Saturday, September 27, 2014

FLASHBACK:The Greatest Rolling Stones Movie You've Never Seen: 'Cocksucker Blues' ...

By -Gritty, tedious, funny, nauseating, thrilling and merciless: Cocksucker Blues, Robert Frank's film about the Rolling Stones' 1972 tour of North America, may be the most complete rock & roll documentary ever made. It is also the greatest Stones film most of their fans have never seen – at least never seen right, in a full-size theater with blow-you-back sound (when it counts, in the concert scenes), surrounded by a gasping, nervously chuckling audience.
Commissioned by the Stones, then made legendary and all but invisible after the band sued to prevent its distribution, Cocksucker Blues has circulated for years on bootleg video – how I first saw it – and can be viewed in its entirety on YouTube, with the usual deterioration in production values. For most of the last four decades, according to the settlement of that suit, Cocksucker Blues could be shown publicly only five times a year (usually at cinephile events) with Frank present.
Things are loosening up. Cocksucker Blues was shown on November 15th at the Museum of Modern Art in New York as part of a two-week festival, The Rolling Stones: 50 Years on Film. (The festival runs through December 2nd.) Frank did not appear at the screening, while the Stones had just left the building, having attended the series' opening the night before and participating in an onstage interview with playwright Tom Stoppard. The near-collision was the closest thing to an official blessing the Stones have given Frank's movie since he made it.
More Sex and Drugs Than Rock & Roll
Frank, now 88, is a Swiss-born photographer and filmmaker whose jarring hyper-realist portraiture – a product of unusual cropping, light and focus – made him a Beat-culture hero. Jack Kerouac wrote the introduction to the 1959 American edition of Frank's book, The Americans; that year, Frank directed Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and other Beat figures in the improvised curio, Pull My Daisy.
Frank's ragged quilt of freak-parade and band-on-the-run images on the cover of the Stones' 1972 album, Exile on Main St., encouraged the group to give him carte blanche on the subsequent tour, allowing him to film the Stones and their entourage without instruction or restriction. The Stones similarly let Albert and David Maysles run free in 1969, all the way to Altamont, to lethal consequence in Gimme Shelter. But Frank caught a different kind of ruin: the dull excess and suffocating ennui that sucked up the 22 hours of each day between Stones shows.
Cocksucker Blues is named after a notorious Stones recording – just piano and singer Mick Jagger, in X-rated lonely-boy agony – that the band submitted as a final fuck-you single to their original, despised British label, Decca. (It was rejected.) The song, heard early in Frank's movie, is blunt and drab. So are the open sex and flagrant drug use that follow. The main shock is how little pleasure or high anyone gets from the action: the groupies, who are basically paying their fare for a place in the Stones' orbit; the druggies, who speak the kind of slurred disconnected nonsense that only other users think is hip and wise; and most of all, the Stones themselves.
They are hardly innocents. Guitarist Mick Taylor is seen passing through one hotel room, looking for pick-me-up. Guitarist Keith Richards, then well into his storied romance with heroin, appears in a painfully extended after-show scene in a deep-sleep heap on an arena-locker-room bench. He does not look like he's just taking a nap, waiting for Jagger to finish entertaining Atlantic Records boss Ahmet Ertegun next door.
A Rush of Blood
Mostly the Stones are seen drowning in boredom, dragging their disheveled court behind them with condescending resignation. In one sequence, the band members ditch the tour plane for a car ride through the South to the next gig. A stop at a roadhouse, for drinks and a few rounds of pool with the locals, is a rare good time away from the mayhem. But Jagger is relieved, he says at one point in the car, to just be away from "the 39 people" that follow him everywhere. (How times change: When the Stones arrive next month for their shows in Brooklyn and Newark, that will probably be the size of the catering crew.)
But Frank also shot the Stones onstage – and the handful of songs that he included in Cocksucker Blues are the reason to wade through everything else. The Stones in 1972 were magnificently raw and feral, at the peak of their era with Taylor, and the music comes like a rush of blood to the head, especially after the eternity of shadows: Jagger's mock-whipping breakdown in "Midnight Rambler;" a tent-show-gospel jam with opening act Stevie Wonder; Jagger and Richards' ragamuffin-brother harmonizing in "Happy." It is a telling contrast, in Frank's narrative: everything offstage is shown in an odd, eerie monotone of black, white and watery blue, as if we're watching it all happen in a dirty fishtank; Jagger, in "Street Fighting Man," comes in colors.
After rejecting Frank's account of the '72 tour, the Stones quickly replaced it with Ladies and Gentlemen, the Rolling Stones, shot at shows in Texas and released in 1974. That movie had a lot more music and was a lot more fun. But it lacked Frank's sordid, honest context and wicked humor. The latter, in particular, puts the truth and evolution of touring in perspective, especially at this calendar distance. In '72, to the local hotel staffs in the huge then-uncharted space between New York and Los Angeles, the Stones were exotic animals. To the Stones, common sense was everyone else's second language. Of special delight: a negotiation on the phone with room service over an order for a bowl of fruit.
An Inconvenient Truth
Not so funny: the eventual soul and body count. By the end of 1974, Taylor had quit the Stones, deciding that he needed to leave in order to survive. In the closing credits of Cocksucker Blues, second cameraman Daniel Seymour is listed as "junkie soundman." It's supposed to be a joke; he later paid, fatally, for his addiction.
Cocksucker Blues looks like it was made a lifetime ago; that's just as well. Complain all you want about the military attention to detail and spectacle on major rock tours now – there is, gratefully, a lot less hurt in their wake. But Frank, who was almost twice as old as the Stones in 1972, saw the desperation in his subjects – the daily fight for satisfaction – and recorded it without sympathy or judgment. Cocksucker Blues is a blunt accounting of the price of life in the world's greatest rock band and the struggle, by everyone else, to stay upright in the slipstream. The Stones were there for the songs and work as well as the tawdry pleasure. (A key scene: Jagger and Richards listening to a test pressing of "Happy," analyzing the mix on the single.) Others were there for the glory, as much or as little as they could get. They thought it was everything.
They were wrong, a truth best seen as I did at MoMA: large and loud.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Video-Australia & New Zealand - The Rolling Stones are coming...

