Phil Alvin hospitalized and recovering

• John Bazz update on Phil Alvin: "We're here in Spain with Phil until Thursday. His cousin Paul flew in yesterday and is staying with Phil until he's released and is probably going to fly back to LA with him too. Today Phil is walking, talking and breathing on his own. Kinda wish he was silent again, as he has turned into a real task master and has us all jumping through hoops!"

• The Blasters all new studio album called 'Fun On A Saturday Night' will be released on July 3, 2012 on Rip Cat Records. Please order the CD directly from Rip Cat. You can hear a sample of the album streaming here.

• Dave Alvin update on Phil Alvin: "For all of you who've been asking, here's a short version of my brother Phil's situation: My brother did NOT have a heart attack and he is NOT in a coma. Phil had trouble breathing after a performance in Valencia, Spain last week. He was taken to a hospital where an emergency tracheotomy was performed so he could breathe. Thankfully, his vocal chords were left untouched. The reason for his breathing difficulty is still being determined and he is still in ICU but Phil IS RECOVERING slowly and surely. The Blasters are there with him and family members and friends are on the way. Sincere heartfelt thanks from me to all of you for all of your support through this rough time."

• Dave Alvin updates us regarding Phil in the hospital in Spain: "Long story short: After a couple of rough days, my brother Phil (truly One Bad Stud) is recovering slowly but steadily and is in excellent medical hands in Spain. Sincere thanks to all of you who have been sending him your positive vibes, healing thoughts, prayers, non-prayers, best wishes, jokes, memories, etc. It means a lot to Phil, our family and me. Thank you."

• The Blasters have had to cancel their June/July 2012 European Tour because of a health issue with Phil Alvin. Dave Alvin issued a statement on facebook: "As some of you may have heard through various grapevines, my brother Phil has been hospitalized in Spain. Things are still up in the air regarding his medical condition so I won't say anything else now except that Phil needs some of your positive thoughts, best wishes, good vibes, corny jokes, etc. Needless to say, The Blasters have cancelled their summer European tour." 

I still remember the day in 1985 that my roommate brought home the newly released LP by The Blasters, "Hard Line".  I'd never heard of The Blasters.  The record turned my head like few others; well written songs, killer guitars, incredible singing - nobody sings like Phil.  The group had everything I wanted to hear and even the name was just right.  I've since seen The Blasters live a bunch of times in Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee and LA, both the current lineup and the vintage original lineup with Dave.  Now that I think of it, I saw them a few July's ago with Dave joining the current lineup as a special guest.  To borrow a phrase from Lucky Mud aka Mike, their music is "like vitamins and minerals" for me.  

Best wishes to Phil for a good and complete recovery.  In the meantime, best wishes and thanks in advance to the Blasters for their new record coming out tomorrow called "Fun On A Saturday Night", new American Music at the 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July, everyone.