'Light Up The Blues 7' coming to the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on April 26

 What a lineup!

Nathaniel Rateliff and Rufus Wainwright Join Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Billy Idol, Cat Power, Linda Perry, Chris Stills, Christina Applegate, and Very Special Guests For Autism Speaks Light Up The Blues 7 Concert, Celebrating Autism Speaks’ 20th Anniversary, at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on April 26, 2025

 

Hosted by Kristen and Stephen Stills, the evening promotes understanding and inclusion of people with autism

Tickets are on sale HERE.

Los Angeles, CA (April 1, 2025) – Nathaniel Rateliff and Rufus Wainwright will join Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Billy Idol, Cat Power, Linda Perry, Chris Stills, Oliver Stills, Christina Applegate and more in Los Angeles on April 26, 2025 at the Greek Theatre for the Autism Speaks Light Up The Blues 7 Concert. Hosted once again by Kristen and Stephen Stills, and promoted by Nederlander Concerts, the event will feature performances by autistic musical artists including The Spectrum Bluegrass Band and Abbey Romeo, and will begin at 7:00 PM PST. Tickets are on sale HERE.

Neil Young & Stephen Stills at Light Up the Blues 2023 (Photo courtesy of Light Up the Blues)

​​The Light Up the Blues Concert, presented by the Indianapolis Colts, returns for its seventh year and will celebrate Autism Speaks’ 20th anniversary and the autism community, while helping to fuel Autism Speaks’ work to provide resources and services for all autistic individuals, across the spectrum and throughout their lifespan. Proceeds from the Light Up The Blues 7 Concert will support Autism Speaks’ efforts, which include funding research, increasing early childhood screening and interventions, and improving the transition to adulthood for people with autism.

Kristen Stills and Stephen Stills arrive on the blue carpet at the Autism Speaks Light Up The Blues 6 Concert at The Greek Theatre on April 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harmony Gerber/Getty Images) Kristen and Stephen Stills said, “We are once again feeling grateful that we can play a part in helping Autism Speaks to fulfill their mission of creating such meaningful progress for autistic people and their families. There are a multitude of existing challenges and now, here in Los Angeles, we face a new reality of added need for our autism community. The trajectory of getting back to a sense of normalcy is very complex. We know that our support of Autism Speaks will help to ensure that the path will be smoother and approached with sensitivity and care. All the amazing artists joining us to celebrate autistic people will give our audience a night to remember for many years to come and we can’t wait to be with them once again!” “Kristen and Stephen Stills are once again using the power of music to amplify the voices of the autism community, and we’re grateful for their dedication to making this event a force for change,” said Keith Wargo, Autism Speaks President and Chief Executive Officer. “As Autism Speaks marks its 20th anniversary, we’re not just reflecting on how far we’ve come—we’re pushing forward, driven by the voices of autistic people, to tear down barriers and create a world where disability inclusion is a reality. Over the next two decades, we’re redefining what’s possible—fearlessly fighting for access to health and wellness services, employment, and community support so that every autistic person has the opportunities they deserve.” Taking place during World Autism Month, The Light Up The Blues 7 Concert reinforces Autism Speaks’ commitment to standing with the autistic community by encouraging everyone to celebrate differences and include people with autism in all aspects of society. Supporters can help make a world of difference for autistic individuals this April and year-round by visiting AutismSpeaks.org. In addition, Autism Speaks is stepping up to support communities affected by the LA fires by offering tailored virtual resources and partnering with local providers to assist frontline response efforts—maximizing existing resources to make an immediate impact. Over the years, the Light Up the Blues Concert has featured artists and guests including Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash, John Mayer, Jack Black, Patti Smith, Joe Walsh, Willie Nelson, Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow, Beck, Burt Bacharach, Dax Shepard, Kristen Bell, Don Felder, Jakob Dylan, Nikka Costa, The War On Drugs, and more, and has raised millions of dollars in support of Autism Speaks, helping to drive the organization’s mission.   About Autism: Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. We now know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, and each person with autism can have unique strengths and challenges. A combination of genetic and environmental factors influence the development of autism, and autism often is accompanied by medical issues such as GI disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances. Autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the U.S.   About Autism Speaks: Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. In response to the pressing needs of the 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults with autism in the U.S. today, Autism Speaks provides resources and tools for autistic individuals of all ages and levels of support. Connecting millions of people with autism and their families to free services, supports, research, innovation and advances in care, the nonprofit serves as a convener for the autism community with the goal of making a real difference for all people on the autism spectrum. To find resources, join an event or make a donation, go to AutismSpeaks.org and follow @AutismSpeaks on social media.    About the Greek Theatre: The Greek Theatre is a 5,901-seat music venue located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California. It was built in 1930, opening on September 25 of that year. Designed by architect Samuel Tilden Norton, the theatre stage is modeled after a Greek temple. The Greek Theatre is owned by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks. The venue is among the City’s most cherished public sites.   The historic Greek Theatre stands as one of the nation’s most beloved and recognized outdoor entertainment venues. Throughout its history, the Greek Theatre has played host to some of the biggest legends in music. This iconic venue has also served as a site for numerous high school graduations, community events and backdrops for television shows and motion pictures. For more information visit: www.lagreektheatre.com About Nederlander Concerts: Nederlander Concerts promotes and produces a wide range of quality live entertainment throughout the United States and in 2024 was ranked among the top 20 promoters in the country by Pollstar magazine.  As a boutique, independent event promotion and venue management firm, Nederlander operates and/or programs the most coveted and awarded small to mid-sized venues, including the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, Vina Robles Amphitheatre in Paso Robles, The Backyard in Sacramento, Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre in Pocatello, Idaho, San Jose Civic, and California Performing Arts Center in San Jose, among others. Also, the company promotes events at third party arenas, theatres, and clubs across the country, including the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, the Grove of Anaheim, San Diego Civic, Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks, Paramount Theatre in Oakland, Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts in Worcester and many more. For more information on Nederlander Concerts visit  Official Website l Facebook l Twitter l Instagram

