“Winds Of Change” is the long-awaited follow-up to Jim Peterik’s now legendary “Jim Peterik’s World Stage” album. Set for release on April 26, 2019, “Winds of Change”, is another musical masterpiece featuring brand new Peterik songs in collaboration with a who’s who of melodic rock’s greatest superstars, including Kevin Chalfant (ex-The Storm), Dennis DeYoung (ex-Styx), Matthew and Gunnar Nelson Band, Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger), Lars Safsund and Robert Sall (Work of Art), Toby Hitchcock (Pride Of Lions), Danny Vaughn (Tyketto), Mike Reno (Loverboy), Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon), Jason Scheff (ex-Chicago), and a very special previously unreleased track by the late, great Jimi Jamison.
“Since the success of my first World Stage album back in 2001 and countless shows since, I have wanted to create a new musical legacy with this format,” says Jim. "Listening to voices blending as one has always inspired me, going back to the Beatles and other great vocal groups. I have always considered myself as much a fan of great bands and artists as I am an artist myself, so a project like World Stage is a dream come true since I get to pay homage to those whose music I love, by writing and performing with them. With "Winds Of Change" I was honored to work with some of the best, adapting my writing and production styles to fit a particular act. Many of the songs were actually co- written with the artists appearing too.”
Jim Peterik and World Stage arose from the initial idea that the musical and spiritual collaboration of great artists and friends could be something truly special. The resulting album clearly displays the many talents of Jim Peterik, enhanced and embellished by a cast of noted singers and musicians.
"Mike Reno: I would always watch from the wings back in the 80’s when Survivor played dates with Loverboy. I’d see the crowd go nuts when they hit "Working For The Weekend", so that’s the vibe Mike and I tried to recreate with "Without A Bullet Being Fired", say Peterik.
He continues, "I am still pinching myself that I am now writing songs with Dennis DeYoung for his new album. "Proof of Heaven" is one of my proudest moments. Same inspiration was behind the title track "Winds Of Change" with Don Barnes and Danny Chauncey (.38 Special). Kelly Keagy and Kevin Chalfant and I had a blast capturing the energy of Night Ranger and The Storm’s hits with "I Will What I Want" and "Sometimes You Just Want More" respectively. And of course "Just For You" with the great Kevin Cronin is a very special moment for me. When I watched Danny Vaughn perform at Frontiers Festival a few years back, I immediately started planning to make him a part of World Stage. "The Hand I Was Dealt" is the result, which we co-wrote. "Home Fires" with the incredible Toby Hitchcock is a song I think any fan of Pride Of Lions will take to heart. And I have created new friendships with Work Of Art and Jason Scheff because of this record.”
"I am a rabid fan of every artist on the album and it was such a thrill to try and bring out their best essence, but for me the most touching moment of this record is reviving an amazing lost track by the late great Jimi Jamison. As I mixed the new version, it was again like having Jimi in the studio with me as his stunning voice came through the monitors. There was not a dry eye in the room. With "Love You All Over The World", his spirit is still with us all," adds Peterik.
In conclusion, Peterik says, "World Stage, which I created soon after I parted ways with Survivor back in 1996, was my way of bringing together the melodic rock community. Setting aside any competition between us to create great melodic rock for the audience that craves it. Since then, every World Stage show has been a total love fest with each show featuring an ever changing array of great artists.”
"Winds Of Change" certainly carries on that tradition and shows are in the planning stages that will reflect the line-up of this record.
Jim Peterik, through the years, has written or co-written some of rock's most memorable songs: "Vehicle" by the The Ides Of March (on which he was lead vocalist), "Eye Of The Tiger," "The Search Is Over," "High On You," and "I Can't Hold Back”, hits for .38 Special such as "Hold On Loosely," "Caught Up In You," "Fantasy Girl," and "Rockin' Into The Night", "Heavy Metal" with Sammy Hagar, and many many more. Peterik, now a part of Pride of Lions with vocalist Toby Hitchcock, is one of the most esteemed and loved recording artists and songwriters, not only on the Frontiers label, but in the larger melodic rock community.
