By JOHN DALY
Thank goodness for the avalanche of content out there while people are “hunkered down” at home.
There is so much in the way of free movies, TV series, videos and music that it’s overwhelming. While regular network TV, HBO, and Netflix offer plenty to watch, social media is also delivering massive amounts of content.
We’ve selected a few Instagram pages of musicians and influencers which have emerged as the not-to-miss fare during the shelter-in-place orders.
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton brings poetry and more to her millions of fans. And of course the Queen of Country does it with grace and style. Check out her latest here, an Easter message in which she encourages the people to keep the faith during these quarantine times.
Brian May
The Queen co-founder enlightens the day just about every day with his great musical performances. No one can say Brian has not been jamming all the time with a range of different musicians and neighbors. One of his latest Instagram performances is “We Are The Champions,” which takes on a new and haunting life sans vocals.
Bob Weir
Bob Weir posts a range of cool concerts and collaborations on his Instagram page. In this post, he pays tribute with Emmy Lou Harris to the late John Prince, who passed away earlier this week.
Nile Rodgers
Nile Rodgers has been a regular in the social media broadcast world and has been faithfully putting up cool rehearsal footage, pithy observations and behind-the-scenes work. One of the great producers, collaborators and writers, Rodgers always gives good advice and insights.
Cedric Bixler-Zavala
Cedric Bixler-Zavala is a social media expert and has taken advantage of the free broadcast system available to all on many occasions. The At The Drive-In frontman offers a range of opinion, insights and news to those who know him. He has also been fighting a tough battle against Scientology on behalf of his wife. But we were happy to see Bixler-Zavala pay tribute to our favorite Todd Rundgren recently.
Mick Rock
Photographer Mick Rock whose images have graced the covers of magazines and albums gives a peek behind the scenes on how he got the great shots. He uses Instagram to examine his work and talk about the people he has met over his impressive career.
Steve Caballero
Skater and entrepreneur Steve Caballero has amassed a huge following on Instagram and he talks trends and skater news on his cool page. Long admired for his local style Steve is still a kid at heart and his enthusiasm and zest for life always shine through.
The Dirty Knobs
Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs may have postponed their tour, but it doesn’t stop Campbell and the guys from posting music every day. Campbell here posts a video of music in tribute to John Prine.
Freya Ridings
Freya Ridings has such a unique voice and approach to music she has built an impressive fan base in a short time. The music is always the inspiration and here she covers David Bowie’s “Heroes” for the first responders and those on the front lines.
Alice Bag
Alice Bag, the first lady of punk, isn’t letting any isolation defeat her regular training regimen and she suggests everyone do the daily workout to music. It’s good for the spirit and attitude. Follow along with the queen of the “Apocalypse workout” at her IG page.
Johnny Marr
Johnny Marr buoys the spirit of those at home with some cool performances and kind words. The co-founder of The Smiths and successful solo artist is one of the most down earth guys in the world of Rock N Roll and it comes through loud and clear in his social media broadcasts.
The Bellrays
The Bellrays led by Lisa Kekaula and Bob Vennum, continue to deliver even in times of isolation. The band weathers the storm, in the last couple of years making the road their lifestyle and rebounding in style despite having gear stolen. Lisa’s voice is one of the rare gifts of soul, R and B and punk.
Jack Black
Jack Black, one of the most popular comedians and performers on social media proves that creativity can thrive even in a solo environment. We’re not sure if he creates for himself or for us but his talent in action is something to behold. Check out his Passover Song in one of his latests posts.
Brittany Furlan Lee
Brittany Furlan (who married drummer Tommy Lee and thus the newly added “Lee” surname) has been an influencer and staple of social media for years. Her material only gets wackier each day and if you need a laugh and a smile, her Instagram page is the place to go. Furlan Lee always has a clever or goofy post to keep the fans laughing and she now involves her husband, who is either a reluctant participant in, or an innocent victim of all the hijinks.
