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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

F:\DATA\WORD\ARTISTS\#, A-F\AMERICA\ASSETS\America New Press Photo.jpg

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 50th 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 51st 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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AMERICA Announce The Streaming Of Concert Special “America–Live At The London Palladium” Beginning 11/27

DATE: NOVEMBER 12, 2020

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK

AMERICA
ANNOUNCE THE STREAMING OF
THEIR CONCERT SPECIAL
“AMERICA–LIVE AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM”
FOR THE FIRST TIME
BEGINNING FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27

AMERICA at the London Palladium; Photo credit: Christie Goodwin

The iconic multi-platinum-selling group AMERICA–co-founders GERRY BECKLEY and DEWEY BUNNELL–are continuing their 50th anniversary celebration by streaming their concert special “America–Live at the London Palladium” for the very first time, beginning Friday, November 27. In a new Q&A below, BECKLEY and BUNNELL talk about what made the concert, filmed in the fall of 2018 at the iconic London Palladium and which has been commercially available as a DVD and CD, truly a night to remember. Watch the trailer here. The concert’s set list is also below.

Reserve Your Spot Now:
https://dev-1.ee.bkstg.it/product/america-live-at-the-london-palladium
–The stream is $20
–25% off using promo code: venturahighway

“America–Live at the London Palladium” celebrates 50 years of great music from the perennial classic-rock band who were formed in England in 1970 with founding members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell along with former band mate Dan Peek. They met in high school in London in the late 1960s and quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of their signature song “A Horse With No Name.” From their formative years, AMERICA has been a band capable of transcending borders with its uplifting music and positive message. Embracing a rainbow of divergent cultures, their audience continues to grow, comprising a loyal legion of first, second and third generation fans, all bearing testament to the group’s enduring appeal. “America–Live at the London Palladium” is packed with their timeless smash hits—including “A Horse With No Name,” “I Need You,” “Sister Golden Hair,” “Ventura Highway,” “Don’t Cross the River,” “Tin Man” and many others—as well as deep album cuts that underline the band’s prowess and vision.

AMERICA have also been celebrating their 50th anniversary with a newly recorded song, “Remembering.” It’s featured on the August 28, 2020 release of their ultimate 8-disc anniversary box set HALF CENTURY (America Records). Watch the lyric video here which premiered (8/19) via Ultimate Classic Rock. 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. “Remembering” will also appear on AMERICA’s next studio album in 2021.

Watch the promotional film.

HALF CENTURY was produced for release and compiled by Jeff Larson for America Archives. It contains CD’s of rare archival studio recordings consisting of alternate mixes, demos and rehearsals, including several previously unreleased tracks ranging from 1970 – 2000. Along with the re-mastered Bremen 1973 in-studio performance and two CD’s of radio interviews providing an audio overview of the band’s career, along with a DVD of Super 8 “Home Movies” (1972-1975) to give fans a behind the scenes look at the early years of the legendary and enduring band. For more information: https://www.musicglue.com/america

F:\DATA\WORD\ARTISTS\#, A-F\AMERICA\ASSETS\America New Press Photo.jpg

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

Q&A WITH GERRY BECKLEY AND DEWEY BUNNELL OF AMERICA
ABOUT THEIR CONCERT SPECIAL
“AMERICA–LIVE AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM”

America’s performance at the London Palladium was a particularly strong one. Listening to the music and viewing the performance, one can sense that magic was truly in the air. What are your overall impressions about the performance and how it was personally meaningful for you?

Gerry Beckley: Anyone who knows our history as a band knows that London is where we got started. Although we’ve played London countless of times since 1970, we’ve never played the Palladium. It was a true honor to finally have the chance and it was a total gift that the stars aligned for us to make the video recording.

Dewey Bunnell: The band had been really working hard on the road and the shows had been going very well, so we felt good about the trip to England for this one. And we were prepared for the filming process. For Gerry and I, it was particularly special since the band formed in London and we had family still there who would be attending along with old friends from the 70’s. We had never played the London Palladium before which made the performance that much more meaningful and I felt like we delivered our best that night.

