Boxsets, Deluxe Reissues and Advance Tracks: The Beatles, David Bowie, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Beck, Stevie Nicks, more!

Check out the latest episode of "TheNEWS" for updates on a number of forthcoming deluxe boxsets and must-hear new advance tracks!

Watch the episode HERE.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2019 class set

The Zombies performing at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, CA
in October 2015. Photo: Robert Kinsler

It was so great to wake up this morning and learn that several of my favorite artists will finally be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As regular readers of this site know, I am a long-time fan of the Zombies and the English group's upcoming induction as part of the class of 2019 is long overdue. I have seen the legendary group a number of times, but the band's performance at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, CA on Oct. 24, 2015 is among my favorites; read my review of that concert here.

Radiohead singer Thom Yorke on April 21, 2017 
Photo: Julian Bajsel courtesy of Goldenvoice

In addition, I was surprised when Radiohead was passed over last year and it was great news to see the band among the artists announced to be inducted next March. Read my review of Radiohead's stunning performance at Coachella in April 2017 here.

I also count the Cure as being an influential and enduring artist who is among modern rock's strongest names. I have loved catching Radiohead several times in concert; read my review of the band's amazing concert in Arizona in March 2012 here. The Cure killed in when I caught them at the legendary Pantages Theatre in L.A. in 2011; read my review of that concert here.

Yours truly hanging out with Phil Collen of Def Leppard during
an interview at his home in the summer of 2011.

The other artists set to be inducted are Def Leppard, Stevie Nicks, Roxy Music and Janet Jackson. I was really happy to see Sheffield, U.K.-spawned rockers Def Leppard gain entry into the Rock Hall; the band always puts on entertaining shows and really found a way to blend the riffs of AC/DC with the harmonies associated with Queen. I am a big fan of the guitar playing of Phil Collen (read my feature article where I got to hang out with the legendary guitar great for a day in 2011 here).

To be eligible, an individual artist or music group must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years before the year of nomination. 

Def Leppard's Phil Collen, left, and Joe Elliott perform for the
crowd during the Jack FM event at Verizon Wireless
Amphitheater on Sept. 10, 2011. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Read my review of Def Leppard's concert at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, CA here. I most recently caught Stevie Nicks in concert in December 2016; read my review of that memorable concert here.

The 2019 induction ceremony will be held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on March 29, 2019. Ticket information will be announced in January 2019.



For more information visit Rockhall.com.


Robert Kinsler




Below is the official media release from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:

THE ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES

2019 INDUCTEES

34^th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Presented by Klipsch Audio Returns to Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY March 29, 2019

Show to Premiere on HBO in the Spring

Cleveland (Dec. 13, 2018) – The names of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2019 Inductees have been released. They are:

Performer Category:

• The Cure
• Def Leppard
• Janet Jackson
• Stevie Nicks
• Radiohead
• Roxy Music
• The Zombies

The 34^th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Klipsch Audio, will take place on Friday, March 29, 2019 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The Rock Hall will unveil its 2019 Inductee exhibit at the Museum in Cleveland, Ohio in conjunction with the celebration.

Ticket on-sale dates will be announced in January. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2019 Induction Ceremony will again have its television premiere on HBO, and a radio broadcast on SiriusXM’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Radio.

Ballots were sent to an international voting body of more than 1,000 artists, including current living Inductees, historians and members of the music industry. Factors such as an artist’s musical influence on other artists, length and depth of career and the body of work, innovation and superiority in style and technique are taken into consideration.

Three of the Inductees were on the ballot for the first time, including: Def Leppard, Stevie Nicks (as a solo artist) and Roxy Music. Additionally, the top five artists, as selected by the public, comprised a “fans’ ballot” that was tallied along with the other ballots to determine the 2019 Inductees. Four of the top five artists (Def Leppard, Stevie Nicks, The Zombies and The Cure) from the fan ballot will be inducted as performers in 2019.

A limited number of pre-sale tickets are available for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members in advance of the public sale date. To be eligible for the member pre-sale opportunity, you must be an active Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member by December 31, 2018. Supporters of the Donor Circle by December 31, 2018 will have the first opportunity to access VIP packages and premium balcony tickets. Additional public ticket details and pre-sale offers will be announced in January. 

For more information on how to become a member, call the membership hotline at (216) 515-8425 or emailmembership@rockhall.org. For information on the Donor Circle, call (216) 515-1222 or email mischay@rockhall.org.

