Author: Logan Rocker

During a tenure that lasted more than 50 years, bassist Tom Hamilton played many of Aerosmith‘s classic favorites and plenty of deeper cuts as well. But there was always one particular song he was wishing they’d put back into the set.

He’s finally getting that chance, with his new band, Close Enemies.

“I knew that we’d be playing a couple of Aerosmith songs,” he tells UCR in a new interview. “You know, as far I’m concerned, ethically, it had to be songs that I had co-written. It’s not like we’re going to get up there and play ‘Walk This Way,’ ‘Dream On‘ [and songs like that]. [But] ‘Sick as a Dog,’ I’ve been dying to play that song live for so long. I was having trouble getting the guys in Aerosmith to put it in the set. I realized, ‘Alright, this is my chance! Now I get to hear that song on stage again.'”

READ MORE: Top 10 Aerosmith Songs Never Played Live

“Sick as a Dog,” a song he co-wrote from 1976’s Rocks, is a favorite of Hamilton’s for a number of reasons. “It’s simple and it’s very freeing. It rocks and has this arpeggiated guitar part, sort of a jingly, jangly kind of thing, which I loved,” he explains.

“I was always into the Byrds and they had a song called ‘Mr. Tambourine Man‘ back in the ’60s that was a giant hit – and it was a hit with me,” Hamilton added. “It really embedded in my mind, that love of hearing [guitar sounds like that], especially when it was combined with a hard rock beat.”

He has similar feelings about “Sweet Emotion,” another song he helped to co-write from 1975’s Toys in the Attic. It’s one of Hamilton’s signature performances with Aerosmith and features an unmistakable, slinky bass line that grabs instant attention to this day when it comes on the radio.

“I knew how good it felt to play it and hear it,” Hamilton says now. “I was too young and inexperienced to know whether it was something that would be a hit or not. I just knew it felt really good to play it.”

That’s why Hamilton “kept working on it and came up with the parts that are in between the verses, where it rocks out and then it goes back to the verse,” he continues. “Then in the middle, it goes back to the intro with that bass riff again. Those three elements are a lot of what matters as far as what I love in Aerosmith’s music and also, now in Close Enemies.”

When Will Close Enemies Release New Music?

The band plans to release its first single in January, the same month that they’ll hit the road for their first proper tour. As guitarist Trace Foster tells UCR, TLG / Virgin Music Group will handle distribution and internally, they’ve already got a coordinated plan for rolling out additional songs.

“Unlike the way [bands] used to release music back in the ’70s [and subsequent decades] where you released the whole record, we’ll put out the initial single January 16,” Foster said. “The next songs will probably come out in February and March and either we’ll do a fourth single [after that] or we’ll just release the whole thing at that point.

Foster says Close Enemies knows “how fast things come and go in this era that we’re in. So we just want to put a song out there, push the heck out of it, then do another one and do it again. We worked really hard. There was a lot of blood, sweat and tears, and we don’t just want it to come and go. We want people to really get into this and enjoy it.”

2025 Rock Tour Preview

# 10 – Give More Love – Give More Love

“Give More Love,” the title track from Ringo Starr’s 19th studio album Give More Love, reflects his consistent message of peace, compassion, and unity. Released on September 15, 2017, the album was recorded at Roccabella West, Starr’s home studio in Los Angeles. Starr co-produced the record with Bruce Sugar, who has been a long-time collaborator. The project features contributions from numerous acclaimed artists, including Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh, Peter Frampton, Edgar Winter, and Steve Lukather, underscoring Starr’s reputation for fostering collaborative creativity in his music.

Lyrically, “Give More Love” delivers a message that resonates with Starr’s lifelong ethos: promoting kindness and connection. The song’s arrangement includes gentle acoustic guitar, understated percussion, and Starr’s warm, conversational vocal delivery, creating an intimate atmosphere that reinforces the sincerity of the lyrics. The chorus emphasizes the cyclical nature of kindness, urging listeners to “give more love” and experience its return. This song aligns with the overarching themes of the album, which touch on friendship, loss, and personal growth, while showcasing Starr’s ability to connect with his audience through universal ideas.

