Music News

Kansas have announced that violinist/guitarist Joe Deninzon is joining the band to succeed the departing David Ragsdale.

Deninzon has been hailed by critics as "The Jimi Hendrix of the Violin," because of his innovative style on the "Viper" seven-string electric violin. He is the lead singer and violinist for the progressive rock band Stratospheerius and can be heard on over a hundred albums and jingles as a violinist and string arranger.

Deninzon has performed and/or recorded with a number of big bands and artists, and as a soloist with Jazz at Lincoln Center and the New York City Ballet. A BMI Composer's Grant recipient and winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, he has written solo works for violinist Rachel Barton Pine, and in 2015, premiered his Electric Violin Concerto with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra.

Kansas drummer Phil Ehart said the band is extremely excited for Deninzon to be the newest member.

"We believe KANSAS fans will enjoy what Joe will bring to the band. We are excited to kick off the Kansas 50th Anniversary Tour. As the paragraph in the band's first album said, 'KANSAS IS A BAND' and we remain so to this day," he added.

"As a lifelong fan of Kansas, I am overwhelmed and humbled to have been invited to join this legendary band! I have the deepest respect for Robby and David and will do my best to honor and build on their musical legacy," said Deninzon.

Deninzon will make his debut for Kansas at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on June 2, when the band kicks off their 50th Anniversary Tour - Another Fork in the Road.

(Photo: Kansas)

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American Laundromat Records has announced that the third installment from Juliana Hatfield's covers series, Juliana Hatfield Sings ELO, will be released on November 17.

Hatfield recently shard "Don't Bring Me Down," the first single from her upcoming ELO covers album.

"ELO's 'Don't Bring Me Down' is such a solid construction that trying to rework it initially felt like taking a sledgehammer to concrete," Hatfield said of the Herculean task of reworking a beloved classic to make it her own.

She added, "I didn't worry about matching all the original's exact sounds and parts, and we even dared a few cymbal crashes. This is not a radical reinvention but it is a little more bubbly."

The covers series aims "to go deep into covering artists that were important to me in my formative years," with each album and its celebrated artist thoughtfully chosen and curated.

Juliana Hatfield Sings Olivia Newton-John (2018) and Juliana Hatfield Sings The Police (2019) were the first two albums from her covers series.

Juliana Hatfield Sings ELO is available for pre-order on CD, cassette, LP (4 color options), and a limited edition 7-inch featuring 2 non-album tracks at https://www.alr-music.com/products/jhselo

(Photo: David Doobinin)

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Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon recently revealed that he has lost most of the hearing in his left ear.

In an interview with The Times, Simon revealed that the issue came up "quite suddenly."

"Quite suddenly I lost most of the hearing in my left ear, and nobody has an explanation for it," Simon, who retired from touring in 2018, explained. "So everything became more difficult. My reaction to that was frustration and annoyance; not quite anger yet, because I thought it would pass, it would repair itself."

The former half of the folk duo Simon & Garfunkel said he developed hearing loss while recording his latest album, Seven Psalms, which was released May 19.

Simon also admitted that there are some songs in his catalog - including some of his most famous hits - that he prefers not to perform these days.

"The songs of mine that I don't want to sing live, I don't sing them. Sometimes there are songs that I like and then at a certain point in a tour, I'll say, 'What the f--k are you doing, Paul?'" he said. "Quite often that would come during 'You Can Call Me Al.' I'd think, 'What are you doing? You're like a Paul Simon cover band. You should get off the road, go home."

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Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Stevie Nicks has thanked pop superstar Taylor Swift for her Midnights song "You're on Your Own, Kid," which according to the Fleetwood Mac singer helped her grieve the loss of her bandmate and friend Christine McVie.

"Thank you to Taylor Swift for doing a favor for me, and that is, writing a song called 'You're on Your Own, Kid,'" Nicks said on May 22nd during the Atlanta stop of her headlining tour. "That is the sadness of how I feel."

Nicks also shared how close she was with McVie, saying, "Even on the other side of the world, [Christine and I] didn't have to talk on the phone, we really weren't phone buddies. Then we would go back to Fleetwood Mac, and we would walk in and it would be like, 'Little sister, how are you?' It was like never a minute had passed, never an argument in our entire 47 years."

