Asia 30th Anniversary UK Tour Commences December 15th

ASIA, featuring the original line-up of Geoff Downes (keyboards),  Steve Howe (guitar), Carl Palmer (drums) and John Wetton (bass, lead vocals) start their 30^th Anniversary UK Tour on December 15. The tour celebrates their 1982 eponymous debut album (now released as a new collectors’ edition) and their critically acclaimed new studio album ‘XXX’.

Tickets are available from the 24 Hour Box Office: 0844 478 0898, www.thegigcartel.com.

Tavistock The Wharf – Dec 15 (SOLD OUT)

Holmfirth Picturedrome – Dec 16 (SOLD OUT)

Edinburgh Queen’s Hall – Dec 17

Salisbury City Hall – Dec 19

Birmingham Town Hall – Dec 20

Manchester Royal Northern College of Music – Dec 21 (LAST FEW TICKETS REMAINING)

London o2 Shepherds Bush Empire – Dec 22

Thirty years after its eponymous debut album, ASIA ascended to the top of the Billboard Top 100 chart (where the album was #1 for nine weeks). The new album, ‘XXX’, featuring artwork by the legendary Roger Dean, has been hailed as ASIA’s best album since their early 80s classics.  

The single Face On The Bridge was released as a taster from the album and received good critical response
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Nightwish Release “Imaginaerum - The Score“

Nightwish are set to release the score to their eagerly anticipated movie “Imaginaerum” on 12^th November 2012. The Album features 13 grandiose, unreleased re-interpretations  of “Imaginaerum” tracks by Petri Alanko.

Eagerly anticipated around the world, “Imaginaerum” creates a musical fantasy world in the vein of David Lynch, Neil Gaiman, and Cirque du Soleil. The movie is an innovative mixture of story-telling and music, an extraordinary tale of the power of imagination… and what’s ultimately important in life.

Shot and post-produced in Canada, the movie was directed by Stobe Harju and produced by Solar Films, and features appearances by all Nightwish members. The screenplay is based on a wild vision that Tuomas Holopainen, the mastermind of the band, devised after the album Dark Passion Play came out in 2007.

“I though of how we could take our expression that had already became pretty ambitious and grandiose to the next level, and that’s when I knew I wanted to tell a story, and to tell it with love and piety.”

According to Holopainen, finishing the movie has been an eventful and challenging journey that has sometimes demanded superhuman dedication from the production crew.

“I want to already thank everyone from the bottom of my heart. Together we’ve managed to create something innovative, strange, and timeless”, Holopainen states.

“It all started during the spring of 2007 when we were finishing the mixings for `Dark Passion Play´, says Tuomas. “I remember vividly listening through the songs and thinking what would be the next chapter in NIGHTWISH’S chronicles? When I look back at our catalogue, I see the evolution of the band, how the stories and musical landscapes evolve from one album to the next one, to the next one, to this present moment. During that time I strongly felt we need the next chapter to be something no-one`s ever done before in music. Something so big, crossover, detailed, innovative and nuts that it would leave the band, and hopefully the people experiencing it, completely awestruck. Love it or hate it, but awestruck nonetheless”, does he point out uncompromising. “I realized we needed to add another dimension into the music, and release the album as a visual experience also.”

The original idea Tuomas had, was to film 13 short stories related to the songs, “and together they would form a complete story”, explains the finnish composer. “13 music videos with a connecting storyline, in other words. And I wanted Mr. Stobe Harju to shoot them all. We were so impressed with his work with `The Islander´- music video that I never even thought of anyone else for the job. I presented him with my idea and he told me, I was totally insane, and that he would love the challenge. So we started to work on how to bring the idea to life.”

It was Stobe`s idea to turn the 13 stories / visions Tuomas had, into a more of a drama- film. “One that would have a clear plot, script, dialogue and real actors. And now, after three years of working with it, I see the result as a mixture of something never done before in music or cinema.”

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The movie is based on the album and its 13 tracks, “honoring the original ideas but having evolved radically from them. Still, it was important from the very beginning that the album would work as its own individual piece of art, as well. It is a thematic album about life itself, about imagination, love, goodness and beauty, with a touch of darkness and melancholy, which are strongly included in all of those things mentioned. `Imaginaerum´ is an audiovisual testament of what NIGHTWISH has always been about.”

The songs for the album were written during 2008-2010, majority of them after the “Dark Passion Play”-world tour ended in September 2009. “`Ghost River´ is the earliest song while `Song Of Myself´ was the last one finished”, remembers Mister Holopainen clearly. “Marco provided the music for `The Crow, The Owl And The Dove´, all the other songs and all lyrics are written by me. It was an enormously fun challenge to write songs to a story and visual images, I already had in mind. It was like creating a soundtrack to a movie which didn`t exist. Our long-time engineer Tero `TeeCee´ Kinnunen and me then rented a house in Porkkala, Finland for two weeks in April 2010 to record a rehearsal tape for the other band members to listen to.”

