iHeartMedia announces 2021 lineup for its Legendary ‘iHeartRadio Music Festival’

 A pretty strong lineup of artists set to perform at the 'iHeartRadio Music Festival' in September...Robert Kinsler 

iHeartMedia Announces 2021 Lineup For Its Legendary ‘iHeartRadio Music Festival’

 

The Two-Day Main Stage Event Will Feature Performances by Billie Eilish, Cheap Trick, Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Florida Georgia Line, Journey, Khalid, Lil Baby, Maroon 5, Nelly, Sam Hunt, Weezer and More, Hosted by Ryan Seacrest on September 17 and 18 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas

 

The Daytime Stage at the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Festival Will Feature Performances From DaBaby, Olivia Rodrigo, The Kid LAROI, Saweetie, All Time Low, 24kGoldn, Russell Dickerson, Yungblud, Gabby Barrett, Tate McRae, Conan Gray, Addison Rae and More on September 18 at AREA15 in Las Vegas

 

The CW Network Will Broadcast the Two-Day Televised Special on October 2 and 3, and Exclusively Livestream the Mega-Concert via The CW App and CWTV.com

 

Cheap Trick performing live at the Grammy Museum
in September 2013. 

New York, N.Y. – June 16, 2021 – iHeartMedia today announced the lineup for the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Festival, the annual legendary concert event on Friday, Sept. 17 and Saturday, Sept. 18 at Las Vegas’ hottest entertainment venue, T-Mobile Arena, and its Daytime Stage at the iHeartRadio Music Festival on Saturday, Sept. 18 at the new immersive event and entertainment district, AREA15. This year, the epic two-day lineup for the iHeartRadio Music Festival main stage will feature performances by Billie Eilish, Cheap Trick, Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Florida Georgia Line, Journey, Khalid, Lil Baby, Maroon 5, Nelly, Sam Hunt, Weezer and more. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the iHeartRadio Music Festival will once again include one-of-a-kind collaborations and surprise performances. 

 

The Daytime Stage will feature live performances from DaBaby, Olivia Rodrigo, The Kid LAROI, Saweetie, All Time Low, 24kGoldn, Russell Dickerson, Yungblud, Gabby Barrett, Tate McRae, Conan Gray and Addison Rae, with more to be announced. In addition to live performances from today’s emerging artists, the Daytime Stage will also include fan zones and interactive experiences by iHeartRadio's brand partners.

 

“This year’s Festival will be historic for many reasons,” said Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia. “Not only will it be the first time all of these artists are together on the same stage, but also because it’ll be in front of a live audience. We’ve all been waiting for this moment – live music is back, and we’ll be celebrating like never before.”

 

Weezer / Photo credit: Sean Murphy

Each night, the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Festival will broadcast live for fans via iHeartMedia radio stations throughout the country across more than 150 markets. The CW Network will broadcast a two-night television special on Saturday, Oct. 2 and Sunday, Oct. 3 from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET/PT. In addition, The CW will exclusively livestream both nights of the festival via The CW App and CWTV.com.

 

“Live music has returned to America, and we are celebrating with our most diverse lineup of superstar artists in our 10-year history,” said John Sykes, President of Entertainment Enterprises for iHeartMedia. “We are excited to bring this historical event to fans on iHeartRadio stations across the country, the CW Network and CWTV.com.”

 

Beginning Wednesday, June 23 at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET through Friday, June 25 at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET, Capital One cardholders will have access to special pre-sale tickets for the iHeartRadio Music Festival and the Daytime Stage at the iHeartRadio Music Festival. Tickets will be available only at AXS.com. For more details visit iHeartRadio.com/CapitalOne.

 

Capital One cardholders can also purchase a Capital One Access Pass in addition to their Festival ticket, which includes access to an exclusive cardholder event at the iHeartRadio Music Festival featuring an experience with Khalid and a special guest, as well as complimentary food and beverage, and more. Capital One Access Passes are limited and only available for purchase during the exclusive Capital One Cardholder pre-sale.

 

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, June 25 at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET via AXS.com. 