England is pivotal to America since the band was formed there, and of course George Martin produced your fourth album and then six more albums. Can you talk a little bit about this British connection and how it’s intrinsically woven into your music?

Dewey: Looking back, I realize what a special experience it was to be young Americans living in London at a pivotal time in music history in the late 60’s. We spent a lot of time seeing shows around London and meeting people that added to our evolution in the beginning. When George joined the team in 1974, it only solidified that strong connection and began a great relationship for the next 7 albums and the rest of our lives.

Gerry: As I mentioned, London is a place very dear to our hearts. As often as we’ve been bundled into the “West coast sound” group of artists, I’ve always thought of us as a mid-Atlantic band. Certainly my love of all things having to do with the British invasion in the 60’s carved that in stone from an early age. To have the opportunity to work with George Martin in the middle of our journey was an immeasurable bonus.

The Palladium show featured an absolutely killer set list with all the hits and deep cuts too. Are there any secrets in creating the ultimate set list, including the order in which the songs are performed, that will satisfy both longtime fans and newer ones, not to mention you yourselves as musicians?

Gerry: Our set has been built and refined over these 50 years of touring. We do make changes from year to year but they are subtle and hopefully don’t damage what we have worked so hard to construct.

Dewey: To begin with, our current band is incredibly talented including longtime bassist Rich Campbell along with Ryland Steen and Steve Fekete on drums and lead guitar respectively. They bring their own unique energy to the arrangements that needs to be seen and heard. The set itself has evolved over recent years with the obvious need to play the most familiar songs at the core, but it’s important to us that we pace the set and tie it together with less familiar songs that add different dynamics to the show. At the end of that night I think we delivered our best and had as much fun as the audience!

America – Live at The London Palladium
October 19, 2018

Set List

Miniature

Tin Man

You Can Do Magic

Don’t Cross The River

Daisy Jane

Riverside

I Need You

Here

Ventura Highway

Driving

Cornwall Blank – Hollywood

Survival

The Border

Greenhouse

Woman Tonight

Only In Your Heart

-Dewey’s Memories-

California Dreaming

Lonely People

-Band and Crew Intros-

Sandman

Sister Golden Hair

A Horse With No Name

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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AMERICA Mark 50th Anniversary With “Remembering,” A Newly Recorded Song + Lyric Video From Box Set Out 8/28

 

 

DATE: AUGUST 25, 2020
FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK

AMERICA
SHARE LYRIC VIDEO FOR “REMEMBERING,”
A NEWLY RECORDED SONG FROM THEIR
8-DISC ANNIVERSARY BOX SET ‘HALF CENTURY’
DUE OUT AUGUST 28
 
