Monthly Archives September 2010

Elton John and Leon Russell will be embarking on a U.S. tour in support of ‘The Union‘, the duo’s collaborative album to be released October 19th in the U.S. on Decca  (October 25th in the U.K. on Mercury Records.). The concerts will feature Elton John and Leon Russell performing a night full of their hits, including selections from ‘The Union’. The album marks the first time these iconic artists have worked together since 1970.

Produced by Oscar and multiple-Grammy winning producer T Bone Burnett, ‘The Union’ was recorded live in the studio with Elton and Leon on dueling pianos. The 14-track disc includes selections written by Elton and his lifelong lyricist Bernie Taupin, as well as the combined incomparable songwriting team consisting of Leon, Elton, Bernie and T Bone covering a...

Some of the biggest names in music and the Writers Guild of America, East are urging the White House and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to act immediately to secure Net Neutrality and protect the future of music. The diverse list of musicians include: Jackson Browne, R.E.M. the Roots, Rosanne Cash, OK Go, Moby, Bonnie Raitt and Jamie Kitman, the manager of OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Doughty, and Mike Viola.

The artists are banding together due to the threat of a corporate takeover of the Internet by big telecoms such as Verizon and Google. Critics contend that a potential takeover could have severe adverse ramifications for the artistic and creative atmosphere that the Internet has always provided. “That’s why we support efforts to preserve Net Neutrality for the benefit of innovation and free expression — and urge the FCC to act immediately to ensure that the Internet is kept free and open,” states the letter.

With the FCC set to meet tomorrow in Washington, the musicians have aligned with MoveOn.org Political Action and Future of Music Coalition (FMC) in sending a message to the Commission – “The future of the Internet depends on decisions made today, as does the future of music. We believe that Net Neutrality is the best and only way to ensure that both futures remain bright.” Since 2007, FMC’s Rock the Net campaign has served as a platform for artists and independent labels to make their voices heard on this crucial issue. The full text of the letter is below.

“It’s great to have...

Green Day frontman and the musical’s composer/ co-author Billie Joe Armstrong is making his Broadway debut as “St. Jimmy” Tuesday, September 28 through Sunday, October 3, 2010 at the St. James Theatre, 246 West 44 Street.

Immediately following this engagement, Mr. Armstrong will join Green Day in Caracas, Venezuela on October 8, 2010 to kick off their South American Tour. Original Broadway cast member and current “St. Jimmy,” Tony Vincent, will resume performances on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 following a leave of absence due to a personal family matter. Vincent’s understudies, Joshua Kobak and Andrew Call, will cover the role from Tuesday, October 5 – Sunday, October 10, 2010.

The smash-hit, Tony Award-winning musical AMERICAN IDIOT tells the story of three lifelong friends, forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia. Their quest for true meaning in a post 9-11 world leads them on an exhilarating journey. The result, according to the Toronto Star, is “The first great musical of the 21st century!”

Megadeth’s Rust In Peace Live Blu-ray, DVD and CD (Shout! Factory), captured on the final night of Megadeth’s historic Rust In Peace 20th anniversary tour at the legendary Hollywood Palladium, is available in stores now.

Fans can get a taste of what the Rust In Peace Live releases have to offer by watching a clip of the Megadeth classic “Hangar 18” here.

Critical acclaim for Rust In Peace Live continues to build. Here are some recent press quotes:

“[Dave Mustaine’s] innovative guitar-playing, which is still stellar…and his guttural voice still lines up with the rapid, thunderous kick drum that’s like a machine gun in its fury.”

–David Burger, Salt Lake Tribune, September 7, 2010

“Na...

There’s been a lot of excitement in recent years over bands like Gogol Bordello and DeVotchKa, who are giving Westerners a taste of Russian music and culture. Mumiy Troll, from the far Eastern city of Vladivostok, is the real deal – since the mid-80s, Mumiy Troll has steadily become one of the biggest bands in Eastern Europe.

Their incredible live energy and signature “rockapops” sound has had an undeniable impact on groups like Gogol Bordello and DeVotchKa, and continues to influence young artists and culture to this day. Interesting fact – the band’s video for Vladivistok 2000 was the first video shown on Russian MTV in 1998!

In an attempt to spread their influence Westword, Mumiy Troll has just released an EP in English – The “Polar Bear” EP R...

Dropkick Murphys have announced December tour dates in Australia and New Zealand as part of the No Sleep Til…Festival 2010. Touring in support of their Live On Lansdowne, Boston MA CD/DVD (Born & Bred Records/ILG), which captures the intensity and camaraderie of 2009’s sold-out St. Patrick’s Day week hometown shows in Boston, Dropkick Murphys will join Megadeth, NOFX, Parkway Drive, Gwar, Frenzal Rhomb and more at each festival date. Tickets go on sale Thursday, September 9. The full band lineup for each date can be found on the festival’s website.

Look for a new studio album from Dropkick Murphys–Ken Casey (vocals, bass guitar), Al Barr (vocals), Matt Kelly (drums, backing vocals), James Lynch (guitar, backing vocals), Tim Brennan (guitar, accordion, piano, backing vocals), Jeff DaRosa (mandolin, accordion, banjo, bouzouki, tin whistle, acoustic guitar) and Scruffy Wallace (bagpipes)–in 2011.

Dropkick Murphys also continue their work with The Claddagh Fund, the charity established by DKM founding member Ken Casey in support of non-profits that champion the causes of children, veterans and those suffering from alcohol and drug addiction. The First Annual Claddagh Fund Celebrity Golf Tournament co-hosted by NHL Hall Of Famer Bobby Orr will take place September 10 in Falmouth, Massachusetts. For details, go to claddaghfund.org.

For the most cu...

Rooftop Vigilantes are playing this year’s Scion Garage Fest, taking place in their hometown of Lawrence, KS on October 2, 2010. The Oblivians, The Gories, The Raveonettes, The Greenhornes, The Ponys and King Khan & The Shrines, Cloud Nothings, Best Coast and Thee Oh Sees are amongst the headliners of the free festival, being held at a handful of Lawrence venues. The entire festival is free with RSVP – visit scion.com/garagefest for more info.

Rooftop Vigilantes are hard at work, writing and recording new songs that will be released as on cassette or 7″ later this year. Their Who Stole My Zoo? cassette is now available digitally and if you missed the boat on last year’s Carrot Atlas LP, there’s no better time than now to catch up...

Check out Yeasayer’s remix of Florence and the Machine “Dog Days Are Over”!  Download it for FREE at www.universalrepublic.com/flo_yeasayer