ravel back to 1985 with this nostalgic gem featuring Star Wars icons R2-D2 and C-3PO teaming up with Tony Danza for an ABC Saturday Sneak Peek! This unique crossover brought together the beloved droids and the sitcom star in a fun, lighthearted segment that previewed the exciting Saturday morning lineup.
Murray Lerner’s Brilliant ‘Joni Mitchell Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970’ Captures Her Unforgettable Performance
Academy Award-Winning Director Murray Lerner (Mao To Mozart, Festival!) creates a masterful addition to the Isle of Wight canon of films with Joni’s excellent performance in ‘Joni Mitchell Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970.
The concert/documentary film features Joni Mitchell in a modern interview, explaining the events and her reactions. The complete performance is also intercut with vintage footage from the festival attendees and the promoters to give better context to Joni’s personal recollections from the Isle of Wight in what is one of the most unique and memorable performances of the era.
Video: The Doors’ 14-Minute Iconic Performance of “Light My Fire” at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970
If there’s one performance that encapsulates the raw power and undeniable magnetism of The Doors, it’s their live rendition of “Light My Fire” at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970. In this electrifying moment, Jim Morrison, with his unmistakable charisma, led the band through a performance that still resonates with the energy of an era.
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers’ ‘Long After Dark’ Deluxe Edition Gets Released October 18
Over four decades after its debut, a deluxe edition of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ groundbreaking but often overlooked 1982 album, Long After Dark, will be released on October 18.
The Petty Legacy archives will share previously unseen newly remastered film and audio from 1982 to 1983 this year, beginning with a new video for the French TV version of “Straight Into Darkness” featuring footage of the band performing at the Record Plant by award-winning director Alan Bibby—watch here and listen here.
“There was some music recorded for Long After Dark that didn’t get on the record, that I thought would’ve made it a better album,” said Tom Petty. “I left off…four things that I liked quite a bit. And probably a few more written that never even got in the door.”
Looking back on their third and final album together, legendary rock music producer Jimmy Iovine reflects, “Long After Dark, we thought we had it. Sounded like Positively Fourth Street, sounded like one of those records, you know. By the way, I think it is!”
Despite it being a golden era of The Heartbreakers playing at the height of their powers, it is widely known as the band’s most misunderstood and underrated success. The album features an edgy collection of rock ballads and guitar anthems backed by the unmistakable sound of The Heartbreakers, including founding members Mike Campbell (lead guitar), Benmont Tench (keyboards), Stan Lynch (drums), plus the new addition of Howie Epstein on bass and backing vocals.
Long After Dark (Deluxe Edition) will feature the songs that were lost in the debate over the album’s original direction. Notable highlights include finding Petty’s version of “Never Be You”—which was a #1 country hit for Rosanne Cash—pop anomaly “Don’t Make Me Walk the Line,” and an up-tempo version of “Ways To Be Wicked,” which was previously covered by Lone Justice, recorded at Applewood Studios in Denver, Colorado.
Many of the additional tracks are taken from the French TV sessions, including acoustic gems, “Turning Point” and the Everly Brothers influenced “Keeping Me Alive.”
Long After Dark was a smash by the usual standards—Top 10 in Billboard, certified gold—and spawned three fan favorites, “You Got Lucky,” “Change of Heart” and “Straight Into Darkness.” Though it remains an unsung gem amongst its predecessors, Damn the Torpedoes and Hard Promises. “It’s a good little rock & roll record” but also “a tough record because I never knew if we were making the right decisions about songs,” Petty shared in Paul Zollo’s interview anthology, Conversations With Tom Petty.
Long After Dark (Deluxe Edition) features the newly remastered original album from the original analog master tapes, plus 12 rediscovered bonus tracks newly mixed by Petty’s longtime engineer Ryan Ulyate and boasts packaging designed by Grammy Award-winning designer Jeri Heiden, liner notes by legendary rock journalist and Tom Petty Radio host David Fricke, with commentary from Jimmy Iovine and Cameron Crowe and iconic archival photographs by Dennis Callahan, Neal Preston and Aaron Rapoport. The set will be released in a variety of configurations, highlighted by a limited edition TomPetty.com 2LP pressing on 180-gram red with black splatter color vinyl, housed in a numbered foil tip-on jacket with an exclusive lithograph; a 3-disc set featuring 2 CDs, and a Blu-ray audio disc with additional hi-res stereo and Dolby Atmos mixes of the album and bonus tracks, also mixed by Ulyate; a variety of additional vinyl options includes a 2LP on 180-gram black vinyl; a limited edition 1LP 180-gram turquoise color vinyl pressing (main album only) with double-sided lithograph of Blaze Brooks’ illustrations (available exclusively at indie record stores).
