PUNMASTER MusicWire by David Gross
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January 15, 2025
Ringo Starr Goes Country: A Musical Journey at the Ryman Auditorium
Nashville, the heart of country music, is about to host an unforgettable event that bridges the worlds of rock ‘n’ roll and country. CBS will air “Ringo & Friends at the Ryman,” a two-hour special showcasing Ringo Starr’s enduring legacy through a country music lens. Taped over two nights at the iconic Ryman Auditorium, this unique celebration promises a stellar lineup, heartfelt performances, and a tribute to one of music’s most beloved figures.
Ringo’s Country Roots
While best known as the drummer of The Beatles, Ringo Starr’s affinity for country music has been a constant thread in his career. From The Beatles’ twangy takes on “Act Naturally” and “Honey Don’t” to his self-penned “Don’t Pass Me By,” Starr’s connection to the genre runs deep. Now, with the release of his country-inspired album Look Up, produced by the legendary T Bone Burnett, Ringo’s musical journey comes full circle.
“It’s always a thrill to play the Ryman, and this time we are going country!” Starr shared. “T Bone has put together a great show, and I’m excited to hear my songs in a country vein. It will be two nights of peace, love, and country music.”
A Star-Studded Affair
The event boasts an extraordinary lineup, blending the best of country and rock. Sheryl Crow, Rodney Crowell, Mickey Guyton, Emmylou Harris, Sarah Jarosz, Jamey Johnson, Brenda Lee, Larkin Poe, Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, The War and Treaty, and Jack White will join Ringo onstage. Together, they’ll reimagine classics like “With a Little Help from My Friends,” “Yellow Submarine,” and “It Don’t Come Easy.”
The highlight of the evening will undoubtedly be an all-star performance of “With a Little Help from My Friends.” Proceeds from this special rendition will support the American Red Cross and aid those affected by the devastating California wildfires.
Behind the Scenes
Produced by T Bone Burnett and Van Toffler of Gunpowder & Sky, the special promises a fresh perspective on Ringo’s music. Burnett, known for his genre-spanning expertise, remarked, “Ringo has been singing and playing country music since before he joined The Beatles. Many of his recordings with the band were country songs in spirit. This event will be a celebration of that legacy, with Nashville’s finest musicians bringing their unique touch to Ringo’s songs.”
Van Toffler added, “Ringo and his bandmates introduced us to timeless American rockabilly classics with their own Liverpudlian twist. It’s an honor to produce this special, bringing together music’s finest for an unforgettable night at the Mother Church of Country Music.”
A Legacy of Goodwill
Beyond the music, “Ringo & Friends at the Ryman” will delve into Starr’s reflections on his career and country music’s influence. Guest artists will share personal stories of Ringo’s impact on their own musical journeys. This special is a testament to Starr’s enduring ability to unite generations and genres, all with his signature peace-and-love ethos.
When to Watch
Mark your calendars: “Ringo & Friends at the Ryman” will air this spring on CBS and stream on Paramount+. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime event celebrating Ringo Starr’s extraordinary career and his unique connection to the heart and soul of country music.
Ringo Starr releases a brand-new country music album, Look Up, produced and co-written by T Bone Burnett via Lost Highway Records. This stunning collection features 11 original songs, recently recorded in Nashville and Los Angeles. This album features Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Lucius, Larkin Poe, and Alison Krauss.
Grammy Week Events Canceled as Music Industry Rallies for Wildfire Relief
As Los Angeles contends with devastating wildfires, the music industry’s biggest players are pausing celebrations to focus on relief efforts. Warner Music Group, Sony Music, BMG, and Universal Music Group have all canceled their high-profile Grammy Week events, redirecting resources to aid those affected.
Warner Music Group announced its decision over the weekend, coupling it with a $1 million donation to the relief effort through the WMG / Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund. Sony Music followed suit on Tuesday morning, pivoting its Grammy Week plans to focus on local support initiatives.
BMG, in a heartfelt email, shared, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce BMG will no longer host its Pre-Grammy Party on Tuesday, January 28. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters and first responders in Los Angeles County who are working tirelessly to contain the fires.”
