Johnny Knollwood, Author at The New School Free Press

Bill Barretta, Muppet performer who created Pepe the King Prawn & more talks “Haunted Mansion,” stepping into Jim Henson’s roles and more

Bill Barretta, the Muppet performer who created Pepe the King Prawn and more, is set to write, direct and star in a new series for Disney+. The show will be centered around Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. Photo courtesy of Bill Barretta

The Muppet performer who co-wrote “Muppets Haunted Mansion” is currently set to write, direct and star in a series centered around Dr. Teeth & the Electric Mayhem for…

Free Press Free Write: A night with Mike Love’s Beach Boys

Mike Love’s Beach Boys took to the stage at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, NJ. The group performed a set jam-packed with classics and hits. Photo by Johnny Knollwood

I stopped by the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, NJ on April 4 to catch Love and his version of the namesake group, and left feeling excited,…

Steve Hackett, former Genesis guitarist, rocks Beacon Theatre

Steve Hackett returned to New York City at the Beacon Theatre on April 3. Hackett is currently playing the entirety of Genesis’ “Seconds Out” on tour, his final album with the group. Photo by Johnny Knollwood

Steve Hackett, best known as the guitar player for Genesis from 1971 to 1977, returned to New York City’s Beacon Theatre on April 3. The legendary guitarist who…

Alex Lifeson’s Envy of None release self-titled debut album on Kscope Music

Alex Lifeson, Alfio Annibalini, Andy Curran and Maiah Wynne (left to right) are Envy of None. The group, which features the former Rush guitarist, released their debut album today via Kscope Music. Photo by Richard Sibbald, courtesy of Kscope Music

Industrial rockers Envy of None released their self-titled debut album via Kscope Music this morning. The group features Alex Lifeson, best known as guitar player and co-founder of…

‘I’m Just Getting Started’: George Clinton, leader of Parliament-Funkadelic, returns home to Newark

George Clinton (right) performs for students and faculty at Avon Elementary School in Newark, NJ. Clinton was honored at ceremonies in Newark and Plainfield on Thursday before taking the stage at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center Friday night. Photo by Christian Richey

The Godfather of Funk was honored at ceremonies in Newark and Plainfield before taking the stage with his seminal funk outfit Friday night. He was joined by special…

Defenders of the faith: A conversation with Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats

Vaughn Stokes, Kevin Starrs and Jon Rice of Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats, onstage at Brooklyn Steel on March 2. Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats returned to New York City on their North American Tour to deliver a night of dark, psychedelia-tinged rock and roll. Photo by Johnny Knollwood

In a metal scene rampant with Black Sabbath copycats and uninspired riffage, Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats manage to stand apart. The group of four, led by front…