by Markmon40 | Mar 27, 2018 | News
Prog visionary Arjen Lucassen’s massive ‘Ayreon Universe’ live DVD/blu-ray release, which documents his first-ever life shows, will be released this Friday, March 30th.
In anticipation of the release, Arjen has just posted a final sneak peek from the performance, which he says is his personal favorite: “And The Druids Turned To Stone.” Watch it here:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR-foGKsus0?iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&autohide=1&playsinline=1&autoplay=0]
Lucassen explains, “This is my own personal favorite: And The Druids Turned To Stone. Mainly because of Damian’s amazing performance, he totally owns the stage here. Despite this being a relatively quiet atmospheric track, for me this was one of the highlights of the show. Hope you agree, enjoy!”
This unique performance features 16 singers, 28 songs, an 8 piece band and a special appearance by Arjen. The duration of the show was more than 2 hours. It was filmed with 30 cameras and will be released on DVD and Blu-ray with 5.1 surround audio, with an extensive list of extras, including a behind-the-scenes documentary with interviews with every singer and musician, and a compilation of the try-out show performed a few weeks earlier.
Two years in the making, Ayreon Universe is a full on rock extravaganza, featuring songs from all Ayreon albums, including 2017’s The Source, plus a few fan favorites from Star One. An amazing array of singers appeared on stage to bring the Ayreon Universe to life: Floor Jansen (Nightwish), Damian Wilson (Headspace), Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian), Tommy Karevik (Kamelot), Anneke van Giersbergen (The Gentle Storm), Marco Hietala (Nightwish), Jonas Renkse (Katatonia), Mike Mills (Toehider), Marcela Bovio (Stream of Passion), Irene Jansen, Robert Soeterboek (Star One), John Jaycee Cuijpers (Praying Mantis), Edward Reekers (ex-Kayak), Jay van Feggelen, Maggy Luyten (Nightmare) and Lisette van den Berg (Scarlet Stories).
by Markmon40 | Mar 26, 2018 | News
YES, one of the biggest bands in prog rock history and true pioneers of the genre, today (March 26) revealed the dates and details for this summer’s 50th Anniversary North American tour titled #YES50: Celebrating 50 Years of YES. Tickets for the 30-plus date outing, which kicks off June 5 and 6 with a two-night engagement at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, IL, will go on sale to the public beginning this Friday, March 30 or Saturday, March 31, with select shows going on sale in early April. A handful of additional dates will be announced soon.
“Much has changed since I joined Yes in 1970, but the core elements of the band have remained consistent,” shares guitarist Steve Howe. “We want to mark this anniversary with a tour that encompasses some of our best-loved work and revisit a few classic pieces that have been lost for a while. We look forward to sharing the 50th anniversary with the fanbase, playing classic songs that celebrate the broad musical style of Yes.”
“I have been blessed to be a member of this amazing band’s rhythm section for the past 46 years, mostly in the company of my great friend Chris Squire, and latterly alongside Chris’ chosen successor, Billy Sherwood, who is receiving recognition for stepping into Chris’ pre-eminent bass and vocals,” says drummer Alan White. “Each night we are pausing to reflect on Chris’ importance to Yes, his desire that we should continue to share Yes music on stages worldwide, and the specific dedication of ‘Onward’ to his huge memory. I’m so grateful to continue to be performing on stages for our dedicated fans and look forward to celebrating our 50th Anniversary in America. It has been a great ride!”
“Being a member of the band during its 50th anniversary is a privilege and honor,” adds Geoff Downes (keys). “It is awe-inspiring to reflect on the caliber and invention of the musicians who have forged the legacy of Yes since 1968, always pushing the boundaries. Playing on stage with founder member Tony Kaye to launch the 50th anniversary [on this year’s Cruise to the Edge] was a wonderful experience for the band and our fans, to whom we dedicate this special tour.”
During this summer’s “Evening with YES” shows, YES–Steve Howe (guitar since 1970), Alan White (drums since 1972), Geoff Downes (keyboards; first joined in 1980), Jon Davison (vocals since 2011) and Billy Sherwood (guitar/keyboards in the 1990s and the late Chris Squire’s choice to take over bass/vocals in 2015)–will perform a special classic hits concert to commemorate the landmark occasion.
The cross-country trek will take the 2017 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees to Kansas City, Denver, Los Angeles (June 19 at the Ford Theater), San Jose, Detroit, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Boston, Staten Island, Philadelphia, Washington, DC and Orlando, among many other cities, before wrapping July 28 in Atlanta. See below for full list of tour dates and go to www.yesworld.com for ticketing information.