In the conclusion of her speech, Nicks quoted the chorus of "You're on Your Own, Kid," saying, "The two of us were on our own, kids. We always were. And now, I'm having to learn to be on my own, kid, by myself. So, you help me to do that. Thank you."

McVie died on November 30, 2022 from a stroke.

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Diana Ross has announced two "once-in-a-lifetime" London shows on her upcoming "The Music Legacy tour."

In March, the global icon announced a 12-stop North American tour, which will kick off on June 9 in California.

Now, the singer has added two more dates to the tour. On October 14 and 15, Ross will take the stage at London's legendary Royal Albert Hall.

Tickets for the U.K. leg of "The Music Legacy Tour" are on sale now.

The two Royal Albert Hall dates will be the superstar's first U.K. performance since her appearance at Glastonbury last year.

(Photo: Al Watson)

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Goo Goo Dolls and O.A.R. recently shared a new cover version of Tom Petty's song "I Won't Back Down."

The alt rock bands will perform the song during their joint North American summer tour.

Goo Goo Dolls are set to kick off their The Big Night Out Tour on July 24, featuring O.A.R. as special guests on the first leg. Fitz and the Tantrums will provide support on the second leg of the tour in September.

"I'm so excited to finally hit the road this summer with Marc and O.A.R.; it's going to be an amazing night of music and fun." says Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik. "We decided we wanted to give our audience the best night of their summer, and we are so proud to have teamed up not only for the tour, but to record one of our favorite songs together in Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down.'"

"It has been so great working with Johnny and the band on 'I Won't Back Down,' said O.A.R. lead singer Marc Roberge. "Tom Petty's music has been such an inspiration for us and a meaningful part of our musical journey. We're looking forward to playing it out on the road for what will be a very special summer of music."

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Aaliyah, New Edition, Daryl Hall & John Oates and more are set to be inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in September.

Other inductees in the 2023 class include Dusty Springfield, Jermaine Dupri, Peabo Bryson, Thelma Houston, Gerald Alston, Dee Dee Sharp, Dee Dee Warwick, Brook Benton, The Stubbs Girls, Sweet Boogie Productions, King Arthur, Ronnie Nelson, Gwen Foxx, Linda Jones, Ruby Andrews, The Debonaires, G.C. Cameron and Priscilla Price.

Aaliyah was the top vote-getter in the singer's category, while New Edition and Hall & Oates were the top vote-getters in the singing group category.

This will mark the 12th annual induction ceremony hosted by the foundation, which was founded in 2010 by American Basketball Hall of Famer LaMont "ShowBoat" Robinson.

The ceremony is set to be held Sunday, September 24, at the Bridge Center in Detroit.

(Photo: National R&H Hall Of Fame)

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Jimmy Buffett, who was briefly hospitalized to address some issues that required immediate attention, recently took to social media last week to provide an update about his health.

"Thank you for the outpouring of support and well-wishes," Buffett wrote. "I head home tomorrow for a while, and then will go for a fishing trip with old friends, along with paddling and sailing and get(ting) myself back in good shape."

The musician also said that he's eager to perform again, saying, "Once I am in shape, we will look at the whens and wheres of shows. I think playing is as therapeutic for me as it is for fans to listen and sing along."

"Looking forward to announcing a new date for Charleston as well as some new shows! Fins up!" he added.

Buffett, who was in Boston when he was admitted to the hospital, hasn't shared the exact nature of the medical issue that required him to get hospitalized. "Growing old is not for sissies, I promise you," he wrote on Facebook.

(Photo: Ticketmaster)

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Iconic rocker Billy Idol has announced dates for a North American Tour this fall.

The trek kicks off August 27th in Vancouver and runs through September 17th in Washington D.C. The tour will include the singer's classic songs as well as new music. Tickets to the North American Tour are on sale now.

In addition to his North American Tour, Idol is also embarking on the first-ever Generation Sex Tour in the U.K. and Europe. For the Generation Sex Tour, Idol will be accompanied by Tony James of Generation X as well as Steve Jones and Paul Cook of The Sex Pistols.

