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My Next Read: “The Gospel of The Hold Steady: How a Resurrection Really Feels”

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On January 22, 2003, four men stepped onto a stage in Brooklyn and did something no one else was doing at that time, in that place. They played rock ‘n’ roll: old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll with skyscraping riffs and sloppy solos, topped with extraordinary lyrics about an out-of-focus America, blurred by pills and powders, of crime and fear and desperation and redemption.

Twenty years later, The Hold Steady are one of America’s most beloved rock bands, famed for live shows that turn unbelievers into converts, and for a catalog filled with some of the most exciting yet poetic music of the twenty-first century. To mark those twenty years, The Hold Steady tell their full story in The Gospel of The Hold Steady: How a Resurrection Really Feels.

An oral history, based on interviews with everyone who has played in the band, and those who have worked with them over the course of their career, The Gospel of the Hold Steady addresses all the triumphs and setbacks of The Hold Steady’s career in the band’s own words—from high times to near deaths, from the brink of splitting to their current renaissance. The volume also includes over 200 photographs and images.

The Gospel of The Hold Steady is completed by essays about America’s greatest bar band by writers Rob Sheffield, Laura Barton, Isaac Fitzgerald, and Michael Hann, as well as the thoughts and memories of “The Unified Scene”—the fans who have helped define the band’s identity over the years. This is a book for everyone who loves The Hold Steady, and anyone who understands that the magic of rock ‘n’ roll happens on a stage in a small room, with voices raised from the crowd.

MTL Pachangón’s Resonance: From Kitchen Parties to Chart-Topping Beats With Tropical Punk, Cumbia, Ska, and Calypso

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Thank goodness the neighbours spent the summer out of town! When the after-hours crowd that had just left one of Montreal DJ/producer “MTL Pachangón” club nights moved the party to his combined kitchen and living room, the walls shook with joyous singalongs, the celebration until sunrise by the sounds of beatmaking, rapping and various noises made with household utensils.

Now, almost seven years later, comes proof it was all worth it. Oonga & Chellz – Dame Espacio feat. Ultra K, the debut single from Oonga’s MTL Sauce Piquante project, reconstitutes those late-night bursts of creativity into a spicy mix of tropical punk, cumbia, ska, calypso, dancefloor grooves and just about anything else that can be caught and thrown in a pot.

“Dame Espacio” means “give me space,” and the jubilant track is both a boisterous demand for elbow room and a nostalgic celebration of the geographic “spaces” its featured artists left to make their home in Montreal. Over the insistent beats Oonga lays down, Salvadoran MC Chellz, Mexican psychedelic rocker Ultra K and backup vocalist KC paint a picture of “un lugar que is sin igual” (“a place that is without equal”), full of “cerros altos” (“high hills”) “vastos lagos” (“vast lakes”) and “padres con muy pocos pagos, haciendo milagros” (“parents with very little pay, making miracles”). “Fais moi de la place/ Dame espacio” goes the bridge refrain, underlining the title theme in two languages. All the while, Javier Maldonado’s skanking guitar and Ons Barnat’s dubbed-out bass throb with their own muscular enthusiasm and overseen by mixer Ivan Duran.

While this particular track is credited to “Oonga and Chellz,” its larger mission is to introduce MTL Sauce Piquante, a collaborative project and new label made up of “award-winning artists, award-nominated artists, participation-trophy winners, fry cooks, bartenders, upcoming talent, well-established talent, and talent that is still not sure if they have any talent or not.” That’s an admirably self-effacing way to describe some of the finest musicians from Montreal’s vibrant global roots, jazz and Latin scenes. The fruits of their labors arrive in spring 2024, with the release of the Oonga-led initiative’s first full-length album, Cracher le feu (aka Spitting Fire, aka Fuego en la Garganta). And don’t worry we’ll be getting a bunch of leftovers: While the fundamentals of jams like “Dame Espacio feat. Ultra K” were hashed out in those long-ago after-hours sessions by a cadre of guitarists, horn players, keyboardists, bassists, rappers, singers and poets, the music was then “debated, torn apart and put back together again” over the span of months and even years (and a lot of bottles of El Yucateco; yes, working from home has its perks).

