Here is the latest news from David Gans, producer and host of the Grateful Dead Hour.
Quote of the Day
Earth to Nader: Go fuck yourself
Seriously, Ralph. Haven’t you done enough damage already?
Rock the Earth notes
Please take a look at this Rock the Earth web page – lots of good information and some calls to action.
Hunter, Bono et al. write a song for Ronnie Drew
Irish Musicians Pen Song for Ronnie Drew
A host of Ireland’s finest singers and musicians have got together to produce a tribute to Ronnie Drew, a founding member of the Dubliners and one of the great voices of modern Irish music.
“The Ballad of Ronnie Drew” is by U2, Kila, The Dubliners and “A Band of Bowsies” – the Bowsies include Christy Moore, Shane MacGowan, Damien Dempsey, Andrea Corr, Sinead O’Connor, Moya Brennan and Glen Hansard.
The lyrics to “The Ballad of Ronnie Drew” were written by Robert Hunter (Grateful Dead) with Bono, The Edge and Simon Carmody, “The idea was that we would all try to write a song for Ronnie to sing, but then it changed to writing a song about Ronnie himself”, said Bono.
Hotpress’ Niall Stokes has described the recording as “a fitting tribute” to Ronnie Drew, who first came to attention performing with The Dubliners on their chart hit ‘Seven Drunken Nights’ which topped the Irish Charts in 1967.
“The Ballad of Ronnie Drew” will arrive at Irish radio stations this week. It will be available in Ireland only, on digital download from February 22nd and CD single the following week.
All profits from the release of this single will go to the Irish Cancer Society at the request of Ronnie Drew. The Irish Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer and improving the lives of those living with cancer.
Bono speaking at the time of the recording said “Ronnie is like the King of Ireland, and we are his subjects. This is a big fight for him. But like any fighter, it’s easier if there’s a crowd cheering”.
The Ballad of Ronnie Drew
A tribute – recorded at Windmill Lane, January 14th and 15th, 2008
Produced by John Reynolds
Musicians:
U2 (Adam Clayton, Bono, The Edge, Larry Mullen Jnr) The Dubliners (Barney McKenna, Eamonn Campbell, John Sheahan, Patsy Watchorn) KÃla (Dee Armstrong, Eoin Dillon, Brian Hogan, Lance Hogan, Colm Ó Snodaigh, Rónán Ó Snodaigh, Rossa Ó Snodaigh)
A Band of Bowsies:
Christy Moore, Shane MacGowan, Damien Dempsey, Andrea Corr, Sinéad O’Connor, Moya Brennan, Glen Hansard
Chorus in alphabetical order:
Billy McGuinness, Brian Kennedy, Bronagh Gallagher, Chris de Burgh, Christy Dignam, Duke Special, Eleanor McEvoy, Eleanor Shanley, Gavin Friday, Iona Green, Jack L, Jerry Fish, Joe Elliott, Mary Black, Mary Coughlan, Mik Pyro, Mundy, Paddy Casey, Paul Brady and Ronan Keating
Grateful Dead Hour #1013
Week of February 18, 2008
Part 1 23:38
Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart & Friends 2/4/08 Warfield Theater, San Francisco (“Deadheads for Obama”)
THE WHEEL->
THE OTHER ONE
Part 2 31:47
Grateful Dead 10/21/72 Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN
HE’S GONE
GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD
BIRD SONG
“Deadheads for Obama” was announced at around 4pm on Friday, February 1. Tickets went on sale at 5 and were gone in a matter of minutes.
The music was just great. Read my review here. The Lesh people wouldn’t give me the board tape for the radio, so I downloaded this excellent audience recording by Ian Stone.
I’ll have more music from this show in GDH 1015.
The Grateful Dead Hour is made possible in part by:
Grateful Dead Productions, announcing the second release in the Road Trips series. Road Trips Vol. 1 No. 2 features great musical moments from October 1977, with highlights from several shows, a historical essay, and rare photos along with carefully remastered music from the original masters. More information, cover art, reviews, message board, and details of a limited-edition bonus disc, are online at dead.net
The Suwannee SpringFest, a festival of American roots music March 27th through 30th at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida, just across the Georgia line. David Grisman Quintet, Peter Rowan, Donna the Buffalo, Railroad Earth, Guy Clark, Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen, David Gans, and many many more. Information is available at 904-249-7990 and www.magmusic.com, where you will also find information on Music Farmers, a documentary about MagnoliaFest, now available on DVD.
Heart of Gold Records & Dig Music, presenting the debut self-titled release from Donna Jean and The Tricksters, featuring twelve original tracks including “All I Gotta Say”. Donna Jean and The Tricksters are touring nationally through April 5. The new CD is available in stores, digitally and online. More information and tour dates are available at donnajeanandthetricksters.com.