The press is buzzing over another big ticket sale of unusual rock and roll memorabilia. An ornate toilet bowl from one of John Lennon's English homes fetched almost $15,000 at auction on Saturday. The toilet (NOT pictured left) was just one of more than 300 lots of Beatles memorabilia at the 33rd Annual Beatles Convention in Liverpool, England. The UK's "Daily Telegraph" originally reported that the porcelain "loo" was a fixture in the late Beatle's Berkshire residence. The item had gone to the blocks with an estimated value of $1,100 to $1,500.
It was just last fall that a lot from an Elvis Presley Auction in Chicago similarly raised a few eyebrows. That was when an anonymous bidder paid over 18-thousand-dollars for a clump of the late "King" of rock and roll's hair.
Just When You Thought Radiohead Couldn't Get Any Cooler....
... they did. Radiohead has a new concert video available -- which the fans helped create. In August 2009 the band traveled to Prague for a performance and over 50 flip camera-carrying fans were given authorization to film whatever they wanted at the show. The footage was then edited together and the group provided professional audio to complete the new film. Those interested can download the movie in various formats at http://radiohead-prague.nataly.fr/Main.html. The folks behind the movie stress that this is, quote, "strictly not for sale -- by the fans, for the fans. Please share and enjoy." Radiohead's set included 25 songs, including a healthy batch of tracks from the band's last release, "In Rainbows."
Santana Previews Cover Album
Carlos Santana is previewing highlights from his upcoming cover album, "Guitar Heaven." RollingStone.com reports the veteran axe man hosted a recent event at Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel. The show was part of the 63-year-old rocker's "residency" at the Sin City hot spot. Joining Santana at the Hard Rock were Chris Daughtry, India.Arie, and Gavin Rossdale. All three took to the stage to perform tracks from "Guitar Heaven" live. India.Arie did the singing on George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," while Rossdale sang the T.Rex track, "Bang A Gong." Daughtry warned the crowds before his song that he didn't have the range of Def Leppard's Joe Elliott. He then belted out a cover of Leppard's "Photograph" that reportedly brought the Vegas crowd to its feet. Other guests on Carlos Santana's "Guitar Heaven" include singer Rob Thomas, rapper Nas, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and hard rocker Scott Weiland. The album is due on September 21st.
Here is a list of tracks on "Guitar Heaven:"
Whole Lotta Love' featuring Chris Cornell (Led Zeppelin)
'Can't You Hear Me Knockin' featuring Scott Weiland (The Rolling Stones)
'Sunshine Of Your Love' featuring Rob Thomas (Cream)
'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' featuring india.arie and Yo-Yo Ma (The Beatles)
'Dance the Night Away' featuring Pat Monahan (Van Halen)
'Back In Black' featuring Nas and Janelle Monáe (AC/DC)
'Riders On the Storm' featuring Chester Bennington and Ray Manzarek (The Doors)
'Smoke On the Water' featuring Jacoby Shaddix (Deep Purple)
'Photograph' featuring Chris Daughtry (Def Leppard)
'Bang A Gong' featuring Gavin Rossdale (T. Rex)
'Little Wing' featuring Joe Cocker (Jimi Hendrix)
'I Ain't Superstitious' featuring Jonny Lang (Howlin' Wolf, Jeff Beck Group)
Franti: Soles4Souls
Michael Franti & Spearhead is hitting the road to promote their new album with a charitable tie-in. The group is including the charity "Soles4Souls" on nine dates of their upcoming tour in support of the record, "Sound of Sunshine." Franti tells UsMagazine.com that he's excited about working with the organization. He says, quote, "In addition to being a group that provides shoes, they partner with different aid organizations in developing countries. The goal is not just to hand out shoes to people who need them, but to help people break the cycle of poverty." One person who won't be getting a pair of shoes from Soles4Souls is Franti himself. The singer has gone without shoes for ten years. He says he began going shoe-less after playing music in developing countries where kids couldn't afford shoes. Michael Franti & Spearhead aims to collect 100-thousand pairs of shoes for the needy through his partnership with Soles4Souls.
The band is calling nine dates of their upcoming tour the "Barefoot Concert Series." Fans can donate or sponsor shoes by visiting MichaelFranti.com for more information or texting "FRANTI" to 20222. The album "Sound of Sunshine" arrives on September 21st.
Weezer: Pinkerton and Blue Live?
Weezer is far removed from the two records that started their career, but the band will attempt to recapture the spirit from both of those releases this fall. Singer Rivers Cuomo is confirming recent rumors that the group is planning special shows to coincide with the deluxe reissue of their "Pinkerton" album. He tells MTV News, quote, "We have this really exciting idea to do a tour where we spend two nights in each city, and the first night we play the entire 'Blue' album, and the second night we play the entirety of 'Pinkerton.' We're just running it by promoters right now to see if there's sufficient interest in the markets to do something like that, and if they're on board, it's gonna happen." Weezer also has a new album to promote this fall. Weezer's CD "Hurley" arrives September 14th.
Elbow: New Music
Elbow is in the process of completing the follow-up to the hugely successful, Mercury Music Prize-winning album, "The Seldom Seen Kid." Singer Guy Garvey tells BBC's 6Music that the group is drawing inspiration from their childhood for the new album, which currently carries the working title "Lippy Kids." Garvey explains, "It's quite a nostalgic thing. I've got a thing about growing up. Not needing to! But a certain period of your life when -- well kids are called 'hoodies' these days aren't they, when they reach their teens. I remember it being an amazing, important time, so I've written a lot about that." Garvey says Elbow is about three-quarters through the new disc.
The Cure's Drummer Returns?
The Cure may eventually add one of their former members -- if he has anything to say about it. Australia's "Undercover" reports that longtime drummer Lol Tolhurst is campaigning to rejoin the band. Tolhurst was booted in the late '80s, and he later clashed with frontman Robert Smith in court over royalties. Now Tolhurst says via a Cure fansite that he wants to return to the band so that they can tour and perform their 1981 album "Faith." The drummer says that he and Smith have been back in contact while organizing a series of reissues. Tolhurst has also been busy with his band Levinhurst. Smith has made no public comment about Tolhurst's requests.
Muse Digital Recongition
Muse, Mumford And Sons, Florence & The Machine, and Temper Trap are among the leading nominees at the 2010 BT Digital Music Awards. Muse has nods for Best Group and Artist Of The Year at this year's ceremony, as well as one for Artist Promotion. They're also up for Best Group along with Mumford & Sons, who also has a shot at Best Newcomer. The Temper Trap is a double nominee as well, earning a bid for Best Independent Artist Or Group and Breakthrough Artist Of The Year. Florence & The Machine could walk away with trophies for Best Female Artist and Best Song with "You've Got The Love." Lostprophets, The Prodigy, Vampire Weekend, Gorillaz, and The xx are also among the nominees. Winners will be announced during a September 24th ceremony in London.
Noel Gallagher: Always a Good Story
While Beady Eye -- the new band featuring former Oasis members Liam Gallagher, Gem Archer, Andy Bell, Chris Sharrock -- is frequently in the public eye, ex-Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher remains relatively quiet about his musical future. The rocker confirms in an interview with "Talksport" that he plans to hit the studio this week to record drums for another unnamed musician. Gallagher won't name his musical pal, but hints that it's someone he's, quote, "thrown up" with in the past. On the personal front, Noel adds that he won't be the best man for longtime friend Russell Brand, who's engaged to singer Katy Perry. But he notes he's looking forward to taking part in the British comedian's stag party.
MGMT-McCartney Collaboration
Now in his late sixties, Sir Paul McCartney still has a full "dance card" professionally. Spinner.com reports that the electronic pop band MGMT is speaking out on an as-yet-to- pan-out collaboration with the former Beatle. The group -- famous for tracks like "Time To Pretend" -- said they wanted to work with McCartney after performing with him at NY Park last summer. The band's frontman Andrew Wells VanWyngarden says, "Nothing has really come of the collaboration part of it. We still would really like to do that. We like Paul McCartney's songwriting abilities and musical sensibilities. His bass playing is unreal - he is definitely our favorite bass player."
McCartney's list of collaborators is extensive. He has recorded with Stevie Wonder, the late Michael Jackson, George Michael, and he recently sang a track on his former Beatle bandmate Ringo Starr's solo LP, "Y Not."
Jack Johnson's Ocean Love
Jack Johnson loves surfing, and he's doing his best to keep the oceans clean. In his ongoing support of the world's oceans, Johnson is ready to chip in another 70- thousand-dollars to aid in the Gulf Of Mexico oil spill recovery efforts. The vocalist tells Spinner.com that he's teaming with All At Once to encourage volunteerism and donations during his tour. Jack's also aiding fundraising efforts by providing 30-thousand- dollars in direct donations and another 40-thousand in matching grants.
Arcade Fire Tops Album Chart
Arcade Fire has their first chart-topping album. The group's latest release, "Suburbs," is debuting at number one on the Billboard 200, with 156-thousand copies sold. Billboard.com notes nearly two-thirds of the sales were downloads, and adds that the band's special promotion via Amazon's MP3 store -- where for a week the album was available for just three-dollars-and-99-cents -- helped boost their sales. "Suburbs" is surpassing the success Arcade Fire saw with "Neon Bible." The Montreal-based band's 2007 effort debuted at number two on the chart with 92-thousand copies sold -- only about a third of which were digital sales.
Marky Ramone Talks Italian
If given a choice, Marky Ramone says he'd rather tune into HBO over MTV's "Jersey Shore." "Paper" magazine reports that the former Ramones' drummer says he's not happy with the way that the reality show depicts Italian-Americans. Marky says "Jersey" builds on stereotypes from films like "Goodfellas," adding, quote, "It just shows a very condescending way about Italian people and what they perceive. I go to Italy every year, and there's that other side, the painters, the great actors...and then there are people who glorify them as gangsters." The rocker does admit, however, to having a soft spot for "Jersey" cast member Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi.
What does the 54-year-old like on the tube? Ramone says he enjoys HBO's "True Blood" and "Hung."
Electric Lady turns 40
An elite group of New York engineers is preparing to honor the 40th anniversary of the Electric Lady Studios this month. The "Lady," opened in Manhattan in 1970 by rock legend Jimi Hendrix, is hitting the big "4-0" at the end of the month. To honor this milestone, the New York section of the Audio Engineering Society will salute the studios and celebrate Jimi's legacy on August 24th. According to Blabbermouth.net, Jimi's sister, Janie, who is also CEO/President of Experience Hendrix, will be among the guests along with Jimi's former engineer, Eddie Kramer. David Bialik, a committee member for the AES New York section, says, quote, "Our goal for this dual event is to honor one of the longest-lived studios in New York City's history. And to pay tribute to the indelible mark its founder has left on contemporary music." Electric Lady has attracted a diverse slate of artists over the years. U2, Coldplay, David Bowie, and The Rolling Stones have all recorded there.
Bono Rescheduled
Bono returned to the stage last Friday night as his band U2 resumed its "360 Tour" in Turin, Italy. The band was sidelined back in May after Bono suffered a back injury that required emergency surgery in Germany. The incident led to a summer of canceled U2 dates in North America. The band picks up the European leg of the tour tonight at Stadio Olimpico with opening artist Kasabian on the bill. Other supporting acts for the trek include Snow Patrol, OneRepublic, Interpol, and Razorlight.
U2 will continue to snake through Europe until their final show there at Rome, Italy's Olympic Stadium on October 8th. U2 has rescheduled this summer's North American dates for next year.
May 21 -- Denver, CO -- Invesco Field
May 24 -- Salt Lake City, UT -- Rice Eccles Stadium
June 01 -- Edmonton, AB -- Commonwealth Stadium
June 04 -- Seattle, WA -- Qwest Field
June 07 -- Oakland, CA -- McAfee Coliseum
June 17 -- Anaheim, CA -- Angels Stadium
June 18 -- Anaheim, CA -- Angels Stadium
June 26 -- East Lansing, MI -- Spartan Stadium at MSU
June 29 -- Miami, FL -- Sun Life Stadium
July 05 -- Chicago, IL -- Soldier Field
July 08 -- Montreal, QC -- Hippodrome
July 09 -- Montreal, QC -- Hippodrome
July 11 -- Toronto, ON -- Rogers Centre July 14 -- Philadelphia, PA -- Lincoln Financial Field
July 20 -- East Rutherford, NJ -- New Meadowlands Stadium
July 23 -- Minneapolis, MN -- TCF Bank Stadium
2010 MTV VMA Nominations Announced
Florence and the Machine received four nominations for the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards including nominations for Video of the Year and Best Rock Video for "Dog Days Are Over." Other Best Rock Video hopefuls include two-time nominees Muse, with "Uprising," and MGMT, with "Flash Delirium." Broken Bells are among those vying for Best New Artist. Green Day, Coldplay, Gorillaz, Mumford And Sons, Miike Snow, and The Black Keys have nominations as well.
The 2010 MTV Video Music Awards will air Sunday, September 12th at 9:00 p.m. Eastern on MTV. Lady Gaga leads the way with 13 nominations -- which is the most ever for any artist in a single year. Fans can vote for their favorites to win at MTV.com. Balloting in all but one category will close on August 24th. The Best New Artist category will stay open into the live ceremony on September 12th. Wanna get your vote in? CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR THE MTV VMA's
Check out these WRNR artist nominees for The 2010 MTV Video Music Awards:
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Florence + The Machine, "Dog Days Are Over
BEST ROCK VIDEO Muse, "Uprising"
Florence + the Machine, "Dog Days Are Over"
MGMT, "Flash Delirium"
BEST NEW ARTIST Broken Bells, "The Ghost Inside"
BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO Gorillaz featuring Bobby Womack & Mos Def, "Stylo"
Coldplay, "Strawberry Swing"
The Black Keys, "Tighten Up"
BEST ART DIRECTION
Florence + The Machine, "Dogs Days Are Over"
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Mumford and Sons, "Little Lion Man"
Florence + The Machine, "Dog Days Are Over"
BEST EDITING
Miike Snow, "Animal"
BEST SFX (SPECIAL EFFECTS)
Muse, "Uprising"
Green Day, "The 21st Century Breakdown"
Be a Part of the Lennon Time Capsules!
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is planning to extend the legacy of the late John Lennon well into the 21st century. In cooperation with Yoko Ono, the Cleveland institution is dedicating three time capsules to honor the music legend at a ceremony on October 8th -- the day before what would have been Lennon's 70th birthday. The Rock Hall plans to open them on October 9th, 2040 in a ceremony marking the slain Beatle's 100th birthday. The capsules will contain post-Beatles recordings and contributions from fans around the world. Once they're sealed, the capsules will be stored for the next 30 years at the Rock Hall and at two other locations of significance to Lennon. Regarding the project, Ono said, quote, "I am delighted to support this effort to help share John's music and messages of peace and love with the children of today and tomorrow."
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is inviting the general public to submit commentary, birthday wishes, musical performances, and personal thoughts about John Lennon. To make a submission, CLICK HERE. Contributions will be accepted through September 15th, 2010.
Dave Grohl on the Run
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl and The White Stripes' Jack White are some of the stars featured on the latest installment of the PBS series "In Performance at the White House." They were on hand for "Paul McCartney: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song In Performance at the White House," which was taped in the East Room of the White House last month. The event honored the former Beatle as the recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. For the event guests offered up a musical salute to the legendary rocker. Grohl contributes the Wings hit "Band on the Run," while White provides a rendition of The Beatles' "Mother Nature's Son." Other participants include Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, Herbie Hancock, Faith Hill, and The Jonas Brothers, while McCartney also performed as well. "Paul McCartney: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song In Performance at the White House" premiered on PBS Wednesday night, July 28th.
