TODD RUNDGREN'S REUNION WITH UTOPIA PLAYING THE DETROIT FILLMORE

Todd Rundgren's Utopia Reunite!

Reuniting for First North American Tour in 32 years - Releasing Limited Edition “The Road To Utopia” Box Set

FOR 32 YEARS, FANS HAVE BEEN CLAMORING FOR A REUNION - The wait is over.

No longer able to turn a deaf ear to the unceasing requests from fans and the media alike, Todd Rundgren, Kasim Sulton, Willie Wilcox and Ralph Schuckett are reuniting for their first North American tour since the Chernobyl nuclear reactor exploded. Presented by Sirius XM and produced by Live Nation, TODD RUNDGREN’S UTOPIA will be performing across North America beginning on April 18.

The Road To Utopia-The Complete Recordings 1974-82

 (Original Recording Masters/Limited Edition)

In celebration of the upcoming reunion tour, Friday Music will be releasing a 7-disc box set, THE ROAD TO UTOPIA: THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS (1974-82). This limited edition collection will bring each of their seven classic albums to life, now in first-time CD digipak gatefold covers featuring the original album artwork elements, rare inner sleeve art, newly written commentary from the band, and more. The box set has a scheduled street date of April 20. Fans can pre-order now at Friday Music, Amazon and Record Store Day.

Todd Rundgren’s Utopia was formed in 1974 out of Todd’s desire to explore new musical territory. Starting as a prog-rock-progenitor septet the band’s music ranged from extended synth experiments to four-song albums, while their live shows were distinguished by their ahead-of-the-curve video backdrops and computer-generated music.

In 1976 the band evolved into “Utopia”, the shiny mainstream power-pop rock quartet, uniting Todd Rundgren on guitar, Willie Wilcox on drums, Roger Powell on keyboards, and Kasim Sulton on bass. Known for their hallmark lyrics, lush inventive background vocals and a voracious appetite for the highest level of musicianship. Utopia became known as the quintessential “musician’s band”. Every member took his turn singing lead on every album, and all songwriting was collaborative.

By 1980, Utopia had developed into a hit-making entity in its own right. Standout Utopia albums included Oops! Wrong Planet, Adventures in Utopia, and Oblivion, spawning hits including “Rock Love,” “Set Me Free,” “Mated,” and “Love Is The Answer”, which also became a global #1 for England Dan and John Ford Coley.

Utopia’s tours, among the first to aggressively incorporate then-state-of-the-art video technology, produced at Todd’s groundbreaking Utopia Video Studios, featured some of the most lavish and audacious stage productions in rock history.

Their headline concerts frequently featured opening acts as future superstars Cheap Trick and The Cars, and the band performed at some of the 70’s most epic rock festivals, including Knebworth Castle in the UK --- once with the Rolling Stones in 1976 and twice with Led Zeppelin in 1979, before a combined audience of over 1,200,000 (amongst them a Who’s Who of rock royalty, including Paul McCartney and David Gilmour) .

Always on the bleeding edge, Utopia chalked up a long history of groundbreaking media “firsts”, including:

• 1978: The first interactive television concert, broadcast live over Warner/QUBE, the experimental interactive cable system in Columbus, Ohio (the home television audience chose each song in real time during the concert by voting via QUBE’s 2-way operating system).
• 1978: The first live nationally broadcast stereo radio rock concert (via microwave), linking 40 cities around the country.
• 1982: The first live national cablecast of a rock concert (on the USA Network), simulcast in stereo to over 120 radio stations.
In 1986, after ten years of non-stop recording and arena touring cycles, the band declared they were “going on sabbatical”, and Todd, Willie, Roger and Kas each embarked on their own career paths.

What’s been happening with the Utopians during the world’s longest ever sabbatical?

Todd Rundgren returned to his stellar solo recording and producing career. His myriad production projects ranged from Patti Smith, Cheap Trick, XTC, and Psychedelic Furs to Grand Funk Railroad, Hall & Oates, and Meat Loaf’s seminal Bat Out Of Hell, while his solo offerings catapulted Todd further into the superstar limelight with hits like “Can We Still be Friends”, and “Bang The Drum”; in addition to his own tours, Todd has been an erstwhile member of Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band for the past 28 years.

Kasim Sulton continued touring and recording with a long list of diverse artists including Joan Jett, Hall & Oates, Blue Oyster Cult, Patti Smith, Celine Dion, and Meat Loaf.

In 1993 Kasim joined Meat Loaf’s live band after the release of Bat Out Of Hell II, touring extensively and becoming his Musical Director. In 1999 he produced Meat Loaf’s critically acclaimed VH1 Storytellers album. Releasing four solo albums of his own, Kasim has continued his long musical relationship with Todd as the bass player in his solo bands.

Willie Wilcox continued to pursue his songwriting career. Having written songs for & performed with Luther Vandross, Natalie Cole, Bette Midler, Meat Loaf, Hall & Oates, and Kylie Minogue positioned Willie perfectly for his segue into television writing.

He was the senior staff composer for NBC Universal in NY for 5 years and composed the current show theme for CNBC’s “Mad Money,” launched a major audio post production facility in Miami with clients MTV & VH1, penned famed boxer Manny Pacquiao’s ring walk music, and continues to maintain his position as senior audio director at Scientific Games, the number one gaming company in the world, where he recently completed the surround sound audio production on the blockbuster Michael Jackson game, “King Of Pop!”