The summer of 2010 was reserved for band rehearsals and arrangement process. “For this we rented a summer camp called Röskö in my home town of Kitee”, tells Tuomas. “During those two months we raised the songs to a level everyone was happy about and recorded a demo. This enabled Mr. Pip Williams to start working on his orchestral and choral arrangements. For the next four months, he would be doing nothing but arranging those parts for `Imaginaerum´.

The drum recordings started in October 2010, followed by guitars and basses. In February 2011 we entered Angels Studios in London to record the orchestras, choirs and ethnic instruments. This was followed by the keyboard, piano, celtic instruments and vocal recordings in Petrax Studios, Finland.”

The mixing process started in April under supervision of Mr. Mikko Karmila in Finnvox Studios, Helsinki, and the first version of the album was finished  early in June. “We ended up mixing the album twice more, giving us the final and satisfactory mix in July. The final mastering, engineered by Mr. Mika Jussila took place in Finnvox on the 31st of August. A year of rehearsals and recordings, over two months of mixing and `Imaginaerum´was finally ready. The audio part of it, at least.”

 “The hybrid of the album and the movie will be something never created before. An adventure into a wondrous place we all know but have long since forgotten. We hope you`ll enjoy the ride!”

Nightwish have sold over seven million albums internationally and received over 60 Gold and Platinum awards, making them the most successful Finnish Rock band of all time.

Rush 2112 Deluxe and Super Deluxe Editions Released December 17th

RUSH’s Landmark Album

“2112”

Deluxe and Super Deluxe Editions

Release Date: 17^th December 2012

Featuring 5.1 Surround Sound Mixes, Unreleased Live Tracks and The First Ever Rush Comic Book

"Every album is a point in Rush's history, and if it's not getting better, something's wrong. Every album has to be the perfect Rush album." Geddy Lee, 1978

"The first record, where we sounded like Rush." Alex Lifeson

In time for 21/12, Rush are set to release the Deluxe Editions of Rush’s 1976 platinum-selling, landmark album, “2112”, in three different configurations: The deluxe editions contain a CD/DVD or CD/Blu-Ray material including the remastered 2112 CD with 3 live bonus tracks and a DVD or Blu-ray™ disc with a 5.1 surround sound audio mix and an interactive digital comic book, a new album cover by original album designer Hugh Syme, liner notes and unpublished photos.  The super deluxe contains the CD/ Blu-ray™ and is meticulously assembled in a hardbound bookcase packed with a 40-page comic book representing every song on 2112.

Originally released in 1976, Rush’s epic, landmark release 2112 was their creative and commercial breakthrough, as well as one of the band’s most highly regarded releases among both fans and critics alike. With lyrics written by Neil Peart, and influenced by author Ayn Rand, side one of 2112 kicks off with the ambitious seven-suite title track, set in a futuristic world run by the “Priests of the Temples of Syrinx” who regulate “every single facet of every life,” which includes books, music, work and play. 2112 conveys the story of humanity’s instinctual, inner need for one’s free will.

After the mythological journey through 2112, side two brings you back to the present and continues with five stand-alone tracks. From hard-rocking tracks such as “A Passage to Bangkok,” “Lessons,” and a trip to into the fourth dimension with “The Twilight Zone,” to the album’s soaring conclusion, “Something For Nothing.” 2112 is the album that ushered in the next stage in Rush’s continuing evolution as artists and remains one of the most influential and loved of all rock records...

Universal Music will release 2112 on the 17^th December 2012.

Available in three formats: Deluxe Edition CD/DVD, Deluxe Edition  CD/Blu-Ray, Super Deluxe Edition CD/Blu-Ray/Hardbound book case.

Tracklisting:

1.       2112

·         Overture (4:32)

·         The Temples of Syrinx (2:13)

·         Discovery (3:29)

·         Presentation (3:42)

·         Oracle: The Dream (2:00)

·         Soliloquy (2:21)

·         Grand Finale (2:14)

2.       A Passage to Bangkok (3:34)

3.       The Twilight Zone (3:17)

4.       Lessons (3:51)

5.       Tears (3:31)

6.       Something For Nothing (3:59)

Plus 3 unreleased bonus live tracks:
- Overture (Northland Coliseum, Edmonton, AB - June 25, 1981)
- The Temples of Syrinx (Northland Coliseum, Edmonton, AB - June 25, 1981)
- A Passage To Bangkok (Manchester Apollo, Manchester, England - June 17, 1980)

FORMATS:

2 DISC - CD + DVD-AUDIO/VIDEO - DELUXE EDITION:

Expanded artwork, liner notes, lyrics and unreleased photos by original album designer Hugh Syme. Brand new liner notes by David Fricke, Rolling Stone.

CD - Digitally remastered plus 3 unreleased bonus live tracks

DVD-AUDIO/VIDEO:

- 5.1 Surround Sound mix by Richard Chycki in PCM (DVD-Audio players) and 48kHZ / 24-bit Dolby Digital (DVD-Video players)

- 96kHz / 24-bit PCM Stereo (DVD-Audio players) and 48kHZ / 24-bit Dolby Digital Stereo (DVD-Video players)

- Digital Comic Book - experience the comic book formatted for widescreen televisions during playback of the album.

