Hellfest Open Air has announced its lineup for 2025, and true to form, it’s stacked with huge names, though it also seemingly represents something of an evolution for the festival with a host of alt rock, nu metal and punk heavyweights scattered around the usual array of heavy metal and extreme metal greats.
Headlining this year’s event, which takes place in Clisson, France from June 19-22 next year, are Korn, Muse, Scorpions and Linkin Park, with Electric Callboy, Within Temptation, Judas Priest, Falling In Reverse, The Hellacopters, Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, Turnstile, Knocked Loose, Orange Goblin, Russian Circles, Jerry Cantrell, Jinjer, Exodus, Leprous, Dethklok, Alcest, In Extremo and Eisbrecher also announced to headline other stages across the festival.
Joining all those are the likes of The Hu, The Cult, Myles Kennedy, Cypress Hill, Dream Theater, Heilung, A Day To Remember, Motionless In White, Lorna Shore, Poppy, Epica, Imminence, Kim Dracula, Spiritbox, Pentagram, Health, Whitechapel, Turbonegro, Airbourne, Apocalyptica, Skindred and many, many more. You’re best just checking out the poster below.
Gagging to get a weekend ticket? Tough: they all sold out ages ago. Luckily, day tickets will be on sale at the start of 2025. The only downside is you’ll have to decide which days you want to go too – they’re all pretty rammed with excellence. Head to the official Hellfest website for more info.
Muse’s appearance marks their first time headlining the festival. Linkin Park last headlined in 2017 during their final European run before the tragic death of Chester Bennington, while Korn and Scorpions have both played multiple times.
(Image credit: Hellfest)
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Merlin moved into his role as Executive Editor of Louder in early 2022, following over ten years working at Metal Hammer. While there, he served as Online Editor and Deputy Editor, before being promoted to Editor in 2016. Before joining Metal Hammer, Merlin worked as Associate Editor at Terrorizer Magazine and has previously written for the likes of Classic Rock, Rock Sound, eFestivals and others. Across his career he has interviewed legends including Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy, Metallica, Iron Maiden (including getting a trip on Ed Force One courtesy of Bruce Dickinson), Guns N’ Roses, KISS, Slipknot, System Of A Down and Meat Loaf. He has also presented and produced the Metal Hammer Podcast, presented the Metal Hammer Radio Show and is probably responsible for 90% of all nu metal-related content making it onto the site.
Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band will hit the road next year, performing in various U.S. cities.
The first of those dates is scheduled for June 12 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, followed by stops in places like New York City, Philadelphia and multiple locations in Florida. Starr will be joined by the same musicians he last toured with in the All-Starr band: Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Warren Ham, Hamish Stuart, Gregg Bissonette and Buck Johnson.
A complete list of concert dates can be viewed below. Tickets will be available beginning Dec. 13.
“I am happy to announce these new All-Starr shows in June,” Starr said (via Consequence). “I absolutely love playing live and I love this band. It’s been so great playing with these guys, I just want to keep this lineup going and that’s why I haven’t changed the All-Starrs in a while.”
Ringo Starr’s Upcoming Album
Before the All-Starr tour launches, Starr will make two appearances without the band at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Jan. 14 and 15. Just a few days prior to that, he will release a brand new country album titled Look Up, which features Alison Krauss, Billy Strings, Larkin Poe, Lucius and Molly Tuttle as guests. Most of the songs were written by the LP’s producer, T Bone Burnett.
“I had been making EPs at the time and so I thought we would do a country EP — but when [Burnett] brought me nine songs I knew we had to make an album,” Starr explained in a previous press release. “And I am so glad we did. I want to thank and send peace and love to T Bone and all the great musicians who helped make this record. It was a joy making it and I hope it is a joy to listen to.”
Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band 2025 US Tour Dates Jan. 14 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium * Jan. 15 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium * June 12 – Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater June 13 – New York City, NY @ Radio City Music Hall June 15 – Philadelphia, PA @ TD Pavilion at The Mann June 17 – Vienna, VA @ Wolf Trap June 18 – Greensboro, NC @ Tanger Center June 20 – Hollywood, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino June 21 – Clearwater, FL @ The BayCare Sound June 22 – St. Augustine, FL @ The St. Augustine Amphitheater June 24 – Tuscaloosa, AL @ Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater June 25 – Charlotte, NC @ Ovens Auditorium
* Without the All-Starr Band
Ringo Starr’s 10 Most Historic Moments
Ringo Starr seldom sang with the Beatles – just 11 songs total – but that’s hardly the sum of his value.
Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton‘s new band Close Enemies has announced a brief tour of the northeastern United States for January.
The five-date trek begins on Jan. 8 in Philadelphia and concludes on Jan. 23 in Pawling, New York, with more dates to come. You can see the full list of currently announced shows below.
“Hey everyone, Here are a few dates we can post as of today,” the band wrote on Facebook. “There are more to come. Looking forward to seeing all of you there.”
Hamilton announced that he was part of Close Enemies in September, not long after Aerosmith announced their retirement from touring due to Steven Tyler‘s insurmountable vocal injury. The band consists of Hamilton, guitarists Trace Foster (Hamilton’s bass tech) and Peter Stroud (who plays with Sheryl Crow), drummer Tony Brock (the Babys, Rod Stewart) and singer Chasen Hampton. Gary Stier serves as their lyricist. Close Enemies played their first show at Nashville’s Eastside Bowl in October.
“When I joined, these guys had worked up a bunch of great songs, and I was able to contribute something I had,” Hamilton told AARP in August. “Hopefully, when the time comes, we’ll work up some others I’ve had in my pocket for a while. All of these guys are great musicians, and it’s an honor and a challenge to be part of it all. I’m looking forward to seeing how people like it. I think they’ll be pleasantly amazed!”
Close Enemies 2025 Tour Dates Jan. 8 – Philadelphia, PA @ City Winery Philly Jan. 9 – New York, New York @ City Winery NYC Jan. 10 – Boston, MA @ City Winery Boston Jan. 14 – Manchester, NH @ The Rex Theatre Jan. 23 – Pawling, NY @ Daryl’s House
Aerosmith Albums Ranked
Any worst-to-best ranking of Aerosmith must deal with two distinct eras: their sleazy ’70s work and the slicker, more successful ’80s comeback. But which one was better?
Guns N’ Roses are hitting the road again in 2025 for a world tour, promising another rock ‘n’ roll spectacle of epic proportions.
Maybe a little too epic.
The rockers have never shied away from excess in any department, and over the past several years, that mentality has translated to their live show, with performances routinely approaching — or even exceeding — three hours. Although more is certainly not always a bad thing, GN’R have kept a largely static set list since launching their Not in This Lifetime … reunion tour nearly a decade (!!) ago. They’ve added to the core set over the years, but they’ve rarely subtracted.
Consequently, fans who have caught Guns N’ Roses more than once in recent years may be yearning for a change of pace. That includes several UCR writers, whom we’ve tasked with cutting five (or more) songs from the band’s 2025 set list and replacing them with less common tracks.
Here are their picks.
Bryan Rolli: My GN’R allegiance is common knowledge around the proverbial UCR water cooler. There aren’t many songs I wouldn’t be happy to see them play live. That said, their over-reliance on covers has always been their Achilles’ heel. Their renditions of Velvet Revolver‘s “Slither” and Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman” were heartfelt gestures, but they’ve outworn their welcome. Likewise, the band could make better use of Duff McKagan‘s solo spot than a punk cover, which was most recently the Stooges‘ “T.V. Eye.” And if I never hear them play “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” again, it’ll be too soon. I know there’s a “not in this lifetime”-level chance of them cutting it, but hey, stranger things have happened.
As for original songs: Now that the novelty of new music has worn off, it’s safe to deem “Absurd” one of the worst things Guns N’ Roses have ever done. Put it on the chopping block along with “Perhaps.” (I’m also preemptively crossing my fingers that “The General” doesn’t become a set list staple.) And as much as I adore “Rocket Queen,” I’ve heard their hammy, 12-minute live version enough times to sustain me for the rest of my days.
Now let’s start having some fun. McKagan has been playing “Dust N’ Bones” on his solo tours lately, and it would make a great addition to Guns’ set. They could fill their Campbell-sized void with another acoustic sitdown number, “You Ain’t the First.” They cut “Dead Horse” from their set in 2021 just as they were starting to find their groove with it; it deserves more attention in 2025. Same goes for “Locomotive,” which could satisfy the “Rocket Queen” faction. And I’ll go to my grave wishing for a “Perfect Crime” revival. Lastly, if they really feel the need to add another cover, they could salute the recently retired Aerosmith and make a nod to GN’R Lies by bringing back their rendition of “Mama Kin.”
