News
“THE 88th 2016 ACADEMY AWARDS (OSCARS)”
Feb 2016

The 88th Academy Awards saw the Launch of Google's Android "Rock, Paper, Scissors" campaign featuring John Parr and "St Elmo's Fire ( Man in Motion) as the theme song.
31 Years after the US number one, a favourite for "Best Original Song" Oscar, was withdrawn when the Academy allegedly heard that the song had been inspired by Rick Hansen's "Man In Motion Tour" an epic journey in his wheelchair to circumnavigate the globe.

Well no Oscar for john back then but it raised awareness and helped Rick raise $275,000,000 for spinal research. So here we are with Google's launch of their "Rock Paper Scissors" campaign for the Android, the song is once again bringing light to a good cause highlighting the campaign's anti bullying theme....making. diverse friendships at a time when the world surely needs unity.
“Rock n Horsepower 2015”
January 2015

Doncaster rocker John Parr has been signed up to play the world’s biggest 80s music festival this summer.
The singer-songwriter, best known for his global smash and US number one St Elmo’s Fire, has been booked to play Rewind North, a three-day feast of eighties music which will take place in Cheshire in August.
The northern show, which will be held at Capesthorne Hall from August 7 to August 9, will also feature headline performances from The Human League and OMD plus appearances from The Boomtown Rats, Jimmy Somerville, Heather Small, The Sugarhill Gang, Kim Wilde, Soul II Soul, Belinda Carlisle, ABC, Bananarama, The Selecter, Chesney Hawkes, Howard Jones, Imagination ft. Leee John, Dr & The Medics and many more.
Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday January 23rd.
“Rock n Horsepower”
June 2014

On Saturday 14th June 2014 John Parr performed as part of a very special U.K. charity event to raise money for the fight against prostate cancer at the Rock 'n' Horsepower benefit, which took place at the Hurtwood Park Polo Club in Surrey, England..
The line up included Jeff Beck, Simply Red singer Mick Hucknall, Genesis and Mike & the Mechanics member Mike Rutherford, The Moody Blues' John Lodge, ex-Foreigner bassist Rick Wills and Who band mates Roger Daltry, Pete Towshend and Kenny Jones.
Other famous names on the bill included: Nick Kershaw, Procol Harum, Alvin Stardust, Jim Cregan, Mike Rutherford,, Vic Reeves, Rick Wills, John Lodge, Damon Hill, Judy Tzuke and Mollie Marriott. The star-studded concert served as the finale to a daylong event, which also featured polo matches, an exhibition of vintage cars, a VIP luncheon, and a charity auction all in aid of Prostate Cancer UK) at Hurtwood Park Polo Club.
“The Best” Released
01 OCT 2013

John Parr and Led Zeppelin songsmith create a truly iconic track.
Never before released or broadcast “The Best” features John Parr's collaboration with Jake Holmes (author of Zeppelin's “Dazed and Confused”) to create a true epic.
“Acoustic Fever” Released
02 JUL 2013

John Parr joins a host of international musicians and singers on a new album "Acoustic Fever".
The brainchild of Scorpions drummer and writer Herman Rarebell, the album features a unique blend of Flamenco / Rock arrangements of some of the band's biggest hits. John's version of The Scorpions classic "Passion Rules the Game" will be the the lead single.
To see more and hear samples taken from the rocking album "Acoustic Fever" follow the link below...
St.Elmo's Fire On PS3!
03 FEB 2013

Great news! “St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)” will be coming to Sony Playstation 3 on Tuesday February 5th 2012
Click below to find out more about the exciting new Rockstar games, featuring John Parr, available on Xbox and Playstation. Read the insightful story behind the hit song “Under A Raging Moon” written as a tribute to the late, great Keith Moon.”
“The Mission” Released
04 JUL 2012
July 4, 2012 legendary singer/songwriter John Parr releases what is considered by many to be his strongest album to date.
“The Mission” is a heartfelt album with killer riffs and Parr on top form. With 14 great tracks, not a filler in sight, the album includes kicking tracks such as “Big Bad Silverado”, “Fightin' Girl” and “Military Man”. This album represents power, passion and Parr...

“The Mission is inspired by our fighting men and women who put themselves in harms way for our freedom. It is 14 songs covering almost every aspect of the Military but it is not a marching bands record. It's rock, it''s intimate, power and passion, life, love and sacrifice. Much of the proceeds of this album are being donated to 3 incredible Military charities:The USO, Military Families and USA Cares. It is about raising awareness and funds for Military men and women as they make the difficult transition back into ordinary life.”
John Parr (2012)
"The Mission" is a heartfelt album with killer riffs and Parr on top form. With 14 great tracks, not a filler in sight, the album includes kicking tracks such as "Big Bad Silverado", Fightin' Girl" and "Military Man". This album represents power, passion and Parr...
A Man In Motion
27 Jun 2012

