In 2004, Bonnie Allen was a 12-year-old girl in Wilmington, Delaware, who loved Spongebob Squarepants, Lizzie McGuire, and the Grease soundtrack. She had fine, corn-colored hair she regularly chopped up and dyed jet black or Elmo red, and a grin that stretched across the entire bottom half of her face, showing off her braces. She was an early-aughts “scene kid” before anyone else in her town knew that was a thing, showing up to church choir practice in fishnets and miniskirts and combat boots. “All of us were wearing Abercrombie & Fitch and Aeropostale,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Ej Dickson
- Rollingstone.com
Foals frontman and guitarist Yannis Philippakis has announced a new collaborative EP with Tony Allen, the late drummer who played heavily with Fela Kuti, under the name Yannis & the Yaw. He’s also shared the EP’s lead single, “Walk Through Fire.”
Landing on August 31st, the Lagos Paris London ft. Tony Allen EP has been in the works from the Foals frontman for over eight years. Philippakis first worked with Tony Allen in Paris in 2016, and began collaborating with the Nigerian Afrobeats pioneer as well as multi-instrumentalists Vincent Taeger, Vincent Taurelle, and Ludovic Bruni.
According to Philippakis, the two-day sessions culminated in an unfinished EP, and they occasionally regrouped to finish over the following four years until Covid isolated both him and Allen. Allen sadly passed in April 2020, and Philippakis felt a responsibility to carry the EP through to the finish line: “There was an imperative to finish it...
Landing on August 31st, the Lagos Paris London ft. Tony Allen EP has been in the works from the Foals frontman for over eight years. Philippakis first worked with Tony Allen in Paris in 2016, and began collaborating with the Nigerian Afrobeats pioneer as well as multi-instrumentalists Vincent Taeger, Vincent Taurelle, and Ludovic Bruni.
According to Philippakis, the two-day sessions culminated in an unfinished EP, and they occasionally regrouped to finish over the following four years until Covid isolated both him and Allen. Allen sadly passed in April 2020, and Philippakis felt a responsibility to carry the EP through to the finish line: “There was an imperative to finish it...
- 4/16/2024
- by Paolo Ragusa
- Consequence - Music
Jimmie Allen has been removed from Delaware State University’s 2023 commencement ceremony, Rolling Stone has confirmed. The country-music star and Delaware native was ousted from Friday’s undergraduate ceremony following allegations of sexual assault. Allen, who attended the university from 2004 to 2006, was also slated to be nominated for an honorary degree by university president Tony Allen, no relation to the singer. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester will now give the address.
According to a statement from Delaware State University, officials were “notified by Jimmie Allen, the scheduled keynote speaker for its 8 a.
According to a statement from Delaware State University, officials were “notified by Jimmie Allen, the scheduled keynote speaker for its 8 a.
- 5/11/2023
- by Joseph Hudak
- Rollingstone.com
A previously unreleased drum solo featuring Afrobeat legend Tony Allen and Cream’s Ginger Baker has been unearthed for a 50th anniversary reissue of Fela Kuti’s Live!, arriving November 19th via Partisan.
Allen and Baker’s drum solo was taken from Africa 70’s performance at the 1978 Berlin Jazz Festival; famously, this was Africa ’70’s last performance with Kuti, with several members, including Allen, who left the group a few months later. While another drum solo from that same festival had appeared as a bonus cut on a previous edition of Live!,...
Allen and Baker’s drum solo was taken from Africa 70’s performance at the 1978 Berlin Jazz Festival; famously, this was Africa ’70’s last performance with Kuti, with several members, including Allen, who left the group a few months later. While another drum solo from that same festival had appeared as a bonus cut on a previous edition of Live!,...
- 8/18/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Grime great Skepta has announced a new EP, All In, set to arrive this Friday, July 30th.
The five-track project will feature collaborations with J Balvin, Teezee, and Kid Cudi. All In marks Skepta’s first solo release since his 2019 album, Ignorance Is Bliss, while it will also follow his 2020 collaborative album with Chip and Young Adz, Insomnia.
In the years since Ignorance Is Bliss, Skepta’s has also kept busy with a variety of collaborations and singles. He recently appeared on the F9 soundtrack cut “Lane Switcha” with A$AP Rocky and Pop Smoke,...
The five-track project will feature collaborations with J Balvin, Teezee, and Kid Cudi. All In marks Skepta’s first solo release since his 2019 album, Ignorance Is Bliss, while it will also follow his 2020 collaborative album with Chip and Young Adz, Insomnia.