 

In addition, throughout a summer-long on-air and online promotion, iHeartMedia station listeners across the country will have the chance to win an exclusive trip to Las Vegas where they will join thousands of other dedicated music fans to experience the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena. 

 

Proud partners of this year's event include: Capital One, The CW, Rohto® Cooling Eye Drops, Sprouts Farmers Market, T-Mobile, Advil, Excedrin and Voltaren, with more to be announced.

 

The 2021 iHeartRadio Music Festival is co-produced by John Sykes and Tom Poleman for iHeartMedia; and Michael Dempsey for Dempsey Productions. 

 

For more details about the iHeartRadio Music Festival visit iHeartRadio.com/festival. For news and information about the Daytime Stage, fans can visit iHeartRadio.com/DayStage or follow #iHeartDayStage on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

 

Artists and/or event are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

 

About iHeartMedia, Inc.

iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, reaching over 250 million people each month. It is number one in both broadcast and digital streaming radio as well as podcasting and audio ad tech, and includes three business segments: The iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group; the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group; and the Audio and Media Services Group. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

 

About Capital One

At Capital One we’re on a mission for our customers – bringing them great products, rewards, service, and access to unique and unforgettable experiences they are passionate about. Capital One is a diversified bank that offers products and services to individuals, small businesses and commercial clients. We use technology, innovation and interaction to provide consumers with products and services to meet their needs. Learn more at capitalone.com/access.

 

About The CW

THE CW TELEVISION NETWORK launched in 2006 as America’s fifth broadcast network, with programming targeting younger viewers, a demographic highly sought after by advertisers. The CW, a joint venture between Warner Bros. Entertainment and CBS Corporation, now broadcasts across the week, offering fourteen-hours of primetime programming, Monday through Sunday, beginning in Fall 2021. The CW’s primetime programming is also available to stream for free, without authentication, on the ad-supported cwtv.com and The CW app, now available on every major OTT platform. Additionally, The CW broadcasts a three-hour Saturday morning kids block.  The CW’s digital network CW Seed launched in 2013 and offers original short-form digital content as well as past seasons of fan-favorite television series. For more information about the network and its programming, visit www.cwtvpr.com.

 

About T-Mobile Arena

T-Mobile Arena, the 20,000-seat venue located on the Las Vegas Strip between Park MGM and New York-New York, opened April 6, 2016. The arena hosts more than 100 events annually including major headline entertainment, awards shows, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events, family shows and special events. T-Mobile Arena also is the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League expansion team and the city’s first professional sports team. The venue, named the No. 1 venue on Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Arena Power List as well as the “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar Magazine in 2016, features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none. Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space, features performance stages, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Industry-leading architect Populous designed T-Mobile Arena to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for LEED® Gold Certification. T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit T-MobileArena.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

About AREA15

AREA15, located minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, is the world’s first purpose-built experiential entertainment district offering live events, immersive activations, monumental art installations, extraordinary design elements, unique retail, ground-breaking technology, bars and eateries and much more. With a growing collection of dynamic destinations including Dueling Axes, Emporium Arcade Bar, Lost Spirits Distillery, Oddwood Bar, “Wink World: Portals Into The Infinite,” Museum Fiasco, Rocket Fizz, Five Iron Golf, The Beast by Todd English, OZ Experience and anchor experience, Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, AREA15 is an ever-changing art, retail and entertainment district attracting locals and tourists of all ages.

 

AREA15 represents a collaborative venture between real estate development firm Fisher Brothers and creative agency Beneville Studios, both of New York.

Sights and Sounds: George Ezra & The Decemberists; 'Route 91 Harvest Festival; JODECI

How about one last roundup for the week? 

