Dinosaur Jr unleash "Hold Unknown"

Dinosaur Jr unleashed a ripping new song today titled "Hold Unknown." The track premiered as part of Adult Swim's exclusive weekly singles series and therefore is not slated for a commercial release. Stream "Hold Unknown" from Dinosaur Jr below and check out Adult Swim's entire music series here.



Published February 28th, 2018

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Screaming Trees' Barrett Martin releases superb spiritual 'Transcendence'

Ex-Screaming Trees drummer Barrett Martin has released a new set of songs with his futuristic jazz ensemble. Barrett Martin Group's Transcendence is a superb 15 song instrumental work that takes listeners on an extraordinary spiritual journey and transformation. Martin plays drums/percussion on his "sonic painting for the mind" which also includes notable guests such as R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck, David Catching of Queens of the Stone Age, and the great Hans Teuber on saxophone.

Martin reveals:

"My hope with this album is the reaffirmation that we are all spiritual beings and our kindness to one another is the only thing that matters. Indeed, that is what makes us all truly human. Love to everyone."

Transcendence was released last week and can be purchased through Amazon and iTunes. The album is also available to stream on Spotify and other streaming services.



Published February 28th, 2018

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Shaun Ryder appears on new UK reality series and receives coffee enema

Shaun Ryder of Happy Mondays appears in a new television series 100 Years Younger In 21 Days. The UK reality show follows eight celebrities - mostly actors - attempting to do whatever it takes to fight off aging with the guidance of a wellness/longevity professor.

Ryder says he signed up to do the show because he's had a bit of trouble with aging over the years. He couldn't participate fully in the program due to his own limitations but revealed that he attempted to do what he could:

"I’m almost on the floor, so I was told not to do any exercise. I’ve got a really bad leg, a really bad back and I’ve got a growth in my testicle which is like having toothache in your nuts. I joined in as much as possible but I couldn’t push myself. I did the meditation and that was great. I joined in on the yoga."

The four part series kicked off last night and it was a bit awkward and shocking to say the least. Viewers watched in horror as Ryder received a coffee enema to combat wrinkles. Two and a half liters of coffee were administered to the Happy Mondays star!

FYI: ITV has uploaded video of Ryder's enema administration however viewers were spared from witnessing the elimination portion of the process. If you feel up to it, check out the video below via NME.

Learn more about 100 Years Younger In 21 Days here.

See Shaun in '100 Years Younger in 21 Days' on ITV - starts Tuesday 27th February!! #100YearsYoungerin21Days #ShaunRyder #JuneBrown #SidOwen #SherrieHewson #RoyWalker #ClaireKing #RussellGrant #SandraMartin pic.twitter.com/yQo52xgJ8d

— shaun ryder (@officialswr) February 24, 2018

Published February 28th, 2018

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Morrissey's debut solo single "Suedehead" turns 30

Morrissey's iconic debut solo single "Suedehead" turns 30 years old this week. The track was released February 27th, 1988 - only months after The Smiths broke up. The beloved single launched Morrissey's incredible solo career and was the first of many highlights.

The video for "Suedehead" features Morrissey's nephew Sam Esty Rayner, who would go on to become a critically acclaimed photographer (and famously broke the news of Moz's bizarre and convoluted police incident in Rome last year).

Viva Suedehead!



Published February 28th, 2018

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Stream Chris Cornell + Johnny Cash "You Never Really Knew My Mind"

One of Chris Cornell's final recordings premiered today in celebration of what would have been Johnny Cash's 86th birthday. "You Never Really Knew My Mind" is a collaborative song from Cornell and Cash: the lyrics taken from a poem Cash wrote and were paired with music and haunting vocals by Chris Cornell.

"You Never Really Knew My Mind" is one of 16 songs that appear on the full collaborative album Johnny Cash: Forever Words, all created from Cash's unpublished writings and set to music by Cornell, Elvis Costello, T Bone Burnett, The Jayhawks, and more. The album serves as the musical companion to 2016's Forever Words: The Unknown Poems, a volume of Cash's (previously) unpublished writing.

Johnny Cash: Forever Words arrives April 6th and is available to pre-order from Amazon.

Stream Cornell's powerful tribute to Cash below:



Published February 26th, 2018

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Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds announce screenings for concert film 'Distant Sky'

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds announced their new live concert film screens in theaters worldwide for one night only on April 12th. Distant Sky: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Live was captured in Copenhagen last autumn at Royal Arena and features material from Skeleton Tree along with other gems from their catalog. The film was directed by David Barnard and runs 2 hours and 15 minutes.

So far the only participating theaters in the metro-Detroit area are The Landmark Main Art Theatre in Royal Oak (click for tickets) and Silvercity Windsor Cinemas in Windsor (click for tickets). The full list of theaters is posted here.



Published February 26th, 2018

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Video: 1987 Robert Smith interview

Back in 1987 Robert Smith of The Cure was interviewed by the Dutch television program TopPop while on the road in support of Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me. During the short and slightly awkward video Smith answers questions about recording in France, fans in South America, and the controversy in the U.S. surrounding their single "Killing An Arab."

Check it out below:



Published February 26th, 2018

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Classic Alternative - Episode #44: Vilest Intrusion

Presenting Classic Alternative - Episode #44: Vilest Intrusion

Rock it old school with a brand new episode of Time Warp. This week's show includes music from Happy Mondays, Duran Duran, The Stooges, Cocteau Twins, Ministry, Blur, and more.

Stream below or here and check out the full archive of Time Warp episodes here or here.