Ralph Schuckett: Ralph’s tenure with Todd Rundgren’s Utopia segued into composing themes & scores for TV & Film including “Kate & Allie” & “Another World.” As chief composer for “4 Kids Productions” he scored numerous feature films & animated TV series including; “Pokémon,” “Yugioh,” “Sonic X,” “Kirby,” & “One Piece.”

He has recorded and /or toured with Carole King, Hall & Oates, Whitney Houston, George Benson, and Rodney Crowell, and provided arrangements on recordings for Billy Joel, Michael Bolton. and Joan Osborne. As a songwriter / producer Ralph has worked with Belinda Carlisle, Sophie B. Hawkins, and Clarence Clemons.

As fate would have it, in early April Todd, Kas, Willie and Ralph will find themselves back in Woodstock New York, 32 years later, right where it all started, rehearsing their newest stage spectacle.

TODD RUNDGREN'S UTOPIA North American reunion tour, featuring Todd, Kasim, Willie, & Ralph, begins on April 18 and ends on June 5 (tour dates below). Tickets and more information are available at Live Nation, Ticketmaster and all Ticketmaster outlets.

THE FIRST REUNION ON-CAMERA INTERVIEW – WATCH HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e3Wrps2zr0

TODD RUNDGREN’S UTOPIA TOUR DATES

APRIL 18 JIM THORPE PA, PENNS PEAK
APRIL 20 ENGLEWOOD NJ, BERGEN PAC
APRIL 22 HOUSTON TX, HOUSE OF BLUES
APRIL 23 DALLAS TX, MAJESTIC THEATER
APRIL 25 BROWARD FL, BROWARD PAC
APRIL 27 ST PETERSBURG FL, MAHAFFEY THEATER
APRIL 28 ATLANTA GA, TABERNACLE
APRIL 29 DURHAM NC, CAROLINA THEATER
MAY 1 HUNTINGTON NY, PARAMOUNT THEATER
MAY 2 WASHINGTON DC, WARNER THEATER
MAY 3 NEW YORK NY, TOWN HALL
MAY 5 PHILADELPHIA PA, TOWER THEATER
MAY 6 BOSTON MA, ORPHEUM THEATER
MAY 7 RIDGEFIELD CT, RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE
MAY 9 ST LOUIS MO, PEABODY OPERA HOUSE
MAY 10 CINCINNATI OH, TAFT THEATER
MAY 12 MILWAUKEE WI, PABST THEATER
MAY 13 MINNEAPOLIS MN, STATE THEATER
MAY 15 GRAND RAPIDS MI, 20 MONROE LIVE
MAY 16 TORONTO ONT, MASSEY HALL
MAY 17 DETROIT MI, THE FILLMORE
MAY 19 CLEVELAND OH, HARD ROCK LIVE
MAY 20 CLEVELAND OH, HARD ROCK LIVE
MAY 22 CHICAGO IL, CHICAGO THEATER
MAY 24 DENVER CO, PARAMOUNT THEATER
MAY 26 LAS VEGAS NV, THE JOINT @ THE HARD ROCK
MAY 27 PHOENIX AZ, COMERICA THEATER
MAY 29 LOS ANGELES CA, THE WILTERN
MAY 30 SAN FRANCISCO CA, THE MASONIC
JUNE 1 SEATTLE WA, MOORE THEATER
JUNE 2 PORTLAND OR, REVOLUTION THEATER
JUNE 4 SACRAMENTO CA, CREST THEATER
JUNE 5 RIVERSIDE CA, FOX PAC

BOOKIE'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION

BOOKIE'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION

Saturday, March 17, at the New Way Bar, Ferndale

And it's FREE!

On March 17, 1978, Bookie's Club 870 became Detroit's answer to New York's C.B.G.B., The Whiskey A-Go-Go in L.A., and London's Marquee Club. Bookie's hosted shows by The Police, Iggy Pop, J. Geils, The Damned, Ultravox, The Dead Boys, and many other international punk and New Wave performers.

It also served as a home base for Detroit area bands like The Sillies, The Romantics, former MC-5 and Stooges members like Ron Asheton, Michael Davis, Dennis Thompson and their then-current bands. At least three live albums have been released of Bookie's concerts and a new two-record set of Iggy Pop's five day residency is now being released in the UK.

The Bookie's 40th Anniversary Reunion will be held Saturday, March 17 (St. Patrick's Day) at the New Way Bar on Woodward, roughly 3 miles north of the original Bookie's. Admission is FREE. There will be posters and photos on display that night as well as live performances from The Sillies (who started the club) the ORIGINAL members of R.U.R., plus members of Coldcock, Flirt, The Seatbelts, and other guests.

The New Way Bar is at 23130 Woodward Avenue, 3 blocks north of Nine Mile (1/2 block north of Cambourne) in Ferndale.

CONGRATULATIONS! JIM BAADE WINS SILVER MEDAL AT AAF ADDY AWARDS

Documentary filmmaker: writer, producer, editor and director. Broadcast creative director & voice over talent Jim Baade was honored with a silver medal!

