Toronto’s Echo Beach was set ablaze on Wednesday July 12th as the Danish rockers Volbeat, accompanied by the powerhouse American rock band Halestorm, unleashed a sonic storm upon the fervent crowd. The air was electric with anticipation as fans eagerly awaited the musical extravaganza that awaited them. And boy, did these bands deliver!
Halestorm last play the area in Hamburg last year. Kicking off the night with an explosive energy, Halestorm took the stage by storm, leaving the audience breathless with their blistering performance. Frontwoman Lzzy Hale commanded the stage like a true rock goddess, her powerful vocals piercing through the night air. With her signature charisma and raw intensity, she effortlessly captured the hearts of every spectator in the venue.
Halestorm’s guitar-driven anthems reverberated through the amphitheater, igniting an uncontainable fervor among the crowd. Songs like “Love Bites (So Do I)” and “The Steeple” resonated with fans, who eagerly sang along to every word. The band’s seamless synergy and tight musicianship were evident, creating an undeniable chemistry that fueled the entire performance.
After a brief intermission, the stage transformed into a grandiose spectacle, signaling the arrival of Volbeat. The “Servant Of The Road” tour had kicked off in Toronto, and the band wasted no time in proving why they are considered one of the most dynamic acts in rock music today.
Frontman Michael Poulsen’s commanding stage presence and distinct baritone vocals took the audience on a wild ride. The band effortlessly transitioned from hard-hitting, foot-stomping rockers like “The Devil’s Bleeding Crown” to more melodic and introspective tunes like “Becoming.” Each song was executed flawlessly, fueling an intense euphoria that pulsed through the veins of every fan.
Volbeat’s performance was accompanied by a stunning visual display, with mesmerizing light shows and striking backdrops that added an extra layer of grandeur to the concert. The crowd’s collective energy reached its peak during the band’s iconic hit, “Still Counting,” with fans chanting the infectious chorus with unbridled enthusiasm.
The chemistry between the band members was palpable, as they effortlessly navigated their extensive catalog of rock anthems. From the blistering guitar solos to the thunderous drumming, every musician on that stage showcased their immense talent, leaving the audience in awe.
The Volbeat and Halestorm show at Echo Beach was an unforgettable experience, leaving no doubt that rock ‘n’ roll is very much alive and thriving. These two bands proved that they are the rightful torchbearers of the genre, infusing it with their unique sound and captivating performances. The Toronto crowd was treated to a night of pure rock ‘n’ roll magic, and everyone left Echo Beach with their hearts pounding and their souls rejuvenated.
Hamilton’s FirstOntario Center became a haven for progressive metal enthusiasts. The mighty Dream Theater stormed the stage on their highly anticipated “Dreamsonic” tour on Wednesday, July 5. Sharing the spotlight were the incomparable Devin Townsend and the virtuosic Animals as Leaders. The evening promised a sonic journey unlike any other, and the bands delivered an unforgettable experience that left the crowd breathless.
The main support of the show was the one and only Devin Townsend, a visionary artist known for his eclectic and experimental soundscapes. With a mesmerizing stage presence, Townsend took the audience on a musical odyssey with his setlist. From the mind-bending complexity of “Truth” to the atmospheric beauty of “Kingdom,” Townsend showcased his ability to seamlessly transition between contrasting moods and styles. The crowd was captivated by his powerful vocal range and the intricate layers of instrumentation that formed the backbone of his performance.
Next up, Dream Theater took the stage with an explosive rendition of “Caught in a Web,” instantly igniting the crowd’s energy after they started the setlist with some newer songs. The band’s technical prowess was on full display as they flawlessly executed complex time signatures and intricate melodies. Songs like “About to Crash” and “Solitary Shell” showcased their ability to seamlessly blend heavy riffs with melodic passages, creating a dynamic and captivating sonic experience. Their guitarist John Petrucci is one of the few performers who have mastered this.
The concert reached its climax with the epic “The Count of Tuscany” a monumental piece that showcased Dream Theater’s musical virtuosity. The band’s chemistry was palpable as they flawlessly navigated through the song’s ever-shifting dynamics and intricate arrangements. The audience was spellbound by the precise synchrony between each band member, as they wove together a sonic tapestry of progressive metal mastery.
