PRELUDE
Rolling Stone is presently running two separate articles related to music and the current U.S. presidential race—one titled "All the Artists Who Don’t Want Donald Trump Using Their Music" and, for contrast, the other article titled "All the Artists Who Have Shown Up In Support of Kamala Harris."
Kamala Harris boasts the support of an impressive roster of artists like Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, John Legend, Jason Isbell, Megan Thee Stallion, Charli XCX, Lil Jon, Maren Morris, Ariana Grande, Bon Iver, Mickey Guyton, Patti LaBelle, Carole King, Sheila E., The Chicks, Barbra Streisand, James Taylor, Kesha, Demi Lovato, Lil Nas X, Moby, Olivia Rodrigo, and Questlove, just to name a few.
Donald Trump, on the other hand, is backed by Kid Rock, Lee Greenwood, Jason Aldean, Azealia Banks, Billy Ray Cyrus, Kanye West, Lil Pump, Sexy Red, and Waka Flocka—a real who’s who of the most washed up losers to, at one time, be considered part of the music industry. Even typing that list I didn't know whether to laugh or vomit—maybe both, simultaneously.
As is totally on-brand for Trump, he continues to take what he wants—in this instance, playing unlicensed music at his rallies—with no regard for, or consideration of, permission or legality. Case in point: this past week at one of his moron rallies, he introduced Captain Brain Worm, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has now dropped out of the presidential race and thrown his support behind Trump, while playing “My Hero” by the Foo Fighters. Needless to say, Foo Fighters were like “Oh, fuck no.”
Rolling Stone reports that: “A rep for the band confirmed to Billboard, “Foo Fighters were not asked permission, and if they were, they would not have granted it.” They added that the band would take “appropriate action” to prevent further “My Hero” usage, and that whatever royalties they earned from the Trump rally’s usage would instead be donated to the Kamala Harris and Tim Walz campaign.”
Other artists who have, at the very least, been forced to send the Trump campaign cease and desist letters, if not threaten further legal action, include Beyoncé, Rihanna, Céline Dion, the family of the late Isaac Hayes, Sinead O’Connor’s estate, Tom Petty’s estate, Johnny Marr, R.E.M., Village People, Journey’s Neal Schon, The Rolling Stones, John Fogerty, Phil Collins, Steven Tyler, and Neil Young.
It’s always been evident that no respectable musicians want to be associated, in any way, with Donald Trump or his shitty campaign. Personally, I feel a deep kinship with all of the artists who actively oppose him, even though I may not really listen to some of them (sorry, but I can’t get into Barbara Streisand or Megan Thee Stallion.) Their opposition of Trump makes me want to support them all the more. Maybe you feel the same way.
After all, it's one thing to privately hate Trump and to vote against him. I'm sure thousands—if not millions—of artists fall into this category. It's another thing entirely to put one's career and income on the line by publicly stating one's political position, and I deeply admire anyone on the right side of history who does that. And for those on the wrong side of history, at least their public display of support for a criminal/racist/rapist/traitor/idiot lets the rest of us know who they are as people—it's the same as when we see the fascist assholes in the wild wearing their stupid red hats.
In summary, fuck Donald Trump and the Republican horse he rode in on. Vote blue up and down the ticket. Let's send an overwhelming message to these knuckledraggers that we are not going back.
I’d appreciate your thoughts, so please sound off in the comments or simply reply to this email.
