UMR has announced Pete Townshend Live > In Concert 1985-2001, an expanded 14-CD box set and digital set featuring seven long-out-of-print live albums by The Who founder Pete Townshend, will be released on July 26.

The set is available for pre-order now at https://petetownshend.lnk.to/liveinconcert

Newly remastered by Jon Astley at Close To The Edge, the set gathers together for the first time all of the live solo recordings that were only available via Townshend’s website, Eel Pie. All of the albums have been out of print for two decades.

The box set features expanded deluxe packaging in a CD-size hard slip case and tray with new art by longtime Townshend collaborator Richard Evans, including updated gatefold CD wallets, and a 28-page booklet with sleeve notes by Who and Townshend archivist Matt Kent, a new exclusive foreword by Townshend, plus rare photos and memorabilia.

The live shows included in the box set are Townshend’s Deep End live at Brixton Academy in London recorded in November 1985 and featuring David Gilmour of Pink Floyd on guitar, a live full rendition of Pete’s album Psychoderelict and more recorded at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York in August 1993 during Pete’s only full solo tour, an intimate show from The Fillmore in San Francisco on 1996 April 30 around the time of his first solo compilation album

Speaking of performing solo or performing with a band that wasn’t The Who, Townshend said, “I always have too much to do, too much responsibility, and not enough time. I have to live enough life to provide me with inspiration and context for my songs, I have to then spend enough time in my home studio finessing songs so they feel worthy of my band (The Who), then I have to re-record them with that band, then speak eloquently about them to the media, justifying my creative divergences, then I must tour endlessly behind the new music, continuing to celebrate the old stuff as well, and then start all over again.”

Matt Kent said, “When Pete Townshend plays a solo show it isn’t just a concert, it is an EVENT. These CDs represent just how good these events are.”

Source: RTT Music News

Following the success of their single “Portable Door,” Deep Purple have released “Pictures Of You,” the second song from their upcoming album =1.

“Pictures Of You” is now available for streaming and as instant gratification track with all digital download pre-orders for =1.

Additionally, the single is offered as part of a four-track bundle which features two previously unreleased live recordings from 2022 in Milan, Italy: “When A Blind Man Cries” and “Uncommon Man.”

The physical pre-sale of “Pictures Of You” has begun. The single will be released on CD and 12″ vinyl on June 28, with each format being strictly limited to 5,000 pieces worldwide, and each copy being numbered by hand.

Accompanying the new single release, the official music video for “Pictures of You” premiered on Deep Purple’s YouTube channel.

The first music video for “Portable Door,” featuring the band performing live on stage, quickly surpassed one million views. In the new video, fans will see Deep Purple in their element, performing together.

Produced by the iconic Bob Ezrin, =1 encapsulates the band’s philosophy of unity amidst complexity, promising an album that resonates deeply with their five decades spanning hard rock legacy.

RTT Music News

Mercury Studios has announced a new feature documentary on John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

One to One: John & Yoko, a moving look at the couple’s life, was directed by Kevin Macdonald.

At the core of the story are the One to One Concerts, Lennon’s only full-length performances after The Beatles, accompanied by Ono, The Plastic Ono Band, Elephant’s Memory and special guests.

With remixed concert audio produced by Lennon’s son Sean Ono Lennon, the film features newly transferred and restored footage, as well as a wealth of previously unseen and unheard personal archives, such as phone calls and home movies recorded and filmed by John and Yoko themselves.

“I wanted to make a film that surprises and delights even the most dedicated Lennon and Ono fans by focusing on one transformative period in their lives and telling the tale through their own words, images and music,” said Macdonald. “Built around the beautiful 16mm film footage of the only full-length concert John gave after leaving the Beatles I hope the film will introduce the audience to a more intimate version of John and Yoko – while also reflecting their politically radical and experimental sides.”

Sean Ono Lennon says, “Kevin’s documentary brings completely fresh insight into my parents’ lives during their Bank Street and early New York years, showing first hand their unwavering dedication to promoting peace and non-violence during a turbulent era of unrest, corruption and unnecessary war.”

The film is produced by Mercury Studios and Plan B/KM Films.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Source: RTT Music News

Parlophone Records recently released a newly discovered recording of David Bowie’s rendition of The Who’s “I Can’t Explain.”

“I Can’t Explain’ (Trident Studios Version – Take 2)” is the third track to be released from David Bowie Rock ‘N’ Roll Star!, a 5CD and 1 Blu-Ray Audio set.

The box set, which is set for release on June 14, explores Bowie’s journey from February 1971 through the creation of Ziggy Stardust, and the recording of the iconic album, The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars.

“I Can’t Explain (Trident Studios Version – Take 2)” is a cover of The Who’s classic 1965 debut single. It was produced by Bowie and recorded at Trident Studios in Soho, London, in June 1972. This high energy version of the track has remained undiscovered for more than 50 years.

A year later, Bowie would record the song again at a much slower tempo with co-producer Ken Scott for his Pin Ups album.
Other unreleased highlights on Rock ‘N’ Roll Star! include an unheard version of the deep-cut classic “Shadow Man” and “Lady Stardust (Alternative Version – Take 1),” performed in a much lower register to the released version.

Source: RTT Music News

Heart have canceled their upcoming European tour dates to give lead singer Ann Wilson time to recover from a medical procedure.

The rock band was scheduled to launch the European leg of its 2024 Royal Flush Tour with Squeeze on June 20.

But in a statement, Heart announced, “We regret to inform you that all upcoming Heart performances in Europe are canceled. In late May, Ann Wilson will undergo a time-sensitive but routine medical producer for which the minimum recovery time is six weeks.”

“Heart deeply regrets this unfortunate circumstance and hopes to return to Europe soon,” the band added. “Refunds will be available at point of purchase as applicable.”

Separately, Wilson offered an apology to Heart’s fans on her social media accounts, writing, “I’m okay! Please don’t worry. I do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. It’s certainly an inconvenience for me. Love & respect always, Ann.”

Following the Royal Flush Tour, Heart will embark on a series of stadium and arena shows in the U.S. and Canada featuring Def Leppard and Journey on July 30 with a concert in Cleveland, Ohio.

RTT Music News