Arch MUSIC NEWS for 12/11/12
Arch MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott -
The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame has announced that Rush, Public Enemy, Heart, Randy Newman, Donna Summer and Albert King make up the class of 2013. Summer and King will receive the honors posthumously. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place April 13 at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, and broadcast on HBO on May 18.
Beyoncé has signed a $50 million dollar endorsement deal with Pepsi, and she’ll be closely involved in future collaborations with the soda giant. She’ll appear in a new TV ad next year (her fifth Pepsi TV ad since 2012), as well as on a series of limited edition soda cans. Pepsi will sponsor the 2013 Super Bowl halftime show.
Songs written or performed by Adele, Arcade Fire, Jon Bon Jovi and Katy Perry are among the 75 songs that the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has deemed eligible for 2013 Oscar consideration. In a change from last year — when just two songs were nominated — the five works receiving the highest number of votes will become the nominees for final voting for the award.
Lynyrd Skynyrd was among many rock stars who took part in Fox’s 3rd annual American Country Awards on Monday night . The group performed their classic “What’s Your Name” with the event’s host Trace Adkins. Fleetwood Mac‘s Lindsey Buckingham also appeared at the event to introduce a segment, while Joe Walsh and Jimmy Buffett were among the nominees. They were both in the running for Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration — Walsh for his contribution to Kix Brooks’ “New To This Town” and Buffett for his chart-topping hit with Zac Brown Band, “Knee Deep.” However, the award went to Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood’s duet “Remind Me.” The 3rd annual American Country Awards were presented in a ceremony in Las Vegas Monday night.
The Rolling Stones will share the stage with Lady Gaga this weekend. They’ve invited Gaga, Bruce Springsteen and the Black Keys to help them close out the final U.S. concert date of their 50th anniversary tour this Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
The much-anticipated follow-up to Bruno Mars‘ 2010 debut hit album “Doo-Wops & Hooligans,” was released today. The new album “Unorthodox Jukebox” includes the single “Locked Out Of Heaven,” which is currently at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 after nine weeks on the chart.
As the host of this year’s “VH1 Divas,” Adam Lambert says he’s out to prove that it’s possible for a diva to be a man. ”Divas” will feature performances from Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Jordin Sparks, Kelly Rowland, Natasha Bedingfield and Keri Hilson. Lambert says the goal this year is to disprove some of the negative connotations that come with being a “diva” and that so far everyone involved has been fun and easy to work with. The “American Idol” alum also weighed in on what’s in store for the show’s upcoming season, which starts next month. He says he hopes the contestants will be able to take away a good experience despite all the drama on the judges’ panel. “Divas” will air this Sunday, December 16th on VH1.
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.
Arch MUSIC NEWS for 12/7/12
Arch MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott -
An extended version of Katy Perry‘s video for “The One That Got Away” video has found its way to the Internet. In the seven-minute video, Katy plays a young and an old version of herself. Older Katy was actually voiced by Stevie Nicks.
Lindsey Buckingham says Fleetwood Mac fans shouldn’t expect to see former singer and keyboardist Christine McVie returning for any of his group’s upcoming shows. The guitarist says he’d be “shocked” if Christine “ever expressed any interest” in working with the group again. He says when McVie left the band in 1998 she didn’t just sever ties with Fleetwood Mac but with all aspects of the life she’d been leading, explaining that she divorced her husband, sold her Los Angeles home, moved back to England, and sold her publishing rights. While Buckingham says Christine “wanted to reinvent herself,” he believes she “didn’t necessarily have to burn as many bridges as she did” in order to do so. Lindsey adds that he’d be “pleased” to have McVie back in the fold, but admits that “in many ways” he’s “having a better time” with Fleetwood Mac as a foursome. He explains that without the keyboards the guitar gets more of the spotlight, and it “opens up a range of things” he can do musically.
