My Next Read: “The Devil’s Music: How Christians Inspired, Condemned, and Embraced Rock ’n’ Rol” by Randall J. Stephens
When rock ’n’ roll emerged in the 1950s, ministers denounced it from their pulpits and Sunday school teachers warned of the music’s demonic origins. The big beat, said Billy Graham, was “ever working in the world for evil.” Yet by the early 2000s Christian rock had become a billion-dollar industry. The Devil’s Music tells the story of this transformation.
Rock’s origins lie in part with the energetic Southern Pentecostal churches where Elvis, Little Richard, James Brown, and other pioneers of the genre worshipped as children. Randall J. Stephens shows that the music, styles, and ideas of tongue-speaking churches powerfully influenced these early performers. As rock ’n’ roll’s popularity grew, white preachers tried to distance their flock from this “blasphemous jungle music,” with little success. By the 1960s, Christian leaders feared the Beatles really were more popular than Jesus, as John Lennon claimed.
Stephens argues that in the early days of rock ’n’ roll, faith served as a vehicle for whites’ racial fears. A decade later, evangelical Christians were at odds with the counterculture and the antiwar movement. By associating the music of blacks and hippies with godlessness, believers used their faith to justify racism and conservative politics. But in a reversal of strategy in the early 1970s, the same evangelicals embraced Christian rock as a way to express Jesus’s message within their own religious community and project it into a secular world. In Stephens’s compelling narrative, the result was a powerful fusion of conservatism and popular culture whose effects are still felt today.
Genesis’ 14 Studio Albums To Be Reissued On 180g Vinyl Worldwide
This year, 14 Genesis studio albums released between 1970 and 1997 will be reissued on vinyl worldwide.
Pressed on 180g vinyl, the reissues—featuring Nick Davis mixed and remastered versions—will be available throughout the year. Foxtrot, The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway (2LP), Duke, Abacab, Genesis, Nursery Cryme, Selling England By The Pound, Wind & Wuthering, We Can’t Dance (2LP), Calling All Stations (2LP), A Trick Of The Tail, …And Then There Were Three…, and Invisible Touch are available HERE with Trespass coming September 27th.
The albums follow the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers’ journey to become one of the best-selling bands in the world. Formed in 1967 by school friends Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Anthony Phillips, and Mike Rutherford, the band’s lineup solidified in the early ’70s with the addition of drummer Phil Collins and guitarist Steve Hackett. They established themselves as prog-rock innovators with albums like Trespass (1970) and Selling England by the Pound (1973).
After Gabriel’s departure in 1975, Collins took over as frontman. By the late ’70s, the band had transformed into a pop-oriented trio, scoring hits with “Follow You Follow Me” and “Misunderstanding” from And Then There Were Three… (1978) and Duke (1980).
Each member pursued successful solo careers in the ’80s while Genesis dominated international charts with a string of six platinum and multi-platinum albums, including Abacab, Genesis, and Invisible Touch. In 1991, We Can’t Dance marked Collins’ final studio album with the band. Banks and Rutherford returned in 1997 with singer Ray Wilson for Calling All Stations, the group’s final studio album.
Trespass (1970) marked the beginning of Genesis’ progressive rock phase, exploring multifaceted song structures and mythological themes on tracks like “The Knife” and “Stagnation.”
Nursery Cryme (1971) featured the debut of Collins and Hackett and established the band’s signature sound with intricate musical passages and theatrical storytelling on “The Musical Box” and “The Return of the Giant Hogweed.”
Foxtrot (1972) remains a landmark in prog rock and includes the epic “Supper’s Ready,” a 23-minute suite showcasing Genesis’ ambitious compositional style and lyrical depth. The album charted at No. 12 on the UK. Albums, No. 15 on the French Albums chart, and No. 15 on the Italian Albums.
Selling England By The Pound (1973) is widely regarded as one of the band’s finest, combining lyrics about English life with complex, melodic instrumentation on songs like “Dancing With The Moonlit Knight” and “Firth Of Fifth” with its iconic piano introduction.
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway (1974) is a double concept album that tells the surreal story of Rael using elaborate sounds and lyrical imagery. It was Gabriel’s final album with Genesis and features experimental tracks like “In The Cage” and the haunting “Carpet Crawlers.”
A Trick Of The Tail (1976), the first with Collins on vocals, maintained the band’s progressive rock tradition with virtuosic playing on “Dancing On A Volcano” while highlighting its melodic sensibility on “Ripples” and “Entangled.”