Rolling Stones dates

Saturday, October 25 – Adelaide Oval (w/ Jimmy Barnes)
Wednesday, October 29 – Perth Arena
Saturday, November 1 – Perth Arena New show
Wednesday, November 5 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Saturday, November 8 – Hanging Rock, Macedon (w/ British India and The Preatures)
Wednesday, November 12 – Sydney Allphones Arena
Saturday, November 15 – Hope Estate, Hunter Valley (w/ The Preatures and British India)
Tuesday, November 18 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Saturday, November 22 – Auckland Mt Smart Stadium

Monday, September 22, 2014

Keith Richards' 'Gus & Me' No. 3 debut on New York Times children's book list...



Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards' children's book called "Gus & Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar" has debuted at No. 3 on the New York Times' bestseller list of children's books, for the week ending Sept. 28, 2014. Keith Richards (who is 70) wrote "Gus & Me" with Barnaby Harris and Bill Shapiro, while Richards daughter Theodora Richards did the illustrations. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, Richards said that the book wasn't his idea, but it was his idea to have Theodora do the illustrations.
As previously reported, "Gus & Me" (published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) went on sale in hardcover and eBook formats on Sept. 9, 2014, with the hardcover edition including an exclusive audio CD featuring bonus book content. According to Little, Brown, the world English rights acquisition was made by Tingley, who will also edit the book. It was published simultaneously in the U.K. by Orion Children’s Books, an imprint of the Orion Publishing Group, a division of Hachette U.K.
On Sept. 9, 2014, Keith Richards went on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" to promote "Gus & Me." Theodora made a brief appearance at the end of the interview. Meanwhile, "Gus & Me" has been getting rave reviews from fans on websites such as Amazon that post reader reviews. Many of the fans have noted that they like that Richards shows a side of himself and his family that most people did not know about before reading the book.
Keith Richards' 2010 memoir "Life" won numerous awards and was an international bestseller: 2 million copies worldwide, according to Little, Brown and Company, which published "Life."
This is Little, Brown Books for Young Readers' description of "Gus & Me": "Long before there was a band, there was a boy: a young Keith Richards, who was introduced to the joy of music through his beloved granddad, Theodore Augustus Dupree, affectionately known as Gus, who was in a jazz big band and is the namesake of Keith’s daughter Theodora Dupree Richards. 'Gus & Me' offers a rare and intimate look into the childhood of the legendary Keith Richards through this poignant and inspiring story that is lovingly illustrated with Theodora Richards’ exquisite pen-and-ink collages. This unique autobiographical picture book honors the special bond between a grandfather and grandson and celebrates the artistic talents of the Richards family through the generations. It will also include selected photographs from the Richards family collection."
In the September 2014 issue of Harper's Bazaar, Richards had this to say: "My granddad was the one who turned me on to music ... But this book didn't come from me. It was put forward as an idea that some other guys had come up with about certain chapters in 'Life.' They said, 'These would make a great kids' book.' So I said, 'Yeah.' I was about to become a grandfather for the fifth time, and I had a father who likes to do illustrations, and I felt I could keep it in the family, and I did also want to bring Gus back to life again."
Richards added, "Theo has always been a little bit of an illustrator, and she did a lot of research. She also wanted to know more about her great-grandfather. She would call me up frantically on some nights saying, 'What hat did grandpa wear?' And 'Where the hell is Primrose Hill?' So I sent her on a little journey."
Theodora Richards told Harper's Bazaar: "I literally stayed inside for months doing drawings of London and Dad's face and grandpa's shoes and the dogs and the armchairs and cakes and the landscape."
Theodora (born on March 18, 1985) is one of two daughters of Keith Richards and Patti Hansen, who have been married since 1983. Theodora has worked as a model and a nightclub DJ. According to Little, Brown, "she has taken art classes at various schools in New York City, including the New York Academy of Art and the School of Visual Arts. In order to research the images for this project, she traveled to the Richards family home in Dartford, England, and pored over family and historical photographs of Richards’ childhood."
Keith Richards and Patti Hansen's other daughter is Alexandra (born on July 28, 1986), who is also a model and a DJ. Keith has two other children (son Marlon and daughter Angela) from a previous relationship with ex-girlfriend Anita Pallenberg. Keith Richards and Pallenberg also had a son named Tara, who passed away of sudden infant death syndrome at 3 months old in 1976.
As previously reported, Angela (born on April 17, 1972) gave birth to son Otto on Feb. 6, 2014. Otto is Keith's fifth granddchild. Angela Richards and Graham Whitney (who got married in 1998), also have a 3-year-old-daughter named Ava Melody.
Keith Richards' eldest child, Marlon (born on Aug. 10, 1969), has three children with his wife Lucie de la Falaise: Ella Rose (who is 18), Orson (who is 14) and Ida (who is 5).

