In 1975, audiences were treated to a short-lived but memorable radio adaptation of “The Fantastic Four,” featuring a stellar cast that brought the beloved Marvel superheroes to life through the airwaves. Led by Bob Maxwell as the brilliant Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) and Cynthia Adler as the empathetic Susan Storm (Invisible Woman), the ensemble was rounded out by the comedic talents of Bill Murray as the fiery Johnny Storm (Human Torch) and Jim Pappas as the gruff but lovable Ben Grimm (The Thing). Narrated by the legendary Stan Lee himself, the radio show offered fans a captivating audio experience, capturing the essence of the iconic comic book series while adding its own unique flair. Though its run was brief, the Fantastic Four radio show remains a cherished gem for fans of classic superhero storytelling.
The Beatles’ ‘Let It Be’ Writing Process Revealed: Sing The Alphabet
Let it A, Let it B, Let it C, Let it D, fom the 1970 film Let It Be and Peter Jackson‘s epic documentary The Beatles: Get Back.
Watch the Trailer for SUGA│Agust D TOUR ‘D-DAY’ THE MOVIE, Coming to Theatres & IMAX in 90+ Territories Worldwide April 10 & 13
Tickets are on sale now here for the worldwide release of the cinematic cut of SUGA│Agust D TOUR ‘D-DAY’ THE MOVIE, the electrifying concert film by Agust D, also known as SUGA of 21st century pop icons BTS, screening on Wednesday, April 10 & Saturday, April 13.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlHDpgi1Rdc.
As the grand finale of his world tour, “SUGA | Agust D TOUR ‘D-DAY’ THE FINAL” marked the culmination of 25 concerts held in 10 cities, which captivated an audience of 290,000 throughout its run. With SUGA | Agust D TOUR ‘D-DAY’ THE MOVIE, audiences will gather in cinemas globally to celebrate SUGA and to relive the encore concert encompassing his rich musical world and explosive energy, and to thrill at performances from special guests, BTS’ RM, Jimin, and Jung Kook.
SUGA│Agust D TOUR ‘D-DAY’ THE MOVIE is presented in 3,000+ cinemas in approximately 90+ territories worldwide, including the US, Mexico, Brazil, UK, Italy, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, and more.
In addition to standard cinematic formats, ARMY can experience SUGA│Agust D TOUR ‘D-DAY’ THE MOVIE on the biggest screens worldwide in IMAX, the exclusive premium format partner on the film.
BTS, an acronym of Bangtan Sonyeondan or “Beyond the Scene,” is a GRAMMY-nominated South Korean group that has been capturing the hearts of millions of fans globally since its debut in June 2013. The members of BTS are RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. Gaining recognition for their authentic and self-produced music, top-notch performances, and the way they interact with their fans, BTS has established themselves as 21st century pop icons breaking countless world records. While imparting a positive influence through activities such as the LOVE MYSELF campaign and the UN ‘Speak Yourself’ speech, the band has mobilized millions of fans across the world (named ARMY), collected six No.1 Billboard Hot 100 singles in a span of a year and just over a month, performed multiple sold-out stadium shows across the world. They were also named TIME’s Entertainer of the Year 2020. BTS was nominated two years in a row for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 63rd and 64th GRAMMY Awards and has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards like the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards (Artist of the Year 2021) and MTV Video Music Awards.
SUGA (Min, Yunki) is a South Korean rapper, songwriter, music producer and member of 21st century pop icons, BTS. SUGA is globally known for his record producing ability with his own solid musical philosophy, constantly pushing the boundaries through his works on BTS albums, solo projects and collaborations with other artists. Since BTS’ 2014 Skool Luv Affair, BTS’ albums include tracks produced by SUGA. Through his mixtapes under Agust D, SUGA also suggested his vision as an artist. He participated as a featured artist in music by international musicians such as Juice WRLD, Max, and So-ra Lee, and he also produced music for globally influential artists including Halsey, PSY, Epik High, ØMI and more. Furthermore, SUGA participated in producing the remix version of Coldplay x BTS’ “My Universe,” an Original Soundtrack for HYBE’s original story 7FATES: CHAKHO called “Stay Live (Prod. SUGA of BTS),” a mobile game OST “Our Island (Prod. SUGA of BTS) [Original Soundtrack],” and Samsung Electronics Galaxy’s official ringtone “Over The Horizon.”
My Next Read: “A Thousand Threads, A Memoir” By Neneh Cherry
A vibrant memoir from Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Nenah Cherry who shares an inside look at her fascinating career and globe-traversing journeys in a life of love and music, and published through the Simon & Schuster imprint Scribner, on October 8.
