Posted March 2021
Photo by Eric MarcelWhether you’re a fan of Nils Lofgren because of his solo work, his work in Grin, Neil Young’s Crazy Horse, or with Lou Reed, Lou Gramm, or Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, long-time Boomerocity readers and followers already know that we consider Nils Lofgren a great Boomerocity friend. Beginning in November 2011, we’ve interviewed four times over the years (here, here, here, a-a-a-a-and here). We’re proud to add a FIFTH interview with Nils – this time on video for the first time.
Boomerocity caught up with Nils at his home studio (via Zoom) in Scottsdale, Arizona, and, as we have during the previous four interviews, had a great chat about his latest offering, ‘Bonus Tracks,’ and several other subjects. So please give this interview your careful attention and please share it with your friends. After you’re finished, you can order ‘Bonus Tracks’ but clicking on the album cover on this page.
‘Bonus Tracks’ Press Release
With Nil’s career spanning 10-disc Face the Music Box set now out of print, Nils wanted to digitally share the 39 rare recordings and special demos that were a part of that limited edition package.
Here are a few of Nils’ thoughts about some of the songs on Bonus Tracks. Kicking off this digital only release is Grin’s version of Keith Don’t Go featuring an inspired performance by Neil Young on piano and vocals. “It Rocks” says Lofgren.
Click Above To Order "Bonus Tracks"The tracks weave a musical journey over the years. Includes the tender Miss You
“C”. “A love and thanks to my dear friend and bandmate Clarence Clemons. Originally titled Miss You Ray, inspired by the amazing Ray Charles, I reworked the lyric to pay homage Clarence, who stood by my side for 27 years, on and off stage. Sure miss you, ‘C’. Grateful your spirit’s still with me.”
Nils reminisces about the song Awesome Girl, “Crazy LA days led to this 4am basement demo in San Fernando Valley, produced with Kevin McCormick who’s also on bass. Mid-session, super freak himself, the amazing Rick James walked in on us and insisted on singing with me as the song grooves away through the ending. What a lift, thanks Rick!”
On What Is Enuf?!! There is a special power trio jam with the great Andy Newmark and Kevin McCormick. “As mankind still struggles with our frighteningly self-destructive nature, the rock and rage in this track speak to our current struggle to survive,” notes Nils. “What madness, and you can feel it in the performance!”
A pairing one might not imagine is Nils Lofgren and the late author Clive Cussler on Whatever Happened To Muscatel. Nils remembers “My dear, departed friend Clive Cussler, one of the all-time great adventure writers, asked me to write this country song with him. It was a joy to research the lyrics with him of old, rotgut liquors gone by the wayside, in his historic writing room in AZ. A great honor and creative adventure to team up with Clive. Rest in Peace dear, brilliant friend.”
Sing For Happiness is an old, lost Grin track featuring the soulful Ben Keith on pedal steel. Three brilliant mystery girls grace this track with amazing, gospel harmonies.
“I was always sure I’d never write a song about 9/11, as it was too painful a chapter in our history. One day, this idea of a mother who’d lost her husband in that tragedy, having to raise their young son alone, just overcame me and this song When You Are Loved appeared.”
“As the historic Yankee Stadium site was about to close, I co-wrote Yankee Stadium with my wife Amy from her perspective as a young Jersey girl going to this landmark, American institution with her Mom and sisters. The majesty and beauty of that magical place through a young girl’s eyes was an emotional adventure for us both. Goodbye Yankee Stadium. We miss you!”
And one of the greatest voices ever, Lou Gramm duets with Nils on Some Must Dream and I’ll Arise.
“Truly an honor. Hope you all enjoy these Bonus Tracks.” - Nils
