Home Blog Page 1262

My Next Read: “We All Shine On: John, Yoko, and Me” by Elliot Mintz

Eric Alper
-
0
My Next Read: “We All Shine On: John, Yoko, and Me” by Elliot Mintz

“We All Shine On: John, Yoko, and Me” is a personal and revealing look at the last ten years of John Lennon’s life and his partnership with Yoko Ono, written by the friend who knew them best, publicist and music industry insider Elliot Mintz and gets released on October 22 2024.

Elliot Mintz spent his life working with some of the biggest names in show business, but perhaps the most important and influential partnership he had was his work and close friendship with John Lennon and Yoko Ono. In his memoir, We All Shine On, Mintz finally tells the story of their relationship, which has spanned more than fifty years and continues to this day.

Through beautifully written chapters that are personal, revealing, and full of intriguing details, Mintz transports readers from his first interview with Yoko in 1971, through the years that he supported the couple both personally and professionally through creative highs, relationship and private challenges, fascinating interactions with the other former Beatles, and the happiest moments of their lives together, Sean Lennon’s birth and childhood. And, of course, Elliot was by Yoko’s side in the days, weeks, and months after John’s murder, when Elliot eventually became the official spokesperson of the Lennon estate.

Perfect for Beatles fans and music lovers, this book will provide an intimate and revealing portrait of John and Yoko as people, partners, and friends, and most of all, celebrate the friendship that John, Yoko, and Elliot shared for so long.

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck-Produced Doc ‘Kiss the Future’ Featuring U2 Is Coming To Theaters

Eric Alper
-
0
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck-Produced Doc ‘Kiss the Future’ Featuring U2 Is Coming To Theaters

KISS THE FUTURE, directed by Nenad Cicin-Sain, produced by Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Sarah Anthony, story by Bill Carter and Cicin-Sain, screenplay by Carter, based on his memoir: “Fools Rush In,” is the story of defiance amid the 1990s siege of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War. The film focuses on a vibrant underground community who used music and art to effect change and garner global attention by ultimately inspiring an American aid worker to reach out to the world’s biggest band U2 to help raise awareness of the devastating conflict. KISS THE FUTURE follows the band’s promise to perform a post-war concert that saw U2 play to over 45,000 local fans in a liberated city, a show that lives on as a joyous collective memory for the people of Sarajevo. KISS THE FUTURE: A Dolby Special Event will include an introduction from producers Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, plus a pre-recorded post-film discussion hosted by Matt Carey (Deadline) featuring director Nenad Cicin-Sain, Vesna Andree Zaimovic and Bill Carter – in conversation with U2’s The Edge and Adam Clayton – about their personal experiences as part of the extraordinary Sarajevan creative community whose commitment to art and life and the City of Sarajevo was, and continues to be, an inspiration to so many.

You can go here for tickets.

Heidi Klum Shares New Single ‘Sunglasses At Night’ Produced By Tiësto

Eric Alper
-
0
Heidi Klum Shares New Single ‘Sunglasses At Night’ Produced By Tiësto

Heidi Klum has taken many paths throughout her long career, leaving her mark as a supermodel, businesswoman, fashion designer, host, and producer of successful shows like “Germany’s Next Topmodel,” “Project Runway,” and “America’s Got Talent” in the fashion, beauty, and tech industries for many years. Additionally, she proves once again with her new song “Sunglasses At Night” that she’s always in the mood to sing and dance.

The single, released by Warner Music Central Europe, is also the title track for the upcoming season of “Germany’s Next Topmodel” and produced by Tiësto. The Dutch DJ, music producer, and Grammy Award winner has given a danceable electronic update to Corey Hart’s 1983 New Wave song, ideal as background music for runway and for those who want to dance with their sunglasses, especially at night. 

“I was thinking about the moment in the middle of the night at a party when you have been up way too late, your makeup has melted off, you are sweaty and cross-eyed, and all you crave is a pair of sunglasses,” says Heidi Klum. “This scene reminded me of the iconic 80s hit, Corey Hart’s Sunglasses at Night. I am beyond ecstatic that I was able to remix and re-record this track with my EDM hero Tiësto. What an honor!“

“Heidi is a great friend so naturally it was a lot of fun to work on this one together! We were hanging out when she shared her idea to remake the original 80’s hit and I wanted to help her on the production! I love how the track turned out and I’m super excited for her and this release.” – Tiësto

“Superstar Heidi Klum covering “Sunglasses At Night” is like a seductive supernova dance explosion on the bright side of the moon!” – Corey Hart