Silver Medal Award Winners at the 41st Annual American Advertising Federation AAF Addy Awards Ceremony at Northbank Center, Feb. 23. Pictured from left to right is newest inductee Jim Baade, Stephanie K. Confer, Chris McDonald, John Tracy, Tom Reynolds, Laurie Prochazka, Lueida Grady, Karl Olmsted and Dave Perry. (photo by Eric Dutro)

Jim Baade holds his Addy with CARS 108 Mornings Hosts Pat and AJ (left) and Dave Perry
(photo by Eric Dutro)

Jim Baade was awarded the Silver Medal Award at the 41st Annual American Advertising Federation Awards Ceremony. Established in 1959, the honor represents outstanding contributions in advertising and furthering the industry's standards of creative excellence and responsibility in social concern.

Dave Perry awards Jim Baade with the AAF Silver Medal Award.(photo by Molly Baade)

Beginning his career at the legendary album rock station: 105 FM "Flint Best Rock" when Flint radio legend Peter C. Cavanaugh hired him. 'Badboy Baade" soon was spinning vinyl on the all-night show at the number one station in America. Afterward, establishing himself with awarding winning commercials and campaigns, Baade remains one of the most recognizable voices in Greater Flint.

WATCH LOCAL DJ HERE

LOCAL DJ - THE STORY OF FLINT ROCK N' ROLL - 2016 Documentary - HD (Best Quality) from JIM BAADE on Vimeo.

NEW BOOK: THE GHOSTS OF JIM MORRISON PHANTOM OF DETROIT FATES OF ROCK N ROLL

My name is R.D Francis, a U.S based rock journalist. I have self-published my first book, “The Ghosts of Jim Morrison, The Phantom of Detroit, and the Fates of Rock n’ Roll,” the story behind the 1974 Capitol Records’ release, Phantom’s Divine Comedy: Part 1, which many rock fans believed was a Jim Morrison solo album—not realizing “The Phantom” was a Detroit-based musician who worked alongside Bob Seger and Suzi Quatro during his career.

The Ghosts of Jim Morrison, The Phantom of Detroit, and the Fates of Rock 'n' Roll: The tales of the wizard behind the mysterious 1974 album Phantom’s Divine Comedy: Part 1

In 1974, Capitol Records issued an unremarkable hard-rock album. Receiving a low-key release and promoted through an underground marketing campaign, the album received limited—sometimes scoffing, sometime favorable—press attention for its eerie similarities to a famed rock ‘n’ roll icon who perished under mysterious circumstances three years earlier.

Some audiophiles questioned the recordings as a lost solo album recorded prior to that iconic musician’s death; others believed the icon still alive, in hiding and recording music; others believed the album an elaborate hoax—a prefabricated band created by musicians and producers looking to profit on the celebrity of a deceased rock star.

Phantom's Divine Comedy, Part 1

To this day, some music journalists dismiss this phantasmal effort as a “comical” concept album: a parody of the then trendy, excessive and bloated rock operas created during the emergence of the progressive-rock epoch of the late Sixties and early Seventies.

This is the ethereal tale of that wizard of Detroit and his epic encounter with the storied Lizard King of Los Angeles. This is a historical journey of the Phantom’s time; a melodious trek through the excitements and the innovations, a musical expedition through the hypes and excesses and the successes and failures of the rock ‘n’ roll music industry and one of its mythical creations: 1974’s Phantom's Divine Comedy: Part 1.

This is the story of the man who replaced Jim Morrison in the Doors.

BLUES LEGEND POPA CHUBBY IS BACK AT CALLAHANS MAR 9-10

Blues legend Popa Chubby will be performing at Callahan’s in Auburn Hills, MI on March 9-10, 2018. The Chubbster will be playing selections from his latest release "Two Dogs", as well as selections from Chubby's prolific 25 year career.

Popa Chubby Tour Dates:
February
26 - New York, NY - BB King’s
March
2-3 - San Francisco, CA - Biscuits & Blues
8 - Cleveland, OH - Music Box Supper Club
9-10 - Auburn Hills, MI - Callahan’s
16 - Beverly, MA - 9 Wallis
17 - Woonsocket, RI - Chan’s
23 - Stanhope, NJ – Stanhope House
April
7 - Hartford, CT - Black Eyed Sally’s
11 - Wyomissing, PA - Berks Jazz Festival
13 - Albany, NY - Upper Room
14 - N. Truro, MA - Provincetown Town Hall
May
11 - Pawling, NY - Daryl’s House
12 - Fairfield, CT - Stage One
June
1 - Jim Thorpe, PA - Mauch Chunk Opera House
2 - Hagerstown, MD - Western Maryland Blues Festival

PURCHASE BY CLICKING EITHER LINK BELOW

Two Dogs

Ted Horowitz aka Popa Chubby's new 2017 album "Two Dogs" might be his most personal one: "People ask me why 2 dogs? It's an old fable – 2 dogs, 2 wolves", says Popa Chubby. "We have become polarized as a race. There is a battle inside each of us.

Each day we rise and must choose our path calling upon each other and our own spirits for strength and courage. The dog we feed is the one that rules the dog we starve dies of neglect. It is up to each of us to use our spirit to feed the dog that will enable all of us to thrive.