Fans can pre-order exclusive 2019 Inductee t-shirts now at rockhall.com/store.

Klipsch Audio, a leading global speaker and headphone manufacturer, is a strategic partner and presenting sponsor of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, its Induction Ceremony events and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Main Stage. Klipsch’s renowned products deliver the power, detail and emotion of the live music experience throughout the iconic museum.

Follow the Rock Hall on Facebook, Twitter (@rockhall) and Instagram (@rockhall) and join the conversation at #RockHall2019.

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame:

Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock and roll. We share stories of the people, events and songs that shape our world through exhibits, innovative programs and concerts. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online – Visit rockhall.com or Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@rockhall). Long Live Rock!

# # #

Lindsey Buckingham is taking legal action and has sued Fleetwood Mac over his dismissal from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band. TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss the topic on a newly-posted episode:

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announces nominees for 2019 induction

We new the news was coming today and there is a strong field of candidates for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Radiohead (nominated for the first time in 2017) and The Zombies (this is the legendary British rockers' fourth nomination!), and first-time nominees The Cure are my favorite names on the list. But I also like the seeing Devo and Todd Rundgren. Robert Kinsler

THE ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR 2019 INDUCTION

Fans Can Cast Their Vote for Inductees at Rockhall.com/vote or In Person at the Museum in Cleveland

CLEVELAND (October 9, 2018) — The Nominees for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 are:

The Zombies have earned their fourth nomination
for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

• Def Leppard
• Devo 
• Janet Jackson
• John Prine
• Kraftwerk
• LL Cool J
• MC5
• Radiohead
• Rage Against the Machine
• Roxy Music
• Stevie Nicks
• The Cure
• Todd Rundgren
• Rufus & Chaka Khan 
• The Zombies

To be eligible for nomination, an individual artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. Six out of 15 of the Nominees are on the ballot for the first time, including: Def Leppard, Devo, John Prine, Roxy Music, Stevie Nicks, and Todd Rundgren.

Inductees will be announced in December 2018. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2019 Induction Ceremony, presented by Klipsch Audio, will be held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on March 29, 2019. Ticket on-sale information will be announced in January.

Thom Yorke performing with Radiohead.

Ballots will be sent to an international voting body of more than 1,000 artists, historians and members of the music industry. Factors such as an artist’s musical influence on other artists, length and depth of career and the body of work, innovation and superiority in style and technique are taken into consideration.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will again offer fans the opportunity to officially participate in the induction selection process. Beginning October 9 and continuing through 11:59 p.m. EST on December 9, 2018, fans can visit rockhall.com to cast votes for who they believe to be most deserving of induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The top five artists, as selected by the public, will comprise a “fans’ ballot” that will be tallied along with the other ballots to choose the 2019 inductees. Fans will need to login to vote. Voting is capped at one ballot per day.

The Cure are among the top-tier artists on the
ballot this year.

Fans can also visit the Museum in Cleveland to cast their vote in person using the Voice Your Choice interactives adjacent to the 2018 Inductee exhibit in the new Hall of Fame Gallery, presented by KeyBank.

Stevie Nicks performing in December
2016 at The Forum. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

HBO will also once again broadcast the ceremony in 2019 and SiriusXM will also carry a radio simulcast, along with specials leading up to the Ceremony devoted to the Rock Hall’s Inductees—past and present— on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Radio (Ch. 310).

A limited number of pre-sale tickets for the 2019 Induction Ceremony will be made available for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame donors and members in advance of the public sale. 

To be eligible for the member pre-sale opportunity, you must be an active Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member by December 31, 2018. Supporters of the Donor Circle by December 31, 2018 have the opportunity to access premium balcony tickets and VIP packages directly through Rock Hall staff and skip the member pre-sale. Join or renew your Rock Hall membership or donor status by December 31, 2018 to gain access to these opportunities. For more information on how to become a member, call the membership hotline at (216) 515-8425 or email membership@rockhall.org. For information on the Donor Circle, call (216) 515-1222 or email mischay@rockhall.org.

Todd Rundgren.

Klipsch Audio, a leading global speaker and headphone manufacturer, is a strategic partner and presenting sponsor of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, its Induction Ceremony events and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Main Stage. Klipsch’s renowned products deliver the power, detail and emotion of the live music experience throughout the iconic museum.

