Def Leppard recently shared a cover of Ben E. King’s classic “Stand By Me” in support of the Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts.

The rock band’s version of the song is featured in the recently released film Bank Of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger.

All proceeds from the track will be donated to FireAid to assist in both short-term relief efforts and long-term initiatives to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California.

“Los Angeles & its surrounding area has always played a central role in Def Leppard’s career, from it being where some of us are based and it being our U.S. hub for rehearsals, to being the city where we played our first-ever American gig,” said Def Leppard lead vocalist Joe Elliott. “We feel blessed to be able to dedicate this song & give all the royalties to the amazing heroes in L.A. helping those affected by the fires. No better song.”

“For a time in the 80’s and 90’s, LA became my home from home. To see the devastation caused by the wildfires is heartbreaking,” added bass guitarist Rick Savage. “To everyone affected by the tragedy, our hearts go out to you all. May you find a way forward physically, mentally and spiritually. It’s hard to comprehend the incomprehensible but there’s a chance if we stand by each other.”

“I have a continued appreciation for the L.A. firefighters and all of the first responders,” ,” said drummer Rick Allen. “I know how important first responders are in states of emergency, especially given my history, which is why in addition to supporting FireAid through the release of ‘Stand By Me,’ the Raven Drum Foundation will be offering 5 signed guitars to benefit First Responders Resiliency Inc., offering free resiliency and trauma trainings for first responders and their families across California.”

“In times of devastation, standing together is more important than ever. As a resident of Southern California for 35 years, I’ve witnessed the impact of wildfires as they continue to ravage communities across California. Our cover of Ben E. King’s ‘Stand By Me’ is a tribute to resilience, unity, and hope. All proceeds from our version will go directly to wildfire victims, helping those who need it most. Let’s stand by each other and make a difference—because no one should face hardship alone,” said guitarist Phil Collen.

“Having spent most of my adult life living in L.A., it’s beyond heartbreaking to see the devastation wrought by the fires. I’m familiar with each and every neighborhood affected and know so many who have lost their homes and livelihoods. Our thoughts continue with them all as they begin to rebuild their lives and communities,” said Vivian Campbell.

Source: RTT Music News

Legendary bands The Rolling Stones and The Beatles both won Grammy Awards in rock categories.

The Beatles picked up the best rock performance award for “Now And Then,” their “final” song, which was assembled from a demo by the late John Lennon.

Meanwhile, the Stones won best rock album for their 2023 comeback project, Hackney Diamonds.

The awards were handed out at the Grammys’ “premiere ceremony,” which preceded the main event.

“It’s really incredible if you think about,” remarked Sean Lennon Ono, who accepted the Grammy on behalf of his late father’s band. “The Beatles have done so much incredible work and they’re still in the culture and people still listen to the music. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the greatest band of all time.”

“Play the Beatles music to you kids,” he continued. “I feel like the world can’t afford to forget about people like the Beatles. We need this music in the world. We need peace and love. We need the magic of the ’60s to stay alive.”

Superstar producer Andrew Watt, who produced Hackney Diamonds, accepted the award.

“For a little boy that grew up playing guitar, it was one of the most amazing experiences to be around those musicians,” Watt said.

Source: RTT Music News

On March 28, Fleetwood Mac will reissue five of their multi-platinum classic albums released between 1975 and 1987 on crystal-clear vinyl as a 6LP boxed set as well as a 5CD set.

This collection includes Fleetwood Mac (1975), Rumours (1977), Tusk (1979), Mirage (1982), and Tango In The Night (1987). A Rhino.com exclusive edition, including a crystal-clear 12-inch of “Silver Springs” and “Go Your Own Way” in both stereo and mono, will be available on the same day and is limited to 1,000 copies globally. Pre-order at https://fmac.lnk.to/7587

A new incarnation of Fleetwood Mac debuted in the summer of 1975, including Mick Fleetwood, John McVie and Christine McVie, along with new members Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. The group’s first album together, Fleetwood Mac (sometimes called ‘The White Album’), topped the Billboard album chart, spent more than a year in the Top 40 and sold more than five million copies in the U.S. thanks to songs like “Landslide,” “Say You Love Me,” and “Rhiannon.”

In 1977, the band followed up with the 21x Platinum record Rumours – considered among the greatest albums of all time. It won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year and has sold over 40 million copies worldwide. Its unforgettable tracks include “Go Your Own Way,” “Gold Dust Woman,” and the band’s first No. 1 smash, the Gold-certified “Dreams.”

The Grammy-nominated double-album Tusk arrived in 1979, selling more than four million copies worldwide and introducing fans to hits like “Sara,” “Think About Me,” and the title track. Three years later, in 1982, Fleetwood Mac again topped the U.S. Album Chart for five weeks with Mirage. Along with hits like “Hold Me” and “Gypsy,” Mirage also features great album tracks like “Oh Diane” and “Straight Back.”

Source: RTT Music News

On March 21, Rush will release Rush 50, a wide-ranging 50-track super deluxe anthology celebrating the half-century milestone marker for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame icons.

The anthology serves as a complete career-spanning Rush anthology on seven LPs and four CDs, featuring 50 tracks, beginning with the first ever reissue of their debut 1973 single, and ending with a live recording of the last song they performed together as a band at their final concert in 2015 at The Forum in Los Angeles.

Rush 50 will be available in five configurations, including the Super Deluxe Edition, Rush Store Exclusive Super Deluxe Edition, 7-LP Deluxe Edition, 4-CD Deluxe Edition, and Digital Edition.

Seven tracks on Rush 50 are previously unreleased. Amongst the Holy Grail unreleased tracks are the first-ever official CD and LP reissue of Rush’s first single on Moon Records from 1973, “Not Fade Away” and “You Can’t Fight It,” a pair of early gems that Rush fans have been clamoring to be released officially for decades – newly remastered from the original analog tapes.

Other studio rarities on Rush 50 include Vault Editions of 1974’s “Working Man” and 1978’s “The Trees,” both of which showcase alternate guitar solos by Alex Lifeson, with the former track only having been available as a digital single while the latter cut has never been officially released beyond its appearance on instrument-based video games.

Additionally, five unreleased live songs have been culled from some of Rush’s most legendary performances.

Source: RTT Music News