Eric Church returns with new album in May

Eric Church is set to release his new album Evangeline vs. The Machine on May 2. Pre-order/pre-save HERE.

“An album is a snapshot in time that lasts for all time,” Church shares of the creative approach behind the project. “I believe in that time-tested tradition of making records that live and breathe as one piece of art – I think it’s important.”

“I’ve always let creativity be the muse. It’s been a compass for me,” he adds. “The people that I look up to in my career and the kind of musicians I gravitate to never did what I thought they were going to do next – and I love them for it. I never want our fans to get an album and go, ‘Oh, that’s like Chief or that’s like this.’ Painstakingly, I lose sleep at night to try to make sure that whatever we do creatively, they go, ‘Wow, that's not what I thought.’ I think that's my job as an artist.”

Lead single “Hands Of Time,” impacting Country radio on March 24, is available now as a preview of that endeavor. “As I get older, I’m looking for things that make me feel not as old,” Church explains of the track. “I can honestly say that when I hear music or see something from my past, I feel like I did then; I relate to what it was then. I really believe that a good way to handle that is with music.”

Among the other songs featured on the album is “Darkest Hour,” released ahead of the project to support relief efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, with all of Church’s publishing royalties donated to provide ongoing funds in support of a more resilient future for his home state of North Carolina.

“That song had the chance to change things—it already has,” Church reflects. “The greatest concert I’ve ever played was the Concert for Carolina – that’s the greatest thing I’ve been involved with. This song played a big part of that night and is a rallying cry for the people there that still need a lot of help. As a person who writes and performs a song, seeing it truly impact people’s lives is the greatest thing you can hope to accomplish.”

Also included is “Johnny,” a reinterpretation inspired by “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and the Covenant School tragedy, which Church has previewed in limited settings at both his Chief’s To Beat The Devil residency and the recent Country Radio Seminar.

“About a year ago, we had a shooting here in Nashville at the Covenant School,” he explained when introducing the song during CRS. “Where my kids go to school, my two boys, is about a mile from that school. I will tell you something, the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life – parent or otherwise – is dropping them off at that school the day after the shooting and watching them walk inside. I sat in the parking lot for a long time, and as fate would have it, as I was pulling out, Charlie Daniels was playing, ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia.’ I remember thinking, man, we could use Johnny right now, because the Devil’s not in Georgia, he’s everywhere. I went home and wrote ‘Johnny’.”

Evangeline vs. The Machine is his first new album since 2021’s Heart & Soul trilogy.

Fans can also pre-order an Amazon Music exclusive Evangeline vs. The Machine vinyl in translucent light blue, available on Amazon.com or directly in the Amazon Music app.

For more information, visit EricChurch.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter/X @ericchurch and Instagram @ericchurchmusic.

Track List: 

Full Credits Available HERE; Songwriters in Parentheses

1. Hands Of Time (Eric Church, Scooter Carusoe)

2. Bleed On Paper (Tucker Beathard, Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell)

3. Johnny (Eric Church, Luke Laird, Brett Warren)
4. Storm In Their Blood (Eric Church)
5. Darkest Hour (Eric Church)
6. Evangeline (Eric Church, Luke Laird, Barry Dean)
7. Rocket’s White Lincoln (Eric Church)
8. Clap Hands (Tom Waits)

311 band music news: summer tour, 'Blue Album" reissue

311 has announced the return of their Unity Tour in 2025 in support of their latest album, Full Bloom, whose title track is in the top 20 on the Alternative charts. Fans can sign up for tour updates and the presale at unity-tour.com. The routing starts in June in Atlantic City, NJ. General public on sale starts March 21 at 10AM local time.

In related news: A 30th anniversary reissue of their self-titled ‘Blue Album’ is out July 11 in a 2LP set with seven bonus tracks and will be available in two color variants - a direct to fan exclusive citrine shade and retail release blue smoke color via Legacy Recordings.

The limited package is the latest in the band’s series of 30th Anniversary “Pearlized” special editions, and also includes an embossed gatefold sleeve with exclusive art. The reissue is 21 tracks and brings together every song that was recorded by the band during the “Blue Album” sessions and marks the first time the bonus songs have ever been released on LP.

The third installment of the band’s documentary series, ‘Enlarged to Show Detail III’ – has also been released. This film provides a behind-the-scenes archival look at the band, including fan interviews taken on the sold-out Caribbean cruise over the years. The film will be available on YouTube and available for cruisers to see this year at sea taking place March 26-March 31st.

TOUR DATES:

June 20 – Atlantic City, NJ - Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort

June 21 – Selbyville, DE – Freeman Arts Pavilion
June 22 – Virginia Beach, VA - Point Break Festival*
June 24 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
June 25 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater
June 27 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
June 28 – Bethlehem, PA – The Wind Creek Event Center
June 29 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17
July 1 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
July 2 – Louisville, KY – Iroquois Amphitheater
July 3 – Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest*
July 5 – Dubuque, IA – Back Waters Stage
July 6 – Rockford, IL – Hard Rock Live Rockford
July 7 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre
July 9 – Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall
July 11 – Kansas City, MO – Grinders KC
July 12 – Council Bluffs, IA – River’s Edge Park*
July 13 – Wichita, KS – WAVE
July 15 – Rio Rancho, NM – Rio Rancho Events Center
July 16 – Flagstaff, AZ – Fort Tuthill Park - Pepsi Amphitheater
July 18 – Paso Robles, CA – California Mid State Fair*
July 20 – Saint Paul, MN – Minnesota Yacht Club*
July 26-27 – Long Beach, CA – Vans Warped Tour*
August 8 – Highland, CA – Yaamava' Resort & Casino -Yaamava’ Theater^
August 9 – Saratoga, CA – The Mountain Winery
August 10 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort and Casino -Grand Theatre
August 12 – Eugene, OR – Cuthbert Amphitheatre
August 13 – Seattle, WA – Marymoor Amphitheater
August 15 – Great Falls, MT – Voyager Stadium
August 16 – Pocatello, ID – Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre
August 17 – Sandy, UT – Sandy Amphitheater
August 19 – Colorado Springs, CO – Ford Amphitheater
August 22 – Gary, IN – Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana
August 23 – Newport, KY – MegaCorp Pavilion Outdoor
August 24 – Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live! Outdoor
August 26 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle
August 27 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewery
August 29 – Tupelo, MS – Cadence Bank Arena
August 31 – Pryor, OK – Rocklahoma*

*Select festival appearances included in the tour.
^ No Sitting on Saturn

UK indie darling band Jetstream Pony return with new album 'Bowerbirds and Blue Things' at the end of the month

UK-based alternative pop band Jetstream Pony is set to release its new album “Bowerbirds and Blue Things” on March 28 via Shelflife Records in North America. Formats include LP, ZCD and digital. Eleni Poulou, formerly of The Fall, provides guest vocals to "The Relativity of Wrong."

