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5 Surprising Facts About ZZ Top’s “Eliminator”

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About ZZ Top’s “Eliminator”

ZZ Top’s 1983 Diamond-certified Eliminator marked a new chapter for the band, not just musicially, but sold 10 times more than their biggest album at the time, and changed the landscape of rock music in the 80s. Packed with iconic hits like “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs,” the album combined blues rock roots with cutting-edge technology. Let’s dive into five little-known facts that make Eliminator a timeless classic.

1. A Drag Racer Inspired the Album’s Title
The name Eliminator came from a drag racing term that embodies competition and speed. The band’s manager, Bill Ham, suggested the name after seeing Billy Gibbons’s newly customized 1933 Ford coupe, which eventually graced the album cover. The coupe, nicknamed Eliminator, became a star in its own right, appearing in music videos and even in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2. The Perfect Tempo Was No Accident
Billy Gibbons and engineer Linden Hudson meticulously analyzed hit songs to determine the ideal tempo for Eliminator. They found that many popular tracks hovered around 120-125 beats per minute and used this insight to craft the album’s steady, driving rhythm. Tracks like “Legs” and “Sharp Dressed Man” exemplify this tempo sweet spot, giving the album its infectious energy and widespread appeal.

3. Inspired by European Electronic Music
Billy Gibbons drew inspiration for Eliminator from European electronic acts like Depeche Mode and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. Fascinated by their innovative use of synthesizers and drum machines, Gibbons blended these modern elements with ZZ Top’s blues-rock roots. This fusion created a unique sound that pushed the boundaries of rock music and helped the album stand out in the 80s music scene.

4. The “Legs” Synth Effect Was a DIY Marvel
The iconic pulsing synth sound on “Legs” wasn’t created with off-the-shelf gear. Linden Hudson routed a synthesizer through a noise gate triggered by hi-hat samples from a drum machine, creating the track’s relentless propulsion. This unconventional method gave “Legs” its hypnotic groove, which became a defining feature of the song. It’s a testament to how ingenuity in the studio can lead to groundbreaking results.

5. MTV Made ZZ Top Superstars
Music videos for “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs” became staples on MTV, showcasing a mix of rock, cars, and swagger. Directed by Tim Newman, the videos featured the Eliminator coupe, spinning guitars, and a trio of mysterious women who became icons in their own right. These visuals helped ZZ Top shed their “old-school” image, earning them awards and introducing their music to millions of young fans.

Eliminator redefined ZZ Top’s place in music history. From drag racing inspiration to revolutionary studio techniques, the record is a masterclass in reinvention. Whether you’re blasting “Sharp Dressed Man” or marveling at the Eliminator coupe, this album proves that innovation and grit are a winning combination.

5 Surprising Facts About Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell”

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell”

Billy Idol’s Rebel Yell is one of those albums that defined the sound of the 80s. With its mix of new wave energy, hard rock grit, and unforgettable hooks, it still resonates today. But even if you’re a die-hard fan, there are a few fascinating details about the album’s creation and legacy you might not know. Let’s dive into five lesser-known facts that make Rebel Yell a cornerstone of 80s rock.

1. The Album Title Came from a Bourbon-Fueled Night with the Rolling Stones
The title Rebel Yell wasn’t a calculated brainstorm—it came from a wild party with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones. The trio passed around a bottle of Rebel Yell bourbon whiskey, and Idol loved the name. He decided right then that it would make the perfect album title, capturing the rebellious spirit of the music he wanted to create. Sometimes, inspiration is just one drink away!

2. The Album’s Master Tapes Were Held Hostage
Billy Idol once “stole” the master tapes for Rebel Yell after a dispute with his record label over the album cover. Frustrated, he gave the tapes to his drug dealer, threatening to release them as bootlegs unless the label agreed to change the artwork. However, producer Keith Forsey later revealed Idol had taken the wrong tapes! The real masters stayed safe while Idol unknowingly negotiated with the label, proving rock and roll chaos can sometimes be surprisingly harmless.