Read More: Best Rock Albums Of 2017

# 9 – Snookeroo – Ringo Starr

“Snookeroo” is a track from Ringo Starr’s 1974 album Goodnight Vienna. Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, the song reflects Starr’s upbeat personality and his working-class roots in Liverpool. Taupin has described the song as autobiographical for Starr, and its lyrics tell the tale of a fun-loving character proud of his background and unpretentious lifestyle.

The recording of Goodnight Vienna, including “Snookeroo,” took place at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles in the summer of 1974. The album was produced by Richard Perry, who had previously worked with Starr on the successful Ringo album. Elton John contributed not only as a songwriter but also as the pianist for the track, adding his distinctive flair to the song. Other musicians involved included Klaus Voormann on bass, Jim Keltner on drums, and Robbie Robertson on guitar, creating a rich and lively arrangement that perfectly complemented Starr’s playful vocal delivery.

Upon its release, “Snookeroo” served as the B-side to the single “No No Song,” which became a hit in several countries. While “Snookeroo” did not achieve the same commercial success as the A-side, it became a fan favorite due to its infectious rhythm and humorous, self-effacing lyrics. The song’s narrative style, reminiscent of traditional storytelling, and its upbeat melody highlight Starr’s ability to connect with audiences through relatability and charm.

“Snookeroo” stands out as an energetic and colorful addition to Starr’s catalog, showcasing his collaborations with some of the biggest names in music while celebrating his Liverpool heritage with humor and heart.

Read More: Why 1974 Was Such A Busy Year For The Beatles

# 8 – A Dose of Rock ‘n’ Roll – Ringo’s Rotogravure

Released in 1976 as the lead single from Ringo’s Rotogravure, “A Dose of Rock ‘n’ Roll” became a highlight of Ringo Starr’s solo career. Written by Carl Groszman and produced by Arif Mardin, the track was recorded at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles. It achieved commercial success, peaking at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing Starr’s ability to maintain relevance in the post-Beatles music landscape.

The album, Ringo’s Rotogravure, features notable contributions from Starr’s former Beatles bandmates—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison—though none of them participated on this specific track. Instead, “A Dose of Rock ‘n’ Roll” features a stellar lineup, including Dr. John on keyboards, Danny Kortchmar on guitar, and Klaus Voormann on bass. This ensemble helped shape the song’s rich and upbeat sound, emphasizing Starr’s signature drumming and infectious vocal delivery.

Lyrically, the song is a straightforward celebration of the uplifting power of music, with its catchy chorus and rhythmic energy encapsulating the spirit of rock and roll. The collaboration between Starr and Mardin brought a polished production quality to the song, which resonated with listeners and earned it a spot as one of the standout moments from the album. Its success reaffirmed Starr’s position as a beloved figure in popular music, even beyond his Beatles legacy.

Read More: 1976’s Best Classic Rock Albums

# 7 – Wrack My Brain – Stop And Smell The Roses

Written by George Harrison, “Wrack My Brain” was released as the lead single from Ringo Starr’s 1981 album Stop and Smell the Roses. Recorded at Harrison’s home studio, FPSHOT, in Oxfordshire, the song was produced by Harrison himself, who also played guitar on the track. The lineup of musicians featured Ray Cooper on percussion, Herbie Flowers on bass, and Al Kooper on keyboards, bringing a vibrant, layered sound to Starr’s signature style. The song peaked at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making it a modest commercial success and one of Starr’s notable solo efforts of the early 1980s.

Lyrically, “Wrack My Brain” is a witty exploration of creative struggles, with Starr lamenting the difficulty of meeting expectations and delivering something truly satisfying. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and humor as Starr sings lines like, “What I have, you don’t want; what you want, I can’t give,” while Harrison’s melodic structure ensures the song remains engaging and catchy. The track is marked by its clever wordplay and the interplay between Starr’s vocals and Harrison’s signature guitar work, which adds depth and a touch of the familiar Beatles essence to the piece.

