...WHAT'S
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...HERE'S WHAT'S
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1/3/2012 - NEW! Alan Merrill's latest album "Snakes and Ladders" (the collections, volume 3) is released. The album photos, information and the lyrics to "Snakes and Ladders" are linked here. Alan will be performing solo acoustic at Otto's (14th street between avenues A & B) in New York City on January 16th. Alan Merrill and the New Arrows website has been updated! More news soon!
12/12/2011 - The YouTube clips of Alan Merrill's November 2011 mini tour of the UK are up for viewing, mainly the shows from (links underlined) London at The Lexington and at Talking Heads in Southampton. - Alan is in the art work phase of his new album, "Snakes & Ladders" Volume 3 of the collections. As previously stated it's on target for release the first week of January 2012 or even earlier. Alan's new solo album will include a varied mix of musical styles, the same as the first two issues of the collections. - This month Alan is doing both live electric band backed and acoustic shows at venues like The Old St Patick's Basilica church with the Left Banke and the NYC Tisch choir when "I Love Rock N Roll" goes to church in New York City, perfomed solo acoustic by Alan Merrill, conducted by Ralph Affoumado. - Also all star band backed shows at Hill Country in Manhattan on December the 21st and 31st round out the year. Alan also has a spot on the Rew and Who internet radio and Manhattan cable TV show, Wednesday Dec. 14th- on air start time at 4PM.
11/17/2011 - This month Alan Merrill has done a two week mini tour of the UK, which was very successful. Alan is in the mastering phase of his new album, Volume 3 of the collections. As previously stated it's on target for release in January 2012 or even earlier. Alan's new solo album will include a varied mix of musical styles, the same as the first two issues of the collections. - This month Alan is doing both live electric band backed and acoustic shows at venues like The R Bar club in New York City, the The Lexington in London andThe Talking Heads in Southampton UK. Alan also has a spot co-hosting the Matt Barker, Kyrstal Radio internet radio/TV show and the BBC Alex Dyke show, as well as an interview with Rob McKenzie for Rocktopia Magazine. Alan has done his November 2011 UK tour with a terrific band including Dave Glover (bass), Geoff Lea (guitar), and Kyle Fenton (drums) - There's also a new youtube clips of the tour with"Shake Me!" / "I Love Rock N Roll," "Helium Hag" "Moving Next Door To You" and "Automatic Pilot/Toughen Up" filmed by various audience members.
10/16/2011 - This month Alan Merrill's co-written composition with Shinohara Nobuhiko titled "Goin' On" is now a theme song on Asahi television on the show "Sekai No Kaido Wo Yuku" (Travelling on the roads of the world) which is on air nightly Monday through Friday, in Japan.- Alan is in the mixing phase of his new album, Volume 3 of the collections. As previously stated it's on target for release in January 2012 or even earlier. Alan's new solo album will include a varied mix of musical styles, the same as the first two issues of the collections. - This month Alan is doing both live electric band backed and acoustic shows at venues like The New Cutting Room club in New York City, the The Mercury Lounge in Manhattan and Smith's Tavern in Brooklyn. Alan also has a spot co-hosting the Rew and Who internet radio/TV show Oct. 26th. Alan is preparing for his November 2011 UK tour with a terrific band including Dave Glover (bass), Geoff Lea (guitar), and Kyle Fenton (drums) - Most of the tickets are already sold out!
Don't miss these events !! - There's also a new youtube clip of Alan Merrill's seventies co-write with Monsieur Kamayatsu, a duet by Tib Kamayatsu and his son Monsieur recorded in 1971 from the Father and Mad Son LP (Phillips) "Long Road Home", also another co-written duet, this time featuring duet vocals by Alan and Monsieur on "Of The People" which was re-issued on CD in 1997. The rhythm section on both songs feature Samurai band members Tetsu Yamauchi and Yujin Harada in 1971. More to come-
9/2/2011 - This month Alan Merrill has finished tracking on his new album, Volume 3 of the collections, and it's going very well, on target for release in January 2012 or even earlier.. Alan's new solo new album will include a diverse mix of musical styles, as previously with the first two issues of the collections. There are some live electric band backed and acoustic shows at venues like BB Kings club in New York City and solo acoustic shows at PJ Harveys in Brooklyn and The Gardens on the Lower East Side of Manhattan this month. Alan is preparing for his November 2011 UK tour with a terrific band including Dave Glover (bass), Geoff Lea (guitar), and Kyle Fenton (drums) - so get your tickets now before they're sold out!
There's also a new youtube clip of Alan Merrill's song "Numbers"- the title track of his most recent album release in February of this year. More to come.....
8/16/2011 - This month Alan Merrill is hard at work on a new album, Volume 3 of his collections, and it's going very well, on target for release in January 2012. He was also commissioned this month to write the theme song of a Japanese TV show, a documentary series about travel. The song is done and will be included on Alan's new solo new album. There are some live, electric band backed shows at venues like Cha Chas of Coney Island and Uncle Mike's club in New York City this month. There are also some radio interviews, including the Matt Barker show in England and the Atlantic Tunnel Show recorded in New York. The shows are archived on both their sites. Please see the Tour Dates and Appearances section of this website for more information. The Vodka Collins "Tokyo - New York" album featuring Alan Merrill is set for a reissue on EMI records Japan on October 26th 2011. The album features glam classics like "Pontiac Pan" and "Monitor" (which can be seen and heard on the links as youtube clips posted here) as well as the hits "Sands Of Time" and "Automatic Pilot"- songs which were the first glam rock songs in history ever to be recorded in Japanese, and Alan Merrill was the lead singer on those legendary tracks.