3. “Eyes Without a Face” Was Inspired by a Creepy French Horror Film
The haunting ballad “Eyes Without a Face” takes its title from the 1960 French film Les Yeux sans visage (Eyes Without a Face). Idol, fascinated by the movie’s macabre story of a surgeon’s twisted quest to restore his daughter’s face, saw parallels with his experiences in New York’s gritty nightlife. He transformed these themes into a poignant exploration of love, loss, and moral decay, blending soft melodies with a mid-song hard rock riff that still surprises listeners.

4. The Iconic Intro to “Rebel Yell” Was Inspired by Leo Kottke
Guitarist Steve Stevens crafted the unforgettable intro to the title track, making his electric guitar sound like a fusion of a keyboard and an acoustic guitar. His inspiration? Acoustic guitarist Leo Kottke, known for his intricate picking style. Stevens adapted Kottke’s approach to create a unique sound that became one of Rebel Yell’s signature elements, proving that rock and folk influences can collide in magical ways.

5. The Album Was Largely Built Around Drum Machines
Before Thommy Price added live drumming to a few tracks, much of Rebel Yell was built using the LinnDrum and Roland TR-808 drum machines. This innovative use of electronic beats gave the album its sharp, modern edge, setting it apart from traditional rock records of the time. The hybrid of electronic and acoustic elements became a hallmark of Billy Idol’s sound, blending new wave innovation with rock’s raw energy.

From bourbon-fueled inspiration to stolen master tapes and horror film nods, Rebel Yell is packed with stories as wild as its music. These lesser-known details highlight the creativity and chaos behind one of the 80s’ most iconic albums. Billy Idol, Steve Stevens, and Keith Forsey crafted a timeless snapshot of rebellious energy that still rocks today. With over a billion streams on Spotify, it’s easy to see why the fans want more, more, more.

TikTok Gets Banned: A Musician’s Guide To Staying Ahead

Eric Alper
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TikTok Gets Banned: A Musician’s Guide To Staying Ahead
TikTok has become the ultimate stage for musicians. It’s where songs go viral, artists find fans, and bedroom beats turn into chart-toppers. It’s official – The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a law subjecting TikTok to a national ban on Sunday. Don’t panic —opportunity is everywhere. Here’s how you can pivot, adapt, and thrive.

 

1. Reclaim the Power of Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts
Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are ready to catch your falling TikToks. Both platforms are pushing short-form video HARD. Your creativity won’t go to waste—reformat your best TikToks, reupload them, and keep creating fresh, shareable content. Bonus: YouTube Shorts could even pay you directly through the YouTube Partner Program. So download your TikTok videos. Now.

2. Build an Email List (Yes, It Still Works)
Social media is unpredictable, but your email list? That’s your safety net. Offer fans exclusive content, discounts on merch, or sneak peeks at new music in exchange for their email addresses. That direct connection keeps you in control, no matter what happens to any platform.

3. Expand to Emerging Platforms
Keep your eyes on the next big thing. Platforms like Triller, Clapper, and Lemon8 are vying to become the new TikTok. Early adoption is key—get in while the competition is low and grow alongside the platform.

4. Lean Into Streaming Playlists
TikTok’s power lies in music discovery. If it disappears, shift that energy into Spotify and Apple Music playlists. Submit your tracks to independent curators and focus on your algorithms. Viral sounds may fade, but solid streaming numbers will always matter.

5. Double Down on YouTube and Long-Form Content
If TikTok was your intro, let YouTube be the full story. Behind-the-scenes videos, acoustic performances, Q&As, and tutorials can turn casual fans into devoted superfans. Plus, YouTube is searchable forever—it’s like TikTok with a longer attention span. AND, you can embed your videos onto your website, which you do own THAT space.

6. Go Local, Think Global
With TikTok gone, there’s a chance to reconnect with your community. Play live shows, collaborate with local creators, and lean into grassroots marketing. A real-world connection is irreplaceable, and local buzz can often ripple out to global success.