Wind & Wuthering (1976), the last with Hackett, demonstrated the band’s ability to craft intricate, emotionally resonant songs like “Blood On The Rooftops” and “One For The Vine.”
…And Then There Were Three… (1978), the first album released as a trio, retained some progressive rock elements but marked a shift toward a more accessible sound. The single “Follow You Follow Me” became the band’s first major hit.
Duke (1980) offered an ambitious blend of prog rock and pop sensibilities on the hit singles “Duchess,” “Misunderstanding,” and “Turn It On Again.” It was the band’s first No. 1 album in the U.K., reaching No. 11 in America.
Abacab (1981) marked a significant stylistic shift as Genesis embraced a more radio-friendly sound and leaner production. It yielded three Top 40 hits in the U.S. with “Abacab,” “Man On The Corner,” and “No Reply At All,” which featured the horn section from Earth, Wind & Fire.
Genesis (1983) captured the group’s evolving sound, mixing pop and rock with darker themes on singles like “Mama,” “That’s All,” and “Taking It All Too Hard.” The album reached the Top 5 across Europe, hitting No. 1 in the UK and Germany.
Invisible Touch (1986) was Genesis’ most commercially successful album, peaking at No. 1 in Canada, the UK, and New Zealand and reaching the Top 5 across most of Europe. The title track, “In Too Deep,” “Land Of Confusion,” and “Tonight, Tonight, Tonight” were all Top 5 hits.
We Can’t Dance (1991), the final album with Collins, ended an era for the band on a high note, becoming Genesis’ fifth consecutive No. 1 album in the UK, as well as in Austria, Belgium, Holland, Germany, and Switzerland. The hits continued with “No Son Of Mine,” “Hold On My Heart,” and the GRAMMY®-Award nominated “I Can’t Dance.”
Calling All Stations (1997), Genesis’ only album with singer Ray Wilson, explored a darker, more atmospheric direction. The album’s standout tracks include “Congo,” “Shipwrecked,” and the title track.
Genesis’ generation-spanning catalog includes 15 studio albums, six live LPs, and dozens of charting singles. In addition to its 2010 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the band has received a coveted Ivor Novello Award, a GRAMMY®, an American Music Award, and the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at Britain’s Progressive Music Awards.
Available August 23
FOXTROT
Side One
1. “Watcher Of The Skies”
2. “Time Table”
3. “Get ’em Out By Friday”
4. “Can-Utility And The Coastliners”
Side Two
1. “Horizon’s”
2. “Supper’s Ready”
THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY
Side One
1. “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway”
2. “Fly On A Windshield”
3. “Broadway Melody Of 1974”
4. “Cuckoo Cocoon”
5. “In The Cage”
6. “The Grand Parade Of Lifeless Packaging”
Side Two
1. “Back In N.Y.C.”
2. “Hairless Heart”
3. “Counting Out Time”
4. “The Carpet Crawlers”
5. “The Chamber Of 32 Doors”
Side Three
1. “Lilywhite Lilith”
2. “The Waiting Room”
3. “Anyway”
4. “The Supernatural Anaesthetist”
5. “The Lamia”
6. “Silent Sorrow In Empty Boats”
Side Four
1. “The Colony Of Slippermen: The Arrival/A Visit To The Doktor/Raven”
2. “Ravine”
3. “The Light Dies Down On Broadway”
4. “Riding The Scree”
5. “In The Rapids”
6. “It”
DUKE
Side One
1. “Behind The Lines”
2. “Duchess”
3. “Guide Vocal”
4. “Man Of Our Times”
5. “Misunderstanding”
6. “Heathaze”
Side Two
1. “Turn It On Again”
2. “Alone Tonight”
3. “Cul-De-Sac “
4. “Please Don’t Ask”
5. “Duke’s Travels”
6. “Duke’s End”
ABACAB
Side One
1. “Abacab”
2. “No Reply At All”
3. “Me And Sarah Jane”
4. “Keep It Dark”
Side Two
1. “Dodo/Lurker”
2. “Who Dunnit?”
