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The Beaches Announce 2022 Future Lovers Headline Tour

Eric Alper
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The Beaches Announce 2022 Future Lovers Headline Tour

JUNO Award-winning rock band The Beaches announce their Future Lovers Tour, a 20-date cross-Canada headline tour.

The Future Lovers Tour will be The Beaches’ most ambitious to date and first in support of their latest EP, featuring the alternative radio hit “Blow Up,” which has held the No. 1 slot for two consecutive weeks. The new tour follows the highly successful 2020 The Professional Tour, which sold out 15 shows across Canada, including three hometown performances at The Danforth in Toronto.

After almost two years of no touring due to the global Covid pandemic, The Beaches are back and prepared to give fans an experience that only live music can deliver. With a foundation built upon their live shows, the band is very much looking forward to performing multiple nights at History – Toronto’s newest venue located in the area known as the Beaches and a five-minute walk from where the band grew up.

The Future Lovers Tour kicks off in Montreal at the Corona Theatre on February 3, heads through Ontario, including two stops at History, and continues west. The tour ends with two shows at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver (March 3, 5) and a show in Victoria, BC, at the Royal Theatre (March 6). Spotify Fans First and VIP ticket packages pre-sales start on Tuesday, July 6, and Wednesday, July 7 at 10 am local times, and general on-sale starts on Friday, July 9 at 10 am (local). Packages include exclusive tour experiences like side stage access, soundcheck hangouts and exclusive merchandise items.

“We’ve been waiting a long time to get back out on the road and play some shows,” said Jordan Miller, lead singer and bass player, The Beaches. “Like so many others, we were grounded by the pandemic in 2020. But the upside was we were able to step back, write, record, and release more music. Now we get to come back out and kick some ass. I hope everyone is as ready as we are.”

In addition to the tour dates below, The Beaches are especially excited to announce the forthcoming release of the Sisters Not Twins (The Professional Lovers Album) LP, which artistically and physically conjoins the band’s Future Lovers and The Professional EPs and includes a few new, musical, and packaging surprises. See below for track listing.

FUTURE LOVERS TOUR DATES:
February 3, 2022 – Montreal, QC @ Corona Theatre
February 4, 2022 – Ottawa, ON @ Bronson Theatre
February 5, 2022 – Ottawa, ON @ Bronson Theatre
February 8, 2022 – Kingston, ON @ Ale House
February 11, 2022 – Toronto, ON @ History
February 12, 2022 – Toronto, ON @ History
February 14, 2022 – London, ON @ London Music Hall
February 15, 2022 – Guelph, ON @ Guelph Concert Theatr
February 16, 2022 – Hamilton, ON @ FirstOntario Concert Hall
February 19, 2022 – Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre
February 20, 2022 – Saskatoon, SK @ Coors Event Centre
February 22, 2022 – Edmonton, AB @ Midway
February 23, 2022 – Edmonton, AB @ Midway
February 25, 2022 – Red Deer, AB @ Red Deer Memorial Centre
February 26, 2022 – Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Hall
February 28, 2022 – Kelowna, BC @ Kelowna Community Theatre
March 1, 2022 – Vernon, BC @ Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre
March 3, 2022 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
March 5, 2022 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
March 6, 2022 – Victoria, BC @ Royal Theatre

Sisters Not Twins (The Professional Lovers Album) Track List:
SIDE A
You Owe Me Nothing
Desdemona
Bad Behaviour
Snake Tongue
Lame
Slow Mo

SIDE B
Interlude
Blow Up
Fascination
Let’s Go
Want What You Got
You Don’t Owe Me Anything

Stevie Van Zandt’s Memoir “Unrequited Infatuations” To Be Published On September 28

Eric Alper
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Stevie Van Zandt’s Memoir “Unrequited Infatuations” To Be Published On September 28

What story begins in a bedroom in suburban New Jersey in the early ‘60s, unfolds on some of the country’s largest stages, and then ranges across the globe, demonstrating over and over again how Rock and Roll has the power to change the world for the better? This story.

