Fender signature artist Richie Kotzen has gone from peaceful to angry, following up 2009’s Peace Sign with a new song called “Angry Boy.” Click here to sample his latest tune. Kotzen has also confirmed an Oct. 8 appearance at the Viper Room in Los Angeles. Tickets can be purchased here. For more on the rocker, watch these exclusive Fender Vision videos, “In Conversation with Richie Kotzen.”
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From Fender Front Row, fender.com
In Conversation with Richie Kotzen
2 Hours, 25 Minutes ago
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From Fender Front Row, fender.com
‘Premier Guitar’ Has Crossroads Covered
“I don’t know how you feel, but I feel like I’m in heaven.” – Buddy Guy during his set with Jonny Lang and surprise guest Ron Wood at the 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival. Guy’s quote appears in Premier Guitar’s September issue, which includes every little detail about Eric Clapton’s 12-hour gala, as well as photos of the action. Get it here.
September 2 2010, 12:53pm
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From Fender Front Row, fender.com
Coldplay’s Chris Martin Plays New Song
Apple unveiled the new iPod lineup, Apple TV and iTunes 10 during a special event in San Francisco on Wednesday, and then surprised attendees with Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who debuted a new tune of his own called “Wedding Bells.” Wearing a Flaming Lips T-shirt, Martin sat at the piano and introduced his new song with a bit of Apple humor. “This is a new song that we’ve been working on called ‘Coldplay 2.6′,” he said. “It has a lot of features. It features seven different kinds of chord, including a new one that even our closest rivals have no idea about, which [Apple's legendary designer of the iMac, iPod, etc.] Jonathan Ive designed. It’s the chord of I-minor. “It might not even ever come out so this could be the only time it ever appears. It’s the beginning of a story kind of thing that starts sadly, but that’s the way these things … It could go terribly wrong, but f—k it.”
Martin also performed “Yellow” and “Viva la Vida.”
September 2 2010, 10:54am
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From Fender Front Row, fender.com
“London Calling” Featured on ‘RS’ Song List
Paul Simonon smashes a Fender Precision Bass on the album cover. The broken P Bass is featured on pg. 26 of the RS Collectors Edition. In the recent Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Songs of All Time Special Collectors Edition, they share the background stories behind rock’s classic songs. Coming in at #15 is “London Calling” by the Clash. In 1979, the uncompromising British punk band was without management and racking up debt in a country that was crashing around them. Out of that turmoil, Joe Strummer and guitarist Mick Jones wrote the lasting title track to their third album, London Calling, named after the call signal of the BBC’s World Service broadcasts. “We felt that we were struggling,” Strummer tells RS, “about to slip down a slope or something, grasping with out fingernails. And there was no one there to help us.” Its lyrics contained nods to a series of disasters. For instance “the nuclear error” refers to the March 1979 meltdown of a reactor at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania.
September 1 2010, 7:18pm
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From Fender Front Row, fender.com
Green Day Give Arizona Fans Time of their Lives
Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt Photo credit: FotoBob When Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt stopped by Fender headquarters on Monday afternoon to test out some new Fender bass amps, he told us that each night onstage is like “trial by fire.” “We want it to be an event,” offered the Fender and Squier signature artist. “You’ve got to stir it up, shake the tree. So it’s all improv — everything. Billie will look at Tre and I’ll hear a snare hit and have to know what song to go to. It literally happens in that fast of time.” Green Day certainly kept it interesting a few hours later with a three-hour long set at Cricket Pavilion that was punctuated by fireworks, shooting bursts of flames and sparklers that sprinkled from the sky like falling rain. The veteran rock trio powered through their extensive catalog, opening the epic set with “Song of the Century” and “21st Century Breakdown” and then dipping all the way back to 1994’s breakthrough album Dookie for “Burnout,” “When I Come Around,” “She,” “Basket Case” and “Longview.” There was no shortage of volunteers – young and old alike — when singer Billie Joe Armstrong asked for someone who knew “every f—ing word, every last one” to “Longview.” A