I believe in the triumph of the human spirit, I believe that a grain of hope is more powerful than a mountain of fear. And I believe I love. We are here to love. Love each other, love the gift that is this life, and love music. So my dear friends, I make this offering to you with love, hope and the awareness that the dog I feed is the one that will help me to bring all the love in my soul to you."

Medium 1
It's Alright
Rescue Me
Preexisting Conditions
Sam Lay's Pistol
Two Dogs
Dirty Old Blues
Shakedown
Wound Up Getting High
Cayophus Dupree
Me Won't Back Down
Chubby's Boogie
Sympathy For The Devil (Bonus Track)
Hallelujah (Bonus Track)

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR ELTON JOHN FAREWELL IN DETROIT

Etickets.ca‎ Elton John at Little Caesars Arena, Detroit

Elton John will be in Detroit, Michigan Oct 10, performing his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. Don't miss it! Etickets.ca has seats and tickets available for show at The Little Caesars Arena

Tickets still available for Elton John at Little Caesars Arena on Etickets.ca

DETROIT DRUMMER MIKKI STEVENS HAS DIED

Mikki Stevens Rikki St James Sirius Trixon Glenn Dean and Jim Jam photo: S. Rynski

MIKKI STEVENS: R.I.P.

Detroit rock drummer Mikki Stevens (Michael J. Gerbino) passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, January 25, 2018, at the age of 64 while undergoing treatment for acute myeloid leukemia.

Mikki and Rikki rip (photo: retrokimmer.com 2013)

Mikki Stevens was the former drummer for the legendary Detroit rock band Sirius Trixon & The Motor City Bad Boys, he replaced Dennis "Machinegun" Thompson of the MC5. He also played drums with Johnny Angelos & The Reputations, Moose & Da Sharks, The Motor City Rockers and The Randy Volin Blues Band.

photo: S. Rynski

Mikki Stevens will be sadly missed by his friends in the Detroit music community and those who shared his passion for restoring vintage cars.

Memorial Service at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons funeral home, 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile Road), Sterling Heights, Michigan on Saturday, February 3rd at 7:30pm. Visitation from 3-5pm and 7-9pm

THE ROCKETS DEC 30 AT THE TOKEN LOUNGE!

Let's celebrate life together! 

Rock and Roll is alive, it ain't no jive.

BUY TICKETS HERE

DIRECTIONS

THE DEACON OF ROCK BITES BACK!! STEVE HUNTER'S NEW CD!

Our dear friends Steve and Karen Ann Hunter have released a new album 

Guitar legend Steve Hunter's “Before The Lights Go Out”. We have our copy and just keep playing it over and over. Steve's unique guitar style is such gorgeous music. Thank you Steve and Karen!! xoK

Here is the official press release from Glass Onyon below:

The Deacon Of Rock Bites Back!

“Before The Lights Go Out” is long time Alice Cooper/Lou Reed Guitarist Steve Hunter’s latest solo album. The cover art and title make a statement about his failing eyesight, but don’t make the mistake of thinking this is a quiet wave goodbye. As soon as you put on the first track, you will know that this is more like a Blues Rock Declaration of Independence! There are sexy grooves, luscious guitar tones and melodies galore.

As with all Hunter’s releases, there is some diversity and sound imagery, not least of which is Tienes Mi Corazón where alongside his nylon string improvisation comes the sound of his own heart. And listen out for Joe Satriani adding his fire to the heat of “Mojo Man.”

Also joining Steve on a couple of tracks are two great Bass players: Erik Scott can be heard on “Mojo Man,” Erik is also an Alice Cooper alumni. On “Under The Bodhi Tree” is Andy Stoller. Steve and Andy toured together with Tracy Chapman during the “Telling Stories” album period, most recently Andy has been touring with Ann Wilson of Heart.

Says Steve, “This album was a real joy for me on many levels. A big part of the inspiration and motivation that kept me going; was from all the people out there who had faith in me and encouraged me through the entire process with their donations and comments. It was really a wonderful experience having you all be a part of it. It’s my deepest hope and desire that you all enjoy the music on this album as much as I enjoyed making it. Thank you and God bless!”

Watch the album sampler video: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBYCZ_sPVVA

Steve Hunter is his own man; he has been around the block with a forty-five year career.

From his 1973 solos on Alice Cooper’s “Billion Dollar Babies” album, his legendary acoustic work on Peter Gabriel’s “Solsbury Hill,” his “Intro” to Lou Reed’s “Sweet Jane” and his searing opening solos on Aerosmith’s version of “Train Kept A Rolling” Most recently he can be heard on Alice Cooper’s 2017 album “Paranormal” making this his ninth Cooper album appearance. The Deacon is not done yet but his life is evolving! He has challenges playing live now but his honed skill, tone, power and soul, is dished up on this hot plate of guitar driven instrumental tastiness.

Order your copy today!

Before the Lights Go Out

Click link above or icon below 

Tracks:
1. On The Edge Of Uncertainty
2. Mojo Man
3. Summer’s Eve
4. Cinderblock
5. Softtail Deuce
6. Tienes Mi Corazón (You Have My Heart)
7. Ice Storm
8. Under The Bodhi Tree
9. The Other Side Of The Coin
10. Happy Trails (vocal Karen Hunter)

For more information:
http://www.stevehunter.com/
https://www.facebook.com/steve.hunter.54

NOT OVER YET ANNOUNCE NEW LP 'AXIOMS OF LIFE' IN OCTOBER!