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 celebrating their 50th anniversary with a newly recorded song, “Remembering.” To further mark the occasion,they’ve shared the lyric video for the song which is featured on the August 28 release of their ultimate 8-disc anniversary box set HALF CENTURY(America Records). Watch the video here which premiered (8/19) via Ultimate Classic Rock. 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. “Remembering” will also appear on AMERICA‘s next studio album in 2021Watch the promotional film.
HALF CENTURYwas produced for release and compiled by Jeff Larson for America Archives. It contains CD’s of rare archival studio recordings consisting of alternate mixes, demos and rehearsals, including several previously unreleased tracks ranging from 1970 – 2000. Along with the re-mastered Bremen 1973 in-studio performance and two CD’s of radio interviews providing an audio overview of the band’s career, along with a DVD of Super 8 “Home Movies” (1972-1975) to give fans a behind the scenes look at the early years of the legendary and enduring band.
Founding members, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell along with former band mate Dan Peek, met in high school in London in the late 1960s and quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of their signature song “A Horse With No Name.” AMERICA became a global household name and paved the way with an impressive string of hits following the success of their first #1 single. Gerry and Dewey are still making music together, touring the world and thrilling audiences with their timeless sound. From their formative years, AMERICA has been a band capable of transcending borders with its uplifting music and positive message. Embracing a rainbow of divergent cultures, America’s audiences continue to grow, comprising a loyal legion of first, second and third generation fans, all bearing testament to the group’s enduring appeal. 
Disc 1: London Demos 1970: All Previously Unreleased
Early demos from the Fall of 1970 of the trio preceding their first Warner Bros self-titled album. This set represents the most complete set to date from this era recorded between several iconic London studios of the time.
1) Children (Dick James Session)
2) Riverside (Chalk Farm)
3) Rainy Day (Polydor Studios)
4) Here (Chalk Farm)
5) Satan (Polydor Studios)
6) Bummer (Chalk Farm)
7) Sea of Destiny (Chalk Farm)
8) How Long (Chalk Farm)
9) James Holladay (Dick James Session)
10) Children (Chalk Farm) 
Disc 2: Bremen 1973 (Live on Air) – First Time Remastered Audio Release (Only previously available as a DVD)
An on-air live recording of the Trio from 1973, in-between the albums “Hat Trick” and “Holiday.”  This recording has been remastered for the first time and includes all the un-edited studio banter.
1) Ventura Highway (Live)
2) I Need You (Live)
3) Don’t Cross The River (Live)
4) A Horse With No Name (Live)
5) Moon Song (Live)
6) Lonely People (Live)
7) Wind Wave (Live)
8) Rainbow Song (Live)
9) Tin Man (Live)
10) California Revisited (Live)
11) Green Monkey (Live)
Disc 3: The Caribou Sessions 1976 – All Previously Unreleased
Rehearsals, outtakes, and demos from February1976 for the album “Hideaway,” recorded at the famed Caribou Ranch Studios in the Rockies – Nederland, Colorado.  These recordings provide a “you are there” experience as these songs were being formed on their initial takes. 
1 She’s A Liar (Outtake / Alternate Mix)
2 Amber Cascades (Alternate Early Mix)
3 Today’s The Day (Outtake / Walkthrough)
4 Lovely Night (Outtake / Take 1 Session
5 Hideaway PT 1 (Early Band Outtake)
6 Watership Down (Alternate Mix)
7 Letter (Alternate Mix)
8 Lovely Night (Buzz Studio Demo)
9 Jet Boy Blue (Outtake / Alternate Mix)
10 Who Loves You (Alternate Mix)
11 Caribou (Outtakes Montage)
12  I’m New In Town -(Buzz Studio Demo) 
Disc 4: The Poison Oak Sessions 1981: All Previously Unreleased