On the most recent episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING we review George Ezra's Wanted on Voyage and The Decemberists' What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World:

Route 91 Harvest Races towards second year with Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw and Keith Urban setting the pace

"Country's Arrival in Vegas" returns Oct. 2, 3, 4 - Tickets on sale March 13, 2015

Live Nation, in collaboration with MGM Resorts International, has announced that Route 91 Harvest Festival will return to Las Vegas for a second consecutive year October 2 – 4.  The three-day, two-stage festival, held at the MGM Resorts Village, will be headlined by country music superstars Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw and Keith Urban as well as Lady Antebellum, Jake Owen and more.  Passes go on sale Friday, March 13 at 10 a.m. PST at rt91harvest.com.  A Thousand Horses, Frankie Ballard, Mark Chesnutt, Easton Corbin, Clare Dunn, Brett Eldredge, Gloriana, Joe Nichols, Jon Pardi, Chase Rice, The Cadillac Three, Thomas Rhett, Austin Webb and Drake White will also join the all-star lineup with more artists to be announced in the coming weeks. The festival’s second stage, “Next From Nashville,” will return continuing to showcase emerging country artists. More than 20,000 fans attended Route 91 Harvest’s inaugural year. The festival received huge critical praise with the Las Vegas Review-Journal heralding the festival as “country’s arrival in Vegas.” Additionally, Rolling Stone Country commented on the festival’s unrivaled setting, as “there were some of Nashville’s finest, belting out their hits with the backdrop of the Luxor pyramid and glimmering Mandalay Bay.”   This year there will be new VIP options available including Neon Lounge VIP passes which will allow festival-goers to enjoy a shaded side stage lounge, upgraded restroom facilities and special access to a cash bar and food concessions.   For more information on Route 91 Harvest follow updates on Facebook: facebook.com/Route91Harvest, Twitter: twitter.com/Route91Harvest, Instagram: instagram.com/route91harvest and join the conversation on Twitter, using #Rt91Harvest.  About Live Nation Entertainment: Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world's leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation & House of Blues Concerts, LN Media and Artist Nation Management. For additional information, visit: www.livenationentertainment.com. Live Nation's premier country music festival family includes Delaware Junction - Harrington, DE (8/14-8/16), FarmBorough - New York, NY (6/26- 6/28), Faster Horses - Brooklyn, MI (7/17-19), Route 91 Harvest (10/2-10/4) and Watershed - The Gorge, WA (7/31-8/2), for more information and to apply for media credentials for these festivals please visit: thegreenroompr.com/festivals.  About MGM Resorts International: MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The Company is in the process of developing MGM National Harbor in Maryland and MGM Springfield in Massachusetts.  The Company also owns 51 percent of MGM China Holdings Limited, which owns the MGM Macau resort and casino and is developing a gaming resort in Cotai, and 50 percent of CityCenter in Las Vegas, which features ARIA Resort & Casino. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.

JODECI have set March 31, 2015 as the release date of their next album. The Past, The Present, The Future will be available via Epic Records. The digital pre-order for the group's fourth full-length LP and first for Epic Records, is now live on iTunes, and it engages an instant download of the lead single "Every Moment." You can pre-order the album on iTunes,Amazon, and Google Play. When you pre-order the album you receive "Every Moment" instantly along with an instant grat track "Checkin For You."

My review appears in today's print edition in The Orange County Register, and was originally posted on the Register's Web site on Saturday, Sept. 27. A special "thank you" to Kelly A. Swift for the use of her terrific photos!

Jason Aldean performed before a sold-out crowd at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on Sept. 26, 2014.
Photo credit: Kelly A. Swift

ENTERTAINMENT

Jason Aldean heats up Irvine

The singer’s party-ready Burn It Down Tour features rollicking tunes and lots of pyrotechnics.

BY ROBERT KINSLER / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Published: Sept. 27, 2014 Updated: Sept. 28, 2014 5:30 p.m.

Jason Aldean brought his aptly-dubbed Burn It Down Tour to Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on Friday (Sept. 26, 2014), unleashing a 90-minute set featuring more than a dozen big hits and even a couple of new gems.

Performing before a sold-out crowd that was already partying at full speed by the time Aldean and his powerful five-man band took the stage at 9:15 p.m., Aldean opened with “Hicktown” before kicking things up with “My Kinda Party.” Both songs would well have got the attention of the crowd anyway, but real-life pyrotechnics and flames shooting up on the stage itself further enhanced the dynamic video images displayed on the side and rear-projection screens.