You will not find a more sincere, down to Earth person in the music industry than John Parr, the artist behind 1985’s international mega-hit “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion).” Listeners and fans can be assured that when Parr speaks, writes and sings he does so from the heart.
“I started out very, very young. I use to go to the Saturday morning matinees you know and they use to have talent shows for the kids between the movies,” Parr said.
Parr was six when he began performing and winning the talent shows. As a result, Parr says that, “I use to get into the movies for free”.
“Then I heard the Beatles on the radio and that was it. The Beatles were the thing for me. Made me want to buy a guitar and then music just exploded for me,” Parr recalls.
MTV fans of the 80s will recall the guitar with the American flag that Parr used, most notably in his hit single, “Naughty, Naughty...”
Vinyl Music Interview
21 JUN 2012

Finally, I saw John Parr’s vision of ”St. Elmo’s Fire.“ Toward the end of a concert full of flashbacks, stories and rock, Parr shared the story of Rick Hansen. The Canadian Paralympian’s passion was the true inspiration for the hit song, ”Not the wheels on Demi Moore’s Jeep” joked Parr during his concert at Vinyl Music Hall.
With video clips of Hansen’s ”Man in Motion World Tour“ projected behind him, Parr performed the song that reached # 1 on the Billboard charts in 1985. Inspirational on it’s own, the song was even more moving as the screen filled with scenes from Hansen’s grueling day-by-day triumphs and struggles. Documenting the pain, the joy and the people who became part of Hansen’s journey, Parr’s lyrics are the perfect compliment...
"Enlisted Man" Released
30 MAY 2012

"Every soldier enlists for a reason, often private and deeply personal. To right a wrong or to make a difference, so committed are they to help their fellow man, they enlist. They are enlisted in love."
Download John Parr's latest single - "Enlisted Man" now.
"Big Bad Silverado" Released
24 MAY 2012

For his 18th Birthday a young man wishes for a big bad Chevy Silverado, his childhood dream.
Everything changed that day. It was 9-11-2001, on September 12th; he enlisted and put all thoughts of that Silverado to the back of his mind. He told his mother “if I don’t come back don’t cry, I’ll be driving that big bad Silverado in the sky”.
Download John Parr's epic, new single, "Big Bad Silverado" now
Interview - Dallas, Texas
23 MAR 2012
Exclusive behind the scenes footage of John Parr's latest interview. John talks about his number one hit, St. Elmo's Fire and how a chance meeting at ESPN led to the viral hit, Tim Tebow's Fire. Hear exclusive news of an explosive new album...
Rockzone Interview
05 FEB 2012

Few musicians from England have made such a mark on America as John Parr. Calling the USA his second home, he has spent decades building a successful career working with some of the biggest stars in the business, including Meatloaf, Heart, The Beach Boys, Celine Dion, Rob Lowe, Tina Turner as well as writing songs for films including ‘Three Men and a Baby’ ‘Running Man’ and ‘St. Elmo’s’ Fire’, where his song became a No. 1 hit Worldwide and gained John many awards.
Currently touring the UK in the musical “American Anthems” and recording his next album, John kindly took time out of his busy schedule to talk exclusively to Rock Zone UK.
St. Elmo's Fire (Cooldown)
09 FEB 2012

In 1985 record producer David Foster approached John Parr about writing and recording the theme song for the upcoming movie St. Elmo’s Fire.
John actually used recently injured and wheelchair bound Rick Hansen’s story as his inspiration for writing the song St. Elmo’s Fire, “Man in Motion”. The song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States in September 1985 and gained John a Grammy Nomination.
Now you can download John Parr's new and unique "cooldown" version of the iconic hit - St. Elmo's Fire.
Tim Tebow's Fire
12 JAN 2012

Just when I thought I had heard everything when it came to Tim Tebow and his fans, I see that one of my favorite songs from the 1980s has now been given a Tebow flare.
And this change was not just by some random fan singing a cover video of the song on YouTube. This lyrical change was done by the original writer, who is also a huge fan of Tim Tebow..
Concert For Reserve Airmen
16 DEC 2011

Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, John Parr, best known for his popular 80s hits "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)" and "Naughty, Naughty," performed a free concert for a crowd of nearly 600 as part of a USO-sponsored tour of over 10 military bases this winter.
Despite having played at such prestigious venues as the Sydney Opera House in Australia and Madison Square Garden in New York, Parr explained that holding a concert in a hangar was a life-long dream come true.
Rockstar Monthly
13 DEC 2011

Pop rocker John Parr recently returned to music after a 10 year break from the buiness.
For some, John is remembered best for St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion), his touching anthem written for Canadian Rick Hansen and his Man In Motion World Tour to accelerate the discovery of a cure for spinal cord injury and to improve the quality of life for its sufferers, through fundraising and facilitating research. The song also ended up as the core track for a stunning soundtrack for the feature film St. Elmo's Fire, propelling the Man In Motion tour to greater heights.
John Parr At USO
07 DEC 2011

In an emotional show at the USO of North Carolina-Jacksonville Center, British singer and songwriter John Parr spoke about his deep affection for the military and America, Dec. 3.
"America was the only place that gave me a shot," he said. "When I came during the 1980s, people weren't the way they are now about the military. You wouldn't want to wear your uniform in the streets. It angered me greatly, being British and knowing how much we love our armed forces, to see the military getting a bad rap. I intended then to write songs about the plight of the military."
Concert For Airmen
29 NOV 2011

