Andrea Faulk, Author at SRO PR

December 22, 2021

Kaskade Set As Headliner For CHANDLER KIMBALL FOUNDATION’S “LIFE’S BIG WIN” Benefit Concert For Arizona-Based Nonprofit That Raises Awareness Of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) In Youth

DATE: DECEMBER 22, 2021

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN

KASKADE–
MULTI-GRAMMY AWARD-NOMINATED MUSICIAN,
DJ AND RECORD PRODUCER–
SET AS HEADLINER FOR
CHANDLER KIMBALL FOUNDATION’S
“LIFE’S BIG WIN”
BENEFIT CONCERT
AT TEMPE, ARIZONA’S SUNBAR ON
SATURDAY, JANUARY 15

PROFITS WILL GO TO ARIZONA-BASED
NONPROFIT THAT RAISES AWARENESS OF
CHRONIC TRAUMATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY (CTE) IN YOUTH

LINE-UP FOR THE EVENT
TO ALSO INCLUDE PERFORMANCES
FROM THE EXPENDABLES AND BARDZ,
ALONG WITH APPEARANCES FROM DR. BENNET OMALU
AND FORMER ARIZONA CARDINAL ERIC HILL

Text Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Multi-Grammy Award-nominated musician, DJ and record producer Kaskade has been confirmed as the headliner for “Life’s Big Win,” a Saturday, January 15, 2022 benefit for the Chandler Kimball Foundation for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Awareness. The event at Tempe, Arizona’s Sunbar will also include performances from chart-topping reggae band The Expendables and live electronic artisty Bardz, along with appearances from renowned forensic pathologist and neurologist, Dr. Bennet Omalu (the subject of Sony Pictures’ 2015 film Concussion) who will be speaking about youth tackle football and the risks of developing CTE and former Arizona Cardinal and 12-year NFL veteran, Eric Hill.

The Chandler Kimball Foundation was founded in honor of Arizona native Chandler Kimball to raise awareness of (CTE), a brain disease caused by repeated blows to the head including concussive and sub-concussive hits. Kimball, who played tackle football from the age of nine began to develop CTE symptoms in his early twenties and as his condition began to rapidly decline, his family sought treatment with therapists and specialists. Despite these efforts, Chandler succumbed to this preventable disease and took his own life on January 15, 2019.

From winning a Pop Warner state championship in 2005 with the Scottsdale Apaches to leading the Gilbert Lonestars to an undefeated regular season and appearance in the 2006 Pop Warner state championship game, Kimball continued on to excel in high school football for the Desert Vista Thunder where he started at strong safety and won the 2011 Arizona Football State Championship. In the years that followed, his parents saw drastic changes in the young athlete.

After the loss of their son, his family wanted answers and enlisted the help of renowned forensic pathologist and neurologist, Dr. Bennet Omalu, who confirmed that Chandler suffered from CTE. Upon the confirmation of Chandler’s CTE, his father Jason Kimball founded the Chandler Kimball Foundation to raise awareness of CTE and the inherent risks of youth tackle football. Research has shown that enrolling children in youth tackle football significantly increases the risk they may eventually develop CTE. A study by the Mayo Clinic’s Florida campus found “significant and surprising amount of CTE in males who had participated in amateur contact sports in their youth.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Kaskade for headlining the first annual Life’s Big Win event and for helping us to raise awareness of CTE and the dangers of youth tackle football,” Jason Kimball said. “Chandler was a big Kaskade fan and saw his shows and met him multiple times. Chandler’s love for music and his connection to Kaskade make this a perfect fit for this event and our cause.”

Tickets are on sale here. All of the event’s net proceeds will go directly to the Chandler Kimball Foundation to help educate and inform parents about CTE, and to provide family members tools and guidance they can utilize to support their decision to find alternative and safer sports for their children.

Website
Facebook
Instagram

About the Chandler Kimball Foundation

The Chandler Kimball Foundation was founded in 2021 with a mission to raise awareness of CTE and share medical evidence and personal stories of families devastated by Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) caused by youth tackle football. Chandler Kimball, a talented Arizona athlete loved all sports, but his passion was football–exclusively playing tackle football at an elite level since the age of nine and winning the Arizona State Championships at the Pop Warner and High School levels. Kimball graduated from Arizona State University in 2017. Minor symptoms of CTE began manifesting in Kimball around the age of 22 and continued to gradually worsen over the next three years. Kimball succumbed to this preventable disease and took his own life on January 15, 2019. The Chandler Kimball Foundation aims to educate and inform parents about scientific studies showing that enrolling their child in youth tackle football significantly increases the risk that their child may eventually develop CTE, and to provide family members tools and guidance they can utilize to support their decision to find alternative and safer sports for their children.

###

December 1, 2021

Los Angeles Singer-Songwriter And Alternative Rock Musician ABE GROSSMAN Sets January Release For His Debut Album ‘NIGHT WINDOW’

DATE: DECEMBER 1, 2021

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN

A person standing in front of a red door with a sign above it Description automatically generated with medium confidence

ABE GROSSMAN
SET TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM
‘NIGHT WINDOW’
IN JANUARY 2022

ALBUM HAS BEEN PREVIEWED BY
THE VIDEO-TRILOGY
“SPEED OF THE NIGHT,”
“GHOST IN THE DARK” AND
“DIRTY CHEAP HOTEL,
ALONG WITH THE DEBUT SINGLE, “BLUE JAYS”

A person standing in front of a building with a sign on it Description automatically generated with medium confidence

An album “more than 40 years into a life of music” is how singer-songwriter and alternative rock musician ABE GROSSMAN describes his debut album NIGHT WINDOW. Set for release in January 2022, the album has been previewed by the video-trilogy “Speed Of The Night,” “Ghost In The Dark” and “Dirty Cheap Hotel,” as well as the debut single, “Blue Jays.”

GROSSMAN has taken a long journey to bloom into the artist that he is today. When asked why now? “Because,” he reflects, thoughtfully, “now I have something to say.”

The sound throughout NIGHT WINDOW drips with classic nostalgia–a rich tapestry of 70’s classic rock and heartstring-pulling acoustic folk, stitched together by GROSSMAN’s distinctive, smokey lead vocal and lush orchestral arrangements. Subtle hints of familiar sounds, from Pink Floyd and John Mayer to Bob Dylan, may peek through here and there, and yet there’s some fresh unknown that makes the songs on NIGHT WINDOW their own instant classics.

The album comes out swinging with “Speed Of The Night” and “Ghost In The Dark,” two wine-drunk, lumbering power-ballads where ABE’s classic, raspy vocal storms on the back of punching drums, pearlescent grand piano, a belting organ, and a fuming, distorted electric guitar. ABE reveals a sweet vulnerability in strikingly honest tracks like “Dirty Cheap Hotel” and “Blue Jays,” where jangling acoustic guitar gives way to a wave of strings that wash the listener in a gushing river of nostalgia. In “Always Know You’re Somewhere,” ABE pours out his heart in a tender ballad to his father, revealing an artist matured by the passing of time and a hopeful nod to the past. Floating on a spring breeze of lapsteel guitar, the southern rock twang of “Closer Stars” brings fresh color to the album, while “Ain’t Good Looking Enough” bubbles effervescently with masterful arrangements reminiscent of classic records of the 60’s and 70/s. In “Born To Die,” angelic female background vocals ooze from the cracks of a building ballad that overflows into a soulful, Gilmour-esque electric guitar solo. “Lucky Boy” concludes the album, finding the most mature and reflective version of GROSSMAN yet. A wistful, lo-fi acoustic undercurrent drifts and bobs on a vast sea of strings and a brilliant wash of reverb that takes the listener back through the journey of the album and, inevitably, leaves one reflecting sentimentally on the journey of one’s own life. Earnest, nostalgic, and lush, NIGHT WINDOW stands as a 10-song homage to the light of life that can only be found on the other side of darkness.

