Sights and Sounds: George Strait, Sturgill Simpson, Lindsey Stirling

Happy Monday everybody! Here is a slew of news to kick off your week...

George Strait – The Cowboy Rides Away: Live From AT&T Stadium coming to DVD and Digital Formats on Friday, August 28, 2015

On August 28, 2015, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release the phenomenal concert film George Strait – The Cowboy Rides Away: Live From AT&T Stadium on DVD and Digital Formats [MSRP $14.98].

In 2014, the man known who has earned the moniker “The King Of Country” embarked on the second leg of his record-breaking two-year North American concert tour. The aptly titled 2014 The Cowboy Rides Away Tour was unique in that the tour featured a special guest on each weekend, so when it culminated in the year’s grand finale, filmed on June 7, 2014 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in front of a North American indoor concert record-breaking 104,793 in attendance, it was only fitting that several of George’s friends joined for the celebration.

The Cowboy Rides Away is an all-star musical production, featuring appearances by Jason Aldean, Ray Benson, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, and introducing George “Bubba” Strait, Jr. Strait who join Strait to deliver a 40-song set rich with hits from across his career including the following: “Unwound,” “The Chair,” “Amarillo By Morning,” “Check Yes Or No,” “Give It Away,” “Troubadour,” “All My Ex’s Live In Texas” (featuring all of the guest stars), and many more.

In addition to the full concert, The Cowboy Rides Away features bonus commentary from Strait on his show and interviews with his guest stars.

A Country Music Hall Of Fame inductee with 60 Number 1 singles and over 68.5 million records sold, George Strait is a musical icon with a career spanning over three decades. He was the first country music artist honored with Billboard’s “Legend Of Live” Award, and he earned 2013’s Entertainer of the Year from the Country Music Association as well as 2014’s Entertainer Of The Year by the Academy of Country Music Awards.

 The Cowboy Rides Home: Live From AT&T Stadium previously aired on CMT to rave reviews.

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Track Listing:

1.  Check Yes Or No

2.  A Fire I Can’t Put Out

3.  Love Bug (with Vince Gill)

4.  Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind (with Vince Gill)

5.  River Of Love

6.  Lead On

7.  Fool Hearted Memory (with Jason Aldean)

8.  Nobody In His Right Mind Would’ve Left Her (with Jason Aldean)

9.  Arkansas Dave (with Bubba Strait)

10. I Saw God Today

11. Cowboys Like Us (with Eric Church)

12. Easy Come, Easy Go (with Eric Church)

13. That's What Breaking Hearts Do

14. Marina Del Rey

15. Here For A Good Time (with Sheryl Crow)

16. When Did You Stop Loving Me (with Sheryl Crow)

17. I Can Still Make Cheyenne

18. Drinkin’ Man

19. Jackson (with Martina McBride)

20. Golden Ring (with Martina McBride)

21. Give It Away

22. I Got A Car

23. A Showman's Life (with Faith Hill)

24. Let’s Fall To Pieces Together (with Faith Hill)

25. I Believe

26. Blame It On Mexico

27. Amarillo By Morning (with Alan Jackson)

28. Murder On Music Row (with Alan Jackson)

29. The Chair

30. Give It All We Got Tonight

31. How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls (with Miranda Lambert)

32. Run (with Miranda Lambert)

33. You Look So Good In Love

34. I'll Always Remember You

35. Ocean Front Property (with Kenny Chesney)

36. The Fireman (with Kenny Chesney)

37. Troubadour

38. Unwound

39. All My Ex’s Live In Texas (with Jason Aldean, Ray Benson, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride)

40. The Cowboy Rides Away

Sturgill Simpson’s highly anticipated “Living The Dream” fall tour extended through November 2015

Sturgill Simpson’s highly anticipated “Living The Dream” fall tour will extend through November including two nights at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium as well as shows in Buffalo, Atlanta, Denver, Salt Lake City, Spokane, Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, Eugene, Oakland, Los Angeles and San Diego. Previously announced tour stops include Asheville, Norfolk, Charlottesville, Philadelphia, New York, Washington, DC and Baltimore. See below for complete details. Tickets for the second leg of the tour go on-sale this Friday, July 24.

