Andrea Faulk, Author at SRO PR

June 9, 2021

SLEEPING DOGS Release Debut Single/Music Video “NO MERCY”, Debut EP Due In November

DT: JUNE 9, 2021

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER, KELLY WALSH/SRO PR

NEW SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA OUTFIT
SLEEPING DOGS
REVEAL DEBUT SINGLE +
MUSIC VIDEO
“NO MERCY”
FROM DEBUT EP DUE THIS NOVEMBER

Q&A BELOW WITH THE BAND
WHICH IS THE SPINOFF OF WANK

“’No Mercy’ is laid-back mid-tempo ska at its best, led by a slinky guitar lead from Walker. The upstrokes are never in much of a hurry, laying down an almost-funky groove for Amodeo to deliver the song’s message.” –Matt Matasci, MXDWN, 6/8/21

SLEEPING DOGS marks the new spinoff project of the late 90’s SoCal group WANK who first made their mark in 1998 with their debut album on Maverick Records, which featured “Larry Brown” (produced by Mike Ness) and the KROQ hit “Forgiven.”

SLEEPING DOGS features WANK members Bobby Amodeo (bass, vocals), Danny Walker (lead guitar), Higgins X-13 (guitar), formerly of The Offspring, and Spider (drums), along with newly added keyboardist George Hughes Jr. (Ziggy Marley).

The outfit today (June 9) have shared their debut single and video “No Mercy,” an infectious slice of pop-anchored rock contrasted with lyrics “about frustration and wanting revenge,” says Walker. The track—which premiered yesterday (June 8) via MXDWN— was produced by Paul Miner (New Found Glory, Agnostic Front, Adolescents, Zebrahead, H2O) and will be featured on the band’s debut EP in November, to be followed by a full-length album in early 2022. Listen to “No Mercy” streaming now across all digital platforms HERE and check out its music video, directed by Kerry Donovan, streaming below or on YouTube.

Read a Q&A with SLEEPING DOGS about their new music below.

SLEEPING DOGS - "No Mercy" - Official Music Video

SLEEPING DOGS – “No Mercy” Music Video

Q&A WITH SLEEPING DOGS
ON THE NEW SINGLE, “NO MERCY”

“’No Mercy’ is about frustration and wanting revenge. Remember the cartoon with the Devil on one shoulder and the Angel on the other, trying to persuade the person to do their evil or good deed? Well, this is the Devil talking smack to the Angel and the person. After all, we are just vessels, here for a while, to do good and evil.” –Danny Walker

“I think the timing is right for this tune. Fun right out of the gate and keeps you wanting more.” –Bobby Amodeo

ON MAKING THE “NO MERCY” VIDEO

“I said ‘NO–Absolutely Not!’ I will never wear a light blue suit in a rock video as long as I live! Since we had to cancel all the live shows, it was great to have the cameras on us. Things had started rolling again, and we were rolling right into it all as well! It felt good to be getting back to the action.” –Higgins X-13

“It was a unique experience and loads of fun. We spent the day working with professionals, filmographers, a dance troupe and even squeezed in a photo shoot to boot! It was really a kick…!” –Spider

“It was a blast for us to go a different direction musically and visually for this project. Couldn’t be happier with the outcome” –Bobby Amodeo

Credit: Harmony Gerber

Find SLEEPING DOGS online at:
https://www.instagram.com/sleepingdogsofficial

https://www.facebook.com/SleepingDogsOfficial/

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For press inquiries, please contact:

SRO PR

Mitch Schneider – mschneider@sropr.com
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com

June 7, 2021

‘PERMANENT DAMAGE: MEMOIRS OF AN OUTRAGEOUS GIRL’ To Be Celebrated With Thursday, June 17 Event At Stories Books And Café Featuring Co-Author Q&A And Live Music Performances

DATE: JUNE 7, 2021

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN/MITCH SCHNEIDER

THE NEW BOOK ‘PERMANENT DAMAGE:
MEMOIRS OF AN OUTRAGEOUS GIRL’
BY MERCY FONTENOT WITH LYNDSEY PARKER
TO BE CELEBRATED IN
LOS ANGELES
JUNE 17 EVENT AT STORIES BOOKS AND CAFÉ
TO FEATURE A CONVERSATION AND Q&A BETWEEN
CO-AUTHOR LYNDSEY PARKER
AND PAMELA DES BARRES,
PLUS A STARCRAWLER LIVE PERFORMANCE,
AND A DJ SET FROM MILES TACKETT

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Lyndsey Parker–co-author of the forthcoming autobiography of the late Miss Mercy, Permanent Damage: Memoirs of An Outrageous Girl (Rare Bird Books)–will celebrate the book’s release with a June 17 in-person event at Stories Books and Cafe in Los Angeles. Set to take place from 7:00-9:00 PM, this very special evening will feature a conversation and Q&A with Parker and Pamela Des Barres (who not only wrote the book’s afterword, but was a longtime friend of Fontenot’s), a Starcrawler live performance and a DJ set from Miles Tackett.

Due out June 9, 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 with veteran music journalist Lyndsey Parker, 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.

