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Tower Of Power Archives

Tower of Power Celebrates 55 Years with 2023 Tour
Concerts & Tours

Tower of Power Celebrates 55 Years with 2023 Tour

Oakland’s finest soul band, Tower of Power, has announced a winter tour for 2023 to celebrate the band’s 55th anniversary. The band is still led by Emilio Castillo, who founded the group in 1968 with his brother Jack Castillo, Stephen “Doc” Kupka, and bassist Francis “Rocco” Prestia.

Tower Of Power Announces U.S. Fall Tour Dates
Concerts & Tours

Tower Of Power Announces U.S. Fall Tour Dates

Tower of Power has, unfortunately, had to nix their European dates for 2022, but they’ve also unveiled a fall tour of the U.S. The iconic R&B-based group will kick things off at the end of September with Marc van Wageningen on bass.

Tower of Power Announces First Major Tour in 2 Years
Concerts & Tours

Tower of Power Announces First Major Tour in 2 Years

Tower of Power has unveiled a new spring tour of the U.S. that marks their first major outing since the beginning of the pandemic. Bassist Marc Van Wageningen, who had filled in for Rocco Prestia through the years, will carry on the tradition.

Tower of Power Returns with “Step Up”
New Albums

Tower of Power Returns with “Step Up”

Tower of Power celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2018 with “Soul Side of Town.” Though it was a partial victory lap for the band, they’re clearly not done as they’ve just released a new album called “Step Up,” recorded during the same session.

Tower of Power: Boys From The Bay
Bass Videos

Tower of Power: Boys From The Bay

Back in 2008, Tower of Power celebrated its 40th anniversary. Taken from their 40th Anniversary DVD, here’s Rocco Prestia and the band laying down the East Bay grease on “Boys From The Bay.”

Tower Of Power: Squib Cakes
Bass Videos

Tower Of Power: Squib Cakes

During the 2006 Montreux Jazz Festival, Tower of Power took the stage and brought the funk (and were joined by Carlos Santana and Chester Thompson). Here’s a clip of the band performing “Squib Cakes.” Rocco Prestia killed it!

Tower Of Power: So I Got to Groove (Live)
Bass Videos

Tower Of Power: So I Got to Groove (Live)

Tower Of Power performed a killer set at the Montreux Jazz Festival in July 2006. Among the tunes they played was “So I Got to Groove.” Of course, Rocco Prestia laid down the funkiness behind the band and that awesome horn section.

Tower of Power: Tiny Desk Concert
Bass Videos

Tower of Power: Tiny Desk Concert

Ten days ago, NPR tested the limits of their Tiny Desk concert space with a visit from Tower of Power. The band treated the audience to three tunes: “On the Soul Side of Town,” “So Very Hard to Go,” and “What Is Hip?” Marc van Wageningen had some big shoes to fill too, taking over for Rocco Prestia while he...

Tower of Power Celebrate 50 Years with “Soul Side of Town”
New Albums

Tower of Power Celebrate 50 Years with “Soul Side of Town”

Who knew you could be so funky for so long? Tower of Power is celebrating 50 years of making music in 2018 with a new album called Soul Side of Town. While the band’s lineup has changed up through the years, the album includes original saxophonists Emilio Castillo and Stephen “Doc” Kupka as well as the epic rhythm section of...

Tower of Power: So Very Hard To Go (Live on Soul Train)
Bass Videos

Tower of Power: So Very Hard To Go (Live on Soul Train)

The other day, I stumbled upon this 1973 video of Tower of Power’s appearance on Soul Train. I immediately texted it to Kevin, and then I watched it countless times since then. The song is “So Very Hard To Go”, and Rocco Prestia is laying it down like only he can, behind one killer band.

Tower of Power to Celebrate 48th Anniversary with Tour
Concerts & Tours

Tower of Power to Celebrate 48th Anniversary with Tour

It may seem hard to believe, but 2016 will mark 48 years since the formation of Tower of Power. The influential group has released 18 studio albums, seven live albums, six compilations, three DVDs, and have toured the world with thousands of shows. To celebrate the band’s longevity, they’ll be bringing their unique blend of soul, funk, jazz and rock...

Tower of Power: Soul With Capital S (Java Jazz Festival – 2006)
Bass Videos

Tower of Power: Soul With Capital S (Java Jazz Festival – 2006)

Here’s a great clip of Tower of Power performing “Soul With Capital S” – with some trademark funky bass by the one and only Rocco Prestia. And how about that honkin’ bari sax? This performance was recorded at the Java Jazz Festival in 2006.