Music news stories from the past week
Liam Gallagher performs at the Brits
Smashing Pumpkins share "proposed list of songs" for reunion tour
Belly premiere new single "Shiny One"
Public Image Ltd celebrate 40th anniversary with tour + boxset
The Breeders share "Nervous Mary" + launch Breeders Digest
Soft Cell Say Hello, Wave Goodbye with one final show
Radiohead announce North American tour; play Detroit
Remembering Tony Wilson

Late night heads up: They Might Be Giants are scheduled play Conan this Wednesday, February 28th.

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Video: Liam Gallagher at the Brit Awards

Liam Gallagher appeared at the Brit Awards in London this week. Despite not winning an award -- Gallagher was nominated for Best British Male Solo Artist -- he performed a grand version of "Live Forever," which he dedicated to the victims of last year's bombing in Manchester. Watch Gallagher belt it out below:



Published February 24th, 2018

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Smashing Pumpkins share "proposed list of songs" for reunion tour

As reported previously The Smashing Pumpkins have reunited and will hit the road this summer for the Shiny and Oh So Bright Tour.

Billy Corgan has shunned nostalgia tours in the past, but it appears he has now fully embraced the concept and is ready to roll down memory lane. Today - the day tickets went on sale for the tour - Corgan shared a "proposed list of songs" the band is using to build their setlist. The list includes massive hits, fan favorites, and covers from Depeche Mode, Led Zeppelin, Joy Division and David Bowie. Check out Corgan's posting and song list below:

“The other day, I shared a set of ours from 1995. Which surprisingly engendered a lot of interest, and it got me thinking why not share our pool of PROPOSED songs (meaning the list we'll use to build The Shiny and Oh So Bright set, so these aren't in any particular order). And since we are a bit aways from going into rehearsals, and I'm sure we've missed a favorite or two, tag me @williampcorgan @jamesihaofficial @chamberdrums and @jjjschroeder as well as @smashingpumpkins or #smashingpumpkins and most importantly #SP2018 with a screen cap of what you'd like to hear. But remember, the goal is to build an epic set! So choose wisely.” - @williampcorgan

A post shared by Smashing Pumpkins (@smashingpumpkins) on Feb 23, 2018 at 1:17pm PST

The Smashing Pumpkins - The Shiny And Oh So Bright Tour

Jul 12 -- Glendale, AZ @ Gila River Arena
Jul 14 -- Oklahoma City, OK @ Chesapeake Energy Arena
Jul 16 -- Austin, TX @ Frank Erwin Center
Jul 17 -- Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
Jul 18 -- Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
Jul 20 -- Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
Jul 21 -- Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Centre
Jul 22 -- Atlanta, GA @ Infinite Energy Arena
Jul 24 -- Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena
Jul 25 -- Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena
Jul 27 -- Baltimore, MD @ Royal Farms Arena
Jul 28 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
Jul 29 -- Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
Jul 31 -- Boston, MA @ TD Garden
Aug 01 -- New York City, NY @ Madison Square Garden Arena
Aug 04 -- Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
Aug 05 -- Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena
Aug 07 -- Montreal, QC @ Centre Bell
Aug 08 -- Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
Aug 11 -- Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center
Aug 13 -- Chicago, IL @ United Center
Aug 16 -- Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
Aug 17 -- Indianapolis, IN @ Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Aug 19 -- St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
Aug 20 -- Omaha, NE @ Centurylink Center
Aug 21 -- Sioux Falls, SD @ Denny Sanford Premier Center
Aug 24 -- Seattle, WA @ Key Arena
Aug 25 -- Portland, OR @ Moda Center
Aug 27 -- Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena
Aug 28 -- Sacramento, CA Golden 1 Center
Aug 30 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Forum
Sep 01 -- San Diego, CA @ Viejas Arena
Sep 02 -- Las Vegas, NV @ T-Mobile Arena
Sep 04 -- Salt Lake City, UT @ Vivint Smart Home Arena
Sep 05 -- Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center Arena
Sep 07 -- Boise, ID @ Ford Idaho Center

Published February 23rd, 2018

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Belly share new single "Shiny One"

Belly return this spring with a brand new album titled Dove, their first album in 20 years. They previously shared a preview of a new song titled "Human Child" and now they've unveiled a full song "Shiny One." The track serves as the first official single from Dove. Check it out below:

Dove arrives May 4th and is available to pre-order here.



Published February 23rd, 2018

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Public Image Ltd celebrate 40th anniversary with tour + boxset

Public Image Ltd announced they'll be celebrating their 40th anniversary this summer with an extensive tour titled The Public Image is Rotten: UK/Europe & Japan Tour. As you might guess from the title, the tour routes through U.K., Europe, and Japan and does not include any North American dates. The full itinerary can be viewed here.

The 40th anniversary celebration isn't limited to just a tour however - PiL will be screening the film The Public Image Is Rotten at select theaters later this year. The documentary was directed by superfan Tabbert Fiiller and premiered last year at a handful of film festivals including Tribeca.

A career-spanning boxset also titled The Public Image Is Rotten is set for release later this year. No details have been announced on that yet, but it's expected that further info regarding the boxset will be announced in the coming weeks.

Published February 22nd, 2018

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The Breeders share "Nervous Mary" + premiere Breeders Digest

The Breeders return with their new album All Nerve on March 2nd. To date the band released two songs from the album - "Wait In The Car" and the title track. Today the band shared the album opener, "Nervous Mary" which is available to stream below. The band has also launched Breeders Digest, a personalized playlist generator on Spotify. Learn more about that here.