- Photo Gallery - unreleased photos and handwritten lyrics by Neil Peart

- Formatted for playback in both DVD-Audio players and DVD-Video players

2 DISC - CD + BLU-RAY - DELUXE EDITION:

Expanded artwork, liner notes, lyrics and unreleased photos. Brand new liner notes by David Fricke, Rolling Stone.

CD - Digitally remastered plus 3 unreleased bonus live tracks

BLU-RAY:

- 5.1 Surround Sound mix by Richard Chycki in 96kHz / 24-bit PCM and DTS-HD Master Audio

- 96kHz / 24-bit PCM Stereo

- Digital Comic Book - experience the comic book formatted for widescreen televisions during playback of the album.

- Photo Gallery - unreleased photos and handwritten lyrics by Neil Peart

SUPER DELUXE

Hardbound book with a 40 page comic book by story artist Tom Hodges (Star Wars "The Clone Wars," The Simpson's "Treehouse of Horrors #17") and a 24 page book with expanded artwork, liner notes, lyrics and unreleased photos. Brand new liner notes by David Fricke, Rolling Stone.

CD - Digitally remastered plus 3 unreleased bonus live tracks

BLU-RAY:

- 5.1 Surround Sound mix by Richard Chycki in 96kHz / 24-bit PCM and DTS-HD Master Audio

- 96kHz / 24-bit PCM Stereo

- Digital Comic Book - experience the comic book formatted for widescreen televisions during playback of the album.

- Photo Gallery - unreleased photos and handwritten lyrics by Neil Peart

Rush – Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart -- is without question one of the most inventive and compelling groups in rock history, equally famed for both its virtuoso musicianship and provocative songwriting.  Rush is one of rock’s most influential bands, ranking third for most consecutive gold and platinum albums behind The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The band has engaged legions of devoted fans over the decades and is admired by generations of musicians.

Kiss Casablanca Singles Boxed Set Released!

Well Christmas is comoing and people are now looking for that ideal gift for the one they love and if the one you love is a Kiss fan then look no further as the Gods of Thunder have bowed to pressure from the fans and collected their casablanca era singles into one fan friendly boxed set collection. The set will be a limited edition and will be released on the 3rd of December full details are below

Multi platinum icons KISS release “The Casablanca Singles 1974-1982” Box Set in December 2012. This magnificent limited edition box set includes all 29 singles released on the legendary Casablanca label.

 Rock legends KISS were the first signing to the late Neil Bogart’s newly formed Casablanca Records label after he saw and recognized their talent and showmanship during their spectacular performance at a showcase concert at New York City’s Le Tang’s Ballet Studio in 1973, offering them a contract on the spot. Now,  KISS celebrates their 40^th anniversary in 2013 having broken box-office records set by The Beatles and Elvis,  more than 28 U.S. gold albums—the most gold records for any American rock band—40 million sales in the U.S. and a total exceeding 100 million worldwide. 

In their early years, KISS released a total of 29 singles on seven-inch 45-RPM records for the Casablanca label. These were available for sale to the public, used for commercial radio airplay and to promote album sales. Many of these singles had entirely different mixes, edits and material that didn’t appear on their vinyl albums.  Now for the first time, these musical snapshots of KISS’ formative years, which have never been available in a commemorative singles edition, will be released in two limited edition box-set configurations entitled The Casablanca Singles 1974-1982, on Dec. 3 from Mercury/Casablanca/USM:

1. The Casablanca Singles 1974-1982, 29 x CD Collection
2. The Casablanca Singles 1974-1982, 29 x 7" Vinyl Collection

In typical KISS fashion, these are no ordinary boxes. The sets are housed in a beautiful die-cut shadow box with a limited edition, etched silver metal plate and ribbon-pull magnetic closure, custom KISS 45s box with 26 collectible picture sleeves from original single releases around the world, including Japan, Germany, Holland, Spain and Britain. The vinyl collection also features singles from all four solo albums in purple, blue, red and green vinyl with a picture sleeve representing each individual member as originally released in the U.K. Both sets also include a booklet which tracks the genesis and chart history of each single represented in the package and four individual KISS masks..

“Even I haven’t heard some of this stuff, but this is all part of our master plan to celebrate KISS at this milestone in our careers,” says Gene Simmons. “This box set represents us at the very beginning of our career, and documents the band’s early success and subsequent growth.”

Adds Paul Stanley: “This collection is meant for the true KISS aficionado. The packaging really captures the development of both our music and image at a very crucial period in the band’s history.”

The special set comes out after the release of Monster, their 20th studio album. Showing the band at the top of its game, Monster embodies all that is KISS and the music that first inspired them to pick up their guitars and flame-throwers and don makeup to entertain millions. Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, with longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer, return stronger than ever with their new album to continue the legacy of the spectacular larger-than-life extravaganza known as KISS.

