The Waterboys Shimmer at The BellwetherMike Scott, main man with British/Irish folky rockers The Waterboys, may be one of the most underrated songwriters on the planet. Like a Scottish Marshall Crenshaw, he's had a couple of hits but he's kinda criminally known for them by the wider world, when in fact his entire body of work deserves serious attention. He should be studied, and perhaps one day he will be.

At the Bellwether, Scott and his band were incredible. Essentially, they performed a handful of crowd faves, then the recent Life, Death and Dennis Hopper album in its entirety, then more classics.

Scott has surrounded himself with wonderful musicians, with the one American in the band -- Memphis keys man Brother Paul Brown -- the wild performer in the ranks. His keytar, which Scott refers to as the "white thing," is both glorious and hilarious.

Within the first batch of songs, we got the gorgeous "Glastonbury Song," as well as the "woo-hoo-hoo" sing-along of "Fisherman Blues" (the band's best song, in our opinion).

The Life, Death and Dennis Hopper portion of the set started with a video of country icon Steve Earle singing the Scott/Earle co-written "Kansas." From there, the live rendition of the album took us on quite the journey, Scott the narrator. He clearly adores visionaries, of which Hopper is definitely one. Earle too.

"Hopper's On Top (Genius)" is a celebration of that, and by the time the album ended with the beautiful and dramatic "The Passing of Hopper," we felt like we knew the legendary actor a little better. Or at least, a little deeper.

For the final portion of the set, we were back to Scott's arsenal. "Don't Bang the Drum," "Spirit," and "The Pan Within" are all from 1985's classic The is the Sea album, and they were given new life here.

Naturally, The Waterboys pulled out "The Whole of the Moon" as an encore, before finishing with a cover of Prince's "Purple Rain" (there's Scott's love of visionaries again).

Underrated Scott may be. But not by the crowd that gathered at The Bellwether on a Friday night.

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Iconoclast partners with Vermillio to monitor use of Tony Bennett’s name, image, voice and likeness on gen-AI systemsThe collaboration will use Vermillio's TraceID technology to scan the internet and AI models for unlicensed uses of Bennett's likeness.
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In The Trenches with Bahar Tas of world music venue Drom NYCAn experienced marketer, Bhar Tas began working at the Drom NYC as a volunteer. For the last 18 months she's served as the Marketing Manager at this seminal New York world music venue.
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How I Lost a Paid Gig to a DJ Working for ‘Exposure’Manila-based DJ Khim Custodio questions the morality of club management behavior after his paid gig was abruptly canceled when someone cheaper came along.
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VINCE GILL SIGNS LIFETIME RECORD DEAL WITH MCAPhoto ID (L-R): MCA’s Mike Haris and Rob Femia, Larry Fitzgerald, Vince Gill, MCA’s Katie McCartney and Stephanie Wright (Photo credit: Chris Hollo)

He's going to be the main feature in our November issue, and news just dropped that MCA has announced that country music icon Vince Gill "has signed a lifetime record deal with the label, cementing decades of partnership and collaboration. As part of this unprecedented agreement, Vince will release an EP featuring new music every month for the next year, giving fans a consistent stream of original material from one of country music’s most celebrated voices."

"The series, titled 50 Years From Home, will showcase Vince’s artistry through a combination of new music and carefully selected catalog tracks that complement each EP’s theme," they said in a statement. "The first EP, 50 Years From Home: I Gave You Everything I Had, is set for release on October 17 and will include the recently 2x Platinum-certified classic, Go Rest High on That Mountain."

“Vince has been a major part of the MCA family for decades,” said Mike Harris , President & CEO, MCA.  “This lifetime agreement reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting his artistic vision and providing him artistic freedom while ensuring his legacy continues to grow.”

“I’m feeling the most creative I’ve ever felt in my career these last few years,” shared Vince Gill. “I’ve collected a treasure trove of songs and with my friends and partners at MCA we’ve come up with a way to release all this new music. It’s a partnership that’s lasted 36 years and I’m grateful for it.” 

Vince’s longtime manager Larry Fitzgerald added, “MCA Records has been Vince’s home since early in his career, and now he knows their partnership will endure into the future. Vince’s fans wanting his music won’t have to look any further than MCA to find it.  My relationship with Vince began 41 years ago and I’m thrilled to stand with him at this important moment.”

"This lifetime deal is a testament to the long-standing partnership between Vince Gill and MCA," they said. "It reflects the enduring trust and commitment that has defined their relationship while positioning Vince as a timeless figure in country music, continuing to influence both the current landscape and future generations of artists and fans alike."

"During his time at MCA, Vince has amassed 1.7 Billion global streams and 19.4 Million in domestic album sales. He is up to 28.5 Million in total RIAA certified units with 24 Million in RIAA album certifications and 3.5 Million in RIAA single certifications. He has 2 Gold albums, 5 Platinum albums, 6 Multi-Platinum albums, 3 Gold singles and 1 Multi-Platinum single."