Many of the songs on NIGHT WINDOW (2022) and most notably the video-trilogy–“Speed Of The Night,” “Ghost In The Dark,” and “Dirty Cheap Hotel”–tell the story of ABE’s relationship with Brookie, a fellow lost soul with a loving heart and a troubled past.

ABE’s relationship with music started in earnest when he was 13. His grandparents took him on a trip to Nairobi, Kenya, where ABE vividly recalls narrowly escaping death in the now-infamous 1981 Norfolk Hotel bombing. In an effort to help ABE express himself constructively, his parents got him his first guitar, which would begin a lifelong relationship with music.

“That experience forced me into a desperate need to connect,” ABE recalls. “There was an immediacy to needing to find some deeper meaning in the world. Everybody needs an avenue or instrument to connect with the world in a meaningful and purposeful way. Often, through the cauldron of a difficult experience, created by oneself or by circumstance, you search for whatever that tool is. For me it was the guitar.”

ABE’s professional musical journey began when he moved to Los Angeles. Invigorated by music as a means for connection and validation, ABE relentlessly pursued a career as an artist. In Los Angeles, he collaborated with local musicians and formed his own rock band, Small Motor Land. After years of trying and very little success, lack of purpose and growing addictions began to consume ABE. He spun out into more than a decade of darkness, defined by bad habits and empty pursuits. Music faded into the background. During this time of wandering like a ghost through Los Angeles, ABE fell in love with Brookie. They ran on the outskirts of society together, enabling each other’s lifestyles of addiction and the pursuit of transient pleasure.

And then, after more than a decade of spiraling downward, everything changed in an instant. Just what happened is a mystery, even to ABE, but he recalls a deep “moment of clarity” where he realized that he needed to clean up his life, or else lose himself forever. ABE had found the will to life that he had been searching for all along. ABE implored Brookie to change with him, but she was too entrenched in her habits and eventually, Brookie’s hard-and-fast living would take her life.

For three years post-epiphany, he didn’t have any desire to play music at all. And then, out of nowhere and all at once, the songs began to pour through him–poignant reflections on love and loss, and the search for purpose. ABE found new wisdom in perspective, and the songs gave that perspective voice.

“When I was younger, my music was so backed up by my own ego. It was like a clogged artery, like being on the verge of having a heart attack all the time,” ABE explains. “Finding a deep spiritual connection–or a connection with God, or however you want to say it–got me through that by giving me perspective. I had to believe in my own story to write music that was authentic to me. When I was younger, I wanted to tell a story that I thought other people wanted to hear. When I found a way out of myself, I found it easy to share my feelings through music.”

He continues, “Everyone is given some activity or tool that allows them to find the meaning of life, which is connecting with people. Unity. When you feel unity, you feel purpose and belonging, and you don’t feel inadequate in life. Music has been that for me.”

Fast forward to October 2021. ABE checks his Instagram direct messages. A fan writes, thanking ABE for sharing himself vulnerably. She cites “Speed Of The Night” as a comfort to her as she reflects on the loss of her husband and her father, respectively. “She’s giving a voice to similar experiences to mine and making me feel a part of something – a part of the human experience with other human beings,” ABE reflects, earnestly. “The gift is being given back to me by people listening to my music. They have a voice that sings with me.” He smiles. Better than fame or fortune, he’s found that deeper-something that he’s been looking for all along.

The NIGHT WINDOW track listing is as follows:

Speed Of the Night
Ghost In The Dark
Down To The World
Dirty Cheap Hotel
Always Know You’re Somewhere
Blue Jays
Ain’t Good Looking Enough
Closer Stars
Born To Die
Lucky Boy

Instagram
Facebook
Website
Spotify
Soundcloud
Youtube

December 1, 2021

Acclaimed Autobiography ‘PERMANENT DAMAGE: MEMOIRS OF AN OUTRAGEOUS GIRL’ Generates Strong Praise In 2021

DATE: DECEMBER 1, 2021

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN/MITCH SCHNEIDER

‘PERMANENT DAMAGE:
MEMOIRS OF AN OUTRAGEOUS GIRL’
BY MERCY FONTENOT WITH LYNDSEY PARKER
GENERATES STRONG PRAISE IN 2021

A book with a person's face on it Description automatically generated with low confidence

Permanent Damage: Memoirs of An Outrageous Girl (Rare Bird Books), which veteran music journalist Lyndsey Parker co-wrote with late GTOs member Mercy “Miss Mercy” Fontenot, has turned out to be one of the most acclaimed music books of the year. See the pull quotes below including four-star reviews from Mojo and Goldmine and praise from The Guardian which noted that “The book reads like a romp, aided by Mercy’s keen sense of the absurd and flair for black humor…”

Released June 9, 2021, it received strong notices from the press and accolades from Mercy’s contemporaries. It was also honored with events in Los Angeles, including an in-store at Stories Books and Cafe and virtual events with the GRAMMY MUSEUM^®and the Women’s International Music Network.

“It has been bittersweet to see the support the book has received, because she [Mercy] didn’t live to see Permanent Damage’s success,” PARKER says (Mercy died July 27, 2020). “I think she would have gotten a real kick out of seeing her name on the charts (go to #4 on Amazon’s Music Books list) or in a four-star Mojo magazine review–like the rock star she was born to be. But I don’t believe she would have been surprised by the reception, because she believed in herself, and in way, neither am I, because I believed in her too. I always thought if Mercy’s stranger-than-fiction story could be told, it would find an audience. That is why I was so hell-bent on getting her to write her memoirs, wearing her down for years before she finally agreed! I am so thrilled her story will live on forever now.”

Permanent Damage: Memoirs of An Outrageous Girl shows us the world of the 1960s and 1970s music scene through Mercy Fontenot’s eyes, as well as the fallout of that era–experiencing homelessness before sobering up and putting her life back together. Written just prior to her death in 2020, Miss Mercy’s journey is a can’t miss for anyone who was there and can’t remember, or just wishes they’d been there. Read some highlights from the book here.

“All Miss Mercy ever really wanted was respect. I knew she was important, of course, but I think I was so close to this project, and to Mercy herself, that I didn’t fully grasp her impact until the accolades for the book came in. She definitely made her mark,” PARKER notes of things she gleaned after the book was published.

She adds: “I also learned that even though she was a relatively obscure figure in the rock world, she was revered and respected by so many–from the celebrities like Alice Cooper and Shirley Manson who were so eager and delighted to promote the book, to the young GTOs fans who literally cosplay as Mercy on Instagram.”

Mercy Fontenot was a Zelig who grew up in the San Francisco Haight-Ashbury scene, where she crossed paths with Charles Manson, went to the first Acid Test, and was friends with Jimi Hendrix (she was later in his movie Rainbow Bridge). She predicted the Altamont disaster when reading the Rolling Stones’ tarot cards at a party and left San Francisco for the climes of Los Angeles in 1967 when the Haight “lost its magic.” Buy the book here.