Check out Dave performing "Band on the Run"
Rolling Stones Gather No Retirement
The Rolling Stones are shooting down rumors that they have a retirement plan in the works. EntertainmentWeekly.com reports that a rep for the English rockers said talk of wrapping up the band's run in music are simply, quote, "not true." This, after the UK newspaper "The Sun" cited an inside source as saying, quote, "The band realize that age is creeping up on them. They want to bow out on top of their game, and not short- change their fans." The rumors also suggested that the Stones' upcoming world tour would be their last. The enduring band will mark its 50th anniversary in 2012. The rep's clarification coincided with Mick Jagger's sixty-seventh birthday on Monday, July 26th. Mick's birthday brings the combined age of the Rolling Stones to 265. Jagger's fellow bandmates include 63-year-old guitarist Ron Wood, 66-year-old guitarist and vocalist Keith Richards, and drummer Charlie Watts, who's 69.
KoL Gets K.O. By Pigeon Poo?!
Drummer Nathan Followill of Kings of Leon is promising the band's St. Louis fans full refunds for their canceled Friday night show. The Tennessee rockers made it only three songs into their set before walking off the stage. The "Riverfront Times" reports there was no immediate word as to why the show was scrapped, but Nathan soon explained in a pair of profanity-laced Twitter postings that the band was no match for a pigeon seated in the rafters above the stage. Nathan apologizes to the fans by explaining they had to "bail" after a pigeon defecated into bassist Jared Followill's mouth. The drummer goes on to say, quote, "It was just too unsanitary to continue. FULL REFUNDS 4 ALL. SO SORRY. Don't take it out on Jared." Nathan blames the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater for the pigeon problem. Nathan Followill ends his brief Twitter vent to the fans by saying other people may enjoy being dumped upon, but Kings of Leon does not. Andy Mendelsohn of the band's Vector Management released a statement to CNN on Saturday. He says, quote, "Jared was hit several times during the first two songs. It's not only disgusting -- it's a toxic health hazard. They really tried to hang in there." Bassist Jared Followill, the pigeon's victim, says, quote, "We couldn't believe what [opening bands] The Postelles and The Stills looked like after their sets. We didn't want to cancel the show, so we went for it. We tried to play. It was ridiculous."
Billy Corgan Feeling Better After On Stage Blackout
Smashing Pumpkins' vocalist Billy Corgan is doing better after an onstage injury last Wednesday. During a show in Tampa, Florida, the singer stumbled and fell to the ground while performing the single "Bullet With Butterfly Wings." Corgan says via Twitter, quote, "For those who saw me fall last night during 'Bullet,' that wasn't a stage move or clumsiness. That was me blacking out and wiping out. I have no memory of falling against the drum riser and my guitar cabinet, but I can tell you I've got quite a good bruise and am moving slow."
Jonesing for Flowers
The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers might have a solo album on the way, but another musical opportunity could be on the horizon. Veteran British pop star Tom Jones says he'd like to work with Flowers. Jones tells NME.com that they've spoken, and might record some material together. He notes, quote, "There's a connection there because he's from Las Vegas, and of course, I've performed there so many times over the years." Jones adds that Flowers has told him he, quote, "admired what I'd done in my career." No timetable has been set for the collaboration, and Jones admits, quote, "The material has to be right. That's always been my main concern with whichever people I've worked with."
Flowers' upcoming solo debut, "Flamingo," is expected to be released in September.
Contra Controversy
Vampire Weekend is being sued for more than $2 million by the hot chick pictured on the cover of their newest album -- because she says an impostor put her John Hancock on the consent form. The model is Kirsten Kennis -- who claims she took the original photo way back in 1983 -- and had no idea it was being featured on the album "Contra" ... until after the band began to promote it back in November.
In a lawsuit, filed in L.A. County Superior Court, Kennis claims she thinks it all has to do with a "photographic release" that the band obtained from a photographer named Tod Brody. Problem is, Kennis claims the signature on the release is a forgery. Kennis blames the band for not verifying the legitimacy of the release -- and is suing VW and the photog for more than $2 mil.
Singer Ezra Koenig tells NME.com that it's "frustrating" to go through, and they are limited as to what they can say as they want to approach the legal process properly. He admits, quote, "I think I can speak for all of us and say this is the first time any of us have ever been sued, so we're still learning how it works. There's so many things we could say about it, but given we have no experience of it, we're just keeping our conversations to a journal for now, which is a little frustrating."
Bono's Back
While finding time to apologize for the lost summer of tour dates and rescheduling new ones next year, Bono is also addressing the back problem that put him and U2 out of action in the first place. He says he now feels strong and can sit, stand, and move around a bit. He adds that he was, quote, "rebuilt by German engineering -- better design I'm told." The singer needed emergency surgery in May after injuring his back during a tour rehearsal in Munich. U2 is scheduled to resume their tour August 6th in Turin, Italy, and Bono says he expects to be ready. The band is slated to return to North America next spring, with the trek to start in Denver on May 21st.
Weezer Going "Heavy Mental?"
Weezer will soon re-emerge with new music. Newstimes.com reports that the group is planning to sign with a still-to-be-determined independent label and have already picked September 13th as the release date for their next album. Singer Rivers Cuomo says the disc is still untitled, explaining, quote, "I've spent the entire morning trying to come up with a name for the record. How does 'Heavy Mental' sound? There's definitely going to be more raw rock energy on this one." Weezer's recent sessions have already produced one track -- "Represent" -- which was the unofficial anthem for U.S. soccer during the World Cup. It is not known if the song will be included on the upcoming disc. Weezer's new album will be their follow up to 2009's "Ratitude."
Amy Winehouse New Music... No Really.
Fans of British singer Amy Winehouse don't have much longer to wait for new music from her. She tells the UK's "Metro" that her next studio album is coming in "six months at the most." Winehouse says, quote, "It's going to be very much the same as my second album, where there's a lot of jukebox stuff...I just can't wait to have some new songs on stage, really." The singer made her comments while attending her new boyfriend's film premiere at the Prince Charles Cinema in London's Leicester Square.
Pearl Jam: Last Show?
We may not hear much from Pearl Jam for a while. Singer Eddie Vedder told a crowd during the band's performance in Lisbon, Portugal Sunday night, quote, "Thank you for coming to our last show -- not our last ever, but our last in a long time." Vedder delivered the comments in Portuguese to the audience at the beginning of their set, and the band continued their show without further discussion of why they were taking a break. Pearl Jam released their "Backspacer" album last fall, and has already scored hits with "The Fixer," "Just Breathe," and their current single "Amongst The Waves."
Jagger Talks "Salad Days"
Mick Jagger is talking about the Rolling Stones' "salad days." In an interview with BBC News, Jagger said the band made little off record sales in the 1960s, despite the fact that they were actively recording. Jagger says, "Nobody got paid. I always wonder if Frank Sinatra got paid. Your royalty was so low. If you sold a million records you got a million pennies. It was all very nice, but not what you imagined you were going to get." The iconic frontman does acknowledge that the 1970s and 1980s brought bigger pay checks for the rockers.
Jagger's accumulated fortune has him in the news this week. The UK's "Sunday Times" Music Rich List put the 66-year-old in the Top 20. Among those occupying space on the "rich" list were fellow rock veterans Ringo Starr, Sir Tom Jones, Eric Clapton, Sir Elton John, and the surviving members of the Bee Gees -- Robin and Barry Gibb.
Beck Covers Yanni?!?
Beck is continuing his "Record Club" venture, welcoming Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore and members of the post-punk outfit Tortoise to the studio. This time, they've chosen to cover Yanni's "Live At The Acropolis." As with past records, the entire disc was recorded in a single day and a new song will debut at Beck.com each week, starting with the new posting of "Santorini." The track is not a completely faithful cover, as Moore improvises lyrics for the song.
Courtney Love can add another memorable performance to her touring history. Her show at Washington, D.C.'s 9:30 Club is noteworthy for her bizarre behavior. "The Washington Post" reports that the singer took the stage an hour late for her Sunday performance, took ten-minute breaks between songs, stripped off her top at one point, forgot lyrics, played only fragments of songs, and had an assistant stand onstage with an iPhone to record her. And that is not counting the onstage banter with the crowd. At one point, the paper reported that Love asked an African-American audience member,quote, "Do you really like rock music? Because you're African-American. That would be like me being into Lil' Wayne."
When it came time for the encore, one of her handlers encouraged the audience to cheer loudly because, quote, "there was someone who was waiting to have sex with Love and it would take lots of applause to get her to delay that appointment."
"Darkness" Falls Again
Bruce Springsteen is re-releasing his album "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" later this year. RollingStone.com reports that the deluxe edition may contain as many as ten outtakes along with the original tracks from the 1978 album. That's according to E-Street Band guitarist Steve Van Zandt, who recently told a UK radio station, quote, "We're doing a little bit of fixes on some 'Darkness on the Edge of Town' outtakes, which is going to be a really fun reissue coming for Christmas." *
In addition to the polished up outtakes, the Boss' engineer is reportedly culling through the vaults for unreleased material from the "Darkness" era of the late 1970s. There's no word yet if the deluxe package will include a concert DVD.
*Catch Little Steven's Garage Sunday nights at 7pm on WRNR.
The Voodoo that Jane Do
Jane's Addiction may be working on new music with a new bassist, but fans will soon get one more taste of the band's former lineup. The group has announced the DVD and Blu-Ray release of their "Live Voodoo" concert disc. The material was filmed on Halloween night 2009 during New Orleans' Voodoo Experience. It features all four original band members, including bassist Eric Avery who recently left the band. Songs on the set include "Up The Beach," "Mountain Song," "Ain't No Right," "Three Days," "Whores," "Then She Did...," "Been Caught Stealing," "Ocean Size," "Ted, Just Admit It," "Summertime Rolls," "Stop!," "Jane Says," and "Chip Away."
The bonus features include additional footage of the songs "1%" and "Ocean Size" recorded in Los Angeles, an NME featurette, and a photo gallery. Janes' Addiction's "Live Voodoo" is due in August.
Danger Mouse Performs
Broken Bells are touring in support of their debut album, which means studio wizard Danger Mouse now has an audience he can see. The musician tells Spinner.com he's still getting used to the idea of playing for a crowd and is not exactly comfortable onstage. He explains, quote, "I turn my back because I'm into it, and if I look at a bunch of people looking at me, I'm not gonna be into it. When it's a good show, sometimes it can be fun and you even want to keep playing." But he admits, quote, "I'm just not a performer. That's not how I thought of myself." Danger Mouse adds that having a short memory has helped out, explaining, quote, "You forget [why you're there] every night, but then two songs in you realize, 'This is good, this is fun.'"
Find out more on Danger Mouse, James Mercer and Broken Bells, CLICK HERE and check out WRNR's DIGITAL SHORT with Alex Cortright.
Red Line on the Horizon
U2's summer festival run is no more after Bono's recent back injury, but he may have an easier recovery because his wallet will definitely be lighter. The canceled dates are hitting the band in the pocketbook. A source tells the UK's "The Sun" that even with insurance U2 could lose close to 150-million dollars from the missed shows. The group's manager, Paul McGuinness, notes, quote, "If we play or not, touring still costs us 500-thousand-pounds a day," which amounts to nearly 741-thousand-dollars.
Bono injured his back during a tour rehearsal in Germany last month, for which he needed surgery. U2 had to scrap their summer North American tour to accommodate Bono's recovery. The band is now scheduled to return to the road in August. U2's new North American dates are expected to be announced soon.
Sexy Veggies
Peta2 is staging their annual "Sexiest Celebrity Vegetarian" poll. Past winners have included AFI's Davey Havok, country singer Kellie Pickler, and actors Milo Ventimiglia and Kristen Bell.
This year's music nominees include members of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Band Of Horses, Incubus, Weezer, The Mars Volta, Death Cab For Cutie, Anberlin, Silverchair, My Chemical Romance, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Black Keys, Rilo Kiley, Bloc Party, System Of A Down, Radioheadand The Kills among others.
A supposed Pearl Jam leaked track has fans scratching their heads with speculation about where the song will turn up. EW.com reports that the song is actually an Eddie Vedder contribution to the upcoming Julia Roberts film, "Eat Pray Love." The track, alleged to be titled "Better Days," was hacked from a supposedly secure site manned by the band's Monkeywrench Records label. The film, which also stars Vedder's pal Javier Bardem, is expected later this summer.
White and CoCo Team for New Record
Talk show host Conan O'Brien continued an eventful year by teaming with Jack White to record a new album. O'Brien played a set at White's Third Man Studios Thursday night, and told the crowd, quote, "I've had a crazy six months. Six months ago I was the host of 'The Tonight Show,' the greatest franchise in the history of television. Then I started a live tour, going from small theater to small theater. And tonight I'm pressing a vinyl record." He added, quote, "I'm going back in time! Next week, I'll be on vaudeville. Then I'll be a steamship captain." The comedian and his "Legally Prohibited Band" played such favorites as Willie Nelson's "On The Road Again," The Band's "The Weight," White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army," "Blue Moon," Stray Cats' "Rock This Town," and Radiohead's "Creep." White joined in for the set-closing cover of Eddie Cochran's "20 Flight Rock." "Conan O'Brien - Live At Third Man" can be pre-ordered at store.thirdmanrecords.com/conanliveatthirdman.aspx.
CoCo attended Bonnaroo and sat behind the sound board during The Dead Weather's set. CLICK HERE for Carrie's Bonnaroo blog including pictures of Conan at the performance.
Thom Yorke: Advise for New Artists
Radiohead has been ahead of the curve while the music industry continues to change, and singer Thom Yorke has some words of advice for aspiring musicians to steer clear of the label system. Speaking for a new school textbook about citizenship studies, the vocalist told the "Rax Active Citizenship Toolkit" that it's only a matter of time before the music business establishment completely folds. Yorke added that it would be "no great loss to the world" if this happened, and that musicians should seek other avenues of support.
Radiohead issued their first six releases for EMI/Capitol before launching the groundbreaking "pay-what-you-want" strategy for their last full-length album, "In Rainbows."
Keith Richards / Sheryl Crow Collaborate
Keith Richards is lending his sound to a new LP from pop star Sheryl Crow. The Rolling Stones' guitarist is collaborating with Crow on her forthcoming studio project, "100 Miles From Memphis." Crow and Richards appear together on the reggae-tinged track, "Eye To Eye." Richards is in elite company on "Memphis." Justin Timberlake also signed on for a cover of the Terence Trent D'Arby song "Sign Your Name." Sheryl Crow's "100 Miles From Memphis" arrives on July 20th.
McCartney Tribute @ The White House
The White Stripes Jack White, Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, and Elvis Costello were recently in Washington, DC to celebrate the work of a British legend. The rockers were among those slated to take part in a special ceremony honoring Paul McCartney as the latest recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. For the event, guests offered up a musical salute to the former Beatle, who's being recognized for both his humanitarian efforts and his extraordinary catalog of material. Others on board for the event included Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, The Jonas Brothers, Faith Hill, Emmylou Harris, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Jerry Seinfeld.
The show was taped for the PBS series "In Performance at the White House." The episode, "Paul McCartney: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song In Performance at the White House," is scheduled to debut on PBS on July 28th. It will also be posted on PBS's website.
