” by Midland
17. “Free Fallin’” by The Cadillac Three feat. Breland
18. “I Need To Know” by Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives
19. “Don’t Come Around Here No More” by 
Rhiannon Giddens feat. Silkroad Ensemble and Benmont Tench
20. “You Wreck Me (Live)” by George Strait

Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival 2024: Weekend 2 Recap

Coachella at night / Photo by Robert Kinsler

2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

When: April 19-21, 2024

Where: Empire Polo Field in Indio, CA

What follows is followup coverage to an article published in Desert Star Weekly on April 24, 2024 highlighting Robert Kinsler and writer George A. Paul's favorite moments of Weekend 2 of the 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival held Friday-Sunday, April 19-21, 2024 in Indio, CA. Below is Robert Kinsler's specific take on the event. Read the original coverage including George A. Paul's essential reviews of his favorite three performances HERE.

Pictured: "Dancing In The Sky" art installation by Morag Myerscough
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Lance Gerber

2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

When: April 19-21, 2024

Where: Empire Polo Field in Indio, CA

Friday, April 19, 2024

Pictured: Late Night Drive Home performing on April 19.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Mykiaela Pierre-Louis 

Although Narrow Head delivered an entertaining and hard-rocking set that recalled the raw approach of Dinosaur Jr., it was an exhilarating 35-minute outing from Late Night Drive Home that really impressed me early Friday afternoon. The Texas-based band's wonderful sound recalled a combination of early U2, Old 97's and The Replacements and the use of three electric guitars gave an extra boost to their set.

Pictured: The Japanese House performing on April 19.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Demian Becerra

The next standout for day 1 of weekend 2 was a strong performance from England's the Japanese House (the moniker for singer-songwriter Amber Bain). Performing in the Mojave Tent before a discerning crowd, her 40-minute set allowed her to showcase her signature blend of indie rock, folk rock, dream pop and even tinges of jazz. The bouncy "Touching Yourself," sumptuous "Boyhood" (the latter a single from her second album In The End It Always Does) and lovely closer "Sunshine Baby" were among the terrific originals Bain played.

Pictured: Faye Webster performing on April 19.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Julian Bajsel

Equally powerful was American singer-songwriter Faye Webster, who impressed from the opening "But Not Kiss" with its atmospheric soundscape surrounding her captivating soprano and and her band's dynamic sonic bursts. Her 40-minute set was filled with great originals showcasing her alt country-meets-indie pop sound. The Americana-styled "Wanna Quit All The Time," bewitching "Thinking About You," dreamy "Right Side Of My Neck" and confessional "A Dream With a Baseball Player" were other highlights of her outing in the Mojave Tent.

Pictured: Jordan Feller performing on April 19.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Nicole Busch

After the sun went down, I caught a good part of the sets from both Neil Frances and headliner Lana Del Rey. The better of these performances was the energetic electronica duo Neil Frances featuring Southern California native Marc Gilfry and Australia-born Jordan Feller who pumped up a packed Gobi Tent with their high energy dance music.

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Pictured: Erika de Casier performing on April 20.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Demian Becerra

Erika de Casier performed early Saturday bringing a cool Zero 7 meets chill to the Gobi Tent. This writer was not familiar with the Portuguese-born Danish singer-songwriter, but her 40-minute set established a wonderful mood.

Pictured: The Aquabats performing on April 20.
Photo courtesy of Coachella /
Photo credit: Demian Becerra

Fans of '90s alt rock had plenty to celebrate on Saturday. Whether by accident or design, pop-punk ska heroes The Aquabats, reggae punk outfit Sublime, groundbreaking Britpop favorites Blur and Orange County-spawned hitmakers No Doubt all performed on the bill at Coachellafest within the span of 7 hours.

With their masks and matching superhero costumes the Aquabats fused catchy high-energy songs, bona fide comedy, costumed villains and tossing of inflated props into the crowd to engage the excited audience throughout a fast-moving 45-minute set. The band's musical brew is a winning mix of alt rock and punk with a dose of ska, new wave and synth-pop for good measure.

