VIA PRESS RELEASE | A rousing document of the legendary rock n’ roller’s first world tour in nearly two decades, Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul have released two new exciting collections today, allowing fans to relive the sensational live shows or to experience them for the first time. Titled SOULFIRE LIVE! after the vaunted 2017 tour of the same name, the live album is available as both a 7LP vinyl box set and as a two-disc Blu-ray video via Wicked Cool Records/UMe.
Comprised of the best performances from the North American and European concerts, the collections feature Little Steven aka Steven Van Zandt and his 15-strong band taking listeners through a musical history lesson as they blast through an arsenal of songs spanning rock, pop, soul, blues, funk, doo-wop, reggae and everything in between. Nearly every song from his 2016 album SOULFIRE is represented along with inspired covers and classic tracks from his early catalog. The sets each culminate with “Macca To Mecca!,” a 12-song tribute to The Beatles that kicks off with a riveting performance of “I Saw Her Standing There” recorded at The Roundhouse in London with a special appearance by Paul McCartney.
It is followed by an extraordinary surprise set at Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club recorded November 2017 during the band’s sold out European tour. The intimate lunchtime gig is filled with rocking renditions of “Magical Mystery Tour,” “Good Morning, Good Morning,” “Got To Get You Into My Life,” and “All You Need Is Love,” alongside iconic songs famously performed by the nascent Fab Four, including “Boys” (originally by The Shirelles), “Slow Down” (by Larry Williams), and “Soldier Of Love” (first recorded by Arthur Alexander).
“Our 2017 tour began in London with one of the most thrilling moments of my life,” says Van Zandt. “Sir Paul McCartney surprised us on stage for the encore of our show. We had performed together a couple times before with Bruce and the E Street Band but this time was particularly meaningful to me. It was an incredibly generous endorsement of my own work and just the encouragement my new artistic rebirth needed. Because of that wonderful gesture, I wanted to do something special once we got to Liverpool. We decided to do a mini-tribute to The Beatles and do a lunchtime set at the Cavern the way they used to. Playing in the same venue where The Beatles started their careers was a childhood dream of mine come true. This was a band that set me on course for a life of music. For my rock ‘n’ roll religion, The Cavern is the first sacred site. It was an honor – no, make that an epiphany – to perform there.”
The vinyl box set and Blu-ray editions of SOULFIRE LIVE! also includes all of the material from the 3CD version released last year. Among the many highlights are signature songs from his illustrious solo career – including “Lying In A Bed Of Fire,” “Bitter Fruit,” and “Out Of The Darkness,” as well as classics written for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, including “I Don’t Want To Go Home” and “Love On The Wrong Side Of Town” – alongside electrifying takes on a number of Little Steven’s all-time favorite rock ‘n’ roll songs, including Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ “Even The Losers,” AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long,” John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero,” The Allman Brothers Band’s “It’s Not My Cross To Bear,” The Animals’ “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place,” and The Ramones’ “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight).” Also included are spirited renditions of The Electric Flag’s “Groovin’ Is Easy,” Etta James’ “Blues Is My Business,” and James Brown’s “Down And Out In New York City,” from his SOULFIRE album. Van Zandt’s inimitable introductions detail each song’s unique history and singular spot in his life and remarkable career.
SOULFIRE LIVE! showcases special guest appearances from some of Little Steven’s closest friends, collaborators, and favorite artists. Among the highlights are versions of Moby Grape’s “Can’t Be So Bad” performed with the legendary San Francisco band’s founding member, Jerry Miller; the Motown classic, “Can I Get A Witness,” performed with New Jersey’s own Richie Sambora; The J. Geils Band’s “Freeze Frame” with vocals from the one and only Peter Wolf; and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” and Little Steven’s own “I Don’t Want To Go Home,” both joined by Bruce Springsteen.
The SOULFIRE LIVE! Blu-ray video edition includes Little Steven and the Disciples complete Cavern Club concert alongside video performances of each song on the 3CD/vinyl set, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage. In addition, the Blu-ray features a special documentary about the Cavern Club performance that saw Little Steven honored with a brick in the club’s hallowed Wall of Fame before leading his band through swift rehearsals of Beatles songs mere minutes ahead of their performance.
Whichever version you pick up, SOULFIRE LIVE! is an epic and electrifying journey through rock ‘n’ roll history led by one of its most passionate practitioners, showcasing Steven Van Zandt’s limitless knowledge, talent, and sheer love for the genre in all its many shapes and guises.
