Happy 80th Birthday Willie Nelson!

All the best goes out to Willie Nelson who turns a young 80 today! Willie is simply a hero and everybodies favorite gran-paw. He also seems to be a favorite suspect of Texas law officials who think this is all no laughing matter! The joke is on them! Ever hear of Farm aid??????? Furthermore, selfless and thoughtful as ever, Willie was going Celebrate his birthday at the Backyard and Bee Cave but now the proceeds will benefit West VFD.

Willie Nelson and the Family Old Farts and Jackass Tour 2013 info! You MUST see Willie!

Willie - Still is still moving to me

Norah provides her sentiments to Willie!


KEEF!


The Rev. Billy F. Gibbons



Sheryl Crow - Willie makes 80 look beautiful!

Steely Dan Announces North American Tour!

On the lighter side of things we receive some cracking news that Walter Becker and Donald Fagen will hit the road for 2013. The Steely Dan tour is rather hectic as they have schedule more the four dozen concerts but for some odd reason there aren't any listed south of the Mason-Dixon line. Why is that? Not my problem. So far the band line-up consists of 8 brilliant musicians: The Bipolar Allstars (featuring Keith Carlock on drums, Freddie Washington on bass, Jim Beard on keyboards, Jon Herington on guitar), along with the Borderline Brats.

Concert goers should expect the same virtuosity of previous albums and tours. The tour is called - Mood Swings - 8 miles to pancake day tour will kick off July 19, 2013 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Sure would be nice to see the stars of Jersey Shores there but I doubt any of the Jersey Shore crew will be present as July is a great time to work on that salon tan to get that perfect hue of orange going on.........

Mood Swings: 8 Miles To Pancake Day Tour Dates
 
19-Jul              Atlantic City, NJ            Revel Ovation Hall
20-Jul              Canandaigua, NY          Constellation Brands - Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
21-Jul              Toronto, ON                  Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
23-Jul              Cleveland, OH               Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
24-Jul              Kettering, OH                Fraze Pavilion
26-Jul              Louisville, KY                Louisville Palace Theatre
27-Jul              Detroit, MI                    Fox Theatre
28-Jul              Milwaukee, WI              Riverside Theatre
30-Jul              Fort Wayne, IN             Embassy Theatre
1-Aug              Highland Park, IL          Ravinia Festival
2-Aug              Highland Park, IL          Ravinia Festival
3-Aug              Indianapolis, IN             Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
5-Aug              St. Louis, MO               Peabody Opera House
6-Aug              Omaha, NE                  Orpheum Theater
8-Aug              Denver, CO                   Red Rocks Amphitheatre
10-Aug            Salt Lake City, UT         Red Butte Garden
11-Aug            Boise, ID                       Idaho Botanical Garden
13-Aug            Portland, OR                 McMenamins Edgefield
15-Aug            Redmond, WA              Concerts at Marymoor
17-Aug            San Francisco, CA        Americas Cup Pavilion
18-Aug            Reno, NV                      Reno Events Center
20-Aug            Santa Barbara, CA        The Santa Barbara Bowl
21-Aug            San Diego, CA              Humphrey's
23-Aug            Las Vegas, NV             The Pearl
24-Aug            Los Angeles, CA           Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE
25-Aug            Los Angeles, CA           Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE
28-Aug            Austin, TX                     Bass Concert Hall
30-Aug            Houston, TX                  Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
31-Aug            Grand Prairie, TX           Verizon Theatre
3-Sep              Kansas City, MO          The Midland Theatre
4-Sep              Tulsa, OK                     Brady Theater
6-Sep              Memphis, TN                Mud Island Amphitheatre
7-Sep              Atlanta, GA                  Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
8-Sep              St. Augustine, FL         St. Augustine Amphitheatre
11-Sep            Orlando, FL                  Hard Rock Live
12-Sep            Boca Raton, FL            Mizner Park Amphitheatre
14-Sep            Clearwater, FL              Ruth Eckerd Hall
15-Sep            Charleston, SC             North Charleston Performing Arts Center
17-Sep            Charlotte, NC               Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre
18-Sep            Raleigh, NC                 Red Hat Amphitheatre
20-Sep            Bristow, VA                 Jiffy Lube Live
21-Sep            Philadelphia, PA           Mann Center for the Performing Arts
24-Sep            Boston, MA                 Wang Theatre
25-Sep            Boston, MA                 Wang Theatre
27-Sep            Bethlehem, PA            Sands Event Center
28-Sep            Mashantucket, CT       Foxwoods Resort Casino

Link to Steely Dan.