Follow the Rock Hall on Facebook, Twitter (@rockhall) and Instagram (@rockhall) and join the conversation at #RockHall2019.

Lindsey Buckingham Fired from Fleetwood Mac - Our Thoughts

On the latest episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING, TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss the firing of singer-songwriter-guitarist Lindsey Buckingham from Fleetwood Mac:

MUSIC WORTH BUYING episode: Record Store Day 2017 preview

On the latest episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING, Robert Kinsler and TJR join Mike Lefebvre at Pepperland Music in Orange, CA to discuss the forthcoming the 10th Anniversary of Record Store Day set for April 22, 2017:

Additional performers announced to perform at 2017 MUSICARES® PERSON OF THE YEAR Tribute in honor of Tom Petty

Wow, what an event! Sounds amazing, and Tom Petty is deserving of such an honor!

Tom Petty performing in Irvine, CA in August 2013.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Jakob Dylan, Dhani Harrison, The Head and the Heart, The Lumineers, Taj Mahal, The Shelters, and Kristen Wiig announced as additional performers for 2017 MUSICARES^® PERSON OF THE YEAR Tribute in honor of legendary rocker Tom Petty 
 

Jackson Browne, Gary Clark Jr., Foo Fighters, Don Henley, Chris Hillman And Herb Pedersen, Norah Jones, Elle King, Jeff Lynne, Randy Newman, Stevie Nicks, Regina Spektor, George Strait, The Bangles,
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers, and Lucinda Williams Previously Announced As Performers 
 
T Bone Burnett To Serve As Musical Director For Star-Studded Tribute Concert
To Benefit MusiCares^®' Emergency Financial Assistance And Addiction Recovery Programs

Norah Jones, left, and Kristen Wiig, right, will be 
among the artists celebrating Tom Petty.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Lead guitarist Mike Campbell, left, with Tom Petty
at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in August 2013.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

 
WHO:  Performances by multi-GRAMMY^®-winning artists Jakob Dylan, Foo Fighters, Don Henley, Norah Jones, Taj Mahal, Randy Newman, Stevie Nicks, and Lucinda Williams; GRAMMY-winning artists Gary Clark Jr., Jeff Lynne, and George Strait; GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriters Jackson Browne, Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen, Elle King, and Regina Spektor; GRAMMY-nominated band the Lumineers; and artists the Bangles, Dhani Harrison, the Head And The Heart, the Shelters, and Kristen Wiig. Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers will close the evening's performances. Multi-GRAMMY-winning artist and producer T Bone Burnett will serve as musical director.
 
Attendees will include Neil Portnow, President/CEO of MusiCares^® and The Recording Academy^®; Alexandra Patsavas, Chair of MusiCares; Bill Silva, Chair Emeritus of MusiCares; and John Branca, Honorary Chair of MusiCares. The event's Tribute Chairs are Olivia Harrison, MusiCares Board Member; Ringo Starr, multi-GRAMMY-winning artist; and Cameron Strang, chairman/CEO of Warner Bros. Records.
 
Past MusiCares Person of the Year honorees include: Tony Bennett, Bono, Natalie Cole, Phil Collins, David Crosby, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, Don Henley, Billy Joel, Elton John, Quincy Jones, Carole King, Paul McCartney, Luciano Pavarotti, Bonnie Raitt, Lionel Richie, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Barbra Streisand, James Taylor, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, and Neil Young.
 
WHAT: Tom Petty will be honored as the 2017 MusiCares Person of the Year in celebration of his extraordinary creative accomplishments and significant charitable work. Proceeds from the annual Person of the Year tribute—now in its 27th year—provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical, and personal need.
 
GALA: The 2017 MusiCares Person of the Year gala will begin with a reception and silent auction offering an exclusive and unparalleled selection of luxury items, VIP experiences, and one-of-a-kind celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. The reception and silent auction will be followed by a gala dinner sponsored by AEG; a live auction featuring items including a custom Acura NSX supercar, the MusiCares Vehicle of the Year; a tribute concert sponsored by Acura featuring renowned musicians and other artists; and the award presentation. This year, for the first time, a limited number of VIP experience tables will be available for $75,000 that include: 10 seats, red carpet entrance, access to artist rehearsal and special backstage area (day before event), private pre-show reception with dedicated staff and personal auction bidding kiosk, front-row table placement, enhanced dining experience, and exclusive gift bag with a limited-edition commemorative item. For more information on purchasing tables and tickets to the event, or placing ads/messages in the tribute journal, please contact Dana Tomarken at MusiCares, 310.392.3777. The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute ceremony is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week, which culminates with the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards^® at Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017. The telecast will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
 
