Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of September 5, 2021

September 12, 2021 by Amy Gold

During the week of September 5, 2021, CBS announced its upcoming special, "Kenny Rogers - All In For The Gambler," to be broadcast on September 23. Filmed in October 2017 some 2-3 years before the country legend's passing, this farewell bash, which took place at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, features performances by such top artists as Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and Lionel Richie, as well as Rogers himself.

Also that week, Elton John scored his second #1 hit in 2021 on the U.K. countdown radio show, "The Official Big Top 40," with "Cold Heart," a collaboration with Dua Lipa. He topped that chart earlier this year with his cover of The Pet Shop Boys' "It's A Sin."

KISS relaunched its farewell tour on September 9, 2021 with a concert in Irvine, CA after the band was forced to postpone a series of U.S. shows when Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons both tested positive for COVID-19. Doctors advised that the tour was safe to resume after Stanley and Simmons quarantined for 10 days, and many of the shows have been rescheduled. For more info and tickets, visit KISSOnline.com.

The 24-hour Global Citizen Live concerts will take place September 25, 2021 in many cities around the world, with featured performers to include many veteran bands and artists. Stevie Wonder will headline the show in Los Angeles at the Greek Theatre. The Paris and London shows will feature Elton John and disco legends Nile Rodgers & CHIC, respectively. Other cities hosting Global Citizen concerts include New York City along with Sydney, Australia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Lagos, Nigeria.

Jefferson Airplane's epic 1967 smash, "White Rabbit," is featured prominently in the official trailer for "The Matrix Resurrections," the upcoming fourth installment in "The Matrix" film series starring Keanu Reeves. Written by Grace Slick, this rock classic is included in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Also that week, "Becoming Led Zeppelin," the new official documentary about the celebrated English rock band, made its premiere at Italy's Venice International Film Festival where guitarist Jimmy Page was in attendance. This film includes interviews with Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones, plus archival interviews with the band's late drummer, John Bonham.

Finally, the state of Georgia declared September 9 as "Otis Redding Day" in honor of the late soul legend who would have turned 80 this year on that day. Redding died in 1967 at age 26 in a plane crash three days after recording his classic "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay."

In Memoriam:

Tours & Shows:
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Canceled & Postponed Events:
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New & Upcoming Recordings:
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(For more information about the above news items, please see below for a list of sources with links.)