TRACK LISTING:

1.        Nothin’ To Lose / Love Theme From KISS

2.        Kissin’ Time / Nothin’ To Lose

3.        Strutter / 100,000 Years

4.        Let Me Go, Rock ‘N’ Roll / Hotter Than Hell (GERMANY SLEEVE)

5.        Rock And Roll All Nite / Getaway (HOLLAND SLEEVE)

6.        C’mon And Love Me / Getaway (JAPAN SLEEVE)

7.        Rock And Roll All Nite (live) / Rock And Roll All Nite (GERMANY SLEEVE)

8.        Shout It Out Loud / Sweet Pain (JAPAN SLEEVE)

9.        Flaming Youth / God Of Thunder (U.S. SLEEVE)

10.     Detroit Rock City / Beth (JAPAN SLEEVE)

11.     Beth / Detroit Rock City (GERMANY SLEEVE)

12.     Hard Luck Woman / Mr. Speed (GERMANY SLEEVE)

13.     Calling Dr. Love / Take Me (GERMANY SLEEVE)

14.     Christeen Sixteen / Shock Me (FRANCE SLEEVE)

15.     Love Gun / Hooligan (SWEDEN SLEEVE)

16.     Shout It Out Loud (live) / Nothin’ To Lose (live) (GERMANY SLEEVE)

17.     Rocket Ride / Tomorrow And Tonight (live) (GERMANY SLEEVE)

18.     Strutter ’78 / Shock Me (GERMANY SLEEVE)

19.     Hold Me, Touch Me / Goodbye – Paul Stanley

CD: (U.K. SLEEVE + THE STARCHILD MASK) / Vinyl: (U.K. SLEEVE + THE STARCHILD MASK / PURPLE VINYL)

20.     New York Groove / Snow Blind – Ace Frehley

CD: (U.K. SLEEVE + THE SPACEMAN MASK) / Vinyl:  (U.K. SLEEVE + THE SPACEMAN MASK / BLUE VINYL)

21.     Radioactive / See You In Your Dreams – Gene Simmons

CD: (U.K. SLEEVE + THE DEMON MASK / Vinyl:  (U.K. SLEEVE + THE DEMON MASK  / RED VINYL)

22.     Don’t You Let Me Down / Hooked On Rock ‘N’ Roll – Peter Criss (GERMANY SLEEVE)

23.     You Matter To Me / Hooked On Rock ‘N’ Roll – Peter Criss

CD: (U.K. SLEEVE + THE CAT MASK) / Vinyl: (U.K. SLEEVE + THE CAT MASK / GREEN VINYL)

24.     I Was Made For Lovin’ You / Hard Times (GERMANY SLEEVE)

25.     Sure Know Something / Dirty Livin’ (GERMANY SLEEVE)

26.     Shandi / She’s So European (HOLLAND SLEEVE)

27.     Tomorrow / Naked City (JAPAN SLEEVE)

28.     A World Without Heroes / Dark Light (SPAIN SLEEVE)

29.   I Love It Loud / Danger (U.S. SLEEVE)

MICHAEL SCHENKER TEMPLE OF ROCK - LIVE IN EUROPE

MICHAEL SCHENKER
TEMPLE OF ROCK - LIVE IN EUROPE

UK RELEASE: MONDAY 3rd DECEMBER 2012

RELEASED ON THREE FORMATS & LIMITED DELUXE EDITION
LTD DELUXE EDITION (2 CD, 1 BLU-RAY, 1 BONUS DVD)
BLU-RAY EDITION (1 DISC) / CD EDITION (2 DISCS)
DVD EDITION (1 DISC)

inakustik is pleased to announce the December 3rd release of Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock: Live in Europe on CD, DVD, Blu-ray and Limited Deluxe Edition. 

This essential live rock’n’roll release includes songs performed live in Tilburg, The Netherlands in May 2012, plus songs performed at London’s 2011 High Voltage Festival.
Visit the official Temple Of Rock – Live in Europe Microsite: www.temple-of-Rock-live.com 

At the ripe age of 15, after a very early start in his professional music career recording his first album with the Scorpions and after joining UFO age 17, Michael Schenker focused exclusively on lead guitar and pure self-expression.
The second chapter in his career was focused on experimenting and developing his expertise on a more musical and personal level. With excellent musicians, friends and fans from all over the world, this live recording is part of this celebration.

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Michael Schenker sees his music as a building block in the construction of the Temple Of Rock.
"The Temple Of Rock is almost finished," explains Michael Schenker. "The foundation was laid in the 60s by Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Jeff Beck, and Cream. In the late 70s, the pillars were then built by bands like UFO and AC/DC. By the 80s it was further reinforced by the likes of Judas Priest and the Scorpions, and many other influential rock bands.

"There's not much new left to expect, but I am glad to be a part of this temple,” says Michael. "It’s unbelievable fun and an honor to share a stage and make music with some of the world's best musicians."
A concert from Tilburg, the Netherlands was recorded in May 2012 that noticeably distinguishes itself from previous releases due to the line-up that includes Michael Schenker (lead guitar), Doogie White (vocals), Herman Rarebell (drums), Francis Buchholz (bass) and Wayne Findley (rhythm guitar, keyboards).