WHY: The MusiCares Foundation^® offers programs and services to members of the music community, including emergency financial assistance for basic living expenses such as rent, utilities, and car payments; medical expenses including doctor, dentist, and hospital bills; psychotherapy; and treatment for HIV/AIDS, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, hepatitis C, and other critical illnesses. MusiCares offers nationwide educational workshops covering a variety of subjects, including financial, legal, medical, and substance abuse issues, and programs in collaboration with health care professionals that provide services such as flu shots, hearing tests, and medical/dental screenings. The MusiCares MAP Fund^® allows access to addiction recovery treatment and sober living resources for members of the music community. Staffed by qualified chemical dependency and intervention specialists, MusiCares offers Safe Harbor Room^® support, sponsored in part by the Bohemian Foundation and RBC Capital Markets, to provide a network to those in recovery while they are participating in the production of televised music shows and other major music events. MusiCares holds weekly addiction support groups for people to discuss how to best cope with the issues surrounding the recovery process. The MusiCares Sober Touring Network is a database of individuals across the United States who take music people to recovery support meetings while on the road.
 

WHERE:  Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hal
                   1201 S. Figueroa St.
                   Los Angeles, CA 9001
                   Parking: West Hall Lot, off Cherry Street; cost: $25 (no valet available)
 
WHEN:  Friday, Feb. 10, 2017
                *Note New Check-In/Red Carpet Time*
                 4 p.m. - Media Check-In (at Gilbert Lindsay Plaza)
                 5 p.m. - Red Carpet Arrivals, Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction
                 8 p.m. - Gala Dinner
                 9 p.m. - Concert & Award Presentation
 

 
Established in 1989 by the Recording Academy, MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical, and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community. For more information, please visitwww.musicares.org. For breaking news and exclusive content, please "like" MusiCares onFacebook, and follow @MusiCares on Twitter and Instagram.

Stevie Nicks and Chrissie Hynde are timeless in Forum show

Stevie Nicks, left, with Chrissie Hynde during the
performance of "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around"
on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016.

24 Karat Gold Tour
With: Stevie Nicks, The Pretenders
Where: The Forum in Inglewood, CA
When: Sunday, Dec. 18

While 2016 has seen more than its fair share of loss in the music world (David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Prince, Merle Haggard, Sharon Jones, Sir George Martin and Leonard Cohen for starters), two of classic rock’s most celebrated women showcased their distinguished legacies in a sold-out concert at the Forum in Inglewood on Sunday.

On the final night of their two-month 24 Karat Gold tour, Stevie Nicks and the Chrissie Hynde-led Pretenders seemed energized by the large and enthusiastic crowd, and the two icons were frequently able to acknowledge each other and the bond each has with her fans.

Stevie Nicks performing early in her set at the Forum.

Over the course of more than two hours, headliner Nicks and her backing ensemble (six musicians and two female backing singers) showcased both Fleetwood Mac classics and solo hits. However, it seemed the Phoenix native was equally revitalized by material not well known, acknowledging some songs had not made it on her records despite the strength of the initial demo recordings.The 68-year-old songstress was in an especially introspective and reflective mood, often providing details on the genesis of her songs and celebrating the life of her late friend Prince.

Stevie Nicks at the Forum.

Among the hidden gems performed was “If Anyone Falls,” a beautiful song enhanced by colorful and moody visuals projected on a large screen, including two ghostly ballet dancers. But Nicks could turn things around quickly; for the third selection she jump started the mood in the Forum when Hynde joined her on stage for the playful duet “Stop Draggin' My Heart Around” (originally recorded with Tom Petty). Other audience favorites included “Gypsy” with Nick’s seasoned soprano enticing while artful black & white images of rain and old city views appeared in the background, the propulsive rocker “Enchanted,” and a powerful song written in the wake of Hurricane Katrina (“New Orleans”) among other standouts in the first half of the night.

The last half of her run included the shimmering “Starshine,” driving “Stand Back” (when Nicks twirled during an instrumental break, the crowd cheered), a luxurious “Crying in the Night” (one of the oldest songs she performed, a track from 1973’s “Buckingham Nicks” album), the piano-anchored “Edge of Seventeen,” and sweeping encore featuring two of her most beloved Fleetwood Mac classics, “Rhiannon” and “Landslide.”