CLICK HERE to see Bob Dylan's past performance of "The Times They Are A-Changin'"
CLICK HERE for a direct link to PBS's "In Performance at The White House" videos
"In Performance at The White House" was created to showcase the rich fabric of American culture in the setting of the nation's most famous home. Since 1978, the program has embraced virtually every genre of American performance art.
Green Day Rock Band
Green Day is ready to add to the list of venues they've played, even if it's just in the video game world. For the "Rock Band: Green Day" the band played a part in the design, and chose some of the concert halls gamers get to play in. Singer Billie Joe Armstrong tells AlternativePress.com, quote, "One is The Fox Theater for '21st Century Breakdown.' The Fox Theater is just an old theater that took 20-something years to rebuild, and it's in Oakland. We played '21st Century Breakdown' in its entirety there during the first year that it's been re-opened and it's just a beautiful theater."
While the band provided input where they could, much was left up to the "Rock Band" creators. Armstrong says he likes his video game avatar, noting he believes he looks like a superhero. He notes, quote, "It's pretty cool. I think they used sort of a combination between watching us play live and getting stand-ins to wear the weird ping-pong ball monkey suits or whatever.""Rock Band: Green Day" arrives this Tuesday, June 8th.
What Are the Favorite Acts of American Adults? Who is the Harris Poll Asking?
U2 and The Beatles we get, but what's up with Celine Dion?!?!?!
Celine Dion, U2, and The Beatles occupy positions one, two, and three on a list of America's favorite musical performers. Dion is the favorite overall with American adults. This, according to new Harris Interactive poll which asked, quote, "Who is your favorite singer/musician?"U2 followed behind the "My Heart Will Go On" diva in second position, with Elvis Presley and The Beatles sharing the number three position.
U2 is tops among men, Republicans, and Conservatives, as well as those between the ages of 34 and 45, those living in the West, and those with an income of 75-thousand-dollars or more. The Beatles rank highest among Independents and Liberals, as well as with those between the ages of 46 and 64 and those who make less than 35-thousand-dollars a year.
VARIOUS DEMOGRAPHICS
Men - U2
Women - Celine Dion
Political Party Identification
Republican - U2
Democrat - Celine Dion
Independent - The Beatles
Political Ideology
Conservative - U2
Moderate - Celine Dion
Liberal - The Beatles
Generation
Gen X (age 34 to 45) - U2
Baby Boomers (age 46 to 64) - The Beatles
Matures (age 65 and older) - Celine Dion
James Mercer Balancing Acts
James Mercer is a man with a problem that many musicians would like to have. The Shins vocalist took a detour this past year to do Broken Bells, which has been a well-received project in its own right. Mercer says he sees a future with both acts. He tells Billboard.com, quote, "I think the next thing I do will be a Shins record. I guess we're on hiatus now, so I have to sort of allocate time to do it and still do what we have to do with [Broken Bells]. But that's made me feel excited about doing Shins stuff again. It's been inspiring. I want to take some of [Danger Mouse's] approach and apply it to my [Shins] work." As for Broken Bells, he definitely sees reuniting with Danger Mouse at some point. He explains, quote, "We've got these songs that aren't b-sides type stuff, definitely ones we want on a record, and we enjoy this. It's fun. I think he enjoys it too."
Mercer says that the main difference between the bands is the approach, explaining that Broken Bells usually evolves from he and Danger Mouse connecting in the studio and seeing what happens, while he usually writes for The Shins in advance of recording. At present, Mercer says there is no firm timetable for either band to return to the studio. Broken Bells hits the 9:30 Club for a sold out show on June 7th.
White Still Likes Stripes
White Stripes vocalist, Jack White, may have spent more time on his other bands in recent years, but the singer says he would still like to return to his original group. The singer tells "The Guardian" that he thinks Meg White has overcome the anxiety issues that shut down the band's touring in 2007. He says, quote, "I don't think her anxiety exists anymore, but I don't know. She was there when we were rehearsing for The Dead Weather, and Karen Elson's band was rehearsing in the next building...She is still involved and everything." White says he has yet to discuss any plans with Meg about a White Stripes return, but adds that it is something he would like to do.
New "True Blood" Soundtrack
HBO's "True Blood" has recruited some of rock's biggest stars for its second companion soundtrack to the Louisiana vampire drama. Spinner.com reports that The Band's Robbie Robertson, Beck, and Elvis Costello -- who performs a duet with Lucinda Williams -- are all on "True Blood: Music From the HBO Original Series Volume II." Robertson's contribution is called "How To Become Clairvoyant." The track also will appear on the Canadian rocker's upcoming solo LP. Costello and Williams pair up for "Kiss Like Your Kiss." Beck's original track for the show is called -- appropriately -- "Bad Blood." "True Blood, Volume II" also includes the track from Bob Dylan's catalog, "Beyond Here Lies Nothin." "True Blood: Music From The HBO Original Series Volume II" will debut on May 25th. The series will begin its third season on HBO on Sunday, June 13th at 9:00 pm Eastern.
Brandon Flowers: Solo But Not Alone
"Flamingo" may be Brandon Flowers' initial solo effort, but he's not going it completely alone. The Killers singer tells "NME" that Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis worked on a few songs with him, including a duet called "Hard Enough." Flowers says, quote, "She's always popped into my mind whenever I think about getting a female vocalist involved because she's a fellow child of Las Vegas, too." He notes that Lewis has something in common with The Killers drummer, adding, quote, "A lot of people don't realize that, but she was actually born there, in the same hospital as Ronnie Vannucci Jr., only a few weeks apart." The singer also worked with top notch producers Stuart Price, Brendan O'Brien, and Daniel Lanois while recording the effort.
Flowers admits that some of the tracks he's recording were meant for a Killers record, but since the band went on hiatus he decided to record them himself. He explains, quote, "I personally would prefer it if this was a Killers' record. Some of these songs were originally destined to be Killers songs, but it is what it is." As for the band's break, he says, quote, "I see this as something that will only make the Killers stronger. I feel like I'm getting something out of my system with this album, but I want the next Killers album to be a wonderful collaboration between four guys who are ready to make the best record that they can possibly make." Flowers' "Flamingo" solo set is expected this fall.
Green Day to Shred Thier Own Tapes!
Green Day is the next act to get their own video game as "Rock Band: Green Day," but the game will not have their entire catalog. Drummer Tre Cool tells Gameinformer.com that their Lookout! Records-era material will not be part of the track listing. He says, quote, "We wanted to get stuff from '39/Smooth' and 'Kerplunk!' on there, too, but the tapes are really old. I don't know if you know about analog tapes, but to transfer them you need to play them. They are kind of stuck together right now. You have to 'bake' them, and then you have one chance to run it over the machine to transfer it to make stems. Once it hits the head, it comes off the other side shredded." Cool says the band is looking to digitize those tracks, but want to make sure they have the right people working on it. He adds, quote, "We're actually booking it...We're going to bite the bullet and shred our old tapes and put it to digital." The game "Rock Band: Green Day" arrives June 8th.
Roger Waters: THE WALL LIVE
Roger Waters is talking about the original inspiration for one of Pink Floyd's defining works, "The Wall." In an exclusive interview with Spinner.com, the 66-year-old rocker says that "The Wall" was inspired by the distance he felt between the band and its audiences by the time that Floyd was playing arenas. Waters also cites challenges in his own life -- like the end of his first marriage -- as instrumental for the album and stage show. He adds that fans have drawn from "The Wall" on their own terms, saying, quote, "You start feeling parallels in other people's experiences. The separations that you might feel from things that might be important to you are symbolically represented by this wall that is separating you from the band that's making this music." "The Wall" -- released in 1979 -- includes the tracks "Hey You" and "Comfortably Numb."
Waters is preparing to mount "The Wall Live," a tour with his solo band. The rocker plans to kick off the trek in Toronto, Canada this September and hits the Verizon Center on October 10th with WRNR. For ticket info, CLICK HERE.
Bono Turns 50
In his half-century on planet Earth, Bono's been a music icon, a venture capitalist, an activist, and more. The U2 rocker is now adding to the journalist aspect of his resume with his upcoming Q&A with U.S. President Barack Obama in Canada's "The Globe and Mail." The rocker -- who turns 50 today -- recently interviewed America's Commander-In-Chief for the publication's Africa Century Globe edition. In a preview of the piece, Bono asks President Obama what he remembers about a recent trip to Africa. As part of his response, President Obama responds, quote, "Stepping off the plane in Accra [capital of Ghana] and being met not just by the sitting President, John Atta Mills, but also by the political opponent he very narrowly defeated in Ghana's last hard-fought but peaceful and fair election. Their presence there together was such a powerful symbol of Ghana's pride in its own democracy."
As Bono marks his 50's birthday he can look back on several decades of high achievements. The Irish-born rocker's earned multiple Grammy awards with U2, entered the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame with the band, been granted honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth the Second, and earned a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. Bono's also lent his fame to raise money and awareness for causes across the globe. On the personal front, Bono -- born Paul David Hewson -- has been married to his wife Alison since 1982. The couple has four children.
How did Bono celebrate his birthday?
There were no pyrotechnics, massive television screens, or VIP guest lists at Bono's 50th birthday celebration this week. IrishCentral.com reports that the U2 frontman marked the occasion by having dinner with his wife. Bono and his other half of 28 years, Ali Hewson, dined at Nobu in New York City in honor of the milestone. The couple has an interesting history celebrating birthdays. Bono's song "Sweetest Thing" was reportedly penned for Ali when the rocker forgot her birthday. The track appears on U2's 1987 LP "Where the Streets Have No Name" and was remixed for the compilation album "The Best Of 1980-1990."
Fred Schneider Gets Booed on Rock Band for Singing the B-52's?!?
The B-52s frontman Fred Schneider is admitting that he got "booed" while trying to cover his own material out in public recently. The singer told Spinner.com that he was at a wedding party when guests asked him to play a round of "Rock Band." The game featured The B-52s single, "Love Shack." Schneider said, quote, "I sang 'Love Shack' and got booed off the stage. I was like, 'Well, screw this.'"
Schneider added that he steers clear of "karaoke" style situations these days, unless he's in a room of people that don't know his identity. He says, quote, "I won't do karaoke now unless I know no one knows who I am. And what we do is sing really cheesy songs really horribly: 'Laughter in the Rain,' 'It's My Party' and 'Not Invited.' We just ruin them -- and have a good time doing it."
Beastie Boys' Hot Sauce
The Beastie Boys continue to sit on their "Hot Sauce Committee, Pt. 1" album, but are looking ahead to a potential fall release. The album was put on hold last fall after Adam Yauch took time off to treat a cancerous salivary gland. Mike D. tells RollingStone.com, quote, "We've been letting it age. The writing is the growing of the grapes and we've already macerated, and at this point, it's been living in a barrel and being stored in bottles in the cellar and hopefully, by September, we will uncork." The emcee admits the album hasn't been sitting completely untouched as the group has been doing some "massaging" of the tracks during the delay.
The rapper adds that the track listing might be shuffled, with maybe one song being cut and another being substituted. Mike D. says that while they are looking at a fall release, it all hinges on Yauch's health. He adds, quote, "We make plans and change those plans based on what Adam's got to do. Our real priority is for him to heal."
Gorillaz Unleashed Live
Gorillaz are planning a return to North America later this year for a scaled back performance. Singer Damon Albarn tells MTV News that the group will likely play minus the hologram-backed stage setup featuring their animated alter-egos. He notes that touring with the animated aspect of the group is both complicated and expensive, and -- remembering Gorillaz's GRAMMY Awards experience four years ago -- difficult to pull off. Albarn recalls, quote, "We couldn't play with any bass or any sound because it would vibrate the film, so it was really quiet [and] no one could hear us." He notes that Madonna followed Gorillaz, quote, "with her inflated-ABBA riff, at full volume, and the place goes insane. And at [that] point, I just thought, 'You know what? Sometimes, just keep it simple.'"
Albarn says Gorillaz's upcoming shows may be more like their Coachella appearance earlier this month, in which the band was front and center, adding, quote, "We want it to be powerful, and for people to feel good about it." Gorillaz are hitting the road in support of the album "Plastic Beach."
ROCK FIGHT! Corgan Twitter Vs. Love FB
Billy Corgan and Courtney Love's on-again, off-again friendship appears to be on the outs at the moment. The Smashing Pumpkins singer launched an attack against Love via his Twitter account, just as the new album from Hole was set to hit stores. Corgan reportedly wrote with the widow of the late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain a few years back, but after a falling out decided not to let her use his contributions. The singer tweeted, quote, "My face is my face, my heart is my heart, my money is my money. Oh, and my songs are MY songs. If you can't write your own songs, maybe you should just be happy that you fooled someone into doing your work for you, or maybe you should go somewhere nice and live off your husband's money, you know, the money he made for writing all those great songs."
The attack didn't stop there as Billy started in on Courtney's recent Facebook apology and the raising of her child Frances Bean Cobain. Corgan added, quote, "When you issue someone an apology on YOUR Facebook page, you might actually mean it and take responsibility for it. But the world is aware of your lack of responsibility, as seen in the government taking away your parental right. Only you could abandon such a beautiful, incredible child, who is smarter than you, cooler than you, and better than you. Oops, did I say too much? So have your moment, burn up in the sun that laughs at you as equally as it appears to celebrate you, and sleep knowing you have no honor." ZING!
Spin's Top Albums of the Last 25 Years
"Spin" Magazine is putting U2's "Achtung Baby" at the top of its list of the most influential records of the past quarter century. The 1991 album is praised as U2's, quote, "most immediately dynamic music since 1982's 'War,'" and credited with making the Irish group, quote, "the emblematic band of the alternative-rock era." Prince's 1987 effort "Sign O' The Times" has the number two spot, with the magazine saying the album is, quote, "as personally pointed and stylistically varied as any ever made." The Smiths' 1986 disc "The Queen Is Dead" lands at number three, followed by Nirvana's "Nevermind." "Spin" says of the pioneering grunge group's 1991 CD, quote, "No album in the history of modern rock has had such a decisive influence." Radiohead's 1997 release "OK Computer" rounds out the top five. "Spin" compiled its list of the 125 Best Albums of the Past 25 Years to commemorate the magazine's 25th anniversary. The full list is posted online at www.spin.com.
"Spin" magazine's list of the 125 Best Albums of the Past 25 Years
(TOP TEN)
1. U2, "Achtung Baby"
2. Prince, "Sign O' The Times"
3. The Smiths, "The Queen Is Dead"
4. Nirvana, "Nevermind"
5. Radiohead, "OK Computer"
6. Public Enemy, "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back"
7. Guns N' Roses, "Appetite For Destruction"
8. PJ Harvey, "Rid Of Me"
9. Pavement, "Slanted And Enchanted"
10. Nine Inch Nails, "The Downward Spiral"
Coachella Highlights
Icelandic ash kept more than one band from hitting Coachella, but none-the-less. the show went on.
DAY ONE:
VAMPIRE WEEKEND * THEM CROOKED VULTURES
The last time Vampire Weekend played Coachella (in 2008), the band’s star had just begun to rise, and the quartet’s live show was somewhat lacking—the songs sounded hollow and flat. Frontman Ezra Koenig looked uncomfortable in front of a teeming, screaming crowd of would-be weekenders. This time around, however, the difference was palpable, as if the boys who performed in ‘08 had matured into adults for their Friday night Outdoor Theater set. The foursome (especially Koenig, in both his vocal delivery and guitar playing) appeared infinitely more confident and comfortable.
