2004

Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts is being treated for throat cancer, a spokesperson for the band said today (Aug. 14). The 63-year-old musician was diagnosed in June and has completed four weeks of a six-week course of radiotherapy at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital.

“He is expecting to make a full recovery and start work with the rest of the band later in the year,” the spokesperson said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The spokesperson said Watt’s treatment had not interfered with any tour or recording plans for the Stones, who have been “relaxing between work commitments” following a world tour last year.

Known as the most laid-back member of the band he joined more than 40 years ago, Watts has also performed with a variety of jazz ensembles.

Source:billboard.com

Gov’t Mule, Primus’ Les Claypool, Blues Traveler and the Drive-By Truckers are among the acts getting down and dirty on “Under the Influence — A Jam Band Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd.” Due Oct. 5 via Sanctuary, the 11-track collection also boasts contributions from Big Head Todd and the Monsters, the North Mississippi Allstars, Galactic and moe. with John Hiatt.

Gov’t Mule takes on “Simple Man,” a song the band “has performed several times prior to this recording,” says frontman Warren Haynes. “It’s amazing what you can do with three chords, if they’re the right three chords.”

Big Head Todd tackles “Sweet Home Alabama,” one of the most enduring rock tracks of the 1970s. “It was very challenging to give the song a new interpretation,” admits vocalist/guitarist Todd Mohr. “The track was a blast to work on and I think we were successful in honoring the song, while presenting it in a completely contemporary setting.”

Other Skynyrd cuts that have been redone for the tribute include the immortal “Free Bird” (Blues Traveler), “Call Me the Breeze” (Claypool), “Every Mother’s Son” (Drive-By Truckers), “Ballad of Curtis Loew” (moe. and Hiatt), “Gimme Three Steps” (Disco Biscuits), “Whiskey Rock a Roller” (North Mississippi Allstars), “Four Walls of Raiford” (Yonder Mountain String Band), “Saturday Night Special” (Galactic) and “Workin’ for MCA” (Particle).

Source Billboard.com.

The Las Vegas Jamband Society returns to Indian Springs, NV on October 8, 9, and 10 to present the latest installment of the Area 51 Soundtest…4 the Music.

This year’s lineup features the Soundtest debuts of Sound Tribe Sector Nine (playing 2 nights), Col. Bruce Hampton and the Codetalkers, Tea Leaf Green, and Signal Path. Rounding out the main-stage lineup, and making their triumphant returns to Indian Springs, are MamaSutra and Olospo.

The popularity of the Area 51 Soundtest has grown over the first three years of its existence. Previous attendees have been treated to music from Dark Star Orchestra, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, David Nelson Band, Ominous Seapods, Mood Food, Motion For Alliance, David Gans, and each festival has featured legendary late-night sets from legendary late-night powerhouse Particle. Last year

Due to popular demand, a second Wilco show has been added to Radio City Music Hall in New York City on October 6th. In addition the band has announced a handful of new dates including shows in: Burlington, VT, Northampton, MA and Saratoga Springs, NY. For more details visit the band’s website..

At the conclusion of the band’s summer tour, Galactic and Theryl “The Houseman” DeClouet will part company. A member of the jam band for nearly its entire decade-long career, the veteran singer is exiting amicably.

“We all view our years of collaboration as a magical experience,” the band says in a statement. “From the beginning, Theryl has been a musical inspiration, mentor, partner and most importantly a friend. Although Theryl will not be continuing with us he will always remain a huge part of the Galactic family… We look forward to the times when we will collaborate in the future.”

Galactic’s summer tour kicks off tomorrow (Aug. 12) in Steamboat, Col., and will close with a Sept. 10-11 stand at San Francisco’s Fillmore Theater. An October instrumental tour is being planned.

Source billboard.com.

Bruce Hornsby has slated a trio of late-October New York performances in vastly different settings. Under the banner of “Three Nights on the Town,” the veteran artist will host an Oct. 26 jam session at famed jazz club the Blue Note, an Oct. 28 solo piano performance at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall and a full band show the next night at Town Hall.

With a capacity of 200, the first show, dubbed “Jammin’ at the Blue Note,” promises to be the most intimate. While “special guests” are expected, it is unknown exactly who will fulfill that promise. The possibilities are exciting, seeing as Hornsby is a one-time touring member of the Grateful Dead and an artist who has shared stages with Bruce Springsteen, Chick Corea and Ricky Skaggs, among many others.

Add to that Hornsby’s latest album, “Halcyon Days,” which boasts guest appearances by Eric Clapton, Sting and Elton John. Bumped one week to Tuesday (Aug. 17), the set will be Hornsby’s first for Columbia after a career spent with RCA.

Source billboard.com.