"Throughout his illustrious career, Vince has earned numerous accolades, including 18 CMA Awards, 22 Grammy Awards, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. He became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1991 and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012. His songwriting contributions were recognized with induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, and in 2014, he was awarded the prestigious BMI Icon Award."The post VINCE GILL SIGNS LIFETIME RECORD DEAL WITH MCA first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Supreme Court snubs Live Nation as multiple cases move forwardThe U.S. Supreme Court has has refused to review whether Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s arbitration plan to deal with customer complaints is protected by federal law. The defeat comes as multiple important federal cases against the concert giant move forward.
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Samantha Saturn exits role as Chief Marketing Officer at SESAC Music GroupSaturn says she's about to start "a new chapter" in the music industry, but hasn't offered details
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Artists announced for ROSTR & Bandsintown EARLY showcaseROSTR x Bandsintown's new live showcase EARLY debuts on October 16, 2025 in Los Angeles.
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Classical Highlights for September 2025What is in the current batch of new classical albums deemed by our reviewers as worthy of a listen? Start with the vocal ensemble Gesualdo Six (pictured) who put together another outstanding program on the new album Radiant Dawn. Find this and many more in our September classical review roundup.

Guitar Center partners with Schecter to launch exclusive SC-6 six-string bassTwo instrumental powerhouses, Guitar Center and Schecter Guitar Research, have teamed up to produce the Schecter SC-6 Six-String Bass, a piece that boasts unique clarity and a dynamic range, the ideal guitar for musicians looking to push the boundaries of their sonic comfort zone.

Exclusively available at Guitar Center stores in the U.S. and online at guitarcenter.com, the SC-6 has a Nyatoh body with a natural satin flamed maple top that offers rich resonance alongside a durable and easy-to-navigate rosewood fretboard. Available for $799.99, the SC-6 is easy on the eyes and houses Schecter Diamond 6ST Active Bass Pickups paired with the powerful 18V active 3-band EQ for a striking and flexible tone. 

“The SC-6 marks a major step in bringing extended-range basses into the spotlight for a wider audience,” said Gabe Dalporto, CEO of Guitar Center, in a press release. “By partnering with Schecter, we’re able to deliver a bass with boutique-level features at an affordable price, giving passionate players and aspiring performers access to the tools they need to push their music further.”The post Guitar Center partners with Schecter to launch exclusive SC-6 six-string bass first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

‘We’re in the business of working with people who change the way other people feel.’Peter Edge, RCA's Los Angeles-based CEO, on building careers in an age of shortened attention spans, why "premium" artists are winning in a crowded marketplace, and more
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How Bands and Music Venues Can Market Live Shows Like the ProsEven the best live performances can fall flat if nobody knows they’re happening. Whether you're a band gearing up for a new release or a venue building your calendar, effective marketing is what turns a good show into a packed house. Learn how bands and music venues can market shows like the pros.
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17 Killer Social Media Content Ideas for MusiciansA helpful guide for artists to cut through the noise of social media with time-tested and original content ideas that fit your brand.
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Music Business News Last Week: TikTok, Facebook, PROs & MoreImportant music business news last week included concern over the TikTok U.S. ownership change, new Facebook fan marketing tools for musicians, a global music revenue update, a shift at Ticketmaster, an expanded PRO database, and more.
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Live Review of Colin Blunstone and RooneyMajestic Theater Detroit, MI

Contact: fiona@thebloomeffect.com 

Web: colinblunstone.net; rooneymusic.com 

Players: Colin Blunstone, vocals; Robert Schwartzman, vocals, guitar; Sean Sobash, bass; Brad Goodall, keyboards, vocals

It was a multi-generational meeting of the minds where members of alternative power pop band Rooney joined forces with one of their prime musical heroes and inspirations, Colin Blunstone of The Zombies. Actually this was not the first time for the pairing as Rooney has toured with Blunstone and his legendary British counterparts in years past. 

But this particular show had unique relevance for it was part of a select U.S. cities tour promoting Rooney front man Schwartzman’s new documentary on The Zombies called Hung Up on a Dream. The evening was a complete entertainment experience where the audience was treated to a screening of the 90-minute film, followed by a live semi-acoustic performance and a Q&A segment afterwards, with documentary director Schwartzman, Blunstone and Music Connection contributor and moderator Gary Graff.

Following the film screening, the members of Rooney jumped on the somewhat barren stage and warmed up the crowd, with a few of their radio-ready hits of the last decade or so. Sans drums, they burst out emphatically with their rapturous song “If It Were Up To Me.” Schwartzman commanded the stage from the outset, with strong lead pipes and a taut heavy pop feel. The wall of harmonies was textbook and clear as Sobash’s driving bass locked in seamlessly with the overall enveloping mix. In the vein of classic ‘60s/’70s stylists like Badfinger, Nilsson, Big Star and the like, descending chord sequences blended with joyous harmonies that led into one of their biggest singles “When Did Your Heart Go Missing?” Schwartzman was like a man possessed, darting back and forth, singing the hook with laser focus as Goodall matched the lead vocal melodies note for note on the keys. 

When Blunstone entered the fray it was an almost surreal moment. The crowd rose to their feet and stayed there from the incessant refrain of “Tell Her No,” onward. “She’s Not There” retained that cool jazzy cadence as Goodall covered original keyboardist Rod Argent’s parts perfectly. And that’s no mean feat, indeed! Rooney and Blunstone also played deep cuts like the baroque-inspired “This Will Be Our Year,” an early solo single for The Zombies’ front man, “Caroline Goodbye” and the film’s namesake “Hung Up on a Dream.” 

The set closer “Time of the Season” appropriately brought the house down. It was a great vehicle to get the crowd involved and served as a memorable way to leave everyone in a very satisfied and engaged state of mind. The post Live Review of Colin Blunstone and Rooney first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.