Showing posts with label Music News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music News. Show all posts

9/15/2023

Cairo Announce New Singer, New Single and Special Gig Date

Sarah Bayley has left Cairo due to other commitments. She leaves wishing the band all the best. On behalf of the band, Rob Cottingham, band founder, advised: “We would like to thank Sarah for the last four years. We had fun along the way, and wish her the very best of luck for the future.

“In happier news, we were blown away by this lady's voice recently and we are delighted to announce that Kat (pictured) has joined the band on vocals.

“She is ready to gig our existing material and is already working on new songs with us. Kat has an amazing voice and tone, and we would ask you all to warmly welcome her into the band, and into our prog family.”


Kat advises: “I was intrigued by Cairo’s music and instantly fell in love with the song ‘Glow’. Joining the band is different; exciting and an amazing adventure that I am thrilled to be a part of.”

In further news, Rob announces: “We are also pleased to release our brand new single 'Salvation' featuring Kat on vocals, and which will feature on our next album - details of which will be published in due course. We hope you enjoy our new song and video.”

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/sarQsKK7BqE

“We are also excited to announce a special one-off Nemesis Show on the 29th October when we invite you to party with us at Unit Nine in Milton Keynes https://www.unitninemk.com/ and to welcome Kat to the band. We will be playing the whole of the Nemesis album - plus some old favourites and some brand new material.”

The venue has an amazing state of the art sound and lighting system unique to the area and is situated right by a train station making it easily accessible for all - and has plenty of parking, too.

“We are also delighted to say that our special guests are Square Wild who will most definitely add to the party atmosphere. See more about them here: https://www.squarewildband.com/
This will be a very special one night only event for 2023 as we are in the process of writing our third album and planning a U.K. tour next year, so please get behind us and don't miss this!
Please support us; the venue and live music by booking your tickets in advance, it honestly helps more than you know.”

All tickets are available now direct from cairorocks.com/gigs page or from the venue. https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Milton-Keynes/Unit-Nine/Cairo-with-special-guests-Square-Wild/36652678/

“They say that the only constant in life is change so - onwards and upwards with Kat; enjoy our new single; thanks to you all for your continued unwavering support - and we cannot wait to see you at The Nemesis Show in Unit Nine.”

Nemesis album reviews can be found at this link: https://cairorocks.com/reviews/

Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

5/16/2023

Guitar Legend Juan Carlos Quintero Signs Management Deal With Amy Worthington of Inner Knot Records

Guitar legend Juan Carlos Quintero has recently signed a management deal with longtime business associate Amy Worthington of Inner Knot Records. “Juan Carlos is that rare musician that not only excels in the performance and writing space, but who also has an innate understanding of business, and in particular, the business of music,” states Amy. “I am excited to build on our 20+ year history and formalize a management role for such a talent. The aim is to combine our music business acumen and to continue expanding his brand footprint while promoting a ramped-up touring schedule. Juan Carlos is born to be on the road-we are keen to working together to ensure he continues his robust release schedule of incredible music and to bring it live to audiences across the globe.”

“It’s a privilege to work with Amy. We have experienced years of collaboration in many areas in music providing a seamless shorthand that complements our partnership in many ways. I’m thrilled she has encased her talents towards a distinguished management position and now representing my interests in all facets of music. I look forward to achieving new milestones resulting from our renewed synergy!” stated JCQ.

Amy Worthington & Juan Carlos Quintero

Owner of Inner Knot Records, Amy Worthington has worked with several heavy hitters for the past 25 years including King Crimson and Robert Fripp, David Sylvian, Juan Carlos Quintero, Bill Bruford, Jacqui Naylor, Tesla and John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin). She has handled manufacturing and distribution for all of their catalogues and has overseen North American operations throughout her tenure. She is also purveyor of a powerhouse mail order shop and has created exclusive lines of merch for numerous artists. Amy and Juan Carlos have collaborated on a variety of musical projects the past 20 years, including co-production on albums, booking of shows and festivals. Recent projects have integrated marketing, manufacturing, and distribution services in partnership with Quintero’s record label, Moondo Music LLC.

A 30-year veteran, JCQ has experienced multiple facets in the music industry as a recording artist, label owner, composer/publisher and TV & Film music executive. Producing and composing has been the forefront of a distinguished career while establishing a succession of critically acclaimed chart-topping albums in Latin Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, World Music and Smooth Jazz categories. Recognized as a renowned international jazz artist, JCQ’s signature-led guitar voice veiled over genuine original works serve as pillars of a unique global brand - fusing contemporary jazz stylings alongside authentic rhythms emanating from his native homeland, Colombia SA.

Be on the lookout for Desserts, a new album from Juan Carlos, arriving August 11, 2023 on Moondo Music.

For more information:
juancarlosquintero.com
moondomusic.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

3/27/2023

Lance Reegan-Diehl Releases New Studio Album Maniacal Cavern

Guitar Player Extraordinaire Makes His Mark Again

Seoul, Korea— April 28, 2023 The wait for the next Lance Reegan-Diehl (LRD) album is over and worth the wait. With Maniacal Cavern, this extraordinary guitar player has left an indelible mark on the world of instrumental rock. This time out, there are a few vocal tracks; however, he will please his long-time fans with some of the best and most diverse work of his career.