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.” Pre-order the book here.

Miss Mercy’s work in the GTOs, the Frank Zappa-produced all-female band, launched her into the pages of Rolling Stone in 1969. Her adventures saw her jumping out of a cake at Alice Cooper’s first record release party, while high on PCP, and had her travel to Memphis where she met Al Green and got a job working for the Bar-Kays. Along the way, she married and then divorced Shuggie Otis, before transitioning to punk rock and working with the Rockats and Gears. This is her story as she lived and saw it.

In a 6/2/21 feature in The Guardian, writer Jim Farber called Permanent Damage: Memoirs of An Outrageous Girl a “raucous new book” that details “the incredible, outrageous life of Miss Mercy.” He adds that “the book reads like a romp, aided by Mercy’s keen sense of the absurd and flair for black humor.”

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).

Previous press releases about Permanent Damage: Memoirs of An Outrageous Girl are here.

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

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June 4, 2021

LOVE BY NUMB3RS Release Evocative New Single “Red Sun” Today

DATE: JUNE 4, 2021

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN

LOVE BY NUMB3RS
FROM PORTLAND, MAINE
TODAY RELEASE EVOCATIVE NEW SINGLE “RED SUN”
LISTEN TO THE SONG HERE

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Coming off their late 2020 indie debut album Parachute, Portland, Maine trio LOVE BY NUMB3RS have today (June 4) shared “Red Sun,” the first single from a planned upcoming album. Listen here to the mysterious and evocative song, in which the characters undergo a transformative spiritual experience as they travel through the Southwestern United States. Stay tuned for a desert-themed video for the song in the next few weeks.

Written by the band, the song underlines the many charms of the band–co-vocalists DAN CONNOR and ANNA LOMBARD and multi-instrumentalist JON ROODS–who chart a course through eloquent alternative, dusty blues, graceful folk, and rootsy rock.

The concept of “Red Sun,” explains ANNA, “started as a demo with just Dan on acoustic guitar with a chorus singing ‘See you when we reach the shore, we’ll meet up in Vegas at Bellagio.’ He had this idea to create a song about being a refugee and making it through the water to America–and landing in Vegas, the city of Second Chances.” She adds: “The characters in the song left everything they knew to make a better life…packed minimally with maybe a picture or two and a wad of dollar bills.”

This past March LOVE BY NUMB3RS released the single/video for “Western Son” from Parachute. It was premiered at Glide Magazine which noted that the band “bring a sultry and twangy Nashville sound from the northeastern continental 48s. The band offers a timeless polished sound that brings the earthy smoky overtones of Linda Ronstadt, Gillian Welch, and Grace Potter.” PARACHUTE turned the page for a new chapter of three longtime friends and collaborators. After 15 years of friendship, countless memories, two albums and a 100-plus shows in the band Gypsy Tailwind, the trio thread together an unforgettable journey.

Photo by Heather Durgin

Pictured (L to R): JON ROODS, ANNA LOMBARD, DAN CONNOR

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June 3, 2021

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD Annnounce 2021 “Some Kind Of Wonderful Tour” Dates Starting July 2

DT: JUNE 3, 2021

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK
SRO PR

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD
ANNNOUNCE 2021 “SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL TOUR” DATES
STARTING JULY 2
IN FAYETTEVILLE, GA

‘When we take the stage for the first time in over 15 months and hear the crowd and applause, I’m sure I will be thinking ‘Thank God!’”—DON BREWER

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

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD–the legendary rock & roll powerhouse—are gearing up to return to the road in 2021 starting July 2 in Fayetteville, GA, with another 29 shows to follow this year. View the dates here and read a Q&A below with original founding member Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, “We’re An American Band”). Watch the tour trailer here.

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 Funk has 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.

Q&A with DON BREWER

What a great message you posted to fans on the band’s website: “After a long 15 months off due to Covid, the guys are excited to be back on stage playing across the USA. Kicking off in Fayetteville, GA July 2, with another 29 shows to follow this year.” Can you talk about your excitement of returning to the road? And when was the last time you had such a long break from the road?

BREWER: “I can’t wait to get back on stage and perform for people. This has been torture for me and the rest of the guys. We have been touring nonstop with this band since 2000 and the band and crew are family. Not seeing everyone on a regular basis has been very difficult. We have not had a break like this since 1982.”

When the reality of the pandemic initially set in and you knew you and the band couldn’t tour, what was going through your mind?

BREWER: “When it finally sunk in that the pandemic was going to be long term, my thought was: Is this it? Is this the end? Very depressing. So I stayed in touch with the guys by text and email and started rehearsing daily just to stay optimistic.”

During your time away from the road, did it give you the opportunity to spend some time doing things you perhaps hadn’t done in awhile?

BREWER: “While stuck at home during the pandemic I found things to do around the house that had been neglected for years. After nine months I ran out of projects.”

What did you miss most about touring? Well, maybe not the plane rides…

BREWER: “I miss two things touring. Being on stage in front of the fans playing our music and being with all the guys in the band and crew. We are brothers.”