About the band:

Jetstream Pony released debut single "Like You Less"/"Had Enough" in 2017 and received radio play around the world, including BBC6 Music. Two more singles were supported with gigs around the UK and Europe, leading to the self-titled debut album in May 2020. The critically acclaimed album sold out two pressings before being reissued (twice). The "Misplaced Words" EP and single "Sixes and Sevens" followed. 

Track listing:

1. Sit and Wonder

2. Frustration Can Cause Accidents

3. Bubblegum Nothingness

4. The Relativity of Wrong

5. Bonanza 2 Tango Sierra

6. Birdland '74
7. Only if You Want To
8. Tendrils
9. Bad Common Earth Connection
10. Captain Palisade

11. 3am

12. Look Alive!

Jetstream Pony is:

Beth Arzy - vocals, tambourine

Shaun Charman - guitars, vocals

Kerry Boettcher - bass, vocals

Tom Levesley - drums

Mark Matthews - adjacent guitars

bandcamp.com

Out today: Deluxe edition of Gwen Stefani's 'Bouquet' album

Gwen Stefani's deluxe edition of her latest studio album, 'Bouquet' is available now through Interscope Records. It features new song “Still Gonna Love You,” co-written by Finneas, as well as acoustic renditions of every track. Listen to Bouquet Deluxe HERE.

"This song is about love,” says Stefani about her newly shared tune. “A love that can’t be broken, a love that no matter what is always going to be there, and a love that can always bring you back home.”

Stefani recorded 'Bouquet' backed by a full live band. The idea of life's seasons, and seeds of hope that you plant, runs throughout 'Bouquet.'

“Bouquet represents a blend of everything that I’ve ever been and who I’ve evolved into. Each one of the songs was picked like individual flowers to create a bouquet of the past, the present, and the seeds of hope for the future,” explains Stefani.

Lead single “Somebody Else's” received an official music video and a performance on The Voice. She debuted “Swallow My Tears” on The Today Show and performed the title track “Bouquet” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Some songs new and old made it into her recent Backyard Garden Party series.

Track list:

1. Still Gonna Love You
2. Somebody Else’s
3. Bouquet
4. Pretty
5. Empty Vase
6. Marigolds
7. Late to Bloom
8. Swallow My Tears
9. Reminders
10. All Your Fault
11.Purple Irises (with Blake Shelton)

Blake Shelton's 'For Recreational Use Only' album slated for May

Nearly four years since his last studio album, Blake Shelton is back with For Recreational Use Only, his 0debut for BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, set for release May 9. The album is available now for pre-order/pre-add/pre-save here.

"It's been a long time since we had a new album out, and I want to thank the songwriters and musicians who helped bring this record to life,” said Shelton, in a press release. “Scott (Hendricks) and I have been working on this music for years, and I'm beyond excited to finally share it with the fans."

Besides the top 10 hit country single “Texas,” “Let Him in Anyway” offers another preview of the album.

“‘Let Him In Anyway’ is one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever had the chance to record,” said Shelton. “Hardy is a co-writer and a friend, and I’ve never heard a song like this before. When I first listened to it, I knew it was something special. It’s an honor to bring it to life, and I’m incredibly proud of the record we made.”

The album features guest appearances by Gwen Stefani, John Anderson, and Craig Morgan.

Currently on the road with his sold-out Friends & Heroes Tour, Shelton is joined by Craig Morgan, Deana Carter, Trace Adkins, and Emily Ann Roberts.

Track list:

1. Stay Country or Die Tryin’ - (Drew Parker, Graham Barham, Sam Ellis, Beau Bailey)

2. Texas - (Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman)
3. Hangin’ On (feat. Gwen Stefani) - (Sam Ellis, Charles Kelley, Greylan James)
4. Strangers - (Michael Hardy, Zach Crowell, Jameson Rodgers)
5. Let Him In Anyway - (Michael Hardy, Zach Abend, Kyle Clark, Carson Wallace)
6. Heaven Sweet Home (feat. Craig Morgan) - (Chris Tompkins, Sarah Buxton, Jake Rose)
7. Life’s Been Comin’ Too Fast - (Craig Wiseman, David Lee Murphy, Lindsay Rimes)
8. Don’t Mississippi - (Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Ben Hayslip, Josh Osborne)
9. All of My Love - (Colton Swon, Zach Swon)
10. Cold Can - (Bobby Pinson, Josh Osborne, Andrew DeRoberts)
11. The Keys - (Jay Brunswick, Brock Berryhill, Bobby Pinson)
12. Years (feat. John Anderson) - (Pat McLaughlin, John Anderson, David Ferguson, Daniel Auerbach)

New music venue in Riverside, Calif. opens later this month

This is exciting news for music fans here in Riverside, California. We always welcome new entertainment venues.

Farm House Collective is housed in the historic landmark Farm House Motel, originally constructed in 1953. The Farm House was one of the last remaining examples of a motor court in the region, distinguished in its farm house style with the original neon sign still intact.

The revitalized space opens later this month, offering 15 spaces for local eateries, small retail outposts, and a brand new 500-capacity stage in a mix of restored motel buildings, creative retail kiosks, and new vernacular architecture.

Aiming to bring a contemporary and eclectic calendar of music to Riverside, and build a new space for the Inland Empire to gather and see artists from all genres Farm House Collective has partnered with Desert Daze co-founder Phil Pirrone, to book the venue.

Opening on Saturday, March 29 with performances from the Allah Las & Reverberation Radio, the space will see additional events including “Desert Daze presents” shows with Wand, and more to be announced; “Penrose Records presents” – the label founded by Riverside local and the Grammy-winning producer behind Daptone Records, Gabriel Roth – with Los Yesterdays and Vicky Tafoya; “Mucho Gusto presents” events with É Arenas (of Chicano Batman) and Quitapenas; and hip hop legends Souls of Mischief, among others.

Tickets for all shows are on sale now via See Tickets. Visit farmhousecollective.com/events for more information on upcoming events.