Billy Idol's 2023 North American Tour Dates:

08/27 - Vancouver, BC @ PNE Amphitheatre08/28 - Spokane, WA @ Spokane Pavilion08/31 - Bonner, MT @ Kettlehouse Amphitheater09/02 - Loveland, CO @ Budweiser Events Center09/03 - Aspen, CO @ Jazz Aspen Snowmass *09/08 - Washington, DC @ The Anthem09/09 - Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall09/12 - Brooklyn, NY @ Kings Theatre09/16 - Camden, NJ @ WMMRBBQ09/17 - Washington, DC @ The Atlantis10/20 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Cosmopolitan10/21 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Cosmopolitan10/25 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Cosmopolitan10/27 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Cosmopolitan10/28 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Cosmopolitan

(Photo: YouTube)

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Tina Turner, hailed as the "Queen of Rock and Roll," has died at the age of 83.

Turner, who rose from humble beginnings and overcame a notoriously abusive marriage to become one of the most successful recording artists of all time, died at her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland, on Wednesday.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner. With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow," her family announced in a statement posted on social media. "Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly."

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer had been suffering from multiple health issues in recent years including cancer, a stroke and kidney failure.

A naturalized Swiss singer, Turner rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue before launching a successful career as a solo performer.

In 1984, Turner made one of the greatest comebacks in music history with her multiplatinum album Private Dancer.

She was the only woman to win Grammy Awards in the pop, rock, and R&B categories. Her iconic hits include "Proud Mary," "The Best" and "What's Love Got to Do with It."

(Photo: Alberto Venzago)

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Legendary rock band KISS have canceled the opening night of their upcoming U.K. tour.

The show at Plymouth Argyle's Home Park Stadium, which was scheduled for June 3, now will not happen due to travel, equipment and logistical complications, KISS and Robomagic, the show's promoter, said in a statement.

Ticket holders can exchange their Plymouth tickets for other U.K. dates on the End Of The Road Tour or request a refund. More information will be available from the point of purchase.

A Home Park Stadium Spokesperson said, "We are really sorry to hear that Kiss can no longer perform at Home Park Stadium this summer."

"We are looking forward to hosting two other major concerts at Home Park this year with Muse next weekend (27 May) and Rod Stewart later in June (24)," they added.

Tickets for Muse have sold out, whilst tickets for Rod Stewart can be purchased at https://premier.ticketek.co.uk/shows/show.aspx?sh=RODSTEW23&v=ASP.

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Original Foreigner singer Lou Gramm is set to embark on the "Lou Gramm All Stars 2023" tour next month.

The 12-date trek will kick off on June 6 in South Bend, Indiana, and will run through November 4 in St. Charles, Illinois.

Gramm's star-studded band features two former Foreigner bandmates - Scott Gilman on sax/rhythm guitar and Jeff Jacobs on keyboards.

"Announcing the Lou Gramm All Stars 2023 tour. Catch me with the All Star line up including incredible talents of Tony Franklin @FretlessMonster, Alex Garcia, Scott Gilman @SGMusician, Jeff Jacobs and Ben Gramm," Gramm tweeted.

He added, "The @lougrammfoundation will be hosting a VIP experience that will elevate your concert night to make it an unforgettable one! Check out the Lou Gramm foundation website for more information."

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The Doobie Brothers' 50th Anniversary Tour will continue without Tom Johnston since the band's lead singer and guitarist is set to undergo surgery due to severe back pain.

As per the advise of his physician, Johnston should not be performing at this time and is looking forward to returning to the road as soon as possible, reads a statement the Doobie Brothers posted on their Facebook page.

The 35-date 50th Anniversary U.S. tour is set to kick off in Hollywood, Florida, on May 25.

Had Johnston been able to join the tour, it would have been the first time in 25 years that the rock band's original members - Johnston, Michael McDonald, Pat Simmons, and John McFee - performed together.