In the years since Ignorance Is Bliss, Skepta’s has also kept busy with a variety of collaborations and singles. He recently appeared on the F9 soundtrack cut “Lane Switcha” with A$AP Rocky and Pop Smoke,...
- 7/26/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Blue Note Records has released a new track from late Afrobeat legend Tony Allen, “Stumbling Down,” featuring Zambian-Australian rapper Sampa the Great. The track will appear on the upcoming posthumous Allen record, There Is No End, out April 30th.
“Stumbling Down” boasts a dense, bass-heavy groove that’s cut through with a frenetic mix of percussion and a dextrous vocal performance from Sampa the Great. “Uncle Tony was involved in changing the way African Music was heard and felt, and he has constantly inspired me to learn and to expand my music,...
“Stumbling Down” boasts a dense, bass-heavy groove that’s cut through with a frenetic mix of percussion and a dextrous vocal performance from Sampa the Great. “Uncle Tony was involved in changing the way African Music was heard and felt, and he has constantly inspired me to learn and to expand my music,...
- 4/9/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Blue Note Records has announced a new posthumous album from late Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen, There Is No End. The album is set to arrive April 30th, which also marks the one-year anniversary of Allen’s death.
The record announcement comes with the first single, “Cosmosis,” which was co-produced by Allen, Damon Albarn, and Remi Kabaka. The song came out of Allen’s sessions with Albarn and Skepta (who also features on the track) as they finished tracking their collaboration, “How Far?” which appeared on Gorillaz’s 2020 project, Song Machine,...
The record announcement comes with the first single, “Cosmosis,” which was co-produced by Allen, Damon Albarn, and Remi Kabaka. The song came out of Allen’s sessions with Albarn and Skepta (who also features on the track) as they finished tracking their collaboration, “How Far?” which appeared on Gorillaz’s 2020 project, Song Machine,...
- 3/12/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on January 20, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (Pic) has set additional programming to celebrate and honor America’s diversity. The programming will include three events that will stream online highlighting diverse communities. They will feature apperarances and remarks from national and local leaders, celebrities, activists, musical performances as well as stories from inspiring Americans. The events are set to take place Tuesday (today) and will be live-streamed at bideninaugural.org/watch as well as Facebook and Twitter.
“In the spirit of America United, the committee is excited to add three events to the official inaugural activities schedule that will showcase one of our greatest strengths as a nation, our diversity, “said Pic CEO and President of Delaware State University, Dr. Tony Allen. “This programming will honor acts of resilience, heroism, and commitment to unity from the Black, Latino,...
“In the spirit of America United, the committee is excited to add three events to the official inaugural activities schedule that will showcase one of our greatest strengths as a nation, our diversity, “said Pic CEO and President of Delaware State University, Dr. Tony Allen. “This programming will honor acts of resilience, heroism, and commitment to unity from the Black, Latino,...
- 1/19/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ Presidential Inaugural Committee has released an extensive playlist to mark the 46th president’s upcoming inauguration, January 20th.
The playlist is the result of a partnership between the Pic, DJ D-Nice and Raedio, the record label launched by Insecure star and creator Issa Rae. The 46-song set is available on all major streaming services, while a specially sequenced mix version is available on Soundcloud.
“As a brand that is founded on the principle of being an audio-everywhere company, we are honored to create the official...
The playlist is the result of a partnership between the Pic, DJ D-Nice and Raedio, the record label launched by Insecure star and creator Issa Rae. The 46-song set is available on all major streaming services, while a specially sequenced mix version is available on Soundcloud.
“As a brand that is founded on the principle of being an audio-everywhere company, we are honored to create the official...
- 1/15/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
James Taylor, Carole King, Fall Out Boy, and Ben Harper are among the performers set for a pre-inauguration virtual concert hosted by the Biden administration on Sunday, January 18th.
Will.i.am, Ajr, Michael Bivins, and more will also perform at the We the People event, which will be co-hosted by Keegan-Michael Key and Debra Messing, People reports.
The We the People concert also doubles as a fundraiser for the Biden Inaugural Committee, with tickets ranging from $50 (complete with a personalized commemorative inauguration ticket and an exclusive event poster) to a pay-what-you-want fee.
Will.i.am, Ajr, Michael Bivins, and more will also perform at the We the People event, which will be co-hosted by Keegan-Michael Key and Debra Messing, People reports.
The We the People concert also doubles as a fundraiser for the Biden Inaugural Committee, with tickets ranging from $50 (complete with a personalized commemorative inauguration ticket and an exclusive event poster) to a pay-what-you-want fee.
- 1/14/2021
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Lady Gaga is set to sing The Star-Spangled Banner at the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris inauguration ceremony next Wednesday, January 20.