Looking ahead to your first show on the 2021 “Some Kind of Wonderful Tour,” what thoughts do you think will be running through your head when you take stage and hear the crowd applause?

BREWER: “When we take the stage for the first time in over 15 months and hear the crowd and applause, I’m sure I will be thinking “Thank God!”

2021 GRAND FUNK RAILROAD tour dates:
7.2 Fayetteville, GA @ Southern Ground Amphitheater
7.4 Harrisburg, NC @ Harrisburg 4th of July Celebration
7.10 Chippewa Falls, WI @ Northern Wisconsin State Fair
7.24 Walker, MN @ Moondance Jam
7.31 Marion, IL @ Marion Cultural and Civic Center
8.6 Waterloo, NY @ del Lago Resort & Casino
8.8 Webster, MA @ Indian Ranch
8.14 Mount Pleasant, MI @ Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
8.27 Big Flats, NY @ Summer Stage at Tag’s
9.4 Portsmouth, OH @ TBA
9.5 Wauseon, OH @ Fulton County Fair
9.9 Cohasset, MA @ South Shore Music Circus
9.10 Hyannis, MA @ Cape Cod Melody Tent
9.17 Biloxi, MS @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi
9.18 Kansas City, MO @ Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City
9.24 French Lick, IN @ French Lick Resort
10.1 TBA
10.3 Dallas, TX @ TBA
10.8 Northfield, OH @ MGM Northfield Park
10.9 TBA
10.15 Las Vegas, NV @ TBA
10.22 Reno, NV @ Grand Sierra Resort
11.6 Florence, SC @ TBA
11.12 TBA
11.13 TBA
11.20 TBA
11.27 TBA
12.3 TBA

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

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

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For press inquiries regarding GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, contact:

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

May 27, 2021

STATE FAIR ENTERTAINMENT Announce An All-New Entertainment Experience Coming To Los Angeles This July And August

DATE: MAY 26, 2021

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN

A NEW STATE FAIR FOR LOS ANGELES
STATE FAIR ENTERTAINMENT
IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE AN ALL-NEW ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE COMING TO LOS ANGELES
THIS JULY AND AUGUST

STATE FAIR SANTA ANITA PARK
IS SET FOR
JULY 29-AUGUST 22, 2021
THURSDAYS-SUNDAYS FROM 11:00 AM TO 10:00 PM
FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT WILL INCLUDE RIDES, INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES, SHOPPING, FOOD AND MORE

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Look out Los Angeles, there’s a new STATE FAIR ANITA PARK set to debut this summer.

State Fair Entertainment is proud and excited to announce STATE FAIR SANTA ANITA PARK set over 16 days: July 29-August 22 (Thursdays-Sundays from 11:00 AM-10:00 PM). Onsite activities will include something for fans of all ages: fair rides and games, local and national entertainment, a social media stage, adult beverage sampling, vendor booths, and a designated kids area.

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“Our mission is to bring an affordable fair with world-class attractions and entertainment experiences to Los Angeles,” says Ron Severance, founder of State Fair Entertainment. “The 2021 State Fair will celebrate the variety of landscapes and cultures of Los Angeles. With the slogan of ‘Come Together,’ we are looking to produce an event that celebrates equality of all and our ability to come together to celebrate the diversity the city offers.”

“Our mission is to bring world-class fair experience and entertainment to Los Angeles, while leaving the smallest carbon footprint possible.” Ron explains. “We are dedicated to keeping our planet healthy so that we can pass it on to the next generations.”

Dedication to this cause begins with no single use beverage containers, plastic straws, or Styrofoam containers used at this event. Plans include 100% recyclable food and beverage containers or those made from 90% recycled material. Other concept projects include food stands with organic fresh meat and produce supplied by local farmers and ranchers, along with refillable water stations.

Early bird tickets are on sale now for a limited time. GA ticket prices begin at $10.00 (entry only) with daily unlimited ride packages priced from $40.00 (after purchase of entry), to season passes from $250.00 for a single and $500 for a family of four (**Season passes include unlimited rides and games). STATE FAIR SANTA ANITA PARK will operate as a ticketless event and will promote covid-friendly digital ticketing and a digital currency system. Contactless payment (through mobile apps or pre-loaded onto the event’s RFID wristband) throughout the park provides added safety. Onsite parking (GA and preferred) will be available and must be purchased in advance. For the most up-to-date information, please go to www.https://statefairent.com/

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May 27, 2021

AMERICA Share New Q&A As They Announce Their Return To The Road Starting This August

DATE: MAY 27, 2021

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK

AMERICA
SHARE NEW Q&A
AS THEY ANNOUNCE THEIR RETURN TO THE ROAD
STARTING THIS AUGUST

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Photo Credit: Henry Diltz
From left: Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell

The iconic multi-platinum-selling group AMERICA—co-founders GERRY BECKLEY and DEWEY BUNNELL—are excited to return to the road and will resume celebrating their 50^th anniversary tour (see the extensive dates, starting this August, at https://www.venturahighway.com/). BECKLEY and BUNNELL share their thoughts in a new Q&A below about how their lives were affected when their tour was interrupted in March 2020 at the outset of the pandemic.