"I hope for a speedy recovery and can't wait to get back on the road and continue doing what I love," Johnston said in a personal note. "I would like to thank Pat, Michael, John, and the entire Doobie Brothers band for covering for me while I recover from back surgery.I'm sure they will bring it every night as they always do."

50th Anniversary U.S. Tour Dates:

May 25 - Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock LiveMay 26 - St. Petersburg, FL @ Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey TheaterMay 28 - Concord, NC @ Charlotte Motor SpeedwayJune 7 - Highland, CA @ Yaamava' TheaterJune 9 - Sparks, NV @ Nugget Event CenterJune 11 - West Valley, UT @ Maverik CenterJune 14 - Kansas City, MO @ Starlight TheatreJune 15 - Springfield, MO @ Great Southern Bank ArenaJune 17 - Sioux City, IA @ Tyson Events CenterJune 18 - Des Moines, IA @ Wells Fargo ArenaJune 20 - Duluth, MN @ AMSOIL ArenaJune 21 - Madison, WI @ Breese Stevens FieldJune 23 - Fort Wayne, IN @ Allen County War Memorial ColiseumJune 24 - Peoria, IL @ Peoria Civic CenterJune 26 - Huber Heights, OH @ Rose Music Center at The HeightsJune 28 - Youngstown, OH @ The Youngstown Foundation AmphitheatreJune 30 - Pikeville, KY @ Appalachian Wireless ArenaJuly 1 - Louisville, KY @ The Palace TheatreJuly 3 - Portsmouth, VA @ Atlantic Union Bank PavilionJuly 6 - Reading, PA @ Santander Performing Arts CenterJuly 8 - New Brunswick, NJ @ State Theatre New JerseyJuly 9 - New Brunswick, NJ @ State Theatre New JerseyJuly 11 - Morristown, NJ @ Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)July 12 - Morristown, NJ @ Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)Aug 18 - Waite Park, MN @ The Ledge AmphitheaterAug 20 - Lincoln, NE @ Pinewood Bowl TheaterAug 23 - Camdenton, MO @ Ozarks AmphitheatreAug 26 - Brandon, MS @ Brandon AmphitheaterAug 28 - Biloxi, MS @ Mississippi Coast ColiseumAug 30 - Huntsville, AL @ The Orion AmphitheaterAug 31 - Franklin, TN @ FirstBank AmphitheaterSept 2 - Macon, GA @ Macon CentreplexSept 3 - Savannah, GA @ Enmarket ArenaSept 6 - Simpsonville, SC @ CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage ParkSept 7 - Greensboro, NC @ White Oak AmphitheatreSept 9 - Charleston, SC @ Credit One StadiumOct 4 - Washington, DC @ MGM National HarborOct 6 - Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun ArenaOct 8 - Atlantic City, NJ @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

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British actor Benedict Cumberbatch has been cast as Pete Seeger in the upcoming Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown.

A Complete Unknown is directed by James Mangold and stars Timothée Chalamet as Dylan.

The news was confirmed by Deadline following a screening of Mangold's latest film, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, at the Cannes Film Festival. Mangold also told the outlet that Elle Fanning is set to star in the film.

Seeger, who died in 2014, had a significant impact on Dylan's musical upbringing, having a profound influence on Dylan from the perspectives of both music and activism.

(Photo: Gage Skidmore)

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Eric Clapton recently shared a previously unreleased performance video of "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" via Warner Records.

Clapton's performance of the Bob Dylan's classic at The Royal Albert Hall in London 1991, features Phil Collins on drums. The song will be part of Clapton's upcoming box set The Definitive 24 Nights, due out on June 23.

The The Definitive 24 Nights box set features six hours of music from Clapton's historic 24-night run at London's Royal Albert Hall in 1991. The set includes 35 never-before-released performances, with Clapton performing with three lineups - a rock band, a blues band or an orchestra conducted by Michael Kamen.

Clapton, who performed at The Royal Albert Hall over 200 times, holds the record for the longest run of concerts at the venue, having performed 24 of his most ambitious shows there in 1991.

Clapton released 24 Nights in October 1991, commemorating his record-setting run at The Royal Albert Hall.

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Graham Nash released a video for the song "A Better Life," a song from Now, last Wednesday (May 17), two days ahead of the arrival of the album.

