"We're All Gonna Die" says Slash

On the heels of his solo album debut as #1 Rock Album and performing at some of the largest European outdoor Festivals, Slash launches his U.S. Summer tour titled "We're All Gonna Die", in late August.

The dates will feature vocalist Myles Kennedy who was also part of the European tour and received strong critical praise at shows like the Download Festival which had over 100,000 fans and Rock-Am Ring which had more than 70,000 concert-goers. Audiences in Europe were treated to a career-spanning Slash set list of songs from the new album which Kennedy provides vocals for two songs, along with Slash classics from Guns N Roses like “Sweet Child O’ Mine”, “Paradise City” and numerous Velvet Revolver, and Slash’s Snakepit favorites. Additional dates/cities may be announced shortly.

Aug. 29 - San Francisco, CA - The Warfield Theater
Aug. 31 - Aspen, CO - Belly Up
Sept. 1 - Denver, CO - Ogden
Sept. 2 - Kansas City, MO - Voodoo Lounge
Sept. 4 - Mount Pleasant, MI - Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
Sept. 5 - Milwaukee, WI - Pabst Theater
Sept. 6 - Clear Lake, IA - Surf Ballroom
Sept. 8 - Chicago, IL -Riviera Theater
Sept. 14 - New York, NY - Terminal 5
Sept. 15 - Boston, MA - House of Blues
Sept. 18 - Norfolk, VA - The Norva
Sept. 20 - Atlanta, GA - Center Stage
Sept. 22 - Council Bluffs, IA - Harrah’s – Stir Cove
Sept. 23 - Medina, MN - Medina Entertainment Center
Oct. 2 - Seattle, WA - Showbox at the Market

Slash was recently honored by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce which named him an official recipient of a star on Hollywood’s Walk Of Fame. A date for the unveiling ceremony has not yet been determined.

Member Review: Adam Lambert

BPD member Nutz4Idol sent us this:

Adam Lambert, the big-voiced and flamboyant runner-up in 2009’s American Idol contest, lived up to his nickname of Glambert.

Like a peacock showing off his feathers, Lambert strutted his considerable stuff over the course of a brisk, hour-long set backed by a four-piece band - including guitarist-musical director Monte Pittman, best known for teaching Madonna how to play - and four dancers.

The 28-year-old singer made a memorable first appearance at the top of a staircase decked out in a feathered top hat with a big red A embossed on it, a purple, black fur-lined coat with fringe sleeves, black leather pants with cod piece, and black fingerless gloves.

And did I mention the heavy eye-makeup, half-shaved head and major accessories?

Much like Liberace and Boy George before him, Lambert doesn’t back down in the fashion department and made several costume changes as the concert progressed.

And much like Freddie Mercury, too, he’s got the vocal chops to back up the eye-catching outfits.

Strangely, Lambert opened his set with a recorded version of 'For Your Entertainment,' the song that garnered him headlines last year when he same-sex kissed a male band member while a dancer shoved his face into Lambert’s crotch during the American Music Awards.

Maybe he didn’t want to court controversy again? Or was trying to make a statement about the over-reaction to that AMA performance?

The closest he ever came to being suggestive all night long was putting his arm around his bass player and pushing his face close to his.

Whatever the reason, Lambert, his band and dancers finally appeared on stage by the next song, 'Voodoo.'

But it wasn’t until a slowed-down, harder-rocking version of Johnny Cash’s 'Ring Of Fire' and his own 'Fever,' that Lambert finally found his groove as a performer and showed off some impressive thrusting dance moves.

In addition to hitting some major notes during subsequent songs like the power ballad 'Sleepwaker' and acoustic versions of 'Whataya Want From Me,' 'Soaked,' and 'Aftermath,' Lambert moved well during the shoulder-shaking 'Surefire Winners' and 'Strut,' which saw him perform synchronized moves alongside his dancers, and the anthemic set-ender 'If I Had You.'

He also did a great job on Tears For Fears’ 'Mad World' - a crowd favourite during his American Idol days - during his encore.

I can’t wait to see what Glambert does next as he evolves as a performer because he’s clearly got the stuff at this early stage in his career.

