“We did something rather foolish here…” Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s Robert Levon Been, reminiscing about a past performance at the historic Fillmore, in San Francisco where the band was born. A fitting venue from which to launch their North American tour last night, supporting the new studio album, Specter At The Feast. Robert never came back around to explain their past foolishness, but there is always a bit of mystery about this band and their music, as well as a genuine politeness, on and off stage. In any event, Robert and co-singer/guitarist Peter Hayes and drummer Leah Shapiro did not hold back at all with their overpowering sonic performance; a virtually non-stop set clocking in at about two hours and fifteen minutes. The hard rocking band only slowed down a little for a few acoustic numbers in the second half of the show and at the end, and later with the encore and set closer, “Lose Yourself”, which played out in a way that felt as if the building were unwinding itself like an overspun vintage pocket watch, beat by beat, with minimalist yet powerful drums that even improve on the studio recording. But I’ve learned to expect the unexpected with this band, who take their live sets to levels only dreamed of by other artists. It was one of those shows that felt like a special one, and I can’t imagine a better way for them to kick off what is likely to be a stellar tour.
Method Man & Redman: “Rock Talk” Podcast Audio Interview (Caprices Festival Special)
This article features the latest in an ongoing series of “Rock Talk” podcast audio interviews for the Rock Subculture Journal. My latest guests are Method Man and Redman. The guys were kind enough to make some time to sit down and chat with me at their hotel prior to their performance. This special edition of the podcast was recorded at Caprices Festival in Crans-Montana, Switzerland on March 16th, 2013.
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Spencer Page, Daniel Taylor, Chris Ellul, and Kelvin Swaby are The Heavy: “Rock Talk” Interview (Caprices Festival Special)
Yesterday I had the opportunity and honor to meet with The Heavy backstage in their dressing room after their soundcheck for their set at Caprices Festival in Crans-Montana, Switzerland to talk to them a little bit and ask some questions about their band and perspective on a variety of topics. You can also check out my thoughts on their subsequent performance was well as photos over in my Day 7 coverage of this event. [Read more…]
Peter Hayes, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club: “Rock Talk” Podcast Audio Interview (Caprices Festival Special)
This article features the latest in an ongoing series of “Rock Talk” podcast audio interviews for the Rock Subculture Journal. My latest guest is Peter Hayes of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. The band will be releasing their seventh studio album, Specter At The Feast, next week, and the full album can be streamed on their official website at www.BlackRebelMotorcycleClub.com. This special edition of the podcast was recorded prior to their gig at Caprices Festival in Crans-Montana, Switzerland on March 14th, 2013.
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Crystal Gayle at Thunder Valley Resort & Casino | Lincoln, California | 2/22/2013 (Concert Review)
Last night Thunder Valley Resort & Casino played host to one of a short run of shows by music legend Crystal Gayle. The award-winning singer, best known for her 1977 hit, “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue”., put on an amazing show of her own songs as well as tributes to the works of others, with her own signature style. It was incredible to have an opportunity to enjoy the show put on by her along with her sister Peggy Sue and the five-piece band led by Jay Patten.
Electronic Beats by Telekom To Hold Exclusive Depeche Mode ‘Delta Machine’ Album Launch Event Concert in Vienna
Electronic Beats will be presenting a special Depeche Mode concert in Vienna next month, which will be free (via contest to fans) and streamed online worldwide. The Delta Machine launch party concert is slated for March 24th at MuseumsQuartier in Vienna, Austria. “Reporter Fans” are encouraged to submit their own case for why they should get an invite to the exclusive concert event via the Electronic Beats Facebook page (due by March 7th). [Read more…]
Jay-Z & Justin Timberlake to Perform “Legends of Summer” at a Dozen Stadium Concerts in July & August
Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake have today announced a stadium tour for North America as part of a “Legends of Summer” tour kicking off in July and covering a dozen cities in two months. Special VIP tickets immediately went on sale via VIP Nation, with a broader pre-sale scheduled for Ticketmaster February 27th (code = LEGENDS). There is also a Citi pre-sale and Official Platinum Seats sale currently going on via Ticketmaster. [Read more…]
New Depeche Mode Single and Music Video, ‘Heaven’, Coming February 1; New Album, ‘Delta Machine’, Coming March 26
In advance of their upcoming world tour, Depeche Mode announced on DepecheMode.com today that they will be releasing the first single off of the new album, “Heaven”, on February 1st, along with the world premiere of their official video on their VEVO channel. Their eagerly awaited 13th studio album – named Delta Machine – will be released on March 26th. [Read more…]
New 2013 Tour Dates for The English Beat Plot Out United States Shows Through April
The U.S.-based version of The English Beat, fronted by Dave Wakeling, will be touring all over the United States in the coming months, with dates announced through early April. The band and its spin off efforts are staples of New Wave and Modern Rock, responsible for a number of 80s hits and a unique blend of ska that has influenced many bands that followed. [Read more…]
Country Pop Legend Crystal Gayle Sets U.S. Tour Dates
Legendary country and pop singer Crystal Gayle has announced a handful of concert dates in the United States for 2013, in Florida, Indiana, Nevada, and California. The award-winning singer is best known for her 1977 hit, “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue”. [Read more…]