Also on the roster is Jennifer Lopez for a “musical performance”, details of which were not disclosed.
Gaga was previously on the campaign trail with Biden, appearing alongside the then-candidate in western Pennsylvania a day before the U.S. presidential election. She is also no stranger to the anthem having performed it at Superbowl 50.
The inaugural committee confirmed the full line-up for the event on Twitter today:
The #InaugurationDay ceremony lineup is here!
Also on the roster is Jennifer Lopez for a “musical performance”, details of which were not disclosed.
Gaga was previously on the campaign trail with Biden, appearing alongside the then-candidate in western Pennsylvania a day before the U.S. presidential election. She is also no stranger to the anthem having performed it at Superbowl 50.
The inaugural committee confirmed the full line-up for the event on Twitter today:
The #InaugurationDay ceremony lineup is here!
- 1/14/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Wednesday that two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks will host Celebrating America, a star-studded Inauguration Day special set to air on Wednesday, Jan. 20 (at 8:30/7:30c) and “celebrate the beginning of a new national journey toward an America united.”
The 90-minute special — which will be shown on ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and MSNBC — will feature remarks from President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, and “showcase the American people’s resilience, heroism, and unified commitment to coming together as a nation to heal and rebuild,” according to the Pic. “The program will celebrate...
The 90-minute special — which will be shown on ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and MSNBC — will feature remarks from President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, and “showcase the American people’s resilience, heroism, and unified commitment to coming together as a nation to heal and rebuild,” according to the Pic. “The program will celebrate...
- 1/13/2021
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Tom Hanks has been tapped to host a primetime special marking the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris January 20th, Deadline reports.
The 90-minute event, Celebrating America, will also feature performances from Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato, Ant Clemons, and Bon Jovi. Additional performers are set to be announced in the next few days.
Celebrating America is expected to air at 8 p.m. Et on most of the major television networks, including ABC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC, and CNN. It’s also expected to stream on various online...
The 90-minute event, Celebrating America, will also feature performances from Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato, Ant Clemons, and Bon Jovi. Additional performers are set to be announced in the next few days.
Celebrating America is expected to air at 8 p.m. Et on most of the major television networks, including ABC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC, and CNN. It’s also expected to stream on various online...
- 1/13/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Tom Hanks will host a primetime TV special celebrating the inauguration of Joe Biden as President of the United States, with performances by Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake, Jon Bon Jovi and Ant Clemons.
The 90-minute “Celebrating America” special will be broadcast live on ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and MSNBC from 8:30-10:00 p.m. Et/Pt on Jan. 20. It will also be streamed live on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch, Amazon Prime Video, Microsoft Bing, NewsNOW from Fox and AT&T DirectTV and U-verse.
On Monday, Variety exclusively reported that broadcast networks were preparing an inauguration TV special.
Through different segments and performances, the program will highlight the strength of U.S. democracy, the perseverance of the country’s citizens and the ability to come together during trying times and emerge stronger than ever before. The program will celebrate American heroes who are helping their fellow Americans through this crisis,...
The 90-minute “Celebrating America” special will be broadcast live on ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and MSNBC from 8:30-10:00 p.m. Et/Pt on Jan. 20. It will also be streamed live on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch, Amazon Prime Video, Microsoft Bing, NewsNOW from Fox and AT&T DirectTV and U-verse.
On Monday, Variety exclusively reported that broadcast networks were preparing an inauguration TV special.
Through different segments and performances, the program will highlight the strength of U.S. democracy, the perseverance of the country’s citizens and the ability to come together during trying times and emerge stronger than ever before. The program will celebrate American heroes who are helping their fellow Americans through this crisis,...
- 1/13/2021
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
A man beloved by almost everyone in today’s bitterly divided America will front the celebration of the nation’s next President and history-making Vice President.
Tom Hanks will host the primetime Celebrating America special that will culminate the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on January 20.
Along with appearances from the 46th Potus and 49th Vpotus, the Ricky Kirshner-produced 90-minute show will also feature performances from Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato, Ant Clemons and longtime Democrat supporter Jon Bon Jovi. More acts and big names are expected to be announced in the next few days.
As has been rumored for the past week, Celebrating America will air on multiple networks. Starting at 8:30 p.m. Et, the unity-aiming special will be carried by ABC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC and CNN, I hear. Additionally, the show will be seen on Amazon Prime Video, Microsoft Bing, NewsNOW from Fox, and AT...
Tom Hanks will host the primetime Celebrating America special that will culminate the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on January 20.