Backstage, he was relaxed and easy to be around. I asked him what keeps him going. “I've known heartbreak and it sucks,” he said, “But sometimes you have to lift your head up and push on through.”

Keep on pushin' A.L.!

Sounds like a great show, Nutz4Idol. Glad you enjoyed it.

You can have the same experience with your favorite artists; join BPD today.

Another Tour Bites the Dust

The Simon & Garfunkel tour that had been set for July has now been postponed indefinitely. The tour, originally set for April and then rescheduled for July, is now on hold as Art Garfunkel continues to recover from a vocal paresis.

According to his doctors, Art is expected to make a full recovery, however they cannot predict an exact timeline.

This condition (paresis) inhibits the duo from performing shows at the highest possible level and it is for that reason and out of respect for their fans that Paul and Art have decided to put the tour on hold.

Simon & Garfunkel regret any inconvenience this has caused their fans and are looking forward to rescheduling the dates when Art fully recovers.

Art says, "I do feel bad about disrupting so many people's plans but, as I continue to mend, I can't yet bring my 'A Game' to a tour, and I would not perform for you with anything less."

BPD members who have paid for passes will receive a refund in full in 10-14 days.

Member Review: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

BPD subscriber Bilfus sent us this report:

Tom Petty was anything but Freefallin' for his 2010 Mojo Tour.

The 59-year-old and his long-time band The Heartbreakers may have physically slowed a little with age, but they sounded as taut and energetic as ever during the two-hour-long concert. Petty's stage setup was simple and there wasn't much of a light show. But Petty doesn't need the flash of some modern bands. That's because he's got the songs.

The interplay between Petty and lead guitarist Mike Campbell was relaxed, but even after so many years together they never looked bored to be in each other's company.

The band was rounded out by bassist Ron Blair, guitarist Scott Thurston, drummer Steve Ferrone and Benmont Tench on piano.

A bearded Petty wandered back and forth across the stage making sure he acknowledged the fans who came to see him play some of his biggest hits, including You Don't Know How It Feels, Freefallin', Don't Come Around Here No More and Learning to Fly, all of which were met by huge cheers and a loud sing-a-long by the happy crowd.

Petty's 1979 single Refugee and I Won't Back Down from his 1989 album Full Moon Fever sounded as defiant and spirited as when they were first released. They were just two of many songs that showcased his superb songwriting skill.

Even the slow moments and overlong jams weren't too painful thanks to the phenomenal musicianship of every person on that stage. There were, of course, long, languid guitar solos. But they were tastefully executed and wrapped up before they overstayed their welcome.

Petty and The Heartbreakers delved into their new album Mojo a couple of times, but the songs they chose -- such as the full-on rocker, I'm Driving Down to Georgia -- were consistent with the vibe of the evening.

As enjoyable as his performance was, I wasn't there to see Tom and the HB.

I was there to have a reunion with my friend and former neighbor in Colorado, the great Joe Cocker.

The 'Sheffield Soul Shouter' got things rolling straight away with a note-perfect rendition of Feelin' Alright before moving onto softer '70s and '80s fare. While the 1974 ballad You Are So Beautiful and his 1983 Grammy-winning duet Up Where We Belong are two of his biggest hits, they paled in comparison to his bluesier and more soulful numbers, where his raspy growl was better utilized.

Joe also seemed more animated when he was singing songs with a little more edge and a little less sap.

His version of The Beatles' Come Together was more raw than slinky, although his two female backing vocalists added some sex appeal.

In fact, his entire eight-piece band was remarkable -- from Mike Finnigan on Hammond organ to Oneida James on bass, the musicians were air-tight and possessed the hard groove of a classic soul revue.

Despite the few moments of cheese, Cocker and his band hit their stride on set highlights, Unchain My Heart and With a Little Help From My Friends.

Joe is now 66, yet he still punctuated the ends of songs with little jumps and air punches.

Watching him from backstage, and watching Petty with Joe beside me, made for a delicious, delicious night.

Sounds like you had one helluva time, Bilfus.

Our members do, ya know and you can too. Join BPD today and get your share of backstage.

Judds Reunion

Country Music’s legendary duo, The Judds, delivered a riveting performance for over 10,000 fans in downtown Nashville as they launched this year’s 2010 CMA Music Festival.