A point of interest regarding his guitar prowess is that Lance recorded guitars on the album THOR : Alliance during 2021 along with Producer / Bassist / writer - Kevin Stuart Swain, and Neil Turbin.

Lance Reegan-Diehl (L.R.D.) is a Guitarist / Composer / Producer / Clinician with Fifteen studio albums to his credit, including the most recent Maniacal Cavern. And performance/work on over 29 albums total. He is also a well-known touring musician and clinician while representing several names of instrument manufacturers over the years. His technical abilities are recognized in high regard, and companies seek his recommendations and representation for their equipment.

Lance’s eclectic release will surely pull in a wide range of listeners worldwide, particularly those who appreciate innovative instrumental rock jams.

Online recording distribution began in February, with the official release of the CD on March 8th. The album is streaming on Spotify and for purchase digitally on iTunes.

Lance Reegan-Diehl is one of the great guitar players you may have never heard of but need to discover now. His back catalog is impressive, and the Maniacal Cavern is one more documentation of his guitar-playing excellence that will be noticed by industry people and listeners all over the world.

For more information, press only:

Lance Reegan-Diehl mail@deeleebob.com

For more information on Maniacal Cavernhttps://www.deeleebob.com/LRDmusic/Maniacal_Cavern.htm

12/01/2021

Manticore Records Relaunching Under the Auspices of Regina Lake, Widow of Legendary Greg Lake

A personal statement from Regina

It was always Greg's wish to reinstate the Manticore Records Label.

Greg's idea, in his own words, was to give new, talented musicians the chance to be heard, when other doors might have been closed to them for being different.
Greg was once one such young Musician.
He had put everything in place for Manticore Records to start up again, but as we know, it wasn’t possible for Greg to be there to realise his vision.

Just a few days before Greg died, he asked me if I would like to carry on with Manticore Records, after he had gone?
Greg had already put everything into my name, ready for me to take his place.
He said it was entirely up to me.
If I wasn’t tempted to take it on, I could just let it go.
I told him, as I am sentimental about Manticore, having been there in the early days, I would give it my best, with a lot of help from my friends and advisers, including Greg’s long term manager Stewart Young, and Martin Darvill, co-manager since 2008..

On reflection I would like this label to be devoted to Greg Lake Music and Songs to keep his legacy alive for us all in years to come.

Regina Lake

The first project will be a definitive collection of Greg Lake’s solo catalogue. Also, watch a rare video of Greg singing “I believe in Father Christmas” live premiering soon here: https://youtu.be/zP33z3lGHyo.

For more information:
https://www.manticorerecords.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ManticoreRecordsOfficial

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Photo of Greg Lake by Alfred Ligammari

10/24/2019

Musicians Contact Celebrates 50 Years Of Referring Musicians To Working Bands


Musicians Contact is celebrating their 50th year in business connecting bands and musicians to each other. Founded by Sterling Howard in 1969, Musicians Contact still remains the place where working bands locate members and individual players find gigs with bands.

Notable past members include Billy Joel, Todd Rundgren, Rick Springfield, Danny Elfman, James Williamson, Kim Fowley, Earl Slick, Robin Zander, Barry Manilow, Tower of Power, Lita Ford,  Jimmy Greenspoon, Terri Nunn, John Lydon, Dr John, Stiv Bators, Bobby Kimball, Terry Bozzio, Iron Butterfly, Robert Palmer,  Art “Killer” Kane, George Lynch, Stu Hamm, Bobby McFerrin, Warrant and many others.

But Sterling says, “It's important to stress that even though we've had famous clients seeking players, obviously the vast majority of our incoming gigs come from working cover and original acts, part time, full time, local, traveling, festival, wedding, casino, club work, etc. And we've always been a free service to bands needing players. Some individuals have listed themselves as many as 20 times over the years because they are finding gigs here that they don't find elsewhere. I'm trying to point out that it is still the 'bread and butter' jobs that pay the bills, and these are the ones we get from band leaders.” (On the website Click https://www.musicianscontact.com/recent-jobs to read some partial examples.)

Sterling explains, “Why did I start the business? My working band broke up in 1967 because two of our members were drafted into the military and there was no place to find musicians except for tiny ads on music store bulletin boards. The idea struck me to form an organized musicians referral. That's when I rented an office upstairs in the Whisky a GoGo. I had resumes and ad forms, and individuals and bands would come in the office, (or call) to connect. I even had many Union members register, since the Union provided no resumes at that time. I was 22 when I started this company, and no, who would have guessed I'd still be doing it 50 years later!”




Sterling Howard - founder

Within a year after starting, the office was moved to a larger location. In the early 1970's, traveling bands found members as they passed through California and as word spread, groups from other states called for replacements. Full time working cover acts became more popular, hiring players for road gigs.

By the end of the decade, the office staff had grown to five, and a branch office was opened near Disneyland. Las Vegas groups imported players, and country artists and jazz acts started using the service to hire available players.

In those days, the job listings were distributed to individual musicians either by phone or in person, but a major change was soon to come. Sterling hired a team of technicians to build a custom made computer connected to seven tape recorders. Members could now call 24 hours, enter a password into their phone, and hear current available jobs. It was primitive by today's standards, but it worked and remember, the year was 1983!