The album will also be available at all streaming, download and HD audio download partners.
For more info, complete tracklisting and to pre-order 2 LP versions and 3 disc set visit the official Tom Petty store.
LONG AFTER DARK DELUXE EDITION—TRACKLISTING
DISC 1
1. “A One Story Town”
2. “You Got Lucky”
3. “Deliver Me”
4. “Change Of Heart”
5. “Finding Out”
6. “We Stand A Chance”
7. “Straight Into Darkness”
8. “The Same Old You”
9. “Between Two Worlds”
10. A “A Wasted Life”
DISC 2
1. “Stories We Could Tell (French TV)”
2. “Never Be You” *
3. “Turning Point (Original Drums Version)”
4. “Don’t Make Me Walk The Line” *
5. “I’m Finding Out (French TV)” *
6. “Heartbreakers Beach Party (Extended Version)”
7. “Keeping Me Alive (French TV)”
8. “Straight Into Darkness (French TV)”
9. “Ways To Be Wicked (Denver Sessions)” *
10. “Between Two Worlds (French TV)” *
11. “One On One” *
12. “Wild Thing” *
* previously unreleased
My Next Read: “We All Shine On: John, Yoko, and Me” by Elliot Mintz
In 1972, Elliot Mintz installed a red light in his bedroom in Laurel Canyon. When it started flashing, it meant that either John Lennon or Yoko Ono—or sometimes both—were calling him. Which they did almost every day for nearly ten years, engaging Mintz in hours-long late-night phone conversations that all but consumed him for the better part of a decade.
In We All Shine On, Mintz—a former radio and television host in Los Angeles—recounts the story of how their unlikely friendship began and where it led him over the years, revealing the ups and downs of a wild, touching, heartbreaking, and sometimes shocking relationship. Mintz takes readers inside John and Yoko’s inner sanctums, including their expansive seventh-floor apartment in New York’s fabled Dakota building, where Mintz was something of a semipermanent fixture, ultimately becoming the Lennons’ closest and most trusted confidant. Mintz was with John and Yoko through creative highs, relationship and private challenges, fascinating interactions with the other former Beatles, and the happiest moment of their lives together, the birth of their son, Sean. He was also by Yoko’s side during the aftermath of John’s assassination on the doorstep of the Dakota—not merely a witness to it all, but a key figure in the drama of John and Yoko’s extraordinary lives.
We All Shine On is a must-read for Beatles and Lennon fans, offering an up close and intimate view of one of the most celebrated artists of the twentieth century, as well as one of the most fascinating marriages. But it’s also a relationship story that just about everyone can relate to, a tale about partnership, loyalty, and trust, and most of all, the lasting legacy of a true and deep friendship.
Rock Your Style for a Cause: How Indie Artists Can Get Involved in Band Shirt Day 2024
Band Shirt Day is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever! Mark your calendars for Friday, September 20, 2024, because this is the day when music lovers, artists, and fans unite to celebrate the power of music and fashion for a good cause. Presented by MerchFriends with support from Hello Merch, Bandsintown, and Wastoids, Band Shirt Day is more than just an opportunity to show off your favorite band tee—it’s a chance to make a real difference.
Band Shirt Day is an annual event where fans are encouraged to wear their favorite band tees, purchase new ones from their favorite artists, and, most importantly, support meaningful causes. This year, participating artists will donate proceeds from their featured tees to either a cause of their choice or the Band Shirt Day Fund. This collective fund, hosted through GoFundMe, will be distributed equally across six key causes: the ACLU, The Ally Coalition, Animal Legal Defense Fund, MusiCares, Planned Parenthood, and Project Hope.
With big names like Portugal. The Man, The Revivalists, K. Flay, Niko Moon, and Wilco already confirmed, Band Shirt Day 2024 promises to be an event to remember. But it’s not just for the major players—indie artists have a unique opportunity to join in and make a mark.
How Indie Artists Can Get Involved
- Launch a Limited-Edition Tee: This is the perfect moment to create something special for your fans. Design a limited-edition t-shirt that speaks to your brand and aligns with the spirit of Band Shirt Day. You can choose to donate proceeds to one of the featured causes or another charity close to your heart.
- Promote Your Participation: Use your social media platforms, mailing lists, and live shows to spread the word. Let your fans know that their purchase is going to a great cause. Collaborate with other indie artists or local influencers to boost visibility.
- Host a Virtual Event: Engage with your fans on Band Shirt Day by hosting a virtual concert, Q&A session, or a live-streamed t-shirt unboxing event. Encourage fans to wear their band tees during the event and share photos on social media using the official hashtag #BandShirtDay.