Universal Music Group, which had already been scaling back events due to recent layoffs, canceled its annual showcase and Grammy afterparty on Monday. The Recording Academy confirmed that the Grammy ceremony will still proceed on February 2 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
This unified response reflects a shift in priorities, as music's powerhouses rally behind the city they call home. The message is clear: while the show will go on, the focus is on the community, resilience, and recovery.
Jefferson Airplane, Spanky & Our Gang, and the Musical Web of Psychedelia
The Jefferson Airplane were the undeniable vanguard of the psychedelic electric sound that emerged from San Francisco in the mid-1960s, a sound that became the voice of a countercultural revolution. Formed in 1965 and rising to prominence with the addition of Grace Slick in 1966, the Airplane’s blend of acid-drenched rock, complex harmonies, and existential lyricism defined the burgeoning psychedelic scene. They were not just a band—they were cultural pioneers, channeling the revolutionary spirit of the Haight-Ashbury movement into music that was equal parts art and rebellion.
The Jefferson Airplane’s Rise: The Birth of Psychedelia
Jefferson Airplane’s role as a house band at the Fillmore Auditorium and Avalon Ballroom placed them at the epicenter of a scene that included peers like the Grateful Dead, Big Brother and the Holding Company, and Quicksilver Messenger Service. Their performances were immersive experiences, combining swirling light shows with music that seemed to bend time and space. Tracks like “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love” weren’t just radio hits—they were cultural touchstones, mapping the psyche of a generation. Their appearances on mainstream platforms like The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and The Ed Sullivan Show gave the world a taste of San Francisco’s psychedelic undercurrent, making them ambassadors of a musical and cultural revolution.
Spanky & Our Gang: The Lighter Reflection
Enter Spanky & Our Gang, a band that, while hailing from Chicago, carried certain sensibilities reminiscent of Jefferson Airplane—albeit through a distinctly lighter, pop-oriented lens. Led by the versatile vocals of Elaine “Spanky” McFarlane, the group offered lush harmonies and arrangements with a hint of the spaciousness that characterized the Airplane’s sound. Songs like “Sunday Will Never Be the Same,” “Like To Get To Know You” and “Lazy Day” evoke a breezy, utopian feel, but one firmly grounded in AM radio-friendly pop. If Jefferson Airplane were a lysergic journey into the unknown, Spanky & Our Gang were the picnic at the edge of the forest—serene and accessible, yet faintly echoing the era’s experimental ethos.
The Influence of Heavy Bands on Lighter Alternatives
This dynamic—where heavier, boundary-pushing bands inspired lighter, more mainstream counterparts—was not unique to Jefferson Airplane and Spanky & Our Gang. Across the era, similar parallels emerged:
• The Byrds vs. The Mamas & The Papas: While the Byrds crafted jangly, folk-rock psychedelia, the Mamas & the Papas channeled radiant vocal harmonies into pop craftsmanship.
• The Raspberries and Their Influences: The Raspberries distilled the raw energy and innovation of their inspirations—The Beatles, The Who, and The Rolling Stones—into polished power-pop gems like “Go All the Way.” They took cues from the Beatles’ mod sensibility, the Who’s rocking intensity, and even the lush vocal style of The Beach Boys, creating a sound that bridged eras and genres.
• Leon Russell vs. Bread: Leon Russell’s gritty, soulful artistry influenced David Gates of Bread, who played alongside Russell in Tulsa bar bands before forming Bread in 1968. While Russell thrived in the raw, rootsy spaces of rock and soul, Bread smoothed those influences into their soft rock staples, offering a different entry point into the same musical lineage.
A Musical Ecology
Bands like Jefferson Airplane and Spanky & Our Gang highlight how the psychedelic explosion of the mid-’60s wasn’t a monolith but a rich musical ecology. For every band that pushed boundaries into the raw and revolutionary, there was another that polished those influences into something accessible for the mainstream. Together, they expanded the reach of a cultural and musical movement, ensuring its legacy would endure.
Spanky & Our Gang weren’t merely “Jefferson Airplane light.” They were a bridge—offering the spirit of the era in a form that resonated across the airwaves, proving that even the gentlest echoes of psychedelia could leave a lasting imprint.