“It’s the new roaring ’20s, and we need our own demented cabaret music,” Oonga’s crew says. “As things fall apart and life gets heavier, sometimes you really need the music to pick you up!”

Maybe we should all just pretend we live next door and come in through the back door.

Canadian Powerhouses Lou Pomanti and Robyn Black Unleash Infectious Vibes with Soulful Collaboration “Shake About It”

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Get ready to shake it like never before with Lou Pomanti and Robyn Black as they release their newest soulful single, “Shake About It.” This dynamic collaboration between Lou, one of Canada’s most accomplished producers, composers, musicians, and musical directors, and Robyn, Canada’s vocal treasure, is not just music – it’s a mood-lifting invitation to throw caution to the wind and let go of all your worries.

With its infectious groove and upbeat tempo, “Shake About It” is the ultimate anthem for shaking off the stresses of the day and embracing the present moment. As two of Canada’s most dynamic musical talents, Lou and Robyn bring their own unique flair to their new single, drawing from their diverse backgrounds and experiences. This collaboration represents a true amalgamation of talent as they infuse the song with a blend of funk, soul, and pure fun.

Robyn Black has ascended into the spotlight with “Butterfly,” a meticulously crafted album embodying a musical journey through narratives of resilience, love, introspection, and fervor for life, released in October 2023. After two decades of shaping melodies from the shadows, Robyn, with the release of her long-anticipated album, has made a resolute entrance into the domain of established solo artists. Developed in conjunction with her unyielding ally in Lou as the producer, the album encompasses eleven tracks, presenting eight original compositions and three ingeniously envisioned covers, thereby testifying to Robyn’s evolution from a seasoned session vocalist to a consummate recording artist.

This album goes beyond displaying Robyn’s stunning vocal capacity and emotional expanse; it epitomizes her metamorphosis into an artist daring to unveil her soul, sharing the myriad experiences that have molded her path. Alongside Lou, a steadfast believer in her limitless talent, Robyn has not merely evolved but also crafted an auditory embrace, both a testament to her artistic maturation and an invitation to bear witness to the splendor birthed when unwavering resolve converges with raw, unrestrained talent.

Robyn has shared the stages with celebrated bands such as the Backstreet Boys and lending her vocals for demos, background vocals, and voiceovers for various global projects. She has joined forces with industry titans like Chin Injeti and Justin Gray, lending her vocals and songwriting prowess to artists and shows globally, including for Japanese artist Crystal Kay and American artist Sarah Haze, while also providing memorable performances for brands like Folgers and Bell Canada.

Canadian Screen Awards (Gemini) winner Lou Pomanti is one of Canada’s most accomplished producers, composers, musicians, and musical directors. Lou’s original music and performances are featured on soundtracks and recordings from some of Canada’s biggest stars, and he has contributed playing, arrangements and productions to several Grammy winning albums. In 1980 Lou received a call from David Clayton-Thomas to join the seminal jazz rock group Blood, Sweat and Tears and toured the world. It began a decades-long association including the role as producer on DCT’s “Soul Ballads” album for Universal Records. 1983 saw the beginning of Lou’s session career as the first call pianist/synthesist in Toronto. His playing and arranging has enhanced the recordings of Michael Bublé, Gordon Lightfoot, and Anne Murray, as well as rockers Kim Mitchell and Triumph.

Lou received a Gemini award for arranging and conducting “Both Sides Now” for Joni Mitchell’s induction to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Lou arranged the orchestra for Michael Bublé’s smash hit “Haven’t Met You Yet”, which has sold over 7 million copies worldwide. He has 8 arrangements in total on Michael Bublé records. He has contributed to and/or produced recent albums by Marc Jordan, The Tenors, Matt Dusk, David Clayton-Thomas, June Garber, John Finley, Barbra Lica and many more.