Here’s some critical praise for the book:

“Great writing; wild stories, but very dark…But through all of it Mercy emerged undaunted.”
★★★★ –Sylvie Simmons, MOJO, 2021

“Though it all, through the homelessness, the assaults, the estrangement of her family, she always carried herself with class, style and her own perverse sense of dignity.”
★★★★ –Mike Greenblatt, GOLDMINE, 2021

“The book reads like a romp, aided by Mercy’s keen sense of the absurd and flair for black humor…”
–Jim Farber, THE GUARDIAN, June 2021

“Mercy, Mercy, She: A Famous Groupie’s Wild Child Story…The stories came fast and furious, as Mercy recounts her encounters with acts like those mentioned above along with Gene Simmons of KISS, Arthur Lee of Love, Shuggie Otis, Jobriath, Ike Turner, Gram Parsons, and Janis Joplin. Then there’s the book’s Marquee Batshit Crazy Story: Chuck Berry.”
–Bob Ruggiero, HOUSTON PRESS, May 2021

“Whoa! With what sometimes feels like a minor miracle, Miss Mercy’s life story careens from delight to disaster and back so many times there is a considerable chance of whiplash during the reading…With writer Lyndsey Parker’s above and beyond assistance, everything from tragedy, treachery, heartbreak and happiness come through in day-glo colors. In the end, Miss Mercy stands upright as a true survivor, except for the fact that she died not long before the book’s completion. But what is surely a small miracle, the memoir was finished and now permanently stands as a cautionary tale for those who get too close to the flame, or don’t have working brakes in how they live their life. And while there is no way to capture the three-dimensional swing of Miss Mercy’s daily travels in black & white, PERMANENT DAMAGE and its evocative prose and complete honesty comes close enough to the bonfire to catch afire. What a trip.”
–Bill Bentley, AMERICANA HIGHWAYS, June 2021

Miss Mercy lays her story bare with the help of her friend and co-writer, journalist and author Lyndsey Parker. Armed with over 60 hours of interviews with Fontenot, Parker carves out a down and dirty episodic memoir that rolls into the lost hours of night, like an empty bottle between bar close and sunrise.”
— Noah Lekas, LETHAL AMOUNTS, 2021

“Lyndsey Parker’s excellent book Permanent Damage: Memoirs of an Outrageous Girl, written with and about GTO Miss Mercy Fontenot, is receiving heaps of well-deserved praise and attention.”
–Brett Callwood, LA WEEKLY, June 2021

“Permanent Damage: Memoirs of an Outrageous Girl is the posthumously published memoir of Mercy Fontenot…the memoir is, in two words, wild and weird…Fearless, shameless and regret-less, Miss Mercy’s tone in the book is casual, alarmingly so when she’s speaking about the most traumatic events: rapes, homelessness, the suicides of her parents, her drug use.”
–Lily Moayeri, ROCK AND ROLL GLOBE, June 2021

“Permanent Damage: Memoirs Of An Outrageous Girl…is full of stories, the ultimate tale of sex, drugs, rock & roll, rape, violence, homelessness, fun, parties, lovers, and independence…From page one, you are enveloped by Mercy’s straightforward, honest personality and you don’t feel like you’re simply reading another musical soap opera. She hooks you immediately and you laugh with her at her goofyness, drop your mouth to the floor when she casually mentions that her second husband beat her so bad he had broken all the bones in the side of her face, and envy her hangs with Robert Plant and Jimi Hendrix. The words flow like she’s right there telling them to you herself and the 208 pages fly by in no time.”
–Leslie Michele Derrough, GLIDE MAGAZINE, June 2021

“She passed away in July last year, but judging by this book she didn’t half live.”
–Johnny Sharp, CLASSIC ROCK, 2021

And here’s some feedback from Mercy’s friends and colleagues:

“Miss Mercy was dripping in sarcasm. She was a very funny and lovely lady. She may have been the voice of reason for the GTOs… but I doubt it.”— Alice Cooper

“Mercy wore unusual and stunning makeup. She set a trend. She was a very individualistic, charismatic woman. The GTOs made the party swing and were an integral part of rock ‘n’ roll culture at the time.”– Dave Davies, the Kinks

“Miss Mercy spun herself through the most magical days of the ‘60s and into the arms of punk. She was a that one-of-a-kind character none of us will ever forget.”— Exene Cervenka, X

“I am thrilled to know this book is finally out there and we can know firsthand what it was like to live in Miss Mercy’s towering platform shoes. I love rock ‘n’ roll, and Lyndsey Parker has the most encyclopedic knowledge of all music; I can’t think of a better person to bring Mercy’s story to life.”— Margaret Cho

“Miss Mercy was a one-off iconoclast, style- and taste-wise. She looked, lived, and loved uniquely and was a trailblazer for women in rock ‘n’ roll.”— Siobhan Fahey, Bananarama and Shakespears Sister

“Mercy was one of the most inspirational and magical people I ever got the chance to meet and work with. She had endless stories to tell and the coolest style, like a badass Gypsy pirate witch. She embodied that old spirit of Hollywood that we never get to see anymore. Mercy was and will always be a legend.”— Arrow de Wilde, Starcrawler

“Lyndsey and Mercy had many things in common, the most important of which was commitment. Both committed to the music and the musicians that made it. Mercy had secrets and stories and reveals them here to someone who understands. An imperative read for anyone with a rock ‘n’ roll soul.”— Michael Des Barres

About Lyndsey Parker:

Lyndsey Parker is the music editor at Yahoo Entertainment and host of the daily SiriusXM Volume show Volume West. Considered an expert in music and pop culture, Parker is an Online Journalism Award nominee and has written for Elle, MOJO, Rolling Stone, NME, and Guitar. She has appeared as a commentator for the ABC special The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story, AXS TV’s The Top Ten Revealed, and the documentary I Want My MTV, as well as for VH1’s Behind the Music, CNN, MTV, The Insider, and Good Day L.A.. She is the author of Careless Memories of Strange Behavior: My Notorious Life as a Duran Duran Fan (one of the first e-books published as part of Rhino Records’ all-digital music book series, which went to #1 on the iTunes Music Books chart).

SRO PRESS RELEASES AND ASSETS

AVAILABLE IN HARDCOVER and E-BOOK
BIOGRAPHY/ AUTOBIOGRAPHY/ MUSIC
9781644281826 | US $27.00 | 6 x 9 in. | 320 pp.
RARE BIRD BOOKS, A BARNACLE BOOK
DISTRIBUTED WOLRDWIDE BY PUBLISHERS GROUP WEST
RAREBIRDLIT.COM

###

November 19, 2021

Portland, Maine-based Indie Trio LOVE BY NUMB3RS Share Intimate Video For “Can’t Lie Like This” From ‘COLOURS’ EP

DATE: NOVEMBER 19, 2021

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN

Artwork for the upcoming LOVE BY NUMB3RS EP, COLOURS
By Walter Craven

LOVE BY NUMB3RS
REVEAL INTIMATE VIDEO FOR
NEW SINGLE “CAN’T LIE LIKE THIS”
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

SONG MARKS THE SECOND SINGLE FROM THEIR
NEW EP ‘COLOURS’ OUT NOVEMBER 26

Portland, Maine-based indie trio LOVE BY NUMB3RS–co-vocalists DAN CONNOR and ANNA LOMBARD and multi-instrumentalist JON ROODS–today (November 19) have shared the intimate video for “Can’t Lie Like This.” It marks the second single from the acclaimed group’s six-song EP COLOURS out November 26 (moved from its original November 19 release date due to a production delay).

The video was directed by LOMBARD and ROODS and is based on the vision of CONNOR whose chemo treatments and cancer battle are the subject of the video. He wrote the song and sings lead vocals on it before ANNA joins in on background vocals, giving the song its trademark LOVE BY NUMB3ERS vocal sound. Watch the video here.

The “Can’t Lie Like This” video was premiered yesterday (November 18) by Glide magazine who wrote: “Portland, Maine’s Love By Numb3rs has astounded ears with its eloquent dusty blues and roots rock that has given otherwise placid New England a musical splash of Nashville. The trio–co-vocalist Dan Connor and Anna Lombard joined by her partner and multi-instrumentalist Jon Roods–made a big splash with their independent full-length debut, Parachute yet now are gearing up for the release of a six song EP titled Colours out November 19^th…the emotionally explosive ‘Can’t Lie Like This’ swoons, twangs and pacifies with a Tyler Childers meets Tom Petty narrative and soul.”