As part of Stop and Smell the Roses, “Wrack My Brain” stands out for its dynamic energy and memorable arrangement, making it a strong representation of Starr’s ability to balance humor with musicality. Compared to other songs in this list, such as “A Dose of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” the track leans more on lyrical introspection rather than the outright celebratory nature of rock and roll. Its blend of humor, frustration, and melodic charm highlights Starr’s unique presence in the rock world and underscores Harrison’s contributions as a songwriter and producer. The song’s relative success also reinforced Starr’s staying power as a solo artist in the post-Beatles era, despite the challenges of the time.

Read More: 1981’s Best Rock Albums

# 6 – Weight of the World – Time Takes Time

“Weight of the World,” the lead single from Ringo Starr’s 1992 album Time Takes Time, marked a pivotal moment in his solo career, showcasing a rejuvenated sound after a period of relative quiet in the 1980s. Recorded at several locations, including A&M Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Don Was, the song features an impressive array of session musicians. Jeff Lynne contributed background vocals and guitar, while bassist Bob Glaub and drummer Jim Keltner provided the rhythmic backbone. The song’s polished production, coupled with Starr’s warm, familiar voice, positioned it as a standout track on the album and reaffirmed his place in contemporary rock.

Lyrically, “Weight of the World” reflects themes of resilience and perseverance, making it a relatable anthem for overcoming adversity. Lines like “Sometimes the world gets heavy on your shoulders” speak to the struggles many face, while the upbeat melody tempers the message with hope and positivity. Starr’s vocal delivery is both earnest and engaging, capturing the song’s balance of emotional weight and optimism. The chorus, bolstered by lush harmonies, becomes a memorable sing-along moment, further solidifying its appeal.

As one of the most accessible songs from Time Takes Time, “Weight of the World” achieved moderate chart success, reaching No. 72 on the UK Singles Chart and garnering airplay on adult contemporary radio in the United States. Compared to tracks like “Wrack My Brain,” which leaned into Starr’s humorous side, this song is more introspective yet remains distinctly uplifting. Its polished arrangement and heartfelt lyrics make it a cornerstone of Starr’s 1990s output, illustrating his ability to adapt his sound while retaining his signature charm. “Weight of the World” not only revitalized Starr’s solo career but also reminded listeners of his enduring talent and relevance in the rock landscape.

Read More: Complete List Of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band Members

# 5 – You’re Sixteen – Ringo

Ringo Starr’s version of “You’re Sixteen” stands as one of his most recognizable solo hits, bringing a playful energy to the 1973 reimagining of the 1960 Johnny Burnette classic. Featured on Starr’s third solo album, Ringo, the track was recorded in 1973 at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles, with Richard Perry handling production duties. The recording enlisted a mix of top-tier musicians, including Nicky Hopkins on piano, Klaus Voormann on bass, and Jim Keltner on drums. Starr’s signature vocal style and the addition of a kazoo solo performed by Paul McCartney gave the track its distinctive flair.

Musically, “You’re Sixteen” retains the rockabilly roots of Burnette’s original but updates it with a polished 1970s production aesthetic. Starr’s version features a lighthearted bounce, driven by its steady rhythm and infectious melody. McCartney’s kazoo solo—a creative substitute for the original’s saxophone break—adds a whimsical charm that perfectly complements the song’s playful tone. Starr’s charismatic delivery brought a sense of fun to the track, which resonated with listeners and captured the carefree spirit of the original while making it uniquely his own.

Upon its release as a single in December 1973, “You’re Sixteen” became a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making Starr the second former Beatle (after McCartney) to achieve solo chart-topping success. The song also reached No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart. Its success was bolstered by the popularity of Ringo, which featured contributions from Starr’s former Beatles bandmates and marked a high point in his solo career. “You’re Sixteen” remains a nostalgic favorite, epitomizing Starr’s ability to bring charm and personality to a cover song, cementing its place in his post-Beatles legacy.

Read More: Complete List Of Ringo Starr Albums And Discography

# 4 – Oh My My – Ringo

Ringo Starr’s “Oh My My,” released in 1973, showcases the playful and upbeat energy that characterized much of his early solo work. The track appears on his Ringo album, recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles under the production of Richard Perry. This particular song, co-written by Starr and Vini Poncia, was a lively addition to Starr’s growing repertoire of post-Beatles hits. With its funky groove and infectious rhythm, “Oh My My” reflected Starr’s knack for creating feel-good music.

