DJ Cummerbund’s Testifireball imagines what it might be like to attend a raucous concert where Rage Against The Machine and Pitbull have joined forces and smashed their two respective songs together – “Testify” and “Fireball” – to create a chaotic aural amalgamation, and throws in Randy “Macho Man” Savage, U2 and The Rockettes because he can.
Remember “Born to Add,” That Sesame Street Tribute to Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born to Run’?
“Born to Add” is a charming Sesame Street parody of Bruce Springsteen’s iconic track “Born to Run,” featuring the lovable muppets Bruce Stringbean and Clarice from the S Street Band. Originally aired in 1979, the clip brilliantly captures Springsteen’s signature aesthetic and the emotional intensity of the original song. With clever nods to Springsteen’s distinctive vocal style and the fervent piano melodies reminiscent of “Jungleland,” another track from the acclaimed Born to Run album, the parody encapsulates the essence of the timeless hit while infusing it with Sesame Street’s whimsical charm.
AC/DC Announces 2024 Tour Dates And A New Bass Player
AC/DC has unveiled plans for an electrifying summer tour across Europe, featuring a fresh lineup set to ignite stages with their iconic rock anthems. The Power Up tour, comprising 21 dates, will commence on May 17 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, and culminate on Aug. 17 in Dublin, Ireland. Fans can anticipate an unforgettable experience as the legendary band brings their signature sound to renowned venues throughout the continent.
In a departure from previous lineups, drummer Phil Rudd and bassist Cliff Williams will not be part of the tour. The stage will be ablaze with the dynamic presence of lead guitarist Angus Young, singer Brian Johnson, and rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, joined by powerhouse drummer Matt Laug and former Jane’s Addiction bassist Chris Chaney. Tickets for these highly anticipated shows will be available for purchase starting Feb. 16, promising audiences an electrifying journey through AC/DC’s legendary catalog of hits.
AC/DC Power Up 2024 European Tour Dates
May 17: Gelsenkirchen, Germany – Veltins Arena
May 21: Gelsenkirchen, Germany – Veltins Arena
May 25: Reggio Emilia, Italy – RCF Arena
May 29: Seville, Spain – La Cartuja Stadium
June 5: Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Johan Cruyff Arena
June 9: Munich, Germany – Olympic Stadium
June 12: Munich, Germany – Olympic Stadium
June 16: Dresden, German – Messe
June 23: Vienna, Austria – Ernst Happel Stadium
June 26: Vienna, Austria – Ernst Happel Stadium
June 29: Zurich, Switzerland – Letzigrund Stadium
July 3: London, England – Wembley Stadium
July 7: London, England – Wembley Stadium
July 13: Hockenheim, Germany – Ring
July 17: Stuttgart, Germany – Wasen
July 21: Bratislava, Slovakia – Old Airport
July 27: Nuremberg, Germany – Zeppelinfeld
July 21: Hannover, Germany – Messe
Aug. 9: Dessel, Belgium – Festivalpark Stenehei
Aug. 13: Paris, France – Hippodrome Paris Longchamp
Aug. 17: Dublin, Ireland – Croke Park
My Next Read: “Electronically Yours: Vol. I: My Autobiography” by Martyn Ware
This is a music autobiography to remember. This is the story of Martyn Ware.
The Human League and Heaven 17 were among some of the most pioneering bands of the 1980s, with Ware having played an integral role in each of their numerous successes. A young lad from the heart of post-war Sheffield, Ware formed The Human League a few years out of school in his early twenties. Described by David Bowie as ‘the future of music’, it wasn’t long before the band become known for their innovative and infectiously catchy singles such as ‘Being Boiled’, touring with the likes of Siouxsie and the Banshees and Iggy Pop before Ware’s departure. Heaven 17 followed suit, with their soon-to-be classic albums, Penthouse & Pavement and The Luxury Gap, featuring several colossal hits. Ground-breaking icons in new wave and synth pop, both groups remain some of the biggest-selling bands across the UK and worldwide.