7/17/2011 - On July 16th Alan appeared on the show "Secrets of the pop song" on BBC2 performing the original version of "I Love Rock N Roll" (full clip here ) and a short clip of the Arrows performance was used on the broadcast. Tokyo Five Online Magazine have done an interview with Alan, check it out.. The first photos of Alan Merrill's latest photo session, shot on June 22nd, 2011 with Len DeLessio have been posted on the internet. The session was arranged by publicist Ida Langsam. From archival releases Alan Merrill's 1975 session with Arrows & The Faces short time merger that appears on the album "Tawny Tracks" is now featured on youtube in slide show format with the song "Come On, Come On, Baby". Also from "Merrill 1"
and Alan's 1971 Tokyo sessions is "Policy" also on youtube. Alan Merrill will be doing a mini tour of the UK in November, three dates, to be followed by some shows in Tokyo and Hong Kong all details being arranged now. Get your tickets soon for the UK shows, they're selling our fast! As usual Alan will be doing solo acoustic and electric band backed shows and also some radio interviews in New York City. Please see the Tour Dates and Appearances section of this website for more information.
6/17/2011 - Alan Merrill as usual will be doing solo acoustic and electric band backed shows, also some radio interviews. Please see the Tour Dates and Appearances section of this website for more information. This month Alan will be performing at the Mississippi Day Picnic sponsored by New York City in Central Park. He will be backed up by the amazing Jon Paris Group. From his recent release, Alan Merrill's composition "White Heat" from the 2010 album "Face Of 69" is now featured on you tube in slide show format, as well as the Alan Merrill song "Cold Cold September" which appeared on his first indie CD release "Never Pet A Burning Dog" in 1998 - Alan played at the 20th "Songwriter's From Hell" show at Banjo Jim's in New York and it was a very successful evening.
All the artists performing were terrific!
Alan Merrill's top 5 song picks appear in a newly released book "1,000 Songs That Rock Your World" (Thompson / Kraus Publications), so check out the tunes that inspire Alan!
5/21/2011 - This month Alan Merrill will be doing solo acoustic and band backed shows, as well as some radio interviews. Please see the Tour Dates and Appearances section of this website for more information on current activity. From his latest release, Alan Merrill's title track of his 2011 album "Numbers" is now featured on you tube in slide show format, as well as The Arrows classic Arrows hit "Touch Too Much" in cartoon format. Also on youtube is the cover of "You Better Move On" that Alan did on his Double Shot Rocks album. For those curious about Catherine Howe's 1980 (Arista/Ariola) cover of Alan Merrill's composition "When The Night Comes" it's on youtube at last! A terrific version!
4/10/2011 - Alan Merrill is doing a benefit concert for relief for (tsunami aid funds) Japan with proceeds going to the Red Cross, at The Mercury Lounge in New York City on April 10th at 10 PM. He'll be doing a solo acoustic set including hits from Vodka Collins, Arrows, Runner, Derringer and some of his other popular compositions which have been covered by artists like Lou Rawls and Freddie Scott. Alan has also filmed The Joey Reynolds TV show on April 9th in Times Square NYC, and is doing lots of radio show interviews this month to promote his solo album "Numbers"- . From the album Numbers, for something completely different, Alan Merrill's music "At The Candy Shop" is now featured on you tube in slide show format as well as The Arrows lost classic "Shake Me" which was covered by Rick Derringer on his Good Dirty Fun LP.
3/6/2011 - Alan will be doing New York solo acoustic and band backedappearances this month as usual, including a Mod themed night at The Delancey on March the 30th, 7-10 PM. Also a new commercial featuring "I Love Rock N Roll" has been used in a Peugeot car promotion airing now in Europe. Alan will be co-hosting the Rew and Who internet TV-Radio show live on March 30th 4-6 PM. NEW! - Alan Merrill is working on the 3rd album in a series of Collections, which should be out in tandem with the release of his autobiography. The album will eventually be issued as a triple album 3 disc collection. Tours of Japan and England are being planned for later on in the year. Last but not least, the you tube slideshow for "Helium Hag" from Alan's latest album "Numbers" is now up for viewing Update, 2-24-2011, Alan Merrill did a benefit concert for relief aid for tsunami victims of Japan at The Bowery Electric in New York City. Founding members of The Left Banke Tom Finn and George Cameron joined Alan for a few numbers, including their huge hit song (video clip) - "Walk Away Renee."