Born in Sweden in 1964, Neneh Cherry’s father Ahmadu was a musician from Sierra Leone. Her mother, Moki, was a twenty-one-year-old Swedish textile artist. Her parents split up just after Neneh was born, and not long afterwards Moki met and fell in love with acclaimed jazz musician Don Cherry. Eventually, the strong pull New York City in the 1970s drew him them there, but they made a home wherever they traveled. Neneh and her brother Eagle Eye experienced a life of creativity, freedom, and, of course, music.
In A Thousand Threads, Neneh takes readers from the charming old schoolhouse in the woods of Sweden where she grew up, to the village in Sierra Leone that was birthplace of her biological father, to the early punk scene in London and New York, to finding her identity with her stepfather’s family in Watts, California. Neneh has lived an extraordinary life of connectivity and creativity and she recounts in intimate detail how she burst onto the scene as a teenager in the punk band The Slits, and went on to release her first album in 1989 with a worldwide hit single “Buffalo Stance.”
Neneh’s inspiring and deeply compelling memoir both celebrates female empowerment and shines a light on the global music scene—and is perfect for anyone interested in the artistic life in all its forms.
Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” + Judas Priest’s “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” x Steely Dan’s “Do it Again” = The Greatest Mashup You’ll Hear All Year
Prepare to have your musical senses ignited with the ultimate fusion of classics! In a groundbreaking mashup by Bill McClintock, the iconic beats of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” intertwine seamlessly with the gritty guitar riffs of Judas Priest’s “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” while being elevated by the smooth sophistication of Steely Dan’s “Do it Again.”
Stone Temple Pilots Rock the Stage with ‘Vasoline’ Performance on Letterman In 1994
In 1994, “The Late Show with David Letterman” secured an electrifying performance from Stone Temple Pilots, capturing the essence of the era’s music scene. With their dynamic sound and undeniable stage presence, the band brought the studio audience to their feet and viewers at home to the edge of their seats. Their performance on Letterman’s iconic stage became an unforgettable moment in late-night television history, showcasing the raw energy and talent that made them a cultural phenomenon, and “Vasoline” a continued classic on radio.
Maynard James Keenan Shares Songwriting Insights and Improv Tips in Exclusive Clip
In this clip, Maynard James Keenan (Tool, A Perfect Circle, Puscifer) breaks down his songwriting process and gives advice on becoming a better improviser.
From Folk-Rock Icons to Cultural Trailblazers: Inside the Journey of Indigo Girls with Sundance-Winning Director Alexandria Bombach
With forty years of making music as the iconic folk-rock band Indigo Girls, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have made their mark as musicians, songwriters, and dedicated activists. They have represented radical self-acceptance to many, leading multiple generations of fans to say, “the Indigo Girls saved my life.” Still, Amy and Emily battled misogyny, homophobia, and a harsh cultural climate chastising them for not fitting into a female pop star mold. With joy, humor, and heart-warming earnestness, Sundance award-winning director Alexandria Bombach brings us into a contemporary conversation with Amy and Emily—alongside decades of the band’s home movies and intimate present-day verité.
The Beatles Influence On Karl Wallinger and Eric Carmen
Karl Wallinger, best known as the leader of the band World Party, passed away over the weekend, was undoubtedly influenced by The Beatles in several ways, particularly in his songwriting, musical arrangements, and production techniques. The Beatles’ impact on Wallinger is evident in his ability to craft timeless melodies, experiment with diverse musical styles, and create richly layered compositions.
One significant influence of The Beatles on Karl Wallinger is evident in his penchant for crafting intricate melodies and harmonies. Much like The Beatles, Wallinger demonstrated a talent for writing catchy, memorable tunes that resonated with audiences. His ability to weave together melodic hooks and lush vocal harmonies reflects the influence of The Beatles’ songwriting craftsmanship.
In addition to melody and harmony, Karl Wallinger’s approach to blending different musical genres and styles mirrors The Beatles’ own eclectic tendencies. The Beatles were known for seamlessly incorporating elements of rock, pop, folk, and psychedelic music into their songs, creating a unique and diverse sound palette. Similarly, Wallinger explored a wide range of musical influences in his work with World Party, fusing elements of rock, folk, blues, and world music to create a distinctive and innovative sound.
One of World Party’s most well-known hits, “Ship of Fools,” showcases Wallinger’s ability to craft a melodic pop song with thought-provoking lyrics, a characteristic shared with many of The Beatles’ classic tracks. The song’s infectious melody and catchy chorus capture the spirit of The Beatles’ best-known hits, demonstrating Wallinger’s skill at creating memorable pop music with substance.