The first true heartbeat of UNREQUITED INFATUATIONS is the moment when Stevie Van Zandt trades in his devotion to the Baptist religion for an obsession with Rock and Roll. Groups like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones created new ideas of community, creative risk, and principled rebellion. They changed him forever. While still a teenager, he met Bruce Springsteen, a like-minded outcast/true believer who became one of his most important friends and bandmates. As Miami Steve, Van Zandt anchored the E Street Band as they conquered the Rock and Roll world.

And then, in the early ‘80s, Van Zandt stepped away from E Street to embark on his own odyssey. He refashioned himself as Little Steven, a political songwriter and performer, fell in love with Maureen Santoro who greatly expanded his artistic palette, and visited the world’s hot spots as an artist/journalist to not just better understand them, but to help change them. Most famously, he masterminded the recording of “Sun City,” an anti-apartheid anthem that sped the demise of South Africa’s institutionalized racism and helped get Nelson Mandela out of prison.

By the ‘90s, Van Zandt had lived at least two lives—one as a mainstream rocker, one as a hardcore activist. It was time for a third. David Chase invited Van Zandt to be a part of his new television show, the Sopranos—as Silvio Dante, he was the unconditionally loyal consiglieri who sat at the right hand of Tony Soprano (a relationship that oddly mirrored his real-life relationship with Bruce Springsteen).

Underlying all of Van Zandt’s various incarnations was a devotion to preserving the centrality of the arts, especially the endangered species of Rock. In the twenty-first century, Van Zandt founded a groundbreaking radio show (Underground Garage), a fiercely independent record label (Wicked Cool), and developed a curriculum to teach students of all ages through the medium of music history. He also rejoined the E Street Band for what has now been a twenty-year victory lap.

UNREQUITED INFATUATIONS chronicles the twists and turns of Stevie Van Zandt’s always surprising life. It is more than just the testimony of a globe-trotting nomad, more than the story of a groundbreaking activist, more than the odyssey of a spiritual seeker, and more than a master class in rock and roll (not to mention a dozen other crafts). It’s the best book of its kind because it’s the only book of its kind.

Stevie Van Zandt says, “I’ve seen enough things that could be useful that justified writing them down and sharing them. As far as my life story? Well I hope this book explains it to me!”

Mary Ann Naples, Publisher of Hachette Books, adds, “Stevie Van Zandt’s story is a singular arc in American culture. From his vantage point as a witness to the renaissance era of rock and roll to consequential activism and a third act in groundbreaking television, Hachette Books is proud to bring Van Zandt’s odyssey to readers.”

Stevie Van Zandt will actively promote UNREQUITED INFATUATIONS with a media tour and event appearances. The book will be published in hardcover, e-book, and an audio format by Hachette Audio on September 28, 2021.

Sonic Reducers: Will Mick Jagger EVER Write His Autobiography?

Eric Alper
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Sonic Reducers: Will Mick Jagger EVER Write His Autobiography?

Sonic Reducers: 5-minute video. 2 music geeks. 1 big story.

Join us as we natter about Mick Jagger’s aborted 1983 autobiography, talk about the time Darryl met the man himself, and relive one of the most interesting elevator rides his wife ever had.

Blues Rockers ARSENAL MILLS Release Song About Love Called “Songs About Love”

Eric Alper
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Just in time for the summer — and vaccination — season, Canadian blues rock band Arsenal Mills is back with another retro-fueled rock n’ roll tease ahead of their upcoming debut EP. An absolute breath of fresh air in terms of modern rock, “Songs About Love” is available now.

Unlike the PEI-based outfit’s previous single, “Cry No More” — which is a perfect tune for driving at a high speed, windows down, in the middle of summer — “Songs About Love” is an emotional journey of rock n’ roll which really pulls at the heartstrings. Arsenal Mills frontman Brad Milligan says it “touches on the idea of innocence” and that it’s about “being young and naïve.”

“I wanted the main character to be someone who hasn’t experienced all the joys and heartache that love brings,” Milligan says. “All they know about love is what they’ve heard about it in songs on the radio, which to me is such an interesting concept.”

With that concept in mind, it seems fitting that this song (about love) kicks off with a piano hook sent from the heavens. Though it was played by one-off guest pianist Ben Aitken, it is genuinely such a memorable piece of music that it’s bound to become an instant classic in the modern rock scene.

