You might like if you enjoy: Hans Zimmer, Johnny Marr, Tina Guo
Tell me more: Hans Zimmer is among the rarest of musical talents. The famed composer/multi-instrumentalist has scored a countless number of outstanding movie soundtracks and attracted a far-flung fan base that rivals the most iconic of pop music greats. The newly-released Hans Zimmer: Live In Prague was filmed on May 7, 2016 (a few weeks after his already-legendary Coachella appearances) and features Zimmer and a total of 72 musicians (including his band, guests, an orchestra and choir) performing more than two hours of his music. While Zimmer himself plays keyboards, guitar, banjo and percussion along the way, the stellar line-up of top musicians make the wide-ranging sonic journey an intoxicating listen. Guitar great Johnny Marr (The Smiths, The The) joins the proceedings for many of Zimmer's most memorable works, including the anthemic "What Are You going To Do When You Are Not Saving The World" (from "Man of Steel") and the ambitious "Journey To The Line" (from "The Thin Red Line"). Information: eagle-rock.com.
You might like if you enjoy: Sting, The Police
Tell me more: Filmed in April 2017, Sting: Live At The Olympia Paris is a rich journey through Sting's rich and wide-ranging 40-year career. Backed by a terrific band and several vocalists, Sting performs more than two dozen songs pulled from his time with The Police and subsequent solo career. The varied riches here include a lush arrangement of "Spirits In The Material World" whose power grows as the song moves along, the newly-penned melodic rocker "I Can't Stop Thinking About You," the heavy blues rocker "Petrol Head," a flamenco-tinged "Fields Of Gold" and buoyant take of the Police classic "Message In A Bottle (the latter which finds the audience singing, clapping and dancing around in palpable excitement)." Late set standouts include the reggae-flavored "So Lonely," a medley of "Roxanne" and Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine," the world music-draped "Desert Rose" (notable for the dual guitar work of Rufus Miller and Dominic Miller) and a transcendent "Fragile." Sting also pays tribute to David Bowie via having his son Joe Sumner take over lead vocals as he leads the ensemble through a potent take of "Ashes To Ashes". Information: eagle-rock.com.
You might like if you enjoy: Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi
Tell me more: Heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath closed out a 50-year legacy with a concert in the band's hometown of Birmingham, England on Feb. 4, 2017. That already-legendary show is celebrated on the aptly-dubbed "The End" (available as a DVD+CD or as a Blu-ray+CD set). Fans of Black Sabbath's hard-hitting rock will thrill at seeing singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and touring members Tommy Clufetos (drums) and Adam Wakeman (keyboards, guitar) run through their signature blend of heavy metal in front of a sold-out crowd. All the essentials are included on the set, including "War Pigs," "Behind the Wall of Sleep," "Iron Man" and emotional encore-ending "Paranoid." Director Dick Carruthers did a terrific job of capturing the band's musical style and relationship with fans courtesy of a creative mix of camera shots showcasing the band's performance and crowd reactions that immerses the viewer into this career-capping moment. Information: eagle-rock.com.
Title: Tommy: Live at the Royal Albert Hall (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: The Who
Tell me more: Earlier this year, The Who performed the groundbreaking rock opera Tommy" at Royal Albert Hall, an event that marked the first time the British band had ever performed the opus in its entirety in concert. The event was captured and Tommy: Live at the Royal Albert Hall is essential viewing for rock fans. Written by guitarist-singer Pete Townshend, Tommy was released in May 1969 and almost instantly hailed as a masterwork. The rock opera is performed with energy and rock 'n' roll swagger by Townshend, singer Roger Daltrey and a group of talented players - including famed drummer Zak Starkey and singer-guitarist Simon Townshend. In addition to a memorable performance of "Tommy," The Who performed a mini-set of hits to finish out the night, including a rollicking take on "I Can't Explain" and deeply affecting "Love, Reign O'er Me." Information: eagle-rock.com.
You might like if you enjoy: Donny Osmond, David Cassidy
Tell me more: Donny Osmond wrapped up his 2017 tour of the United Kingdom with a sold-out performance at the NEC Birmingham. That concert was filmed and has been released as a two-disc DVD, sure to appeal to fans of the singer-songwriter and one-time teen idol. The performance showcases Osmond's talents as a singer, dancer and all-around entertainer. The presentation has the feel of a Las Vegas-styled show but there is plenty to admire about Osmond's approach to honoring his family, friends (including Michael Jackson and Andy Williams) and adoring audience with a mix of hits from his teen years as well as his historic late 1980s comeback (including an animated version of "Soldier Of Love" and "Sacred Emotion"). Beyond his own hits, Osmond offers an uptempo reworking of Steely Dan's hit "Peg," revisits the Lennon & McCartney ballad "The Long and Winding Road" and showcases his strong vocals on the soulful Al Green classic "Let's Stay Together." Donny Osmond: One Night Only is also available on audio CD. Information: gonzomultimedia.co.uk.
Robert Kinsler
