In a recent tweet, Taylor Momsen mentioned she can’t forget the bat incident.

The Pretty Reckless singer reposted a tweet about the evolution of the ‘Batman’ logo, adding her own comment:

“This is cool and gives me PTSD at the same time.”The Story Behind Taylor’s Bat Incident

Momsen was bitten by a bat during a live show in Spain while opening for AC/DC. Performing in Seville, the audience shouted to warn her about the bat on her leg. Unbeknownst to her, the bat had landed on her dress as she sang ‘Witches Burn.’ Video footage shows Momsen, initially unaware, asking the crowd what they were pointing at:

“You guys are pointing at something and I don’t know what you’re saying.”

Upon realizing the situation, she calmly requested assistance:

“There’s a f*cking flying bat on my leg right now, can someone help me, please? I must really be a witch.”

Momsen’s Reaction to the Bat Incident

The video captures a staff member shaking Momsen’s dress to dislodge the bat. Later, Taylor shared the video on Instagram with the caption:

“So… ROCK AND ROLL MOMENT… in Sevilla Wednesday during ‘Witches Burn’ of all songs… a bat flew onto me and clung to my leg… In the moment I was performing and had no idea until the incredible crowd kept screaming and pointing…”

She continued:

“He was cute, but yes he bit me… So rabies shots for the next two weeks. Thanks to all the staff at the hospital who dubbed me batgirl after seeing it on the local news that morning… More footage to come… That’s one for the books!”

A few days after the incident, AC/DC gave Momsen a humorous gift. She shared a video of herself opening a toy bat from the band, expressing her love for the gift and appreciation for their hard work.

Plans have been approved to erect a statue of Motorhead legend Ian ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister in the charming town of Burslem, Staffordshire. As Lemmy’s birthplace, this location holds special significance for both him and his fans. Stoke-on-Trent City Council has given the green light for the construction of a grand 2.2-meter statue in Burslem’s Market Place.

The Vision and Approval

Lemmy, the founder of Motorhead, was born in Burslem in 1945. Throughout his career, he captivated audiences with his unique voice and talent, becoming a rock music icon. Sadly, Lemmy passed away in 2015 at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.

Local sculptor Andy Edwards, known for his exceptional work, will create the statue. Edwards previously sculpted the famous Beatles statue at Liverpool’s Pier Head. Using genuine Staffordshire clay, he will craft the statue to capture Lemmy’s dynamic personality and musical prowess.

Despite initial concerns from the police about potential attention and incidents, Stoke-on-Trent City Council approved the plans. In response to these concerns, Edwards agreed to increase the height of the plinth from 2.5 meters to 3 meters, enhancing visibility and ensuring the statue’s safety. This decision underscores the council’s commitment to commemorating Lemmy and his cultural impact.

To fund this tribute, a dedicated fundraising campaign aims to raise £50,000. The campaign is led by Mark Curran, a commercial developer and owner of the Hard Days Night and Zimmerman’s bars in Stoke-on-Trent. During the 2020 lockdown, Curran searched for a sculptor to capture Lemmy’s spirit and found Andy Edwards, an internationally renowned artist residing in Stoke-on-Trent.

Honoring Lemmy: A Landmark in Burslem

The statue will be located in the heart of Burslem, in front of the iconic Town Hall and its Gold Angel. This prominent position ensures Lemmy’s statue will be a central attraction, surrounded by Burslem’s historic charm. The enthusiastic support from Stoke-on-Trent City Council highlights the community’s commitment to honoring Lemmy.

This is not the first statue erected in Lemmy’s honor. The Rainbow Bar & Grill in Los Angeles had its statue, constructed a year after his passing. Now, with approval from Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Lemmy’s memory will also be celebrated in the town that shaped his musical journey.

The forthcoming statue of Lemmy in Burslem is poised to become a testament to his life and achievements. As the fundraising campaign gains momentum, fans and admirers have the chance to contribute to this tribute. With the necessary funds secured, Andy Edwards will begin his artistic process, immortalizing Lemmy in the town where his story began.