Another hit song associated with Karl Wallinger and World Party is “Is It Like Today?,” which features lush instrumentation, intricate arrangements, and introspective lyrics. While the song may not directly emulate The Beatles’ sound, its melodic sophistication and emotional depth bear the influence of The Beatles’ approach to songwriting and production.
Eric Carmen, who passed away over the weekend, was greatly influenced by The Beatles, particularly their melodic sensibilities and songwriting craftsmanship. The Beatles were known for their innovative approach to songwriting, blending various musical styles and experimenting with new sounds. Eric Carmen, like many other musicians of his generation, was inspired by their work.
One significant way The Beatles influenced Eric Carmen was in his approach to crafting melodies and harmonies. The Beatles were masters of creating catchy, memorable melodies, often incorporating intricate harmonies and lush vocal arrangements. Eric Carmen adopted similar techniques in his own songwriting, crafting melodic hooks that were instantly recognizable and emotionally resonant.
Additionally, The Beatles’ ability to blend rock and pop elements in their music had a profound impact on Eric Carmen’s sound. His music often featured a mix of rock guitar riffs, pop hooks, and lush orchestration, reflecting the eclectic approach that The Beatles popularized.
One of Eric Carmen’s most well-known hits, “All by Myself,” draws on elements of classical music while still maintaining a pop sensibility, a fusion of styles reminiscent of The Beatles’ experimental tendencies. The song’s powerful melody and emotive lyrics showcase Carmen’s ability to create timeless pop music, a skill he honed in part by studying The Beatles’ catalog.
Another hit song, “Hungry Eyes,” which Carmen wrote for the film “Dirty Dancing,” exhibits his knack for crafting infectious pop melodies and hooks, much like The Beatles did throughout their career. While “Hungry Eyes” may not directly emulate The Beatles’ sound, its catchy chorus and memorable guitar riff bear the influence of the melodic craftsmanship for which The Beatles were renowned.
Overall, while both Karl Wallinger and Eric Carmen have undoubtedly drawn inspiration from a wide range of musical influences, including The Beatles, their individual styles and contributions to the music industry reflect their unique talents and creative visions.
10cc Announces First U.S. Tour In Over 30 Years
One of the most inventive and influential bands in the history of popular music, 10cc has announced a North American tour, The Ultimate, Ultimate Greatest Hits Tour – the band’s first in over three decades – kicking off July 24 at the Welmont Theatre in Montclair, New Jersey.
One of the few bands to achieve commercial, critical, and creative success, 10cc will bring their timeless music to the masses this summer with a 20-date coast to coast tour.
With more than 30 million albums sold, 10cc’s energies were not centered on image or celebrity-status, but on creating highly sophisticated rock masterworks with mainstream appeal.
“I’m Not In Love,” written by Graham Gouldman and Eric Stewart and released in 1975, had a second life after being prominently featured in the soundtrack to the 2014 blockbuster film, Guardians of the Galaxy, spawning a number one soundtrack album. Similarly, 10cc’s 1978 hit, “Dreadlock Holiday,” was a key element of the soundtrack to 2010’s The Social Network.
Founding member Gouldman attributes 10cc’s lasting appeal to the quality and individuality of the band’s songs. “They don’t seem to date. We never followed any trend we simply wrote for our own pleasure. The fact that the songs are being played as often on the radio as they ever were shows how true that is.”
The 2024 live band line-up features Graham Gouldman – bass guitars, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals; Rick Fenn – lead electric guitar, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals; Paul Burgess – drums, percussion, keyboards; Iain Hornal – electric guitar, acoustic guitar, percussion, mandolin, keyboards, vocals; Keith Hayman – keyboards, electric guitar, bass guitar, vocals.
10cc ULTIMATE, ULTIMATE GREATEST HITS 2024 US TOUR DATES:
July 24 Montclair, NJ @ Welmont Theatre
July 25 New York, NY @ Sony Hall
July 26 Patchogue, NY @ Patchogue Theatre
July 27 Glenside, PA @ Keswick Theatre
July 29 Ocean City, NJ @ Ocean City Music Pier
July 30 Kent, OH @ Kent Stage
Aug 1 St Charles, IL @ The Arcada Theatre
Aug 2 Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theater
Aug 3 St Louis, MO @ The Pageant
Aug 4 Cincinnati, OH @ Ludlow Garage
Aug 5 Indianapolis, IN @ Toby Theater at Newfields
Aug 6 Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
Aug 8 Dallas, TX @ Majestic Theatre
Aug 9 San Antonio, TX @ Empire Theatre
Aug 10 Austin, TX @ ACL Live at Moody Theater
Aug 12 Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theater
Aug 15 Los Angeles, CA @ The United Theater on Broadway
Aug 17 San Francisco, CA @ Palace of Fine Arts