In Electronically Yours, Martyn takes us through his incredible route to stardom; from his austere upbringing in various council houses and close teenage friendship with former-bandmate Phil Oakey, to the white-hot experimentation in the ‘Synth Britannia’ era and his production career, which allowed him to work with some of the world’s greatest singers, including Tina Turner. But it’s not just his life inside the industry which is compelling; a proud socialist, Martyn writes poignantly about politics – how it can be a soulful, personal, moral duty – and its role in his music creation and Britain today. With charming meditations on culture, humour, travel and sport, Martyn also shares his love of 60s films, explains why Venice is the most beautiful city in the world, and reveals how Sheffield Wednesday has forever been his first and eternal passion.
A huge page-turner and always warmly told, Electronically Yours sees Martyn talk candidly for the very first time about his extraordinary journey. Discover amusing anecdotes, raw confessions, and moving reflections of a life well and truly lived at the height of the music industry.
The Evolution of the Super Bowl Halftime Show: From Spectacle to Cultural Phenomenon
By Mitch Rice
The Super Bowl Halftime Show has become an iconic spectacle ingrained in American culture. What started as a simple entertainment break during the championship game of the National Football League (NFL) has evolved into a global phenomenon, blending music, dance, technology, and celebrity culture. This evolution reflects broader shifts in entertainment, marketing, and audience expectations over the years. From modest beginnings to elaborate productions with massive budgets, the Super Bowl Halftime Show has continuously pushed boundaries, capturing the attention of millions worldwide.
The inaugural Super Bowl in 1967 featured a modest halftime show consisting of marching bands and drill teams. In the following decades, the halftime entertainment primarily comprised college marching bands, local performers, and occasionally big names in music, such as Up with People and Carol Channing. These early shows served as intermissions, focusing more on traditional forms of entertainment rather than the extravagant productions we see today.
The turning point for the Super Bowl Halftime Show came in 1993 with Michael Jackson’s performance at Super Bowl XXVII. Jackson’s electrifying performance set a new standard, transforming the halftime show into a must-see event. His combination of showmanship, dance, and hit songs captivated the audience and garnered unprecedented viewership. Jackson’s performance not only elevated the halftime show’s status but also established a blueprint for future performers to follow.
Following Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking performance, the Super Bowl Halftime Show increasingly became a platform for top-tier musical acts. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, iconic artists such as Diana Ross, Aerosmith, Britney Spears, *NSYNC, and U2 graced the halftime stage. These performances integrated elaborate stage setups, choreography, and special effects, showcasing the evolving production values of the show. The infusion of pop culture icons attracted a broader audience beyond football enthusiasts, solidifying the halftime show’s status as a cultural event.
Despite its popularity, the Super Bowl Halftime Show hasn’t been without controversy. The infamous “wardrobe malfunction” incident during Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake’s performance in 2004 sparked widespread debate and led to increased scrutiny of future halftime shows. In response, the NFL implemented stricter guidelines and vetting processes for performers, ensuring that the show remained family-friendly. Additionally, technological advancements played a significant role in enhancing the halftime experience, with LED screens, pyrotechnics, and intricate stage designs becoming commonplace.
In recent years, the Super Bowl Halftime Show has evolved into a cultural extravaganza that transcends sports. The lineup of performers has grown more diverse, reflecting the varied tastes of the global audience. Superstars like Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and Shakira have delivered memorable performances that blend music, dance, and social commentary. These shows often incorporate elements of spectacle and surprise, generating buzz and anticipation months in advance. Moreover, the halftime show has become a prime marketing opportunity for artists to promote their latest projects and reach a massive audience in one fell swoop.
The evolution of the Super Bowl Halftime Show mirrors broader shifts in entertainment, technology, and audience engagement. What began as a simple halftime intermission has transformed into a global cultural event that captivates millions of viewers worldwide. From Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking performance to the elaborate spectacles of today, the halftime show continues to push boundaries and redefine the intersection of sports and entertainment. As we look to the future, one thing is certain: the Super Bowl Halftime Show will remain a cornerstone of American popular culture for years to come.
March 13 at Commodore Ballroom: A Celebration of Love: Honouring Rob Pattee’s 42 Years in the Music Industry
A Celebration of Love: Honouring Rob Pattee’s 42 Years in the Music Industry
Wednesday, March 13, 2024, Commodore Ballroom, 7pm-10pm. Tickets now available at www.ticketweb.ca
RPM Music Services proudly announces a heartwarming celebration in honour of Rob Pattee, a stalwart figure in the music industry with 42 years of dedication and passion. Rob, a long-time agent and friend to many in the world of music, has been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer stemming from a rare genetic condition known as “Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency,” the same condition that claimed his sister’s life last year.
