Summertime Reading For Music Lovers

Those whose interest in music and music heroes extends beyond merely listening have plenty of choice reads to choose from this summer. From a forthcoming thrilling fiction title penned by famed DJ Richard Blade and a biography from soul singer Eddie Floyd to the ultimate document covering the touring history of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame greats Rush, here are three great titles I've enjoyed devouring in recent weeks...

Title: Birthright
Author: Richard Blade
Publisher: BladeRocker Books
Softcover: 218 pages
Tell me more: Author Richard Blade's thriller "Birthright" is a fast-paced and involving story spanning from the crime-ravaged streets of 19th century London to modern-day America, England and Ireland, with current events very much a part of the compelling story line. Blade's clear and colorful writing style brings his three far-flung protagonists fully to life, as well as the darker and equally-vivid characters who pursue them. Jack the Ripper's final murder is the starting point for a thriller that is enhanced by events that are never less than plausible; a solid mix of action, character development, lively locales and the effective infusion of current affairs — including the coronavirus pandemic — help catapult the reader through "Birthright." I tore through this novel in a day cheering for the lives of professor Alex Turner, his young assistant Cate Shannon and teen Eddie York in their quest to solve a monumental puzzle while simultaneously trying to survive frightful villains out to kill them. Richard Blade is one of the most celebrated DJs in the U.S., having been a mainstay at KROQ-FM for many years; he is now a host on both SiriusXM and KCBS. The same passion he has championed as a groundbreaking DJ is displayed via top-tier storytelling across the wonderful  Birthright." Information: RichardBladeBook.com.

Title: Knock! Knock! Knock! On Wood: My Life in Soul
Authors: Eddie Floyd with Tony Fletcher
Publisher: BMG
Hardcover: 302 pages
Tell me more: The just-published "Knock! Knock! Knock! On Wood: My Life in Soul" is a wonderful and truly joyful look back at the 60-year career of master soul singer-songwriter Eddie Floyd. Best known for his bona fide classics "Knock on Wood," "Raise Your Hand," "634-5789," "Big Bird" and "I've Never Found a Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)," his unique first-hand account of a rich life (Floyd celebrated his 83rd birthday in June 2020) jumps off the page with each chapter. In addition to revisiting a life's journey taking him from an Alabama reform school to his rise as both singer and acclaimed songwriter, readers will be treated to once-in-a-lifetime tales such as the day he met Bruce Springsteen (who is a tremendous fan of Floyd) and they performed "Knock on Wood" and "Raise Your Hand" in concert together in Memphis in 1976, Muhammad Ali attending his sixty-ninth birthday and earliest memories of working with his great contemporaries (Wilson Pickett, Booker T. & The M.G.'s, bluesman Willie Dixon, Otis Redding and more) on stage, in the studio or via songwriting sessions. The autobiography also includes a number of marvelous images of Floyd and his family, as well as promo shots, concert photos and other images of him throughout his long career — including moments shared with the likes of Wilson Pickett, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Jones and Muhammad Ali. "Knock! Knock! Knock! On Wood: My Life in Soul" works as both a celebration of the life and career of Floyd as well as an important history of many of the key moments and players in the rise of soul music, notably at famed Stax Records in the 1960s and '70s. Information: BMG.com.

Title: Rush — Wandering the Face of the Earth: The Official Touring History
Authors: Skip Daily and Eric Hansen
Publisher: Insight Editions
Hardback and ebook: 496 pages
Tell me more: Weighing in at well over six pounds, the mammoth "Rush — Wandering the Face of the Earth: The Official Touring History" covers the complete history of the Canadian trio's treks encompassing the period of Sept. 6, 1968 to Aug. 1, 2015. With the passing of master drummer/band lyricist Neil Peart on Jan. 7, 2020 and the recent 5-year anniversary of the band's final show on Aug. 1, the publication of this tabletop book has taken on even greater significance; this is truly a labor of love from authors Skip Daily and Eric Hansen and rightfully celebrates the most successful Canadian music group in history. Peart along with singer-bassist-keyboardist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson created a series of enduring albums whose collective power was further enhanced whenever the trio went out on tour. "Wandering the Face of the Earth" is filled with revealing facts, essential details and a plethora of previously-unseen photographs that chronicle the band's career on the road. A mix of stunning concert shots, actual concert setlists, colorful ticket stubs and well-written text make for a fantastic journey down Memory Lane. For example, this writer was able to revisit the history of his first time seeing the band perform (at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa in May 1986 with the Fabulous Thunderbirds opening), a date where reserve seats were a mere $17.50! Information: InsightEditions.com.