Along with appearances from the 46th Potus and 49th Vpotus, the Ricky Kirshner-produced 90-minute show will also feature performances from Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato, Ant Clemons and longtime Democrat supporter Jon Bon Jovi. More acts and big names are expected to be announced in the next few days.
As has been rumored for the past week, Celebrating America will air on multiple networks. Starting at 8:30 p.m. Et, the unity-aiming special will be carried by ABC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC and CNN, I hear. Additionally, the show will be seen on Amazon Prime Video, Microsoft Bing, NewsNOW from Fox, and AT...
- 1/13/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Joe Biden’s team announced new details for its plans for the presidential inauguration, which the president-elect already indicated would bear some similarities to the nearly all-virtual Democratic National Convention, reimagined because of Covid-19.
Stephanie Cutter and Ricky Kirshner, who spearheaded the convention plans, will serve as executive producers of the inaugural, with Rod O’Connor as senior adviser.
Biden’s Presidential Inaugural Committee also is urging the public not to travel to Washington, D.C. for the Jan. 20 event, and to “participate in the inaugural activities from home.”
Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will take the Oath of Office at the Capitol, but the ceremony’s “footprint will be extremely limited,” and the inaugural parade that follows will be “reimagined.” Construction crews already have been at work building the inaugural platform at the Capitol and the reviewing stand at the White House.
In a statement, Tony Allen, the CEO of the Presidential Inaugural Committee,...
Stephanie Cutter and Ricky Kirshner, who spearheaded the convention plans, will serve as executive producers of the inaugural, with Rod O’Connor as senior adviser.
Biden’s Presidential Inaugural Committee also is urging the public not to travel to Washington, D.C. for the Jan. 20 event, and to “participate in the inaugural activities from home.”
Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will take the Oath of Office at the Capitol, but the ceremony’s “footprint will be extremely limited,” and the inaugural parade that follows will be “reimagined.” Construction crews already have been at work building the inaugural platform at the Capitol and the reviewing stand at the White House.
In a statement, Tony Allen, the CEO of the Presidential Inaugural Committee,...
- 12/15/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Gorillaz have added to their list of all-star collaborators by enlisting Elton John for the new single “The Pink Phantom,” the latest track off the cartoon outfit’s upcoming album Song Machine: Season One. The song also boasts Atlanta rapper 6lack.
The video for the track features Damon Albarn’s cartoon band alongside 6lack and an animated, Gorillaz-fied version of Elton.
In a statement, John revealed how the collaboration came about amid Covid-19 and talked about his long admiration for the Blur/Gorillaz singer: “Damon reached out and asked me...
The video for the track features Damon Albarn’s cartoon band alongside 6lack and an animated, Gorillaz-fied version of Elton.
In a statement, John revealed how the collaboration came about amid Covid-19 and talked about his long admiration for the Blur/Gorillaz singer: “Damon reached out and asked me...
- 10/1/2020
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Gorillaz have announced Song Machine Live, the virtual group’s first performance in two years, airing December 12th and 13th.
The three ticketed shows are a continuation of Gorillaz’s Song Machine video series and will be broadcast live across three different time zones via LIVENow. Noodle, Murdoc, Russel and 2D will be joined by Damon Albarn as they perform songs from their album Song Machine: Season One – Strange Timez, out October 23rd, as well as old favorites. A roster of guest artists has yet to be announced.
Gorillaz most...
The three ticketed shows are a continuation of Gorillaz’s Song Machine video series and will be broadcast live across three different time zones via LIVENow. Noodle, Murdoc, Russel and 2D will be joined by Damon Albarn as they perform songs from their album Song Machine: Season One – Strange Timez, out October 23rd, as well as old favorites. A roster of guest artists has yet to be announced.
Gorillaz most...
- 9/17/2020
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
Gorillaz have tapped Cure frontman Robert Smith for a new song, “Strange Timez,” that marks the latest offering in the animated outfit’s ongoing Song Machine series.
Befitting its title, “Strange Timez” opens with Smith and Damon Albarn sharing vocal duties over an unsettling mix of synths and drums that steadily settles into a thumping, darkwave dance groove.
“Strange Timez” arrives alongside the news that Gorillaz will compile the tracks from their first season of Song Machine into a new release, Strange Timez, out October 23rd. Gorillaz launched Song Machine...
Befitting its title, “Strange Timez” opens with Smith and Damon Albarn sharing vocal duties over an unsettling mix of synths and drums that steadily settles into a thumping, darkwave dance groove.
“Strange Timez” arrives alongside the news that Gorillaz will compile the tracks from their first season of Song Machine into a new release, Strange Timez, out October 23rd. Gorillaz launched Song Machine...