The fall tour celebrates Sturgill’s highly acclaimed 2014 release, Metamodern Sounds In Country Music (iTunes, Amazon, Bandcamp), which continues to receive overwhelming acclaim. The Americana Association recently nominated him in three categories at their 2015 Honors & Awards—“Artist of the Year,” “Album of the Year” and “Song of the Year” (for “Turtles All The Way Down”). Sturgill’s widely praised guitarist, Laur Joamets, was also nominated for “Instrumentalist of the Year.” Sturgill won “Emerging Artist of the Year” at last year’s awards.

In the past year, Sturgill and his band—bassist Kevin Black, guitarist Laur Joamets and drummer Miles Miller—have performed twice on the “Late Show with David Letterman” (“Life of Sin,” “Long White Line”), “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” twice on “Conan” (“Living the Dream,” “Just Let Go”) and “Late Night with Seth Meyers” as well as on the PBS’ Austin City Limits (air date TBD), BBC’s “Later Live with Jools Holland,” “Later…with Jools Holland,” American Public Media’s “A Prairie Home Companion,” and NPR Music’s “Tiny Desk Concert” series.

Metamodern Sounds In Country Music was also featured in year-end “Best of 2014” lists at The New York Times, Rolling Stone, the Village Voices’ Pazz and Jop, Rolling Stone Country, NPR Music, American Songwriter, Stereogum, the Los Angeles Times, KCRW, Pitchfork, The Washington Post, Paste, the Nashville Scene, No Depression and many others.

Produced by Dave Cobb, Metamodern Sounds In Country Music was recorded live-to-tape at Nashville’s LCS studio over four days in late 2013. Of the album, Simpson comments, “Myriad worldly offerings—religion, drugs, and more—all claim to be the omnipotent universal truth, but in my experience, love is the only certainty. That’s what this record is about.”

STURGILL SIMPSON TOUR DATES

July 24—Cooperstown, NY—Brewery Ommegang*

July 25—Newport, RI—Newport Folk Festival

July 26—Hampton Beach, NH—Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom

July 29—Pittsburgh, PA—Stage AE*

July 30—Columbus, OH—The LC Pavillion*

July 31—Chicago, IL—Metro (SOLD OUT)

August 1—Chicago, IL—Lollapalooza

August 2—Indianapolis, IN—White River State Park*

August 14—Gothenburg, Sweden—Way Out West

August 15—Oslo, Norway—The Oya Festival

August 18—Edinburgh, U.K.—Liquid Rooms

August 19—Leeds, U.K.—Brudenell Social Club

August 20—London, U.K.—Islington Assembly Hall

August 22—Wales, U.K.—Green Man

August 24—Groningen, Netherlands—Noorderzon Festival

August 25—Amsterdam, Netherlands—Paradiso Grote Zaal

August 27—Tonder, Denmark—Tonder Festival

August 29—Helsinki, Finland—Helsinki Festival

September 6—Moorhead, MN—Bluestem Center for the Arts Amphitheatre†

September 7—St. Paul, MN—Minnesota State Fair – Grandstand†

September 12—Maryville, TN—The Shed (SOLD OUT)

September 13—Asheville, NC—Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

September 15—Norfolk, VA—The NorVa

September 16—Charlottesville, VA—Jefferson Theater (SOLD OUT)

September 18—Philadelphia, PA—Theatre of Living Arts

September 19—New York, NY—Beacon Theatre

September 20—Buffalo, NY—Town Ballroom (ON-SALE JULY 24)

September 23—Washington, DC—Lincoln Theatre (SOLD OUT)

September 24—Washington, DC—Lincoln Theatre (SECOND SHOW JUST ADDED)

September 25—Baltimore, MD—Rams Head Live

September 26—Boston, MA—Boston Calling Festival

October 2-4—Austin, TX—Austin City Limits Music Festival

October 9-11—Austin, TX—Austin City Limits Music Festival

October 15—Tuscaloosa, AL—Tuscaloosa Amphitheater‡ (ON-SALE JULY 24)

October 23—Atlanta, GA—The Tabernacle (ON-SALE JULY 24)

October 30 & 31—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium (ON-SALE JULY 24)

November 5—Denver, CO—Ogden Theatre (ON-SALE JULY 24)

November 7—Salt Lake City, UT—The Complex (ON-SALE JULY 24)

November 10—Spokane, WA—Knitting Factory Concert House (ON-SALE JULY 24)

November 12—Vancouver, BC—Vogue Theatre (ON-SALE JULY 24)

November 13—Seattle, WA—Showbox SoDo (ON-SALE JULY 24)

November 14—Portland, OR—Crystal Ballroom (ON-SALE JULY 24)