All Nerve is The Breeders first album since reuniting in 2014 and features the classic Last Splash lineup: Kim and Kelley Deal, Josephine Wiggs and Jim Macpherson. The track album was primarily recorded by Mike Montgomery at Candyland in Dayton, Kentucky with additional recordings by Greg Norman at Electrical Audio in Chicago.

Pre-order All Nerve here.



The Breeders - North American tour

Apr 05 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Theatre at Ace Hotel
Apr 06 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Theatre at Ace Hotel
Apr 07 -- Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
Apr 08 -- San Francisco, CA @ The Masonic
Apr 10 -- Portland, OR @ McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
Apr 11 -- Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
Apr 13 -- Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
Apr 15 -- Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
Apr 16 -- Salt Lake City, UT @ The Grand at The Complex
Apr 18 -- Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
Apr 19 -- Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theatre
Apr 21 -- Austin, TX @ Emo's
Apr 22 -- Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
Apr 23 -- Houston, TX @ House of Blues
Apr 25 -- Birmingham, AL @ Iron City
Apr 26 -- Nashville, TN @ Cannery Ballroom
Apr 30 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
May 01 -- New York, NY @ Terminal 5
May 02 -- Port Chester, NY @ Capitol Theatre
May 04 -- Boston, MA @ House of Blues
May 05 -- Montreal, QC @ Corona Theatre
May 06 -- Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre
May 08 -- Chicago, IL @ Vic Theater
May 09 -- Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
May 11 -- Kansas City, MO @ The Truman
May 13 -- Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue

Published February 22nd, 2018

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Say Hello, Wave Goodbye: Soft Cell reunite one final time

Soft Cell announced they're getting back together for one final show. Marc Almond and Dave Ball announced the reunion will be a one-night only affair September 30th at the O2 Arena in London. And of course they're calling the reunion Say Hello, Wave Goodbye!

Marc Almond told NME:

"This last ever final show will be the best ever ending. It will be a real statement and send off, and thank you to every fan."

Soft Cell originally broke up in 1984 but reunited several times in the 00s. This time it appears they'll close the door on Soft Cell forever.

So there you are one night one big final SC party. A wild Celebration. I seriously believed we never would. All the love goes into this

— Marc Almond (@MarcAlmond) February 21, 2018

Published February 22nd, 2018

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Remembering Tony Wilson

The legendary broadcaster, music mogul, and Factory kingpin Tony Wilson was born on this day in 1955. Wilson aka Mr. Manchester introduced the world to soon-to-be iconic bands on his television programs. And he made more than a significant mark on music history with Factory Records and the Hacienda, putting Manchester atop the music scene. Music just wouldn't be the same without him. Wilson died in 2007, but spent his 57 years making the world a musically rich place, and his musical and cultural revolution will always live on.

Happy Birthday to the biggest Manchester legend - Tony Wilson.

Ryder and the Mondays were among his discoveries, along with the likes of Joy Division and latterly New Order.

"This is Manchester, we do things differently here" pic.twitter.com/vLhZegIEkU

— Factory Manchester (@FAC251) February 20, 2018

Published February 20th, 2018

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Radiohead announce North American tour; play Detroit

Radiohead announced new dates for a North American tour which brings the Oxford heroes to the Midwest and East Coast this summer. The sixteen date tour will see Radiohead playing two nights in many of the cities on the tour; Detroit was lucky enough to snag one show, which takes place July 22nd at Little Caesars Arena. This will be Radiohead's first Detroit area gig since 2012.

A limited number of tickets for each date on the tour go on sale through W.A.S.T.E. starting Wednesday, February 21st at 9pm ET. The general onsale for the tour is February 23rd or February 24th depending on the city. The general onsale for the Detroit show is Friday, February 23rd at 11am ET.

For more details on the tour and onsale info, click here.

Meanwhile Jonny Greenwood continues to compose music for films. Last month he received an Oscar nomination for his work on the Phantom Thread soundtrack, and this week Greenwood announced that his score for Lynne Ramsay’s You Were Never Really Here will be released digitally March 9th on Invada Records/Lakeshore Records.



Radiohead - North American tour

Jul 07 -- Chicago, IL @ United Center
Jul 10 -- New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
Jul 11 -- New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
Jul 13 -- New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
Jul 16 -- Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
Jul 17 -- Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
Jul 19 -- Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
Jul 20 -- Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
Jul 22 -- Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena
Jul 23 -- Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center
Jul 25 -- Cincinnati, OH @ US Bank Arena
Jul 26 -- Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
Jul 28 -- Boston, MA @ TD Garden
Jul 29 -- Boston, MA @ TD Garden
Jul 31 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
Aug 01 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center

Published February 20th, 2018

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Classic Alternative - Episode #43: Fade Out

Presenting Classic Alternative - Episode #43: Fade Out

Rock it old school with the latest episode of Time Warp.

Stream below and check out the full Time Warp archive here:


Music news stories from the past week

Hacienda DJ Dave Haslam memoir: Music, Manchester and More
Morrissey kicks off U.K. tour in Aberdeen
Liam Gallagher Godlike Genius performance and interview
Morrissey 'Alone and Palely Loitering' photo book
Ride return with 4 song EP 'Tomorrow's Shore'
David Bowie's 'Aladdin Sane' 45th anniversary silver edition vinyl
David J shares "Thoughts And Prayers"
Liam Gallagher crowned NME's Godlike Genius
Smashing Pumpkins announce The Shiny and Oh So Bright reunion tour
Smashing Pumpkins issue statement on D'Arcy Wretzky; Wretzky fires back
Mark E. Smith's soulmate and manager pens heartbreaking tribute

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Hacienda DJ Dave Haslam memoir: 'Music, Manchester and More'

Legendary Hacienda DJ Dave Haslam has written a memoir. Haslam details his memories of Manchester's magical musical scene in the 80s and early 90s, with stories about Factory/Hacienda luminaries and many of the bands who played at the club, including The Stone Roses, New Order, The Smiths, Happy Mondays, Spiritualized, Sonic Youth, and more. Haslam told Manchester Evening News that while he was DJing at the club he kept a diary, and the diary turned out to be a tremendous help in allowing him to recall details from a variety of events from back in the day.