The recording of “Oh My My” featured a stellar lineup of musicians. Billy Preston brought his signature soul-infused style to the track on keyboards, while Klaus Voormann provided a solid bassline. Horn arrangements added an extra layer of dynamism, perfectly complementing Starr’s jovial vocal delivery. The song also benefited from the production expertise of Richard Perry, who helped craft the polished and radio-friendly sound that defined much of Ringo.

Commercially, “Oh My My” was a notable success, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Starr’s most successful solo singles in the United States. Its exuberant energy and catchy chorus made it a fan favorite and a staple of Starr’s solo catalog. The track’s vibrant instrumentation and Starr’s charismatic performance ensured that it remained a high point in his career, cementing Ringo as one of the most successful albums released by a former Beatle. “Oh My My” exemplifies Starr’s ability to craft music that is both accessible and enduring.

Read More: Ringo Starr’s Ringo! Album Turns 50

# 3 – Photograph – Ringo

Ringo Starr’s “Photograph,” released in 1973, remains one of the most enduring songs of his solo career. Co-written with George Harrison, the track served as the lead single for Starr’s Ringo album, produced by Richard Perry. Recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles, the song marked a pivotal moment for Starr as a solo artist, showcasing his ability to deliver a poignant and universally relatable hit.

The recording brought together a lineup of extraordinary musicians, including George Harrison on acoustic guitar, Nicky Hopkins on piano, Klaus Voormann on bass, and Jim Keltner on drums. Harrison also contributed harmony vocals, adding a touch of Beatles nostalgia to the track. The orchestral arrangements by Jack Nitzsche enhanced the emotional depth of the song, perfectly complementing Starr’s heartfelt vocal delivery. With lyrics reflecting themes of love and longing, “Photograph” resonated deeply with audiences, making it one of Starr’s most beloved songs.

“Photograph” achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and becoming a top ten hit in multiple countries.

Read More: Top 10 Ringo Starr Songs

# 2 – Back Off Boogaloo – Goodnight Vienna

“Back Off Boogaloo,” a 1972 single by Ringo Starr, showcases his playful yet impactful approach to rock and roll. Written by Starr and produced by his former Beatles bandmate George Harrison, the track was recorded in February 1972 at Apple Studios in London. The single stands out for its infectious groove, blending Starr’s characteristic humor with a spirited musical arrangement.

Harrison’s production lent “Back Off Boogaloo” a distinctive edge. He played slide guitar on the track, while Klaus Voormann contributed bass, and Gary Wright added layers of piano. Starr’s vocal delivery, full of swagger and energy, perfectly complemented the song’s upbeat, almost whimsical tone. Lyrically, the song has been speculated to be a lighthearted jab at fellow Beatle Paul McCartney, reflecting the tensions within the group post-breakup, though Starr has often downplayed this interpretation.

Chart-wise, “Back Off Boogaloo” was a major success, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart. It was later included on Starr’s 1974 album Goodnight Vienna, introducing the song to a new audience and reaffirming its status as one of his most memorable tracks.

Read More: Long Lost Ringo Starr & George Harrison Recording Found

# 1 – It Don’t Come Easy – Non-album Single

Released as a non-album single in April 1971, “It Don’t Come Easy” is a defining track in Ringo Starr’s solo career, blending rock and pop with a heartfelt message of perseverance. Written by Starr with notable contributions from George Harrison, the song marked Starr’s emergence as a successful solo artist following The Beatles’ breakup. Recorded at Trident Studios and Abbey Road Studios in London during sessions spanning 1970 to 1971, the track showcases Starr’s distinctive charm and Harrison’s influence.

The recording features a stellar lineup of musicians, including George Harrison on guitar and backing vocals, Klaus Voormann on bass, Gary Wright on piano, and Starr himself on drums and lead vocals. Harrison’s production expertise brought depth and polish to the song, with his signature slide guitar embellishments adding a rich texture. A horn section arranged by producer and arranger Jim Price further enhanced the song’s celebratory tone. Lyrically, Starr’s optimistic reflections on hard work and resilience struck a chord with listeners, epitomized by the chorus: “It don’t come easy, you know it don’t come easy.”