Coming off the EP’s first single/video “Colours,” which was premiered and praised by Atwood Magazine, “Can’t Lie Like This” is the music of a band who freewheelingly chart a course through eloquent alternative, Americana and roots rock. The song’s unflinching lyrics paint a picture of lives that have unraveled. “The inspiration behind writing this song was based on a dear friend of mine who struggled with substance abuse,” reveals DAN. “This led me down a bit of a rabbit hole as I began reflecting upon my own family history of substance abuse and dysfunction.”

“Jon and I directed the video, but I would be remiss not to mention the vision Jon had for this one,” says ANNA LOMBARD. “While the song in its lyrical content was meant to be about the aforementioned lifelong struggles with alcoholism, Jon began seeing the line ‘can’t lie like this anymore’ as more of a metaphor for Dan’s battle with cancer and monthly chemo cycles.”

The moving video begins by depicting the beauty of nature before focusing on DAN at home in bed with his illness. He is able to breaks free in his mind from his struggles by heading outside with his guitar to enjoy the gorgeous wide-open spaces. Says ANNA: “We keep calling it Dan’s “celebration/party” at the end–to be done with chemo and to have made it through to where he is/we are today.”

The video was shot in various locations in Maine: the band’s house/studio known as South Ranch (bed scene, radiation scene, etc.), Crescent Beach in Cape Elizabeth, and outside of a friend’s house in Cape Elizabeth (drone footage on rocks and dirt road shots).

More quotes about “Can’t Lie Like This” are below, along with the lyrics; the EP’s track listing + credits; and the band’s social media links. The EP will be followed by a full-length album (their second) in 2022 (release date TBA).

QUOTES ABOUT “CAN’T LIE LIKE THIS”

Dan Connor: The inspiration behind writing this song was based on a dear friend of mine who struggled with substance abuse. This led me down a bit of a rabbit hole as I began reflecting upon my own family history of substance abuse and dysfunction. My father had alcoholism and was homeless for many years due to his denial and not wanting to face his disease. The commonality between these two people in my life made me consider how substance abuse–regardless of the substance–causes people to withdraw from life rather than face their demons. Instead, they lie and hide. We’ve all seen it. But the bottom line is that it is a disease like any other. Some find the strength to overcome and some fall victim.

–Dan sings lead vocals on this one, and then is joined by you for background vocals, giving the song that trademark Love By Numb3ers vocal sound. Can you give us your thoughts about this?

Anna Lombard: In terms of the decision Dan singing lead on this one–that’s just what made sense. This was his story to tell. The song in its original arrangement had no outro with doubled choruses. For years, it has just been floating around Dan’s repertoire as a song on an acoustic guitar. So, Jon and I worked on making the song build through the outro. We coupled Dan’s chorus melody with some harmonies overlaid with new rhythmic/melodic sections on top of those. And then Dan was like “Ok, you gotta go off at the end…” so I threw some vamps on the outro and we extended the section along with a slow fade so the outro became a bit of a hook.

–Some thoughts about the musical feel of the song? It has distinctive guitar parts merged with keyboards. Is that a Fender Rhodes?

Anna: Dan’s acoustic and vocals on this song were done in one single take. Then, Jon and I built instrumentation and changed the arrangement around Dan’s single take recording. Our guitarist Josh Duym then laid down some guitar. Our friend Nigel Hall happened to be in Maine at the perfect time and was staying with us so we had him track his keyboard parts on a Fender Rhodes.

–Who directed the video, where was it filmed, and some general thoughts about the it?

Anna: Jon and I directed the video. Jon envisioned the video being less literal to the lyrics of the song about avoidance and denial and lying to other people and lying to yourself…and instead, the hopes of simultaneously portraying all of these instances where through craniotomies, radiation, MRIs, fatigue, nausea, etc, Dan has been literally lying down. For the past seven months, we’ve had to work through Dan being really sick from his treatment. We would more or less only be able to count on maybe 10-14 days a month where Dan was feeling OK enough to write, or track, or be part of a video. It’s been so tough, the toughest for him, but he’s been a warrior. He’s sick and tired of being sick and tired. With scenes where he’s in bed with forty bottles of prescriptions on the bedside table…You know, you get to this point where you’ve got to ask yourself about the reality of your quality of life. He has been isolated from making music alongside us and from some of the creative process throughout the last year because of treatment. And when you’re a musician and a writer and music is the one thing that gets you out of bed in the morning…but even that is something you don’t even have the physical energy or capacity to do… you find yourself asking, “what gives?” So the vision for the video coupled with the original context of the song became a double entendre. “I can’t lie like this anymore. I can’t not make music. I can’t deal with feeling like this anymore. I’m tired of it.”

Lyrics to “Can’t Lie Like This”:

“Can’t Lie Like This”
(Dan Connor)
Wake up in the mornin’
Even if you’ve been out with the devil the night before
Drink your strong coffee
Make all your plans
Don’t think about it anymore
Til’ the night become crazy
And life gettin’ hazy
You’re showin’ up at my door
The mornin’ don’t matter
Ain’t nothin’ gonna shatter, it won’t
Can’t lie like this anymore
Couple days later
I was on a train with her
Hadn’t slept in seventy-four
Got my blood shot eyes, begin to realize
Pressed down against the floor
I guess I wasn’t listening
Just another man missin’ the life that he never saw
The mornin’ don’t matter
Ain’t nothin gonna shatter, it won’t
Can’t lie like this anymore
Whoa
Can’t lie like this anymore
Go and see my mama
But my papa gonna be there
With his boots kickin’ down the door
He got them bloodshot eyes, begin to realize
Pressed down against the floor
I guess he wasn’t listenin’
Just another man missin’ the life that he never saw
The mornin’ don’t matter
Ain’t nothin’ gonna shatter, it won’t
Can’t lie like this anymore
Can’t lie like this anymore
Can’t lie like this anymore
Can’t lie like this any more
I can’t lie anymore

COLOURS EP track listing

1. Colours
2. Can’t Lie Like This
3. Oak Tree
4. All Falls Down
5. The Beat Goes On
6. Summertime

Credits: ‘COLOURS’ EP by LOVE BY NUMB3RS

–All songs written by LBN (Anna Lombard, Jonathan Roods & Dan Connor) with additional guitar line writing by Zach Jones on track #1 “Colours” and Josh Duym on track #4 “All Falls Down”
–All songs engineered by Jonathan Roods & Anna Lombard
–All songs produced by Jonathan Roods & Anna Lombard
–Mastered by Adam Ayan at Gateway Mastering
–All songs recorded at South Ranch.
–Guest appearances by Nigel Hall, Zach Jones, Gary Gemmeti, Josh Duym

Players on each song:

Colours: Jon Roods (drums, bass, guitar), Zach Jones (electric guitar), Nigel Hall (hammond organ, rhodes piano)
Can’t Lie Like This: Anna Lombard (vocals), Jon Roods (drum, add’l percussion, bass, guitar), Josh Duym (electric guitar), Dan Connor (acoustic guitar, vocals), Nigel Hall (Wurlitzer piano)
Oak Tree: Anna Lombard (vocals), Dan Connor (vocals), Jon Roods (drums, bass, all guitars, Moog synth, Hammond organ, percussion, pedal steel)
All Falls Down: Anna Lombard (vocals), Jon Roods (Moog Synth), Josh Duym (guitar)
The Beat Goes On: Jon Roods (drums, bass, moog synth, pedal steel), Dan Connor (vocals, acoustic guitar), Josh Duym (electric guitar), Anna Lombard (vocals, rhodes piano), Nigel Hall (rhodes piano)
Summertime: Jon Roods (bass, pedal steel, guitar), Gary Gemmeti (drums), Nigel Hall (rhodes piano), Anna Lombard (vocals), Dan Connor (vocals), June & Haisel McGeachey (Anna’s daughters on backing vocals)

LOVE BY NUMB3RS
Pictured (L to R): DAN CONNOR, ANNA LOMBARD, JON ROODS
Photo Credit: Cam Jones

Facebook
Instagram
SRO Releases And Assets

###

November 18, 2021

ANDREW HAGAR Shares Hard-Charging New Song And Video “Red Light Appetite” Today 11/18

DT: NOVEMBER 18, 2021

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK/SRO PR

ANDREW HAGAR
MAKES A STRONG STATEMENT WITH HARD-CHARGING NEW SONG
“RED LIGHT APPETITE”
THE CINEMATIC + BLOOD-THIRSTY VAMPIRE WESTERN VIDEO
FROM THE SINGER, SONGWRITER AND GUITARIST
IS OUT TODAY
AHEAD OF SINGLE’S FRIDAY RELEASE
WATCH HERE

FULL-LENGTH DEBUT ALBUM
‘LIMITED EDITION PSYCHO’
TO BE RELEASED IN 2022

Andrew Hagar
Photo Credit: Chris Profera

Rocker ANDREW HAGAR makes a strong statement with the hard-charging song “Red Light Appetite” and its video, a cinematic + blood-thirsty vampire Western video that he shared today (November 18) ahead of the single’s release tomorrow (November 19).