By 1990, cruise ship jobs became more popular and gigs arrived from Asia, seeking players for r&b, funk and soul groups. The “antique” computer eventually gave way to the science of voicemail, so a new computer was put into action to distribute job listings. Entering the era of music videos for TV, managers viewed photos of musicians for use in commercials and videos.

In 1995, it was time to upgrade the call-in hotline yet again with an advanced voice mail system, allowing musicians to record their profiles and demos right over the phone. By 1998, Musicians Contact went online with it’s first website, and became truly a national service.

There have been various website updates and changes to the site, culminating in what you see today. But, the basic function has always been the same since 1969 – a referral service for bands and musicians to find each other.

Stories about famous players? “Well, I still have Billy Joel's resume from 1972 where he states 'I'm not interested in messing around, I just want money'. But later he came in when he tried to form an original band and asked the guitarist sitting next to him if he wanted to join. “Is it a paying situation?', the guitarist asked. 'No' said Billy, 'this is an original band'. “Then sorry, I'm not interested' replied the guitarist. I'm sure this has happened thousands of times to thousands of musicians!

“Burleigh Drummond, drummer for Ambrosia, hooked up with them through us about 1972 and is STILL with them. Berlin found Terri Nunn around 1979 and she is STILL with them as well. International Celtic rockers The Young Dubliners found their drummer here about 25 years ago, and they just put in an ad seeking a bassist! (and yes, David Ingraham is STILL their drummer).”

Famous past members: https://www.musicianscontact.com/famous-past-members to see many famous members who have used Musicians Contact.

Need a band member?: https://www.musicianscontact.com/find-band-members to enter a free ad and view profiles of available players.

Need a gig?: https://www.musicianscontact.com/join-a-band to list yourself as an available musician.

For more information:
https://www.MusiciansContact.com

Contact:
Sterling Howard, founder/owner
info@MusiciansContact.com
818-888-7879

Press Inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US)
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

4/05/2019

Motown and R&B Legends The Commodores Receive Honors From Two Alabama Cities!


MOTOWN LEGENDS & ICONS FOR OVER 50 YEARS! 

70 MILLION ALBUMS SOLD!

7 #1 HITS!

Los Angeles - One of the greatest Motown and R&B / funk artists of all time, The Commodores' Walter “Clyde” Orange, James Dean “JD” Nicholas and William “WAK” King have influenced both artists young and old and in all genres with their classic songs. The Commodores brand is bigger than ever as they continue to blaze trails all over the world.

Two Alabama cities recently honored the music legacy of the Commodores! Tuskegee declared Friday March 29, 2019 to be Commodores Day, and Montgomery declared the band members to be honorary residents, receiving keys to the city!

A celebration was held at the Commodore Museum, the site of the Commodores' former rehearsal and recording studio in Tuskegee. The Commodores was originally formed by a group of college students at Tuskegee Institute just over 50 years ago.


photo by Shannon Heupel

“It is really great to see the place where the group was born! It still feels like home 50 years later, to the point where we didn't want to leave!” - The Commodores

In 1968 the group was formed while all the members were in college at Tuskeegee Institute. After being discovered by Berry Gordy, the Commodores went on to sell over 60 million records for Motown. With hits like “Machine Gun” and “Sail On,” the Commodores became proven artists. For five decades, the Commodores have remained a force in the music industry. The Commodores aren't just any group. They have staying power. Just like their hit song “Brick House,” the Commodores have created a foundation that just won't budge.

Don't miss your chance to feature one of the most successful vocal groups of all time in 2018 and beyond as The Commodores continue to thrill audiences with their Greatest Hits Tour – Live!

Upcoming Events

MAY 24 - Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Reno, NV
JUN 01 - Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, CA
JUN 14 - San Mateo County Fair, San Mateo, CA
JUL 12 - IP Casino Resort Spa, Biloxi, MS
JUL 16 - Village Green, Elk Grove Village, IL
AUG 10 - Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center, West Allis, WI
AUG 18 - Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA
AUG 25 - Embarcadero Marina Park South, San Diego, CA
AUG 30 - Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center, Salem, OR
FEB 10 - Ultimate Disco Cruise, Miami, FL

ACCOLADES & ACHIEVEMENTS

75 Million Albums Sold Worldwide
7 - #1 singles
5 - #1 Albums
20 - Top 10 Singles
15 - Top 10 Albums
1985 Grammy Award - “Nightshift”
1987 Antwerp Diamond Microphone Award
Vocal Group Hall of Fame Inductees
The 58th AutoZone Liberty Bowl Outstanding Achievement Award (2016)
2018 Casino Entertainment Awards “Musical Artist of the Year”

The Commodores official website: http://www.commodoreslive.com/

MANAGEMENT
21st Century Artists, Inc.
(212) 254-5500
jovan@21stca.com

BOOKING
Seth Shomes / United Talent Agency
(310) 273-6700
seth.shomes@unitedtalent.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

7/11/2018

Music News: Emerging Artist Beekwilder Releases New Single Lava Lamps With Maty Noyes

Hollywood, CA-July 10, 2018-Sam Beekwilder, a college student from The Netherlands at the time, was only 19 years old when he found himself at a recording studio in Santa Monica, while hanging around on a roof with some new friends, started to sing along with the music everyone was playing. Producers Hero DeLano and Jason Parris were so impressed after hearing the kid’s 4-octave vocal range that they brought him in the studio that night and wrote and recorded a full new song at Sam’s very first time at any studio. That would be the start of the new emerging star called Beekwilder. This a moment in life where “Embrace the unexpected” is the norm.