Featuring as guests on 'AXIOMS OF LIFE': Luca Princiotta – lead guitars (Doro Pesch), Chris Poland– lead guitars (OHM / Megadeth), Blaze Bayley - vocals (Blaze / Iron Maiden / Wolfsbane), Zak Stevens - vocals (TSO / Savatage / Circle II Circle), Dylan Rose - vocals (Archer Nation), Charlie Huhn - vocals (Foghat / Gary Moore / Ted Nugent / Victory) and Greg Izor - vocals.

Tracklist:

1. Will Power (feat. Dylan Rose, Luca Princiotta)
2. Crazy Tide (feat. Zak Stevens, Chris Poland, Luca Princiotta)
3. Boomshake (feat. Charlie Huhn, Luca Princiotta)
4. You And I (feat. Zak Stevens, Chris Poland)
5. Back to Square One (feat. Blaze Bayley, Luca Princiotta)
6. Some Blues (feat. Greg Izor, Luca Princiotta)
7. No Compromise (feat. Charlie Huhn, Luca Princiotta)
8. Breathe (feat. Dylan Rose, Luca Princiotta)
9. Let's Stay Together (feat. Greg Izor)

NOT OVER YET was formed in fall 2014 by the siblings Giulia Cerardi and Luca Cerardi (Merendine Atomiche / Merendine). 'AXIOMS OF LIFE' has been recorded in many different locations around the world. Drums, bass, vocals and rhythm guitars were recorded between June 2015 and March 2017 at New Sin Studios, Loria (Treviso, Italy). Blaze Bayley and Greg Izor both recorded their vocals at the same studio, in June 2015 and June 2016, respectively.

Charlie Huhn recorded his vocals in January 2017 at North Avenue Studios in DeLand, Florida (USA). Chris Poland recorded his lead guitar parts during the same month, at Glass House Studios in Los Angeles, California (USA). Dylan Rose recorded his vocal parts in October 2016 in Santa Cruz, California (USA), while Zak Stevens recorded his during the same month at MG Studios in Columbia, South Carolina (USA).

www.notoveryetband.com
www.facebook.com/NOTOVERYETband

HOWLING DIABLOS ROCK STAGE AT ART BEATS AND EATS

WISHBONE ASH LIVE AT CALLAHAN'S SEPT 19 2017

British classic rock legends Wishbone Ash will be performing at Callahan's in Auburn Hills, MI on Sept. 19, 2017!

Wishbone Ash, one of the most influential guitar bands in the history of rock, will offer their North American fans a dynamic concert experience on the 2017 “Tough & Tender” Tour. In addition to the high-powered, all-out rockers the band is known for delivering, the guys will turn down the volume (but not the intensity) and treat audiences to acoustic versions of some of their classic hits.

Wishbone Ash US Tour Dates:
Sept. 12 Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall
Sept. 13 Minneapolis, MN Famous Dave's
Sept. 14 Davenport, IA River Music Experience
Sept. 15 St. Charles, IL Arcada Theatre
Sept. 16 Edwardsville, IL Wildey Theatre
Sept. 17 Edwardsville IL Wildey Theatre
Sept. 19 Auburn Hills, MI Callahan's Music Hall
Sept. 22 Sherwood Park, AB Canada Festival Place
Sept. 25 Annapolis, MD Rams Head on Stage
Sept. 26 Richmond, VA Tin Pan
Sept. 27 Sellersville, PA Sellersville Theater
Sept. 28 Norfolk, CT Infinity Music Hall
Sept. 29 Derry, NH Tupelo Music Hall
Sept. 30 Bay Shore, NY Boulton Center
Oct. 1 Pawling, NY Daryl's House Club
Oct. 2 New York, NY BB King Blues Club & Grill
Oct. 5 Buffalo, NY Sportsmen's Tavern
Oct. 6 Akron, OH Tangier
Oct. 7 Pittsburgh, PA Rex Theater
Oct. 8 Jim Thorpe, PA Mauch Chunk Opera House

There is no other rock band in history that has done more with the twin guitar concept than The Ash. Be sure to catch them on tour this September. Tour dates and more information can be found at www.wishboneash.com. Follow the band on Facebook @wishbone.ash.official, Twitter @wishboneash_com and Instagram.

DETROIT'S MADAM X SIGNS WITH EMP LABEL GROUP!

Legendary Detroit Hard Rockers MADAM X have signed a deal with EMP LABEL GROUP, who will release their long-awaited sophomore release MONSTROCITY on October 31st, (October 27th in EUROPE) on CD and Digital, with a limited edition vinyl release planned for November.

Produced by Madam X at Kevin Sharpe's Metro 37 Studios in Rochester Hills, MI, and Mixed by Michael Wagener (MEGADETH, METALLICA, SKID ROW, OZZY OSBOURNE), with additional mixing by Mark Slaughter, Monstrocity is a hard-hitting classic Metal/Rock record sure to serve as a proper return to form for Madam X, and a kick in the ass for fans old and new.