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

Ringo Starr returns with wonderful "February Sky"

Check out the latest news on Ringo Starr and be sure to listen to his wonderful new single "February Sky" too...Robert Kinsler

RINGO STARR "FEBRUARY SKY" Impacting April 12, 2024 Format(s): Classic Rock, Rock

 

 

Today Ringo Starr releases “February Sky,” the first single from his upcoming EP, Crooked Boy. This will be his fourth consecutive EP,  and it includes 4 original tracks. All songs were written and produced by Linda Perry for Starr to make his own, adding vocals and playing drums. The EP will be released on a limited-edition marble vinyl on Record Store Day, April 20, 2024.    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 – and Crooked Boy, consisting of “February Sky,” “Gonna Need Someone,” “Adeline,” and “Crooked Boy” is the result.   “Linda made me a great EP – she produced it in her studio and then sent me the tracks and I added the drumming and my vocals,” Ringo said.  “'February Sky' is great - very moody - but since Linda wrote these specifically for me - it of course has to have a positive peace & love element.”     “Gonna stand up rise above the rain Start a revolution in these brighter days Found the missing pieces That were vacant to the eye Well I Had enough of February sky”   “February Sky” is available to stream and download now on all platforms.  A visualizer was also created that includes never seen clips from Ringo’s archives.      Fans can get a first listen to the entire EP at Amoeba Music Hollywood on April 18th. Amoeba will have an exclusive “February Sky” red vinyl 7” single available for sale at this event in limited quantities. Details for the playback and single are available here.    In other Ringo news: Through Julien’s Auctions Ringo recently published his 8th book, Beats & Threads. 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    Ringo will also be taking his All Starr Band back on the road for 12 shows this Spring - dates listed below - with additional dates in the Fall coming soon.    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    For More information, please visit Ringo’s website, RingoStarr.com

New music: William Shatner, Bill Lloyd, Clifford / Wright, Ringo Starr

A field of legendary artists return via outstanding new releases.