Heidi’s first posts on Instagram already made it clear: The song combines cool beats and sexiness with mysterious looks hidden behind dark sunglasses and an intensely addictive, hypnotic dance beat. This remake of “Sunglasses At Night,” already performed by Tiësto in November at a show in Las Vegas, has the potential to become the new dance anthem. Fans of the “Germany’s Next Top Model” had a taste of Heidi Klum as a singer during the finale of the show in 2022 when she, along with her husband Tom Kaulitz, performed their song “Chai Tea with Heidi.” The track was created in collaboration with none other than rap legend Snoop Dogg but was not Heidi’s first song release. In 2006, her debut single “Wonderland” was released, a Christmas song written for a Douglas advertisement, with all proceeds going to a children’s charity in her German hometown of Bergisch Gladbach.

Liam Gallagher And John Squire Release Their Self-Titled Debut Album On March 1

Eric Alper
-
0
Liam Gallagher And John Squire Release Their Self-Titled Debut Album On March 1

The news that Manchester icons Liam Gallagher and John Squire were collaborating on a new project ignited a wave of anticipation – uniting the personality and attitude of the Oasis frontman’s vocals with the remarkable guitar talents of The Stone Roses’ creative force would surely be something special. And their debut track, ‘Just Another Rainbow’, lived up to the hype as it hit #16 on the UK singles chart while also shooting direct to #1 on the sales, downloads, vinyl and physical singles charts – in the process achieving Liam’s highest singles chart entry in fifteen years.

But that was just the start. Now Liam Gallagher and John Squire announce much more from their collaboration. Their self-titled debut album will be released on March 1st and is today launched alongside its second single, ‘Mars To Liverpool’. They also announce details of their first UK tour together, as well as select shows in Ireland, France, Germany, Italy and the USA.

Liam says, “I can’t wait for people to hear the album. I think the people that are into the Stone Roses and Oasis and that kinda thing, I think they’ll fucking love it. It’s spiritual, it’s crucial. LG x”

John adds, “It was really inspiring to have those Knebworth gigs fresh in my mind as I started writing. Then it was a case of trying to steer it away from all being too rocky, and trying to mix up the sentiments as well. I like the way that in some parts, it’s quite melancholic and it can make you well up, but there are other parts that are kind of irreverent, rude or crude. There’s a little bit of everything in there, I think it’s a really good mix. I had a hunch that we’d sound good together, but I wasn’t prepared for it to be such a good fit.”

Like ‘Just Another Rainbow’ before it, ‘Mars To Liverpool’ delivers exactly what you’d hope from the pair. Delivering infectious rock ‘n’ roll with an undercurrent of ‘60s-tinged psychedelia, it sees John weaving inventive guitar work – chiming riffs, fluid classic rock solos around Liam’s uplifting vocal delivery. As with the best of their work from their famous bands and solo work, ‘Mars To Liverpool’ elevates its air of melancholy into a soaring, crowd-pleasing anthem. So that’s now two killer singles to maximise anticipation for the release of the album.

Long-terms friends with a mutual admiration for each other’s work, the idea of a collaboration started when John joined Liam on-stage at his biblical Knebworth shows. Song ideas were soon flowing, and the album took shape with an intuitive intensity during in Los Angeles with the revered producer Greg Kurstin. He played bass throughout the record, while drums were performed by Joey Waronker (Beck, R.E.M., Atoms For Peace).

The album is now available to pre-order HERE. Physical formats include standard CD and vinyl, a Deluxe split-colour vinyl, a white vinyl stocked by HMV and select indie stores, and an Amazon exclusive orange EcoRecord vinyl. Fans who pre-order the album from the official store by 3pm on Tuesday, January 30th will receive access to a pre-sale for tour tickets. The pre-sale will open at 9:30am on Wednesday, January 31st before any remaining tickets go on general sale from 9:30am on Friday, February 2nd.

The tour will see Liam and John lead a band completed by Barrie Cadogan (Little Barrie, Paul Weller) on bass and Joey Waronker on drums. All shows except Brooklyn feature support from Jake Bugg. The dates are:
MARCH
13th – Glasgow, Barrowland
14th – Wolverhampton, Civic Hall
16th – Dublin, Olympia
18th – Newcastle, O2 City Hall
20th – Manchester, O2 Apollo
21st – Manchester, O2 Apollo
23rd – Leeds, O2 Academy
25th – London, O2 Forum Kentish Town
26th – London, Troxy
APRIL
2nd – Paris, Salle Pleyel
4th – Berlin, Columbiahalle
6th – Milan, Fabrique
11th – Brooklyn, Paramount
Album tracklist:
1. ‘Raise Your Hands’
2. ‘Mars To Liverpool’
3. ‘One Day At A Time’
4. ‘I’m a Wheel’
5. ‘Just Another Rainbow’
6. ‘Love You Forever’
7. ‘Make It Up As You Go Along’
8. ‘You’re Not The Only One’
9. ‘I’m So Bored’
10. ‘Mother Nature’s Song’