Haslam also revealed that he's pulling no punches and will be offering a truthful view of how things really were:

"I have reached an age where I have no reason not to talk honestly about things. When you are young you feel you have to be careful about your image."

The memoir, Sonic Youth Slept On My Floor; Music, Manchester and More is set for release on May 24th. Read more about the memoir here and catch up with Dave Haslam here.







Published February 18th, 2018

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Morrissey kicks off U.K. tour in Aberdeen

Morrissey kicked off his U.K. tour in support of Low In High School this weekend. The legend appeared to be not only in good form but also in excellent spirits as he took time to sign autographs before launching into his encore on February 16th.

View fan filmed video from the February 16th tour kickoff in Aberdeen, Scotland below, plus a quick glimpse of Moz getting off his tour bus before being whisked away into a hotel:



"I may grow older, I will never cave in..."











Published February 18th, 2018

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Liam Gallagher 'Godlike Genius' performance + interview

Liam Gallagher was crowned Godlike Genius at this year's NME Awards, which were held in London this week. NME caught up with Gallagher for a Godlike Genius interview plus shared five songs from Gallagher's performance at the ceremony.

Check it all out below:













Published February 18th, 2018

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'Morrissey: Alone and Palely Loitering' photo book

Morrissey is the subject of a new photo book by legendary photographer Kevin Cummins. Cummins is well known for his iconic shots of Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, The Stone Roses, The Fall, and so many more. Morrissey: Alone and Palely Loitering features era-defining and unseen intimate portraits of Morrissey taken between 1983 through 1994, along with a discussion about working with Moz, photos of fan tattoos; and an essay on music, tattoos, and permanence.

The 256 page hardcover edition of Morrissey: Alone and Palely Loitering will be published by Cassell in the U.K. on September 6th and will be released in North America on October 2nd. Read the listing for the book below and pre-order here.

Meanwhile Morrissey returns to the stage tonight in Aberdeen, Scotland as he kicks off a nine-date tour of the U.K. and Ireland.

"This is Morrissey as you've never seen him before. Featuring many previously unpublished photographs, Morrissey: Alone and Palely Loitering is a portrait of Morrissey at his creative peak. Journey through hundreds of Kevin Cummins' renowned, era-defining images, taken over a ten-year period in locations all over the world, accompanied by recollections from the author on his time with Morrissey and the artistic process of collaborating with him. Intimate, creative and surprising, this is a document of an artist at the height of his powers.

Ranging from unseen intimate portraits and on-tour reportage to boisterous on-stage pictures taken during live performances around the world, the photographs in this book were taken between 1983 and 1994, when Morrissey was creating some of his best-loved work."

Published February 16th, 2018

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Ride release 'Tomorrow's Shore' EP + premiere "Catch You Dreaming" video

As previously reported, Ride returned today with a new EP titled Tomorrow's Shore. The EP was produced by Erol Alkan, who worked with the Oxford legends on their 2017 reunion album Weather Diaries. The EP features four songs including the previously released "Pulsar," which was issued as a one-off single in late 2017. Ride premiered the official video of "Catch You Dreaming" today which you can check out below.

Tonight Ride celebrate the release of Tomorrow's Shore with a show at the University of London. The gig will be an emotional one - the band last played the venue 28 years ago! Ride will be documenting the momentous occasion with an Instastory which will be updated here.



Published February 16th, 2018

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David Bowie's 'Aladdin Sane' 45th anniversary silver edition

A silver vinyl edition of David Bowie's Aladdin Sane will be released April 20th to mark the album's 45th anniversary. The limited edition run will feature the 2013 remastered mix of the album and will only be available at record stores (not available online).

Meanwhile the week prior, April 13th, CHANGESTWOBOWIE will be reissued. Remastered editions of the compilation will be available on CD, digital album download, and vinyl. The initial run will be pressed on black and blue vinyl; later editions will be black vinyl.

For more details on both Bowie releases, visit the official website here.



Published February 15th, 2018

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David J shares "Thoughts And Prayers"

David J Haskins of Bauhaus/Love and Rockets shared a new song today titled "Thoughts And Prayers." Haskins reveals he wrote the acoustic song this morning in frustration after yesterday's tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Check out "Thoughts And Prayers" below:



Published February 15th 2018

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Liam Gallagher crowned NME's Godlike Genius

Liam Gallagher was crowned Godlike Genius at this year's NME Awards, which were held in London this week.

In a pre-awards interview Gallagher said he's always thought he's been godlike and revealed that he plans to go in the studio later this year to make more music. He told NME that this time he'll be under less pressure. As for what fans can expect musically from Liam:

"I don't want to reinvent the wheel, I don't want to do cosmic pop, I don't want to make a grime record. I want to make good music with a rock and roll kind of vibe."

Gallagher's performance from the NME Awards is not available to view, but check out his acceptance speech plus a live version of "Some Might Say" that he performed recently Radio X below.

FYI: Noel Gallagher received the Godlike Genius award from NME in 2012.

UPDATE: Godlike Genius performance video is available to view here.