Tracklist:
1. Winds Of Change (featuring Danny Chauncey and Don Barnes of .38 Special)
2. Without A Bullet Being Fired (featuring Mike Reno of Loverboy)
3. Proof Of Heaven (featuring Dennis DeYoung)
4. Sometimes You Just Want More (featuring Kevin Chalfant)
5. Home Fires (featuring Toby Hitchcock of Pride of Lions)
6. Just For You (featuring Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon)
7. The Hand I Was Dealt (featuring Danny Vaughn of Tyketto)
8. Where Eagles Dare (featuring Lars Safsund and Robert Sall of Work of Art)
9. I Will What I Want (featuring Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger)
10. You’re Always There (featuring Jason Scheff)
11. Avalanche (featuring Gunnar and Matt Nelson)
12. Love You All Over The World (featuring Jimi Jamison)
It is with great sadness that we are writing this. But after multiple meetings and discussions we have mutually agreed to part ways with Bigfoot after we have seen out our upcoming tour dates and commitments. No one is giving up music, so keep an eye out and I’m sure everyone will be bringing new music to you in the future.
We haven’t fallen out and are still good friends but we all feel this is the right decision at this time. The band has been our life for the past 5 years and we have worked so hard to get to where we are after starting from the bottom. Pulling the plug has probably been the hardest decision any of us have had to make and we hope that people respect how difficult the decision was and that we have considered all factors.
We would like to thank every single person that has supported us over the years through our ups and downs. Without the support of our amazing fan base, friends and family we couldn’t have achieved what we have and we will forever be grateful for that. We have made some incredible friends that we won’t forget, played with some incredible bands, been to some amazing places in the world and have some of the best memories from it all.
We would also like to thank Sean Seabrook for joining us on lead vocals during such a difficult time for the band which allowed us to follow through with most of our commitments without letting down all the fans, promoters and venues that had invested in the band.
We will be seeing out all the tour dates that have already been announced and will be planning a final farewell tour. We won’t be compromising; you’ll still get 100% from us at all shows!
We hope to see you all out at our final shows to celebrate what’s been one hell of an adventure for us all. We’ll keep you updated about all future activity so stay in touch and don’t forget about us!
Lanvall:"The whole songwriting process for the new album took around 18 months and I soon realized, that we could bring the band sound to a new level. Our trademark sound of course is still there, nevertheless we have numerous interesting experiments on the album, where we explore new shores. Let it be the irish sounding song "ON THE OTHER SIDE", the half-ballad "TAUERNGOLD" with its doom elements, or the 12 minutes epic longtrack "THE LAST OF HIS KIND". Even after the long songwriting and arranging process I am still super excited with the new songs!"
Sabine:"As Lanvall already mentioned, the recordings to our new album are fully on and what I heard so far in the studio is more than promising. But this is only the beginning and it already sounds huge. So I am really burning to be behind the microphone soon to contribute my part. "DYNAMIND" seems to have a very special energy and will probably turn much upside down. Be prepared!"
Line- Up:
Sabine Edelsbacher – Vocals Lanvall – Guitars & KeyboardsDominik Sebastian – Guitars Stefan Gimpl - Bass Johannes Jungreithmeier – Drums
On this episode of Westwood One's Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon, new interviews with Foreigner's Mick Jones, Mike Tramp and songwriter Jim Vallance. Alan Niven co-hosts.
Our first interview is a quick ten minute hit n' run chat with Foreigner's Mick Jones. We discuss the upcoming Jukebox Heroes musical, Lou Gramm's 'retirement', the future of Foreigner including more reunion shows this summer and going on without Mick, supporting the Shiner's Hospital, the upcoming Rainbow '78 DVD, the Cold As Ice Canadian Tour and more.
In out second interview, we chat with former White Lion vocalist Mike Tramp. He discusses being in regular contact with guitarist Vito Bratta, KISS & Paul Stanley, vocal issues, his new album Stray From The Flock, leaving America, his debut with Mabel, being a 15 year old 'rock star' and parental support, the end of White Lion is final, opening for KISS, the PRIDE album, rock n' roll is 'the big swindle' and much more.
(Starts at 1hr08 approx) We end the episode with song writer extraordinaire, Jim Vallance. We discuss his approach to songwriting, working with the greats (Bryan Adams, Scorpions, KISS, Ozzy, Aerosmith, Alice Cooper and so many more, the Broadway musical (Pretty Woman) that he scored with Bryan Adams, being a 'song doctor', meeting Bryan Adams, how does streaming affect the business of being a songwriter, Bryan Adams' Reckless album, playing drums on different songs, getting Lou Gramm to do background vocals, receiving the Order Of Canada award, his mantra, and much more.