ODESZA Announces The Last Goodbye Finale Tour Dates

Eric Alper
-
0
ODESZA Announces The Last Goodbye Finale Tour Dates

Today, ODESZA has unveiled The Last Goodbye Finale, an emotional farewell to their iconic The Last Goodbye Tour, which captivated audiences since its inception in 2022. With stops at legendary venues this June & July including Madison Square Garden in New York City, BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Folsom Field in Boulder and close-out shows in their home state of Washington at The Gorge Amphitheatre (specific dates below), The Last Goodbye Finale shows, produced by Live Nation, are sure to become something of historic significance both for ODESZA fans and for the touring electronic music world as a whole. The Finale signifies the show’s final bow, concluding its run before being officially retired, and will include a special ODESZA extended set that has never been seen before.

Support for the shows will rotate with a variety of incredible performers and friends of ODESZA’s including Bob Moses, Ben Böhmer (Live), Tinlicker (LIVE), Big Boi, DRAMA, and Golden Features.

Harrison and Clay had this to say about the Finale Tour: “As we look to bring The Last Goodbye Tour to a close, we are overwhelmed with how bittersweet it all feels. The journey to this point has been unimaginable – exceeding all our expectations – and we are excited to show you the final chapter of this experience. The new performance starting in June builds upon the live show and allows us to edit, extend, remix and play songs we haven’t before. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to perform in some of the most iconic venues across the U.S. These last shows mark the culmination of The Last Goodbye Tour, and we can’t wait to share what we have been working on with our fans, both old and new.” — H+C

These shows will embody everything that has made ODESZA one of live music’s modern marvels, blending together cinematic visuals, pyrotechnics and lighting effects, lush live instrumentation (including ODESZA’s beloved drumline), surprise guests and performers, and a devoted community of fans, which all bring to life a truly innovative and immersive experience.

The shows will mark the closing of the GRAMMY-nominated duo’s most innovative musical era to date, which included the release of their critically acclaimed album ‘The Last Goodbye’ in 2022, a GRAMMY nomination for Best Electronic Album and a win for Best Electronic Record at A2IM’s 2023 Libera Award and the premiere of their first concert film in theaters across the world.

In addition, ODESZA is also top-billed at the forthcoming Hangout Music Festival, echoing past headlining festival sets from 2023 at Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, Gov Ball, Electric Forest, Austin City Limits & Life Is Beautiful.

ODESZA has partnered with nonprofits PLUS1 and REVERB to support them and other diverse organizations working for climate sustainability, equity, access, and dignity for all. ODESZA and REVERB are continuing their partnership at shows to reduce the environmental footprint of their tour and take action on the climate crisis. In addition to a comprehensive tour sustainability program, fans will have the ability to join the effort by visiting ODESZA’s Action Village at every show.

ODESZA’s The Last Goodbye Finale 2024 Tour Dates
June 7: Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium #@+
June 8: Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium %@+
June 21: New York, NY – Madison Square Garden %@+
June 22: New York, NY – Madison Square Garden #@+
June 29: Boulder, CO – Folsom Field %*+
July 4: George, WA – The Gorge ^@+
July 5: George, WA – The Gorge %@+
July 6: George, WA – The Gorge #@+
support key:
% Bob Moses
# Ben Böhmer (Live)
^ Tinlicker (LIVE)
* Big Boi
@ DRAMA
+ Golden Features

ODESZA’s 2024 FESTIVAL DATES
May 17-19 – Gulf Shores, AL – Hangout Music Festival

ODESZA’s 2024 DJ SET DATES
March 23 – Las Vegas, NV – Zouk Nightclub
May 4 – Las Vegas, NV – Zouk Nightclub

Wolfgang Van Halen and EVH Introduce the SA-126 Guitar Signature Model

Eric Alper
-
0
Wolfgang Van Halen and EVH Introduce the SA-126 Guitar Signature Model

Today, EVH is proud to announce the debut of the SA-126 model.

The SA-126, Wolfgang Van Halen’s signature guitar is the result of a 3-year collaborative development process between Wolfgang, Matt Bruck, and EVH’s Masterbuilder Chip Ellis. With this release, Wolfgang and EVH carry forward the more than 30-year brand legacy of innovation and top-quality standards into the future with a unique hybrid of classic and high-performance design and features. The end result is a guitar that is unique in its vision and tonal fingerprint.