In addition to this Tilburg concert, fans can experience extracts from London's 2011 High Voltage Festival with Michael Voss (vocals), featuring awe-inspiring guest appearances from Schenker's friends and musical companions including his brother Rudolf Schenker (The Scorpions) who plays rhythm guitar on “Rock You Like a Hurricane”, “Hanging On” and “Doctor Doctor”, UFO’s Pete Way who plays bass guitar on “Doctor Doctor”, and vocalists Jeff Scott Soto (ex-Journey), and Doogie White, who jointly sing on “Doctor Doctor”.
All in all, there has never been such extensive and high quality material from Michael Schenker for your viewing and listening pleasure.

LIVE IN TILBURG
TRACK LISTING

• Into The Arena
• Armed And Ready
• Lovedrive
• Another Piece Of Meat
• Hanging On
• Cry For The Nations
• Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
• Coast To Coast
• Assault Attack
• Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead
• Lights Out
• On And On
• Let It Roll
• Shoot Shoot
• Rock You Like A Hurricane
• Rock Bottom
• Holiday
• Blackout
• Doctor Doctor 

THE MUSICIANS
Michael Schenker (lead guitars)
Doogie White (lead vocals)
Herman Rarebell (drums)
Francis Buchholz (bass)
Wayne Findlay (keyboards, guitars, backing vocals)
Michael Voss (lead vocals, guitar - Special guest on 'Hanging On')

LIVE AT HIGH VOLTAGE

TRACK LISTING

• Armed And Ready
• Another Piece Of Meat
• Rock You Like A Hurricane(ft. Rudolph Schenker)
• Hanging On (ft. Rudolph Schenker)
• Doctor Doctor (ft. Rudolph Schenker)

THE MUSICIANS
Michael Schenker (lead guitars)
Michael Voss (lead vocals, guitar)
Herman Rarebell (drums)
Wayne Findlay (keyboards, guitars, backing vocals)
Elliott Dean Rubinson (bass)
SPECIAL GUESTS
Rudolf Schenker (rhythm guitar on Rock You Like A Hurricane, Hanging On, Doctor Doctor)
Pete Way (bass guitar on Doctor Doctor)
Jeff Scott Soto (vocals on Doctor Doctor)
Doogie White (vocals on Doctor Doctor)

Review ! Brian May & Kerry Ellis 'Born Free Tour' a sparkling review of the show for Classic Rock Radio by Andrew Bytheway

Andrew Bytheway kindly sent us this fantastic review of Brian May & Kerry Ellis's  'Born Free' show, along with some great photos!  There are still some dates left so do try and catch them!

 (see  http://classicrockradioeu.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/brian-may-kerry-ellis-born-free-tour-is.html for the other dates  and  www.brianmay.com)

                                    BRIAN MAY & KERRY ELLIS 

                     ‘THE BORN FREE TOUR’ LEAMINGTON SPA 

                                         6TH NOVEMBER 2012

'Intimate’ and ‘acoustic’ – two words that you wouldn’t normally associate with guitar-god Brian May. But this was no ‘normal’ evening! From start to finish this concert was an absolute joy, Kerry’s sublime voice coupled with Brian’s brilliance on guitar made for a very special concert in a great venue. Kerry Ellis is a supreme performer in her own right, and Brian of course needs no introduction, with over 40 years of rock music history behind him, but together they appear to take everything to another level.
They compliment each other perfectly, and obviously enjoy every moment on stage together.

The evening began with ‘Born Free’, the signature tune by John Barry & Don Black. Now available as a single by Brian & Kerry. This was followed by ‘I Loved A Butterfly’, a song possibly more familiar to Queen (and Paul Rodgers) fans as ‘Some Things That Glitter', written by Brian for ‘The Cosmos Rocks’ album, but renamed and reworked acoustically for Kerry’s debut solo album ‘Anthems’.

Kerry Ellis & Brian May - Photo: Andrew Bytheway

 Kerry and Brian first performed ‘I (Who Have Nothing)’ at the San Remo Music Festival earlier this year, when they were joined by Irene Fornaciari, daughter of Italian singer Zucchero. This time the song had been stripped back to bare bones for the acoustic guitar, but was no less powerful. Next up was ‘Dust In The Wind ’, a Kansas song penned by, as Brian noted, ‘a blonde called Kerry’ (Kerry Livgren).

Zucchero’s influence was again present with ‘Cosi Celeste’, a song written by him, but again reworked by Kerry & Brian into a beautiful love song. A stripped down version of Queen classic ‘Somebody To Love’ followed, with Brian taking the lead on vocals and Kerry (along with the audience) joining in as the song progressed.