Sammy Hagar and Metallica‘s James Hetfield are crossing genre lines to pay tribute to this year’s top country stars. The rockers are among the participants in the CMT Artists of the Year special, which will air this weekend. The event recognizes 2012′s biggest country artists, who were determined by such factors as music and concert ticket sales, radio airplay, and Internet searches. Hagar and Hetfield joined a host of country stars for the event, including Sammy’s buddy Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean, and Eric Church. Other participants from outside the country music scene include rapper Ludacris, OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, the “Late Late Show” host Craig Ferguson, and baseball greats Chipper Jones and Roger Clemens. Rascal Flatts and “Nashville” star Hayden Panettiere host the 2012 CMT Artists of the Year ceremony, premiering on CMT Saturday night at 9:00 p.m. StL time
The VH1 “Divas” special is adding some more lady singers to its lineup. Natasha Bedingfield, Keri Hilson, singer-songwriter Ledisi and Australian hip-hop artist Iggy Azalea are all set to perform at the event. Funk legend Bootsy Collins will also be joining them. Others making appearances at the telecast will include, Kelly Osbourne, La La Anthony, Stacey Kiebler and Brandy Norwood. Already announced performers include Grammy-nominated Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Diama, Demi Lovato, Pitbull, Kelly Rowland and Jordin Sparks. “American Idol” alum Adam Lambert will be the evening’s host. The special will pay tribute to late divas Whitney Houston and Donna Summer who both passed away this year. “VH1 Divas” will air live on Sunday, December 16th at 9 p.m. Eastern.
Vince Neil is starring in a new reality series. “Vince Neil Escapes” is a spin-off of the PBS series “The Aviators,” and follows the Motley Crue singer’s adventures as a newly licensed pilot. Neil was featured in season three of “The Aviators.” The PBS series followed the singer as he went through the flight training process. Details on “Vince Neil Escapes,” including the show’s network and launch date, haven’t been announced yet.
The Rolling Stones are finally bringing their “50 and Counting” show to this side of the Atlantic. The rock legends will kick off their series of U.S. shows this weekend, taking the stage at the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Sunday. The concert will feature guest appearances from R&B superstar Mary J. Blige, who also joined the band for their first London show last month, and rock newcomer Gary Clark, Jr. The Stones will follow with two performances at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey next week. They’ll launch the two-night stand on December 13th, while their December 15th finale will be broadcast live as a pay-per-view special, which will be available through all cable, satellite, and telco providers and carried online via Yahoo! Music. Guests for the Newark shows haven’t been announced yet.
Bruce Springsteen‘s Grammy-nominated “Wrecking Ball” has the top spot on “Rolling Stone’s” list of the “50 Best Albums of 2012.” The magazine praises the project as “rock’s most pointed response to the Great Recession,” saying it’s “a song suite explicitly for the 99 percent.”
Paul McCartney is fortunate his November 26th concert in Vancouver, British Columbia didn’t bring down the house, but it did damage the roof. Canada’s CTV News says the former Beatle’s pyrotechnics display during his performance of the James Bond theme “Live and Let Die” ended up scorching the new $469-million-dollar roof atop BC Place. Fire officials are investigating the matter, but say they believe the device used to measure the stage-to-ceiling distance appears to have been off by 20-to-30-feet. The venue’s assistant general manager says there are “scorch marks” on the some of the flame-resistant ceiling panels, which need to be cleaned and might have to be replaced. She adds that McCartney will be paying for the repairs. However, authorities say they don’t anticipate fining the rock legend because the damage wasn’t done intentionally and nobody was hurt.
ZZ Top is performing for approximately one-thousand-800 people tonight at the House of Blues in Las Vegas. But bassist Dusty Hill says he still remembers playing for a much smaller crowd — one with one-thousand-799 fewer people. He tells the “Las Vegas Sun” that when ZZ Top was just starting out they once performed before an audience of one. Dusty recalls that when the band hit the stage at the armory in Alvin, Texas, just “one guy was standing out there” who “didn’t even have a date” and “thought he was in the wrong place.” But Hill says it didn’t matter — the group still played their full show for him, and even “bought him a Coke.” He adds that 15 years later ZZ Top was playing a sold-out show at Houston’s Summit Arena and learned this lone fan from the early ’70s was in the crowd, so they awarded his loyalty with an invitation to join them backstage. ZZ Top is on the road supporting their latest album, “La Futura.” The band will head to Arizona after their Vegas show, for concerts in Phoenix and Tucson this weekend.