- 9/9/2020
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Gorillaz recruited Schoolboy Q to honor Pac-Man on the animated outfit’s latest Song Machine track, “Pac-Man,” which arrives just weeks after the 40th anniversary of the arcade classic.
The song opens with Gorillaz mastermind Damon Albarn lacing his low voice over a thick beat that recalls the heyday of the G-funk era. The instrumentals get an added punch-up when Schoolboy Q first takes over, although the beat switches subtly again as the rapper glides over its woozy outro.
“Pac-Man” was recorded in London prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, with...
The song opens with Gorillaz mastermind Damon Albarn lacing his low voice over a thick beat that recalls the heyday of the G-funk era. The instrumentals get an added punch-up when Schoolboy Q first takes over, although the beat switches subtly again as the rapper glides over its woozy outro.
“Pac-Man” was recorded in London prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, with...
- 7/20/2020
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Tony Allen performs songs from his final record Rejoice in the new short film, Tony Allen Live in London.
Shot last March, the clip documents two performances from the late Nigerian drum legend, who died in April at the age of 79. The shows were in support Rejoice — released that same month — which features contributions from trumpet player Hugh Masekela.
The short film features bassist Mutale Chashi and South African trumpet player Claude Deppa sitting beside Allen before a performance at London’s Church of Sound. Deppa stepped in for Masekela,...
Shot last March, the clip documents two performances from the late Nigerian drum legend, who died in April at the age of 79. The shows were in support Rejoice — released that same month — which features contributions from trumpet player Hugh Masekela.
The short film features bassist Mutale Chashi and South African trumpet player Claude Deppa sitting beside Allen before a performance at London’s Church of Sound. Deppa stepped in for Masekela,...
- 6/25/2020
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
Gorillaz have partnered with French-British rapper and singer Octavian for a new song, “Friday 13th,” which marks the latest installment in the animated outfit’s ongoing Song Machine series.
The track boasts a woozy groove filled with dreamy guitars, plus synths and drums that hit with a thud then carom into space. Octavian alternates between a steady flow and a sing-song drawl as he waxes about endless nights in his raspy lilt.
“Friday 13th” arrives with a video directed by Gorillaz’s artistic mastermind Jamie Hewlett. Filmed with everyone in...
The track boasts a woozy groove filled with dreamy guitars, plus synths and drums that hit with a thud then carom into space. Octavian alternates between a steady flow and a sing-song drawl as he waxes about endless nights in his raspy lilt.
“Friday 13th” arrives with a video directed by Gorillaz’s artistic mastermind Jamie Hewlett. Filmed with everyone in...
- 6/9/2020
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
More than 20 years after Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett first conceived of Gorillaz, the visual history of the cartoon band will be explored in an expansive “almanac” due out this October.
The Gorillaz Almanac, published by Z2 Comics, will feature 120-plus full-color pages featuring Hewlett’s artwork for the band. The hardcover book will also boast exclusive new artwork, the first-ever comic strip starring 2D, Noodle, Murdoc Niccals and Russel Hobbs, plus “puzzles, games and a raft of special guest appearances from Gorillaz collaborators past and present.”
“Every fan of...
The Gorillaz Almanac, published by Z2 Comics, will feature 120-plus full-color pages featuring Hewlett’s artwork for the band. The hardcover book will also boast exclusive new artwork, the first-ever comic strip starring 2D, Noodle, Murdoc Niccals and Russel Hobbs, plus “puzzles, games and a raft of special guest appearances from Gorillaz collaborators past and present.”
“Every fan of...
- 5/26/2020
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Damon Albarn performed his first ever “duet” with his animated outfit Gorillaz with a rendition of “Aries” on Jimmy Kimmel Live Tuesday.
Albarn is of, course, always playing with Gorillaz in the sense that he’s the mastermind behind the animated outfit’s music. But the Kimmel appearance actually placed him alongside Gorillaz singer 2-D so they could split vocal duties on “Aries.”
Despite not needing to — for obvious reasons — Albarn and 2-D delivered their performance over video chat to show they were practicing proper social-distancing protocol. While Albarn played...
Albarn is of, course, always playing with Gorillaz in the sense that he’s the mastermind behind the animated outfit’s music. But the Kimmel appearance actually placed him alongside Gorillaz singer 2-D so they could split vocal duties on “Aries.”
Despite not needing to — for obvious reasons — Albarn and 2-D delivered their performance over video chat to show they were practicing proper social-distancing protocol. While Albarn played...
- 5/20/2020
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Tony Allen breaks down the five major drum patterns of Afrobeat in an unreleased clip from the recent documentary short Birth of Afrobeat.