For the encore, Dream Theater invited the other band members from the prior bands to join them on stage for a stunning rendition of “Act II: Scene Eight: The Spirit Carries On.” The collective energy and talent of all the musicians on stage created a transcendent moment, leaving the audience in awe.
Dream Theater’s setlist was a carefully curated journey through their illustrious discography. Classics like “Pull Me Under” ignited nostalgia in long-time fans, while newer tracks like “The Alien” showcased the band’s continued evolution and growth. Each song was performed with impeccable precision, showcasing the band’s unrivaled musicianship and dedication to their craft.
The Dreamsonic tour in Hamilton was a night that will forever be etched in the memory of progressive metal fans. Dream Theater, accompanied by support acts Devin Townsend and Animals as Leaders, delivered a mesmerizing display of technical prowess, musical depth, and sheer sonic brilliance. With a setlist that spanned their extensive career, Dream Theater left no doubt that they are masters of their craft, captivating the audience and leaving them craving for more.
For those looking to dive deep into the darkness that is inherent in the Goth scene, “The Art Of Darkness: The History Of Goth” was released on May 16th (Manchester University Press). Author John Robb takes an in-depth look at all that makes up the Goth music scene – the music, the culture, and the history.
A book that took eight years to be published, “The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth” has received rave reviews across Europe, the nexus for Goth. The Irish Independent said of the tome, “Gloriously knowledgeable…stuffed with stories about the bands who changed your life as a teenager.”
John Robb is a veteran of the global alternative music scene, coining the term “Britpop” in the 1990s, was the first UK writer to interview Nirvana back in 1989, and has written on popular music for The Times, The Guardian, NME, and founded the UK music website, Louder Than War. John has previously written the best-selling books “Punk Rock: An Oral History” and “The North Will Rise Again: Manchester Music City 1976-1996”.
John Robb: Photo by John Middleham
This 546 page book takes the reader into a Goth club, before expanding to take a look at the wider culture and history of the times. Examining the subculture that rose in underground UK clubs, spread thrrough word of mouth at pubs or via posters and handbills, the early scene included hippies, scenesters, dominatrices, and gives a breakdown of what went down in the club scene.
Taking a look at the social conditions at the time that led to the rise of Goth in the post-punk period, Robb finds history influencing art, shifting gears as he looks upon the fall of Rome, folk tales from Europe, the occult, Gothic architecture and more to tie present-day Goth to these continental roots.
Examined is the Goth connection to the punk club scene and how it shifted from punk to goth over time, plus that which makes up various goth sub-groups: mall, traditional, romantic, vampire, etc… all the way to Glam Rock and how Goth arrives at present day, and even how certain genres of music (heavy metal, indie) correlate to the Goth culture.
The book is built mostly around the 80s post-punk Goth period and features interviews with Andrew Eldritch, Killing Joke, Bauhaus, The Cult, The Banshees, The Damned, Einstürzende Neubauten, Johnny Marr, Trent Reznor, Adam Ant, Laibach, The Cure, Nick Cave and many others.
An enjoyable read, one of the biggest takeaways, especially for the uninitiated, are the origins of Goth in the club scene of the 1960s, and the evolution of the beatnik/mod era through punk and post-punk, with goth borrowing as it arose during the time period.
Order a copy of the definitive deep-dive into Goth here!
Ed. note: Thanks to Lola for her insight into goth culture.
Ukrainian singer-songwriter, Nora Polinnia, dropped three new singles over the past few months. She released her debut single, “Gotham,” last October, followed by “Late Love,” and her most recent song, “Midnight Boy,” which dropped on April 28th.
These songs are heavily influenced by the singer’s adolescent experiences and the hardships of love and life during wartime. The up and coming artist currently resides in NYC and has lived there since the fall of 2022.
Polinnia co-created her debut single, “Gotham,” with her long-time friend Martin Nikov, as a part of an artistic movement to support Ukraine. The single itself, takes listeners on an eerie and haunting trip into the artists’ perspectives on the destruction of their home. It compares the country’s condition with the dark, fictional city of Gotham. The lyrics, at times over-literal with this metaphor, express a sense of hopelessness and pain. The strong, pulsating beat and rhythm contrastingly emphasize the singer’s anger, allowing it to become an anthem of rebellion and discontent.