Published February 15th, 2018

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Detroit Concert Calendar

An updated list of upcoming shows coming through the Detroit area

FEBRUARY

Feb 19 -- Celebrating David Bowie @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
Feb 24 -- American Nightmare @ Magic Stick

MARCH

Mar 04 -- Tune-Yards @ Majestic Theatre
Mar 04 -- Fleshtones @ Outer Limits Lounge
Mar 08 -- George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic @ Motor City Soundboard
Mar 11 -- Howard Jones (solo) @ Saint Andrew's Hall
Mar 14 -- Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark @ Majestic
Mar 18 -- Clan Of Xymox @ El Club
Mar 21 -- Electric Six (unplugged) @ Smalls
Mar 23 -- Electric Six @ Blind Pig
Mar 23 -- The Foreign Resort @ Phog Lounge (Windsor)
Mar 24 -- Adult. @ El Club
Mar 29 -- Shopping w/ Tyvek @ Marble Bar
Mar 31 -- The Black Angels + Black Lips @ Majestic
Mar 31 -- Wolf Alice @ The Shelter

APRIL

Apr 03 -- The English Beat @ The Ark
Apr 03 -- Cut Copy @ Majestic Theatre
Apr 05 -- Jeff Tweedy @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
Apr 05 -- Albert Hammond Jr @ Magic Bag
Apr 05 -- Dashboard Confessional @ Saint Andrew's Hall
Apr 10 -- Ty Segall @ Majestic Theatre
Apr 11 -- Cigarettes After Sex @ Majestic Theatre
Apr 13 -- Guided By Voices @ Blind Pig
Apr 19 -- Jack White @ Little Caesars Arena
Apr 21 -- John Waters/L7 @ El Club

MAY

May 02 -- Modest Mouse @ Fillmore Detroit
May 03 -- Modest Mouse @ Fillmore Detroit
May 03 -- Peter Hook @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
May 09 -- Sunflower Bean @ Pike Room
May 10 -- Brian Jonestown Massacre @ Majestic Theatre
May 14 -- The Fratellis @ Majestic Theatre
May 19 -- Helmet w/ Prong @ St. Andrew's Hall
May 25 -- The Decemberists @ Hill Auditorium
May 26 -- Movement @ Hart Plaza
May 27 -- Movement @ Hart Plaza
May 28 -- Movement @ Hart Plaza
May 29 -- Suuns @ El Club

JUNE

Jun 08 -- Stephen Malkmus @ The Jicks @ Magic Stick
Jun 20 -- Sloan @ St. Andrew's Hall
Jun 22 -- Chromeo @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
Jun 22 -- Iceage @ El Club

JULY

Jul 05 -- The War On Drugs @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
Jul 13 -- Pixies w/Weezer @ DTE
Jul 22 -- Radiohead @ Little Caesars Arena

AUGUST

Aug 03 -- The Melvins @ El Club
Aug 05 -- The Smashing Pumpkins @ Little Caesars Arena
Aug 07 -- Pedro The Lion @ The Loving Touch
Aug 10 -- David Byrne @ Fox Theatre

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The Smashing Pumpkins announce 'The Shiny And Oh So Bright' reunion tour

The Smashing Pumpkins announced details behind their reunion tour today. The Shiny And Oh So Bright Tour features original members Billy Corgan, James Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlin performing songs from Gish, Siamese Dream, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, Adore, and Machina. As reported previously original bassist D'Arcy Wretzky will not be participating in the tour and the Pumpkins announced today that Jeff Schroeder will be handling bass duties.

The Detroit stop takes place August 5th at Little Caesars Arena and the general onsale for tickets is Friday, February 23rd. For more details on the tour, visit the official Smashing Pumpkins website.

Watch the trailer and full itinerary for the tour below:



The Smashing Pumpkins - The Shiny And So Bright Tour

Jul 12 -- Glendale, AZ @ Gila River Arena
Jul 14 -- Oklahoma City, OK @ Chesapeake Energy Arena
Jul 16 -- Austin, TX @ Frank Erwin Center
Jul 17 -- Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
Jul 18 -- Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
Jul 20 -- Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
Jul 21 -- Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Centre
Jul 22 -- Atlanta, GA @ Infinite Energy Arena
Jul 24 -- Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena
Jul 25 -- Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena
Jul 27 -- Baltimore, MD @ Royal Farms Arena
Jul 28 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
Jul 29 -- Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
Jul 31 -- Boston, MA @ TD Garden
Aug 01 -- New York City, NY @ Madison Square Garden Arena
Aug 04 -- Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
Aug 05 -- Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena
Aug 07 -- Montreal, QC @ Centre Bell
Aug 08 -- Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
Aug 11 -- Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center
Aug 13 -- Chicago, IL @ United Center
Aug 16 -- Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
Aug 17 -- Indianapolis, IN @ Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Aug 19 -- St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
Aug 20 -- Omaha, NE @ Centurylink Center
Aug 21 -- Sioux Falls, SD @ Denny Sanford Premier Center
Aug 24 -- Seattle, WA @ Key Arena
Aug 25 -- Portland, OR @ Moda Center
Aug 27 -- Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena
Aug 28 -- Sacramento, CA Golden 1 Center
Aug 30 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Forum
Sep 01 -- San Diego, CA @ Viejas Arena
Sep 02 -- Las Vegas, NV @ T-Mobile Arena
Sep 04 -- Salt Lake City, UT @ Vivint Smart Home Arena
Sep 05 -- Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center Arena
Sep 07 -- Boise, ID @ Ford Idaho Center

Published February 15th, 2018

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The Smashing Pumpkins issue statement on D'arcy Wretzky; Wretzky fires back

The Smashing Pumpkins are about to announce details behind their new album and tour featuring original members Billy Corgan, James Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlin. As previously reported the reunion will not include original bassist D'Arcy Wretzky.