The Harpsichord’s Journey from Baroque to Rock and Beyond
The harpsichord, which originated in late medieval Europe and was a key instrument for performing Baroque music, has a distinctive sound that adds a baroque or ornate texture to music. It has been featured in several popular songs across different genres. Here’s a list of notable tracks where the harpsichord plays a significant role:
“For No One” – The Beatles
• A genuine harpsichord played by George Martin complements this melancholy ballad.
“Lady Jane” – The Rolling Stones
• Jack Nitzsche’s harpsichord underscores the song’s Renaissance-inspired theme. The song also features multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones on dulcimer.
“Mountains of the Moon” – Grateful Dead
• Tom Constanten’s use of the harpsichord gives this Aoxomoxoa track an otherworldly, baroque flavor.
“See Emily Play” – Pink Floyd
• The harpsichord contributes to the song’s whimsical and psychedelic feel. Richard Wright played a Baldwin electric harpsichord on the song.
“The Addams Family Theme” – Vic Mizzy
• Ted Cassidy, as Lurch, famously played a harpsichord on-screen in the TV series, though the actual recordings were done by professionals. The sound became iconic for its gothic and playful vibe.
The harpsichord’s rich, plucky tones have appeared across genres and media, from rock to TV to gothic comedy. Ted Cassidy’s on-screen portrayal as Lurch playing the harpsichord in The Addams Family made it a visual and auditory hallmark of the macabre. Similarly, Tom Constanten’s experimental harpsichord with the Grateful Dead showcased its psychedelic versatility.
On a personal note, my father-in-law, who was passionate about early Renaissance music, built a harpsichord from a kit and played it quite well. His dedication and talent brought the timeless sound of this instrument into their home, reminding me of its unique ability to add a baroque or ornate texture to any music it touches.
YES Embarks on a Sonic Journey with Super Deluxe Edition of Close to the Edge
Release Date: March 7, 2025
The boundaries of progressive rock are set to expand once again as YES announces the upcoming release of the Close to the Edge (Super Deluxe Edition) on March 7, 2025. This legendary album, celebrated as one of the most pivotal works in progressive rock history, will be presented in a lavish collection featuring 5 CDs, 1 LP, and a Blu-ray.
This edition reaffirms the album’s enduring legacy, offering fans a meticulously remastered version of the 1972 classic, along with an array of rarities, live recordings, and modern remixes that illuminate the album’s monumental impact. Guitarist Steve Howe describes it as "YES’s most miraculous album," citing its innovative 20-minute epic as the template for the band’s future large-scale compositions.
Unveiling New Dimensions
The Super Deluxe Edition begins with a newly remastered version of the original Close to the Edge album, available on both CD and vinyl. For the audiophiles, Steven Wilson has crafted 2025 mixes in Dolby Atmos and 5.1 Mix DTS-HD MA, housed on the Blu-ray disc. These immersive soundscapes, paired with Wilson’s instrumental versions, breathe new life into classic tracks like “Siberian Khatru” and “And You and I.”
Wilson’s touch extends to rarities, with previously unreleased edits and alternate takes featured on Disc 3. This includes three exclusive Wilson remixes: “Siberian Khatru,” “Cord of Life,” and “Total Mass Retain.” The collection also showcases rough mixes and promo edits, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the album’s creation.
A Journey Back to 1972
The live recordings from Live at the Rainbow, London, England (12/16/72) spread across Discs 4 and 5, capturing YES at the height of their creative powers. This two-disc performance delivers electrifying renditions of classics such as “Heart of the Sunrise” and “Roundabout,” alongside Close to the Edge staples.
To herald the release, YES has unveiled the transcendent performance of “Siberian Khatru (Live at the Rainbow, London, England, 12/16/72),” inviting listeners to relive the energy of their groundbreaking tour.
A Legacy Reinforced
Originally released in September 1972, Close to the Edge soared to #3 on the Billboard 200 and earned RIAA Platinum certification. Its influence resonates decades later, with accolades such as a coveted spot on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” and a rare 9.0 rating from Pitchfork, which hailed it as "the band’s crowning achievement."
