Friday, July 31, 2015

Rush thrills fans at Irvine Meadows

Singer-bassist Geddy Lee (on screen) looks on at drummer Neil Peart
and guitarist Alex Lifeson on July 30, 2015. Photo: Robert Kinsler
Rock fans either get Rush or they don't.
Fortunately, the crowd that filled Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre in Orange County, CA on Thursday night (July 30, 2015) gets singer-bassist-keyboardist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart. Big time.

For just under three hours (including a quick 15-minute intermission), the Canadian rock trio that was finally put into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013 and unbelievably has yet to ever earn a Grammy Award displayed why they remain one of rock's most enduring and groundbreaking bands. The latest stop on their ambitious R40 Live 40th Anniversary Tour, the threesome performed a mix of well-known radio staples, dazzling prog-rock gems, '80s synth rock tracks and deep album cuts that left everyone thrilled.

A Rush show works on a variety of levels. First and foremost is the musicianship. Lee's ability to handle high-flying lead vocals while playing intricate bass parts and frequently jumping to keyboards to add sonic layers to the lush arrangements was a wonder, particularly during the potent "Early Distant Warning" and magnificent follow-up "Subdivisions" that closed out the incredible first set. Lifeson's work on guitar was likewise a wonder, whether working his electric guitar of the moment while using a Wah-wah foot pedal on "Headlong Flight," or masterfully fusing power chords and urgent lead guitar on "Early Distant Warning" or "Roll the Bones." 


Drumming legend Neil Peart was a wonder all night.
Photo: Robert Kinsler
While master drummer Neil Peart never fails to impress (as he did during a stunning five-minute drum solo offered up in the second half of the concert), what remains a wonder is how at age 62 he remains so unique. No drummer has been able to match his ability to blend his level of technical prowess behind a drum kit that simultaneously fits impeccably into the style of the playing by his band mates and the songs themselves.

The high level of musicianship and connection the three members of the band have with each other might well be enough, but it was clear in Irvine that the additional ingredients including the range and strength of the trio's complex (and, yes, accessible) songs as well as the winning blend of video projections, lasers, lights and concept films all positioned in exactly the right space made for a fast-paced and incredible night or rock 'n' roll theater.

"Jacob's Ladder," a choice cut off the band's 1980 release Permanent Waves, was particularly effective with its spellbinding textures and instrumental firepower. Not much later, those same impressive elements came together on "Xanadu." And how great was it to hear the band tear through a good-sized chunk of its 1976 progressive rock epic 2112? Just ask any of the countless fans playing air guitar and bass all night long.

Amidst all the creative elements and with the energy of the enthusiastic faithful, the concert sped to its inevitable ending, with a dynamic "What You're Doing" and night-ending hard-rocking take on the band's "Working Man."



A photo taken of a rear projection screen at the beginning of the Rush concert on July 30, 2015.

Setlist for Rush on Thursday, July 30, 2015

First Set 
The Anarchist / Clockwork Angels / Headlong Flight (with 'Drumbastica' mini drum solo) / Far Cry / The Main Monkey Business / One Little Victory / Animate / Roll the Bones / Distant Early Warning / Subdivisions
Second Set
Tom Sawyer / YYZ / The Spirit of Radio / Natural Science / Jacob's Ladder / Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres Part I: Prelude / Cygnus X-1 Book One: The Voyage Parts 1 & 3, (with five-minute drum solo) / Closer to the Heart / Xanadu / 2112 Part I: Overture / 2112 Part II: The Temples of Syrinx / 2112 Part IV: Presentation / 2112 Part VII: Grand Finale
Encore
Lakeside Park / Anthem / What You're Doing / Working Man

Robert Kinsler

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Craig Chaquico to perform intimate performance in Newport Beach on Friday, July 31

Famed Grammy-nominated guitarist Craig Chaquico will perform as part of the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series on Friday, July 31.

Chaquico is one of my favorite guitarists, both for his expressive and wide-ranging work with Jefferson Starship and Starship (spanning from 1974's Dragon Fly album to 1989's Love Among the Cannibals) to his successful solo career focusing on jazz and blues material. (Read my review of his solo performance at The Coach House back in September 2011 posted here). 

The guitarist's most notable solo releases include 1994's Acoustic Planet (which features a reworked version of his Starship gem "Find Your Way Back"),1998's From the Redwood to the Rockies (with Russ Freeman), 1999's Four Corners, 2005's Holiday, 2009's Follow the Sun and his winning blues album Fire Red Moon released in 2012.