Brian May - Photo: Andrew Bytheway

This tour is raising money for the Born Free Foundation, and their campaign to ‘Keep Wildlife in the Wild ’. Born Free was, of course, founded by Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers in the 60’s, and it was Virginia herself who wrote the next song ‘Nothing Really Has Changed ’. For this simple but beautiful song Brian used a silver version of his infamous ‘Red Special’ to accompany Kerry’s gorgeous vocals.

 ‘Life Is Real ’ is a Freddie Mercury composition, written as a tribute to John Lennon, and included on Queen’s 1982 album ‘Hot Space ’. A magical performance from Kerry & Brian, was emotionally heightened with projections of Freddie on to the screen at the back of the candlelit set.

Photo: Andrew Bytheway

The projection screen was used to great effect during ‘The Way We Were ’, the Marvin Hamlisch tune made famous by one of Kerry’s vocal heroines – Barbra Streisand. Stunning vocals were accompanied by pictures of Kerry AND Brian in their younger days, the way they were!! ‘39 ’, another Brian May song, first appeared on Queen’s seminal 1975 album ‘A Night At The Opera ’ and once again the audience joined Brian for a fun sing-along.

 Throughout the concert there was lots of interaction between Kerry, Brian and the audience which added to the relaxed atmosphere and undoubtedly increased both performers enjoyment of the evening.

Next Brian (and Kerry) paid tribute to the late, great George Harrison with a haunting rendition of his 1969 song ‘Something’. Closely followed by Queen live favourite ‘Love Of My Life ’,  with backing vocals from the 500 strong audience in The Assembly! Brian left the stage to give Kerry the opportunity to please her masses of  the musical ‘Wicked’ fans with a fabulous performance of ‘I’m Not That Girl ’. 

Kerry Ellis - Photo: Andrew Bytheway

The musical theme continued with Brian back on stage for ‘No-One But You ’ from the musical ‘We Will Rock You ’. Incredibly, given their history, this tour is the first time the two have performed the song together.

No concert with Brian May would be complete without a Brian solo, and fans of the ‘Red Special’ or the ‘Old Lady’ as Brian calls it, were in for a treat with a typically brilliant performance of ‘Last Horizon’. ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ was traditionally a hard-rocking set opener for Queen but Brian & Kerry’s HillBilly version was something VERY different, but perfectly in keeping with the evening. As was the exquisite ‘I Can’t Be Your Friend’, a personal favourite of mine, written by Brian and lyricist Don Black for Kerry’s ‘Anthems’.

 Brian then asked the audience to test the floor by stomping on it! An odd request you might think? But not when the stomps are joined by claps and the rhythmic beat of ‘We Will Rock You’ starts pounding. The whole hall joining in stomps, claps and vocals gave rise to Brian declaring it the best live version he’d heard! This was naturally followed up with ‘We Are The Champions ’ to end the main set.

Brian May  - Photo by Andrew Bytheway

After huge applause, Kerry & Brian returned to the stage for an encore. A second performance of their new single ‘Born Free’ was accompanied by their video on the rear screen. Finally a very lively ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ closed the evening.

 I’ve seen Kerry and Brian many times, both together and separately, but this was without doubt one of the most enjoyable concerts I’ve been to. Two fabulous performers having fun together, and enjoying themselves immensely. An incredible night! 

- Words & Photos  (c) Andrew Bytheway - (Twitter @BythewayAJ )

Thank you to Andrew Bytheway! Remember to keep up  to date with Brian May and Kerry Ellis news go to www.brianmay.com   www.kerryellis.com 
Both Brian and Kerry are on Twitter - follow @DrBrianMay and @Kerryjaneellis1 - be sure to tweet em!

Brian May & Kerry Ellis 'Born Free' Tour & charity single is sure to warm & tug at your heart!

One of my lioness friends,  a true beauty, as nature intended -Photo: Marilyn Michaels

Queen's legendary guitarist Brian May is currently on a unique tour with acclaimed actress/singer Kerry Ellis.

These wonderfully special and intimate shows will provide the chance to see Ellis and May close-up, and are being especially performed to raise awareness of the work of the Born Free Foundation, the global organisation which works to protect and conserve threatened species, particularly Africa’s magnificent Lions, which across much of Africa, are sadly now in serious decline.

The tour started on November 5th but there are still dates left so be sure to get to one! (you will find the remaining dates below) I saw them at The Sunflower Jam in September and they really were fantastic.

With the Holly Daze festivals of Christmas & Chanukah etc soon upon us, are you struggling to find the perfect present? Well here is an idea , a lovely digital download stocking filler  for anyone, or treat yourself. Brian May & Kerry Ellis have released a single of their hauntingly beautiful version of Born Free, the following text is from a press release at www.brianmay.com:

''

QUEEN LEGEND BRIAN MAY AND SINGING SENSATION KERRY ELLIS
RE-RECORD EPIC ‘BORN FREE’ SONG
Today sees the worldwide release of the Oscar-winning song ‘Born Free’ re-recorded by legendary Queen guitarist Brian May and West End and Broadway songstress Kerry Ellis.

The classic hit single will be sold in aid of international wildlife charity, the Born Free Foundation.