Steve Howe, Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Rick Wakeman, and Bill Bruford crafted the album’s intricate layers at Advision Studios in London under the expert guidance of producer Eddy Offord. The result was an audacious blend of multi-part suites and virtuosic performances that redefined what rock music could achieve.
Tracklisting Highlights
Disc 1: Original Album Remastered
"Close to the Edge"
"And You and I"
"Siberian Khatru"
Disc 2: Steven Wilson 2025 Remix and Instrumentals
Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD MA mixes
Exclusive Wilson instrumental edits
Disc 3: Rarities
Studio run-through of “Siberian Khatru”
Promo radio edit of “And You and I”
Discs 4 & 5: Live at the Rainbow, 1972
Energetic performances of “I’ve Seen All Good People” and “Starship Trooper”
Preorders and Liner Notes
Accompanied by insightful liner notes from Syd Schwartz of Jazz & Coffee, the set delves into the artistry and innovation behind Close to the Edge. Schwartz’s commentary enriches the listener’s understanding of the album’s cultural significance, while personal reflections from Howe provide an intimate perspective on YES’s creative journey.
YES’s Close to the Edge (Super Deluxe Edition) promises to be the ultimate tribute to a timeless masterpiece, giving fans old and new the opportunity to experience progressive rock at its zenith. Preorders are available now—don’t miss your chance to own a piece of music history.
John Lodge Brings Moody Blues Magic Back to the Stage in 2025 Tour
Legendary bassist, vocalist, and songwriter John Lodge, of The Moody Blues fame, is set to embark on an exhilarating USA tour in February and March 2025, followed by a UK leg in April. Titled the “Days of Future Passed Tour,” this highly anticipated event offers fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to revisit the timeless music of The Moody Blues, including the groundbreaking 1967 album Days of Future Passed performed in its entirety.
A Journey Through Time
The tour kicks off on February 19 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY, and spans 12 dates across the Northeast, Midwest, and Florida. Highlights include performances at the Keswick Theatre in Pennsylvania, Pabst Theatre in Milwaukee, and a special appearance aboard the “Rock and Romance Cruise” sailing from Fort Lauderdale on March 15. Lodge will also take the show across the Atlantic to the UK in April, marking a homecoming of sorts for the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.
Fans can expect a two-set show: the first featuring classic Moody Blues hits like “Isn’t Life Strange,” “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band),” and “Ride My See-Saw,” and the second set devoted to the full symphonic splendor of Days of Future Passed. Lodge’s band, the 10,000 Light Years Band, includes Moody Blues touring veterans Alan Hewitt and Billy Ashbaugh, along with Duffy King, Jason Charboneau, and Jon Davison of YES, whose soaring vocals breathe new life into classics like “Nights in White Satin” and “Tuesday Afternoon.”
Adding to the nostalgia is a moving video tribute featuring late drummer Graeme Edge reciting his iconic poetry. “When Graeme appears on screen, it’s a deeply emotional moment,” Lodge shares. “It reminds me of the incredible journey we’ve shared and the legacy we’ve built together.”
A Testament to Resilience
After suffering a stroke in late 2023, Lodge has made a remarkable recovery, fueled by his unwavering passion for music. His critically acclaimed performances in 2024 proved his enduring commitment to bringing joy and “Moodies magic” to fans worldwide. “Being on stage with this band feels incredibly special,” Lodge says. “For a couple of hours, we all smile together, leaving life’s challenges behind.”
A New Chapter in Music
The tour coincides with the release of Lodge’s new EP, Love Conquers All, out on February 14, 2025. The title track, already a No. 1 hit on the Fab Chart, is a testament to the enduring power of love and connection. Fans can pre-order the EP, which includes limited edition signed vinyl, on Lodge’s official website.