2015 marks the 40th anniversary of Jefferson Starship's 1975 #1 album Red Octopus, and Chaquico is currently touring and recording with a long-time band of San Francisco Bay-area players including bassist Jim Reitzel and drummer Wade Olson. New members of his band include keyboardist Mark Thomas and singer Shaeny Celine Johnson.

For more information on Craig Chaquico's upcoming performance, visit http://www.hyattconcerts.com or call (949) 360-7800.

Story: Robert Kinsler

Photos: Bob Steshetz


Monday, July 27, 2015

Florence + the Machine debut The Odyssey Chapters 4 & 5: "Queen of Peace" and "Long And Lost" short film

Mondays aren't all bad...This media release just arrived in my inbox early today and I am happy to share. I've caught Florence + the Machine three times in concert and all three shows were incredible.


THE ODYSSEY CHAPTERS 4 & 5:
“QUEEN OF PEACE” AND “LONG AND LOST”
FLORENCE + THE MACHINE DEBUT NEW SHORT FILM VIA NPR MUSIC FIRST WATCH
MAKE FIRST EVER U.S. #1 DEBUT WITH HOW BIG HOW BLUE HOW BEAUTIFUL,
TOPS CHARTS WORLDWIDE
 
Headline dates nationwide this fall

Florence + the Machine debut The Odyssey Chapters 4 & 5: “Queen of Peace” and “Long & Lost today via NPR Music First Watch
This ten-minute film, which begins with “Queen of Peace” and flows into “Long & Lost,” tells the next chapters in Florence’s Odyssey begun with How Big How Blue How Beautiful. Shot on and around the Scottish isle of Easdale, this next installment film was made with frequent collaborator Vincent Haycock. Haycock has also directed the other films inspired by the songs on this most recent release including “How Big How Blue How Beautiful,” “What Kind of Man,” “St Jude” and “Ship to Wreck.” 
Watch the film here
“We filmed ‘Queen of Peace’ and ‘Long & Lost’ in Scotland, one of my favorite places I’ve ever been to or filmed,” Haycock says of the video. “The coast of Scotland is breathtaking, beautiful and harsh, an aesthetic mix that both Florence and I have been very interested in during the making of these videos. The Scottish people are amazing and especially the town of Easdale, the small island that we lived on and filmed. We shot in the winter and it was cold, brutal and endlessly inspiring, which I think really helped the story of Florence’s struggle with her family, the younger innocence vs. the feuding violence of the men around her, etc. The end of the video was done in a single take, at the very last seconds of light during a stormy barge ride on a freezing sea. The effort and focus on both the actors and crew was so amazing, Florence delivers one of my favorite moments to date and it’s one of my proudest technical and narrative accomplishments.”
Florence recently headlined Glastonbury’s main stage, playing a massive set of which The Guardian said, “Florence Welch doesn’t so much seize the opportunity as grab it by the throat and wrestle it to the ground,” and the Telegraph praised, “It takes an extraordinary artist to make more sense headlining a huge magical old festival than all the clubs, theatres and arenas that brought her here. This was surely her superstar moment, the point where Florence Welch stops being British pop's lady in waiting and takes her place with the big boys and girls…This was pop music of the highest order”

Click here to read my review of Florence + the Machine's latest album as it appears on the Music News Nashville site.

How Big How Blue How Beautiful continues to receive widespread critical acclaim:
“She’s back and stronger than ever…”
“A sexy record that sticks to some familiar themes: a woman wrestling with lovers and emotions, often with biblical allusions, liquid-courage assists and a near-violent intensity…a magnificent bit of British brooding.”
“Her most personal set of songs yet…It's a voice built for drama, and on this album its emotional range has never been wider.”
“‘How Big How Blue How Beautiful’ is a record about maneuvering around and through matters of the heart — sometimes triumphant, sometimes sad, and always deeply felt thanks to Welch acting as tour guide.”
 “Lush and ornate…cresting and crashing and cresting and cresting some more…grand, arching vocal lines, leaping deftly across her registers.”
“Welch has made her most cohesive and personal record yet…we haven't heard it all from this dynamic, ever-evolving songstress.”
How Big is Welch’s most accomplished album yet…her emotional depth and capacity for wonder remain gigantic”
 