7. Turn Followers Into Lifelong Fans
TikTok might disappear, but your fans don’t have to. Guide them to other places you exist—your website, other platforms, or even a Discord community. Use this as a chance to deepen the connection beyond the swipe and scroll.

8. Embrace the Challenge
If TikTok taught us anything, it’s that musicians are resilient and creative. Every challenge is a chance to innovate. Don’t see this as the end of an era—see it as the start of something new. Because as long as there are fans, there will be ways to reach them.

TikTok might have been a stage, but YOU are the show, you are the reason people go to these platforms. Whether it’s through new sites or strategies, your music will find its way. Keep creating, keep connecting, and keep going. The next big opportunity is just a beat away.

OK Go’s ‘A Stone Only Rolls Downhill’ Video Is As Great As You Think It Would Be

Eric Alper
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OK Go’s ‘A Stone Only Rolls Downhill’ Video Is As Great As You Think It Would Be

GRAMMY-Award-winning rock band OK Go have unveiled their brand new single, “A Stone Only Rolls Downhill,” alongside a stunning official music video that premieres today on The Kelly Clarkson Show (check local listings). The track is the first single off the band’s forthcoming fifth studio album And the Adjacent Possible, which will arrive later this year.

“It’s a tough time to be optimistic. Getting through life requires some faith along the lines of the famous MLK quote: ‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice,'” shares OK Go frontman, Damian Kulash. “But looking at the world unfurling before me, and especially before my children, it’s hard to find that kind of faith. What do we tell them? That’s what this song is about: trying to be honest but keeping your head up at the same time.”

Adding to OK Go’s vast catalog of ground-breaking music videos – they’ve danced on treadmills and with dogs; in time-lapse and slow motion; in zero-gravity, Rube Goldberg machines, and Super Bowl commercials – the clip for “A Stone Only Rolls Downhill” features 64 videos on 64 phones laid out as a moving mosaic. The band did more than a thousand takes over the course of eight days, and the final video crams over two hours and twenty minutes of single-take clips into one frame. Once again directed by Kulash, this time in collaboration with Chris Buongiorno (Star Wars: Skeleton Crew), the clip showcases the band’s unbridled creativity and signature DIY aesthetic, while exploring the song’s lyrical take on modern split screen life.

“Trying to balance the anxiety (which is just realism) with the hope (which is just necessary) can often feel like living in a split screen, and that’s what inspired the video. It’s the most human, DIY version of a split screen that we could come up with,” explains Kulash. “Instead of using digital wizardry to glue multiple videos together, we shot one video for each of several dozen phones and laid them out, side-by-side, as a mosaic of screens. A single image emerges from all these separate pieces working sometimes in harmony and sometimes in discord – the many contradictory parts of ourselves fighting to coalesce as a single whole.”

Because of the videos’ long productions, the band’s rigorous touring schedule, outside projects (Kulash co-directed his first feature film The Beanie Bubble for Apple TV+), life changes (kids!), a global pandemic, and even a TED Talk, And the Adjacent Possible will arrive as OK Go’s first studio album in over a decade. Reflecting on nearly 30 years of collaboration, while continuing to look forward, the band emerged with its most diverse and accomplished collection of songs to date. And the Adjacent Possible is due for release later this year. Stay tuned for release date, tracklisting, and pre-order information.

OK Go have also announced they will embark on a North American headline tour this spring. The 14-city trek kicks off on April 24 in Milwaukee, WI, visits major markets coast-to-coast, and wraps on June 21 in Vancouver, BC.

OK Go 2025 Tour Dates
April 24 – Milwaukee, WI – Turner Hall Ballroom
April 25 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre
April 26 – Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre
April 27 – Cleveland, OH – The Agora
May 14 – San Diego, CA – The Sound
May 16 – Los Angeles, CA – The Bellwether
May 18 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
May 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel
May 30 – Boston, MA – Royale
May 31 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer
June 1 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
June 19 – Portland, OR – McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
June 20 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre
June 21 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom

Guster Announces ‘Ooh La Luxe’ Deluxe Album and Final Leg of ‘We Also Have Eras’ Tour

Eric Alper
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Guster Announces ‘Ooh La Luxe’ Deluxe Album and Final Leg of ‘We Also Have Eras’ Tour

Guster has unveiled Ooh La Luxe, an expanded edition of 2024’s critically acclaimed Ooh La La, available digitally via their own Ocho Mule Records on Friday, January 24.

