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New York City has no shortage of cover bands, but few of them can boast surprise appearances from The Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson, Robert Randolph, The Roots’ Black Thought and Jimmy Fallon.
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It helps, of course, that the cover band in question is anchored by Grammy-winning producer Andrew Watt (guitar, vocals), Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Chad Smith (drums) of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and longtime Saturday Night Live Band fixture G.E. Smith (guitar), with Ivan Bodley (bass), Seneca Black (trumpet), Crispin Cioe (sax), Bob Funk (trombone), Charlotte Lawrence (vocals), Ben Stivers (keyboards) and Jared Tankel (baritone sax) rounding out the group.
The band’s nondescript name — Smith & Watt Steakhouse, the product of a jokey 10-second brainstorm – speaks to its casual, unambitious origin. When the Chili Peppers’ two-year Unlimited Love Tour wrapped up in July, Smith headed to the Hamptons to reenergize – but after a few weeks, he found himself getting restless in the sleepy seaside town. “I’m a musician – I love to play music,” he tells Billboard, sitting on a sunny balcony at the Bowery Hotel in Manhattan. “I don’t want to miss out.”
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The cavalry arrived when Watt, a frequent collaborator and close friend of Smith’s, found himself in the same area with a bit of free time. “We have this insane musical connection, and we love playing live together. We have this musical bromance,” Watt tells Billboard, seated next to Smith. “Naturally, we want to jam together.”
After pulling together a rock band of musical ringers and creating a setlist spanning their favorite artists (Prince, The Police, Sam & Dave, Fleetwood Mac, to name a few), Smith and Watt took the stage at Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett, N.Y., on Aug. 20 and ripped through an all-covers set that had the Hamptons hot spot bumping.
“(The venue) is small — we broke it,” Smith says with a wide grin. “And then at the end of the night, this gentleman decides to come up on stage.”
Gentleman, while certainly accurate, is a bit of an undersell. Sir Paul McCartney, who had been watching the entire show side stage with his family, made a completely unscripted decision to hop up and join them on a cover of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.”
“I actually whispered into his ear (after that song), ‘Go play drums and show them how much of a badass you are,’” recalls Watt, who has spent time in the studio with the rock icon. “He shrugged me off and goes, ‘I’ll tell you what. One more number. [singing] She was just seventeen!’”
Naturally, McCartney’s surprise performance of The Beatles’ “I Saw Her Standing There” at a 250-capacity venue made headlines and waves across social media – and sent more than a few folks into a FOMO spiral. When Watt was backstage at Pearl Jam’s Madison Square Garden show on Sept. 4 (he joined them onstage that night), tour promoter Peter Shapiro started griping about how sad he was to have missed that once-in-a-lifetime show. After chatting with the entrepreneur, whom Watt calls “a modern-day Bill Graham,” he decided to give Smith a call: “What are you doing Wednesday?”
For its second show, the Watt & Smith Steakhouse headed to Brooklyn Bowl – one of several venues owned by Shapiro — on Wednesday (Sept. 18). And while none of that night’s special guests can lay claim to British knighthood, it was an eclectic, hard-to-resist roster: A loose, all-smiles Chris Robinson shimmied in front of Smith’s drumkit while belting the Faces’ “Stay With Me”; Black Thought rapped Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” and freestyled over the Stooges’ “I Wanna Be Your Dog”; and Robert Randolph flexed his slide guitar mastery on Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” before leading the band through an impromptu, off-setlist “Purple Haze.” As for Jimmy Fallon’s full-throated take on the Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues”? It might not place him in the same category of musical excellence, but there was something undeniably special about watching The Tonight Show host let it all hang out onstage just 20 minutes before turning 50. (FWIW, his vocals were a solid cut above what you’d hear at any given karaoke bar.)
Andrew Watt and Chris Robinson perform onstage with Smith & Watt Steakhouse at Brooklyn Bowl on Sept. 18, 2024 in New York City.
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“Watt & Smith Steakhouse rides again,” G.E. Smith quipped of the cover band’s Brooklyn Bowl gig. Depending on schedules, that ride could turn into a cross-country trek. When asked about future gigs for the Steakhouse, the RHCP drummer pauses. “Yeah. We’ll see what happens,” Smith says, firing up a fresh cigarette (fittingly, the lighter he uses is a piece of promo merch for Eddie Vedder’s 2022 solo album Earthling, which Smith played on and Watt produced).
