Lydia Bernsmeier-Rullow says it gave her shivers when people began joining in with her singing of Don’t Look Back In Anger in St Ann’s Square, Manchester, after Thursday’s minute’s silence for the victims of the bombing.
Guns N’ Roses Add Fall 2017 North American Tour Dates
Guns N’ Roses’ Not In This Lifetime… tour will roll on this fall with just-announced dates including two nights at Madison Square Garden and two nights in Los Angeles arenas. ZZ Top, Deftones, Sturgill Simpson, Royal Blood, LĪVE , and Our Lady Peace will play select shows.
Guns N’ Roses:
05-27 Dublin, Ireland – Slane Castle
05-30 Bilbao, Spain – San Mames Stadium
06-02 Lisbon, Portugal – Passeio Martimo De Alges
06-04 Madrid, Spain – Vincente Calderon Stadium
06-07 Zurich, Switzerland – Letzigrund
06-10 Imola, Italy, Greenfield
06-13 Munich, Germany – Olympiastadion
06-16 London, England – London Stadium
06-20 Gdansk, Poland – Stadion Energy Gdansk
06-22 Hannover, Germany – Messe
06-24 Werchter, Belgium – Classic
06-27 Copenhagen, Denmark – Telia Parken
06-29 Stockholm, Sweden – Friends Arena
07-01 Hämeenlinna, Finland – Kantolan Tapahtumapuisto
07-04 Prague, Czech Republic – Letnany Airport
07-07 Paris, France – Stade de France
07-10 Vienna, Austria – Ernst Happel Stadion
07-12 Nijmegen, Netherlands – Goffert Park
07-15 Tel Aviv, Israel – Hayarkon Park
07-27 St. Louis, MO – The Dome at America’s Center +
07-30 Minneapolis, MN – U.S. Bank Stadium +
08-02Denver, CO – Sports Authority Field at Mile High ~
08-05 Little Rock, AR – War Memorial Stadium ~
08-08 Miami, FL – Miami Marlins Stadium ~
08-11 Winston-Salem, NC – BB&T Field at Wake Forest University %
08-13 Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium %
08-16 Buffalo, NY – New Era Field
08-19 Montreal, Quebec – Parc Jean Drapeau ^
08-21 Ottawa, Ontario – TD Place Stadium ^
08-24 Winnipeg, Manitoba – Investors Group Field ^
08-27 Regina, Saskatchewan – New Mosaic Stadium at Evraz Place
08-30 Edmonton, Alberta – Commonwealth Stadium ^
09-01 Vancouver, British Columbia – BC Place Stadium *
09-03 George, WA – The Gorge *
09-06 El Paso, TX – Sun Bowl Stadium &
09-08 San Antonio, TX – Alamodome &
10-08 Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
10-11 New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
10-15 New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
10-22 Boston, MA – TD Garden
10-26 Cleveland, OH – Quicken Loans Arena
10-29 Toronto, Ontario – Air Canada Centre
11-02 Detroit, MI – Little Caesers Arena
11-06 Chicago, IL – United Center
11-10 Houston, TX – Toyota Center
11-14 Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
11-17 Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena
11-21 Oakland, CA – Oracle Arena
11-24 Los Angeles, CA – Staples Center
11-25 Los Angeles, CA – The Forum
& ZZ Top
+ Deftones
~ Sturgill Simpson
* Royal Blood
% LIVE
^ Our Lady Peace
Three Iconic Elton John Songs Get An Official Music Video 40 Years After Their Release
The Cut, supported by YouTube, invited filmmakers to create the first official music videos for three of Elton John’s most famous songs.
Building on Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s Californian inspiration, Max Weiland filmed a video for “Tiny Dancer” that reflects on life in Los Angeles from a dozen different people, all unfolding behind the wheel of their cars.
Jack Whiteley and Laura Brownhill tell the formation story of “Bennie and the Jets” with their futuristic video of Elton’s hit song, which features breathtaking choreography and striking sci-fi fashion
In his own interpretation of Elton’s iconic hit, Iranian filmmaker and refugee Majid Adin reimagines “Rocket Man” to tell a whole new story of adventure, loneliness and hope.
