Spinner http://www.spinner.com Spinner http://www.spinner.com/media/feedlogo.gif Spinner http://www.spinner.com en-us Copyright 2013 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this headlines and excerpts feed are available for limited commercial distribution. You may repost this feed to your site provided you link back to the original story, do not edit the material, and do not remove this copyright notice. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Crosby, Stills & Nash Raise $250,000 for Autism Speaks: 'It Reminds Us of Why We Do What We Do' http://www.spinner.com/2013/04/23/crosby-stills-nash-austism-speaks/ http://www.spinner.com/2013/04/23/crosby-stills-nash-austism-speaks/ http://www.spinner.com/2013/04/23/crosby-stills-nash-austism-speaks/#comments Filed under: , ,


Kevin Winter, Getty Images

On Saturday, April 13, Crosby, Stills and Nash performed a rare small-theater show (their only Los Angeles-area concert this year) at Club Nokia. The performance was part of Light Up The Blues, a benefit for Autism Speaks, one of the world's leading autism science and advocacy organizations. The evening featured many other artists as well and raised over $250,000 for the organization.

Before the show, Spinner had a chance to speak with Stephen Stills, Graham Nash and David Crosby about the event. Stills, who has a child on the "autism spectrum," said, "Shows like this have a different meaning for us because it involves doing something good for kids. And not just because these kids have afflictions. It's obviously good to raise money to help organizations that help with the afflictions, but these are also still just kids and to be able to play with them and hear them sing something, that helps us as well. It reminds us of why we do what we do." ]]> CrosbyDavid CrosbyDavidCrosbyGraham NashGrahamNashStephen StillsStephenStillsStills and NashStillsAndNash Chris Epting 2013-04-23T13:15:00 00:00 Aerosmith Q&A: Steven Tyler and Joe Perry Reflect on Songwriting, Boston Years With ASCAP Award http://www.spinner.com/2013/04/17/aerosmith-ascap-interview/ http://www.spinner.com/2013/04/17/aerosmith-ascap-interview/ http://www.spinner.com/2013/04/17/aerosmith-ascap-interview/#comments Filed under: , , ,


ASCAP

Recently, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) announced that they will be honoring Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith with the prestigious ASCAP Founders Award during its 30th annual Pop Music Awards on April 17 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles.

With this honor, Tyler and Perry join such well-respected past recipients as Elvis Costello, Billy Joel, Annie Lennox, Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Smokey Robinson, Patti Smith, Steely Dan, Rod Stewart, James Taylor, Tom Waits, Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, Stevie Wonder and Neil Young.

We had the great pleasure of sitting down with the former "Toxic Twins" to talk about their songwriting together, their lean years in Boston and the writing of "Walk This Way."

First of all, congratulations on the ASCAP award. Can you take us back to those first songwriting sessions between the two of you? How did it start and what was it like?

Tyler: The thing was, we were like a jam band where everybody took way too many leads and you couldn't really hear the songs and it just sort of made you crazy. And the songs weren't even really songs, they were just these extended jams. So at a certain point I got angry, and we looked around at other bands that actually had songs and decided that we needed some structure. And that's when Joe started coming up with riffs, these amazing riffs that led the way for Aerosmith since day one. ]]> AerosmithJoe PerryJoePerrySteven TylerStevenTyler Chris Epting 2013-04-17T13:00:00 00:00 Beth Hart Q&A: Sobriety, Bipolar Disorder, and Faith + 'Baddest Blues' Song Premiere http://www.spinner.com/2013/03/29/beth-hart-baddest-blues/ http://www.spinner.com/2013/03/29/beth-hart-baddest-blues/ http://www.spinner.com/2013/03/29/beth-hart-baddest-blues/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Jeff Katz

The story of Beth Hart flows wild and restless like some Delta River that might've inspired one of the songs on her funky and seductive new record, Bang Bang Boom Boom. In the late '90s, it seemed the world was her oyster and her career was one that was set that power drive. But then came drugs, alcohol abuse and an undiagnosed bipolar condition.

