Inevitably when I meet someone and tell them that I work in the music industry they ask me if I know John Brown’s Body due to my name. No, I don’t know them personally, but I do know of them. It’s been about four years since John Brown’s Body put out their their last album, Amplify. Soon though the band will be releasing a new album. On September 18 the band will be releasing a mostly instrumental Dub EP titled, JBB In Dub. Two days after they release their EP the band kicks off their Fall U.S. tour. The four-week tour will span the Northeast, the West Coast, and Colorado.
JBB In Dub features six dub tunes plus a tune called, “The Grass,” featuring vocals from frontman Elliot Martin. The songs were mixed in Boston, MA by former John Brown’s Body engineer and current 10 Ft. Ganja Plant member Craig “Dub Fader” Welsch (State Radio, The Aggrolites).
John Brown’s Body’s Fall tour dates are as follows:
09/20/12 – One Pelham East in Newport, RI
09/21/12 – The 8×10 in Baltimore, MD
09/22/12 – The Note in West Chester, PA
09/27/12 – Westcott Theater in Syracuse, NY
09/28/12 – The Haunt in Ithaca, NY
09/29/12 – Water Street Music Hall in Rochester, NY
10/16/12 – Belly Up in Solana Beach, CA
10/17/12 – The Roxy in West Hollywood, CA
10/18/12 – Moe’s Alley in Santa Cruz, CA
10/19/12 – Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, CA
10/20/12 – Crystal Bay Casino Crown Room in Crystal Bay, NV
10/22/12 – Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. The Big Room in Chico, CA
10/23/12 – Humboldt Brews in Arcata, CA
10/25/12 – Neumos in Seattle, WA
10/26/12 – Wonder Ballroom in Portland, OR
10/27/12 – WOW Hall in Eugene, OR
10/31/12 – Three20South in Breckenridge, CO
11/01/12 – Abbey Theatre in Durango, CO
11/02/12 – Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver, CO
Last week I was saddened to hear that Tony Sly had passed away at the age of 41. According to reputable sources, one of my favorite singer/songwriters and front man for No Use For A Name apparently passed away in his sleep July 31. Tony was a prominent figure in the Bay Area music scene. Coming out of the South Bay with No Use For A Name, Tony has more recently been touring solo and working on other collaborations with Joey Cape of Lagwagon. In fact, Tony had just finished up a tour with Joey right before his passing. His last known played song was on that tour. It was Linoleum by NOFX in Gainsville, FL on July 29, and you can watch it here:
Tony’s passing was made public through Fat Wreck Chords who had the following to say:
“It is with great sorrow that we must say goodbye to Tony Sly of No Use For A Name. We received a call earlier today of his passing, and are devastated. We have lost an incredible talent, friend, and father – one of the true greats. Fat Mike had this to say: ‘One of my dearest friends and favorite song writers has gone way too soon. Tony, you will be greatly missed.'”