Listen to Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Dust N’ Bones’
Matt Wardlaw: Man, we get all of the tough jobs here at UCR, don’t we? Thanks for making me the one who gets to go and tell Axl Rose about our cuts. The easiest choices to slash would be some of the cover songs. But that kind of feels like the easy way out. Here’s where I’ll start: Let’s take out their cover of Velvet Revolver’s “Slither” and pop in a fan favorite that’s been on the shelf way too long: “Out Ta Get Me,” which has been surprisingly in rest mode since late 2017. I’d like to create a new illusion and pull out “Estranged,” a fairly regular presence, in exchange for the more sporadic “Yesterdays.” I think it’s great that they’ve had some “new” material in the set with things like “Hard Skool” and “Absurd,” but I’m also thinking we could swap out the latter and pop in “Shadow of Your Love.” To be fair, “Shadow” got some good stage time through 2022, but I didn’t get to see it, so that’s a selfish pick.
When it comes to cover songs, let’s lose “Wichita Lineman” and shake things up a song or two later by putting in a real rarity prior to the set-closing “Nightrain”: their Spaghetti Incident?-era version of Nazareth‘s “Hair of the Dog.” That seems like it could be a fun way to get the fans a bit more riled up going into the encore. For my final tweak, we’re going to take out “Anything Goes” and, indeed, because anything goes, I’m making this one the dealer’s choice of either “Oh My God” or “Perfect Crime.” Thanks for your consideration, guys — we’ll see you out there right next door to hell.
Listen to Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Hair of the Dog’
Matthew Wilkening: Call me old, call me lame, call me whatever you want, but two hours and 40 minutes is too long for a rock concert. I’ve seen Guns N’ Roses half a dozen times since their 2016 reunion, and as the set lists got longer and longer over those years, the pacing sagged, particularly in the middle of the set. More importantly, other than adding some new covers and recent singles such as “Absurd” and “Hard Skool,” the shows have largely featured the same 20 songs in the same basic order. It’s well past time for a shakeup. It sounds counterintuitive, but a shorter, punchier set is the way to go.
Starting from the 28-song set list of their most recent show (Nov. 5, 2023 in Toluca, Mexico), let’s cut 10 and put 5 different songs in their place. Out: “Bad Obsession,” “Chinese Democracy,” “Slither,” “Pretty Tied Up,” “Absurd,” “Perhaps,” “The General,” “Civil War,” “Anything Goes” and “Coma.” In: “Locomotive,” “Out Ta Get Me,” “Sorry” (the best song on Chinese Democracy by a mile), “Right Next Door to Hell” and then maybe rotate in an Aerosmith or AC/DC cover once in a while.
Listen to Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Sorry’
The 30 Wildest Moments From Guns N’ Roses’ Use Your Illusion Tour
From Rock in Rio to the Riverport riot, here are the 30 wildest moments from Guns N’ Roses’ Use Your Illusion Tour.
Over the weekend, the metal legends shocked the world with the sudden news that Nicko McBrain would be playing his final show with the band, ending his 42-year tenure. While he promised he’ll still be busy with a few other things, it quite literally is the end of the road for the drummer as Maiden’s The Future Past tour came to a close in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Saturday (Dec. 7).
At 72 years old, McBrain ends a fantastic and celebrated career, officially stepping down from touring duties.
Just hours after the drummer left the Iron Maiden stage one final time, Iron Maiden welcomed Simon Dawson to the group. He’s expected to make his live debut next year as the band embarks on a 50th anniversary tour, exclusively playing material from their first album through 1992’s Fear of the Dark.
What all fans have learned throughout the years is that Iron Maiden always operate with a calculated plan. Obviously, McBrain’s retirement from the road was no secret to the band, but it was kept quiet until the final show. Fortunately, we don’t have to wait and wonder who could possibly fill such a significant role.
Dawson’s most immediate connection to Iron Maiden is being Steve Harris‘ bandmate in the side band British Lion. An established chemistry for a band with such a legendary rhythm section is critical, especially when staring down a setlist lined with classics and, presumably, deep cuts from Maiden’s most widely celebrated era.
So, who is Simon Dawson? What other bands has he been in?
Let’s dive into a few things you need to know about the drummer below.
