'Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story, The Soundtrack' available June 8, 2018

Wanted to help get the word out about this important soundtrack set for release in early June...

SOUNDTRACK TO CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED DOCUMENTARY 
BESIDE BOWIE: THE MICK RONSON STORY AVAILABLE JUNE 8 VIA UMe

FIRST-EVER CAREER-SPANNING COMPILATION FEATURES KEY TRACKS FROM RONSON’S SOLO ALBUMS, COLLABORATIONS WITH DAVID BOWIE, ELTON JOHN, IAN HUNTER, MICHAEL CHAPMAN AND QUEEN AND EXCLUSIVE NEW CONTRIBUTIONS FROM JOE ELLIOTT AND MIKE GARSON

BESIDE BOWIE: THE MICK RONSON STORY, THE SOUNDTRACK AVAILABLE ON CD, DIGITAL, VINYL AND LIMITED EDITION COLOR VINYL

“As a rock duo, I thought we were every bit as good as Mick [Jagger] and Keith [Richards], 
or Axl [Rose] and Slash. Ziggy [Stardust] and Mick [Ronson] were the 
personification of that rock & roll dualism.” – David Bowie

“Mick Ronson was a guitarist with a sound like no other. Between 1970 and 1974, he was the musical genius behind David Bowie's greatest run of albums, The Man Who Sold the World, Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, and Pin Ups. Not only did he play guitar, he wrote the arrangements, baroque soundscapes that perfectly complemented Bowie's vision” – The Guardian

Los Angeles – April 13, 2018 – UMe is pleased to announce the release of Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story, The Soundtrack on June 8. The album comes on the heels of the film’s streaming debuts on Hulu and Amazon Prime following last year’s successful theatrical run and the DVD/Blu-ray releases.

The soundtrack is the first official career retrospective compilation for the guitar virtuoso, Mick Ronson, known affectionately as “Ronno.” As well as highlights from Ronson’s solo records, the compilation includes material from his key collaborations with David Bowie, Elton John, Ian Hunter, Michael Chapman and Queen. The album also includes a previously unreleased cover version of “This Is For You” by Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott and a piano tribute to Ronson from Bowie’s piano-man and band alumni Mike Garson (David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins). The soundtrack includes extensive essay & liner notes and will be available on CD and digital and heavy-weight 180-gram black vinyl. There will also be a limited edition red vinyl version available exclusively at uDiscover. Pre-order Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story, The Soundtrack now on CD/digital: https://Besidebowie.lnk.to/CD-Digital or vinyl: https://Besidebowie.lnk.to/Vinyl

Limited edition red vinyl: https://UMe.lnk.to/BesideBowieRedVinyl

For the career-spanning documentary, producer/director Jon Brewer (“BB King: The Life of Riley,” “Nat King Cole: Afraid of the Dark,” “Jimi Hendrix: Guitar Hero,” “The Most Dangerous Band in The World”) gained the unprecedented access and permission for use of materials relating to the life of rock hero Mick Ronson, who was largely commercially overlooked despite his direct contribution and pivotal involvement in countless iconic compositions of David Bowie and The Spiders from Mars.

Despite his production and guitar work with Lou Reed, Morrissey, Ian Hunter and Mott The Hoople, Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp and many others, it is Ronson’s dynamic support, contribution, and co-creation of the expansive and multi-faceted career of David Bowie and in fact that era of music, that the film and this soundtrack exposes. Featuring exclusive narration by David Bowie and exclusive contributions by Rick Wakeman, Joe Elliott, Roger Taylor, Ian Hunter, Angie Bowieand many more, “Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story” is a tribute to an uncomplicated man who achieved the pinnacle of success in the music industry as well as the rarefied respect from his contemporaries for his production and guitar skills.  

His humble beginnings (in the northern English city of Hull) underpinned the values and modest, unpretentious personality of Ronson. Originally working with Hull City Council while he pursued his craft with consummate dedication, word of his talent reached Bowie who grabbed at the chance to work with Ronson, and from there rock history was made. “The Man Who Sold the World”, ‘Aladdin Sane’ “Hunky Dory”, “Jean Genie, all were constructed with Ronno on guitar. In 1974, he was voted #2 'Best Guitarist' in Cream magazine (notably Eric Clapton came in third).

