The Wetton Family & Qedg Management AnnounceLine-Up Of Legends To Play Exclusive John Wetton Memorial ConcertOn August 3rd, 2023In Aid Of Charity Who Cared For JohnStreaming Tickets On Sale Now!
28th June 2023: Lisa Wetton, (wife) Dylan Wetton, (son) and QEDG Management are delighted to announce that a memorial concert will be held in memory of JOHN WETTON (King Crimson, Family, Roxy Music, Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ask, UK, Asia) on 3rd August 2023 at Trading Boundaries in East Sussex. The event will see friends and family of the late lead singer and guitarist gather together to celebrate the life of this extraordinary musician. An all-star line-up of
legends, who were friends and collaborators of Wettons, will perform songs from throughout his incredible career.
The memorial event will be hosted by Prog Magazines editor, Jerry Ewing, alongside Geoff Downes (The Buggles, Asia, YES), Steve Hackett (Genesis, GTR) and artist Roger Dean. The list of performers and special guests who wish to pay tribute to the legendary Wetton is growing by the day, but so far boasts (in alphabetical order):
Chris Braide (Downes Braide Association), Roger Chapman (Family), Mel Collins (King Crimson, Alan Parsons Project, Chris Squire, Roger Waters), Jim Cregan (Family, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, Rod Stewart, Katie Melua), David Cross (King Crimson), Chris Difford (Squeeze), Geoff Downes, Steve Hackett, Annie Haslam (Renaissance), Dave Kilminster (John Wetton, Keith Emerson, Steven Wilson, Roger Waters), Phil Manzanera (Roxy Music), John Mitchell (John Wetton, Icon, It Bites, Fr*st), Martin Orford (John Wetton, IQ, Jadis), Guy Pratt (Pink Floyd, Roxy Music) , Jay Schellen (YES, Asia), Billy Sherwood (YES, Asia) and Rick Wakeman (YES, Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe), Laurie Wisefield (Wishbone Ash, Snakecharmer) – all of whom will be supported by The Paul Green Rock Academy.
Geoff Downes commented I am very excited to be a part of the upcoming John Wetton Tribute. As you all know, I had a very close and unique writing partnership with John, and we were dear friends, brothers and band mates for many years.
Wetton died on 31st January 2017, as a result of complications due to cancer. He spent his last days being cared for by the charity Macmillan Caring Locally, at the Macmillan Unit, Christchurch Hospital in Dorset. As a gesture of recognition towards his fans who supported Wetton right up until his death, Johns family and management have decided to allow this private event to be live streamed so that it can be enjoyed by fans across the globe. They have also identified the memorial as being the perfect opportunity to highlight the fantastic work done by Macmillan Caring Locally and to raise much-needed funds for the creation of a special hospice suite dedicated to the star.
Lin Sharp, Fundraising and Communications Director for the charity commented It was a privilege to care for John in the final days of his life and we are so grateful to his wife, Lisa, for her continued support. All monies raised will go to fund a room as a legacy to John, named The John Wetton Suite. A massive thank you to you all for making this possible.
Johns son Dylan went on to say I am delighted and humbled that so many legendary artists who worked with my Dad over the years have agreed to come together both to honour him and raise vital funds for the charity which supported him during his last days.
Tickets for the live stream can be purchased now with all proceeds going to Macmillan Caring Locally. In an effort to raise further funds, a special online auction will run alongside the evenings proceedings boasting some unique lots, including a guitar owned by Wetton himself.
This promises to be an incredible, once-in-a-life time event and it is hoped that fans will support it generously by buying live stream memorial tickets as well as bidding on the various auction lots.
Dylan Wetton went on to say I cannot think of a better way to celebrate my Dads life and the incredible musical legacy he has left behind. Its going to be an amazing night, a unique event – which is exactly what my Dad deserves. Downes agrees To honour Johns legacy in this way with so many of his former musicians, colleagues and family gathered together, shows just what an enormous amount of love, gratitude and respect so many of us held for John and his music. Its going to be a wonderful celebration spanning the whole of Johns amazing career. I am very much looking forward to it. See you all there.
Album features performances by Jellyfish’s Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Vulfpeck’s Charles Jones, British guitar legend Snowy White, Billy Idol guitarist Steve Stevens, GnR cohort Ron Bumblefoot Thal, Paul Shafer, God Of Hellfire Arthur Brown and lots more!