‘Born Free’ was first recorded by Matt Monro in 1966 as the title song to the classic wildlife film of the same name, starring Virginia McKenna OBE and the late Bill Travers, which told the story of George and Joy Adamson’s successful release of Elsa, an orphaned lioness, to the wild. Inspired by their experiences in Kenya, Virginia and Bill went on to establish the Born Free Foundation.
The music and lyrics to ‘Born Free’ combined the extraordinary talents, John Barry (Out of Africa, Dances with Wolves) and Don Black (Diamonds are Forever, The Man with the Golden Gun), collaborators on some of the most enduring film scores of our time.

With May’s driving guitar riffs and Kerry’s power-packed vocals, this is very much a new and exciting evolution of ‘Born Free’ the song.

Brian said; “We paid a lot of respect to this iconic song and were fortunate to have Don Black himself write some special new lyrics as we put our own mark on this awesome and moving track. We hope that people will really like what we have done and that it will contribute to the long-lasting legacy of this great piece of music.”
‘Born Free’ is widely recognised and loved all over the world and has been covered by some of the greats such as Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams.

The single was recorded by Brian and Kerry following a recent visit to South Africa to see the work of the Born Free Foundation first-hand. There they were involved in the relocation of two rescued lions at the Born Free Centres at the Shamwari Wildlife Reserve and went on to perform at the launch of Pride of Cape Town, a massive public arts exhibition of fibreglass lions, scheduled for Spring 2013.

Kerry said; “Seeing Born Free’s invaluable welfare and conservation work to help Africa’s lions really moved us to re-record a song which means so much to so many people. We hope we have done it proud and that the funds raised by the downloads will help the charity continue to protect fragile populations of lions in the wild.”

Throughout the years ‘Born Free’ has remained an enduring anthem that magically tugs at the heart strings; a powerful legacy of a film that told the story of a lioness named Elsa and her journey to freedom, made possible by two great conservationists, George and Joy Adamson.

The release of the single ties in with Brian and Kerry performing a series of intimate UK concert tour dates, also in support of the Born Free Foundation (for full listing of dates see below). The single is accompanied by a powerful promotional video focussing on the plight of lions, filmed in South Africa by the award-winning director Mike Slee (Flight of the Butterflies, 2012) and featuring Virginia McKenna.

Virginia is clearly delighted by this new version and said, “'Born Free' is reborn! Brian, Kerry, and Don have brought a new energy and a new meaning to a song, known and loved all over the world. Mike has made a magical film. If 'Born Free' can touch the ' of a new generation then maybe there is still time to save Africa’s wild lions. How fortunate we are at Born Free to receive this priceless support from people such as Brian and Kerry, who share our deep concern and love for wild animals and their place in the world.”

Members of the public are urged to alert the global online community about the song and to sign Born Free’s online Petition where they can pledge their support for lion protection and conservation. Visit www.bornfree.org.uk/bfsingle

Available in three formats, including a large-scale production and acoustic version, the ‘Born Free’ single is a digital only release and is available Monday 5th November to download, the day May and Ellis start their 11-date Born Free Tour.

DOWNLOAD DETAILS:
SINGLE 1 Born Free – Large scale version - Audio
SINGLE 2 Born Free – Acoustic Version – Audio
BUNDLE 3
Born Free – Large scale version - Audio
Born Free – Video

Born Free: Brian May | Format: MP3 Download - and Video
Release Date: 6 Nov 2012 | Label: Universal Music Group International

 About the Born Free Foundation

The Born Free Foundation is a dynamic international wildlife charity, devoted to compassionate conservation and animal welfare. Born Free takes action worldwide to protect threatened species and stop individual animal suffering. Born Free believes wildlife belongs in the wild and works to phase out zoos. Born Free rescue animals from lives of misery in tiny cages and give them lifetime care.

Born Free protects lions, elephants, tigers, gorillas, wolves, polar bears, dolphins, marine turtles and many more species in their natural habitat, working with local communities to help people and wildlife live together without conflict. Our high-profile campaigns change public attitudes, persuade decision-makers and get results. Every year, Born Free helps hundreds of thousands of animals worldwide. For more information about Born Free please visit: www.bornfree.org.uk
© brianmay.com

There you have it folks, great track for a great cause, fill your boots! You will also find the single  on Amazon &   ITunes.  Spread the word! Also look  here: Born Free - Brian May & Kerry Ellis - videohttp://youtu.be/RmLkdBC9qD8    Now back to those remaining tourdates

Remaining shows are:
***Friday 9 November Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall Theatre***
***Saturday 10 November Brighton, St. Georges Church***
*** Sunday 11 November London, Union Chapel***
*** Monday 12 November St. Albans, Alban Arena***
*** Thursday 15 November Crawley, The Hawth***
*** Friday 16 November Portsmouth, New Theatre Royal***
*** Saturday 17 November Salisbury, City Hall***
*** Monday 19 November High Wycombe, Swan Theatre***