The single was a commercial triumph, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart. Critics hailed it as one of Starr’s finest moments, praising its infectious melody and uplifting message. The song’s enduring popularity has made it a staple of Starr’s live performances, often featured prominently in his All-Starr Band tours. “It Don’t Come Easy” remains a testament to Starr’s ability to craft music that resonates deeply, cementing his legacy as a solo artist.

Read More: 10 Musicians We Would Love To See In Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band

Read More: Artists’ Interviews Directory At ClassicRockHistory.com

Read More: Classic Rock Bands List And Directory

10 Most Rocking Ringo Starr Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024

December 16, 2024, 3 minutes ago

news heavy metal udo dirkschneider accept

Reigning Phoenix Music has announced that Udo Dirkschneider is celebrating 40 years of Accept’s iconic album, Balls To The Wall, by releasing a reimagining of the album, including illustrious guests, on February 28.

“Re-recording Balls To The Wall was a big challenge for me. The album is a milestone of my career, of course, that’s why it was even more important to me to make the original songs shine in a new light without losing their initial essence. All guests have put their individual stamps on these classic tracks, and collaborating with such outstanding vocalists has moved them into a fresh and exciting dimension. The result is a powerful homage to all fans but also an invitation to the next generation to experience the songs not minorly passionate than I was when I recorded them back in the day. It’s a never-ending personal journey for me – Balls To The Wall will always be a part of me,” states Udo.

Pre-order Balls To The Wall Reloaded here.

Tracklisting:

“Balls To The Wal”l [feat. Joakim Brodén of Sabaton]
“London Leatherboys” [feat. Biff Byford of Saxon]
“Fight It Back” [feat. Mille Petrozza of Kreator]
“Head Over Heels” [feat. Nils Molin of Dynazty / Amaranthe]
“Losing More Than You’ve Ever Had” [feat. Michael Kiske of Helloween]
“Love Child” [feat. Ylva Eriksson of Brothers Of Metal]
“Turn Me On” [feat. Danko Jones]
“Losers And Winners” [feat. Dee Snider of Twisted Sister]
“Guardian Of The Night” [feat. Tim “Ripper” Owens of KK’s Priest / formerly of Judas Priest]
“Winter Dreams” [feat. Doro Pesch]

BMG recently announced the worldwide release of the second album by Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen, entitled Black Light / White Noise, on March 7. The news arrived alongside the release of the album’s first single and video, “White Noise”.

The new video below takes us behind the scenes of the single and music video:

Find the official “White Noise” music video below.

Recorded at The House, Los Angeles, California, produced by Richie and Adrian and mixed by Jay Ruston, the ten-track album is a masterclass in modern rock, with Adrian and Richie’s prodigious talents as songwriters, musicians and vocalists on full display.

Lead single “White Noise” perfectly illustrates the quality and strength of the album, boasting a gloriously heavy riff, soaring vocals, driving rhythms and a hook-filled chorus. Adrian Smith comments: “The song is about the rise of social media, how people get addicted to it, the power of it and how we get bombarded with it 24/7.”

“It was actually a riff Adrian brought in,” adds Richie Kotzen, “I then immediately started improvising the melody and the lyric that became the chorus. It had another working title, completely different to what it ended up being and we kind of came up on the spot with that call and answer in the chorus that turned into ‘White Noise’.”

The accompanying video sees the two guitar heroes delivering a performance as cool as it is effortless and showcases the great partnership they have formed. Watch below.

And that partnership has flourished and grown beautifully since their debut self-titled album in March 2021. Released to widespread critical acclaim, it was a melting pot of hard rock and traditional R&B that was a powerful calling card for what these two icons can do. On its follow-up Black Light / White Noise the duo has risen to even greater heights, producing a truly magnificent collection of songs that stands shoulder to shoulder with the finest work either of them have ever produced.

From the opening heavy blast of “Muddy Water” through to the epic and stately closer “Beyond The Pale,” these ten songs illustrate the myriad talents at Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen’s disposal and reveal that this is both an album and a partnership that will endure for years to come.