3. “Man On The Corner”
4. “Like It Or Not”
5. “Another Record”
GENESIS
Side One
1. “Mama”
2. “That’s All”
3. “Home By The Sea”
4. “Second Home By The Sea”
Side Two
1. “Illegal Alien”
2. “Taking It All Too Hard”
3. “Just a Job To Do”
4. “Silver Rainbow”
5. “It’s Gonna Get Better”
Available September 6
NURSERY CRYME
Side One
1. “The Musical Box”
2. “For Absent Friends”
3. “The Return Of The Giant Hogweed”
Side Two
1. “Seven Stone”
2. “Harold The Barrel”
3. “Harlequin”
4. “The Fountain Of Salmacis”
SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND
Side One
1. “Dancing With The Moonlit Knight”
2. “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)”
3. “Firth of Fifth”
4. “More Fool Me”
Side Two
1. “The Battle Of Epping Forest”
2. “After The Ordeal”
3. “The Cinema Show”
4. “Aisle Of Plenty”
WIND & WUTHERING
Side One
1. “Eleventh Earl of Mar”
2. “One for the Vine”
3. “Your Own Special Way”
4. “Wot Gorilla?”
Side Two
1. “All In A Mouse’s Night”
2. “Blood on the Rooftops”
3. “Unquiet Slumbers for the Sleepers…”
4. “…In That Quiet Earth”
5. “Afterglow”
WE CAN’T DANCE
Side One
1. “No Son of Mine”
2. “Jesus He Knows Me”
3. “Driving the Last Spike”
Side Two
1. “I Can’t Dance”
2. “Never a Time”
3. “Dreaming While You Sleep”
Side Three
1. “Tell Me Why”
2. “Living Forever”
3. “Hold on My Heart”
Side Four
1. “Way of the World”
2. “Since I Lost You”
3. “Fading Lights”
CALLING ALL STATIONS
Side One
1. “Calling All Stations”
2. “Congo”
3. “Shipwrecked”
4. “Alien Afternoon”
Side Two
1. “Not About Us”
2. “If That’s What You Need”
3. “The Dividing Line”
4. “Uncertain Weather”
Side Three
1. “Small Talk”
2. “There Must Be Some Other Way”
3. “One Man’s Fool”
Available September 27
A TRICK OF THE TAIL
Side One
1. “Dance On A Volcano”
2. “Entangled”
3. “Squonk”
4. “Mad Man Moon”
Side Two
1. “Robbery, Assault And Battery”
2. “Ripples”
3. “A Trick Of The Tail”
4. “Los Endos”
…AND THEN THERE WERE THREE…
Side One
1. “Down And Out”
2. “Undertow”
3. “Ballad Of Big”
4. “Snowbound”
5. “Burning Rope”
Side Two
1. “Deep In The Motherlode”
2. “Many Too Many”
3. “Scenes From A Night’s Dream”
4. “Say It’s Alright Joe”
5. “The Lady Lies”
6. “Follow You Follow Me”
INVISIBLE TOUCH
Side One
1. “Invisible Touch”
2. “Tonight, Tonight, Tonight”
3. “Land of Confusion’
4. “In Too Deep”
Side Two
1. “Anything She Does”
2. “Domino, Pt. 1 – In the Glow of the Night/Pt. 2-The Last Domino”
3. “Throwing It All Away”
4. “The Brazilian”
SiriusXM and Pandora to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Anitta in Miami on October 10
SiriusXM and Pandora announced today that Latin star Anitta will perform for SiriusXM and Pandora’s El Pulso event at Ice Palace Film Studios in Miami on Thursday, October 10.
SiriusXM y Pandora Presentan El Pulso con Anitta will feature the Brazilian star performing songs from her latest album Funk Generation as well as fan favorites. The special concert will be open to SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora listeners. Fans can RSVP to attend the show HERE.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join SiriusXM and Pandora in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Anitta. “I can’t wait to perform for my fans in Miami in this intimate setting”
“Anitta has made a significant impact on Latin music and culture throughout her career,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “We’re so excited to give SiriusXM and Pandora listeners the opportunity to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with on of Latin music’s most current influential voices.”
SiriusXM subscribers will have the chance to listen to Anitta’s performance on SiriusXM’s Hits Uno (ch. 151) on Friday, October 25 at 1:00 pm ET, SiriusXM’s Caliente (ch. 152) on Friday, October 25 at 4:00 pm ET and will stream on the SiriusXM app.
With almost 200 million spins on-platform, Anitta is one of Pandora’s top streaming Latin female artists and has had huge success on El Pulso with tracks like Envolver and Bellakeo.
Sponsors of this exclusive concert include The Glad Products Company, Life Cereal, National University, and Wendy’s.
SiriusXM continues to showcase some of the biggest names in today’s Latin pop, reggaeton, dance and viral LatinX music through the dynamic Hits Uno and Caliente channels as well as a suite of Latin music channels and programming all originating from SiriusXM’s Miami amazing state of the art studios.
Long considered the leader in Latin digital music in the US, Pandora amplifies the genre’s music and culture daily through its various stations, including its #1 Latin station, El Pulso.