Aldean proved early and elsewhere throughout the 90-minute concert that he was performing for two audiences. On one hand, he was leading the house band for the biggest bash in town, courtesy of tunes like “My Kinda Party,” “When She Says Baby” and “Tattoos On This Town.” These were the folks taking selfies and making endless beer runs even during the most riveting concert moments.

On the other hand, Aldean was able to equally deliver for those discerning listeners who have connected with his gifts as a singer and how uniquely he can interpret a wide range of songs. On the yearning pedal steel-adorned “Amarillo Sky,” powerful guitar-anchored “Johnny Cash” and reflective “Fly Over States,” he was able to expertly perform for both of those audiences at once.

With Aldean's next album Old Boots, New Dirt set for release on Oct. 7, the capacity crowd was treated to performances of two new songs from the disc. First up, was the introspective ballad “Two Night Town” followed a few selections later by the already million-selling single “Burnin' It Down,” with a notable drum loop that proved Aldean is ever-ready to bring new shades to his distinctive style.

Aldean's encore was all about the party, with the faithful on their feet as the grunge worthy “She's Country” was unleashed with fireworks to boot.

Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line
perform at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Opening for Aldean was the popular Florida Georgia Line, the duo of Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard. The bro-country pair brought their blend of country, rock, hip-hop and pop to Irvine, clearly impressing the party people with a 45-minute set featuring their biggest hits. “It'z Just What We Do,” “Round Here,” the reggae-tinged “Sun Daze” (which could have been a hit for Sugar Ray), and acoustic “Dirt" (off the upcoming album “Anything Goes”) were highlights.

The contemporary country music scene is rife with artists whose biggest talent is scoring hits despite lacking a clear and compelling artistic vision. Such seemed to be the case with opener Tyler Farr, whose 20-minute set indicated there isn’t a heck of a lot more to the Missouri native than “Thank you for loving country music” pronouncements and generic radio-ready tunes such as the newly unveiled country power ballad “A Guy Walks Into a Bar.” Farr was at his best with his rocking hit “Whiskey In My Water.”

Sights and Sounds: Stagecoach Festival, Jerry Garcia, William Shatner, Leslie West

All kinds of things to share this morning from every corner of the sonic universe...but first the big news on Stagecoach 2014!

Jason Aldean. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

STAGECOACH:

CALIFORNIA’S COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

ANNOUNCES 2014 LINEUP:

ERIC CHURCH, JASON ALDEAN AND LUKE BRYAN TO HEADLINE

Los Angeles, CA – OCTOBER 10^th, 2013 - STAGECOACH 2014--set for Friday, April 25, Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27, 2014--marks the festival’s eighth year at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA.  This year, Eric Church, Jason Aldean, and Luke Bryan headline the 3-day event with additional performances by Hunter Hayes, Florida Georgia Line, Brantley Gilbert, Jennifer Nettles, Loretta Lynn, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and many more. I am especially thrilled that Trampled by Turtles and singer-songwriter Susanna Hoffs will be performing. (Full line-up as of October 10^this available at the Stagecoach Festival Web site). 

Tickets for STAGECOACH: CALIFORNIA’S COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL POWERED BY TOYOTA will go on sale Friday, October 18th at 10 a.m. PDT at Stagecoachfestival.com.  Three-day GA weekend passes are $249. Additionally, new for 2014, choose either the Corral Standing Pit, a standing room only section directly in front of the Toyota Mane stage OR Corral Reserved Seating.  All taxes, shipping and fees are included in listed ticket prices.  What you see is what you pay!  Layaway options available.  Children 10 and under are free.

The “RV RESORT” has expanded for 2014 while continuing to provide a personal and comfortable camping experience.  Campers can choose between 30amp, 50amp or dry camping spots.  In addition, borrowed and Rental RV's are now allowed.

For complete festival information, to review reserved seating options or to apply for an RV spot in the Stagecoach RV Resort, please visit www.stagecoachfestival.com. 