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

The Rolling Stones dig into vintage concerts for 'From the Vault' series...


By: Steve Marinucci

Two vintage Rolling Stones concerts will be released for the first time on DVD this November to kick off a new “From the Vault” series, Eagle Rock Entertainment announced Sept. 17. The two shows, a 1981 show at the Hampton Coliseum, and a 1975 show at the L.A. Forum, will both be available on CD, DVD and Blu-Ray. The footage from the concerts has been restored and the sound newly mixed by Bob Clearmountain, the company said.
“From The Vault – Hampton Coliseum – Live In 1981” will be released simultaneously on SD Blu-ray, DVD/2CD, DVD/3LP, DVD, and digital formats on Nov. 4. The full-length 2 1/2 hour concert features “Under My Thumb,” “Let’s Spend The Night Together,” “Shattered,” “Beast Of Burden,” “Tumbling Dice,” “Miss You,” “Brown Sugar,” “Jumping Jack Flash” and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” among others. The Rolling Stones American Tour in 1981 was in support of the album “Tattoo You.” The Hampton, Virginia, shows closed the tour. The show on Dec. 18th, also Keith Richards’ birthday, was the first music concert to be broadcast on television as a pay-per-view event.
“From The Vault – L.A. Forum – Live In 1975” will be released on DVD, DVD/2CD, DVD/3LP, and digital video on Nov. 18. The show featured songs including “Honky Tonk Women,” “Gimme Shelter,” “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” “Tumbling Dice,” “Brown Sugar,” “Midnight Rambler,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” and “Sympathy For The Devil.” The Rolling Stones’ “Tour Of The Americas ‘75” was the band’s first tour with new guitarist Ronnie Wood. They played five nights at the L.A. Forum July 9-13. “The L.A. Forum – 1975” film features the show from July 12.
Track listings:
HAMPTON COLISEUM TRACK LISTING:
1) Under My Thumb
2) When The Whip Comes Down
3) Let’s Spend The Night Together
4) Shattered
5) Neighbours
6) Black Limousine
7) Just My Imagination
8) Twenty Flight Rock
9) Going To A Go Go
10) Let Me Go
11) Time Is On My Side
12) Beast Of Burden
13) Waiting On A Friend
14) Let It Bleed
15) You Can’t Always Get What You Want
16) Band Introductions
17) Happy Birthday Keith
18) Little T & A
19) Tumbling Dice
20) She’s So Cold
21) Hang Fire
22) Miss You
23) Honky Tonk Women
24) Brown Sugar
25) Start Me Up
26) Jumping Jack Flash
27) (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
L.A. FORUM TRACK LISTING:
1) Introduction*
2) Honky Tonk Women
3) All Down The Line
4) If You Can’t Rock Me / Get Off Of My Cloud
5) Star Star
6) Gimme Shelter
7) Ain’t Too Proud To Beg
8) You Gotta Move
9) You Can’t Always Get What You Want
10) Happy
11) Tumbling Dice
12) It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll
13) Band Intros*
14) Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker)*
15) Fingerprint File
16) Angie
17) Wild Horses*
18) That’s Life*
19) Outta Space*
20) Brown Sugar
21) Midnight Rambler
22) Rip This Joint
23) Street Fighting Man
24) Jumpin’ Jack Flash
25) Sympathy For The Devil
*Not available on LP

Ronnie Wood's Horse Romps To First Race Victory...