Since breaking through in Brazil, GRAMMY-nominated global superstar Anitta has become the leading artist of a new generation of Latin American music. Anitta’s single, “Envolver” (2022), became the most significant solo debut by a Brazilian artist in the history of the Spotify Global Chart and broke Anitta’s record by reaching #1 on iTunes in 19 countries. She released her album Versions of Me in April 2022 and earned the highly coveted Best New Artist GRAMMY nomination for the 65th GRAMMY Awards (2023). The 15-track album was released in Spanish, English, and Portuguese and holds the record of the biggest streaming week for a Brazilian artist on Spotify. It now has surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify. Anitta is the first Brazilian artist with 35 million monthly listeners in Spotify history and the Brazilian female artist with the most charting songs in Hot 100 history. In 2022, she won an MTV Music Video Award® in the category of “Best Latin” for “Envolver,” further making history and earning her second Guinness World Record as the “first Brazilian solo artist to win the MTV VMA for Best Latin (female).” The win followed an explosive performance by Anitta, who made her VMA broadcast performance debut with “Evolver.” In 2014, Anitta was named “Best Brazilian Act” at the MTV Europe Music Awards for five consecutive years. Last year, Anitta received her second MTV Music Video Award® for “Best Latin.” At the forefront of introducing Brazilian Funk to the world, in 2023, Anitta released Funk Generation: A Favela Love Story, featuring the single “Mil Veces,” followed by the release of “BELLAKEO” with Peso Pluma, which is now her highest charting song on the Hot 100. Anitta closed the year by releasing “Joga pra Lua,” a single with the perfect mix of funk carioca and electronic music. These releases tease what’s to come from her highly anticipated recent album, Funk Generation.
Anitta, the Brazilian superstar who continues to make waves in the music industry, has been nominated in two categories for the 25th Annual Latin Grammy Awards 2024. These accolades reflect her diversity in Latin music and her global influence.
Anitta nominated for the prestigious Record of the Year award with her hit song “Mil Veces,” a video that has surpassed 41 million views on YouTube. In addition, her single “Joga Pra Lua” has received a nomination in the category of Best Urban Performance in Portuguese Language, alongside Dennis E Pedro Sampaio.
This 2024 has been outstanding for Anitta, who recently concluded a successful tour and has released new collaborations with major industry artists, including her recent single “Paradise” with DJ Khaled and Fat Joe. Her ability to connect with global audiences, her tireless dedication and passion for music continue to cement her status as one of the most influential artists of the moment.
SiriusXM is the leading audio entertainment company in North America with a portfolio of audio businesses including its flagship subscription entertainment service SiriusXM; the ad-supported and premium music streaming services of Pandora; an expansive podcast network; and a suite of business and advertising solutions. Reaching a combined monthly audience of approximately 150 million listeners, SiriusXM offers a broad range of content for listeners everywhere they tune in with a diverse mix of live, on-demand, and curated programming across music, talk, news, and sports. For more about SiriusXM, please go to: www.siriusxm.com.
M pour Montréal Unveils 2024 Official Selection Artists and Industry Programming
MONTRÉAL, September 19, 2024 – From November 20 to 23, M pour Montréal (M for Montréal) returns for its 19th edition, promising an extraordinary experience filled with world-class events, conferences, and live performances. This four-day conference-festival is designed to catapult Canadian and Québécois talent onto the global stage.
Bringing together local and international music industry professionals, M for Montréal boasts an extensive and diverse program featuring over 100 performances. Artists participating in this year’s Official Selection Showcase, handpicked for their creativity and international appeal, include 28 English and French Canadian musicians spanning indie-pop, alternative rock, rap, and folk genres.
With more than 40 concerts and showcases, M for Montréal serves as a launchpad for Canadian artists to connect with over 500 national and international delegates, alongside an enthusiastic crowd of more than 9,000 fans. The event has been instrumental in elevating the careers of internationally acclaimed artists such as Charlotte Cardin, Grimes, Half Moon Run, Mac DeMarco, and Men I Trust.
The 2024 Official Selection lineup shines a spotlight on a remarkable mix of eclectic Canadian talent, reflecting the vibrant diversity of the country’s music scene. Featured artists for this year’s performances include:
Astral Swans
Wyatt C. Louis
Begonia
Living Hour
Grimelda
Katie Tupper
Charlie Houston
Housewife
myst milano.
