NYS Music 2024

Category: Rock

  • Rain Bring Beatlemania to Saratoga Springs

    Despite at least five confirmed tornadoes and a microburst of nasty weather, the show went on as planned Wednesday night, July 17th at SPAC in Saratoga Springs. Making good on their name, Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles, not only weathered the storms, but delivered a surreal night of nostalgia and note-for-note precision that had fans both young and old twisting and shouting for more.

    Hitting the mark with spot on impersonations of the Fab Four – from the iconic haircuts and replica outfits, to the playful mannerisms and distinct personalities, the career retrospective performance encapsulated everything music fans know and love about The Beatles, arguably the most important and influential rock n’ roll band of all time.    

    Rain performing in Saratoga Springs on 7/17/24.

    Transporting fans back to the heyday of Beatlemania as Rain, the acclaimed tribute band took the Broadview Stage at SPAC by storm shortly after 7:30pm.  Dividing up the show into distinct eras of The Beatles, the throwback party kicked of with “Please Please Me” from the 1963 debut album of the same name.  After working their way through “ I Want To Hold Your Hand” and a pair of love songs that included “This Boy” and “P.S. I Love You,” Rain transitioned into the A Hard Day’s Night portion of the show.

    After an exciting rendition of “Can’t Buy Me Love,” fans were treated to some lesser-known cuts like the surf-rock inspired “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Tell Me Why” and “I Should Have Known Better.”  Briefly pausing to welcome the audience to the show and inviting them to sing along with the next song, a poignant version of “Yesterday” had the entire pavilion on the cusp of tears.

    Rain performing in Saratoga Springs on 7/17/24.

    After an entertaining video package chronicled The Beatles rise to international superstardom, the show then entered the iconic “Shea Stadium” era of Beetlemania. Featuring a distinctly harder edge than earlier in the night, songs like “I Feel Fine,” “Day Tripper,” and “Drive My Car” sounded just as good today as they did nearly sixty years ago. While I personally found it hard to sit during this part of the show, fans needed reassurance that it was “OK” to get up on their feet for the next number, “Twist and Shout.”  

    Rain would break character a bit after “Eleanor Rigby,” by introducing the mysterious “5th Beatle” lurking in the back of the stage, their version of legendary record producer George Martin, who played all the string and horn parts via keyboard.  Prominently featured on the potent “In My Life,” the first half of the show came to a close with “Got to Get You into My Life.”

    Rain performing in Saratoga Springs on 7/17/24.

    After a brief intermission, things were about to get a little weird in Saratoga.  Entering the experimental/psychedelic era of The Beatles, from the moment the opening chords of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” filled the air, the audience was spellbound. Now dressed in vibrant Edwardian military officer outfits, Rain both looked the part and sounded it.  Flowing directly into “With a Little Help From My Friends,” the lysergic loving anthem “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” and “Lovely Rita,” the transitions between the early mop-top era, the psychedelic phase, and the mature later years were seamless, showcasing the band’s versatility and deep understanding of the Beatles’ evolution.  

    Rain’s meticulous attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the show, from the authentic period costumes to the spot-on Liverpudlian accents. Each band member perfectly embodied their respective Beatle, not just in appearance but in musical prowess and stage presence.

    Rain performing in Saratoga Springs on 7/17/24.

    One of the standout moments was their performance of “A Day In The Life.” Featuring all the complicated bells and whistles of the original, Rain pulled it off flawlessly.  The chilled out “Flying” instrumental went largely unappreciated, but fans got back into it for the remainder of the Magical Mystery Tour portion of the show that included stellar renditions of “Penny Lane” and “Strawberry Fields Forever.” Complete with vibrant visuals throughout, the multimedia aspects of the show added an extra layer of immersion, with historical footage and colorful animations enhancing the live performances.

    While not necessarily a “pavilion only” show, the somewhat relaxed security allowed most fans inside, leaving only a handful of people to linger on the lawn. Perhaps that’s why I felt so seen when Rain played “Fool on the Hill” and “Come Together” as I made my way across the notorious slope. “Get Back” was the lone song played from the Let It Be album, while “Revolution” and “The End” closed out the second set to a bittersweet ovation of gratitude.

    The Fool on the Hill: Rain performing in Saratoga Springs on 7/17/24.