In the spirit of celebrating Rob’s remarkable career and life, friends, colleagues, and fans are invited to join the event, aptly titled “A Celebration of Love.” The gathering aims to allow Rob to share joyous moments with his extensive network of friends and associates while he can. The event will feature live performances by renowned acts, including Daniel Powter, Hot Hot Heat, Bif Naked, WideMouth Mason, Washboard Union, Crystal Shawanda, Karen Lee Batten, and many more, with a few surprises in store.
Pattee, the force behind RPM Music Services, continues to leave an indelible mark on the music industry, serving as a manager, agent, talent buyer, and advocate for artists. His career includes notable achievements, such as being the first agent for hit artists like Nickelback, Wide Mouth Mason, Hedley, Hot Hot Heat, Daniel Powter, and Bif Naked.
As an exclusive buyer for venues across Western Canada, Pattee established relationships with artists, club owners, and promoters such as House of Blues, Live Nation, and Whistler World Ski Festival to ensure successful, top-quality shows.
Despite facing health challenges, Rob remains grateful for the support and participation of the acts he has worked with over the years, who will perform at this special celebration. The event promises to be a night filled with music, camaraderie, and love, reflecting the essence of Rob’s enduring impact on the music community.
Partial Proceeds will be donated to Alpha One Canada and will be accepted at the door.
Pattee is deeply committed to the wider music community, having served for 15 years as Director on the board of Music BC, a provincial non-profit organization dedicated to providing education and opportunities for musicians across British Columbia, and as a faculty member at the Peak Performance Boot Camp, an artist-development initiative coordinated by Music BC and The Peak FM.
Pattee formed RPM Music Services in 2006 as a boutique management, booking, and consulting agency to help artists fulfill their career aspirations and to help manage their expectations at every level. RPM Music Services offers live performance critiques while Pattee’s expertise helps artists in cultivating dedicated, lifelong fans.
In addition to his work, Rob is deeply committed to the music community, having served on the board of Music BC for 15 years and contributing as a faculty member at the Peak Performance Boot Camp.
To purchase tickets, please visit www.ticketweb.ca.
Montreal Jazz Pianist Simon Denizart Releases “Speedball” From Upcoming ‘Piece Of Mind’ Album
Today, Montreal-via-France jazz pianist and composer Simon Denizart is pleased to announce his fifth full-length Piece of Mind arriving March 29th. He shares a taste of the new album with the intoxicating and mysterious new song “Speedball.” Enticing piano melodies and stuttering drum beats draw the listener in with hypnotic energy.
Simon explains: “Speedball is a track that immerses you in raw emotion and makes you feel the rush of the unknown. Through dynamic rhythms and staccato melodies, this song captures the essence of adrenalin and the giddiness of risk-taking.”
“Speedball” accompanies recent releases “35 Years of Mistakes” “Music Box” and “9-4,” (All About Jazz Song of the Day) on the virtuoso’s upcoming full-length, Piece of Mind, out March 29th via Nettwerk/Justin Time Records.
Originally from Créteil, France, jazz pianist and composer Simon Denizart now calls Montréal, Québec Canada home. He arrived in 2011 and quickly made a name for himself as one of the city’s top players. With a nod to world music, his style and repertoire can be soft, sensitive and energizing with subtle and accessible melodies. His first three releases (labels 270 Sessions and Laborie Jazz) were all nominated for ADISQ Awards (Québec Grammy®) in the Album of the Year category, jazz. Selected for the 2014 Rimouski Festival’s next generation competition, he won the audience prize which enabled him to travel and perform throughout Québec. He received significant praise and recognition from CBC/SRC having been chosen as one of their rising stars with the Radio Canada Revelation Award which highlights and encourages the next generation of emerging artists.
Recently signed to Justin Time Records worldwide – Simon’s fifth album ‘Piece of Mind’ proves to be his most innovative yet with influences borrowed from jazz, classical and electronic music. Always sensitive to developing new sounds and sonorities with the piano, Simon offers solid melodic and rhythmic playing. On ‘Piece of Mind’ Simon is supported by his long-time collaborators; virtuoso Elli Miller Maboungou on percussion and Michel Medrano Brindis on drums. Jonathan Arseneau’s electric bass brings an unrivaled groove to the compositions and sometimes transforms into an electric guitar thanks to the bassist’s palette of effects. Finally, the string trio present on half of the compositions transports the listener into the cinematic universe of the French pianist.