Production team Rest In Beats and director Opiyo Okeyo provided the unseen footage to Rolling Stone following the death of the pioneering drummer Thursday at the age of 79.
Birth of Afrobeat, filmed in 2017 as Allen prepared to record alongside Chicago Afrobeat Project, offers a glimpse into how Fela Kuti and Allen crafted the Afrobeat sound. In this unreleased clip from the short, Allen breaks down the five major drum patterns he employed.
Production team Rest In Beats and director Opiyo Okeyo provided the unseen footage to Rolling Stone following the death of the pioneering drummer Thursday at the age of 79.
Birth of Afrobeat, filmed in 2017 as Allen prepared to record alongside Chicago Afrobeat Project, offers a glimpse into how Fela Kuti and Allen crafted the Afrobeat sound. In this unreleased clip from the short, Allen breaks down the five major drum patterns he employed.
- 5/3/2020
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Gorillaz pay tribute to the late Afrobeat legend Tony Allen — Damon Albarn’s band mate in the Good, the Bad and the Queen — in the animated band’s new track “How Far?” featuring Allen and Skepta.
“How Far?,” the latest installment in Gorillaz’ Song Machine series, “was written and recorded with Skepta in London just before lockdown and is being shared immediately as a tribute to the spirit of a great man, Tony Allen,” the band said Saturday.
Allen was Albarn’s close friend and collaborator; in addition to the Good,...
“How Far?,” the latest installment in Gorillaz’ Song Machine series, “was written and recorded with Skepta in London just before lockdown and is being shared immediately as a tribute to the spirit of a great man, Tony Allen,” the band said Saturday.
Allen was Albarn’s close friend and collaborator; in addition to the Good,...
- 5/2/2020
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
“I wanted to be one of the best — that was my wish,” Nigerian drum legend Tony Allen said on the Trap Set podcast during a 2015 interview. “To be the best, it’s not when you are doing the same thing with others…. To be the best means I have to find a way to put something on the road, create something that wasn’t there, for other people to learn from.”
Few would dispute that Allen, who died Thursday at age 79, lived up to his objective. When he joined up...
Few would dispute that Allen, who died Thursday at age 79, lived up to his objective. When he joined up...
- 5/1/2020
- by Daniel Kreps, Elias Leight and Hank Shteamer
- Rollingstone.com
Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea has penned a heartfelt tribute to his “hero” Tony Allen. The pioneering drummer who helped define Afrobeat during his tenure with Fela Kuti died Thursday at the age of 79.
Calling Allen “one of the greatest drummers to ever walk this Earth,” Flea recalled his fellow rhythm maker’s spirit. “What a wildman, with a massive, kind and free heart and the deepest one-of-a-kind groove,” Flea wrote. “Fela Kuti did not invent Afrobeat, Fela and Tony birthed it together. Without Tony Allen there is No afrobeat.
Calling Allen “one of the greatest drummers to ever walk this Earth,” Flea recalled his fellow rhythm maker’s spirit. “What a wildman, with a massive, kind and free heart and the deepest one-of-a-kind groove,” Flea wrote. “Fela Kuti did not invent Afrobeat, Fela and Tony birthed it together. Without Tony Allen there is No afrobeat.
- 5/1/2020
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Tony Allen, the pioneering drummer who helped define Afrobeat during his tenure with Fela Kuti, died Thursday evening. He was 79.
Allen’s manager, Eric Trosser, confirmed the musician’s death to Rolling Stone, adding that Allen was taken to Georges Pompidou European Hospital in Paris, where he died of abdominal aortic aneurysm. “He was in great shape,” Trosser added to France 24. “It was quite sudden.” Sahara Reporters first reported Allen’s death.
As a member of Kuti’s band Africa 70, Allen helped revolutionize the art of drumming, simultaneously anchoring...
Allen’s manager, Eric Trosser, confirmed the musician’s death to Rolling Stone, adding that Allen was taken to Georges Pompidou European Hospital in Paris, where he died of abdominal aortic aneurysm. “He was in great shape,” Trosser added to France 24. “It was quite sudden.” Sahara Reporters first reported Allen’s death.
As a member of Kuti’s band Africa 70, Allen helped revolutionize the art of drumming, simultaneously anchoring...
- 4/30/2020
- by Daniel Kreps and Elias Leight
- Rollingstone.com
Blur reunited for the first time in nearly four years for a surprise gig in East London Friday during Damon Albarn’s annual Africa Express concert. Blur last performed together in November 2015 following the release of The Magic Whip.