    The setlist was a well-curated journey through the Beatles’ illustrious career, featuring beloved hits and deep cuts alike. Rain’s musicianship was impeccable. The harmonies were tight, the instrumentation was faithful to the original recordings, and the energy was palpable.  When the band returned to the stage for the obligatory encore, the crowd couldn’t resist singing along to the ever appropriate “Give Peace a Chance” and finally the show closer “Hey Jude,” creating a communal experience that felt both nostalgic and celebratory. A vivid and heartfelt homage to the Beatles, it was a night of pure musical joy and a chance to relive the magic of one of the greatest bands in history.

    Rain performing in Saratoga Springs on 7/17/24.

    Rain (Beatles Tribute) | July 17,2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY

    Set I: Please Please Me, I Want to Hold Your Hand, This Boy, P.S. I Love You, Roll Over Beethoven, A Hard Day’s Night, I Should Have Known Better, Can’t Buy Me Love, Tell Me Why, Yesterday, I Feel Fine, Day Tripper, Drive My Car, The Word, Eleanor Rigby, In My Life, Got to Get You Into My Life

    Set II: Sgt. Pepper’s Loney Hearts Club Band, With a Little Help From My Friends, Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, Sgt. Pepper’s (Reprise), A Day in the Life, Flying, Magical Mystery Tour, Strawberry Fields Forever, Penny Lane, I Am the Walrus, The Fool on the Hill, Tomorrow Never Knows, Come Together, Get Back, Revolution, The End

    Encore: Give Peace a Chance, Hey Jude

  • Nicole Atkins Announces East Coast Tour, Three Shows in New York

    Rock singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins announced an East Coast Tour starting in September with a show at Daryl’s House in Pawling, NY. Justin & the Cosmics will serve as support for the entire run.

    nicole atkins

    A prominent figure in rock music for over two decades, Nicole Atkins has been actively touring and producing music since 2002. Mostly inspired by 1960s and 70s psychedelic rock artists like The Doors and The Sundays, she started writing what she termed “a mix of Americana, 60s, and indie rock.” In 2003, Atkins released her first EP, Bleeding Diamonds.

    Along with her tour, Atkins is currently working on her sixth studio album. “Now, with a bunch of new songs and a great band and some time before the studio, I can’t wait to figure out what these new songs want to be at the shows!” Atkins says about her upcoming album. “I’ve always wanted to do it that way like I did it before my first record, but now it actually feels like time is on my side and I have some to make it happen.” Her previous album, Italian Ice (2020), was her best-reviewed album to date, drawing rave reviews internationally.

    For the last two decades of her career, Nicole Atkins has performed in several festivals and concerts. Halfway into 2024, Atkins has already had an incredible year, opening for both Stevie Nicks and also her friends, The Mavericks, whose new album she is featured on.  Now, after remarkable stretches with rock icons and showstoppers, she reemerges with her own headlining tour.

    Starting on September 5, Atkins heads to Pawling, NY, for a night in Daryl’s House. Catch her at Woodstock and Ridgewood, Queens, on September 7 and 21, respectively. Atkins’ new album, which is yet to be named, is set to release in 2025.

    The full tour dates are listed below. Tickets are available now on Nicole Atkins’ website, linked here.

    SEPTEMBER

    5 – Pawling, NY – Daryl’s House

    6 – Montclair, NJ – Outpost In The Burbs

    7 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios

    9 – Boston, MA – City Winery – Boston

    11 – Philadelphia, PA – 118 North

    12 – Asbury Park, NJ – Wonder Bar

    15 – Manchester Center, VT – Billsville House Concerts

    20 – Uncasville, CT – Wolf Den

    21 – Ridgewood, NY – TV Eye

  • Canandaigua Announces 2024 Art and Music Festival

    The Canandaigua Business Improvement District has announced the 2024 Art and Music Festival, celebrating local musicians, artists, and businesses throughout the city.

    The festival begins on Friday, July 19 at noon and goes through the weekend, ending on Sunday July 21. From 12 pm-7 pm on Friday and 10 am – 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday, Historic Downtown Canandaigua will feature over 150 restaurants, artists, and musicians.

    canandaigua art and music festival

    For 34 years, the historic sidewalks of Downtown Main Street have hosted the Art and Music Festival, aimed to celebrate the works of artists belonging to several mediums. Although its start was small and featured a few artists scattered around the region, the festival has grown into a mounting success in the last three decades. Now in its 35th year, Downtown Main Street is home to over 150 artists and musicians and includes activities, classes, demonstrations, and raffles.