Vox Rea
ALIAS
Alix Fernz
Claudia Bouvette
DVTR
Fleece
Goodbye Karelle
Grand Eugène
Jane Penny
KROY
Lubalin
Naomi
Population II
Shania Hayes
Soleil Launière
Unessential Oils
Velours Velours
Ya Cetidon
The public can also immerse themselves in the music at the MARATHON Festival, presented by SiriusXM. This event offers fans the chance to discover the Official Selection artists, as well as local and international acts, across Montréal’s beloved venues. Notable performers include Charlie Houston, Claudia Bouvette, Fleece, Goodbye Karelle, KROY, Lubalin, myst milano., Naomi, Soleil Launière, and Vox Rea.
In partnership with Billboard Canada, PRO returns as a top-tier networking event, offering industry professionals key insights through panels, workshops, and exclusive artist showcases. Highlights include the M for Mixer, featuring over 1,000 speed meetings to foster connections between artists and entertainment leaders. This year’s panels will cover the role of data in music discovery, improving accessibility at live events, and building stronger global industry alliances.
The EDU Pass provides aspiring professionals with full access to M for Montréal’s programming at a discounted student rate, supporting the next generation of industry talent.
The Rolling Stones Release Special First Anniversary Vinyl of Hackney Diamonds
To commemorate the 1st anniversary of The Rolling Stones’ 2023 number one album Hackney Diamonds, a special edition vinyl edition is being released this winter. The 2LP release features album singles ‘Angry’, ‘Sweet Sounds of Heaven’ and ‘Mess It Up’, plus 7 additional live recordings performed at the album’s live launch at Racket, New York in October 2023 including ‘Sweet Sounds of Heaven’ with Lady Gaga, as well as performances of ‘Shattered’, ‘Tumbling Dice’, and ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’.
The new edition, available from November 29, marks a year since the Stones’ first studio set of original material since 2005 was released. Hackney Diamonds charted at #1 in 19 territories around the world selling over a million units since release. Lead single ‘Angry’ was nominated for Best Rock Song at 2024’s GRAMMY Awards, whilst the single became the Stones first Top 40 single in the UK in 18 years. This year, the Stones thrilled American audiences with a Hackney Diamonds stadium tour across the US.
The 2LP release features exclusive blue splatter effect vinyl discs and is available for pre order here.
Hackney Diamonds (Anniversary Edition) Tracklisting
LP 1
1. Angry
2. Get Close
3. Depending On You
4. Bite My Head Off
5. Whole Wide World
6. Dreamy Skies
7. Mess It Up
8. Live By The Sword
9. Driving Me Too Hard
10. Tell Me Straight
11. Sweet Sounds of Heaven (featuring Lady Gaga)
12. Rolling Stone Blues
LP 2 – Live At Racket, NYC
1. Shattered (Live at Racket, NYC)
2. Angry (Live at Racket, NYC)
3. Whole Wide World (Live at Racket, NYC)
4. Tumbling Dice (Live at Racket, NYC)
5. Bite My Head Off (Live at Racket, NYC)
6. Jumpin’ Jack Flash (Live at Racket, NYC)
7. Sweet Sounds of Heaven (featuring Lady Gaga) (Live at Racket, NYC)
LCD Soundsystem Announces 2024 NYC Residency
Following sold out residencies in 2021, 2022 and 2023, LCD Soundsystem has announced its return with an update: The band’s 2024 NYC residency will consist of 12 shows over three weekends at Knockdown Center in Queens. After last year’s successful run of shows at the venue, the 2024 residency will further explore the potential of the Knockdown space, expanding to include a variety of live openers, nightly afterparties featuring DJ sets from special guests, a DFA Records swap meet, an on-site iteration of the Michelin-starred Four Horsemen wine bar, and more.
Tickets for all 12 shows will go on-sale to the general public beginning Thursday, September 26 at 10:00 a.m. ET. via AXS.com. Visit youarehere.bowerypresents.com for presale details and further information.
American Express is providing access to Amex Presale Tickets™, available for Card Members to purchase before the general public beginning Tuesday, September 24th at 10 am local through Wednesday, September 25th at 10 pm local (or while supplies last) – this is one of the many entertainment benefits American Express Card Members can access across the arts, theater, sports and music through Amex Experiences.