Slap a soulful electric guitar solo, tickling drum fills and a chorus that begs for mass audience participation in the mix and you’ve got yourself a metaphorical ear message. These enchanting musical elements make “Songs About Love” the perfect track to raise your lighters (or phones) to.

And it won’t be long… Once these guys break the scene, it’ll be a stadium anthem in no time at all — with music-lovers from all walks of life will be screaming their hearts out to it together.

Do you like Journey, or the Scorpions? How about Def Leppard? If you’re looking for a familiar sound, but something completely new, this is the song (and band) for you. And if you’re hesitant about taking a chance on one of Canada’s best up-and-coming four-pieces, “Songs About Love” mirrors the sonic mastery and emotional depth of Reckless-era Bryan Adams as well as 1990s Aerosmith. How could it not be good?

Bassist and keyboardist André Uyterlinde promises more songs “of this profundity” on the horizon too.

Spawned from their heavy New Wave, Blues and R&B influences, since day one it has been Arsenal Mills’ collective mission to completely reimagine the modern rock scene in a unique and refreshing way. To help them achieve this, the boys enlisted mix-master Colin Buchanan to produce their brand-new smashing track as well as Chuck Carvalho, master engineer for Toronto-based studio Joao Carvalho Mastering.

Arsenal Mills is: lead singer/guitarist Brad Milligan, backup vocalist and lead guitarist Griffen Arsenault, drummer Josh MacNeil and bassist/keyboardist André Uyterlinde.

From their hometown of Charlottetown, Arsenal Mills have been featured in many well-known music publications including CBC, Tinnitist, Canadian Beats, Record World Magazine, Cashbox Canada and more. Not only that, but the quartet has opened for the likes of Canadian legends like Kim Mitchell, The Glorious Sons and Wintersleep, among many others. The cherry on top for this group is that they’ve been nominated for both ‘New Artist of the Year’ and ‘Rock Recording of the Year’ by Music PEI.

While you’re waiting for Arsenal Mills highly-anticipated debut EP, check out lead single “Lovesick & Broke” and the 2020 standalones “The Bleeding Heart” and “Cry No More.”

“Songs About Love” is available now.

Bagpipe Rockers ARCANA KINGS Lead The Charge With “Here We Go”

Eric Alper
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Bagpipe Rockers ARCANA KINGS Lead The Charge With “Here We Go”

Hear that? That’s the powerfully catchy sound of Canada’s premiere “kick-ass bagpipe party rock” band, Arcana Kings, pumping up their pipes as they unleash this summer’s biggest blow out, stadium-sized anthem, “Here We Go” — available now.

“Here We Go” is the lead single from the Nelson, BC, Regina, SK, Saskatoon, SK-based quintet’s brand new album Lions as Ravens, released this June on Brandy Records Canada/MC1 Nashville. It energetically showcases a band fired up and ready to play hard as we begin to emerge from our long, lonely pandemic winter and Canada opens up, smiles wide and gets ready to rock again.

Prior to its official release, “Here We Go” has already become a universal sports anthem with CFL, NHL and pro basketball teams across North America. The Saskatchewan Roughriders have adopted it as their rev up, team run-out song during home games and the Winnipeg Jets and the Saskatoon Rush also use it to pump up their crowds. Arcana Kings were also honoured to perform “Here We Go” live at halftime during the CFL’s western semi-final playoff game at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Saskatchewan. Kicking off with the double rallying cry of “Here we go! Here we go!”, the chorus is guaranteed to have entire arenas ready to shout it out and ride along whether they’re in the house for the big concert or the big game.

After performing across Canada and internationally in the U.S., Japan, Taiwan and Sweden, the rush of putting it all out there on stage — or on the playing field, if you will — is what inspired Arcana Kings’ lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and bagpiper Johnny McCuaig, to write “Here We Go.”

“I wanted to capture the feeling of those nights when we were getting ready to hit the stage and getting ourselves pumped up for the ‘Big Show’ or the ‘Big Night Out,’” McCuaig explains. “Every time I hear it, it still gets me pumped up and I get a little excited.”

