The Rolling Stones, the rock ‘n’ roll icons who have defined creativity, daring and durability, are chronicled in a kaleidoscopic new film that will debut Thursday, Novembr 15 (9:00-10:45 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO. The film documents the key periods in their career and their incredible adventures.

‘Crossfire Hurricane’, directed by Academy Award nominee Brett Morgen (HBO’s ‘The Kid Stays in the Picture’), provides a remarkable new perspective on the Stones’ unparalleled journey from blues-obsessed teenagers in the early ‘60s to rock royalty. It’s all here in panoramic candor, from the Marquee Club to Hyde Park, from Altamont to “Exile,” from club gigs to stadium extravaganzas.

For ‘Crossfire Hurricane’, the filmmakers amassed a library of more than 1000 hours of film and 500 hours of audio by gaining access to outtakes from nearly all of the Stones documentary films. With never-before-seen footage, most notably from “Gimme Shelter” and “Cocksucker Blues,” and fresh insights from the band members themselves, the film will delight, shock andamaze longtime devotees, as well as more recent fans, with its uniquely immersive style and tone. Drawing on more than 80 hours of new interviews with the band, the film marks the most extensive participation by the Stones in a documentary ever.

‘Crossfire Hurricane’ features previously unheard versions of such Stones classics as “Tumbling Dice,” “No Expectations,” “She’s a Rainbow,” “Prodigal Son” and many more. Rare live performances of “Satisfaction,” “I Just Want to Make Love to You” and “It’s Allright” fill out the soundtrack.

‘Crossfire Hurricane’ places the viewer right on the front line of the band’s most legendary escapades. Taking its title from a lyric in “Jumping Jack Flash,” ‘Crossfire Hurricane’ gives the audience an intimate insight, for the first time, into exactly what it was like to be part of the Rolling Stones as they overcame denunciation, drugs, dissension and death to become the definitive survivors. It’s the backstage pass to outdo them all.

The film illustrates the Stones’ evolution from being, as Mick Jagger vividly describes it, “the band everybody hated to the band everybody loves,” through the hedonistic 1970s and Keith Richards’ turning-point bust in Canada, to the spectacular touring phenomenon of today. Richards also reveals the song that he believes defines the “essence” of his writing relationship with Jagger more than any other.

Asked in a formative interview in the film what it is that sets them apart from other groups, Jagger says with quiet understatement, “A chemical reaction seems to have happened.” Richards adds, “You can’t really stop the Rolling Stones, you know when that sort of avalanche is facing you, you just get out of the way.” It’s been happening ever since, and the life and times of the Rolling Stones have never been as electrifyingly portrayed as they are in ‘Crossfire Hurricane’.

The odyssey includes film from the Stones’ initial road trips and first controversies as they became the anti-Beatles, the group despised by authority because they connected and communicated with their own generation as no oneelse ever had. “When we got together,” says Bill Wyman, “something magical happened, and no one could ever copy that.”

Director Brett Morgen adds, “‘Crossfire Hurricane’ invites the audience to experience firsthand the Stones’ nearly mythical journey from outsiders to rock and roll royalty. This is not an academic history lesson. ‘Crossfire Hurricane’ allows the viewer to experience the Stones’ journey from a unique vantage point. It’s an aural and visual roller coaster ride.”

From the outset of the film, viewers know they’re in for a white-knuckle ride. No sooner had the early Stones lineup first played live under that name in thesummer of 1962 than they were bigger than the venues that tried to hold them. Wyman remembers how the crowds were soon inspiring manic behaviour, especially among screaming girls, whose uncontrollable excitement was obvious as stardom beckoned for the band already earmarked as the bad guys with press headlines like “Would you let your daughter marry a Rolling Stone?”

Riots and the chaos of early tours are graphically depicted, as is the birth of the Mick Jagger-Keith Richards songwriting partnership. The many dramas they encountered are also fully addressed, including the Redlands drug bust, thedescent of Brian Jones into what Richards calls “bye-bye land,” and the terror and disillusionment of 1969’s Altamont Festival.

The band’s rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle is also discussed with extraordinary forthrightness, including the time of their seminal 1972 album ‘Exile on Main St.’, which topped the British charts both then and 38 years later in its deluxe reissue. Their very survival repeatedly under threat, the Stones survived with a backs-to-the-wall spirit. “We may be going down,” says Keith, “but we’re not going down your way.”

As befits the first rock band to reach the 50-year milestone with their globalstature now greater than ever, the film combines extensive historical footage, much of it widely unseen, with contemporary commentaries by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood and former Stones Bill Wyman and Mick Taylor. Period interviews, extensive live performance material and news archive give the production a truly kinetic aura and no-holds-barred approach. ‘Crossfire Hurricane’ has taken over a year to make and produce with the fullcooperation of the Rolling Stones.