2/2/2011 - Alan will be doing New York solo acoustic and band backed appearances this month, including a memorial concert dedicated to Beatle George Harrison at The Mercury Lounge on February 13th. Also an appearance at the new Aza Lounge on the upper east side of Manhattan on February 27th . Alan will be co-hosting the Rew and Who internet TV-Radio show live on Februay 16th. NEW! - The 2011 Alan Merrill album "Numbers" (The Collections Vol.2) is available
now on the internet. The album feaures some new songs like "Nothing Ever Happens" and remakes of some of Alan's past hit singles like his Arrows top ten single "Touch Too Much" - This is a collection much like the previous release "The Face of 69" (The Collections Vol.1)..-
1/14/2011 - This month Alan has been hard at work getting his latest album ready for release. The title will be "Numbers" (The Collections Vol. 2) which is the follow up to "The Face Of 69" (The Collections Vol. 1) and will be a variety pack of very diverse music, including new original never before issued neo-glam rock songs. The on line sale date of this project should be the first week of February 2011. As always, Alan Merrill will be playing solo acoustic and band backed shows around the New York area. Alan's interview and performance in Germany on November 19th is available for viewing here- "Ultimate Chart Show". Also some new 1976 Arrows clips featuring Alan on lead vocals are available, here's "Feelin' This Way"
. Also a very rare clip from 1987 during Alan's time with Meat Loaf seen in this clip from the encore "Rock N Roll" medley with singers Amy and Elaine Goff. Last but not least, the Alan Merrill composition "Shake Me!" has been released on a "Top 100 Rock Songs" of the 80s compilation
as covered by rock legend Rick Derringer. That's all for now, more to come.
12/12/10 - Alan Merrill solo acoustic and band backed shows in the New York City area this month after a successful trip to Japan for three weeks of performances and interviewsNew York show at The Empire State Building, The Mercury Lounge, Nancy Lee's, The R Bar, Otto's Shrunken Head (see video link here). Please see the Tour Dates section of this website for more information. Pictures of the recent Japan shows have been updated New Photo Album on this website. Alan is still hard at work on his latest solo album this month, The Collections Volume 2. Release date is still due around February of 2011.
More to come!
11/4/10 - Only one New York band backed show this month, on Saturday the 6th, then Alan Merrill will be flying off to Japan on November 9th for three weeks of shows and interviews in Tokyo (Bar Amrta on November 29th) and Yokohama (The Club Sensation on November 12th, 13th and 27th). Alan has still working on a new solo album most of last month, The Collections Volume 2, and more new never before heard Alan Merrill composed tracks have been recorded with Alan writing the songs and playing all the instruments. Release date is due January or February of 2011. Also, on November 19th 2010 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Alan will make a solo appearance backed by a huge band and go-go dancers on RTL television's "The Ultimate Chartshow," the new season's debut show. Also appearing on the show are Paul Young, Shakin' Stevens, and The Peter Maffay band.
More to come!
10/14/10 - As usual some local New York solo acoustic and band backed shows this month. Alan Merrill is still working on a new solo album as well, The Collections Volume 2, and a new track has been recorded with Steve Holley (ex-Wings) on drums and Steve Gould (Rare Bird/Runner) on guitar and harmonies. As I stated last month, Volume 1 has been released, titled "The Face Of 69." There are new youtube clips of Alan doing a variety of performances, including lead vocals on "Forever" from the 2007 Ron Wood tribute album release by Kurios Kurt and the ZugZug Club . Next month Alan will be in Tokyo performing in Yokohama at The Club Sensation and in Tokyo at bar Amrta. Mari Kaneko, Japan's answer to Janis Joplin, has recorded a full tilt boogie style cover version of Alan Merrill's 1972 glam classic composition "Automatic Pilot" on her latest album (track # 7) titled "Sweet Memories." The song was originally recorded and released by Alan Merrill's band Vodka Collins on their "Tokyo - New York" LP.
09/10/10 - Local New York solo acoustic and band backed shows this month. Alan Merrill is starting a new solo album as well, Volume 2 of The Collections, the exact title to be announced here at a later date. Volume 1 has been released, titled "The Face Of 69." There are new youtube clips of Alan doing a variety of performances, including "Tranquility" from his Merrill 1 album reissue. Also baroque rock in Japanese from 1970, with lyrics written by Yasui "Zuzu" Kazumi, featuring the songs "Heiwa", and "Love Is All" which appeared on Alan Merrill''s Atlantic Records album Alone In Tokyo, reissued as "Alien In Tokyo." -with bonus tracks. Then there's the rocker "Always Another Train" from the Alan Merrill solo album Never Pet A Burning Dog. As if that's not enough, there are clips from Alan in Japan performing at the Joe Yamanaka benefit with the band Tensaw backing him up, backstage , being interviewed on television about his former band-mate Hiroshi Oguchi of Vodka Collins, and performing songs like "Sands Of Time" "Pink Soup" and "I Love Rock N Roll" with a Japanese all star cast for the grande finale of the show.
08/4/10 - Alan Merrill will be leaving New York August 5th for some shows inJapan, including a benefit for Joe Yamanaka of the Flower Travellin' Band on August 12th at Club Crocodile in Tokyo. Alan will round off the trip with some interviews and will be there until August 17th. On August 18th he'll be back in New York making another appearance on the Rew and Who radio and internet tv show show in at 5PM east coast time. There are new youtube clips of Alan doing a variety of performances, including "Pretty Ballerina" from his Rive Gauche extended play EP tribute to the sixties band The Left Banke. Also a version of the Otis Blackwell rock classic "Breathless" which appeared on Alan Merrill''s album Double Shot Rocks.. As if that's not enough, there's a new rough clip from a a fan's camera of Alan doing a version of "I love Rock N Roll" at Cha Cha's of Coney Island NYC with Kirk Yano (ex-Savoy Brown), Amy Madden (The Jon Paris Group) and Steve Holley (ex-Paul McCartney's Wings) providing the backing. This month marks the 38th anniversary of Alan Merrill having his compostion "Movies" covered by Tiny Tim (on Scepter Records, #12351). A new cover of Vodka Collins' "Automtic Pilot" (an Alan Merrill composition) has been covered and released by Japan's answer to Janis Joplin, Mari Kanako this month. Good luck in Japan, Alan! -
For this month, sayonara!