Rolling Stones star Ronnie Wood is celebrating after his horse won its first race.
Sandymount Duke was a 40-1 shot winner at Listowel, Ireland on Wednesday (17Sep14).
The rocker announced the victory on Twitter, writing, "My horse Sandymount Duke just won at Listowel 40-1!! Well done #sandymountduke Jessica &Kate Harrington."
Jessica Harrington is the five-year-old bay gelding's jockey and Kate Harrington the horse's trainer.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Ronnie Wood - I've Got My Own Album to Do - 40th Anniversary - The Guests

The Rolling Stones / From the Vault: Live at the LA Forum 1975...



rolling_vault_la
With the Hampton Coliseum Live in 1981 Rolling Stones set still seven weeks away from release, Eagle Vision have already announced the second in their new ‘From The Vault’ series: L.A. Forum Live In 1975.

The ‘Stones tour of The Americas in ’75 was the band s first time on the road with new guitarist Ronnie Wood and consisted of 44 dates between June and August 1975. The five nights at the L.A. Forum commenced from July 9th and the concert film in this set features the show from July 12th. As with before, footage has now been restored and the sound has been newly mixed by Bob Clearmountain for this first official release of the show.

The formats are likely to be identical to the Live in 1981 Hampton Coliseum release, so expect standalone blu-ray and DVD along with the formats below. At the time of writing only the UK 2CD+DVD edition of LA Forum Live in 1975 can be pre-ordered but this post will be updated as and when links come through. It’s released on 17 November 2014.
2CD+DVD Edition
3LP+DVD Edition

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Sep.-9-2014--Keith Richards on 'Tonight Show'; 'Gus & Me' book gets rave reviews

About the ring and handcuffs:"to remind me never to get arrested again" and the ring is "to remind us all that beauty is only skin-deep."


COOL: Keith Richards on 'Tonight Show'; 'Gus & Me' book gets rave reviews...


On Sept. 9, 2014, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards made an appearance on NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" to promote his children's book "Gus & Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar," which was released that same day. "Gus & Me" which pays tribute to Keith Richards' grandfather Gus, who gave Keith his first guitar.
Fallon, who has interviewed Richards several times, tends to be star-struck when he talks to Richards. Therefore, there was nothing new that was revealed in the interview, but Richards was his usual humorous self. Richards told the story of how he and Mick Jagger wrote their first song together ("As Tears Go By") after being locked in a kitchen by Andrew Loog Oldham (the Rolling Stones' manager/producer at the time), who told Jagger and Richards that they could not leave until the duo wrote a song together.
(Click here to watch Keith Richards talking about the first time he wrote a song with Mick Jagger.)
In recent interviews, Richards has also been saying that he watches cartoons with his grandchildren. He talked about that too in the "Tonight Show" interview. Fallon also showed an adorable photo of Richards cradling his grandson Otto, who was born on Feb. 6, 2014. Richards also mentioned the often-told story of being punched by his idol Chuck Berry because Richards touched Berry's guitar.
(Click here to watch Richards talk about being a grandfather.)
(Click here to watch Richards talk about being punched by Chuck Berry.)
When Fallon asked Richards why he always wears a skull ring and a bracelet that resembles handcuffs, Richards replied that the bracelet was "to remind me never to get arrested again" and the ring is "to remind us all that beauty is only skin-deep."
"Gus & Me" features illustrations from Richards' daughter Theodora. Toward the end of the interview, Fallon asked Theodora (who was in the audience) to join her father in the interview. After complimenting the "Tonight Show" band, a flustered by clearly thrilled Theodora then showed a sketch that she had been drawing of her father and Fallon while they had been doing the interview.
Meanwhile, "Gus & Me" has been getting rave reviews from fans on websites such as Amazon that post reader reviews. Many of the fans have noted that they like that Richards shows a side of himself and his family that most people did not know about before reading the book.

Complete info: Keith Richards says his third solo album might be released in 2015


 

 By: Carla hay.

Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has hinted that his third solo album could be released in 2015.
In an interview published by the Associated Press on Sept. 8, 2014, Richards said about the album: "I have a solo record finished, but I don't want to put it out while the Stones are working, so I'm thinking next June [in 2015] ... We had no rush. I think we spent a couple of years. [Producer] Steve [Jordan] and I are always working somewhere else, but every month or two we'd come down here and do a couple a day and knock off a couple of tracks. Nearly every record I've made is 'You've got another five days,' but this one we're taking our time."
The other current members of the Rolling Stones (lead singer Mick Jagger, guitarist Ronnie Wood and drummer Charlie Watts) have released their own solo albums over the years. The Rolling Stones have been busy touring 2012, 2013 and 2014.
The band is also expected to do another tour in 2015, but those tour dates have not yet been officially announced. There have been reports that South America will be part of the Stones' 2015 tour. Richards confirmed those reports in the Associated Press interview by saying, "They've got South America lined up in February, Buenos Aires, Peru. And after that, I know what the Stones tours are like, they tend to get extended."
Richards’ first two solo studio albums are 1988’s "Talk Is Cheap" and 1992’s "Main Offender." The 2010 compilation album "Vintage Vinos" (released on Mindless Records) is a collection of songs from Richards’ solo career, featuring his back-up band the X-Pensive Winos. The 14-track "Vintage Vinos" collection has the singles from plus other songs from those albums.
The compilation also has live cuts from Richards and the X-Pensive Winos’ 1991 release "Live at the Hollywood Palladium, December 15, 1988," such as cover versions of "Happy," from the Rolling Stones' 1972 "Exile on Main Street" album; "Time Is on My Side," the Irma Thomas song that was a 1964 hit for the Rolling Stones; "Too Rude," a remake of Half Pint’s "Winsome" from the Rolling Stones’ 1986 album "Dirty Work"; and "Connection," a song (from the Rolling Stones’ 1967 "Between the Buttons" album) that originally featured Richards and Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger on shared vocals.
The compilation's track "Hurricane" was first made available to people who donated to Hurricane Katrina relief during the Rolling Stones' "A Bigger Bang" tour. The song is also part of the 2007 box set "The Biggest Bang."
Richards sings lead on all of the "Vintage Vinos" compilation songs except for "Time Is on My Side," which has lead vocals by Sarah Dash.
The X-Pensive Winos have had a rotating lineup, but some members the band have remained constant: singer Dash, multi-instrumental Steve Jordan, keyboardist Ivan Neville and guitarist Waddy Wachtel. (Multi-instrumental Charley Drayton played on all X-Pensive Winos albums so far, but he left the band on its 1992 tour.)
In his 2010 autobiography "Life," Richards said of the X-Pensive Winos: "I’ve always been incredibly lucky with the guys I’ve played with. And there’s no way you can stand in front of the Winos without getting off. It’s a surefire high."
Richards' second book, "Gus & Me," is a children's book featuring illustrations from his daughter Theodora. "Gus & Me," which pays tribute to Keith Richards' grandfather Gus, was published on Sept. 9, 2014.
Meanwhile, a Keith Richards documentary directed by Johnny Depp has been completed, according to what Depp has been saying in recent interviews, but the title and release date for the movie are to be announced. Most of the movie was filmed in 2010 and 2011, according to Depp

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings European tour 2014 dates announced ...

Rhythm-Kings-Live-Shot_520
Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings are heading back on tour across Europe – find concert dates and book your tickets!

The band are back on the road! Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings are bringing their passion for music to selected European countries in November and December 2014 – and you can book tickets now.
The tour will take the band to Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Sweden over six weeks. Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings will be joined by special guest Mary Wilson of The Supremes – so prepare for an evening of stella performances and wonderful music.
To find out which city and venue Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings will be performing at, visit the Live page for dates and booking.

INTERESTING: “The Rolling Stones: Exclusive Photographs taken during the recording of Brown Sugar, Wild Horses, and You Gotta Move” –by Clifford Davids...