Them Crooked Vultures played an absolutely incredible show. In a band with so many huge names, it stands to reason that each person would get a solo (they did) and that they’d jam (they did so…and it was brilliant). Jones seemed to get the most stage time: he played a prolonged bass solo, rocked the organ on the song “Caligula,” and then played by himself a bluesy piano composition (Josh Homme just sat down on the stage and watched).
Muse covered Nirvana and incorporated elements of 'The Star Spangled Banner' in their Coachella set and managed to include lasers and fireworks. At one point, they also spliced in a Jimi Hendrix-esque interlude of 'The Star Spangled Banner' into proceedings, and more randomly threw a sequence of Nirvana’s ‘School’ into the mix too.
Meanwhile, The Dead Weather rounded off the night on the Outdoor stage with a set that showcased a number of songs from their forthcoming second album ‘Sea Of Cowards’, including the Jack White sung ‘Blue Blood Blues’ and another album track called ‘Hustle And Cuss’ which saw him duet with frontwoman Alison Mosshart.
Earlier in the day, MGMT had also played a highly-anticipated set on the Outdoor stage which featured much of their new album ‘Congratulations’, released earlier in the week. “I’ve met so many cool bands at this festival and they’ve all signed my pants,” enthused Andrew VanWyngarden mid-way through the show. Although the Brooklynites did give airings to fan favourites ‘Time To Pretend’ and ‘Electric Feel’, ‘Kids’ was once again conspicuous by its absence.
PHOENIX opened their set on the Outdoor stage with “Lisztomania” and had the crowd losing it right off the bat. As they walked out, you could see on their faces that even THEY were amazed at how humongous the crowd was. He said that he couldn’t even see all the way to the back, which must have been breathtaking. People were clapping along to the beat of the songs and singer Thomas Mars was leaning over the railing and singing along with the fans in the front row.
Thom Yorke's Atoms for Peace, featuring Flea and Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich, just killed it for 90 minutes straight. For those who think Radiohead is a snore (blasphemy!), they may be surprised to learn that Yorke's got some serious dance moves. Flea flopped around like a hyperactive kid whose dipped his hair in kool-aid one too many times, and it seemed awkward next to the solemn Yorke on opener "The Eraser," but soon the singer broke through his shell and they both started flapping their limbs around like giddy ravers. Atoms For Peace's new material certainly has more dance appeal than Yorke's solo debut and the band offered up a few new songs to prove just that. But the best was a simple acoustic elegy, "Give Up the Ghost," where he recorded his own vocal loop right there on stage.
Gorillaz‘ headlining set, and the imposing video of Snoop’s contribution to the primates’ new Plastic Beach was just the beginning of the wonders in store. Huge illuminated letters spelling GORILLAZ ran across the stage, where Damon Albarn led a gaggle of backing band members in nautical outfits. Above and to either side of them, a cartoon phantasmagoria was projected to accompany the unfailingly catchy selections from Plastic Beach and 2005’s Demon Days: mountains of trash, undersea adventures, incandescent weaponry, and all manner of other trippy sights courtesy of Gorillaz’ visual mastermind Jamie Hewlett. Check out the fan video... it will make you feel like you're at the show right down to the annoying person in front of you who is also trying to take a video and blocking your view.
U2 is staying busy throughout 2010 with talk of a new LP coming from the band's manager. "Rolling Stone" announced via Twitter that the Irish rockers won't unveil new material in early summer, but that it's looking like they'll roll something out by year's. U2's manager Paul McGuinness confirmed that there will be no LP in June, adding, quote, "However, before the end of the year is increasingly likely."
Until then, U2 fans will have to "make do" with the upcoming DVD of the band's massive Rose Bowl show in Pasadena, California last fall. The video is scheduled for release on June 3rd. Also on June 3rd, U2 will kick off its "U2360 Tour: 2010" in Salt Lake City, Utah at the Rice Eccles Stadium.
Here's some more gossip and rumor mill fodder on the new U2 album, Songs of Ascent.
TRACKLIST: unknown
POSSIBLE SONGS MENTIONED
These are two types of songs listed below:
1. songs mentioned in the buildup to U2's new album
2. songs believed to be unused from previous albums
It's possible that some of these titles were changed and have already appeared under a different name. It's also possible that, as song titles changes, some of these may be referring to the same song.
* "Kingdom Of Your Love" - this is the name of the song U2 is using as the intro music when the band takes the stage on the U2 360 Tour * "Tripoli" (unused from No Line On The Horizon) In a video on U2.com, Brian Eno explains that this song became "Fez" on No Line On The Horizon. * "Winter" (unused from No Line On The Horizon) - this song appears in the Jim Sheridan film, Brothers * "Every Breaking Wave" (Bono told Rolling Stone this is a "surging anthem" and would be the first single.) * "If I Could Live My Life Again" - Bono says this song is "inspired by the great Argentinian poet Jorge Luis Borges." Bono said he had just begun the song while speaking with author Michka Assayas in December, 2005. Their interview appears as the extra material in the paperback version of Bono in Conversation with Michka Assayas. * "Love Is All We Have Left" - a song Bono named during his May, 2006, trip to Africa as one that he had recently written. "It’s like an old Broadway tune. I thought it was a Frank Sinatra song," Bono said. * "North Star," a song from the How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb sessions which included a guest organ appearance from Michael W. Smith. In this CCM article, Smith describes the song as a tribute to Johnny Cash. * "Mercy," one of the last songs to get cut from How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, described in Blender magazine as "a six-and-a-half-minute outpouring of U2 at its most uninhibitedly U2-ish"
* "Lead Me In The Way I Should Go" -- a contender for Atomic Bomb first mentioned in this February, 2003, interview with Bono in Grammy Magazine * "You Can't Give Away Your Heart" - a contender for Atomic Bomb first mentioned in SPIN magazine
January 15, 2010: In a conversation with Dave Fanning, Edge continued to express the band's uncertainty over what to do next with its Fez material, its Rick Rubin material, and the Spider-Man songs.
"We're asking ourselves exactly the same questions. We don't really know yet. We're working on material here, and it's sounding amazing, but we're far from being certain about what we're gonna do with it." - EDGE
Pick the Songs on Devo's New Album
We're not kidding.
Wait til you check out how Devo is using the Internet. With cutting edge technology and a sweet cyber guide dude to help you through your experience, you can listen to snipets of Devo songs and vote for your favorites. CLICK HERE to participate. Make sure to give a listen to "Watch Us Work It Out" and "Human Rocket." They will zap you back to the 80's.
Devo will use your votes to determine which tracks make the new album. Look for Devo on tour with their new album including dates at Coachella and Lollapalooza.
Liam Turns Model: Singles Album Coming
Liam Gallagher is planning to release new material later this year, recorded with ex-Oasis members (but not Noel). In the meantime he's focusing on fashion. Liam has unveiled a new Spring/Summer collection for his clothing label Pretty Green... with himself as the model.
Liam has revealed that his post-Oasis group will have a new name. "It's not Oasis, that was a sh** name anyway," Gallagher said. "I'm glad to see the back of it." As for the name of the new band, Liam remained tight-lipped on what the group is going to be called. He stated: "There's a name that we're digging at the moment, but we're going to get on with the music and see how it goes."
Oasis have revealed the cover art for their forthcoming singles compilation album, 'Time Flies'. The cover art, pictured, features a photograph taken during one of the band's performances at Knebworth Park. They famously played the venue before a combined crowd of 250,000 on August 10 and 11 in 1996. 'Time Flies' will be released on June 14 and will feature 26 of the band's singles.
Money Talks 4 Franz Ferdinand Frontman
Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos has apparently been in trouble for boozing in public. The Scottish band have just completed a tour of Latin America in support of their 2009 album 'Tonight: Franz Ferdinand' and the singer admitted his run in with the law via Twitter following the group's April 10 show in the Mexican capital.
"Just been busted by Mexico City cops for drinking tequila in street," he wrote. "All fine." Technically it is illegal to drink alcohol in public in Mexico, although many people do so in tourist areas. In a later Twitter missive, Kapranos inferred a little light bribery may have been involved in the "all fine" coda to the incident.
"My American friend Grant sorted it," he wrote. "My friend Grant, for those who haven't met him. Mexican cops seem to hold him in high regard."This appears to be a reference to Ulysses S. Grant, who led the Union army to victory in the American Civil War, and who served as the 18th president of the United States from 1869 to 1877. Grant's face appears on the U.S. $50 bill.
Cobain Demo Tapes Sold @ GARAGE SALE
One lucky garage sale shopper is now the owner of some of Kurt Cobain's early demos. Blurt Online reports that the man, who remains unnamed, came across a series of Phillips cassette tapes in Aberdeen, Washington with the letters "KDC" scrawled on them. Nirvana producers Jack Endino and Butch Vig later verified the tapes were Cobain's and the man is now negotiating a sale with the singer's estate and Nirvana's label. The tracks feature the late rocker singing along on an acoustic guitar and ukulele and reportedly sound very little like Nirvana. However, a source told Blurt that while there is nothing that would suggest Cobain would go on to form one of the biggest bands in the world, there is the trademark rasp in his vocals.
Cobain formed Nirvana with Krist Novoselic in the late 1980s, and found mainstream success with the band in the early 1990s. He took his own life a few years later, at the age of 27. Monday, April 5th, marked the 16th anniversary of Cobain's death.
LOLLAPALOOZA 2010 Lineup
* Soundgarden
* Green Day
* Lady Gaga
* Arcade Fire
* The Strokes
* Phoenix
* Social Distortion
* MGMT
* Jimmy Cliff * Hot Chip
* The Black Keys
* The National
* Spoon
* Devo
* Cypress Hill
* The New Pornographers
* Slightly Stoopid
* Grizzly Bear
* Wolfmother
* Yeasayer
* Metric
* Dirty Projectors
* AFI
* Matt & Kim
* The xx
* Drive-By Truckers
* Blues Traveler
* Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
The Cure's classic 1989 release "Disintegration" is expanding in a major way. The band has announced plans for a three-disc reissue of the album. The second disc boasts rarities, with offerings including home demos, band rehearsals, alternate versions, rough mixes, and instrumentals from 1988 and 1989. The third disc provides live versions of the songs on the original album.
Singer Robert Smith compiled the material for the release and adds his own notes, which are featured in a 20-page booklet. Disintegration" spawned The Cure singles "Fascination Street," "Lovesong," "Pictures Of You," and "Lullaby." The expanded three-CD "Disintegration" reissue is due in stores May 24th.
Iggy's Swan Song Stage Dive
It may be the end of an era. Iggy Pop has told "Rolling Stone" magazine that he has performed his last ever stage dive.
The Stooges frontman jettisoned himself into the crowd at Carnegie Hall in late February as part of the Tibet House benefit. Regarding the dive, the 62-year-old said, quote, "When I landed, it hurt, and I made a mental note that Carnegie Hall would be a good place for my last stage dive."
Iggy was in the news two weeks ago with his appearance at the 25th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. He and the Stooges entered the Hall for a body of work that dates back to the late 1960s. Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong presented the rockers, citing the band's influence on pop culture.
Green Day' Old School Experiment
Green Day is working out song ideas when they have the time, and the band is also digging into their past. Singer Billie Joe Armstrong told MTV.com, quote, "It's all back to basics again. Just getting in a room together and start jamming. We set up all of our old gear, which was like an experiment. We set up all of our equipment from 1992 and we sat in a room. We got in, and I was like 'Come on guys, we're getting back in!'" He adds that it didn't exactly provide direct results, noting, quote, "Everything sounded so bad."
With the "old equipment" experiment behind them, the group has started demoing some new material. Armstrong says, quote, "It's still really early. We've got to start translating the songs and explaining the songs, and the next step will be arguing about the songs." No timetable has been set for the new release. Green Day is working on the follow up to their 2009 effort "21st Century Breakdown."
Green Day will be touring Europe through July then heading back to the U.S. to begin their North American "Open Air" tour on August 3rd in Camden, New Jersey. A.F.I. will open.
GREEN DAY AT JIFFY LUBE LIVE
in Bristow, VA
AUGUST 11th
Tickets on sale April 7th
It's Sublime for Rome
Rome Ramirez is now front and center for Sublime With Rome and the singer says it still seems surreal to be in the position. The vocalist tells Spinner.com, quote, "I'm 21 years old. I'm not that old. My biggest inspiration as a kid was Bradley [late vocalist Nowell], so when you're constantly comparing me to Brad you're comparing me to one of the greatest. Nothing wrong with being compared to one of the greatest. You can compare me to my favorite all day long." Ramirez says even though comparisons will happen, this version of the group is different and he's not trying to mimic the singer. He adds that their new music still has a Sublime feel due to surviving members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson. The vocalist says, quote, "The most recurring question [we get is], 'What album is this off of?' It is because of that feel, that Sublime stamp that Bud and Eric put on it. They won't put it out unless it sounds like a Sublime song."
While a new album will eventually happen, the group prefers to get back up to speed on the old hits for their current shows. They kick off their tour with a sold out show at L.A.'s Palladium on 4-20. Sublime with Rome hits the East Coast in early May. Stay tuned for concert dates.
Phoenix Free Live Album
Phoenix is one of last year's breakout acts in North America, but they actually have a solid history prior to their recent success. Singer Thomas Mars tells BBC's 6Music, quote, "I guess we always wanted success in a way, but we always did music as a very selfish thing. But it comes at a time that we need this. Otherwise we would feel like a 'greatest hits' band. We go and play in the U.S. and England and people want to hear the new songs the most. They give us the opportunity to be contemporary." The vocalist says that expanding to new media has also been a rewarding experience. He adds, quote, "It feels like there is a new generation listening to us. There are kids that are on blogs that are aware of us, whereas before we were stuck with traditional media."
Phoenix has a gift for fans for their incredible success over the last year. The group is releasing a free live album taken from their performance in Sydney, Australia earlier this month. Tracks include "Lisztomania," "Lasso," "Fences," and "Girlfriend," along with "Armistice," "Love Like A Sunset," "Rome," and "1901." Get the download at www.wearephoenix.com/observer.
Elvis Exhibit @ Newseum
There's another exhibit dedicated to the memory of rock 'n' roll's "King." "Elvis! His Groundbreaking, Hip-Shaking, Newsmaking Story" is now open at the Newseum, a museum of news history located in the District at the corner of Sixth Street N.W. and Pennsylvania Avenue.
The Presley exhibit focuses on the rock icon's media image as he impacted pop culture and musical tastes. "Elvis!" features letters and scrapbooks from the Graceland vaults, private telegrams, and video produced by the Newseum. To check out more info on the Elvis exhibit, CLICK HERE.
"Elvis! His Groundbreaking, Hip-Shaking, Newsmaking Story" will run through February 14th of next year. Had Presley lived, he would have turned 75 this year.
Patti Smith Gets Founders Award
ASCAP is honoring poet and rocker Patti Smith next month. The American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers, commonly referred to as ASCAP, has announced that Smith will receive its Founders Award this year. The 63-year-old will pick up the prize at the performing rights society's 27th Annual Pop Music Awards at Hollywood's Renaissance Hotel on April 21st. The award celebrates writers and composers who've inspired other music makers with what ASCAP describes as their, quote, "pioneering contributions." Previous recipients include Annie Lennox, Sir Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Smokey Robinson, and Elvis Costello.
Regarding the award, ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams said, quote, "Patti fused raw rock energy with the heart of a poet and ignited the 1970s New York punk scene. She expanded the boundaries of artistic expression, musically and otherwise, inspiring generations of rockers worldwide."