In 1981, between the album “Alibi” (1980) and “View From The Ground” (1982), the band recorded several songs at Dewey’s home studio, Poison Oak, in Northern California. This set contains early incarnations and alternate versions of songs released on later America albums as well as unheard songs that have been in the vault until now.   
1. Sailors and Seagulls (unheard song)
2. Look at Me Now (Early Version)
3. My Dear (Early Version)
4. Sometimes Lovers (Early Version)
5. All The People – Whole Wide World (Early Version)
6. Coming On  (unheard song)
7. Now I Want Your Love (unheard song)
8. Inspector Mills (Early Version)
9. China Sea  (unheard song)
Bonus Tracks:
10. Doesn’t The Time (unheard song)
11. Someday Forever  (unheard song)
Disc 5: The Alternate 90’s Plus: All Previously Unreleased
Alternate mixes from the albums “Hourglass” (1994) and “Human Nature” (1998) along with unreleased songs that came before, in-between and after these official releases.  
1. Young Moon (mix without inst. intro)
2. Call of the Wild (Alternate Early Mix)
3. Sleeper Train (Alternate Early Mix)
4. Ports of Call ((Alternate Early Mix)
5. Mirror to Mirror (Alternate Early Mix)
6. Whole Wide World (Alternate Early Mix)
7. Hope (unheard song)
8. The Hills Are Green (unheard song)
9. Horse (Interlude)
10. From A Moving Train (Single Version – edited shorter intro)
11. Wheels Are Turning (unheard song)
12. Town and Country (unheard song)
13 Moment To Moment (Alternate Mix)
14. Wednesday Morning (unheard song)
15. Oloololo (unheard song)
16. Overwhelming World (Alternate Mix)
17. Moment to Moment (Alternate Mix)
18. Hot Town (unheard song)
19. Pages (Alternate Early Mix)
20. If It Is The End (Previously Unreleased)
21. Remembering (New 2020)
Discs 6 & 7 America on the Radio – All Previously Unreleased
Various radio interviews stemming from 1974 – 2000’s which provides a narrative and unique overview to their long career.
America Radio Interviews and Promo – The 70’s
America Radio Interviews and Promo – The 80’s
America Radio Interviews and Promo – The 90’s – 2000’s
EXCLUSIVE TO THE BOX SET!
Disc 8 – America – Home Movies (DVD)- All Previously Unreleased
“Home Movies” is all previously unreleased footage from the bands personal archive. A collection of very, “fly on the wall” footage, these films provide an amazing insight into the band, shot between 1972 and 1975, showing behind the scenes footage of, “Hat Trick at Home”, early attempts at making home making of music videos and various on the road activities. These films give the viewer an amazing view of historical events as they unfolded. To any America fan, the ultimate access all area’s time machine. 
This DVD is EXCLUSIVE to this box set and will not be available beyond it.
Film 1) America Hat Trick at home 1: Rooftop Jam – Green Monkey – 1973 Kings Road, Los Angeles, CA
Film 2) America Hat Trick at home 2: Goodbye – 1973 Kings Road, Los Angeles, CA
Film 3) America Hat Trick at home 3: Sandman – 1973 Kings Road, Los Angeles, CA
Film 4) America Hat Trick at home 4: Hat Trick Rehearsal – 1973 Kings Road, Los Angeles, CA
Film 5) America: Bremen Behind The Scenes – 1973 (No Audio) Bremen, Germany
Film 6)  America: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion 1 – 1973 Los Angeles, CA
Film 7) America: Air Studios – London Misc. Footage – 1974 London, England
Film 8) America: Airplane High Jinx 1 – 1974 (No Audio) In the Air
Film 9) America: Airplane High Jinx 2 – 1975 In the Air
Film 10) America: Tour Plane Interview – 1975 On the Ground
For more information: https://www.musicglue.com/america
For more information on AMERICA, visit:
Read a Q&A with Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell here.
SRO Press Releases + Assets:
For press inquiries regarding AMERICA, contact:
SRO PR
Mitch Schneider (national)// [email protected]
Andrea Faulk (tour)//[email protected]
 