The crowd at Altamont Speedway
The crowd at Altamont Speedway
December of 1969 was a fitting end to a turbulent decade in American history: the Black Panthers were under attack in L.A.; The Jackson 5 had their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show; John Lennon was offered the lead role in Jesus Christ Superstar; Vince Lombardi coached his last Green Bay Packers football game; Arlo Guthrie released Alice’s Restaurant; and on Sunday, December 6th, more then 300,000 overly indulgent fans attended the Rolling Stones free concert at the Altamont Speedway. Four people died that tragic day, and many more were injured. Some claimed it was the death knell for the “Age of Aquarius”–a knockout blow to the myth of rock and roll innocence.
But for the Rolling Stones, the days leading up to Altamont had been anything but terminal; instead, they were fueled by a growing creative surge that would peak almost seventeen months later with the release of Sticky Fingers, their iconic album that would leave its indelible mark on rock music for decades to come. For three days, from December 2nd-4th, 1969, they labored inside that building with the distinctive stone facade at 3614 Jackson Highway in Sheffield, Alabama, home of the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and their house band known as “The Swampers.”
The three classic songs that the Stones recorded there, Brown Sugar, Wild Horses, and You Gotta Move, created the solid foundation upon which that album was built–a musical testament that further cemented their hard earned reputation as one of the most dynamic band of brothers in the history rock and roll. Some critics called it their masterpiece.
In the recently released documentary “Muscle Shoals,” Keith Richards reflects on that historic session in December of 1969 with his typical wry humor and wit, and a bit of nostalgia. After some humorous banter about the quantity of drugs and alcohol that were consumed during those three heady days, he talks about what might have been:
I thought it was one of the easiest and rockingest sessions that we’d ever done. I don’t think we’ve been quite so prolific…ever (laughs). I mean we cut three or four tracks in two days, and that for the Stones is going on something! We left on a high with “Brown Sugar.” We knew we had one of the best things we’d ever done.
I always wanted to go back there and cut more, you know. Then shit happened, so we ended up in France in a basement there doing Exile on Main Street. Otherwise, Exile would have probably been cut in Muscle Shoals–but politically it wasn’t possible—I wasn’t allowed in the country at the time. So, that was that (laughs).
Those sessions were as vital to me as any I’ve ever done. I mean, all the other stuff—Beggars Banquet and all the other stuff we did: “Gimme Shelter,” “Street Fighting Man,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” you know? But I’ve always wondered…that if we had cut them at Muscle Shoals, if they might not have been a little bit…funkier?
–Keith Richards
Six of the photographs found below are on loan from the private collection of Jimmy Johnson, co-founder of the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and the versatile guitarist for the Swampers. He was also the engineer behind the console during that legendary session, and the person credited with capturing that choice piece of rock and roll history.
These photos offer a private, almost intimate glimpse of those few days: Ahmet Ertegun, sitting silently behind the console, patiently waiting to sign the group to Atlantic Records; Mick Jagger, nailing the percussion on Brown Sugar; Keith Richards, watching Mick Taylor work out a part on his Telecaster; drummer Charlie Watts, taking a quiet break in the action–all of these exclusive photographs are presented here for the very first time.
——————————

The Rolling Stones at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

–December 2nd to 4th, 1969–

(L-R) Bill Wyman, Jimmy Johnson, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, unknown crew member, Ahmet Ertegun (president of Atlantic Records), and Terry Woodford at the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama. The Rolling Stones recorded Brown Sugar, Wild Horses, and You Gotta Move at MSSS from December 2-4, 1969.
(L-R) Bill Wyman, Jimmy Johnson, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, unknown crew member, Ahmet Ertegun (president of Atlantic Records), and Terry Woodford at the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama.
——————————
Mick Taylor on congas
Mick Taylor working out on the congas
——————————
Mick Jagger recording the percussion on Brown Sugar
Mick Jagger recording the percussion on Brown Sugar
——————————
(L-R) Mick Taylor, Keith Richards, and Ian Stewart
(L-R) Mick Taylor, Keith Richards, and Ian Stewart (standing)
——————————
Charlie Watts
Charlie Watts
——————————
(L-R) Bill Wyman, Jimmy Johnson, Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, ands Ian Stewart
(L-R) Bill Wyman, Jimmy Johnson, Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, and Ian Stewart
——————————
The Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, Sheffield, AL
The Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama

THX: http://ashevilleoralhistoryproject.com

Monday, September 8, 2014

INTERVIEW : Keith Richards on new book, Stones tour, solo music...