Formed in 1981 by sisters Roxy and Maxine Petrucci, Madam X recruited bassist Chris “Godzilla” Doliber and vocalist Bret Kaiser, who released their classic, Rick Derringer produced, Jet Records debut WE RESERVE THE RIGHT in 1984, spawning the hit Rock single “High in High School”. 4 years later, after Roxy departed to join future Arena Rock superstars VIXEN, and original vocalist Kaiser was briefly replaced by an unknown Canadian vocalist named Sebastian Bach, Madam X disbanded, and would remain mostly inactive until 2014, when the original lineup reunited at the Sweden Rock Festival.

Fast forward to 2017, when the Petrucci sisters collaborated with vocalist Mark Slaughter on a Lemmy Kilmister tribute track for their VIP AFTERSHOW project, Slaughter who introduced Roxy to EMP LABEL GROUP head of A&R Thom Hazaert, who released a 12” “KILMISTER” single for AFTERSHOW, and the conversation soon shifted to the upcoming MADAM X release.

Says Hazaert, “When I connected with Roxy and we were working on The Aftershow stuff, and she told me they were working on a new MADAM X record, I was extremely excited at the prospect of releasing it. After a brief courtship, we made the decision to put it out together, and I can honestly say I’m still excited. Madam X is such a kickass Rock band, I was always a huge fan of their first record, and to be able to release its follow up over 30 years later is just insane.”

Adds drummer Roxy Petrucci, "Hell may not be pretty but good things will find their way out ! It takes a huge pair of metal balls to sign a band like Madam X, David Ellefson and Thom Hazaert at EMP put their love of metal first, and crushed it by signing Madam X ! Raw and flawed, Monstrocity will be unleashed onto the world in fall 2017 ! Long live Rock n Roll but immortalized in Metal!".
The album features 12 hard-hitting slabs of Rock, including the pummeling title track “Monstrocity”, “Resurrection”, “Nitrous”, and an updated version of their 1984 hit “High In High School.”

www.facebook.com/MadamXofficial
www.madam-x.org

FRIDAY IN THE MOTOR CITY - SUICIDE PREVENTION EVENT

POSTED BY MARQ SPECK

Sometimes we all need to step up, reach out and make a difference... and that's exactly what we're doing this Friday (8/4/17) at The Token Lounge in Westland.

Join members of Sweet Crystal as we help raise awareness and support for this painful and personal issue.

Brought into national focus by the deaths of Chester Bennington (Linkin Park) and Chris Cornell (Soundgarden), there is much the rest of us can do to help when someone is contemplating this path.

Here's a place to start.

Chester Bennington of Linkin Park

A Memorial Dance Party

“One More Light” concert video

There are over 300 worldwide memorials.

Registered Linkin Park Memorial

TICKETS HERE

Portion of ticket sales to benefit the

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

and the American Indian Health & Family Services.

Advance tickets $8 & $10 at the door

18+ w/proper ID & All Ages w/parent

A Friday in the Motor City doesn't get any more important than this.

Marq Andrew Speck and Sweet Crystal Links of Interest:

https://www.facebook.com/marq.speck
http://www.sweetcrystal.com
https://www.facebook.com/SweetCrystalBand

DETROIT ROCK RADIO LEGEND BOB BAUER HAS DIED

Detroit Rock Radio Legend Bob Bauer, whose voice was familiar to decades of Detroit rock listeners, has died at his home in Pinckney. He was 63.

Bauer, a 1979 graduate of the Specs Howard broadcast school, was best known for his tenure at Detroit stations WLLZ-FM ("Wheels"), WABX-FM, WCSX-FM and others. Most recently, he hosted a show that spotlighted local music at DetroitMusicStation.com high up in the Penobscot Building..

THE BOB BAUER SHOW

Justin Bauer Bob's son posted this yesterday on Facebook:

It is with a heavy heart that I am posting the news of my father's death. The memorial service will be this

Saturday July 29 from 2p to 5p

Harold W Vick funeral home 

140 S Main Street 

Mount Clemens MI 48043. 

Please reach out to Justin at 248-850-6121 if you have any help for the video montage they are putting together. My dad was a great man who loved his family friends and the City of Detroit.

Rest in rock heaven with your zillion friends Bob, you are already missed...xoK

THE ROMANTICS' MIKE SKILL TO RELEASE SOLO SINGLE

The Romantics Guitarist/Vocalist/Songwriter Michael Skill To Release New Solo Single “67 Riot”

New song evokes time when Detroit burned during“Summer of Love”

Detroit - From the man who crafted such hit singles as “What I Like About You,” “Talking in Your Sleep,” and “One In A Million,” comes a new gritty blues-rock single about the riots that forever changed his hometown of Detroit in 1967. Michael Skill, who has played both bass and guitar for the power-pop rock 'n' roll band The Romantics, was a budding teenager in 1967 when five days of racially charged riots tore apart Detroit in July. When it was over, 43 people lay dead, 1,189 had been injured, more than 7,200 had been arrested and more than 2,000 buildings had been destroyed.

Skill lived on Detroit's East Side and says that although the violence took place several miles from his home, he nonetheless saw its effects up close. “I remember the National Guard right down the street from my house,” he says. “People watching the riots on TV were afraid that rioters would come into our neighborhood. People were freaked out.” The riots changed his beloved Motor City forever. “A lot of my friends' families took off for the suburbs after that,” he says, noting his family chose to stay in the city.