Her newest single, “Midnight Boy” strays drastically from the mood of her first release, as it takes on the genres of disco and funk. The song describes a reckless type of man that has the ability to make others do what he wants through his surface-level charm. The fun, upbeat listen calls on women to discard these types of men and focus on their own independence.
Polinnia is currently working on publicity for “Midnight Boy” which includes a comedic and upbeat music video that will be released at the end of the month. Alongside the video, the artist is in the process of launching a TikTok dance challenge for the single. She hopes to get as many people involved around the world as she can, especially highschool students.
The singer’s recent singles are a part of her debut EP, Past Chronicles, which addresses the more careless and oblivious years of her youth. Following its completion, the artist plans to release two additional EP’s called Present Chronicles and Future Chronicles in order to create a trilogy. Present Chronicles is set to be released at the end of June this year which will address the challenges of living in the current state of the world.
Nora Polinnia, an artist with a unique sound, uses her fresh singles as a way to express herself as well as deal with her past, present, and future struggles. The artist remarks, “There’s no concrete explanation for how music and art makes people feel. However, it is something that connects us all and allows fleeting moments to be encapsulated.”
On May 9th, the Opera House in Toronto hosted an unforgettable performance by GoGo Penguin, the instrumental trio hailing from Manchester, England. Since 2013, Chris Illingworth (piano), Jon Scott (drums), and Nick Blacka (double bass) have been praised for their originality and inspiration in the music industry.
Jazz singer Melanie Charles opened the evening, captivating the audience with her soulful voice. Being a one person band for the evening , along with singing she played flute, piano and used backing tracks and a loop pedal. The near capacity crowd seemed to enjoy her performance.
Melanie Charles
As GoGo Penguin began their set, the room was filled with the jazz trio’s mesmerizing sound, beginning with “An Unbroken Thread of Awareness.” The group’s chemistry was undeniable, with Illingworth’s intricate piano playing complementing Blacka’s grooving bass lines and Scotts’s powerful drumming.
GoGo Penguin’s setlist was a masterful blend of their original compositions, including “Signal in the Noise,” “We May Not Stay,” “Glimmerings,” “Wave Decay,” “Lost In Thought”, “The Antidote Is in the Poison,” “Friday Film Special,” “Saturnine,” “Soon Comes Night,” “Everything Is Going to Be OK,” “Ascent,” “Murmuration,” “Transient State,” “Hopopono,” and “Protest.”
GoGo Penguin
Despite the minor setback of the pedal on the grand piano breaking, causing a delay of about 20 minutes, GoGo Penguin remained professional and improvisational. This unplanned interlude allowed the audience to witness the trio’s skills of repairing a piano quickly.
As the night progressed, GoGo Penguin’s performance reached new heights with each song. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly their encore, consisting of “You’re Stronger Than You Think” and “Parasite.” The trio poured their hearts into these final songs, leaving the audience breathless and wanting more.
Jon Scott
GoGo Penguin’s performance was a testament to their talent and musicianship. Their music was complex, thought-provoking, and emotive, leaving the audience in awe. The trio’s ability to seamlessly blend their individual styles and create a sound that was uniquely their own was truly remarkable.
Nick Blacka
As the crowd left the Opera House, there was a sense of collective elation and satisfaction. GoGo Penguin had once again proven why they are one of the most exciting and original bands in the world of instrumental music. Their performance was a true masterpiece, and one that will be remembered for years to come. They last played the Western New York area in 2018 at the Rochester Jazz Festival.
Talking to a GoGo Penguin Fan
After the concert, we had the opportunity to speak with a GoGo Penguin fan named Shari who was completely blown away by the performance. “Emotionally, the band’s music splits my mind into millions of pieces,” she shared. “In the moments of listening, I do not want anything, being in meditation synchronization with all the moments of the past and the future at once. Incredible energy. I am grateful to them”
It was clear that this Shari was moved by the music and had a deep appreciation for the trio’s unique sound. She went on to explain that they had been following GoGo Penguin for several years and had never seen them perform live before. “It was everything I hoped it would be and more,” she exclaimed. “Their music takes you on a journey, and you never want it to end.”
When asked about their favorite moment of the concert, the fan had a hard time choosing just one. “It’s hard to pick just one moment because the whole concert was incredible,” she said. “But I think the encore was definitely a highlight. ‘You’re Stronger Than You Think’ and ‘Parasite’ were the perfect way to end the show. I felt like I was part of something really special.”
