JOE WALSH: Yard Sale Joe Walsh is cleaning house, as he's teamed with Julien’s Auctions for the Life’s Been Good
sale of more than 800 items from his personal collection, including guitars, cars, amps, radios, stage wardrobe and more. In advance of the auction on December 16th and 17th in Los Angeles, Julien’s is selling two exclusive limited-edition box sets, each with a collectible card that plays Walsh’s 1979 song “Life’s Been Good” when opened. Each box is individually numbered, and inside are the auction's catalog hand-signed by Walsh and a surprise gift personally designed by him. It will cost you $600, and you can reserve it at Store.JuliensAuctions.com. Or you can save $200 and buy the Limited Edition Print Box Set for $400. It includes the two-volume signed book.
A portion of the proceeds from the box sets will be donated to VetsAid, the non-profit charity Walsh formed in 2017 to support a variety of national and regional veterans-based charities.
Walsh says, "Wow! Look at all this cool stuff I’ve collected over the years, and it seems to me like it was about time to share it! Some of these items really meant a lot to me, and this is a great way to raise money for VetsAid and to give back to my fans. This auction, and this accompanying Limited Edition Box Set, highlight the pieces, and some of the stories, that have been with me on this wild ride for the last 50 years — and I’m excited to see them all find new homes.” Walsh appeared last night (Monday) as a Mega Mentor on NBC's The Voice.
SMASHING PUMPKINS: Corgan Speaks Highly of Wretzky
In a somewhat surprising movie, Billy Corgan has said some positive things about original
Smashing Pumpkins bassist D'Arcy Wretzky. Seven years ago Corgan talked about a full reunion of the original lineup after guitarist James Iha rejoined, but when discussions with
Wretzky went nowhere he said that reuniting with her would have been like “a [crappy] reality show." Then in a different interview Wretzky described Corgan as “insufferable” and claimed he “had a brain tumor."
In a new Substack post about the 30th anniversary of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
Corgan said, “You know, I don’t often speak on D’Arcy’s contribution, because obviously what went down a few years ago didn’t leave either one of us in the best light. But, I’ve said it before, and I have no problem saying it again. D’Arcy had a way of kind of letting it be known -- stuff that she thought was moving the band forward, or moving the band laterally, or moving the band backwards. And probably, of the four of us, her opinion about those types of things carried more weight. “So her contribution, kind of spiritually, emotionally, I think had a lot to do with the success of the band. So again, I would never take that away from her, because I really did respect her musical opinion.” He added, “We managed to disagree about everything else, but in music, when we would align, it was powerful. And I think that’s what makes a great band, when the four contributing factors of a band can come together."
GRETA VAN FLEET, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: Deliver Us a Part
If you happened to catch the new Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere you might have noticed a couple of familiar faces in the band actor Jeremy Allen White jams with at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey. That on-screen group features Rival Sons singer Jay Buchanan and Jake and Sam Kiszka of Greta Van Fleet. Jake Kiszka told Billboard that it happened through Dave Cobb, who produced Greta Van Fleet's last album, Starcatcher.
Kiszka says Cobb told him that director Scott Cooper was looking for "'a young, sort of hip rock ‘n’ roll band like Greta Van Fleet.' And Dave’s like, 'Well, I know someone… Why don’t we just ask those guys?' Kiszka was impressed by White's singing in the studio when they recorded the tracks for the film. "He did some live vocals, which is incredible; Jay is obviously just a remarkable rock ‘n’ roll singer, so Jeremy came in and stood next to Jay, and it was impressive to see him step up to the plate fearlessly like that." Kiska adds that he did give White some harmonica tips. "I was kind of asked by (Cobb) if I could teach Jeremy a bit of harmonica for the film, so I bought him a chromatic scale of harps to use. I’m not entirely proficient as most harmonica players, but I knew enough from my father playing blues harmonica, so I was able to show him some stuff."
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: You Be the Judge
With the Bruce Springsteen bio-pic, Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, opening in theaters last Friday comes the digital release five songs from the film's soundtrack, all sung by actor Jeremy Allen White who portrays Springsteen. They are "Nebraska," "Atlantic City," "Mansion on the Hill," "Born in the U.S.A." and "I'm on Fire." While it's clear that it's not Springsteen singing, there are parts that will have you wondering. The full soundtrack will be out on December 5th.
Sunday, Bruce made his way that night to The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey where he did a three-song set with E Street Band guitarist Steve Van Zandt and his Disciples of Soul.
It was a benefit for Van Zandt’s TeachRock, a free educational initiative, which brings “sound, stories, and science of music” to kindergarten through 12th grade classrooms. The three songs Springsteen did were a cover of Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes' “I Don’t Wanna Go Home,” a cover of Eddie Floyd’s “Raise Your Hand,” and his own song, “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out.”