Being in the right place at the right time certainly helps, and Beekwilder knows this all too well.  Not even a full year into his career, he has already shown the work ethic and talent necessary to make excellent music. In October he released his first single “Oh My,” a fun rap-jam where Beekwilder freestyles over a funky bassline. In March he released an 11-song mixtape he named “Bungalow Bill,” an ode to the studio Beekwilder found a home at in Santa Monica, and the consequences that come with moving away from home to pursue what you love. And as of last week, he got his first feature on a major label release in “Lava Lamps” with Maty Noyes.

He has come an incredibly long way for being an international student in California who only sang in the shower and made hip-hop beats on his laptop. After spending almost, a year living in LA for the sole purpose of developing his music, Beekwilder had over 50 songs he and his producer Hero DeLano had
come up with over the course of that year. “Lava Lamps” was one of these song ideas. Maty Noyes heard the beat bumping out of the Bungalow Bill studio while at a different recording session and walked in and told Beekwilder she would want to hop on the track. After she wrote and recorded her parts on the song, the rest became history. Maty’s team loved the record and wanted to release it as her single, and the song got released on July 6th through Lava/Republic Records. It’s a first big glimpse of the world of potential for Beekwilder. He showcases his energy and his versatility with his voice and his work ethic remains intact. This is an exciting time of opportunity for the young Dutchman.

Being discovered by a major label is every musician or vocalist’s dream. The very few out of thousands have the life-changing opportunity presented in the most unexpected circumstances. Such is the case for Beekwilder, who had always loved and created music but never imagined the possibility of being an artist in a legendary city like LA.

Beekwilder, now only 21 years old, is off to a great start in a promising career. He has already proven to be flexible and diverse enough to sing within multiple genres and to possess a voice unique enough to set himself apart internationally. Who knows where he can go from here? The sky seems to be the limit.


Contact:
Peter A. Barker
Producer A&R
Spin Move Records



Lava Lamps on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ydafos3m
Beekwilder on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yavhlzyh
 

 

Music News: Emerging Artist Beekwilder Releases New Single Lava Lamps With Maty Noyes

Hollywood, CA-July 10, 2018-Sam Beekwilder, a college student from The Netherlands at the time, was only 19 years old when he found himself at a recording studio in Santa Monica, while hanging around on a roof with some new friends, started to sing along with the music everyone was playing. Producers Hero DeLano and Jason Parris were so impressed after hearing the kid’s 4-octave vocal range that they brought him in the studio that night and wrote and recorded a full new song at Sam’s very first time at any studio. That would be the start of the new emerging star called Beekwilder. This a moment in life where “Embrace the unexpected” is the norm.


Being in the right place at the right time certainly helps, and Beekwilder knows this all too well.  Not even a full year into his career, he has already shown the work ethic and talent necessary to make excellent music. In October he released his first single “Oh My,” a fun rap-jam where Beekwilder freestyles over a funky bassline. In March he released an 11-song mixtape he named “Bungalow Bill,” an ode to the studio Beekwilder found a home at in Santa Monica, and the consequences that come with moving away from home to pursue what you love. And as of last week, he got his first feature on a major label release in “Lava Lamps” with Maty Noyes.

He has come an incredibly long way for being an international student in California who only sang in the shower and made hip-hop beats on his laptop. After spending almost, a year living in LA for the sole purpose of developing his music, Beekwilder had over 50 songs he and his producer Hero DeLano had
come up with over the course of that year. “Lava Lamps” was one of these song ideas. Maty Noyes heard the beat bumping out of the Bungalow Bill studio while at a different recording session and walked in and told Beekwilder she would want to hop on the track. After she wrote and recorded her parts on the song, the rest became history. Maty’s team loved the record and wanted to release it as her single, and the song got released on July 6th through Lava/Republic Records. It’s a first big glimpse of the world of potential for Beekwilder. He showcases his energy and his versatility with his voice and his work ethic remains intact. This is an exciting time of opportunity for the young Dutchman.

Being discovered by a major label is every musician or vocalist’s dream. The very few out of thousands have the life-changing opportunity presented in the most unexpected circumstances. Such is the case for Beekwilder, who had always loved and created music but never imagined the possibility of being an artist in a legendary city like LA.

Beekwilder, now only 21 years old, is off to a great start in a promising career. He has already proven to be flexible and diverse enough to sing within multiple genres and to possess a voice unique enough to set himself apart internationally. Who knows where he can go from here? The sky seems to be the limit.



Contact:
Peter A. Barker
Producer A&R
Spin Move Records



Lava Lamps on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ydafos3m
Beekwilder on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yavhlzyh
 

 

3/22/2018

NME Partners with PledgeMusic to Support New Bands and Artists


NME – the brand that champions new music – today announces a new partnership with PledgeMusic to offer new, emerging artists and bands funding, marketing and promotional support. The move follows last year’s launch of ‘NME Emerging’, a platform hosted on NME.COM that is dedicated to supporting emerging talent, giving them the chance to be heard by NME and the 3m UK unique users that turn to NME.COM each month.