Ooh La Luxe adds four previously unreleased tracks to Ooh La La, including a pair of demos and two brand new songs, “It’s Wild” and “Enchanté,” both of which will also be available on an extremely limited 7″ vinyl single available exclusively on the upcoming final leg of Guster’s landmark We Also Have Eras Tour. The deluxe new edition is heralded by today’s premiere of an edited version of the original album’s “When We Were Stars,” available everywhere now accompanied by an official music video.

A unique theatrical performance featuring extended “Evening with Guster” sets chronicling the band’s history from 1994 to the present day – complete with skits, costume changes, and more surprises – the We Also Have Eras Tour resumes for one last run beginning January 24 at Philadelphia, PA’s The Fillmore Philadelphia and then traveling the US through a February 15 tour finale at Los Angeles, CA’s historic Orpheum Theatre. In addition, Guster will join forces with the National Symphony Orchestra for two sold-out career-spanning performances at Washington, DC’s Kennedy Center on March 28 and 29. This summer will then see the seventh installment of Guster’s On The Ocean, an unforgettable three-day weekend of music and more set for August 8-10 at Thompson’s Point in guitarist Adam Gardner’s adopted hometown of Portland, ME.

Guster’s ninth studio album and first new LP in more than five years, Ooh La La marks a bold departure for the venerable band with a lush and acclaimed expansive sound rich in acoustic guitars and graceful piano work. Mainly produced by Josh Kaufman (The National, The Hold Steady) at Woodstock, NY’s Isokon Studio, with additional production from Ron Aniello (Bruce Springsteen, Bryce Dessner) and Rich Costey (Death Cab for Cutie, Of Monsters and Men), songs like the shimmering first single, “Keep Going” radiate an emotional undercurrent of undeniable warmth, telegraphing an irrepressible joy in the face of turmoil and unrest.

Ooh La La was met by applause and praise from such outlets as Goldmine, which wrote, “This is an album with grandeur. This is what can be built when bands allow themselves to be guided to a conclusion by a collaborator who helps them commit to a vision and vibe. The capacity to surrender to this kind of process has kept Guster relevant and has allowed them to broaden their base and build something most bands never get close to.” In addition, Guster celebrated the album with a wide-ranging appearance on CBS Saturday Morning that included an in-depth conversation about their 30-year career as well as live performances of three songs from Ooh La La including “Keep Going,” “Witness Tree,” and “Black Balloon.”

GUSTER – WE ALSO HAVE ERAS TOUR 2025
JANUARY
24 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
25 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre (SOLD OUT)
26 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre and Ballroom
28 – Indianapolis, IN – Clowes Memorial Hall
29 – Detroit, MI – The Majestic Theatre
31 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre
FEBRUARY
1 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre (SOLD OUT)
2 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee
4 – Des Moines, IA – Hoyt Sherman Place
5 – Omaha, NE – The Admiral Theater
7 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre (SOLD OUT)
8 – Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Hall at Eccles Theater
11 – Seattle, WA – The Moore Theatre
12 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall (SOLD OUT)
14 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
15 – Los Angeles, CA – The Orpheum Theatre
MARCH
28 – Washington, DC – The Kennedy Center * (SOLD OUT)
29 – Washington, DC – The Kennedy Center * (SOLD OUT)
AUGUST
8-10 – Portland, ME – On The Ocean 2025
* with The National Symphony Orchestra

j-hope Announces First-Ever Solo Tour ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ in North America

