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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.


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.


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.


The Association’s Terry Kirkman dies at 83

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Terry Kirkman, the singer-songwriter who was the founding member of the '60s band The Association, passed away Saturday, September 23, at the age of 83. 

“We're saddened to report that Terry Kirkman passed away last night, RIP Terry,” read a post on The Association’s Facebook page. “He will live on in our hearts and in the music he so brilliantly wrote.”

The Association was known for their vocal harmonies. Kirkman wrote many of the California band’s hits, including their classic “Cherish,” which spent three weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966. The song was certified Gold by the RIAA and earned the band three of their overall six Grammy nominations. 

Other songs Kirkman wrote for The Association include “Everything That Touches You,” "Requiem for the Masses," “Six Man Band” and others. 

Kirkman left The Association in 1972, rejoined the group in 1979 and stayed until 1984. He and his bandmates got together once again in 2003 when they were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

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.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


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.


Rush’s Geddy Lee promoting memoir with U.K. spoken word tour

Harper Collins

Rush’s Geddy Lee is getting ready to release his new memoir, My Effin’ Life, on November 14, and he’ll be heading to the U.K. to promote it with a new spoken word tour.  

Kicking off December 10 in Wolverhampton, England, the shows will feature Geddy reading key passages from the book. He’ll also be interviewed by a guest and take questions from fans. 

“Writing this book has meant spending so much time living in the past. I’ve never lived my life looking anywhere but forward, which is why I resisted doing this kind of thing for so long,” Geddy shares. “Being in a band all those years was reassuring because it was an ongoing thing. It felt like it was forever."

He added, "But you need a lot more determination to proceed in the world of music without the comfort of your bandmates, and I can only hope that finishing this book will release me to return to what I do and love best.” 

The spoken word tour consists of five dates, wrapping December 18 in London. Venue presales begin Thursday, September 28, with the general sale happening Friday, September 29. Each ticket purchased will come with a copy of the book. A complete list of dates can be found at rush.com.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Yes kicks off career-spanning Classic Tales of Yes tour

Photo Credit: Gottlieb Bros.

Yes kicked off a new leg of their Classic Tales of Yes tour on Thursday, September 21, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and the band, made up of Steve HoweGeoff DownesJon DavisonBilly Sherwood and Jay Schellen, are certain fans won’t be disappointed.

Howe notes, “We’ve put together a great setlist covering the length and breadth of Yes’ career."

"Our ‘Classic Tales of Yes’ tour is one of our most diverse and adventurous tours to date,” Downes adds, noting, “Of course, alongside many of the other Yes classics, we are also adding in a few surprises for good measure.”

According to setlist.fm, opening night featured performances of songs from their most recent album, Mirror to the Sky, as well as such Yes classics as “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Going For The One,” “Roundabout," “Starship Trooper" and more. 

Next up, Yes brings their tour to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Friday, September 22. The trek wraps November 4 in Riverside, California. A complete list of tour dates can be found at yesworld.com.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Olivia Newton-John's 'Totally Hot' being rereleased in November

UMe

The late Olivia Newton-John's hit 1978 album, Totally Hot, is getting a rerelease.

Totally Hot was the star's first album to be RIAA-certified Platinum; that particular award had just been established in 1976. It's no surprise that Totally Hot reached that sales mark, since it was released five months after the movie Grease made Olivia a global superstar. In fact, she appeared on the cover in a tight black leather outfit, mirroring her character Sandy's transformation in the film.

Totally Hot reached the top 10 on the album chart and spun off two hits: the sultry #3 single "A Little More Love" — in which she sang, "Where did my innocence go?" — and "Deeper Than the Night," which reached #11.

The rerelease of the album on November 17 will see it return to vinyl for the first time in decades; it'll also be available on CD and on digital platforms. The vinyl LP comes in two options: neon coral red vinyl and black vinyl. All versions of the album are available now for preorder.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


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