Classic Rock News

Lynyrd Skynyrd hosting hometown concerts preparty and whiskey signing

R. Diamond/Getty Images

Lynyrd Skynyrd recently launched their own Hell House whiskey as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of their debut album, Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd'. Now they're giving fans a chance to get an autographed bottle of the booze. 

Skynyrd, who formed in Jacksonville, Florida, is set to play two homecoming shows in nearby St. Augustine on October 5 and 6. Ahead of the concerts they're hosting a preparty at Whitey’s Fish Camp in Fleming. The bash will include lots of great experiences for fans, including a meet and greet and a chance to have their whiskey bottles signed by Skynyrd members Johnny Van Zant and Rickey Medlocke.

“Returning to [Florida] to celebrate 50 years of music and memories is incredibly special to us,” Johnny shares. "We can't wait to connect with our fans, old and new, during this unforgettable homecoming and introduce them to Hell House Whiskey."

The bash is happening October 4 and is only open to fans 21 years of age or older. All those attending must purchase a bottle of Hell House whiskey on site.

Hell House whiskey is named after the Hell House Cabin, where Skynyrd founding members Ronnie Van ZantGary Rossington and Allen Collins created Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd'. Fans who can’t make it to the preparty can still purchase the whiskey at hellhousewhiskey.com.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Lenny Kravitz and his enormous scarf make TikTok debut

ABC

Lenny Kravitz is the latest rocker to join TikTok, and he did so in a pretty hilarious way.

The rocker shared his first video on Saturday, September 23, and it had him walking through the park wearing his oversized brown blanket scarf.

“Grab your big scarf, it’s the first day of fall,” he says to the camera.

According to Vogue, Kravitz first went viral with his enormous scarf back in 2012, when photographers caught him wearing it while on a stroll in New York City.

And it appears this video may now make the rocker synonymous with the chilly season. As one fan commented, "Lenny Kravitz is our Mariah Carey for fall," a reference to Mariah being synonymous with Christmas, thanks to her hit tune "All I Want For Christmas Is You."

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Eric Clapton wraps Crossroads Guitar Festival with special appearance by Stevie Wonder

Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Crossroads Guitar Festival

Eric Clapton wrapped his two-night Crossroads Guitar Festival at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday with a surprise appearance by Stevie Wonder.

Wonder joined Clapton on keyboards for a performance of "Crossroads." Clapton’s set also featured a guest appearance by Stephen Stills, who joined Clapton for the Crosby, Stills & Nash tune "Love the One You’re With."

Clapton opened his set by paying tribute to the late Robbie Robertson, who was originally supposed to be on the bill for the festival. According to setlist.fm, Clapton opened his Sunday set with two The Band tracks, “The Shape I’m In” and “It Makes No Difference," both of which were penned by Robertson.

These were just a couple of the many highlights of the weekend festival, which also featured sets by SantanaZZ TopSheryl CrowJohn Mayer TrioRobert RandolphJoe Bonamassa and more.

Proceeds from the shows, as well as an online auction, benefitted Crossroads Centre Antigua, a rehab facility founded by Clapton.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Unreleased Sinéad O'Connor track played at end of BBC drama

Michel Linssen/Redferns

An unreleased Sinéad O'Connor track debuted during the final episode of the six-part BBC drama The Woman in the Wall on Sunday. 

The track, “The Magdalene Song,” was inspired by the Magdalene laundries where unmarried Irish women were often sent and subjected to abuse by the nuns who ran them.

Producer David Holmes, who worked with Sinéad, says she gave the OK for the song to be used in the series, which centers on a woman dealing with the trauma from her experience at the laundries.

“Sinéad sanctioned the track for use before they had even started shooting, and when the producers heard it they were amazed to have something so strong. We all felt the only place this can go is at the end," he told The Guardian“The first half of the track is completely heartbreaking, and the second half is pure defiance.” 

So far there’s no word on when, or if, "The Magdalene Song" will be released.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Dolly Parton’s 'Rockstar' tracks to be featured on 'Monday Night Football'

Butterfly Records/Big Machine Label Group

Monday Night Football fans are going to be hearing a lot of Dolly Parton in the coming weeks. ESPN announced it will be highlighting several songs from Dolly’s new album, Rockstar, during upcoming games.

The collaboration will launch Monday, September 25, with Dolly’s cover of Bob Seger’s “Night Moves,” featuring Chris Stapleton. That will be followed on October 16 by Dolly’s cover of Pat Benatar’s “Heartbreaker,” which features Benatar and husband Neil Giraldo. Each song will be featured as the games go in and out of commercial breaks, and they’ll also be aired during Monday Night Countdown.

Two more songs, a cover of Heart’s “Magic Man,” featuring Heart’s Ann Wilson, and the title track, with former Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora, will air following the album’s November 17 release.

“I am excited for ESPN to spotlight songs from my new Rockstar album,” Dolly shares. “When I decided to do a full-blown rock album after they put me in the Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame, I thought it would be fun to call the album Rockstar. The athletes who give their all everyday are most definitely rock stars, and I love that these songs will be a small part of celebrating their achievements.” 