young woman nailed a few of its verses before Armstrong handed off his mic and Squier Telecaster to Graham Guldstrand. At first, the teenager tentatively strummed at the electric guitar but after a whispered convo with Armstrong, he let loose and began belting out the lyrics, jamming back-to-back with Dirnt, running madly around the stage and then finally jumping from the drum riser. Guldstrand then returned to the mic and breathlessly asked for some water. “You are outta shape,” quipped Armstrong before adding that while he didn’t have any water to give him, “you can take that guitar.” (Here’s Graham Guldstrand with his new guitar and Fender artist relations manager Billy Siegle. Photo also taken by FotoBob)
Armstrong pulled several fans up to the stage throughout the night, eventually inviting “everyone” to charge the stage for “One For the Razorbacks.” The guys slowed down now and then, but only to douse the audience with water hoses and toilet paper; Armstrong also paused to twice moon the crowd and once to hump the ground during a cover of “Shout,” which was instrumentally highlighted by an Elvis-dressed saxophonist. Just past the midway point, the Berkley-based band showcased their musicianship with a medley of classic rock covers including “Highway to Hell” and “Sweet Child O Mine.” Armstrong broke into laughter as he hit the high notes on the latter, much to the amusement of Dirnt. After informing the audience that they were recording the show for a live album, Green Day treated the avid crowd to new power-punk song, “Cigarettes and Valentines.” For the eventual encore, Green Day played five songs, starting with “American Idiot” and then finishing with acoustic renditions of “Wake Me Up When September Ends” and “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).” Green Day’s marathon performance definitely delivered a rock show that their Arizona fans will forever remember. Watch some of the highlights from the show, including new song “Cigarettes and Valentine,” as well as Graham Guldstrand’s turn onstage (about the five-and-a-half minute mark).
September 1 2010, 1:31pm
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From Fender Front Row, fender.com
Hey Monday Performs New Material
Hey Monday played an acoustic set last night at Red Bull Space, performing songs from their new EP, Beneath It All. The performance was streamed live on Red Bull USA and the archived version is now available below.
The pop rock group traded in their Fender acoustic guitars for Fender electrics in this music video for new single “I Don’t Wanna Dance.”
August 31 2010, 5:05pm
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From Fender Front Row, fender.com
Be Part of Arcade Fire’s New Interactive Music Video
Arcade Fire’s new interactive music video for “We Used to Wait” is pure genius! Directed by Chris Milk, the video launches multiple browser windows showcasing a hooded person running down a rain-soaked street, flying birds and your scenes from your childhood neighborhood. That’s right, we said YOUR. Go to thewildernessdowntown.com (title of the site is borrowed from the song’s lyrics) and type in your childhood address and then watch the video as your old stomping grounds become part of the action.
August 30 2010, 6:29pm
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From Fender Front Row, fender.com
Watch Filter’s New Video for “Inevitable Relapse”
Platinum rock band Filter is back with their fifth studio album, The Trouble With Angels. Fans weaned on the industrial outbursts and corrosive beats of 1995’s Short Bus and 1999’s Title of Record will be ecstatic to hear Richard Patrick’s unmistakable scream and unflinching honesty dominating the new album. We’ve got more album details available here and the music video for the album’s debut single, “The Inevitable Relapse.”
August 30 2010, 12:23pm
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From Fender Front Row, fender.com
Since today is the 20th anniversary of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s untimely death on Aug. 27, 1990, let’s throw on some Stevie. Here’s Texas Flood track “Tell Me,” a song SRV used his yellow ‘64 Strat to get the bell-like guitar sound. “It was owned by the lead guitar player for Vanilla Fudge, who trashed it by putting four humbuckers in it,” Vaughan said in this September 1983 Guitar World article. “Charley Wirz (of Charley’s Guitar Shop) gave it to me a couple of years ago, and I had him fix it up and put one stock treble Fender pickup in it. The body rings like a bell because it’s practically hollow — the middle was cut out for the humbuckers — and the only pan that’s solid is the edge.”
Now, keep on rocking with this SRV and Double Trouble video for “The House is Rockin’.”