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AMERICA’s Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell Share New Q&A and 50th Anniversary Tour Dates

 

 

DATE:            FEBRUARY, 20 2019

 

 
FROM:           MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK
 
 
 
AMERICA:
Q&A WITH GERRY BECKLEY AND DEWEY BUNNELL
 
BAND CONTINUE THEIR
IN-PROGRESS
50TH ANNIVERSARY WORLD TOUR
 

AMERICA at the London Palladium; Photo credit: Christie Goodwin
 
On their in-progress 50th anniversary world tour (see the dates below), the iconic multi-platinum-selling group AMERICA are delivering their distinctive brand of harmony-rich rock, mixed with pop smarts, in soul-searching classic songs that movingly reflect the times in which they were written. The band’s co-founders GERRY BECKLEY and DEWEY BUNNELL are committed to keeping their songs and music fresh onstage every night as they perform all over the world. In the Q&A below, they talk about their special chemistry; pick their favorite scenes in TV shows where their songs have been featured; and recall crazy “Spinal Tap” moments in their career.
 

From left: Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell
 
 
10 QUESTIONS
WITH GERRY BECKLEY AND DEWEY BUNNELL
OF AMERICA:
 
Congratulations on your 50th anniversary tour. Looking back, what has surprised you most in your career?
 
GERRY BECKLEY: “As great as any of the singular successes have been over the years, I’d have to say the longevity itself is something we’d never have considered and probably the greatest surprise.”
 
DEWEY BUNNELL: “The initial success was a surprise, with the first album and single both going to #1, but I don’t think we ever thought that 50 years later we’d still be performing close to 100 shows a year!”
 
Every band seems to have a “Spinal Tap” moment. What about AMERICA?
 
DEWEY:We’ve had several over the decades, but I’ll never forget when we were taping a Bob Hope Special on the UCLA campus with Bob, John Wayne and Aretha Franklin in front of a large crowd of students who assumed we were performing live, when in fact we were lip-syncing ‘Sister Golden Hair.’ As the taping was in progress, there was a technical problem, so they stopped the tape to restart the shoot. The students were shocked and voiced their displeasure at this reality! We made it clear we’d return for a full LIVE CONCERT soon…which we did!”
 
GERRY: “I’d say there’s been many ‘Spinal Tap’ moments over the years but a particular Hollywood Bowl Symphony performance comes to mind. It was a symphony show with George Martin conducting, and the finalé involved quite a large amount of pyrotechnics.Unfortunately, some of the sparks fell down over the orchestra and the dress of the lady playing the harp caught on fire. She went running offstage in the middle of the encore and fortunately was OK although obviously quite shaken.”
 
Many of AMERICA’s classic songs reflected the times in which they were created, such as the questing “Horse With No Name” (with its environmental message at the end); the frank romantic politics of “Sister Golden Hair”; and the war paranoia of “Sandman” (written in part from conversations with returning airmen from Vietnam). What was it like to be artists experiencing all of this and capturing it in your songs?
 
GERRY: “We’ve been fortunate over the years to have numerous hits that became reflections of their time.”
 
DEWEY: “We’re all influenced by the times we live in and the changes we go through growing up. It’s a special thing to be able to reflect those events in a song in some way or another.”
 
AMERICA’s recordings have been licensed for a multitude of placements in films (including American Hustle, The Nice Guys, The Last Unicorn and Girl Most Likely), television shows (among them The Sopranos, Friends, Breaking Bad and Saturday Night Live) and video games (including Grand Theft Auto). Why do you think AMERICA’s songs lend themselves so well to scenes in films and TV shows…and is there a favorite scene you have where your song is used?
 
DEWEY: “I loved hearing ‘Horse With No Name’ being used in an episode of ‘Breaking Bad’ as Walter White was literally driving through the desert! Many times our songs seem to be simply used to establish the era of the 70’s, but the directors must have their reasons.”
GERRY: “My personal favorite is an episode of ‘The Sopranos’ where one of the characters was taken out (shot) while driving and as the car came crashing to a stop, ‘Sister Golden Hair’ was playing on the car radio. Excellent.”
You guys have a special chemistry with different vocal styles and different lyrical points of view. Can you talk about why the combination works and what the “secret” might be in your “sauce”?
 
GERRY: “We’ve often said that Dewey writes the outdoor songs and I write the indoor songs. It makes for a nice combo.”
 
DEWEY: “It’s hard to define exactly what we each bring to the table, but I think Gerry and I have always written from the heart and complement each other’s ‘strengths and weaknesses’ in the process of writing, recording and performing.”
 
If you were to record a duet with a current artist outside the genre of music you’re known for, who might that be, and which song would you cover and why?
 
DEWEY:I’ve always been a ‘one band’ guy. I truly don’t aspire to collaborating with artists outside America, which is my comfort zone, although I admire may other artists from the past and present.”
 
GERRY: “I’ve been friends with Brandon Flowers of The Killers for a while now and I was recently just listening to their hit ‘Human.’ That’s a song I’d love to cover.”
 