Wynonna and Naomi Judd helped kick off what USA Today calls “the crown jewel of Country Music festivals,” setting the stage for their highly anticipated final tour, The Judds: The Last Encore. It has been over 10 years since their 2000 “Power To Change” tour, and this final reunion promises to be nothing short of spectacular.

In typical fan-friendly Judd fashion, Wynonna and Naomi recently invited dedicated “Judd Heads” and country music fans across the country to name their upcoming tour in The Judds “Name That Tour” contest. The response was overwhelming. Thousands of fans jumped at the opportunity to solidify their place in Judds HERstory and ultimately Jacqualine Budgell from Murfreesboro, TN was chosen as the lucky winner.

According to Naomi, The Last Encore tour is an opportunity to celebrate the relationship with their fans one last time. “There is nothing like music and laughter to connect people,” she says. “How I’ve missed that encounter with the very ones who’ve allowed us that awesome privilege! I’m counting the days till I can be back on my bus, visiting their towns.”

In addition to their enduring 26-year relationship with the fans, Wynonna shares her sentiment on reuniting with her mother, Naomi, again. “This tour gives me a chance to enjoy where Mom and I are in our relationship. I look forward to celebrating our personal and professional journey...together.” And, for the fans who have followed their journey together through the years, this final curtain call will be yet another reason to celebrate.

The Judds: The Last Encore tour will feature new Judds and Wynonna music from the upcoming album while also shining a bright light on all of the fan’s Judds and Wynonna favorites. And for the first time ever, they will also celebrate the holiday season during their final tour by weaving several classic Christmas songs in their immensely diverse set list.

The Judds: The Last Encore Tour will visit the following cities:

11/26 – Green Bay WI – Resch Center
11/27 – Mt. Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino
11/28 – Moline, IL – i wireless Center
11/30 – Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino
12/2 – Columbus, OH – Value City Arena – Schottenstein Center
12/3 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center
12/4 – St. Charles, MO – Family Arena
12/5 – Council Bluffs, IA – Mid-America Center
12/7 – Colorado Springs, CO – World Arena
12/8 – Broomfield, CO – 1STBank Center
12/9 – Salt Lake City, UT – EnergySolutions Arena
12/11 – Oakland, CA – Oracle Arena
12/12 – Sacramento, CA – Arco Arena
12/15 – Los Angeles, CA – Nokia Theatre L.A. Live
12/16 – Santa Ynez, CA – Chumash Casino
12/17 – Rancho Mirage, CA – Agua Caliente Casino
12/18 – Las Vegas, NV – Mandalay Bay Events Center/Arena
12/19 – Phoenix, AZ – US Airways Center

Is it really never again? Who can say. Do you want to miss out on what might be a once this lifetime chance?

Backstage with the Judds can be done. Our members e-mails (posted all over this blog) are testimony to that.

Make your request today. Not a member yet. Get started now.

Member Review: The Eagles/Dixie Chicks

BPD member SallyMander wrote us:

The Eagles singer-guitarist-keyboardist Glenn Frey, singer-guitarist-drummer Don Henley, guitarist Joe Walsh and singer-bassist Timothy B. Schmit, now all in their early '60s, began their two-hour set of greatest hits without much fanfare.

The foursome stood side-by-side on a stripped-down, compact stage performing the harmony-heavy Seven Bridges Road and How Long before moving into fan favourite Take It To The Limit.

A trumpet solo - the backing band grew to include five more musicians plus a four-man horn section - dramatically heralded the next song, Hotel California, as the silhouette of a hotel at sunset was projected onto a semi-circular video backdrop, and Henley moved behind the drum kit for his lead vocal turn.

But it was Walsh's guitar playing during that song - and Peaceful Easy Feeling - that stole the show early on (along with that of Stuart Smith) and he also animatedly took over on lead vocals for The James Gang's Walk Away and Funk 49, his own In The City, Life's Been Good, the latter featuring some great stock footage of The Eagles, and Rocky Mountain Way.

In fact, it was Walsh who provided some much needed comic relief about an hour into the leisurely paced show.

Backstage, Frey whispered to me about Walsh "He is familiar to law enforcement and hotel staff around the world. Never met a man he didn't like, or a room he couldn't wreck."