  

Sadly, in 1993 Ronson passed away before receiving the recognition he so richly deserved before taking that final bow, as seen on film, at his last show. He had been making a solo album at the time, which was subsequently finished by his contemporaries. Emperor Media have achieved ultimate authenticity and access in chronicling the life and works of this man, an extraordinary talent who became a cornerstone of rock music and who stood “Beside Bowie” during one of the most memorable periods of his dazzling career.

Full list of film contributors – Mike Garson, Mary Finnegan, Bob Harris, Jon Brewer, Suzi Ronson, Angie Bowie, Mick Ronson, Kevin Cann, David Stopps, Maggie Ronson, Tony Visconti, Dana Gillespie, Joe Elliott, Laurence Myers, Mick Rock, Rick Wakeman, Cherry Vanilla, Tony Zanetta, David Bowie, Ian Hunter, Lou Reed, Earl Slick, Lulu, Glen Matlock, Mark Nevin, Roger Taylor

Praise for “Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story”

“This film pays homage to the astoundingly modest virtuoso, without whom several artists’ albums (including Lou Reed’s Transformer) would be much the poorer” – The Guardian

“Jon Brewer’s new documentary provides great insight into the relationship between David Bowie and his guitarist, MickRonson (left, with Bowie). At its heart, this is a celebration of Ronson, who also worked with Bob Dylan, John Mellencampand Lou Reed…” The Daily Mail

““I didn’t really know what was going on, so I just stood on his left side so I could watch his hands.” And there, on David Bowie’s left side, stood Mick Ronson for 18 glorious months as Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars blazed a decidedly glamorous trail across the music scene. This exhaustive documentary from Jon Brewer explores Ronson’s contribution to Bowie’s music and career (clue: it was considerable)” – The Times

BESIDE BOWIE: THE MICK RONSON STORY, THE SOUNDTRACK 
TRACK LISTING

1. Queen, Ian Hunter, David Bowie, Mick Ronson, Joe Elliott & Phil Collen – “All The Young Dudes” (Live)
   Recorded live at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert For AIDS Awareness, April 20, 1992 at Wembley Stadium, London
2. Michael Chapman – “Soulful Lady”
   Originally appeared on Fully Qualified Survivor (1970)
3. Elton John – “Madman Across The Water”
   Originally appeared on Rare Masters (1992)
4. David Bowie – “Moonage Daydream”
   Originally appeared on The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972)
5. David Bowie – “Cracked Actor”
   Originally appeared on Aladdin Sane (1973)
6. David Bowie – “Time”
   Originally appeared on Aladdin Sane (1973)
7. Ian Hunter – "Once Bitten, Twice Shy"
   Originally appeared on Ian Hunter (1975)
8. Mick Ronson – “I’d Give Anything To See You”
   Originally appeared on Just Like This (1999)
9. Mick Ronson – “Hard Life”
   Originally appeared on Just Like This (1999)
10. Mick Ronson – “Midnight Love”
    Originally appeared on Heaven and Hull (1994)
11. Mick Ronson – "Like A Rolling Stone"
    Originally appeared on Heaven and Hull (1994)
12. Joe Elliott – “This Is For You” *
13. Queen, David Bowie and Mick Ronson – “Heroes” (Live)
    Recorded live at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness, April 20, 1992 at Wembley Stadium, London
14. Mike Garson – “Tribute To Mick Ronson” *

* Previously Unreleased

SOUNDTRACK

CD/digital: https://Besidebowie.lnk.to/CD-Digital or

Vinyl: https://Besidebowie.lnk.to/Vinyl

Limited Edition Red Vinyl: https://UMe.lnk.to/BesideBowieRedVinyl

FILM

Blu-ray: https://Besidebowie.lnk.to/Blu-Ray

DVD: https://Besidebowie.lnk.to/DVD

http://www.cardinalreleasing.com/

Tributes to Glen Campbell: Jason Falkner, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Ringo Starr, more...