After a decade of cleaning up and refocusing, Hart is now back with this collection of 11 original songs plus a bonus track, "I'd Rather Go Blind," which she performed with Jeff Beck recently live at the Kennedy Center Honors. And Beck is not the only iconic guitarist to take note of this earthy and soulful songstress. Slash and Joe Bonamassa have also taken Hart under their creative wings and have worked with her in various capacities.

Hart's first North American tour in more than 10 years starts April 30 and the shows have already begun selling out. As well, she will perform again with Jeff Beck on April 12-13 at the Crossroads Guitar Festival at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Spinner had the pleasure recently of speaking with Ms. Hart, who is as blunt, open and honest as the beautiful music she makes. As a bonus, we also have the song premiere of "Baddest Blues," from Bang Bang Boom Boom.

Beth, with all that you've been through in your life, how does it feel to a finish a record that sounds the strong?

I have to say that for me, the big moment was actually in creating this music. I had a hard time adjusting at first, because I've been away for a while, but the writing is what brought me the most joy and sense of accomplishment. It was just the greatest feeling. I actually started out writing 40 songs and felt good about all of them. But I think the ones that made it to the album are really the best. ]]> Beth HartBethHartJeff BeckJeffBeckJoe BonamassaJoeBonamassa Chris Epting 2013-03-29T14:00:00 00:00 Billy Corgan Wrestling Q&A: Rock's Heel Wants People to 'Celebrate My Insanity' http://www.spinner.com/2013/02/26/billy-corgan-wrestling-interview/ http://www.spinner.com/2013/02/26/billy-corgan-wrestling-interview/ http://www.spinner.com/2013/02/26/billy-corgan-wrestling-interview/#comments Filed under: , ,


Michael Loccisano, Getty Images Entertainment

Billy Corgan was in the news recently for an off-the-wall TV commercial he did for the Walter D. Smithe furniture company in Chicago.

The Smashing Pumpkins mastermind filmed the spot to help promote his wrestling company and raise money for charity. Recently we had the pleasure of conducting a long, freeform interview with the always-interesting musical provocateur. We touched upon wrestling in our discussion and thought we'd share in light of all the buzz surrounding his new commercial.

You've long had a serious interest in professional wrestling. What is it about wrestling that most intrigues you?

It's all the shades that exist in it that involve good and evil. There is an axiom in wrestling that says, to the effect, "Evil must always believe it is right." So when Roddy Piper would do something messed up, he was sort of sticking to a morality code in wrestling. And what makes great heels are the guys that often times the fans won't embrace because he is not a star, yet he probably has the talent of the star, so they have a sense of justification. That's part of the magic of wrestling for me. ]]> Billy CorganBillyCorganSmashing PumpkinsSmashingPumpkins Chris Epting 2013-02-26T17:00:00 00:00 David Bowie Touring? Guitarist Earl Slick Won't Be Surprised Either Way http://www.spinner.com/2013/02/05/david-bowie-tour-earl-slick/ http://www.spinner.com/2013/02/05/david-bowie-tour-earl-slick/ http://www.spinner.com/2013/02/05/david-bowie-tour-earl-slick/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Earl Slick, David Bowie's guitaristChris Epting

There are many rock stars roaming the aisles at the NAMM show held each year in Anaheim California, and 2013 was no different. But for all the boots and black leather, for all the dark shades and attitude, few cut a figure as rock 'n' roll as Earl Slick. Matchstick thin with a shock of black hair, he looks like he could be the offspring of Keith Richards and a praying mantis. Most foot traffic stops to gawk when Slick walks by because he's just one of those guys that makes people say, "Hey, I know that guy."

And they should know him. Beyond his Lower East Side cool and sinewy stance, all Slick did was become one of the premier guitarists of his generation. Sure, he's played with John Lennon, Robert Smith, the New York Dolls, and his own outfits Phantom, Rocker and Slick, among many others. For many of us, though, Slick's name will forever be most intertwined with David Bowie.