The riot's effects – and the fact that many of the issues they raised, from police brutality to economic decay – stayed with Skill, culminating in his desire to write “67 Riot.” Loud, powerful and evocative of tough tunes by such rockers as Link Wray, Jimi Hendrix and Skill's fellow Detroit rockers, The MC 5, “67 Riot” is both a haunting look at the past as well as a timely allusion to the present, in a world where racial and social tension still threaten to rend our nation in two.

“I wrote the song from a sense of frustration that people never came together after the riots to really address what happened, to look each other in the eye and say, 'How can we repair this? How can we move forward?'” The song's lyrics are written from this point of view. “4 AM/Down the street/Cops roll in/With all the heat/Blind pig roaring/Kickin' their heels/Soldiers home/Just gettin' real,” the song opens. “Rooftop sniper/Set the sight/Burning cocktails/Flash in flight/Broken city/Broken dreams/Things aren't always what they seem/67 Riot!”

Recorded in Skill's own studio, the song features him on guitar, bass and vocals, and also features drummer Russell Ayers, who engineered the tune. The co-producers sought to create an aural equivalent of what it was like to live through this violent time, Skill says, but he adds that he wanted the song to end on a note of hope because Detroit has rebounded in recent years.

“Try to warm your heart/Dream your dreams/Break the chain/Let's start clean,” he adds in his song, noting it’s time to break the chain of racism that has shackled generations before, during and after “67 Riot.”

The Romantics are still touring, still recording and currently feature 3 original band members on the front line up, Rich Cole, Wally Palmar and co-founder Michael Skill. Drummer Brad Elvis joined The Romantics in 2004 and has been the longest seated drummer with the band. Rich Cole rejoined the band in 2010, reviving the band's 3-part harmony allowing The Romantics to perform songs from their first two albums live for the first time since his departure.

Buy Michael Skill's “'67 Riot” single:

Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/mike. skill
https://twitter.com/MikeSkill2 @mikeskill2
https://www.instagram.com/ mjskill/ @mjskill
https://www.facebook.com/ 67Riots/
https://www.facebook.com/ romanticsdetroit/

MAKE MUSIC DETROIT JUNE 21: COMPLETE LIST OF VENUES AND ARTISTS

COMPLETE MUSIC DAY DETROIT INFO IS HERE

Make Music is a free celebration of music around the world on June 21st. Launched in 1982 in France as the Fête de la Musique, it is now held on the same day in more than 700 cities in 120 countries.

MAKEMUSICDETROIT.ORG

Completely different from a typical music festival, Make Music is open to anyone who wants to take part. Every kind of musician — young and old, amateur and professional, of every musical persuasion — pours onto streets, parks, plazas, and porches to share their music with friends, neighbors, and strangers. All of it is free and open to the public.

BOB SEGER MUSIC IS FINALLY AVAILABLE ONLINE

One of the few major streaming holdouts has folded. Bob Seger's music has just become available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Napster and Slacker Radio.

Up until now, his only songs on Spotify were the Christmas songs "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Sock It To Me Santa," but 13 of his albums are now there, including Ramblin' Gamblin' Man, Live Bullet, Night Moves and Against The Wind. He's also released 10 albums for digital download that weren't previously available. READ MORE ON ROLLINGSTONE PAGE

DRUM LEGEND CORKY LAING PLAYS MOUNTAIN AT THE TOKEN LOUNGE!

Corky Laing, the powerhouse drummer of the legendary bands Mountain and West, Bruce and Laing is performing the music of Mountain at the Token Lounge in Westland on July 7, 2017!

Corky Laing, the powerhouse drummer of the legendary bands Mountain and West, Bruce & Laing is taking Mountain’s music back on the road. Since 2015 Corky has infrequently played in Europe and the US as Corky Laing plays Mountain. The audiences’ response to Corky’s passion, energy and respect for the music has been enthusiastic and a momentum has been building. Spring and summer of 2017 see Corky embark on a World tour.

“… ‘Mississippi Queen’ was, of course, a highlight, but seldom have I seen a drummer dominate a set with such panache, and such deft use of the high hat and cowbell. There’s just not enough in rock these days. A true ‘giant of rock’.”

Corky Laing Plays Mountain Spring and Summer 2017 World Tour!

05/10 - Blue Notez, Dortmund, Germany
05/11 - De Pul, Uden, Netherlands
05/12 - KultBahnhof, Gifhorn, Germany
05/13 - Maria’s Ballroom, Hamburg, Germany
05/15 - Meisenfrei, Bremen, Germany
05/17 - Yard Club, Köln, Germany
05/18 - Beavers, Miltenberg, Germany
05/19 - Blues Club Chiemgau, Rimsting, Germany
05/20 - Rockjungfer, Arnstadt, Germany
06/02 - Beverly (N. Boston), MA - 9 Wallis
06/03 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie
06/05 - Raleigh, NC - Kings
06/06 - Wilmington, NC - Reggies
06/08 - Atlanta, GA - Southern Comfort
06/09 - Hattiesburgh, MS - Thirsty Hippo
06/10 - New Orleans, LA - Siberia
06/11 - Houston, TX - White Oak
06/13 - San Antonio, TX - Sam’s Burger Joint
06/14 - Austin, TX - Barracuda
06/16 - Denver, CO - Electric Funeral Fest
06/17 - Santa Fe, NM - Boxcar
06/18 - Phoenix, AZ - Club Red
06/20 - San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick
06/21 - Los Angeles, CA - Regent
06/23 - San Francisco, CA - Thee Parkside
06/24 - Sacramento, CA - Starlite
06/26 - Portland, OR - Dante’s
06/27 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
07/01 - Calgary, AB - Palomino
07/04 - Madison, WI - High Noon
07/05 - Chicago, IL - Reggies
07/06 - Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop
07/07 - Detroit, MI - Token Lounge
07/08 - Toronto, ON - Garrison
07/09 - Pittsburgh, PA - Cattivo
8/11/2017 Underground, Stockholm, Sweden
8/12/2017 Underground, Stockholm, Sweden
(More dates to be announced.)