Rockstar will be released as a four-LP or two-CD set. It is available for preorder now.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Ringo Starr inducted into Nashville's Musicians Hall of Fame

ABC/ Heidi Gutman

Ringo Starr has earned many honors throughout his career, and now, he has one more. The Beatles drummer was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame over the weekend.

According to The Tennessean, in addition to the induction, Starr was honored with the Joe Chambers Musicians Legacy Award, named in honor of the Hall of Fame’s co-founder, songwriter Joe Chambers, who passed away in 2022.  

"I am honored to be here and accept the first Joe Chambers Musicians Legacy Award. I've always loved Nashville and country music, though I know this place honors all musicians regardless of genre or instrument,” Ringo shared. “I've had a long, happy relationship with this town and it's lovely to be here and receive this award."

Ringo's celebration included speeches by Peter Frampton and Brenda Lee as well as a performance of three of his songs by a group of musicians the Hall of Fame put together. They were joined by such artists as Rodney CrowellToto'Steve Lukather and others.

The ceremony came ahead of Ringo and his All-Starr Band's headlining performance at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville Sunday, September 24. They play Clearwater, Florida, on Tuesday, September 26. A complete list of dates can be found at ringostarr.com.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Stevie Nicks announces 2024 tour dates

courtesy of Live Nation

Stevie Nicks is extending her time on the road into next year. The two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer just announced a new set of shows for 2024.

The latest additions kick off February 10 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, with shows in Long Island, New York; Hollywood, Florida; New Orleans and more, before wrapping March 9 with a co-headlining show with Billy Joel in Arlington, Texas. The final date is actually a rescheduled show from April 2023. 

Tickets go on sale Friday, September 29, at 10 a.m. local time.

Stevie still has several dates on the book for 2023. Next up, she’ll play Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, September 27. A complete list of dates can be found at stevienicksofficial.com.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Tony Iommi make surprise appearance during opening of Black Sabbath ballet

Katja Ogrin/Getty Images

The heaviest ballet of all time got even heavier, thanks to Tony Iommi.

As previously reported, England's Birmingham Royal Ballet announced a production based on Black Sabbath back in February. The show finally made its debut on Saturday, September 23, at the Birmingham Hippodrome and featured a surprise appearance by the "Iron Man" shredder himself.

"Thanks to everyone who supported us at the Ballet, we had a great premiere last night," Iommi wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday, September 24. "I'm honored to be involved with these talented dancers."

Iommi also noted that he won't be able to perform with the ballet for every performance, suggesting his appearance at the premiere was more of a special occasion.

Black Sabbath -- The Ballet features re-orchestrated versions of songs including "Iron Man," "Paranoid" and "War Pigs" as well as original new compositions inspired by the metal legends.

Upon its initial announcement, Iommi remarked, "Black Sabbath have always been innovators and never been predictable, and it doesn't come any more unpredictable than this! I'd never imagined pairing Black Sabbath with ballet but it's got a nice ring to it!"

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


As he gets closer to 80, Keith Richards has given up most of his vices

ABC/ Craig Sjodin

The Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards will be turning 80 in December, which many didn't think would happen considering how he’s lived his life over the years.

“I wouldn’t recommend the way I’ve handled everything to anybody else,” he tells The Telegraph. “But I’ve handled myself the way that I felt was necessary. And I think everybody else, if they did the same thing, might benefit from Keith’s advice: don’t worry too much!”

Keith is far from the wild man he once was. It turns out, he's basically given up most of his vices. “The cigarettes I gave up in 2019. I haven’t touched them since. I gave up heroin in 1978. I gave up cocaine in 2006," he says, adding, “I still like a drink occasionally – because I’m not going to heaven any time soon – but apart from that, I’m trying to enjoy being straight. It’s a unique experience for me.”

Keith says he has no problem with getting older. “I’m getting along with the idea of being 80, and still walking, still talking,” he says. “I find [ageing] a fascinating process. But then if you didn’t, you might as well commit suicide.”

In the same article, Richards also discusses music, particularly the fact that he isn’t a fan of pop or rap.

He says pop music’s “always been rubbish,” noting, “I mean, that’s the point of it. They make it as cheap and as easy as possible and therefore it always sounds the same; there’s very little feel in it.” As for rap, he notes, “I don’t really like to hear people yelling at me and telling me it’s music, AKA rap. I can get enough of that without ­leaving my house.”

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Vince Neil Oklahoma State Fair concert ended by active shooter situation

Medios y Media/Getty Images

Vince Neil's solo performance at the Oklahoma State Fair on Saturday, September 23, ended abruptly due to an active shooter situation on the fairgrounds.

"At a concert in Oklahoma City Crazy night last night. 3/4 of the way thru the set people started running," the Mötley Crüe vocalist wrote in a social media post published Sunday, September 24.

"We we're told to get in dressing room," Neil continued. "There were shooters shooting people. Thank you fans for your understanding.

According to Oklahoma City ABC affiliate KOCO, one person was shot in the incident and taken to the hospital in critical condition. Two people were initially brought into custody.