Festival d’été adds Anderson .Paak, Danny Brown, Kid Koala, Kelela, Mix Master Mike and more
Announced via Facebook LIVE this morning, Festival d’été de Québec are pleased to welcome viral hit-maker Danny Brown, producer and collaborative favourite Anderson .Paak, R&B songstress Kelela and many more to the 2017 Festival lineup. The final round of programming also includes Canadian DJ, turntablist and graphic novel author Kid Koala, Mix Master Mike of the Beastie Boys, breakout songwriter Grace Mitchell, and Billboard Heatseeker K. Flay, who will join previously announced performers Kendrick Lamar, Metallica, The Backstreet Boys, and more at the 50th edition of the Festival.
The Festival, known for its diverse programming, will once again showcase the world’s top talent across all genres over 11 days. The 2017 edition will take place at the world heritage UNESCO site of Québec City, from July 6 – 16, with tickets starting at the modest price of $95CAD. Tickets are onsale now and can be purchased here.
2017 Lineup Additions (in alphabetical order):
7 Ways
Anderson .Paak
Birds of Bellwoods
Bums & Beats
CO/NTRY
Danny Brown
Deezco
DJ Brown
DJ Max-E
Geses
Grace Lachance
Grace Mitchell
Julian Taylor Band
K. Flay
Kelela
Kid Koala
Laurence Castera
LBA Band
Lemon Bucket Orkestra
Lydia Képinski
Lysistrata
Mbongwana Star
Mix Master Mike of the Beastie Boys
Phranco
Roody Rock
Sugaray Rayford
The Pistolwhips
Ziskakan
Chris Cornell’s Wife Vicky Writes Letter to Late Husband: “I’m Sorry You Were Alone”
To My Sweet Christopher,
You were the best father, husband and son-in-law. Your patience, empathy and love always showed through.
You had always said I saved you, that you wouldn’t be alive if it were not for me. My heart gleamed to see you happy, living and motivated. Excited for life. Doing everything you could to give back. We had the time of our lives in the last decade and I’m sorry, my sweet love, that I did not see what happened to you that night. I’m sorry you were alone, and I know that was not you, my sweet Christopher. Your children know that too, so you can rest in peace.
I’m broken, but I will stand up for you and I will take care of our beautiful babies. I will think of you every minute of every day and I will fight for you. You were right when you said we are soulmates. It has been said that paths that have crossed will cross again, and I know that you will come find me, and I will be here waiting.
I love you more than anyone has ever loved anyone in the history of loving and more than anyone ever will.
Always and forever,
Your Vicky
14 Of My Rules For My Daughter’s First Concert
Like many families the shock and horror of what happened in Manchester, UK at the Ariana Grande show have dominated conversation in our house. We are music fans and concert goers and this senseless attack hit us hard. The images of mostly teenage girls running, injured and scared while their parents were frantic, are devastating. So we talk. We talk not only about the news as it comes in, but also about “now what?”
My daughter, Hannah, and I want a share a bit about what those conversations are like.
Eric: My first inclination is that you’re not going to a show without me. Ever. Like never. But that’s really not possible. Or likely. Or fair. Or right. I know that going to shows with your friends, at your age, is the best. I remember those shows. So we have to figure it out.
Hannah: I’m going to a show with my friend in a couple of weeks. We only bought two tickets. Let’s figure it out.
And so we came up with a plan, an action plan. We’re calling it “14 ways your 14 daughter can go to show with her 14 year old friend”. If you have things to add to it, we don’t mind if you change the title.
- My parents are putting a data plan on my phone so that I don’t have to rely on access to Wifi if I need it to reach them.
- I’ll keep a fully-charged extra battery (and cord) in my purse.
- We will have a confirmed meeting place inside the venue where my parents can access without a ticket.
- We will have a secondary meeting place outside the venue in case of emergency.
- We’re going to look at a map of the venue and we will choose and use venue entrances that are not the “main” ones because it will be less crowded and easier to meet up.
- I will keep a contact card with emergency contact information inside my iPhone case and An ID card with my name and contact information for my parents will be in my pocket or purse in case I lose my phone. At 14, I don’t have a driver’s licence.
- I will make sure that I have phone numbers in my contacts for all of my family (ie. grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc.).
- My parents will have the phone numbers for my friend that I’m going to the show with and their parents and vice versa.
- I will always have a 20-dollar bill for emergency ONLY in my purse. (A concert t-shirt is not an emergency, says my Dad. But looking at his t-shirt collection, you would think otherwise.).
- We will hang back in our seats after the show ends and let the crowd thin out a bit. Even 10 minutes will be thousands of people less leaving at the same time.