On Sunday, Dec. 11 the USO of NC, along with the 916th Air Refueling Wing, is hosting Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter John Parr.
Few musicians from England have made such a mark on America as John Parr has. Calling America his second home, he has spent decades building a successful career and winning over fans from one end of the country to the other. His career started years ago, and he still continues to delight fans domestically.
Charlotte Motor Speedway
25 NOV 2011

"It shows that our country is a grateful nation. They recognize the importance of our military and the sacrifices made." CMSgt. Steve Wachter, Superintendent of the Air Force Chaplain Corps College at Fort Jackson, South Carolina."
USO of North Carolina and Lowe's partnered efforts to produce the hugely successful Military Thanksgiving Dinner at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The dinner attracted close to 500 military personnel and family members - nearly double the crowd from the previous year.
Hansen's Return To Napanee
02 Nov 2011

Twenty five years ago, a courageous young man wheeled his way into Napanee as part of a marathon wheelchair trek around the world, which was attempting to raise awareness and money for the treatment of spinal cord injuries.
Westcoast Rendez Vous
24 OCT 2011

John Parr, the "Man In Motion" produced by David Foster for the "St Elmos Fire" soundtrack back in late 80's is back with a 2 cd release of new material and Live performances. Check it out!
ESPN
11 OCT 2011

John Parr wrote and performed a special song for quarterback Tim Tebow live on ESPN. This song has been picked up by ESPN for the entire season.
John Parr wrote and performed a special song for quarterback Tim Tebow live on ESPN. This song has been picked up by ESPN for the entire season.
SonyATV Signs
01 OCT 2012

John Parr signs with Sony!....the following is Sony's quote regarding their alignment...
"We are delighted to be working with a writer of John’s caliber and pedigree. He brings a catalogue that includes some of the most iconic hits of the 80’s, and we are just as excited about John’s great new songs." | |
Ready To Rock
30 SEP 2012

"John Parr was born in Worksop, England and had a major world hit with 'St Elmo's Fire' in 1985. He has written for many artists and also acted as co-producer with Mutt Lange for Romeo's Daughter's debut in 1988."
"John Parr was born in Worksop, England and had a major world hit with 'St Elmo's Fire' in 1985. He has written for many artists and also acted as co-producer with Mutt Lange for Romeo's Daughter's debut in 1988."
Man In Motion Again
07 JUL 2011

Back in 1985, movie songs were big, and few were bigger than "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)," the #1 hit from the "Brat Pack" film of the same name. But even though the guy who co-wrote and sang that song, John Parr, went on to sell 10 million albums, contribute songs to over a dozen other movies and work with major artists like Meat Loaf, Tina Turner, Journey and Bryan Adams, he eventually disappeared from the music scene. Well, guess what? He's back.
Back in 1985, movie songs were big, and few were bigger than "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)," the #1 hit from the "Brat Pack" film of the same name. But even though the guy who co-wrote and sang that song, John Parr, went on to sell 10 million albums, contribute songs to over a dozen other movies and work with major artists like Meat Loaf, Tina Turner, Journey and Bryan Adams, he eventually disappeared from the music scene. Well, guess what? He's back.
"Letter To America" - Released
04 JUL 2011

A lifetime inspired 2-disc collection which includes one audio disc of John performing his old and new hits with his band, as well as one audio disc of acoustic tracks. Produced by Parr, the first disc showcases Parr with his band performing fan favorites including Parr’s #1 hit “St. Elmo’s Fire”-“Man In Motion” and the unforgettable hit “Naughty Naughty”. The second features acoustic arrangements such as “The Minute I Saw You” and “The Best A Man Can Get”. Both of these discs are loaded with fan favorites as well as a variety of newly released music.
A lifetime inspired 2-disc collection which includes one audio disc of John performing his old and new hits with his band, as well as one audio disc of acoustic tracks. Produced by Parr, the first disc showcases Parr with his band performing fan favorites including Parr’s #1 hit “St. Elmo’s Fire”-“Man In Motion” and the unforgettable hit “Naughty Naughty”. The second features acoustic arrangements such as “The Minute I Saw You” and “The Best A Man Can Get”. Both of these discs are loaded with fan favorites as well as a variety of newly released music.
Richard Marx
30 MAY 2011

The audience were also treated to a new song written that afternoon with support act John Parr which began with the immortal line "Three o'clock on a rainy afternoon in Birmingham."
Back TO The USA
13 MAY 2011

Grammy Nominated Singer-Songwriter John Parr returns to the USA with his "Letter To America" Tour 2011 and a double album by the same name.
Totally 80's
12 MAY 2011

In this interview, John talks about touring England in his early teens with his first band in an old army ambulance, his involvement with the Man in Motion tour and hanging with the Brat Pack.
K-Rock Interview
08 APR 2011
Interview with a fascinating classic rock artist, Mr. John Parr, clip from the live interview April 8th 2011