“The Machine keeps humming! Florence Welch and her gang pick up the pace in their wonderful tertiary effort…Tearing through it all is a tornadic voice of a frontwoman enmeshed in the throes of ill-fated love.”
“The band has lost none of its ethereal grandeur”
How Big How Blue How Beautiful debuted at #1 this June, marking Florence’s first U.S. #1 seven years to the day from the release of their debut single and selling 137,000 albums in its first week. With three albums in seven years to their name, Florence continues to reach new heights—How Big How Blue How Beautiful reached #1 in the U.K., her third #1 album in the country, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Switzerland and Canada after reaching the top spot on iTunes charts in 24 countries worldwide last week.
Florence will headline Austin City Limits and play select U.S. dates this fall, with stops including two nights at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl, a further two nights at Berkeley’s Greek Theatre and an appearance at Seattle’s Key Arena. Tickets are on sale now.
The dates will follow Florence and her band’s worldwide summer tour, headlining many festivals including Lollapalooza, Osheaga, Austin City Limits and Splendour in the Grass with their own headline dates including Colorado’s legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
The new album How Big How Blue How Beautiful is a collection of songs, written and recorded over the course of 2014. Produced by Markus Dravs (Björk, Arcade Fire, Coldplay) with contributions from Kid HarpoonPaul EpworthJohn Hill and James Ford, the album follows Florence’s globally acclaimed Lungs (2009) and Ceremonials(2011). 
FLORENCE + THE MACHINE LIVE
August 3                                                     Morrison, CO                           Red Rocks AmphitheatreOctober 9                                                   Nashville, TN                                 Ascend AmphitheatreOctober 11                                                   Austin, TX                                          Austin City LimitsOctober 13                                                  Phoenix, AZ                                         Ak-Chin PavilionOctober 14                                                San Diego, CA                                              Viejas ArenaOctober 16-17                                         Los Angeles, CA                                      Hollywood BowlOctober 20                                            Santa Barbara, CA                             Santa Barbara BowlOctober 21-22                                            Berkeley, CA                                            Greek TheatreOctober 24                                                 Portland, OR                       Portland Memorial ColiseumOctober 25                                               Vancouver, BC                     Pepsi Live at Rogers ArenaOctober 27                                                  Seattle, WA                                                   Key Arena

Concert review: Phish fry at the Fabulous Forum

This is an extended version of my concert review originally posted on The Orange County Register Web site on Sunday, July 26, 2015. A special "thank you" to Kelly A. Swift for the use of her photos taken at the performance at The Forum on Saturday, July 25, 2015…


Trey Anastasio of Phish performing at The Forum on July 25, 2015. Photo: Kelly A. Swift 
Phish
Where: The Forum in Inglewood
When: July 25, 2015

Much was made of a recent trio of high-profile "Fare Thee Well" shows where the surviving core members of the Grateful Dead joined Trey Anastasio of Phish and singer-pianist Bruce Hornsby to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead. But watching Phish perform Saturday night (July 25, 2015) before a near-capacity Forum that clocked in at nearly three hours was to confirm that the late Jerry Garcia's wide-ranging spirit has long thrived in the capable genre-blending hands of the Dead's most noteworthy musical descendants. 
Trey Anastasio, left, and Mike Gordon on July 25,
2015. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Formed back in 1983, the Burlington, Vermont-spawned Phish has long secured its staying power. The enduring line-up of the aforementioned Anastasio (guitars, lead vocals), Mike Gordon (bass, lead and backing vocals), Jon Fishman (drums, backing vocals) and Page McConnell (keyboards, backing vocals) offered up a winning brew of rock, funk, jazz-rock, psychedelia, Celtic, jam rock and folk rock in what often felt like a Dead show (including the ancillary add-ons such as tie dye and '60s-styled attire).

No mere Dead impersonator, Phish-heads were treated to a long night of original material that touched on all periods of the band's two-part run (the group was on hiatus from August 2004 to March 2009) while the hazy skies above the floor were filled with floating beach balls and a parade of thrown glow sticks. A dazzling range of multi-colored lights emanated from above and behind the stage further adding to the experience.

Phish was on fire most of the night, notably with the 10-minute "Down With Disease" that started with heavy bass but soon morphed into an extended sortie allowing for intricate interplay between all four instruments and some sweet three-part vocal harmonies. At one point during his virtuoso-worthy guitar solo, Anastasio began jumping up and down in excitement as the multi-generation crowd cheered.

