Blu-ray Essentials: 'Weird: The Al Yankovic Story', Bill Idol's 'State Line

Those looking to get the perfect gift for a favorite music lover in their life should consider picking up one or both of the terrific titles featured in this column.

Movie Title: Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (Shout! Factory)

You might like if you enjoy: "Weird Al" Yankovic, 1980s music, "This Is Spinal Tap" rockumentary, actor Daniel Radcliffe

Tell me more: "Weird Al" Yankovic's unique career path forged by a groundbreaking artist who writes, records and performs songs that are extremely funny while also poking fun at the world around him has made him a favorite since the late 1970s. Now the 2022 parody biopic Weird: The Al Yankovic Story has been released (the film is available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD formats) to own. Directed by Eric Appel, the film stars Daniel Radcliffe as "Weird Al" along with Evan Rachel Wood and Rainn Wilson. Not only is Weird: The Al Yankovic Story a compelling and seriously funny flick, but the newly issued title (released by Shout! Factory on Dec. 12, 2023) features a slew of terrific bonus features of interest to fans of the film and the multi-Grammy Award winning Yankovic. The "4K Ultra HD" version reviewed by this writer includes a new 4K master with HDR and Dolby Vision, a new audio commentary with Yankovic and Appel, a new presentation of deleted/extended/alternate scenes hosted by Yankovic and Appel, and a featurette on the making of the film. Additionally, there are movie trailers and promos, press interviews with the cast and crew, the lyric video for "Now You Know" and a fun "Late Night with Seth Meyers" interview with Yankovic and Radcliffe. Information: shoutfactory.com.

Artist: Billy Idol 
Title: State Line: Live At The Hoover Dam (MVD Visual)

You might like if you enjoy: Billy Idol, New Wave rock

Tell me more: Following its successful limited theatrical run, Billy Idol's historic and rousing performance at the Hoover Dam in April 2023 is now available on both DVD and Blu-ray (the latter reviewed here) courtesy of MVD Visual. The aptly-titled State Line: Live At The Hoover Dam chronicles the first-ever concert ever performed at the dramatic setting located on the Nevada/Arizona state line; Idol along with his terrific band and several notable guests are definitely up for the occasion and the film and bonus features capture every moment of the event. The audio and video quality on the Blu-ray are truly outstanding and the viewer is treated to a front row seat at every turn. Directed by George Scott and Vincent Adam Paul, the highlight of the title is the 16-track full length concert where Idol performs a mix of his enduring rock hits and compelling new songs. 

Billy Idol performing at the Hoover Dam.
Photo credit: Jane Stuart

Kicking things off with a hard rocking "Cradle of Love," Idol and the troupe of other musicians and backup singers are obviously having as much fun as the intimate crowd of 250 fans treated to attend the show in person. Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones and No Doubt bassist Tony Kanal join in the fun on "Dancing With Myself." There is not a single wasted moment during the performance; early standouts include the dynamic "Flesh for Fantasy" (featuring spectacular guitar work from Idol's longtime guitarist Steve Stevens), the reflective mid-tempo rocker "Bitter Taste," and semi-acoustic "Eyes Without a Face" where Idol showcases his strong vocals. Late performance highlights include a strong performance of "John Wayne" with Idol sharing lead vocals with singer Alison Mosshart (The Kills, The Dead Weather), the confessional melodic rocker "Running From The Ghost," spirted extended version of "Blue Highway," and rousing closer "White Wedding." Bonus features include an exclusive Q&A with Steve Stevens and an acoustic performance of "To Be A Lover," "Eyes Without a Face" and Rebel Yell." There is also a colorful six-panel concert booklet. Information: billyidol.net.

Robert Kinsler

CELEBRATING DAVID BOWIE reveals special guests ahead of tour kickoff this Saturday, February 10, 2018

Singer-songwriter David Bowie performs on stage at the Pond 
in Anaheim, California in 2004. Photo credit: Kelly A. Swift

There is exciting news as it relates to the forthcoming CELEBRATING DAVID BOWIE tour that kicks off this coming weekend. A number of special guests set to perform at select dates has just been revealed. The full media release that was issued today has been posted below. On a related now, Click here to read my tribute to David Bowie that ran following his death in January 2016.

CELEBRATING DAVID BOWIE

REVEALS SPECIAL GUESTS

AHEAD OF NORTH AMERICAN TOUR KICKOFF

THIS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2018

EVAN RACHEL WOOD, JOE SUMNER, MR HUDSON,

COREY GLOVER, MARK PLATI, SASS JORDAN,

FANTASTIC NEGRITO AND DAVID LIEBMAN

TO APPEAR AT SELECT DATES OF UPCOMING

27-DATE TOUR

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

In anticipation of this weekend's North American tour launch Saturday, February 10 near Washington, D.C., CELEBRATING DAVID BOWIE is excited to reveal the initial list of special guest stars that will be joining the lineup throughout the tour's 27-date run, including Evan Rachel Wood, Joe Sumner, Mr Hudson, Corey Glover and more. See below for full list of guests and which cities to catch them in.