Image Courtesy : Cinemafestival / Shutterstock.com

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The Rolling Stones performed for the first time in London on July 12, 1962, and they had been expected to celebrate their 50^th anniversary on a world tour later this year.

But the legendary rock ‘n’ roll band delayed its 50^th anniversary world tour until 2013. That’s when band members said at the London Film Festival that they are going to perform. The festival was where their documentary film “Crossfire Hurricane” was shown.

The film, made by director Brett Morgen, will be screened in cinemas in October and then broadcast by BBC2 later in the year. It includes some exclusive material about the band which has never been revealed. Moreover, there are comments from both present and former band members.

Charlie Watts, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Mick Jagger arrived to attend the gala screening of “Crossfire Hurricane.” They were joined on the red carpet by former Stone Bill Wyman, who said he hoped that the film captured the influence of founder member and guitarist Brian Jones, who died in 1969. He said: “I’m glad he’s remembered, that’s the most important thing.”

Recording in the studio and performing

Earlier it was reported that health of Keith Richards is the reason for the delay, as there were doubts that he would be able to commit to a full world tour. But he insisted that playing in 2013 would be a more fitting half-century anniversary, “The Stones always considered 1963 to be 50 years, because Charlie [Watts, drummer] didn’t actually join until January,” he said. “We look upon 2012 as sort of the year of conception, but the birth is next year.”

Keith Richards said, ”Basically, we’re just not ready. I have a feeling that’s [2013] more realistic.”

But a couple of days ago the guitarist said the band are sounding “up to and above par” in rehearsals in Paris. He added: “I can’t believe how well the band is sounding.”

Wood said, ”You would think it would be boring doing the same thing over and over again but it’s not. It’s totally fresh and totally new every time we get together. There’s a chemistry between us every time we get together and I don’t know what the hell it is but it’s magic”.

He was also asked about a possible tour: “Once this wheel is turning I don’t think it will be able to stop so hopefully the momentum it gathers by doing the O2 and the gigs in Newark, we won’t be able to stop.”

The band will play to 40,000 people during their two nights at the O2 in London, on November 25 and November 29. These concerts are dedicated to the 50^th anniversary of the first performance of the band on the stage. Also the Stones will play two more shows in Newark, New Jersey in December.

The cheapest tickets were sold out to the concerts, taking place at London O2 Arena and costing £106, in three minutes. The most expensive tickets, costing £406, were also sold out too fast, in just four minutes. Right at the advent of tickets fans of the band rushed to buy them.

Image Courtesy of  The Rolling Stones

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Hollywood, U.S.A. — R.E.M. has teamed with Capitol/I.R.S. for the September 25 release of an expanded 25th Anniversary Edition of the band’s 1987 album, “Document.” The new edition features the digitally remastered original album, plus a previously unreleased 1987 concert from R.E.M.’s “Work” tour.

The commemorative release also adds new liner notes by journalist David Daley, with the 2CD package presented in a lift-top box with four postcards. On the same date, the remastered original album will be reissued by Mobile Fidelity on 180-gram vinyl in faithfully replicated LP packaging.

R.E.M.’s fifth studio album, “Document” was recorded by vocalist Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and drummer Bill Berry at Nashville’s Sound Emporium. The first of several R.E.M. albums to be co-produced by the band and Scott Litt, “Document” was also the band’s first to go Platinum and includes the singles “Finest Worksong,” “Its The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine),” and “The One I Love, “R.E.M.’s first Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album peaked at Number 10 in the U.S., spending 33 weeks on Billboard’s Top 200.

In his 1987 review of the album, Rolling Stone’s David Fricke described “Document” as “the fifth in a series of singular state-of-our-union addresses by America’s most successful fringe band.” Indeed, Document launches with a call-to-action, as Stipe sings, “The time to rise / Has been engaged” in “Finest Worksong,” bearing witness to history-repeating-itself tactics employed by the country’s elected leaders, evidenced by the Iran-contra hearings, Star Wars missile defense saber-rattling, and a hyper-moralized Congress bent on restricting and regulating controversial language in the arts.

“All you have to do is turn on the TV,” said Peter Buck at the time, “And you’re inundated with complete lies from people who are supposed to be running the country.”

R.E.M. had released four albums in the previous four years, each selling more than the last. With the release of “Document”, the band found itself at a crossroads of sorts – all but ignored by conservative rock radio and MTV, yet reaching a broad and devoted international audience, sprung from independent media and college radio. Listen to Peter Buck’s 1987 introduction to “Document”, recorded for attendees of that year’s New Music Seminar, here.

Mike Mills tells Daley in the new edition’s liner notes, “We always felt that if we had a hit, it would be despite us, not because of us.”