The new partnership will see PledgeMusic offering NME Emerging artists the opportunity to build their own campaign and develop their fan-base across the fast-growing 3 million-plus PledgeMusic community who are looking for new music. By the same token, the 50,000-plus artists who have already run successful PledgeMusic campaigns can now access the discerning NME.com audience. PledgeMusic will be messaging the partnership to artists across its newsletter and social media platforms.

All NME Emerging artists working with PledgeMusic will have access to dedicated campaign management to advise and assist in running campaigns tailored for their latest release, tour, video or any other related musical project. Building and placing their individual artist profile on the NME Emerging page already delivers a direct route to millions of music fans. Through the PledgeMusic portal, they will now have a practical roadmap to raising funds, moving forward and developing a career.

Malcolm Dunbar, co-founder and president UK & Europe PledgeMusic adds: “PledgeMusic is delighted and honoured to be linking up with NME Emerging in this new initiative to assist and work with developing artists and bands. NME has a rich history of supporting unsigned and independent talent and the PledgeMusic model of rights-free funding is perfectly aligned with that. All of us at PledgeMusic very much look forward to working with the NME team on the project.”

NME digital director Keith Walker says: “Working with PledgeMusic is a natural fit for the NME. It benefits fans and artists by introducing a new way to bring them together on NME Emerging.”

About NME
NME is one of the UK’s most famous and influential youth brands, turning young people on to the music and culture that will change their lives since 1952. Initially a weekly newspaper, NME now reaches more than 3m UK unique users and more than 13m global unique users each month. On social media, NME’s reach is more than 200m each month. NME is celebrated for talking about music and being experts in the field, but that’s only on part of the story. Whether it’s film, TV, food, politics, career development, social issues or Pokemon, if the NME audience is into it, NME is all over it. From #lifehacks to Eats & Beats to the world renowned NME Awards, NME has a growing portfolio of channels, events and franchises that help us deliver timely and relevant content to the NME audience and connect commercial partners with this switched on and savvy generation.
 
About PledgeMusic
PledgeMusic is a global next-generation music company and direct-to-fan e-commerce platform dedicated to enabling artists to build communities, fund and pre-sell recordings, and provide unique experiences and exclusives throughout the entire music production and promotion lifecycle. The company has offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, and Nashville.

Links:
www.pledgemusic.com
www.facebook.com/pledgemusic
www.twitter.com/pledgemusic
www.instagram.com/pledgemusic

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

3/08/2018

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.

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.

FOR INTERVIEW REQUESTS PLEASE CONTACT: paul@panacea-ent.com

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

Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

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.

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 PlanetAdventures 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.

FOR INTERVIEW REQUESTS PLEASE CONTACT: paul@panacea-ent.com

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

Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

5/03/2017

King Crimson Guitar Legend Trey Gunn's 7d Media Label To Merge With DiN Records


Trey Gunn (King Crimson, KTU, Security Project, solo artist) started 7d Media 15 years ago. The label began mainly as a vehicle for his own releases/projects and those of his closest colleagues (Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto, etc…) The label has steadily grown and now encompasses a variety of releases connecting both progressive rock (Stick Men, Markus Reuter, TU etc…) to some of the more unusual world music (Phurpa, Inna Zhelannaya, Kimmo Pohjonen, etc…)

Based in the UK, the DiN label was set up by Ian Boddy in 1999 to release ambient electronica that bridges the gap between the analogue sound of the early 70's synth pioneers and the digital soundscapes of the more experimental modern exponents of electronic music.

7d Media will be handling the distribution of all DiN Records releases in the USA/Canada.

Trey Gunn says “The merger with DiN Records is an obvious one. My friend and colleague Markus Reuter has recorded many albums for DiN as well as other characters connected to my own line of work — Robert Rich, the producer Flood and others. I am very happy to be working with Ian Boddy and DiN to bring their releases into the hands of fans here in the USA/Canada."



The back catalog that is now available:

DiN 29 Robert Rich, React
DiN 31 Ian Boddy, Slide
DiN 32 Parallel Worlds, Shade
DiN 33 Markus Reuter & Ian Boddy, Dervish
DiN 35 Arc, Church
DiN 36 Ian Boddy, Pearl
DiN 38 Mazmoneth, Music By Mirrors
DiN 39 Ian Boddy & Erik Wøllo, Frontiers
DiN 41 Parallel Worlds & Dave Bessell, Morphogenic
DiN 43 Ian Boddy, Liverdelphia
DiN 44 Node, Node 2
DiN 45 Arc, Umbra
DiN 46 Eric Wøllo & Bernhard Wosthein, Weltenuhr
DiN 47 Dave Bessell, Black Horses of The Sun
DiN 48 Parallel Worlds & Self-Oscillate, World Adaptor
DiN 49 Ian Boddy, Tone Science
DiN 51 (cd) Ian Boddy, As Above So Below
DiN 51 (vinyl) Ian Boddy, As Above So Below
DiN 52 (latest release) Markus Reuter & Ian Boddy, Memento (releases May 19, 2017)

The latest release, coming out May 19, 2017, is a collaboration between Markus Reuter and Ian Boddy entitled “Memento." “Memento” (DiN52) is the fifth DiN CD collaboration between label boss Ian Boddy & renowned composer and touch guitarist Markus Reuter. They were there at the birth of DiN in 1999 with their inaugural release Distant Rituals (DiN2) and this latest work not only affectionately looks back to that album but forges ahead into new musical territory.

