In sad news, Bobby Womack has passed away at aged 70. The prolific soul singer and song writer has had many health issues to content with in recent years, despite restarting his career after being backed by Damon Albarn for the Plastic Beach album. His last album was a very current sounding, yet truly Womack styled album, and is a graceful final farewell. Here’s Daylglo Reflection from the 2012 release:
Tributes are expected to be made throughout the Glastonbury Festival, as long as it isn’t affected by further rain and thunder storms. During Rudimental’s set, organisers had to close down all the stages after a lightening bolt struck just behind the main stage area. To avoid further damages and to assess the situation, the band were pulled of stage early as organisers explained the situation. Eventually service resumed, however the band were unable to finish their set, much to their annoyance. In all honesty, they should probably get over it soon. Would they have rather played on, and tempted fate? Either way, Arcade Fire played a slightly shortened set, and finished the night off in an interesting manner.
Dave Kerzner and John Dolmayan are two notable musicians to have turned to kickstarter in the last week to gain funds for various albums. Dave Kerzner is delving deeping into his Prog roots to produce an album titled ‘New World’. The album is slated to feature various artists, including Steve Hackett and Durga McBroom. Various reward levels include things like a Skype conversation, and deluxe vinyl sets.
John Dolmayan’s project is a covers band project primarily. It is for his new group called ‘These Grey Men’ and funds are expected to cover the cost of recording sessions, pressing CD’s, promotion, and touring prospects. The reward levels include sticks used by John throughout recording, custom painted cymbals, and again Skype conversations.
It is interesting how established artists are turning more towards Kickstarter as a tool to instead of fund an album, as a method of promotion and returning funds without having to have delivered any product. What is also interesting is how both acts could feasibly record these projects with their own money, yet they refuse to if it is a commercial failure. It diminishes what Kickstarter was intended for, yet it has become a rewards/bundle selling method instead of a donation site.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/davekerzner/new-world-a-progressive-rock-album-by-dave-kerzner
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2132104618/these-grey-men-album-and-tour-by-john-dolmayan
A recently released trailer for the Steve Hackett at The Royal Albert Hall shows a collection of interviews, show pieces, time lapses, and a few treats (watch until the very end)