He’s British!
For that brief day Iron Maiden fans were left in limbo, wondering who the new drummer will be, a respectable crop of names emerged as fans discussed the mystery with each other online.
While Mike Portnoy and Aquiles Priester were two popular suggestions (and each could have capably executed the job), it was doubtful that Maiden were going to recruit someone who isn’t British. It’s simply a huge part of the band’s character and makeup (even if Harris’ former and current techs, who double as Maiden’s live keyboardist, aren’t British).
Portnoy, who has plenty of experience juggling multiple bands, just returned to Dream Theater. The prog metal legends finished the first leg of their 40th anniversary tour and have a new album arriving next year, so a full commitment to Maiden never felt likely.
Priester, meanwhile, has a connection to Iron Maiden, having played with Paul Di’Anno in the late ’90s and early 2000s. His 2000s tenure in Brazilian power metal group Angra would have ensured that fans in Brazil would have gone absolutely bonkers — more bonkers than they usually do for Iron Maiden.
Dawson, being a native Brit, however, gave him an edge others can never possess.
Bruce Dickinson
Karl Walter, Getty Images
His NWOBHM Credentials Go Way Back
The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) was a tagline applied to the burgeoning U.K. scene, preceded by the likes of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Motorhead. It referred to the traditional heavy metal style that was popularized throughout the ’80s, with Iron Maiden being the biggest of the bunch.
Other NWOBHM standouts included Venom, Angel Witch, Witchfinder General, Tokyo Blade, Jaguar, Grim Reaper, Cloven Hoof and White Spirit (which featured future Maiden guitarist Janick Gers.)
Lesser known are Deep Switch, who formed in 1984 and self-released their lone record, Nine Inches of God, in 1986.
It’s a fine album that’s a bit more rhythmic-minded than the typical dueling guitar nature of NWOBHM with quirky lyrics that often delve into the absurd and sexually blasphemous (see the title track).
The members of Deep Switch all utilized stage names (Reverend Nice being our personal favorite) and Dawson recorded under the moniker Simon De Montford.
Can He Groove? Oh Yes, He Can!
One big question fans have about Dawson is if he can replicate Nicko’s sense of swing and groove. It’s this quality, coupled with ‘Arry’s signature galloping style and finger-brushed chord strikes that provide Iron Maiden with their sense of urgency and uncorked energy, especially live.
In the ’90s, Dawson was a member of thrash/groove metal band Dearly Beheaded. The music was very well aligned with the dominant metal sound of the time, which was led by Pantera.
In the live footage below, you can check out Dawson’s chops, which border on extreme metal at times. The performance has us convinced that he could probably play “Where Eagles Dare” in double time!
He Was Actually in a Big Pop-Rock Band for 20 Years
Whether you know the name of the band that wrote it or not, we’re willing to bet you’ve heard “Your Love” at least 10 times throughout your life. You know the chorus — “I just wanna use your love toniiii-iiight / I don’t wanna lose your love toniii-iiight.”
No, Dawson didn’t play on that all-time hit by British power-pop group The Outfield, but he was their drummer for 20 years, first joining in 1989. He replaced Alan Jackman after the band had released three records, the first of which has been certified double platinum in the U.S. thanks to the aforementioned massive radio hit.
Dawson made his debut on 1990’s Diamond Days and played on all four of The Outfield’s ’90s albums.
It’s a wild path to Iron Maiden with The Outfield as one of the avenues, but it showcases Dawson as a true professional and a drummer who can play a multitude of styles exceptionally well.
He’s Played With Steve Harris For More Than a Decade
As mentioned earlier, Simon Dawson is the drummer in British Lion, a hard rock band founded by Steve Harris. He played on a trio of songs on the group’s self-titled 2012 debut, fully contributing to British Lion’s sophomore effort, The Burning (2020).
British Lion have performed live every year since 2013, meaning that Dawson and Harris have spent a lot of time playing together onstage and in rehearsals. That chemistry cannot be understated, especially in the absence of 42 years of locked in with one another as Harris and McBrain were.
Iron Maiden’s live reputation is everything and, if it were to take years for a new chemistry to develop between one of metal’s most influential bassists and his new drummer, the delivery could run the risk of missing the mark.
Truly, Dawson has every appearance of being the appropriate fit for Iron Maiden and continuing the legacy Nicko leaves behind, as well as the late, great Clive Burr.