Last August, AMERICA released a lyric video for a newly recorded song, “Remembering,” which appeared on the August 28 release of their ultimate 8-disc anniversary box set HALF CENTURY (America Records). Watch the video here and listen to “Remembering” here. The song, written by BECKLEY, is classic AMERICA: harmony-rich rock, mixed with ringing guitars and pop smarts, with a compelling soul-searching lyric. “After 50 years together, this song is about the time spent looking back rather than looking forward…so much to be grateful for,” says BECKLEY, who produced and mixed the song with Jeff Larson. Watch the promotional film for the box set and read more about it here.

Also last year (November), AMERICA streamed their concert special “America–Live at the London Palladium” for the very first time. The concert, filmed in the fall of 2018 at the iconic London Palladium, had been commercially available as a DVD and CD. Watch the trailer here. In addition, May 2020 saw the release of the book America, the Band: An Authorized Biography by journalist Jude Warne (May, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers). She weaves original interviews with Beckley, Bunnell, and many others into a dynamic cultural history of America, the band, and America, the nation. Billy Bob Thornton wrote the foreword.

Q&A
with GERRY BECKLEY and DEWEY BUNNELL
(May 2021)

By the time AMERICA returns to touring this August, the band will have been off the road for a year and a half. Has this been the longest time the group has been away from the road?

Gerry: “I have never before in my professional life had this much time “off.” A year and a half. The word “off” is misleading because I’ve remained quite busy with writing and recording, something that usually takes a back seat to our hectic travel and performing schedule.”

Dewey: “Most definitely this time between shows is unprecedented! We are now in our 51^st year as a performing band with barely ever more than a month break a few times a year for holidays and vacations”

Can you talk about your mindset during the pandemic and how it upended the touring/gypsy life you had become accustomed to?

Dewey: “I think for most people it helped not knowing actually how long the safety guidelines and work stoppage would be going into the shutdown. If we knew it was going to be 14 months, it may have been harder to endure. As each month passed, my mindset changed, slowly realizing it was going to be more of a marathon than simply a long-distance run. Thoughts and projections of when touring might resume seemed to change weekly and I missed the travel/performance life more each month.”

Gerry: “At my age (68), I’ve been very grateful to have the extended time to share with friends and family.”

During this time, have you done anything unexpected or new?

Gerry: “This break has given me time to explore my photography. I’m working toward another gallery exhibit here in Sydney, Australia.”

Dewey: “I spent more time with our horse for one thing, and I dabbled in a few artistic pursuits around the house, but it was actually ‘new and unexpected’ to have the opportunity to spend such a long period of time at home with my wife and pets every day for 14 months.”

Beyond the performances and band camaraderie, is there anything you missed about touring?

Dewey: There’s a certain rhythm and pattern to life that develops over decades on the road that I treat as a challenge. I’m a creature of habit, so airports and hotels and ground transport vehicles all have certain things in common that I respond to in a similar way each day that makes the experience more comfortable for me. I become more self-sustaining in many ways…doing laundry, carrying supplies and food items like a survivalist. The day is always focused on the evening show and it’s hard to beat the satisfaction I feel getting back to the room later in the evening after a successful show, leaving a happy audience headed home. Then it all starts again the following day.”

Gerry: “I’d say that missing my band and team has been the hardest part. We are all looking forward to feeling that energy from our fans and friends again.”

What do you think you will be thinking about when you take the stage for the first time in 2021?

Gerry: “I’m sure I’ll be thinking what a long strange trip it’s been.”

Dewey: “I’m prepared to be nervous because I have never really stopped having a bit of stage fright after all these years.”

With “Remembering” released in 2020 as a lyric video, might there be more new music on the horizon?

Dewey: “I imagine there will always be some project on the back burner.”

Gerry: “There is always something on the horizon in our evolving schedule. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s some new music in our future.”

AMERICA at the London Palladium; Photo credit: Christie Goodwin

For more information on AMERICA, visit:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

SRO Press Releases + Assets:
http://sropr.com/portfolio/america/

For press inquiries regarding AMERICA, contact:

SRO PR
Mitch Schneider (national): mschneider@sropr.com
Andrea Faulk (tour): afaulk@sropr.com

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May 27, 2021

‘PERMANENT DAMAGE: MEMOIRS OF AN OUTRAGEOUS GIRL’ (Mercy Fontenot With Lyndsey Parker) Celebrated With June 3 Grammy Museum® Event

DATE: MAY 27, 2021

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN/MITCH SCHNEIDER

AUTHOR LYNDSEY PARKER, ALICE COOPER,
ARROW DE WILDE OF STARCRAWLER AND PAMELA DES BARRES
TO CELEBRATE THE JUNE 9 RELEASE OF
‘PERMANENT DAMAGE:
MEMOIRS OF AN OUTRAGEOUS GIRL’
MERCY FONTENOT WITH LYNDSEY PARKER
WITH JUNE 3 GRAMMY MUSEUM^® EVENT

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In advance of the June 9 release of Permanent Damage: Memoirs of An Outrageous Girl, co-author Lyndsey Parker, Alice Cooper, singer Arrow de Wilde of Starcrawler and Pamela Des Barres with moderator Lina Lecaro will discuss the book at a GRAMMY MUSEUM^® digital event available beginning June 3. The Permanent Damage event is as part of COLLECTION:live, the GRAMMY MUSEUM^®’s new official online streaming service. More details can be found here about the event and read more here about key takeaways from the book.