Eric Alper
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j-hope Announces First-Ever Solo Tour ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ in North America

j-hope of iconic 21st century pop group BTS is set to make his highly anticipated North American solo tour debut this spring with ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ in NORTH AMERICA. Promoted by Live Nation, the 12-date tour will kick off on Thursday, March 13 with back-to-back shows at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. The tour will then continue with multiple nights in Chicago, Mexico City, San Antonio, and Oakland, before concluding in Los Angeles, CA, with his first headline stadium performances at BMO Stadium on Friday, April 4 and Sunday, April 6. In 2022, j-hope made a critically-acclaimed solo U.S. festival debut with an electrifying performance at Lollapalooza.

j-hope made his solo debut in 2018 with the release of his mixtape Hope World, which received widespread acclaim and peaked at number 38 on the US Billboard 200, marking the highest-charting album by a Korean solo artist at the time. In 2019, he made history as the first member of BTS to enter the Billboard Hot 100 as a soloist, with his hit single “Chicken Noodle Soup (feat. Becky G)”, debuting at number 81. His latest album, HOPE ON THE STREET, VOL.1, was released on March 29, 2024, through BIGHIT MUSIC, and has reached No. 5 on Billboard 200.

Tickets will be available starting with the ARMY MEMBERSHIP Presale (details below) beginning Wednesday, January 22 at 3pm local time. The general onsale begins Thursday, January 23 at 3pm local time at livenation.com. Ticketing info for the Los Angeles shows at BMO Stadium will be released at a later date due to the ongoing wildfires.

ARMY MEMBERSHIP holders can register for the presale on Weverse (HERE) now through Sunday, January 19 at 8pm ET to have their membership verified.

Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, post-show j-hope send-off event, pre-show soundcheck, specially designed gift item, early entry & more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

j-hope (Jeong, Hoseok) is a South Korean rapper, dancer, songwriter, music producer and member of 21st century pop icons, BTS. Known as the ‘lead dancer’ of the group, j-hope boasts his performance skills that are nearly perfect. His originality in music as an artist also comes from the fact that he learned music through dance. j-hope has been participating in making music such as “Intro : Boy Meets Evil” and “MAMA” in WINGS, and his solo works.  j-hope’s first mixtape Hope World (March 2018) expressed his honest emotions and personal narratives, suggesting his vision as an artist. Globally-famed “Chicken Noodle Soup (feat. Becky G)” released in 2019 showcased his own musical personality with exhilarating energy and performance. j-hope also validated his capability as a creative director by leading all aspects—from music to concept and visual elements—of his solo album, Jack In The Box (July 2022), which addresses his passion and agony he goes through as an artist. In 2022, j-hope made history as the first South Korean act to headline a main stage at Lollapalooza. j-hope released a special album HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1 alongside docuseries ‘HOPE ON THE STREET’ in March 2024. He is set to embark on a high-anticipated first solo tour ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ in NORTH AMERICA’ starting in March, 2025.

2025 DATES

j-hope Tour ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ in NORTH AMERICA:
Thu Mar 13 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Fri Mar 14 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Mon Mar 17 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena
Tue Mar 18 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena
Sat Mar 22 – Mexico City, MX – Palacio de los Deportes
Sun Mar 23 – Mexico City, MX – Palacio de los Deportes
Wed Mar 26 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center
Thu Mar 27 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center
Mon Mar 31 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena
Tue Apr 01 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena
Fri Apr 4 – Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium *
Sun Apr 6 – Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium *
*Onsale date TBA

 

Kenny Chesney Brings Immersive Live Experience to Sphere Las Vegas for 2025 Residency

Eric Alper
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Kenny Chesney Brings Immersive Live Experience to Sphere Las Vegas for 2025 Residency

For Kenny Chesney, known for exhaustive live shows that are long on the euphoria that comes from embracing the world and living life completely, it was only a matter of time until he found a new dimension. That moment is 2025, when the songwriter/superstar brings his full-tilt brand of American music to Sphere in Las Vegas.

“I’m always looking for ways to deepen the way No Shoes Nation experiences this music,” Chesney says of his decision to make 2025’s tour a trip to the next-level venue. “Over the years, they have shown me through their own response to these songs how passionate they are about what they mean, how these songs are part of their lives. When people give you that much heart, I want to give them even more.

