Joe Elliott's Down 'n' Outz

Found this little note about Joe Elliott's latest outing at Blabbermouth.Net

"Sometimes the most interesting of projects arise from the most unusual of circumstances. So it is that the DOWN 'N OUTZ is a project fronted by DEF LEPPARD's Joe Elliott, backed by THE QUIREBOYS and playing rare tracks connected only by MOTT THE HOOPLE….

Joe Elliott takes up the story: "When MOTT THE HOOPLE announced they were reforming for a week's worth of shows at the Hammersmith Odeon, I was asked that I participate in some capacity. They've always been my favorite band and it's nice to see the rest of the rock world finally catch up and give them their due.

"But, what was I to do? It was suggested to me that THE QUIREBOYS would be up for offering their services. This was perfect! A fan since their first album, I loved the idea of working with a band as enthusiastic to do this as I was.

"I decided that the thing to do was play some songs that like minded people thought they would never hear live again, if ever, songs by spin-offs of MOTT THE HOOPLE — songs by Mott, Ian Hunter and BRITISH LIONS. Songs that are close to my heart, songs that I've played every week for the best part of 35 years on record, cassette, CD, iPod and now live."

The DOWN 'N OUTZ supported MOTT THE HOOPLE at one of their legendary 2009 reformation shows at Hammersmith Odeon. In addition to Joe Elliott (vocals, guitar, keyboards), the band featured THE QUIREBOYS' Paul Guerin (guitar), Guy Griffin (guitar), Keith Weir (keyboards) and Phil Martini (drums) and finally bassist Ronnie Garrity (RAW GLORY). Following a rapturous reception, the one-night project took on a life and energy of its own and an album project was born. DOWN 'N OUTZ then set about recording an album's worth of material. Entitled "My Re Generation", the CD was produced by Joe Elliott, with co-production by Ronan McHugh, and was recorded at Elliott's own studio Joe's Garage and Moor Hall studio in Bedfordshire.

"My Re Generation" track listing (with original recording artist listed in parenthesis):

01. Golden Opportunity (Ian Hunter)
02. Storm (Mott)
03. Overnight Angels (Ian Hunter)
04. Career (No Such Thing As Rock 'n' Roll) (Mott)
05. England Rocks (Ian Hunter)
06. Shouting And Pointing (Mott)
07. By Tonight (Mott)
08. Who Do You Love (Ian Hunter)
09. One More Chance To Run (BRITISH LIONS)
10. Good Times (Mott, originally recorded by THE EASYBEATS)"

The album is released as a 13 track CD and actually came out in July this year. It's pretty good stuff as well. I wasn't quite sure how it was going to sound but I have to say I'm quite impressed.

Solomon Burke dies aged 70!

U.S. soul singer Solomon Burke died at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam on Sunday morning, aged 70, after flying in from Los Angeles, Dutch media reported.
Known as the King of Rock and Soul, the Grammy winner was a preacher turned singer and had released his latest album "Nothing's Impossible" in April.

He mixed gospel with rhythm and blues and made several soul classics, including the 1964 hit "Somebody to Love." Famed R&B producer Jerry Wexler referred to him as the "best soul singer of all time," according to Burke's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame biography.

Local news agency ANP said Burke was declared dead at the Schiphol morgue and a doctor said he had died of natural causes. His body will be returned to the U.S. next week.

A Schiphol airport spokeswoman in Amsterdam confirmed Burke had died, but could not provide further details.

The burley Burke, who often performed in the Netherlands, had been due to release a new compact disc, "Hold on Tight," with the Dutch band of De Dijk on Tuesday in Amsterdam. His last concert was on September 4 in Seattle.

Born March 21, 1940 in Philadelphia, Burke started singing in church choirs at a young age and later became a minister.

He presented gospel music on a local radio station and made some recordings between 1954 and 1958 before obtaining a contract with Atlantic Records in 1960.

He won a Grammy as recently as 2003, owned a church a funeral enterprise and a limousine rental service.

He was known for his showmanship and on stage would sometimes sit on a stage, resplendent in regal robes. He had 21 children and 90 grandchildren.

(Reporting by Aaron Gray-Block and Marcel Michelson; Editing by Matthew Jones)