For the performance, Albarn rejoined his band mates Dave Rowntree, Alex James and Graham Coxon to play “Song 2,” “Tender” and “Clover Over Dover”; the latter performance marked the live debut of the Parklife track. For “Tender,” the band was joined by London Community Gospel Choir and Rokia Traoré.
Blur rehearsals for Africa Express: the Circus,...
For the performance, Albarn rejoined his band mates Dave Rowntree, Alex James and Graham Coxon to play “Song 2,” “Tender” and “Clover Over Dover”; the latter performance marked the live debut of the Parklife track. For “Tender,” the band was joined by London Community Gospel Choir and Rokia Traoré.
Blur rehearsals for Africa Express: the Circus,...
- 3/30/2019
- by Ilana Kaplan
- Rollingstone.com
Angélique Kidjo pays tribute to Celia Cruz with her new song “Quimbara,” which features on the West African singer’s upcoming LP Celia, an LP that honors the “Queen of Salsa.”
The track boasts all-star backing courtesy of legendary Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen, bassist Meshell Ndegeocello and Benin, Africa’s Ganbge Brass Band. On the Celia rendition, Kidjo infuses the sound of West Africa into the song popularized by the Cuban-born Cruz.
“‘Quimbara’ is the first song of Celia Cruz that I ever learned in Benin, West Africa where I grew up,...
The track boasts all-star backing courtesy of legendary Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen, bassist Meshell Ndegeocello and Benin, Africa’s Ganbge Brass Band. On the Celia rendition, Kidjo infuses the sound of West Africa into the song popularized by the Cuban-born Cruz.
“‘Quimbara’ is the first song of Celia Cruz that I ever learned in Benin, West Africa where I grew up,...
- 3/16/2019
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
The Good, the Bad and the Queen – the British supergroup consisting of Damon Albarn, Clash bassist Paul Simonon, ex-Fela Kuti drummer Tony Allen and Verve guitarist Simon Tong – unveiled a gritty new live video for their track, “The Truce of Twilight.”
Simonon directed the simple performance clip, in which the band delivers the punchy, psych-tinged cut in a spare room. Though the black-and-white footage boasts a grainy, old school aesthetic, Simonon actually filmed the entire music video on three iPhones recording simultaneously.
“The Truce of Twilight” appears on the Good,...
Simonon directed the simple performance clip, in which the band delivers the punchy, psych-tinged cut in a spare room. Though the black-and-white footage boasts a grainy, old school aesthetic, Simonon actually filmed the entire music video on three iPhones recording simultaneously.
“The Truce of Twilight” appears on the Good,...
- 3/12/2019
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Opening with a quote from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and rooted in a century of English recorded music, from music hall to the Beatles and beyond, Merrie Land — the second album by the Damon Albarn–led supergroup the Good, the Bad & the Queen — is a meditation on national identity that explores how Britain began morphing from a future-forward multicultural laboratory into an island of wagon-circling EU secessionists. Though specific to England, it’s a record the U.S. and other countries might learn a lot from in late 2018.
In some ways,...
In some ways,...
- 12/10/2018
- by Will Hermes
- Rollingstone.com
Editors’ Pick: Chris Cornell, Chris Cornell
This 64-track retrospective of the late grunge icon’s career is a testament to his vocal prowess and thoughtful approach, apparent even on early Soundgarden tracks like the chugging Ultramega Ok opener “Flower” and Louder Than Love’s still-relevant environmentalist plea “Hands All Over.” Tracing his journey from hair-whipping yelper to rock elder, Chris Cornell compiles hits like Temple of the Dog’s glorious “Hunger Strike,” Audioslave’s speaker-shaking debut single “Cochise,” and Cornell’s elegiac cover of “Billie Jean” alongside quieter tracks like...
This 64-track retrospective of the late grunge icon’s career is a testament to his vocal prowess and thoughtful approach, apparent even on early Soundgarden tracks like the chugging Ultramega Ok opener “Flower” and Louder Than Love’s still-relevant environmentalist plea “Hands All Over.” Tracing his journey from hair-whipping yelper to rock elder, Chris Cornell compiles hits like Temple of the Dog’s glorious “Hunger Strike,” Audioslave’s speaker-shaking debut single “Cochise,” and Cornell’s elegiac cover of “Billie Jean” alongside quieter tracks like...
- 11/16/2018
- by Jonathan Bernstein, Jon Dolan, Will Hermes, Maura Johnston, Mosi Reeves, Hank Shteamer, Brittany Spanos and Simon Vozick-Levinson
- Rollingstone.com
Robyn delivered a powerful rendition of her Honey single “Missing U” during an appearance on Later… With Jools Holland Tuesday. Robyn released Honey this month, marking her first album in eight years.