After the relatively hard-rocking "Down With Disease," Phish shifted sonic gears and performed the lovely "Waiting All Night," a jazz-tinged song that was nuanced throughout.
The first half of the show ended with a dazzling one-two punch of the jam rock-powered title track off the band's latest studio disc (2014's wonderful "Fuego") and subsequent 2002 gem "Walls of the Cave."

The second half of the concert was even more intense, with Phish performing forceful versions of a new song "No Men in No Man's Land" (complete with an expansive psychedelic-minded guitar solo), as well as classics such as the hard-rocking "Carini" (bolstered by a dueling guitar and keyboard solo), funky "Tweezer" and "Slave to the Traffic Light" (a song that somehow blended a myriad of subtle styles during its prolonged run).

The band's 20-minute encore included the crowd favorite "You Enjoy Yourself" complete with the winning live attraction known as "The Rotation Jam" where each member would briefly perform another member's instrument. And, yes, Gordon and Anastasio used the live standout to astound with their ability to complete intricate choreography while jumping on their mini-trampolines.

Friday, July 24, 2015

'Glen Campbell... I'll Be Me' arrives on DVD and VOD, September 1, 2015

I caught " Glen Campbell... I'll Be Me" earlier this month on CNN and I was moved very much by the strength of Glen Campbell and his family throughout the making of the outstanding documentary. Here is the media release that landed in my inbox today...

'Glen Campbell...I'll Be Me' set to arrive on DVD and VOD on September 1, 2015


Virgil Films announces the VOD and DVD release of Glen Campbell... I'll Be Mea new documentary film about the country/pop superstar produced and directed by filmmaker James Keach (Walk the Line). The film, which will aired on CNN on June 28th, became the most-watched CNN Films broadcast in the franchise's history with over 2.76 million viewers on the night of its premiere. Glen Campbell... I'll Be Me will be available on digital platforms (EST) on August 18th followed by a DVD and VOD release on September 1st.

Glen Campbell... I'll Be Me was directed by James Keach (producer of Walk the Line) and produced by Trevor Albert (producer of Groundhog Day) and Keach. Keach and Albert also collaborated on the award winning film, Waiting for Forever.
"The making of this film has been an exhilarating, joyous and inspiring ride. I attribute that entirely to the heroic spirit of Glen Campbell and his extraordinary family," said producer Trevor Albert.
In 2011, music legend Glen Campbell set out on an unprecedented tour across America. They thought it would last 5 weeks, instead it went for 151 spectacular sold out shows over a triumphant year and a half across America.
What made this tour extraordinary was that Glen had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He was told to hang up his guitar and prepare for the inevitable. Instead, Glen and his wife went public with his diagnosis and announced that he and his family would set out on a "Goodbye Tour."
The film documents this amazing journey as he and his family attempt to navigate the wildly unpredictable nature of Glen's progressing disease using love, laughter and music as their medicine of choice. Special appearances include Bruce Springsteen, The Edge, Paul McCartney, Blake Shelton, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Steve Martin, Chad Smith and Bill Clinton among many others.



"We are honored to bring this portrait of Glen Campbell to American audiences," said said Joe Amodei of Virgil Films. "This great entertainer and his indelible music have been a part of so many lives for decades, we look forward to reminding everyone of what's so special about him."
Keach added "the legacy Glen Campbell and his incredibly courageous family share in this film is one of the most important movies I have been blessed to have worked on. Glen Campbell...I'll Be Me will forever inspire me as a filmmaker and a man. Glen is a real life hero on and off the stage."
About Virgil Films
Virgil Films & Entertainment was founded in 2003 by Joe Amodei to acquire, market and distribute DVD, TV and Digital product in the theatrical feature film, documentaries, special interest and sports categories. The company has built partnerships with OWN, Sundance Channel Home Entertainment, National Geographic Cinema Ventures, Pureflix Entertainment, MLB Productions, Morgan Spurlock's Warrior Poets and other high-profile entertainment brands since their inception. Releases from Virgil Films & Entertainment include the much anticipated documentary I Am Chris Farley; the award-winning documentary Miss Representation; the critically acclaimed, timeless, best-selling Forks Over Knives; and the Oscar-nominated documentary Restrepo and its sequel Korengal. They have also released the compelling The House I Live In, A Brony Tale, Legends of the Knight and others. Follow them on twitter: @virgilfilms | www.VirgilFilmsEnt.com.
About PCH Films
PCH Films, based in Los Angeles, California, is a multimedia company founded by James Keach, Jane Seymour and Trevor Albert in 2007. The company develops, produces, and finances feature film, TV, documentaries, animation and music. The partners extensive credits include Walk The Line, Groundhog Day, League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Because Of Winn Dixie, National Lampoons Vacation, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, award winning documentary Disease Of the Wind and many others. PCH most recently released the documentary film Glen Campbell...I'll Be Me, award winning feature film Waiting For Forever directed by James Keach starring Rachel Bilson, Tom Sturridge, Richard Jenkins and Blythe Danner. PCH has numerous projects in development ranging from series to features and documentaries. The company's goal is to continue to create intelligent and humanistic entertainment across multiple platforms that appeals to a broad audience.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Sights and Sounds: Taste, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Greg Lake