Arch MUSIC NEWS for 12/6/12
Arch MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott -
The Rolling Stones will be giving fans a FREE behind-the-scenes look at their final Newark, New Jersey show. E! is set to host a live pre-concert special leading up to the group’s live pay-per-view performance at the Prudential Center. The show will feature interviews with band members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, and Ron Wood, along with backstage and concert arrival coverage. In addition, Stones expert Bill Flanagan will be on hand to provide information and insights into the band and their 50-year career. The Stones’ live pay-per-view event is the last of the band’s five scheduled “50 and Counting” concerts, and will be available through all cable, satellite, and telco providers on December 15th at 9:00 p.m. Eastern, 6:00 p.m. Pacific. E! will launch the pre-concert coverage an hour earlier, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, 5:00 p.m. Pacific. The Stones will play the first of their three U.S. concerts at Brooklyn, New York’s Barclays Center this Sunday. The band will also perform at Newark’s Prudential Center on December 13th.
The Eagles are providing the official account of their early days in a new documentary. “History of the Eagles Part 1″ tells the first part of the group’s story, from their formation in 1971 and rise to fame to their breakup in 1980. The movie recalls the band’s experiences through the ’70s through a host of interviews, archival footage and never before released home movies, photographs and other memorabilia. Everyone in the band’s current lineup contributes to the project. The film also features interviews with the group’s former members as well as their friends and close associates in the ’70s. The band is slated to unveil “History of the Eagles Part 1″ at next month’s Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. The film’s premiere is scheduled for January 19th.
Rihanna is heading to the Style Network. She’ll produce and star in a fashion-oriented competition reality series for the cable channel. Ten hour-long episodes of the new show, titled “Styled To Rock,” are set to air on Style sometime in 2013. Rihanna says fashion has always been an integral part of her life and career and that she’s excited to share her creative insight with the show’s contestants. Rihanna will handpick 12 aspiring fashion designers who will be tasked with the challenge of styling a range of A-list clients each week. The singer will also select mentors to guide the designers. More information on how to participate on the show can be found on the Style Network website.
Jessica Simpson‘s deal with Weight Watchers could be in jeopardy. According to “US Weekly,” the execs at the dieting company aren’t thrilled with the idea of their newest spokesperson getting pregnant again. A source tells the magazine that the company is “furious at Jessica” about the rumored pregnancy and that she was “already on thin ice with them since she didn’t lose enough for the first ad,” which they had to shoot from the waist up. The source adds that it’s doubtful whether Weight Watchers will air the second campaign – even after Jessica dropped 70 pounds – because “nobody wants to hear about a pregnant woman dieting.” Jessica gave birth to her first daughter back in May. She is rumored to be carrying another child, but has not confirmed the pregnancy. She was paid a reported four million dollars to shed the pounds for Weight Watchers.
Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw have teamed up to record a song for the upcoming Nicholas Sparks romance “Safe Haven,” starring Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough. Caillat tells “Rolling Stone” the song is a ballad called “We Both Know.” The two also blended their voices on Caillat’s first holiday album called “Christmas In The Sand,” on the song “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” The album arrived in stores in October.
Arch MUSIC NEWS for 12/5/12
Arch MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott -
HERE’S AN INCREDIBLE MASH-UP VIDEO OF 2012’s HOTTEST SONGS. Eight minutes well-spent.
Here are the nominations for the annual Grammy Awards ceremony which will take place on February 10th
SONG OF THE YEAR
“The A Team” – Ed Sheeran (songwriter) – Ed Sheeran
“Adorn” – Miguel Pimentel (songwriter) – Miguel
“Call Me Maybe” – Tavish Crowe, Carly Rae Jepsen & Josh Ramsay (songwriters) – Carly Rae Jepsen
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” – Jörgen Elofsson, David Gamson, Greg Kurstin & Ali Tamposi (songwriters) – Kelly Clarkson
“We Are Young” – Jack Antonoff, Jeff Bhasker, Andrew Dost & Nate Ruess (songwriters) – Fun.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
The Black Keys, “El Camino”
Fun., “Some Nights”
Mumford and Sons, “Babel”
Frank Ocean, “Channel Orange”
Jack White, “Blunderbuss”
RECORD OF THE YEAR:
The Black Keys, “Lonely Boy”
Kelly Clarkson, “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”
Fun. featuring Janelle Monae, “We Are Young”
Gotye “Somebody That I Used To Know”
Frank Ocean, “Thinking About You”
Taylor Swift, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”
BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM
“Stronger” – Kelly Clarkson
“Ceremonials” – Florence + The Machine
“Some Nights” – Fun
“Overexposed” – Maroon 5
“The Truth About Love” – Pink
BEST NEW ARTIST:
Alabama Shakes
Fun.