The Brian Setzer Orchestra Sept. 14, 15 & 16 Fireworks Finale! Hollywood Bowl

Don't miss the Brian Setzer Orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl in September!

The Brian Setzer Orchestra 

Sept. 14, 15 & 16

Fireworks Finale!

Hollywood Bowl

Tickets available here by clicking on this link!!!!

http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tickets/fireworks-finale-brian-setzer-orchestra/2012-09-14

http://www.briansetzer.com/tour/

http://www.facebook.com/briansetzerofficial

The Scorpions Final Sting!

The Scorpions came to Mountain View California and rocked the peninsula! Tesla started the night out with a rocking set with a commemoration of 26 years in the industry. However, the best was yet to come. The Scorpions (This band began in 1965 - 46 years ago) took the stage and rocked 19 songs from their extensive catalog. As one of their fans for years, I would have been more than pleased with a mixture of Tokyo Tapes, Love Drive and Animal Magnetism but the show wasn't for me exclusively (still I can't understand why not?). This was not an embarrassing resurrection of a tired washed up band, it was a tight top notch last hurrah for a classic metal band. If this is their last tour, they are going out strong. This show was fun because the audience knew all the lyrics and we all sang along to our favorite tunes.

 Photography by Rogers!

Mathias Jabs nailed every solo - this guy has been under-rated and under appreciated. Mathias had great tone that cut through the mix and the arrangements where better than what is on the records.

Photography by Rogers!

Klaus Meine's voice was strong and flawless. Klaus voice and writing is one of the reasons this band has stayed relevant for decades.

Rudolf - his brother wanted to be the best guitarist, Rudolf wanted the best band and Rudolf delivered with his trademark blistering rock solid rhythm and searing signature riffs.

Coast to coast - No lyrics - Just jamming!


James Kottak and Pawel Maciwoda provided a concrete metal foundation without missing a beat (pun intended).

The Zoo - Fan Video!


If you are lucky enough to have The Scorpions heading your way then do yourself a favor, pick up some tickets, and go hear for yourself why The Scorpions are one of the best Metal band ever. And their hologram stage lighting was cool too!

The series!


This is the Scorpions set list:
Sting in the Tail
Make It Real
Is There Anybody There?
The Zoo
Coast to Coast
Loving You Sunday Morning
Wind of Change
The Best Is Yet to Come
Send Me an Angel
Holiday
Raised on Rock
Tease Me Please Me
Hit Between the Eyes
Kottak Attack
Blackout
Six String Sting
Big City Nights

Encore:
Still Loving You
No One Like You
Rock You Like a Hurricane

Hot damn! Reverend Horton Heat - Gas Money and more!

That's right, I said it. Hot damn the Reverend Horton Heat will be a touring pert near my house! There are few bands out there that can be sitting in the diner at noon with all the plain folk then at 9:00 pm they are hitting the pig skins and hammerin' the cat guts with the ferocity of a group of raptors who just ate some habanero peppers and drank several growlers. The Reverend uses Gretsch guitars and Fender amplifiers.

With gasoline prices going up quicker than a North Korean missile, one might need some GAS MONEY. I've heard some of their early releases to GAS MONEY's new album. I listened to one song, "Yo Elvis," over and over. It rocks! I am certain that once again the Gretsch 6120 is (or a Tele would be my second guess) featured in a lot of Gas Money recordings. These guys always have great tone!

I am sort of partial to Gretsch 6120 guitars because they have that chrome dinette sound.

If you want a to hurt yourself looking at some fine guitar that no doubt play well - click here!

Esperanza Spalding - Great music!

I have played in big bands and small bands. I've listened and watched soloists, combos, duets, and quartets ad nausea, yet I've rarely see or heard someone as talented and vivacious as Esperanza Spalding. Her sound is difficult to pin down because it encompasses most of the classic elements of music. Her expression is seemingly effortless but it is the effortless you witness that is the essence of her natural talent effecting a Jedi reality distortion field. Mindlessly, one can listen or listen with acute focus to detail but regardless of your mindset during this experience, your experience will be enriched and you will become enlightened. If this music bring you to a state of boredom then you might just be a sub-mental inchworm. The band is superb, (Chamber music Society) take time to listen. Her tour link is here. It's going to be fun to listen to her music evolve! Esperanza Spalding rocks!!