183 5 LINKEDINCOMMENTMORE
There’s one person who knew Keith Richards would become Keith Richards: his grandfather.
The Rolling Stone member said Augustus Theodore Dupree introduced him to the guitar and taught him about music as a child growing up in England.
“I think in a way he sort of had plans for me I wasn’t aware of,” Richards said. “He turned me on to the guitar and he did it in a subtle way.”
The rock icon details his relationship with his grandfather in “Gus & Me,” his children’s book out this week.
“He was a saxophone player. He got gassed in the First World War and he couldn’t blow anymore, so he went to fiddle. He was playing way into his 60s — so am I,” 70-year-old Richards said, laughing.
Richards has four children and five grandchildren. His daughter Theodora Dupree Richards — named after Gus — worked on the illustration for the book.
In a recent interview at Germano Studios — where he recorded his upcoming solo album — Richards talked about writing books, new music, touring with the Stones in 2015 and social media.
Why did you decide to write this book?
RICHARDS: My publishers first came up with this idea. They said, “There’s certain chapters about your grandfather that could make a great children’s book.” Children’s book? This is not my line (laughs). ... And just about that same time my eldest daughter ... she said, “Guess what?” And I know that look in a woman’s eyes. “Don’t tell me you’re pregnant, which means fifth grandchild.” .. I thought, “Hey, there’s something to be said for this” and I’ve always wanted to give my ole grandfather Gus, bless him, a little more memorial than he’s had.
Your 2010 memoir, “Life,” was a commercial and critical success. Was there any pressure to match it with “Gus & Me”?
The initial idea did come from the publishers, so you know, “Maybe Keith can sell a few more books.” That’s their business after all. Nine times out of 10 I would have said forget about it. I’m not going there. But because of the circumstances and having another grandchild, everything was sort of falling into place. I said, “Damn it. Go for it.”
Do you want to write more books?
I don’t know. There’s been plenty of talk about doing volume two (to “Life”) because a lot of stuff got left out. I may save that for a little later. ... I had no intention of doing “Life,” but they kept bugging me, “C’mon, you’ve got to tell the story. Here’s a lot of money.” OK, twist my arm. And I found out I could articulate things pretty well (and) tell a good story.
The Stones are heading to Australia in October. Are you excited?
The first thing is the jetlag. I figured it out, I’m going to go via Fiji, where I’m going to chop down the tree that I fell out of the last time I was there (he got a concussion in 2006 after the fall) and spend a few days getting rid of the jetlag, and then I can pop down to Australia. Because the jetlag is the hardest thing around trips like that. Everybody’s waking up and tripping over each other and falling asleep in rehearsals.
Are you going to tour more dates?
They’ve got South America lined up in February, Buenos Aires, Peru. And after that, I know what the Stones tours are like, they tend to get extended.
So could the band potentially tour most of 2015?
It sounds like that.
Are you working on music?
I have a solo record finished, but I don’t want to put it out while the Stones are working, so I’m thinking next June.
What was the process like?
We had no rush. I think we spent a couple of years. (Producer) Steve (Jordan) and I are always working somewhere else, but every month or two we’d come down here and do a couple a day and knock off a couple of tracks. ... Nearly every record I’ve made is ... “You’ve got another five days,” but this one we’re taking our time.
How’s recording music today different compared to years ago?
Technology — it’s changed enormously. ... I find that some of the technology is very confusing, especially the digital stuff.
Speaking of technology, are you a fan of social media?
I stay well away. I have no computer at all. I have a little tablet that I knock around with. No passwords. I mean, I don’t want to be hacked to death.
Have you heard about the recent leaking of photos of nude celebrities?
The more I hear about it the more I’m sure I’m right.



THX:  http://www.desertsun.com

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Keith Richards didn't want to accept grandfather role...




Keith Richards tried to ignore his first grandchild because he didn't want to accept he was a grandfather.
The Rolling Stones rocker, who has five grandchildren, says he is still ''growing into'' the role and is now trying to ''raise the profile of grandfathers''.
He said: ''The first grandchild you try to ignore in a way - not the child, the fact. Then when they're old enough to say, 'Grandpa' and you realise they're talking to you, it's like, 'oh right...' I'm growing into it. When they're angsty with their parents, I'm the safe haven. Grandparents can do great things with the kids, and, since I am one, I'm here to raise the profile of grandfathers.''
Keith has also revealed he was surprised when he was approached to write a children's book.
But the musician, who has teamed up with his daughter Theodora for 'Gus & Me' says he always wanted to pay tribute to his grandfather, Gus, who gave him his first guitar when he was nine.
He explained: ''My first response was, 'A children's book? You're kidding me.' ''
But he added: ''I've always wanted to pay homage to Gus. He set me on my way.
''For me, the idea of grandparents zoomed into my consciousness at about age five. My mom would take me to visit Gus.
''But the book wasn't my idea. It filtered through my publishers, and at the same time I was expecting my fifth grandchild. It seemed appropriate with the two things coinciding.''
Keith also enjoyed working with his daughter on the project.
He added to PEOPLE magazine: ''She's a natural illustrator.''
And Theodora loved working with her father despite initially being reluctant to take on the job.
She said: ''It was fascinating to put myself in my dad's shoes and draw all these things.
''I've always loved to draw, but I've never put it out there.''

Friday, September 5, 2014

Mick Jagger-produced documentary 'Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown' on HBO...