There is plenty of exciting news to share with rock fans today...

Eagle Rock Entertainment set to issue the first-ever video release of Taste

'What's Going On  Live at the Isle of Wight 1970' coming to DVD, Blu-ray, 2LP, CD and digital formats on September 18, 2015

On September 18, 2015, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release What’s Going On – Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970 by Taste.  This simultaneous release on DVD, Blu-ray, 2LP, CD, and Digital Formats represents the first-ever video release of this legendary performance. [MSRP $14.98 DVD, $19.98 Blu-ray, $13.98 CD, $34.98 2LP]
 
What’s Going On – Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival tells the story of Eire's seminal rock band Taste. Formed in Cork, Ireland in 1966 by Rory GallagherTaste had a brief but influential career, releasing two studio albums in 1969 and 1970 and disbanding shortly after their legendary appearance at the 1970 Isle Of Wight Festival -- the centerpiece of this film.
 
The core of What’s Going On is the band’s performance at the festival on August 28th. Encapsulated within a documentary on the history and importance of Taste, the film features contributions from Rory’s brother andTaste road manager Donal Gallagher along with Brian May (Queen), The Edge (U2), Bob Geldof and renowned guitarist Larry Coryell.
 
Taste’s performance at the festival was so well received that when Jimi Hendrix was asked “How does it feel to be the best guitarist in the world,” he replied, “I don’t know, why don’t you go and ask Rory Gallagher?”
 
The original 1970 footage was shot by Academy Award winning director Murray Lerner. The 16mm film has been restored and the sound remixed for this 2015 version of What’s Going On – Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970, which includes all the tracks on the original 1971 Polydor LP plus several additional tracks.  Bonus features include three tracks from the German TV series Beat Club: “If The Day Was Any Longer”, “It’s Happened Before, It’ll Happen Again” and “Morning Sun”.  Additionally there are three conceptual music videos for the tracks “I’ll Remember,” “What’s Going On,” and “Born On The Wrong Side Of Time”. 
 
Rory Gallagher and Taste are also being celebrated with the I’ll Remember 4CD box set (Universal, August 28, 2015) which boasts remastered versions of their two acclaimed studio albums Taste and On The Boards, bonus tracks, and previously unreleased live concert recordings from Stockholm’s Konserthuset, The BBC and Woburn Abbey Festival, plus demos of both released and unreleased material.
 
Rory Gallagher would go on to enjoy an acclaimed and highly successful solo career.  Johnny Marr said, “The man who changed my musical life was Rory Gallagher, I picked up a guitar because of him.” 
 
The electrifying What’s Going On – Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970 is an early example of Rory’s justified reputation as the ultimate live performer.
 
Click here to check out “What’s Going On”: https://youtu.be/mOo_Zi1W2iE
 
Eagle Rock Entertainment is the largest producer and distributor of music programming for DVD, Blu-Ray, TV and Digital Media in the world.  Eagle works directly alongside talent to produce top quality, High Definition programs, both concerts and documentaries, including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, Queen, The Doors, Jeff Beck, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney, Ozzy Osbourne, Genesis, Alice Cooper, Eric Clapton and Aerosmith. Eagle is a Grammy Award winning company and has received over 40 multi-platinum, over 80 platinum and over 144 gold discs, worldwide.  Eagle Rock Entertainment has offices in London, New York, Paris and Hamburg.
 
