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Quick Takes: Elton John, R.E.M., Lou Reed, Stevie Nicks, Jon Anderson, Nils Lofgren

By Music News Jul 30, 2020 | 7:00 PM
  • Elton John tweeted photos of the congratulatory cards he's received for celebrating 30 years of sobriety. Elton wrote in his initial post: “Reflecting on the most magical day having celebrated my 30th Sobriety Birthday. So many lovely cards, flowers and chips from my sons, David, friends in the Program, staff at the office and in our homes. I’m truly a blessed man.”
    • He went on to post: “If I hadn’t finally taken the big step of asking for help 30 years ago, I’d be dead. Thank-you from the bottom of my heart to all the people who have inspired and supported me along the way.”
  • R.E.M. will post its full 1999 Glastonbury performance in its entirety on YouTube for 72 hours beginning on August 6th. The legendary BBC broadcast of the set included such band favorites as “The One I Love,” “Daysleeper,” “Losing My Religion,” “Everybody Hurts,” “Man On The Moon,” and “It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine),” among others.
    • Michael Stipe said in the announcement of the online airing, “Hole did such a great set, I was like — I’ve got to ramp this up, I’ve got to be great. I think it was maybe a moment for R.E.M. and the UK where we had kind of been forgotten or pushed aside by younger bands, and that was a particular moment at Glastonbury where I think we pulled ourselves back to the front of the line and actually proved, this is what we’re capable of. It was a great show for us!” (Press release)
  • Set for release on September 25th is the deluxe edition of Lou Reed's 1989 album, New York. The set will be issued on double vinyl as well as a triple CD and DVD set, featuring the remastered original album, a disc of outtakes, work tapes and alternate versions, another CD of the album performed live, and the DVD debut of The New York Album concert video. (Press release)
  • Stevie Nicks took to Twitter to implore everybody to practice social distancing and protect them serves so that we might get back to a normal post-pandemic life. Nicks posted in part: “If everyone could just wear a mask and stay in as much as possible — you might be able to find this magical place I have found, in the early morning when everyone sleeps In order for us all to get back to our former lives — we must all change into spiritual warriors. We must make it our mission to fight the virus; otherwise there is nothing left.”
    • She went on to say, “I want to go back on the road. I want to sing for you again. I want to put on those high black suede platform boots and dance for you again. I want you to forget the world and sing with me. Please don’t throw this world away. Please don’t give up on humanity and let this virus win this war. It is up to us now.”
  • Yes' Jon Anderson is re-issuing his 2019 solo set, 1000 Hands, today (July 31st) and will be hosting an exclusive live event for fans this Sunday (August 2nd). The event is set to kick off at 3:00 pm ET, and can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/3121vDn.
    • Anderson said in a statement: “With all the love in the world, I am so grateful for the worldwide release of 1000 Hands, which took a lifetime to create. . . I hope fans are able to watch the livestream event this Sunday which will feature an interview and live performances of songs off the new album with my truly fantastic band of musicians.” (Press release)
  • Coming on August 21st is Nils Lofgren's latest live set, titled, Weathered. The album commemorates Lofgren's first full band tour in 15 years. According to Backstreets.com, “Every town, club, staff, and audience played a part in these live recordings, inspiring the band every night. The audience and band alike sharing their souls, gifts, spirits, and energy make for a fresh, new live sound for Nils.” (Backstreets)

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