The internet also blew up at the word of Tony’s passing with condolences sent from all over:
“We are truly saddened to hear about the passing of our friend Tony Sly. He was an amazing song writer and an amazing person. RIP Tony Sly.” –Rise Against
“So sad to hear of Tony Sly’s passing. One of the nicest guys ever. Our thoughts are with his family & friends. He’ll be greatly missed.” –The Offspring
“With the heaviest of hearts. Saddest of days. All of our thoughts are with Tonys family….” -Lagwagon
“Tony Sly, you wrote some solid songs. When we were just starting out, you generously let us crash your hotel floor. Stay gold man. Godspeed.” –The Ataris
“Terrible news today about Tony Sly passing away. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.” –Face To Face
“We’re extremely sad to hear about the passing of Tony Sly. RIP brother. You will be missed.” –The Bouncing Souls
“goodbye to a good friend, tony sly
go easy, tony sly. thanks for all the good times.” –Bad Religion
“In life, there are few people that you can say because they lived you are a better person. Because you were apart of each others lives they made you better…… More appreciative, work hard, and define yourself. Tony Sly was that person in my life. I was blessed to grow as a person playing his songs and finding myself in ‘his’ expression. He gave me a chance to full fill my dreams as an artist and I would not be where I am today without him. I will forever miss you and may you rest in peace. I will hold our memories and our times close to my heart forever. Thank you Tony.” -Dave Nassie (Ex-guitarist of No Use For A Name)
“Our good friend and No Use For a Name band member, Tony Sly has passed away. Pulley toured with NUFAN many times back in the heyday. We will miss him and the music he made very much. R.I.P.” –Pulley
“Rest In Peace Tony Sly, it’s sad day knowing you’ve passed away, thanks for the great music-Moderator.” –Enemy You
“Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family of Tony Sly . On behalf of Strung Out you will be missed and your music will live on and inspire for generations.” –Strung Out
“We are sad to hear of the passing of Tony Sly today. Thanks for the years of great songwriting and shows. RIP.” –Goldfinger
“Tony Sly made me want to be a better singer. Thank you for the “Redemption Song” duets and the great memories, musical and otherwise. RIP, my friend.” –88 Fingers Louie
“RIP Tony Sly, there’ll be many a shot for you this weekend. Thoughts go out to family and friends.” –Frenzal Rhomb
“Remembering a friend. One of the best. Goodnight Tony.” -Lagwagon
“RIP Tony. So many great memories. Such a tremendous loss. You will be missed.” –Good Riddance
Tony got launched into music at the age of 18 with his induction into No Use For A Name in 1989, two years after the band was started. He immediately proved to be an essential part of the band, not only because of his singer/songwriting skills, but also his head for the music industry. He helped the band release its full-length debut in 1991 with Incognito, which was produced by Brett Gurewitz of Bad Religion and Epitaph Records and was released by Bay Area record label, New Red Archives.
No Use For A Name went on to sign with Fat Wreck Chords for their third album, The Daily Grind, in 1993. It was not until 1995 that the band started getting really popular when they released Leche Con Carne. This album featured the song, “Soulmate,” which is supposedly the first Fat Wreck Chords single to ever get played on MTV. Check it out:
No Use’s last studio release was their ninth overall and was back in 2008 with The Feel Good Record of the Year. Recently, the band had been reportedly working on a new studio album. I wonder what will become of any remnants of that. Tony also recently released the solo album Sad Bear in 2011. It is unknown if No Use will try and continue on without Tony.
There is a memorial for Tony this coming Friday August 10th. A release from Fat Wreck Chords on August 7, stated the following:
“The loss of a loved one is a stark reminder of how short life really is, especially when they go before their time. Last week, Tony Sly was taken too soon, dying peacefully in his sleep at age 41. He is survived by his wife Brigitte, their two daughters Fiona and Keira, his brothers Mike and Jonathan Sly, and his parents Pauline and John Sly. In our time of grief it has been the stories from all over the world shared by band members, friends, and fans that have brought solace in an inconsolable time. To his family, he was a loving husband, a father, a brother, and a son; to us he was a loyal friend, an artist, a poet, and a philosopher. He was a man unafraid to bare his soul to the world. Throughout his lifetime as a musician, whether it was fronting No Use For a Name, or during his solo career, it was as if he was speaking directly to each of us, and because of that, each of us felt a special connection to him. Of course the real connection was to his family, and his loved ones, but somehow when he sang ‘International You Day’ (for Brigitte of course) you felt that he was singing to you. Thank you, Brigitte, Fiona, and Keira, for sharing him with us. He was loved by so many, and will be forever missed.
With a heavy heart we will say goodbye to Tony this Friday, August 10th in San Jose at Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, located at 80 South Market Street. Service starts at 9:30AM. Please arrive early as the street will be closed due to the area Jazz Festival. The service is public in hopes that all of you, friends and fans, who have loved and supported Tony, can join us to celebrate his life and his legacy.
Many have asked how they can support Tony’s family in this trying time. A memorial fund has been created to help support Fiona and Keira, and you can DONATE HERE.