- My parents will be having dinner across the street and I’ll know where they are. 5 minutes away.
- We will stick together. When one of us goes to the bathroom or to get a drink, we both go. Always. No exceptions.
- We will check in throughout the show – the first time will be when I get to my seat and again when the show is over.
- I will ask venue staff if I need help or directions.
A PS from Eric (aka Dad):
And because I have the benefit of having more concert-going experience and knowledge than most, there a couple of things that I want to add, as a parent:
Many venues for shows that are attended by this age group have designated spaces inside for parents/guardians to hang out. If the venue has this, I’m there.
I will only buy her tickets for seats – not general admission or floors. In a chaotic situation, that space could get dangerous and I know that she’s safer in a seat in the stands. Picture it, you know what I mean.
Because I’m sometimes on social media, I might follow the tweets from reporters who are live-tweeting the show. Just keeping an eye it.
This is what feels right for us, for now. It could change. We’ve all seen how fast our comfort zones can change. Only you know, what yours is and it will be right for you.
With love and strength to Manchester, Ariana Grande and her team.
Hannah and Eric Alper
Randy Newman’s First Album In 9 Years, Dark Matter, Set For Release August 4
Nonesuch Records releases Dark Matter, Randy Newman’s first album of new material in nine years, on August 4, 2017. The record is the follow-up to 2008’s acclaimed Harps and Angels, which the Guardian praised for its “sumptuous melodies, devastating pathos and thorny, irony-laden character songs,” calling it, “the work of a true master of popular song.” Dark Matter was recorded in Los Angeles and produced by long-time Newman collaborators Mitchell Froom, Lenny Waronker, and David Boucher. The album’s nine songs include the 2016 digitally released “Putin,” plus songs about the Kennedy brothers, Sonny Boy Williamson, science vs. religion, love and loss, and more (full track list below; album available on vinyl August 18). Dark Matter is available to pre-order now at iTunes and the Nonesuch Store, where the album track “Putin” may be downloaded immediately. Pre-orders from Nonesuch also come with an exclusive print, a limited number of which will be signed by Newman. Tour dates begin this summer (details below); further fall shows will be announced soon.
Newman, who is known for writing from the perspective of various narrators, many of whom are unreliable, tried something new on Dark Matter: “If there is anything consistent about the songs, there is often more than one voice, in the big ones, and it’s different for me, a difficult thing to bring off, to make it comprehensible,” he says. “I think it works. They cover more ground than most songs do and portray a number of different characters. Audiences are smart. They’ll understand the songs. I hope they like them as well.
“I’m proud of the record,” Newman continues. “I think it’s entertaining—I hope it’s entertaining—and that’s eighty percent of what I try to do. Also, I’m doing something different than I’ve ever done before. It’s a step forward for me. And considering how long I’ve been doing this, I’m kinda proud of that.”
After starting his songwriting career as a teenager, Newman began recording as a singer and pianist in 1968 with a self-titled album. Throughout the 1970s, he released several other acclaimed albums such as 12 Songs, Sail Away, and Good Old Boys. In addition to his solo recordings and regular international touring, Newman began composing and scoring for films in the 1980s. The list of movies he has worked on since then includes The Natural, Awakenings, Ragtime, all three Toy Story pictures, Seabiscuit, James and the Giant Peach, A Bug’s Life, and most recently, Disney/Pixar’s Cars 3.
Between 2003 and 2016, Nonesuch released three volumes of The Randy Newman Songbook, comprising solo recordings of songs from throughout Newman’s five-decade career, along with a three-CD box set of all volumes (a four-LP, limited-edition vinyl version included bonus tracks). The New York Times said of the first disc: “The great craftsmanship is more apparent in the stripped-down context,” and the Associated Press said, “Few singer-songwriters could inject more new life into solo piano versions of their work than Randy Newman.” In 2011, the label released a live CD and DVD recorded at London’s intimate LSO St. Luke’s, accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra led by Robert Ziegler.
Randy Newman’s many honors include six Grammys, three Emmys, and two Academy Awards, as well as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013—the same year he was given an Ivor Novello PRS for Music Special International Award. Newman also was presented with a PEN New England Song Lyrics of Literary Excellence Award in 2014.