 To book tickets please call the Credit Card Hotline on 0844 758 758 or book online at www.ticketzone.co.uk

Be sure to keep up with Brian and Kerry on their Twitter accounts via @DrBrianMay and @kerryjaneellis1 (remember to spread the hashtag #BornFree ) and of course be sure to visit their websites www.brianmay.com & www.kerryellis.com

Born Free Tour

A regal lion, living free (as nature intended) in South Africa - Photo: Marilyn Michaels




 

Marilyn Michaels

BB King: The Life Of Riley Released on DVD and Blu-ray

BB King: The Life Of Riley

One of the Most Inspirational Stories in the History of Music

Narrated By Morgan Freeman

DVD and Blu-Ray Release – 26^th November 2012

Released through Boulevard Entertainment

Accompanied by a major Soundtrack Release from Universal Music

"The invaluable and definitive autobiography on film of the last great bluesman, BB King. And much more: this movie is BB's valedictory testimony, and a monument to the essence of the blues and whence he and they came - in Mississippi delta cotton country - and their impact on us all" – The Observer

Emperor Media / Boulevard Entertainment are pleased to announce the DVD and Blu-Ray release of the much-lauded film on the extraordinary life of Blues legend BB KING. The film was released theatrically to widespread critical acclaim in October 2012. Reviews of the theatrical release include the below

“A powerful insight into BB King…Music fans will love this” – Sunday Mirror

“A meticulous record of a long and industrious life in the blues” Mojo 4/5

“Engrossing” Radio Times 4/5

“King is modest, wise and charming in his reminiscence” – Sunday Times

“Morgan Freeman’s wise drawl underscores this tribute to Riley “B.B.” King” Total Film 4/5

“Affectionate and illuminating” Time Out 4/5

“A seriously impressive tribute to the big B’s raw talent, iron determination and irresistible charm” –Classic Rock 8/10

“Jon Brewer’s film about the great bluesman features excellent footage and tributes…” – Observer

“Excellent use of archive footage and interviews…but the real stars are King, his music and his gregarious humility” – Evening Standard

The legendary BB KING worked closely with Director Jon Brewer for 2 years to create this powerful film released theatrically in 2012. The  ecstatic, from-the-heart, contributions from a plethora of music's superstars  was a vast indication that this was the time for his story to be told. At 86 years old, BB King, his family, friends and contemporaries unveil the true life drama that was the springboard for the future 'King of the Blues'.

Battling unrelenting racism and the humiliation of segregation whist working in the cotton fields as an orphaned child, BB King lived to overcome the toughest critics in the entertainment industry and ultimately be hailed as one of the kingpins of an entire genre of music. This candid biopic of the life story of one of our living legends is highlighted by rare archive footage and beautifully shot scenes of America's Deep South. Informative and visually stunning, 'The Life of Riley' is supported by an incredible soundtrack featuring BB King.

The DVD and Blu-Ray release will feature extended interviews and live footage from the Royal Albert Hall. Catalogue numbers are BVED0131 / 5060290611312 (DVD) and BVE0132 / 5060290611329 (Blu-Ray)

To tie in to the film release Universal Music will be releasing an Original Soundtrack, “BB King: The Life Of Riley” OST, with songs from the film, on the 19^th November 2012.

‘BB King: The Life of Riley’ – Contributors

Aaron Neville                                                                 Allan Hammons

Annie Clay                                                                      B.B. King

Bernard Purdie                                                                 Bill Cosby

Bill Szymczyk                                                                 Bill Wyman

Billy Boy Arnold                                                             Bobby Bland

Bono                                                                               Bonnie Raitt

Bruce Willis                                                                     Buddy Guy

Calvin Owens                                                                   Carlos Santana

Carver Randle                                                                 Cato Walker

Charles Evers                                                                 Charles Sawyer

Clemmie Truevellian                                                      Derek Trucks

Delcia Davis                                                                   Doyle Bramhall

Dr. John                                                                         Eric Clapton

Ernest Withers                                                               Ford Nelson

George Benson                                                               JamesToney                                                 

Jessie May Golden                                                          JoeBihari                                       

Joe Bonamassa                                                              Joe Walsh

John Cadillac Holden                                                      John Fair

John Mayer                                                                    John Mayall

Johnny Winter                                                               Jonny Lang

Kenny Wayne Shepherd                                                 Lessie May Fair

LaVerne Toney                                                              Leon Russell

Mick Hucknall                                                                Mick Taylor

Morgan Freeman                                                             Paul Rodgers

Peter Green                                                                     Polly Walker

Rev. David Matthews                                                      Ringo Starr

Robert Cray                                                                     Robert Lockwood

Ronnie Wood                                                                  Sara Betty Lou Henson

Slash                                                                               Stewart Levine

Sue King Evans                                                               Susan Tedeschi

Tina France                                                                    Walter Trout

Wayne Cartledge

www.bbkingthelifeofriley.co.uk  

https://www.facebook.com/pages/BB-King-The-Life-of-Riley-Movie/220681771351604?ref=ts