LCD Soundsystem 2024 NYC residency dates at Knockdown Center are as follows:
– Thursday, November 21
– Friday, November 22
– Saturday, November 23
– Sunday, November 24
– Thursday, December 5
– Friday, December 6
– Saturday, December 7
– Sunday, December 8
– Thursday, December 12
– Friday, December 13
– Saturday, December 14
– Sunday, December 15
George Harrison’s “Living In The Material World” 50th Anniversary Available November 15th
In honour of its 50th Anniversary, George Harrison’s Living In The Material World is being celebrated with a suite of new releases overseen by Dhani & Olivia Harrison and featuring a stunning new mix of the classic album by Grammy Award-winning mixer/engineer Paul Hicks that elevates the album with a sonic upgrade, delivering a sound that’s brighter, richer, and more dynamic than ever before. Living In The Material World 50th Anniversary will be available November 15th via Dark Horse Records / BMG. PRE-ORDER HERE
To mark the announcement, the previously unreleased and remixed ‘Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) (Take 18)’ is available now to stream and download. LISTEN HERE
Limited to 5,000 units globally, the super deluxe edition album contains 2CDs, 2LPs, Blu-ray of Dolby Atmos and 12 previously unreleased Harrison recordings, a 60-page booklet with extensive sleeve notes, photography, and artwork from the Harrison archive, as well as a 7” single of the previously unheard recording of, ‘Sunshine Life For Me (Sail Away Raymond)’ featuring Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, and Rick Danko from the band, alongside Ringo Starr. A 2LP & 2CD Deluxe Edition, Limited Edition color vinyl, including an exclusive George Harrison Online Store purple vinyl HERE and 1LP & 1CD standard versions of the album will also be available alongside streaming.
Living in the Material World, George Harrison’s highly praised second solo album of original music following The Beatles’ 1970 dissolution, lyrically underscores his enduring exploration of spiritual themes and resonated deeply with audiences. Just five weeks after its May 1973 release, both the LP and its single ‘Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)’ held the top spots simultaneously on the U.S. albums and singles charts. Upon release, Rolling Stone described it as a “pop classic”, a work that “stands alone as an article of faith, miraculous in its radiance.”
The album’s success further solidified a winning streak that began with All Things Must Pass, the triple LP topped the US charts in early 1971. Later that same year, George organized two groundbreaking benefit rock concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York, aiming to raise both awareness and funds for the starving refugees of Bangladesh. The Concert for Bangladesh live album, another triple LP, became a commercial triumph and global bestseller, ultimately earning the prestigious GRAMMY Award for ‘Album of the Year.’
Of the release, Olivia Harrison shares:
“I hope you revisit Living in the Material World or discover it for the first time, and as you listen, share George’s wish for himself and mankind…..
Give me Love
Give me Peace on Earth.”
And Dhani Harrison comments: “Finally, we are overjoyed to present to you the 50th anniversary package of George Harrison’s ‘Living in the Material World’. For those of you who are just discovering this album; This record was released in service and with deep love for all our Brothers and Sisters around the world who populate this dualistic system we live in called Earth. Peace be upon all sentient beings.”
Living in the Material World, made in the midst of one of the most remarkable phases of his musical career, offered a brilliant glimpse of who its creator was, how unique his talents always were and how his search for certainty and truth beyond the everyday put him years ahead of his time.
The creation of the album began with a purposeful period at Apple Studios at the end of 1972, where, nearly four years before, The Beatles had done the conclusive work on the project eventually known as Let It Be. You can sense the prevailing atmosphere of these sessions in the music, manifested in flowing, sensitive musicianship, a lovely attention to detail and the album’s overarching set of themes. George not only sang but contributed almost all the guitar parts. He was backed by a tight-knit group of virtuosos, including drummer Jim Keltner, keyboard players Nicky Hopkins and Gary Wright, bassist Klaus Voormann and saxophone/flute player Jim Horn.
To really understand Living in the Material World, you have to go back to George’s experience of 1971 – a watershed 12 months full of events that would be explored in his songwriting. By that summer, he was deep into his response to the mounting humanitarian tragedy in Bangla Desh. After repeated shuttling between Los Angeles and New York and endless phone calls and meetings, he presented two concerts at New York’s Madison Square Garden. They combined performances by Ravi Shankar and three supporting musicians with sets led by George that also featured Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Leon Russell and Bob Dylan, among others.
“It was a very emotional period for me,” George later said, “because a lot of people had helped with its success, which made me very optimistic about certain things. At the same time, I felt slightly enraged because, let’s face it, the whole problem of how to solve [the Bangla Desh crisis] lies within the power of governments and world leaders, yet they choose to squander it on weapons and other objects that destroy mankind.”
His feelings would inevitably surface in his songs. In late 1971, while he was back in New York, he recorded several demos at the Plaza Hotel. They included an initial version of “Who Can See It,” and the earliest known recording of “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth),” complete with a very telling plea: “Help me cope with this heavy load.”