07/19/10 - Clips of Alan Merrill doing bass guitar sessions in Japan in 1971 on records by his band Godzilla and Yellow Gypsy (King Records) are on youtube. Some being featured are "Rock N Roll," "Get It On" and also "Tumbling Dice"- Godzilla and Yellow Gypsy have become a cult band over time and their two releases, the"Dai Go-Go Party" series volume one and two are valuable collecter's items. Other members of the band were guitarist Hiroshi Kato, keyboard wiz Haruo Chikada and drummer Jun Kanazawa Another rare clip on youtube is "Motive Confusion" from Vodka Collins' 1997 "Pink Soup" album This track features keyboard legends Hiro Yanagida and Shinohara Nobuhiko augmenting the Vodka Collins lineup. As usual Alan Merrill is doing a few live solo acoustic and band backed shows around the New York area. This month, the show Alan Merrill did in January 2010 in Tokyo (The Concert For Hiroshi) was broadcast at last on Japanese television and was a great success. Videos of the show are sure to be up on youtube soon. This recently uploaded clip from the audience is from a fan's handicam with Alan and friends doing "Pink Soup" on January 25th, 2010.
06/18/10 - Rare clips of Alan Merrill doing bass guitar sessions in Japan in 1971 on hit records for the band Garo (Denon/Columbia) are on youtube. The first being "If Tomorrow" and also "No Need For Tears" Garo were a very poplular group in Japan in the seventies known for their tight three part harmony. Their Golden Best of Garo album has been released, a retrospective including a number of tracks with Alan on bass. On June 16th Alan appeared on the Rew and Who show, a live televised internet radio at 5:30PM, at the new location at Otto's Shrunken Head. Alan Merrill is doing several local Manhattan appearances as well, starting the month with a band backed show (with the Jon Paris Group) in Central Park for the Mississippi Day Picnic on June 5th. Alan is also hard at work on his autobiography, which is nearly done. As if that's not enough, glam rock king Alvin Stardust has released a version of the Arrows chestnut "I Love Rock 'N Roll" as the title track of his new album!
05/07/10 - Alan Merrill is doing band backed and solo acoustic shows in NYC this month. The first being at BB Kings in Times Square with the Jon Paris Group on May 5th at 8PM, a Cinco de Mayo party. Also earlier on May 5th Alan will appear on the Rew and Who show, live radio at 5PM. Alan Merrill is doing several local Manhattan solo acousic shows as well, see the tour dates and appearances section of this website for more information. Alan will be a guest speaker at a private event in Chicago on May 21st about the Japanese Group Sounds pop culture and music in the late sixties and early seventies, and will perform several of his hit songs in Japanese for the event. A 1990 Vodka Collins reunion tour TV promo clip has been discovered, featuring the stellar lineup from that incarnation of the band. New slideshows are up on youtube of Alan's version of "Every Time She Comes Around" and "Miles Away" from his Face Of 69 album featuring modelling photos by Ken Kageoka of Alan from vintage issues of the legendary Non-No magazine in Japan.
04/07/10 -
This month Alan Merrill is staying close to home in New York City, doing both band backed and solo acoustic shows, the first being at Fontana's on April 3rd, on Manhattan's Lower East Side.New Arrows tee shirts are available here in all sizes style and shapes at Rerock.com - A new slideshow is up on youtube of Alan's version of The Left Banke's hit single "Desiree" from his Rive Gauche EP, and a solo acoustic performance of "Brand New Man" a song Alan co-wrote and was covered by R&B great Freddie Scott as the title track of his last album, released in 2001. This live version by Alan was taped at the New York Songwriter's Circle, and photos provided by kind courtesy of Neil Kitson (Getty Images) and Robbie Michaels. Also on youtube an Alan Merrill cover of the classic "Hang On Sloopy" which is portrayed in slideshow comic book format, and this new version of the sixties mainstay song appears on his "Face Of 69" album, which was released in January 2010.
03/07/10 - Alan Merrill is going to Germany on March 16th for several days to film a solo TV spot on "The Ultimate Chartshow" where he'll perform a couple of songs and also do a half hour interview. The show will be broadcast sometime in October 2010. Exact date to be announced, watch this space. ~ Exciting news! The band L'Arc En Ciel, a Japanese superstar group, have recorded their own unique cover version of The Arrows classic "I Love Rock N Roll" for a Pepsi Cola TV commmercial, sung in English.~ Alan has done several radio interviews this month. He also did a band backed show at BB King's on March 8th with Les Paul's son Russell Paul, Jon Paris and Steve Holley. ~ New, a youtube slideshow feauring former Meat Loaf / Neverland Express band member Alan Merrill performing the Jim Steinman gem- "2 out of 3 Ain't Bad" from Alan's recent "Face Of 69" album release. ~Going way back in the archives, Alan's first professional band The Lead is on Youtube, featuring his first lead guitar work ever released on record. A version of The Monkees hit song "Valleri" and it features some fuzz -wah wah guitar leads from Mr. Merrill circa 1968. From the RCA Victor album "Sound Of Silence" / The Lead produced by Robby Wada ~ As usual Alan will do some local New York band backed and solo acoustic shows this month.