As our conversation came to a close, it was evident that this GoGo Penguin fan had been deeply impacted by the concert. “I’m already looking forward to the next time they come to town,” she said. “Their music has a way of bringing people together and creating an unforgettable experience. I feel lucky to have been a part of it.”
GoGo Penguin’s music is a unique blend of break-beats, minimalist piano melodies, powerful basslines, and drums inspired by electronica, combined with anthemic riffs. They compose and perform together as a unit, resulting in a cohesive sound that is both powerful and mesmerizing. Their music draws from a wide range of influences, including electronica, trip-hop, jazz, rock, and classical music.
Chris Illingworth
Music critics have praised GoGo Penguin’s sound, comparing it to other acclaimed artists such as Esbjörn Svensson Trio, Aphex Twin, Squarepusher, and Massive Attack. Additionally, they have been likened to renowned composers such as Brian Eno, as well as modern classical composers like Shostakovich and Debussy, or contemporary minimal music composers such as Philip Glass. These comparisons attest to the diverse range of influences that GoGo Penguin draws upon to create their unique sound.
Friday, May 5th was the return of Billy Idol to Niagara Falls at the Fallsview Casino in Ontario, Canada. Before Billy Idol took the stage, Kelsey Karter & The Heroines opened the night with their unique blend of rock and pop. The energy of the crowd was palpable as they eagerly awaited the start of the concert.
Unfortunately, the band faced some challenges as two of their members were denied entry into Canada, resulting in a more mellow set than they had originally planned. Despite this setback, Kelsey Karter & The Heroines still impressed with their impressive vocals and dynamic stage presence.
Kelsey Karter’s voice was a highlight of the performance, soaring effortlessly over the band’s catchy melodies. Their set included original songs such as “Bad News,” “Harry,” and “God Knows I’ve Tried,” showcasing their songwriting skills and musical prowess. Despite the unplanned changes, Kelsey Karter & The Heroines still managed to get the audience excited for the main event. Their performance was a great warm-up for Billy Idol, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of music and celebration.
Overall, the night was a success, with Kelsey Karter & The Heroines paving the way for Billy Idol’s explosive performance. Despite the challenges they faced, they still managed to put on an impressive show and get the audience hyped up for what was to come.
Billy Idol
The setlist was fantastic, featuring a mix of Billy Idol’s classic hits and fan favorites. The show started with “Dancing With Myself,” a Generation X song that got the crowd pumped up right from the start. Other hits like “Cradle of Love,” “Flesh for Fantasy,” and “Eyes Without a Face” had everyone singing along. Steve Stevens’ guitar solo was a real showstopper, with him playing Led Zeppelin’s “Over the Hills and Far Away” and “Stairway to Heaven” to the delight of the audience. “Mony Mony,” a Tommy James & the Shondells cover, got the crowd moving and grooving.
The setlist also included lesser-known tracks like “Running From the Ghost” and “One Hundred Punks,” which showed off the depth and range of Billy Idol’s music. The Blue Highway/Top Gun Anthem medley was a lovely tribute to the late composer Harold Faltermeyer. The encore was phenomenal, with Billy Idol belting out “Hot in the City” and “White Wedding.” The night ended on a high note with the entire audience singing along to “Happy Birthday to You” in honor of Steve Stevens.
Overall, the Billy Idol concert at Fallsview Casino was an unforgettable experience. The setlist was impressive, and the performance was top-notch. Billy Idol and his band proved that they still know how to rock the stage after all these years, and the celebration of Steve Stevens’ birthday made the night all the more special. If you ever get a chance to see Billy Idol live, we highly recommend it! For more information about the tour, and to see Idol live, visit here.
When I think of Blues music, the basic, common names come to mind. The likes of BB King, Muddy Waters, Blind Boy Fuller, and Buddy Guy. These are the classic staples of Blues genre. Another staple with the Blues is a nice pour of bourbon/rye/whiskey, straight up or on the rocks, it pairs well with the classic or modern sounds of Blues. This was the thought process of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, Neil Giraldo as he founded Three Chord brand of bourbons in 2017. Fast forward to 2023, Giraldo’s company was a presenting sponsor of the 2nd annual Buffalo Blues and Roots Festival.