Full Tour Dates
USA:
Feb 19: Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY
Feb 20: Cary Hall, Lexington, MA
Feb 22: Shubert Theater, New Haven, CT
Feb 23: The Vogel, Red Bank, NJ
Feb 25: Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA
Feb 26: Westbury Music Fair, Westbury, NY
Feb 28: Brown County Music Center, Nashville, IL
Mar 1: Genesee Theater, Waukegan, IL
Mar 3: Orpheum Theatre, Sioux City, IA
Mar 5: Pabst Theatre, Milwaukee, WI
Mar 15-22: Rock and Romance Cruise
Mar 23: The Villages, FL
Mar 24: The Center of Anna Maria Island, FL
UK:
Apr 6: Birmingham Town Hall
Apr 8: Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester
Apr 9: Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow
Apr 11: Union Chapel, London
Apr 14: St George’s, Bristol
Apr 15: G Live, Guildford
Don’t Miss Out
Tickets and limited VIP packages are available now at www.johnlodge.com. Whether you’re a lifelong Moody Blues fan or a newcomer to their symphonic rock legacy, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. As Lodge himself says, “If you love The Moody Blues’ music, you really need to see this show live.”
Sex Pistols LIVE IN THE USA 1978
The Raw Implosion of Punk’s Creative Apex
On April 25, 2025, punk history takes center stage once more with the release of Live in the USA 1978, a three-CD set capturing the seismic energy of the Sex Pistols’ brief but infamous tour of America. These recordings chronicle not just the band’s implosion, but a cultural confrontation between the raw force of punk and a society ill-prepared for its unapologetic audacity.
Punk Amidst Chaos
The Sex Pistols emerged from an era of economic unrest and political ineptitude, their music a ferocious rebuttal to the status quo. By January 1978, the band had become both the face of a cultural revolution and a lightning rod for controversy. Their American tour, documented in this release, was less a tour and more an incendiary collision—a ragged edge of cultural exchange that highlighted both the power of their music and the fragility of their existence as a band.
With a record label that struggled to understand their essence and absent management, the Pistols were adrift, yet their performances were electrifying, visceral, and unfiltered. Each of the three concerts included in Live in the USA 1978offers a window into this tumultuous period, presenting the Sex Pistols as they were: uncompromising, chaotic, and unrelentingly primal.
The Performances
Each disc in this collection encapsulates a unique moment of this fraught tour:
CD1: Atlanta, South East Music Hall, January 5, 1978 The set opens with an explosive rendition of “God Save the Queen,” an anthem of defiance that sets the tone for the evening. Tracks like “Seventeen” and “New York” bristle with antagonistic energy, while classics such as “Anarchy in the UK” embody the band’s rebellious spirit.
CD2: Dallas, Longhorn Ballroom, January 10, 1978 This performance begins with an atmospheric intro—a radio ad that underscores the Pistols’ uneasy relationship with their American audience. The inclusion of “Belsen Was a Gas” adds a confrontational edge, while the set closer, “No Fun,” embodies the band’s sardonic humor and irreverence.
CD3: San Francisco, Winterland Ballroom, January 14, 1978 Their final concert before disbanding, the Winterland show is a fiery farewell. Tracks like “Liar” and “Pretty Vacant” crackle with urgency, culminating in a blistering rendition of “Anarchy in the UK.” By the time the band finishes “No Fun,” it’s clear that the creative force of the Sex Pistols has reached its breaking point.
Production That Captures the Moment
The raw, unpolished production of Live in the USA 1978 enhances its authenticity, placing listeners squarely in the midst of these volatile performances. Every sneer, shout, and guitar riff feels immediate, drawing the audience into the frenzied atmosphere of the Pistols’ final days.
A Lasting Legacy
More than four decades later, the Sex Pistols’ music remains a potent reminder of punk’s transformative power. Live in the USA 1978 is not just a historical artifact but a testament to the band’s enduring influence. By presenting these concerts in full and correctly sequenced for the first time, this release offers an unfiltered look at the moments that marked the end of an era—and the beginning of a legend.
For fans and newcomers alike, this collection is an invitation to experience the raw energy, defiance, and chaotic brilliance that made the Sex Pistols a force of nature. With Live in the USA 1978, the band’s tumultuous swan song resonates louder than ever.
The act that stands out to me at BottleRock 2025 in Napa Valley is Robby Krieger of The Doors
Waiting on the Moon: A Reverie of Artistic Souls
Peter Wolf has long been celebrated as a dynamic performer, a charismatic voice leading the J. Geils Band through hits that electrified decades. But Waiting on the Moon reveals another side of the legendary frontman—a master storyteller, observer, and chronicler of a world teeming with creativity, contradiction, and humanity.