Artist: William Shatner

Titles: Bill (Lets Get It Records / Republic Records)

You might like if you enjoy: William Shatner, Leonard Cohen, Brad Paisley, Joe Walsh, Robert Randolph

Tell me more: William Shatner has released a number of celebrated albums dating back to 1968's The Transformed Man. What's so impressive is that how at the age of 90 the famed actor/director/author has released what is likely his most impressive effort. The autobiographical Bill features 14 tracks that collectively chronicle events and challenges of a singular life with compelling candor. The music making equals the cultural icon's ambitious efforts to try and understand the forces at work in his journey; a slew of celebrated artists join in on select tracks recorded during the global pandemic. On the propulsive album opener "I Ride" he taps into the thrill of racing down the road and the freedom that comes with that experience we mostly take for granted. The blues rocker "Made in the Shade" features guitar great Joe Walsh (James Gang, The Eagles) in an enticing effort where Shatner raps with buoyant fervor; in "Masks" Shatner explores the enigma of acting and the "masks" that actors assume in their various roles. The chamber pop flavored "Black Horse" chronicles how a champion horse Shatner had was wrongly transformed into a slave — the artist's obvious guilt about the relationship and how it subsequently led to a deep love of horses and their care comes alive in the song. Other gripping tracks include "Monday Night in London" where Shatner revisits the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic amidst a prog rock soundscape, the gospel flavored "Just Forgive" (with pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph), mortality-focused "What Do We Know" and inspirational "The Bridge." My favorite original of the album is the country-flavored "So Far From the Moon," where Shatner looks back at 1969 when he was hit with the cancellation of "Star Trek," a divorce and was sleeping in the back of his pickup truck in a sleeping bag while doing a tour of dinner theater venues. Nevertheless, he finds strength in the memory knowing that he had met the Apollo 11 astronauts about a year before they successfully landed on the lunar surface. Brad Paisley's flashy lead guitar work and emotive vocals bolster Shatner's reflective reflections on the terrific track. Information: BillTheAlbum.com. 

Artist: Bill Lloyd

Title: Working The Long Game (Big Stir Records / SpyderPop Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, Big Star, Tal Bachman

Tell me more: Bill Lloyd's ninth solo album "Working The Long Game" is loaded with songs that feature plenty of hooks, top-tier musicianship, stellar vocals and magic to spare; it's no wonder that the 2018 album release has just been reissued by Big Stir Records and SpyderPop Records so a wider audience can discover this terrific album. Standouts on the first half of the fantastic reissue include the melodic opener "Satellite" (co-written with Freedy Johnston), luxurious "Working The Long Game," wistful folk rocker "What Time Won't Heal" (co-written by Graham Gouldman of 10cc fame) and baroque pop gem "Wake Up Call." The tuneful "Go-To-Girl," cascading "Yesterday" (co-written by Cheap Trick's Tom Petersson, who also plays bass on the track) and glorious "Merch Table" shine on the latter half of "Working The Long Game." "Working The Long Game" is available on vinyl LP, audio CD and streaming on all digital platforms. Information: BigStirRecords.com. 

Artist: Clifford / Wright

Title: For All The Money In The World (Cliffsong Records/BFD)

You might like if you enjoy: Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Greg Kihn Band

Tell me more: This year has seen the release of a diverse parade of special reissues and hidden treasures. Add to that list the Clifford / Wright 11-track album For All The Money In The World. Doug "Cosmo" Clifford, the founding drummer of Creedence Clearwater Revival, has dipped into his so-called "Cosmo's Vault" to release a collection of cuts he recorded during the 1980s with bassist Steve Wright (a member of the Greg Kihn Band). With the rhythm section complete, a number of top guests were brought in to complete the recording. Indeed, the list includes guitarists Greg Douglass (of the Steve Miller Band), Jimmy Lyon (Eddie Money) and Joe Satriani along with keyboard players Tim Gorman (The Who) and Pat Mosca (Greg Kihn Band). Keith England sings lead vocals on the project. The previously-unheard material spans from the infectious title track and heartland rocker "I Need Your Love" to the soaring rocker "Lost Pride Fever," mid tempo nugget "I See Your Silhouette" and driving "Lonesome Boy." Listening to the strong tracks across "For All The Money In The World" it's easy to believe a number of these cuts would have graced commercial radio in the 1980s. Information: DougCosmoClifford.com.

