Halloween is said to have its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain and the Christian holiday All Saints' Day. Samhain marked the end of the harvest, the end of the "lighter half" of the year and beginning of the "darker half". Traditionally celebrated over the course of several days, many scholars believe that it was the beginning of the Celtic year.
In part 1 of the hennemusic Halloween festival, we opened with tunes from Marilyn Manson, Helloween, Nekromantix, Godsmack, Concrete Blonde and Oingo Boingo.
Part 2 features Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Meat Loaf, Warren Zevon, The Cramps and the Edgar Winter Group.
Halloween is said to have its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain and the Christian holiday All Saints' Day. Samhain marked the end of the harvest, the end of the "lighter half" of the year and beginning of the "darker half". Traditionally celebrated over the course of several days, many scholars believe that it was the beginning of the Celtic year.
In part 1 of the hennemusic Halloween festival, we open with tunes from Marilyn Manson, Helloween, Nekromantix, Godsmack, Concrete Blonde and Oingo Boingo.
Part 2 will feature Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Meat Loaf, Warren Zevon, The Cramps and the Edgar Winter Group.
And so it went Saturday in Washington, at the Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert"Rally To Restore Sanity and/or Fear."
More than 200,000 people attended the rally, held on the steps on the Capital building; the event was timed to motivate US voters to consider their choices before the mid-term elections take place on Tuesday, a day expected to see the Democrats lose Congress seats to the new Tea Party.
The setup for all this came when Stewart initially announced his "Rally To Restore Sanity,” which was followed by Colbert’s announcement for a “Rally To Restore Fear.” The two events were scheduled to take place in the same city on the same day, a skilled promotion to build interest in both while the Comedy Central hosts played off each other in the weeks leading up to it.
Here’s where the Peace vs. Crazy equals Love equation took place:
Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens), Ozzy Osbourne, The O'Jay's – Train medley Rally To Restore Sanity and/or Fear Washington, DC – October 30, 2010
Following his appearance, Ozzy flew to a gig in New Orleans Saturday night.
Kid Rock was on hand to play “Care,” a song from his new disc, “Born Free,” due November 16; the album version features Martina McBride and rapper T.I. – Sheryl Crow covered McBride’s part in Washington…
TV’s Craig Ferguson started his Halloween celebrations early, with yet another musical intro to his show.
Craig and crew - including his Robot Skeleton sidekick, Geoff Peterson – kicked off Friday’s show with the 1962 Bobby “Boris” Pickett hit, “The Monster Mash.”
Picket’s vocal was a spoof on horror movie star Boris Karloff.
The single, "Monster Mash," reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on October 20 of that year, just in time for Halloween; it has been a perennial holiday favorite ever since.
Craig Ferguson - “Look Out, There’s A Monster Coming” Original by Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band Dancing With The Robot Skeleton Sidekick (Geoff Peterson) The Late, Late Show With Craig Ferguson – April 5, 2010
hennemusic’s weekend series of specials continues this month with some highlights from Neil Young’s annual Bridge School Benefit concerts.
Founded in 1986 by Pegi Young and Jim Forderer, with help from Dr. Marilyn Buzolich, the Bridge School develops and uses advanced technologies to aid in the instruction of children with disabilities. Young's involvement stems, at least partially, from the fact that both of his sons have cerebral palsy and his daughter, like Young himself, has epilepsy.
The first benefit concert, in 1986, raised the money necessary to start the school, which opened in ’87.
You can help support the Bridge School with your donation here.
The annual event takes place each October; the 24th Annual concert happened last weekend.
In 1993, Van Halen released their first (and, to date, only) live record (“Live: Right Here, Right Now”), and hit the road to support the double-album. The trek kicked off in March with a month of long-overdue European shows, before an eight-week North American tour, which wrapped at the end of August. Sammy Hagar had appeared at the Bridge School benefit shows in ’89 and ’92, but when he came out to support the event in ’93, he brought someone with him: Eddie Van Halen.
With the customary opening set by Young, and then ones by Melissa Etheridge, Warren Zevon and Heart’s Wilson sisters (Ann and Nancy), Hagar came out to kick things off with a solo performance of “The Love.”
Hagar then introduced Van Halen, saying, “If I can con this guy into doing this, man, I can con him into doing anything,” as Eddie set up at a black grand piano.