This memoir, which unfolds like a mosaic of intimate sketches, beckons readers into Wolf’s extraordinary life, offering glimpses of artistry not only onstage but also in the nuanced interplay of everyday lives. The result is a rich tapestry of vignettes that pay homage to the forces that shaped him while also exploring the complex personalities that crossed his path.
The Bronx Roots of a Musical Painter
Wolf’s journey begins in the Bronx, where his upbringing amidst “fellow travelers”—a euphemism for leftist thinkers in mid-20th century America—fostered a precocious love of art and music. His initial ambitions leaned toward visual arts, a passion encouraged by parents who celebrated creativity in its many forms. Wolf’s anecdotes about his family oscillate between humor and tender nostalgia, painting a vivid picture of a household brimming with books, political discourse, and the eccentric warmth of bohemian ideals.
Greenwich Village and Dylan’s Early Stride
As a young man, Wolf gravitated toward the magnetic pull of Greenwich Village. There, he encountered a nascent Bob Dylan—an enigmatic troubadour whose arrival in the folk scene presaged the seismic shifts in music and culture that would soon follow. Wolf’s account of Dylan is not merely that of an awestruck observer; it’s the story of a peer grappling with his own creative identity in the shadow of monumental talent. Dylan’s performances and raw, evolving artistry left a profound mark, reinforcing Wolf’s resolve to carve out his own voice in the chaotic symphony of the 1960s.
Boston, Lynch, and Love
Wolf’s Boston years bring unexpected layers to his story. Sharing an apartment with a young David Lynch—then an aspiring painter—provides a fascinating subplot, as the two creatives navigated their respective artistic ambitions. These recollections, infused with both camaraderie and absurdist humor, showcase the serendipity of encounters that shape a lifetime. Amidst this backdrop, Wolf delves into his experiences with first love and the mentors who nudged him toward music as a calling.
Rock Stardom and the Colorful Cast of Icons
The ascent of the J. Geils Band ushered in a new era for Wolf, one marked by fame, excess, and encounters with a kaleidoscope of personalities. From the raw grit of Muddy Waters to the flamboyance of Sly Stone, from Tennessee Williams’ literary brilliance to the stoic magnetism of Alfred Hitchcock, Wolf offers readers not just star-studded anecdotes but profound insights into the human dimensions of these icons.
Particularly poignant are the chapters on his marriage to Faye Dunaway, a union that seemed destined for glamour but was ultimately shaped by the pressures of their respective careers. Wolf approaches this chapter of his life with candor and grace, offering a balanced portrayal of a relationship that burned brightly before dissolving into memory.
The Creative Forces and Their Shadows
What sets Waiting on the Moon apart is Wolf’s unflinching portrayal of the forces that drive artistic achievement—and the demons that often accompany them. In vignettes that blend gentle humor with heart-rending poignancy, he examines the creative compulsion, the isolation of fame, and the labyrinthine relationships that bind artists together. Each sketch is a meditation on what it means to create, to endure, and to connect.
A Living Camera
Like Christopher Isherwood, whose I Am a Camera immortalized 1930s Berlin, Wolf acts as a lens through which readers can glimpse the spirit of an era. His prose is imbued with a lyrical quality that feels cinematic, capturing moments of raw humanity against the backdrop of cultural revolution. Whether recounting the electric energy of a Rolling Stones tour or a quiet moment of introspection, Wolf’s narrative invites readers to linger, reflect, and be inspired.
An Invitation to Reflect
Waiting on the Moon is more than a memoir; it is an invitation to wander through the corridors of artistic history, guided by a raconteur whose voice is both intimate and universal. Peter Wolf’s reflections on the intersections of art, music, and life remind us of the beauty found in connection—whether it’s a fleeting encounter with a legend or the enduring influence of a song. For fans of music, literature, and the ineffable magic of creativity, this book is nothing short of essential reading.
A blast from the past…
Canned Heat - 'Let's Work Together' Top Of The Pops
TOTP audience dancing on 12.2.70
Johnny Winter: Down and Dirty – A Journey into the Soul of the Blues
(A feature-length documentary…..kick your feet up for this one!)