News and Notes: Jerry Garcia, William Shatner, Leslie West

TRI STUDIOS AND EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT

MOVE ME BRIGHTLY

CELEBRATING JERRY GARCIA’S 70^TH BIRTHDAY

FEATURING BOB WEIR, PHIL LESH, BILL KREUTZMANN,

MICKEY HART, DONNA JEAN GODCHAUX,

CARLOS SANTANA, AND LUKE WILSON

PLUS MEMBERS OF VAMPIRE WEEKEND, PHISH, JANE’S ADDICTION, TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS, THE BLACK CROWES, THE HOLD STEADY AND MANY MORE

~ON DVD AND BLU-RAY OCTOBER 29, 2013~

New York, NY (October 10, 2013)— Eagle Rock Entertainment is delighted to announce the release on October 29, 2013 of Move Me Brightly: Celebrating Jerry Garcia’s 70^th Birthday on DVD, Blu-ray and Visual Digital Formats [Pre-book Order Date October 4, MSRP $19.98 Blu-ray, $14.98 DVD].

A must-see for any Deadhead, Move Me Brightly is a film based around a unique musical gathering held to mark what would have been Jerry Garcia’s 70^th birthday at Bob Weir’s TRI Studios in San Rafael, California.

Part insightful documentary and part rousing concert film, Move Me Brightly features contributions from fellow Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart and Donna Jean Godchaux along with Garcia family members and special guests such as Carlos Santana, Sammy Hagar, Mike Campbell, Perry Farrell and Stephen Perkins from Jane’s Addiction, and interviewer Luke Wilson.

The film also features an impressive lineup of musicians representing more recent generations who have been influenced by Jerry Garcia, such as Vampire Weekend’s Chris Tomson, Phish’s Mike Gordon, The Hold Steady’s Craig Finn and Tad Kubler and Furthur’s Joe Russo & Jeff Chimenti.

The one-of-a-kind line-up of Move Me Brightly concert performers featured in the film joined together to perform unique interpretations of Garcia classics including “Terrapin Station,” “Shakedown Street,” “Cumberland Blues,” “New Speedway Boogie,“ “Friend Of The Devil,” and many more. 

Move Me Brightly was directed by Justin Kreutzmann, the son of Grateful Dead drummer Bill.

Move Me Brightly TRACK LISTING:

1) Cumberland Blues  

2) Going Down the Road Feelin’ Bad  

3) Mission in the Rain  

4) Shakedown Street  

5) He’s Gone  

6) Eyes Of The World  

7) Terrapin Station  

8) Days Between  

9) Franklin’s Tower   

10) U.S. Blues

Bonus Performances

1) Friend Of The Devil

2) Bird Song>New Speedway Boogie

Eagle Rock Entertainment is the largest producer and distributor of music programming for DVD, Blu-Ray, TV, Audio and Digital Media in the world.  Eagle works directly alongside talent to produce top quality, High Definition and 3D programs, both concerts and documentaries, including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, Queen, The Doors, Jeff Beck, U2, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney and Ozzy Osbourne. Eagle is a Grammy Award winning company and has received over 30 multi-platinum, over 50 platinum and over 90 gold discs, worldwide.  Eagle Rock Entertainment has offices in London, New York, Toronto, Paris and Hamburg.

www.tristudios.com

www.jerrygarcia.com

www.dead.net

William Shatner has completed a video for "Ponder the Mystery," one of the cuts from his new prog-rock album of the same name. Click here to learn more and view the video.

Local readers will note Shatner is performing a string of area dates here in Southern California in connection with the new album, including at The Coach House in nearby San Juan Capistrano on Friday, Oct. 25, 2013. Visit www.theCoachHouse.com for more details on the concert event.

