US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s performance of Neil Young’s ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ with a local band in Kyiv has drawn criticism from Ukrainian netizens, who found it inappropriate in light of the ongoing conflict with Russia. Some netizens called Blinken’s performance ‘disgraceful’ and an ’embarrassment’ amid the daily loss of life in Ukraine due to lack of support from allies.
During an unexpected visit to Kyiv, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stepped outside his diplomatic role and picked up an electric guitar to perform Neil Young’s ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ alongside a local band at a bar named ‘Diktat’. Blinken’s performance aimed to uplift the spirits of Ukrainians facing Russian aggression, with the song’s lyrics echoing the fight for freedom and the support of the international community. The video of Blinken’s performance went viral, drawing mixed reactions online. Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry interpreted the visit as a sign of growing American concern over the war’s progression, while the Defense Ministry reported shooting down Ukrainian missiles targeting Crimea.
Synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys have released their 15th studio album, Nonetheless, which features a mix of familiar and new sounds. French electronic outfit Justice have explored disco and funk elements in their latest album, Hyperdrama. Annie Clark, performing as St Vincent, has released her seventh album, All Born Screaming, which showcases her heaviest and most unsettling work to date. Neil Young and Crazy Horse have rerecorded their 1990 album Ragged Glory on Fu##in’ Up, delivering a raw and energetic performance.
The lineup for the 2024 Ohana Festival has been announced, with headlining performances from Neil Young and Crazy Horse and Pearl Jam. Other acts on the bill include Alanis Morissette, Black Pumas, Cat Power, Dogstar, Garbage, Idles, Jenny Lewis, Kim Gordon, Maren Morris, and more. Pre-sale for Ohana Festival tickets starts on April 25 at 10 AM PT, with a general sale to follow if tickets remain available.
The Ohana Festival has unveiled its lineup for this fall’s event at Doheny State Beach, featuring an impressive roster of headliners and supporting acts. Pearl Jam will take the stage for two nights, Friday and Sunday, in celebration of their new album, Dark Matter. Other notable headliners include Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Alanis Morissette, Garbage, and Turnpike Troubadours. The three-day festival, hosted by Eddie Vedder, will run from September 27th to 29th and feature a diverse range of musical genres. The festival lineup includes:
– Friday: Pearl Jam, Maren Morris, Crowded House, Ryan Beaty, Flipturn, Dogstar, Gabriels
– Saturday: Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Black Pumas, Jenny Lewis, Glen Hansard, Cat Power
– Sunday: Pearl Jam, Alanis Morissette, Idles, the Breeders, Kim Gordon, La Lom, La Santa Cecilia
Tickets will go on sale to the public on Thursday, April 25th at 10 am PT, with a variety of options available including general admission, VIP, and ultimate VIP packages. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience this incredible musical event on the picturesque shores of Doheny State Beach.
After last week’s significant releases from Taylor Swift and Record Store Day, this week’s music release schedule is more diverse and features new albums from prominent artists St. Vincent, Anitta, Pet Shop Boys, Neil Young, and CeCe Winans. There are also commemorative anniversary packages for Def Leppard, Billy Idol, and Tina Turner.