“Love Walks In,” and the mega-hit, “Right Now,” followed, with strong piano work by Eddie, as Hagar’s voiced soared into the night air. Van Halen then pulled out a black Parker Fly guitar, playing the instrumental “Spanish Fly” from VHII, before the pair rocked out with an acoustic version of “Best Of Both Worlds,”
The all-too short set was over, one that was as close to a Van Halen “unplugged” session as anyone had ever seen – and one that hasn’t really been repeated since.
But the guys weren’t done for the night: Eddie appeared with headliners Simon & Garfunkel for “The Sound Of Silence,” adding solos throughout the track, with a positively glowing Paul Simon looking on.
Folowing S&G’s set, Young brought the whole lineup out for the night’s closing track, “Rockin’ In The Free World,” with Sammy helping out on vocals while Eddie traded solos with Neil.
If video of the full set exists, it hasn’t surfaced, so I’ve snagged the audio versions of what does, for you to check out. While it is incomplete, it’s of historical value, so I wanted to share the material here. There is one video, however, and it’s Eddie with S&G – while it’s not the best visual quality, keep an eye out for Simon’s facial expressions while watching/hearing Eddie solo…
Van Halen – Love Walks In Bridge School Benefit 7 Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA – November 6, 1993
Van Halen – Right Now Bridge School Benefit 7 Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA – November 6, 1993
Van Halen – Best Of Both Worlds Bridge School Benefit 7 Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA – November 6, 1993
Simon & Garfunkel Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound Of Silence Featuring Eddie Van Halen Bridge School Benefit 7 Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA – November 6, 1993
hennemusic is pleased to bring you a selection of Halloween Apps to help you celebrate the big event!
Whether it’s games for yourself or the scary sounds of the season, these make cool additions for your iPhone and/or iPad....portable enough to take to your Halloween event.
“You don’t need to see silly old men in wheelchairs singing ‘You Really Got Me.’” - Dave Davies
Dave Davies can’t make himself any clearer: “Ray’s an a**hole.”
Brother Ray has been talking up the idea of a possible Kinks reunion recently while doing press for his new release, “See My Friends,” a collaborative tribute with other artists to the brothers’ legendary band, which comes out next week.
Ray recently told Gigwise that he thinks his brother is “coming around” to the idea of a possible Kinks reunion (see “Is a Kinks reunion in the cards?” here).
Dave set the record straight with London’s Daily Mail – there will never be a reunion. "I think the music is so beautiful it shouldn’t be tainted," he says. "It would be a shame. You don’t need to see silly old men in wheelchairs singing ‘You Really Got Me.’”
Famous for their on- and off-stage fights, the brothers rarely see each other. This week, when asked how his brother was, Ray replied to the Daily Mail: “Don’t know, don’t talk to him. Dave’s a very proud man. I don’t know what his problem is apart from pride.”
It’s been a long time since Dave last saw his brother in person. “You’ve heard of vampires," says Dave. ‘Well, Ray sucks me dry of ideas, emotions and creativity. It’s toxic for me to be with him. He’s a control freak. I hate to say it, but it’s got worse since he met the Queen (Ray received a CBE in 2004). In his mind, it’s given him more validity, more ‘I’m better than you,’ more ‘I’m superior.’ With him, it’s ‘me, me, me.’ He thinks he is The Kinks.”
While Ray seems to thrive on attention, Dave is happy to be a team player and spread the credit around. “When I think of all the beautiful music we made, it wouldn’t have been the same if I, or (Kinks bassist) Pete Quaife hadn’t been there,” he said.
The latest ‘excuse’ for the brothers to feud came earlier this year, when Ray wanted Dave to perform at a memorial for Quaife, who died in June, telling Dave “Even the Mafia get together and make up when someone dies. If only for the funeral.”
Dave refused. “Ray wanting me to come back into the fold is to make him look good. He had an album coming out,” he says. “He’s cancelled the memorial, which again will be my fault. But after Pete died, I had my own private service for him on my website. I asked Elizabeth, Pete’s girlfriend, and his brother David to join me in sending Pete our love and they were happy to. I wrote a few prayers and made my peace with Pete. I wasn’t going to get involved in using Pete as a PR exercise to bolster Ray’s vanity.”
Dave lowers his voice. “We must be careful. We might be feeding Ray’s illness by making him think he’s more interesting than he is.”
“I should have listened to my mum," continues Dave. “Three weeks before she died in the Eighties, she said to me: ‘Make sure you get something for yourself because your brother’s never going to help you.’ I was thinking: ‘We’re family. We look after each other.’ But I don’t think that now. You need to support yourself.”