UPCOMING SHOWS

Mar 29: Grand Opening with Allah Las & Reverberation Radio (Tickets)

Apr 04: Desert Daze presents Wand w/ DJ Boogie Boudreaux (Tickets)

Apr 25: Elijah Fox w/ noworriesLMK (Tickets)

May 10: Penrose Records presents Los Yesterdays w/ Vicky Tafoya (Tickets)

May 23: Mucho Gusto presents É Arenas w/ Mucho Gusto DJs (Tickets)

Jun 13: Mucho Gusto presents Quitapenas w/ El Santo Golpe (Tickets)

June 19: Souls of Mischief w/ Gaslamp KIller (Tickets)

Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival 2025 lineup announced

Redlands Bowl Performing Arts (RBPA) has unveiled the lineup for the 102nd Season of the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival.

"We are thrilled to kick off the 102nd season of the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival. This year’s lineup offers an exciting mix of performances, with something for everyone to enjoy. There's nothing like coming together with friends and family to experience all that the Bowl has to offer. It's a beloved tradition that brings our community closer each season,” says Beverly Noerr, Executive Director, Redlands Bowl Performing Arts.

"The caliber of this year's Redlands Bowl artists is extraordinary, bringing a wide array of music and dance styles to what will be a super entertaining 2025 summer season. We warmly invite everyone to come out and enjoy great programming under the Redlands Bowl stars all summer long," adds Redlands Bowl Program Director Valerie Peister.

Held in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, the festival begins on June 20 with Celebrating the Legacy of Whitney Houston and other Great Pop Divas featuring the Redlands Bowl return of internationally award-winning recording artist Nicole Henry.

The season continues with:

Tuesday, June 24 – The Grand Finals of the Young Artist Concerto Competition, featuring former Young Artists winner and internationally acclaimed violinist Miclen LaiPang

Friday, June 27 – Adventures in Parrotdise: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffet – featuring Barrie Cunningham and special guest William Kimbrough

Tuesday, July 1 – Bluegrass Under the Stars with Rebecca Frazier

Thursday, July 3 – A Star-Spangled Evening of Patriotic Pops Conducted by Nolan Livesay, with guest appearance by the Inland Master Chorale under the direction of Joe Modica

Tuesday, July 8 – Mariachi Continental de San Diego

Friday, July 11 – Catapult

Tuesday, July 15 – Navy Band Southwest

Friday, July 18 – Naturally 7 (A capella)

Tuesday, July 22 – Public Dress Rehearsal of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat*

Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27 – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

*Produced and directed by Nathan Prince and Steve Simon of Legendary Productions

Tuesday, July 29 – The Pack Drumline

Friday, August 1 – The Jungle Book, presented by State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara

Tuesday, August 5 – Bee Gees Gold

Friday, August 8 – Ireland with Michael Londra – Live!

Tuesday, August 12 – Phat Cat Swinger

Friday, August 16 – Fireworks Finale!

All performances begin at 8 p.m. and are held Tuesdays and Fridays, as well as select Thursdays and weekends, throughout the summer. Performances run approximately 90 minutes with an intermission. No admission is charged. No reservations are needed. Seating is first-come, first-served. Free-will offering will be collected at intermission.

Redlands Bowl Performing Arts is the presenter of the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival which holds the distinction of being the longest continuously running music festival in the United States at which no admission is charged. The Redlands Bowl is attended by over 100,000 members of the community each year. For more information, please go to www.redlandsbowl.org or call (909) 793-7316.

Real Gone Music schedules album reissues by Jesse Ed Davis, Jackie DeShannon, The Bottle Rockets in May

On May 9, the Real Gone Music record label will reissue albums from Jesse Ed Davis, Jackie DeShannon, and The Bottle Rockets.

Jesse Ed Davis' "Tomorrow Might Not Be Your Day: The Unissued Atco Recordings 1970-71" follows the fascinating documentary "Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World" (which I viewed on PBS-TV) and the biography, Washita Love Child: The Life and Times of Jesse Ed Davis. It also arrives in conjunction with an ongoing Davis exhibition at the Bob Dylan Museum in Tulsa, OK.

The esteemed Native American guitarist recorded and/or performed with Bob Dylan, John Lennon ("Walls and Bridges," "Rock 'n' Roll"), Ringo Starr ("Goodnight Vienna"), George Harrison ("The Concert for Bangladesh"), Leonard Cohen, Jackson Browne (“Doctor My Eyes”), Conway Twitty, Taj Mahal, and many others. 

Atco released Davis' Debut album "Jesse Davis" in 1971 featuring Leon Russell, Eric Clapton, Gram Parsons and Alan White (of Yes). A year later, Atco put out "Ululu," with Duck Dunn, Jim Keltner, and Dr. John, and a version of George Harrison's “Sue Me, Sue You Blues.”

The remastered "Tomorrow Might Not Be Your Day" includes unreleased songs (“Slinky Jam”), covers (“Kansas City,” “Tracks of My Tears”), instrumentals (Dylan's “Love Minus Zero/No Limit”), alternate versions of Davis' “Washita Love Child.” The package has rare photos too.

Jackie DeShannon's "Love Forever—Demo Recordings: 1966-1968" is a collection of demos from when she signed to first label Liberty Records and its song publishing arm, Metric Music. This new CD release features 16 of these demos selected by the Grammy winning pop, rock and country singer/songwriter. Ten have never appeared anywhere.

The Kentucky native wrote alone as well as in collaboration with Randy Newman, Jack Nitzsche, Jimmy Page and others. DeShannon is known for hit singles such as “What the World Needs Now Is Love” and “Put a Little Love in Your Heart.” The liner notes by Richie Unterberger are drawn from an interview with the singer and has photos from her private collection.

The Bottle Rockets' "The Brooklyn Side" is a 2LP expanded, all-analog version of the 1994 alt-country album featuring bonus tracks, demos, outtakes and more. It is being released in collaboration with the band. The black vinyl pressing Include 6 bonus tracks, such as a radio performance.

All-star 2007 live tribute to Traffic's Jim Capaldi to get deluxe reissue next month

The Jim Capaldi Estate and Esoteric Recordings will release a newly remastered 2CD/Blu-ray edition of "Dear Mr Fantasy – A Celebration for Jim Capaldi," on April 25. It was recorded and filmed during a concert honoring the life and music of the Traffic co-founder and solo artist.

Held at London's Roundhouse in January 2007, an all-star lineup assembled to perform their favorite Traffic and Jim Capaldi songs. It featured Steve Winwood, Paul Weller, Yusuf / Cat Stevens, Pete Townshend, Joe Walsh, Gary Moore, Bill Wyman, and more. 