Taking place on April 22, Buffalo Riverworks Buffalo’s Best Sports Bar & Entertainment hosted 10 acts of amazing Blues talent, each playing approximately 40-minute sets, with the two headliners getting bonus stage time. Oh, and they were doing bourbon samples, too, pretty much a win-win.
Opening the festival was Buffalo’s own Henry’s Summer Kitchen (Henry’s Summer Kitchen | Buffalo NY | Facebook). This unique quartet plays a wide range of tunes, ranging from classic Merle Haggard to current original songs, twangy, old-school country sounds with modern twists. You never know what you are going to get, but you will never be disappointed.
Taking over the stage after Henry’s cleared out his kitchen, Tonemah was ready to jam. Darryl Tonemah (Tonemah)is not your typical musician, let’s make that clear. Not only does Tonemah record and perform music, but he also carries a Ph.D. and has appeared in 3 well-known movies. To boot, he performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics, holding quite the resume.
Performing in Buffalo, though, this full-blooded Native American (Kiowa/Comanche/Tuscarora) was wowing the Riverworks crowd with family on stage with him as a seven piece band. Playing mostly original music, Tonemah shook the stage for about 40 minutes and used every second to make their presence known.
Next up was The Growlers (Growlers Blues Band | Buffalo NY | Facebook) Featuring Jon Lewandowski on vocals and harp, Dan Shurtleff on drums, Rob Enderle on guitar, Ed Croft on bass with guest guitarist Rusty Fisher. Western NY based, these guys came to play, and play they did. With smooth riffs on the bass, Jon doing his best John Popper impression on the harp, and Dan crushing the drums, The Growlers came across as seasoned vets on more of a blues rock set. At this point, a nice bourbon was really hitting me.
Coming to the stage around 315 was The X-Statix with Sharon Bailey (The X-STATIX | Facebook). Bailey hits the stage as a very well-known and regarded funk/blues/jazz voice in the Buffalo area. Punk band vibes, her voice is a little Joan Osborne, a little Etta James, and a little Dusty Springfield. Rounding out X-Statix is Joel Slazyk on bass (who happened to have color-coordinated shirts and guitar), Bob Granfield on vocals and percussion, and Rick Militello on vocals/bass.
Bourbon? Nope, not yet. Three Chords was setting up a table right near the VIP entrance, however, and I was on watch now.
Ok, this is where I admit some fault. Coming into this festival, I searched on the world wide web for all these acts. I knew some of them and had heard of a couple of othersâall with great feedback. Patti Parks was a new name for me so I looked her up as I did everyone else. I made a decision beforehand that this was going be my rest time as I wasn’t sure I would enjoy the set as much as the others, get some pizza and beverage and just sit back and enjoy the show. Patti, I am sorry I doubted you at all as I couldn’t have been more wrong on this. Patti and her ensemble were incredible as they rocked the stage with a brass section, bass, percussion, and her own vocals. For me, this set was mind-blowing, to say the least. Go give Patti Parks a listen and see for yourself why she is a member of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.
Ray Barry, the name behind Barry Entertainment, is the event organizer/promotor. Not only does he set up this superb event in downtown Buffalo, NY, he is also a scheduled performer and he brought the troupe out to perform the music of The Band. Like every other act on this stage doing covers, these guys put their own style to some Americana classics without hindering the effects of the song. Ending with a staple, The Weight, and Ray Barry and Friends had a large group of VIP patrons dancing stage front for the entire 40-minute set.
Tommy Z takes the stage at 545, with bourbon pouring at 545. Tommy Z has a rich history with blues, starting out when he backed up Pinetop Perkins and worked with many of the biggest names including Buddy Guy, Jimmy Vaughn, and Robert Cray. On top of his illustrious recording career, which has included weekly shows on Buffalo-based blues radio stations, Tommy has managed to do shows for US troops around the globe, sometimes in tumultuous areas, since 2003.
It’s bourbon time. While I am not a bourbon snob, I enjoy a few things in life including a nice sipping drink. Three Chord was offering up 2 varieties to sample: Kentucky Straight Bourbon, aged in pinot noir barrels as well as Amplified Rye. I had to sample both and damn were they tasty. While I enjoyed the Rye at 95 proof, the Kentucky straight was a little smoother and definitely had me looking for a bottle to take home. Again, I am not a bourbon snob or reviewer, I simply enjoy a nice pour with some solid music in the background.