Wretzky announced last month that she was not part of the reunion because the Smashing Pumpkins decided to use another bass player. This week Wretzky revealed to Blast Echo that initially she was planning to join her bandmates in the studio to record one new song in January, but apparently plans changed without anyone telling her and she found out about the secret recording session with her ex-bandmates only after Corgan posted a picture on Instagram. She also claims that she had an offer to join the reunion at one point but the offer was later rescinded by Billy Corgan.

Read more of Wretzky's comments about the situation here.

The Smashing Pumpkins have now issued their own statement on the situation with Wretzky, claiming they've attempted to include her in the reunion and has "repeatedly been invited out to play with the group, participate in demo sessions, or at the very least, meet face-to-face, and in each and every instance, she always deferred" participation. Read the Smashing Pumpkins statement on the matter over at NME.

UPDATE: Wretzky has opened up about her dealings with Corgan in another interview, claiming he's blown her off several times over the years, claims he's not mentally well and "needs an MRI." Read more about that here.

The Smashing Pumpkins are poised to announce their reunion officially on Thursday and a countdown clock is ticking down over at the official Smashing Pumpkins website. The countdown ends on Thursday, February 15th at noon and it's expected that the reunion tour and/or reunion album will officially be announced at that time.

So far the replacement bass player for the Smashing Pumpkins has not been announced though it's widely rumored to be Jack Bates (Peter Hook's son) who currently plays in Hooky's band The Light.

Published February 13th, 2018

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Mark E. Smith's soulmate + manager shares heartbreaking tribute

The legendary Mark E. Smith died January 24th. His manager, partner, and soul mate Pamela Vander has now shared the utterly devastating details behind Smith's death and revealed he had lung and kidney cancer. Smith remained positive throughout and was determined to fight his illness, alas his health ultimately deteriorated rapidly in January and he died at home with Vander at his side.

Read Vander's heartbreaking account and tribute to Smith via Instagram below.

Smith was cremated and laid to rest at the Blackley Crematorium on February 7th. Afterwards at Smith's wake a massive brawl reportedly broke out with bottles flying and mass panic in a mad escape to flee the pandemonium. Read the alleged account in the Manchester Evening News here. If the report is true, one has to think Smith would have loved this most proper sendoff.

Hello all. Wasn’t gonna break the silence as I’ve been madly focused on planning Mark’s funeral service which had to be fit for a king, because that’s how I saw him. Now I don’t really know what to do or say anymore as everything has stopped. But feel it’s only right to let you all know what was really going on with Mark E. Smith, and how much he fought to stay here.

I can confirm that Mark was battling lung and kidney cancer, which had already spread beyond any real help. I mean, it was all finally rolling again for Mark, and the cruelty and timing of what happened... well, I don’t understand it. He was happy and excited and we’d found a second home a couple of years back, moved in, set up shop. Total privacy. He loved it there, wrote a lot, walked in the garden, we watched films. He was full of fresh ideas for The Fall, and the lads had his back 100% on everything. And then one terrifying diagnosis turned everything upside down.

After that, Mark said yes to every treatment, every way to stay here, and I can honestly say that he was the toughest but most loving man I’ve ever known, a real warrior. And I am so proud of him for trying so hard, for trying harder and harder even through every set-back. Pure valiance. True to himself. His mind was getting stronger and stronger so even with diagnosis, we remained hopeful that maybe something would work. He was a positive force, and despite the pain, he was always focused on getting up, and getting out. Right til the end.

It all went downhill whilst in hospital a few weeks back. It was terrifying. I can’t put it any other way. I’m sorry. It was all so fast. Still a blur. Mark was at home with me when he passed, just the two of us alone which is what he wanted. He was at peace in the end. The nurses tell me to take comfort in that, we got home, his last wish. But it’s too shocking, the speed of it all. It feels... too cruel right now. But maybe it is my duty to Mark to pass on a message and let people know that he was fighting so fucking hard... and even though he’s not here, I know what he would say to all his friends, fans and admirers... ‘I love you all but cannot embrace you all’

So thank-you, near and far, for being fans of Mark E. Smith. For loving him and believing in him and his sounds and visions. We have lost a genius. Life, the written word and music will never, ever be the same. But we will feel Mark whenever it rains, and whenever the music plays.

From a personal point of view it’s hard to breathe. I’ve lost my soulmate, the love of my life. We were just happy to be with each other, even in silence. But now the silence is like hell. The pain is unbelievable. We had so many incredible days & nights, so many plans... but I’m not angry, I’m proud that Mark tried so hard for us. He really gave it his all. The bravest man I’ve ever and will ever know. And the funniest. I love you my man, my king, my Mark. I’ll love you forever.

Always yours, Pam

PART ONE: Hello all. Wasn’t gonna break the silence as I’ve been madly focused on planning Mark’s funeral service which had to be fit for a king, because that’s how I saw him. Now I don’t really know what to do or say anymore as everything has stopped. But feel it’s only right to let you all know what was really going on with Mark E. Smith, and how much he fought to stay here. I can confirm that Mark was battling lung and kidney cancer, which had already spread beyond any real help. I mean, it was all finally rolling again for Mark, and the cruelty and timing of what happened... well, I don’t understand it. He was happy and excited and we’d found a second home a couple of years back, moved in, set up shop. Total privacy. He loved it there, wrote a lot, walked in the garden, we watched films. He was full of fresh ideas for The Fall, and the lads had his back 100% on everything. And then one terrifying diagnosis turned everything upside down. After that, Mark said yes to every treatment, every way to stay here, and I can honestly say that he was the toughest but most loving man I’ve ever known, a real warrior. And I am so proud of him for trying so hard, for trying harder and harder even through every set-back. Pure valiance. True to himself. His mind was getting stronger and stronger so even with diagnosis, we remained hopeful that maybe something would work. He was a positive force, and despite the pain, he was always focused on getting up, and getting out. Right til the end.