Simon tours frequently and has performed in Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland and his native country France. Stay tuned for 2024 tour dates to support the release of ‘Piece of Mind’.
Toronto Pop/Rap Artist Alan Tuck Hits 100,000 Spotify Streams For ‘By Any Means (Warrior)’ and Unveils ‘Breathe’ with Bobby John
Fresh from chalking up 100,000 Spotify streams over “By Any Means (Warrior)” – released only a few months ago. Alan Tuck, the Toronto-based indie artist, once more partners with award-winning songwriter and vocalist, Bobby John on this spirit booster, “Breathe.” In the wake of the drive and determination anthem that “By Any Means (Warrior) was, this new release infuses pop dance elements that will captivate the listener thoroughly.
Alan Tuck and Bobby John prove to be a seamless fit as music partners. Tuck, with an awe-inspiring background of creating countless compositions at the side of artists around the world, and Bobby with his classically trained background. The pair have managed to mesh melodious instrumentals with poignant poetries so well on this new track. It doesn’t come across that way in the first 20 seconds of the song. The onset production tricks the listener’s ear until the vocals come through.
And it finally clicks in place. “Breathe” demands to be listened to attentively.
“Ultimately, a motivating song can be a powerful tool to uplift our spirits and remind us of our strength and potential– Music has a unique way of connecting with our emotions, uplifting our spirits, and reminding us of our inner power,” Alan Tuck on making “Breathe.”
Tuck has this inherent command in connecting with audiences around the world. His eclectic musical taste pours into every release. In “Breathe,” the listener is pulled into this abyss of heartfelt songwriting, raw emotions the full production elicits, and Bobby John’s rich integrated vocals.
The ambiguous nature of this latest offering can potentially attract diverse listening. Feel like your spirit is deflated? Feeling uninspired or want to top up your happy mood? “Breathe” should be your latest addition to your streaming rotation. “Breathe” is now available on all major music outlets.
Author M.D. DUNN Launches New Bruce Cockburn Book, ‘You Get Bigger As You Go: Bruce Cockburn’s Influence and Evolution’
Sault Ste. Marie native, musician and author M.D. Dunn is celebrating the release of his sixth book, You Get Bigger As You Go: Bruce Cockburn’s Influence and Evolution. You can get it on Amazon and Indigo now.
Bruce Cockburn has enthralled audiences with his insightful lyrics and innovative guitar playing for over half a century. Hit songs like “Wondering Where the Lions Are,” “If I Had a Rocket Launcher,” and “Lovers in a Dangerous Time” are just part of the story. In You Get Bigger as You Go: Bruce Cockburn’s Influence and Evolution, musician and writer M.D. Dunn takes the reader on a humorous and obsessive quest to track Cockburn’s significant cultural footprint. Interviews with producers, musicians, activists, fans, as well as Bruce’s career-long manager, the legendary Bernie Finkelstein, and with the enigmatic Cockburn himself form the core of this critical assessment and appreciation. In these conversations, Cockburn and friends celebrate a life of music and social engagement.
You Get Bigger as You Go: Bruce Cockburn’s Influence and Evolution is the perfect beginner’s guide to the music and the artist, and a fun addition to any fan’s library. Photographs from archivist Daniel Keebler span decades and show Cockburn in his natural habitat, on stage and in studio.
Author M.D. Dunn’s personal journey with Cockburn began when he was just fourteen and happened upon a cassette copy of Cockburn’s sixth album Joy Will Find a Way. Though the cassette contained few clues regarding its origin or creator, Dunn emphatically states that absorbing that album as a young guitarist “changed my life.”
“The mysterious, wise voice of the singer” he recalls, “landed like a message from the universe.”
Dunn first interviewed Cockburn for Canadian Dimension Magazine in 2014. “It seemed to have went well,” he recalls, “because further opportunities to interview Bruce for print followed.” By 2016 he had amassed a number of short pieces reflecting on the meaning and significance of Cockburn’s now legendary song catalog. This creative inspiration led Dunn to embark on a reconsideration of Cockburn’s holistic life and legacy, which was even more vast than he had previously known.