Originally hired by Bowie to replace the late Mick Ronson as lead guitarist in 1974 on the Diamond Dogs tour, Slick went on to star on the classic Bowie albums Young Americans and Station to Station. In 1983, Bowie brought him back for the Serious Moonlight tour as a last-minute replacement for Stevie Ray Vaughan. Most recently, he received an e-mail from the Thin White Duke inviting him to come play on his surprise upcoming album, The Next Day.

With the record set for release this March, Slicks tells us he's got one thing on his mind when it comes to Bowie: Touring. ]]> david bowieDavid Bowie new albumDavid Bowie newsdavid bowie next daydavid bowie tourdavid bowie where are we nowDavidBowieDavidBowieNewAlbumDavidBowieNewsDavidBowieNextDayDavidBowieTourDavidBowieWhereAreWeNowearl slickEarlSlick Chris Epting 2013-02-05T16:40:00 00:00 Fleetwood Mac on 'Rumours,' Breakups and a 50th Anniversary Concert (EXCLUSIVE VIDEO) http://www.spinner.com/2013/01/31/fleetwood-mac-anniversary-concert/ http://www.spinner.com/2013/01/31/fleetwood-mac-anniversary-concert/ http://www.spinner.com/2013/01/31/fleetwood-mac-anniversary-concert/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Stevie Nicks discusses Fleetwood Mac's reunion tourAFP

They remain one of the world's most beloved bands, an eclectic blend of Englishmen and Americans called Fleetwood Mac. This spring they will hit the road once again, embarking on a significant North American tour that will run until late summer.

They also have just released an expanded version of their magnum opus, 1977's Rumours. The sprawling edition goes way beyond the basic album, which since its release has sold over 40 million copies worldwide. ]]> Fleetwood MacFleetwoodMacLindsey BuckinghamLindseyBuckinghammick fleetwoodMickFleetwoodstevie nicksStevieNicks Chris Epting 2013-01-31T16:45:00 00:00 Elton John Shows Off Groundbreaking New Piano Technology at NAMM http://www.spinner.com/2013/01/28/elton-john-NAMM-Yamaha/ http://www.spinner.com/2013/01/28/elton-john-NAMM-Yamaha/ http://www.spinner.com/2013/01/28/elton-john-NAMM-Yamaha/#comments Filed under: , ,


Elton John performs for Yamaha at NAMMFrazer Harrison, Getty Images for Yamaha

Arguably the highlight of the 2013 NAMM convention in Anaheim California was the performance put on by Elton John on Friday evening (Jan. 25). Held off-site at the Hyperion Theater in Disney's California Adventure theme park for specially invited Yamaha guests, the performance featured a breakthrough technology being demonstrated on a global scale for the very first time.

It's called Yamaha's Disklavier TV and RemoteLive Technology, and in a nutshell, it allowed for the sending of all of Elton John's keystrokes to remote pianos stationed across the globe in real time. ]]> Elton JohnEltonJohn Chris Epting 2013-01-28T11:15:00 00:00 'Beatles Stories': Fab-Four Fandom and a Gym Meeting With Paul McCartney http://www.spinner.com/2012/12/26/beatles-stories-documentary/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/12/26/beatles-stories-documentary/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/12/26/beatles-stories-documentary/#comments Filed under: ,


Seth Swirsky

Songwriter/Author/Singer Seth Swirsky grew up idolizing the Beatles. So over the course of the last several years he set out, camera in hand, to talk to people who had crossed paths with his heroes. From Sir Ben Kingsley to Sir George Martin, and Beach Boy Brian Wilson to astronomer Brian Skiff, Swirsky filmed hundreds of personal recollections from people who knew them well to those who just had an unforgettable encounter.

Like dozens of little films all strung together as one, "Beatles Stories" is a spectacular tapestry that weaves together stories of both the ultra famous and the regular fan, blending them all seamlessly into one glorious, intimate celebration of the Fab Four.

Spinner recently spoke with Swirsky about his new film.