Those of you unable to contribute financially, but still wanting to show support, can send letters and share memories of Tony with his family by writing to:
Tony Sly Memorial
PO Box 54405
San Jose, CA 95154
We have no choice but to say goodbye to the physical presence of Tony Sly, but he will live on in our thoughts, in our hearts, and in our memories; eternally through his music and his children. Goodbye, our friend.”
I hope to see some of you on Friday as I will be attending the memorial mass. RIP Tony. You are missed greatly.
Coming soon on August 3, a very special event will happen at Bob Weir‘s TRI Studios when several musician will gather to perform a free webcast in tribute to Jerry Garcia titled, “Move Me Brightly: Celebrating Jerry Garcia’s 70th Birthday.” The live stream will be in high definition and will be presented on the TRI Studios website and on Yahoo! Music on Friday, August 3, beginning at 6:30 p.m. PST.
The artists confirmed to play so far are as follows:
Starting this Friday, July 20 at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston, MA Steel Pulse will set out on a small tour. The British Reggae legends David Hinds (Lead Vocals / Rhythm Guitar) and Selwyn Brown (Vocals / Keyboards) will start in Boston, but they will also hit up Costa Mesa, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, and more. They will also be making stops at festivals like Gathering of the Vibes in Bridgeport, CA on July 22 and the Doheny Days Music Festival on September 9. The full list of their tour dates are as follows:
7/20/12 – Paradise Rock Club in Boston, MA
7/21/12 – Ocean View Farm in Amagansett, NY
7/22/12 – Gathering of The Vibes in Bridgeport, CT
7/27/12 – Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa, CA
7/28/12 – The Independent in San Francisco, CA
8/03/12 – Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, CA
8/24/12 – The Depot in Salt Lake City, UT
8/25/12 – Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, CO
9/02/12 – Pozo Saloon in Santa Margarita, CA
9/09/12 – Doheny Days Music Festival in Doheny Days, CA
9/03/12 – The Catalyst in Santa Cruz, CA
Joe Cocker and Huey Lewis and the News will be touring the US this Summer with 24 dates starting July 13th in Valley Center, CA. These two great artists have never toured together before, so this is bound to be a treat. Each artist will be performing a full set with hopefully some other surprises and collaborations planned. They will be coming to the Bay Area on August 18th at the Sleep Train Pavilion in Concord, CA. I hope to make it to the show and see some of you there! The announced tour dates are as follows:
7/13/12 – Harrah’s Rincon Pavilion in Valley Center, CA
7/14/12 – Harrah’s Laughlin – Rio Vista in Laughlin, NV
7/15/12 – Anselmo Valencia Amphitheatre in Tucson, AZ
7/17/12 – Sandia Casino in Albuquerque, NM
7/19/12 – Zoo Amphitheatre in Oklahoma City, OK
7/20/12 – Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, TX
7/21/12 – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Woodlands, TX
7/22/12 – The Backyard in Austin, TX
7/25/12 – Chastain Park Amphitheatre in Atlanta, GA
7/27/12 – Tags Summerstage in Big Flats, NY
7/28/12 – PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ
7/29/12 – Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre in Wantagh, Long Island, NY
8/01/12 – Bank of America Pavilion in Boston, MA
8/03/12 – Tower Theatre in Upper Darby, PA
8/04/12 – Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT
8/05/12 – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, NY
8/06/12 – Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA
8/09/12 – DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston, MI
8/10/12 – Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL
8/12/12 – Comfort Dental Amphitheatre in Englewood, CO
8/15/12 – Greek Theater in Los Angeles, CA
8/17/12 – Harveys Outdoor Arena in Lake Tahoe, NV
8/18/12 – Sleep Train Pavilion in Concord, CA
8/19/12 – Santa Barbara Bowl in Santa Barbara, CA
On June 24th, 2012 the West Coast music scene lost a great man when Peter Barsotti succumbed to Leukemia at age 64. Peter was sometimes known as the “ideas guy” behind many Bill Graham Presents (BGP) productions including Day on the Green and BGP’s annual New Years Eve bash.