Bruce Springsteen Appeared on the Cover of Both 'Time' and 'Newsweek' 50 Years Ago
On October 27, 1975, Bruce Springsteen made history by appearing on the covers of both Time and Newsweek magazines, the first artist to achieve this feat. Time's headline dubbed him "Rock's New Sensation," while Newsweek focused on the "Making of a Rock Star." The covers were orchestrated by Springsteen's manager, Mike Appel, following the success of his album "Born to Run." The publicity generated some backlash against Springsteen, who was reportedly uncomfortable with the attention.
The Doors To Re-Release Award Winning Documentary "When You're Strange"
The Doors are celebrating their 60th anniversary with a re-release of Tom DiCillo's documentary film "When You're Strange." It's been remastered in 4k for the first time and will feature an introduction from John Densmore and Robby Krieger, as well as the exclusive debut of the newly recorded performance of "Riders on the Storm." The film will be released worldwide in theaters on December 4th and 6th. Tickets go on sale this Thursday.
Ringo Starr's First Four Solo Albums Reissued On Vinyl
Ringo Starr's first four albums are being reissued on vinyl. A new limited-edition pressing of "Sentimental Journey" is available on a Yellow color vinyl, while "Beaucoups of Blues" has been pressed on a Baby Blue vinyl. "Ringo" has been released on a Molten Lava color vinyl and "Goodnight Vienna" on a Psychedelic Waves custom color one. In a statement, President and CEO of UMe Bruce Resnikoff said "for decades, Ringo has shaped music and inspired audiences worldwide," adding "we are honored to be entrusted with preserving his body of work." Each vinyl variant is available to purchase through Ringo's official store.
PAUL McCARTNEY: What's Next...
We know that Paul McCartney has been working on new music, and now we know to what extent. In the foreword to his new book, Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run, which will be published November 4th, he writes, “Right now, I have 25 songs that I’m finishing in the next few months, new songs that are interesting.” If and when he records and releases a new album, it will be his first since McCartney III in 2020.
In other McCartney news, a trailer for his new documentary, Man on the Run, has been released. The film, which examines his life after The Beatles broke up in 1970, will premiere on Amazon Prime on February 25th. McCartney is on the road with his Got Back tour making a stop in New Orleans on Wednesday.
ROLLING STONES: 89 = 107
Former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman turned 89 on Friday and he's still keeping busy as he's announced that he'll release a box set next month spanning his solo career. Treasury is a seven-CD, 107-track collection that contains his six albums -- Monkey Grip (1974), Stone Alone (1976), Bill Wyman (1982), Stuff (1992), Back to Basics (2015) and Drive My Car (2024). The seventh disc contains bonus tracks, including 12 unreleased demos, single mixes and single edits. Also included is a booklet with photos from his personal archive and a new interview in which he reflects on his solo career. Treasury will be released on November 28th.
DISTURBED: Takes on Actor
Disturbed singer David Draiman has gotten into it with actor John Cusack. Cusack added his name to the growing list of folks who have criticized Draiman for writing "[Expletive] Hamas" on an Israeli Defence Force (IDF) artillery shell last year. Cusack wrote on X, “Anyone who signs a bomb is psychotic." And Draiman responded, accusing Cusack of standing up for Hamas.
“Hello John Cusack, my old friend. It isn’t psychotic to defend oneself from a genocidal death cult, hell bent on slaughtering you. What’s psychotic, is you defending that genocidal, Jew hating death cult, the way you have for years. You want psychotic? Look in the mirror.” On July 5th, Draiman was booed when he performed at the last Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne
show, Back to the Beginning, in Birmingham, England, and Disturbed's show in Vorst, Belgium was cancelled by Mayor Charles Spapens because he felt it was a security risk as activist groups had announced plans to protest outside the gig. Disturbed wrap up their European tour this Tuesday in Glasgow, Scotland.
Stray Cats Cancel First 2 Shows of US Tour Due to Brian Setzer's 'Serious Illness'
The Stray Cats had to cancel the first two shows of their fall U.S. tour due to singer and guitarist Brian Setzer's serious illness. Setzer expressed his regret in a statement shared on social media. This cancellation follows Setzer's battle with an autoimmune disease earlier this year that affected his ability to play guitar. The band's tour is set to resume in Louisville, Kentucky tonight, and will conclude in Wheatland, California in November. The Stray Cats released two new songs last week, marking their first new music since 2019.