The CELEBRATING DAVID BOWIE full band features key members of David Bowie's bands including Mike Garson (keys/CdB band leader), Earl Slick (guitar), Gerry Leonard (guitar) and Carmine Rojas (bass), along with vocalist Bernard Fowler, who is known for his work with The Rolling Stones, and 2017 Grammy nominee, vocalist Gaby Moreno. Garson was Bowie's longest and most frequent band member, having performed together for both David's first and last concerts in the United States as well as 1,000 concerts around the globe in between.

Following its official kickoff this Saturday in Silver Spring, MD--the U.S. city where Bowie first stepped foot in when entering the country in September 1971 (read about that visit here)--CELEBRATING DAVID BOWIE will travel throughout North America, stopping in such cities as Philadelphia, New York City (February 12 at Irving Plaza), Boston, Montreal, Toronto, Detroit, Minneapolis, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles (February 28 at The Wiltern), Mexico City, San Francisco, Tucson, Seattle, Portland, Fort Lauderdale, and Atlanta, among others, before wrapping March 19 in New Orleans. Full tour routing is below.

Here's where to catch these CELEBRATING DAVID BOWIE special guests on tour:

• Corey Glover: The Living Colour lead singer/founding member will be performing at the first 4 shows of the CdB tour in Silver Spring, Philadelphia, New York and Albany.

• David Liebman: The sax legend--whose career stretches nearly 50 years--is confirmed for the New York City show.

• Evan Rachel Wood: The Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actress--currently starring in HBO's critically acclaimed series Westworld--and one-half of the electro-pop music group Rebel and a Basketcase will be appearing at both the Las Vegas and Los Angeles shows.

• Fantastic Negrito: The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter will be joining the CdB band in Los Angeles.

• Joe Sumner: The CdB alum and Fiction Plane singer/songwriter--and son of Sting--is confirmed for 13 shows in Silver Spring, Philadelphia, New York, Los Angeles, Mesa, Tucson, Seattle, Portland, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Clearwater, Atlanta and New Orleans.

• Mark Plati: The guitarist and producer, who was also a Bowie band member, musical director and producer, will be joining for 8 shows in New York, Boston, Montreal, Toronto, Detroit, Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Chicago.

• Mr Hudson: The CdB alum and British singer/songwriter/producer--who's worked with Kanye West, Jay-Z, Duran Duran, Miley Cyrus, and DJ Snake and has toured with Amy Winehouse, The Police and Kanye West--will be appearing at 14 upcoming shows in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, San Diego, Mesa, Tucson, Seattle, Portland, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Clearwater, Atlanta and New Orleans.

• Sass Jordan: The Canadian songstress--named Billboard's Best Female Rock Vocalist and who has worked with Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Foo Fighters, Van Halen and many more--is set to appear at the Toronto CdB show.

More than just a mere salute, CELEBRATING DAVID BOWIE keeps Bowie's music alive with musicians who worked closely with him throughout his career and other top musicians greatly influenced by him. The rotating ensemble with world class multi-instrumentalists changing song to song will perform a show highlighting elements that influenced Bowie and that in turn Bowie influenced: pop culture experimentation, art, fashion, science and futurism.

Look for additional guests to be announced as well as surprise appearances along the way.  For the latest news and to purchase tickets, visit CelebratingDavidBowie.com by clicking here and follow along via CdB's social media pages (links below).

Catch CELEBRATING DAVID BOWIE in the following cities:

DATE				CITY	VENUE
North America Tour Dates:
Sat	2/10		Silver Spring, MD		The Fillmore Silver Spring
Sun	2/11		Philadelphia, PA		Keswick Theatre
Mon	2/12		New York, NY		Irving Plaza
Tue	2/13		Albany, NY		The Egg
Fri	2/16		Boston, MA		Chevalier Theatre
Sat	2/17		Montreal, QC		M Telus
Sun	2/18		Toronto, ON		Danforth Music Hall
Mon	2/19		Detroit, MI		Royal Oak Music Theatre
Wed	2/21		Minneapolis, MN		Pantages Theatre
Thu	2/22		Milwaukee, WI		Pabst Theatre
Fri	2/23		Chicago, IL		The Vic Theatre
Sun	2/25		Denver, CO		Paramount Theatre
Tue	2/27		Las Vegas, NV		Brooklyn Bowl
Wed	2/28		Los Angeles, CA		The Wiltern
Thu	3/1		Mexico City, MEX		Plaza Condesa
Sat	3/3		San Francisco, CA		Regency Ballroom
Sun	3/4		Santa Rosa, CA		Luther Burbank Center
Tue	3/6		San Diego, CA		Balboa Theatre
Wed	3/7		Mesa, AZ		Mesa Arts Center
Thu	3/8		Tucson, AZ		Rialto Theatre
Sat	3/10		Seattle, WA		Benaroya Hall
Sun	3/11		Portland, OR		Roseland Theater
Wed	3/14		Fort Lauderdale, FL		Parker Playhouse
Thu	3/15		Orlando, FL		The Plaza Live
Sat	3/17		Clearwater, FL		Capitol Theatre
Sun	3/18		Atlanta, GA		Buckhead Theatre
Mon	3/19		New Orleans, LA		Tipitina's

  

For more information on CELEBRATING DAVID BOWIE, go to:

Website: http://celebratingdavidbowie.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CelebratingDavidBowieOfficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celebrating_david_bowie/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CdBTour