Chrissie Hynde was terrific throughout the
Pretenders' set at the Forum on Dec. 18, 2016.

Chrissie Hynde’s hour-long set leading the Pretenders may have drawn the most cheers when radio hits were played, but there is little doubt the Ohio native is equally concerned with the here-and-now. The Pretenders’ 15-song outing featured a number of songs from her wonderful 2016 album Alone, one of the best discs of 2016. In fact, the Pretenders kicked off their set with the title track from the Dan Auerbach-produced effort, with lead guitarist James Walbourne unleashing some blistering guitar work, and the 65-year-young Hynde showcasing her distinctive vocals with the power of her early ’80s performances.

She also positioned her new album prominently with “Gotta Wait,” another guitar-anchored new track that immediately entices. Listening to the Pretenders (whose lineup includes original drummer Martin Chambers) was to be firmly reminded that Hynde’s songs never sound dated. If “Message of Love,” “Back on the Chain Gang,” “Mystery Achievement,” “I'll Stand By You” and “Middle of the Road” were released today, this writer’s guess they would still find favor with discerning modern-rock audiences.

Fans are likely divided on her position, but Hynde’s clear-cut admonitions to fans positioned near the stage to “stop taking pictures” and to “stop using your phones” was cheered by many in the crowd. A rocker at heart, Hynde still believes in the power of live music to sweep fans into another realm sans distractions that take the focus away from a powerful performance.

Indeed, this is one long-time fan who has seen many fans experience too much of their concert-going experiences through the distractions of their smart phone while missing out on the singular power of a great rock show.

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photos by Kelly A. Swift

Pretenders to release new Dan Auerbach-produced album; share first single; announce tour dates

It has been ages (okay eight years is forever in the musical universe) Pretenders released an album. This is simply great news...

THE PRETENDERS RETURN WITH NEW ALBUM, ALONE, ON OCTOBER 21

 

CHRISSIE HYNDE TEAMS WITH DAN AUERBACH

FOR FIRST NEW PRETENDERS ALBUM IN MORE THAN HALF A DECADE

FIRST SINGLE, "HOLY COMMOTION," AVAILABLE NOW

 

MILESTONE COLLECTION SEES HYNDE JOINED BY MEMBERS OF THE ARCS,

 NASHVILLE SESSION GIANTS AND THE GREAT DUANE EDDY

 

ALBUM AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW

 

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES CONFIRMED

The Pretenders has announced the release of its long-awaited new album. ALONE (BMG) arrives everywhere on October 21 and is available for pre-order now, with all orders joined by an instant grat download of the album's electrifying first single, "Holy Commotion." The complete album tracklisting is below.

 

LISTEN TO "HOLY COMMOTION" HERE

 

ALONE was recorded with The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach at his Easy Eye Studio in Nashville and mixed by Tchad Blake (The Black Keys, Elvis Costello, Richard Thompson). The album was initially conceived as follow-up to legendary bandleader Chrissie Hynde's acclaimed 2014 solo debut, STOCKHOLM, but as its songs and sonics took shape, the collection soon revealed itself as the first all new Pretenders LP since 2008's BREAK UP THE CONCRETE.

 

ALONE sees the one and only Hynde backed by a team of what she proudly calls "real people playing real instruments," helmed by the multi-talented Auerbach and featuring Nashville session luminaries including bassist Dave Roe (Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Sturgill Simpson), pedal steel pioneer Russ Pahl (Blake Shelton, Don Williams, Luke Bryan), and guitarist Kenny Vaughan (Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Lana Del Rey, Ray LaMontagne), as well as keyboardist Leon Michels and drummer Richard Swift - both charter members of Auerbach's adventurous garage rock combo The Arcs.

 

Hynde and Auerbach made for ideal foils, two idiosyncratic songwriter/musicians each possessing a deep knowledge and even deeper love of rock 'n' roll, both of course hailing from the City of Invention itself, Akron, Ohio. Though neither remain, Akron continues to inform both artists' work, the Rubber City's long history of progressivism and ingenuity, hard work and musical experimentation, are all very much present in their first full-length collaboration.   