This collection (originally released in 2007) presents the full concert across two CDs and, for the first time, a multi-region high-resolution Blu-ray video of the concert film (with 96kHz audio and surround sound mix), all housed in a clamshell box. The set also includes an illustrated booklet, offering a replica of the program and new insights into the event and the artists who took part.

Capaldi was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

Track listing:

DISC ONE

1 PAUL WELLER - Paper Sun
2 STEVIE LANGE - Lost Inside Your Love
3 JOE WALSH, BILL WYMAN & JON LORD - Living On the Outside
4 DENNIS LOCORRIERE - Elixir of Life
5 SIMON KIRKE - Whale Meat Again
6 THE STORYS - Love’s Got a Hold On Me
7 JOE WALSH - Forty Thousand Headmen
8 YUSUF ISLAM - Man With No Country
9 STEVE WINWOOD - Light Up or Leave Me Alone
10 STEVE WINWOOD - Dear Mr. Fantasy

DISC TWO

1 GARY MOORE - Evil Love
2 PAUL WELLER - Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush
3 STEVIE LANGE & JON LORD - Let Me Make Something in Your Life
4 PHIL CAPALDI, JON LORD & BILL WYMAN - Gifts of Unknown Things
5 MARGO BUCHANAN - Love You ‘Til the Day I Die
6 PETE TOWNSHEND - No Face, No Name, No Number
7 JOE WALSH - John Barleycorn Must Die
8 PAUL WELLER - Pearly Queen
9 DENNIS LOCORRIERE, MARGO BUCHANAN & STEVIE LANGE - Rock & Roll Stew
10 STEVE WINWOOD, JOE WALSH, MARK RIVERA, GARY MOORE, JON LORD, THE STORYS & BILL WYMAN - Love Will Keep Us Alive

DISC THREE

1 BOB HARRIS - Introduction
2 PAUL WELLER - Paper Sun
3 STEVIE LANGE - Lost Inside Your Love
4 JOE WALSH, BILL WYMAN & JON LORD - Living On the Outside
5 DENNIS LOCORRIERE - Elixir of Life
6 SIMON KIRKE - Whale Meat Again
7 THE STORYS - Love’s Got a Hold On Me
8 JOE WALSH - Forty Thousand Headmen
9 YUSUF ISLAM - Man With No Country
10 STEVE WINWOOD - Light Up or Leave Me Alone
11 STEVE WINWOOD - Dear Mr. Fantasy
12 GARY MOORE - Evil Love
13 PAUL WELLER - Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush
14 STEVIE LANGE & JON LORD - Let Me Make Something in Your Life
15 PHIL CAPALDI, JON LORD & BILL WYMAN - Gifts of Unknown Things
16 MARGO BUCHANAN - Love You ‘Til the Day I Die
17 PETE TOWNSHEND - No Face, No Name, No Number
18 JOE WALSH - John Barleycorn Must Die
19 PAUL WELLER - Pearly Queen
20 DENNIS LOCORRIERE, MARGO BUCHANAN & STEVIE LANGE - Rock & Roll Stew
21 STEVE WINWOOD, JOE WALSH, MARK RIVERA, GARY MOORE, JON LORD, THE STORYS & BILL WYMAN - Love Will Keep Us Alive

22 BONUS MATERIAL - Back Stage Footage

Rilo Kiley news: Greatest Hits album coming, added tour dates

Rilo Kiley will put out their first greatest hits album. The band-curated career-spanning collection, That’s How We Choose To Remember It, will be released via Saddle Creek on May 9. Pre-orders are available now: https://rilokiley.lnk.to/THWCTRI

“For some people, Rilo Kiley evokes a formative, emotional time in life, when you were maybe grasping for your place in the universe. We were too,” says Blake Sennett.

Rilo Kiley also announced more reunion tour dates. See below for routing. 

“Planning this reunion over these past months has been like reconnecting with family. We haven’t missed a beat,” says Pierre de Reeder. “The stakes are only to have a good time, to revel in this nostalgia. Getting to revisit and celebrate the music from that special time of our lives while experiencing it alongside a lot of people that lived it with us back when, and new folks alike.”

“It couldn't have happened any sooner,” says Jenny Lewis. “It feels like now is the time to share that joy and love with each other and with everyone else.”

Rilo Kiley is Jenny Lewis, Blake Sennett, Pierre de Reeder and Jason Boesel.

Track listing:

Silver Lining
Portions For Foxes
With Arms Outstretched
Dreamworld
A Better Son/Daughter
The Execution of All Things
The Moneymaker
I Never
Wires and Waves
The Frug
Does He Love You?

Tour Dates: 

5/05/25 – San Luis Obispo, CA – Fremont Theatre

5/07/25 – Ojai, CA – Libbey Bowl
5/10/25 – Pasadena, CA – Just Like Heaven
5/12/25 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
5/14/25 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre * w/ Julien Baker & TORRES
5/16/25 – Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Block Party
5/17/25 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Fest
5/19/25 – Jackson, WY – Center for the Arts
5/21/25 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
5/23/25 – Portland, OR – McMenamins Grand Lodge
5/24/25 – Seattle, WA – Chateau Ste. Michelle
9/03/25 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall
9/04/25 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia
9/07/25 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
9/08/25 – New York, NY – SummerStage @ Central Park
9/10/25 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
9/11/25 – Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian Theatre
9/13/25 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond
9/16/25 – Saint Paul, MN – Palace Theatre
9/17/25 – La Vista, NE – The Astro
9/21/25 – St. Augustine, FL - Sing Out Loud Festival
9/23/25 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle
9/24/25 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater* w/ special guest The Mountain Goats
9/26/25 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern

A Tribute to Bad Company album slated with The Struts as the first single, slated for Fall 2025

As someone who interviewed Paul Rodgers and The Struts in recent years, I'm very interested in this project...

2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee BAD COMPANY will be celebrated with a tribute album to be released this fall via Primary Wave Music.

CAN’T GET ENOUGH: A TRIBUTE TO BAD COMPANY brings together artists across rock, country and Americana to create new interpretations of Bad Company's classic hits, including “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Run with the Pack,” “Shooting Star” and “Bad Company.”

The album will also feature special appearances by original members, Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke, and a cover of Free’s “All Right Now,” written by Rodgers and Andy Fraser, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

“As songwriters, Mick and I are intrigued to hear how these talented and varied musicians will perform our songs. From what we have heard thus far the creative energy is definitely flowing and there is plenty of heart and soul energy being injected into the songs, we salute and thank them all.” - Paul Rodgers and Mick Ralphs of Bad Company.