Which famous American historical event would you like to have witnessed and why?
GERRY: “I’m not great with crowds but I would have loved to witness the inauguration of President Obama. A shining moment in our country’s history.”
DEWEY:I can only imagine what went through the minds of the people at the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. To be there with the likes of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams at the beginning of the creation of our democracy must have been incredible.”
 
What do you look forward to most when you return home from touring, and where is home?
 
DEWEY:Of course, there is ‘no place like home’ wherever that may be. Reuniting with my wife and pets, even after short trips, is always a comfort. Whether it’s in L.A. or northern Wisconsin, where we split our time, it’s always great to come home.”
 
GERRY: “Well, the best part IS the coming home. My wife and I have two lovely homes, one in Sydney, Australia and the other in Venice, CA.”
 
If you overheard one fan talking to another after leaving a show of yours, what would you like to hear them say about the gig?
 
GERRY: “‘Those guys are still pretty good.'”
DEWEY:We hear comments like, ‘I didn’t realize they performed all those songs!’ or ‘I didn’t realize they did that song?’ a lot. It is nice to surprise our audience with our efforts over 50 years, so the best comment is when they say, ‘They’re better than I thought!’
 
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time and why does it capture your imagination?
 
DEWEY:I’d have to say ‘Pet Sounds.’ I was at first baffled by what I was hearing the first time I heard it as a big Beach Boys fan. But after repeated listens I was, and still am, amazed by the beautiful songwriting and incredible production of Brian Wilson. It truly is a masterpiece in every way.”
 
GERRY: “‘Pet Sounds’… a true masterpiece.”
 
The band’s ongoing 2020 tour dates are here:
DATE
LOCATION
VENUE
FRI
2/21
Brookville, NY
Tilles Center for Performing Arts
SAT
2/22
Glenside, PA
Keswick Theatre
SUN
2/23
Englewood, NJ
Bergen PAC
FRI
2/28
Milwaukee, WI
Riverside Theatre
SAT
2/29
Wisconsin Dells, WI
Crystal Grand Theatre
THU
3/5
Windsor, ON
Caesars Colosseum
FRI
3/6
Waukegan, IL
Genessee Theatre
SAT
3/7
Nashville, IN
Maple Leaf PAC
THU
3/12
Huntington, WV
Keith Albee PAC
SAT
3/14
Knoxville, TN
Tennessee Theatre
SUN
3/15
Memphis, TN
Orpheum Theatre
TUE
3/17
Greenville, SC
Peace Center for Performing Arts
THU
3/19
Sarasota, FL
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
FRI
3/20
Clearwater, FL
Ruth Eckerd Hall
SUN
3/22
Orlando, FL
Hard Rock Live
TUE
3/24
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Broward Center For Performing Arts
WED
3/25
Jacksonville, FL
Florida Theatre
SAT
3/28
Queen Creek, AZ
Good Life Fest Schnepf Farms
THU
4/2
Lawton, OK
Apache Casino Hotel
FRI
4/3
Eureka Springs, AR
The Auditorium
WED
4/15
San Antonio, TX
Tobin Center
THU
4/16
Waco, TX
Waco Hall Baylor w/Symphony
FRI
4/17
Hidalgo, TX
State Farm Arena
THU
4/23
Sioux Falls, SD
Washington Pavilion
FRI
4/24
Mahnomen, MN
Shooting Star Casino
FRI
5/1
Enoch, AB Canada
River Cree Ent Complex
SAT
5/2
Calgary, AB Canada
Grey Eagle Event Center
SAT
6/27
North Bethesda, MD
The Music Center at Strathmore
TUE
7/7
L’Olympia
Paris, France
FRI
7/10
O2 Empire Shepherds Bush
London, UK
SUN
7/12
Cornbury Music Festival
Oxfordshire, UK
WED
7/15
Musical Dome
Köln, Germany
THU
7/16
Capitol Offenbach
Offenbach, Germany
FRI
7/17
Metropol Theater Bremen
Bremen, Germany
 
