ZZ Top ‘comeback’ album could have been double

Living legend: GIbbons accepts award

ZZ Top’s long-awaited 15th studio album could have been a double-disc set – but their label blocked the move, Billy Gibbons has revealed.

In September the band released La Futura, their first record in nine years, complete with explosive lead single I Gotsta Get Paid. It had been subject to a series of delays, not least those caused by producer Rick Rubin.

But speaking at the eighth annual Classic Rock Roll of Honour awards night last week – where ZZ Top were named Living Legends – Gibbons revealed fans could have been given a double reward for their patience.

Discussing the time lag between albums, he told Classic Rock: “Actually, if we wanted to we could probably put out another new record inside nine minutes.

“When we picked our songs for La Futura we had another 10 songs that could have made the grade too.

“But the label didn’t really want to release a dual disc in this rather topsy-turvy musical landscape, where promoting new material is so challenging.

“So we’re sitting on 10 more songs from the same session with Rick. We have that big ball of wax waiting to roll.”

Asked if that material could see the light of say in 2013, Gibbons said: “Well, I’m hoping – but things in ZZ Top world don’t always follow real-world rules.”

The Classic Rock Roll of Honour awards took place in London on Tuesday. The achievements of 18 rock and metal artists were celebrated, with host Duff McKagan overseeing presentations to Lynyrd Skynyrd, Status Quo, Anthrax, Rush and Pink Floyd, among others.

Captain Sensible of the Damned accepted the Outstanding Contribution award alongside bandmate Dave Vanian. He told Facebook followers after the ceremony: “It was a fun evening with some old chums – Lemmy and co, ex-producer Nick Mason, Paul Cook. I had to laugh when Mr V teased old fungus-chops Rick Wakeman with: ‘Ah, hello, Bob, what have you been doing since the Whistle Test?’

“Last I heard Nick Mason was inviting DV up for a spin in some rickety old biplane or other. Rather him than me.”

Classic Rock

Nas Talks “Life Is Good,” Wanting Eminem and Jay-Z for “Daughters (Remix),” That Would Have Been Dope

Nas’ highly anticipated album “Life Is Good” officially released on Tuesday and the rap veteran has been steadily speaking on many aspects of his 10th studio album. In one of his recent interviews, he once again touched on the significance of Kelis’ wedding dress on the album cover and explained airing out his personal issues on the album.

“It just came naturally. It really bothered me because we are in the Internet age. There was no way to avoid everything that was out there. To me that’s what shaped this album. I couldn’t escape all the stuff about my marriage or questions about [my finances]. So my answer was putting Kelis’ green wedding dress on the album cover. The music and the reality of my life go hand-in-hand. Life is poetry and that’s what this new album is. I haven’t had a record out in a long time. This is the way I got it all off of my chest.”

The Queensbridge native then expressed his willingness to work with fellow rap veterans Jay-Z and Eminem on a possible remix to his track “Daughters”. He explains why it didn’t work out.

“One of the only other rappers I thought about was AZ. And I wanted Eminem for a remix for “Daughters,” but he had already expressed that he’s spoken so much about his daughter throughout his career that he had done that subject too much. And me and Jay-Z talked about doing some things, but our schedules were so crazy.”

Would you have liked to hear a remix to Nas’ already controversial track “Daughters”?
Hip Hop Music

In Addition To Losing Everything, Young Buck Has Been Sentenced To 3 Years In Prison

Last week, Young Buck’s possessions including the rapper’s jewelry, recording equipment and even his name were claimed by the IRS and are scheduled to be put up for auction July 25th.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, back in 2010 Young Buck was arrested for possession of a weapon and ammunition. For that offense he will now have to serve 2 counts concurrently which results in a total of 18 months.

Young Buck’s reaction to the verdict:

“With the judge not considering my history to subtract some time, I’m just thankful for what time I do have.”

“My head is held high, and I’m just looking to get all this behind me,”

So Beans is going away for 2 years and Buck for 3, he should consider dropping an album as well before doing his stretch.
Hip Hop Music

CIRCA, Where Have You Been Hiding?

A promotional e-mail for a band called CIRCA showed up in my in-box recently and with life the way it has been lately, I did not get a chance to actually open it up and read it for a few days. Unfortunately, many promotional e-mails and other mailings I receive (DVDs, CDs, etc.) don’t have [...]

Real Rock News