Tom Wilson Takes His Story To The Stage With ‘Beautiful Scars’ Musical At Hamilton’s Theatre Aquarius

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Tom Wilson’s identity crisis began in earnest at the age of 4, when his mother looked him square in the eye and told him “There are secrets I know about you that I’ll take to my grave.” What she meant, and how he finally figured it out, is a topic the Canadian writer-musician explored to stunning effect in his best-selling 2017 novel, Beautiful Scars: Steeltown Secrets, Mohawk Skywalkers and the Road Home, and a 2022 documentary film of the same name. Now his gripping story is coming to the stage as a world-premiere musical created by Wilson and Shaun Smyth, under the direction of Mary Francis Moore.

Playing April 24 to May 11, 2024, at Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton, Ontario, the production brings together some of Canada’s most celebrated actors and musicians, with a powerfully evocative score by Wilson, a multi-award-winning musician/storyteller with decades of achievements as a writer, player and performer. It’s a tale of loss, love and forgiveness that will have you spellbound from the first note to the last.

And it’s all possible simply because a very young Wilson wanted to know why he didn’t look like anyone else in his family, and why he had a mother who appeared so much older than his friends’. His long and painful journey toward the truth took him from the blue-collar “Steeltown” of East Hamilton Mountain and up the St. Lawrence River to Kahnaw’a:ke Mohawk territory, where a generations-old secret lay waiting to be discovered.

The new musical has Sheldon Elter playing the part of the adult Tom, with Thompson Wilson as his younger self. Also in the cast are Kristi Hansen as his mother, Bunny; Brandon McGibbon as his father; George, Valerie Planche as Janie; and Jeremy Proulx as Bear.

The live band is made up of Phil Davis, Gary Craig and Dave Gray. Rounding out the creative team are music director Bob Foster, set designer Jay Havens, costume designer Yolanda Skelton, lighting designer Kevin Fraser, sound designer Ranil Sonnadara and choreographer Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo.

The show is the latest project for Wilson —the culmination of the widespread acclaim he’s earned not just for Beautiful Scars the book and film, but also for his stellar writing and performing work with musical outfits like Junkhouse, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings and the JUNO Award-winning Lee Harvey Osmond (in which he’s joined by Cowboy Junkies founder Michael Timmins). In addition, he’s an accomplished painter who’s had pieces hung in in the Art Gallery of Burlington and along John Street in Hamilton (as part of a commission by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences).

“I’m scared and scarred but I’ve survived,” Wilson writes in the book. With his compelling tale now about to take the leap into a vibrant three dimensions, it’s time to not just survive but thrive.

Tickets to Beautiful Scars the musical are $25 and up at www.theatreaquarius.org, or call the box office at (905) 522-7529.

Theatre Aquarius gratefully acknowledges support from its Season Sponsor, Donna Patterson, and the Title Sponsor for Beautiful Scars, The Slaight Family Foundation. The opening night partner on April 26 is Gowling WLG, and the community welcome party is hosted by Next Steps Planning with IPC Securities.

This event has been financially assisted by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund a program of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, administered by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Corporation

Pretty “Please”: Detroit’s Billy The Kid & Your Funeral Show They Ain’t Too Proud To Beg

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There’s needy, and then there’s just honest. And you can always count on the recording artist known as Billy the Kid to be honest. On her new single, “Fall in Love with Me, Please” — her second as part of the trio Billy the Kid & Your Funeral — the straight-shooting Billy Pettinger places a bid for affection that’s as plainspoken as it is heartbreaking.

Making her own unique contribution to the “where is my man?” school of lonely hearts club songcraft, the Vancouver-born, Detroit-based Billy establishes that she, too, has been around the world and can’t find her baby—“the world” in this context extending from the neighborhood bar to the faces of past partners she now worries might have included the proverbial one that got away. It’s on the chorus, though, that the depths of her desperation truly become known:

I made a shirt
That said “Fall In Love With Me”
I took an ad out in the obituaries
Just in case you like to frequent
Places as sad as some of the nights I’ve had

It’s a bracing sentiment, all right, and the music doesn’t obscure it one iota. The sparse, folkified pop-rock laid down by Billy and her bandmates Atom Willard (Angels & Airwaves, Alkaline Trio) and Marc Jacob Hudson (Laura Jane Grace & the Devouring Mothers) graciously hangs back so every syllable of the gently pleading vocal can tug at your sleeve and your heartstrings.