Los Angeles, CA – It probably comes as no surprise that Athens GA indie rock icon Matthew Sweet has a fondness for The Beatles. From his 1986 debut album to his early ‘90s breakthrough, including the MTV smash hit “Girlfriend,” on through to his most recent albums, Sweet has pulled off the same kind of melodically driven, seemingly straightforward but stealthily complex songs that turned the Liverpudlian foursome into a worldwide phenomena and one of the most influential artists of all-time. Recently, Sweet was invited to participate in a truly remarkable revisitation of The Beatles’ incredible crowning glory, the brilliant Abbey Road, and the results couldn’t be more satisfying.
Sweet sings, plays guitar and even adds a little bass to a brand new version of Abbey Road’s punchiest blast of rock psychedelia, “Polythene Pam.” The fourth segment of the album’s magnificent Side B medley, “Pam” is the perfect showcase for Sweet’s deft interplay of rapid fire vocals and powerfully overdriven guitars. Assisting in the track’s creation is fellow singer/guitarist Jason Berk, who adds texture with his acoustic guitar, and Fernando Perdomo who supports Sweet’s guitar with some tasteful Hammond organ. Perhaps the only thing that can be said against the track is that, with a running time of 1:27, it leaves too soon. But then, that’s what the repeat button is for!
Abbey Road Reimagined, produced by Perdomo and packed with an astounding array of musical all-stars, will be hitting the digital and physical shelves on August 18. Order your copy today!
TRACK LIST: 1. Come Together – Durga McBroom (Pink Floyd), Jackie Lomax (Apple Records Artist) & Snowy White (Pink Floyd) 2. Something – Charles Jones (Vulfpeck) & Sonny Landreth 3. Maxwell’s Silver Hammer – Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Jellyfish) 4. Oh! Darling – Eric Dover (Jellyfish) & Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge) 5. Octopus’s Garden – Matt Axton & Brian Auger (Rod Stewart) 6. I Want You (She’s So Heavy) – Arthur Brown & Steve Stevens (Billy Idol) 7. Here Comes The Sun – Ron Bumblefoot Thal (Guns N’ Roses) 8. Because – Rebecca Pidgeon & Patrick Moraz (The Moody Blues) 9. You Never Give Me Your Money – Graham Bonnet (Rainbow) & Rick Wakeman (Yes) 10. Sun King – James Booth & The Return, Albert Lee & Geoff Downes (Yes) 11. Mean Mr. Mustard – Jack Russell (Great White) 12. Polythene Pam – Matthew Sweet 13. She Came In Through The Bathroom Window – Adam Gaynor (Matchbox 20) & Paul Shaffer 14. Golden Slumbers – Terry Reid 15. Carry That Weight – Gregg Bissonette 16. The End – Frank Dimino (Angel) & Steve Hillage (Gong) 17. Her Majesty – Gary Wilson
We are thrilled to announce the addition of T.A.P a great International instrumental Progressive-rock band to the Revolution family for the bands upcoming release, Paradigms due for release early fall. The debut album will feature eight all new original composition’s and will be available in most all formats ranging from CD, Digital and even on the best streaming platforms.
T.A.P has been described as an instrumental fusion of progressive and ambient sounds with a nice touch of jazz, blues, psychedelic, and ethnic influences stirred in for perfection, featuring members of Djam Karet, The Muffins, Herd of Instinct, Fearful Symmetry, Head Joint, and Gayle Ellett & the Electromags
In a statement from the band. T.A.P is ready to release their first album ‘Paradigms’, but were keen to ensure that the music got the best possible coverage through an agency that understands the target audience, and can provide the right channels to help with promotion and sales. It also helps if they like the music too!
Nick Katona of MRR’s first reaction was that the album is a ‘damn fine body of work’. That’s praise indeed and followed it up by signing T.A.P. Other reviews by contemporary musicians and music show hosts have supported that view, and now we are looking forward to publishing the release date
T.A.P is… Mike Jobborn: keyboards, synth, soundscapes, drum programming Mark Cook: Warr guitar, guitars, basses, drums, soundscapes, synths, samples, strings Suzi James: guitars, basses, oud, flute, random percussion Gayle Ellett: keyboards – Hammond, Moog, mellotron Paul Sears: drums, percussion Bill Bachman: drums
It is with regret that Unitopia announces that bassist Alphonso Johnson will no longer be able to join the band on their upcoming “Seven Chambers” tour in September due to unforeseen circumstances. The band, however, is thrilled to announce that acclaimed musician Don Schiff will be stepping in to fill the void left by Johnson’s absence.
In the wake of Johnson’s unavailability, Don Schiff emerges as the ideal candidate to take his place. Schiff is no stranger to the world of progressive rock, having carved out a remarkable career spanning several decades. His mastery of the Chapman Stick, an innovative and versatile instrument, has made him a sought-after collaborator and a revered figure in the genre.