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- Artist News
August 27 2010, 2:13pm
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From Fender Front Row, fender.com
Springsteen ‘Promises’ Previously Unreleased Recordings on Nov. 16
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will release The Promise: Darkness On the Edge of Town Story box set on Nov. 16. The deluxe package comprises over six hours of film and more than two hours of audio across three CDs and three DVDs. The media contents are packaged within an 80-page notebook containing facsimiles from Springsteen’s original notebooks from the recording sessions, which include alternate lyrics, song ideas, recording details, and personal notes, in addition to a new essay by Springsteen and never-before-seen photographs. Containing a wealth of previously unreleased material, The Promise: The Darkness on the Edge of Town Story offers an unprecedented look into Springsteen’s creative process during a defining moment in his career. The three CDS include the digitally remastered Darkness On The Edge of Town and The Promise, which features 21 previously-unreleased songs from the Darkness recording sessions spread out over two CDs.
The previously unheard song “Save My Love” is streaming now at www.BruceSpringsteen.net. The deluxe package also features a documentary directed by Grammy-and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Thom Zimny. The 90-minute film combines never-before-seen footage of Springsteen and the E Street Band shot between 1976 and 1978—including home rehearsals and studio sessions—with new interviews with Springsteen, E Street Band members, manager Jon Landau, former manager Mike Appel, and others closely involved in the making of the record. The documentary will debut at the Toronto Film Festival on Sept. 14 and on HBO Oct. 7, but here’s a sneak peek.
August 26 2010, 7:21pm
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From Fender Front Row, fender.com
Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “First Wife”
This Friday marks the 20th anniversary of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s untimely death on Aug. 27, 1990. In homage to the legendary blues guitarist, we’ve posted a piece in Fender News, and will be sharing other blogs (like this one) and facebook updates throughout the week. Stevie Ray Vaughan once referred to his ’59 Fender Rosewood Stratocaster as his “first wife,” saying, “I can’t leave her.” According to the September 1983 edition of Guitar World, SRV found his main axe at a guitar shop in Dallas in 1973. “I walked into this guitar store carrying my ’63 Strat,” he recalled. “And I saw this other Strat hanging in the window. I just had to have it — I hadn’t even played it, but I knew by the way it looked it sounded great — and I asked if they wanted to trade.” Vaughan was never sure of the guitar’s true vintage. “It was officially put out in 1962, but the neck is stamped ’59,” he explained in the article. “When I got it, there was a sticker under the bass pickup that read ‘L.F. 59.’ So I think Leo Fender put it together with spare parts and issued it in ’62. But it doesn’t really matter to me; all I know is that I’ve never found another one that sounds like it.” Vaughan was especially fond of the guitar’s neck, which he said was “shaped differently from most others. It’s a D-neck, but it’s oddly shaped — it’s real, real big, and fits my hand like a glove.” Stevie Ray Vaughan collaborated with Fender to produce a signature Stratocaster guitar loosely based on his “first wife” shortly before his t death in 1990. The resulting Stevie Ray Vaughan Stratocaster features an early ’60s “oval” neck shape, pao ferro fingerboard with jumbo frets, three Fender Texas Special™ single-coil pickups, gold-plated hardware, inverted left-hand vintage tremolo unit and distinctive “SRV” pickguard. Our homage to a true master.
August 26 2010, 11:07am
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From Fender Front Row, fender.com
Win a Fender Guitar and an iPad from Language Room
Language Room would like to give you a chance to win a Fender guitar and iPad just for following the band on twitter and facebook. One lucky fan who follows the band on both sites will be chosen to receive the guitar/iPad prize package. Five other fans will be chosen to receive signed posters from the band. More details here!
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August 26 2010, 10:30am
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From Fender Front Row, fender.com
Gene Simmons Hangs with Little Kids Rock
In last night’s episode of A&E reality television show Gene Simmons Family Jewels, the legendary Kiss bassist and co-frontman stops by a public school with his wife and son to hang out with some young rockers in the Little Kids Rock program. “Seeing those kids pick up those guitars took me back to the innocence of just picking up that guitar and learning that first chord,” said Simmons. “Nobody is around, before managers and agents, and just kind of getting off on your own music. It was really inspiring.” The clip also features Simmons waxing on why he believes music is important education (look for a hilarious part when he discusses “idle minds”) and dropping off some new Fender guitars to the kids. Watch the clip here, and join the Simmons in their efforts to help bring the gift of music to 20,000 kids by winter break by making a donation here today.