The Struts will kick things off with their rendition of the classic “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy” with a limited-edition 7” colored vinyl exclusive for Record Store Day, available April 12, 2025. Click HERE for participating locations.

“We are so thrilled for the British music legends, Bad Company to finally be getting their well-earned nomination to the Rock Hall,” says Luke Spiller, lead vocalist of The Struts. “It’s been a real pleasure to pay homage to them with our cover of “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy” and I hope they enjoy it as much as we loved recording it.”

Side A: “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy”
Side B: “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy” (instrumental)
Recorded and Mixed by Bob Clearmountain

For updates and further info visit: BadCompany.com

David Lowery of Cracker/Camper Van Beethoven readies new solo album for May

David Lowery, chief singer-songwriter and frontman for Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven who grew up in Redlands, will release his 28-song solo album, "Fathers, Sons and Brothers," on May 30 through Cooking Vinyl. 

It combines three of Lowery's previously online-only released solo albums "In the Shadow of the Bull," "Leaving Key Member Clause," and "Vending Machine," and also includes four new previously unreleased songs, as well as four newly re-recorded tracks. 

Physical formats are 3LP limited edition vinyl gatefold and 2CD. New lead single "I Wrote A Song Called Take The Skinheads Bowling" is out now.

Personal notes on the album from Lowery:

"Over the years, many have encouraged me to write an autobiography. However, it never really appealed to me. Partly because it seemed like I would have to learn an entirely new skill set, but mostly because there is a standard arc to all successful “rock” autobiographies: a tough childhood, a deep passion for music, many obstacles to overcome, relentless striving, and finally, against all odds, success. And that’s not my story."

"While I have a deep passion for music, I never really struggled. I grew up in a two-parent home. My parents stayed together their whole lives. We didn’t have much, but we never wanted for anything. My father was a career military man but was a sweet and gentle soul. My parents always supported my musical career. The first album I recorded was immediately played on the BBC and later MTV. Within 18 months of releasing the first Camper Van Beethoven album, we were playing arenas with REM. The first song Cracker recorded was immediately in heavy rotation on MTV. And so on. Honestly, I feel like I’ve lived a charmed life."

"So, in lieu of an uninteresting written autobiography I’ve made this record. I do this not so much to tell my own story but to pay tribute to my mother, father, sisters, extended family, friends, and those who have shared their lives with me. I wanted to sing the songs of the unsung, celebrate friends and family, make amends, and apologize where necessary. It took me nearly 5 years to make this recording and I’m a little sad the process is over. Although much of this I recorded alone during the pandemic I had an amazing set of virtual collaborators spread across 5 time zones and three continents. I couldn’t have done it without them. Thank you, Jim, Leith, Mark, Bryan, Lisa, Jeremy, Luke, Carlton, Thayer, Megan, Pistol, Velena and Bob. Also, thanks to Drew Vandenberg and Jason Nesmith for piecing this all together and making it sound good."

Track List:

01-Frozen Sea (new recording)

02-Plaza De Toros
03-Super Bloom
04-Disneyland Jail
05-How Does Your Sister Roller Skate? (previously unreleased)
06-Mom I'm Living the Life
07-I Wrote a Song Called Take the Skinheads Bowling (previously unreleased)
08-Mexican Chickens (new recording)
09-Europass
10-We Hate You
11-Everybody Get a F*cking Day Job
12-Battle of Leros (previously unreleased)
13-Leaving Key Member Clause
14-Piney Woods
15-Let it Roll Down that Hill
16-Pretty Girl From Oregon Hill
17-It Don't Last Long
18-Fat Little Babies
19-Mark Loved Dogs and Babies
20-Sunrise in the Land of Milk and Honey
21-Vending Machine
22-Fathers, Sons and Brothers [featuring The Bellrays] (new recording)
23-Yonder Distant Shore
24-Darken Your Door [Richmond version]
25-Giving Tree Father
26-Art Basel
27-Every Time I Try to Get Out
28-Beautiful [Georgia Version] (previously unreleased)

Cracker Tour Dates:

Now through 3/8 - Cracker CAMP-IN #11 @ 40 Watt Club, Athens, GA (w/ Ike Reilly, The Hackensaw Boys, Jim Dalton, Abe Partridge & others)

3/13 - MadLife Stage & Studios, Woodstock, GA

3/14 - MadLife Stage & Studios, Woodstock, GA

6/7 - Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO (with Big Head Todd and Cheap Trick)

Camper Van Beethoven - Telephone Free Landslide Victory 40th Anniversary Dates:

4/26-27 The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA (SOLD OUT)

Additional David Lowery solo shows to be announced soon.

The Minus 5 Joined by Members of The Bangles, R.E.M., Drive-By Truckers on May Album; Tour Dates Include Pioneertown

Acclaimed indie rock collective The Minus 5, spearheaded by Scott McCaughey (R.E.M.), return with Oar On, Penelope! out May 30 via Yep Roc Records. The album's first single, "Words & Birds," is accompanied by an animated video.

Of the song, Scott McCaughey offers: “‘It’s all too beautiful, man!’ If not original, that sentiment seems important to me, to this record, to my world. This came together after a few passes in the studio, and it sounds like we played it forever. That’s what can happen when you play music with good pals. Didn’t need to add anything except Debbi shouting along: ‘Those impossible wings / Messenger that bring / Inexplicable songs / Purple twilight and dawn...”’ (By the way, in a radical move — for those who know me — I purposefully decided to NOT put tambourine on every song. Luckily, Ed [Stasium] didn’t care and threw it on wherever it begged).”

Produced by Scott McCaughey and mixed by legendary engineer Ed Stasium (Smithereens, The Replacements, Ramones, Talking Heads), Oar On, Penelope! is The Minus 5’s first album of all-original material in five years and features Peter Buck (R.E.M.), Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers), Debbi Peterson (The Bangles), Kurt Bloch (The Fastbacks), Linda Pitmon (Baseball Project, Filthy Friends), and Spencer Tweedy.

Throughout the 12-song collection, McCaughey delves into power pop, garage rock, Americana, psychedelia and more. 

“The songs feel immediate, relatively unadorned, and somewhat more positive in an indescribable way,” says McCaughey. “The words could be termed stream-of-consciousness, which is nothing new from this sector, but there seems to be a ray of light fighting its way through the usual twisted tales.”

Over a four decade career, McCaughey has been a member of many bands, including R.E.M., Young Fresh Fellows, Baseball Project, and Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3. The Minus 5 has remained one of his most enduring projects.