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WEEKLY PLAYLIST
Zappagram #122 featuring: New Radicals, Amythyst Kiah, Mk.gee, Hazlett, Peach Pit, Outside Air & Sure Sure, William Tyler, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble
Listen on Spotify or Apple Music
Master playlist (compilation of all music) on Spotify or Apple Music
MUSIC NEWS
» Over the past few years, everyone from Kiss and the Eagles to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, Aerosmith, the B-52’s, Foreigner, Dead and Company, and Lynyrd Skynyrd have launched farewell tours. But when Bruce Springsteen played Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park on Friday night, he made it very clear the E Street Band would never be one of them. “We’ve been around 50 fuckin’ years,” he told the capacity crowd. “And we ain’t quitting. We ain’t doing no farewell tour bullshit! Jesus Christ! No farewell tour for the E Street Band. Hell no. Farewell to what? Thousands of people screaming your name? [Cries of “Brooooce” filled the stadium.] Yeah, I’m gonna quit that! That’s all it takes. I ain’t going anywhere.” ❖
» Queens of the Stone Age are canceling the rest of their 2024 tour dates so that frontman Joshua Homme can continue to recover after recently undergoing emergency surgery. “Josh has been given no choice but to prioritize his health and to receive essential medical care through the remainder of the year,” the band wrote. “Josh and the QOTSA family are so thankful for your support and the time we were able to spend together over the last year. Hope to see you all again in 2025.” See the affected tour dates here. ❖
» Olympia, Washington, has embraced its inner rebel girl by officially declaring August 23rd as Bikini Kill Day. The announcement comes ahead of the iconic riot grrrl act’s headlining performance at this year’s South Sound Block Party. To make the most of Bikini Kill Day and to honor the band’s lasting influence, Olympia will host a ceremony featuring the mayor, city officials, and Bikini Kill themselves. ❖
» Lana Del Rey has opened up about her upcoming country album ‘Lasso’, and how different it will be from her previous material. Earlier this year, Lana Del Rey announced her 10th studio album, ‘Lasso’, which she confirmed will see her venture into the country genre. Little has been revealed about the album, which has yet to receive a release date. However, the singer-songwriter has now revealed several details about the sonics of the upcoming record. ❖
» Falling In Reverse frontman Ronnie Radke has reportedly filed a defamation suit against YouTube music critic Anthony Fantano. It’s reported that Radke has claimed that Fantano “acted in malice” and “engaged in fraud” through his 2023 video about the singer, titled ‘This Guy Sucks’. ❖
» Phil Collins, Genesis singer/drummer and ’80s pop overlord, has understandably been looking backward in recent years. The 73-year-old Collins has retired and unretired a few times in recent years, and he played what appears to be the final Genesis show two years ago. Lately, Collins has been focused on reissuing his older music; the 30th-anniversary box-set edition of Both Sides arrives next month. But now, for the first time in a long time, Phil Collins is reportedly working on some new music. ❖
» Beatles fans can "eat, sleep and party" in The Casbah Club, the Liverpool club where the band once played which has now been turned into a B&B by original Beatles drummer Pete Best. ❖
» After U2 became the first band to hold a residency at Las Vegas’ billion dollar venue The Sphere, a new concert film commemorating their “U2:UV Achtung Baby” show is coming to the venue. Beginning on September 5th, 2024, The Sphere will be the home of V-U2, an immersive concert film that will give attendees a full showcase of the band’s visually-stunning performance. The film was directed by Morleigh Steinberg as well as U2 guitarist The Edge, who makes an appearance in V-U2’s trailer to say “Finally, I get to see a U2 show.” Utilizing The Sphere’s innovative technology and visual prowess, V-U2 is the first film to be shot entirely with Big Sky, the venue’s ultra-high-resolution camera system. The film recreates the use of multiple cameras, the venue’s 160,000 sq. ft. display plane, the surround sound courtesy of HOLOPLOT, and haptic seats that use vibrations to create an immersive effect on par with U2’s original residency. ❖
B-SIDES
» Modest Mouse have announced a 2024 North American tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of their album, Good News For People Who Love Bad News. The trek kicks off in Honolulu, Hawaii on October 28th and continues on with shows in Seattle, Portland, Oakland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Denver, Omaha, Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, Boston, and Philadelphia, before concluding with a three-night stand in Brooklyn at the end of November. ❖
» The previously announced Paramount+ hair metal docuseries Nöthin’ But a Good Time has been slated for a September 17th premiere on the steaming platform. The trailer has also been unveiled and can be seen here. ❖
» Nick Cave on why true art is always a struggle, why his music has always been religious, and why his new album required the full power of The Bad Seeds. ❖
Z-REX
NEW RELEASES
Bryce Dessner: Solos • Fontaines D.C.: Romance • Gillian Welch & David Rawlings: Woodland • Lisa Loeb & The Hollow Trees: That’s What It’s All About • Mark Lanegan: Bubblegum XX (Reissue)
RELEASE RADAR