Welcome, Simon Dawson!
How Many Songs Each Iron Maiden Member Has Written
Here’s a breakdown of Iron Maiden’s song-writing credits.
According to a new report published by Rolling Stone a judge is urging KISS legends Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, music manager Doc McGhee, and KISS’ touring company to consider settling a lawsuit brought by the famed band’s longtime wig stylist over alleged mistreatment on tour.
The lawsuit, first filed in February 2023, alleges KISS deprived plaintiff David Mathews of overtime wages and adequate breaks, and then wrongfully terminated him in 2022 after he voiced concerns about the band’s COVID protocols surrounding pandemic-era shows. After nearly two years of wrangling, a trial is set to begin on January 22, 2025.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Armen Tamzarian addressed the lawyers on both side during the Friday hearing, saying:
“The first time I saw this lawsuit, it was clear both sides had very serious risks. If this goes to trial, it would not surprise me if Mr. Mathews got nothing. It would not surprise me if he made a big pot of money. This is the kind of case any rational person would settle. There’s big risk this could swing dramatically one way or the other. This is a tough case for plaintiff to win, but if he wins, there are deep, deep pockets there, and there could be a big result.”
It wasn’t clear Friday when Judge Tamzarian might issue his ruling. The final status conference remained set for January 6, 2025, two weeks before the scheduled trial.
Gene Simmons Band, the touring act around KISS singer/bassist, Gene Simmons, have announced a string of 2025 tour dates. The dates for the shows can be found below, and tickets are available via genesimmons.com.
2025 tour dates:
April 28 – The Moon – Tallahassee, FL
May 3 – Beaver Dam Amphitheater – Beaver Dam, KY 5 – Basie – Red Bank, NJ 22 – House Of Blues – Dallas, TX 24 – House Of Blues – Houston, TX
Simmons is featured on the soundtrack for the 2024 film, Regan, performing the jazz standard, “Stormy Weather”, written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler. The official video for the song can be found below.
About Reagan:
From dusty small-town roots, to the glitter of Hollywood, and then on to commanding the world stage, Reagan is a cinematic journey of overcoming the odds. Told through the voice of Viktor Petrovich, a former KGB agent whose life becomes inextricably linked with Ronald Reagan’s when Reagan first caught the Soviets’ attention as an actor in Hollywood, this film offers a perspective as unique as it is captivating.
Dennis Quaid brings to life a story that transcends the boundaries of a traditional biopic, offering a profound exploration of the enduring impact of the power of one man who overcame the odds, sustained by the love of a woman who supported him in his journey.
Canadian thrashers Triskelyon have a new music video, “Endgame Euphoria”, in support of their third album, Shattered Elysium unveiled this past September via Moribund Records. Check it out below.
Band founder Geoff Waye comments:
“‘Endgame Euphoria’ is the final music video from Shattered Elysium. The track critiques both the media’s fixation on ‘bad’ news and the audience’s morbid fascination with watching disasters unfold, often with a mix of glee and dread. Whether the tragedies are natural or man-made, they dominate the headlines and can distort perceptions. A line from the song encapsulates this sentiment: ‘Braindead salivating / Fixate on tragedy / Cheerlead downfall / Revel in the anarchy.’ While staying informed is important, so too is knowing when to step away and enjoy life.”
Shattered Elysium runs the gamut from pure ’80s thrash and speed Metal to classic power Metal, and traditional metal, and even includes some brutal death-thrashers. It attains an impressive new milestone in classic thrash metal, with far-reaching appeal across all heavy metal sub-genres. “Shattered Elysium” truly resurrects the glory days of the 1980s, while maintaining a fresh and modern sound!
In keeping with Triskelyon’s tradition of closing their albums with an iconic cover, this release delivers a thunderous metal rendition of Duran Duran’s mega-hit “Hungry Like the Wolf.” This powerful transformation is destined to become a radio sensation and ignite a storm of social media buzz!
The album features a thrilling list of guest musicians that includes the vocal talents of Amanda Kiernan (Into Eternity, The Order of Chaos), Eric Forrest (E-Force, ex-VoiVod), Tiina Teal (Détente), Amanda Jackman (Category VI), Armin Kamal (Infrared), Dale Drew (Sea Dogs), Fíochmhar (Artach), and Des Mason & Pete Healey. Traditional yet intricate thrash drum duties are also exceptionally executed by Raul Marques (Burning Torment), while Dwayne Pike, Keith Jackman (Category VI), Rick White, and Darrin Pope were conscripted on bass.