Oh, and that bit about the obituaries? It’s no mere melodrama. The Valentine’s Day 2024 release of “Fall in Love with Me, Please” came almost nine years to the day Pettinger woke up in a hospital bed after swallowing the entire contents of her medicine cabinet over seemingly insurmountable pressures—including green-card troubles and a lack of support from her then-label. Fortunately, she not only survived but thrived, thanks to the support of fans on crowdfunding platforms like Patreon and her own indomitable work ethic.

A genuinely prolific artist, Pettinger has released numerous albums over the past two decades under a variety of monikers: her real name, Billy the Kid, Billy and the Lost Boys, Billy the Kid & the South Side Boys and now Billy the Kid & Your Funeral. She’s also a big fan of “31 songs in 31 days” writing and recording challenges, including one that yielded the material for her 2021 album, There Is Only Right Now.

The new single, in fact, dropped just two weeks after the release of the new band’s debut track, “Fallout.” At the same time, Pettinger has been busy making videos, including a clip for “Fall in Love with Me, Please” that uses the adorable canine PizzaFox AnkleSox to sell its message that in matters of the heart, it’s better to adopt than shop.

Billy and the boys have a full-length album coming in October whose title, I Have to Do This, neatly sums up her seemingly endless appetite for self-direction. Maybe getting a second chance at life renews your focus, but truth be told, she never had much of an “off” switch to begin with. She’s working hard to make you love her, so maybe it’s time to just give in. “Please.”

 

“Survivorman” Les Stroud Teases Vinyl Re-Release With A Love Letter To His “Arctic Mistress”

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Welcome to the tundra. Environmentalist/adventurer Les Stroud is once again singing the praises of his “Arctic Mistress,” a track from the forthcoming remastered and expanded vinyl edition of his 2019 album, Mother Earth.

An artifact of one of Stroud’s innumerable forays into the ancient wilderness, the seven-minute track begins with a lengthy throat-sung prelude influenced by the Inuit musicians of Canada’s Pond Inlet. That segues into a mesmerizing prog-pop number that exhorts us to “breathe the arctic air.” It’s a sentiment near and dear to the heart of Stroud, who has built up a sterling international reputation as an advocate for the natural world through his decades as a survival expert, filmmaker, composer, singer-songwriter and all-around champion of the wonders around us.

“I wanted to connect the listener to the arctic, to the land, to nature,” he says. The finished tune, co-conceived with Bryan Potvin of the Northern Pikes, is Stroud’s idea of “a love song to the arctic. I wanted to picture the arctic as a mistress, a lover. And so it became.”

That intimate relationship is cemented in the accompanying music video, which relies on some truly stunning time-lapse footage of an expedition to the frozen north. Then again, breathtaking travelogues are de rigueur for Stroud, a highly accomplished environmentalist/adventurer who created the “survival TV” genre with the hit program Survivorman. The footage from the “Arctic Mistress” video stems from an episode of his 2010 offshoot series, Beyond Survival.

Music has been a surprising but essential parallel career, in which the upcoming vinyl rerelease of Mother Earth is merely the latest chapter. Expanded from the original seven tracks to 10, the record was produced by the legendary Mike Clink, best known for his groundbreaking work with Guns N’ Roses. GNR’s Slash shows up on “One Giant Farm,” and virtuoso Steve Vai contributes to the title track—to name but two of the immensely talented musicians who have joined Stroud in his multimedia mission to preach respect and protection of the world’s precious resources.

The new edition of Mother Earth arrives June 14, gliding on the wind that’s been put in Stroud’s sails by some recent high-profile honors. His “Gypsy Soul” was nominated for Best Country/Bluegrass Song in the 2024 International Acoustic Music Awards; that followed his strong showing in the 2023 competition, in which “Arctic Mistress” had been a finalist for Best Song and Les Stroud and the Pikes, his collaborative project with Potvin’s Northern Pikes, reached the finals for Best Group/Duo. The same year, the Canadian Screen Awards nominated Stroud in the categories of Best Direction, Lifestyle or Information and Best Original Music, Factual, Lifestyle, Reality, or Entertainment (with partners Kevin Kossowan and David Bateman).