AUG 30 - Jon Hopkins: Ritual • Los Bitchos: Talkie Talkie • Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds: Wild God • Oasis: Definitely Maybe (30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) • Ty Segall: Love Rudiments • U2: ZOO TV – Live In Dublin 1993 EP
SEPT 6 - Alanis Morissette: Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie (Thank U Edition) • David Gilmour: Luck and Strange • Eva Cassidy: Walkin’ After Midnight • The Flaming Lips: The Soft Bulletin (25th Anniversary Vinyl Reissue) • The Heavy Heavy: One of a Kind • Max Richter: In a Landscape • Mercury Rev: Born Horses • MJ Lenderman: Manning Fireworks • Neil Young: Neil Young Archives Vol. III Takes
SEPT 13 - Chilly Gonzales: GONZO • Dale Crover (of Melvins): Glossolaliao • The Damned: AD 2022 – Live in Manchester • Floating Points: Cascade • Foxing: Foxing • London Grammar: The Greatest Love • M. Ward: For Beginners: The Best of M. Ward • Nada Surf: Moon Mirror • The Notorious B.I.G.: Ready To Die (30th Anniversary) • Snow Patrol: The Forest Is the Path
SEPT 20 - Bob Dylan & The Band: The 1974 Live Recordings • Bright Eyes: Five Dice, All Threes • Butthole Surfers: Locust Abortion Technician (Vinyl Reissue) • Fleetwood Mac: Mirage Tour ’82 (Live) • Galaxie 500: Uncollected Noise New York ’88-’90 • Gregg Allman Band: Uncle Sam’s • Hippo Campus: Flood • Jamie xx: In Waves • Jesse Malin: Silver Patron Saints • Joan as Police Woman: Lemons, Limes and Orchids • Julian Casblancas + The Voidz: Like All Before You • Phil Collins: Both Sides (All The Sides) Box Set • Sade: Love Deluxe (Vinyl Reissue) • Sarah Jarosz: Polaroid Lovers (Deluxe Edition) • Thurston Moore: Flow Critical Lucidity • Wilderado: Talker
SEPT 27 - AC/DC: Fly on the Wall (Vinyl Reissue) • Alan Sparhawk: White Roses, My God • Alice in Chains: Black Gives Way to Blue (Vinyl Reissue) • Billy Strings: Highway Prayers • The Fray: The Fray Is Back EP • Gavin DeGraw: Chariot 20 • Genesis: Invisible Touch (Vinyl Reissue) • Kate Bollinger: Songs From a Thousand Frames of Mind • Lou Reed: Why Don’t You Smile Now: Lou Reed at Pickwick Records 1964-65 • October Drift: Blame the Young • Tropical Fuck Storm: Tropical Fuck Storm’s Inflatable Graveyard
OCT 4 - Aphex Twin: Selected Ambient Works Volume II (Expanded Edition) • Better Than Ezra: Friction, Baby (Vinyl Reissue) • Coldplay: Moon Music • Don Henley: Building the Perfect Beast (40th Anniversary Edition) • Finneas: For Cryin’ Out Loud! • Hazlett: Goodbye to the Valley • Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit: Live From the Ryman Vol. 2 • Joni Mitchell: Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980) • Leon Bridges: Leon • Neil Young: Freedom (Vinyl Reissue) • Suede: Dog Man Star (30th Anniversary Edition)
ON THIS DATE
AUG 26 - Birthdays: Leon Redbone (1949) • Shirley Manson (1966) • Allen Woody, former bass player with The Allman Brothers Band and co-founder of Gov't Mule, was found dead in New York aged 44. (2000)
AUG 27 - Birthdays: Alex Lifeson of Rush (1953) • Tony Kanal of No Doubt (1970) • Sarah Neufeld of Arcade Fire (1979) • British music entrepreneur and the manager of The Beatles, Brian Epstein, was found dead, locked in a bedroom at his London home. A coroner's inquest concluded that Epstein died from a sleeping pill overdose. (1967) • Stevie Ray Vaughan was killed when the helicopter he was flying in, hit a man-made ski slope while trying to navigate through dense fog at Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, Wisconsin. (1990)
AUG 28 - Birthdays: Sterling Morrison of The Velvet Underground (1942) • Mary McCartney & Jack Black (1969) • Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine (1986) • The Beatles started recording “Dear Prudence” at Trident Studios in London. (1968)
AUG 29 - Birthdays: Dinah Washington (1924) • Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins & Massive Attack (1958) • Michael Jackson (1958) • Three people were arrested in Memphis after trying to steal Elvis' body. As a result, his remains would be later moved to Graceland. (1977) • Lee “Scratch” Perry died, aged 85. (2021)
AUG 30 - Birthdays: John Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas (1935) • John Peel (1939) • Paul Oakenfold (1963) • Sterling Morrison of the Velvet Underground died of cancer at his home in New York City two days after his 53rd birthday. (1995) • Jack Sonni best known as "the other guitarist" in Dire Straits during the band's Brothers in Arms era died aged 68. (2023)
AUG 31 - Birthdays: Bob Welch & Van Morrison (1945) • Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, and Stevie Wonder sang “Amazing Grace” at Stevie Ray Vaughan’s memorial service. (1990) • Hilly Kristal, founder of the New York punk club CBGB, died from complications arising from lung cancer at the age of 75. (2007)
SEPT 1 - Birthdays: Archie Bell (1944) • Barry Gibb (1946) • Blondie signed their first major record company contract with Chrysalis Records. (1977) • Jimmy Buffett died, age 76, at his home in Sag Harbor, New York, due to complications from Merkel-cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer. (2023)
ON TOUR
💡 Now through November 23rd, Local Natives is on tour, gracing North American cities with their unique blend of what Flood Magazine calls “upbeat-yet-melancholy alt-pop.” Check tour dates here and stream their gorgeous new album, “But I’ll Wait For You” here.
CODA
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Until next week...may your asses and your vinyl records be scratch-free,
-CZ 🤘🏻🖤