Artist: Ringo Starr

Title: Change The World (UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: Ringo Starr, The Beatles, classic rock

Tell me more: Ringo Starr has released his latest EP, the wonderful Change The World, a four-song disc filled with the beloved artist's hopes for a better world. The spirited opener "Let's Change The World" (penned by Toto's Joseph Williams and Steve Lukather) is melodic to be sure, with Starr's signature baritone perfectly in sync with the song's positive flow. The reggae track "Just That Way" (co-written by Starr with Bruce Sugar) is fantastic, bolstered by a deep groove, lush backing female vocals and the addition of horns to enhance the soundscape. Starr's first-ever collaboration with famed singer-songwriter/producer Linda Perry, the countrified "Coming Undone," soars and is bolstered by some sweet licks and a memorable solo from Trombone Shorty. The EP also features a rollicking cover of the 1954 Bill Haley & His Comets classic "Rock Around The Clock," a swinging version of the groundbreaking single that catapulted rock music into the mainstream; that closing track also features guest Joe Walsh. Information: RingoStarr.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Ringo Starr releases 'Change The World' 4-song EP available to order today

 This exciting news just landed in my inbox...Robert Kinsler

Thursday August 12, 2021 – Today, UMe announces Ringo Starr Change The World, a new EP to be released on September 24, 2021. Available to preorder now here,  these 4 tracks were all recorded at Starr’s Roccabella West studio just as he did for his Zoom In EP released in March 2021, and features frequent and new collaborators, creating songs that span the spectrum of pop, country, reggae and rock and roll.

 

Ringo comments, “I’ve been saying I only want to release EPs at this point and this is the next one. What a blessing it’s been during this year to have a studio here at home and be able to collaborate with so many great musicians, some I’ve worked with before and some new friends.”  

 

Starr first shared the news on Thursday, August 12 on talkshoplive®, when he appeared on their Rock 'N' Roll Channel to give fans the first opportunity to pre-order the new EP. 

 

The lead single “Let’s Change The World” delivers a welcome dose of hope and Starr’s trademark optimism. The song was written by Joseph Williams and Steve Lukather both of whom also played on the track with backing vocals by Amy Keys, Zelma Davis, Billy Valentine and Darryl Phinnessee.

 

“Just That Way” was written and performed by Ringo and his longtime engineer Bruce Sugar, and it carries on the reggae vibe from Zoom In’s “Waiting for the Tides to Turn” with Tony Chen returning on guitar, joined by Fully Fullwood on Bass and Ed Roth on Hammond B3 with Zelma and Zho Davis on backing vocals.

 

 “Coming Undone” is Starr’s first collaboration with Linda Perry, who wrote and plays on the track also featuring Trombone Shorty. Everyone can relate to having had moments of coming undone, and the tender, melodic country sounds coupled with Ringo’s warm voice offer a welcome reprieve.

 

For the final number, Ringo rocks his own version of “Rock Around The Clock” revved up by the unmistakable licks of Joe Walsh on guitar.  They are joined by Nathan East on Upright Bass, Bruce Sugar on Piano and Amy Keys and Windy Wagner on Backing Vocals.

 

Change The World will be available digitally and on CD and cassette September 24; the 10” vinyl releases November 19. Pre-order it here.

 

For fans who would like to check out Ringo’s appearance on talkshoplive®:  https://talkshop.live/watch/jcYlJRHICg7T

 

 

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