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Journey books 50th anniversary Freedom Tour 2024

Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images for Journey

Journey will continue the celebration of their 50th anniversary with a new tour in 2024.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers just announced dates for their 50th anniversary Freedom Tour 2024 with special guest Toto. The trek kicks off February 9 in Biloxi, Mississippi, and will wrap April 29 in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

“We are looking forward to hitting the road again with our very good friends Toto!” Journey guitarist Neil Schon shares. “Come join us for a special evening full of fun and rockin’ good memories. See you soon, friends.”

Keyboardist Jonathan Cain adds, “Honored to take our timeless songs on the road with another band whose songs are also timeless, Steve Lukather and Toto. It will truly be a musical evening to be remembered.”

A Citi card presale begins Tuesday, September 26, at 10 a.m. local time, with the general onsale set for Friday, September 29, at 10 a.m. local time. A complete list of tour dates can be found at journeymusic.com.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


On This Day, September 25, 2017: Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers perform their final show

On This Day, September 25, 2017...

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers headlined The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles California for what would turn out to be their final concert ever, as Petty would die less than two weeks later.

Petty and the band treated fans to such classic tunes as “I Won’t Back Down,” “Free Fallin’,” “Breakdown,” "Learning to Fly” and more, wrapping the night with “You Wreck Me” and “American Girl.” 

On October 2, Petty was found unconscious at his home, and died at UCLA Medical Center, although there were initially premature reports of his passing. The coroner report revealed that drugs played a role in his death.

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Dave Grohl pays tribute to late Scream drummer Kent Stax: "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Scream"

ABC/Todd Wawrychuk

Dave Grohl took a moment during Foo Fighters' headlining set at the Louder Than Life festival to pay tribute to Kent Stax, late drummer of the band Scream.

Grohl, of course, played in Scream as a teenager before he went on to join Nirvana and then form Foo Fighters. He actually joined Scream in Stax's place when he left the band in 1986.

"I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for Scream," Grohl told the Louder Than Life crowd. "And the man who's place I took in that band, Mr. Kent Stax, one of the best punk rock drummers of all time, he passed the other day. So this one's for Kent."

The Foos then launched into their set closing performance of "Everlong." Fan-shot footage of the moment was posted to YouTube.

Stax, born Bennett Kent Stacks, died September 20 following a battle with metastatic cancer. News of his passing came just a day after Scream had announced a new album, DC Special, featuring the original Still Screaming lineup: vocalist Pete Stahl, guitarist Franz Stahl, bassist Skeeter Thompson and Stax. Grohl also contributed to the record, which is due out November 10.

Foo Fighters have also been dealing with the death of their longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins, who passed away March 2022. They returned to the road earlier in 2023 with new drummer Josh Freese.

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Bob Dylan makes surprise appearance at Farm Aid

Courtesy of Farm Aid

Bob Dylan was the surprise guest at Farm Aid 2023, which took place Saturday, September 23, in Noblesville, Indiana. 

The legendary artist wasn't on the announced lineup but turned up to the Rouff Music Center to treat the crowd to a twenty-minute set. According to setlist.fm, Dylan was backed by The Heartbreakers and performed three tracks: “Maggie’s Farm,” for the first time since 2003, “Positively 4th Street,” for the first time since 2013, and “Ballad of a Thin Man.”

Dylan’s appearance was notable, as it was his comments about the plight of U.S. farmers at Live Aid in 1985 that sparked the idea for Farm Aid.

But Dylan was far from the only big name on the bill. The organization’s board members, Neil YoungJohn MellencampWillie NelsonDave Matthews and Margo Price also performed, along with Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros featuring The Wolfpack and more.

This was Young’s first return to Farm Aid since 2019, and he performed a short set that included “Comes A Time,” “Are There Any More Real Cowboys," “Love Earth” and “Heart of Gold." Mellencamp treated the crowd to eight songs, including classics like “Small Town,” “Jack & Diane,” “Rain on the Scarecrow” and more.

Willie closed the show with a full 18-song set that included “On The Road Again,” “Always On My Mind” and others, with many of the artists joining him for his closing numbers, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken”/”I’ll Fly Away” and “It’s Hard to Be Humble.” 

Farm Aid raises funds in support of family farmers, and fans can still help. A Farm Aid 2023 silent auction is running until October 6, offering autographed guitars, posters, books, albums and more from this year’s artists. All proceeds benefit Farm Aid.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Heart’s Nancy Wilson among the rockers headed to Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp

Steve Jennings/Getty Images

Heart’s Nancy Wilson and onetime AC/DC drummer Chris Slade are set to take part in a very special High Voltage Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, happening February 15-18 in Los Angeles.

The event, which also features Stone Temple Pilots brothers Robert and Dean DeLeo, will give fans a chance to live like rock stars, experiencing band rehearsals, jam sessions and more, with a focus on the music of Heart, STP and AC/DC. Participants will even get to perform at famous Los Angeles venues, including the Viper Room and the Troubadour, where they’ll wrap the weekend performing onstage with Slade.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp is open to vocalists and instrumentalists of all skill levels. Those who sign up will receive a song list ahead of time in order to prepare for their rockin' weekend.

Information on prices and how to register can be found at rockcamp.com.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


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