DATE CITY VENUE
Tue 6/5 St. Charles, IL Arcada Theatre
Wed 6/6 St. Charles, IL Arcada Theatre
^Fri 6/8 New Buffalo, MI Four Winds Casino Ballroom
^Sun 6/10 Kansas City, MO Midland Theatre
^Mon 6/11 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre
^Wed 6/13 Boise, ID CenturyLink Arena
~Thu 6/14 Woodinville, WA Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
-Sat 6/16 Bakersfield, CA Spectrum Amphitheater
-Sun 6/17 Anaheim, CA City National Grove of Anaheim
-Tue 6/19 Los Angeles, CA Ford Theatre
-Wed 6/20 San Jose, CA City National Civic
+Fri 6/22 Wendover, NV Peppermill Casino Hall
Sat 6/23 Laughlin, NV Edgewater Hotel & Casino
^Sun 6/24 Temecula, CA Pechanga Resort & Casino
*Thu 6/28 Interlochen, MI Kresge Auditorium
Fri 6/29 Grand Rapids, MI 20 Monroe Live
-Sat 6/30 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
^Mon 7/2 Cincinnati, OH PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center
Thu 7/5 Pittsburgh, PA Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall
~Fri 7/6 Jim Thorpe, PA Penn’s Peak
Sat 7/7 Montclair, NJ The Wellmont Theater
^Tue 7/10 Boston, MA The Wilbur Theatre
^Wed 7/11 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
^Sat 7/14 Atlantic City, NJ Tropicana Casino
^Sun 7/15 Staten Island, NY St. George Theatre
Tue 7/17 Peekskill, NY Paramount Hudson Valley
^Wed 7/18 Westbury, NY Theatre at Westbury
^Fri 7/20 Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore
^Sat 7/21 Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore
Mon 7/23 Washington, DC Warner Theatre
Thu 7/26 Clearwater, FL Capitol Theatre
Fri 7/27 Orlando, FL The Plaza Live
^Sat 7/28 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Symphony Hall
Ticket on sale dates:
^ Friday, March 30
~ Saturday, March 31
+ Tuesday, April 3
– Friday, April 6
* Friday, April 27
by Markmon40 | Mar 21, 2018 | News
American musician, songwriter, producer, sound designer, co-founder of the band Sound of Contact and lauded progressive-rock artist Dave Kerzner, has announced the birth of a new progressive rock super-group named “In Continuum”. The band consists of Kerzner at the helm as the main songwriter and keyboardist, sharing lead vocal duties with Gabriel Agudo (Steve Rothery Band / Bad Dreams).
Joining Kerzner and Agudo on the debut album – set for release later in 2018 – are top multi-instrumentalists Matt Dorsey (Sound of Contact) and Randy McStine (Sound of Contact, The Fringe), former Porcupine Tree and Sound of Contact touring guitarist John Wesley, drummers Nick D’Virgilio (Big Big Train, Spock’s Beard) and Derek Cintron along with guitarist Fernando Perdomo from the Dave Kerzner Band. Special guests on the album will include singer Jon Davison (Yes) and guitarist Steve Rothery (Marillion).
“In Continuum will have a similar approach that Alan Parsons Project or King Crimson has had in that it will feature multiple singers and musicians” says Kerzner “Each album will have a cast of players best suited for the material.”
The music of “In Continuum” is described as “sci-fi-themed space rock” and stylistically it’s a cross-over blend of progressive rock and mainstream alt rock.
Kerzner says “My role in Sound of Contact writing lyrics and music for keyboard-driven progressive rock music is similar to Tony Banks’ role in one of my favorite bands, Genesis. I’ve created ‘In Continuum’ as a new vehicle and outlet for that musical side of me to continue while I explore other areas in my solo work”.
In Continuum will be performing on Cruise To The Edge, Feb 4-9, 2019. More shows and further details regarding the album release date will be announced at a later time on http://incontinuumband.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/incontinuumband
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/incontinuumband
by Markmon40 | Mar 21, 2018 | News
During the 1970s David Cross was a member of King Crimson and David Jackson was a member of Van der Graaf Generator. Now much to the excitement of music aficionados worldwide, the duo have teamed up for an amazing new album titled “Another Day”!
Released via Cherry Red Records, the 12 new tracks on this album showcase the talents of Cross & Jackson and will appeal to the fanbases of both artists and the bands they have been in. It’s an innovative meeting of minds. This new studio album also features Mick Paul on bass, Craig Blundell on drums and was produced by Jake Jackson.