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 with veteran music journalist Lyndsey Parker, 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.

About Lyndsey Parker:

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

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May 26, 2021

JOE PERRY Contributes Music To ‘City Of Lies’ Film

DATE: MAY 26, 2021

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN/MITCH SCHNEIDER

JOE PERRY
CONTRIBUTES MUSIC TO
‘CITY OF LIES’ FILM OUT JUNE 8 ON BLU-RAY AND DVD
AFTER INITIALLY BEING RELEASED IN THEATERS
AND VOD EARLIER THIS YEAR

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Alberto Bof and Joe Perry

Legendary AEROSMITH guitarist and songwriter JOE PERRY has contributed five songs to the Brad Furman-directed City of Lies film. Released earlier this year in theaters and VOD and starring PERRY’s Hollywood Vampires bandmate Johnny Depp, City of Lies is due out on Blu-ray and DVD June 8.

Based on the book LAbyrinth by Randall Sullivan and adapted by Christian Contreras, City of Lies (Saban Films) is a dramatic crime thriller that follows the investigation into the infamous murder of iconic rap artist Notorious B.I.G. Depp stars as determined LAPD detective Russell Poole (who spends nearly 20 years trying to solve the murder) with Forest Whitaker as Jack Jackson (a journalist who teams up with Poole in search of the elusive truth). Together they explore why the case remains cold–and why a secretive division of the LAPD is seemingly set on keeping it that way.

While the film was in production, PERRY–who was staying at Johnny Depp’s house working on his last solo album Sweetzerland Manifesto (2018, Roman Records)–was invited by Depp to view some clips from the movie.

“There was always something going on at Johnny’s place, so it wasn’t unusual for him to give me a call to come down and join in,” says JOE. “We watched some clips and talked about some of the scenes that they needed some music for, and Brad Furman[director, music producer], Alberto Bof [one of the key musicians also working on the soundtrack], Johnny and I started talking about ideas on what I could add. I never had a chance to work with someone as classically trained and as talented as Alberto on a one to one basis, so it was definitely an exciting experience for me, aside from the fact it was for one of Johnny’s movies. As we worked our way through each piece of music, Alberto and I played in a style that was definitely not in my everyday wheelhouse and it ended up that we worked on and off together over the next two or three weeks on bits and pieces of the soundtrack.”

A group of men playing instruments Description automatically generated with low confidence

Brad Furman, Joe Perry, Alberto Bof

PERRY’s contributions took about three weeks to complete, but once his work was done, he got an urgent call from Furman. PERRY recalls:

“I was finished with that project and I was on my way home from the airport after a month on the road with Aerosmith. I was about 10 minutes from my house, I hadn’t seen Billie [PERRY’s wife] in over a month, and I was anxious to get home. I noticed a phone call came up on my phone from an LA area code, I happened to pick it up and it was Brad. He said ‘I’m glad I got a hold

of you. I have an emergency.’ As it turns out they wanted me to contribute more music to the film. Brad had called me to fix one cue I worked on and said the score was elevated and inspired by my work he wanted me to add more guitar to other cues. I said ‘sure, I can maybe get into a studio this weekend.’ I told him I was on my way home and he said, ‘you don’t understand, I need it now.’ I didn’t know where a studio was in my area, and he said he would call me back in five minutes. Five minutes later, he called back and said ‘I found a studio, it’s 10 minutes from where you are and it will be open for us in an hour.’ So I got home, gave Billie a hug and kiss, explained to her what was going on, dropped off my stuff and grabbed my guitar, drove over to the studio and I was recording within an hour. A few minutes turned into a few hours as Brad described to me the scenes where they needed additional music. This was a pretty flipped-out recording session, considering he was in London, I was in Florida. In my whole career, I’ve never had to switch gears so fast on a project as important as this.”

“Working with Alberto was an amazing experience and we actually recorded quite a bit of us jamming and a lot of what we did is actually what ended up in the film. We found ourselves being inspired by the film clips and with Brad, Johnny, Alberto and myself, it was the kind of creative musical experience you just dream of.”

“Working with Joe on this film is a pinnacle experience in my music career,” says Alberto Bof. “He is one of the pillars of rock music and I still remember being in awe while listening to his sound so close during our recording sessions. Coming up with ideas with such a complete musician was a flawless experience and his countribution and taste have been fundamental in the direction and making of the soundtrack.”