Atmospheric, ambitious, diverse and brilliant, Black Light / White Noise not only features stratospheric guitar solos and raw, bluesy vocals but soulful touches, intricate playing, beautiful songwriting and an assured poise and style that brings to mind a host of legendary musicians (Thin Lizzy, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Cream, Free, Deep Purple) but is undeniably the work of Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen in perfect harmony.

Richie Kotzen comments: “We’re so proud of this new album – it follows on from our debut and the EPs by focusing on collaborating on riffs, lyrics, harmonies and vocals. There’s a Smith/Kotzen DNA now and it’s definitely something we need to get out on the road with. I was pleased to work with my friend Jay Ruston on the mixing of the album, let alone my wife Julia (Lage) – who actually plays on ‘White Noise’ as well as four other tracks.”

“We’re like an extended family now,” adds Smith. “We have a sound and a vibe and I don’t think many artists are doing what we do – sharing the vocals and the guitars – it takes me back to those classic bands like Humble Pie & Cream – which is not a bad place to start!”

The album will be available in these formats: Clear, Splatter Vinyl (limited to certain retailers) / Black Vinyl / Digipak CD / Lossless Audio Digital. Pre-order here.

Black Light/White Noise tracklisting:

“Muddy Water”
“White Noise”
“Black Light”
“Darkside”
“Life Unchained”
“Blindsided”
“Wraith”
“Heavy Weather”
“Outlaw”
“Beyond The Pale”

“White Noise” video:

(Photo – John McMurtrie)

Saxon have released an official lyric video for “Pirates Of The Airways”, featured on their latest album, Hell, Fire And Damnation. Watch the clip below

Saxon’s Hell, Fire And Damnation lands at #22 on our BravePicks 2024 list. Follow the countdown here.

Saxon are also pleased to announce that Grand Slam will be joining them alongside the already announced Girlschool on the band’s upcoming Hell, Fire And Steel European tour.

Saxon’s Biff Byford says: “Great to be having Grand Slam on tour with us great band gonna be EPIC!”

The Hell, Fire and Steel European tour will not only see the band performing songs from their well received, recently released, top 20 album, Hell, Fire And Damnation, but also play the whole of their classic sophomore album Wheels of Steel (released 45 years ago next year) as well as playing other fan favourites and hits from across the band’s career.

Tickets, as well as the band’s full tour itinerary, are available here.

Saxon’s Hell, Fire And Damnation is a superlative British heavy metal classic. Biff Byford delivers his richest vocals in years, Nigel Glockler and Nibbs Carter on drums and bass respectively lay down the rhythmic law with bombastic power, and the guitars of Doug Scarratt and Brian Tatler are fresh and fiery, a perfect complement to each other, carrying an overall energy and fury which will have fans salivating. Musically, Saxon bring it all to the table. There’s a furious tribute to actual heavy metal in the denim & leather coated super-sprint “Fire And Steel”, a wonderful nod to the NWOBHM’s birth in the electric mid-pace “Pirates Of The Airwaves” and the glorious frenetic assault of the title track “Hell, Fire And Damnation”.

Produced by Andy Sneap (Judas Priest, Exodus, Accept and Priest guitarist) and Biff Byford, with Sneap mixing and mastering, Hell, Fire And Damnation strides the perfect line between confident, current power, and gloriously irreverent flexing of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal muscle which Saxon co-created.

Hell, Fire And Damnation is available in a variety of formats and orders can be placed here.

Hell, Fire And Damnation tracklisting:

“The Prophecy”
“Hell, Fire And Damnation”
“Madame Guillotine”
“Fire And Steel”
“There’s Something In Roswell”
“Kubla Khan And The Merchant Of Venice”
“Pirates Of The Airwaves”
“1066”
“Witches Of Salem”
“Super Charger”

“Fire And Steel” video:

“Witches Of Salem” lyric video:

“There’s Something In Roswell” video:

“Hell, Fire And Damnation” video:

Mike Rutherford came into the Planet Rock studios in London to record an episode of “My Planet Rocks” with Mark Jeeves, talking through his career with Genesis and Mike + The Mechanics, as well as choosing his favourite songs to play.

Mike praised Prince’s guitar skills, remembered a nocturnal collaboration with Eddie Van Halen, how Jimi Hendrix’s first album changed everything, his admiration of Bob Seger’s songwriting, amongst others.