That pumped up excitement permeates throughout Arcana Kings’ new album Lions as Ravens, which was recorded with producer Ryan Andersen (Nickelback, Theory of a Deadman, Default), at RedDoor Recorders in Saskatoon. Rounding out the band’s signature sound are lead guitarist James Picton, rhythm guitarist and vocalist Allan Morrison, bassist Kevin Kyle and drummer Graham Templeman.

The music video for “Here We Go” also has that “big show” vibe as it debuted at Regina’s IMAX Theatre and showcased at Saskatchewan’s renowned Yorkton Film Festival. Thematically, the band wanted the video to capture the intensity of competitive sports like football, hockey or basketball but knew that budget limitations wouldn’t let them draw those connections visually. However, happenstance enabled the band to capture the idea in a more unique but no less intensely competitive way.

“It just so happened that there was an advertisement in the local paper for a women’s roller derby bout,” recalls McCuaig. “We brought the idea to our director Dave Benedict (from the band Default) and within a day we had the concept, the contacts and the direction. It all just came together like it was meant to be.”

Nominations for Best Music Video at the Kootenay Music Awards and Best Rock Video for the Canadian Independent Music Awards were also meant to be, along with nods for Rock Band of the Year at the Saskatchewan Music Awards and Artist of the Year and Best Rock Song for the Kootenay Music Awards.

This has been a season of change and growth for the Arcana Kings, whose name means “secrets” or “mysteries.” Previously known as the Johnny McCuaig Band, they recently changed their name to make it easier to pronounce and to reflect a redefining of their sound, which still contains its secret weapon — the bagpipes. Blending seamlessly like a long-lost Celtic cousin to the electric guitar, AK uses the bagpipes as an intriguing extension of their high energy sound, rather than a focal point.

“Just imagine the Foo Fighters, AC/DC and The Steve Miller Band all mixed with a touch of Métis spirit and Scottish heritage,” explains McCuaig, who is Métis.

It’s also easy to imagine the joyous thunder inside a rockin’ stadium thanks to the Arcana Kings’ “Here We Go” — available now.

Funk Outfit CALUMET Drops Infectious, 1970s-Inspired Soul Single “Save Us From Ourselves”

Eric Alper
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Funk Outfit CALUMET Drops Infectious, 1970s-Inspired Soul Single “Save Us From Ourselves”

Celebrating its 20th year, veteran funk septet Calumet have released a brand-new 70s-inspired funk single, “Save Us From Ourselves” — available now.

Serving as a companion piece to their 2020 summer hit, “This is How it Ends,” the infectious new song takes inspiration from many of the genre’s classics and legends, and combines them into a track sure-enough to have you on your feet dancing in no time at all. Be careful not to put your back out though, this is some seriously groovy content.

Spanning only four and a half minutes, “Save Us From Ourselves” is efficient in covering a lot of ground within the throwback genre. It kicks off with (and maintains) a bassline so tasty and groovy it could easily be mistaken for something by British funk outfit Jamiroquai, or progressive soul legends, Ohio Players; the phonetic vocal phrases and backup harmonies support this sentiment too. It also features colourful sprinklings of bluegrass chord changes, slide guitar and a mammoth disco-inspired bridge.

Just when you think “Save Us from Ourselves” can’t get any funkier, lead vocalist Eric “ET” Mobley starts ripping the keyboard like his life depends on it with the exact keyboard tone utilized by the illustrious Stevie Wonder on the 1972 platinum-certified, smash-hit “Superstition.”

Much like their ever-popular “This is How it Ends,” “Save Us from Ourselves” contemplates the dismantling of American democracy by a “handful of awful people who mislead millions for their own gain and political power,” according to band member Jason Mitchell. “The earlier song foretells of a dystopian future heading our way due to decisions made (or not made) recently. The latter acknowledges that our society is infected by poisonous lies and it feels that we may already be too far gone to save it.”

Speaking further on the song, Mitchell reveals it was the “fastest” they’ve ever produced a song — one month between writing it and releasing it to be exact. “There was an urgency to its creation after the Capitol insurrection,” he says. “The US is gripped by a darkness it may not be able to escape.