“When we started talking about all of the possibilities playing Sphere offered, I was all in. Just the idea of 4D technology and the impossibly dialed in sound raises the experience for No Shoes Nation, literally immersing them in music, visuals, sound and being together. To me, this is going to be a whole new way of rocking the fans, and I can’t wait.”

The only country artist to be in Billboard’s Top 10 Touring Acts of the Last 25 Years for the last 15 years, Chesney joins the select cultural icons U2, Dead & Company, Eagles, Phish and Afterlife Presents Anyma to headline the 17,600-seat spherical venue that has redefined the live entertainment experience and employs next-generation technologies. Sphere is known for its 167,000 individual speakers, which can be dialed in to each section with dazzling specificity, and fully immersive visual capabilities that deliver over 171 million pixels across a 160,000 square foot screen wrapping up, over and around the audience, plus 4D technologies including haptic seats.

With technology so advanced, the video content had to be shot on a special camera developed specifically for Sphere’s configuration, these shows will deliver the eight-time Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year as he’s never been seen before. They will also heighten the sensation of the music as those speakers exist behind the 16K x 16K resolution wraparound screen, the world’s highest-resolution LED display.

So powerful was the technology that Chesney said “yes,” without ever attending a concert.

He explains, “When we started talking, I flew to Vegas with my key tour team. We stood on the floor as they ran the film of U2’s show and we were completely consumed. We could see the band, but it was so much more than that. It almost took what they were doing and multiplied it by another dimension.

“Knowing how much intensity our shows generate, my mind started thinking about all the things we could do. Once you see how the show wraps all the way around you, the dreaming begins.”

Kept under wraps for nearly a year, Chesney and his team, along with experts from Sphere Studios’ tech and creative teams, have been working to create what will be a whole new experience in the way his music is experienced. With a vast catalogue of songs to draw from, these landmark shows will deliver a fully immersive and completely unique experience.

To access the experience, there are several ways to find your dimension:
Vibee, the music-forward destination experience company, is the official VIP Concert & Hotel Package partner for Kenny Chesney’s Live at Sphere residency. Vibee is offering various package tiers, each which allow fans to exclusively get their hands on tickets ahead of the general public on-sale. All Vibee packages offer guests a choice of premium tickets including Sandbar (general admission floor) or reserved seating, a collectable laminate and lanyard and access to an immersive fan experience curated in partnership with Kenny Chesney himself. For more information and to get early access to tickets via packages on sale now, visit KennyChesney.Vibee.com.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, Jan. 31 starting at 10 a.m. PT.

Kenny Chesney Live at Sphere Las Vegas
Thursday, May 22
Saturday, May 24
Sunday, May 25
Wednesday, May 28
Friday, May 30
Saturday, May 31
Wednesday, June 4
Friday, June 6
Saturday, June 7
Wednesday, June 11
Friday, June 13
Saturday, June 14

GINO VANNELLI Shares Second Single And Video “Stormy River” From Upcoming Release ‘The Life I Got (To My Most Beloved)’ Due Feb. 7

Eric Alper
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GINO VANNELLI Shares Second Single And Video “Stormy River” From Upcoming Release ‘The Life I Got (To My Most Beloved)’ Due Feb. 7

Acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer, and performer GINO VANNELLI has revealed a second single, “Stormy River,” from his upcoming album THE LIFE I GOT (TO MY MOST BELOVED) out February 7 via COA Productions with distribution by BFD / The Orchard. Written through a time of personal hardship as his late wife battled cancer, the self-written and self-produced album contains 11 finely etched tracks encompassing the emotional turmoil of losing one’s soulmate and finding the will to carry on.

“Stormy River” is a beautiful-yet-melancholic offering that sees GINO’s signature vocal range cascade across its heart-rending lyrics. It is accompanied by an intimate music video, both of which are out today, January 15. Stream/download “Stormy River” via your preferred digital platform HERE and watch its music video streaming below or via YouTube HERE.