November 15—Eugene, OR—McDonald Theatre (ON-SALE JULY 24)

November 18—Oakland, CA—Fox Theater (ON-SALE JULY 24)

November 20—Los Angeles, CA—The Theater at Ace Hotel (ON-SALE JULY 24)

November 22—San Diego, CA—The Observatory North Park (ON-SALE JULY 24)

*appearing with Old Crow Medicine Show

†appearing with Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson

‡appearing with Jason Isbell

Gallery Books to publish memoir by electronic violinist Lindsey Stirling on January 12, 2016

Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, is proud to announce the upcoming publication of Lindsey Stirling’s memoir, THE ONLY PIRATE AT THE PARTY.  Having become one of the biggest artist development breakthrough stories in recent years, the electronic violinist has brought to the global stage electrifying and genre-defying performances, backed by Billboard chart-topping hits and sold out tours worldwide.

Co-written with Lindsey’s sister, Brooke S. Passey, Lindsey’s story is nothing short of inspirational. As a child, Lindsey's family struggled to make ends meet and as a young adult in the music industry, she faced rejection after rejection all the while battling inner demons—most prominently, anorexia. And after a devastating loss on America's Got Talent (where Sharon Osbourne told her she couldn't fill a theatre in Vegas), Lindsey had to carve out her own path. Resilience and tenacity along with creative ingenuity has led her to enchant over 6.7 million YouTube subscribers.  She has over 1 billion views on YouTube, and recently took home a Billboard Music Award for “Top Dance/Electronic Album.” An inspiration to musicians and fans alike, Lindsey shares with us her story, her personal testimony that there is no singular recipe for success, and despite what people may say, sometimes it’s okay to be THE ONLY PIRATE AT THE PARTY.   For additional information on Lindsey, please visit www.lindseystirling.com.  

Gallery Books Senior Editor Jeremie Ruby-Strauss, negotiated the deal with Erin Malone at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment.

THE ONLY PIRATE AT THE PARTY is scheduled for publication on January 12, 2016. The book is currently available for pre-order at all major retailers and local booksellers.  For more information please visit Lindsey’s author page at www.simonandschuster.com

GALLERY BOOKS is an imprint dedicated to publishing a variety of must-read books on a wide array of topics. Launched in February 2010, Gallery is designed to showcase established voices and to introduce emerging new ones—in both fiction and nonfiction genres. Some of Gallery Books’ bestselling titles include Still Alice by Lisa Genova,Gunn’s Golden Rules by Tim Gunn, Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me Chelsea by Chelsea Handler, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren, Mrs. Kennedy and Me by Clint Hill, and The Tucci Cookbook by Stanley Tucci.

SIMON & SCHUSTER, a part of the CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats.  Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, Simon & Schuster Digital, and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom.  For more information, visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.

Rock 'n' Roll reads: Guitar Player, Bobby Fuller, Canadian music and prog rock get their due

With summer in full swing, now is a good chance to spend some quality time reading some great new music books and concert films.


Title: Guitar Player: The Inside Story of the First Two Decades of the Most Successful Guitar Player Magazine Ever
Authors: Edited by Jim Crockett with Dara Crockett
Publisher: Backbeat Books
Tell me more: With a story as colorful and diverse as Guitar Player magazine, it's no wonder that long-time editor and publisher Jim Crockett enlists a talented and vast field off friends, family, writers and famous fret-masters to help pull together the seminal publication's early years in the outstanding Guitar Player: The Inside Story of the First Two Decades of the Most Successful Guitar, which at nearly 300 pages also boasts countless great archival images from the magazine and those who helped guide it from its founding in 1967 to its 1989 sale by founder Bud Eastman and Jim Crockett. It's unusual for a magazine to get this kind of celebration, but then Guitar Player was no mere magazine. It helped inspire generations of guitar greats, many of whom have written tributes in the volume. Among the heartfelt contributions come from the celebrated likes of Joe Perry (Aerosmith), Steve Morse (Kansas, Deep Purple), Craig Chaquico (Jefferson Starship) and George Benson. Information: backbeatbooks.com.
Get 'Guitar Player: The Inside Story of the First Two Decades of the Most Successful Guitar Magazine Ever' here