When recording sessions finally got started, these compositions were joined by an array of other new tracks. “Don’t Let Me Wait Too Long,” powered by a drum duet between Keltner and Starr, was one of the most straightforwardly joyous pieces of pop music George had ever recorded. “The Light Has Lighted The World” and “The Day The World Gets Round,” by contrast, were deeply emotional and insightful songs that went to the core of the album’s most profound ideas.
The remixing of the original LP gives new definition to these already accomplished and intimate recordings, while the extra material further highlights what a creatively fertile period this was for George. Thanks in part to the music’s newfound clarity, Living in the Material World resonates more than ever in 2024. Amid the noise of social media, the sense of someone yearning for enlightenment in a world of confusion rings loud and true. So does the undercurrent of the songs about the machinations and distractions of governments and politics. Moreover, in an era when meditation, yoga and so-called mindfulness have probably never been more popular, the fundamental points the songs raise align with the daily search for what is worthwhile. We all face the challenges of the material world throughout our lives, and in its own questioning, restless way, this album holds out the prospect of finding a way through them.
“The things most people are struggling for are fame or fortune or wealth or position – always, that’s their main ambition and desire in life, to be rich or famous or to have a good reputation, and really none of that is important because in the end, death will take it all away,” George later explained. But he was also keen to correct a common misapprehension: “I do not exclude myself, and I write a lot of things in order to make myself remember.”
Listening to the album in its new incarnations, all of these qualities are undeniable. It begins with a prayer and ends with a simple statement of the power of love. Its songs amount to a consummate self-portrait of an artist as a young man who was wise beyond his years, making sense of his life and the wider world. There’s not much music that sounds this yearning, intimate and spiritual, though we could boil those qualities down to something much simpler: true to its creator’s intentions, this is an album full of heart, and soul.
SUPER DELUXE TRACKLISTING:
LP1/CD Disc 1
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth) (2024 Mix)
Sue Me, Sue You Blues (2024 Mix)
The Light That Has Lighted the World (2024 Mix)
Don’t Let Me Wait Too Long (2024 Mix)
Who Can See It (2024 Mix)
Living in the Material World (2024 Mix)
The Lord Loves the One (That Loves the Lord) (2024 Mix)
Be Here Now (2024 Mix)
Try Some Buy Some (2024 Mix)
The Day the World Gets ‘Round (2024 Mix)
That Is All (2024 Mix)
LP2/CD Disc 2
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth) (Take 18; Acoustic Version)
Sue Me, Sue You Blues (Take 5)
The Light That Has Lighted the World (Take 13)
Don’t Let Me Wait Too Long (Take 49; Acoustic Version)
Who Can See It (Take 93)
Living in the Material World (Take 31)
The Lord Loves the One (That Loves the Lord) (Take 3)
Be Here Now (Take 8)
Try Some Buy Some (Alternative Version)
The Day the World Gets ‘Round (Take 22; Acoustic Version)
That Is All (Take 24)
Miss O’Dell (2024 Mix)
Sunshine Life For Me (Sail Away Raymond) *CD Only
7″ Single
Sunshine Life For Me (Sail Away Raymond
Sunshine Life For Me (Sail Away Raymond) [Instrumental]
Blu-Ray
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth) (2024 Mix)
Sue Me, Sue You Blues (2024 Mix)
The Light That Has Lighted the World (2024 Mix)
Don’t Let Me Wait Too Long (2024 Mix)
Who Can See It (2024 Mix)
Living in the Material World (2024 Mix)
The Lord Loves the One (That Loves the Lord) (2024 Mix)
Be Here Now (2024 Mix)
Try Some Buy Some (2024 Mix)
The Day the World Gets ‘Round (2024 Mix)
That Is All (2024 Mix)
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth) (Take 18; Acoustic Version)
Sue Me, Sue You Blues (Take 5)
The Light That Has Lighted the World (Take 13)
Don’t Let Me Wait Too Long (Take 49; Acoustic Version)
Who Can See It (Take 93)
Living in the Material World (Take 31)
The Lord Loves the One (That Loves the Lord) (Take 3)
Be Here Now (Take 8)
Try Some Buy Some (Alternative Version)
The Day the World Gets ‘Round (Take 22; Acoustic Version)
That Is All (Take 24)
Miss O’Dell (2024 Mix)
Sunshine Life For Me (Sail Away Raymond)
Iron Maiden Announce ‘Run For Your Lives’ World Tour 2025/26
Iron Maiden will start their Run For Your Lives World Tour on May 27th next year in Budapest followed by 27 stadium, festival & arena shows around Europe. The tour marks 50 years since Steve Harris formed the band in late 1975 and to celebrate this Maiden fans are promised a very special set list, spanning the nine studio albums from ‘Iron Maiden’ to ‘Fear Of The Dark’, with their most spectacular and elaborate show ever.