02/03/10 - Alan is back in New York from a successful trip to Japan, where he was interviewed for the 40th anniversary of Atlantic records' Japanese division. Alan was the first male signing to the label and the first artist to have a hit single for Warner-Atlantic there with the song "Namdia" in 1970 ~ The Tokyo concert at the Duo Music Exchange 1-25-10 in Tokyo's Shibuya was a reuniting of all the orginal Vodka Collins band members in a tribute concert to Vodka Collins' drummer and founding member Hiroshi Oguchi, who passed away a year ago. The concert will be televised as a 90 minute special for Sky channel's Perfec TV in Japan. The concert footage is in the editing stage right now. Vodka Collins, with Alan Merrill as frontman, headlined the show. The concert features 10 acts including The Golden Cups, Joe Yamanaka, GHQ, Sheena (of Sheena and The Rokkets), Tensaw and more ~
Also, as usual Alan will do local New York band backed and solo acoustic shows this month.
01/09/10 - The new Alan Merrill solo album is now released, titled "The Face Of '69" (The Collections, Volume 1) - New musical slideshows from Alan Merrill's new album "The Face Of '69" are now on youtube, including a new mix of "Hard Road"- To kick off the month Alan did a local New York band backed New Year's Eve show and rocked the house! On January 17th Alan will be leaving for Japan for several concerts and also a series of interviews commemorating the 40th anniversary of Atlantic Records / Japan division. He was the first male recording artist to be signed to the label in 1969. His Atlantic records solo album "Alone In Tokyo" was released in 1970.
12/04/09 - The new Alan Merrill album will now be released sometime in January due to revisions in the album sleeve art work, and it will now be available early in the new year. This month Alan will do local New York band backed and solo acoutic shows, as always. In mid January a mini tour is in the works for Japan. Watch this space for more information. A new slideshow of Alan Merrill's composition "When The Night Comes" as performed by the legendary vocalist Lou Rawls is now on youtube. Alan will once again co-host the "Rew and Who" radio show on December 16th.
11/07/09 - Alan is still working on his new album, and is nearly finished with the project. It should be released before Christmas. A number of new video clips of Miley Cyrus doing her own version of Alan Merrill's Arrows classic composition "I Love Rock 'N Roll" on her current "Wonderworld" tour has been posted on youtube. Also, as usual, this month several solo acoustic and band backed shows in the New York City area round out the month. A cip of Alan Merrill performing at BB King's in NYC with Jon Paris, Steve Holley and Amy Madden is newly posted to youtube. On a sad note, Alan Merrill's friend and fellow performer Kazuhiko Kato has passed away. Mr. Kato was the founding member of the Sadistic Mika Band and also contributed to Vodka Collins' "Tokyo - New York" (EMI) album, singing harmony with Alan. RIP Kazuhiko Kato.
10/02/09 - The long thought to be lost clip of Alan Merrill singing lead with Meat Loaf in Vienna 1988 on the "Lost Boys and Golden Girls" tour has been found. It feaures a song titled "Let The Revels Begin/Original Sin" with the Neverland Express/Meat Loaf touring band in fine form. Also, as usual, this month several shows (both solo acoustic and band backed) feature Alan around the New York City area. Alan Merrill is featured in a sweet and loving light in singer-actress Mackenzie Phillips' new autobiographical best selling book "High On Arrival." The pair dated for the entire summer of 1976, while Alan was hosting The Arrows Show and Phillips was on hiatus from her TV series "One Day At A Time." Last but not least, just up, Rew Starr and Alan Merrill interview the mercurial Brett Smiley, seventies glam rock legend. New youtube clips of the interview are here- part one, part two, part three. More to come!
9/03/09 - There is a lot of activity this month, with several shows (both solo acoustic and band backed) around the New York City area. Also, there will be two Alan Merrill photo shoots this month, one on Sept 4th for Conde Naste/ Vogue and another on Sept 13th for Getty Images. Just for fun Alan will co-host the "Rew and Who" radio show, with Alan and Rew Starr interviewing guests on Sept 9th & 30th. Alan has done an intensive interview in Songfacts magazine this month. On Sept 14th Alan Merrill will perform at the New York Songwriter's Circle at the Bitter End in Greenwich Village. Also he's putting the finishing touches on a new album. There you have it! A busy month.
8/01/09 - The video archives have opened up with new surprises this month, with shows thought to be lost, suddenly found. The Alan Merrill "Live In Japan" tour of 1990 has been recovered, and the show at Tokyo's club Ink Stick available for viewing. Also Alan's solo Cutting Room show in New York City to promote his 2005 album Aleecat has surfaced with almost the entire show caught on a fan's video camera. Also some fun video clips from Japanese television have been recovered, including the Radio Gomen TV show
, This was from the first (unofficial) Vodka Collins reunion tour in 1990. Current news: Alan is doing local New York City shows, both solo acoustic and band backed. He's recording some new tracks, and is still working on writing his (now over 350 pages long) autobiography.