    After an extensive jury process, artists are selected to display their works throughout the entirety of the festival. Each year, new artists in almost every category, including ceramics, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, fiber, glass, photography, and gourmet foods, showcase and sell their creations at booths. Art students at local schools join in on the fun, too, showing off their coursework for all to see.

    Musical acts at the festival will take place for the entire weekend on the Maxion Stage at Commons Park. The concerts start at noon every day. This year, the Art and Music Festival features select musical acts from all genres, including Bluegrass, Blues, Rock & Roll, Jazz, and singer-songwriter Acoustic performers from all over Upstate New York. Returning performers and newcomers alike, the musicians performing at the Art and Music Festival will be bringing their best for the entire weekend.

    Throughout the entirety of the festival, a wide range of activities are available in Historic Downtown. Activities include a musical petting zoo, an interactive experience complete with instruments to explore. Demonstrations of pottery making, candle creation, and glass flameworking are readily available. Lastly, the Golden Palette Studio Trail includes special events and access to original art, crafts, classes, services, and unique gift items.

    For more information, visit the city’s website, linked here.

  • Ten Years After to Release Woodstock 1969 album on August 16th

    The legendary British blues band Ten Years After will release their Woodstock performance on streaming and physical media. This release is the first time their Woodstock set has been released as a standalone recording. The album will release on Friday, August 16. 

    Ten years After

    Singer/guitarist Alvin Lee and bassist Leo Lyons rose to local fame in Nottingham, England as the Jaybirds in the early 1960s. Following the addition of drummer Ric Lee and keyboardist Chick Churchill in 1966, the band rebranded themselves as Ten Years After. Throughout the 1960s, the band released four studio albums, including the live LP Undead. This album contained the first rendition of their anthemic hit “I’m Going Home.” 

    As the band made a name for themselves, they quickly began playing shows across the United States. In July 1969, they broke barriers being one of the first rock groups to perform at the Newport Jazz Festival. Following a summer of cross country touring, the band arrived in Bethel, NY for the Woodstock Music and Art Fair. 

    Alvin Lee on stage at Woodstock

    Ten Years After were slated to perform on Sunday, August 17th: the festival’s third day. Following acts like Joan Baez, Santana, and Long Island’s Mountain, they certainly had a high bar to meet. By the time their 8:15 set began, conditions were gloomy. The sun had begun to set, and rain poured down covering the stage and turning the fields into mud pits. These conditions in tandem with a jet-lagged band seemed to spell disaster for their performance. 

    However, their set was anything but a disaster. Looking out to the audience, Alvin Lee calmly said “This is a thing called ‘I’m Going Home’… by helicopter!” In no time, Lee’s guitar erupted into a fiery breakneck solo, before the rest of the band joined. The 12 minute long jam seamlessly switched between funky numbers and psychedelic guitar passages enthralling the audience of 500,000. Throughout the live recording, the audience can be heard whistling, hooting, and clapping along illustrating just how captivating their performance was. 

    Their Woodstock performance and the ensuing 1970 Woodstock film propelled Ten Years After to newfound levels of fame. The concert footage made the then up-and-comers seem like rock gods. Throughout the performance Alvin Lee’s long hair waved in the wind, as Lyon’s headbanged in the background. 

    Ten Years After

    Following the release of the Woodstock film, the band’s shows began to grow larger and larger. Soon audiences of all ages were attending their shows, propelling their releases even further up the charts. 1970 also saw the band’s highest chart success with the release of “Love Like a Man,” which reached no. 10 on the UK Singles Chart. This success however worked to destroy the band. Growing arguments and disillusionment with touring slowly ate away at the group. Lee remembered ““You’d walk on stage and people would be shouting for I’m Going Home, which was the last song. I often wonder what the rest of our career would have been like if the Woodstock movie had used another song. As it was, everything became focused on the last song, the high-energy number.” 

    Following the release of their 1974 record Positive Vibrations, the band broke up. Throughout the 1980s, the band occasionally reunited to play shows like the 1983 Reading Festival. In 1988, the band permanently reunited, releasing four albums and touring – albeit with varying lineups. 

    Now for the first time in history, the original recording of Ten Years After’s Woodstock set will release to the public. This release features a new remaster of the original 2” multitrack tapes. In addition to streaming platforms, the album will also release on physical media. The album releases as a 2LP, 180gm black vinyl, and single-disc CD. There will also be an independent record store exclusive release on pink tie-dye vinyl. All releases come with liner notes from legendary music journalist Chris Welch. 