In 2004, Dave suffered a serious stroke that left him unable to speak, and it has been a long road to recovery. Didn’t Ray support him through that period? “I’m undecided whether he was pleased I was ill, or jealous I was getting the attention,” says Dave. “I stayed at his house afterwards. I was ill in bed and could barely move, but he started saying: ‘I’m sick, I’m sick!’ He was screaming in pain from his stomach. A doctor from Harley Street came round at 3am and said: 'There’s nothing wrong with his stomach.' He just wanted attention.”
Dave concedes that while the brothers worked creatively together, sibling rivalry was simmering away under the surface. “I think Ray has been happy for only three years in his life,” he says. “And those were the three years before I was born.”
The last time The Kinks appeared together was in 1996, shortly after Ray had announced his decision to go solo. Dave says the split was a relief. "I didn’t care. I really didn’t. The last time we were all together was at my 50th birthday party. Ray had the money and I didn’t, so he offered to throw it for me. Just as I was about to cut the cake, Ray jumped on the table and made a speech about how wonderful he was. He then stamped on the cake.”
hennemusic’s weekend series of specials continues this month with some highlights from Neil Young’s annual Bridge School Benefit concerts.
Founded in 1986 by Pegi Young and Jim Forderer, with help from Dr. Marilyn Buzolich, the Bridge School develops and uses advanced technologies to aid in the instruction of children with disabilities. Young's involvement stems, at least partially, from the fact that both of his sons have cerebral palsy and his daughter, like Young himself, has epilepsy.
The first benefit concert, in 1986, raised the money necessary to start the school, which opened in ’87. The annual event takes place each October; the 24th Annual concert happened last weekend.
You can help support the Bridge School with your donation here.
David Bowie went “Outside” in 1995, reuniting with producer Brian Eno for an industrial-sounding album that led to a co-headlining tour with Nine Inch Nails.
Live shows started in the fall of ’95 and carried through the first couple of months of ’96, this time with Morrissey opening; in the middle of the tour, Bowie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on January 17, 1996. He later did the “Outside Summer Festivals Tour,” which was a two-month summer European festival trek that wrapped up with a final show in Switzerland in late July.
In September 1996, Bowie took a scaled-down version of his touring band – now consisting of Reeves Gabrels (guitars,vocals, and synthesizers), Zachory Alford (drums and electronic percussion), Mike Garson (piano and keyboards), and Gail Ann Dorsey (bass and vocals) into the Looking Glass studios in New York City to record the follow-up to “Outside,” for release the next year (the resulting album would be “Earthling” – led by the single, “I’m Afraid Of Americans.”)
The following month, Bowie, Gabrels and Dorsey played both Bridge School benefit shows, with Bowie enthusiastically telling the crowd, “We’re having a ball…we haven’t done an acoustic gig, ever” (Tom Petty made a similar comment at the inaugural BSB show in ’86; you can check out his performances here: part 1 and part 2).
The setlists for the shows varied slightly; since neither complete 7-song set is available online in video form, I’ve pulled together a bit of a ‘combo set’ featuring tracks from the two performances. A couple of songs aren’t available to be shared, so I’ve included links so you can check them out directly.
David Bowie David Bowie – Alladin Sane Bridge School Benefit 10 Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA – October 19, 1996
David Bowie – Jean Genie / Hog For You Bridge School Benefit 10 Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA – October 19, 1996
There are TONS of cool music apps for your favorite artists – from “official” to trivia to audio, and more - some are even FREE.
There are some cool tour-related apps – for bands like Metallica, U2, Bon Jovi and Dave Matthews – that can keep you “in the know” about the latest live concert news, including setlists. And when you’re at a show, whip out your “virtual concert lighter” for maximum effect.
Myspace has been holding “Get Close” contests, hooking fans up with their favorite artists.
Slash stepped up – or, should I say, his guitar tech, Chet, did – as part of a promo to do his job for a day working for the guitar legend at a show in Seattle.
Slash – “Get Close” Myspace contest promo (2010)
Winner Linda Bernstein and her husband joined Slash for his October 2nd show at Showbox On The Market in Seattle, getting the chance to interview him and work at the gig.
Slash – "Get Close" contest winner Linda Bernstein Seattle, WA – October 2, 2011
Slash Slash – By The Sword The Late, Late Show With Craig Ferguson – April 9, 2010
Slash – Back From Cali “Max Sessions” Seymour Centre – Sydney, AU – August 15, 2010
One of Canada's greatest hard rock bands, Triumph, are reissuing 10 classic albums from their catalogue.