Title: I Fought the Law: The Life and Strange Death of Bobby Fuller
Authors: Miriam Linna and Randell Fuller
Publisher: Kicks Books
Tell me more: Although just about every rock 'n' roll fan knows the timeless 1966 hit "I Fought The Law," not very many know very much about the young Texas native who continued to successfully champion Buddy Holly-styled American rock during the midst of the British Invasion. Now the full story of Bobby Fuller (1942-1966) is assessed by the singer-songwriter-guitarist's brother Randell Fuller (the bassist of the Bobby Fuller Four) and Miriam Linna in the rewarding I Fought the Law: The Life and Strange Death of Bobby Fuller. Nearly 50 years after the death of his brother (Bobby Fuller was found dead at the age of 23 on July 18, 1966 in the front seat of a car doused in gasoline outside his Hollywood apartment), Randell Fuller finally opens up to share the full story about growing up with Bobby Fuller, their youth and the mysterious events that continue to surround the young star's death. Information: kicksbooks.com.
Buy 'I Fought The Law: The Life and Strange Death of Bobby Fuller' here

Title: The History of Canadian Rock 'n' Roll
Author: Bob Mersereau
Publisher: Backbeat Books
Tell me more: Until recently, Canadian artists never seemed to receive the acclaim of their American and British counterparts. The History of Canadian Rock 'n' Roll does a good job of celebrating the far-flung contributions of Canada's music notables, including Neil Young, Arcade Fire, Joni Mitchell, Rush, Alanis Morrissette, Bryan Adams, Leonard Cohen, The Band and dozens more. It's nice to see the author hasn't forgotten to feature some of the nation's under-the-radar heroes including the great singer-songwriter-guitar great Bruce Cockburn and singer-songwriter k.d. lang. The book provides a fast-paced and informative read. The sterling volume's foreword comes courtesy of Rush drummer Neil Peart. Information: backbeatbooks.com. 
Purchase 'The History of Canadian Rock n Roll' here 



Title: The Living Years: The First Genesis Memoir
Author: Mike RutherfordPublisher: Thomas Dunne
Tell me more: As one of the founders of British band Genesis (along with Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel), Mike Rutherford has a story to tell via the compelling The Living Years: The First Genesis Memoir. Now, the famed guitarist chronicles his life as a musician while also delving into his own family's history and the complex relationships that forge who we are. While learning about Rutherford and the members of Genesis, there is also a parallel look at Rutherford's father, Captain William Rutherford, and the events and places where life took Mike Rutherford in Genesis, as well as with his '80s solo project Mike + The Mechanics. Information: thomasdunnebooks.com.
Get 'The Living Years: The First Genesis Memoir' here

America delivers enduring hits to kick off Pacific Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series

Dewey Bunnell, left, and Gerry Beckley of America at Pacific Amphitheatre on July 16, 2015.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

BY ROBERT KINSLER

There is something to be said for a classic rock group that has performed about 100 shows a year for 45 years and is still able to challenge itself while serving up a healthy dose of nostalgia for fans.

America made that case in winning fashion on Thursday night (July 16, 2015), performing a 70-minute set with Orange County’s own Pacific Symphony to kick off the 2015 Toyota Summer Concert Series at Pacific Amphitheatre on the eve of the opening of the Orange County Fair’s annual summer run in Costa Mesa.

While the group’s set list featured all the hits that founding members Dewey Bunnell (lead vocals, guitar) and Gerry Beckley (lead vocals, keyboards, guitar) and company delivered at a decidedly more intimate concert at the Coach House in December, the artful addition of a full orchestra allowed oft-heard classics to shine anew.

On the breezy opener “Tin Man,” a lovely orchestral arrangement opened the song before the folk rock-styled song emerged in classic form. Throughout the fast-paced concert, Bunnell and Beckley both had a chance to handle lead vocals and harmonies while supported by a terrific three-man band (including Orange County’s own Ryland Steen on drums).

America’s best-known songs have blended folk rock and a touch of Americana and with that sound back big time (look no further than the recent success of outfits such as the Civil Wars, the Milk Carton Kids and the Lone Bellow), there was an energy and approach that defied America's decades-long path. The fact the ensemble was performing on a wonderful summer night under the stars didn't hurt too.

Apart from the hits sprinkled throughout the set, America delivered some potent deeper tracks including the bluegrass-tinged “Don't Cross the River” (featuring lead guitarist Andy Barr playing banjo this time around), and “Old Man Took” (with its swelling use of the orchestra) being early standouts. Later, a soaring cover of the Mamas & the Papas’ “California Dreamin’” and a performance of the rarely heard "The Last Unicorn" (a Jimmy Webb-penned song performed by America in the animated movie of the same name in 1982) were welcome additions to the set.