“Working with Joe on ‘City Of Lies’ was a dream,” Brad Furman says. “As a child one of my favorite tracks was Aerosmith’s ‘Dream On.’ I would wait by the juke box in the canteen and use all my saved coins to play it over and over. I monopolized the jukebox. Never did I imagine I’d be working side by side with Joe Perry, one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time. On each session and cue note I gave him (and yes I was nervous) Joe humbly and artistically took his gifts and kept uplifting and inspiring our score. He always wanted another take as he never stopped striving for greatness. The bond and synchronicity Joe and Alberto Bof shared was magical and took my breath away. They danced together as if they had been doing it for years. As a result, I watched our movie and score be transformed in unimaginable ways. The notes of their musicianship rang through all the rooms of Johnny Depp’s studio creating a palpable feeling that held you captive…I was spellbound.”

PERRY’s “City of Lies” contributions include:

● “11th and Albany” by Joe Perry and Alberto Bof (Score)

● “Big Come Up” by Alberto Bof, Hal Linton, Joe Perry, Roman Perry, Mike Zonshine (song)

● “Lucidity” by Joe Perry and Alberto Bof (score)

● “DMack’s Ambitionz” by Moghul Veyron & Joe Perry (score)

● “Party Is Over” by Alberto Bof, Joe Perry (score)

● “Kick in the Door (Remix)” by The Notorious B.I.G. , remixed by Brad Furman and Alberto Bof, featuring Joe Perry and Colin Smith (additional vocals) (song)

For more information, visit:

joeperry.com

http://facebook.com/OfficialJoePerry

twitter.com/joeperry

https://www.instagram.com/joeperryofficial/

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May 21, 2021

THE THE Return With ‘The Comeback Special’ Album, Film and Book

Hamburg, May 21^st, 2021

U.S. Press Contact: SRO PR
Mitch Schneider:
mschneider@sropr.com
Andrea Faulk:
afaulk@sroprcom

THE THE
return with The Comeback Special album, film and book and announce exciting new label partnership between
Cineola and earMUSIC

THE THE TODAY ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF A NEW MULTI-FORMAT RELEASE, DUE OUT FRIDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2021. THE COMEBACK SPECIAL DOCUMENTS THEIR TRIUMPHANT ROYAL ALBERT HALL CONCERT ON JUNE 5, 2018.

THE THE OFFER A PREVIEW OF THE NEW RELEASE WITH A SINGLE AND LIVE VIDEO OF “SWEET BIRD OF TRUTH.”

‘Sweet Bird Of Truth’ official live video: https://youtu.be/Y4W_pLvLUS4

“When you combine the right songs with the right musicians and an audience that never forgot, it’s like coming home.”
– Pete Paphides (British journalist)

What started as an unforgettable live experience, and one of the band’s first performances after 16 years, now turns into an extraordinary live album, film and book as Matt Johnson’s London-based Cinéola label teams up with Hamburg-based international rock and pop label earMUSIC for a series of exciting and exclusive releases.

To complete The Comeback Special experience, THE THE will also be launching a variety of exquisitely designed and exclusive products, all available in the official album store soon. This includes ~~an exquisitely designed~~ a 136-page Art Book, featuring 6 discs, exclusive photos and audio content plus director Tim Pope’s beautifully shot, unobtrusive film of the show.

“Sweet Bird Of Truth” is now also available as a single release on all streaming and download services: https://TheThe.lnk.to/SweetBirdOfTruth

The track listing of the live performance across all formats is as follows:

1. Global Eyes
2. Sweet Bird Of Truth
3. Flesh & Bones
4. Heartland
5. The Beat(en) Generation
6. Armageddon Days (are here again)
7. A Long Hard Lazy Apprenticeship
8. We Can’t Stop What’s Coming
9. Phantom Walls
10. Love Is Stronger Than Death
11. Dogs Of Lust
12. Helpline Operator
13. This Is The Night
14. This Is The Day
15. Soul Catcher
16. Bugle Boy
17. Beyond Love
18. Slow Emotion Replay
19. (Like a) Sun Rising Thru My Garden
20. Infected
21. I’ve Been Waiting For Tomorrow (all of my life)
22. True Happiness (this way lies)
23. Uncertain Smile
24. Lonely Planet

The Royal Albert Hall concert was the first of a trio of London shows during The Comeback Special tour—the others taking place at Brixton Academy and The Troxy—all of which sold out within minutes of going on sale.

Performing live for the first time in 16 years with a headline appearance at Denmark’s Heartland Festival a few days before the Royal Albert Hall concert, the rejuvenated THE THE, which featured previous members James Eller on bass, DC Collard on keyboards and Earl Harvin on drums and new member Barrie Cadogan on guitar alongside Matt Johnson, would go on to play sold-out shows and make festival headline appearances across the globe including North America throughout 2018.