 

ALONE indeed bears all the trademarks of the Pretenders' legendary canon - raw and rollicking riffs, poignant balladry, taut hooks and indelible melodies, all in service of Hynde's heartworn, ever-unsentimental songcraft. Nearly four decades on from The Pretenders' epochal 1980 debut album, Hynde's instantly identifiable voice is perhaps more emotional, more aggressive than at any other time in her career as all the vocals were recorded in 48 hours. That extra bit of edge only serves to add fire to new Pretenders classics like the brutally candid "I Hate Myself" and the defiant title track, a spiky rocker that sees Hynde extolling the joys and virtues of solitude.

 

"We were in the studio hanging out," Hynde says, "and the guys were talking about their families and their wives and I said, 'Well, I do everything alone. I go to the cinema alone. I go to restaurants alone. I live alone. I pretty much do everything on my own. I don't mind.' Dan says, 'Write a song about it.'

 

"The more I thought about it," she continues, "I thought, I've heard 1,000 songs in my life, they're all about, I am so tired of being alone. I can't live without you. Since you've left my world has fallen apart. When am I going to see you again? Marry me and be with me for the rest of my life. I have never heard anyone celebrate being alone in a song. I couldn't think of one."

 

Other highlights include "Roadie Man," a softly sung paean to the hard working touring crew that has been kicking around Hynde's unrecorded songbook for more than 25 years, the seductive "Let's Get Lost" (co-written with songwriting superstars Amanda Ghost and Dave McCracken), and "Never Be Together," featuring an inimitable contribution from legendary twang bar hero Duane Eddy.

 

"As soon as you hear one note you know who it is," says Hynde. 'I don't get real excited about vintage guitars and stuff, but I do if someone else is playing them that brilliantly."

 

ALONE marks Hynde's first musical effort since her extraordinary 2015 memoir, RECKLESS: MY LIFE AS A PRETENDER, hailed by the New York Times upon its release as "honest and distinctive...first and foremost, a love letter to rock and roll." "RECKLESS is more than a well-written, thoughtful memoir," raved the Huffington Post. "It's a cultural history of the rock scene in the 60s and early 70s, told by an astute observer who, perhaps unwittingly, reminds readers that improbable dreams can come true." Hynde "(writes) with the sort of candor and humor rarely found in bookss," declared the Boston Globe, noting, "Bad girls sometimes finish first." "(Hynde] writes just like she lives," wrote the Daily Beast, "and just like she makes music. She does it her way, which is an inimitable multiplicity of things: impulsive, untamed, ragged, proud."

 

The Pretenders begin a North American tour with Stevie Nicks on October 25 at Phoenix, AZ's Talking Stick Arena and ending December 18 at The Forum in Inglewood, CA. The complete tour dates are below. An AMEX pre-order begins today at 10am ET. VIP tickets will be available. All tickets can be purchased via ticketmaster.com.

 

 

THE PRETENDERS

ALONE

OCTOBER 21, 2016

Tracklisting:

1. Alone Song

2. Roadie Man

3. Gotta Wait

4. Never Be Together

5. Let's Get Lost

6. Chord Lord

7. Blue Eyed Sky

8. Be The Man That You Are

9. One More Day

10. I Hate Myself

11. Death Is Not Enough

12. Holy Commotion

# # #

 

THE PRETENDERS NORTH AMERICAN TOUR WITH STEVE NICKS

OCTOBER

25 - Phoenix AZ - Talking Stick Arena

27 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center

29 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center

30 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center

 

NOVEMBER

2 - Tampa, FL - Amalie Arena

4 - Fort Lauderdale, FL - BB&T Center

6 - Atlanta, GA - Phillips Arena

7 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena

10 - Charlotte, NC - Time Warner Cable Arena

12 - Columbia, SC - Colonial Life Arena

14 - Washington, DC - Verizon Center

15 - Boston, MA - TD Garden

19 - Bethlehem, PA - Sands Bethlehem Event Center

20 - Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center

23 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena

25 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena

27 - Detroit, MI - The Palace of Auburn Hills

29 - Toronto, ONT - Air Canada Centre

 

DECEMBER

1 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden

3 - Chicago, IL - United Center

5 - Lincoln, NE - Pinnacle Bank Arena

6 - St. Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center

9 - Vancouver, BC - Pepsi Live at Rogers Center

11 - Seattle, WA - Key Arena

13 - Sacramento, CA - Golden 1 Center

14 - San Jose, CA - SAP Center

18 - Inglewood, CA - The Forum

 

Pre-Order Alone Now