    For more information on the August 16th release of Woodstock 1969, visit the link here. 

  • Dromedary Records Return to Catskill for Second Annual DromFest

    After an incredibly successful debut, making their way back to the Avalon Lounge in Catskill, NY, is the highly anticipated DromFest.

    Hosted by Kingston-based micro-indie record label Dromedary Records, DromFest celebrates Dromedary artists, DJs, and some of indie rock’s biggest names, including The Figgs, King Missle, and Aeon Station. From August 30 to September 1, join Dromedary Records in Catskill for this year’s rendition of DromFest.

    dromfest

    Initially conceived in 2023 as a party to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Dromedary Records, DromFest reached smashing success that inspired the label to make it an annual event. “The weekend was so much fun for the bands and attendees alike, that there was demand to do another,” explained Dromedary founder Al Crisafulli. “So  we’re all going to get together in the Catskills and have a big, weekend-long  party, hopefully feel like kids again, and celebrate this amazing community of  artists we’re so proud to be a part of.”  

    However, this year, DromFest plans on making history. This festival sees the return of Cell, a New York-based indie rock band that played a major role in the emergence of alternative and indie rock onto the music scene of 1990. The band unfortunately disbanded in 1995 and has not played a show since, until now, that is. For the first time in almost three decades, Cell will not only be performing, but co-headlining the closing show with Aeon Station on Sunday, September 1.

    Performing alongside Cell are several Dromedary artists, including Cathedral Ceilings, Karyn Kuhl, Dew Claw, Overheard,  Sleepyhead, and Matt Hunter & the Dusty Fates. The entire festival will be emceed by comedian and musician Doug Stoley, known for his work on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in Manhattan. “It’s a great lineup,” says Crisafulli, “an excellent blend  of indie rock royalty, great bands that haven’t played together in years,  and newer bands that wear their 90s indie rock influences on their sleeve.” 

    Admission for Friday night’s events will be $25, and Saturday/Sunday passes will be $80, with VIP passes that include a new Sleepyhead 7″, bonus sampler CD, and a donation to a local food bank priced at $100. Passes go on sale at 12 pm Friday, June 14 at noon and are available HERE. 

    DromFest 2024 Lineup

    August 30 – 7pm-midnight  
    The Figgs, Chris Brokaw Rock Band, The Royal Arctic Institute  

    August 31 – 12pm-midnight 
    King Missile (Dog Fly Religion), Scrawl, Antietam, Thalia Zedek Band, Poem Rocket, Moviola, Karyn Kuhl & the Gang, Dew-Claw (Stephen Hunking (Hypnolovewheel) w/Chris Xefos, Dave Rick & Dave Ramirez (King Missile, Bongwater, et al), DJ sets 

    Readings by 
    Bela Koe-Krompecher, John S. Hall, Karen Schoemer 

    Sept 1 – 12pm-midnight 
    Aeon Station (3/4 of The Wrens w/Tom Beaujour and Lysa Withay), Cell, Cathedral Ceilings, Sleepyhead, Tuscadero, Human Hearts (Franklin Bruno & friends), Matt Hunter & the Dusty Fates, DJ sets 

  • Duran Duran Haunts The Danse Macabre Halloween Party At Madison Square Garden

    British pop icons Duran Duran joins the macabre for an all-night Halloween party at Madison Square Garden. On October 31, the band returns to New York City for the Danse Macabre Halloween Party and encourage fans to dress up and go all out for a night of electrifying, spooky fun.

    duran duran

    Madison Square Garden’s Danse Macabre Party originally began during their 2022 tour on Halloween night as a once-fabled Duran Duran show come to life. The party featured new music, concept art, and themes for the band, now compiled in a full new album, Danse Macabre. In the two years since the first concert, it has become a highly anticipated annual tradition. Lifelong fans and newcomers alike head to MSG for fresh, spooky music Billboard calls “delightfully devilish.”

    Along with a night in New York City, Duran Duran has announced an official North American tour starting in October. The tour will take their new album across the American Northeast, with an earlier stop in Verona, NY. The final show will take place on November 2 in Manchester, New Hampshire.

    For those who want to get a head start on the haunting vibes, Danse Macabre is out now and is available on all streaming platforms. Below is the complete list of tour dates. Public on-sale begins Friday, July 12 at 10 am local.  Along with every ticket purchased, fans will receive a digital copy of Duran Duran’s 16th studio album, Danse Macabre, repackaged with unreleased extras. For more information, visit the band’s official website here. Get started on those costumes if you haven’t already!

    NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES

    10/21 – PPL Center – Allentown, PA

    10/23 – The Event Center at Turning Stone Resort Casino – Verona, NY

    10/25 – Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT

    10/26 – Borgata Event Center – Atlantic City, NJ

    10/28 – CFG Bank Arena – Baltimore, MD

    10/31 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY **HALLOWEEEN DANSE MACABRE PARTY**

    11/02 – SNHU Arena – Manchester, NH

  • Atlas Genius and Robert Delong Rock Two Shows in NY on Upcoming Tour

    After a nine-year-long hiatus, Australian alternative rock band Atlas Genius co-headlines a tour with electronica-pop artist Robert Delong starting this September in Chicago and ending in October in Los Angeles. The tour takes the headliners across North America, with two back-to-back stops in New York on September 15 and 17.

    atlas genius

    Atlas Genius’s upcoming tour comes in anticipation of their newest album, End of the Tunnel, the band’s first in nine years, set to release on September 6. Co-headliner Robert Delong has also recently announced his newest album, Playlist of Doom, set for release on September 13 through Round Hill Records.

    Before their hiatus, Atlas Genius traveled the world supporting Weezer, Blink-182, The Neighborhood, Imagine Dragons, The Kooks, and more. Atlas Genius have performed at some of the most iconic and prestigious festivals, including Lollapalooza, and featured on the late-night television shows of Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, James Corden, Conan O’Brien, David Letterman, and Jay Leno. Delong is no stranger to festival stages, either, captivating audiences with his incredibly unique and dynamic performances at Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, and Reading and Leeds.

    Now, after a long-awaited return, Atlas Genius are ready to re-emerge on stages across North America, including two shows in New York. Their first NY show is in Wantagh, Long Island, at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall on Sunday, September 15. Their second New York show brings them to the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan at Racket NYC, a concert venue located inside the Western Beef Supermarket on W 16th Street.

    Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall – Long Island Catering Halls

    The full tour dates are listed below. Tickets go on sale on Friday, July 12, at 10 am local. Any additional information can be found on Atlas Genius and Robert Delong’s websites, linked here.

    ATLAS GENIUS AND ROBERT DELONG: FALL 2024 TOUR

    SEPTEMBER

    8 – Chicago, IL – Taste of Chicago

    10 – Detroit, MI – The Shelter

    11 – Columbus, OH – A&R

    13 – Jersey City, NJ – White Eagle Hall

    15 – Long Island, NY – Mulcahy’s

    17 – New York, NY – Racket

    18 – Philadelphia, PA – The Foundry

    22 – Boston, MA – Middle East – Downstairs

    24 – Hartford, CT – Webster Underground

    26 – Norfolk, VA – The Annex

    27 – Washington, DC – Union Stage

    29 – Atlanta, GA – Hell at the Masquerade

    OCTOBER

    1 – Nashville, TN – Basement East

    3 – Austin, TX – The Ballroom at Spiderhouse

    4 – Houston, TX – The Heights

    5 – Dallas, TX – Kessler

    7 – Kansas City, MO – Madrid Theatre

    9 – Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep

    10 – Denver, CO – Marquis

    12 – Bellingham, WA – Bellingham Exit (Wild Buffalo)

    14 – Portland, OR – Mission Theatre

    16 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent

    17 – Santa Cruz, CA – Atrium

    19 – Costa Mesa, CA – Constellation Room

    20 – San Diego, CA – Voodoo Room

    21 – Los Angeles, CA – Echoplex

  • Troy Hosts Rockin’ on the River and Powers Park Concert Series

    This July, the city of Troy hosts two separate concert series and a special live event at Powers and Riverfront Park.

    “Rockin’ on the River,” which began on June 26, will last through to August 7, with concerts every other week on Wednesday.

    powers park series

    The Powers Park series begins on July 13 and will last until August 24, with concerts happening weekly on Saturdays. The Uncle Sam Jam at Powers Park will be a special live event at Powers Park on July 27.

    Similarly, each concert series features a wide range of local and regional musicians and fun free for the whole family.

    Presented by the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District, “Rockin’ on the River” is a free concert series hosted at Riverfront Park in downtown Troy. Rockin’ on the River includes four nights of rock ‘n ‘ roll, roots, and blues music alongside local food and drink vendors. The concerts are held weekly on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm, featuring two artists each night, with the exception of the performance scheduled for July 10. Fans can enjoy the display of food, drinks, and music for free, with no tickets necessary.