Courtney's Love for Billy Corigan
Courtney Love is attempting to make nice with Billy Corgan after recent troubles in their friendship. Corgan worked with Love on some songs a few years back, but his contributions were later scrapped in favor of what is becoming the new "Nobody's Daughter" album from Hole. Billy told "Rolling Stone" in a recent interview that Love couldn't use the material, because he didn't authorize it. He explained, quote, "I have no interest in supporting her in any way, shape or form. You can't throw enough things down the abyss with a person like that."
But Love has attempted to reach out to Corgan with a positive response. The singer said via her Facebook page that she loves his quote, "strong and eternal heart," and his messed up "gnarly amazing magnificent bigger-than-god, louder-than-love karma of the songs you write and allow me to fly with." She added, quote, "We have again created beauty from the agony between us, all the buried and unburied anguish, all that is true, that is gold, that is meant to be is within this endless and somehow eternal cycle of Billy & Courtney." Love also apologized for offending Corgan, called him, quote, "a king, a prince, and my beautiful noble boy," before stating that the truth was that they were, quote, "eternal lovers, eternal fighters, eternal warriors." Hole's "Nobody's Daughter" is slated for release on April 27th.
Who Made the Money?
The fourth edition of "Billboard's" annual Money Makers survey is out, and veteran acts U2 and Bruce Springsteen occupy the top two spots on the list. The survey is based on the artist's revenue from album sales, downloads, ringtone sales, and concert grosses. According to the estimates, U2 netted over 108-million-dollars in 2009. That's almost double Springsteen's 57-point-six-million-dollars, which put him on the list at number two. The rest of the top ten includes Madonna at 47-million-dollars, AC/DC at 43-million-dollars, Britney Spears at 38-million-dollars, Pink at 36-million-dollars, The Jonas Brothers at 33-million-dollars, Coldplay at 27-million-dollars, and Kenny Chesney at 26-million-dollars. Rounding out the top ten is Metallica at 25-million-dollars.
Liam Gallagher Explains his D***ish Behavior
Oasis vocalist Liam Gallagher says his acceptance speech at the recent Brit Awards was not meant as a snub of his brother and former bandmate Noel. Oasis got the nod for Best Album Of 30 Years with "(What's The Story) Morning Glory?," and in receiving the trophy Gallagher thanked everyone who worked on the album with the exception of Noel. Liam tells the "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" blog it was because, quote, "I'm sick of it all being about me and Noel. The last couple of months has been pretty much all about me and him so I thought it was only right to mention the other lads who played on the album and the best fans in the world." Gallagher also made headlines for tossing the award into the crowd, and notes that move was misunderstood as well. He explained, quote, "I thought it was a nice gesture to give this to the fans. Obviously it was misinterpreted as per usual." The Brit Awards 2010 were presented in London last month.
*Liam, you didn't thank your own brother and you threw your award in the crowd? Really? What's to misunderstand about that?*
Beck's Next "Record Club" Project
Velvet Underground, Leonard Cohen, and Skip Spence are among the acts covered as part of Beck's "Record Club" experiment, and the musician is ready to call upon a new group of musical friends to help him cover his next subject. Though the muse for the next recording has not been revealed as of yet, St. Vincent vocalist Annie Clark let slip that she recently teamed up with Beck, Liars, and Os Mutantes for the next "Record Club" project. She tweeted, quote, "It will be online soonish. Serious fun." As with past "Record Club" releases, the musicians are expected to team up for an impromptu recording of a single musician's full album over the course of a single day. Some of the past participants include MGMT, Wilco, Wolfmother's Andrew Stockdale, Devendra Banhart, Feist, Nigel Godrich, Jamie Lidell, and Beck's brother-in-law Giovanni Ribisi.
To check out Beck's "Record Club," click HERE. Here's a taste... Devandra Banheart on vocals and Andrew from MGMT on drums, covering Leonard Cohen's "So Long, Marianne:"
Jessica Simpson says she considers Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan a "dear friend." While on the air with Ryan Seacrest Tuesday morning, the singer explained that she and Corgan worked together on her new song "Who We Are." Simpson says, quote, "Billy was so kind to be able to help me out with the song...I can't find good enough words to speak about Billy. He's a very, very dear friend." The singer debuted her new Corgan-co-written song on Seacrest's Los Angeles-based radio show. She says she was inspired to write it while working on her VH1 reality show, "The Price Of Beauty." She says, quote, "I define my own beauty for myself...it's really just about being good enough for yourself." Catch the debut of "The Price Of Beauty" with Jessica Simpson on VH1 on Monday, March 15th at 10:00 p.m. Eastern.
Curious to hear the fruits of Jessica and Billy's labor? CLICK HERE for audio of "Who We Are." Don't expect a Smashing Pumpkins joint. Just sayin'...
Ron Wood Getting Married... Again?
Marriage rumors are swirling around rocker Ron Wood. UK newspaper "The Daily Express" reports that Wood is getting serious with his new girlfriend Ana Araujo. "The Daily Express" also cites an insider who thinks that the 30-year-old Araujo is a positive influence. The same source adds, quote, "Ronnie now really thinks Ana could be the woman to make a life with." The 62-year-old guitarist had some well-publicized personal setbacks recently. He divorced his longtime wife -- Jo -- in November. Also late last year, he wrapped up a reportedly tumultuous relationship with 21-year-old Ekaterina Ivanova. In early December, Wood was arrested in connection with an alleged domestic dispute with Ivanova that led to a police caution.
The 62-year-old guitarist has been married twice before. In 1971, he wed model Krissy Findlay. The couple split in 1978. His marriage to Jo Karslake lasted from 1985 to 2009.
Keith Richards on Tour and "Exile"
Keith Richards is talking about the Rolling Stones' plans for 2010. The band will reissue its 1972 classic "Exile On Main Street" this May, featuring ten never-before-released tracks from the vaults. Regarding new material, Richards told "Rolling Stone" that he, quote, "wouldn't be surprised" if the band did some recording later in the year. The 66-year-old was less sure about a tour, saying, quote, "Maybe we'll search for a different way for the Stones to go back on the road. Maybe not the football stadiums anymore. Maybe something different. You can't go around there in lemon-yellow tights forever." The rocker also shot down talk that he'd stopped drinking, saying, quote, "Listen, the rumors of my sobriety are greatly exaggerated."
Universal Music Group will release a reissue of "Exile On Main Street" by the Rolling Stones on May 18th.
Dave Navarro for PETA
Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro is baring all -- almost -- for a new PETA campaign. The musician is taking part in the "Ink, Not Mink" ads, and showcasing his tattoos. Navarro says in a PETA interview, quote, "There was a time in my life where I would wear over-the-top outfits, and some of those outfits contained fur. Then several years ago, I saw video footage of animals being skinned alive and screaming, and it honestly is the most horrific, inhumane thing I've ever seen -- a dying, twitching, skinless animal in such terrified shock crying, screaming blood-curdling screams that are so hard to watch and listen to."
Navarro joins past celebs Chester Bennington, Carey Hart, Steve-O, and Amaré Stoudemire in taking part in the "Ink, Not Mink" ad campaign.
Who Will Be Cast in the Nirvana Movie?
Pre-production is underway for "Heavier Than Heaven", a biopic about Kurt Cobain based on the Charles Cross biography of the same name. Courtney Love reportedly wants Ryan Gosling to play Cobain and Scarlett Johansson to play her. We all know that Dave Grohl would like to see his role played by Shelley Duvall, but what about the rest?
Check out Rolling Stones' picks:
Justin Long as Krist Noveselic: He’s got the right look and the slightly stoned demeanor, though he’s probably not tall enough to play Krist. Still, he could turn it into a franchise for when the Sweet 75 biopic is made.
Topher Grace as Dave Grohl: Grace oozes amiability, but also proved in Spider-Man 3 that he has a dark side—perhaps dark enough to hit the drums really hard.
Cate Blanchett as Eric Erlandson: Blanchett already proved she could play an esoteric male guitarist in "I’m Not There," so her transition to playing Courtney’s sideman would be very smooth indeed.
Jake Gyllenhaal as Axl Rose: The key scene in any Cobain-related movie would have to be the confrontation between Kurt and Axl at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards. Who better to play Mr. Brownstone than Jake?
Jack Black as King Buzzo: Buzz Osbourne of the Melvins was an early Cobain mentor, and his wild-haired, metal-kissed mania would be accurately recreated by one half of Tenacious D.
Emile Hirsch as Eddie Vedder: Because they’ve been photographed together so often, can you even tell them apart anymore?
Toni Collette as Kim Gordon: Sonic Youth provided Kurt with guidance on signing a record deal. Sure, Collette is Australian, but her sometimes ethereal presence matches Gordon’s New England spirit perfectly.
Ron Jeremy as Tad Doyle: Early Nirvana tourmates TAD were fronted by the 300-pound Doyle, who was once described as “a human vomitron.” Is there anybody who can nail repulsive better than Jeremy?
Who do YOU think should play Kurt Cobain? To give us your opinion, CLICK HERE and vote in WRNR's Cobain poll.
Grohl Talks Nirvana Movie
Leave it to Dave Grohl to have an interesting take on things. After learning that a Nirvana movie was in the works, the drummer was asked who he thought should play him in the film. He told "People" magazine, quote, "I don't know about anyone else, but I'm crossing my fingers that Shelley Duvall plays me. That is my face, you cannot get any closer than that." The film has not been cast as of yet... but scroll down to see what happened when we put Dave's words to the test.
Billboard.com recently reported that plans were underway to make a movie about the pioneering grunge band's late frontman, Kurt Cobain. Part of the material for the film is expected to be based on the Charles R. Cross 2001 book "Heavier Than Heaven: A Biography Of Kurt Cobain."
Dave Grohl - Nirvana and Shelley Duvall:
Here's the real test: Dave Grohl and Shelley Duval - "The Shining:"
NOW... we see it.
MUSE RULES NME AWARDS
Muse is the big winner at the Shockwaves NME Awards. The group took two categories, including the top prize of Best British Band. Muse was also acknowledged with the Best Website. Kasabian is also a two-time winner at the event, on the strength of their CD "West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum." The disc was named Best Album, and also got the prize for Best Album Artwork.
Blur and Arctic Monkeys earned praise for their concerts. Blur's concert in London's Hyde Park took the trophy for Best Live Event, while Arctic Monkeys have the title of Best Live Band. Paramore is also a winner. The U.S. rockers scored a surprise victory for Best International Band, getting the nod over such groups as Green Day, Kings Of Leon, and Vampire Weekend. Others earning recognition include The Big Pink for Best Track.
The fan-voted Shockwaves NME Awards were presented in a ceremony in London. The event included performances from Kasabian, Biffy Clyro, and Courtney Love's band, Hole. It was the second UK gig for the band, as Love works toward making her musical comeback.
Shockwaves NME Award Winners
Best British Band Best Live Band
Muse Arctic Monkeys
Best Track Best Live Event
The Big Pink, "Dominos" Blur at Hyde Park
Best Website
Muse
Courtney a Twitter over John Mayer
Courtney Love is chiming in on John Mayer's recent "Playboy" interview. In recent Twitter postings, Love uses many obscenities to say she would never stoop to having a relationship with the singer-songriter, and would likely punch him in the face if given the chance. She tweeted, quote, "at least John Mayer finally has a bigger gob than me, hell he makes me wanna go gay 4 Jessica Simpson." She also mused about having, quote, "spite hate" sex with Mayer, quote, "just to put him in his place," adding, quote, "hes a better guitarist than me, but not better in bed!" Staying with the idea of having sex with Mayer, the rocker suggests, quote, "totally throwing him around the room in bits and then you just BAM punch him in the face? good times."
However, Love also admits she hasn't always been the most savvy regarding her comments about others, confessing she's, quote, "said far stupider" things "about my alist bfs tho ive been discreet. but about rockers i spill the beans."
INXS: Reimagines Hits
Decades after its launch in Sydney, Australia, INXS is still rocking. RollingStone.com reports that the band is releasing an album of classic hits this spring. The twist is that the band is recruiting new voices like Ben Harper and Rob Thomas to cover its material. On the LP, Harper puts his signature sound on "Devil Inside,"while Rob Thomas sings "Original Sin" and "Never Tear Us Apart." INXS also recruited The Killers' Brandon Flowers for the project. The 28-year-old frontman does a rendition of "Beautiful Girl."
INXS' new album -- with "reimagined" versions of hits from its catalog -- will debut this May. The LP is still untitled. INXS formed in 1977. The band's original frontman, Michael Hutchence, died in 1997 at age 37.
Roger Daltrey Super Group?
Roger Daltrey is doing some thinking out loud regarding a possible "supergroup." The Who frontman told BBC's "6 Music" that a side project would be a great idea, singling out Jimmy Page as an ideal collaborator. Daltrey said of the Led Zeppelin guitarist, quote, "I'd love to do something, I'd love to do an album with Jimmy Page. He needs a singer to drive him. I'm a great blues singer." The 65-year-old added, quote, "I don't sing the blues with The Who, but that's what I used to be before Townshend started writing. I used to be a great blues singer."
The announcement follows reports in RollingStone.com that The Who's Pete Townshend is struggling with tinnitus -- or a "ringing in the ears." The impairment has forced the band to cancel a few dates, but Townshend will join Daltrey for a charity show at London's Royal Albert Hall late next month. He's expected to test an in-ear monitor at the concert. The Who performed the halftime show at the Super Bowl earlier this month.
STP Update
Stone Temple Pilots are moving closer to a new album step-by-step. Singer Scott Weiland tells Spinner.com the band's plans, noting, quote, "We just finished mastering our new album, and we'll be playing South By Southwest in March, with a few more dates. And then we go to Europe to play all the big festivals in the early summer. Then we'll come back with our own festival we're putting together."
Although a firm release date has not been announced, the month of May has been rumored as a potential release period for STP's new CD. For more info on Stone Temple Pilots, CLICK HERE
Billy Corgan Explains his Relationship with Jessica Simpson
Billy Corgan is explaining his relationship with singer Jessica Simpson and how it began. The Smashing Pumpkins frontman tells "The Chicago Tribune," quote, "She asked me to help her out on the theme song for her new TV show. [It] has an interesting concept. She goes around the world to show how different people perceive beauty. In some cultures, bigger is better. In some, smaller is better." Corgan says he wrote part of the show's theme song and that it has an alternative rock sound while keeping with Simpson's pop roots. Jessica Simpson's Vh1 show, "The Price of Beauty," is set to debut on the network on March 15th at 10:00 p.m. Eastern.
The Vatican has a TOP TEN?!?
There is a new top ten list of suggested listening straight out of the Vatican. The UK's "The Telegraph" reports that "L'Osservatore Romano" -- the official newspaper of the Vatican -- has released a list of ten albums featuring artists like the Beatles and U2 perfect for anyone marooned on an island. The newspaper described its list as, quote, "semi-serious," and offered up the list of albums as alternatives to the so-called "cheesy" fare at Northeastern Italy's San Remo festival, which is going on this week. Joining the Fab Four's "Revolver" and U2's "Achtung Baby" on the papal hit list are "Graceland" by Paul Simon and "Supernatural" by Carlos Santana.