Moving back to the music, Miller and the Other Sinners took the stage for their set. Buffalo-based and well-known around Western NY and the Finger Lakes, Miller (who also is involved with Three Chord Bourbon) and his Sinners came out firing on all cylinders with the funk and soul sound they have been producing since 2015. Over the years Miller has played with great names such as Shamekia Copeland, Susan Tedeschi, and Joe Bonamassa. 730 is the time I have been looking forward to because Selwyn Birchwood jumps on stages Just as I did for all the other acts, I looked into this young man. It didn’t much for me to get hooked. A little Jimi Hendrix, a dash of Prince, and Some Buddy Guy, that is Selwyn Birchwood, who burst onto the scene in 2014.
A song I took to immediately was “Living in a Burning House.” Deep lyrics and smooth vocals make this a perfect song to listen to while sipping Three Chord bourbon. When he played this song in Buffalo, the crowd was ready for it and you could see many of them singing along. Another artist new to me, for now, it was clear that Birchwood made his presence known around Buffalo as he rocked the crowd for a little over an hour.
Rounding out the festival was Colin James. From Saskatchewan, Canada, James brought 30 years of music, 8 Juno awards, and nearly 30 Maple Blues awards to Buffalo Riverworks. Who knew this could happen to a guy whose first performance was opening up for Stevie Ray Vaughn with only a few hours notice? While the venue and crowd may not be what James is used to, he had the entire crowd into the music. For some, it was just sitting there bopping their head to the beat or tapping their toes, while others were in full dance party mode. With over 20 albums of music to select from, James played for nearly 90 minutes and seemed to love every second of it. Colin James is on tour, with shows coming up in Ontario.
For nine hours, Buffalo Riverworks was rocking some blues, roots, and Americana sounds. Arts and crafts, the aforementioned bourbon, as well as rustic surroundings outside all were perfect compliments of each other and Barry Entertainment put together a great day of family fun in Downtown Buffalo.
Henry’s Summer KitchenHenry’s Summer KitchenHenry’s Summer KitchenHenry’s Summer KitchenHenry’s Summer KitchenTonemahThe Growlers Blues BandThe X-StatixPatti Parks BandRay Barry and FriendsTommy ZMiller and the Other SinnersSelwyn BirchwoodColin James
The historic Royal Albert Hall in London is Eric Clapton’s home away from home. Since his debut at the historic venue with the Yardbirds in 1964, Clapton has performed there more than any other artist, over 200 times, and counting.
photo by Carl Studna
Clapton also holds the record for the longest run of concerts at the venue, set in 1990 with 18 shows, then breaking that record the following year with 24 concerts. These were some of the most ambitious shows of Clapton’s career, with each night featuring him performing a career-spanning set with one of three lineups – a rock band, a blues band, or an orchestra conducted by Michael Kamen. Kamen previously worked with Clapton on the Lethal Weapon soundtracks, plus the TV show Edge of Darkness. Before his untimely passing in 2003, Kamen had become a leading film & TV composer, with X-Men, Die Hard & Band of Brothers among his many credits.
Clapton surrounded himself with superlative musicians for the performances on during the 1991 residency, with a roster of legends including Johnnie Johnson, Jimmie Vaughan, Chuck Leavell, Phil Collins, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Nathan East, Greg Phillinganes, Steve Ferrone, Ray Cooper, and Jerry Portnoy.
Clapton released 24 Nights in October 1991, commemorating that record-setting run. The double live album and home video delivered great performances but only covered a fraction of what was filmed and recorded. Now, Warner Records is giving the concerts the release they deserve this summer with a limited edition box set, Eric Clapton:The Definitive 24 Nights. Featuring nearly six hours of live music and 35 unreleased performances, the collection distills Clapton’s 1990-91 Royal Albert Hall residencies using the best performances from the rock, blues, and orchestral nights to create full concerts for each genre.
All the audio and video included in The Definitive 24 Nights was painstakingly restored and upgraded by Clapton’s team of Simon Climie (audio production and mixing), producer Peter Worsley (Slowhand at 70 and The Lady In The Balcony), and director David Barnard (The Lady In The Balcony).