The biggest sonic departure came when America charged up and rocked (yes, rocked) on their early ’80s song “The Border,” which found both Bunnell and Beckley delivering memorable lead guitar work, with the orchestra adding even additional muscle to the nugget.

Of course this being a night where the majority of fans wanted to hear hits, it was the performance of radio favorites such as a tender “I Need You,” spirited “You Can Do Magic,” and beguiling “Sister Golden Hair” that kept the crowd fully engaged. The encore-fitting "A Horse With No Name" found Bunnell delivering the wistful lead vocals while Beckley played shimmering textures on his 12-string Rickenbacker guitar.

Please note this review and photo was originally posted on The Orange County Register Web site on Friday, July 17, 2015.

Sights and Sounds: a-ha’s Hunting High And Low - Super Deluxe 30th Anniversary set available on September 18, 2015 from Rhino

Happy Friday! Here is some winning news to share...

a-ha's 'Hunting High and Low - Super Deluxe 30th Anniversary' set available on September 18, 2015 from Rhino

Hunting High And Low: Super Deluxe 30th Anniversary Edition Loaded With Rare And Unreleased Demos, Mixes, Music Videos And More Will Be Available On September 18, 2015 More Deluxe Editions And Vinyl Reissues Are Coming As The Band Releases A New Album And Begins a European Tour In Spring 2016

It's shaping up to be an epic year for a-ha as the Norwegian trio marks its 30th anniversary in 2015 with a series of album reissues as well as a highly anticipated reunion tour and their first new album in six years. As part of the celebration, a-ha will unveil HUNTING HIGH AND LOW: 30th ANNIVERSARY SUPER DELUXE EDITION. The set boasts four CDs and one DVD, plus a 60-page hardback book filled with rare photos and stories about the making of the album. Available September 18th, the set includes a remastered version of the original album, which has sold more than 10 million copies since its 1985 debut. The set also features various b-sides and more than two dozen rare and unreleased demos. Also featured is a full version of the album in early and alternate mixes. Unheard and all released for the first time.  The DVD in the Hunting High and Low set contains an unseen slightly alternate cut of  the 1985 "Take On Me"  video  as well as the 1984 version and of course the "classic" video. The a-ha 30th anniversary celebrations began in April when the band released a special 7" picture disc for Record Store Day that included two versions (one unreleased) of its massive international hit "Take On Me," followed by vinyl reissues of the band's first two albums - Hunting High and Low and Scoundrel Days, pressed on 180-gram heavyweight vinyl, released on May 25th. Continuing the festivities there will be Deluxe Editions of Stay On These Roads (1988), East of the Sun, West of the Moon (1990) and Memorial Beach (1993) later in the year.