August 25 2010, 7:12pm
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From Fender Front Row, fender.com
Clapton to Release his 19th Solo Album
Guitar icon and three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Eric Clapton will release his 19th solo studio album on Sept. 28, simply titled Clapton. Co-produced by guitarist and long-time collaborator Doyle Bramhall II, the CD features an all-star cast of musicians including the legendary JJ Cale, drummer Jim Keltner, bassist Willie Weeks, and keyboardist Walt Richmond, as well as collaborations with Steve Winwood, Wynton Marsalis, Sheryl Crow, Allen Toussaint and Derek Trucks. Clapton created a collection that touches on everything from century-old traditional brass bands to little-known country blues to brand-new originals. The result of his first solo studio release since 2005’s Back Home is both relaxed and revelatory, and unlike anything the guitarist has done in his legendary career. “This album wasn’t what it was intended to be at all,” says Clapton. “It’s actually better than it was meant to be because, in a way, I just let it happen. It’s an eclectic collection of songs that weren’t really on the map—and I like it so much because if it’s a surprise to the fans; that’s only because it’s a surprise to me, as well.” Clapton’s official website is now taking pre-orders for the deluxe limited edition bundle which includes the bonus track “You Better Watch Yourself” on a 24 karat gold collectible CD, a hard cover 16-page book featuring exclusive studio photos and an 11” x 14” lithograph of Clapton’s iconic guitar “Blackie” and his printed signature. Click here to pre-order. TRACK LISTING: 1 Travelin’ Alone 2 Rocking Chair 3 River Runs Deep 4 Judgement Day 5 How Deep Is The Ocean 6 My Very Good Friend The Milkman 7 Can’t Hold Out Much Longer 8 That’s No Way To Get Along 9 Everything Will Be Alright 10 Diamonds Made From Rain* 11 When Somebody Thinks You’re Wonderful 12 Hard Times Blues 13 Run Back To Your Side 14 Autumn Leaves 15. You Better Watch Yourself (Bonus Track on Deluxe Edition) Here’s a little taste of Clapton as we eagerly await his upcoming release:
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- Eric Clapton
- Artist News
- Clapton
- new CD
August 25 2010, 2:06pm
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From Fender Front Row, fender.com
Clapton to Release his 19th Solo Album
Guitar icon and three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Eric Clapton will release his 19th solo studio album on Sept. 28, simply titled Clapton. Co-produced by guitarist and long-time collaborator Doyle Bramhall II, the CD features an all-star cast of musicians including the legendary JJ Cale, drummer Jim Keltner, bassist Willie Weeks, and keyboardist Walt Richmond, as well as collaborations with Steve Winwood, Wynton Marsalis, Sheryl Crow, Allen Toussaint and Derek Trucks. Clapton created a collection that touches on everything from century-old traditional brass bands to little-known country blues to brand-new originals. The result of his first solo studio release since 2005’s Back Home is both relaxed and revelatory, and unlike anything the guitarist has done in his legendary career. “This album wasn’t what it was intended to be at all,” says Clapton. “It’s actually better than it was meant to be because, in a way, I just let it happen. It’s an eclectic collection of songs that weren’t really on the map—and I like it so much because if it’s a surprise to the fans; that’s only because it’s a surprise to me, as well.” Clapton’s official website is now taking pre-orders for the deluxe limited edition bundle which includes the bonus track “You Better Watch Yourself” on a 24 karat gold collectible CD, a hard cover 16-page book featuring exclusive studio photos and an 11” x 14” lithograph of Clapton’s iconic guitar “Blackie” and his printed signature. Click here to pre-order. TRACK LISTING: 1 Travelin’ Alone 2 Rocking Chair 3 River Runs Deep 4 Judgement Day 5 How Deep Is The Ocean 6 My Very Good Friend The Milkman 7 Can’t Hold Out Much Longer 8 That’s No Way To Get Along 9 Everything Will Be Alright 10 Diamonds Made From Rain* 11 When Somebody Thinks You’re Wonderful 12 Hard Times Blues 13 Run Back To Your Side 14 Autumn Leaves 15. You Better Watch Yourself (Bonus Track on Deluxe Edition) Here’s a little taste of Clapton as we eagerly await his upcoming release:
- Tags:
- Eric Clapton
- Artist News
- Clapton
- new CD
August 25 2010, 11:56am
