Arch MUSIC NEWS for 12/10/12

Arch MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott -
Alicia Keys‘ annual Black Ball charity event last week managed to raise two-point-nine million dollars for her organization “Keep a Child Alive,” which helps those affected by AIDS in Africa. The event took place at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York and honored Oprah Winfrey for her work in underdeveloped countries.

The album the late John Lennon autographed for his killer is up for sale. MomentsInTime.com is handling the sale of the historic copy of the former Beatle’s 1980 disc “Double Fantasy” for a second time. The company explains on its website that the man who originally found the album outside Lennon’s home turned it over to prosecutors for their case against Mark David Chapman. Lennon had signed the cover for Chapman just hours before Chapman shot and killed him. After Chapman’s trial the man got the album back, along with a letter of appreciation from the District Attorney. He eventually sold the famed disc through the website in 1999. Now, the current owner is selling. Lennon’s signature and the date are clear, along with Chapman’s “forensically enhanced” fingerprints. Details on the sale are available at MomentsInTime.com.

Psy is keeping his “Christmas In Washington” gig, after videos of the “Gangnam Style” rapper’s anti-American remarks hit the web late last week. According to “The Hollywood Reporter,” the White House confirmed that Psy was still in the lineup for the TNT Christmas special, which the President and First Lady were expected to attend. The Korean rapper was set to take the stage with fellow headliners Demi Lovato and Scotty McCreery at the National Building Museum for the taping, which took place on Sunday. The “Christmas in Washington” special airs December 21st on TNT.  The videos of Psy from 2004 revealed some inflammatory lyrics in protest of the Iraq War. Psy’s anti-American comments came in response to a South Korean missionary who was killed in Iraq. He was protesting his country’s support and involvement in the American war there. The rapper released a statement on Friday apologizing for his comments, saying that he understands “the sacrifices American servicemen and women have made to protect freedom and democracy” in his country, and that what he said in 2004 was “part of a deeply emotional reaction to the war in Iraq.” He added that he was grateful for his freedom of expression but that he’s learned that “there are limits to what language is appropriate.” Psy’s “Gangnam Style” recently became the most-watched YouTube video of all time.

Adele may be facing a fine for failing to register her new baby with the local U.K. authority. She reportedly missed the 42-day deadline in which parents are legally bound to have their newborns registered. Adele gave birth on October 19th, more than fifty days ago. According to “The Sun,” neither Adele nor her child’s father Simon Konecki have made an appointment to get paperwork through. A source tells the paper that it’s not a serious offense, and “it’s probably just an oversight on their part.” The source adds that there are many reasons why parents can be late registering, and “millions of couples don’t bother for ages.” If Adele and Simon don’t register after receiving warning letters in the next few weeks, they could end up paying a fine of about one-thousand-600-dollars.

The Doors‘ Robby Krieger says he’s hoping the band’s three surviving original members will one day reunite. The issues keeping them apart are between keyboardist Ray Manzarek and drummer John Densmore. Krieger admits there’s “a lot of bad blood” between the two of them. He explains that it stems from books each of them wrote in which they “both put each other down,” as well as Densmore’s lawsuit over the band’s name. Densmore successfully sued Krieger and Manzarek when they tried to resume working as “The Doors” with other musicians. Robby says he hasn’t spoken with John since the trial, but says he’s “open” to talking with him. He adds that he hopes eventually John and Ray will “grow up and make up,” so the three of them can perform together again some day.

Miley Cyrus is continuing to shed her what’s left of her clean Disney image. She hit the stage on Saturday night for an event called “Christmas Creampies” hosted by Israeli dubstep producer DJ Borgore. The concert took place at the Fonda Theater in Hollywood and Miley had some competition onstage — a topless dancer on a stripper pole. Miley, who wasn’t dressed modestly herself in belly baring top and leather pants, apparently was able to keep the crowd with her and held her own.