As the band’s upward trajectory continued, improbably sandwiching “The One I Love” between Whitney Houston’s “So Emotional” and Jody Watley’s “Don’t You Want Me” on the U.S. singles chart the same week Rolling Stone’s cover hailed R.E.M. as “America’s best rock & roll band” (read Rolling Stone’s 1987 R.E.M. cover story here), they launched their “Work” tour in Europe.  The concert included in Document’s new edition, recorded live in Utrecht, Holland, reveals a band poised to take over the world.

Image Courtesy of   R.E.M.

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An unparalleled blast from the past, Purple Revolver celebrates 60s and 70s popular culture with a 21st century slant on Saturday, Sept. 15 at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach.

A celebration of all things retro, the family-friendly event infuses classic rock, Bohemian fashions and high-performance muscle cars along with premier food trucks, a throwback beer garden, celebrity look-a-likes and a three-acre festival. Stay tuned to www.purple-revolver.com for updates.

Thousands of “hipster” and “millennial” attendees will step back to the future, rubbing elbows with Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley impersonators while soaking up the essence of American pop culture from the era.

The greatest hits from legendary bands like the Rolling Stones, Beach Boys, Eagles, Boston and Bee Gees permeate the venue while nationally recognized Tribute Bands representing the Beatles, Queen and Led Zeppelin rock the Purple Revolver stage.

What’s old is new again as coveted Muscle Cars from the 60s and 70s – Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaroand Dodge Charger – sit alongside today’s popular siblings.  Tricked out Hot Rods, Custom Roadsters, Surf Woodies and famous TV show cars add to the atmosphere.  And paying homage to the original peace & love generation, modern hippy and eco-friendly influences are abundant; among the timeless classics are the mini skirt, bikinis, tie-dye, paisley prints and bell bottoms, all of which are back in vogue today.

A festival unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, the Purple Revolver Karaoke Lounge will challenge even the most hardcore music enthusiasts.  A nostalgic beer garden will pair “blasts from the past” (Budweiser, Pabst Blue Ribbon and Schlitz Malt Liquor) with several of today’s top craft brews while Gourmet Food Trucks will serve popular retro fare.

And helping fuel this unique retro revolution are several important Pop Culture anniversaries including the 50th of James Bond, the Beach Boys and Marilyn Monroe’s death.

Purple Revolver tickets will be on sale in May with proceeds benefitting several Long Beach charities and First Responders. The event is produced by MKM, a Huntington Beach-based active lifestyle firm.  Among the company’s premier properties are “Boardfest,” “Taste of Brews” and the forthcoming “Chocolate and Cordials.”  Purple Revolver updates are available at www.facebook.com/purple-revolver.

Image Courtesy of   http://www.flickr.com/photos/heiner1947/

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The Rolling Stones recently announced that they will not make a world tour in 2012, the year that marks the 50th anniversary of the band’s career. The possibility of an intensive tour has been postponed to 2013. Talking about the 2012 world tour, guitarist Keith Richards told Rolling Stone magazine ‘Basically, we’re just not ready.’ Referring to a 2013 world tour, instead, he said ‘I have a feeling that’s more realistic.’

It seems, though, that the band would still be interested in live performances this year. The Stones could play multinight runs at arena locations according to a Rolling Stone’s source, who said “For example, they’d do 10 nights at MSG, 10 nights at Staples, 10 nights at London’s O2 arena.”

An official announcement for a 2012 world tour had never been made by the band, but during the past years, rumors and statements of the band members hinted the tour was going to happen. The biggest concern was the complicated relationship between Keith Richards and Mick Jagger. The latter did not appreciate a number of unpleasant comments about him made by Richards in his autobiography ‘Life’.

In December the band members reunited for a three-days-long jamming session in London. The meeting was intended to solve the unpleasant situation between the two eccentric members, Richards and Jagger.

Jagger told Rolling Stone about the London meeting “We played a lot of blues and outtakes of Some Girls and things like that, it went very well.” The positive atmosphere created by the encounter was confirmed by Richards, who added “It was a very back-to-basics sort of session. There was a lot of jamming. On the third day, Mick turned up, which was a real joy. Because I set it up really as a magnet, you know.”

Furthermore Richards recently stated in an interview: ‘I know that some parts of it ['Life'] and some of the publicity really offended Mick and I regret that.’

As Jagger and Richards reconciled, their relationship is no longer an obstacle for the Stones’ tour. The real reason behind the delay of the world tour is ultimately Keith Richards’ health, according to a source of Rolling Stone. Concerns were raised about the guitarist’s general health condition, leading to the band’s decision to avoid the stressful commitment of a world tour.

After a head trauma in 2006, the playing style of the guitarist was toned down. He performed with the Stones for the last time in 2008, already then showing a notable decrease in the quality of his performance. He confirmed fans’ doubts when he appeared live this year. Richards performed two live shows in February, one in New York, and one in Boston with Elvis Costello; he was unable to match the usual quality he brought on stage with the Stones years ago.