More on Corky
www.corkylaingworks.com
Corky on Facebook
www.facebook.com/corkylaing

ARTIST AMBASSADORS FOR MAKE MUSIC DAY 2017 ANNOUNCED

A Two-Time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, a Legendary Composer and Pianist, a Jazz Virtuoso, a “Nashville” Star and Musician, Noted Composers/Percussionists, a Hollywood Actress-Turned-Rocker and a Grammy Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter Among Ambassadors

4,000+ Live, Free Outdoor Music-Making Events to be Held in More than 60 U.S. Cities on June 21

June 8, 2017 – Make Music Day, the annual global celebration of music occurring each June 21 and featuring over 4,000 free, outdoor concerts, music lessons and jam sessions in over 60 U.S. cities, today announced its lineup of artist ambassadors. The all-day musical celebration on the summer solstice brings people of all styles, ages and skill levels together to make music.

Make Music Day ambassadors include (in alphabetical order) Carmine and Vinny Appice, Brian Chase (Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Peter Cincotti, Charles Esten (Nashville on CMT/Hulu), Philip Glass, Daniel Ho, Mandy Jiroux, Glenn Kotche (Wilco), Lenka, Christian McBride, Ian Mellencamp, Taylor Momsen (The Pretty Reckless), Graham Nash, OK Go, Lee Oskar, Alex Skolnick, Tokyo Police Club, Us the Duo, Suzanne Vega, Vintage Trouble and Bernie Williams (former New York Yankees centerfielder and Latin Grammy nominated artist), along with many others to be found across the global celebration.

“What I love about Make Music Day is that it brings music out to the public with no barriers or boundaries,” said Christian McBride. “On June 21, you never know what you might hear – a jazz trio on a train platform, a funk band in a prison, or a string quartet on a porch. They’re celebrating every kind of music and bringing people together.”

“By uniting music makers from every walk of life, it reminds us that music is bigger than any one culture, viewpoint or experience and that we can revel in being humbled by it,” said Dave Monk of Tokyo Police Club.

“Why do we love Make Music Day?” asked OK Go. “Because for one day of the year music gets to run free in the streets in all of its most insane and mundane permutations.”

Us the Duo added that “Although music is constantly happening all around us, Make Music Day celebrates it in one glorious day of sound-making in the streets of a city or town near you.”

Charles Esten noted: “You think you're someone who ‘can't make music?’ I think you might just be someone who hasn't explored all the ways that you could. Spend a couple hours in a music store. Try instrument after instrument. Don't be self-conscious. Just have fun. You're not playing for anybody else. You're playing for yourself. So keep trying.”

The artist ambassadors will be sharing their love of music, and music making, with their fans and the public in the days leading up to Make Music Day.

Completely different from a typical music festival, Make Music Day celebrates and promotes the natural music maker in all of us, regardless of ability. Every kind of musician – from bucket drummers to opera singers – pours onto streets, parks, plazas, porches, rooftops, gardens and other public spaces to share their music with friends, neighbors and strangers.

Make Music Day national highlights include Sousapaloozas that bring together hundreds of brass and wind musicians to play the music of John Philip Sousa, Street Studios that feature DJs and producers bringing gear and engaging passersby in the spontaneous, collaborative production of original music on the street, and more than 175 Mass Appeal events that bring together musicians of all levels and ages to make music in large, single-instrument groups led by experienced facilitators.

Cities hosting major celebrations include New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Fullerton, Madison, Milwaukee, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Portland (OR), St. Louis, San Jose, Seattle and the entire states of Vermont and Rhode Island, with smaller festivities taking place in other communities nationwide.

Make Music Day, which began in France in 1982 as the Fête de la Musique, has since grown to more than 750 cities cross 120 countries, and is presented in the U.S. by The NAMM Foundation and coordinated by the nonprofit Make Music Alliance.

All Make Music Day events are free and open to the public. For the full schedule of events in each city and to register to perform or host musical events, please visit makemusicday.org.

About Make Music Day
Held annually on June 21 to coincide with the summer solstice, Make Music Day is part of the international Fête de la Musique, taking place in more than 750 cities across 120 countries.

The daylong, musical free-for-all celebrates music in all its forms, encouraging people to band together and play in free public concerts. This year, more than 60 U.S. cities and the entire states of Vermont and Rhode Island are organizing Make Music celebrations, encompassing thousands of music making opportunities nationwide. Make Music Day is presented by The NAMM Foundation and coordinated by the nonprofit Make Music Alliance. For more information, please visit www.makemusicday.org.