Video footage of TESLA‘s Frank Hannon and Jeff Keith performing an acoustic version of the band’s song “Stir It Up” can be seen below.
The original recording of “Stir It Up” appeared on TESLA‘s 1991 album “Psychotic Supper”.
TESLA has spent most of 2019 touring in support of its latest album, “Shock”, which was released in March of that year via UMe. The follow-up to 2014’s “Simplicity” was produced by DEF LEPPARD guitarist Phil Collen.
TESLA bassist Brian Wheat admitted to SiriusXM‘s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk” that “Shock” divided the band’s fans due to its lighter, pop-like sound, with some blaming its direction on Collen, who co-wrote many of its tracks. The disc was recorded piecemeal while TESLA was on tour with DEF LEPPARD, with some of the tracking taking place in backstage areas and hotel room lobbies.
“Some people hate it, some people love it,” Wheat said. “I tell you, after five weeks, six weeks, it’s leaning more toward, ‘You know, it had to grow on me. I’m actually enjoying it now.’ That’s the thing, that’s why we called it ‘Shock’. We knew it was going to shock people. The other thing is, we couldn’t just continue to do the same record over and over and over again, so we tried something different. It’s cool. The songs go down well live, I see people singing, our fans are in there singing ‘Shock’, singing ‘Taste Like’, singing ‘[Tied To The] Tracks’, singing ‘Take Me Alive’. It’s cool. Look, after so many years, I’m glad we’re able to make another record because not the first on everyone’s agenda anymore.”
Collen previously co-wrote and produced the TESLA song “Save That Goodness”, which was released in August 2016 and included on the “Mechanical Resonance Live!” album.
TESLA released “Five Man London Jam” in March 2020 on Blu-ray, 2LP vinyl, CD and digital via Ume. The recording celebrates the 30th anniversary of TESLA‘s landmark “Five Man Acoustical Jam” album.
TESLA‘s current lineup includes four of the five original members: Keith (vocals), Hannon (guitars), Wheat and Troy Luccketta (drums). Guitarist Dave Rude joined in 2006 as the replacement for Tommy Skeoch.