    Below is the weekly lineup for Rockin’ on the River, and for more information, visit their website linked here. Due to severe weather and thunderstorms, the Rockin’ on the River concert on July 10 has been postponed for one week. Fans can still catch Hot Cousin, the Chris Busone Band, and The Albany Rock Pit Showcase Band on July 17 at 5:30 pm.

    Rockin’ on the River Series Lineup

    June 26: Skeeter Creek with Road Soda Pop

    July 17 (postponed from 7/10): Hot Cousin with The Chris Butone Band and the Albany Rock Pit Showcase Band

    July 24: Blues for Breakfast with Side B

    August 7: Crash My Party (The Ultimate Luke Bryan Tribute Band) with Joe Adee & The Lug Nuts

    powers park series

    Sponsored by local businesses, the Powers Park series has served the concertgoers and the community for over twenty years. Since 2004, crowds have returned every Saturday evening to see the best in local entertainment on the Neil Kelleher Stage. Over the last two decades, the Powers Park series has become one of the city’s most anticipated events, bringing free music, food, and entertainment to the citizens of Troy. The park is located at 110th Street and Second Avenue in North Troy. Moreover, the full lineup of the series is below. Concerts are every Saturday, starting July 13 until August 24.

    Powers Park Series Lineup

    July 13: Brian Kane and The Beginning

    July 20: Super 400

    August 3: Triffid

    August 10: Grit and Whiskey

    August 17: Matt Mirabile Band

    August 24: E-Block

    powers park series

    Finally, the Uncle Sam Jam is a one-time event at Powers Park. In collaboration with the Combat Vets Association, the Uncle Sam Jam is a celebration of veterans and those who have served in combat. The concert is chock full of free food and music from local vendors. Join the Joe Mele Project and the Pat Travers Band for a night of rock and roll, free for the entire family.

  • WYLDLIFE Rocks Out With New Single ‘Fast Dreams’

    On June 21, NYC-based punk rock band WYLDLIFE released their newest single, “Fast Dreams.” The new single is the band’s first release since their 2020 album, “Year of the Snake.” Complete with fast-paced guitar riffs, a moving bassline, and exciting, gritty vocals, “Fast Dreams,” WYLDLIFE makes headbanging-worthy rock and roll music fun again.

    wyldlife

    For over the last decade, WYLDLIFE has brought the 70s rock and roll style back to New York City’s music scene. Their fun-filled single and music video are the latest thing to come out of their label, Wicked Cool Records. WYLDLIFE has four members: Dave Feldman (vocals), Sam Allen (guitar), Spencer Alexander (bass), and Russ Barrnett (drums), each committed to bringing back the classic sounds of the 70s like Blondie and Ramones. Since 2009, WYLDLIFE has released 4 full studio albums and were nominated for an Independent Music Award for Best Rock/Hard Rock Song.

    Their newest single, however, is a captivating mix of sounds from different eras. The 70s inspiration is absolutely prevalent, but upon first listen, it feels like a 2000s power anthem. The fast-moving bassline, combined with Feldman’s vocals, is reminiscent of alt-rock outfits like Palaye Royale, Arcade Fire, and The White Stripes. Amidst the current ever-popular trap and indie-pop scene, WYLDLIFE’s newest single is a fantastic juxtaposition that has all the right elements of nostalgia, yet still manages to sound fresh, original, and new.

    The lyrics of “Fast Dreams” tell an incredibly relatable story about someone excited for their dreams to come true while having to wrestle with the mundane parts of life. “Fast Dreams” brings us a familiar narrative about someone trying to make their dreams come true as fast as possible because they are simply too excited for success. “Fast Dreams” feels like a song that would belong on the soundtrack of a coming-of-age movie, with the narrator’s contradictory feelings of angst and excitement.

    Along with their newest single, the music video for “Fast Dreams” is also out for consumption. Animated in the style of a 2-bit arcade game, the music video features WYLDLIFE as video game characters, racing against reality and time to achieve their goal. The message of the single is executed perfectly, and it is obvious that the group had a blast when creating the video together. “Fast Dreams” was the best thing to come out of their four-year-long hiatus.

    “Fast Dreams” is available on all streaming platforms. To watch their music video or check out any of WYLDLIFE’s other powerhouse anthems, check them out on Bandcamp. For any touring information, follow their Facebook page.