Seth, what was your basic approach to creating this film?

Every time I was doing a story, I had Chris Carter, the host of a popular Beatles radio program, in my mind thinking, "He knows their shoe size," so there had to be something there for him. Similarly, there are people that may know the song "Blackbird," but not know it was on The White Album. Or people that don't know Abbey Road from Revolver. I wanted teenagers' interest to be piqued. So there were three sets of audience I wanted to reach. The guy who knows everything, the person that knows a song or two or is a moderate fan, and the young person that goes, "How did that guy get into the house with a camera?" ]]> Beatlesbeatles storiesbeatles stories documentarybeatles stories dvdBeatlesStoriesBeatlesStoriesDocumentaryBeatlesStoriesDvdPaul McCartneyPaulMccartneythe BeatlesTheBeatles Chris Epting 2012-12-26T14:00:00 00:00 No Stone Unturned: Rolling Stones Landmarks Across the U.S. http://www.spinner.com/2012/12/14/rolling-stones-moonlight-miles/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/12/14/rolling-stones-moonlight-miles/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/12/14/rolling-stones-moonlight-miles/#comments Filed under: ,


rolling stones old photoKeystone Features, Getty

I'm standing in a blacktop lot on the grounds of the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino, California. It's a clear, California winter's day; about 90 degrees. There are agricultural halls on the wide-open property, along with some 1950s-era exhibit buildings. In the pavement, scarred seams trace a large structure that once stood here, the Swing Auditorium, which was knocked down after a plane hit it in 1981.

I'm just about where the stage would have been, the very spot where, on the evening of June 5, 1964, the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman, played their first U.S. show just a few days after landing in New York City. ]]> Anita PallenbergBlack and BlueBrown SugarChess RecordsExile on Main StFar Away EyesHonky Tonk WomenMemory Motel on Long IslandMoonlight Miles A Guide to Rolling Stones Landmarks Across Amermoonlight miles rolling stonesMuscle ShoalsRolling Stonesrolling stones bookrollingstonesSatisfactionthe Rolling StonesTheRollingStonesWaiting On a FriendWild HorsesYou Gotta Move Chris Epting 2012-12-14T14:30:00 00:00 The Doors at Hollywood Bowl: Ray Manzarek Looks Back at Show and Mick Jagger's Flirtation With Jim Morrison's Girlfriend http://www.spinner.com/2012/12/05/doors-hollywood-bowl/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/12/05/doors-hollywood-bowl/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/12/05/doors-hollywood-bowl/#comments Filed under: , ,


Henry Diltz

Doors fans can finally rejoice. They've had copies of the famed 1968 Hollywood Bowl show for years, but it was also known that there was additional footage that had been under wraps. Now, the complete Hollywood Bowl show, which took place on July 5, 1968, has been released as "The Doors Live at The Bowl 68" on DVD/BluRay.

We get the Hollywood Bowl show in its entirety, including the previously unseen "Hello, I Love You," and an hour of previously unseen footage of the concert. Spinner had the pleasure of speaking with Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek about the legendary concert and how it involved the Rolling Stones.

What do remember about the night of the show?

It was a warmer-than-usual night at the Hollywood Bowl. A nice, really warm night. And it's usually not that warm in L.A. at night, because L.A. is a desert, and the desert gets cold at night. But this was like a balmy, warm summer night in early July. There was something in the air; a warmth in the air that allowed for a Dionysian night intensity [laughs]. ]]> Doorsdoors hollywood bowldoors hollywood bowl bluraydoors hollywood bowl dvddoors ray manzarekJimMorrisonray manzarekthe doorsthe doors dvdthe doors live Chris Epting 2012-12-05T18:30:00 00:00 Peter Frampton Q&A: Recovering His Prized Guitar 30 Years After a Plane Crash and Almost Becoming a Rolling Stone http://www.spinner.com/2012/11/21/peter-frampton-comes-alive-anniversary/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/11/21/peter-frampton-comes-alive-anniversary/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/11/21/peter-frampton-comes-alive-anniversary/#comments Filed under: , ,


Peter Frampton playing his long-lost guitarHanna Toresson

Back in 1976 he set the word on fire with Frampton Comes Alive!, the classic double album that became the biggest selling record of the year and propelled Peter Frampton to international stardom.

