Dave Lifton
Bruce Springsteen Performs ‘Jungleland’ for the First Time Since Clarence Clemons’ Death
Of all the songs in Bruce Springsteen‘s extensive catalog, the one that could have expected to be permanently retired following the death of Clarence Clemons was ‘Jungleland.’ Its defining characteristic – a two-minute, 20-second saxophone solo — was Clemons’ career highlight, capturing all the characters’ emotions as it headed into the finale.
Author Admits to Fabricating Bob Dylan Quotes
A major scandal has broken out in journalism today (July 30), and rock legend Bob Dylan has been unwittingly caught in the middle. In his new book, ‘Imagine: How Creativity Works,’ New Yorker journalist Jonah Lehrer attributed a quote to Bob Dylan that rock’s poet laureate never said.
Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler Explains Why He Took the ‘Idol’ Job
Now that his tenure as judge on ‘American Idol’ is over, Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler can stop making a fool of himself on national television and go back to doing it onstage, where it works a lot better. In a new interview, Tyler discussed his motives for taking the job.
Beatles Release ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’ Digital Compilation
Back in 1976, when Capitol was looking for new ways to re-package the Beatles catalog to their millions of fans, the label released the two-volume ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Music.’ The LPs consisted of the some of the most raucous cuts from their incredible catalog and put hits like ‘Twist and Shout’ with lesser known songs like ‘I’m Down.’
Woody Guthrie Turns 100
Folk music icon Woody Guthrie, one of the most important figures in the history of American music, was born July 14, 1912, 100 years ago today. Armed with a guitar bearing the phrase, “This Machine Kills Fascists,” Guthrie wrote thousands of songs in his life, many of which are still being recorded today.
Charlie Sheen Zings Axl Rose at Slash Event
Just when it seemed like the war of words between Slash and Axl Rose had finally died down, a third party has jumped into the fray. Yesterday (July 10) actor Charlie Sheen, a neighbor and friend of the former Guns N’ Roses guitarist, took a public swipe at Rose.
Scorpions to Finish Unreleased Tracks
Often when a band breaks up, they take a handful of years off, then get back together for a tour. If that works well, then they get back into the studio for a new album. The Scorpions have subverted that formula, first by deciding not to break up, but also by announcing that they are working on a new album.
Art Garfunkel to Release ‘The Singer’
On Aug. 28, Art Garfunkel, one of the most pure voices in rock history, will release ‘The Singer,’ a 2-CD, 34-song retrospective. The collection includes work from throughout his nearly 50-year career, including Simon & Garfunkel, his acclaimed solo albums and two new recordings.
Triumph to Release CD and DVD of 2008 Reunion Concert
It couldn’t have been easy being Triumph. The virtuosic Canadian hard rock power trio spent their entire career in the shadow of virtuosic Canadian hard rock power trio Rush. They broke up in 1993, but reunited on June 7, 2008. That historic concert will be released as a CD / DVD set, called ‘Live at Sweden Rock Festival’ on Aug. 28.
The History of Rock Guitar Told in 12 Minutes
Everybody who has ever pulled out a guitar at a party to impress people can stop now. The ultimate guitar trick has been achieved by Alex Chadwick, an employee at the Chicago Music Exchange, who tore through 100 rock guitar riffs in the span of a 12-minute video.
Bob Dylan Swaps Keyboard for Grand Piano on First Date of New Tour
Throughout his more than 50-year career, Bob Dylan has repeatedly defied expectations. As he opened his summer tour of Europe at the Hop Farm Festival in Paddock Wood, England on Saturday (June 30), fans saw an unfamiliar sight on stage — a grand piano.
Beatles Producer George Martin Documentary to be Released on DVD
In 2011, Sir George Martin, who signed the Beatles to his Parlophone label and produced all but one of their albums, was the subject of a BBC documentary, ‘Produced by George Martin.’ The film will be released on DVD, Blu-ray and digital formats on Sept. 11, 2012.