Robert Kinsler

Micky Dolenz set to release solo album of Michael Nesmith covers

Micky Dolenz / Photo courtesy of the artist

I can't think of many better ideas than today's announcement that Micky Dolenz is going to record a full-length album of songs written by his fellow Monkee, Michael "Nez" Nesmith. Dolenz sang lead vocals on most of the Monkees best-known material, and Nesmith was always the most gifted writer in the quartet. 

As reported in Rolling Stone magazine, Dolenz has been a tremendous fan of Nesmith's original songs for "the past five decades," including classics "Mary Mary," "Listen to the Band" and "Papa Gene's Blues" that were all featured on the groundbreaking NBC-TV series and top-selling albums. This forthcoming project will allow Dolenz to use his still-incredible voice to celebrate Nesmith's top-tier song craft.

“I think I first mentioned this idea to Nez years ago when we first got together for a tour with Peter [Tork] after Davy [Jones] passed,” Dolenz says in the Rolling Stone article available here. “I don’t know where the idea came from, maybe from my friend Harry Nilsson and his [1970 Randy Newman tribute LP] Nilsson Sings Newman. I thought to myself, ‘Wow, Dolenz Sings Nesmith.'”

Michael Nesmith performing with the Monkees at
 the Pantages Theatre in September 2016.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

The album is set to be produced by Nesmith's talented son Christian Nesmith with well-known Monkees manager/historian Andrew Sandoval coordinating A&R duties. 

This writer last saw Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith on stage together (along with the late Peter Tork) as part of a Monkees show at the Pantages Theatre in September 2016. You can read my review of that memorable concert here.

Earlier this year, Dolenz and Nesmith were featured on The Mike & Micky Show; that essential title marks the first-ever official live album from the '60s hitmakers. You can see the cover art for that Rhino Records release on the right. Read my review of that live album here.

Robert Kinsler

NRBQ collects 16 rarities on 'In * Frequencies,' including 12 unissued songs, due from Omnivore on October 2, 2020

One of rock's all-time greats will be the focus of a special rarities-minded release coming this fall courtesy of Omnivore Recordings. Read on!

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — “The music goes ’round with love. It’s why this band means so much to so many,” writes MC Kostek about his favorite band, NRBQ, in his liner notes from the band’s new rarities retrospective.

NRBQ in 1969 / Photo: Phil Crandon

In their over five-decade career, NRBQ have never played by the rules. Why should they? They’re the ’Q. While other artists may have supplemented their discography with rarities sets by this point in their career, In • Frequencies has the distinction of being the first-ever collection of NRBQ outtakes and rare tracks! Sure, there have been other odds ’n’ ends albums, but none before like this one.

The 15-song collection from Omnivore Recordings will hit the streets October 2, 2020 on CD and LP (Digital to follow at a later date). A limited, yellow-vinyl edition will be made available exclusively via omnivorerecordings.com while supplies last.

NRBQ in 1977 / Photo: Kink Kume

In • Frequencies is a journey with the ’Q through a different lens. A true, career-spanning release, the album begins at the band’s beginning, with a soundcheck recording from October of 1968, and travels all the way to recent days, including the first physical appearance of their 2018 digital EP track, “April Showers” (recorded for the 2018 film Change in the Air, with the late, great, Hal Willner as musical director). 