HUNTING HIGH AND LOW: 30th ANNIVERSARY SUPER DELUXE EDITION Track Listing: Disc 1 - The Album                   1.    TAKE ON ME                   2.    TRAIN OF THOUGHT                   3.    HUNTING HIGH AND LOW                    4.    THE BLUE SKY                   5.    LIVING A BOY'S ADVENTURE TALE                   6.    THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES ON T.V.                   7.    AND YOU TELL ME                   8.    LOVE IS REASON                   9.    I DREAM MYSELF ALIVE                    10.  HERE I STAND AND FACE THE RAIN Disc 2 - The Demos 1982-1984                   1.    LESSON ONE (Autumn 1982 "Take On Me" Demo)                   2.    PRESENTING LILY MARS (Naersnes Demo)                   3.    NÅ BLÅSER DET PÅ JORDEN (Naersnes Demo)                   4.    THE SPHINX (Naersnes Demo)                   5.    LIVING A BOY'S ADVENTURE TALE (Naersnes Demo)                   6.    DOT THE I                   7.    THE LOVE GOODBYE                   8.    NOTHING TO IT                   9.    GO TO SLEEP                   10.  TRAIN OF THOUGHT (Demo)                   11.  MONDAY MOURNING                   12.  ALL THE PLANES THAT COME IN ON THE QUIET                   13.  THE BLUE SKY (Demo)                   14.  YOU HAVE GROWN THOUGHTFUL AGAIN                   15.  WHAT'S THAT YOU'RE DOING TO YOURSELF IN THE POURING RAIN                   16.  TAKE ON ME (Demo)                   17.  HUNTING HIGH AND LOW (Demo)                   18.  I DREAM MYSELF ALIVE (Demo)                   19.  AND YOU TELL ME (Demo)                   20.  HERE I STAND AND FACE THE RAIN (Demo)                   21.  LOVE IS REASON (Demo)                   22.  THE BLUE SKY (2nd Demo)                   23.  NEVER NEVER                   24.  THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES ON T.V. (Demo)                   25.  PRESENTING LILY MARS (Rendezvous Demo) Disc 3 - Singles, Extended Versions & B-Sides                   1.    TAKE ON ME (Original 7" Version 1984)                   2.    TAKE ON ME (1984 12" Mix)                   3.    STOP! AND MAKE YOUR MIND UP                   4.    TAKE ON ME (1985 12" Mix)                   5.    TAKE ON ME (Instrumental Mix)                   6.    THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES ON T.V. (7" Mix)                   7.    THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES ON T.V. (Extended Version)                   8.    DRIFTWOOD                   9.    THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES ON T.V. (Extended Version)                   10.  THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES ON T.V. (Instrumental)                   11.  TRAIN OF THOUGHT (7" Remix)                   12.  TRAIN OF THOUGHT (U.S. Remix)                   13.  TRAIN OF THOUGHT (Dub Mix)                   14.  HUNTING HIGH AND LOW (7" Remix)                   15.  HUNTING HIGH AND LOW (Extended Remix) Disc 4 - The Alternate Mixes (Previously unissued)                   1.    TAKE ON ME (Video Version)                  2.    TRAIN OF THOUGHT (Early Mix)                  3.    HUNTING HIGH AND LOW (Early Mix)                   4.    THE BLUE SKY (Alternate Long Mix)                  5.    LIVING A BOY'S ADVENTURE TALE (Early Mix)                  6.    THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES ON T.V. (Alternate Early Mix)                  7.    AND YOU TELL ME (Early Mix)                  8.    LOVE IS REASON (Early Mix)                  9.    DREAM MYSELF ALIVE (Early "NYC" Mix)                  10.  HERE I STAND AND FACE THE RAIN (Early Mix)  DVD - The Videos                   1.    TAKE ON ME (1985 Version) - Directed by Steve Barron                   2.    THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES ON T.V. - Directed by Steve Barron                   3.    TRAIN OF THOUGHT - Directed by Candace Reckinger & Michael Patterson                   4.    HUNTING HIGH AND LOW - Directed by Steve Barron                   5.    TAKE ON ME (1984 Version) - Directed by Stevie Price                   6.    TAKE ON ME (1985 Alternate Cut) - Directed by Steve Barron

X, The Blasters and Mike Watt celebrate the past at The Observatory

Here is my re-posted review of my concert review that was originally posted on the Orange County Register Web site on Friday, July 10, 2015, and ran in the print edition of The Orange County Register on Saturday, July 11, 2015.

X goes back to the beginning at the Observatory

BY ROBERT KINSLER / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

From left, drummer DJ Bonebrake, singer Exene Cervenka and guitarist Billy Zoom of X perform at the Observatory in Santa Ana on Thursday night. Photo: Drew A. Kelley

By the time X took the stage at The Observatory around 10 p.m. on Thursday night (July 9, 2015), the capacity crowd was already fully aware of an announcement that was issued earlier that day that guitarist Billy Zoom has been diagnosed with bladder cancer. And when the long-time Orange County resident was spotted on the stage a few minutes before showtime checking on his guitar and equipment, there was a heartfelt group chant with his name.

Expectations for the concert were obviously high, with Zoom reportedly set to perform on this night and a trio of subsequent nights at the venue with each concert featuring one of X’s seminal albums played in its entirety. Zoom will then take a break from playing to undergo chemotherapy treatments beginning next week.

Thursday's performance was divided in two parts, with the full performance of the band’s Ray Manzarek-produced 1980 debut filling the first act and ultimately serving as the strongest part of the show. Watching the lineup of singer Exene Cervenka, bassist-singer John Doe, drummer D.J. Bonebrake and the aforementioned Zoom tear through one of punk rock's most compelling and essential albums was a thrill, with Cervenka and Doe's distinctive joint harmonies effective from the moment they were heard on the opener “Your Phone's Off the Hook, But You're Not” while a good-sized number of concertgoers participated in a mosh pit to add to the spirit.