A post shared by Pamela Vander (@pamela_vander) on Feb 12, 2018 at 12:26pm PST

PART TWO: It all went downhill whilst in hospital a few weeks back. It was terrifying. I can’t put it any other way. I’m sorry. It was all so fast. Still a blur. Mark was at home with me when he passed, just the two of us alone which is what he wanted. He was at peace in the end. The nurses tell me to take comfort in that, we got home, his last wish. But it’s too shocking, the speed of it all. It feels... too cruel right now. But maybe it is my duty to Mark to pass on a message and let people know that he was fighting so fucking hard... and even though he’s not here, I know what he would say to all his friends, fans and admirers... ‘I love you all but cannot embrace you all’ So thank-you, near and far, for being fans of Mark E. Smith. For loving him and believing in him and his sounds and visions. We have lost a genius. Life, the written word and music will never, ever be the same. But we will feel Mark whenever it rains, and whenever the music plays. From a personal point of view it’s hard to breathe. I’ve lost my soulmate, the love of my life. We were just happy to be with each other, even in silence. But now the silence is like hell. The pain is unbelievable. We had so many incredible days & nights, so many plans... but I’m not angry, I’m proud that Mark tried so hard for us. He really gave it his all. The bravest man I’ve ever and will ever know. And the funniest. I love you my man, my king, my Mark. I’ll love you forever. Always yours, Pam

A post shared by Pamela Vander (@pamela_vander) on Feb 12, 2018 at 12:27pm PST

Published February 12th, 2018

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Classic Alternative - Episode #42: Disquiet

Presenting Classic Alternative - Episode #42: Disquiet

Rock it old school with a new streaming episode of Time Warp.

Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.

As I've mentioned previously on social media, the last couple of weeks there have been some issues with streaming in the United States.

I've re-uploaded the first half of Episode #42 and it appears to be streaming currently without issue, though all bets are off on how long it will work. If you're in the U.S. try streaming the "Side A" version of the show directly below (those outside of the U.S. should be able to stream either version).

Despite several attempts and several uploads, the second half of the episode will not stream in the U.S. and I have pulled it down. I have no further plans to re-upload the second half of the episode.

FIRST HALF:



FULL SHOW FOR THOSE OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.


Music news stories from the week

Peter Hook on Factory, New Order's Republic + music history
Noel Gallagher kicks off tour in Detroit
Belly previews single from new LP Dove
Depeche Mode announce final 'Global Spirit' North American shows
Watch Jay Leno teach John Lydon how to drive
Video: Noel Gallagher plays Fallon
The Breeders share Kim Deal acoustic video
David Bowie songs used for historic space flight
Peter Murphy postpones residency
Peter Hook announces Technique + Republic tour
Robert Smith curates 25th edition of Meltdown
Video: Slowdive live session
Sloan premiere single, announce new LP + tour

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Peter Hook on Factory, New Order's 'Republic' + music history

Peter Hook debuts his Technique/Republic tour this September with a trio of dates in London, Manchester, and Glasgow. In promotion of the U.K. dates Hook appeared on BBC Radio in Manchester and chatted it up with Mike Sweeney. During the discussion Hooky talked about the early 90s era of New Order:

"Republic and Technique, they celebrated the acid house explosion, which obviously changed Manchester and the world culturally, there's parts of that in there, so there are some very good memories and some very bad memories with both, because that's when Factory went bust...

The thing is we were struggling internally, shall we say, so it was quite upheaval for us, but we'd been put through all the trials and tribulations of the Hacienda, and all the trials and tribulations of Factory, and to have the whole thing on our shoulders as it was with Republic was not fair...I mean it's amazing that we actually made a good record -- not my favorite New Order record, I have to say, but it was our best selling album of ours in America. Now take from that what you will, but the thing is it was more popular in America than it was in England, but they're both have a place in history, and I'm delighted to have got there"

Sweeney asked Hook about the early Factory days and if they realized they were creating one of the most important and influential eras of music history:

"It was wonderful it was like being on the crest of a wave, it's amazing really. The thing is you don't realize what you're doing while you're doing it. You know the most wonderful thing in the world is to do it for the right reasons, and to succeed at doing it.

The wonderful things that Rob Gretton and Tony Wilson did when we started, everybody knows the story, New Order supported all of Manchester for 16 years and entertained them...it's great to be an ambassador for that moment which did change the world culturally."

Stream the full interview with Peter Hook here.

Though the Technique/Republic tour debuts this year, he isn't done touring Substance yet. Hooky brings his Joy Division/New Order Substance tour to North America this spring with a show at the Royal Oak Music Theatre on May 3rd. Tickets are available here.