  • “Revival69” Explores the Greatest Night in Rock History

    Greenwich Entertainment has released the documentary Revival69: The Concert That Rocked the World in select theaters across the US and on streaming platforms. The film tells the story of the 1969 Toronto Rock and Roll Revival festival, and how two friends inadvertently changed the course of music history forever. This festival single-handedly cemented the legendary status of classic acts, highlighted up-and-comers, and ended the greatest act in music history. With a mix of archival footage, slick animation, and artist interviews, Revival69 captures the energy of its titular festival without sacrificing any details.

    Poster for Revival69

    Award-winning filmmaker Ron Chapman directs bringing his concert film expertise. Chapman has previously collaborated with Madonna, U2, Sting, and Lady Gaga on his documentary Who the F**K Is Arthur Fogel, bringing him much acclaim. This acclaim has continued with the release of Revival69, winning Best International Feature at the Florida Film Festival. Additionally it was officially selected at the SXSW Festival. 

    Revival 69 Synopsis

    For much of the 1960s, Toronto was not on the map musically. Despite this, two friends were dead set on bringing touring acts to their city. 22 year old John Brower and 23 year old Ken Walker decided to take matters into their own hands when it came to booking acts. The duo started an independent promotion business to bring their favorite artists to Toronto. By 1969, their dreams had become a reality with the duo organizing the Toronto Pop Festival. Legends like the Velvet Underground and Chuck Berry all performed at the first major pop festival in Canadian History. 

    Building off the success of this festival, the duo immediately began to plan a new event for the fall. While the pop festival was a rapturous success, this new festival’s planning was anything but. The spark for Rock and Roll Revival was purely coincidental, with Brower realizing that some of the biggest names of 1950s rock were all available on the same day – September 13th. The plan from there was simple: book these legendary acts and wait for audiences to flock to Toronto for a historic concert. With Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bo Diddley and more, who wouldn’t want to see the concert? This however was not the outcome, with the festival planning proving the maxim “anything that can go wrong will go wrong.”

    As it turns out, not as many people wanted to see these acts as expected. Brewer and Walker had only sold 2,000 tickets – 7,000 fewer than needed to break even. Needing a headliner, Brower contacted the Doors, who were riding high off the success of their no. 1 hit “Hello I Love You.” This, however, only added to Brower’s issues. The Doors requested $25,000, which Brower did not have, forcing him to borrow money from a local motorcycle gang. On top of this, the Doors soon had to deal with legal issues, as Jim Morrison faced felony indecent exposure charges, leading to a cancellation of all shows. 

    Enter John Lennon

    In a hail mary, Brower and Walker called John Lennon‘s office in London. This point marks a shift in tone for the rest of the documentary. While anxiety still exists in the background, pieces slowly begin to fall into place, with the Rock and Roll Revival seeming more and more likely to succeed. Through the assurances of mutual friends, Lennon eventually agrees to perform in Toronto. This sequence of the film is brought to life by office recordings of John Lennon, humanizing such a legendary figure, and bringing a needed authenticity to these interactions. 

    Art of the Plastic Ono band From Revival69
    Art of the Plastic Ono band from Revival69

    Lennon – who had not performed live in years – needed a new band. Much like the haphazard planning of the Revival festival, the formation of the Plastic Ono Band was equally chaotic. Viewers see Lennon alongside Yoko Ono, bassist Klaus Voorman, Drummer Alan White of Yes, and Eric Clapton band together for the first edition of the group. Despite having a large festival scheduled, the group never rehearsed together until they were on the plane heading to Toronto. This sequence feels straight out of a superhero movie, with these legendary artists banding together to form a true supergroup . Additionally, it features small artistic flourishes for keen viewers. Whether it is Voorman’s Revolver-esque drawings of the group, or the instrumental for “Roundabout” playing during White’s introduction, music fans will take joy in these little details.

    Revival Comes to Life

    Cutting to the day of the festival, the documentary truly comes to life. The driving force for the rest of the film is archival footage from documentarian D.A. Pennebaker and camerawoman Molly Davis. During Bo Diddley’s set, the footage shows audiences smiling, smoking, and dancing without a care in the world. With the anxiety and fear that marks the first half of the film, this footage is a cathartic release. Audiences can see that all of the gambles and hard-work going into the festival actually paid off.