The album opens with the powerful tour de force of “Gyroscope” with its ever evolving guitar arpeggios and thunderous percussion. The following track “Spindrift” has a mysterious harmonic feel highlighted by Reuter’s beautiful guitar playing & Boddy’s ambient production. “Linger” & “Stay” form a pair of soundscapes where Reuter’s guitar loop ambiences are intermingled with extraordinary analogue textures from Boddy’s Serge modular synthesiser. The former provides a breathing space within the album after the two opening tracks whereas the latter brings the CD to a gentle, drifting close. The title track hearkens back to the duos first collaborative album with it’s pulsing cut up treatment of a Reuter guitar loop soundscape and perhaps informs the listener as to the nature of this “Memento”. Although Boddy often keeps in the background in terms of lead solo work when working with Reuter the track “Deadlock” features an Ondes Martenot style synth line that soars above this dark emotionally laden piece.

Once again Reuter & Boddy have proved to be a potent musical team with their balance of styles producing a complex, deep album. Effortlessly crossing genres between prog and ambient electronica it not only looks back to their roots but creates new sonic landscapes for the listener to explore.

For more information: www.7dmedia.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

King Crimson Guitar Legend Trey Gunn's 7d Media Label To Merge With DiN Records


Trey Gunn (King Crimson, KTU, Security Project, solo artist) started 7d Media 15 years ago. The label began mainly as a vehicle for his own releases/projects and those of his closest colleagues (Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto, etc…) The label has steadily grown and now encompasses a variety of releases connecting both progressive rock (Stick Men, Markus Reuter, TU etc…) to some of the more unusual world music (Phurpa, Inna Zhelannaya, Kimmo Pohjonen, etc…)

Based in the UK, the DiN label was set up by Ian Boddy in 1999 to release ambient electronica that bridges the gap between the analogue sound of the early 70's synth pioneers and the digital soundscapes of the more experimental modern exponents of electronic music.

7d Media will be handling the distribution of all DiN Records releases in the USA/Canada.

Trey Gunn says “The merger with DiN Records is an obvious one. My friend and colleague Markus Reuter has recorded many albums for DiN as well as other characters connected to my own line of work — Robert Rich, the producer Flood and others. I am very happy to be working with Ian Boddy and DiN to bring their releases into the hands of fans here in the USA/Canada."



The back catalog that is now available:

DiN 29 Robert Rich, React
DiN 31 Ian Boddy, Slide
DiN 32 Parallel Worlds, Shade
DiN 33 Markus Reuter & Ian Boddy, Dervish
DiN 35 Arc, Church
DiN 36 Ian Boddy, Pearl
DiN 38 Mazmoneth, Music By Mirrors
DiN 39 Ian Boddy & Erik Wøllo, Frontiers
DiN 41 Parallel Worlds & Dave Bessell, Morphogenic
DiN 43 Ian Boddy, Liverdelphia
DiN 44 Node, Node 2
DiN 45 Arc, Umbra
DiN 46 Eric Wøllo & Bernhard Wosthein, Weltenuhr
DiN 47 Dave Bessell, Black Horses of The Sun
DiN 48 Parallel Worlds & Self-Oscillate, World Adaptor
DiN 49 Ian Boddy, Tone Science
DiN 51 (cd) Ian Boddy, As Above So Below
DiN 51 (vinyl) Ian Boddy, As Above So Below
DiN 52 (latest release) Markus Reuter & Ian Boddy, Memento (releases May 19, 2017)

The latest release, coming out May 19, 2017, is a collaboration between Markus Reuter and Ian Boddy entitled “Memento." “Memento” (DiN52) is the fifth DiN CD collaboration between label boss Ian Boddy & renowned composer and touch guitarist Markus Reuter. They were there at the birth of DiN in 1999 with their inaugural release Distant Rituals (DiN2) and this latest work not only affectionately looks back to that album but forges ahead into new musical territory.

The album opens with the powerful tour de force of “Gyroscope” with its ever evolving guitar arpeggios and thunderous percussion. The following track “Spindrift” has a mysterious harmonic feel highlighted by Reuter’s beautiful guitar playing & Boddy’s ambient production. “Linger” & “Stay” form a pair of soundscapes where Reuter’s guitar loop ambiences are intermingled with extraordinary analogue textures from Boddy’s Serge modular synthesiser. The former provides a breathing space within the album after the two opening tracks whereas the latter brings the CD to a gentle, drifting close. The title track hearkens back to the duos first collaborative album with it’s pulsing cut up treatment of a Reuter guitar loop soundscape and perhaps informs the listener as to the nature of this “Memento”. Although Boddy often keeps in the background in terms of lead solo work when working with Reuter the track “Deadlock” features an Ondes Martenot style synth line that soars above this dark emotionally laden piece.

Once again Reuter & Boddy have proved to be a potent musical team with their balance of styles producing a complex, deep album. Effortlessly crossing genres between prog and ambient electronica it not only looks back to their roots but creates new sonic landscapes for the listener to explore.

For more information: www.7dmedia.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

1/31/2017

Rock Music Legend John Wetton Dies (12th June 1949 – 31st January 2017)

(photo by Mike Inns)

Rock music legend John Wetton sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday 31st January 2017, after a long and courageous battle against colon cancer.