“Red Light Appetite” was written by the singer, songwriter and guitarist with Trev Lukather (who also produced it) and was inspired by “my own struggles with the cycle of addiction.” says HAGAR. The song will appear on the singer, songwriter and guitarist’s full-length debut album, LIMITED EDITION PSYCHO, in 2022 (exact release date is TBA). Watch the video here.

“Red Light Appetite” was filmed in a ghost town outside Austin, Texas, called “J. Lorraine Ghost Town.” This location has been featured in many well-known movies and TV shows, such as Westworld and The Walking Dead. “We filmed in an actual saloon on location,” says HAGAR. The video was directed by Tyler Wolff of Wolffhaus Studios, a creative collective known for its commercial, film, and music video work. Some of the other artists he’s worked with are Machine Gun Kelly, Yelawolf, Ed Sheeran, and Snoop Dogg, to name a few.

The video was premiered yesterday (November 17) by Heavy Consequence which praised the song as “a glammed-out rocker that unabashedly aims for a massive stadium sound.”

More quotes from HAGAR are below, along with the single artwork, lyrics and info about the song.

Q&A with ANDREW HAGAR ABOUT THE
“RED LIGHT APPETITE” SONG AND VIDEO

–How would you describe the video?

The video for “Red Light Appetite” was inspired by horror classics such as Evil Dead, 30 Days of Night, The Lost Boys, and From Dusk Till Dawn. We were really going for a particular vibe with the color and photography, and I think we accomplished that pretty well.

–What was it like to shoot the video?

From concept to completion, the whole thing came together in about two weeks, bell to bell. We were under some serious time and budget constraints, but I’m so happy with how the music video turned out! We were filming on a full moon and didn’t wrap until 4am, which is pretty perfect considering both the subject matter, themes, and lyrics of “Red Light Appetite.” We even got members of a real bonafide motorcycle club to be involved with the video. Shout out to The Amigos for being so rad and such wonderful people on set.

–Who is playing the role of the cowgirl vampire?

Our main vampiress was played by Torrie Blake, a model who has been featured in many print ads and music videos. She is also a real-life rancher, cowgirl, and horse breeder.

–Who is the cowgirl vampire seen playing guitar?

Our guitar playing vampiress, Lexii Lynn Frazier, is a professional touring guitar player and rising social media star. She plays for some big pop and R&B acts, such as Pink Sweat$, Kehlani, Chloe x Halle, Ian Diorr, Nelly, and many more.

–Can you give us some details about the recording of the song?

“Red Light Appetite” was written and recorded on the spot in Trev Lukather’s home studio in Los Angeles with additional drums recorded at Jake Hayden’s studio, also in L.A. Vocals were myself, Trev Lukather, and Jake Hays. Guitars and bass were tracked by Trev, and drums were tracked by percussive powerhouse Jake Hayden.

–What inspired the song?

The song was inspired by my own struggles with the cycle of addiction. Not being able to identify the difference between love and lust, using sex as an unhealthy coping mechanism, burying my trauma with drugs and alcohol. Basically all the hallmarks of an addict prior to an intense spiritual awakening.

–Will the song appear on an album? Will your two other songs on streaming platforms (“Cold Knife Karma” and “Judgement Day”) be included?

“Red Light Appetite” is part of a bigger release, Limited Edition Psycho, which will drop in 2022. My recent singles “Cold Knife Karma” and “Judgement Day” are both stand-alone singles and will not be part of the upcoming record, but I will be releasing other singles in the lead up to the full-length album.

–Will you be touring in 2022? Who will be in your band?

I will definitely be touring in 2022, and my band will most likely consist of Liam Kevany (Noah Cyrus, Albert Hammond Jr, Holy Child), R.C. Rossell (Role Model), Alexander David Potts (The Memorials), Micayla Grace (Albert Hammond Jr), and Caleb Shields (Anuhea, Roswell Sounds).

Production Notes—Red Light Appetite
Written by Andrew Hagar and Trev Lukather
Produced by Trev Lukather
Engineered by Jake Hayes
Mixed by Will Brierre
Mastered by Howie Weinberg (who has mixed and mastered an array of music for Sammy Hagar

Lyrics—Red Light Appetite

(song written by Andrew Hagar and Trev Lukather)

Feeling something I can’t define
(I really need to know)
Wishing for the touch of divine
(I need to let it go)
Drowning in the thought of your lips
(Caught in the undertow)
Dreaming of the push of your hips

Caught in the quicksand of your lust
Our souls are sinking
Caught in the web between us
Our souls are screaming

Ride the line cause we’re up all night
With the red light appetite
Ride the high as we’re up all night
With the red light appetite

Feeling something under my skin
Feed the devil living within
(I just can’t let it go)
Taste it on the tip of my tongue
(Tastes like addiction)
Found this love my mouth to your gun

Caught in the quicksand of your lust
Our souls are sinking
Caught in the where between us
Our souls are screaming

Ride the line cause we’re up all night
With the red light appetite
Ride the high as we’re up all night
With the red light appetite

Every night as we cross the line
With the red light appetite
Ride the high as we’re up all night
With the red light appetite

A picture containing map

Description automatically generated “Red Light Appetite” single graphic, art by Luca Martinotti, logo by Lukas Havlik

INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK

For more info about ANDREW HAGAR, contact SRO PR:

Mitch Schneider // mschneider@sropr.com
Andrea Faulk // afaulk@sropr.com

###

November 16, 2021

Mike Thrasher Presents And Mammoth Join Forces To Create A Midwest/West Coast Alliance

DATE: NOVEMBER 16, 2021

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN

MIKE THRASHER PRESENTS AND MAMMOTH
JOIN FORCES TO CREATE
A MIDWEST/WEST COAST ALLIANCE

Having already established themselves in their respective markets of the Pacific Northwest and the Midwest, Mike Thrasher Presents and Mammoth, Inc. will join forces uniting the Portland, OR and Lawrence, KS based companies. The companies will be aligned under one umbrella with a combined 41 years of experience. This news comes on the heels of the March 2020 devastating loss of industry veteran Mike Thrasher.

Originally founded in 1994, Mike Thrasher Presents was founded by local musician Thrasher, who is considered to be one of the principal promoters in the Portland, OR area. Thrasher oversaw the company’s growth which includes a 2009 partnership in the Hawthorne Theater; the company now books 450+ shows a year across the Pacific Northwest. Thrasher worked with a top-level team including Gordon Cross (who first served as the company’s CFO in 2012 and was named CEO in 2013, managing all aspects of operations and personnel) and Sean Major (who was recruited from the William Morris Agency in Los Angeles in 2014 to serve as a talent buyer).