“In our relationship, we like to eat,” Watt says. “The point of this band is: we’re going to come to some cities, play in your smallest club and go out to your nicest restaurant.”
Ultimately, the band (which continues Smith’s legacy of meaty side projects, from Chickenfoot to Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbats) is an excuse for Smith, 62, and Watt, 33, to hang out, eat out and rock out.
“He’s my best friend in the entire world,” says Watt, who acknowledges that part of him will “forever” be the RHCP fanboy who snagged a post-concert pic with Smith as a teenager, years before the two became musical brethren.
“For me, he could be my son,” Smith says with a belly cackle. “There is an age difference.” (Case in point: the first show Smith attended on his own was KISS in 1975, one of the concerts immortalized on Alive!; Watt’s was none other than the Red Hot Chili Peppers with openers Queens of the Stone Age and the Mars Volta in 2003.) “But when it comes to us, especially our musical thing, we have very, very similar likes and tastes,” says Smith. “It’s such a lucky thing when that happens.”
Plus, Watt & Smith Steakhouse gives the former – who can wail like Roger Daltrey, sneer like David Bowie and growl like Gregg Allman – a chance to step out from behind the boards and up to the mic. “This guy is a performer and loves it,” Smith says. “You better go see the Steakhouse – you never know what’s on the menu.”
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This week, Billboard’s New Music Latin roundup and playlist — curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — features fresh new music from artists including new studio albums Fariana, Darell, and Manu Chao, to name a few. (Click here to vote for your favorite release).
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This week, Fariana dropped her first album in nearly 10 years (and her second set) dubbed Underwater. Home to 19 tracks, the set not only showcases the Colombian artist’s fierce rap verses and dynamic vocal range but also her ability to submerge into different genres. Sonically, she flirts with dembow, merengue, dancehall, and electronic music, and reeled in colleagues such as El Alfa, Sean Paul, Flo Rida, Omar Montes, and Oro Solido, to name a few.
“I’ve learned to dive into my own world and I’ve understood that even under pressure, I always find a way to do it my way and be a winner. That’s what this album is,” she expressed in a press statement.
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Manu Chao—the French-born Spanish musician known for his timeless reggae bop “Me Gustas Tu” (2001)—also delivered a new album, his first in 17 years, titled Viva Tu. The 13-song LP weaves nostalgic acoustic melodies with a rich palette of global languages and in true Manu Chao fashion is sung in French, Spanish, Portuguese, and English.
Other new releases this week include Omar Courtz’s debut album, Primera Musa; Chiquis’ “Que Siga Pasando”; Carin León’s “No Me Llores” in collaboration with Manuel Carrasco; and “Una Velita,” Bad Bunny’s surprise song reflecting on Puerto Rico’s political climate.
Last week, Kim Loaiza’s new album, X Amor II, won the poll, bringing in more than 42% of the votes. Who should win this week? Give these new releases a spin and a
It’s been an exciting week for music fans, with major stars from every genre dropping tracks and albums. To kick things off, Katy Perry returned with 143, her first album since 2020’s Smile. “I set out to create a bold, exuberant, celebratory dance-pop album with the symbolic 143 numerical expression of love as a throughline […]
New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
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Darell, Darell 2024 (Sony Music Latin)
Just last year, Darell proposed that “everybody go to the discotek,” with his album. Today, he continues to fuel that motto with Darell 2024, a 15-track set powered by club-ready reggaetón anthems. Showcasing a mix of smooth Caribbean rhythfms and hypnotizing percussion-driven beats, the album provides a canvas for the Puerto Rican artist to show off why he’s a genre OG. Besides reggaetón, the sonically rich LP — which puts his signature deep, raspy vocals at the forefront — also takes inspiration from Afrobeats for tracks like “Como Vos,” “Real,” “Te Extraño” and “Olivia Con Pluto.” Meanwhile, Darell makes a case for why he’s one of the best rappers in the game, with songs like “Profugo” introducing a bold trap sound. Also included on the album are previously released hits “Lollipop (Remix)” with Ozuna and Maluma, “Por Ti Conocí El Amor” and “Lambo Sport” with Clean Bandit. — INGRID FAJARDO