Here is "L'Osservatore Romano's" recommended list of top ten albums
(in order of release date):
1. "Revolver" by the Beatles
2. "If I Could Only Remember My Name" by David Crosby
3. "The Dark Side of the Moon" by Pink Floyd
4. "Rumours" by Fleetwood Mac
5. "The Nightfly" by Donald Fagen
6. "Thriller" by Michael Jackson
7. "Graceland" by Paul Simon
8. "Achtung Baby" by U2
9. "(What's the Story) Morning Glory" by Oasis
10. "Supernatural" by Carlos Santana
We Are the World 25 - Haiti Debuts
The all-star charity single remake "We Are The World 25 For Haiti" made its debut during the opening ceremonies for the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada. Producers Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie announced that fans can download the song immediately after its debut at World25.org, iTunes, and on the dedicated channel: YouTube.com/WeAreTheWorld. Jones thinks this new track will mark, quote, "the most transparent not-for-profit foundation ever created." The producer says, quote, "It warmed my heart to see that the experience during the recording of 'We Are The World 25 For Haiti' embodied the same enthusiasm, sense of purpose, and generosity as the original recording 25 years ago."
Proceeds from sales of the new song will go directly to the newly-created We Are The World Foundation. Jones, Richie, singer Wyclef Jean, director Paul Haggis, and others created the foundation to help raise money for charities that help with Haiti relief efforts. The foundation plans to hang onto funds raised from song sales until it decides which organizations are most worthy of receiving them. Artists singing on the track include Jean, Pink, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx, Janet Jackson, Justin Bieber, Nicole Scherzinger, Keri Hilson, Celine Dion, Usher, Miley Cyrus, Jordin Sparks, and many more. In all, "We Are The World 25 For Haiti" brings over 80 artists together.
You Know You Wanna Know: John Mayer's Playboy Interview
John Mayer is feeling the sting of regret for comments he made to "Playboy" magazine. TMZ.com reports that Mayer took to his Twitter account to express contrition over the use of a racial slur in his comments to the adult mag. In the controversial interview, the 32-year-old said that African-Americans have given him a, quote, "hood pass." Mayer then arguably made things worse when he expanded on what a "hood pass" is by using the "N-word." In Mayer's Twitter apology, he wrote, quote, "I am sorry that I used the word. And it's such a shame that I did because the point I was trying to make was in the exact opposite spirit of the word itself."
Mayer added, quote, "It was arrogant of me to think I could intellectualize using it, because I realize that there's no intellectualizing a word that is so emotionally charged." Among other things in the lengthy "Playboy" interview, the singer-songwriter compares his genitalia to infamous white supremacist David Duke when his interviewer asks him if "black women throw themselves" at him. Mayer's response to that question is, quote, "I don't think I open myself to it. My [genitalia] is sort of like a white supremacist. I've got a Benetton heart..."
Mayer also used his "Playboy" feature to kiss-and-tell regarding his relationship with Jessica Simpson, describing his bedroom behavior with the singer-songwriter with words like "crack cocaine" and "sexual napalm." Mayer says of Simpson, quote, "Sexually, it was crazy...It was like napalm, sexual napalm." He also calls the singer a "drug," saying, quote, "And drugs aren't good for you if you do lots of them. Yeah, that girl is like crack cocaine to me."
Leaving no stone unturned, Mayer also discussed Jennifer Aniston -- speaking highly of the "Friends" star, but saying, quote, "The brunt of her success came before TMZ and Twitter. I think she's still hoping it goes back to 1998." While he won't dish on Aniston's bedroom habits like he did with Simpson, he does divulge that his song, "Heartbreak Warfare," was not about Aniston because she would never use 'heartbreak warfare' in real life. Instead, he says she was the "most communicative, sweetest, kindest person."
Read Mayer's comments in the March issue of "Playboy."
South By Southwest Takes Shape
The South By Southwest lineup continues to take shape. Spoon is part of the bill, while Athlete, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Broken Social Scene, Evan Dando, Les Savy Fav, and She & Him will also take the stage in Austin during this year's event. In addition, John Doe, Melissa Auf Der Maur, Suzanne Vega, Andrew W.K., Chris Walla, Anya Marina, and Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth have been tapped to take part in various panels. There's also a wealth of buzzworthy newer acts like Band Of Skulls, Frightened Rabbit, Midlake, Miike Snow, The Drums, The Soft Pack, The Very Best, The xx, and VV Brown trying to garner some attention. The South By Southwest music festival and conference will run at various venues across Austin, Texas from March 17th through the 21st.
Also featured, The White Stripes film, "Great White Northern Lights." The film is a visual and emotional feature length documentary of The White Stripes making their way through Canada and culminating with their 10th anniversary show in Nova Scotia.
A man impersonating Paul Simon hoped to withdraw $4300 out of the 'Kodachrome' tunesmith's bank account on Wednesday but was foiled by an attentive Citibank teller. The schemer presented fraudulent documents at the bank's branch on New York City's Upper West Side, but the employee wisely refused the withdrawal, according to the New York Post.
At 6 feet 1 inch tall, Rafael Ramos, 54, had little if any resemblance to the 68-year-old pop/rock icon, who stands only 5 feet 3 inches. Somehow, the thief had obtained Simon's Social Security Number and was in the possession of a forged driver's license and a credit card bearing the singer's name.
Police sources told the newspaper that Ramos took off running when the teller refused to honor the withdrawal. The cops quickly caught up with the grifter and charged him with attempted larceny. When questioned about the incident, Simon reportedly told the NYPD that he didn't know Ramos.
2010 Grammy Winners
RECORD OF THE YEAR:
Kings of Leon "Use Somebody" --when accepting the award, KoL acknowledged that they're all a little drunk, but "happy drunk, so it's OK."
BEST ROCK SOLO PERFORMANCE:
Bruce Springsteen "Working on a Dream"
BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCALS:
Kings of Leon "Use Somebody"
BEST ROCK SONG:
Kings of Leon "Use Somebody"
BEST ROCK ALBUM:
Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown
BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM:
Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
BEST COMEDY ALBUM:
Stephen Colbert - A Colbert Christmas -- "This is a Christmas album, so obviously I should thank Jesus Christ for having such a great birthday," he says. Stephen, the host for the 2010 Grammys, kept asking his teenage daughter early on if he was cool and she always answered, "No." Stephen asked her one more time after winning his Grammy, and his daughter rsponded, "Yes," with tears in her eyes.
Colbert quotes: Colbert on the Jonas Brothers: "I ran into the Jonas Brothers back stage. Or I ran into one Jonas Brother three times, I'm not sure." On Susan Boyle: "Justin Timberlake may have brought the sexy back, but Susan Boyle sent it away this year. Goodbye, sexy! Your industry was saved by a 48-year-old Scottish cat lady in sensible shoes."
BEST BOXED OR SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION PACKAGE:
Neil Young - Archives Vol. I (1963-1972)
This is the first-ever Grammy for the veteran rocker whose career has spanned almost half a century and who has bad-mouthed the awards ceremony for years. When accepting the award during the pre-telecast ceremony, Young simply said, "Thanks a lot, everybody."
Video of Green Day and cast of AMerican Idiot performing "21 Guns"
Video of Dave Matthews Band and friends performing "You and Me"
Mark Ronson New Album
Mark Ronson has revealed that he has collaborated with Santigold, Scissor Sisters, Cathy Dennis, rapper Pill and Miike Snow for his forthcoming new album, 'The Business'.The singer/producer told NME.COM that he hoped to release the album, the follow-up to his 2007 hit 'Version', this spring or summer. He also said that unlike 'Version', which featured covers of songs by Kaiser Chiefs and Coldplay among others, all the songs will be original.
Despite having a no cover version policy this time, Ronson explained that he had been writing new material with some of his previous collaborators. "There's no covers, and no horns," he explained. "It's written with some of the people that actually wrote the songs I covered on the last album and that I didn't actually even know at the time. "It's quite interesting to write songs from scratch with those people, like Dave (McCabe of The Zutons) who wrote 'Valerie', and Nick (Hodgson, of Kaiser Chiefs). He said the album would be released "probably May, June depends how quick I can get it done".
All You Need to Know on Gorillaz' Plastic Beach
From the Gorillaz press release:
The band have taken up residence, recording on a secret floating island deep in the South Pacific, a Plastic Beach HQ, made up of the detritus, debris and washed up remnants of humanity. This Plastic Beach is the furthest point from any landmass on Earth; the most deserted spot on the planet.
Plastic Beach arrives March 9th, 2010
Gorillaz - Plastic Beach tracklisting:
01. Orchestral Intro (featuring Sinfonia ViVA)
02. Welcome To The World Of The Plastic Beach
(feat. Snoop Dogg and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble)
03. White Flag (feat. Kano, Bashy and The National Orchestra For Arabic Music)
04. Rhinestone Eyes
05. Stylo (feat. Bobby Womack and Mos Def)
06. Superfast Jellyfish (feat. Gruff Rhys and De La Soul)
07. Empire Ants (feat. Little Dragon)
08. Glitter Freeze (feat. Mark E Smith)
09. Some Kind Of Nature (feat. Lou Reed)
10. On Melancholy Hill
11. Broken
12. Sweepstakes (feat. Mos Def & Hypnotic Brass Ensemble)
13. Plastic Beach (feat. Mick Jones & Paul Simonon)
14. To Binge (feat. Little Dragon)
15. Cloud Of Unknowing (feat. Bobby Womack and Sinfonia ViVA)
16. Pirate Jet
No word on what happened to the originally talked about Barry Gibb collaboration, however, since the previous Gorillaz albums have had B-sides, there may still be hope for a Barry track to see the light of day.
Shins' James Merce and Danger Mouse Ringing Broken Bells
Broken Bells is not just a pieced together project and is a full band. Brian "Danger Mouse" Burton tells MTV.com, quote, "I kind of just wanted to be in a band. It was just that I didn't want to have to hold back creatively in any way. I had great experiences and I learned from a lot of really great people that I had gotten to produce and work with. But I just wanted to go in and write some stuff." Burton found The Shins' James Mercer a perfect partner, and Mercer says, quote, "It was liberating, absolutely and, at first, a little bit nerve-wracking. It had been a long time since I had collaborated, writing-wise, with anyone and Brian's worked with such great artists and he's done so much, so it was a little intimidating at first. But he's real casual about everything, and it went real well, right off the bat." They insist that Broken Bells is a real band and they're already working on a follow-up to their upcoming self-titled debut, due March 9th. But even with another record on the schedule, both Burton and Mercer maintain that their other projects will also get attention. Mercer even hinted that a new Shins album could arrive next year.
Rogue Wave's Rogue Style
Rogue Wave is back after yet another physical setback. This time it was singer-guitarist Zach Rogue who is adapting after suffering an illness that left him temporarily paralyzed. Zach Rogue tells Spinner.com, quote, "The doctors said I had to stop playing music forever. After a few months of moping around I started feeling better. I didn't want to listen to doctors and I felt if you take music away from me, it's a different form of paralysis." With limited movement, Rogue adapted his playing style and he's now back with the group for their next album. The singer says his new method is reflected in the upbeat sound of "Permalight." He explains, quote, "It made me move in the direction of music that was much more rhythmic, more dance-oriented and the irony was I couldn't move my body as much. So I think the music went in that direction because I had that yearning to move." "Permalight" is due March 2nd. Catch Rogue Wave live at the 9:30 Club March 5th.
COACHELLA LINE UP ANNOUNCED
Gorillaz and Muse are among the headliners for this year's Coachella Music and Arts Festival. Muse is slated to head up the second night of the three-day event. Faith No More, MGMT, The Dead Weather, Hot Chip, Devo, and Coheed & Cambria are also on board for day two, along with The Raveonettes, Les Claypool, Temper Trap, Portugal. The Man, The xx, and a host of other artists. Gorillaz has been tapped to wrap up the festival, capping off the music on the event's final day. Also on board for day three are Pavement, Thom Yorke -- with a band to be named later -- Phoenix, Orbital, Spoon, De La Soul, Julian Casablancas, Gary Numan, Yo La Tengo, Mutemath, and others.
Jay-Z is the first headliner, while LCD Soundsystem, Them Crooked Vultures, Vampire Weekend, Echo And The Bunnymen, Public Image LTD, The Specials, and The Cribs will also perform, along with Grizzly Bear, Passion Pit, Dillinger Escape Plan, Ra Ra Riot, and Hockey, among others. The Coachella festival will take place in Indio, California from April 16th through the 18th. Tickets go on sale this Friday. Three-day passes are available for 269 dollars plus surcharges.
Kings Of Leon are expanding their new clothing line to include America and other parts of the world. The "KOLxS2A" line has already been launched in Paris and on January 25th, the line will debut in North America. A majority of items in the line retail at over 100-dollars, but one leather jacket sells for two-thousand-dollars. The "S2A" in the line's name stands for Parisian designers Surface To Air. The line is viewable on the Vogue UK website: click HERE.
The twelve piece collection features the pieces that make up the Kings' rock uniform, including a vintage-inspired washed leather jacket, skinny fit jeans, a checked shirt, a classic grey T-shirt, a plaited leather belt and matching guitar strap, a pair of black leather boots, and special "Sex on Fire" men's underwear... ok, just kidding on last one.
2010 Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Inductees: NO RHCP?
Performers: 1. ABBA
2. Genesis
3. Jimmy Cliff
4. The Hollies
5. The Stooges
The Ahmet Ertegun Award: 1. David Geffen
2. Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil
3. Ellie Greenwich & Jeff Barry
4. Jesse Stone
5. Mort Shuman
6. Otis Blackwell
The Rock N Roll Hall of Fame is not exact science. The number of acts nominated and inducted have varied... this year 12 acts were nominated... the top five vote getters recieving induction into the 2010 class. Only 500 people vote in this process; many of them are not musicians.
In 2006, The Sex Pistols were inducted but refused to attend the ceremony, referring to the RNR Hall of Fame as "a p!ss stain." They sent a hand written letter. You can check out The Sex Pistols' letter (including some adult language) when you CLICK HERE.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have won seven Grammy Awards. The band has sold over fifty-five million albums worldwide, has had eight singles in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 (including three singles in the Top 10), have five number one singles on the Mainstream Rock charts, and holds a record of eleven number one singles on the Modern Rock charts.... but they can't get into the 2010 class of the RNR Hall of Fame... yeah, that seems fair.
Bono's Ten Big Ideas for the Next Ten Years
Bono is welcoming the new decade with opinions on Internet piracy, sexy cars, and more. The Irish rocker used a guest column in "The New York Times" over the weekend to list off ten big ideas for the next ten years. Among them, Bono wants greater protections for the creators of intellectual property, citing the ubiquitous "leaking" of content via the Internet. The singer-songwriter -- who turns 50 this May -- says that file swapping hurts the quote, "fledgling songwriters who can't live off ticket and T-shirt sales." Bono also wants to see sexier car designs in the new decade, recalling the great models of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, while criticizing today's widespread acceptance of the minivan. Bono also shines a light on the work of Austrian physicist Dr. Anton Zeilinger, who is making "Star Trek"-like breakthroughs in teleportation research.
Bono will "take a break from writing" this summer when U2 resumes its "360 Tour." The band will play Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California on June 6th.
Amy Winehouse Makes Children Cry.. and Gets Brought Up on Assault Charges
Amy Winehouse is in trouble for allegedly heckling and assaulting people at a pantomime show in Buckinghamshire, England last Saturday. That's according to Britain's "Sun" tabloid. The paper says Winehouse displayed rude behavior at the show by blocking the audience's view and cursing at the performers. The "Rehab" singer allegedly pulled the house manager's hair and kicked him in the groin before she was carried out of the theater by her own security staff. House manager Richard Pound has asked for a police investigation into the star's behavior.
