Classic Rock News And Views

Shop For: Classic Rock Gear    Classic Rock Ringtones    Classic Rock Posters

Bruce Springsteen Readies New Album

Fans of “The Boss” can expect a new album release in January, right around the time President-elect Barack Obama takes the oath of office. Whether or not that is a coincidence is not known, but it is well known that Springsteen was one of Obama’s most loyal celebrity supporters, and performed at numerous events in support of the Democratic candidate.

The newly debuted song “Workin’ on a Dream” is likely to be included among the tracks on the new album. Springsteen played it publicly for the first time at an Obama rally in Cleveland, Ohio recently.

It has been reported that a wealth of material was left over after Springsteen’s most recent album, Magic, was completed, and there is speculation that some of that material may be included on the new album.

Springsteen also made a showing at the “Stand Up For Heroes” charity event last night, where he contributed to the cause by auctioning off a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and accompanying leather jacket for a reported $75,000. He also auctioned off the guitar he had played three songs on during the event to entertain the attendees. The guitar is said to have fetched $50,000.

This was the second “Stand Up For Heroes” event, something that was organized by ABC News correspondent Bob Woodruff and his wife Lee to raise money for injured soldiers returning from duty in Iraq. Woodruff himself was seriously injured in 2006 while covering the war in Iraq.

Subscribe to RRN via RSS Feed or e-mail to stay up-to-date on classic rock news

Tags: Auction, Bruce Springsteen, Harley Davidson, January, New Album, Stand Up for Heroes

Classic Rock Briefs For October 31, 2008

Halloween Song From Bruce Springsteen Available Online

Embracing the spirit of Halloween, and applying his songwriting talent for the benefit of his fans on this spookiest day of the year, Bruce Springsteen has written a Halloween song that has been posted on his website for visitors to download.

Being a Jersey boy, Springsteen grew up hearing the legend of the “Jersey Devil,” which inspired him to entitle this new track “A Night With The Jersey Devil.” There’s also a video available on the site which features Springsteen hamming it up a bit for the occasion.

Springsteen recently announced that he and his wife have decided to cancel their annual display of Halloween decorations at their Rumson, NJ home this year due to safety concerns for the large crowd that typically shows up to check it out. Maybe they will decide to decorate big for Christmas this year. Check out Bruce Springsteen’s website to access the Halloween song and video.

AC/DC ‘overwhelmed’ by CD’s success

It appears that the phenomenal success of their latest album, Black Ice, has taken the Australian hard rockers by surprise. Frontman Brian Johnson was quoted as saying, “It’s overwhelming, and quite hard to take in.” He then added, “Even an old dog like me has a few more surprises in life, I guess.”

Black Ice is the number two debut album of the year, just behind Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III. With over 780,000 copies sold in the U.S. so far, and two months left to the year, I think Black Ice may have a shot at matching Lil Wayne’s 1 million copies or perhaps even beating that number. Full Story.

Aerosmith’s Joe Perry Supporting McCain for President

Since we have heard so much lately about certain well-known classic rockers getting upset by the McCain campaign’s use of their music during events and for TV commercials, I thought we’d offer up a little pro-McCain news to help balance things out a bit.

Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry says he and his band mates typically steer clear of the political scene, but this time he decided to speak up after he learned that former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had endorsed McCain.

“I’ve been a hardcore Republican my whole life. My mother and father drilled into me from the very start that if you work hard and be positive, you’ll get what you’re working for. I guess I’m living proof of that,” Perry said. Full Story.

Tags: AC/DC, Brian Johnson, Bruce Springsteen, Halloween Song, Joe Perry, John McCain

‘The Boss’ Will Entertain Crowd At Hog Heaven

Harley Davidson, the motorcycle that is widely considered as the ride among motorcycle enthusiasts, is hosting a celebration in Milwaukee, where the legendary bike builders are headquartered. The celebration honors the company’s 105th anniversary, and you can be sure that many a Harley owner will be there to take part in the festivities.

As popular as Bruce Springsteen seems to be these days, there is a little concern about the possibility that he might get a little political during his time on stage at the event, where he will wrap up his current Magic tour by entertaining the crowd gathered there.

It’s been reported that Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain received a warm welcome during a visit to a similar event back in August. Some attendees at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota were said to have revved their engines in response to some comments during McCain’s speech there. An action that is presumed to indicate their approval, I suppose.

Some of the attendees at the Harley event, that officially started Thursday, believe that Harley riders tend to be more conservative, while others disagree with that. One rider felt so strongly about Springsteen’s outspoken political views that he no longer considers himself a fan, although at one time he enjoyed Springsteen’s music.

A Harley-Davidson spokesman says that the event is a non-political one, and that the performers were chosen solely on the basis of entertainment value. Still, some wonder if a guy with political views as strong as Springsteen’s can resist making a few of his opinions known while he has the attention of a large crowd.

With attendance of the event expected to top out around 100,000, and consist of people from all over the world, it might present a tempting platform for Springsteen to do more than just play music, and nobody seems to know what the reaction from the crowd will be if he does.

I guess we’ve got about two months to go before all this political drama comes to an end and new resident is selected for White House. Until then, we’ll keep our ears open for news of any other rockers who take offence when their material is used for political purposes.

Tags: Bruce Springsteen, Harley Davidson, Milwaukee, tour

Springsteen And Bon Jovi To Perform in Denver For DNC Convention

Update: Despite all the news sources that reported a planned appearance by Bruce Springsteen at the DNC Convention, the Washington Post (8/26/2008) is reporting that they have been informed that “The Boss” will be nowhere near Invesco Field on Thursday.

The Rocky Mountain News is reporting that multiple sources have revealed to the newspaper that Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen are scheduled to perform at Denver’s Invesco Field on the final day of the Democratic National Convention.

Bon Jovi is said to be coming by himself and will perform two acoustic numbers before Senator Barrack Obama delivers his acceptance speech on Thursday.

Springsteen is also believed to be making a solo appearance to close out that final day of the convention.

Both Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen are well-known as Democratic activists and have lent their support to other Democratic candidates in the past.

Perhaps a lack of enthusiasm for Democrats or just politics in general might explain the absence of the other band members. Maybe they’re just busy with other activities.

The Rocky Mountain News attempted to contact Springsteen’s organization for comment, but their multiple attempts have not been successful.

Tags: Bruce Springsteen, Convention, Denver, DNC, Invesco Field, Jon Bon Jovi

Bruce Springsteen May Rock Super Bowl

The New Your Post’s gossip page, well known as "Page Six," is reporting that Bruce Springsteen & The East Street Band are in line as the half-time performers for the upcoming Super Bowl that is scheduled for February 1, 2009.

At this time of year it is a bit hard to be thinking about the cold winds of February blowing across the landscape (especially here in the northeast), but for events like the Super Bowl, plans are already being put in place and Springsteen fans may want to be sure they catch the game this year — or at least the half-time show for those among us that are not football fans.

The next Super Bowl will take place in the warm environs of Tampa, Florida, which is not a bad place to be during the month of February.

Springsteen Merchandise      Springsteen Ringtones

The last Super Bowl in Phoenix featured Tom Petty during the half-time show, so it’s nice to see that another classic rocker is favored to attend Super Bowl viewers this year.

Although someone from the Post attempted to confirm this news with a Springsteen rep, neither the e-mail messages or phone calls made were returned.

The Post’s Page Six has the full story.

Tags: Bruce Springsteen, Half Time, Show, Super Bowl