Big Rig Rock Report 12.18

BOB DYLAN: Another Auction

Another auction of Bob Dylan memorabilia is on tap for next month. Juliens Auctions is holding Celebrating Bob Dylan: The Aronowitz Archive, T Bone Burnett and More at the Musician's Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville on January 18th.

The top item up for bids is a one-of-one Ionic Original disc of Dylan’s new studio recording of “The Times They Are A-Changin’” from a session with producer T Bone Burnett that's expected to fetch $400,000-$600,000. This is the second public sale of an Ionic Original recording -- “Blowin’ In The Wind” went for $1.7-million in 2022. The rest of the auction has Dylan-related items from the archives journalist Al Aronowitz, including progressive typewritten drafts of the lyrics to “Mr. Tambourine Man” (estimate: $400,000-$600,000) and an early Dylan oil painting from 1968 ($200,000-$300,000).

Gene Simmons Announces More Shows With Solo Band For 2025

Gene Simmons has added more shows to his 2025 tour with his solo band. The artist previously announced a slew of tour dates had him hitting cities including Beaver Dam, Red Bank, and Dallas during his tour. Well now he’s added even more dates that take his tour to the next level. He’s added appearances in Rohnert Park, Bethlehem, San Antonio, and more. Now the confirmed dates for his tour run from April 5th through May 24th...for now at least! Check out the first ten tour dates below, and more info at Gene Simmons’ tour website here.

·April 5 - The Event at Graton Resort & Casino - Rohnert Park, CA

·April 25 - Ruth Eckerd Hall - Clearwater, FL

·April 26 - Fillmore - Miami Beach, FL

·April 28 - The Moon - Tallahassee, FL

·April 29 - Florida Theater - Jacksonville, FL

·April 30 - Hard Rock Live - Orlando, FL

·May 3 - Beaver Dam Amphitheater - Beaver Dam, KY

·May 5 - Basie - Red Bank, NJ

·May 6 - Wellmont - Montclair, NJ

·May 8 - Wind Creek Casino - Bethlehem, PA

Joe Satriani Drops "Big Bad Moon" From "G3 Reunion Live"

Joe Satriani has shared “Big Bad Moon” from the upcoming “G3 Reunion Live” release. That project, which also features Eric Johnson and Steve Vai, captured their 2024 tour. The three artist toured in 2024 for a sold-out tour across the US, sharing the stage once again. On their reunion tour they played their own full set with their own band…and then the three of them would do an encore jam together. Other songs on the upcoming album include Satriani’s “Sahara,” Johnson’s “Cliffs of Dover,” and Vai’s “For the Love of God.” The "G3 Reunion Live" release is expected on January 31st.

HEAVY METAL: Documentary Series Coming to Hulu

Heavy metal is getting its own big-time documentary series courtesy of Hulu. “Into the Void” comes from Evan Husney and Jason Eisener, the creators of the pro wrestling documentary series Dark Side of the Ring. Husney says, "The sonic worlds created by the genre’s boldest icons are rich with untold history and unimaginable trials and tribulations, and we’re excited to team up with Hulu to look beyond the mystique and show these legends as real people. A full episode lineup of the stories we'll be delving into will be announced closer to the show's release next year -- we can’t wait to share it with everyone."

Billy Joel Shares Unfinished Music In Interview

Billy Joel shared an unfinished piece of music during an interview on “How’s Life with John Mayer.” Responding to Mayer’s request to play a "favorite spare part," as in something he hasn’t been able to use yet, Joel went over to a piano and did just that! “I’ve had this for years and years and years and years, and I always told myself, ‘Gonna do something with this. something’s gonna happen with this…this is a really nice piece of music,” Joel shared. Then he played it live for the very first time! You can catch it on YouTube.

PAUL RODGERS: Narrowing Down His 27,375 Days

Paul Rodgers celebrated his 75th birthday with a special announcement yesterday. He

 says, "Today, [Tuesday] December 17th is my 75th birthday, that is approximately 27,375 days on this Earth! "As I celebrate this milestone, I want to share some news with you. I’ve started working on my memoir, which will be a heartfelt gift from me to you. I’ll open up about my early beginnings starting with Free, Bad Company, The Firm, solo, Queen + Paul Rodgers, plus before and beyond. I will also touch on my recovery from some serious life changing health challenges.

"To make it even more powerful, I’m reaching out to the fans, my friends, family, and fellow musicians to help contribute to the story from their perspective and that’s where you come in. You may remember I’ve always loved and encouraged audience participation! "I want to have your input, as you’ve all been a big part of this minstrel gypsy's journey. Please share your pictures and memories that relate to me to my website, and we’ll go through it and who knows, you just might find yourself in the pages of the book. "Let's make this a collaborative project!" For more information on how you can contribute to this project, go to PaulRodgers.com.

Dave Navarro, Billy Morrison Announce Initial Lineup For Benefit

Dave Navarrol and Billy Morrison are revealing the lineup for their Above Ground benefit concert. Billy Idol, Duff McKagan, Jerry Cantrell, Jerry Harrison, and Mark McGrath will perform at the fourth iteration of the benefit concert. The Above Ground concert is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the issues of mental health and suicide prevention. It's set to take place in Hollywood, California on January 25th.

Linkin Park Guitarist Brad Delson Shares What It's Like Being Away From Touring

Linkin Park guitarist Brad Delson is sharing what it's like to see the band as a fan since stepping away from touring. In a conversation with Guitar Player, the musician said it's a different experience and it's cool in a way because when you're on stage you don't see what's going on.  He said that even though he's not playing with the band, a lot of his work still goes into each show. Delson says he helps with the set list and "flow of the show." Alex Feder is currently filling in for Delson on stage as he's stepped away to take care of his mental health.

IN OTHER NEWS

Elton John and Brandi Carlile's "Never Too Late" from Elton John: Never Too Late has made the shortlist of 15 songs in the running to be nominated for Best Original Song when the Oscar nominations are announced on January 17th.

Bret Michaels of Poison will celebrate his 63rd birthday with a special show March 15th at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in Charles Town, West Virginia.

ZZ Top have added a Canadian leg to their Elevation tour. It will start June 1st in Victoria, British Columbia and wrap up June 27th in Moncton, New Brunswick. The Wallflowers will open the tour.

Slash joined the Allman Betts Family Revival on stage Monday in Nashville to play on three Allman Brothers Band classics -- "Trouble No More," "Dreams" and "Whipping Post."