Randy Newman
Dark Matter
1. The Great Debate
2. Brothers
3. Putin
4. Lost Without You
5. Sonny Boy
6. It’s a Jungle out There (V2)
7. She Chose Me
8. On the Beach
9. Wandering Boy
Produced by Mitchell Froom, Lenny Waronker and David Boucher
Recorded and mixed by David Boucher
Randy Newman – piano/vocals
Matt Chamberlain – drums
David Piltch – bass
Blake Mills – guitar
Mitchell Froom – additional keyboards
Boy With Cancer Asks Comedian To Attend His Funeral But He Has One Special Request
Comedian Russell Howard tells a hysterically funny, yet touching story about his friendship with Deryn, a young 14-year-old cancer patient, who asks him to attend his funeral. This story had me laughing and crying at the same time. You’ll want to watch right to the end – it’s the best part.
https://youtu.be/yvxQGPAc5Rs
U2’s Surprise Performance of “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”
U2 talks about the inspiration behind The Joshua Tree album and to express their support for the victims of the May 22 Manchester bombings.
U2 frontman Bono addressed the attack during the show’s interview segment, forcefully arguing that such baseless hatred needs to be fought with love, and Manchester won’t be darkened by the evil people behind the bombings.
“They hate music, they hate women, they even hate little girls. They hate everything that we love, and the worst of humanity was on display in Manchester last night,” Bono told Kimmel. “But so was the best… Manchester has an undefeatable spirit, I can assure you.”
https://youtu.be/6ylSoAxpcKk
Acclaimed Singer/Songwriter Catherine MacLellan Issues Tribute Album “If It’s Alright With You: The Songs Of Gene MacLellan”
There are skillful tributes and heartfelt homages. And then there’s If It’s Alright With You: The Songs of Gene MacLellan, a legacy project like no other which finds acclaimed folk singer/songwriter Catherine MacLellan covering songs by her late father, the legendary Gene MacLellan, with a magnificence only blood ties can summon. It arrives June 30 via True North Records.
For two decades, Gene MacLellan quietly commanded the ears of the world from his Prince Edward Island home as artists including Anne Murray, Elvis Presley, Loretta Lynn, Chet Atkins, Joan Baez and Ocean turned MacLellan compositions like ‘Snowbird,’ ‘Put Your Hand in the Hand’ and ‘The Call’ into worldwide chart-toppers and repertoire standards.
Catherine MacLellan has long explored her father’s catalogue in tangential ways while establishing herself as a peerless musician all her own – see a Roots & Traditional Solo Album of the Year Juno Award for 2015’s brilliant The Raven’s Sun plus a boatload of East Coast Music Awards, Canadian Folk Music Awards, and Music PEI Awards.
But fully embracing the musical heirloom that is her birth right wasn’t an imperative – until now. Enter the alternately melancholic and jubilant but unfailingly captivating If It’s Alright With You: The Songs of Gene MacLellan, destined to bring these homespun chestnuts to a whole new audience.
“The Juno made me feel as though people know me and appreciated my music. Now I want to share my dad’s music. It’s also an opportunity for me to get to know him better. The more I get to know his songs, the closer I feel to him.”
The discovery has been bittersweet; MacLellan lost her father in 1995 while still in her mid-teens. Yet her readings of his inimitable songs have unearthed rare joy. Witness ‘The Call,’ with MacLellan’s voice shadowing that of fast-rising PEI songwriter John Connolly, who palpably conjures the song’s down-on-his-luck protagonist.
‘Put Your Hand in the Hand’ – a gospel/pop smash charted by 70s rockers Ocean and still performed in every corner of the globe today – is stripped back to its barest essentials. “Dave Gunning, JP Cormier and myself played it as an encore on tour and it was so fun, just two guitars and three voices. We recorded our version in three hours one afternoon in Calgary and I think it’s perfect.”
And then there’s the matchless ‘Snowbird,’ Anne Murray’s signature song and an indisputable classic for the ages. Says MacLellan, “I got out the Wurlitzer and played it as simply as possible. It’s very honest. I was also able to record an extra verse only my dad ever recorded.” The resulting track is at once gentle and effervescent. Also included on the album: ‘Bidin’ My Time,’ ‘Shilo Song’ and ‘Thorn In My Shoe.’
And what would Gene MacLellan make of Catherine’s bespoke journey through his songbook? “He would be happy to know his songs continue on, being remembered and given a new spark,” she says. “It’s a testament to what a young guy from very humble beginnings can do.”
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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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