“Lyrically, I like to plant a seed to question why people believe what they do,” he continues. “There’s a fine line between being a good communicator or being preachy; I don’t like to hit people over the head with obvious criticism.

“But still, some situations are so dire, they demand that things be said to call out wrong-doing or foolishness.”

“Save Us from Ourselves” was produced by long-time engineer and studio owner John Herrera — who has been producing for Calumet since they broke out in the early 2000s. Herrera also contributed to the recording of the brand-new track, among many others in the band’s extensive discography.

Calumet is vocalist/keyboardist Eric Mobley, rotating bassist and guitarists Jason Mitchell and Josh Prior, drummer Jeff Pivin, percussionist Ian White, alto saxophonist/flutist Marvin Scott, and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Jones — who plays the tenor sax, soprano sax, and flute.

With a career spanning more than two decades now, Calumet has a diverse array of singles among its back catalogue, as well as two top-tier studio albums: the 2002 debut Retro Energy, and its long-awaited follow-up Life in Transition — which was released just last year with nine original tracks.

“Save Us from Ourselves” is available now.

Singer/Songwriter Ethan Flynn is President of The Pumpkin Club with Sophomore Release

Eric Alper
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Singer/Songwriter Ethan Flynn is President of The Pumpkin Club with Sophomore Release

Canadian artist Ethan Flynn cuts to the heart of existentialism and love with the unveiling of his single, “Somebody To Love” and his recently released sophomore album, The Pumpkin Club — available now.

The genre-bending feel-good ditty either leaves you desiring someone for yourself, or remembering the beauty of what it was like to be in want. “People tend to think love songs are cliche, but I think love is the most powerful, honest, raw, and healing thing in the world,” Flynn offers. “And there are so many kinds of it!

“I tend to long for beauty in life, in general, so that’s just how I usually think,” he continues. “It’s beautiful to have somebody to love. It’s beautiful to want love.

“I think some of the most unsatisfied people in the world are upset because they don’t have love; or the will to seek it. Maybe they married someone they weren’t truly in love with; maybe they missed their shot at what felt like ‘true love’; maybe they were once in love with their partner, but the magic faded as they realized something inevitable: that it wasn’t going to last forever. Maybe this is why people stay in the same unsatisfying relationships for as long as they do, all the while longing for real love.

“And who doesn’t?” the Maple, Ontario-based rocker considers. “But the more you think about it, the scarier it gets. This is why I find love so compelling.”

The magic in Flynn’s lyricism is the simple message he borrows from experience, and lends to a dreamy pop rock sound inflecting nods towards the 60s and 70s. From the first riff, Flynn invites you to the prom, daring his dance partners to sway in that youthful yearning for what other couples on the dance floor euphorically float away in.

And that’s just the one peek at this new 12-track LP.

“Yes Pumpkin,” “Another Day With You,” and “Keep From The Memory” join “Somebody To Love” as the collective lead singles from The Pumpkin Club — released this Spring. A fascinating foray into the masterful songwriting craftsmanship Flynn extols as he expertly slides between genres, the album is as eclectic as the themes he experiments with exploring. No rock is left unturned. No truth is left hidden. And no indoor thoughts are left unspoken.

The Pumpkin Club lands just two years following his debut, Happy Valley, in 2019. As a veteran singer/songwriter, with kudos and creds to lead vox and rhythm guitar for indie group King Catalyst, Flynn’s solo project — a collection of thoughts, prose, memories, and journal entries — is a legacy of love he laboriously pours his leisure time over.

“The Pumpkin Club focuses mainly on songs I have finished in the most complete sense, and does not include any instrumental tracks,” Flynn explains. “I believe the album showcases my improvement both as a singer-songwriter and as a producer.”

Flynn also utilized the pandemic’s lockdown to create the subsequent music video for “Somebody To Love.” “The pandemic hit, and I was stuck inside my house all day every day, so, I decided to create a music video for my single; shot and edited on my own,” he reveals. “Unlike other music videos I’ve been involved in, this video was created completely by myself, as was the song. I produced, recorded, and wrote the song myself during lockdown. The video includes more than 50 different shots of me in my house and is the music video and recording that I am most proud of.”