Stroud promises that “hundreds of pieces of music” are coming in the next few years, swelling his already mighty repertoire of rock, world, prog, folk, blues and balladry. With plans that ambitious, he’s clearly well on the way to becoming a natural resource himself.

The Rockin’ Krolik Confesses the Joys and Pangs of Middle Age on Raw, Relatable ‘Shedding Skin’ EP

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Nearly three years in the making, Shedding Skin, the new six-song EP by Ajax, ON-based The Rockin’ Krolik (a.k.a. J.F. Perotin) is a raw examination of past relationships, personal growth, loss of loved ones, and addiction. It’s the kind of album you make when you’ve turned 52, as Perotin did this year, and you have some of the hard-earned wisdom and maturity to formulate something deeply meaningful – and relatable.

“I wrote songs letting go of filters, self-judgment, Imposter Syndrome, and all that BS,” Perotin says of Shedding Skin, which he began writing back in 2022.

With its mellow rockin’ groove, “W.Y.K.Y.K.” (“When You Know, You Know”) pays tribute to emotional intelligence and listening to one’s gut to get the right answers. “In short, it’s being tuned in to the energy of the universe and what you perceive when interacting with people – it’s all magnetism,” Perotin muses. “Ebbs and flows, tension and release.” And then the song brings in the strings for an epic, purifying ending.

It’s difficult to reach middle age without at some point contemplating your own mortality. On the jangly, moody “Tie Me Up,” Perotin contemplates the constant ticking of the clock. “It’s about coming to a point in your life where you know there is no stopping it or slowing it down,” he explains.

“Say It” examines those moments in life when we can’t find the courage to say the things we want to say. It’s about missed opportunities and lost loves and the little wistful pangs inside the heart of anyone who’s lived for a while. A choir breathes extra life and soaring poignance into the track, turning it into a tearjerker.

The soulful, percussive “Numb in the Rain” contemplates addiction and numbing escape. “We all have our demons, and all have stuff going on in our lives that we think we can’t cope with,” Perotin acknowledges. “There is a way out, although the song doesn’t give that sense of hope – on purpose.” The song brings back the tension of the album’s opener “WYKYK,” urging the listener to embark on some of their own soul searching.

Written in half a day, “I Need A Change” captures the restlessness of feeling stuck or tied up in chains, a common sentiment for any artist. “Really drives me mad to feel I’m being held back,” Perotin admits. “I support myself and my family with a 9-to-5 job but my heart is with my art 98 percent of the time.” The song’s urgency and honesty is its own catharsis, falling into a gliding groove that morphs frustration into motivation.

Shimmering with a naked bravery reminiscent of James Taylor, “The Sand On My Toes” is a song Perotin always gets emotional singing. “Yeah, I know I’m weird crying to my own song, eh?,” he says, chuckling. But it’s a deeply personal piece, infused with conflicting feelings of love and resentment for his father, who passed. “Because he’s gone, although some questions are left unanswered there’s acceptance of the discomfort and ultimately no denying he lives in me somehow.”

The Rockin’ Krolik is a French-born Canadian singer/songwriter. Pearl Jam, The Cranberries, Alanis Morrisette, and Tracy Chapman are among the artists who inspired him to pick up a guitar and start his musical journey in his twenties. He always wears his heart on his sleeve, whether he writes or performs live. He strives for meaningful connections with people by leaving a piece of himself in every song he crafts, with personal and vulnerable lyrics.

In 2021, The Rockin’ Krolik was nominated by the OMAs for “Singer-Songwriter of the Year” for his song “More Than Enough” inspired by Gwen Tuinman’s novel We Are Enough.

Diljit Dosanjh Announces 2024 Dil-Luminati Tour Across North America

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Today, Punjabi music mogul Diljit Dosanjh announced his Dil-Luminati Tour, taking him to stadiums and arenas across North America this year. Produced by Live Nation, the 13-date tour kicks off on Saturday, April 27 in Vancouver, BC with a massive stadium performance at BC Place. The tour continues Friday, May 3 in Winnipeg, MB at Canada Life Centre, with additional stops in Edmonton, AB. Oakland, CA, Dallas, TX, Newark, NJ, and more before wrapping up with another historical stadium performance at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON on Saturday, July 13.