He also discussed writing music for and touring with Mike + The Mechanics, as well as sharing memories of recording Genesis classics like “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway” and “Land of Confusion”, and finding hidden Phil Collins drum fills.

Planet Rock reports: As with all My Planet Rock episodes, the one-hour show sees Mike select some of his favourite songs and regale stories around them.

One of his choices is Van Halen’s 1983 megahit “Jump”, and Mike told Planet Rock: “First of all, it’s an amazing song. An incredible song. I love the story. Back in the day, I heard that the singer David Lee Roth was complaining ‘we’re a guitar band’, and it’s the most amazing keyboard part really.”

Commenting on the Eddie Van Halen collaboration, he continued: “I think Eddie heard a song from my second solo album (1982’s Acting Very Strange), which I sang – God knows how I thought of this! – and he rang me up and said, ‘will you do some writing?’ I mean, my voice for god’s sake!

“Anyway, I get to LA, and we arrive there and bring some gear with me and go into his studio. And he says, ‘Hey Mike, come over about 1.30.’ And I thought, ‘well, that’s going to work for me, a little lunch.’ (Eddie says) ‘AM.’ He starts at nighttime and works through the night. I just couldn’t really do that.

“We had some sessions. We wrote some songs. Bits. I’m not quite sure… I can’t find the tape. Quirky stuff, but it was fun to do.”

Read more at  Planet Rock, and watch the video below:

A special edition compact track loader from CNH construction brand, CASE Construction Equipment, was on display at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California, at the Helping Hands charity concert. Held on December 13, this annual event is organized by Metallica’s All Within My Hands charitable foundation.

Following its debut, this custom-designed CASE TV450B compact track loader is destined for use at the ranch of Metallica frontman and co-founder James Hetfield. Hetfield commissioned the design as part of an equipment supply agreement with the CASE brand.

The CNH Design team brought their expertise to the project to develop proposals inspired by Hetfield’s career and persona.

The winning proposal was submitted by John Piper, a rising design talent here at CNH. Piper crafted a concept that recalled one of Hetfield’s tattoos, a skull with wings, together with the sharp iconic font reminiscent of his band’s graphics and album artwork. He also drew from the pinstriping in Hetfield’s private hotrod collection. All these elements were integrated atop a sandy camouflage pattern reminiscent of Hetfield’s signature Snakebyte electric guitar – a direct request from the artist.

CNH Senior Designer Darin Weisensel led the production phase of this project, working to bring the custom design to life on the CASE TV450B.

Built at the CASE production facility in Wichita, USA, the TV450B compact track loader is an industry fixture. Tough and rugged, it performs tasks such as digging, loading and dumping in commercial and residential construction activities as well as landscaping.

“Our remarkable people transformed this special edition compact track loader from a designer’s sketch into a one-of-a-kind machine, providing our iconic CASE brand with a unique opportunity to make its distinctive mark with an exceptional delivery.”

CNH Industrial (NYSE: CNH) is a world-class equipment, technology and services company. Driven by its purpose of Breaking New Ground, which centers on Innovation, Sustainability and Productivity, the Company provides the strategic direction, R&D capabilities, and investments that enable the success of its global and regional Brands. Globally, Case IH and New Holland supply 360° agriculture applications from machines to implements and the digital technologies that enhance them; and CASE and New Holland Construction Equipment deliver a full lineup of construction products that make the industry more productive. The Company’s regionally focused Brands include: STEYR, for agricultural tractors; Raven, a leader in digital agriculture, precision technology and the development of autonomous systems; Hemisphere, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-precision satellite-based positioning, and heading technologies; Flexi-Coil, specializing in tillage and seeding systems; Miller, manufacturing application equipment; and Eurocomach, producing a wide range of mini and midi excavators for the construction sector, including electric solutions.

Across a history spanning over two centuries, CNH has always been a pioneer in its sectors and continues to passionately innovate and drive customer efficiency and success. As a truly global company, CNH’s 40,000+ employees form part of a diverse and inclusive workplace, focused on empowering customers to grow, and build, a better world.

For more information and the latest financial and sustainability reports visit cnh.com.