“Part comeback, part requiem, all extraordinary”
– James Hall, The Telegraph

“Johnson’s great achievement is to have made a body of work that is completely original, yet flows smoothly into the slipstream of accessible, socially conscious alternative rock.”
– Will Hodgkinson, The Times

“Johnson retains a gravel-voiced gravitas, and his band are taut and kinetic on barbed missiles such as ‘Armageddon Days (are here again)’…THE THE really shouldn’t leave it 16 years until their next tour.”
– Ian Gittins, The Guardian

“THE THE sound very much like a band revitalized…Johnson may not have sung publicly for years, but there’s little doubt he’s been practising his scales in private.”
– Jeremy Allen, The Independent

www.thethe.com www.ear-music.net

INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

###

May 20, 2021

NICK PERRI & THE UNDERGROUND THIEVES: Team Up With Gibson And Sweetwater Sound To Give Away 100,000 Free Digital Copies Of Their Debut Album ‘SUN VIA’—Band Shares New Single And Video

DATE: MAY 20, 2020

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/SRO PR

NICK PERRI & THE UNDERGROUND THIEVES:
TEAM UP WITH GIBSON AND SWEETWATER SOUND
TO GIVE AWAY 100,000 FREE DIGITAL COPIES
OF THEIR DEBUT ALBUM ‘SUN VIA’ HERE

WATCH AND SHARE VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE
“I WANT YOU”
VIA AMERICAN SONGWRITER.COM HERE

CO-HEADLINE TOUR WITH RICK NIELSEN OF CHEAP TRICK
TO KICK-OFF JUNE 3-22
PLUS, DATES WITH BLACKBERRY SMOKE

AND A JULY HEADLINE RESIDENCY
AT THE ARDMORE MUSIC HALL
IN THEIR PHILADELPHIA HOMETOWN

NICK PERRI & THE UNDERGROUND THIEVES are following the success of their debut single “Feeling Good” (which peaked at #45 on U.S. rock radio chart) with today’s release of the second single and video, “I Want You.” Coming off a round of tour dates with Blackberry Smoke (April 27-May 2), the buzzed-about Philadelphia-based soulful rock band noted for their powerhouse live shows have also announced a co-headline tour June 3-22 with Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick plus dates with Blackberry Smoke (6/25-7/1) and a month-long headline residency at The Ardmore Music Hall in their hometown in July (8,15,22.29).

NICK has also teamed up with Gibson and Sweetwater Sound to give away 100,000 free digital copies of his debut LP SUN VIA. The album giveaway is being hosted on NICK’s website and includes a download of album artwork. Says NICK: “The ultimate goal is for people to hear and enjoy the music…always. I’m very grateful to be teaming up with Gibson and Sweetwater to do this and share the album experience with as many people as possible. Although there are different moods and narratives throughout the record, I believe the takeaway message is one of hope, love, and good vibes. So yeah, let’s share it!”

Watch and share the new performance video and interview with Nick Perri and Mitch Gallagher of Sweetwater Sound for Tones & Techniques, out today, here. Nick plays through some riffs off his new album SUN VIA and takes viewers on a deep dive into all the trusted gear he uses on tour and in the studio.

Listen to the new single “I Want You” from their current debut album SUN VIA here and watch the new video premiering today, via AmericanSongwriter.com here.

The “I Want You” video was filmed in one continuous take (like the clip for “Feeling Good”) and co-directed (with Ari Halbkram and Derek Brad) by singer, songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire NICK PERRI. “I’ve always been a fan of that style of filming. I dig the foresight and preparation it takes, and it makes the shoot a performance in its own right,” he says. “Everything has to hit on cue. It’s challenging sure, but super fun. And…way less work in post.”

The video was filmed in Philadelphia and underlines their love for the city. Explains NICK: “Well I grew here so it’s hard to imagine life without the influence of the city, but after living in California for quite a number of years, it’s so incredible to be back. It was an obvious choice for me and the team, and the entire video is shot on the grounds of the Philadelphia Art Museum made world famous by Rocky. Philadelphia is a beautiful, and tough, city. It’s rich in history, but people keep it real. It’s a place that keeps you humble, and honest. And then there are the cheesesteaks.”

“I Want You,” written with NICK’s bandmates Anthony Montesano and Michael Montesano, has a big sound with driving acoustic guitars, merged with electric guitars and keyboards. “To be honest,” shares NICK, it’s my favorite song on the LP and probably my favorite that I’ve ever written. It was one of those that just came to me in a very organic and natural way. My bandmates Michael and Anthony helped me fine tune it and from the moment it was complete it’s just always given me a certain warm feeling. And to me that’s what all my favorite music does–it encapsulates us with feelings and memories and hopefully, joy.” **Read the full Q&A below. **

A person playing a guitar

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Photo credit: Austin Nelson

Q&A with NICK PERRI

For the “I Want You” video, you opted for one continuous take like your video for “Feeling Good.” This particular style definitely keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat and engaged. As the artist and co-director (with Ari Halbkram and Derek Brad), can you give your thoughts about this?

NICK PERRI: I’ve always been a fan of that style of filming. I dig the foresight and preparation it takes, and it makes the shoot a performance in its own right. Everything has to hit on cue. It’s challenging sure, but super fun. And…way less work in post.

The video was shot in your Philadelphia hometown. Which locations did you use and tell us about your love for Philly?

NICK: Well, I grew up here so it’s hard to imagine life without the influence of the city, but after living in California for quite a number of years, it’s so incredible to be back. It was an obvious choice for me and the team, and the entire video is shot on the grounds of the Philadelphia Art Museum made world famous by Rocky. Philadelphia is a beautiful, and tough, city. It’s rich in history, but people keep it real. It’s a place that keeps you humble, and honest. And then there are the cheesesteaks.

