Matt Bailey has your Weekend Notes for Independence Day
Country singers Chase Rice and Chris Janson are taking heat from artists and fans alike for holding concerts last weekend that did not adhere to CDC guidelines.
Rice performed to a crowd of one thousand in East Tennessee while Janson played to a crowd of twenty-eight hundred in Idaho. Neither performance appears to have followed social distancing and face mask guidelines set forth following COVID-19.
In a video statement this week, Rice offered no apologies for the concert. Though he did encourage attendees at his next event to quote “go by the rules.”
The Grateful Dead surprised fans with the release of 64 unheard tracks. Just in time for the 50th anniversary of Workingman’s Dead comes The Angel’s Share, which features more than two-and-a-half hours of unreleased studio outtakes from Workingman’s recording sessions. Compiled from dozens of 16-track reels that were recently discovered in unlabeled boxes, the collection includes outtakes for every song on the album.
Elton John and the Eagles are digging deep into their live recording vault to bring fans a little relief during the pandemic. John began his “Classic Concert Series” this Friday on YouTube by releasing Live at the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, recorded in 1976. Concert films will drop every Friday for the next five weeks.
And the Eagles are teaming with ESPN to air their Live from the Forum 2018, a concert film of their tour that year. The Eagles will soar on your screen this Sunday, July 5th. It will be the first concert aired on the sports network.
SiriusXM launched U2 X-Radio on Channel 32. A complete immersion into the work and influences of the iconic rock group, U2 X-Radio is the band as you’ve never heard them before. The channel will explore the band’s history and feature conversation and commentary from band members as well as guests.
On a more serious note, Granger Smith and his wife Amber are speaking out about the tragic loss of their young son a year ago. Three year old River Smith accidentally drowned in the family pool. Since losing their son, the Smiths have educated themselves and others on how frequently–and suddenly–accidental drownings can happen to toddlers.
And finally on this Fourth of July, Whiskey Myers offer a powerful tribute to those who fight to keep us free. American Songwriter premiered the official music video for “Bury My Bones.” The emotionally-charged short film introduces a U.S. Army sergeant seemingly accompanied by his brother – both by blood and in arms – with scenes alternating between their childhood, their journey through basic training and into combat overseas. The video is a powerful tribute to our American heroes.
Those are your Weekend Notes. Be sure to check out The Music Universe Podcast. Our guest this week — perfect for Independence Day — is Lee Greenwood.
Stay safe and have a great holiday weekend.