Rolling Stones, though, will not leave fans empty handed on the year of their 50th anniversary. The band returns to the studio for the recording of new material next month; “We’ll just get the boys back together again then and maybe cut a side,” said Richards to Rolling Stone. “I’ve got plenty in the locker here, but it’s not on tape.”

Moreover, next fall will see the release of a documentary exploring the entire 50-year career of the Rolling Stones, including previously unreleased footage and music.

Image Courtesey of Marius Wigen/Shutterstock.com

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TouchTunes Interactive Networks, the largest interactive in-venue entertainment network in North America, today released its top songs and artists of 2011. The results, based on an analysis of over 900 million songs played across TouchTunes’ network of 50,000 in-venue music systems, revealed that consumers choose a mix of newly released and classic songs to listen to when they’re out in a social setting.

TouchTunes’ top played song of the year across every genre was country superstar Jason Aldean’s hit single ‘Dirt Road Anthem.’ Other notable songs to make TouchTunes’ 2011 Top 10 most played list includes Adele’s ‘Rolling in the Deep,’ Eric Church’s ‘Smoke a Little Smoke’ and Kid Rock’s ‘All Summer Long.’

“Having the #1 song of the year running on TouchTunes jukeboxes is a cool thing for me. It means my songs are being played in most every bar and honky tonk in the country,” stated Jason Aldean. “Those are the kinds of places I used to have gigs when I was a teenager down in Georgia. It’s a really cool full circle kind of moment.”

Jason Aldean was also the third most played artist on the network, surpassed only by long-time fan favorites AC/DC, who was the second most played, and Kid Rock, who was the most played overall. Other top artists on TouchTunes in 2011 include Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

“It’s always fun to look at the most played songs and artists on our network,” said Vicki Saunders, TouchTunes Vice President, Music Marketing. “TouchTunes provides fans with a unique listening experience, and gives them a chance to find that one perfect song that will set the mood for their night out. For many this year, Jason Aldean did just that.”

More information on TouchTunes top music plays of 2011 is available here: http://www.touchtunes.com/2011charts.

2011 Top 10 Played Songs: 

1. Dirt Road Anthem – Jason Aldean
2. Rolling in the Deep – Adele
3. Smoke A Little Smoke – Eric Church
4. All Summer Long – Kid Rock
5. Chicken Fried- Zac Brown Band
6. Down On Me (ft. 50 Cent) – Jeremih
7. Copperhead Road – Steve Earle
8. Country Girl (Shake It For Me) – Luke Bryan
9. Somewhere With You – Kenny Chesney
10. Rockstar – Nickelback

2011 Top 10 Artists 

1. Kid Rock
2. AC/DC
3. Jason Aldean
4. Toby Keith
5. Johnny Cash
6. Nickelback
7. Zac Brown Band
8. Lynyrd Skynyrd
9. Rolling Stones
10. Metallica

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The lead singer of the Wallflowers, Jakob Dylan, announced that he will be reuniting with his former band members once again. The Wallflowers first debuted in 1992 and are famous for their hit, “One Headlight”, among others. Dylan stated that he never suggested breaking up the band and has always wanted to get back together with them.

The Wallflowers felt they needed to take a break for a year, but it ended up being five or six years. Their break-up was never official, according to Dylan, and he said he missed playing with his old band. “I never planned on hitting the road and just being the guy with a guitar out there. That never has been exciting to me. I came up loving bands, and I want to be in one.”

Dylan is also the songwriter of the Wallflowers and plans to join the type of songs he writes solo with the Wallflowers’ style. “I’m real excited about what we can do, knowing what we all know now. The stuff I’ve been writing is not in a dissimilar vein to what the last two records have been, which structurally and lyrically are very different from Wallflowers records.

But, I will make my best attempt to meld the two,” Dylan said. The band has previously opened for the Rolling Stones, where they performed at the Dodger Stadium, and they have also toured with Tom Petty. Dylan wants to begin 2012 with his old bandmates.

They are going to start working on their new album in January, which they have not done since 2005 when they recorded the album, “Rebel, Sweetheart”. Dylan was quoted as saying, “I’ve got new songs, and we’ve all been talking. We’ve been trying to carve that time out for a while.” Their last tour together was in 2009.

Dylan toured by himself in 2010 and came out with a second solo album entitled “Women + Country”. Gary Louris of the Jayhawks recorded the song, “Gonna Be Darkness”, with Dylan for the True Blood soundtrack this year. Gary has been a long-time friend of Dylan’s, has written songs with him, and sang in “One Headlight”. Dylan also played with Everest, a folk rock band based in L.A.

He stated he was glad to put the acoustic guitar down and get back together with his previous bandmates.

Image Courtesy of  http://www.flickr.com/photos/joshc/

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