Fariana, Underwater (La Commission LLC)
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Nine years after her debut studio album, Fariana (formerly known as Farina) unleashes her sophomore album Underwater. In the 19-song set, the Colombian rapper submerges herself into different musical genres that have influenced her new era. While she still manages to captivate with her fierce rap bars and dynamic vocal range, sonically, she’s evolved and is more experimental than ever. She flirts with dancehall (“Booty Killa”), hip-hop (“Doggys”), afrobeat (“Pienso En TI”), electronic (“On Top of the World”), cumbia (“Mami Gantel”), reggaetón (“La Fotico”), dembow (“Margaret”), and merengue (“El Caballito”). Underwater also finds the Medellín-born artist collaborating with El Alfa, Sean Paul, Flo Rida, Omar Montes and Oro Solido, to name a few. But beyond its worldly beats, the album is a reflection of Fariana’s nearly 20-year trajectory. “I’ve learned to dive into my own world and I’ve understood that even under pressure, I always find a way to do it my way and be a winner. That’s what this album is,” she expresses in a press statement. — JESSICA ROIZ
Duplat & Manuel Medrano “Fresa” (M3 Records)
Duplat and Manuel Medrano’s “Fresa” is a delightful mix of soul pop with a retro feel that recalls the perfect music for a romantic comedy soundtrack. The trumpet and brass arrangements give it an almost classic, almost timeless feel that transports you to another era. When Medrano’s deep voice comes in on the second verse, his deep timbre cuts through the music, merging perfectly with the funky drum beat and guitar riffs. The saxophone solo in the bridge is captivating, and the soulful piano adds an emotional touch that elevates the song. “Fresa,” which could refer to a conceited woman, is certainly a gem for lovers of nostalgic sounds with a modern twist. — LUISA CALLE
Bad Bunny, “Una Velita” (Rimas Enertainment)
Bad Bunny hadn’t released new music since his October set Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va Pasar Mañana, but shedding a spotlight on the continued plight of his fellow Puerto Ricans — who were devastated by Hurricane Maria exactly seven years ago — seemed like the perfect moment to break his silence. With “Una Velita,” the global hit-maker doubles down on his efforts to call out the inaction of the island’s local government as Puerto Rico continues to deal with the aftermath of the catastrophic Category 5 storm, which not only left thousands dead but also weakened the already frail power grid. “Obviously the light will go out, God knows if it’ll come back,” he sings in Spanish over a hypnotizing folkloric beat that grows with intensity. “There were five thousand that they let die, and we will never forget that.” The track is produced by Tainy and La Paciencia. — GRISELDA FLORES
Darumas, “Francotirador” (Sony Music Latin)
On the heels of receiving a Latin Grammy nomination for best new artist — as predicted by Billboard — Darumas released “Francotirador,” or “sniper” in English, the Latin pop-funk band’s first single since its May debut album. The all-female trio — comprised of Aldana Aguirre, Ceci León and Vedala Vilmond — sings about being resilient and “bulletproof” over a funky rhythm driven by electric guitar and bass. “I fell, I stood up, and I silenced those who never believed/ They think I’m made of glass, but it made me harder than metal,” Vilmond sings. “Today nothing breaks my heart because I have it armored. I’m like a sniper: I never miss where I aim.” The track can empower anyone who comes across it. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Manu Chao, Viva Tu (Radio Bemba)
After a 17-year hiatus playfully referred to as his “Desaparecido” phase — a nod to his iconic 1998 song — Manu Chao returns with his first solo album since La Radiolina, titled Viva Tu. This LP weaves nostalgic acoustic melodies with a rich palette of global languages. Sung in French, Spanish, Portuguese and English, it unfolds like a love letter to his international fans, packed with earwormy guitar melodies, samples and dazzling embellishments in songs like “La Couleur de Temps” and the rumba-infused title track.
Of the 13 songs, the harmonica-laced “Heaven’s Bad Day” stands out as a delightful surprise, featuring country legend Willie Nelson, the only guest on the album. Another track, “La Colilla,” revisits the lively acoustic guitar sounds of 2007’s “Me Llaman Calle,” showcasing Chao’s ability to recycle rhythms and beats in an exhilarating way.
