It was nice to see Rob Haywood’s post on Facebook yesterday announcing that Allan Clarke’s latest solo album I’ll Never Forget will be released on April 7. Clarke retired from The Hollies at the turn of the century due to health issues affecting his singing ability, but he overcame that obstacle and released an impressive comeback titled Resurgence in 2019. There’s been talk of Clarke’s life-long mate and former fellow Hollie Graham Nash helping out on I’ll Never Forget, and it would be great to hear these guys singing together again. Reaction on the Allan Clarke Appreciation Society page on Facebook to the album was justifiably positive, with some people (myself included) posting that they’ve already pre-ordered it.
Graham Nash’s birthday was two days ago, so belated best wishes to him. His 2023 spring tour will bring him to The Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago for five gigs in April. I’ve already got a ticket for one of them.
Also, belated birthday wishes to Dave Davies (it was yesterday), the former lead guitarist for
The Kinks who’s done quite well on his own for a number of years now. I caught a great show by Davies and his stellar band at Taste Of Lincoln Avenue a number of years ago.
On a sad note, Louise Harrison passed away earlier this week. George’s older sister had moved to Illinois by the time The Beatles were conquering England, and she became an enthusiastic and essential advocate for them here in the States. In more recent years, she was a guest at Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago, and I had the honor of seeing her participate in a discussion on growing up in Liverpool. Marty Scott, whose Beatles tribute band Liverpool Legends forged a strong bond with Louise Harrison, posted a touching and informative tribute to her on Facebook a few days ago.
Susanna Hoffs has kept busy over the years with solo recordings as well as an occasional project with The Bangles. She has also become a novelist, with a romantic comedy titled This Bird Has Flown coming out in April. It’s available for pre-order on various book store sites, which is what I did last night, right after pre-ordering Allan Clarke’s album.
After rescuing the Summer Of Soul (Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised) concert film from decades of neglect, musician/director Questlove is now bringing a Sly Stone documentary to Hulu. The date of its arrival hasn’t been announced yet.
Sparks Tour 2023 will begin in the UK on May 23, travel throughout Europe for about a month and arrive in New York on June 27. Other cities on the American leg of the tour include Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Boston, and Los Angeles. Sparks will perform at the Copernicus Center on Chicago’s northwest side on July 5. If you know how to get to the Jefferson Park public transit hub, you could practically crawl to the Copernicus Center from there. Sparks have a new album coming out in May.
The Reckless Records Belmont and Wicker Park locations in Chicago will host listening parties for the new This Is Why album from Paramore this Tuesday (February 7) at 5:00 pm. There will be giveaways, as well as an opportunity to win a grand prize. This Is Why will be available for sale at the stores next Friday.
The Who have a limited-edition 3-LP, 1-CD album titled Live At Wembley With Orchestra (recorded in 2019) coming out March 31 and it’s now available for pre-order on the band’s official online store. The Who will start their 2023 U.K. Tour in July.
The Chicago Independent Venue League’s CIVL Fest 2023 kicks off this Wednesday (February 8) at Carol’s Pub and will move on to include 15 other locations around the city through February 26. The event helps fund Venue Staff and Artist Mental Health Programs; Venue Safety Initiatives; and Equal Access And Equity Campaigns. Rosa’s Lounge; Reggies; Beat Kitchen; Lincoln Hall; Berlin; Hideout; Old Town School Of Folk Music; Metro; Annoyance Theatre; Promontory; Sleeping Village; Hungry Brain; Quarry Event Center; Harold Washington Cultural Center; and Patio Theater are the venues joining in. See the official website for a full list of performers.
The nominees will tear us apart. Get ready for another round of vicious debates now that The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame has announced its 2023 Nominees. They are: A Tribe Called Quest, Warren Zevon, Willie Nelson, Soundgarden, George Michael, Cyndi Lauper, The Spinners, The White Stripes, Missy Elliott, Sheryl Crow, Kate Bush, Iron Maiden, Rage Against The Machine, and Joy Division/New Order. Fans can weigh in with their Top Five choices on the official website. All of the acts have had success in their chosen genres (some are definitely not rock and roll) but my votes would go to Warren Zevon, Willie Nelson, The Spinners, Kate Bush, and Joy Division/New Order.
The Blues Week Festival at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights will finish its run tomorrow (February 5) with a performance by the Delmark Allstars.
Tributosaurus will become Stevie Wonder this Thursday and Friday (February 9 and 10) at Martyrs’ on Chicago’s north side.
Mick Jagger and the Lee Oskar company have combined to create a limited-edition harmonica sporting the iconic vocalist’s name. It’s available from the Why Music website for £49.99.
Chicago-based power pop band Thrift Store Halo will be part of a triple bill with indie rockers Turning Birds and psych rockers The Means (of production) next Saturday, February 11 at Gallery Cabaret. Showtime is 9:00 pm; Gallery Cabaret is located at 2020 N. Oakley in Chicago.
The Webstirs will have a vinyl release party for their latest, self-titled album next Friday (February 10) at FitzGerald’s Sidebar in Berwyn. There will be no cover charge.
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