Supported by the local community’s devotion and the approval from Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the statue of Lemmy promises to be a revered landmark in Burslem. This homage will honor the mark Lemmy left on the world of music and ensure his legacy endures for generations.

John Lennon, forever captured in countless photos and films, is one of the most iconic musicians in history. From his time with The Beatles to his groundbreaking solo career, Lennon’s musical legacy lives on. Fans are in for a treat with the upcoming release of a collector’s edition, featuring a never-before-seen music video that offers a fresh look into the life of this Beatle legend.

The newly unveiled music video accompanies Lennon’s timeless track “You Are Here,” presented in the form of the Ultimate Mix, giving new energy to this classic song. The footage features Lennon with his muse and partner, Yoko Ono, during his solo art show, You Are Here (To Yoko From John Lennon, With Love), filmed back in 1968.

While Lennon is credited with directing the video, it was shot by William Wareing and Dick Lorriemore and had been stored in the archives for decades. The visuals offer a fascinating glimpse into Lennon’s world as he, along with Robert Fraser and their team, prepares for the art show on June 30, 1968, with the grand opening the following day.

During this time, Lennon was deeply involved in writing and recording The Beatles’ famous self-titled album, known as The White Album, which would be released later that year in November.

“You Are Here” was originally released in 1973 on Lennon’s solo album Mind Games, which reached No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and earned a gold certification, selling over half a million units in the U.S.

Now, Mind Games – The Ultimate Collection is set to hit shelves on July 12, offering fans a deeper look into Lennon’s creative genius. Available in various formats, including a limited-edition Super Deluxe Edition, this collection promises to be a cherished piece for Lennon and Beatles enthusiasts worldwide, with only 1,100 copies available globally.

The Beatles, known for their profound impact on music, created some of the most enduring ballads in history. Among these, “If I Fell,” released in 1964 as part of their third album, “A Hard Day’s Night” (also their first movie soundtrack), stands out as a significant work. This song marked a mature phase where ballad composition became a key aspect of their music.

The Creation of “If I Fell”

John Lennon, the primary writer of the song, with notable input from Paul McCartney, ventured into new lyrical and musical territories with “If I Fell.” In an interview with David Sheff, captured in the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Lennon shared insights into his creative process: “That’s my first attempt to write a ballad proper. That was the precursor to ‘In My Life.’ It has the same chord sequence as ‘In My Life’: D and B minor and E minor, those kinds of things. And it’s semi-autobiographical, but not consciously. It shows that I wrote sentimental love ballads, silly love songs, way back when.”

The song was born during a period when Lennon and McCartney were honing their craft, writing with newfound confidence evident throughout “A Hard Day’s Night.” McCartney’s unique approach to beginning the song with a pre-verse set a distinctive tone, echoing the structures found in the Great American Songbook. This technique enriched the song’s narrative depth and showcased McCartney’s versatility and broad musical appetite.

The Everly Brothers Influence and Musical Harmony

The influence of The Everly Brothers on “If I Fell” is unmistakable. The harmony-driven aesthetic, coupled with Lennon and McCartney’s decision to sing into the same microphone, created a poignant vocal blend that was both tender and compelling. George Harrison’s subtle guitar fills further colored the track, enhancing its emotional landscape.

Lyrical Depth and Narrative

The lyrics of “If I Fell” reflect a contemplation of new love tempered by past heartaches. They articulate a hesitation, pondering the risks of giving one’s heart again after being let down: “And I found that love was more than just holding hands.” This line signifies a growth in Lennon’s songwriting and a broader emotional awareness, contrasting with earlier, more naive love songs like “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”

The song’s lyrical depth is heightened in moments of vocal urgency shared between Lennon and McCartney, underscoring the stakes of this new romantic venture: “‘Cause I couldn’t stand the pain / And I would be sad if our new love was in vain.” The song’s structure, culminating in the conditional “If I fell in love with you,” leaves the narrative open-ended, a testament to its complex emotional layers and mature reflection on love and vulnerability.