Timothy Schmit was in exceptional voice during I Can't Tell You Why as was Frey during Peaceful Easy Feeling, Lyin' Eyes, and Take It Easy, Henley on One Of These Nights, The Long Run, Desperado and his own solo hits, Boys Of Summer and Dirty Laundry.

If The Eagles offered up solid hits from the last four decades, The Dixie Chicks provided shock value courtesy of lead singer Natalie Maines' shaved head given her usual longer blond locks.

Maines joked with me: "You like my hair? You're the only one."

Maines was joined by her fellow Dixie Chicks and sisters Martie Maguire on fiddle-mandolin and Emily Robison on banjo, who have been busy on their side project Court Yard Hounds which was released earlier this year.

And despite not being on the road together for the last four years, Maines' voice and the Chicks' harmonies were strong and clear.

The trio, backed by a six man band, delved into their 12-year catalogue with highlights like Taking The Long Way Around, the rollicking Sin Wagon, Mississippi, and Lubbock Or Leave It, covers of Fleetwood Mac's Landslide and Train's Hey Soul Sister, the poignant Easy Silence and their anthemic Not Ready To Make Nice, which provoked the strongest response of the night.

It was a great show and spending time with everyone in the back KICKED SERIOUS ASS!

DIXIE CHICKS SET LIST:

Wide Open Spaces

Truth No. 2

The Long Way Around

Landslide

Sin Wagon

Mississippi

Cowboy Take Me Away

Hey Soul Sister

Long Time Gone

Lubbock or Leave It

Easy Silence

Not Ready To Make Nice

Ready To Run

Goodbye Earl

EAGLES SET LIST:

Seven Bridges Road

How Long

Take It To The Limit

Trumpet intro/Hotel California

Peaceful Easy Feeling

I Can't Tell You Why

Witchy Woman

Lyin' Eyes

One Of These Nights

Walk Away

Boys Of Summer

In The City

The Long Run

Life's Been Good

Dirty Laundry

Funk 49

Heartache Tonight

Life In The Fast Lane

ENCORE

Take It Easy

Rocky Mountain Way

Desperado

The 2010 is really starting to heat up! Don't miss out on the chance to hang with your favorite band. Join BPD today.

Cocked, Locked, Ready To Rock

Just a few months ago the idea of an Aerosmith tour seemed very unlikely.

Steven Tyler said he needed a long break to work on "Brand Tyler," while the other band members questioned his sobriety and threatened to hire a new singer. But before the worst-case scenario happened — and after Tyler went to rehab — the five bandmates sat down to hash things out. "Basically I just said one or two things to Steven and he said one or two things to me," guitarist Joe Perry says. "Being as close as we are, that's all we needed to do. Then we just looked at each other and knew it was time to get the band back together."

Perry continued "Now Steven is singing better than I've heard in a long time and the shows have just gotten better and better. It feels like 1971 again. We've had a lot of ups and downs in the past, and we're up-ing right now."

So here comes Aerosmith's US Tour for 2010, ‘Cocked, Locked, Ready To Rock’. Sammy Hagar & The Wabos will open on 11 of the 16 announced shows.

Fri 07/23/10 Oakland, CA Oracle Arena

Appearing at "California Mid-State Fair"
Mon 07/26/10 Paso Robles, CA Grandstand @ California Mid State Fair

Thu 07/29/10 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

Sat 07/31/10 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena

Tue 08/03/10 Dallas, TX Superpages.com Center

Thu 08/05/10 The Woodlands, TX The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Sat 08/07/10 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre @ State Fairgrounds

Mon 08/09/10 Sunrise, FL BankAtlantic Center

Thu 08/12/10 Wantagh, NY Nikon At Jones Beach Theater

Appearing with J. Geils Band
Sat 08/14/10 Boston, MA Fenway Park

Thu 08/19/10 Omaha, NE Qwest Center Omaha

Sun 08/22/10 Tinley Park, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

Tue 08/24/10 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center

Appearing at "New York State Fair"
Thu 08/26/10 Syracuse, NY Mohegan Sun Grandstand

Sat 08/28/10 Atlantic City, NJ Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall

Tue 08/31/10 Auburn Hills, MI The Palace Of Auburn Hills

Thu 09/02/10 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center

Sat 09/04/10 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena

Be backstage with the boyz; it's an experience unlike anything you've ever had.