“The SA-126 was born out of necessity for finding my own sound,” said Wolfgang Van Halen. ” I wanted to do my own thing and that’s how I gravitated towards semi-hollow bodies and how it became my core sound. The goal was to put together a guitar that didn’t exist yet, which merged the beauty and wonderful warm tones of a classic semi-hollow guitar but with the performance style and neck that EVH gear is known for.”

Crash-tested for over 2 years by Wolfgang on tour with his band Mammoth WVH, this hot rodded semi-hollow instrument projects a beautiful and detailed aesthetic while producing a super wide spectrum of tones from articulate cleans, to burning leads to brutal chugging chordal rhythms. It creates a new categorization for electric guitar and is characterized by its limitless nature.

Featuring a set of custom wound bridge and neck pickups – meticulously crafted exclusively by Fender’s resident and legendary pickup designer, Tim Shaw, in collaboration with the EVH team – the development was exhaustive. What came from that attention to detail is the perfect, unique voicing the instrument needed to provide such a wide range of versatility and tones.

The SA-126 also features a Mahogany body with a basswood centerblock for tone, along with a capped maple top on solid finishes and quilt maple top on translucent finishes with 5-ply body binding. The mahogany neck features a 22-fret 12″- 16″ compound Ebony fingerboard, jumbo frets and triple block inlays, providing a modern-classic feel that is both familiar and comfortable. Its 24 and three-quarters scale length adds to the overall playability. To facilitate easy adjustments on the fly, a spoke wheel truss rod adjustment is conveniently located at the butt end of the neck.

“Unveiling the SA-126 on this significant day is a testament to the future we’re forging at EVH Gear,” said Jon Romanowski, VP Category Management, EVH Gear. “I’m incredibly proud of Wolfgang and the team for their dedication to pushing boundaries and shaping the brand’s next chapter with innovation and artistry.”

Full product description and specifications for the SA-126 can be found HERE. High-resolution artist, lifestyle and product images can be found HERE. Introducing the All-New EVH SA-126 Demo Video HERE.

Players and fans can sign up at evhgear.com/sa-126  to be notified when the SA-126 hits their EVH Authorized Dealer.

SA-126 Special ($1,799.99 USD, £1,449.00 GBP, €1,649.00 EUR, $2,999.00 AUD, ¥319,000 JPY) Featuring a chambered Mahogany body, with a basswood Centerblock added for stability and tone. Capped with a maple top on solid finishes and flame maple top on translucent finishes w/ 5 ply body binding, this thing emits “TONE”. The neck is a 22 fret 12″-16″ compound Ebony fingerboard with jumbo frets and triple block inlays on a graphite reinforced mahogany neck. With a scale length of 24 and three quarters, this feels like a modern – classic that is familiar and comfortable. Finally, a spoke wheel truss rod adjustment at the butt end of the neck for easy adjustments, on the fly. Introducing the EVH SA-126 bridge and neck pickups created by Fender’s resident pickup designer Tim Shaw and the EVH team, they can handle just about anything you feed them. From the elegant sound of cascading-glassy cleans to a heavy bath of Overdrive to “Burn” that will satisfy the most discerning “gainiac”. Three-way toggle at the upper horn to switch between bridge, bridge and neck, and neck pickups as well as two volumes and two tones to control each. Other features include a Harmonica bridge and stop bar tailpiece, oversized strap buttons, and keystone tuning pegs.  The SA-126 is offered in Matte Army Drab and Stealth Black

FEATURED SPECS:

  • Chambered mahogany body with a basswood centerblock
  • Bolt-on Mahogany neck with scarf joint, EVH Modified “C” Neck Shape
  • Ebony, 12″-16″ Compound Radius 22 Jumbo fret fingerboard
  • NEW EVH SA-126 Humbucking Pickups (Bridge and Neck)
  • SA-126 Hardshell case wrapped in Ivory vinyl with a blue crushed velvet interior

SA-126 Special, Quilted Maple ($1,899.99 USD, £1,499.00 GBP, €1,699.00 EUR, $3,199.00 AUD, ¥341,000 JPY) Featuring a chambered Mahogany body, with a basswood Centerblock added for stability and tone. Capped with a quilt maple top w/ 5 ply body binding, this thing emits “TONE”. The neck is a 22 fret 12″-16″ compound Ebony fingerboard with jumbo frets and triple block inlays on a graphite reinforced mahogany neck. With a scale length of 24 and three quarters, this feels like a modern – classic that is familiar and comfortable. Finally, a spoke wheel truss rod adjustment at the butt end of the neck for easy adjustments, on the fly. Introducing the EVH SA-126 bridge and neck pickups created by Fender’s resident pickup designer Tim Shaw and the EVH team, they can handle just about anything you feed them. From the elegant sound of cascading-glassy cleans to a heavy bath of Overdrive to “Burn” that will satisfy the most discerning “gainiac”. Three-way toggle at the upper horn to switch between bridge, bridge and neck, and neck pickups as well as two volumes and two tones to control each. Other features include a Harmonica bridge and stop bar tailpiece, oversized strap buttons, and keystone tuning pegs. The SA-126 Quilted Maple is offered in Transparent Purple and Tobacco Sunburst.