For the rock concert, Clapton played many of his classic songs including “Sunshine Of Your Love,” “Can’t Find My Way Home,” “Layla,” and “Wonderful Tonight.” Covers of “Crossroads”, and a reggae version of “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” with Phil Collins on drums are highlights. Clapton also featured several tracks from his most recent studio album (1989’s Journeyman), including the hits “Pretending,” “Running On Faith,” and “Bad Love.”
With Eric Clapton aided by special guests Buddy Guy, Albert Colins and Robert Cray, the blues concert delivered a master class in the genre with ripping versions of standards like “Key To The Highway,” “Sweet Home Chicago,” “Black Cat Bone,” and “Reconsider Baby.”
The orchestral concert is the most unique of the collection. For those performances, Clapton’s nine-piece band was joined by the National Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by legendary composer Michael Kamen. The collaboration resulted in stunning arrangements for “Layla,” “White Room,” “Bell Bottom Blues,” “I Shot The Sheriff,” “Lay Down Sally,” and more.
The biggest highlight from the orchestral concert – and possibly the entire box set – is the previously unreleased 30-minute epic, “Concerto For Guitar.” Kamen composed the piece especially for Clapton, which made its live debut at Albert Hall. In the set’s liner notes, music journalist David Fricke writes about the version included in the collection: “Near the halfway mark in this 1991 reading, [Clapton] takes off on guitar as if he has the rest of Cream at his heels – at once precisely melodic and jubilantly unhinged – as Kamen echoes that ferment in the strings and brass.”
The Definitive 24 Nights will be available on limited edition box sets as either 6-CDs ($139.98) or 8-LPs ($199.98) on June 23. Both versions come with three Blu-ray discs for the video content, a hardbound book, and an individually numbered lithograph featuring a photograph of Clapton by Carl Studna. Each are limited edition versions and available now to pre-order HERE.
Standalone versions of the individual concerts – 24 Nights: Rock, 24 Nights: Blues, and 24 Nights: Orchestral – will be released the same day in 2-CD/DVD ($29.98) and 3-LP (Rock and Orchestral) ($49.98) and 2-LP (Blues) ($39.98) configurations.
Eric Clapton fans will also now have the opportunity to experience the excitement of the legendary Royal Albert Hall concerts on the big screen as Unique X and Iconic Events present the Across 24 Nights cinema event globally on May 17th, with encore screenings from May 21st. Edited from the original footage and remastered in Dolby ATMOS and 5.1 Surround Sound, Across 24 Nights will bring fans together to celebrate the ultimate musical event cinema experience. For further information & tickets, please visit ericclaptoncinema.com
The Definitive 24 Nights Track Listing
24 Nights: Rock
“Pretending”
“Running On Faith”
“Breaking Point” *
“I Shot The Sheriff” *
“White Room”
“Can’t Find My Way Home” *(Feat. Nathan East on lead vocals)
“Bad Love”
“Before You Accuse Me” *
“Lay Down Sally” *
“Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” *
“Old Love” *
“No Alibis” *
“Tearing Us Apart” *
“Cocaine” *
“Wonderful Tonight”
“Layla” *
“Crossroads” *
“Sunshine Of Your Love” *
24 Nights: Blues
“Key To The Highway” *
“Worried Life Blues”
“Watch Yourself”
“Have You Ever Loved A Woman”
“Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” *
“Something On Your Mind” *
“All Your Love (I Miss Loving)” *
“It’s My Life Baby” *
“Johnnie’s Boogie” *
“Black Cat Bone” *
“Reconsider Baby” *
“My Time After A While” *
“Sweet Home Chicago” *
“Watch Yourself” (Reprise) *
24 Nights: Orchestral
“Crossroads” *
“Bell Bottom Blues”
“Lay Down Sally” *
“Holy Mother” *
“I Shot The Sheriff” *
“Hard Times”
“Can’t Find My Way Home” * (Feat. Nathan East on lead vocals)
“Edge Of Darkness”
“Old Love” *
“Wonderful Tonight” *
“White Room” *
“Concerto For Electric Guitar” *(composed by Michael Kamen)
“A Remark You Made” *(A tribute to Jaco Pastorius)
The Stig Anderson Music Award Foundation has announced its 2023 Polar Music Prize Winners, including a Beninese singer, the founder of a UK record label and a remarkable composer.
This years recipients are Angélique Kidjo, five-time Grammy Award winning Beninese artist and songwriter; Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, one of the UK’s greatest independent record labels, and Estonian Arvo Pärt, the world’s most performed living composer.