Don Schiff’s progressive rock journey began in the early 1990s when he joined the legendary rock band Rocket Scientists. Since then, he has contributed his exceptional skills to numerous groundbreaking projects and has worked with an impressive roster of artists, including the likes of Eddie Jobson, Lana Lane, and Erik Norlander.
Schiff’s ability to blend complex melodies, captivating rhythms, and intricate textures with the Chapman Stick has made him an influential figure in the progressive rock scene. His distinctive sound and virtuosic performances have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
Don Schiff’s versatile musical journey extends beyond progressive rock, as he has also made notable contributions to the world of pop music, collaborating with renowned artists such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Sheryl Crow, Pat Benetar, Tina Turner and Elvis Presley, among others. His exceptional skills on the bass have enriched the soundscapes of their chart-topping hits, solidifying his reputation as a sought-after musician across genres. Schiff’s ability to seamlessly transition between progressive rock and pop showcases his remarkable versatility and underscores his status as a respected figure in the music industry.
Unitopia is thrilled to have Don Schiff joining them on their upcoming tour, and they are confident that his immense talent and passion for progressive rock will bring a fresh energy to their live performances. Audiences can expect an unforgettable musical experience as Schiff seamlessly integrates with the band, contributing his unique style and expertise to the beloved Unitopia repertoire.
Unitopia expresses their gratitude to Alphonso Johnson for his contributions and sends their warmest wishes for whatever lies ahead. They are grateful for the understanding and continued support of their fans as they embark on this new chapter with Don Schiff.
For more information about Unitopia’s upcoming tour and Don Schiff’s addition to the lineup, please visit the band’s official website.
About Unitopia:
UNITOPIA (yu-nih-to-pi-E): meaning living together as one in a place of ideal perfection especially in law, government and social conditions.
Unitopia endeavors to draw from the heart and soul of the listener thought provoking topics such as environmental awareness, political and social upheaval and the hectic pace of life and human relationships in a positive and uplifting light. Using progressive themes as a framework, Unitopia’s music includes elements of world, classical, jazz, heavy rock, and groove. About Upcoming Release “Seven Chambers:
The current members of Unitopia have trodden varying paths where some have encountered serious heart disease, tumors, metabolic disorders, joint disease and psychological upheaval. The “Seven Chambers” is a concept album based on the band’s experiences of illness, a dark subject perhaps, but the simple fact that all four are still here and producing music bears witness to good outcomes and is cause for optimism and grounds for hope.
Joe Deninzon has been hailed by critics as “The Jimi Hendrix of the Violin,” because of his innovative style on the “Viper” seven-string electric violin. Joe is the lead singer and violinist for the progressive rock band, Stratospheerius, which has just released their 6th album, “Behind the Curtain (Live at ProgStock).” He can be heard on over a hundred albums and jingles as a violinist and string arranger.
Deninzon has performed and/or recorded with the Who, Bruce Springsteen, 50 Cent, Sheryl Crow, Ritchie Blackmore, Alex Skolnick, Smokey Robinson, Les Paul, Peter Criss from KISS, Michael Sadler, Renaissance with Annie Haslam, Kurt Elling, and as a soloist with Jazz at Lincoln Center and the New York City Ballet. A BMI Composer’s Grant recipient and winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, he has written solo works for violinist Rachel Barton Pine, and in 2015, premiered his Electric Violin Concerto with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra.
Joe holds a Bachelors degree in Violin Performance from Indiana University and a Masters in Jazz Violin From Manhattan School of music.
KANSAS original member and drummer Phil Ehart comments, “We are extremely excited for Joe Deninzon to be the newest member of KANSAS. We believe KANSAS fans will enjoy what Joe will bring to the band. We are excited to kick off the KANSAS 50th Anniversary Tour. As the paragraph in the band’s first album said, ‘KANSAS IS A BAND’ and we remain so to this day.”
Deninzon adds, “As a lifelong fan of Kansas, I am overwhelmed and humbled to have been invited to join this legendary band! I have the deepest respect for Robby and David and will do my best to honor and build on their musical legacy.”
Joe Deninzon’s first performance with the band will be in Pittsburgh, PA on June 2 at the Benedum Center during the premier date of the KANSAS 50th Anniversary Tour – Another Fork in the Road.
A complete list of KANSAS 50th Anniversary Tour – Another Fork in the Road is below. Ticket and VIP Package information can be found at KansasBand.com.
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