Mammoth launched in 2006 and produces a wide range of events including concerts and full-scale festivals, along with tour booking. Venues include amphitheaters, arenas, small independent clubs, numerous boutique theaters, and 50+ historic indoor theaters as well as an independently owned venue portfolio. The company is co-owned by Jeff Fortier and Josh Hunt who together have over 55 years of combined music industry experience. Based out of Lawrence, KS and Kansas City, MO Mammoth produces 700+ concerts and live events across the country per year.

“Learning from one of the best independent promoters in the country provided me with invaluable insights into the music business,” said Sean Major. “Mike’s innate sense of assessing talent along with his business acumen provided a strong foundation for what has become a very successful company. It is my privilege to assume the Head Talent Buyer role for the Mammoth/Thrasher alliance as we move forward into the future.”

Together in partnership with Mammoth, Cross and Major will continue to lead the development of the businesses. “We were all devastated by Mike’s death,” says Gordon Cross. “Mammoth has given us an exciting and fresh perspective of what the future may look like, and we look forward to working with Jeff and Josh to bring great music to the Pacific Northwest.”

“Mammoth is thrilled to partner with the Mike Thrasher organization, bringing great music to the Pacific Northwest”, said Jeff Fortier. “My partner, Josh Hunt and I had known Mike for 25 years and we were both devastated to hear of his sudden death last March at age 48. Knowing that we can continue Mike’s legacy under the Mammoth name is an honor that we take very seriously, and we are committed to keeping his memory alive.”

For more information please visit https://mikethrasherpresents.com/ and https://www.mammothlive.com/.

###

November 10, 2021

Split Second Meltdown–The Hard-Hitting Project By Rob Clores–Release Video For New Single “Big Game Hunting”

DT: NOVEMBER 10, 2021

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK/SRO PR

SPLIT SECOND MELTDOWN,
THE HARD-HITTING PROJECT BY ACCLAIMED EAST COAST ROCK
MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST ROB CLORES,
RELEASE VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE
“BIG GAME HUNTING”

THE SONG WILL APPEAR ON
SSM’S FULL-LENGTH DEBUT ALBUM IN 2022
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

SPLIT SECOND MELTDOWN is the hard-hitting project by acclaimed East Coast rock multi-instrumentalist Rob Clores (The Black Crowes, Charli XCX, Jesse Malin). Building on the release of last year’s EP, SSM today (November 10) has released the video for “Big Game Hunting,” an energetic, action-packed sonic rollercoaster with the rawness of Rage Against The Machine and lyrically trippy imagery of Pink Floyd. Watch the video here. “Big Game Hunting” will be available as a single on all streaming platforms November 12 (this Friday) and will be included on SSM’s full-length debut album in 2022.

The “Big Game Hunting” video was premiered yesterday (November 9) by Glide Magazine which hailed the song as “rapturous and mysterious.” Glide also noted that CLORES has “a music flavor worth digging into. Clores helms a new project titled Split Second Meltdown which delivers a Foo Fighters arena rock immediacy mixed with the psych rock mysterious elements of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard.”

The video is a combination of performance footage (shot in black-and-white at the NYC venue East Berlin) and outdoor concept scenes filmed in color in Melville on Long Island, New York. It was directed by Scott Rosenbaum of Red Hawk Films who has many films and videos to his credit including the award-winning feature length documentary Sidemen: the Long Road To Glory (2018) The Perfect Age of Rock (2011).

“Big Game Hunting” was written and produced by Clores and mixed by Jason Agel (Prince, John Legend). Clores sang lead and backing vocals, played rhythm guitar and keyboards. He is joined by Jimmy Messer (whose credits include Awolnation) on lead and rhythm guitar and two members of the band Death Diamond: drummer Charlie Paxson and bassist Sol Walker. The song was recorded in three separate studios including Clores’ home studio in Jersey City N.J.

“The song has several different feels starting with a four-on-the-floor dance type groove switching back and forth to a heavy rock backbeat,” says Clores. “Then it moves along to a mellow tom-tom drum feel section. I think the diversity in the grooves keeps the listener engaged and excited. I like the combination of heavy guitars with synthesizer. Trent Reznor is a big influence as well as Rammstein. The song also has some sonic comparisons to RATM and the mellow side of Pink Floyd; it reminds me a bit of the Clash in spots, too.”

The lyrics, explains Clores, “come from the perspective of someone pursuing a ‘prize’ of some kind,” whether it be a girl or a guy and then having the realization that they did not achieve their objective.” Here are the lyrics in the chorus and second verse: “Big game hunting comin’ up with nothing/It’s up ahead I see it in the crosshairs of my mind/Just out of reach it knows I’m coming closer all the time/ It can’t get away/I might not ever get this close again/I smell the fear/I do believe it’s coming all from me.”

In the video, says Clores, “the Hunter character is pursuing the Cat Girl who turns the tables and winds up tricking the Hunter into sitting down for a cup of tea which turns out to be toxic. The Hunter is played by Ed Bergtold and the Cat Woman is played by Sara Frankino.”

The name Split Second Meltdown describes the act of losing one’s cool in a rapid manner—it’s an emotional state, or occurrence,” says Clores, who’s planning a Split Second Meltdown show this winter in NYC (TBA).

ABOUT ROB CLORES:

Tens of thousands have seen Rob Clores perform alongside The Black Crowes, Tom Jones, Charli_xcx, Jesse Malin and Alejandro Escovedo. But now the gifted multi-instrumentalist described by none other than Sir Paul McCartney as a “great talent,” is back in the spotlight with his own solo project. Following his critically acclaimed 2020 self-titled debut EP Split Second Meltdown, which Boston Rock Radio called the EP “a victory for fans of Rock,” Clores has delivered a killer new single entitled “Big Game Hunting.”

A picture containing text, person, outdoor

Description automatically generated Pictured: Rob Clores. Photo credit: Cristina Arrigoni

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

For more info about ROB CLORES, contact SRO PR:
Mitch Schneider // mschneider@sropr.com
Andrea Faulk // afaulk@sropr.com

###

November 5, 2021

OZZY OSBOURNE’s ‘Diary Of A Madman’ 40th Anniversary Expanded Digital Edition Out Today; New Video For “Flying High Again”

DATE: NOVEMBER 5, 2021

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN/MITCH SCHNEIDER

A picture containing text, book, store

Description automatically generated

OZZY OSBOURNE’S
‘DIARY OF A MADMAN’
40^TH ANNIVERSARY EXPANDED DIGITAL EDITION
OUT TODAY (NOVEMBER 5)

ALBUM IS CELEBRATED WITH VIDEO CLIPS FOR
“FLYING HIGH AGAIN,” “OVER THE MOUNTAIN” AND “BELIEVER”
SPECIAL LIMITED-EDITION DISC
AVAILABLE AS PART OF WALMART’S
BLACK FRIDAY VINYL

With OZZY OSBOURNE’s DIARY OF A MADMAN celebrating its 40^th anniversary this week, a variety of video clips have been released to commemorate the album. These include a new video for “Flying High Again,” (created from exclusive images from Ross Halfin’s newly released Randy Rhoads book), along with live versions of “Over the Mountain,” “Flying High Again,” and “Believer.” In addition, an exclusive blue swirl DIARY OF A MADMAN vinyl will be available November 12 via Walmart (in the U.S. only) as part of their annual Black Friday Vinyl. Click here to pre-order.

The updated digital release of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy®-winning singer and songwriter’s 1981 DIARY OF A MADMAN album is available today (November 5) via all digital platforms and includes two live tracks previously unreleased digitally, including a live version of his Mainstream Rock Top Five hit “Flying High Again.” Listen here.