 
For more information on AMERICA, visit:
 
SRO Press Releases + Assets:
 
 
 
For press inquiries regarding AMERICA, contact:
SRO PR
Mitch Schneider (national)// mschneider@sropr.com
Andrea Faulk (tour)// afaulk@sropr.com
 
 
###

 


 

DT: NOVEMBER 25, 2019
FR: MITCH SCHNEIDER, ANDREA FAULK, SRO PR
AMERICA ROCKERS DEWEY BUNNELL & GERRY BECKLEY DISCUSS THE IMPACT OF THE BEATLES ON AN ALL-NEW EPISODE OF THE BIG INTERVIEW, AIRING NOVEMBER 27 AT 8pE
Los Angeles, CA (November 25, 2019) Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley, founding members of the legendary GRAMMY-winning rock band America, join Dan Rather for an all-new episode of The Big Interview-airing Wednesday, November 27 at 8pE/5pP.
In this exclusive first look, the duo discuss the tremendous impact of The Beatles’ groundbreaking performance on The Ed Sullivan Show, and how it shaped them as aspiring musicians. “The Beatles on Ed Sullivan was a turning point for everybody in our generation,” Beckley says. “It just redefined who I was as a kid. All of a sudden, it was no longer surf bands. We’re gonna grow our hair and we’re gonna sing.” The set was just one of many monumental moments that would change music, pop culture, and the country, itself. “I remember that year-we’re talking about ’63 into ’64,” Bunnell recalls. “With the assassination [of JFK], with Ali beating Liston, and with The Beatles on Ed Sullivan, that’s like a massive something happened right there.”
During their tenure with America, Bunnell and Beckley have each written their share of enduring hits. While their songwriting styles have both led to success, they could not be anymore different. Bunnell explains their eclectic yet cohesive sound, saying, “Gerry tends to write ‘indoor songs’, we say-love songs, a lot more introspective. And I do ‘outdoor songs’… So, there’s one difference.” “The other one is if it has two chords, it’s Dewey’s song,” Gerry chimes in. “If it has 102 chords, it’s mine.” Watch it here.
The Big Interview airs every Wednesday at 8pE/5pP, only on AXS TV.
Media Contacts:
Cindy Ronzoni (cronzoni@axs.tv) & Sean Grabin (sgrabin@axs.tv)

 


AMERICA Profiled On CBS’ “Sunday Morning” Program

 

DATE:        JULY 8, 2019
 
FROM:       MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN/ANDREA FAULK
 
 
AMERICA
PROFILED ON CBS’ “SUNDAY MORNING” PROGRAM
 
GROUP CONTINUES THEIR
IN-PROGRESS
50TH ANNIVERSARY WORLD TOUR
 
 
From left: Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell
 
As AMERICA continue their 50th anniversary world tour, the iconic multi-platinum-selling group were profiled this past weekend on the critically acclaimed CBS “Sunday Morning” TV show (July 7). View it here.
 
The group’s lead singers, songwriters and guitarists Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell, spoke to correspondent John Blackstone about their legacy at an array of locations including, fittingly, in a car on the Ventura Freeway to talk about their classic hit “Ventura Highway.”
 
The crew also captured the band at their June 21 headline show at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles where a full house of fans experienced a show filled with hits and deep album cuts. Music journalist Bob Lefsetz praised the band in a June 24 review of the concert [read it here]: “…when you see the band live you see why they continue. Because it’s fun, because it’s an adventure, because of the connection with the audience, because of the music…And as I sat there as the music washed over me and resonated, in my own private reverie, I said to myself THIS IS IT! And I wanted more.”
 
AMERICA are currently performing shows in Italy, before they return to North America later this month for additional shows on the tour (full itinerary below).
 
This year, the group’s anniversary is being commemorated with two special releases. On July 12, Rhino will issue 50th ANNIVERSARY: THE COLLECTION, available as a 3CD, 2LP, a single CD and digitally. This compilation encompasses songs from all seven albums that America recorded in the Seventies with Warner Bros. Records. The set also includes “You Can Do Magic,” a Top 10 hit from the album View From The Ground released by Capitol Records in 1982.
 
