Rush to appear on Colbert Report
No, not Rush Limbaugh. Rush, the infamous Canadian prog-rock pioneers that are notoriously shy about television appearances. They’re apparently making an exception for Stephen Colbert. Considering how funny the guy is, who wouldn’t make an exception for Stephen Colbert? Yahoo News is pointing out that Rush hasn’t appeared on television for three decades.
It’s a curious change for Rush, but an even more curious one for Colbert. Though it started as a parody of a conservative punditry show, it’s quickly adding a variety element to it. That’s not unusual for comedy shows–if a little disappointing, simply because many viewers would prefer extra Colbert. The performances have been a very mixed bag, including everything from rap (Nas) to classic performers (Carole King, Neil Young, R.E.M.).
Regardless, you can see Rush on TV, or you can see them live with concert tickets. Get Rush tickets at Stubhub.com.
Bloc Party temporarily getting new bassist
One of the most exciting bands to come out of England and capitalize on the post-punk craze of the early aughts was Bloc Party, a band that has gone on to release album after album of great lyrics and amazing, Gang of Four-inspired music. But every band goes through changes. Ce la vie.
Anyone with concert tickets for a near-future date should bear in mind that you won’t be seeing the band’s usual bassist, Gordon Moakes. You won’t be hearing him, either, obviously. Those duties fall on Daniel “Tommy Sparks” Lindgren, who will be filling in for Moakes while he’s away on paternity leave. A happy congratulations is wished to him and his newborn. Pitchfork has more.
If you haven’t secured Bloc Party tickets yet, you might want to consider heading over to Stubhub.com and doing so. It’s going to be a busy summer.
MBV’s Kevin Shields and Patti Smith release an album
My Bloody Valentine has a distinctive sound, which largely comes from Kevin Shields haunting guitar work. While MBV fans will probably always keep their fingers crossed for a solo career, Shields fans have a new album to check out. The AV Club just reviewed (with rather high marks; B+ ) a collaborative effort being poet and punk songstress Patti Smith and Shields. The Coral Sea is definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of either of their work, or of famed photographer Robert Mapplethrope.
The album is all about Mapplethrope’s life and tragic death from AIDS while still in his 40s. Smith roomed with Mapplethrope while they were younger, so this is her very poetic (and stunningly beautiful) way of remembering him as an artist and a man.
It’s worth checking out. If you’re just here because you say Kevin Shields’ name in the title, maybe you’d be interested in seeing him live. Consider getting My Bloody Valentine tickets, or other concert tickets, at Stubhub.com.
Coheed and Cambria on Tour
The American alternative rock/progressive rock band originally from Nyack, New York is going on tour this month and they are scheduled to appear in cities such as Las Vegas, Tucson, El Paso, Oklahoma, San Antonio and Fort Lauderdale, among many other American cities and towns. Coheed and Cambria are well known for their concept albums all which reveal a plot line based on a story called The Amory Wars, which was penned by the lead singer Claudio Sanchez.
Coheed and Cambria is named after two of the story’s protagonists and the members adopted the concept as a theme that would unify all of their forthcoming albums. The band has thus far released several studio albums and is also well known for their constant touring around the United States and the World. Thus far their most successful commercial album has been Good Apollo Volume One. Check out this record and their many others. Also be sure to get your own pair of Coheed and Cambria tickets from Stubhub.com.