In the 2014 SXSW Film Festival, one feature-length documentary emerged as a powerhouse of raw emotion, electrifying performances, and unparalleled insight into the life of a blues legend. Johnny Winter: Down and Dirty, directed by Greg Olliver, dives deep into the soul of Johnny Winter, a man whose guitar mastery and gravelly voice defined an era and inspired generations.
Greg Olliver, known for co-directing the acclaimed Lemmy Kilmister documentary, crafts a vivid and intimate portrait of Winter during the final two years of his life. With unprecedented access to the musician and his circle, Olliver captures a man who, despite his frailty, continued to channel the raw power of the blues. From his Texas roots in Beaumont to his global tours that spanned decades, Johnny Winter's life story unfolds in a gripping narrative of passion, resilience, and artistry.
At the heart of the film is Winter's final studio performance: a solo resonator rendition of Son House's "Death Letter." The hauntingly beautiful track, captured with an intensity that belies Winter's physical condition, serves as both a tribute to the blues tradition and a powerful testament to his enduring artistry. This scene alone cements the film’s place as a must-watch for blues aficionados.
The documentary also chronicles the making of Step Back, the Grammy-winning album that became a crowning achievement in Winter’s career. Collaborating with legends such as Eric Clapton and Dr. John, Winter revisits classic blues tracks, infusing them with his signature style. Step Back is not merely an album; it is a celebration of the genre’s history and a statement of Winter’s undying love for the blues.
Olliver’s lens follows Winter through over 200 sold-out shows a year, painting a vivid picture of a musician who lived for the stage. From packed arenas in Hong Kong to intimate venues in Europe, Winter’s performances are as riveting as ever. Despite his health challenges, his dedication to his craft and his fans remained unwavering until his untimely death while on tour in Switzerland in 2014.
Beyond the music, Johnny Winter: Down and Dirty delves into the personal struggles that shaped the artist. From his battles with addiction to the pressures of fame, the documentary doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of Winter’s journey. Yet, it’s these very struggles that make his triumphs all the more poignant. Interviews with family, friends, and fellow musicians reveal a man whose love for the blues was matched only by his generosity and humility.
Produced independently by Secret Weapon Films in New York City, Down and Dirty is a labor of love that celebrates the legacy of a true blues pioneer. The film’s nomination for the SXSW Audience Award is a testament to its powerful storytelling and the enduring impact of Johnny Winter’s music.
For fans of the blues, Johnny Winter: Down and Dirty is more than a documentary; it’s an experience that captures the essence of a man who lived and breathed the music he loved. It’s a reminder that the blues is more than a genre — it’s a way of life, and no one embodied that spirit quite like Johnny Winter.
THE PUNMASTER by David Gross
FOR BIG FUN, LISTEN TO "THE ROCKABILLY ROADHOUSE WITH BIG DAVE"
... EVERY SATURDAY MORNING from 9am-11am (Pacific time) for TWO BIG HOURS of amped-up, high-octane roots music....and catch the rebroadcast Saturday nights at 7pm.
Guaranteed to kick start your weekend!
STREAM IT LIVE at KRSH.com
Download the Free KRUSH Mobile App!
or listen to The KRUSH 95.9 in Sonoma County, CA
Tell 40 or 50 of your closest friends!
Check out the web site at rockabillyroadhouse.com
It's time to get down to the Main Gazane with Big Dave!
Big Dave Presents:
The Saturday Night Album Trax
Saturdays 9-10 pm on the KRUSH 95.9 FM
BREAK OUT THE HEADPHONES!
Hosted by Big Dave, the Saturday Night Album Trax features some of the greatest albums ever recorded. Deep cuts, live albums, extended tracks, rarities and themes. Plus get the background and inside stories on these classic albums.
These are the good old days!
STREAM IT LIVE at KRSH.com
TODAY'S EASY BAKE TRIVIA QUESTION
What’s the connection with these artists?
The Stooges
Van Halen
Ramones
The Allman Brothers Band
The Velvet Underground and Nico
Elvis Presley
Boston
The Smiths
The Clash
The answer will appear in the next MusicWire...
The trivia question from the last MusicWire was:
WHO IS THE OLDEST SOLO ARTIST TO HAVE A TOP 10 HIT?