John rose to fame with King Crimson in the early 70s during the iconic Red era and later formed the band UK. In the early 1980s he was a founder member of supergroup ASIA which was his biggest commercial success. The band’s 1982 self-titled debut album was the biggest selling album in the world that year and gave fans and mainstream radio the mega-hit Heat of the Moment.

John also enjoyed a successful solo career, including the seminal album Battle Lines, and formed iCon with ASIA bandmate Geoff Downes. In 2006 the original line-up of ASIA reformed and toured the world several times to promote four new studio albums.

John had been planning to tour with ASIA for the band’s forthcoming US arena tour with Journey and following the success of his solo Studio Recordings Anthology, to continue working on the ongoing re-issue programme of his solo albums, via his own Primary Purpose label.

John valued his over 11 years of sobriety and volunteered time in fellowship with other alcoholics to share his experience, strength and hope with them. John is survived by his recently wed wife Lisa and 18 year old son Dylan, brother Robert and mother Peggy.

The very last studio song of John Wetton’s career was the closing track on the most recent and indeed final ASIA album “Gravitas” and included the profound lyrics “Think the best of me, till we meet again.”

A statement by Geoff Downes:

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart, that I have to report we have lost my dearest friend, brother, bandmate and long term musical collaborator, John Wetton, who has passed away after a long and tenacious battle with cancer. He will be remembered as one of the world’s finest musical talents, and I for one of many was wholly blessed by his influence. It was a massive privilege for me to have worked with this genius so closely on our numerous projects together over the years. His bass playing was revolutionary. His voice was from the gods. His compositions - out of this world. His sense of melody and harmony - unreal. He was literally a 'special one'.

But John was much more than a gigantic and unique musical talent. He was a supremely intelligent man, marked with his great observations and wisdom about life; all couched within his wicked sense of humour. The wit was dark and deep, only fully perceptible to those on his same wavelength. I was fortunate enough to be able to be on that wavelength, and discover that we had much in common. Many of his personal life experiences were reflected in his lyrical contributions to the songs. His heart was always in the music. That was John, through and through. It was always about - the music.

As a person, he was fiercely loyal, loving and generous, particularly to those he cared about. But he could be as stubborn as a mule or as gracious as a nobleman, depending on the mood that grabbed him on any particular day. There were some who couldn't read his brilliant mind and complex personality. Some found him charming, others infuriating. But however you found John, there was no denying his rare talent as a musician and songwriter was second to none. 

Both of us having been brought up with similar backgrounds in provincial England, we shared a love of many things - sport, and in particular - football, English church music, current affairs, comedy, literature, you name it....pretty much everything that 2 kids from the sticks were exposed to in our youth. 

Our planets seemed to be immediately in alignment when we first met in early 1981. There was a laddish camaraderie that grew between us as we became as close as two non-related brothers could be. He was an avid reader and film enthusiast, something he pursued with great interest. This helped inspire him to some wonderful lyrics to the literally hundreds of songs we composed together. Back then, we immediately hit the ground running as we composed much of the debut ASIA album together and forged a formidable partnership which lasted right up until now. It was a wholly natural process for us, whereby we could knock out 2 or 3 songs in an afternoon. They were always greeted with our gentlemanly handshake and smiles once we had wrapped up another one in the bag. 

Above all else though, his passion for life was to the fore. The battles he endured throughout were immense and well documented. Firstly with alcohol, which he so resolutely overcame, then open heart surgery and finally cancer, which sadly was to take his life in the end. He once observed to me that this disease is a "merciless assassin". Just another example of his perception and the descriptive language that he was so richly blessed with. He took all of these battles on board with great bravery and almost a 'laissez-faire' attitude, tinged with his inimitable wry wit. 

To say I will miss my him greatly is beyond understatement. He was such an inspiration to me. We were planning another album, but sadly he was not well enough to complete it. I feel heartbroken about this, as I knew John thought it was to be one of our finest albums to date. I remain as proud as ever of our Wetton/Downes writing partnership. I am hoping one day that I will be able to finish it, and that it will be appreciated by all those who loved his and our music, and most importantly, a legacy he would have been proud of.

Life will not be the same without him. And words are not really enough to describe the loss I feel right now, and the many friends and fans all over the World will also be feeling. It is the end of an era for all of us. But we will soldier on - the music of John Wetton needs to be heard loud and clear from the rooftops.

Dearest John, may you rest in peace brother. 

X

Geoffrey

Please join me in sending our sincerest thoughts and prayers to Lisa, Dylan and the entire Wetton family at this difficult time.

A statement by Carl Palmer:

With the passing of my good friend and musical collaborator, John Wetton, the world loses yet another musical giant. John was a gentle person who created some of the most lasting melodies and lyrics in modern popular music. As a musician, he was both brave and innovative, with a voice that took the music of ASIA to the top of the charts around the world. His ability to triumph over alcohol abuse made him an inspiration to many who have also fought that battle.  For those of us who knew him and worked with him, his valiant struggle against cancer was a further inspiration. I will miss his talent, his sense of humor and his infectious smile. May you ride easy, my old friend.
Carl Palmer.

Official Website: www.johnwetton.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Personal and management enquiries: Martin Darvill, QEDG Management, management@qedg.co.uk

ASIA logo by and © Roger Dean 2017

Rock Music Legend John Wetton Dies (12th June 1949 – 31st January 2017)

(photo by Mike Inns)

Rock music legend John Wetton sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday 31st January 2017, after a long and courageous battle against colon cancer.