Capitol/UMe recently issued (on May 24) America: Classic Album Collection– The Capitol Years–a 6CD box set and digital collection presenting the GRAMMY®-winning band’s 1979-1985 Capitol Records albums together for the first time. All six albums have been newly remastered by Andy Pearce for the collection, which also includes four bonus mono single edits.
 
Almost 50 years ago, the Grammy Award-winning band was formed by Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell and Dan Peek (who departed the band in 1977 and passed away in 2011) after meeting as sons of U.S. Air Force personnel stationed in London, where they began performing live. They released their debut album on Capitol in 1971, which hit #1 in the U.S and featured the #1 Billboard pop hit “Horse With No Name.” The Wall Street Journal (7/17/18) recently interviewed Dewey and Gerry about the evolution of the classic song for Marc Meyers’ recurring “Anatomy of a Song” feature.
 
AMERICA has influenced generations of musicians with their distinctive brand of acoustic-driven, harmony-rich rock, mixed with pop smarts, in soul-searching classic songs that reflected the times they were living in.
 
The band’s huge radio success throughout the ’70s and early ’80s at times overshadowed the lyrical depth of their songs such as the questing “Horse With No Name” (with its environmental message at the end); the frank romantic politics of “Sister Golden Hair”; the war paranoia of “Sandman” (written in part from conversations with returning airmen from Vietnam); and the cautionary life advice of Don’t Cross The River.”
 
As further testament to the band’s staying power and influence, AMERICA‘s recordings have been licensed for a multitude of placements in films (including American Hustle, The Nice Guys, The Last Unicorn and Girl Most Likely), television shows (among them The Sopranos, Friends, Breaking Bad and Saturday Night Live) and video games (including Grand Theft Auto). See their Soundtrack credits on IMDB here: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2085638/

 

The band’s ongoing 2019 tour dates are here:
 

 

DATE
LOCATION VENUE
TUE 7/9 Porto Recanati, IT Arena Beniamino Gigli
THU 7/11 Taormina, IT Teatro Antico
SUN 7/14 Ottawa, Canada RBC Ottawa Bluesfest
FRI 7/19 Lancaster, PA American Music Theatre
SAT 7/20 Vestal, NY Anderson Center for Performing Arts (Binghamton University)
SUN 7/21 Patchogue, NY Great South Bay Music Festival – Shorefront Park
FRI 7/26 Biloxi, MS Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
SAT 7/27 Lake Charles, LA The Golden Nugget
FRI 8/2 Norfolk, VA Chrysler Hall
SUN 8/4 Hammondsport, NY Point of the Bluff Vineyard
SUN 8/11 Costa Mesa, CA Pacific Amphitheater at OC Fair
FRI 8/16 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata
SAT 8/17 Jim Thorpe, PA Penns Peak
SAT 9/21 French Lick, IN French Lick Resort
SUN 9/22 Nashville, TN Schermerhorn Symphony Center
SAT 9/28 Richmond, KY EKU Center for the Arts
FRI 10/4 Reno, NV Silver Legacy Resort Casino
FRI 10/11 Staten Island, NY St. George Theatre
SAT 10/12 Ridgefield, CT The Ridgefield Playhouse
SAT 10/19 Rama, ONT Casino Rama
FRI 11/1 Lincoln, RI Twin River Casino Hotel
THU 11/14 Prior Lake, MN Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
FRI 11/15 St. Charles, IL Arcada Theatre
SAT 11/16 St. Charles, IL Arcada Theatre

 

 

For more information on AMERICA, visit:
 
For press inquiries regarding AMERICA, contact:
MSO PR
Mitch Schneider // mschneider@msopr.com
Marcee Rondan // marcee@msopr.com
Andrea Faulk (tour) // afaulk@msopr.com
 
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