ANSWER: WALTER BRENNAN
WALTER BRENNAN, FAMOUS AS GRANDPA IN THE REAL MCCOYS. HE WAS 67 YEARS OLD WHEN HE HIT NUMBER FIVE WITH HIS 1962 HIT ALL THE RIVERS
Thanks to our winner Michael Macaluso
THIS DAY IN MUSIC
You Can Quote Me On That…
"I think it is just terrible and disgusting how everyone has treated Lance Armstrong, especially after what he achieved, winning seven Tour de France races while on drugs. When I was on drugs, I couldn't even find my bike."
- Willie Nelson
“You start out playing rock ‘n’ roll so you can have sex and do drugs. But you end up doing drugs so you can still play rock ‘n’ roll and have sex.” - Mick Jagger
I've been through more cold turkeys than there are freezers." - Keith Richards
"Mick needs to know what he's going to do tomorrow. Me, I'm just happy to wake up and see who's hanging around. Mick's rock, I'm roll." -Keith Richards
"I don't know anything about music, In my line you don't have to." - Elvis Presley
"I opened the door for a lot of people, and they just ran through and left me holding the knob." - Bo Diddley
"The only Maybelline I knew was the name of a cow." - Chuck Berry
"A lot of fellows nowadays have a B.A., M.D., or Ph.D. Unfortunately, they don't have a J.O.B." - Fats Domino
"It's not the size of the ship; it's the size of the waves." - Little Richard
"Hippies? Why, I'm the original." - Jerry Lee Lewis
"The older I get, the harder to get around....gravity's got me down." - Barry Goldberg
“I'm one of those regular weird people.” - Janis Joplin
"There are more love songs than anything else. If songs could make you do something we'd all love one another." - Frank Zappa
"I've always felt that blues, rock 'n' roll and country are just about a beat apart." - Waylon Jennings
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace." - Jimi Hendrix
"Rock is so much fun. That's what it's all about -- filling up the chest cavities and empty kneecaps and elbows." - Jimi Hendrix
"I taught them everything they know, but not everything I know." - James Brown
"David Gross (Punmaster's MusicWire) is the Arianna Huffington of music news!" - Barry "The Fish" Melton
"The older you get, the better you were!" - Leslie West
"It's much too late to do anything about rock & roll now ..." - Jerry Garcia
"Albert King wasn't my brother in blood, but he sure was my brother in Blues" - B.B. King
"More bass." - Jerry Wexler
"I'm as country as a dozen eggs." - Elvin Bishop
"I liked the first sixties better...." - Al Kooper
"I still have all my vinyl. You can’t roll a joint on an iPod.” - Shelby Lynne
"I think I just killed somebody." - Phil Spector
"The problem with history is, the folks who were there ain't talking. And the ones who weren't there, you can't shut 'em up." - Tom Waits
"The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." - Hunter S. Thompson
"I want my more money & I want my more fame" - Chubby Checker
"When you don't know where you're going, you have to stick together just in case someone gets there." - Ken Kesey
"I smash guitars because I like them." - Pete Townshend
"It's a good thing I had a bag of marijuana instead of a bag of spinach. I'd be dead by now." - Willie Nelson
"Rock journalism is people who can't write interviewing people who can't talk in order to provide articles for people who can't read." - Frank Zappa
"You can learn something, both good or bad, watching any guitar player. You learn what to do or what not to do. Over the years I've learned things from Carlos, Mike Bloomfield, Clapton, George, Garcia, Knopfler and let's not forget Robbie Robertson." - Bob Dylan, 2002
"There 'is' a difference between rock and rock and roll; beware of inferior imitations (avoid contact with any musician who doesn't know how to play Chuck Berry music)." - Cub Koda
"This heah is Rufus Thomas....I'm young and loose and full of juice. I got the goose, so what's the use." - Rufus Thomas
"Mike Love, not war." - Scott Mathews
"I have outlived my dick" - Willie Nelson (2008)
"Anybody with a trade can work as long as they want. A welder, a carpenter, an electrician. They don't necessarily need to retire...Every man should learn a trade. It's different than a job. My music wasn't made to take me from one place to another so I can retire early." - Bob Dylan