Contribution to The Beatles’ Legacy

“If I Fell” exemplifies The Beatles’ evolving artistry during a pivotal time in their career. By 1964, their mastery in blending lyrical sincerity with innovative musical compositions was becoming apparent, a trend that would continue throughout their illustrious career. This track stands as a testament to their ability to connect with listeners on a more introspective level, setting the stage for more nuanced explorations in their later works.

“If I Fell” remains a beloved song from The Beatles’ extensive catalog, with its influence still felt today. It bridges the gap between Lennon and McCartney’s later, more intricate compositions and their early mainstream hits, showcasing their compositional prowess. This ballad remains one of The Beatles’ finest, revealing new depths of emotion and artistry with every listen.

Stevie Nicks is now known as one of the greatest rockers of all time, but there were times in her life when she struggled with a difficult choice: drugs or commercial success. Luckily, she chose the latter, but there was a period when her dreams nearly collapsed.

In the early days of her career, Nicks experimented with cocaine. However, after joining Fleetwood Mac with her then-partner Lindsey Buckingham, her drug use escalated. Surprisingly, group cocaine sessions before shows became a ritual, almost revered as a higher power.

But addiction’s consequences eventually caught up with her. Even after Fleetwood Mac disbanded, her reliance on drugs deepened. “All of us were drug addicts, but there was a point where I was the worst drug addict,” Nicks later recalled. “I was a girl, I was fragile, and I was doing a lot of coke. And I had that hole in my nose. So it was dangerous.”

To overcome her addiction, Nicks was prescribed Klonopin, which helped but also led to another addiction that lasted seven years. When she released her fifth album, Street Angel, its failure hit her hard, amplifying her feelings of regret.

“Even though I thought it was a terrible record, I loved the songs,” Nicks told Barnes and Noble. She was proud of her work, even during times when she felt disconnected from herself. “The songs were my children, you know. And I was very much grieving about the Klonopin and the Prozac because I had done many things in that eight years that I was not proud of, that were not me, things that I would never do.”

Around this time, Nicks met Tom Petty at the Ritz-Carlton, and he helped her reignite her passion. “He said, ‘You know what? Everybody makes mistakes. You can’t blame yourself for the Klonopin and the Prozac; you didn’t go out on the streets looking for that. That’s just a nasty thing that happened to you, so now get over it.’”

Petty continued, “‘You’re upset ’cause you’re 20 pounds overweight -lose it, you can do it. That’s not your problem. Your problem is knowing and remembering that you’re a great songwriter, Stevie. I’m not going to help you write songs, I don’t have to help you. You need to go home to your piano and sit down and do what you love to do.’”

According to Nicks, Petty reminded her that “your love is songwriting,” and challenged her with a stern but necessary question: “What in the world is up with you telling me that you need me to help you write songs?” After their dinner, Nicks felt motivated to return to her music. “That was just that little kick in the butt that I really, really needed from somebody that I totally respect, that always has my best in mind,” she said.

Her next album, Trouble in Shangri-La, was her biggest success since 1983’s The Wild Heart. To thank Petty, she included the song “That Made Me Stronger,” showing that she had found herself again, needing only Petty’s affirmations to help her get there.

During the height of punk, it was hard to imagine a more grandiose band than Pink Floyd. John Lydon’s infamous shirt expressing his disdain for the group was a clear sign that Roger Waters’ elaborate stories were seen as everything wrong with rock and roll at the time. Yet, Pink Floyd showed they could keep up with changing trends, and David Gilmour believed their album “Animals” was the closest they came to punk.

Gilmour had always been on the lookout for new influences, even before punk emerged. While many punk bands criticized the excessive indulgence of established acts, Gilmour sought out fresh talent, discovering future stars like Kate Bush.

When Pink Floyd began working on “Animals,” they had already faced challenges with their record label. The success of “Dark Side of the Moon” had skyrocketed them to fame, but the pressure made the process of creating “Wish You Were Here” uneasy. Exhausted, the band’s tribute to former member Syd Barrett in “Wish You Were Here” was critical of the music industry, with songs like “Welcome to the Machine” serving as a cautionary tale for aspiring musicians.

