Random Riffs

Don Felder and Band personnel shuffle: bassist Shem von Schroeck will tour with Spooky Tooth for a handful of dates beginning the end of this month. The first gig is during the 50th Anniversary of Island Records concert week on May 29 in London together with Paul Weller, with a half-dozen shows to follow in Germany. Don’s band is currently without the services of keyboarder Timothy Drury who is already on the road with Whitesnake. They kicked off their 2009 world tour yesterday in Norway . . . . . . Outlaws still Out There: it’s been a while since we did an Outlaws post. The good news is the band has still been touring despite the loss of lead guitarist and frontman Hughie Thomasson two years ago. Original founding member Henry Paul is back to help carry the torch. You can catch them in June at the Sweden Rock Festival (huge lineup includes ZZ Top, Journey, Foreigner, Johnny Winter) and at Riverbend (B-52’s, Three Dog Night, Willie Nelson) . . . . . . Joe Vitale news: Joe is about to go out on the road with Crosby, Stills and Nash on their 40th Anniversary Tour beginning June 3rd in St. Louis. Joe will also be signing copies of his book Backstage Pass at bookstores in between shows. Check out his schedule on his MySpace page . . . . . . New and Re-Releases: We spotted Crosby, Stills & Nash – Demos, available June 2 on Rhino, Derringer: Live in Cleveland on Wounded Bird and The Amazing Rhythm Aces Very Best on Varese Sarabande.