Now, produced by Nash and keyboardist Todd Caldwell, is his first studio release in seven years.

Directed by acclaimed animator Jeff Scher, the video for "A Better Life" aims "to evoke a mid-century Technicolor cartoon look and a sense of mid-century optimism."

"I believe that my new album Now is the most personal one I have ever made. At this point in my life, that's something to say," Nash said when he announced the alum.

In a recent interview with Variety, he noted: "It is the duty of all artists to reflect the times in which they live, which is why there is MAGA stuff on Now, and songs such as 'Stars and Stripes' that discuss what Trump has done to the truth."

He recalled that when he "first came to America, I'd already learned to write melodies that you could sing back to me if I played it a couple of times. . [Soon] I knew I had to make an effort to write better lyrics for the melodies I was creating. Thank God that I do live in America - a very beautiful country with many faults, and so much more going for it. I know that here that I have the right to speak my mind, even if people don't agree with me."

"Here I am - speaking my mind," he said. "I'm very hopeful that tomorrow is going to be better than today. I am a positive person and am trying to be the best husband, father and friend - and musician. I'll never totally make it, but I'm going to keep doing my best."

(Photo: Amy Grantham)

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Legendary rockers Tesla plan to release their new live album, Full Throttle Live, on May 26.

The record will include the band's latest single "Time To Rock!" plus other songs, all recorded last August at Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, South Dakota. It also features a live version of the 1974 Aerosmith classic "S.O.S. (Too Bad)" as a bonus track.

The LP was recorded, mixed and produced by guitarist Frank Hannon and bassist Brian Wheat.

"The guys chose to put this song out first because it represents Tesla and the new live album's harder, heavier sound," a statement reads on the band's Bandcamp page about the album's lead track, "Miles Away."

Track List:

01. Miles Away02. Changes03. Time to Rock04. Breakin' Free05. Call It What You Want06. Lazy Days Crazy Nights07. Cold Blue Steel08. Edison's Medicine09. S.O.S. (Too Bad)

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KISS is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Alive III with two special vinyl editions of the album.

The deluxe anniversary edition is limited to 500 units worldwide and is pressed as two picture discs with a die-cut cover.

The premium anniversary edition is limited to 2,500 units worldwide and is pressed on yellow and orange pyro vinyl.

Both versions feature newly designed picture sleeves with unreleased photos from the Revenge Tour.

The first live album from the rock band's non-make-up era, Alive III was recorded in November 1992 during their "Revenge" tour in Detroit, Cleveland and Indianapolis, with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Bruce Kulick and Eric Singer lining up on stage.

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Willie Nelson's 90th birthday concerts will premiere in select theaters on June 11 followed by a special encore presentation on June 13 and 14.

Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90 will feature excerpts from the star-studded two-day concert event held on April 30 and May 1 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles celebrating the 90th birthday of the legendary musician.

The two-hour-long limited theatrical release will include all the special performances and collaborations of the concert.

Nelson, Keith Richards, Snoop Dogg, George Strait, Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Dave Matthews, Neil Young, The Lumineers, Gary Clark Jr. and Sheryl Crow are among the performers.

Meanwhile, a Nelson biography, titled "Energy Follows Thought: The Stories Behind My Songs," will be published on October 31, a few days before his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Nelson will be honored along with five other artists in the performer category at a ceremony to be held at Barclays Center in New York on November 3.

(Photo: Blackbird Presents)

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Hollywood Vampires, the rock supergroup that features Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, and Joe Perry, recently shared a video for their cover of the Jimi Hendrix classic "Manic Depression."

On June 2, the Hollywood Vampires will release Live in Rio, their first live album.

The performance of "Manic Depression" was recorded during the band's show at Rock in Rio 2015 in front of 100,000 fans. The track features Depp's energetic guitar work, Cooper's distinctive voice, Perry's inimitable solos, and is backed by the guitar of Tommy Henriksen.

"Manic Depression" was originally released on Hendrix's 1967 debut album Are You Experienced?.

The Hollywood Vampires are on tour and will be performing across Europe throughout the summer.

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