DIARY OF A MADMAN is OZZY’s second studio release and the last album to feature 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Famer guitarist Randy Rhoads. The multi-platinum release (with five million albums sold worldwide) included the #2 Mainstream Rock track “Flying High Again.” The album was listed at #15 on Rolling Stone’s 2017 list of “100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time.” Kory Grow noted, “A year after proving he was still a vital musical force on his first post–Black Sabbath solo LP, 1980’s Blizzard of Ozz, Ozzy Osbourne demonstrated it wasn’t a one-time fluke with an album of poppy and gothic anthems like ‘Flying High Again’ and the almost classical closing title track. Guitarist Randy Rhoads, who died in a plane crash while touring for Diary in 1982, had already proven himself a virtuoso on Blizzard; here, he worked even harder to find the rare nexus between showboat chops and clever songwriting…”

THE DIARY OF A MADMAN 40^th Anniversary Expanded Digital Edition track list is as follows:

Over the Mountain
Flying High Again
You Can’t Kill Rock and Roll
Believer
Little Dolls
Tonight
S.A.T.O.
Diary of a Madman
Believer (live)*
Flying High Again (live)*

*previously unavailable digitally

A group of people sitting on stairs

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Photo credit: Ross Halfin

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Spotify
YouTube

###

November 2, 2021

Don Brewer Of GRAND FUNK RAILROAD Talks About Creating The Perfect Set List

DT: NOVEMBER 2, 2021

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK

SRO PR

Shape Description automatically generated with medium confidence

DON BREWER OF
GRAND FUNK RAILROAD
TALKS ABOUT BUILDING THE PERFECT SET LIST
AND DISCUSSES SET HIGHLIGHTS
THE LEGENDARY ROCK & ROLL POWERHOUSE
IS CURRENTLY ON ITS 2021
“SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL TOUR”

Grand Funk Railroad (Pictured L-R: Bruce Kulick (guitar), Mel Schacher (bass guitar), Max Carl (vocals), Don Brewer (drummer), Tim Cashion (keyboardist))
Photo credit: Allen Clark

“You cannot talk about rock in the 1970s without talking about Grand Funk Railroad!”
–David Fricke, Rolling Stone Magazine

Legendary rock & roll powerhouse GRAND FUNK RAILROAD is currently on its 2021 “Some Kind Of Wonderful Tour,” performing 30 shows this year and dynamically underlining their trademark “Rock and Soul” classics. Recently, original founding member Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, “We’re An American Band”) took the time to talk about building the perfect set list and also discuss highlights of the GRAND FUNK RAILROAD set list. *See the two Q&A’s below.

Q&A with DON BREWER

–Is there a secret sauce to creating the perfect set list?

We have been working on our show for over 40 years. You learn what works and what doesn’t work by trial and error. Spreading out the hits during the show keeps the audience involved beginning to end. Always try to leave them wanting more!

–How do you determine a set list that satisfies both the audience and the musician?

Everybody in the band loves the music we play. I guess you could say we’re all Grand Funk fans. We don’t do a lot of new material because we know the audience wants to hear the classics. We have a spot in the show that we have experimented with new songs over the years and the songs keep changing. Helps keep it interesting for us.

–Can you talk about figuring out which song to open with? This has to be a challenge as a band wants to come on strong but some of the audience is still finding their seats and the sound may not be at its best near the beginning of a set.

We have tried several different songs as openers over the years, even doing an unknown original of ours. The two openers we do now, “Rock & Roll Soul” and “Footstompin’ Music,” are classic GFR hits and always get the audience going even if they don’t know Grand Funk.

–In coming up with the list, do you think about the various tempos of songs and

which keys they’re played in?

Don’t really worry too much about what key a song is in, but yes, tempos need to blend between songs. Our goal is to have the show flow from high to low and back to high again with a few sparkles in between. Entertainment needs to be entertaining.

–Finally, what goes into choosing which song will be the last one and which song

will be the encore?

The last song and the encore can be interchangeable. In other words, you can switch them and it won’t really make a huge difference. In our case we could close with “We’re An American Band” and come back with “Closer To Home,” Depends on how you want to leave the audience.

THE GRAND FUNK RAILROAD SET LIST HIGHLIGHTS,
ACCORDING TO DON BREWER

“Rock & Roll Soul”: The phrase “rock and roll soul” is an apt description of the band’s music + mission. Why does this song light you up when you perform it?

“Rock & Roll Soul” was our first single after leaving our crooked manager Terry Knight who had stolen all our money and was taking us to court over the name Grand Funk Railroad. Having a top 40 hit with Rock & Roll Soul was our first step to freedom. The song is truly descriptive of GFR’s Rock/R&B blend. The opening line “We’re havin’ a party, everybody’s invited” is a perfect opening statement.

“Footstompin’ Music”: This song has a ferocious rhythmic groove and it’s another one that pumps up the listener/concert-goer. What inspired you to include it here?

After doing the song live as a three-piece band, in 1971 we tried recording this song in the studio a few times until we captured the final version on our album E Pluribus Funk. The drums, bass and organ track is a blast to play and the vocal lines are awesome: “Come on everybody, we’re gonna have a good time.” The song works well as an opener or as we do it now as our second song of the show. Gets the audience going every time.

“Shinin’ On”: This is another song that underlines how Grand Funk Railroad wrote and performed positive anthems that galvanized people. Why does the song continue to resonate for you?

“Shinin’ On” was fashioned after Freddy King’s great blues song “Goin’ Down.” After having Freddy open for us on our “Phoenix Tour,” we were so impressed with his music and style that the influence was clear. The song has a great R&B feel and switching up with me on lead vocal adds to the flavor for the show.

“The Loco-Motion”: This song’s an important one for the band, hitting #1 in 1974 on the pop charts. It’s the definition of a feel-good tune, a pop song that you guys really Grand Funk-ized, making it heavy. Can you talk about the joy in performing this one?

GFR doing “The Loco-Motion” came about as a funny episode. We were in our studio in Michigan with Todd Rundgren producing and working on the album Shinin’ On. We felt we needed another “hit” type song for the album and started throwing around ideas. Grand Funk doing “The Loco-Motion” was such a silly idea we thought we would try it. The result was a # 1 hit. I love watching the audience get up on their feet and start dancing as soon as we sing the opening lines. They even do a “Loco-Motion” line dance through the crowd. Fun to watch!

“Walk Like A Man”: This song is another instant anthem, highlighting the band’s rhythmic rock, with some progressive rock touches. What’s it like to perform this one?

This is a nice follow up to “The Loco-Motion” in that it stays in the same tempo and pop style as “The Locomotion.” Switching lead vocals again with me on lead gives it a little more texture in the show. Just a great GFR/Todd Rundgren-produced rock record.

Drum Solo/“Lightning and Thunder”: Can you talk about what goes into your classic drum solo? Lots of skill + athleticism…how do you pull this off so successfully?

I’ve been working on my solo for over 50 years. It is a true reflection of how I play drums and my “Rock” personality. It really is who I am when onstage with Grand Funk. I must say that at 73 it takes some added work in my lifestyle, and I do try to exercise and eat right. During the pandemic I continued to practice drumming as well as walk four miles and work out in the gym daily. Love It!

“Inside Lookin’ Out”: You guys put your own spin on this song The Animals originated…doubling down on its urgency with a monster groove courtesy of you and Mel. It’s a real working-class song that underlined the band’s relationship with its fans. So many years later, can you talk about how it fits into the Grand Funk Railroad set?

“Inside Lookin’ Out” has been a staple in Grand Funk’s show since our beginning in 1969. We originally did a cover of the Animals song in our previous band The Pack. When we changed to a three-piece as Grand Funk Railroad, we adapted the song to our new power trio style, slowed it down, and stretched out the guitar solo over the simple bass and drum groove. With Bruce Kulick on guitar, the song becomes a great show piece.

“Some Kind Of Wonderful”: This is another fine example of how the band merged rock with R&B and you took it all the way to #3 on the pop chart. It’s a real crowd-pleaser live. Why is it one of the set highlights for you?