The albums – released between 1976 and 1987 - left an indelible mark on the history of rock, their legacy and influence considered among the forefathers of progressive metal.
Epitomizing the essence of the power trio: Rik Emmett (guitar and vocals), Mike Levine (bass and keyboards) and Gil Moore (drums and vocals) are regarded as virtuoso musicians in their own right and great entertainers thanks to the Triumph concert spectacle that was second-to-none.
Italy’s Frontiers Records has announced that the official reissues of Triumph’s 10 classic albums, in digipak version and with the original tracklistings, will be released on December 3.
"In The Beginning" (1976) "Rock And Roll Machine" (1977) "Just A Game" (1979) "Progressions Of Power" (1980) "Allied Forces" (1981) "Never Surrender" (1983) "Thunder Seven" (1984) "Stages" (Live) (1985) "The Sport Of Kings" (1986) "Surveillance" (1987)
All CDs have been remastered and feature an extensive booklet, including lyrics.
In addition, Frontiers will issue a very limited collector’s edition Box Set entitled “Diamond Collection,” which will include all the 10 albums in vinyl replica, and will feature the artwork from the original vinyl edition of the albums.
This news follows the "Greatest Hits: Remixed” package that was released earlier this year; no update on the status of the band, including possible future activity, was provided at this time.
Slash has just released “Beautiful Dangerous,” the latest video from his self-titled solo record.
The steamy clip features Fergie from The Black Eyed Peas, who heats things up with the guitarist. "She went to a dark place," Slash told Us magazine, of her portrayal of a crazed fan who ties him to a bed, kisses him and teases him with a knife - while clad in leather lingerie. "She nailed it."
“I wanted to stalk him; just a normal day at the office!” said Fergie, who came up with the concept for the video.
For more Slash, check out some TV tonight. “Looking forward to Jamming on Dave Letterman tonight w/Paul Shaffer & co. Iii|; ),” he posted today.
Slash featuring Fergie – Beautiful Dangerous – The Making Of (2010)
Fergie will receive the Woman Of The Year Award at the Billboard Women in Music Event on December 2 in New York.
"I am humbled and excited to accept the Billboard Woman of the Year Award," Fergie says. "Being honored by Billboard is a great career achievement."
Fergie and BEP spent the past year touring the world in support of their 2009 album, "The E.N.D." BEP own the longest streak of consecutive weeks spent at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart by any artist in the chart's 52-year history, with 2009 singles "Boom Boom Pow" reigning for 12 weeks and "I Gotta Feeling" for 14. In addition, "I Gotta Feeling" is the best-selling digital song in Nielsen SoundScan history.
"The E.N.D." is first album in two decades by a group to yield five top 10 songs on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart. The album has sold 2.8 million copies in the U.S. according to Nielsen SoundScan.
On November 30, the BEP will release "The Beginning," their sixth album and an aptly-titled follow-up to "The E.N.D." The album's first single is "The Time (The Dirty Bit)," which will be released November 9.
"Fergie took the music industry by storm the moment she came onto the scene, and we're thrilled to celebrate her career achievements and incredible successes over the past year by honoring her with the Billboard Woman of the Year Award," says Bill Werde, Billboard's editorial director. "Fergie is a unique artist with great business savvy, style and an unbelievable dedication to philanthropic efforts, making her an inspiration to aspiring female artists everywhere."
Huey Lewis & The News are back with their first new album in nine years,“Soulsville,” which is out next Tuesday (although it’s already been released in the UK).
Recorded at the historic Ardent Studios in Memphis, the album features 14 classic songs from the vault of Stax Records, including “Respect Yourself” and “Got To Get You Off My Mind.”
Considered to be the preeminent soul music label in America, Stax was home to artists like Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Booker T & The MG’s, and Isaac Hayes, and produced an astounding number of hit records throughout the 1960’s & 70’s. Paying tribute to the rich Stax legacy, Huey Lewis and The News, joined by their long time horn section, capture the energy and excitement of this important era.
'Soulsville' re-unites Huey Lewis and the News with co-producer Jim Gaines ("Sports," "Fore!") who worked at the Stax studios as a young man and was involved in many of the label's original recordings.
“We’re especially proud of the collection,” says Lewis, who has been previewing material from the album while on a critically acclaimed summer tour. “There should be a number of surprises for everyone.”