FEATURED SPECS:

  • Chambered mahogany body with a basswood centerblock
  • Bolt-on Mahogany neck with scarf joint, EVH Modified “C” Neck Shape
  • Ebony, 12″-16″ Compound Radius 22 Jumbo fret fingerboard
  • NEW EVH SA-126 Humbucking Pickups (Bridge and Neck)
  • SA-126 Hardshell case wrapped in Ivory vinyl with a blue crushed velvet interior

Let Cleveland Browns Head Coach Bill Belichick Teach You How To Make A Peanut Butter And Jelly Sandwich In 1991

Eric Alper
-
0
Let Cleveland Browns Head Coach Bill Belichick Teach You How To Make A Peanut Butter And Jelly Sandwich In 1991

Bill Belichick is renowned for his expertise in football coaching rather than culinary demonstrations, but this sandwich sure looks great!

Lenny and The Squigtones Performing On American Bandstand In 1979

Eric Alper
-
0
Lenny and The Squigtones Performing On American Bandstand In 1979

Lenny and The Squigtones was a fictional musical band featured on the American television sitcom “Laverne & Shirley.” The show, which aired from 1976 to 1983, followed the lives of two friends, Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney, as they navigated their way through life in Milwaukee. Lenny and The Squigtones were portrayed by actors Michael McKean and David Lander, who played Lenny Kosnowski and Andrew “Squiggy” Squiggman, respectively.

Lenny and The Squigtones provided a humorous and musically inclined element to the series, often performing in the fictional setting of Arnold’s Drive-In, where the characters frequently gathered. The band’s performances were characterized by their quirky and comedic style, contributing to the overall lighthearted tone of the show. Michael McKean and David Lander’s portrayals of Lenny and Squiggy, along with their musical performances, became memorable components of “Laverne & Shirley,” adding to the show’s popularity during its run.

Here they are making making rock and roll television history, doing two songs from their classic album on Casablanca, King of The Cars (0:51) and the incredible Love Is A Terrible Thing (at 5:33), with an interview on American Bandstand in 1979.

David Bowie and Iggy Pop Are Great Fun On The Dinah Shore Show From 19777

Eric Alper
-
0
David Bowie and Iggy Pop Are Great Fun On The Dinah Shore Show From 19777

In April 1977, daytime television audiences were treated to an unexpected and memorable moment when Iggy Pop and David Bowie, two decidedly unconventional characters, made a surprising appearance on Dinah Shore’s talk show.

Pet Shop Boys Announce New Album “Nonetheless” Out April 26

Eric Alper
-
0
Pet Shop Boys Announce New Album “Nonetheless” Out April 26

Pet Shop Boys are happy to announce the forthcoming release of their brand new studio album, “Nonetheless”, on Parlophone Records on April 26.

The album can now be pre-ordered, which (for Europe and UK stores) will also give access to priority tickets for a very special run of five PSB shows at London’s Royal Opera House from July 23 – 27. The first single from the album, “Loneliness”, is available digitally now and will be released as a CD single on February 16.

“Nonetheless” features ten tracks and will be available digitally and in various physical formats, including CD, black vinyl, clear vinyl, grey vinyl and cassette. Recorded and mixed in London last year, the album is the duo’s first with producer James Ford.

The track listing is:

Loneliness
Feel
Why am I dancing?
New London boy
Dancing star
A new bohemia
The schlager hit parade
The secret of happiness
Bullet for Narcissus
Love is the law

The 2CD and double white vinyl deluxe editions of “Nonetheless“ include the bonus four-track EP, “Furthermore”, featuring completely new recordings of “Heart”, “Being boring”, “Always on my mind” and “It’s a sin”.

More details on the album, the single and the Royal Opera House shows are available through the official Pet Shop Boys store.

1...1,2611,2621,263...3,024Page 1,262 of 3,024

Follow us on Instagram @thatericalper

That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

Popular posts

Popular category

© Copyright - That Eric Alper