Diljit will make history as the first Punjabi artist to headline both Canadian stadiums, BC Place and Rogers Centre. The Vancouver show is also expected to be the largest Punjabi performance outside of India, with BC Place having a building capacity of more than 54,000.

With a magnetic presence that transcends geographical borders, Diljit Dosanjh stands as an emblem of excellence in the realm of Punjabi music on the world stage. Hailing from the vibrant state of Punjab, India, Diljit has risen to become a global sensation, a shining star captivating audiences with his enchanting voice, soulful music, and power-packed performances. His repertoire of chart-topping singles includes “G.O.A.T” (236 million views), “Lover” (123 million views), and “Proper Patola” (364 million), to name a few.

Beyond the realm of music, Diljit’s talents extend to the silver screen, where he commands a legion of fans with his captivating performances. With a massive social media following and a stellar presence in Indian cinema, Diljit effortlessly juggles the roles of actor, entertainer, and influencer, captivating audiences with his undeniable charm.

Diljit Dosanjh has created an array of historic milestones, starting with being the first Indian-born artist to perform at the prestigious Coachella festival in 2023. He has become the most loved Indian artist when it comes to touring, generating more than $10 million in ticket sales from his “Born to Shine Australia Tour” in 2023, which is HUGE for an Indian artist. He became the first-ever Indian artist to perform and sell out at Rogers Arena Center in Vancouver, Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, and became the highest-selling Indian artist at the Brisbane Entertainment Center, Australia. His show in Melbourne sold out 14,000 tickets in less than 72 hours! Diljit is poised to make history once again by becoming the first Indian artist to perform at a sold-out stadium show at BC Place in Vancouver (27th April 2024) and Rogers Centre in Toronto (13th July 2024).

His music not only attracts the Asian diaspora worldwide but also has drawn the attention of international music icons like Diplo and Sia. Collaborations such as “Hass Hass” with Sia have garnered millions of views, showcasing Diljit’s ability to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western musical sensibilities.

Partnering with touring industry giants, Diljit Dosanjh is spearheading a revolution in global touring culture for Indian artists. His association with these powerhouse companies signifies a shift in perception towards Indian music on the global stage, paving the way for future generations of artists to follow in his footsteps. Diljit Dosanjh’s journey is not just about music; it’s a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the ability to break barriers. As he continues to conquer hearts and transcend boundaries, his story serves as an inspiration to music lovers and dreamers worldwide, redefining the very essence of global music culture.

DIL-LUMINATI TOUR 2024 DATES:
Sat Apr 27 — Vancouver, BC — BC Place
Fri May 03 — Winnipeg, MB — Canada Life Centre
Mon May 06 — Edmonton, AB — Rogers Place
Wed May 08 — Calgary, AB — Scotiabank Saddledome
Sat May 11 — Oakland, CA — Oakland Arena
Wed May 15 — Chicago, IL — Allstate Arena
Fri May 17 — Duluth, GA — Gas South Arena
Tue May 21 — Orlando, FL — Kia Center
Fri May 24 — Dallas, TX — American Airlines Center
Tue May 28 — Washington DC — Capital One Arena
Thu May 30 — Newark, NJ — Prudential Center
Wed Jul 10 — Los Angeles, CA — Crypto Arena
Sat Jul 13 — Toronto, ON — Rogers Centre

Conan O’Brien Reveals He Was Scared Of A 16-Year-Old Billie Eilish When Watching ‘The World’s A Little Blurry’ Doc

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Conan was super intimidated by 16-year-old Billie Eilish after watching her documentary, “The World’s a Little Blurry.”

How Owen Wilson Lost His Lifetime Access To Rolling Stones Gigs

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Owen Wilson, an ardent Rolling Stones enthusiast, was granted an extraordinary lifetime, all-access pass to attend Rolling Stones concerts worldwide. However, due to a regrettable mishap, he was required to return the pass.