A source says Winehouse's behavior at the pantomime show was so bad that children in the audience were crying. The singer was cleared of assault earlier this year after she was accused of hitting a fan at a charity event last year. Winehouse attended Saturday's pantomime show in support of friend who was performing. British reality TV star Anthony Kavanagh is a friend of hers and was standing in for regular performer Ben Adams who is in the boy band A1.
During the production of Cinderella Winehouse reportedly shouted "He's f***ing behind you" and "F*** Cinders, Prince Charming, marry me," during proceedings, before calling the Ugly Sisters "bitches."
Winehouse voluntarily attended Milton Keynes police station to answer questions about the incident, and was formally arrested and charged. She is due to appear at Milton Keynes Magistrates' Court on January 20.
Movie based on Jimi Hendrix's 'lost weekend' in the works
A new film about Jimi Hendrix is set to be made called "Slide." The drama will document Hendrix's legendary "lost weekend" in September 1969, where he was apparently the subject of a hoax kidnapping, orchestrated by his manager.
"While we have to be speculative because no definitive version of the event exists, this takes it out of the realm of fiction for me," the films writer and director R H Greene told TwentyFourBit.com. "It's part of Jimi's story, and I think it offers an opportunity to show him fully but from a unique angle. That was my aim in writing it, and that's going to be my aim in making it."
While the actor who will play Hendrix is yet-to-be-announced, the casting process is underway and the film is set to go into production early next year. Meanwhile, live recordings from Hendrix's 1967 and 1968 shows in Paris and Ottawa will be released on January 25.
Stones Beat Out U2 for Highest Grossing Concert of the Decade
U2 has some of the more memorable and highest grossing tours of the past ten years, but in the end they came up just short of The Rolling Stones as the top grossing touring act of the decade. The Rolling Stones cleared over 869-million-dollars, which bested U2's 844-million-dollars, according to "Billboard's" Top Touring Acts of the 2000s list. Madonna follows in third place. With earnings of 801-million she's the only other star who surpassed the 700-million mark on the road this decade. Fourth place goes to Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band, who raked in 688-million-dollars with their touring. Elton John, who made 603-million-dollars through live performances, rounds out the top five.
The Dave Matthews Band follows Celine Dion to take seventh place, amassing 505-million-dollars with their road work over the last ten years. Kenny Chesney has the number eight spot. Bon Jovi's tour earnings of 419-million-dollars lands the New Jersey band in ninth place, and Billy Joel completes the top ten. Other rockers of note include The Police, who, with their reunion tour earned 361-million-dollars -- enough to capture eleventh place. Aerosmith is at number 14 with touring revenue of 292-million-dollars), and Metallica ranks 19th with 227-million-dollars in road earnings.
The Top Ten of "Billboard" Magazine's Highest-Grossing Touring Acts Of The Decade
1. The Rolling Stones
Total Gross: 869-million-471-thousand-325-dollars
Number Of Shows: 264
Number Of Sell-Outs: 190
Total Attendance: eight-million-236-thousand-586
2. U2
Total Gross: 844-million-157-thousand-925-dollars
Number Of Shows: 288
Number Of Sell-Outs: 288
Total Attendance: nine-million-869-thousand-953
3. Madonna
Total Gross: 801-million-299-thousand-671-dollars
Number Of Shows: 248
Number Of Sell-Outs: 244
Total Attendance: six-million-387-thousand-124
4. Bruce Springsteen
Total Gross: 688-million-136-thousand-476-dollars
Number Of Shows: 403
Number Of Sell-Outs: 248
Total Attendance: eight-million-605-thousand-238
5. Elton John
Total Gross: 603-million-804-thousand-670-dollars
Number Of Concerts: 541
Number Of Sell-Outs: 470
Total Attendance: five-million-789-thousand-833
6. Celine Dion
Total Gross: 536-million-593-thousand-262-dollars
Number Of Shows: 792
Number Of Sell-Outs: 597
Total Attendance: four-million-99-thousand-963
7. Dave Matthews Band
Total Gross: 505-million-447-thousand-901-dollars
Number Of Shows: 547
Number Of Sell-Outs: 282
Total Attendance: eleven-million-230-thousand-696
8. Kenny Chesney
Total Gross: 477-million-931-thousand-760-dollars
Number Of Shows: 622
Number Of Sell-Outs: 409
Total Attendance: nine-million-210-thousand-288
9. Bon Jovi
Total Gross: 419-million-481-thousand-741-dollars
Number Of Shows: 249
Number Of Sell-Outs: 224
Total Attendance: five-million-384-thousand-747
10. Billy Joel
Total Gross: 418-million-421-thousand-266-dollars
Number Of Shows: 241
Number Of Sell-Outs: 213
Total Attendance: four-million-141-thousand-287
Love Custody Battle is Getting Ugly...err.
Update:
The family of late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain says his daughter doesn't need Love -- as in Courtney Love -- and is taking steps to keep her out of Frances Bean Cobain's life. TMZ.com says a judge has issued a restraining order which blocks Love from making any contact -- either direct or indirect -- with her daughter. Currently the order is just temporary, but a hearing has been set for January 5th to make it permanent.
Charles Frandenburg, the uncle of the late rocker, supports the move. He tells TMZ that "Courtney is not fit to take care of Frances," and that the singer-actress, quote, "can barely take care of herself." Frandenburg says, quote, "Courtney wasn't doing any parenting at all, she was hiring nannies to do all of the work. This is a wonderful thing for the family." He adds that Wendy has been trying to get custody of Frances Bean for "quite a few years."
For previous info on this topic, read below:
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Courtney Love has lost legal control over Francis Bean Cobain, her daughter with the late Kurt Cobain. According to TMZ.com, a California court has named Wendy O'Connor and Kimberly Cobain, the former Nirvana frontman's mother and sister, as Francis Bean's legal guardians. They are now looking after the 17-year-old's personal and financial affairs. However, they weren't given control over the trust, which was created after Cobain's 1994 death. Francis Bean's care was put in the hands of her grandmother and aunt in a hearing last Friday, which Love reportedly did not attend.
Details behind the decision haven't been made public, however, this type of guardianship is typically granted when parents are deemed unable to care for their kids. Love has over the past several years made headlines with her erratic behavior and substance abuse issues. However, according to Love's attorney, Keith A. Fink, "Courtney's been clean for years and is perfectly fine. This is simply about Frances preferring to live with her grandmother at this time... Frances is 17 and a strong-willed child, and this is a decision she made on her own," Fink adds. "No matter what, Courtney loves her daughter more than anything in the world."
This isn't the first time O'Connor has been named guardian of Frances. In 2003, L.A. County officials removed Frances from her mother following the singer's arrest for attempting to break into her ex-boyfriend's home. O'Connor was given legal control over the girl. But Love regained custody in January 2005 after the singer proved to the court that she turned her life around and had kicked her drug habit.
Last year, Frances told Harper's Bazaar that her grandmother, Wendy O'Connor, has been a constant force in her life. "She's probably the person I respect most out of anybody in the world," she told the magazine.
Courtney Love is not taking her daughter's move to live with her grandmother and aunt very well. The singer took to Facebook to discuss the recent loss of her guardianship of her 17-year-old daughter Frances Bean. She writes, quote, "She was deceptive, she lied, and she's lying to herself. My daughter is not always honest." But the vocalist isn't laying all the blame on her child, adding, quote, "Frances is a wonderful kid. She's got bad people around her and wants it both ways. You could've asked for emancipation...you realize this will put you in juvenile family circus three times in your little life? I love you and always will unconditionally." Love adds that she worries about her daughter. She feels Frances has trusted the wrong people, and may get taken financially once she's 18 and some of her trust kicks in.
In case your wondering why Courtney didn't air her laundry on Twitter this time: she shut her account down over the summer after making disparaging remarks against a former business partner.
RHCP's John Frusciante Quits
John Frusciante is confirming that he's not returning to The Red Hot Chili Peppers for their next album. The guitarist says in blog posting on his website blog, quote, "When I quit the band, over a year ago, we were on an indefinite hiatus. There was no drama or anger involved, and the other guys were very understanding. They are supportive of my doing whatever makes me happy and that goes both ways." Frusciante has used a lot of the down time to release solo records in recent years, and he says that in the end, it was "musical differences" that led him on his current path.
The rocker -- who in the 1990s took a six-year break from the band -- states that upon his return he was excited about the musical possibilities inherent with a rock band, and a couple of years ago he began to feel that same excitement about being a solo artist. In reflection, Frusciante says, quote, "I really love the band and what we did. I understand and value that my work with them means a lot to many people, but I have to follow my interests. For me, art has never been something done out of a sense of duty. It is something I do because it is really fun, exciting and interesting." The Red Hot Chili Peppers haven't named a replacement for Frusciante, but the band is said to have been jamming with touring guitarist Josh Klinghoffer of late.
BILLY CORGAN AND JESSICA SIMPSON DATING?
Billy Corgan might have a new girlfriend. According to EOnline.com, Jessica Simpson is "smitten" with the Smashing Pumpkins frontman. A source says Simpson has "fallen hard" and that the two singers think of themselves as, quote, "officially dating." Although there has been no official confirmation that Corgan and Simpson are an item, photos of them spending time together in New York on Friday have popped up on the E! website as well as on TMZ.com.
Corgan's spirituality may be what appeals to Simpson. On Sept. 11, Simpson, who has often spoken about how important God is to her and whose father, Joe Simpson, is a former pastor, Tweeted: "My friend, Billy Corgan, has a pure and enlightening outlook on faith."
The above picture was taken as Billy Corgan and Jessica Simpson left an NYC hotel a few days ago.
ROLLING STONE'S TOP ALBUMS AND SONG OF THE DECADE
Radiohead is making a lasting impression on the musical landscape. The group is among the most heralded artists in "Rolling Stone" magazine's assessment of the past ten years. In the publication's ranking of the music of the 2000s -- compiled by a group of music writers, critics, and artists including members of Coldplay and Metallica -- Radiohead's "Kid A" has the top spot on the "Albums of the Decade" list. The 2000 release is one of four CDs from the group on the list of 100. "Kid A's" follow up, 2001's "Amnesiac," has the number 25 spot, while 2007's "In Rainbows" takes 30th place. "Hail to the Thief," from 2003, comes in at number 89. Meanwhile, three Radiohead tracks make the "Songs of the Decade" list -- "Everything in Its Right Place" is at number 24, "Idioteque" has 56th place, and "Pyramid Song" makes the cut at number 94.
Coldplay is another band making an impressive showing. Among the albums, "A Rush of Blood to the Head" has the number 21 spot, "Parachutes" comes in at number 73, and "Viva La Vida" is in 85th place. Among the songs, "Clocks" ranks 26th, "Yellow" is 34th, "The Scientist" is 54th, and "Viva La Vida" falls in at number 68.
The Strokes, Wilco, The White Stripes, and Arcade Fire all have CD in the top ten on the Albums list, while U2 has three discs among the collection of 100. Topping the Songs list is Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy," while The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army," Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Maps," Amy Winehouse's "Rehab," and U2's "Beautiful Day" all make the top ten. "Beautiful Day" is one of three U2 songs on the tally. LCD Soundsystem also places three tracks on the list, while The Strokes, Arcade Fire, and Gorillaz are among those with at least two songs earning recognition. The full lists are in the latest issue of "Rolling Stone," and posted online at www.rollingstone.com
"Rolling Stone" Albums of the Decade - Top Ten
1. Radiohead, "Kid A"
2. The Strokes, "Is This It"
3. Wilco, "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot"
4. Jay-Z, "The Blueprint"
5. The White Stripes, "Elephant"
6. Arcade Fire, "Funeral"
7. Eminem, "The Marshal Mathers LP"
8. Bob Dylan, "Modern Times"
9. M.I.A., "Kala"
10. Kanye West, "The College Dropout"
"Rolling Stone" Songs of the Decade - Top Ten
1. Gnarls Barkley, "Crazy"
2. Jay-Z, "99 Problems"
3. Beyoncé, "Crazy in Love"
4. Outkast, "Hey Ya!"
5. M.I.A., "Paper Planes"
6. The White Stripes, "Seven Nation Army"
7. Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "Maps"
8. Amy Winehouse, "Rehab"
9. U2, "Beautiful Day"
10. Eminem, "Stan"
War Child: Tenth Year Album
The War Child charitable organization continues to have strong ties with some of rock's biggest acts. The tenth edition of the "War Child" compilation series finds Coldplay, Beck, Radiohead, and Muse leading the way. The set also includes cuts from The Kooks, Jimmy Eat World, New Order, Wolfmother, Oasis, and Beth Orton, among those contributing. The collection marks the tenth anniversary of War Child's launch in Canada. War Child International is a network of independent organizations working across the world to help children impacted by war.
War Child: 10
An album commemorating War Child's 10th year in North America
The album, will feature a selection of some of the extraordinary music donated to the cause over the years, as well as exclusive new recordings.
The tracks on War Child: 10 stretch from the very beginning of War Child, right through to this year’s critically acclaimed Heroes record. The album includes music from some of the world’s biggest artists, including Coldplay, Radiohead and a brand new recording from Wolfmother. War Child:10 contains six tracks released for the first time on CD in Canada. These include the recently recorded Patti Smith song “People Have The Power,” by Friends Of War Child – Chantal Kreviazuk, Liam Titcomb, Shiloh and Lucas Silveira of The Cliks.
War Child:10 Track Listing:
1. Coldplay “How You See The World No. 2”
2. The Kooks “Victoria”
3. *Jimmy Eat World “Firestarter”
4. Beck “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat”
5. *Muse “House of the Rising Sun”
6. Radiohead “I Want None of This”
7. *New Order “Vietnam”
8. *Wolfmother “Don’t Let It Bring You Down”
9. Oasis “Fade Away”
10. Beth Orton “Ooh Child”
11. *Friends of War Child “People Have The Power”
12. *Sy’rai ft. A.U.C.A.Y.D. “Let It Rain” (bonus track)
To get more info on the War Child charitable foundation, visit their website when you CLICK HERE.
Dave Matthews as Ozzy Osbourne on SNL
Dave Matthews as Ozzy Osbourne... in sweat pants.
Andy Samberg as Jack Johnson.
Bill Hader as Dave Matthews.
"The Mellow Show"
What's not to love? Check out the SNL video clip:
NME Magazine's Top 100 Albums of the Decade
The Top 100 albums released between January 2000 and December 2009, as voted for by NME staff (past and present) plus a selection of musicians and industry figures that included Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, Elbow, Johnny Marr, MGMT, The Big Pink, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and many, many more (see the full jury in NME magazine).
This list is taken from the ‘End Of The Decade’ issue of NME magazine where each album included is reviewed again from a 2009 perspective, alongside brand new interviews and a look back at the defining musical moments of the past 10 years. CLICK HERE for NME's TOP 100 ALBUMS.
Silversun Pickups and Cage the Elephant Go Bananas.
Cage The Elephant have a bond with Silversun Pickups and Manchester Orchestra after spending so much time on the road together this year. Singer Matt Shultz says the main source of enjoyment was something they call "nannering." Shultz describes "nannering" saying, quote, "You basically just walk up to someone and in the middle of a conversation as inconspicuous as you can, you just want to put a banana on their shoulder and walk away." Over time, "nannering" grew into an art form with more than just the shoulder involved. The pranks didn't stop there as all the groups got in some final jabs before the tour ended. Even though the acts have gone their separate ways, the fun hasn't stopped. Silversun Pickups tweeted last week, "We just got nannered by Cage The Elephant. Impressive. Nice one boys." Both acts were in Los Angeles to perform on separate bills.
Who Wants Green Cake?