Hunter Hayes
The Lumineers
Frank Ocean
Rod Stewart will be hitting the road next year and will have Steve Winwood to join him on the three-week, nine-date tour, which coincides with plans for Rod’s next release. He’s returning to his roots with the project, which will be his first collection of new, original rock songs since 2001′s “Human.” The disc, which has the tentative title of “Love The Life You Live,” is also expected to hit stores in the spring.
Fleetwood Mac will have some new tunes to add to their sets for next year’s shows. Stevie Nicks tells Billboard.com that the group recorded three songs last month, which they’ll release early next year. She says Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, and John McVie came up with two of the tracks earlier this year, and the third one is “an old Buckingham Nicks song” that neither she nor Lindsey could “figure out why” it wasn’t included on their 1973 album. Nicks explains that the band “wanted to have something to put out” before they launch their spring tour. She also admits that “since nobody really cares about albums anymore,” they felt they could “come up with two or three great songs and just put them out there” so fans can hear the group’s studio sound today. However, Nicks adds that the new tunes “sound like they’re 30,” and reflect no departure from their previous work.
The late Marvin Gaye‘s son isn’t happy about a proposed biopic about his famous father — for two reasons. Marvin Gaye the Third is upset about the film’s focus and its star, Lenny Kravitz. He’s calling the movie’s producers and directors “shameful,” saying they’re “very wrong” for “trying to do a film about a low period” in the soul legend’s life when they “don’t even know the whole story.” Director Julien Temple is reportedly at the helm for the still-untitled project, which tells the story of the singer’s struggle with addiction and his attempt to restart his career in the early 1980s. Marvin the Third adds that he’s upset Kravitz has apparently agreed to portray his father. He explains that he and Lenny have been friends since they were kids, so he’s hoping the rocker “doesn’t have any idea” that he has such strong objections to the film. Gaye adds that he and other family members have sought the advice of lawyers in an effort to block the movie from going forward.
Arch MUSIC NEWS for 12/4/12
Arch MUSIC NEWS compiled by Jay Philpott -
Miley Cyrus has had a couple of successful guest spot on “Two And A Half Men” earlier this season playing Missi, a love interest for Jake Harper, played by Angus T. Jones. Her two episodes helped the sitcom post its best ratings of the season, after it was moved to the Thursday time slot.
One of the cone bras that Madonna wore during her 1990 “Blonde Ambition” tour has sold for approximately 52-thousand dollars. The cone bra corset piece was designed by Jean Paul Gaultier [go-tee-ay] and sold at an auction at Christie’s in London last week. The corset sparked a bidding war and was sold for more than double the expected amount of 24-thousand.
Fleetwood Mac will be back next year, but no show is scheduled in St. Louis as of now. The group has announced dates for a 34-date spring tour, which will begin in Columbus, Ohio on April 4th. While the band was originally expected to reunite for a tour this year, Stevie Nicks says she’s the one who squelched that idea. She tells HuffingtonPost.com she felt the need to spend another year supporting her own album, “In Your Dreams,” and she also thought it was too soon for the band to return.
Ted Nugent is lashing out at Bob Costas. During halftime of “Sunday Night Football” game, the NBC sportscaster read a portion of a column that blamed guns for the murder-suicide of Kansas City Chiefs’ Jovan Belcher and the linebacker’s girlfriend. The rocker blasted Costas via Twitter, saying in a series of tweets that he thought Bob “was smarter than that. Only fools blame tools instead of human failings. Shame Bob.”
Nominees for the 2013 Grammy Awards will be revealed tomorrow night on “The Grammy Nominations Concert Live – Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night” airing on CBS.
Cher fans will have to wait a little bit longer for the singer’s next album. The still-untitled project is now slated for release in late March although Cher had previously said the disc would arrive in January. The album will be her first collection of new studio material in more than a decade, since her last CD – 2001′s “Living Proof.”
Final honorees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame‘s Class of 2013 will be announced later this month. Nominees this go-around include Rush, Heart, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Randy Newman, Procol Harum, Chic, and the late Donna Summer. The 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place in April.
Arch MUSIC NEWS for 12/3/12
Arch MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott -
Katy Perry will develop a line of signature scents with French perfume company Coty. The beauty company will distribute the songbird’s new creations on a larger scale than her previous perfumes, Purr and Meow.