All but four tracks are previously unissued. Of the recordings that have previously escaped into the world, two made their debut on now-rare 45s. They are the NRBQ offshoot “mock” group, Dickens, which provides the obscure 1970 single track “Sho’ Need Love” (“We just put everything on 10 and went wild”) and “Sourpuss,” recorded in Memphis in 1974 and first issued on the Select-O-Hits label. 

The songs are annotated with information, anecdotes and photos elaborating on the recordings made in studios, radio stations and stages across the country and the decades.

According to NRBQ member Scott Ligon, “As a member of the band, I get to hear an awful lot of stuff that other people don't have access to, but I’m hearing most of these tracks for the first time. The Dickens track ‘Sho’ Need Love’ is a real favorite for me. It’s almost too good to be true! It’s also hard to believe that I had never heard Terry’s ‘Get Real’ or ‘Let Me Tell You ‘Bout My Girl’ until this collection came together. You think you know a person!  But ‘April Showers’ is my sentimental favorite. The piano break is unreal. The singer ain’t bad either.”

Founding member Terry Adams adds: “When these songs surfaced on the tapes I felt like I was meeting an interesting woman for the first time. I had to say, ‘What’s a song like you doing on a tape like this?’”

In • Frequencies is a deep dive into why the band is a favorite of humans the world over and is a perfect compendium to the core studio albums and retrospectives you already love. 

No need to ask Kenneth the frequency; all of the magical sounds and majesty of America’s favorite band are on full display on In • Frequencies.

Track List: 

1. Dogwood Winter (Soundcheck Recording) 

2. Get Real
3. Sho’ Need Love - Dickens
4. Orioles
5. It’s A Wild Weekend (Soundcheck Recording) 

6. Let Me Tell You ‘Bout My Girl
7. Love Came To Me (Live at WDET-FM)
8. We’ll Make Love (Live at Trinity College)
9. April Showers
10. That’s All
11. Everybody’s Smokin’ (Alternate Version)
12. Blues Stay Away From Me
13. My Dearest One
14. Sourpuss
15. Too Much (Live At The Pyramid Arena) 

16. Chapel Of Love 

NAMM Announces Believe in Music Week

We shouldn't be surprised to know that The NAMM Show will not be held in January 2021, but there is still good news to share about NAMM's plans for next year. Here is a media release that landed in my inbox today...Robert Kinsler

Earth, Wind & Fire in concert at The NAMM Show on Jan. 17, 2020.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

NAMM Announces Believe in Music Week, The Global Gathering to Unite and Support the Industry

Carlsbad, CA 

August 10, 2020

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the health and safety of NAMM members as the first priority, NAMM is reimagining how to connect all facets of the industry while benefiting those most deeply impacted by COVID-19 with the launch of Believe in Music: The global gathering to unify and support the people who bring music to the world.

Believe in Music, to be held over the week of January 18, 2021, will feature a mix of comprehensive programming and professional education at BelieveinMusic.tv, as well as an interactive marketplace to connect buyers and sellers – all designed to elevate the innovation and inspiration found across the industry while offering support for those most deeply affected by COVID. While not The NAMM Show or a virtual tradeshow, the initiative will meet the immediate business needs of NAMM member companies through thought-leader led education for all segments of the industry, networking and AI matchmaking, and business-to-business-focused opportunities to reaffirm and grow business connections, launch new products, share brand initiatives and engage with customers in real-time.

Joe Lamond, NAMM President and CEO, says, “While it remains unsafe for us to gather in person in January, Believe in Music week will use new, intuitive technology to connect us all to harness the incredible energy that happens when we come together. With a robust marketplace to launch new products and share your brand story, Believe in Music will also feature networking and matchmaking for our buyers and our sellers, education for all segments of the industry, and live music and concerts. And just like at all NAMM events, these activities will raise awareness and financial support to serve our NAMM family across our Circle of Benefits model. Believe in Music week will be a critical step for our industry to help us prepare for the new year and new opportunities.”

