Foreigner founder and guitarist Mick Jones has revealed that he is battling Parkinson’s disease.

Jones opened up about the disabling disease’s diagnosis in a statement released on social media earlier this week.

“Fans will have become very aware that for some time now, I have not been performing onstage with the band. Several years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I want everyone to know that I am doing alright,” Jones said.

He added, “However, I’ve always liked to be at my best when performing onstage, and sadly, at present, I find that a bit difficult. I am still very much involved in the background with Foreigner and remain a presence. Parkinson’s is a daily struggle; the important thing is to persevere and remind myself of the wonderful career I’ve had in music.”

Jones thanked all the fans who have supported Foreigner throughout the years.

The 79 year-old founder of Foreigner has not been taking part in the rock band’s live concerts since 2022.

Foreigner, who were recently nominated to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, are currently on the North American leg of their farewell tour.

Source: RTT Music News

Van Halen drummer Alex Van Halen is set to release a memoir titled “Brothers” in October.

According to publisher HarperCollins, the book is scheduled to drop on October 22. It will be available as a 384-page hardcover, a 720-minute audiobook and an ebook.

No further details were revealed by HarperCollins, although the preview displayed the alternative titled “The Brothers Van Halen.”

The book is expected to focus on Alex’s relationship with younger brother and bandmate Eddie Van Halen.

The brothers founded Mammoth in 1972, before David Lee Roth and Michael Anthony arrived two years later and the group changed its name to Van Halen.

Alex and Eddie were the only members to feature from the beginning until Eddie’s death in 2020.

Source: RTT Music News

Columbia Records recently shared Billy Joel’s first new music video in decades for his new single “Turn the Lights Back On.”

Directed by Warren Fu and Freddy Wexler, the video utilizes groundbreaking technology from Deep Voodoo and showcases Joel performing the beloved track throughout the different decades of his life.

“Turn the Lights Back On” was co-written by Joel, Wexler, Arthur Bacon, and Wayne Hector.

The six-time Grammy Award-winning Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee took the stage a few weeks ago at the Grammys for the debut performance of “Turn The Lights Back On.”

Source: RTT Music News

The Pretenders have rescheduled their 2024 U.K. tour for the autumn after injury suffered by frontwoman Chrissie Hynde.

The band had been due to perform a run of headlining shows in February and March. However, Hynde recently announced that an injury has forced them to postpone the shows.

“Hi all! We’re champing at the bit to get back on the road, but looks like we’re gonna have to hold tight for a while. I have a knee injury which will have to be dealt with first,” Hynde said. “I was hoping I could limp through the next 6 weeks, but it’s just getting worse. (I’ll spare you the gory details…).”

She added, “We will be rescheduling the postponed shows to later in the year. So sorry for the inconvenience but look forward to seeing you then.”

The postponed concerts will now take place in October, with existing tickets remaining valid for the shows. Any customers who cannot attend the revised dates can contact their point of purchase for a refund.

Further, The Pretenders have announced a few extra shows at Portsmouth’s Guildhall (October 11), Hull’s Connexin Live (19) and Ipswich’s Regent Theatre (26). The group will also play a third night at London’s Palladium on October 24.

Source: RTT Music News