7/8/09 - Alan Merrill's New York City solo acoustic shows this month are at Kenny's Castaways on July 11th, and Otto's Shrunken Head on July 20th. Alan is also working on his autobiography, and is in pre-production for a new album, writing songs for that project. Recording will start this month. From the archives, the Vodka Collins hit single Sands Of Time. This Alan Merrill composition features him on guitar and lead vocals (in Japanese) and is now viewable as a thoughtfully put together slideshow with photos from the glam rock era 1972-73. A fun slideshow is also up for viewing featuring photos with music of The Arrows "I Love Rock N Roll" from 1975. Last but far from least, Alan Merrill is oft quoted (and there's a terrific photo of him) in the new rock book "London's Burning"
/ author D.Thompson, out now and published by the Chicago Review Press. Get it now! It's agreat read.
6/7/09 - Hold on to your hats! The Arrows long lost clip of one of their Top Of The Pops appearances from 1975 has been located. Featuring Alan Merrill on lead vocals, this UK & European top 30 hit was produced by legend Mickie Most . The version is a unique performance and an often requested video. Enjoy The Arrows- "My Last Night With You"- At last! Alan will be doing two live radio broadcasts this month,"Rewbeesworld", and "The O Show" hosted by Olivia Maxwell , WSHC 89.7 Radio, West Virginia . See Tourdates and Appearances section on this site for dates. As always, some solo acoutstic and band backed shows round out the month in the New York City area.
5/14/09 - Alan is doing a songwriter's seminar in Manhattan NYC on May 26th, locale ever changing, this time the venue is upstairs at Ciaobella, The New York Songwriter's Circle, 7 PM until 10. ~ The usual band backed and solo acoustic shows round out the month. Also a TV pilot is in the works, a reality show starring Alan Merrill and other rock 'n rollers who have had chart success.~ A slideshow of Alan Merrill singing The Faces classic "Ooh La La" is on youtube, from the Kurious Kurt and the ZugZug Club album, a tribute to the works of Ronnie Wood. Also Arrows clips of "First Hit" and "Feelin' This Way" are new up on youtube!
4/17/09 - Alan Merrill is starting an acoustic unplugged style album, to include new original compositions. Plus, in the works is a "Best Of Alan Merrill" collection, with remastered popular tracks recorded across the years. ~ A great machinima video single by Pewmanfustudios of songs "Please Let Me Love You" and "Ferris Wheel" from the 1971 retro reissue "Merrill1" is live and up on the internet right now. ~ Moving on a few decades, there's the slideshow of Alan's Japan tour 1990 and the song "Out On The Line" which is on the album "The Aleecat, Live In Japan." This rap - rock 'n roll song is only available as a live track. ~ Also, an excellent slideshow of an Arrows 1974 out-take of "Walk Away Renee" was put together by Teruo Suzuki from Japan. Click on the underlined above links to view.
3/14/09 -Plans are being made for a short visit to Japan for the Hiroshi Oguchi memorial concerts in June. A week of shows in Tokyo at the Amrta and Crocodile clubs. Also being discussed for the summer is an all-star tour of the UK and Europe, venues and dates to be announced. Watch this space. Alan was busy last week in the studio recording with Japanese vocal star Zooco, and he'll be on her new recording with Neil and Alan Evans from Soulive, keyboard wizard Tommy Mandel, and Ian McDonald, ex of Foreigner and King Crimson.
2/14/09 -The 33 1/3rd Anniversary of the song "I Love Rock N Roll" will be the theme of Alan Merrill's big birthday party and musical jam session this year, to be held in NYC at The Studio in Webster Hall, the birthplace of sterophonic sound. Alan will perform, as well as many special stellar guests. Also this month on youtube, bi-lingual versions of the 1972 Alan Merrill hit song "Sands Of Time" is available for your listening pleasure in Japanese and also in English .
1/25/09 -Important news: So sad to inform you all that Hiroshi Oguchi of Vodka Collins has passed away of cancer at age 58. He has worked together on projects with Alan Merrill (including the popular band Vodka Collins) since 1971. Hiroshi Oguchi, R.I.P.
1/05//09 - Today, Januuray 12th, is the debut of the new machinima video of the"Trisha Uptown" song, created by Pewmanfustudios. Alan Merrill has taken on a new agency in New York City for U.S.tour dates and also a new agent in Japan for his shows there. A solo album of all original material is in the works, with recording to start soon in Manhattan. No shows this month, all cancelled, Alan's down with the flu.
12/8//08 - Some local New York City band backed and solo acoustic Christmas shows this month, plus a New Year's Eve show winds up the month. Look at the tour dates section of this site for information. The Arrows, featuring Alan Merrill on lead vocals are on the Jackie magazine seventies CD compilations, volumes 1 & 2. One more reminder! Don't miss out on getting your copy of Alan Merrill's album "A Merrilly Christmas", as the holiday season is here!
11/8//08 -Alan Merrill's lead vocals are featured on the Top Of The Pops 1974 reissue out now on BBC Music with The Arrows "Touch Too Much." Check the tour dates section here for both some local New York City solo acoustic and band backed shows this month. Also don't miss out on getting your copy of Alan Merrill's album "A Merrilly Christmas", as the holiday season is near!
