ARCH MUSIC NEWS for 3/6/13

ARCH MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott -

The plaque some believe represented the final resting place of the late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury is gone. The UK’s “Daily Mirror” just reported the discovery of the memorial marker at Kensal Green cemetery in West London last week. The bronze plaque included the inscription “In Loving Memory of Farrokh Bulsara,” which was the singer’s given name, along with dates that match Mercury’s birth and death and the phrase “Always To Be Close To You With All My Love” — written in French. It was signed with the letter “M.,” which fans believe is Freddie’s longtime friend and heir Mary Austin. Some also suspect Austin removed the plaque after its existence was made public. Mercury was cremated after his death in November 1991, and Austin has admitted to knowing what was done with his ashes. But she’s also said she promised Freddie that she would never reveal the location of his remains, and she intends to keep her word.

A new comic is recounting the breakup of The Beatles. Bluewater Productions is behind the book, called “Paul McCartney: Carry That Weight,” which tells the story from McCartney’s perspective. Publisher Darren Davis says the author attempted to get Paul’s input without success, and the former Beatle had no hand in creating the book. He adds that it’s a comic and is “meant to be fun but educational as well.” The 24-page comic arrives in stores today. “Paul McCartney: Carry That Weight” is Bluewater’s third Beatles-related comic. The 2009 book “The Beatles Experience” covers the group’s entire history, including the band’s formation, rise to fame, breakup, and after the split. The biographical “John Lennon” comic arrived in 2011.

The upcoming Marvin Gaye biopic has new leading man. Deadline.com says Lenny Kravitz has dropped out of the project, while former “Law & Order” star Jesse L. Martin is once again looking to take on the part. Back in 2008 Martin was slated to star as the R&B legend in a film James Gandolfini was producing, but delays led him to abandon the role. However, the Julien Temple-directed film, titled “Sexual Healing,” is reportedly set to start shooting later this month. It’s unclear what led to the switch from Kravitz to Martin, but there were rumors last fall that Gaye’s son was unhappy that Kravitz had been cast in the lead role.

Sammy Hagar‘s next album just might include a Montrose reunion. The Red Rocker says in a new Facebook post that he recently met up with fellow surviving Montrose members Bill Church and Denny Carmassi, and they “recorded some new music last week.” He adds that it “was amazing,” and that they “still have that Montrose chemistry.” Hagar also promises to “keep ya all posted.” Sammy had been trying to organize a Montrose reunion when the band’s founder and namesake Ronnie Montrose died last year. He, Church, and Carmassi performed together at a special tribute concert for Ronnie last April, with Joe Satriani filling the gap left by the guitarist.

Carly Rae Jepsen says the Boy Scouts of America can call her, “maybe,” when they start welcoming gay members. The Canadian pop singer tweeted Tuesday that she was canceling her appearance at a Boy Scouts of America concert in West Virginia this summer. Jepsen, whose song “Call Me Maybe” was one of the biggest hits of last summer, said the Scouts’ ban on gay members conflicts with her personal beliefs. The rock group Train, who is also scheduled to participate in the 2013 National Scouting Jamboree, has also threatened to back out of the July event unless the Scouts overturn the ban.  According to People.com, Jepsen was apparently moved to back out of the Jamboree by a petition started by gay Eagle Scout Derek Nance. He said in a statement that he was “thrilled” that Carly Rae and Train had joined him in standing up for “what is right,” adding that he hoped the Boy Scouts of America also choose to be brave when the organization holds their vote addressing the gay ban in May.

Taylor Swift is firing back at Tina Fey and Amy Poehler for the joke they made at her expense during January’s Golden Globes. In an interview with “Vanity Fair,” the country star didn’t address them directly, but instead quoted something that broadcast vet Katie Couric once told her – “There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.” Taylor did say that she’s used to her love life being mocked in the press, but feels it’s “frankly a little sexist” that the media portrays her as “some clingy, insane, desperate girlfriend” when all she does is write about her feelings like any other artist. The joke in question was over Fey and Poehler insisting that she “stay away” from Michael J. Fox’s son.  Poehler responded to Taylor’s comments in a statement to “The Hollywood Reporter.” She apologized and said she does feel bad if the joke upset her. Poehler continued saying, “I am a feminist and she is a young and talented girl. That being said, I do agree I am going to hell. But for other reasons. Mostly boring tax stuff.”