Glen Campbell in 2009.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Tributes continue to roll in with the news that singer-songwriter Glen Campbell passed away earlier today (August 8, 2017) at the age of 81 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Recording Academy™ Statement regarding Glen Campbell
Aug. 8, 2017

"Six-time GRAMMY^® winner Glen Campbell was, and always will be, an American treasure. In a career spanning more than six decades, Glen contributed to countless hits as part of the renowned group of session musicians known as the Wrecking Crew. As an artist, his remarkable voice, top-level guitar work, and dazzling showmanship shot him to superstardom in the 1960s, and he became one of the most successful pop/country crossover artists of all time. Glen received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy™ in 2012, our formal acknowledgment of his immense contributions to music and culture and we’ll always cherish his historic appearance at the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards^® in 2012, one of his last performances. We have lost an icon who will be greatly missed, but Glen’s musical gifts will live on forever."

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
Recording Academy


Check out singer-songwriter/guitarist Jason Falkner's amazing version of Glen Campbell's 1968 hit "Wichita Lineman" posted today:






"Heartbroken. I owe him everything I am, and everything I ever will be. He will be remembered so well and with so much love."
Ashley Campbell
Glen Campbell's daughter and a long-time member of his band

"It's always tragic when you hear of a friend passing, but he had to be miserable that last few years of his life. At least he doesn't have to deal with that anymore. We worked together a lot through the years. In fact, Glen played on almost all First Edition music. He played a dynamic riff on the guitar that was trend setting. I also shot a few of his album covers back in the day and, at the time, I never knew people were paid to do that, but a few weeks later I received a check in the mail that was unexpected and highly received. I'll never forget that. He was a good friend and it breaks my heart that he's not here to contribute to music anymore."
Kenny Rogers
Singer-songwriter

"I'm very broken up to hear about my friend Glen Campbell. An incredible musician and an even better person. I'm at a loss. Love & Mercy."
Brian Wilson
Singer-songwriter (The Beach Boys)

"Well Glen Campbell was special because he was so gifted. Glen is one of the greatest voices that ever was in the business, and he was one of the greatest musicians. He was a wonderful session musician as well. A lot of people don’t realize that, but he could play anything. And he could play it really well. So he was just extremely talented. I will always love you, Glen!"
Dolly Parton
Singer-songwriter

"God bless and peace and love to Glen Campbell thanks for the music. The real rhinestone cowboy and love to all his family ."
Ringo Starr
"Very sad to say adios to Glen Campbell. 'Wichita Lineman' is one of my favourite records ever..."
Bob Harris
Noted music host and writer



"Gonna miss you Glen"
Stagecoach Festival



Finally, TJR and I have videotaped a tribute to Glen Campbell. You can watch it via the embedded link below:

40th Anniversary Of "Bohemian Rhapsoday" - Queen: A Night At The Odeon to be released on DVD, Blu-ray November 20

Okay, how cool is this? Is it November 20th yet?

40th Anniversary of "Bohemian Rhapsody"

Queen - A Night At The Odeon, Live At Hammersmith ’75

The First Tour Bohemian Rhapsody Was Ever Performed On

Super Deluxe Box Set, CD (Hollywood Records), DVD & Blu-Ray (Eagle Rock Entertainment)

 for release on November 20

Bohemian Rhapsody To Be Released on 12 inch For The First Time Ever

With Original B-side November 27th 2015

Queen honored At The Q Awards

With Bohemian Rhapsody collecting the Classic Single Award

New York, NY (October 20, 2015)-- "Bohemian Rhapsody" was the song that changed everything, a song that resonates through time, a special moment in music history that has yet to be repeated.  At The Q Awards yesterday, Queen were presented with the Classic Single Award, marking the 40th anniversary of song which was originally released on October 31, 1975.

To mark the occasion for the first time ever, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ will be released on 12 inch Black vinyl with the original B-side ‘I’m In Love With My Car’ on November 27, 2015. Alongside this, Queen, A Night At The Odeon, Live At Hammersmith ’75, is set for release on CD (Hollywood Records), DVD & Blu-Ray (Eagle Rock Entertainment).  This show was a culmination of the 26-date ‘Queen Invite You To A Night At The Opera’ UK tour and the first tour that they had ever performed Bohemian Rhapsody on.