“Beyond Shattered Elysium (Intro)” “Endgame Euphoria” “Anarchy Avenue” “Hellbound Hellions” “Sealed Hypocrisy” “Under His Eye” “Eternal Conflict” “The Battle for Monte Cassino” “Phantom Serenade” “Whispers from the Shadows” “Hungry Like the Wolf” (Duran Duran cover)
One year on, the environs are smaller but the scene is no less triumphant. Sixth album Self Hellcame out in spring, turning up the juice on Sleeps’ electro-metalcore edge, and got followed by a summer stealing the show at multiple festivals. Their return to London has “victory lap” written all over it: even if the grandeur of Ally Pally’s been swapped for the pokier O2 Forum Kentish Town, they’re selling this place out two nights on the trot and bringing production worthy of somewhere 10 times the size.
From the off, everything still appears impressive. The Northerners march onstage in front of a stack of Marshall amplifiers, which has Adam Savage’s drum kit perched on top. As they burst from introduction Peace Of Mind to the confrontational Leave Me Alone, the full-throttle metal gets amplified by a blinding light rig. Every change in Sean Long and Mat Welsh’s riffs gets complemented by a new formation of beams. Whether they’re static columns, blinking flashes or sweeping searchlights, they’re a staggering display for the 2,300 in attendance.
There’s not quite as much versatility in the setlist, mind. Anti-Social, You Are All You Need, The Guilty Party and Rainbows continue the night, and it becomes clear Sleeps are all about their recent history this evening. Debut album This Is The Six is entirely ignored and followup Brainwashed would be as well, were it not for Four Walls and its mass singalong.
The choice could have irked longtime fans, but they don’t have the time to feel affronted, as each new track arrives at breakneck speed with minimal patter in between. Plus, when the whole room jumps to Systematic and countless crowd-surf during Down, it’s obvious Sleeps are as dedicated to exhilaration now as they’ve ever been.
The evening draws to a dynamic close, with To The Flowers’ worbling tenderness swiftly juxtaposed by the anthemic Sleeps Society. It’s a closing declaration of versatility from a band who still feel essential and energised, even when they’re not shattering their own attendance records. Put Sleeps in any venue and they will play like their lives depend on it, and that’s what has earnt them sellout after sellout after sellout.
While She Sleeps – Rainbows (Official Music Video) – YouTube
While She Sleeps setlist: O2 Forum Kentish Town, London – December 6, 2024
Peace Of Mind Leave Me Alone Anti-Social You Are All You Need The Guilty Party Rainbows You Are We Self Hell Systematic Four Walls Down (feat. Brian Wille of Currents) Hurricane Enlightenment(?) Silence Speaks (feat. Anthony Diliberto of Resolve) To The Flowers Sleeps Society
Pearl Jam released their third album, Vitalogy, in late 1994 at a time when the Seattle band’s popularity was continuing to build at an explosive pace. Of the many unexpected things that developed in that time period, the biggest surprise was the group’s summit in the recording studio with Neil Young for 1995’s Mirror Ball.
The band’s longtime associate, Brett Eliason, has a vivid memory of how the collaboration took shape. “Pearl Jam had played Constitution Hall in D.C. for Gloria Steinem’s Voters for Choice [concert],” he recalled in a new interview on the UCR Podcast. “Neil and Crazy Horse joined us for that show. Pearl Jam was last. Neil had done his set [and] had some new songs he had been working on. He was so blown away by the energy of Pearl Jam that night that he asked if they would do an encore with him and play one of the songs that [eventually] became part of Mirror Ball. They learned [it] backstage, went out and it was great.”
Young and Pearl Jam performed “Act of Love” that night and the moment was the catalyst that planted a seed in the Canadian rocker’s head that he should make an album with the group. True to his usual form, he had a vision for how it should all go down. He told the band members that he wanted the sessions to be very “Pearl Jam-centric.” He would come to Seattle to record the material with the group, utilizing their longtime producer, Brendan O’Brien, plus Eliason and other members of their team.