GINO shares, “You will never know just how fragile you are until you are confronted with such a great loss that you begin to stare at the veil between life and death and find yourself trying to look through it, so as to see the one you love, your most beloved, that is gone.”

THE LIFE I GOT (TO MY MOST BELOVED) is GINO’s most intimate release in his expansive 50+ year career with sales exceeding 20 million albums worldwide. Marking his 22nd album overall and his first new studio album since 2019, it was written, arranged, produced, and recorded by GINO and co-producer Peter Fil at Inka Studio in Portland, OR, where GINO resides. Pre-order THE LIFE I GOT (TO MY MOST BELOVED) now on CD, vinyl, and digital download at https://orcd.co/ginovannellithelifeigot.

GINO has remained one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music having sold over 20 million records worldwide. From rock, to jazz, to soul, even classical, he’s left no musical stone unturned. Starting his career in 1973, he was one of the first Caucasian artists to perform on Soul Train and toured with the legendary Stevie Wonder. He gained momentum with his first single, “People Gotta Move” in 1974 and continued to make waves as he releases his hit single, “I Just Wanna Stop” reached #1 in Canada and #4 in US on Billboard’s Hot 100. The single garnered GINO a Grammy Award-nomination for “Best Male Pop Vocal Performance” in 1978. In 1979, he won his second Juno Award for “Best Male Vocalist” and continued to churn out hits including the Top 10 singles “Living Inside Myself” (1981) and “Wild Horses” (1987).

GINO caught the attention of Pope John Paul II with his 2001 song “Parole Per Mio Padre” (Words For My Father) and performed it for the Pope himself at the Vatican. He then released Canto (BMG) in 2003 which featured contemporary classical songs sung in English, Italian, Spanish and French.

In 2013, GINO performed for the first time in over 15 years in Los Angeles, CA at the historic Saban Theater which was recorded and released as a CD/DVD compilation, Live In LA, in 2014 and charted at #1 on Amazon. In 2021, GINO released his latest album, More that A Good Thing, which contains a contemporary remake of “The River Must Flow” (from his Gold-certified 1976 album Brother To Brother) featuring Brian Mcknight on backing vocals and Michael Phillips on talk box.

Some things get better with age and GINO is the living embodiment of that sentiment. His standing as a powerful and innovative live performer has seen him continue to perform sold-out shows across the globe whether it’s piano-voice concerts in theaters, singing before symphony orchestras in concert halls, big bands or even pop ensembles. GINO has announced three new shows in 2025, with more to be announced in the following weeks. See him live at one of the below dates:
3/20 Austin, TX @ Paramount Theatre
3/22 Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage
10/11 St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theatre

A person with glasses and a beard Description automatically generated

GINO VANNELLI – The Life I Got (To My Most Beloved) Track Listing :
1. I Have Dreamed of Days Like This
2. Stormy River
3. No Where to Go But Up
4. The Life I Got
5. Come to Jesus Moment
6. A Little Bit Broken
7. It’s All Good Mama
8. The Hero You See in Me
9. Good Neighbors
10. Across the Dark Night
11. Keep On Walking

 

Midge Ure Brings ‘Band In A Box’ Tour to North America

Eric Alper
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Midge Ure Brings ‘Band In A Box’ Tour to North America

Midge Ure is gearing up to make a highly anticipated return to North America with his innovative ‘Band In A Box’ tour, kicking off at the renowned Cruel World Fest in Pasadena, California, on May 17. Known for his groundbreaking work with Ultravox, Visage, and his celebrated solo career, Ure continues to captivate audiences with his ability to blend iconic hits with modern production techniques. This tour promises an electrifying mix of fan-favorites, performed with his long-time collaborator Charlie Round Turner in an intimate yet powerful format that showcases their mastery of guitars, synths, loops, and samples.

“This year sees the continuation of the sell out UK ‘Catalog Tour’ taking me into Belgium, Holland, Germany and Scandinavia with various festivals in South Africa and Dubai so I’m far from resting on my laurels.