From 2011 to 2012 Frampton toured the world in honor of the 35th anniversary of his landmark, 17-million-copy selling live LP, and he recently released "FCA! 35 Tour: An Evening With Peter Frampton," a new live package of DVD, Blu-ray and CDs commemorating the trek.

Spinner spoke with Frampton about those heady days back in the '70s, his famous talk box, and the long-lost guitar featured on the famous album cover.

How did your life change in the wake of the remarkable success of Frampton Comes Alive?

How long do you have? [Laughs] That's a big question -- everything changed for me as far as the way I lived. I was one day anonymous, the next day on the front cover of every magazine around the world. A drastic change overnight. They say overnight success and I was actually a great example of that, yet I'd been working for 15 years before that and had been successful in other bands. But nothing like that -- it was completely different and a level I was not used to at all. ]]> Peter FramptonPeter Frampton dvdPeter Frampton GuitarPeter Frampton interviewPeter Frampton lost guitarPeter Frampton rolling stonesPeter Frampton stolen guitarPeterFrampton Chris Epting 2012-11-21T13:30:00 00:00 Mayer Hawthorne Gains Daryl Hall's Praise, Shares Vinyl Collection Favorites http://www.spinner.com/2012/10/01/mayer-hawthorne-interview/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/10/01/mayer-hawthorne-interview/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/10/01/mayer-hawthorne-interview/#comments Filed under: , ,


Mayer HawthorneUniversal

Mayer Hawthorne's most recent release, How Do You Do, is hard to categorize. It features what Hawthorne fan Daryl Hall calls "classic neo-soul" coupled with an old-school R&B flavor, spiked with a healthy dose of hip hop attitude (and a Snoop Dogg duet) -- not to mention one of the most irresistible singles of the year, "The Walk."

Hawthorne, a dapper troubadour in Buddy Holly specs is hard to peg. A rapper from Ann Arbor, Mich., he did not set out to be a classic soul singer, yet here he finds himself, fronting one of the hottest bands (The County) -- and hottest tours -- of the year.

Spinner had a chance to speak with the ever cool, laid back Hawthorne to talk Daryl Hall, his vinyl collection and the best live show he ever saw. We also had a chance to catch him live in his adopted hometown of Los Angeles, at the historic Wiltern Theater -- and it was remarkable. Blending all the elements of a classic, '60s-styled soul revue, he spiked the evening with a healthy dose of influences -- Stax, Motown, funky Philly soul, hip hop -- all filtered through his winning, engaging hipster persona. Moving and grooving for almost two hours with swagger and a goofy sort of confidence, somewhere the ghosts of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding had to be smiling. ]]> Daryl Hallmayer hawthorneMayer Hawthorne Daryl HallMayer Hawthorne interviewMayer Hawthorne Private EyesMayerHawthorne Chris Epting 2012-10-01T16:00:00 00:00 Micky Dolenz Q&A: Davy Jones' Death, Monkees Reunion & Meeting the Beatles http://www.spinner.com/2012/09/26/micky-dolenz-monkees-interview/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/09/26/micky-dolenz-monkees-interview/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/09/26/micky-dolenz-monkees-interview/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Robo Records

Micky Dolenz, singer and drummer of the Monkees, is celebrating the release his new album, Remember, which features many songs that mark great milestones in his life, as well as a few new cuts. Spinner spoke with Dolenz while he took a break from rehearsals for the upcoming Monkees tour to discuss the record, the Beatles, reuniting with Mike Nesmith and the death of Davy Jones.

Micky, talk a little about the concept behind Remember.