10/5//08 -Some local New York City acoustic and band backed shows this month. See the Tour Dates section of this website for more information. A reissue of the 1972 CD titled "Rock N Roll" featuring Alan Merrill on bass guitar and Japanese rockabilly legends Mickey Curtis, Yamshita Keijiro, and Hirao Masaaki on vocals is out now.
9/5//08 - The forum section of this website will be improved and updated this month, so get ready to start posting again! Alan Merrill will be doing some local New York shows now that his summer vacation is over, and European and Far East tours are also in the works for the year's end and early 2009.
8/15//08 - Tour dates for the fall are being planned, starting in September, so check the Tour Dates section of this website for information. The now nearly mythical Alan Merrill autobiogaphy is in the final phase, and should be avaialble by the holiday season. Alan has worked the entire summer to finish the book, which by all accounts will be a mind boggling read. You won't be able to put it down once you start reading.
7/15//08 - Recorded during the 1968-1971 time period, Alan Merrill's 17 song long awaited solo album titled "Alien In Tokyo" is set for release this month. The album is almost entirely in Japanese, and includes a vocal duet co-write with the legendary Monsieur Kamayatsu (The Spiders), and a cameo appearances on bass and drums by Alan's long time friends Tetsu Yamauchi and Yuji Harada. - Sad news, Paul Varley, Arrows drummer, has passed away of pneumonia, July 2nd, 2008. Paul Varley RIP.
6/20//08 - Alan Merrill's 16 song solo album titled -"The Aleecat, Live In Japan" is set for release by early this month. Link to lyrics and photos here of the Live In Japan album, recorded in Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo in 1990. This includes never released original Merrill compositions. This is pure raw rock 'n roll.
5/15//08 - The previously mentioned Alan Merrill 6 song Maxi single EP titled "Hard Road" will be released and available mid month. Live shows are now in the works for September in Tokyo and beyond. After 40 years in the music business, under his physician's advice Alan Merrill is taking a summer vacation of total rest and recouperation, so no live dates scheduled until the autumn. The forum and journal section of this site will be closed for updates and renovations until Sept. '08.
4/4//08 - New Alan Merrill 6 song Maxi single EP titled "Hard Road" is set for release by the end of this month. As always some live shows are planned for the New York City area, both band backed and solo acoustic. News: Alan is preparing to release a 16 song "Live In Japan" album, recorded in Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo, including some never released original Merrill compositions. It should be out next month.
3/5//08 - Recording and mastering recent projects this month in New York City, all projects set for release in the very near future. Some live shows in the New York City area, both band backed and solo acoustic shows. News: Alan is nearing completion of his long awaited autobiography, which is now in the editing phase The Aleecat CD version of "When The Night Comes" machinima on Youtube debuts March 17th!
2/11//08 - Alan is busy recording all this month in New York City, on three different projects. News: Japanese idol singer Mami Kubota has recorded a new and different version of of "I Love Rock 'N Roll," set for release on EMI in May of this year . Also, Alan will do some surprise local New York shows to round out the month.
1/8//08 - The new year started with Alan doing a rave up show in New York City at Nancy's Bar in Manhattan. Also news: Alvin and the Chipmunks have used a version of "I Love Rock 'N Roll" in the new film "Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007). Alan is back in the studio working on a new maxi single and also finishing up work his 1970 solo album reissue "Alone In Tokyo" (Redux), set for release in thenext few months. Solo acoustic Jan. 18th at the Alphabet Lounge, NYC.
12/8//07 - The year winds up with some band backed shows in the New York City area this month. Also, Alan is in the studio working on his 1970 solo album reissue "Alone In Tokyo" (Redux), set for release early next year. All with unique, never before heard remixes with bonus tracks.
11/4//07 - Alan Merrill will do some rare solo acoustic shows in the New York City area this month in downtown Manhattan. Also, Alan has been added to the Living Legends of Music website. Superstar actress/singer Lee Da Hae has recorded a new version of Alan's composition "I love rock n roll" in Korean!
10/4//07 - Local acoustic and band backed shows in the New York City area this month, and an hour long appearance on the Atlantic Tunnel radio show October 6th. The long awaited maxi-single titled "Rive Gauche," a tribute to the hits of The Left Banke is out this month, with bonus tracks. See the Alan Merrill "Walk Away Renee" video here ! A tour of Europe is being planned for February and March of 2008. Watch the tour dates section of this website for details.
9/14//07 - Alan Merrill's 6 song maxi single, a tribute to the hits of the band The Left Banke (and more), will be done at the end of September 2007. Also, Alan is doing some some solo acoustic and band backed shows around the New York City area this month.
8/05//07 -Recent remastering of the 1970 Solo Alan Merrill LP "Alone In Tokyo" (all in Japanese) which will be re-released for the first time in the US, UK and Europe, with bonus tracks early in 2008. Also, Alan has a short story of his playing with the band Meat Loaf in the Ian Carroll authored documentary book about the History of the Reading Festival in the UK which will be released at the end of this month. Please note: Fuji TV will repeat the 90 minute global broadcast of the "Sekaii Gumi" show featuring Monsieur Kamayatsu and Alan Merrill on Aug.16th.