“The driving question behind this book is: how does music affect us?” says Dunn. “Music has the power to change people. What influence does music have in our daily lives? I applied these questions to Bruce Cockburn’s music and cultural presence to produce what I see as a beginner’s guide and critical appreciation.”
M.D. Dunn has performed original music for over thirty years and released nine albums. His poems and articles have been widely published. You Get Bigger as You Go: Bruce Cockburn’s Influence and Evolution is Dunn’s first book of nonfiction. Previous poetry titles include Ghost Music (BuschekBooks, 2010), Fancy Clapping (Scrivener Press, 2012), and Even the Weapons (BuschekBooks, 2014). He lives in Sault Ste. Marie, where he teaches writing at Sault College. Find him online at www.mddunn.com.
XOCÔ Unleashes ‘Maculelê’ Performance From Toronto’s Lula Lounge Concert
XOCÔ jumps onto the stage like a superhero with dance moves that will make your head spin, performing “Maculelê” live at the legendary Lula Lounge, taken from the recently released self-titled album (Lulaworld Records).
This song is named after the traditional percussion rhythm and warrior dance which is also the great grandmother of Brazilian Funk. The scene of fiery fusion is effortlessly captured by visionary videographer Elton Luz and his team who secure the explosive live XOCÔ energy at every turn as he liberates the audience to be themselves and let loose!
These movements of protection and revolution are customarily performed with machetes or sticks- tools from the sugarcane plantation fields and are especially sacred to and revered by Traditional Capoeira practitioners.
XOCÔ infuses his “Maculelê” version with lyrics celebrating imagery of the natural world and saluting Jurema and Orixá Oxóssi of Candomblé, the indigenous and Afro diasporic spiritual traditions respectively.
This live rendition from the XOCÔ album will leave you breathless, notably when the song refers to a “tidal wave” and offers an onstage powerhouse performance to match.
The roaring crowd screams from the dance floor “Mais Um! One More!” giving XOCÔ and his band a standing ovation while demanding their return to the stage!
By the end of last encore of the show an audience member rushes over and exclaims:
“That was the best Afro Brazilian concert I’ve ever seen in my life!”
XOCÔ is notorious for giving memorable live performances anywhere and at the drop of a hat but because Lula Lounge is his favourite stage in TKaronto, he made sure this never before seen live footage will never be forgotten!
XOCÔ, aka Traditional Capoeira Mestre Sérgio Xocolate is a spontaneous and dynamic movement based performer so often not facile to film but was captured with effortless ease and grace by visionary videographer Elton Luz and his team with special shout out to cinematographer Gui Morilha, who calmed the chaos with his steady cam close ups blending in seamlessly and almost becoming a member of the band with his filming fluidity.
Speaking of which, XOCÔ’s formidable live band is made up of Zeca Polina, a star in his own right, rocking out on electric guitar and vocals; world renowned percussionist Anita Graciano on drum kit, playing so hard she smashed through several sticks; while magnetic, buoyant and upbeat vocalist Giovanna Galuppo held it down on the electric bass; with multi instrumentalist Alfredo Alves’ percussion precision and laser sharp focus which didn’t allow him to crack a smile once until the final bow; then finally Suzanne Roberts Smith facilitating the flow of the evening with traditional percussion while keeping an eye out in the crowd for baby Julu being passed around from friend to friend.
When not donning traditional Caboclo de Lança regalia- one of the principal symbols of Pernambucana Culture (as the only known lineage holder and representative in North America), XOCÔ was adorned in a hand painted wardrobe by Afro Brazilian artist and designer Salamandra.
The concert was not only bold in colours and vibrant in tempos but also politically lively with XOCÔ using his platform to call urgent attention to social inequities in Brazil: from criminalizing and torturing poor, black and indigenous folx due to the corruption of the justice and prison systems, to saluting and invoking the Indigenous Nations of Brazil and honouring their territories as well as celebrating Indigeneity worldwide to finally screaming for us to wake up as the Amazon continues to burn!
Then at the end of the live rendition of “Capoeira Blues”- XOCÔ sings passionately acapella until his voice trembles while holding up his Berimbau instrument above his head in reverence and defiance explaining: “The Berimbau Saved my life!”
How fortunate that it did!
This live concert is not mere entertainment but an activist war cry, a cultural celebration and all in all one heck of a timeless piece of art.