Barsotti was a longtime Bill Graham confidante and he retired after BGP was purchased by SFX Entertainment. He and his late wife, Bettike, also bought the Iron Door Saloon in Groveland, CA in 1985. He is survived by his wife, Debra, and four children; father Mario and four brothers.
This news particularly hits home since it was a member of the Barsotti family who hired me at BGP a decade ago. The Barsotti family has really helped introduce me to the San Francisco Bay Area music scene after graduating from Berklee College of Music. I also frequent the Iron Door Saloon as I head up to Yosemite or to catch some shows by bands in that area like, The Trespassers. I have also had cancer a couple times and am currently in remission.
“Farewell to our dear brother, Peter Barsotti, who died yesterday after a long battle with cancer. Peter’s creative fingerprints were all over Bill Graham productions for many years – from Day On the Green sets, to backstage environments, to Bill’s New Year’s Eve ‘midnight rides,’ decorations, special effects, logistics, you-name-it. Peter was one of Bill’s primary idea guys; and then Peter ushered those ideas into being. Thank you, Peter. Our hearts go out to your family and extended family.”
I’m going to have to get tickets to this. Seems by buddies, Furthur have scheduled three dates at Phil Lesh‘s Terrapin Crossroads in late June. The shows will take place Thursday June 28, Friday June 29 and Saturday June 30. VIP and General tickets are available online now, here. Those of you lucky enough to score VIP tickets will get access to the VIP Living Room which has an audio and video feed of the show. They’ll also receive free appetizers, beer & wine, a signed poster and early entry to the gig. Good times!!
Oakland, CA’s, High On Fire recently issued a statement saying it won’t be a part of this year’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival because a member has gone into rehab. It seems frontman/guitarist Matt Pike is entering treatment due to alcohol. Meanwhile, the power trio, which also includes drummer Des Kensel and Bassist Jeff Matz, has put all tour plans on hold.
The band made the following statement:
“High On Fire would like to thank everyone involved with the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival for the opportunity to be a part of this year’s tour. We regretfully will have to bow out as our friend and bandmate begins his recovery, but very much appreciate having been asked to be a part of this summer’s festival run.”
I hope Mike gets well and hope to see them all back out doing shows again soon!
Die Antwoord have said that they are heading back out on the road this Summer and Fall, and their run includes a stop at Outside Lands Music Festival and opening for Jane’s Addiction in Philadelphia and Brooklyn. See below for full list of dates:
08/03/12 – Lollapalooza in Chicago, IL
08/04/12 – First Avenue in Minneapolis, MN
08/06/12 – Ogden Theatre in Denver, CO
08/09/12 – Fox Theater in Pomona, CA
08/11/12 – Outside Lands Music Festival in San Francisco, CA
08/15/12 – Penn’s Landing – Festival Pier in Philadelphia, PA
08/17/12 – Williamsburg Park in Brooklyn, NY
10/14/12 – ACL Festival in Austin, TX
10/15/12 – House of Blues in Dallas, TX
10/17/12 – Liberty Hall in Lawrence, KS
10/18/12 – The Pageant in St. Louis, MO
10/19/12 – Marathon Music Works in Nashville, TN
10/20/12 – Center Stage in Atlanta, GA
10/22/12 – The Culture Room in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
10/23/12 – The RITZ Ybor in Tampa, FL
10/24/12 – Beacham Theater in Orlando, FL
They also released their new video for “Baby’s On Fire” off their latest album TEN$ION. The clip for “Baby’s on Fire” was directed by Ninja and Terence Neale and can be seen below:
On June 24th, 2012 the West Coast music scene lost a great man when Peter Barsotti succumbed to Leukemia at age 64. Peter was sometimes known as the “ideas guy” behind many Bill Graham Presents (BGP) productions including 
Music Sumo 