Robyn’s rendition of “Missing U” was packed with plenty of tension as she belted the song’s anguished lyrics in her golden voice while an array of synths sparkled beneath her. After practically falling to her knees during the song’s second verse, Robyn rose once more as she sang, “Thinking how it could been/ I’ve...
Robyn’s rendition of “Missing U” was packed with plenty of tension as she belted the song’s anguished lyrics in her golden voice while an array of synths sparkled beneath her. After practically falling to her knees during the song’s second verse, Robyn rose once more as she sang, “Thinking how it could been/ I’ve...
- 10/31/2018
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Damon Albarn staged a “cross pollination” between his many projects Saturday as his Gorillaz‘ welcomed Blur guitarist Graham Coxon onstage to cover that band’s “Song 2.”
The unlikely collaboration – the performance marked the first time Albarn’s animated act had covered a Blur song live – occurred during Gorillaz’ guest-filled Demon Dayz Festival in Pico Rivera, California, Mxdwn reports.
Albarn, melodica in hand, and company initially played “Song 2” in the quirky style of Gorillaz before Coxon walked out on stage unannounced, guitar slung on his shoulder, and launched into the traditional version of the 1997 hit,...
The unlikely collaboration – the performance marked the first time Albarn’s animated act had covered a Blur song live – occurred during Gorillaz’ guest-filled Demon Dayz Festival in Pico Rivera, California, Mxdwn reports.
Albarn, melodica in hand, and company initially played “Song 2” in the quirky style of Gorillaz before Coxon walked out on stage unannounced, guitar slung on his shoulder, and launched into the traditional version of the 1997 hit,...
- 10/21/2018
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Jeff Mills is known to dance music aficionados for his work in the Detroit techno group Underground Resistance and solo releases like 1996’s Live at the Liquid Room, Tokyo. But on his new project Tomorrow Comes the Harvest, he finds common cause with Tony Allen, the legendary drummer whose playing defined the records of Fela Kuti and the sound of Afrobeat. The album, which was mostly worked out live in the studio, is a slippery combination of old-school percussion and chattering electronics, full of long vamps, sudden turns and Allen’s inimitable propulsion.
- 10/2/2018
- by Elias Leight
- Rollingstone.com
This spring, the Eaux Claires festival – founded by Aaron Dessner of The National and Justin Vernon of Bon Iver – made a startling announcement: It would not share any details of its lineup ahead of time.
“It’s intentional as a way to get out of the headliners’ arm race,” says Dessner, who helped choose the soul oddball Swamp Dogg, the electronic producer Jlin and the rapper-poet Noname for the July 6th-7th Wisconsin event, along with indie stalwarts like Sharon Van Etten and the Dirty Projectors. “We want unknown artists...
“It’s intentional as a way to get out of the headliners’ arm race,” says Dessner, who helped choose the soul oddball Swamp Dogg, the electronic producer Jlin and the rapper-poet Noname for the July 6th-7th Wisconsin event, along with indie stalwarts like Sharon Van Etten and the Dirty Projectors. “We want unknown artists...
- 8/20/2018
- by Elias Leight
- Rollingstone.com
Over five weeks in September and October, Red Bull Music Festival will bring a characteristically wide and wild mixture of concerts, club nights and public talks to Berlin: Highlights include world premieres from Oneohtrix Point Never, Jlin, Sevdaliza and Robot Koch; talks with Janelle Monae and Pusha T; and performances from Tony Allen, Nina Kraviz, Dixon and many more.
The festival takes place concurrently with but distinct from the 20th anniversary edition of Red Bull Music Academy. According to the announcement, 61 music-makers selected from around the world will come together at the Funkhaus, a historic recording complex In East Berlin, where they’ll collaborate in custom-built studios and attend lectures with artists that have shaped the contemporary musical landscape.
Specifically, electronic music artists Oneohtrix Point Never and Jlin will create works for the world premiere of the Symphonic Sound System, a new 4D spatial sound system in partnership with Monom.
The festival takes place concurrently with but distinct from the 20th anniversary edition of Red Bull Music Academy. According to the announcement, 61 music-makers selected from around the world will come together at the Funkhaus, a historic recording complex In East Berlin, where they’ll collaborate in custom-built studios and attend lectures with artists that have shaped the contemporary musical landscape.
Specifically, electronic music artists Oneohtrix Point Never and Jlin will create works for the world premiere of the Symphonic Sound System, a new 4D spatial sound system in partnership with Monom.
- 7/18/2018
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
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