The whole CD came out of a discussion I had with a wonderful producer named David Harris. He had badgered me for awhile but we finally sat down and I mentioned a bunch of songs I wanted to record and the reasons why and it came down to this concept of doing sort of an audio scrapbook -- either doing songs I'd done before and wanted to do again, or songs that I'd never done but wanted a shot at. ]]> Davy Jonesdavyjonesmickey dolenzMicky DolenzMickyDolenzMonkeesthe Monkees Chris Epting 2012-09-26T16:00:00 00:00 Florence Henderson vs. the Norwegian Post-Rock Band That Bears Her Name http://www.spinner.com/2012/09/06/youth-pictures-florence-henderson/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/09/06/youth-pictures-florence-henderson/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/09/06/youth-pictures-florence-henderson/#comments Filed under: , ,


Elling Snøfugl

Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson are a Norwegian post-rock band, formed by journalism students in Bodø in 2003. The have a new EP just out called Small Changes We Hardly Notice, which features lush, sweeping, orchestral textures and, unlike many other albums in the genre, includes vocals.

Recently Spinner spoke with Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson's guitarist Øystein Svendsen, not just about the ethereal new EP, but also the origin of their bizarre band name. We also caught up with a certain beloved American actress to get her take on what it's like to have such an honor. ]]> florence hendersonflorence henderson bandflorence henderson nude picturesflorence henderson youth picturesnude pictures of florence hendersonYouth Pictures of Florence Hendersonyouthpicturesofflorencehenderson Chris Epting 2012-09-06T11:00:00 00:00 Art Garfunkel Q&A: Vocal Troubles, Crafting His 'Swan Song' and His Legacy 'With and Without' Paul Simon http://www.spinner.com/2012/08/16/art-garfunkel-singer-interview/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/08/16/art-garfunkel-singer-interview/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/08/16/art-garfunkel-singer-interview/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


MSOPR

August 28 sees the release of Art Garfunkel's The Singer, a 34-song, two-CD collection that spans every inch of his vaunted career. It features seven Simon and Garfunkel classic studio and live performances, plus the most extensive gathering ever of solo Garfunkel, from 1973's Angel Clare to a pair of new songs.

Recently, Spinner had the pleasure of speaking with Garfunkel, and the singer, actor and poet remains refreshingly unjaded -- still a self-described "struggling artist" that gets nervous when he steps behind a microphone, whose thoughts wander seamlessly and interestingly from one to the next.

He recently endured some throat issues but is feeling much better and is currently preparing for a series of concerts in honor of this epic release.

Talk about The Singer, if you would.

When I put it together I thought, I believe I'm showing up more effectively than I've ever showed up since my early days. In fact, even with Simon and Garfunkel I didn't show up that much. I was the harmonist behind Paul. This album really says, "Hello, here I have
always been." I don't know if people really listen for any length of time nowadays, but if you hang in and hear the flow from tune to tune you're supposed to hear that the singer can really sing. When one song finishes it segues into another piece of entertaining singing so I'm proud of keeping the focus on the voice and watching tune after tune present shades of a first rate singer. I was very involved in this. I chose everything and was completely immersed. ]]> Art GarfunkelArt Garfunkel best ofArt Garfunkel compilationArt Garfunkel concertArt Garfunkel hiatusArt Garfunkel hitsArt Garfunkel liveArt Garfunkel new albumArt Garfunkel the singerArt Garfunkel tourArt Garfunkel vocal problemsArtGarfunkelPaul SimonpaulsimonSimon and GarfunkelSimonAndGarfunkel Chris Epting 2012-08-16T15:40:00 00:00 The Who Announce 'Quadrophenia' Tour, Olympics Appearance http://www.spinner.com/2012/07/18/the-who-quadrophenia-tour/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/07/18/the-who-quadrophenia-tour/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/07/18/the-who-quadrophenia-tour/#comments Filed under: ,


Gareth Cattermole/WireImage

At a London-based press conference that was streamed online, the Who announced a major North American arena tour where they'll perform their iconic 1973 double album Quadrophenia in its entirety, along with a selection of Who classics.