Esperanza Spalding site link!

Brian Setzer and his Rockabilly Riot Rocket Through Australia

Brian Setzer and his Rockabilly Riot Rocket Through Australia and rock the socks all the dudes and chicks that get in their way.With swagger and American Bravado, Brian is killing the crowds leaving them only with lust in their hearts for more rockabilly. The bands quiver of songs is immense, original hits from the Stray Cats, Brian's originals, covers of Elvis and others, and Slim Jim Phantom backing him up is simply an over the top raucous Rockabilly  Riot! If you want a might fine night of song and dance - gitty up to see Brian Setzer in concert!

Brian Setzer at the Hollywood Bowl & More - WOW!!!!!!!!!!

Brian is a very busy guy, always has been for that matter. Stay home and practice or stay home - right! Well, Brian Setzer is currently touring in Australia but soon he'll play the Hollywood Bowl! This September 14, 15, and 16th the Brian Setzer big band will rock your socks off - Details here! That is not all! The Brian Setzer Orchestra has multi-tracks available on the limited addition Deluxe set - Songs from the Lonely Avenue! Seriously, is there a busier group of guys out there....? With the multi-track you can listen to each track or you can play along with the tracks - Great Fun!

Honestly, you don't have to be a huge Rockabilly fan in order to appreciate loud big band music or a big band fan because if you cannot feel the energy exuded by The Brian Setzer Orchestra - you might be dead....

Jeff Beck's upcoming show at the Paramount has been canceled

Due to delays in his recording schedule, Jeff Beck's upcoming shows at The Paramount in Long Island has been postponed. Jeff had planned on The Paramount show to be a launch for his new album, but will regrettably have to re-schedule. Tickets for the postponed dates will be honored for future shows to be announced soon or can be refunded at point of purchase.

Jeff Beck at Facebook!

Imelda May Tour 2012

Two USA dates have been announced.

If you want to buy tickets to San Francisco or San Diego show - click here!

No! That is not Imelda in the photo playing bass! That is the handsome Mr. Sting!

Van Halen new album release coming soon!

Van Halen et al will be releasing their long awaited new album featuring David Lee Roth and Wolfgang Van Halen. The band currently is featuring the song Tattoo on most rock radio stations to give us all a taste of the new material that has been growing at the Van Halen camp.

The new album (Different Kind of Truth) will be released on February 7th. The album cover reminds me of the Commodores Movin On album. In fact, this isn't the only tie to funk that Van Halen is currently sporting. The band will kick off it's tour on February 18th in Louisville Kentucky and the biggest surprise is Kool and the Gang will open the show and will also open several more shows, thus assuring us all a little funked up music to bang our heads and kick our jams. Will Kool and David Lee Roth conspire and high jack the show? Go and see for yourself!

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi diagnosed with cancer

Black Sabbath recently announced a reunion tour with Ozzy. However, this week the guitarist for Black Sabbath, Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with Lymphoma. Iommi is currently working with his doctors to develop a treatment for him. The band was recording an album scheduled for release in autumn of 2012 but they have moved from Los Angeles to London in order to work with Iommi while he under goes treatment.

Iommi 63, is the founder of Black Sabbath which is one of the most successful rock and roll acts in history with over 70 million albums sold worldwide.

Ozzy Osbourne was fired from the band in 1979. Since that time the original four members have reunited sporadically. This most recent reunion created a lot of anticipation and fanfare as the public appears to be hungry to support the iconic Black Sabbath.  Ozzy has also seen some level of success that could only be described as phenomenal.

Most heavy metal fans see Black Sabbath as their iconoclast of defiance, rebellion and mystery; setting the bar for all the metal bands that came after them.

Please keep Tony Iommi in your thoughts to help him get through this scourge of a disease.

Brian Setzer on Country Music awards - Tune in!

Brian Setzer

Don't miss Brian Setzer on the CMA's Country Christmas on December 17st At 9:00pm/8:00 central time, ABC broadcasting network! For more detail visit Brian's website here!
Country Music Association official site here!
Check out Brian's version of Malaguena' in the movie "Puss in Boots 3D"
Tour information!!!

Brian Setzer's Rockabilly Riot USA Tour Kickoff!

Go to this link to see an updated list of the tour!

This is your chance to rock the night away with a swinging band that simply kicks butt!

Stay tuned for more dates to be announced!