Tom Sumner, president of Yamaha Corporation of America, shares, “I believe there has never been a more important moment for our industry to gather, to conduct business, to inspire each other, to inspire music makers and to support those in our music family in need. That’s why Yamaha is excited to start working on our part of the new event from NAMM, Believe in Music. As an industry, we’ve always trusted NAMM to create gatherings that are safe, provide a conducive business environment and produce those surprise moments that we talk about years after the event. While I wish I could see you in person, I look forward to seeing you at Believe in Music.”

“We at Sweetwater as well as our customers look forward to The NAMM Show, yet with COVID, there’s been a lot of changes and we’ve all had to adapt in many ways… With each change like this there comes an opportunity and we’re very excited that NAMM will bring us Believe in Music,” states Mitch Gallagher, editorial director for Sweetwater. “While we can’t replace The NAMM Show, we look forward to all that this new platform has to offer including the ability to connect with our vendors, the opportunity for more of our staff to experience new products as they’re announced, the educational and training opportunities that Believe in Music will provide and so much more. By coming together for NAMM’s Believe in Music, we can all help support our industry and the world’s music makers. We’re looking forward to a great event.”

“NAMM is and always has been about helping people make connections, advocacy for music and musicians, and bringing people together from around the globe,” says Shure’s Abby Kaplan, vice president of global retail sales. “Shure stands by NAMM in pursuit to continue that effort. Perhaps, this year, those connections will be even more important as we in the pro audio and live sound segment work at getting back to having live events and concerts. Certainly, we’ll miss seeing all of our retailers, distributors and friends in person, but we’re excited about ways we can deploy an equally compelling experience this year and into the future … This creates a new opportunity for all of us to work together, rebuild and come back better than ever.”

The weeklong celebration will welcome domestic and international NAMM members from the music instrument, pro audio, live sound and live event industries, artists, media and policymakers, along with participants from GenNext (college music students and faculty), Music Education Days (school music administrators) and Nonprofit Institute (NAMM Foundation grantees and nonprofit affiliates). Emerging and established musicians and fans are invited to connect with brands and in special music-making projects and opportunities to showcase their talents and performances throughout the week, opening the potential to gather music makers in a capacity not restricted by location.

The industry’s much-loved annual events will now take place during Believe in Music week, as well. The 36th TEC Awards will recognize the individuals, companies and technical innovations behind the sound of recordings, live performances, films, television, video games and multimedia. In 2020, Joni Mitchell was presented with the Les Paul Innovation Award, an honor that recognizes musical artists whose work has exemplified the creative application of audio technology. The Hall of Fame Award, recognizing audio pioneers, as well as the music industry’s most accomplished producers and audio technicians, was presented to the creative powerhouse behind Pensado’s Place, Dave Pensado and Herb Trawick. The TEC Awards call for entries is now open through August 31: www.TECAwards.org

The Top 100 Dealer Awards will also be celebrated during the week. Now in its 10th year, the annual awards honor music retailers who have demonstrated a commitment to best practices, creativity and innovation in retail. The submissions process is now open for NAMM retail members and will close on October 2, 2020. Learn more and submit now at www.NAMM.org/Top100

Brandon "Taz" Niederauer at the NAMM Show in January 2020.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Along with the award shows, music advocates will come together for The Grand Rally for Music Education. The annual event convenes music education advocates for a celebration of the benefits and pleasures of making music. In 2020, the Grand Rally welcomed 10-time Grammy winner Bobby McFerrin and Gimme5 for a special performance, along with a preshow performance by The Langley Ukulele Ensemble, The Legacy Ukulele Ensemble and winners of the “A Cappella at NAMM” contest.

Additional details of these events, receptions and other activities will be provided in the weeks to come.

In his final thoughts, Lamond shares, “If there’s any one common vision, it’s that as a global community, we believe in music. We believe in the future of music and in the future of our industry, and in this moment, we will unite and support music makers around the world.”

For those interested in participating or to learn more, please visit https://believeinmusic.tv/ to sign-up for future updates.