“From the first notes we ever played together David Jackson and I realised that we were driving in the same direction, free to play anything from fierce avant-garde cadenzas to haunting melodies and rocking riffs. ‘Another Day’ is the culmination of our ambition to date and has been realised as a quartet album through extraordinary instinctive performances from our collaborators, Mick Paul and Craig Blundell. The icing on the cake was the incisive, original vision which emerged in the mixing stage from our producer Jake Jackson. I love it.” – David Cross March 2nd 2018
“I am thrilled and very proud of this album with David Cross. It’s the best thing I’ve done in many years! We met at a Festival in Italy in 2010 and emergency improvised our way into a special kind of exciting harmony – and friendship too. Enjoying the space between two soloists, we soon discovered new ways of writing and arranging. Add in our legendary rhythm section of Mick Paul and Craig Blundell and I can guarantee you haven’t heard anything quite like this album before!” – David Jackson (26th February 2018)
Watch the new promotional video: https://youtu.be/paaTO6Oo0X8
In support of the album David Cross & David Jackson plan to tour mid-2018!
Track list:
1. PREDATOR
2. BUSHIDO
3. LAST RIDE
4. GOING NOWHERE
5. TRANE TO KIEV
6. MILLENNIUM TOLL
7. ARRIVAL
8. COME AGAIN
9. BREAKING BAD
10. MR. MOROSE
11. ANTHEM FOR ANOTHER DAY
12. TIME GENTLEMEN, PLEASE
Released March 16, 2018
To purchase David Cross & David Jackson’s “Another Day”:
Amazon: http://geni.us/ADay
iTunes: http://geni.us/ADayDig
by Markmon40 | Mar 20, 2018 | News
America’s preeminent progressive rock band, KANSAS, will be touring select U.S. cities this fall celebrating the 40th Anniversary of their massive hit album Point of Know Return. To celebrate, for the first time in history, the band will be performing the album in its entirety. The tour will showcase more than two hours of classic KANSAS music including hit songs, deep cuts, and fan favorites.
Tickets and KANSAS VIP Packages for most dates go on sale to the general public Friday, March 23, 2018. Ticket information can be found at www.kansasband.com.
In 1977, KANSAS followed up the success of Leftoverture by releasing the album Point of Know Return. Containing the smash hit and million-selling single “Dust in the Wind,” along with fan favorites such as “Portrait (He Knew),” “Closet Chronicles,” and “Paradox,” Point of Know Return became the band’s greatest selling album. The album peaked at #4 on Billboard’s Album charts, reached sextuple-platinum status with more than six million copies sold, and had three Billboard Hot 100 singles.
“After the success of the album Leftoverture, it was hard to imagine when we released Point of Know Return that this album would be even bigger, but it was,” comments KANSAS guitarist, and original member, Richard Williams. “From the album artwork to the song ‘Dust in the Wind,’ the album Point of Know Return is really ingrained in Rock N Roll history and even in popular culture. The past two years we have done around 80 select shows performing the album Leftoverture in its entirety. We have been blown away by the positive fan response. Our hope is that fans will enjoy this Point of Know Return Tour just as much, and hopefully even more!“
Throughout the tour, live shows will not only culminate with the album Point of Know Return performed in its entirety, but KANSAS will also perform classic hits, deep cuts, and fan favorites. The band has not publicly performed some songs in the more than two-hour KANSAS musical event in decades, if ever.
KANSAS lead vocalist Ronnie Platt adds, “I often joke that I cannot be in charge of putting together a set list, because there are too many songs that I really want to perform. These shows, though, will be about as close as it gets. Of course, there will be hits like ‘Carry On Wayward Son,’ but to know we will be performing songs that KANSAS has not performed live for twenty or thirty years, or even ever, that is just really exciting. It is going to be a lot of fun.”
KANSAS POINT OF KNOW RETURN ANNIVERSARY TOUR CONFIRMED DATES:
DATE CITY/STATE VENUE
September 28 Atlanta, GA Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center
September 29 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
October 5 Glenside, PA Keswick Theatre
October 6 Pittsburgh, PA Heinz Hall
October 12 Milwaukee, WI Pabst Theater
October 13 Chicago, IL Chicago Theater
October 19 Kansas City, MO Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland
October 20 St. Louis, MO Fabulous Fox Theater
October 26 Kalamazoo, MI The State Theatre
October 27 Detroit, MI Fox Theater
November 2 San Antonio, TX The Tobin Center for Performing Arts
November 3 Dallas, TX Majestic Theater
November 9 Cincinnati, OH Taft Theatre
November 10 Indianapolis, IN Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
November 16 Huntington, NY The Paramount
November 17 Worcester, MA Hanover Theatre
November 23 Wilkes-Barre, PA The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
November 24 Baltimore, MD Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric
November 30 Asheville, NC Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
December 1 Columbia, SC The Township Auditorium
December 6 Mobile, AL Saenger Theatre
December 8 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
December 14 Daytona Beach, FL Peabody Auditorium
December 15 Fort Lauderdale, FL Au-Rene Theater at Broward Center
PS – If you read this far, the passcode for the fan club pre-sale starting at 10AM on Tuesday, March 20 is KANSASBAND.