John rose to fame with King Crimson in the early 70s during the iconic Red era and later formed the band UK. In the early 1980s he was a founder member of supergroup ASIA which was his biggest commercial success. The band’s 1982 self-titled debut album was the biggest selling album in the world that year and gave fans and mainstream radio the mega-hit Heat of the Moment.

John also enjoyed a successful solo career, including the seminal album Battle Lines, and formed iCon with ASIA bandmate Geoff Downes. In 2006 the original line-up of ASIA reformed and toured the world several times to promote four new studio albums.

John had been planning to tour with ASIA for the band’s forthcoming US arena tour with Journey and following the success of his solo Studio Recordings Anthology, to continue working on the ongoing re-issue programme of his solo albums, via his own Primary Purpose label.

John valued his over 11 years of sobriety and volunteered time in fellowship with other alcoholics to share his experience, strength and hope with them. John is survived by his recently wed wife Lisa and 18 year old son Dylan, brother Robert and mother Peggy.

The very last studio song of John Wetton’s career was the closing track on the most recent and indeed final ASIA album “Gravitas” and included the profound lyrics “Think the best of me, till we meet again.”

A statement by Geoff Downes:

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart, that I have to report we have lost my dearest friend, brother, bandmate and long term musical collaborator, John Wetton, who has passed away after a long and tenacious battle with cancer. He will be remembered as one of the world’s finest musical talents, and I for one of many was wholly blessed by his influence. It was a massive privilege for me to have worked with this genius so closely on our numerous projects together over the years. His bass playing was revolutionary. His voice was from the gods. His compositions - out of this world. His sense of melody and harmony - unreal. He was literally a 'special one'.

But John was much more than a gigantic and unique musical talent. He was a supremely intelligent man, marked with his great observations and wisdom about life; all couched within his wicked sense of humour. The wit was dark and deep, only fully perceptible to those on his same wavelength. I was fortunate enough to be able to be on that wavelength, and discover that we had much in common. Many of his personal life experiences were reflected in his lyrical contributions to the songs. His heart was always in the music. That was John, through and through. It was always about - the music.

As a person, he was fiercely loyal, loving and generous, particularly to those he cared about. But he could be as stubborn as a mule or as gracious as a nobleman, depending on the mood that grabbed him on any particular day. There were some who couldn't read his brilliant mind and complex personality. Some found him charming, others infuriating. But however you found John, there was no denying his rare talent as a musician and songwriter was second to none. 

Both of us having been brought up with similar backgrounds in provincial England, we shared a love of many things - sport, and in particular - football, English church music, current affairs, comedy, literature, you name it....pretty much everything that 2 kids from the sticks were exposed to in our youth. 

Our planets seemed to be immediately in alignment when we first met in early 1981. There was a laddish camaraderie that grew between us as we became as close as two non-related brothers could be. He was an avid reader and film enthusiast, something he pursued with great interest. This helped inspire him to some wonderful lyrics to the literally hundreds of songs we composed together. Back then, we immediately hit the ground running as we composed much of the debut ASIA album together and forged a formidable partnership which lasted right up until now. It was a wholly natural process for us, whereby we could knock out 2 or 3 songs in an afternoon. They were always greeted with our gentlemanly handshake and smiles once we had wrapped up another one in the bag. 

Above all else though, his passion for life was to the fore. The battles he endured throughout were immense and well documented. Firstly with alcohol, which he so resolutely overcame, then open heart surgery and finally cancer, which sadly was to take his life in the end. He once observed to me that this disease is a "merciless assassin". Just another example of his perception and the descriptive language that he was so richly blessed with. He took all of these battles on board with great bravery and almost a 'laissez-faire' attitude, tinged with his inimitable wry wit. 

To say I will miss my him greatly is beyond understatement. He was such an inspiration to me. We were planning another album, but sadly he was not well enough to complete it. I feel heartbroken about this, as I knew John thought it was to be one of our finest albums to date. I remain as proud as ever of our Wetton/Downes writing partnership. I am hoping one day that I will be able to finish it, and that it will be appreciated by all those who loved his and our music, and most importantly, a legacy he would have been proud of.

Life will not be the same without him. And words are not really enough to describe the loss I feel right now, and the many friends and fans all over the World will also be feeling. It is the end of an era for all of us. But we will soldier on - the music of John Wetton needs to be heard loud and clear from the rooftops.

Dearest John, may you rest in peace brother. 

X

Geoffrey

Please join me in sending our sincerest thoughts and prayers to Lisa, Dylan and the entire Wetton family at this difficult time.

A statement by Carl Palmer:

With the passing of my good friend and musical collaborator, John Wetton, the world loses yet another musical giant. John was a gentle person who created some of the most lasting melodies and lyrics in modern popular music. As a musician, he was both brave and innovative, with a voice that took the music of ASIA to the top of the charts around the world. His ability to triumph over alcohol abuse made him an inspiration to many who have also fought that battle.  For those of us who knew him and worked with him, his valiant struggle against cancer was a further inspiration. I will miss his talent, his sense of humor and his infectious smile. May you ride easy, my old friend.
Carl Palmer.

Official Website: www.johnwetton.com

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