Since the inaugural ceremony in 1992, the Polar Music Prize has been renowned as music’s most prestigious honour. The Polar Music Prize (often called the Nobel Prize of Music) is a Swedish international award founded in 1989 by Stig Anderson, best known as the manager of the Swedish band ABBA, with a donation to the Royal Swedish Academy Of Music.
The prize will be presented in Stockholm on May 23rd in the presence of the Swedish Royal Family.
“We are delighted to honor these three Laureates who have all made such a global impact with their music.”
Marie Ledin, Polar Music Prize Director
Previous recipients of the Polar Music Prize include Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel, Chuck Berry, Ennio Morricone, Led Zeppelin, Patti Smith, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kronos Quartet, Joni Mitchell, Elton John, Metallica, Iggy Pop, Ravi Shankar, Renée Fleming, Miriam Makeba, Wayne Shorter, Sofia Gubaidulina and many more.
Angélique Kidjo
Angélique Kidjo is a five-time Grammy Award winner, a creative force with 16 albums to her name, and was named “Africa’s premier diva” by Time Magazine. Furthermore, the BBC included Kidjo in its list of ‘The Continent’s 50 Most Iconic Figures’. She was included in The Guardian’s ‘Top 100 Most Inspiring Women in the World’, and was the first woman on Forbes’ list of ‘The Most Powerful Celebrities in Africa’.
Angélique travels the world advocating on behalf of children in her capacity as a UNICEF and OXFAM goodwill Ambassador. She has created her own charitable foundation, Batonga, dedicated to supporting the education of young girls in Africa.
Chris Blackwell
Chris Blackwell founded Island Records – the wildly innovative, legendary music label now regarded among the most admired of all time. Island Records is also known for finding exquisite talent from around the world. Chris introduced the most daring and definitive music of our era, with acts like Cat Stevens, Roxy Music, Steve Winwood, Robert Palmer, Nick Drake, Melissa Etheridge, Tom Waits, Grace Jones and Marianne Faithful.
Arvo Pärt
Arvo Pärt’s creative output has played a significant role in the soundscapes of contemporary music since the 1960s. With his unique compositional technique, tintinnabuli, which Pärt invented in 1976, he has deeply affected the course of music over several decades. His works have reached a vast number of listeners, not only via concerts and recordings but also through films and theatrical productions.
You can watch the live broadcast globally via the Polar Music Prize YouTube, from 6pm (CET) on May 23rd.
Queens Public Library (QPL) has announced their commemoration of The 50th Anniversary Of Hip Hop, through an international partnership with over thirty organizations including libraries, museums, colleges, universities, and archives.
Born in the Bronx, hip hop has been making a global artistic and cultural impact on the world since August 11, 1973. In recognition of Queens role in hip hop’s ascension from a local art form to an international phenomenon, the QPL established a hip hop program in 2015.
Hip hop coordinator, Ralph McDaniels, also known as “Uncle Ralph,” constructed programming to educate the public about Hip Hop culture and its five core elements: MCing, DJing, graffiti, breakdancing, and knowledge. QPL also preserves hip hop’s legacy through its collection of artifacts such as photographs, periodicals, audio tapes, video tapes, writings, news articles, flyers, and oral histories from people involved with the genre from its origins until now.
QPL’s hip hop program has drawn people of all ages and backgrounds to our spaces and has created a unique community connected by a love for music and knowledge.
-Dennis M. Walcott, QPL President and CEO
Queens Public Library was founded in 1896 and offered free access to more than 5.4 million books in addition to materials in 200 languages, technology, and digital resources. Prior to the pandemic, the independent, non-profit organization hosted over 87,500 educational, cultural, and civic programs annually and welcomed 11.4 million visitors through its doors.
The six-month celebration “Collections of Culture: 50 Years of Hip Hop Inside Libraries, Museums and Archives” is financed through a $267,760 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Dozens of in-persons and virtual programs including panel discussions, author talks, educational forums, and workshops will be hosted by participating institutions. The program aims to examine the history and influence of hip hop on American culture and the contributions of its musicians, DJs, dancers, MCs, graffiti artists, stylists, directors, photographers, entrepreneurs and educators.
For More Information On The Events Scheduled, Visit The QPL Website Here.