Huey Lewis & The News – Soulsville EPK (2010)
Formed from two rival Bay Area bands in 1979, Huey Lewis and The News play a brand of straight-ahead rock and roll that has outlasted countless trends, selling over 20 million albums and earning Grammy Awards along the way. The group still performs around 100 shows a year. Lewis has enjoyed recent success on screen and stage as well, acting on the hit television show “Hot in Cleveland,” and performing in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “Chicago.”
Huey stopped by Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday and sat in with The Roots to do a version of one of his biggest 80s hits.
Huey Lewis & The Roots – The Heart Of Rock N’ Roll
Late Night With Jimmy Fallon – October 26, 2010
Following their shows in Brisbane (see “Watch Metallica rock Australia”here), Metallica hit the Burswood Dome in Perth for two shows on October 22 and 23.
The last few legs of the band’s World Magnetic Tour mark the first time in six years they’ve played “down under.”
Bassist Robert Trujillo celebrated his 46th birthday with the Perth fans on the 23rd, receiving a ceremonial birthday pie in the face from his bandmates.
Metallica – Robert Trujillo birthday Burswood Dome – Perth, AU – October 23, 2010
Metallica – tuning room jam Burswood Dome – Perth, AU – October 22, 2010
Following the Perth shows, Metallica take a short break before playing another 8 Aussie shows next month to wrap up their World Magnetic Tour, including:
Nov 10, 11 & 13 - Sydney Nov 15, 16 – Adelaide Nov 18, 20 & 21 - Melbourne
“Foo Fighter fans are going to freak out because, honestly, it's awesome." - Dave Grohl on the next Foo Fighters disc
With the recent news that the Foo Fighters have announced two UK gigs for next year – July 2 & 3, 2011 at the Milton Keynes Bowl - comes more news from head Foo Dave Grohl: an update on the band's next album, due in 2011.
The disc is being produced by Butch Vig, who produced Nirvana's “Nevermind,” and there’s another Nirvana connection in play: a guest appearance from former Nirvana bandmate, bassist Krist Novoselic.
"This whole project has been really cool. I haven't made a record with Butch for 20 years," Grohl told BBC Radio 1 presenter Zane Lowe. "The last month and a half we've been recording in my garage, totally old school analogue. We're seven songs in, with five or six more we're gonna do.”
Basically, they’re halfway through recording for the next record, which, Grohl says, is going to be their heaviest yet: "Each song is full on, the whole record is full on. In the 14 songs, there's not one acoustic guitar, there's not even one in the house."
Grohls’ enthusiasm is hard to contain. “I know the record and I can't wait til every one else hears it,” he says. “Foo Fighter fans are going to freak out because, honestly, it's awesome."
The Foos are filming the sessions, as part of their 2011 World Domination plan. "We're making a movie about this whole experience too. We have a director.” confirmed Grohl. “Basically, 2011 - you're not gonna be able to get us out of your hair, that's what we're planning. I'm excited."
The new album will be the Foos' first since 2007's "Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace," following which, the band went on hiatus, but the individual members kept busy:
• Dave Grohl teamed with Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones and Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age to form Them Crooked Vultures. • Drummer Taylor Hawkins released his own solo project, “Tayler Hawkins and the Coattail Riders.” • Guitarist Chris Shifflett recently released the self-titled debut from his side project, “Chris Shiflett and The Dead Peasants.” • Bassist Nate Mendel reunited with Sunny Day Real Estate last year for a tour.
Last weekend at his annual Bridge School Benefit concerts, Neil joined Pearl Jam during their set on both days for the song; see Saturday’s performance below.
Pearl Jam with Neil Young – Walk With Me (original by Neil Young) Bridge School Benefit 24 Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA – October 23, 2010
Due November 16, “Heaven & Hell: Neon Nights” is a new live package from the second incarnation of Black Sabbath, marking the band’s 30th Anniversary while serving as a tribute to the late Ronnie James Dio.
On Thursday July, 30th, 2009, Heaven & Hell took to the stage at the famous Wacken Festival in Germany as part of the tour in support of their album “The Devil You Know,” released earlier in the year. The band played a set blending tracks from the newly-released album with classics from their Sabbath days, including “Mob Rules”, “Heaven and Hell”, “Die Young” and “Neon Nights."
Although nobody knew at the time, it was to be Ronnie James Dio’s last professionally-filmed concert appearance before his death, in May, 2010 from stomach cancer.