- Collaborate with Fellow Indie Artists: Partner with other indie musicians to create a collaborative t-shirt design or bundle your merch together. This not only increases your reach but also strengthens the sense of community within the indie music scene.
- Join the Conversation: Engage with fans and other artists by sharing your stories about what Band Shirt Day means to you. Use this opportunity to talk about the causes you’re supporting and why they’re important to you and your music.
Band Shirt Day isn’t just a fun way to show off your style—it’s a powerful platform for change. By participating, indie artists can make a tangible impact on important social causes while deepening their connection with fans. Whether you’re an up-and-coming artist or an established name in the indie scene, Band Shirt Day offers a unique opportunity to blend creativity with philanthropy.
So, get ready to rock your band tee on September 20, 2024, and join a global movement that celebrates music, fashion, and the power of giving back. Let’s make this Band Shirt Day the best one yet!
Billy Joel Honored With SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award
SoundExchange, the premier music tech organization powering the future of music, announced today that Billy Joel has been honored with the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award, recognizing his stature as one of the most streamed creators in the organization’s 20+ year history of administering digital performance royalties.
“Billy Joel is an American musical icon, a performer with an unrivaled catalog of hits and beloved deep cuts. He has not only maintained, but increased his popularity over time, winning new generations of fans with his indelible songs and performances,” said Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange. “Billy has not only been a significant presence through nearly every major shift in physical musical formats, but he is also one of the digital era’s most streamed artists. We are thrilled and honored to present Billy Joel with the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award.”
Joel has been a SoundExchange member since SoundExchange’s inception in 2003. In addition to his substantial United States streaming history, Joel is an international superstar and entrusts SoundExchange to collect his neighboring rights royalties worldwide through more than 65 agreements with counterpart organizations, covering 88% of the global neighboring rights market.
OneOdio Debuts the Studio Max 1 Wireless DJ Headphones and the OpenRock X Forbidden City Special Edition at IFA 2024
OneOdio, a professional audio brand with over a decade of experience, is seizing the opportunity at IFA 2024 (Sept. 6-10) to unveil its latest cutting-edge DJ wireless headphones—Studio Max 1. Additionally, OneOdio’s sub-brand, OpenRock, will debut its highly anticipated Forbidden City edition for the OpenRock X, which has been generating significant buzz online.
After over two years of preparation, the Studio Max 1 is set to make its long-awaited debut at IFA, representing OneOdio’s groundbreaking innovation in the headphone market. Designed for both DJs and audiophiles, the Studio Max 1 offers four versatile modes: ultra-low latency wireless mode with LC3+ codec, 3.5mm wired monitoring mode, DJ or 6.35mm wired mode, and a portable Bluetooth mode. Featuring advanced Ultra-Low Latency 2.0 technology, this newcomer achieves an impressive 20 ms connection speed, delivering real-time, crystal-clear sound for DJs during performances.
The Studio Max 1 also stands out with its dual Hi-Res audio certification and LDAC technology, ensuring exceptional sound quality. Addressing battery life concerns, it boasts an impressive 120-hour capacity, allowing DJs to perform worry-free without power interruptions while everyday users enjoy extended use.
To offer a more immersive experience with Studio Max 1, we’ve boldly invited top DJs to wear the headphones and perform live at the 2024 IFA exhibition! Albert Breaker, a two-time European Tour Music Fest winner, will enchant the audience with his Afro/Latin house beats. Following him, Arianna Triassi, a two-time “Dance Music Awards” finalist and top-five Italian DJ, will take the stage to perform and unveil her exclusive co-branded edition of Studio Max 1. Both DJs will showcase OneOdio’s professional headphones, delivering an engaging experience and connecting with fans on-site.
Meanwhile, OpenRock, OneOdio’s partner brand, will unveil the red Forbidden City gift box edition of the OpenRock X. This exclusive edition features headphones in a striking, previously unreleased red color. The design showcases a unique dragon pattern symbolizing Chinese culture, while the packaging mirrors the grandeur of the Forbidden City, a historic Chinese landmark with over 600 years of history. This edition seamlessly blends modern audio technology with traditional Chinese heritage, highlighting OpenRock’s commitment to cultural exchange and offering collectors a refined and distinguished experience.
Rare Original Cut of Wampa Kenner Star Wars Empire Strikes Back Commercial Unearthed
For Star Wars enthusiasts and collectors alike, there’s a special thrill in uncovering hidden gems from the galaxy far, far away. One such treasure has recently surfaced, sparking waves of nostalgia and excitement in the Star Wars community: a rare, original cut of the Kenner Star Wars Empire Strikes Back commercial featuring the Wampa and Tauntaun figures.