Founding members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend will be joined by Zak Starkey (drums), Pino Palladino (bass), Simon Townshend (guitar/backing vocals), Chris Stainton (keyboards), Loren Gold (keyboards/backing vocals) and Frank Simes (musical director, keyboards/backing vocals).

During the wide-ranging Q&A, Daltrey and Townshend spoke at length about the tour, their first trek across North America in four years. ]]> Keith Moonlivepete townshendroger daltreythe whothe who livethe who quadropheniathe who quadrophenia tourthe who tourthe who tour datesthewhowho Chris Epting 2012-07-18T15:08:00 00:00 Pink Floyd's 'Wish You Were Here' Documentary: Album's Origins, Syd Barrett's Influence and Roger Waters' Passion http://www.spinner.com/2012/07/06/wish-you-were-here-documentary/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/07/06/wish-you-were-here-documentary/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/07/06/wish-you-were-here-documentary/#comments Filed under: , ,


Pink FloydGetty Images

Wish You Were Here, released in September 1975, was Pink Floyd's follow-up album to the globally successful The Dark Side of the Moon and is cited by many fans, as well as band members Richard Wright and David Gilmour, as their favorite Pink Floyd album. On release it went straight to No. 1 in both the U.K. and the U.S. and topped the charts in many other countries around the world.

Last month saw the release of a new DVD documentary, "The Story of Wish You Were Here," which sheds light of the making of this landmark release through new interviews with Roger Waters, Gilmour and Nick Mason and archive interviews with the late Wright. It's a fascinating document and fitting tribute to Pink Floyd's outstanding achievement in the creation of this masterpiece.

Spinner recently had the pleasure of speaking with the director of the program, renowned British filmmaker John Edginton, about his film, the album and Syd Barrett's influence.

Syd Barrett, who'd long been gone from the band when Wish You Were Here was released, still plays a big part in your documentary, doesn't he? After all, some key parts of the music were inspired by him.

He certainly does. Syd was so integral to the band even though he was gone and so I tried to weave him in and out, not to be completely dominating, but just to have him in certain parts. I was so much aware of Roger's guidance on the subject of Syd. Roger was saying, "This record isn't all about Syd!" He's there obviously, very powerfully as a presence, but the whole theme of absence applies to the band as they were making it. I was very aware of that. The other thing was, I'd done another documentary on Syd, so I thought there was a danger that I could come off obsessed if I included too much of him here [laughs]. ]]> David GilmourdavidgilmourJohn EdgintonNick MasonnickmasonPink FloydPink Floyd wish you were herePink Floyd wish you were here documentaryPink Floyd wish you were here filmPink Floyd wish you were here making ofPink Floyd wish you were here moviepinkfloydRichard WrightRoger Watersrogerwatersthe story of wish you were here Chris Epting 2012-07-06T16:00:00 00:00 Who Shot Rock & Roll Gallery, Q&A With Curator Gail Buckland http://www.spinner.com/2012/06/20/who-shot-rock-and-roll-los-angeles/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/06/20/who-shot-rock-and-roll-los-angeles/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/06/20/who-shot-rock-and-roll-los-angeles/#comments Filed under: ,


Courtesy of Allan Tannenbaum

Who Shot Rock & Roll is the first major museum exhibit to spotlight the creative and collaborative role that photographers played in the history of rock music. Created by the Brooklyn Museum with guest curator and author Gail Buckland, the exhibit opens on June 23 and runs through October 12 in Los Angeles at the Annenberg Space for Photography in Century City.

The show, which has been on the road for five years, features 166 prints from iconic photographers such as Diane Arbus, Danny Clinch, Anton Corbijn, Dennis Hopper, Richard Kern, David LaChapelle, Annie Leibovitz, Jim Marshall, Linda McCartney, Storm Thorgerson and many more.