Special Guests for the first half of the tour, including the London & Dublin outdoor shows but not the UK arenas, will be American rockers Halestorm. The second half of the tour sees Sweden’s Avatar as guests. And, finally, British metal band, The Raven Age, will open all UK & Ireland shows. The festivals will of course be festival billing.
Fan Club Presales begin Monday 23rd September – details here.
Tickets go on general sale next week – check the tour dates page for times and dates.
Trooper VIP packages will be available at all shows.
Says Bruce Dickinson, “Next year is a very special one for IRON MAIDEN and we’re going to be giving our fans a once-in-a-lifetime live experience. This is a tour that’s gonna put a smile on your face and a cheer in your throat. If you’ve seen us before, then get ready to take that experience to a whole new level. If you’ve never seen us before, then what the hell have you been waiting for? Now’s your chance to find out what you’ve been missing! IRON MAIDEN’s definitely gonna get ya!”
Manager Rod Smallwood adds, “50 years of Maiden and I have seen 46 of them! With well over 100 million albums sold and almost 2500 shows in 64 countries and counting, to countless millions of fans, we are all still loving every second and consider every tour a new challenge to bring something different and exciting to our fans. And for this very special one we’re pulling out all the stops!
We will cover classics and fan favourites from the first nine albums, from IRON MAIDEN to FEAR OF THE DARK, many of which we haven’t played in years and many we will likely never play again in the future. We have already been hard at work for months putting together an even more spectacular and elaborate new show which will bring the songs to life more than we have ever been able to do before. This is going to be a huge couple of years for IRON MAIDEN, and Eddie of course, and we are very excited about what we have up our sleeves for you fans throughout the whole of our 50th year. I promise you are all going to be very happy indeed!”
On Saturday June 28th the band will perform at the London Stadium, home of West Ham Football Club – the team that band founder Steve Harris has supported throughout his life, and with whom IRON MAIDEN have a long and storied history.
This concert in front of over 60,000 fans, will be the first time that IRON MAIDEN have performed on the club’s hallowed turf. A true homecoming show – with Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith & Nicko McBrain all born in the surrounding area – it will also be the biggest UK venue the band have ever headlined outside of their festival appearances.
Steve Harris says, “My love of football and my support of West Ham is no secret, and I know many of our fans around the world have shared that with me too. So we’re all very excited to be playing at the London Stadium as part of the RUN FOR YOUR LIVES tour. We can’t wait to see you all there!”
MAY 2025
27 Budapest, HUNGARY – Budapest Aréna *
31 Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC – Letnany Airport *
JUNE 2025
01 Bratislava, SLOVAKIA – TIPOS Arena *
05 Trondheim, NORWAY – Trondheim Rocks (Festival)
07 Stavanger, NORWAY – SR-Bank Arena *
09 Copenhagen, DENMARK – Royal Arena *
12 Stockholm, SWEDEN – 3Arena *
13 Stockholm, SWEDEN – 3Arena *
16 Helsinki, FINLAND – Olympic Stadium *
21 Birmingham, ENGLAND – Utilita Arena ^
22 Manchester, ENGLAND – Co-op Live ^
25 Dublin, IRELAND – Malahide Castle *^
28 London, ENGLAND – London Stadium *^
30 Glasgow, SCOTLAND – OVO Hydro ^
JULY 2025
03 Belfort, FRANCE – Eurockéennes Festival
05 Madrid, SPAIN – Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano **
06 Lisbon, PORTUGAL – MEO Arena **
09 Zurich, SWITZERLAND – Hallenstadion **
11 Gelsenkirchen, GERMANY – Veltins-Arena **
13 Padova, ITALY – Stadio Euganeo **
15 Bremen, GERMANY – Bürgerweide **
17 Vienna, AUSTRIA – Ernst Happel Stadium **
19 Paris, FRANCE – Paris La Défense Arena **
23 Arnhem, NETHERLANDS – GelreDome **
25 Frankfurt, GERMANY – Deutsche Bank Park **
26 Stuttgart, GERMANY – Cannstatter Wasen **
29 Berlin, GERMANY – Waldbühne **
AUGUST 2025
02 Warsaw – POLAND – PGE Narodowy **
*Halestorm | ^The Raven Age | **Avatar