Bad Animals, the area recording studio owned by Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart at the time, ended up being the location chosen for the sessions. “We brought this huge rug from the rehearsal space to lay down,” Eliason remembers. “We set up couches and lamps, and made this large room super homey, like a big living room. The band was set up in a semi-circle with live monitors….it was kind of similar to a stage setup, but they could play live together out there and that’s what they did.”
Like so many of Young’s past recordings, Eliason recalls that the sessions were pretty loose. “We’d go until they captured what they wanted as a base and that was it. There was really no fixing unless it was such a great take and there was one little thing that needed to be repaired. We’d punch it in and fix it up. Neil would double his voice a bit, but even his vocal was being laid down at the same time the band was playing and he was playing guitar. It was just magical.”
Listen to Neil Young and Pearl Jam Perform ‘Downtown’
What you hear is quite literally what they got during the sessions in January and February of 1995. “The majority of that record was just the board mixes that were up,” Eliason confirms. “That’s Neil. If it was feeling right at the time, it’s done. I love that about him. He doesn’t overthink things. Probably 90 to 95% [of Mirror Ball] were just the rough mixes that were up on the console between Brendan and myself.”
Young and Pearl Jam took the fruits of what they’d accomplished to the road, playing a short series of shows in the summer of 1995. It capped a momentous year that had also seen Eddie Vedder give the speech to induct Young into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, two days before the Voters for Choice concert. He praised the songwriter for teaching Pearl Jam “a lot about dignity and commitment” and perhaps most importantly, “playing in the moment,” something they definitely eventually captured during the Mirror Ball sessions.
Fans who are hoping for an expanded reissue of Mirror Ball, can perhaps dim those hopes as far as unreleased studio material. “From the [sessions], all of that pretty much got out,” he says. “We did record a live show at Moe’s up on Capitol Hill in Seattle. That was the first time they’d played this record together. Those tapes are somewhere. That would be fun, because it was a good show.”
During the interview, Eliason also spoke about the recording process for Pearl Jam’s Vitalogy, which was recently remixed for the first time in spatial audio. You can listen to the conversation below.
Listen to Brett Eliason on the ‘UCR Podcast’
Neil Young Albums Ranked
He’s one of rock’s most brilliant, confounding, defiant and frustrating artists.
During a recent conversation with UCR’s Matt Wardlaw, Felder discussed his penchant for guitar solos, specifically those in which he and another rocker trade riffs.
“Somebody would be playing, and you step back and give them that period. And then they step back and give you an opportunity to step forward,” Felder explained. “And then somebody starts climbing up in their solo, and you go down below and play in a lower octave to support them. And then you crisscross on the way up and the way down and coming back. It’s just things you can’t necessarily teach somebody how to do. It’s more of a feel.”
Felder further noted the distinctive musical chemistry he enjoyed with his former Eagles bandmate, Walsh.
“Joe and I really felt that very, very comfortably to be able to jam together, whether it was in the Eagles or before he joined the Eagles or on Joe Walsh and Friends videos and stuff like that,” the rocker recalled. “We just instinctually were able to do that by having just the sensitivity of how another person plays and knowing when to play and when not to play, when to be a support character and when to step in and be a lead character.”
“That’s exactly what Joe and I used to do all the time, every song,” Felder continued. “But we had enough grace to allow the other person to take the lead step and to hold hands going through it. It was never a, ‘I’m better than you.’ It was never an ego competition at all. It was just a fun challenge to have Joe play a lick and then, ‘Hell, I can beat that.’ And I play something and then he takes a step back and then he comes in like a bull. It was just fun to be able to play off of people like that.”
Don Felder Hails Tommy Shaw as a ‘Talented Triple Threat’
Similar to his chemistry with Walsh, Felder feels a musical connection with Styx leader Tommy Shaw.
“Tommy Shaw is probably one of the most talented triple threats that I know. I have the ultimate respect for people that can write, sing and play,” Felder declared. “Tommy is just a monster at that. And for him to be able to have the guitar dexterity and talent, to be able to play all those solos on the end of the harmonies and everything, and be able to sing [is impressive].”
The rockers will have a chance to showcase their aligned energies when they hit the road together in 2025. The two have jammed together on the Eagles classic “Hotel California” in the past, though Felder cautioned its a not a guarantee to be in the set list every night.
“I’m not sure we’re going to do it this time,” he noted. “We might. We might not. Maybe save it for special occasions. I don’t know, we’ll see. It’s just going to be a lot of fun stuff.”