“I’m nervous and excited about bringing my Band in a Box set up back into the US and Canada, especially forward to performing at the Cruel World Festival in Pasadena. A few friends and contemporaries have played there before and tell me great things. A great chance for listeners of Kroq and 91x from the old days to hear some of the songs those cutting edge stations used to play.”

Ure also recently released a live album Midge Ure Royal Albert Hall 04.10.23. The gig took place on his seventieth birthday in October of 2023, a one-night only concert at the iconic venue celebrating his entire catalogue including playing Ultravox’s Vienna album in full. Joined by his long-time Band Electronica and special guests, cellist Caroline Dale (London Metropolitan Orchestra, Peter Gabriel, David Gilmour, Sinead O’Connor), and composer Ty Unwin who worked with Midge on his 2017 Orchestrated album.

Midge talks about the recording: “This album was never meant to happen. The restrictions involved when playing a prestigious venue like the Royal Albert Hall were so great that recording audio or video was out of the question, or so I thought. Modern mixing desks have the capability to multitrack record these days so we tend to record most shows, so finding out we had a recording of that magical evening was a relief. A deal was struck with the venue and this is the result. A little moment captured forever.”

Midge Ure on playing the 2025 Cruel Fest Line-Up. “Having seen most of my musician friends play Cruel World I was feeling a little ‘left out’ but with the success of my ‘Band in a Box Tour’ of North America last year I felt this was the right performance format and the perfect time to step up and play some of those Ultravox, Visage and solo tunes.” He adds “‘Band in a box’ is me and long time keyboard sidekick Charlie Round Turner jumping between guitars and synths, loops and samples to bring the audience the sound and feel those classic tunes deserve.”

Midge Ure is still hosting his Backstage Lockdown Club giving fans exclusive access to a series of intimate, musical events on a monthly subscription basis.

Tour Dates
May 17 – Pasadena, CA – Cruel World Fest
May 18 – San Francisco, CA – The Chapel
May 19 – Denver , CO – Oriental Theater
May 21 – Pawling, NY – Daryl’s House
May 22 New York, NY – Sony Hall
May 23 – Philadelphia, PA – TBA
May 24 – Mississauga, ON, Canada – Classic Bowl

2025 International Blues Challenge Winners Announced: Joce Reyome, Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal, And More

Eric Alper
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2025 International Blues Challenge Winners Announced: Joce Reyome, Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal, And More

After a memorable 40th IBC (International Blues Challenge) last week in Memphis attended by several thousand from around the globe, The Blues Foundation is pleased to announce the 2025 IBC winners:

Best Self Produced CD: Piper & The Hard Times: Revelation
Best Harmonica: Jock Webb Sr., Ra’Shad The Blues Kid
Solo/Duo Guitar: Nick Charles
Solo/Duo Second Place: 2 Blues for You
Solo/Duo First Place: Joce Reyome
Most Promising Guitar: Dylan Salfer
Band Third Place: Dylan Salfer Band
Band Second Place: Ra’Shad The Blues Kid
Band First Place: Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal

The Blues Foundation is a world-renowned Memphis-based organization whose mission is to preserve blues heritage, celebrate blues recording and performance, expand worldwide awareness of the blues, and ensure the future of this uniquely American art form. Founded in 1980, the Foundation has approximately 4,000 individual members and 180 affiliated blues societies representing another 50,000 fans and professionals worldwide.

The Blues Foundation’s signature honors and events – the Blues Music Awards, Blues Hall of Fame Inductions, International Blues Challenge, and Keeping the Blues Alive Awards – make it the international hub of blues music. Its HART Fund provides the blues community with medical assistance for musicians in need, while Blues in the Schools programs and Generation Blues Scholarships expose new generations to blues music. The Blues Hall of Fame Museum, located in Downtown Memphis, adds the opportunity for blues lovers of all ages to interact with blues music and history.

Throughout the year, the Blues Foundation staff serves the global blues community with answers, information, and news.

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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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