“I Want You” marks the second single and video from your debut full-length album Sun Via with The Underground Thieves. The song has a really cool big sound with those driving acoustic guitars, merged with electric guitars and keyboards. What inspired the song (which you wrote with Anthony Montesano and Michael Montesano) sonically and lyrically?

NICK: To be honest, it’s my favorite song on the LP and probably my favorite that I’ve ever written. It was one of those that just came to me in a very organic and natural way. My bandmates Michael and Anthony helped me fine tune it and from the moment it was complete it’s just always given me a certain warm feeling. And to me that’s what all my favorite music does–it encapsulates us with feelings and memories and hopefully, joy.

Can you talk about your relationship with Gibson, whom will be supporting the “I Want You” video through their social channels?

NICK: My first nice guitar was a Gibson SG, just like my first guitar hero Angus Young. From then on, Gibson has been ‘my brand.’ After all these years to be working so closely with the company and have them behind my artistic endeavors, is just so wonderful and I am extremely grateful.

You’re coming off a round of tour dates with your friends in Blackberry Smoke and a June co-headline tour with Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick—which must be such a relief for you since artists have been hemmed in by the pandemic. You and your band are a true rock group that thrives on playing live. Tell us your thoughts about being back on the road in the era of Covid?

NICK: Well of course it’s exciting, but I think it’s deeper than that on our end as artists, and the other end as fans. I think what we all miss most is that shared experience, a communion, if you will. It’s how we connect as people to each other. That’s the biggest missing piece since Covid has come around. Needless to say, we’re ready to break down that wall and revel in live music, big time.

Rick Nielsen is one of the true rock & roll greats. Did his guitar work and the songs of Cheap Trick inspire you and how so?

NICK: YESSS! Big time. Rick is a songwriting and guitar playing genius, and I don’t say that lightly. He is a true living legend who continues to inspire, and it’s going to be tremendous fun to link up with him this summer. I regularly spin Heaven Tonight, Dream Police, and Live At Budokan on vinyl. The songwriting and attitude are just next level. Pure American rock and roll!

Your itinerary also lists four shows, a weekly residency, throughout July at the Ardmore Music Hall in Philly. Can you talk about why you’re doing this?

NICK: Philadelphia is our hometown, and we haven’t done a public show since 2019 with The Struts. That was just before NYE and Covid. We wanted to do something bigger than just a one-off show, and I grew up doing a Thursday night residency down on South Street in the early 2000’s, so it just felt fitting. All four shows will be a little different and we have some special stuff planned, so we are greatly looking forward to those events. Also, The Ardmore Music Hall is an incredible live venue–the room sounds amazing, the stage is great, and the staff take wonderful care of the artists.

Looking ahead, are you thinking about your next album? Were you able to write songs through lockdown?

NICK: I have written a number of new songs that I really dig, but on the flip side it’s hard to fully comprehend album two when album one is still so fresh, and took such a long time to make. I have a feeling deep down that my next LP will be very special, but I hesitate to put a time stamp on it. I still want more time to explore the sounds and songs floating in the nearby ether.

Here are the current tour dates:

DATE		LOCATION	VENUE
*Coheadlining w/ Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick*
THU	6/3	Davenport, IA	Adler Theater
FRI	6/4	Hamilton, OH	RiversEdge Amphitheater
SAT	6/5	Roanoke, VA	Berglund Center
SUN	6/6	Huntersville, NC	Historic Rural Hill
*TUE	6/8	Macon, GA	Grant’s Lounge
FRI	6/11	Schaumburg, IL	Boomers Stadium
SAT	6/12	Mt. Carrol, IL	Rhythm Section Amphitheater
SUN	6/13	Kansas City, MO	Knuckleheads
TUES	6/15	Nashville, TN	Basement East
THU	6/17	Leesburg, VA	Tally Ho Theatre
SAT	6/19	Bethel, PA	Pat Garrett Amphitheater
SUN	6/20	Annapolis, MD	Ram’s Head On Stage
TUE	6/22	Belle Vernon, PA	Vinoski Winery
*Supporting Blackberry Smoke*
FRI	6/25	Sunbury, PA	Spyglass Ridge Winery
SUN	6/27	Middletown, NY	Orange County Fair Speedway
TUE	6/29	Lafayette, NY	Apple Valley Park
THU	7/1	Lewiston, NY	Artpark
*Headline residency at The Ardmore Music Hall*
THU	7/8	Philadelphia, PA	Ardmore Music Hall
THU	7/15	Philadelphia, PA	Ardmore Music Hall
THU	7/22	Philadelphia, PA	Ardmore Music Hall
THU	7/29	Philadelphia, PA	Ardmore Music Hall
*one-off headline show w/out Nielsen

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

For press inquiries about NICK PERRI & THE UNDERGROUND THIEVES, contact:
Mitch Schneider, SRO PR: mschneider@sropr.com

For Gibson, contact:

PRIME PR GROUP, INC.
Libby Coffey
+1 626-676-4993
LCoffey@primeprgroup.com

###

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