We used to sing this a capella in the limo from the hotel to the venue as a warm-up on our way for a show. Our manager liked it so much that he suggested we record the song and we did for our All The Girls In The World Beware!!! album in 1975. It became a huge hit and is probably the most played song at wedding receptions around the world. I love to watch the faces in the audience light up when Mel starts that chugging bass line. We can usually see four generations of people in the audience singing along to the song. Amazing feeling!

“I’m Your Captain/Closer To Home”: How do you feel this song works in the set list? It was a song that resonated with many people including American troops in Vietnam. Musically, it has such an epic feel to it. Can you talk about why the song is key to have in the set?

“Closer to Home” is a true Rock Anthem. It seems to have a different meaning to everyone and it is definitely spiritual. I have seen men in the audience brought to tears when we play it. We use it as our closing song because it deserves a prestigious place in our show and it is easily recognized and sung along with by every audience.

“We’re An American Band”: This song you wrote, another #1 pop hit, really defines the freewheeling rock star lifestyle…it still makes everyone want to be a rock star, and your vocals on it capture it all perfectly. And of course, the cowbell is part of its charm. This is the song you close with. What’s going through your head when you perform it night after night?

“We’re An American Band” came to me when we were flying from town to town on our “Phoenix Tour” in 1972. We were being sued by our former manager Terry Knight and he was trying to stop us from performing. The line “We’re comin’ to your town, we’ll help you party it down” came to me first and I wrote the song around that line. Taking snippets of things going on during the tour at that time, like staying up all night with Freddy King playing poker, four young chiquitas in Omaha, sweet sweet Connie in Little Rock, and finally the declaration, “We’re An American Band,” because it sounds great and sings well. I feel lucky and blessed every time we play it live.

###

ABOUT GRAND FUNK RAILROAD:

After playing to millions of fans on the band’s tours from 1996 to 2019, GRAND FUNK will continue to reach both new and long-time fans on the “Some Kind Of Wonderful Tour,” named in honor of their 1975 Billboard pop smash. Originating from Flint, Michigan in 1969, this top-selling American rock group of the 70’s is “Comin’ To Your Town To Help You Party It Down.” Notably, this year marks the 50^th anniversary of when the group’s show at New York’s Shea Stadium sold out faster than the Beatles.

Known as “The American Band,” the high-energy five-piece group GRAND FUNK RAILROAD includes original founding members Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, “We’re An American Band”) and bassist Mel Schacher, “The God of Thunder.” Joining Don and Mel are true “All Stars.” Singer Max Carl is a rock veteran from 38 Special. Max penned and sang 38’s biggest hit “Second Chance” and was co-founder of California’s legendary Jack Mack and the Heart Attack. Don refers to Max as “the best blue-eyed soul singer on the planet.” Lead guitarist Bruce Kulick is best known for his 12 years with KISS and has credits with Michael Bolton, Meatloaf and Billy Squier. (KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley were influenced early on by Grand Funk.) Keyboardist Tim Cashion has a master’s degree in music from the University of Miami. Affectionately called “Dr. Tim,” his credits include stints with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and English soul man Robert Palmer.

Grand Funk laid the groundwork for such bands as Foreigner, Journey, Van Halen and Bon Jovi with its signature hard driving sound, soulful vocals, muscular instrumentation and forceful pop melodies. The fact that Grand Funk’s legacy still reigns over the Classic Rock landscape 50 years after is a testament to the group’s influence and staying power. Mega-hits “We’re An American Band,” “I’m Your Captain/Closer to Home,” “Locomotion,” and “Some Kind Of Wonderful” still receive continuous airplay on Classic Rock radio. “We’re An American Band” has received notoriety in recent years being used in movie soundtracks and in television/radio advertising. The huge hit was featured in a General Motors national TV ad campaign and in Disney’s animated feature film The Country Bears. “We’re An American Band” was featured in the Cuba Gooding Jr. film Radio, and in the swash buckler Sahara starring Matthew McConaughey.

Internationally acclaimed Grand Funk has toured the world, selling out in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan and South America. A 1971 performance at New York’s Shea Stadium sold out faster than the Beatles. The group’s widespread appeal is also evident in its prestigious recording achievements. Over their career, Grand Funkhas had 19 charted singles, 8 Top 40 hits and two Number One singles (“We’re An American Band” and “Locomotion,” both selling more than one million each). The group has now accumulated 13 gold and 10 platinum records with record sales exceeding 25 million copies sold worldwide. The most recent gold CD award was presented to the band for their greatest hits package Grand Funk Railroad the Collectors Series.The multi-talented band carries on the tradition of Grand Funk hits and creates a new chapter in the legacy of Grand Funk Railroad. GFR drew 25,000 people to their Molson Canal Series Concert outside Buffalo, 20,000 in Albany, New York, and 20,000 fans to downtown Orlando, Florida. EMI/Capitol (Universal Music) released a new Grand Funk Greatest Hits package that includes a bonus DVD of rare concert footage. Grand Funk Railroad’s 2019 “50 Years Of Funk Tour” was a huge success and now, with the group’s 2021“Some Kind Of Wonderful Tour,” seasoned Grand Funk lovers and contemporary rock fans discovering the group for the first time will be able to celebrate 50 Years of Funk with Grand Funk Railroad.

Diagram Description automatically generated

Grand Funk Railroad 2021 Tour Dates
https://www.grandfunkrailroad.com/tour.html

For more information on GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, visit:
WEBSITE | SPOTIFY

###

For press inquiries regarding GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, contact:

SRO PR
Mitch Schneider // mschneider@sropr.com (National)
Andrea Faulk // afaulk@sropr.com (Tour)

October 29, 2021

OZZY OSBOURNE And Lemmy Kilmister Reunite In Animated Video For Their “Hellraiser” Duet

DATE: OCTOBER 29, 2021

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN/MITCH SCHNEIDER

A picture containing text, light

Description automatically generated Scene from the animated video of “Hellraiser” with Ozzy Osbourne and Lemmy Kilmister

OZZY OSBOURNE
AND LEMMY KILMISTER REUNITED
IN ANIMATED VIDEO FOR THEIR
“HELLRAISER” DUET
WATCH THE CLIP HERE

SPECIAL 10” BLACK VINYL SINGLE
SET FOR DECEMBER 3 RELEASE
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

OZZY OSBOURNE and his longtime friend and colleague Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead are reunited one last time in the new animated clip for their mash-up duet of “Hellraiser.” The clip is an homage to their decades-long friendship. Produced by Hey Beautiful Jerk and directed by Mark Szumski and Gina Niespodziani, the video opens with OZZY and Lemmy hanging out at the infamous Rainbow Bar And Grill on Sunset Blvd. (Lemmy’s unofficial second home) surrounded by friends. The two are transported from a calm day playing video games in the bar to a post-apocalyptic world where they battle evil forces before ultimately returning to the bar, where they pick up their video game as if nothing had occurred. Watch the clip here.

“I’m so glad we were able to honor my dear friend Lemmy (Kilmister) with this duet and now the video,” OZZY says. “We immortalized him with a clip of the two of us being together, hanging out and getting into some trouble as we so often did.”

The song–which was co-written by the two and OZZY’s longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde–originally appeared on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy®-winning singer and songwriter’s 1991 NO MORE TEARS album; Motorhead then recorded their own version and released it as a single from their 1992 March ör Die album.

The never-before-released “Hellraiser” mash-up with Ozzy and Lemmy was recently included on the digital 30^th anniversary release of OZZY’s classic album NO MORE TEARS, released September 17 via Sony. In addition, “Hellraiser” will be issued as a stand-alone release on OZZY’s birthday, December 3. The special 10” black vinyl single features three versions of the song: the classic original OZZY track with Motorhead’s version of the same song as the B-side. It is available for pre-order here.

A picture containing text, person, posing, crowd

Description automatically generated

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Spotify
YouTube

###

« First ‹ Prev 20 21 222324 25 26 Next ›Last »

Follow Us