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Fantastic Cat covers "Band on the Run" to Celebrate its 50th Anniversary

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 12/05/2023


Fifty years to the day after Wings’ classic Band On The Run LP hit shelves, Fantastic Cat has teamed up with all-star producer Butch Walker to release their vocal-trading, instrument-swapping take on the iconic title track, out now via Blue Rose Music. Captured in a freewheeling session at Walker's studio outside Nashville, TN, the track finds Fantastic Cat—the new collaborative project from critically lauded songwriters Brian Dunne, Anthony D'Amato, Don DiLego, and Hollis Brown's Mike Montali—putting their typically riotous spin on things, playing musical chairs as they hand off lead vocals, layer up dense harmonies, and switch instruments midway through the song.

"We love shining a light on obscure artists like this that no one's really heard of before," the band said in a joint statement released through their court appointed lawyer. "For our part, we first discovered Paul McCartney through a 2018 episode of Carpool Karaoke with James Corden, and we've been enjoying digging into his back catalog ever since. While it might be a bit of a 'hot take,' we think he's easily one of the most talented members of Wings."

Watch the band tackle the Paul McCartney classic, which also features Walker on guitar and vocals, here.

Hailed by Rolling Stone as "the supergroup-you-need-to-know," Fantastic Cat first arrived in the summer of 2022 with their rollicking debut, The Very Best of Fantastic Cat, which landed the New York four-piece their national TV debut on CBS Saturday Morning alongside sold-out headline dates and festival appearances throughout the US and Europe. Rolling Stone called the album "a wildly satisfying collection of folk-rock, country, Americana, and good old rock & roll,” while American Songwriter dubbed the songs "harmony-swapping heartbreakers," and No Depression celebrated their “cathartic, life-affirming fervor.”

The band will close out the year with a headline show at New York’s Bowery Ballroom on December 17. Tickets are on sale now.




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Individually, each member of Fantastic Cat boasts their own impressive resume along with a litany of acclaim. NPR said Anthony D’Amato “sings and writes in the tradition of Bruce Springsteen or Josh Ritter.” No Depression dubbed Don DiLego’s latest album “a masterpiece.” Rolling Stone called Brian Dunne’s new record “one of the sleeper albums of the year” and praised Mike Montali’s band, Hollis Brown, as “the soundtrack for a late-night drive through the American heartland.” Collectively, though, the four transcend their respective roots, emerging as a righteous, raucous rock and roll cooperative far greater than the sum of its parts.


EVENT PREVIEWS

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.

Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Albert Music Hall

Albert Music Hall's Bluegrass Fest on Saturday Celebrates Music and the Community Behind It

(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Bluegrass is more than a style of music. It's a tradition built on storytelling, shared songs, and musicians gathering to play together. On Saturday, July 11, 2026, Albert Music Hall will celebrate that heritage during its annual Bluegrass Fest, an evening that combines educational sessions, opportunities to experience the Hall's renowned Pickin' Shed, and three hours of live performances.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12

2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12

(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.

bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
Benson Boone to Perform at Prudential Center on July 13th

Benson Boone to Perform at Prudential Center on July 13th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Benson Boone brings his 2026 U.S. Wanted Man Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. Last year, Boone received his first GRAMMY® nomination for Best New Artist at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, where Boone delivered a show-stopping performance of his breakthrough smash "Beautiful Things."
Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th

Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey alt rock/pop-punk band Good Damage will return to the House of Independents on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 supporting American Vanity and Faded 2 Gray. This will be the band's third time playing the venue. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 8:00pm.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th

Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th

(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 17, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards

Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards

(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.
LoMotion Live Presents America at 250: A Celebration in Song to Benefit Elks Army of Hope

LoMotion Live Presents America at 250: A Celebration in Song to Benefit Elks Army of Hope

(PARSIPPANY, NJ) -- LoMotion Live invites the community to an inspiring evening of music, storytelling, and patriotism with America at 250: A Celebration in Song, a special benefit cabaret on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Parsippany Arts Center. Showtime is 7:30pm. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Elks Army of Hope, a charitable program dedicated to providing assistance to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families during times of need.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Damn The Torpedoes Matinee Show

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 3:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Damn The Torpedoes Evening Show

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead)

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Asbury Lanes
209 Fourth Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ


Johnny Kasun’s Jim Croce Tribute

Friday, July 17, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Streetlife Serenade - “The Billy Joel Experience”

Saturday, July 18, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ



 

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