Follow Eagle Rock Entertainment at:
 
 
TRACK LISTING DVD / Blu-Ray
1) What’s Going On  
2) Sugar Mama  
3) Morning Sun  
4) Gambling Blues 
5) Sinner Boy  
6) Same Old Story 
7) Catfish Blues  
8) I Feel So Good
 
TRACK LISTING CD / 2LP
1) What’s Going On  
2) Sugar Mama  
3) Morning Sun  
4) Gambling Blues  
5) Sinner Boy  
6) I’ll Remember  
7) I Feel So Good  
8) Catfish Blues  
9) Same Old Story  
10) Blister On The Moon




'LYNYRD SKYNYRD – ONE MORE FOR THE FANS' 
Two CD/DVD set available tomorrow, July 24, 2015

Features performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and an all star line-up including Trace Adkins, Alabama, Gregg Allman, Blackberry Smoke, Cheap Trick, Charlie Daniels, Peter Frampton, Gov't Mule, Warren Haynes, John Hiatt, Randy Houser, Jason Isbell, Jamey Johnson, Aaron Lewis, moe., O.A.R., Robert Randolph and Donnie Van Zant

Lynyrd Skynyrd One More For The Fans will be available tomorrow, July 24, 2105 on Loud & Proud Records in partnership with Blackbird Presents.  The two CD/DVD set was filmed during one special night last November as an extraordinary collection of artists came together at the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA to perform and celebrate the songs of Lynyrd Skynyrd, one of the most influential bands of our time.  This unique concert event centered around performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd and features performances by music legends and young talent, culled from multiple genres including Classic Rock, Country and Americana with Trace Adkins, Alabama, Gregg Allman, Blackberry Smoke, Cheap Trick, Charlie Daniels, Peter Frampton, Gov’t Mule, Warren Haynes, John Hiatt, Randy Houser, Jason Isbell, Jamey Johnson, Aaron Lewis, moe., O.A.R., Robert Randolph and Donnie Van Zant all coming together to perform songs from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s extensive catalog of music.  Highlights include a special rendition of “Travelin’ Man” with Johnny Van Zant singing along with an archival video of his late brother, Ronnie performing, as well as a rousing rendition of “Sweet Home Alabama” with Skynyrd inviting the entire star-studded line-up up on stage to perform along side them.

Keith Wortman, creator and executive producer of the concert event, broadcast special and music release worked with Ken Levitan and Ross Schilling who also served as executive producers of the show. Don Was led the all-star house band as musical director for the evening.   

As part of the campaign to save the Fox Theatre from demolition, Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded their 1976 live album, One More From The Road, at the landmark theatre. The title Lynyrd Skynyrd - One More For The Fans! was inspired by that legendary album’s title.

Joining in the celebration of the legendary band was AXS TV as it served as the official broadcaster of Lynyrd Skynyrd - One More For The Fans. AXS TV premiered the entire concert event July 19, allowing fans nationwide to enjoy these remarkable performances. Leading up to broadcast though were a series of clip premieres through  Yahoo! Music, Classic Rock Revisited, Relix, Rolling Stone Country and Billboard.  Lynyrd Skynyrd also recently returned to the CMT Crossroads stage with Brantley Gilbert for a performance which aired on June 27, 2015. 

With a catalog of over 60 albums and sales beyond 30 million worldwide, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a cultural icon that appeals to multiple generations. Lynyrd Skynyrd continues to build on the legacy that began over 40 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida.  Led by core members Gary Rossington (guitar)
Johnny Van Zant (vocals) and Rickey Medlocke (guitar), along with longtime drummer Michael Cartellone, the band also includes Mark "Sparky" Matejka (guitar), Johnny Colt (bass), Peter Keys (keyboards) and The Honkettes-Dale Krantz Rossington and Carol Chase-on background vocals.

Lynyrd Skynyrd be on the road this spring and summer (tour dates below) in select cities across the U.S. Click here to see the tour page on the official Lynyrd Skynyrd Web site.