Suffering a near-fatal stroke in 2017, it was under the The Minus 5 name that McCaughey put out the recordings of Stroke Manor, featuring the original songs that detail his recovery through music therapy.

Formed in 1993 by McCaughey, The Minus 5 has been known for an ever-changing lineup that has seen Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, The Decemberists, Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie, M. Ward, Chuck Prophet, Michael McCready of Pearl Jam, Alejandro Escovedo and others perform on the albums. 

Tour Dates:

May 9 -13 – Little Steven’s Underground Garage Cruise – Miami, FL
June 1 – Pappy & Harriet’s – Pioneertown, CA
June 3 – Zebulon – Los Angeles, CA
June 4 – The Chapel – San Francisco, CA
June 6 – Mississippi Studios – Portland, OR
June 7 – Tractor Tavern – Seattle, WA

Track listing:

1. Words & Birds
2. Death the Bludgeoner
3. Let the Rope Hold, Cassie Lee
4. I Don’t Want to Hate Anyone
5. The Garden of Arden
6. Last Hotel
7. Bison Queen
8. Falling Like Jets
9. Burgundy Suit
10. Blow in My Bag
11. Sharktooth
12. What Shall Not Be Released  

Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks Live album due in March

Following the release of their debut album True last summer, Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks have announced the new CD/DVD package Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks Live: Perpetual Change,” out March 14.

The band recorded and filmed the entire show at the Aracada Theater in St. Charles, Illinois on their August 2023 summer tour. The concert will be available as a two CD/DVD package as well as a triple vinyl package.

Both are available for preorder here:

https://ffm.to/jonandersonperpetualchange

A new video of the YES classic “And You And I” taken from the DVD just premiered. Watch here: https://youtu.be/nTGt2rr0o74

True is a nine track album produced by Jon and Richie Castellano. The release's centerpieces are two epic tracks, the 16 1/2-minute “Once Upon a Dream” and the nearly 10-minute “Counties and Countries”. See the video for “Counties and Countries” here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yNutgZWo5g

Track listing for the live album:

Yours Is No Disgrace
Perpetual Change
Close To The Edge
Heart Of The Sunrise
Starship Trooper
Awaken
And You And I
Your Move/ I’ve Seen All Good People
Gates Of Delirium
Roundabout

Tour dates: 

April 1 Tucson AZ –The Rialto Theater
April 3- Anaheim CA-The Grove of Anaheim
April 5-Las Vegas NV-The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
April 8-Oakland CA-Fox Theater
April 11-Sacramento CA- SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center
April 14-Seattle WA- Moore Theater
April 19-Rockford IL-Coronado Pac
April 23-Milwaukee WI-Pabst Theater
April 25-Des Plaines IL-Des Plaines Theater
April 27-St.Charles IL-The Arcada Theater
April 30-North Tonawanda NY-Riviera Theater
May 2-Cleveland OH-The Agora
May 4-Lancaster PA-American Music Theater
May 7-Wilmington DE-The Grand Opera House
May 10-Ridgefield CT –The Ridgefield Playhouse
May 12-Ridgefield CT-The Ridgefield Playhouse
May 16-Westbury NY-Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair
May 18-Carteret NJ- Carteret Performing Arts Center

Spacehog and EMF join forces for tour of Southwestern U.S.

EMF courtesy Reybee PR

I'm very excited about the news of this tour. I interviewed EMF for their first album...

Coming this summer, two platinum-selling artists will join forces for a co-headline tour – Forest of Dean, UK band EMF and Leeds-by-way-of-NYC's Spacehog. The tour kicks off in June and focuses their routing around the West Coast, including dates in San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, and Los Angeles before wrapping up in Las Vegas, both bands are excited to be combining forces for a perfectly inspired lineup.

"We’re so looking forward to getting back on the road, reconnecting with everyone, and sharing these moments together again," says Spacehog vocalist/bassist Royston Langdon. "To be out there with EMF makes it all the more special — we can’t wait to see all your faces and feel that energy once more.” Adds drummer Jonny Cragg, “I am personally very excited at the prospect of playing with EMF who were such a big part of my youth in Leeds - both playing in bands and going to the clubs. Sometimes it's just about waiting for the perfect wave and riding it to the shore."

Echoes EMF’s vocalist James Atkin, “The fact Spacehog is joining us on this double headline jaunt is just the icing on the cake for EMF."

A decade since their last show in San Francisco and 30 years since the release of their breakthrough debut Resident Alien, Spacehog took a break from the music realm to focus on life for a spell. A pivotal placement of their massive single “In the Meantime,” however, awoke the itch to get back on the road.

“We were all busy doing our big boy jobs in 2023 when ‘In The Meantime’ found a whole new audience in the soundtrack of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy 3,” says Cragg. “The attention got us talking to one another again and resulted in a very kind invitation to rehearse at the legendary Record Plant in Sausalito, CA. Being in a place where so many amazing records were made was magical, and playing together helped us recapture the alchemy that happens when we make music.”

EMF returned to the U.S. in 2024 for three shows - Milwaukee’s Summerfest, Detroit, and Brooklyn - their first Stateside performances since 1992. Fifth album, the critically acclaimed The Beauty and the Chaos, was released in January 2024.  

“Having had a small taste of being back in the USA last year in Milwaukee, Detroit and NYC, we are thrilled to get a West Coast tour in the diary for June 2025. We can’t wait to see you all again,” replied Atkin.

ABOUT SPACEHOG:

Spacehog were formed by natives of Leeds, England in the spring of 1994 in New York City. Guitarist Antony Langdon met drummer Jonny Cragg at a café in the East Village, where Cragg worked killing rats in the basement. The pair agreed to make music and Langdon persuaded his younger brother Royston to move to the States to sing and play bass. The current lineup was finally completed by Craggs' friend Richard Steel who moved to New York to fill out an all Yorkshire lineup.

The band quickly generated a following and record company interest with their epic live shows and sharp, irreverent and mesmerizing song craft. They signed with Sire Records in the Spring of 1995. Spacehog, with producer Bryce Goggin recorded their platinum debut at Bearsville Studios later that year, scoring a mega-hit single with "In The Meantime" in early 1996. The band's follow up, The Chinese Album, was released in 1998, taking a more thoughtful and conceptual approach, it consolidated their appeal In Europe and South America, and tours with Red Hot Chili Peppers, Aerosmith and Sex Pistols.