7/02//07 - The new Alan Merrill solo extended play summer singlerelease is out now! To buy it please click this link- Alan Merrill Summer Single 2007 - and don't miss the new youtube video of Alan as Vampire Slayer! Also, Alan is playing out live at various venues in New York City this month. Watch the Tour Dates section of this site for information. Don't forget to watch Alan on the "Sekai Gumi" show July 18th, worldwide broadcast one hour special and, July 30th repeated, 90 minute long version.
6/15/07 - Alan's solo single release is delayed for a week or two due to some minor adjustments required inthe art work, and should be available and on sale the first week of July '07.
5/03/07 - Alan is planning to rush release a solo 5 song extended play summer single next month. It is being mastered in New York City. He is also filming a documentary special for Fuji TV Japan with Vodka Collins bandmate and former Spiders member Monsieur Kamayatsu in New York City. This show debuts on air July 18th on Fuji TV's "Sekai Gumi." show. Also ,if that's not enough for you, there's a new Alan Merrill and Adriana Lima video on youtube!
4/02/07 The Ron Wood Tribute album is out now!
Click on the link above to get all the information about this fantastic project, and also the late Nikki Sudden's related great EP single "Don't Get Jazzy With Me."
3/07/07 - The long awaited Ron Wood tribute album featuring Alan Merrill and various other artists is to be released the last week of March '07. Also, if you haven't already, go have a look at the Adriana Lima video featuring the gorgeous model and Alan Merrill's solo version of "I love rock n roll." It's outstanding.
2/07/07 - Alan is busy writing away, finishing his autobiography and is determined to have it released by the end of 2008.
1/7/07- Tour of Japan for end of
February '07 is confirmed. New photos added to the current photo
album on this site.
12/7/06- The Arrows long lost 70s
video of "I
love rock n roll" is up on youtube, featuring Alan
on lead vocals. Read Alan Merrill's enlightening article on
Bill
Harry's Rock and Pop Shop. Last but not least, Alan's Christmas
album "A Merrilly
Christmas" is reissued and on sale now. Some local
New York City shows round off this month.
11/6/06 - This month Alan is back
in the studio finishing his now nearly mythical 5 song solo
EP with Kirk Yano engineering at Planet Recording in New York,
and also doing a cameo vocal on CJ jr's new project, "Parias."
Alan Merrill's song "I Love Rock 'N Roll" appears
in two current feature films, "Tenacious D in The Pick
Of Destiny" and "The Covenant." - Some local
New York live dates round out this month's activity.
10/7/06 -
The release of the Ron Wood tribute recorded
a year ago has been delayed until December '06. There's information
here about the project and producer (Curt Scheidegger), the
owner of Kurious Records.
It's titled "We've Got Our Own Best Of To Do," featuring
three lead vocals by Alan Merrill, and many guest artists. Also
out in December on Kurious Records will be a 3 song Nikki Sudden
EP single, "Don't Get Jazzy With Me," with Alan Merrill
on bass guitar, and Darrel Bath on guitar.
9/2/06 - Alan's new solo album
"At The Candy Shop" is released tuesday the 12th of
September 2006. For more information click this link - "At
The Candy Shop".
8/7/06 - New solo
album set for release in early september '06.
7/14/06 - Mastering
a new solo album in New York City, and doing some local live
shows.
6/5/06 - Alan's
early career solo album "Merrill 1" is reissued monday
the 26th of June 2006. For more information click this link
-"
Merrill 1"
Stay updated in detail ! Read
"Alan's Journal" in the forum section of this website.
5/20/06 - Recording
a new solo album in New York City, and some local live shows
in Manhattan.
4/25/06 - Alan
is back from a trip to the UK, France, and Switzerland. The
mastering of the Ron Wood tribute has begun. Estimated release
for June 2006.
3/25/06 - Alan
Merrill performs with Nikki Sudden at the Knitting Factory in
New York City. Sadly, it was Nikki's last show. He passed away
only a few hours after the set. RIP Nikki Sudden.
3/16/06 - Remastering
the 1970 album "Merrill 1" for re-issue, with 3 previously
unavailable bonus tracks .
2/19/06 - Recording a 5 song EP
in New York City, and doing some live dates locally.
1/09/06 - Alan's
in the mixing phase, two recording projects, the Ron Wood tribute
album and also his new solo EP at Planet Sound in NYC.
12/21/05 - The
Beat Goes On Christmas Show at BB King's, NYC.
11/1/05 - Recording
in Switzerland the first week of November. Solo acoustic appearance
at The Foundry in London, November 9th.
10/14/05 - Alan
Merrill is recording a new EP in New York.
9/18/05 - After
returning from recording the Ron Wood tribute album in Switzerland,
our Aleecat has been hard at work on a new solo EP for release
before the end of the year. Also Reverend Run has released the
Alan Merrill co-write "Mind On The Road" on August
29th, and the video is currently getting lots of play on MTV.
7/15/05 -
Alan Merrill performs in New York City, at the South Street
Seaport (avi film file below) as a part of the Beat Goes On
"Tribute to New York" show. He had just returned from
performing at the Blue Note Tokyo, doing 12 shows there, July
4th-10th. Click here to view the avi file.
6/20/05 - Newly
released! A bi-lingual Alan Merrill single, versions both in
English and Japanese, of his 70's hits "Sands Of Time"
and "Automatic Pilot." It will be on the MEC Record
label's Flashback series.