    The high-point of these classic performances comes from Chuck Berry. Berry was known for assembling rag-tag backing bands in each city he traveled to. The footage shows Berry enter alongside the teenage members of the local band Nucleus. Berry calls out to the audience “Ole” and “Peace,” ramping up the energy more and more. Then without saying what song will be played or what key it is in, Berry bursts into song. The footage of this set does a spectacular job at visual storytelling. At the beginning of the set, you can see drummer Danny Taylor with fear in his eyes trying to keep up with Berry. After a few songs, however, things begin to click, and following a single chef’s kiss motion from Berry, you can see the band begin to mesh like they had been playing together for years. 

    Chuck Berry’s performance from D.A. Pennebaker’s footage

    The festival was not just classic acts, also acting as a springboard for one of the greatest names in rock. Brower needed to find a backing band for rockabilly so Gene Vincent enlisted the help of Arizona’s Alice Cooper. Chapman’s direction alongside Pennebaker’s film does an amazing job illustrating the energy and sheer horror of Alice Cooper’s set. As Cooper recalled, they were the underdogs of the show, so had to make their time on stage count. On top of playing scorching proto-metal, Cooper turned the stage into a battleground. He fought with his bandmates, hammered the stage, and sprayed a feather pillow out into the crowd. Interview with singer and audience-member Claudia Barry illustrates the atmosphere of the moment, recalling feeling like “Somebody’s gonna die.” 

    Alice Cooper’s set illustrates another strength of the film: making the legendary feel human. Throughout the segment, there is a comical back and forth between Cooper and agent Shep Gordon. Their interaction – strangely enough – revolved around a chicken in a pillowcase. Gordon thought it would be funny to release it on stage during Cooper’s set. Cooper, seeing the chicken, decided to throw it assuming that chickens could fly away. It did not fly, and rather plummeted into the crowd, spawning rumors of Cooper’s chicken killing spectacles at concerts. In an interview, Cooper still fights back, saying Gordon refuses to admit he released the chicken. Little flourishes like this help bring a sense of levity and humanity to such a big event. 

    Alice Cooper’s infamous chicken throw

    Lennon Finds Peace

    The highlight of the festival – and the film – is John Lennon’s much-anticipated performance. Lennon, despite being the biggest star of the era, is mortified to go out on stage. The archival footage shows him throwing up before the performance, really humanizing Lennon. Despite his anxieties, he alongside the Plastic Ono Band emerged to deafening applause and a sea of candles throughout the crowd. The applause however, died out quickly, as Yoko Ono began to sing. As bassist Klaus Voorman recalled, someone “must have stepped on a nail or something.” Despite the cold reception, John stuck by Yoko throughout the set, hugging her and yelling at the audience to “Wake up” and realize the artistic merit of her performance. These small acts of devotion and love really help to humanize a couple as legendary as John and Yoko. 

    Voorman provides a thought-provoking monologue through this portion of the film, set alongside a montage of the Vietnam war. This marks a stark contrast with the rest of the film, being much more somber and even bone-chilling at points. Voorman recalls the performance clicking, realizing the duality of Lennon and Ono.  He realized that as Lennon sang “Give Peace a Chance,” offering hope for the future, Ono howled with her classically-trained voice, reflecting the current death and destruction of the Vietnam war, with both of these halves coming together to form a truly moving reflection on the war. 

    Leaving the stage, Lennon immediately announced to his bandmates that he was leaving the Beatles. He had found a new band, a new identity, and a new lease on life, and wanted to move into a new era of his career. Ending on such a big piece of music history like this really works to wrap up the film well. At its heart, the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival was a pet project between two friends that was not assured to succeed. Despite countless monetary, legal, and booking issues that threatened to derail the show, it somehow persevered. Through this perseverance, Brower and Walker inadvertently ended the Beatles, bringing about a symbolic end to the 1960s, and moving rock into a new era. 

     “When we played at the Rock n’ Roll Revival show in Toronto…it was exciting for John because he felt he didn’t need to live up to the Beatles mystique…we had total freedom”

    – Yoko Ono, 2020

    Review

    In conclusion, Revival69: The Concert That Rocked the World brings one of the most momentous nights in rock history to life. Pennebaker’s superb archival footage displays the utter joy of both the performers and audience. This combined with interviews from organizers, performers, and audience members weaves a complex tapestry. These interviews are the emotional backbone of the film’s compelling narrative. Overall, Revival69 is a perfect film for lovers of 1950s and 60s rock, history, or live performances more generally.

    The film is now playing at Manhattan’s New Plaza Cinema for a limited time. Additionally, the film is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video.