December 26, 2001

ALL HANDS ON DECK

Matthew Fisher of PROCOL HARUM fame is going to record a new album. As mighty organist writes himeslf, “Initially, I would be thinking mainly instrumental, but more in the vein of “Repent “or “Separation” than the kind of stuff I did on "A Salty Dog Returns". I would be featuring the Hammond a lot more than I’ve done up to now.” Nevertheless, Fisher is in doubt as to how many fans would love to hear him play again, and decided to arrange a survey on his site. So, if Matthew’s music sounds great to your ears, don’t hesitate to let him know about it.

BONA FIDE PHOENIX

“Bona Fide” is the title of the forthcoming album from WISHBONE ASH, that should come out in January to coincide with the Germany tour. Now the album’s in the finishing stages of mixing and, as those in the know say, sounds exactly what the title suggests.

STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS

Recording Artists Coalition arrange The Concert for Artists Rights series of events starting February 26th in Southern California. At the Long Beach Arena on-stage will come NO DOUBT, OFFSPRING and WEEZER, Los Angeles Sports Arena is to be trodden by monstrous Ozzy Osbourne and KORN, while at the Los Angeles Forum performers will be EAGLES, Elton John and Billy Joel, Stevie Nicks, and Sheryl Crow and DIXIE CHICKS. The country stars with Clint Black and Trisha Yearwood among them are to sing at a venue still not announced. There will be more of musicians – and they surely need to be protected, they have the rights!

HAMBURG DAYS REVISITED

For many years, THE BEATLES recordings with Tony Sheridan weren’t paid that much attention – except from die-hard Fabs collectors. Now comes a time to reconsider the situation, as Bear Family set to release “Tony Sheridan with the Beatles: Beatles Bop – Hamburg Days”, the regular double-CD or boxed set with insightful book. All those recordings appaer to be not only eight songs, but a whole lot of different versions, mixes and variations that survived in several archives around the world. Here’s a chance to follow the full route.

December 26, 2001