The advent of the new millennium saw more touring with REM and Oasis and a third album The Hogyssey, recorded at Ardent Studios in Memphis with producer Paul Ebersold Spacehog were largely inactive from 2001 until July 2006 when they reformed to play Craggs' birthday party. The party served as a catalyst for recording their fourth studio LP As It Is on Earth ,again with Goggin and released in 2013.

In 2024 the band contributed to the GRAMMY®-nominated soundtrack to Guardians Of The Galaxy 3. And now after this long ride the band has decided to saddle up once again.

Spacehog "In the Meantime": https://youtu.be/PCsGRCf8T9Y?si=veZdAhnvj3lxgl9O

ABOUT EMF:

Exploding on the U.K. scene in November 1990 with their debut album Schubert Dip, EMF made quite an entrance with their inescapable and irresistibly catchy single “Unbelievable,” which conquered the charts on both sides of the Atlantic, hitting #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 in the UK. The single was certified gold in May 1991 in the U.S., and it sold over 500k. The song was in such heavy rotation for most of the year in America that it finished as the #6 single overall. Schubert Dip was certified platinum in the U.S. by September of that year, selling over one million.

Their latest album, The Beauty And The Chaos, saw the return of the late Ralph Jezzard (Chapterhouse, Fatima Mansions, Senseless Things) in the producer’s chair (he produced their first two full-length albums, Schubert Dip and Stigma). Said the band of working with Jezzard again, “We produced another set of classic songs about our lives and the world in 2023 inspired by our favorite past, present, and future sounds. We mixed James Atkin’s techno synths and Ian Dench’s punk guitar, heated it to 200 degrees with Stevey Marsh and Aid Todd’s groovy rock rhythms, iced it with Derry Brownson’s maniacal sampling and popped it in a box of Ralph Jezzard’s sonic excellence. Unwrap and enjoy!” The album’s first single, “Hello People,” reestablished the band’s stronghold on the mainstream, with My Global Mind commenting, “I, for one, am overjoyed. Bouncing around the room like it’s 1991-92 all over again and feeling great for it.”

EMF "Hello People": https://youtu.be/GVlMG585qNc?si=KyNGfkzWVKoQO1U-

Tour Dates:

Jun 14 San Jose CA The Ritz (tickets)
Jun 15 San Francisco CA Great American Music Hall (tickets)
Jun 17 Portland OR Star Theater (tickets)
Jun 18 Seattle WA The Neptune (tickets)
Jun 20 Salt Lake City UT Metro Music Hall (tickets)
Jun 21 Denver CO Oriental Theater (tickets)
Jun 23 Phoenix AZ Crescent Ballroom (tickets)
Jun 24 San Diego CA Music Box (tickets)
Jun 26 Santa Ana CA The Observatory (tickets)
Jun 27 Los Angeles CA The Regent (tickets)
Jun 28 Las Vegas NV House of Blues (tickets)

LA County Fair in Pomona, Calif. - 2025 Concert Series details

The 2025 LA County Fair Concert Series is on sale now at ticketmaster.com. Concert tickets include Fair admission. The fair runs May 2-26.

Here is the lineup:

Friday, May 2: WAR
Saturday, May 3: Shaggy and Common Kings
Sunday, May 4: Los Angeles Azules
Friday, May 9: The O’Jays, Tower of Power
Saturday, May 10: Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Alicia Villareal
Sunday, May 11: Chris Young
Friday, May 16: Zapp, Midnight Star
Saturday, May 17: DRU HILL, Mýa
Sunday, May 18: Los Tucanes de Tijuana
Friday, May 23: Cheap Trick, opening act TBA
Saturday, May 24: TBA
Sunday, May 25: Los Huracanes del Norte

Due to maintenance of the Grandstand, the LA County Fair Concert Series will move to a new field venue for 2025.

Daily Fair admission tickets are on sale now, as are season passes. Buy online at lacountyfair.com.

The 103rd anniversary LA County Fair is set to ignite the creative spirit of visitors in 2025 with its theme, “Art Unleashed.” From home arts to culinary masterpieces, visual wonders to captivating performances, the Fair promises an unforgettable celebration of artistic expression.

For information about the Fair, visit lacountyfair.com.

Billy Idol sets nationwide tour with Joan Jett and long-awaited new album in April

Exciting news! I interviewed Billy for his Kings & Queens of the Underground album and have reviewed him many times in concert, including Cruel World Festival '23 (see elsewhere on this blog)...

Billy Idol has unveiled details of his first full-length album of new music in over a decade.

Dream Into It is out April 25 on Dark Horse Records, featuring appearances by Avril Lavigne, Joan Jett and Alison Mosshart of The Kills. See below for a complete track list and album art, and pre-order the record HERE.

The new single “Still Dancing” just debuted alongside a video directed by Steven Sebring; stream/share the video and new track HERE.

“‘Still Dancing’ is really a reflection of my whole journey,” explains Idol, in a press release. “From the punk rock period through to now. And I’m still looking towards the future, still living the life I set out to live.

At the start of the song, I’m recalling the early times in London, when I was living in squats or at friends’ apartments, all my belongings in a plastic bag. Everybody at home or work told you what you were doing was never going to happen. But punk rock gave me an opening. I was surrounded by people who loved the music as deeply as I did and you were going to throw caution to the wind, believe in what you were doing and grab on for dear life.

“As the song says, there have been many moments along the way where I’ve been self destructive. But what’s seen me through is that unflinching belief in the music that started all those years ago. That’s been the greatest gift of all.”

Idol was recently nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2025. Fan voting is open through April 21 HERE, with inductees to be announced at the end of April.

Additionally, Idol is returning to the road for It’s a Nice Day To…Tour Again! Joan Jett & the Blackhearts will join Idol on all shows. Tickets are available at billyidol.net/tour, see below for a complete list of dates. Five dollars from every ticket sold to the Los Angeles show at Kia Forum will be donated to the American Red Cross to support Southern California Wildfire Relief. Billly Idol will also personally match this donation.

Last year, Idol celebrated the 40th Anniversary of his landmark sophomore album Rebel Yell with a Deluxe Expanded Edition out now via Capitol/UMe. Idol also recently released the concert film Billy Idol: State Line, a Vertigo Live concert film documenting his April 2023 show at the famed Hoover Dam—the first-ever concert performed at the location. The film highlights the history and significance of the Hoover Dam and includes two unique sets of Billy Idol’s iconic hits: a full band concert at sunset with special guests that electrified and illuminated the surrounding Black Canyon, and an acoustic duo set on the roof of the powerhouse at the foot of Hoover Dam straddling the Colorado River, directly on the Nevada/Arizona state line.

