Neal Schon Provides Update On New Journey Album

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Neal Schon said Journey is working on a new album, its first since 2011, which will be a "killer album" consisting of nearly two dozen songs.

"We're, like, deep in, and it's sounding really, really great, man," Schon said in a recent interview with Cleveland.com. "It still sounds like Journey, but there is definitely a different strut in the rhythm section," he said, referring to the departure of original bassist Ross Valory and classic-era drummer Steve Smith from the band and drummer Narada Michael Walden, keyboardist Jason Derlatka and bassist Randy Jackson replacing them.

"It's bombastic. It's rocking. It's majestic, and it's soulful," according to the singer-songwriter and guitarist. "We have 21 songs in the works right now and there's still more coming in. We'll end up picking the cream of the crop and put out a killer album."

Schon said he hopes to release a new single and video next month and plans to infuse new material into Journey's future concerts.

CREDITS: By RTTNews Staff Writer


Roger Waters Drops New Recording and Video for ‘The Gunner’s Dream’

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Roger Waters has released a new recording and video for “The Gunner’s Dream.” The song from Pink Floyd’s 1983 album, The Final Cut, tells the story of a dying airman who dreams of a safer, better world, without war.

The black-and-white visual opens on Waters playing the piano and singing alone in his studio. His bandmates — guitarist Dave Kilminster, drummer Joey Waronker, bassist Gus Seyffert, guitarist Jonathan Wilson, pianist and keyboardist Jon Carin, Hammond player Bo Koster and Lucius’ Jesse Wolfe and Holly Laessig — join him from their respective studios as the song and video progress.

“Last night I watched the 2013 documentary film The Man Who Saved the World. The man’s name is Stanislav Petrov. The year before Stanislav saved the World in the year 1982, I wrote a song ‘The Gunner’s Dream,'” Rogers wrote on Instagram. “It’s weird to think that had Stanislav not been in the right place at the right time none of us would be alive, no one under the age of 37 would have been born at all.

“It is acknowledged by all but the cretins amongst us that nuclear arms have no value. It is also acknowledged that they are a ticking bomb, and we ignore them at our peril,” he continued. “Accidents happen. The Stanislavs of this world are a rare breed. We’ve been extraordinarily lucky.

“If I ruled the world, I would heed the words of the wise. I would get rid of nuclear weapons. First thing tomorrow morning. On Dr. King’s name day,” he said. “Of course, no one can rule the world. The world cannot be ruled. It can only be loved and respected and shared. If we’re still here in the morning.”

Credits: Rolling Stone Magazine – Althea Legaspi


Eddie Van Halen Mural Coming To Hollywood

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Artist Robert Vargas is painting a giant portrait of the late Van Halen guitarist outside of the Guitar Center in Hollywood. The mural will officially be unveiled on Jan. 26, Eddie’s birthday.

“We’re really excited about doing that on that day and really giving it to the world,” Vargas explained in an interview with KXFM 104.7. “This will be the premiere Eddie Van Halen mural in the States, really, but especially here in Hollywood where they made their bones.”

Vargas went on to note that part of the music video for Van Halen’s classic hit “Panama” was shot right in front of the store.

This is just the latest in a long list of tributes to Eddie, who died in October after a battle with cancer. Billboards, marquees, and makeshift shrines popped up all over the country following the iconic rocker’s death, with music fans mourning the loss of an idol, while also celebrating Eddie’s amazing life.

Meanwhile, the guitarist’s son and bandmate, Wolfgang, released his own touching tribute to Eddie in the form of “Distance.” The song, which also served as the first solo single from Wolfgang, was dedicated to his dad and penned prior Eddie’s death.

"As my pop continued to struggle with various health issues, I was imagining what my life would be like without him and how terribly I'd miss him,” the younger Van Halen explained. “While this song is incredibly personal, I think anyone can relate to the idea of having a profound loss in their own life."

Wolfgang later revealed that he played “Distance” to Eddie before his passing. “He heard the idea. I played it for him and everything, just me and him," he recalled of the emotional moment. "We cried. It was hard to sing it and play it through.”

Credits: Corey Irwin / https://ultimateclassicrock.com/


Elvis’ Mansion Launches Online Tours

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During the two-hour tour, guests will be able to see the King’s cars, jumpsuits, gold records, and movie memorabilia, from anywhere in the world.

For the first time, Elvis Presley’s Graceland home can be visited in a virtual live tour, when the events begin next week.

The Graceland Virtual Live Tours promise never-before-seen highlights of the famous mansion in Memphis. Also included is access to the Lisa Marie jet and Elvis Presley’s Memphis exhibit and entertainment complex. During the two-hour tour, guests will be able to see the King’s cars, jumpsuits, gold records, and movie memorabilia.

Angie Marchese, VP of Graceland archives and exhibits, will host the tours, which begin at 8am on Wednesday, January 27. Organizers promise that items on show will vary from tour to tour, making each one unique, and that viewers will have the chance to ask Marchese questions throughout the event.

The Mansion element of the tour will begin at the front door of Graceland and conclude in the Meditation Garden. Inside the mansion, the camera will go “behind the ropes” to offer rare insights and commentary, and participants will get a look onboard Elvis’ daughter Lisa Marie’s Convair 880 jet, which he dubbed the “Flying Graceland.”

This features two half-baths, a lounge area, a conference room, sitting room, and master bedroom. Viewers will then visit Elvis Presley’s Memphis and continue through 200,000 square feet of Elvis-themed exhibits.

“We are thrilled to now offer Graceland Virtual Live Tours to Elvis fans around the world,” said Debbie Miller, CMO, Elvis Presley Enterprises. “In a typical year, Graceland hosts visitors from over 125 countries and from all 50 states. And, although Graceland remains open for limited capacity in-person tours, now, more than ever, people are looking for quality entertainment experiences they can enjoy from the comfort of their own home.

For those who have always wanted to visit Graceland but never had the chance, to those who’ve been here many times and are looking for a bespoke Graceland experience, this tour is for them.”

Graceland Virtual Live Tours are priced at $100 and take place from 8am CST on January 27, February 25 and March 25, 2021, and further dates will continue to be added. The tours will be presented live via a private, closed Facebook Group and are to be archived for 72 hours afterwards, so that guests can watch again as often as they choose. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online or by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322.

CREDITS: Paul Sexton - https://www.udiscovermusic.com/