From the melodic punk opener "Pool Party!" and Devo-flavored "Karate Body!" to several new originals ("No Rewind!" and "Doctor Space Mummy!" from the forthcoming album Finally! coming in June), the troupe thrilled the Sonora tent with their fun approach. Some of my favorite selections included the horns-adorned "No Rewind!", ska-punk cut "Martian Day!" and closer "The Shark Fighter!" 

Pictured: Jakob Nowell performing with Sublime.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / 
Photo credit: Anna Downs

Anyone wondering how Sublime could possibly at Coachella 2024 perform given the death of lead singer/guitarist Brad Nowell from a heroin overdose back in 1996 quickly learned what was happening given a short video tribute that preceded the third wave ska band's late afternoon set on the Coachella Stage. In late 2023, founding members Eric Wilson (bass) and Bud Gaugh (drums) reunited to perform with Brad Nowell's son Jakob Nowell for a benefit show. The 28-year-old Nowell (who does sound remarkably like his late father) led the band through an entertaining set of punk rock, ska punk and reggae-tinged favorites including "What I Got," "Wrong Way," "April 29, 1992 (Miami)" and the festive closer "Santeria."

Pictured: Blur performing on April 20, 2024.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Alden Bonecutter

Blur delivered a powerful and affecting hour-long set on Saturday night, featuring a track listing that featured originals pulled from across the English quartet's 30-year career. Highlights included early gems ("Trouble in the Message Centre," "Popscene"), new standouts from the band's glorious 2023 return The Ballad of Darren ("St. Charles Square," "The Narcissist"), as well as classics including "Song 2," "Trimm Trabb" with Damon Albarn's dynamic vocals and "Beetlebum" — the latter bolstered by Graham Coxon's extended lead guitar explosions at the song's finale). The band was also joined on stage by the Torres Martinez Cahuilla Bird Singers to add rich Native American sonic layers to several songs including "Death of a Party" and the moving closer "Tender." 

Before performing "Tender" Albarn noted: "So, in the spirit of transparency and truth, this is probably our last gig and the last time we play this song...no reflection on Coachella. I love Coachella, it's beautiful."

If the cryptic words from Albarn on stage are true and this was Blur's last-ever show, the band (which also includes bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree) have forged an incredible legacy of compelling and lasting rock.

Pictured: No Doubt performing on April 20, 2024.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Alden Bonecutter

When No Doubt performed at Weekend 1 of Coachella on April 13 it marked the first live performance by the Orange County hitmakers in nine years. So while the "wow!" factor of the band's Weekend 2 appearance may have not been there, don't tell that to the many thousands of excited fans who packed the field in front of the Coachella Stage to catch the band's 80-minute set. Singer Gwen Stefani led the band (which still features other founding members guitarist Tom Dumont, bassist Tony Kanal and drummer Adrian Young) through a hits-filled set. From the dance-fueled opener "Hella Good" and propulsive new wave followup "Sunday Morning" to an animated take on Talk Talk's "It's My Life" and wistful "Simple Kind of Life," the band hit a home run. The group's effective set list ended with a one-two-three knockout featuring "Just a Girl," "Don't Speak" and "Spiderwebs."

Sunday, April 21, 2024

Pictured: Mdou Moctar performing on April 21, 2024.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Charles Reagan

Concertgoers who get to Coachella early are often rewarded with the ability to get wonderfully close to performances and also some of the more interesting artists on the bill. Take those who caught Mdou Moctar in the Gobi Tent on Sunday. A Tuareg songwriter and musician based in Niger, his bewitching virtuoso skills on guitar and the exotic sounds of his band somehow seemingly blended Western jam rock, hard rock and traditional African music. 

Pictured: Olivia Dean performing on April 21.
Photo courtesy of Coachella /
Photo credit: Alden Bonecutter

Rising British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean made the most of her short 40-minute set on Sunday afternoon, performing her intoxicating fusion of Neo-soul and Motown mining R&B with a marvelous seven-member band whose talents collectively elevated the performance. Highlights included the uptempo "OK Love You Bye," the joyous dance cut "Reason To Stay," heartfelt tribute to her grandmother "Carmen" and inspired "Dive." There was a palpable connection between the songstress and the audience during the memorable performance.