“Lynyrd Skynyrd - One More For The Fans” Track Listing:
1. Whiskey Rock-A-Roller – performed by Randy Houser                
2. You Got That Right – performed by Robert Randolph & Jimmy Hall         
3. Saturday Night Special – performed by Aaron Lewis        
4. Workin’ For MCA – performed by Blackberry Smoke                    
5. Don't Ask Me No Questions – performed by O.A.R.  
6. Gimme Back My Bullets – performed by Cheap Trick
7. The Ballad of Curtis Loew – performed by moe. & John Hiatt
8. Simple Man – performed by Gov't Mule                 
9. That Smell – performed by Warren Haynes           
10.  Four Walls of Raiford – performed by Jamey Johnson              
11.  I Know A Little – performed by Jason Isbell  
12.  Call Me The Breeze – performed by Peter Frampton 
13.  What's Your Name – performed by Trace Adkins          
14.  Down South Jukin’ – performed by Charlie Daniels & Donnie Van Zant
15.  Gimme Three Steps – performed by Alabama                
16.  Tuesday's Gone – performed by Gregg Allman             
17.  Travelin’ Man – performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd With Johnny and Ronnie – Ronnie on big screen
18.  Free Bird - performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd
19.  Sweet Home Alabama – performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd and All-star ensemble

Follow Lynyrd Skynyrd On Social Media:


Greg Lake's Legendary 1981 Performance at the Hammersmith Odeon in London to be issued On CD & Vinyl

Purple Pyramid Records will be releasing legendary Greg Lake's live album from the Hammersmith Odeon in London, November 5, 1981, featuring guitar hero Gary Moore on CD & vinyl! The concert recording features ELP and King Crimson classic tracks such as “Lucky Man”, “Karn Evil 9”, “21st Century Schizoid Man” and “In The Court of The Crimson King”, as well as songs from his critically acclaimed first solo album from 1981. As a founding member of King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Greg Lake has been a major force in music for over 40 years. He has long been considered a legendary voice and musical powerhouse whose impact changed the landscape of rock and roll. Many simply refer to him as “The Voice”.

The Greg Lake Band made its live debut on one of the biggest stages available to it, the annual Reading Festival in England in August 1981. Much of the set was new to the audience – Greg's first solo album would not be released for another month. But the band received a wild reception regardless, and there were enough old favorites on display to ensure the fans remained happy…including the show opener “Fanfare for the Common Man,” truly one of the most effective showstoppers ever to have opened a concert.

The band's full tour kicked off in October. Purposefully, Lake demanded smaller venues, the theaters and universities that truly represented a refreshing change from the monster domes he'd visited the last time he hit the road in 1977 with ELP. The string of shows launched in Wales, at Aberystwyth University, then moved onto Cardiff University, Dunstable Queensway Hall, Norwich University, Liverpool Royal Court Theatre, Newcastle Mayfair, Glasgow University, Edinburgh Playhouse, Sheffield Lyceum, University of Kent Canterbury, Birmingham Odeon, Leicester Polytechnic, Bournemouth Winter Gardens, Exeter University, St Austell Cornwall Coliseum, Crawley Leisure Centre and, finally, London's Hammersmith Odeon.

It was not an extravagant performance - no lasers, no levitating keyboards, no priceless Persian carpets. The myths and legends that surrounded ELP when they toured were all firmly locked away. The Greg Lake Band toured like a band, and on stage they simply took up their positions and played. Brilliantly.

That last date on the tour is where this disc was recorded, in front of 2,000 fans who now had every note of Greg's new album memorized, and the rest of the set firmly entrenched in their DNA: the snatch of “Karn Evil 9” that eased out of the opening “Fanfare”; “Love You Too Much,” the song Lake co-wrote with Dylan in what remains another of the tantalizing collaborations of the age; “Retribution Drive” and “The Lie” from Greg Lake. “21st Century Schizoid Man” and “The Court Of The Crimson King,” from Lake’s stint with King Crimson, wrapped up the evening in positively rhapsodic fashion, and, finally, “C'est La Vie,” from ELP's Works. (The version of this track included on the CD is taken from a show in New York City 1981)

“A single night at the tail end of a single tour, alive with promise, bristling with presence. And welcoming back some new friends, too” - Dave Thompson, writer

Tracks:
Medley: Fanfare For The Common Man / Karn Evil 9
Nuclear Attack
The Lie
Retribution Drive
Lucky Man
Parisienne Walkways
You Really Got A Hold On Me
Love You Too Much
21st Century Schizoid Man
In The Court Of The Crimson King
Bonus Track: C'est La Vie (Live in NYC 1981)

To purchase:
Pre-order the CD: http://flyt.it/GregLakeCD
Pre-order the Vinyl: http://flyt.it/GregLakeLP
Pre-order the digital: http://flyt.it/GregLakedig

Greg Lake's official website: www.greglake.com