“Animals,” however, was a different beast. Inspired by George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” Waters crafted an album targeting those in power who exploited the lower class. Despite the length and style of the tracks, songs like “Dogs” and “Pigs” served as a defiant message to the wealthy elite who thrived while others struggled.

Despite the dominance of punk music at the time, Gilmour felt that this version of Pink Floyd resonated with the street-level ethos of punk. He remarked, “I really like it. It was sort of, I think, slightly influenced by the punk era, if you like – the Pink Floyd punk album. It was certainly a bit more aggressive than some of the other ones we’d previously done. But it’s a good album for me – I like it a lot.”

Lydon’s criticisms aside, Pink Floyd’s commentary on societal injustices aligned more with punk values than it might have seemed. Their messages echoed sentiments later expressed by bands like The Clash in albums such as “London Calling.”

Pink Floyd wasn’t alone in this crossover. Canadian band Rush also embraced new wave influences in albums like “Permanent Waves.” While prog and punk are often seen as opposites, any artist committed to evolving their music would do well to explore different styles.

Dee Snider recently shared his perspective on what makes a ‘great frontman’ in a post on X. When asked if Robert Plant was the ‘greatest frontman of all time,’ Snider replied:

“Nope. Amazing singer. But great frontman? He barely spoke to the crowd. ‘Does anybody remember laughter?’ James Brown is the greatest of all time!”

A user suggested David Lee Roth as another great frontman but criticized his singing abilities, stating, ‘when you have Eddie Van Halen on stage with you, you could be a mute and make it work.’ Snider responded:

“Like I said: singing and fronting are separate things! DLR was a great FM.”

Snider’s Thought Process

Snider’s views on frontmen have stirred debate on social media. In a previous interview with Ultimate Guitar, he clarified his stance:

“When I said they weren’t great frontmen, everybody thought, ‘Here’s Dee shooting his mouth off again.’ But I’ve actually put a lot of thought into it. This wasn’t an arbitrary statement. I researched and studied the subject thoroughly.”

He elaborated on the distinction between singing and fronting:

“A frontman doesn’t need to sing well but must engage and entertain the audience. A frontman who wows the crowd with their incredible voice entertains in a different way, but it’s not the same as a full-scale performance.”

Snider acknowledged Plant’s vocal talent but emphasized that showmanship is his forte:

“Plant is an incredible singer, but showmanship—that’s what I do well.”

In a recent interview with Ultimate Guitar’s Justin Beckner, Nita Strauss shared her vision for her upcoming albums.

When asked about potential collaborators for future projects, the guitarist expressed her desire to explore diverse musical directions:

“On the next record, I want to push further in both directions. I’d love to do something more mainstream, perhaps with someone like Demi [Lovato] or Pink, which would be a dream come true. At the same time, I want to delve into heavier music, as that’s what I personally enjoy listening to.”

Strauss’s Upcoming Projects

Although Strauss released her latest solo album, ‘The Call of the Void,’ last year, she is already contemplating her next project. She explained her eagerness to maintain her momentum:

“I don’t want to lose the momentum from this album. It was five years between ‘Controlled Chaos’ and ‘The Call of the Void,’ and I don’t want to wait another five years. It’s been challenging to come up with concrete ideas since I’ve been constantly on the road. I started touring a month before the album came out and haven’t had more than two weeks at home since then. It’s been nearly a year, so finding time to be creative has been tough, but I’m determined to make it happen.”

Nita’s Previous Collaboration with Demi Lovato

Nita’s interest in collaborating with Demi Lovato aligns with their past work together. In March, she spoke with Backstage Pass Rock-News about her experience touring with Lovato:

“It wasn’t as different as you might think. Demi is a total rock star and wanted to go in a heavier direction with her new music. She released a great rock album in 2022 called ‘Holy Fvck’ and put together an amazing all-female band to tour with. It was similar to other rock tours I’ve done because it was a rock show.”