Track listing:

1. Dream Into It
2. 77 (featuring Avril Lavigne)
3. Too Much Fun
4. John Wayne (featuring Alison Mosshart)
5. Wildside (featuring Joan Jett)
6. People I Love
7. Gimme The Weight
8. I’m Your Hero
9. Still Dancing

Tour Dates: 

April 30—Phoenix, AZ—Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre*
May 3—Houston, TX—Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman*
May 4—Austin, TX—Moody Center*
May 7—Fort Worth, TX—Dickies Arena*
May 9—Alpharetta, GA—Ameris Bank Amphitheatre*
May 10—Tampa, FL—MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre*
May 13—Sunrise, FL—Amerant Bank Arena*
May 16—Charlotte, NC—PNC Music Pavilion*
May 17—Nashville, TN—Bridgestone Arena*
May 20—Tinley Park, IL—Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre*
May 21—Cincinnati, OH—Riverbend Music Center*
May 23—Toronto, ON—Budweiser Stage*
June 18—Northeim, DE—Waldbuhne
June 20—Copenhagen, DK—Copenhell
June 22—Milton Keynes, UK—Forever Now Festival
June 24—London, UK—Wembly Arena†
June 27—Munich, DE—Koenigsplatz
June 29—Bonn, DE—Kunstrasen
July 2—Wiesbaden, DE—Brita-Arena
Julu 4—Klam, AT—Clam Rock
July 5—Eisenstadt, AT—Lovely Days
July 8—Budapest, HU—Budapest Park
July 9—Belgrade, RS—Kalemegdan Park
August 16—Philadelphia, PA—TD Pavilion at The Mann*
August 17—Saratoga Springs, NY—Broadview Stage at SPAC*
August 20—New York, NY—Madison Square Garden Arena*
August 22—Columbia, MD—Merriweather Post Pavilion*
August 23—Mansfield, MA—Xfinity Center*
August 26—Bangor, ME—Maine Savings Amphitheatre*
August 28—Clarkston, MI—Pine Knob Music Theatre*
August 30—Noblesville, IN—Ruoff Music Center*
August 31—Milwaukee, WI—American Family Insurance Amphitheatre*
September 3—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
September 5—Salt Lake City, UT—Utah First Credit Union Amphithatre*
September 12—Palm Springs, CA—Acrisure Arena*
September 14—Berkeley, CA—Greek Theater*‡
September 17—Wheatland, CA—Toyota Amphitheatre*
September 19—Ridgefield, WA—Cascades Amphitheater*
September 20—Seattle, WA—Climate Pledge Arena*
September 23—Chula Vista, CA—North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre*
September 25—Los Angeles, CA—The Kia Forum*

* with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
† with New Model Army
‡ Non-Live Nation Date

BILLYIDOL.NET

Alt-rock mainstay Garbage to return with new album in May

Garbage will release new album Let All That We Imagine Be The Light, the alt-rock band's  eighth studio album, on May 30. It was co-produced by the band, Pre-order/presave HERE

Speaking about Garbage’s new album, singer Shirley Manson says in a statement:

"Going into making this record, I was determined to find a more hopeful, uplifting world to immerse myself in. The title of the album, Let All That We Imagine Be The Light is the perfect descriptor for this new record as a whole. When things feel dark it feels imperative to seek out forces that are light, positive and beautiful in the world. It almost feels like a matter of life and death. A strategy for survival."

She also stated, “Our last album was extremely forthright. Born out of frustration and outrage – it had a kind of scorched earth, pissed off quality to it. With this new record however, I felt a compulsion to reach for a different kind of energy. A more constructive one. I had this vision of us coming up out of the underground with searchlights as we moved towards the future. Searching for life, searching for love, searching for all the good things in the world that seem so thin on the ground right now. That was the over-riding idea during the making of this record for me - that when things feel dark, its best to try to seek out that which is light, that which feels loving and good. When I was young, I tended towards the destruction of things. Now that I’m older I believe it’s vitally important to build and to create things instead. I still entertain very old romantic ideals about community, society and the world. I don’t want to walk through the world creating havoc, damaging the land and people. I want to do good. I want to do no harm.” 

The Wisconsin-bred band is best known for such alt-rock radio hits as "Stupid Girl," "#1 Crush," "Push It,"  "I Think I'm Paranoid" and "Special" during the 1990s.

Garbage's Butch Vig says; “We used a lot of analogue synths and sound design on the album, as they seemed to fit the dystopian vibes we were all experiencing. We started recording the album with a clean slate, although given what’s happening in the US and the rest of the world, it’s inevitable that the madness starts to infiltrate the songs. But we definitely wanted the record to have some hope, some light, to convey the feeling that people have the power."

Speaking about the album’s opening track There’s No Future In Optimism, Manson continues: “I really wanted that song to open the album. It starts out with an anthemic call to arms, a clarion call. It’s pretty much a rallying cry to all likeminded people. If you are interested in meeting this world with love, if you are willing to invest in tenderness and not violence or hate, then we are with you. You should come with us.

I have to believe that music and art can still impact culture. I know it still impacts me - that mysterious power which no government on earth can co-opt or buy. Great music exists entirely within its own microcosm in a way - without any interference or corruptive influences. That’s what always makes it so pure and precious. Even though all the pointers in our society say otherwise, I do feel music still has the power to shift atoms, shift thinking and shift positions.”

Discussing the record’s final track, The Day That I Met God, the singer adds: “This is the opus on the record and explores the grand theme of great love, something I haven’t written about very much before now. The idea came to me when I was recovering from major surgery and I felt so raw, vulnerable and scared. I was on the treadmill for the first time following an operation when I suddenly felt this powerful sensation of healing love around me - it was a moment that uplifted me. It took me out from what had felt like hell. The vocal you hear is the writing demo, the first take. Just me sitting on the edge of my bed, in recovery, singing into a handheld microphone. I was feeling so vulnerable and I think that’s what lends the song added poignancy. It’s really a song about mortality but it’s also an expression of gratitude. Gratitude for getting older, gratitude for the longevity of our band, for good health, for the great mystery and for the ongoing, creative adventure of life”.

Garbage consists of all four original band members, Shirley Manson, Duke Erikson, Steve Marker and Butch Vig. Over the 30 years since their inception in 1995, they have sold over 20 million albums. 

Track listing:

There’s No Future In Optimism
Chinese Fire Horse
Hold
Have We Met (The Void)
Sisyphus
Radical
Love To Give
Get Out My Face AKA Bad Kitty
R U Happy Now
The Day That I Met God