By Carla Hay
HBO has acquired the U.S. and Canadian TV rights to the two-hour documentary "Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown," which premieres on HBO on Oct. 27, 2014, at 9 p.m. EDT/PDT. Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger is one of the producers of the movie, which was directed by Oscar-winning documentarian Alex Gibney.
"Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown" is the second Jagger-produced movie about Brown. The James Brown biopic "Get on Up" (starring Chadwick Boseman as Brown) was released in cinemas in August 2014. In the U.S. and Canada, "Get on Up" has been a box-office disappointment. One month after its release, "Get on Up" has had only $29.9 million in ticket sales in the U.S. and Canada. However, "Get on Up" has gotten mostly positive reviews from critics, according to the review site Rotten Tomatoes.
Jagger and the Rolling Stones have had a long relationship with HBO, which has televised multiple Rolling Stones concerts and specials. HBO also had the U.S. TV premiere of the 2012 Rolling Stones documentary "Crossfire Hurricane." In addition, Jagger (along with Martin Scorsese) is executive producing a TV drama series for HBO that is reportedly about a fictional executive in the music business. Emmy-winning actor Bobby Cannavale ("Boardwalk Empire") has been attached to star in the still-untitled TV series.
A press release about HBO acquiring "Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown" stated:
James Brown changed the face of American music forever. Charting his journey from rhythm and blues to funk, "Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown" was made with the unique cooperation of the Brown Estate, which opened its archives for the first time. The documentary features rare and never-before-seen footage, interviews and photographs, chronicling the musical ascension of the “hardest working man in show business,” from his first hit, “Please, Please, Please,” in 1956, to his iconic performances at the Apollo Theater, the T.A.M.I. Show, the Paris Olympia and more.
“Alex Gibney has brought his prodigious filmmaking talents to this portrait of the phenomenon known as James Brown,” says Michael Lombardo, president, HBO programming. “Together with Mick Jagger and his incredible producing team, they have created a captivating portrait of an artist – both the musician and the man.”
Jagger states, “We had full access to amazing never-before-seen photos and video from James Brown's estate, which Alex Gibney used brilliantly to tell the story of James' career from its inception through its pinnacle. We spoke with the extraordinary people who knew James well and worked alongside him throughout his career. By hearing their fascinating stories and memories, we were able to paint the full picture of James as both a musical artist and social activist, whose legacy and impact on the music industry is ever-present.”
“When Mick Jagger reached out to me to direct the documentary, we had a common goal in mind, to take the music of James Brown and put it into a larger historical context,” comments Gibney. “As a musician, ‘Mr. Dynamite’ was the essential funk pioneer, a hugely influential figure and one of the greatest live performers – ever. Beyond his music, Brown’s cultural impact extends to the present day. Mick and his producing partner, Victoria Pearman, along with Peter Afterman from Inaudible and Blair Foster from Jigsaw, were wonderfully supportive and creative producers. We couldn’t be in better hands than with our friends at HBO.”
Abandoned by his parents at an early age, James Brown was a self-made man who became one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, not just through his music, but also as a social activist. In addition to extensive historical footage, including archival interviews with Brown himself, the film includes modern-day interviews with Mick Jagger, Rev. Al Sharpton, Maceo Parker, Clyde Stubblefield, Questlove, Melvin Parker, Chuck D, Alfred “Pee Wee” Ellis, Martha High, Bootsy Collins and Fred Wesley, among others.
"Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown" was directed by Alex Gibney of Jigsaw Productions and produced by Mick Jagger and Victoria Pearman of Jagged Films, Peter Afterman of Inaudible Films and Blair Foster of Jigsaw Productions. Alex Gibney served as executive producer. Cinematographers, Maryse Alberti and Antonio Rossi; editor, Maya Mumma; associate editor, Alex Keipper; supervising editor, Geeta Gandbhir.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Mick Jagger to Join 'Get On Up' Team in Deauville for French Premiere...



Mick Jagger is bringing his moves to Deauville. He'll add a bit of rock ‘n’ roll swagger to the red carpet for the French premiere of the James Brown biopic Get On Up, which he co-produced.
Brian Grazer, who also co-produced the film and is being given a career honor by the festival, star Chadwick Boseman and director Tate Taylor will accompany the Rolling Stones singer.
Get On Up, which has just been announced as the opening film at the Zurich Film Festival, is screening out of competition here in the official selection at the French film festival that focuses on American films.
Jagger joins Jessica Chastain and Will Ferrell on the list of luminaries scheduled to attend the 40th anniversary of the festival. Chastain, Ferrell and Grazer will each receive career tributes throughout the week.
The Hunt for Red October director John McTiernan will also be recognized for his decades of work in Hollywood. McTiernan will be making his first festival appearance after recently completing a prison sentence in relation to jailed private investigator Anthony Pellicano.
Director James Cameron was scheduled to appear at the festival to receive the newly created 40th Anniversary Award and present his latest film Deepsea Challenge 3D, but canceled his trip to the Normandy coast citing production commitments on the next Avatar installment.
Get On Up will screen Sept. 12 at the festival,which runs Sept. 5-14.