Jon Bon Jovi Thinks His Son Should Play Him In A Biopic...But Not Yet
Biopics are all the rage lately, with artists like Queen, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and more getting the big screen "this is your life" treatment. What about Jon Bon Jovi? He's obviously had a career that almost demands a film, and Jon agrees. He even has someone in mind to play him. In a recent interview with "The Sun," the Bon Jovi front man suggested that his son, Jake Bongiovi, is the perfect choice to portray him in his life story. Jake already has some acting experience, with roles in the films "Rockbottom" and "Sweethearts. But there's one
catch: Jon says his story isn't finished being written just yet. “I’m not in my final chapter yet. I’m living my next chapter." So the younger Bon Jovi's star turn is going to have to wait awhile longer.
Peter Criss Teases Halloween Announcement
Original KISS drummer Peter Criss has something up his sleeve for fans coming this Friday. On his official YouTube channel, the rock legend posted a teaser that didn't offer much, other than to pique fans' interest. The clip shows a rainy city skyline before entering an abandoned warehouse with crates sporting the name "Criss." As lightning flashes and spooky laughter bursts out, a building with the sign "Criss Incorporated" overshadowed by the grinning specter of a cat, appears before fading into the simple date: "October 31, 2025." Two record label names follow, leading to speculation that a new music announcement is forthcoming. Earlier this year, Criss did say he was working on new music, so this is most likely about that.
KINKS: How They Got That Sound
Dave Davies just demonstrated how he got that unforgettable guitar sound for The Kinks' "You Really Got Me." Dave has long said that in 1964, when The Kinks recorded what is arguably their signature song, he achieved his distorted guitar sound by slicing the speaker cone of his amplifier with a razor blade and poking it with a pin. But he recently gave an interview on BBC Radio 4 where he demonstrated what he did. He posted a video of it on the band's Instagram, and it seems a little more destructive than just a razor blade slice. In 1999, "You Really Got Me" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 2004, it landed at number-82 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All-Time and, in 2008, at number-four on its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time.
Davies was in Parsippany, New Jersey this past weekend appearing at the Chiller Theatre Expo alongside Huey Lewis, former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent, former Journey singer
Robert Fleischman and many others. Davies posted video showing some of them chatting in between signing autographs.
IN OTHER NEWS Kelly Osbourne turned 41 Monday and she noted on Instagram that it’s her first birthday without her father Ozzy, who died in July. She says, “Every year the thing I look forward to the most was spending the day with him and the cards he would write to me. Knowing that I will never get one again shatters my heart.” She also shared photos of herself and her father through the years as well as some of the cards.
Peter Frampton will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Frampton Comes Alive! – released in January 1976 – with a special performance on the PBS series Recorded Live at Analog. He will film the episode on November 8th at the Analog Hotel in Nashville.
Judas Priest received keys to Albuquerque, New Mexico by that town’s heavy metal-loving Mayor Tim Keller prior to their show there on October 23rd. Priest and Alice Cooper
wrapped up their tour on Saturday in the Houston suburb of The Woodlands, Texas.
Graham Nash is back home in New York following a European tour. He says, “Made it back home in time to enjoy one of my favorite times of year here. Hard to beat autumn in NYC. I love seeing all the fun decorations people deck out their homes with. Some pretty amazing ones this year! Ran into the very nice [comedic actor] Mike Myers (he’s in a costume)... Just enjoyed being home. And…no cane!” He’s referring to having recently broken his kneecap and having to walk with a cane. And Myers’s brother Paul posted a photo on Instagram of their meeting.
Stephen Stills and Jackson Browne will perform at A Concert for Altadena on January 7th at the Pasadena Civic Center in Pasadena, California. It’s being organized by the band Dawes, who say, “January 7th marks a year to the day that our sweet town got ravaged by the Eaton Fire. We’re organizing a night of music to support the Altadena Builds Back Foundation (part of the Pasadena Community Foundation) — helping rally and rebuild the community that’s given us so much.” Also on the bill are Brandon Flowers from The Killers, Brad Paisley and Everclear.
Two weeks after the death of Ace Frehley, KISS are mourning the loss from liver cancer of Danny Francis, one of their crew members. Paul Stanley says, “His kindness was given to everyone he came in contact with. My condolences to his entire family.” Original KISS drummer Peter Criss adds, “We shared some fun times together and some special times together. One that comes to mind is when Danny's father died, we were on tour, I believe in Australia, and I remember Danny asking could he please come to my room. He wanted to be with me and my wife Gigi because we are spiritual people and he needed that comfort. We felt very blessed he trusted us in his time of need. May you rest in peace Danny. My love and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Rod Stewart and Kenny G. are among the guests on Richard Marx's new album, After Hours, which is due out on January 16th.