Available in DVD and CD versions, the DVD contains bonus features:
30th Anniversary Interviews: Interviews with all four band members reflecting on 30 years from the release of Black Sabbath’s “Heaven And Hell” album.
Ronnie James Dio Tributes: Newly recorded personal tributes from Tony Iommi, Vinnie Appice and Geezer Butler in memory of their friend and colleague.
Heaven & Hell: Neon Nights CD/DVD Track Listing:
• E5150 (DVD only) • Mob Rules • Children of the Sea • I • Bible Black • Time Machine • Fear • Falling Off the Edge of the World • Follow the Tears • Die Young • Heaven & Hell • Country Girl (DVD only) • Neon Knights
Soundgarden – singer Chris Cornell, guitarist Kim Thayil, bassist Ben Shepherd and drummer Matt Cameron - were interviewed recently by CNN’s Denise Quan in California.
Soundgarden are doing the media rounds to promote their retrospective, “Telephantasm,” which came out last month.
The new disc includes the previously unreleased “Black Rain,” which was recorded during the 1991 “Badmotorfinger” sessions. “Telephantasm” was packaged with the initial 1 million shipments of the Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock video game - the first time a music album has been simultaneously released and bundled with a video game launch.
"A new generation of rock fans are discovering 30-year-old bands via a game like Guitar Hero," said Cornell. "It's like trying to get a larger picture of what we do, musically, out there to a younger generation."
“The mythology of a rock star is larger than ever, at a time when the music industry can't create them anymore,” Cornell added. “What appealed to me is that Soundgarden -- rhythmically and as a guitar-based band -- is pretty unusual, and it seemed like the music would be something that would work really well in the context of one of these games.”
"We were sort of talking about re-releasing our catalog and updating our whole system of how we communicate with our fans, because the band started pre-internet, pre-cell phone, pre-pre-pre-everything," said Cameron.
By including the retrospective in the Guitar Hero package, Soundgarden basically shipped platinum. “It's a new thing,” says Thayil, “so I haven't really wrapped my head around that entirely, because that's not the way I've thought of record sales.” “Other groups might look at this as a means to put out a record,” added Matt. “Or a partnership,” figures Cornell. “Like, if you buy a Prius, you get the new R.E.M. record, and it'll be in the CD player.”
The Seattle band made its live return in April of this year with a fan club show in their hometown (they were billed as “nudedragons” – an anagram for Soundgarden), followed by another fan club show in Chicago in August, just days before they headlined Lollapalooza there. Fans want to know if more ‘spot’ dates are planned, or maybe even a full tour? “Yeah, maybe more spot dates, certainly. It was a lot of fun,” said Thayil. “Yeah, it was fun,” added Cornell. “It didn't really feel like there was that long of a break between playing 12 years ago and now.”
Keith Richards' new autobiography, “Life,” hits stores today.
Here’s the promo blurb from Keith’s publishers:
“A true and towering original, he has always walked his own path, spoken his own mind, and done his own thing.
Reluctant outlaw, rock 'n' roll's unparalleled hellraiser, and one of the greatest guitar gods of all time, Keith Richards has forged a life that most of us can only imagine--and often envy. And amazingly he's lived to tell about it. Now, at last, in his own words, the ultimate rock Icon gives us the definitive rock autobiography.
In Life, in his own raw, fierce voice, the man himself tells about life lived fast and hard in the creative hurricane--from his early days as a young boy growing up in a council estate, listening obsessively to Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters records, to taking the guitar to its absolute limit and joining forces with Mick Jagger to form The Rolling Stones.
With unflinching honesty, he reveals all the highs and lows of rock 'n' roll, from the meteoric rise to fame and the notorious drug busts to the women, drinking, and heroin addiction that made him infamous. The living legend chronicles how he created the revolutionary, high-octane riffs that defined "Gimme Shelter" and "Honky Tonk Woman," his affair with the equally infamous Anita Pallenberg (the mother of three of his children), and the tragic death of Brian Jones. From falling in love with Patti Hansen to his tumultuous relationship with Mick, we follow Keef on the ultimate road trip we have all longed to know more about--of an unfettered, fearless, on-the-edge life lived to the fullest.”
This Friday, Keith will be making a rare public appearance for an interview session with Rolling Stone editor Anthony DeCurtis at the New York Public Library (see link below for details).
Keith's pal, Johnny Depp, is the voice for the audiobook version of "Life."
hennemusic has been following the book’s release for months; if you want to get up to speed on how things have shaped up in Keithville, here’s some stories you may be interested in…
Black Sabbath