LESLIE WEST AND PROVOGUE RECORDS TO STAGE RARE IN-STORE APPEARANCES

TO COINCIDE WITH STILL CLIMBING RELEASE

West Confirms 11/01 at NJ's Vintage Vinyl (7PM), 11/02 at Long Island, NY's

Looney Tunes (2PM), and Performance At New York City's Iridium on 11/13

OCTOBER 29TH RELEASE SEES WEST LOOKING FORWARD

JOINED BY JONNY LANG, JOHNNY WINTER, MARK TREMONTI AND DEE SNIDER

New York, NY -- Leslie West will stage two rare in-store appearances that coincide with the release of his upcoming studio album Still Climbing on October 29 via Provogue Records / Mascot Label Group.  The guitarist will appear at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, NJ on November 1 at 7PM (51 Lafayette Rd - 732-225-7717) and at Looney Tunes in West Babylon, NY on November 2 at 2PM (31 Brookvale Avenue - 631-587-7722).  West will host a question and answer with those assembled, and conduct a signing of Still Climbing.

On November 13, West will appear at New York City's Iridium for one-set at 8PM.  For more information: http://theiridium.com/events/1962/leslie-west-with-opener-arielle-verinis-one-set-only-800-pm/ or visit West's new web site that launches today with a premiere of the lyric video created for "Dyin' Since The Day I was Born": www.lesliewestofficial.com.

Originality, excitement, honesty and survival are all part of what makes a legend, and those qualities ripple through every song on West’s upcoming release.  The disc is also a testimonial to the strength and durability of West’s artistry.  Born October 22, 1945, as he approaches the age of 68, West has packed some of the most soulful and searing vocal performances of his half-century career into these eleven tracks, and his guitar has never sounded more massive or riff-propelled. 

Following the success of Unusual Suspects, he approached the new release with vision of tying the albums together.  “This record is a sequel to Unusual Suspects, where I had friends of mine that include Slash, Zakk Wylde, Steve Lukather, Joe Bonamassa and Billy Gibbons come to the studio and play,” West explains.  This time Jonny Lang, Johnny Winter, Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider and Alter Bridge / Creed’s Mark Tremonti do the honors. “What’s different on Still Climbing is that I wanted my guitars to sound as big as I look. So I used four of my Dean signature model guitars with my Mountain of Tone humbucking pickups. I plugged them into my Blackstar amps — no pedals — and turned them up loud and raw, and what you hear is exactly what I did in the studio.  These Blackstar amps deliver everything I need without 'confidence' pedals.  I played one of the early tracks we recorded for Slash, and he said, ‘That is as heavy as it gets.’" 

West, who ascended rock’s Mt. Olympus with his band Mountain in a historic performance at 1969’s Woodstock festival, accomplished all of that despite a life threatening battle with diabetes that cost him most of his right leg in 2011, just after his previous Mascot Label Group release Unusual Suspects was recorded.  "I’m lucky it wasn’t one of my hands or I’d be screwed,” West says with his customary candor.  “It was a difficult struggle, and after the amputation I didn’t know whether I’d ever want to or be able to perform again.  But a month later I played at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp in New York City, and I heard my guitar on stage and that was it. I knew I had to keep going.”

West has been performing since 1965, when he fronted the soul-fired Vagrants in his native New York City.  Rolling Stone placed him at #66 on their list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists.”   His repertoire continues to be relevant with enduring appeal to this day as top selling rap recordings are built around samples from “Long Red,” which appeared on the Mountain album. Jay-Z tapped the tune for his 2004 mega-smash “99 Problems.” So did Kanye West, for  "Barry Bonds" and “The Glory," and Common’s “The People,” along with others.  Recently, Lana Del Rey sampled West's voice and features it in the beginning, middle and end of the worldwide smash "Born To Die."  For Still Climbing, , West re-recorded "Long Red" with his brother and former Vagrants-mate Larry West on bass.  He offers, “It was time for me to let people hear that song the way I do it now.  I used a B-3 organ on it again, but this time it has a lot more balls."

Balls, guts, heart — more words that are part of West’s legend and describe the roaring crescendos and deep emotional roots of Still Climbing — and West himself.  “You know, when it comes to talent, we don’t all move at the same rate of speed,” West muses. “Some people start at the top of their game and after 10 or 20 years you wonder what the hell happened to them. I like to joke that the older I get the better I used to be, but after giving up drugs and smoking, my voice can hit notes that I never could reach before.   I’m thankful for that.”

For More Information, visit:

                     

www.lesliewestofficial.com