The Los Angeles showing of this exhibit will feature an original documentary film produced by Arclight Productions exclusively for the Annenberg Space for Photography. The short film features new photographs, interviews and behind the scenes footage with exhibit photographers Ed Colver, Henry Diltz, Jill Furmanovsky, Lynn Goldsmith, Bob Gruen, Norman Seeff, Mark Seliger and Guy Webster. The film will also include appearances by recording artists including Alice Cooper, Noel Gallagher, Debbie Harry and Henry Rollins.

Spinner had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Buckland, a renowned author and photography curator, about the show she put together.

With a subject that spans so many photographers, where do you begin?

There was more schlock than in any subject I've ever seen, so it was harder to find the gems. That said, my attitude was that every image in the exhibit and in my book would be a great image. I'm a photo historian, so the challenge was something I truly live for. ]]> music photographyrock and roll photographywho shot rockwho shot rock and rollwho shot rock and roll los angeles Chris Epting 2012-06-20T15:00:00 00:00 John Lydon Q&A: Childhood Coma Led to Years of Memory Loss, Brutal Honesty http://www.spinner.com/2012/05/30/john-lydon-one-drop-interview/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/05/30/john-lydon-one-drop-interview/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/05/30/john-lydon-one-drop-interview/#comments Filed under: , ,


Paul Heartfield

Since the world first met him as Johnny Rotten in the mid-'70s when he fronted the Sex Pistols, John Lydon has remained one of rock 'n' roll's most honest, compelling figures. His post-punk band Public Image Ltd. (PiL) was founded in 1978 and has performed on and off since then.

Their latest record, This is PiL, is already garnering many strong reviews and Spinner had the pleasure of speaking with Lydon on the heels of the official release date. The onetime snarling and confrontational personality has evolved into a thoughtful, funny and quite erudite man -- or maybe he was that way all along and we just didn't notice ...

How do you think the new PiL album compares to what you've done before with the band?

Well let's begin with, what two PiL albums can you actually compare to each other? I mean, they're all so incredibly diverse [laughs]. When you're dealing with different feelings and subjects and different emotions, of course it requires different sound structures. We recorded all of the new songs practically live. We rented a barn in the countryside of Britain, Steve Winwood's place, and basically recorded live. That made it a bit different than usual. ]]> John Lydonjohn lydon comajohn lydon meningitisJohn Lydon QAjohnlydonJohnny RottenPiLpil one dropPublic Image Limited one dropPublic Image Ltd one dropPublic Image Ltd.PublicImageLimitedPublicImageLtdSex Pistols Chris Epting 2012-05-30T14:15:00 00:00 Carly Simon on Being 'Isolated,' Suffering From Stage Fright and How Modern Music Turned Into 'Noise' http://www.spinner.com/2012/05/03/carly-simon-ASCAP-stage-fright/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/05/03/carly-simon-ASCAP-stage-fright/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/05/03/carly-simon-ASCAP-stage-fright/#comments Filed under: , ,


Lynn Goldsmith

Two weeks ago, singer-songwriter Carly Simon received the ASCAP Founders Award, which is among the most prestigious honors that the organization gives to songwriters and composers who have made pioneering contributions to music. As ASCAP describes it, "Each recipient is a musical innovator who possesses a unique style of creative genius that will enrich generations to come." Past recipients include Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Patti Smith, Neil Young and many, many more.

Several days before accepting her award, Simon, whose many hits include "You're So Vain," "Nobody Does It Better" and "Coming Around Again," spoke with Spinner about the honor, her career, modern music and battling stage fright.

Carly, you've won two Grammys, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, you are in the Songwriters Hall of Fame - - where does the ASCAP Founders Award fit within your many accolades?

Hmm... it is definitely different than all the others. I'll put it like this, if all those other recognitions were in the rose garden, then this one is in a daisy field.

That's an interesting picture. Can you explain a bit more?

Well, the daisy field doesn't have four corners. It goes on for miles and miles. Those other ones have distinct corners and edges, but this one just feels special, more special in a way, I guess. Harder to define. ]]> Carly Simoncarly simon ASCAPcarly simon stage frightcarly simon stuttercarlysimon Chris Epting 2012-05-03T17:00:00 00:00