Official Hashtag: #BelieveinMusic

About NAMM

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry. NAMM is comprised of approximately 10,300 members located in 104 countries and regions. NAMM events and members fund The NAMM Foundation's efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits of music, and advance active participation in music making across the lifespan. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org, call 800.767.NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Read Robert Kinsler's 2020 NAMM Show recap here.

Kathleen Edwards celebrates new album "Total Freedom" with special release day livestream this Friday

Talented singer-songwriter Kathleen Edwards is set to return with her first new full-length album in eight years this Friday, Aug. 14. Here is news of her livestream that will be beamed out to the world that day. Her 2012 album "Voyageur" was one of that year's best and it's fantastic she's back. The advance tracks I've heard are amazing (I can't get "Hard On Everyone" out of my head)...Robert Kinsler

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Kathleen Edwards will perform a special album release livestream concert this Friday, August 14 at 3 p.m ET/2pm CT from her own coffee shop, bar and café, Quitters.

Available to stream via Amazon Music's Twitch as well as Edwards' YouTube and Facebook pages, the event will feature Edwards performing songs from her highly anticipated new album, Total Freedom (out the same day), as well as a conversation between Edwards and WXPN's World Café host Raina Douris. RSVP HERE.

Listen to the single, "Options Open," as well as four additional album tracks HERE. 

Total Freedom is Edwards’ fifth-studio album since her 2003 debut and her first since 2012’s Voyageur. The album reached #39 on the United States’ Billboard 200 chart, #2 in Canada and received widespread critical acclaim—NPR Music praised, “Her songs feel as personal and lived-in as ever…Edwards has never seemed more confident in her own considerable gifts,” while Pitchfork declared, “Each song emphasizes change and risk, and Edwards never resorts to tired sentiments or platitudes about healing and hope” and Rolling Stone proclaimed, “an exquisite, widescreen beauty.” Now based in Ottawa, Ontario, Edwards is a five-time Juno Award nominee and winner of the SOCAN Songwriting Prize for Voyageurtrack, “A Soft Place to Land.” She has also had her music featured in several hit television shows including Grey’s Anatomy, One Tree Hill, Hart of Dixie, House and more.

TOTAL FREEDOM TRACK LIST

1. Glenfern 

2. Hard On Everyone

3. Birds On A Feeder

4. Simple Math

5. Options Open 

6. Feelings Fade

7. Fools Ride

8. Ashes to Ashes 

9. Who Rescued Who 

10. Take It With You

Dawes release new song, "St. Augustine At Night"; new album out Oct 2

Anytime there is news on a forthcoming new album from Dawes, it's a good day to celebrate. Listen to the fantastic advance son "St. Augustine at Night," and the introspective video too...Robert Kinsler

Dawes dream of "St. Augustine at Night” 

Powerful new single heralds eagerly-awaited seventh studio album from Americana heroes

OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO STREAMING NOW AT YOUTUBE

GOOD LUCK WITH WHATEVER ARRIVES VIA ROUNDER RECORDS

ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

FRONTMAN, TAYLOR GOLDSMITH NOMINATED FOR EMMY AWARD

Dawes / photo credit: Clara Balzary

Veteran rockers Dawes have announced today’s premiere of their profound new single. “St. Augustine at Night” is available at all DSPs and streaming services; an official lyric video is streaming now via YouTube. “‘St. Augustine at Night’ is a song about one’s relationship to their hometown,” says Dawes’ frontman Taylor Goldsmith, “but also is a song about the varying degrees in which we all watch our lives pass us by.” LISTEN TO “ST. AUGUSTINE AT NIGHT” WATCH “ST. AUGUSTINE AT NIGHT” “St. Augustine at Night” marks the latest single from the Los Angeles-based band’s eagerly awaited seventh studio LP, GOOD LUCK WITH WHATEVER. Produced by 6x GRAMMY® Award-winner Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit) at Nashville’s famed RCA Studio A, the album arrives via Rounder Records on Friday, October 2; pre-orders are available now. PRE-ORDER GOOD LUCK WITH WHATEVER GOOD LUCK WITH WHATEVER was first heralded by last month’s premiere of “Who Do You Think You’re Talking To?” The high-spirited track is joined by an official companion video, directed by actress/filmmaker Caitlin Gerard and streaming now at the official Dawes YouTube channel. Last month also saw Goldsmith nominated for an Emmy Award for “Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics” for the song “Memorized” from the NBC show This Is Us. “Who Do You Think You’re Talking To?” was met by widespread applause upon its July premiere, with Rolling Stone hailing it as “a turbo-charged Eighties heartland rocker that finds Goldsmith narrating an interaction between two people, one of whom is still plagued by a past relationship.” “From the sounds of ‘Who Do You Think You’re Talking To?,’ bringing everyone closer to the process has led to a bigger sound,” declared Consequence of Sound. “As Goldsmith’s classic melodies and riffs continue the thread of Dawes’ decade-long career, the percussion snaps like a whip crack and Lee Pardini’s keys reach Roy Bittan levels of drama as they’re pushed to the forefront.” LISTEN TO “WHO DO YOU THINK YOU’RE TALKING TO?” WATCH “WHO DO YOU THINK YOU’RE TALKING TO?” GOOD LUCK WITH WHATEVER – which marks Dawes’ first release on their new label, Rounder Records – follows a series of acclaimed self-released albums including 2013’s STORIES DON’T END, 2015’s ALL YOUR FAVORITE BANDS, 2016’s WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE, and 2018’s PASSWORDS, all of which reached the top 10 or higher on Billboard’s “Top Rock Albums” and “Americana/Folk Albums” charts. From its first downbeat, GOOD LUCK WITH WHATEVER sees Goldsmith grappling with the expectations of adulthood on a remarkable cycle of new songs fueled by many of the same elements that first earned the band worldwide attention and applause – graceful melodies with kinetic riffs and intricate musical interplay. Throughout the album, Dawes once again prove incredibly adept at pushing the emotional limits of the classically structured rock song, a testament to their tightly honed yet imaginative musicianship and the gripping specificity of Goldsmith’s songwriting. A culmination of their entire catalogue and decade-long career all wrapped up in nine glorious tracks, GOOD LUCK WITH WHATEVER reclaims the rugged urgency and easy confidence of Dawes’ early work while tapping into the veteran band’s intense musical connection more effectively than ever before. “In the past, I’ve definitely been more precious about the way I wanted the songs to sound, but that’s never as fun,” Goldsmith says. “The music we make is everyone’s mode of expression, and the other guys all have chops that I don’t have and never will. The fact that we’re able to lean on each other and celebrate each other as individuals just makes us so much more excited about getting to play together in this band.” Dawes is: Taylor Goldsmith (guitars, vocals), Griffin Goldsmith (drums), Wylie Gelber (bass), Lee Pardini (keys). DAWES GOOD LUCK WITH WHATEVER (ROUNDER RECORDS) RELEASE DATE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

TRACKLISTING: Still Feel Like A Kid Good Luck With Whatever Between The Zero and The One None Of My Business St. Augustine At Night Who Do You Think You’re Talking To? Didn’t Fix Me Free As We Want To Be Me Especially # # # CONNECT WITH DAWES: DAWESTHEBAND.COM INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK TWITTER YOUTUBE

The Rolling Stones premiere 'Scarlet' video; 'The Ballad of Brian Jones' video from Michael Ubaldini

Exciting update; The Rolling Stones have just premiered their official video for "Scarlet" on YouTube. The track is one of three previously-unheard tracks on the forthcoming Goats Head Soup deluxe reissue:





While we are focused on The Rolling Stones, check out rocker Michael Ubaldini's new "The Ballad of Brian Jones" video too:

Joe Bonamassa Live Stream Pay Per View from Ryman Auditorium Sept 20; Performing new album 'Royal Tea' in full before release

Modern day blues-rock great Joe Bonamassa has an important event coming up next month, where he will be performing at Ryman Auditorium. The official media release is below...