Cake is recording their next album in a totally green manner. Singer John McCrea tells Spinner.com that before starting sessions on their next disc, the band made a few adjustments to their Upbeat Studio in Sacramento that allows them to use 100-percent solar electricity. The singer says, quote, "We thought of doing this a long time ago, but were always too busy to figure it out and implement it until last year. It just seemed very impractical to use natural gas and nuclear generated power when there's constantly all this sun shining down. It gets hotter every year." McCrea says the band also benefits from Sacramento's public utility, which means they will get checks every month for their excess electricity. As for future recordings, the singer adds, quote, "This was a permanent decision. No reason to quit now when it's working so well." Look for a new solar power generated Cake album next year.
BEST PRESENT EVER: The Weezer Snuggie!
Just in time for the holidays, Weezer is making available their very own "Snuggie," just like the ones they debuted at a southern California radio festival earlier this summer. The sleeved blanket comes with the Weezer logo and is packaged with their new "Raditude" album in a package that retails for $30.
The Weezer "Snuggies" are available in red, blue, and green. There's also a "Snuggie Safari" package available that includes an exclusive zebra-print Weezer snuggie, the deluxe version of "Raditude," and a 50-page book of exclusive photos for $50, plus more options. Click HERE for more Weezer snuggie details.
Tom Petty Takes "LIVE" to the Next Level
WOW! Tom Petty's latest project, Tom Petty Live Anthology (in stores 11/23) and TomPettySuperHighwayTour.com is really making use of today's technology.
Scroll down for video details on this cool new project... here's the press release:
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We are thrilled to share the Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Superhighway Tour with you. The Superhighway Tour is a brand new online music product developed by the Tom Petty Team here at WBR. Simply put, it's a direct to consumer digital configuration of the upcoming The Live Anthology – a collection of 48 definitive tracks from 30 years of TPHB live touring.
The fan value is extraordinary: 48 digital tracks for $24.98. What is unique is that the digital tracks are presented within a dedicated web site and delivered with truly compelling additional material. That material adds context, depth and understanding to what is already a career-defining live music anthology. It includes streaming audio commentary from Tom and the band, historic photos and videos, show reviews, recreated vintage merchandise (for sale), and areas for fans to share their experiences and photos from TPHB shows.
The tracks are delivered as MP3's, but also in FLAC format (lossless audio that is close to Blue Ray quality). The first 24 tracks, which make up the body of the Superhighway Tour are delivered to the consumer over the 8 week period that leads to street date (11/23/09). The remaining 24 tracks will be delivered collectively on street date.
We’re not only excited about the Superhighway Tour itself, we’re excited about what it represents: a new means of delivering music to fans that is more than a collection of digital files; one that deepens fans’ appreciation for, and love of, an artist and their artistry; that reinforces the importance of quality in the music experience; and that rewards a fan’s decision to spend their hard earned dollars on our products.
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Here's the video trailer...
Tom Waits is the Devil!
Tom Waits will have a large presence in movie theaters in the coming months. The singer's music is being used in two films and he tests his acting chops in a third movie.
The Alice tracks "Kommienezuspadt" and "Flower's Grave" have been chosen for the upcoming animated dark comedy "Idiots And Angels." The Bill Plympton film focuses on a morally ambiguous man who wakes up with wings on his back.
Fans can hear the Real Gone track "Sins Of My Father" in the documentary "Sins Of My Father" out later this month. The film chronicles the reconciliation of the sons of late Columbian drug lord Pablo Escobar with some of his victims.
Waits will be seen on the big screen in the upcoming film, "The Imaginarium Of Dr. Parnassus." The Terry Gilliam film stars the late Heath Ledger along with Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell. Waits appears in the film as The Devil.
All You Need to Know About Swine Flu from Billy Corgan
Smashing Pumpkins singer Billy Corgan is taking to his spiritual website, Everything From Here To There, to discuss his feelings on the swine flu vaccine. In a October 27th posting called, "Health and a Well Being," Corgan states, quote, "I do not trust those who make the vaccines, or the apparatus behind it all to push it on us through fear. This is not judgment. It is a personal decision based on research, intuition, conversations with my doctor and my family. If the virus comes to take me home, that is between me and the Lord."
The vocalist says he also doesn't agree with President Obama's declaration that the swine flu is a national emergency as it has yet to show itself to be a grand pandemic. WilliamPatrickCorgan also says that everything about the swine flu vaccine should be questioned and that his biggest problem is that it has created at atmosphere of fear.
Billy's closing says, "The deeper message here might be that people will soon be ready to abandon the idea of a paternalistic system that governs this world. Before doing so, we must face down our deeper fears about our own liberty and tolerance. The time is coming when we will cast votes with our hearts and not our minds."
Whoa.
Coldplay Snags U.K. Video of the Year Award
Coldplay's "Strawberry Swing" video is one of the year's more innovative clips, and directing team Shynola is reaping the rewards of their efforts. The team secured three trophies at the U.K. Music Video Awards Tuesday night, including Video Of The Year. One of the directors, Kenny from Shynola, told BBC's "6Music" that part of the reason for the success of the clip was singer Chris Martin's patience and fitness. The director says, quote, "Chris Martin is incredibly fit, he's absolutely ripped. I'm sure he won't mind me saying that. He could do everything really well. He does loads of yoga and we had lots of bits where he was on a trolley and it was physically really difficult for him. He was so amazing that we wrapped earlier than we'd anticipated."
The clip required Martin to hold poses for lengthy amounts of time, including some that made it look as though he were flying like a superhero. The video also won for Best Animation and Best Rock Video.
Is it us or is the video reminiscent of Oren Lavie's "Her Morning Elegance?"
Depeche Mode can now say they've had their "Hello Cleveland" moment. The veteran band, currently traveling through South America, came to the end of their set in Lima, PeruTuesday night and singer Dave Gahan signed off by yelling to the audience, quote, "Thank you very much, Chile!"
It's a little more serious than getting the name of a mid-Western city wrong; Peru and Chile went to war with each other in the 19th Century, and as recently as 2006 a dispute over maritime borders threatened to spill over into military action.
It's not the first time it's happened to the Peruvians -- in 2003, Alanis Morissette mistook Peru for Brazil while playing Lima. The Mode play Chile, in Santiago's Club Hipico on Thursday night. Let's hope Gahan doesn't wrap with "Thank you very much, Peru!"
Rap Battle Over Oasis' Gallagher Brothers
Oasis' split is leaving both Gallagher brothers in demand. Snoop Dogg recently told "NME.com" that he was interested in signing guitarist Noel Gallagher to his Priority Records label for his upcoming solo release. Meanwhile, Jay-Z heard those comments and told "The Sun," quote, "I heard Snoop Dogg might be teaming up with Noel. If that's the case, then I would love to work with Liam. Their music is tight and I think we could blend our styles well." Jay says he thinks teaming up with Liam Gallagher on a release could yield similar results to what happened when he hooked up with Linkin Park on the "Collision Course" disc. The rapper says that he has no doubt that working with an artist like Liam Gallagher would yield something brilliant fairly easily.
Austin City Limits 2009
This weekend saw another successful Austin City Limits festival in Austin, Texas. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs played Friday night as well as Kings Of Leon. There was a nice surprise during the Kings' set when Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder jumped on stage to sing and play tambourine along with Caleb Followill for the show's closer "Slow Night, So Long." Vedder and the Kings' vocalist decided to have some onstage fun together just minutes before it was time to go on. Pearl Jam wasn't even scheduled to perform until Sunday night, but this is hardly the first time Vedder has gone on stage to perform this song with KoL. Back in 2007, Eddie performed "Slow Night, So Long" with KoL at Lollapalooza, Rock Werchter, and in Hawaii. Here's the video from Rock Werchter 2007 back when KoL still had long hair:
Other ACL highlights over the weekend included performance from Phoenix, Them Crooked Vultures, Daniel Johnston, The B-52s, and Raphael Saadiq. The only downside to a great festival was a rainstorm Saturday that made Zilker Park into a muddy mess.
Fora great blog rundown from soneone who was there, check out Johnny Firecloud's blog on on antiquiet.com: CLICK HERE FOR ACL BLOG
When Will a New Foo Fighters' Album Arrive? FOO Knows.
The Foo Fighters are ending the year with a new "Greatest Hits" album and a couple of fresh tracks bolstering the set. However, drummer Taylor Hawkins tells TheRockRadio.com that this does not necessarily signify the start of a new original disc. The drummer says, quote, "It's a twinkle in Dave's [Grohl] eye right now, you know. Who knows what it's gonna be or when it's gonna be. It could be two years from now, I don't know. It depends how long we decide to go off and do side projects and stuff like that." The drummer says he knows Grohl already has some songs, but the band will not resume until everyone's good and ready to return. Grohl is currently busy with his side project Them Crooked Vultures, and Hawkins says he recently finished a second disc from his band Taylor Hawkins And The Coattail Riders, but has yet to finalize release plans.
Thom Yorke All Stars
Radiohead's Thom Yorke is taking a musical detour from his band this coming week to play with an all-star group. The singer says via his band's website that over the last couple of weeks he's gotten a group together for fun to play both his material from "The Eraser" and a few new songs. Yorke will be backed by Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, frequent Beck drummer Joey Waronker, producer Nigel Godrich, and Forro The Dark's Mauro Refosco.
The band, which is still unnamed, will play a pair of sets at Los Angeles' Orpheum Theatre October 4th and 5th. Yorke says he doesn't expect the sets to be long as they don't have that much material yet, but does think it will be fun for all who attend.
MUSE DOING LIP-SYNCING RIGHT
Muse was recently asked to play to a backing track on an Italian television show. Drummer,Howard Dominic and bassist, Christopher Wolstenholme, switched places with Matt Bellamy obviously not playing or singing. There's even some sweet break dance moves around 3:26 in. The group hamming it up for the camera, can be seen below.
IN OTHER MUSE NEWS:
Muse is anything but conventional, and that makes continually pushing the boundaries a bigger challenge with each record. Drummer Dominic Howard feels they've pulled it off with their latest effort, "The Resistance." He tells MTV.com, quote, "I think it's quite a departure from what we've done in the past. There's lots of different styles of music that we tried out. There's different styles of music that we feel like we've never come across before." The drummer says adding a symphony was something unique, especially with the three-part album finale wrapping things up. He adds, quote, "[It's] a pretty hard task to take on, but ended up sounding great." "The Resistance" is out now.
Muse will headline the 2010 Big Day Out traveling festival in Australia and New Zealand in January of 2010. Australia's "Undercover" reports that other acts taking part in Big Day Out include Powderfinger, Rise Against, Mastodon, The Decemberists, Lily Allen, Eskimo Joe, Groove Armada, Grinspoon, The Mars Volta, Ladyhawke, Dizzee Rascal, Peaches, Kasabian, The Horrors, Girl Talk, and Midnight Juggernauts among others.
Beatles Sell Records: Break Records
Nearly 40 years after breaking up, The Beatles are still breaking records for album sales. EMI Group PLC says consumers in North America, Japan and the U.K. bought more than 2.25 million copies of the Fab Four's re-mastered albums in the first five days after their Sept. 9 release. Most of the records were broken for most simultaneous titles in the top-selling charts by a single artist. On Billboard magazine's pop catalog chart, for example, the band had 16 titles in the top 50, including all 14 re-mastered CDs and two box sets. The Beatles' original U.K. studio albums were re-mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London over four years and released to coincide with the sale of "The Beatles: Rock Band" on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii.
Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman said that MTV Games and Harmonix's The Beatles: Rock Band has been shifting units faster than even its own internal expectations. "In the first week, we've sold about 25 percent of our inventory, and we've had tremendous excitement around this game." According to Dauman, the $249.99 special limited-edition hardware bundle, which includes an all-new drum set, guitar, and microphone modeled after the Beatles' own instruments, has also seen strong sales. Viacom expects to be sold out of the Beatles Rock Band package by November.
U2: More Music on the Way
U2's primary concern at the moment is promoting "No Line On The Horizon," but Bono tells "Sun Media" that there's more music coming. The singer says, quote, "We've got a few albums up our sleeves. We've got a whole album we started with Rick Rubin, which is a rocking club album with beats and big guitars, and I can't wait to get back to that. But it's not like we have to start afresh. We have five or six songs on that album." The singer says there's also a more ambient disc titled "Songs Of Ascent" and there are about 12 tracks ready on that one. There's also the soundtrack that he and The Edge are creating for the Spider-Man musical. The singer concludes, quote, "It's been an incredible time as songwriters." U2's 360 Degree Tour hits Fed-Ex Field September 29th.
The Smiths: Firing by Postcard?
Morrissey is correcting a bit of Smiths history afterbassist Andy Rourke shared a story of his firing via postcard during an interview last week. Rourke told Toronto's "Eye Weekly" that he learned he'd been ousted when the vocalist dropped a postcard under his windshield wiper that read, quote, "Andy, you have left The Smiths. Good luck and goodbye, Morrissey."
Morrisey says in his own posting, quote, "I would like to state to anyone interested in the truth of this matter that no such postcard was ever written by me, and no dismissal postcard was ever placed on Andy's car with my knowledge or consent, and I am naturally irked that such an alleged deed has gone down in the fairytale footnotes of Smiths lore." The singer says that if such a postcard ever existed, it was likely an unfunny stunt played on the bassist and that his dismissal from the band would have been a group decision and not solely based on the singer's words
Club Beck
Beck Hansen’s relaunched website has some very cool features including a Record Club wherein Beck gathers musical pals, covers a classic album in one day, then offers tracks for download.
To check out Beck's latest offering, "Sapphire Metallic And Silicone For Michael Jackson," featuring singer Devendra Banhart and members of MGMT, Wolfmother, and Little Joy, CLICK HERE.
“An album will be chosen to be reinterpreted and used as a framework,” says a statement on Beck.com. “Nothing rehearsed or arranged ahead of time. A track will be uploaded once a week on beck.com as well as through the web sites of those involved in the project.”
The first installment, covering The Velvet Underground & Nico includes covers of "European Son," "There She Goes Again," and "Heroin." It is the first installment of his "Record Club" series. To check out Beck's record club, CLICK HERE.
Got 8 MIL? You Can Have The Rollingstones play YOUR Private Function
According to a British poll, The Rolling Stones are the most expensive act that plays private functions. If you want to The Stones for your bachelor party or corporate retreat, be prepared to fork over eight-million dollars. Elton John is second at three-million. Paul McCartney is seventh at one-point-six-million.
THE BOB DYLAN GPS?
Bob Dylan has suggested he could be the a voice for an in car satellite navigation system. "I am talking to a couple of car companies about being the voice of their GPS system. I think it would be good if you are looking for directions and hear my voice saying something like, 'Left at the next street, no a right. You know what? Just go straight'," he explained. "I probably shouldn't do it, because whichever way I go I always end up at one place: Lonely Avenue."
Weeds like Weezer
Weezer is appealing to a large audience, including those in the plant kingdom. Two students in Madison, Connecticut recently conducted a study by playing music for plants to see if music had any effect on plant growth. Blake Brucher and Kipp Milone say in an e-mail to the group that they had one control plant, one plant for Weezer and one plant for Eminem and the Weezer plant had the best results. The pair states, quote, "After about a week of ten minutes of music a day and watering every other day, the results were quite astounding. The Weezer plant grew five out of five seeds into plants each with two leaves. The Eminem plant hardly even sprouted and the control plant only sprouted two out of five seeds." In other news, students in Madison, Connecticut are still smoking pot.
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