Peter Hook - Substance tour

Apr 24 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
Apr 27 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
Apr 28 -- Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
Apr 30 -- Montreal, QC @ Theatre Fairmount
May 01 -- Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall
May 03 -- Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
May 04 -- Chicago, IL @ Metro
May 05 -- Madison, WI @ Majestic Theater
May 07 -- Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
May 08 -- Vancouver, BC @ Venue
May 10 -- Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre
May 11 -- Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
May 12 -- San Francisco, CA @ Warfield
May 14 -- Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl
May 15 -- Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall
May 17 -- Phoenix, AZ @ Van Buren
May 18 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Wiltern*
May 19 -- San Diego, CA @ House Of Blues
May 21 -- Sacramento, CA @ Ace Of Spades
May 22 -- Dallas, TX @ Granada
May 23 -- Austin, TX @ Mohawk
May 25 -- Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle
May 26 -- Knoxville, TN @ The Mill & Mine
May 27 -- Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
May 29 -- Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
May 30 -- San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
May 31 -- Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
Jun 02 -- West Palm Beach, FL @ Respectable Street
Jun 03 -- Orlando, FL @ Plaza Live
Jun 04 -- St. Petersburg, FL @ State Theatre

Published February 11th, 2018

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Video: Noel Gallagher kicks off tour in Detroit

Noel Gallagher kicked off his world tour in support of Who Built The Moon? last night in Detroit. Mother nature dumped a foot of snow on Detroit, however that (mostly) didn't faze the Chief as he delivered an exceptional show with his incredible band.

The highlight of the night was the first song of Gallagher's encore - the brilliant performance of "Dead In The Water" - the standout (bonus) track from the deluxe edition of Who Built The Moon? Enjoy video of the performance courtesy of Matthew Cripsey.

"Detroit City.
Negative 8 (as the natives say!)
Brutal.
See you later(should we all still be alive!)"
✌🏽✂️ (NG) pic.twitter.com/n3FXlxJuKw

— Noel Gallagher (@NoelGallagher) February 9, 2018

3/3
Soundcheck at the Scottish Rite Cathedral Theatre, Masonic Temple Detroit, US Feb 9th 2018
Photography by Sharon Latham @snappershaz https://t.co/CJeQ2tbWhj pic.twitter.com/w0AInCVTR7

— Noel Gallagher (@NoelGallagher) February 10, 2018

Setlist

Fort Knox
Holy Mountain
Keep On Reaching
It's A Beautiful World
Heat Of The Moment
Riverman
Ballad Of The Mighty I
Dream On
If I Had A Gun
The Importance Of Being Idle
Little By Little
She Taught Me How To Fly
Careful What You Wish For
Black And White Sunshine
Half The World Away
Wonderwall
AKA...What A Life

Encore

Dead In The Water
Go Let It Out
Don't Look Back In Anger
All You Need Is Love

Published February 10th, 2018

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Belly preview music from new LP 'Dove'

Belly reunited in 2015 and this spring they're back with their first new music since 1995. The band's third studio album is titled Dove and is set for a May 4th release.

This week the band shared a preview of the studio version of the first single "Human Child" (they premiered the song live while on tour in 2016). Check out a snippet of "Human Child" below via NME and pre-order Dove through Belly's Pledge Music campaign here.

pic.twitter.com/YiXtzRF7gx

— Belly (@bellytheband) February 7, 2018

Published February 10th, 2018

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Depeche Mode brings 'Global Spirit' tour back to North America

Depeche Mode have announced a final string of North American dates in support of their album Spirit. The tour bypasses Detroit, however a few dates are in road-tripping distance, including dates in Chicago and Toronto.

Tickets for the tour go on sale Friday, February 16th. The Ticketmaster Verified Fan pre-sale starts February 12th (register to become a Ticketmaster Verified Fan by February 10th), and a Citi presale starts February 12th. Head here for more details on the pre-sales.

Depeche Mode - North American tour

May 22 -- Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center
May 24 -- Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center
May 27 -- San Antonio, TX @ AT & T Center
May 29 -- Tulsa, OK @ BoK Center
Jun 01 -- Chicago, IL @ United Center
Jun 03 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
Jun 06 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center
Jun 09 -- Boston, MA @ TD Garden
Jun 11 -- Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre

Published February 8th, 2018

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Noel Gallagher plays Fallon in advance of world tour

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last night in advance of this Friday's tour kickoff in Detroit. Check out the band (yes, including the scissors player, Charlotte Marionneau) performing "It's A Beautiful World" below:

Don't miss the tour in support of Who Built The Moon? at the Masonic Temple tomorrow. Tickets are available here.



Noel Gallagher - North American tour

Feb 09 -- Detroit, MI @ Scottish Rite Cathedral Theatre/Masonic Temple
Feb 10 -- Columbus, OH @ Express Live!
Feb 12 -- Washington, DC @ The Anthem
Feb 13 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Merriam Theater, Kimmel Center
Feb 15 -- New York, NY @ Radio City Music Hall
Feb 17 -- Boston, MA @ Boston Opera House
Feb 18 -- Montreal, QC @ Place des Arts
Feb 20 -- Toronto, ON @ Sony Centre
Feb 23 -- Akron, OH @ Goodyear Theater
Feb 24 -- Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theatre
Feb 25 -- Indianapolis, IN @ Murat Theatre/Old National Centre
Feb 27 -- Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
Feb 28 -- Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle
Mar 02 -- New Orleans, LA @ Orpheum Theatre
Mar 03 -- Houston, TX @ House Of Blues
Mar 05 -- Austin, TX @ The Moody Theater
Mar 06 -- Dallas/Fort Worth @ Majestic Theatre
Mar 09 -- Las Vegas, NV @ The Chelsea/The Cosmopolitan
Mar 10 -- San Francisco @ Fox Theater
Mar 12 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Orpheum Theatre
Mar 13 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Orpheum Theatre
Mar 17 -- Mexico City, MX @ Vive Latino

Published February 8th, 2018

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