While Zoom had to understandably sit on a stool while performing the show, his guitar playing was spot-on, including on a powerful version of The Doors’ 1967 classic “Soul Kitchen” and even more forceful version of the quartet's own “Los Angeles” a few minutes later.

The fast-paced punk rock song “The World's a Mess; It's in My Kiss” ended the first half of the night, with Cervenka acknowledging the appreciative crowd and energy of the night: “Thank you all for coming.”

The band then took an eight-minute break, and that’s when concertgoers (and the band) had to deal with challenges that appeared to affect both of the amplifiers that Zoom was using. His primary amp was suddenly very muddled with no high tones, and a secondary amp would cut out here and there, obviously hampering the power and flow of songs (even seminal tracks such as “The Hungry Wolf,” “White Girl” and “Devil Doll” during the second 50-minute half where there were several long interruptions where Zoom and his guitar tech attempted to improve things).

The highlight of that troubled set was a propulsive and spirited “The New World,” on which Cervenka and Doe again blended their soaring voices, while the band's distinctive rock attack was showcased.

The large crowd remained throughout the night, supporting Zoom and one of Southern California’s most groundbreaking bands ever without complaint.

“Orange County, thank you very much,” Cervenka said with obvious appreciation before leaving the stage.

The technical glitches that marred the 90-minute X outing were thankfully nowhere to be heard during the two openers’ sets.

The Phil Alvin-led Blasters turned in a potent 50-minute set featuring their original blend of roots music, rockabilly, punk, blues rock and more. With the amazing guitarist Keith Wyatt at his side, Alvin and company performed all their best-known tunes (“American Music,” “Marie Marie” and “Border Radio”) with fire, and outdistanced those gems with a haunting “Dark Night,” with that song finding Wyatt tapping into his inner John Fogerty for an extended solo that had the crowd cheering in appreciation.

Opening the night was legendary singer-bassist Mike Watt, who led his small San Pedro-based outfit (dubbed the Secondmen) through a 30-minute set of genre-defying rock that might best be described as progressive-punk. The well-known leader of fiREHOSE and the Minutemen impressed those who came early with material that allowed all three of the musicians to showcase virtuoso chops.

X Guitarist Billy Zoom diagnosed with Bladder Cancer - Fund set Up To Help Zoom and Family

Very sad breaking news. But I am joining the countless others wishing Billy Zoom a full recovery from cancer...

Billy Zoom, left, with Exene Cervenka

IMMEDIATE TREATMENT TO BEGIN  – BILLY ZOOM WILL STILL PERFORM AT ORANGE COUNTY ALBUM PLAY SHOWS THIS WEEKEND

REPLACEMENT TO BE NAMED FOR JULY-AUGUST DATES SO X CAN CONTINUE WITH THE TOUR IN SUPPORT OF ZOOM

(Los Angeles, CA – July 8, 2015)  Legendary guitarist, punk legend, and all-around nice guy, Billy Zoom, has been diagnosed with cancer.   Today Zoom was given the news that he has an aggressive form of bladder cancer and immediate treatment is necessary to fight the disease.  The 67-year-old musician/producer/electronics wiz will begin chemo treatment next week. 

In early 2010, Zoom revealed that he had been successfully treated for prostate cancer.  After undergoing a radical prostatectomy, the cancer was caught in its early stages and he was given the ‘all clear’. 

X and Zoom are committed to this weekend’s 4-album play shows at Orange County’s The Observatory where Billy will join his longtime bandmates on stage to play songs from his iconic bands first four albums.  Joining X for these shows will be The Blasters and Mike Watt.

X will continue with their previously announced July and August mid-west and east coast tour dates as planned in support of Billy and his family.  A replacement for Zoom will be announced shortly.

X and manager, Mike Rouse, have begun a fund to help Zoom with his upcoming medical costs. 

Statement from X: 

“In the music community, we all take turns helping each other.

Punk rock and benefits: you name the cause, and the bands and fans will be there. 

Now it's our turn to help Billy Zoom, the wittiest, smartest, nicest, best guitar player & friend we know.  We would do anything to help him get better, help take care of his family, and lessen his woes.

Please keep Billy in your prayers and send some positive energy his way!

Donating a few bucks will take away some of his financial stress and worry.

And it's the punk rock thing to do.”

Please donate to Support Billy Zoom’s Kick Cancer Fight by visiting:

http://www.gofundme.com/yx66a4