On the topic of videos, Ethan Flynn’s YouTube is a glimpse into the man behind the curtain, hosting a variety of self-produced music videos, and reflective insights to life as an artist.

And The Pumpkin Club is a testimony to his commitment to enchanting listeners and fans along the liner notes.

Simply put, Ethan Flynn is “Somebody To Love.”

“Somebody To Love” and The Pumpkin Club are available now.

Hawaiian Alt-Rock Artist MDMP Reflects on Personal Turmoil in Emotional New Single, “Kneeling Scars”

Eric Alper
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Hawaiian Alt-Rock Artist MDMP Reflects on Personal Turmoil in Emotional New Single, “Kneeling Scars”

Nearly seven months after his last single, the enticingly frightening “Chosen One” — where he pays homage to veterans, living and fallen, by delving into his own harrowing memories of serving time in the military — Jeremey Meyer, front man for MDMP, has appropriately returned to the alternative rock scene with a brand-new single, in which he discloses more of the torments he’s faced throughout life. Fittingly, it’s called “Kneeling Scars,” and its available now.

Though the lyrical content of this brand-new original is not as vividly agonizing as that of “Chosen One,” “Kneeling Scars” is one of MDMP’s most-personal tracks to date.

This is evident in the songwriting; multiple times throughout the song, Meyer is heard singing, ‘All I do is cry / ‘Cause I miss you,’ and clearly reflecting on an impactful absence in his life.

“I know you’ve been through a lot in your life, and I am honored to once again reunite this time through song,” says MDMP of “Kneeling Scars.” “Always know you have friends out there, and some days can be struggles.

“Just always remember we all have a purpose on this earth, and our actions — as minuscule as they may seem — have lasting effects that you can’t imagine.”

The urgency and agony present in “Kneeling Scars” is not just evident in MDMP’s lyrics; his tone of voice is bound to tug on your heartstrings, whether you like it or not. This alluring poignancy is echoed further in the song’s instrumental elements too, as the listener is offered these clean and omnipresent chord progressions, which are accompanied by increasingly heavier drum and bass backing tracks to really bring it home.

The same feelings are evoked in “Kneeling Scars’” beguiling music video, where the two mystery co-stars climb aboard a metaphorical rollercoaster of emotions together, before ultimately meeting their demise.

Despite being a native of Nānākuli, a western nook on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu — a place where rock n’ roll just isn’t known for — this aspiring musician creates music with the intent to “capture the ear” of any curious listener(s) and tell them a story.

“This is my attempt to capture your ear for just a moment in your life,” says the mastermind behind MDMP. “Music is a reflection of everything we have experienced in life,” he concludes, hinting, once again, at the deeply-personal level of involvement that goes into the writing of his music.

“Kneeling Scars,” MDMP’s tenth and newest single, is available through all major streaming platforms. The accompanying, gut-wrenching video is available via YouTube.

Richard Pryor’s 1973 “Live at the Comedy Store” Concert Gets Its First Release

Eric Alper
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Richard Pryor’s 1973 “Live at the Comedy Store” Concert Gets Its First Release

“Monday, October 29, 1973: Richard Pryor hits the Comedy Store for night one of a four-show run that will, within a year, yield one of the greatest comic documents of all time, a generational sea change no one saw coming.” — From the new liner notes by Cory Frye

Richard Pryor’s 1973 “Live at the Comedy Store” concert gets its first commercial version of the legendary comic’s 1973 four-show run in Hollywood plus 6 bonus performances on July 23.

After the release of his iconic debut, Richard Pryor, in 1968, Pryor further sharpened his skills and delivered the comedy classic, “Craps” (After Hours) in 1971, but he never stopped pushing forward. In preparation for a Kennedy Center show in Washington, D.C., and a February 1974 Soul Train Club date in North Beach, San Francisco (that would produce the top-selling That Nigger’s Crazy) Pryor booked four nights at the, then relatively new, Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard to woodshed new material. It was never meant to be heard beyond its original audience, but luckily tape not only rolled, but survived.