Joe Bonamassa brings new music to fans with one night only Pay Per View concert event live-streamed from legendary Ryman Auditorium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020

BLUES ROCK GUITAR ICON PERFORMING 

NEW ALBUM 'ROYAL TEA' (OUT OCT 23) IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE RELEASE

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

LIVE STREAM WILL RAISE MONEY FOR FUELING MUSICIANS PROGRAM TO HELP ARTISTS IN NEED

On September 20, Joe Bonamassa is bringing the music back to the people in an epic VIRTUAL PAY-PER-VIEW CONCERT for one night only.

 

This virtual event will bring fans together around the world as Bonamassa broadcasts to their living room in an unforgettable night of Blues Rock! 

 

Each ticket purchased includes a donation to the Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation for Joe’s Fueling Musicians Program to help musicians in need during this pandemic.

PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THE LIVE STREAM PAY PER VIEW CONCERT ON SEPT 20:

jbonamassa.com/streaming/worldwide-concert

 WATCH THE PROMO VIDEO:

youtu.be/pYxa7mnOnAw

Photo credit: Robert Sutton

Joe Bonamassa is set to perform a special live stream pay per view concert from the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee on September 20. This concert will feature the songs from his new album Royal Tea before the official release on October 23rd. Pre-order the album here. Joe has never performed a full, unreleased album for audiences like this before, giving fans from around the world the opportunity to come together for an unforgettable night of blues-rock music. Along with Royal Tea he’ll perform classic remixes from his 20th anniversary album A New Day Now. The evening will continue with a one hour “After-Party Showcase” featuring several live performances from an array of some of the hottest rising stars in blues-rock music.

The live stream pay per view tickets and packages for “Joe Bonamassa Live in Concert Worldwide” presented by Keeping The Blues Alive are available for purchase at https://joeb.me/JBW 

There are a variety of pricing levels available for fans worldwide to be a part of this special “audience.” Tickets to the live stream pay per view event starts at $20. Fans may also purchase a $35 ALL-ACCESS PASS which includes access to the live stream pay per view event on September 20th, the Royal Teadigital album available on October 23rd, and a 1-year all pass for Bonamassa’s on-demand service which includes 17+ concert releases from Joe Bonamassa, Black Country Communion, and Rock Candy Funk Party – available at any time on most devices.

As part of this unique concert event, fans also have the option to purchase a Commemorative VIP ticket giving them an experience they will never forget. VIP ticket holders will have their photo printed out and placed in a seat at the legendary Ryman Auditorium as part of Joe’s audience for that special night. VIPs will also get a picture of Joe with his “audience” which will be sent to them via email to keep. The VIP ticket holder’s name will also be included in the credits at the end of the live stream pay per view event, as well as being included in the upcoming DVD credits for this performance!

This one-of-a-kind concert is presented by Bonamassa’s non-profit, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation (KTBA) (more info on KTBA here). Each ticket purchase will include a $1 donation to Joe’s Fueling Musicians Program, which to date has raised over $300,000 and has supported more than 163 musicians in need due to the COVID-19 pandemic (more info on Fueling Musicians here).

While much of the applause Bonamassa receives should be credited to his sheer talent, some part of his success needs to be attributed to Joe and his business partner for having the foresight and ability to become some of music’s savviest entrepreneurs. Bonamassa now 43, and his partner Roy Weisman have together devised a 360-degree independent business model that has survived and thrived during one of the music industry’s most uncertain eras, particularly considering the challenges created by the current pandemic.

To keep up with everything Bonamassa, visit jbonamassa.com, and be sure to stay connected on social media.

CONNECT:

Website: jbonamassa.com

YouTube: /JoeBonamassaTV

Facebook: @JoeBonamassa

Twitter: @JBONAMASSA

Instagram: @joebonamassa

Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation:

keepingthebluesalive.org