Touring Plans

Nita concluded her North American tour on March 29 in Leander, Texas. She is set to join Alice Cooper for his summer 2024 tour, continuing her journey on the road throughout the summer and fall.

In a recent interview with Ultimate Guitar, Van Halen’s bassist Michael Anthony discussed Alex Van Halen decision to sell his gear and instruments.

During the interview, Anthony was asked about his current contact with the drummer and any insights into why Alex no longer wants to perform music. He expressed his surprise upon hearing the news:

“I was quite shocked when I heard about the auction he’s planning for early June. Someone sent me the link, and it looks like he’s selling everything, right down to his last drumstick. Honestly, I have no idea why he’s doing it.”

Anthony speculated on the possible reasons behind Alex’s decision:

“I know he’s still deeply mourning Eddie’s passing. Eddie was pretty much the only person Alex ever played music with.”

He elaborated on why Alex might be parting with his gear:

“I never knew Alex to be the type to jam with others or join different bands unless Eddie was involved. Maybe he feels that with his brother gone, he has no desire to play music anymore. But that’s just my guess. When I found out about the auction and looked into it, it was pretty sad. It seems like it’s truly the end of any potential tribute events.”

What Is Alex Van Halen Selling?

The collection includes over 350 lots featuring various memorabilia such as drum kits, snare drums, kick drums, road cases, drumheads, cymbals, gongs, sticks and mallets, personal items, record awards, autographed pieces, and more. Each item comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Alex.

Notable items in the collection include the iconic ‘5150’ tour kit, the 2015 final tour kit, vintage RIAA record awards, rare rosewood snare drums, gongs, an early band kick drum, and a piano from the Van Halen family home.

The auction began on June 1 and will conclude on June 9.

For most musicians, respect is something they have to work hard to earn. For Tom Petty, it seemed to come naturally, even in his early days when he was driven by a passion for Elvis Presley and a dream of following in The King’s footsteps. Like many others, Petty’s life was changed forever when he saw The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show. That performance lit a fire in him, setting him on a path to become one of rock’s greatest heroes. It also gave him a keen eye for spotting talent.

Petty believed he could match The Beatles’ desire for revolution and innovation, no matter how impossible it seemed. “I knew I could do it,” he once said, noting how many bands tried to follow in The Beatles’ footsteps. The Beatles showed him the way, while The Rolling Stones demonstrated the raw power of rock ‘n’ roll as a serious art form.

For Petty, the Stones represented something monumental: the power of being a pioneer. While The Beatles led the charge in many ways, the Stones gave Petty a gritty, raw blueprint to follow. “They were grittier, it was rawer,” he said in a 2014 interview on Q with Jian Ghomeshi. “They were playing blues in this really energetic kind of raw way, but it wasn’t complicated. There wasn’t a lot of complicated harmony involved. It was sort of my punk music.”

The Stones’ impact on Petty was immense, which makes his admiration for another band even more surprising. Petty once described Guns N’ Roses as surpassing his favorite rockers. “They’re bigger than the Stones ever were,” he said, thrilled after meeting Izzy Stradlin and Duff McKagan in the late 1980s.

Petty first met Stradlin and McKagan outside Norm’s Rare Guitars in Reseda. They introduced themselves as members of Guns N’ Roses, and Petty immediately respected them. The band hailed from his adopted home of Los Angeles and embodied the innovation and forward-thinking that Petty had always admired. They reinvented their music for contemporary audiences, a trait Petty deeply appreciated.

The respect was mutual, and both Petty and Guns N’ Roses enjoyed surprising their fans. At the 1989 MTV Awards, McKagan and Steve Adler accepted an award in Axl Rose’s absence. Later, Petty began a live performance of “Free Fallin’,” which had just been released on his album Full Moon Fever. After the first verse, Rose joined Petty on stage, and the crowd went wild. Although Petty later wished they had more rehearsal time, the performance was unforgettable, especially when they paid tribute to another hero, Elvis Presley.

By comparing Guns N’ Roses to legends like The Rolling Stones, Petty saw something special in the band that excited him just as much as The Stones and The Beatles had done before.