Join BackstagePassDirect today.

Member Review: James Taylor and Carole King

BPD member Boy@Heart shares:

It took them 40 years to tour together but the wait proved to be worth it.

James Taylor and Carole King, who first performed at the Troubadour in 1970 during King's breakout solo performance before her 1971 landmark album, Tapestry, reunited for six acclaimed shows in 2007 to celebrate the legendary L.A. club's 50-year history.

The duo since regrouped this year for the so-called Troubadour Reunion trek - "an intimate and an in the round" affair.

Taking the circular, slowly rotating stage in the middle of the arena floor alone, the 62-year-old Taylor and the 68-year-old King held hands and took a bow before being joined by their original 1970 bandmates - bassist Lee Sklar (celebrating a birthday Friday night), guitarist-producer Danny "Kootch" Kortchmar, who introduced Taylor and King "In 1903" as Taylor joked, and drummer Russ Kunkel.

"The thing that makes this reunion tour the real deal for me is we've got the original band, the original guys," Taylor told me before going on. Rounding out the lineup was keyboard player Robbie Kondor and backup singers Arnold McCuller, Kate Markowitz and Andrea Zonn (also on violin). I asked him how they settled on the setlist. "When Carole and I first sat down to make a set list, it would have been a seven-hour show. There were so many songs that we had to pull out of the original set list, it was heartbreaking, like sending the kids off to camp."

Taylor, on acoustic guitar, was clearly in better voice of the two singers, with his trademark warmth evident on the concert opener Blossom, compared to the weaker-sounding King on piano, on the follow-up So Far Away.

After the show, King confessed to me "As you can probably tell, I wasn't at full voice tonight,"

She eventually gathered strength on Way Over Yonder and Smackwater Jack, the latter for which she joined Taylor on acoustic guitar, happily jamming side by side with him.

But it wasn't until (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman that King really hit her stride, playfully vocalizing with Kortchmar on his electric guitar before a 20-minute intermission.

She powerfully kicked off the second set with Where You Lead (I Will Follow), and singing - and snuggling - with Taylor on Cryin In The Rain, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, You've Got A Friend, Up On The Roof and You Can Close Your Eyes, the latter two during the encores.

The duo was nothing if not approachable and they seemed to be genuinely having fun and affectionate together as Taylor often rubbed the back of King's head or kissed her forehead

Shared history aside, it helped that they have been on tour together since March in Australia, New Zealand and Japan, before hitting North America in May.

Taylor's song highlights were numerous - Carolina In My Mind, Country Road, Mexico, Shower The People (which saw King join the backup singers including McCuller who delivered a staggering solo), Your Smiling Face, Sweet Baby James, Fire and Rain and How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You (the latter two the biggest crowd pleasers).

Taylor and Kortchmar also showed off their blues guitar chops on Steamroller Blues with Taylor hamming it up by using his guitar as a cane at one point and over-emoting at the end, hiding his face behind his hat in mock shame.

For her part, King consistently radiated health, happiness and a soulful, earthy spirit with a big, broad smile all night long and even kicked up her heels for I Feel The Earth Move towards the end of the second set.

All in all, a feel-good show if there ever was one.

SET LIST:

Blossom

So Far Away

Machine Gun Kelly

Carolina In My Mind

Way Over Yonder

Smackwater Jack

Country Road

Sweet Seasons

Mexico

Song of Long Ago/Long Ago and Far Away

Beautiful

Shower the People

(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

INTERMISSION

Where You Lead (I Will Follow)

Crying in The Rain

Your Smiling Face

Sweet Baby James

Jazzman

Will You Love Me Tomorrow

Steamroller Blues

It's Too Late

Fire and Rain

I Feel the Earth Move

You've Got a Friend

ENCORE:

Up on the Roof

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)

SECOND ENCORE

You Can Close Your Eyes

Way to go, Boy@Heart. Aren't you the oldies freak?

Nothin' quite like being backstage. Find out for yourself. Join BPD today.