Fourteen tracks were originally issued in 2013 as a limited-edition promotional CD given away with copies of the No Pryor Restraint: Life In Concert boxed set purchased from Shout! Factory’s website. Six additional Comedy Store performances found their way into the public earlier as bonus material on 2000’s …And It’s Deep Too!: The Complete Warner Bros. Recordings (1968–1992) and Evolution/Revolution: The Early Years (1966-1974) in 2005. Now, all 20 tracks are pulled together for the first time and available on Live At The Comedy Store, 1973.

The release was produced by noted Pryor expert Reggie Collins, who helms this new set along with Jennifer Lee Pryor and Grammy®-winning producer, Cheryl Pawelski. Packaging features new liner notes from Cory Frye and restoration from Grammy®-winner, Michael Graves.

From Frye’s notes, “As time has shown, there’s no death with Richard Pryor. He may have left us in 2005 (after whole decades that would have killed lesser men), but his own afterlife’s proven immense, minus the eight billion harp-happy m***********s he once described practicing on some distant cloud. Here’s a chance to catch him just as he begins to live—again.”

Ringo Sends Message To Fans, Invites Everyone Everywhere To Join Him Spreading Peace And Love On His Birthday 7-7-2021

Eric Alper
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Ringo Sends Message To Fans, Invites Everyone Everywhere To Join Him Spreading Peace And Love On His Birthday 7-7-2021

Ringo Starr posted a message to fans about his annual upcoming Peace and Love birthday initiative, a tradition he started in 2008 after being asked by a reporter what he would like for his birthday. His answer? Peace and Love. Since then he has invited everyone everywhere to think, say or post #peaceandlove at Noon their local time on July 7th to fulfill his birthday wish and encircle the planet in a wave of Peace and Love.

In the taped message Starr tells fans, “I’m inviting everyone who wants to join the peace and love celebration for my birthday at Noon your time wherever you are, 7-7-21 – you can post it, you can say it, you can even think it – but it would be really cool if you go Peace and Love at noon on my birthday – so let’s spread peace and love on my birthday – c’mon everybody!”

Usually Ringo meets with fans in whatever city he is in, a tradition that began on July 7, 2008 when he convened with fans and friends on the streets in front of the Hard Rock Café in Chicago, passing out cupcakes and joining the crowd for “Peace and Love” exactly at Noon.

In the ensuing years it has grown enormously and in 2019 there were over 30 Peace & Love events in countries all around the world including Argentina – Buenos Aires; Chascomus, Armenia – Yerevan Australia –Sydney, Bolivia – La Paz, Brazil – Sao Paulo,  Columbia -Bogota,  Costa Rica – San Jose,  Cuba – Habana,  Czech Republic – Prague, El Salvador – San Salvador,  Estonia – Tallin, Finland – Helsinki, Germany – Hamburg and Halle, Italy – Venice,  Japan – Osaka; Tokyo, Panama – Panama City,  Paraguay -Asunción,  Peru – Lima,  Russia – Moscow,  Spain –  Barcelona; Madrid,  United Kingdom –  London; Liverpool,  United States – Chicago; Minneapolis,  Hawaii, Los Angeles,  New York City.

2020’s pandemic prevented an in-person event, and Ringo instead moved the celebration online, hosting “Ringo’s Big Birthday Show,” which featured unseen concert and unique performances by Starr, Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh, Ben Harper and Dave Grohl, Sheryl Crow, Gary Clark Jr and Sheila E. The show was broadcast globally via AXS, YouTube and Ceek and it benefitted Black Lives Matter Global Network, The David Lynch Foundation, Musicares and WaterAid. Meanwhile the #peaceandlove posts came from near and far, with the Mars Rover and The International Space Station being the first to wish Ringo a Happy Birthday “From 260 miles above our home planet, NASA Astronauts wish Ringo Starr a happy 80th birthday! Since our orbiting laboratory operates in Greenwich Mean Time, or GMT, it’s officially July 7 – a perfect date to send #PeaceAndLove to everyone across the universe!”

Details about 2021 Peace and Love regional gatherings hosted by fans – both in person and zoom – can be found on Ringo’s Facebook page, with virtual and in person events already confirmed in Argentina, Costa Rica, Columbia, El Salvador, Germany, Guatamala, Japan, Italy, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, UK, USA.

 

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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

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