The CD, DVD & Blu-Ray package features the band’s full live show, complete with a never heard before ‘second encore’ of ‘Seven Seas Of Rhye’ and ‘See What A Fool I've Been’.  The DVD and SD Blu-Ray versions also contain two special bonus features – 'Looking Back At The Odeon’, a brand new 22-minute documentary featuring a previously unseen interview with Brian May and Roger Taylor by Old Grey Whistle Test presenter Bob Harris about the 1975 Hammersmith Odeon show, plus the rarely seen Live At The Budokan – Japan 1975 footage, featuring three songs (Now I'm Here, Killer Queen and In The Lap Of The Gods… Revisited) recorded during their legendary tour of the Far East.

Spirits were high within the band for this show; ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ - universally hailed as one of the most ground-breaking ‘pop’ songs ever released – was in the middle of its record-breaking nine week run at Number One in the UK charts. Their fourth album, A Night At The Opera (the most expensive record ever made to that point) was climbing the album charts on its way to No 1, which it achieved three days after this concert.   

With over 6.5 million copies sold worldwide, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is one of the world’s most well known and well loved songs. To this day, it continues to top ‘favorite song’ opinion polls and be discovered by new generations of music fans over and over again.  Freddie wrote the whole song – including the composite harmonies – on telephone books and scraps of paper.

Brian May recalled recording ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’; “That was a great moment, but the biggest thrill for us was actually creating the music in the first place. I remember Freddie coming in with loads of bits of paper from his dad's work, like Post-it notes, and pounding on the piano. He played the piano like most people play the drums. And this song he had was full of gaps where he explained that something operatic would happen here and so on. He'd worked out the harmonies in his head."

Queen spent days overdubbing the vocals in the studio using a 24 track tape machine. By the time they were done, about 120 vocal tracks were layered together.  The opera parts alone took longer than 70 hours to complete.  At the time, it was the most expensive single ever made and upon presenting it to their record label, they were told by various executives that 5 minutes 55 seconds was too long and the song would never be a hit.  But after the song was played by DJ and friend of Freddie, Kenny Everett, 14 times in two days before its official release, the song was only ever destined to be a hit.  Hordes of fans attempted to buy the single only to be told by record stores that it had not yet been released.  Over in the US, it was the same. American radio RKO managed to get a copy of the tape and started to play it in across their network, which forced the hand of Queen's US label to release the song in its entirety.

‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ was Queen's first ever number 1 single and the 1975 UK Christmas number one, holding the top position for nine weeks. It is the first song ever to get to number one in the UK twice with the same version, and is also the only single to have been Christmas number one twice with the same version. The second was upon its re-release (as a double A-side single with ‘These Are the Days of Our Lives’) in 1991 following Mercury's death, staying at number one for five weeks,  eventually becoming the UK's third best-selling single of all time.

The single has sold in excess of 6.5 million copies worldwide and has been covered by everyone from Kayne West during his 2015 controversial Glastonbury headline slot, Axl Rose, Elton John and Pink to The Flaming Lips and Elaine Paige and forever immortalized again by Mike Myers and Dana Carvey in the smash hit 90’s film, Wayne’s World.

Queen - A Night At The Odeon, Live At Hammersmith ’75 released November 20th

12-inch Black Vinyl Version released November 27th

Full Tracklisting (CD/Vinyl/Digital)

1. Now I'm Here

2. Ogre Battle

3. White Queen (As It Began)

4. Bohemian Rhapsody

5. Killer Queen

6. The March Of The Black Queen

7. Bohemian Rhapsody (Reprise)

8. Bring Back That Leroy Brown

9. Brighton Rock

10. Guitar Solo

11. Son And Daughter

12. Keep Yourself Alive

13. Liar

14. In The Lap Of The Gods... Revisited

15. Big Spender

16. Jailhouse Rock Medley

17. Seven Seas Of Rhye

18. See What A Fool I've Been

19. God Save The Queen

 *DVD and SD Blu-ray formats do not include Seven Seas Of Rhye or See What A Fool I've Been.