The Spanish-French artist’s hands-on approach to writing and producing every song is notable, particularly in today’s collaboration-heavy music industry. This autonomy not only adds authenticity but also imbues his work with a craftsman’s pride, making Viva Tu an introspective and joyous personal statement. With this latest work, Chao’s unparalleled artistry cements his timeless appeal across diverse musical genres in a sound that is uniquely his own. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Listen to more editors’ Latin recommendations in the playlist below:
Country-rock trio The Cadillac Three, known for their top 40 Billboard Country Airplay song “The South,” has canceled the remainder of their tour dates for 2024 as lead singer Jaren Johnston seeks treatment for mental health.
After initially canceling a number of shows earlier in the week, on Friday, Sept. 20, The Cadillac Three members Johnston, Kelby Ray and Neil Mason updated fans, writing on their official X page. “Friends, we want to be honest with you. Jaren has entered treatment for his mental health and well-being,” the statement read. “The last few years have been challenging on a number of levels. The right thing to do right now is to make space to focus on family, health and longevity.”
They added of their upcoming shows, “With this news, our remaining 2024 shows will be canceled,” and advised fans to contact their point of purchase for refunds for the concerts they had scheduled through the remainder of the year. “We love our fans and the community we’ve built together. Canceling concerts is not something we take lightly. We have no doubt we will ride down the road again. Until then, we appreciate your respect and support for Jaren and his family.”
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In addition to fronting The Cadillac Three, Johnston is known as a prolific songwriter, having contributed writing to hits by Tim McGraw (“Meanwhile Back at Mama’s”), Keith Urban (“You Gonna Fly” and Urban’s Eric Church collaboration “Raise ‘Em Up”), Tyler Hubbard (“5 Foot 9”) and Jake Owen (“Days of Gold,” “American Country Love Song”). Most recently, Johnston contributed the song “B—h on the Sauce (Just Drunk”) on Miranda Lambert’s new album Postcards From Texas.
Among the shows the band had slated for the remainder of the year were appearances at the upcoming Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival in Franklin, Tenn., as well as shows at Grizzly Rose in Denver and the iconic Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, Texas.
In addition to making music with their own self-described “country fuzz” sound, members of the group are also business leaders, with Johnston and Mason having launched their War Buddha label in conjunction with Warner Records last year. The label’s first signee was Rhett Madison.
Sean “Diddy” Combs is not in any danger of self-harm despite being placed on a suicide watch as he awaits trial, his representatives tell Billboard.
“Mr. Combs is strong, healthy and focused on his defense,” a spokesperson for the music mogul explains. “He is committed to fighting this case and has full confidence in both his legal team and the truth.”
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The decision to put Diddy on suicide watch is “procedural with high-profile clients,” the insider told NBC News. Sources also told People that the move was a preventative measure.
Diddy was arrested Monday (Sept. 16) in New York City, and Manhattan federal prosecutors have since unveiled the substance of their case against Combs — accusing him of operating a criminal enterprise centered on his “pervasive pattern of abuse toward women.”
He was denied bail at his Sept. 17 arraignment, and is currently facing up to life in prison for three felony charges. The next step for Combs will be an initial pretrial conference next week before Judge Andrew L. Carter, Jr., the federal district judge who will oversee his trial.
In a video obtained by CNN earlier this year and dated March 5, 2016, Combs appears to shove his longtime former partner, Cassie Ventura, to the ground near an elevator bank, kick her several times while she lies on the ground and drag her down a hallway. The contents of the video mirror an assault allegation Ventura made in a now-settled lawsuit she filed against Diddy in November.
Ventura was the first to accuse Diddy of sexual assault, filing a lawsuit in November in which attorneys for Cassie claimed she “endured over a decade of his violent behavior and disturbed demands,” including repeated physical attacks and forcing her to “engage in sex acts with male sex workers” while he masturbated. According to the complaint, after she attempted to separate from him in 2018 after an on-and-off public relationship for 11 years, Combs allegedly “forced her into her home and raped her while she repeatedly said ‘no’ and tried to push him away.” The case was soon settled, but Combs was then sued by multiple other women who claimed they were sexually abused by the hip-hop mogul.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please call the confidential National Domestic Violence Hotline toll-free at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org.
On this week’s (Sept. 6) episode of the Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century podcast, we take a look at a pair of enduring all-time greats: the Queen of Latin Music Shakira and the rap GOAT Jay-Z. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news First, host Andrew Unterberger is […]