Kid Rock‘s new album “Rebel Soul” found itself in familiar territory on last week album chart. According to Billboard.com, the record debuted at number five, giving the Michigan rocker the seventh top-ten album of his career. But “Rebel Soul’s” 146-thousand-copies sold marks the smallest entrance for Rock since “Devil Without a Cause” bowed with four-thousand back in 1998. Still, Rock’s album sales could have been worse had he not made “Rebel Soul” the first album in his catalog available on iTunes. More than a third of the album’s sales were digital, putting it at number three on the Digital Albums chart.
The seventh time’s the charm for Rihanna. Her seventh album, “Unapologetic,” has earned her the first number one album in the U.S. of her career. “Unapologetic” opened on top of the Billboard 200, selling 238 thousand copies in its first week out. All six of Rihanna’s previous albums debuted in the Top 10, but never made it to the top spot. Until now, Rihanna had the distinction of having the most number one songs on the Hot 100 without ever having a number one album. Rihanna’s bad luck on the album charts is not unusual. More than 25 artists have had six albums in the top 10 without a number one, including Sting, Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley and Rush.
Britney Spears and Kevin Federline may have divorced five years ago, but they may have some unfinished business on their hands. According to TMZ, it obtained documents from the California Franchise Tax Board saying the former couple owes about 37 thousand dollars to the State of California. Spears and Federline apparently failed to pay their due income taxes in the year of 2004 – the same year they were married. It was also the year Britney brought in millions from her “Onyx Hotel” tour and Kevin appeared in the movie “You Got Served.”
Speaking out of turn? Steven Tyler says he may have done so. But racist intentions? He says he has none. Aerosmith’s frontman is apologizing to Nicki Minaj for comments the rapper found to be racist in nature. The new “American Idol” judge expressed outrage when the former “Idol” judge told MTV he thought Minaj would have sent Bob Dylan “to the cornfield” if he had come on the talent show. Speaking on the Canadian entertainment show eTalk on Tuesday, the 64-year-old rocker said “I apologize if it was taken wrong Nicki. Maybe I spoke out of turn. But a racist I’m not Nicki.” Tyler says he only meant if “Bob Dylan came on the show, he would have been thrown off.”
Top Ten Earning Musicians of 2012 According to “Forbes”:
1. Dr. Dre — 110-million-dollars
2. Roger Waters — 88-million-dollars
3. Elton John — 80-million-dollars
4. U2 — 78-million-dollars
5. Take That — 69-million-dollars
6. Bon Jovi — 60-million-dollars
7. Britney Spears — 58-million-dollars
8. (tie)Paul McCartney — 57-million-dollars
(tie)Taylor Swift — 57-million-dollars
10. (tie)Justin Bieber — 55-million-dollars
(tie)Toby Keith — 55-million-dollars.
Kelly Clarkson and Pitbull have been added to the lineup for this year’s “Divas” show on VH1. This year’s “Divas” special will pay tribute to some of the most iconic women in dance music, including two who passed away just this year – Whitney Houston and Donna Summer. “Divas” will air live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sunday, December 16th on VH1.
Jackson family patriarch Joe Jackson is said to be recovering and in “very good spirits” after suffering a mild stroke Thursday. The father of late pop superstar Michael Jackson and singer Janet Jackson, is being treated in a Las Vegas hospital and is expected to be released by the weekend.
The numbers are in on AC/DC‘s long-awaited iTunes debut. Between the time the band’s catalog hit Apple’s digital music store on Monday, November 19th, and the end of the tracking week on Sunday, November 25th, Billboard.com says fans in the U.S. downloaded 48-thousand copies of the band’s 25 albums. The biggest seller was AC/DC’s 1980 landmark record “Back in Black,” which moved 15-thousand digital copies last week. As for song downloads, “Thunderstruck” struck hardest. The lead single from the group’s 1990 release “The Razors Edge” sold 85-thousand copies. Overall, AC/DC sold 696-thousand song downloads last week, giving them the first 12 spots on the new Hard Rock Digital Songs list. Compared to other long-time classic rock iTunes holdouts, AC/DC’s bow ranks above Led Zeppelin’s and well behind the Beatles’. Zeppelin sold 47-thousand albums and 300-thousand songs in its first iTunes week back in 2007. The Beatles, meanwhile, arrived on iTunes in 2010 and sold 119-thousand albums and almost one-and-a-half-million songs over their first week.
There is word that Lindsay Lohan’s recent arrest in New York City could have stemmed from an argument over Max George, a member of British boy band The Wanted. According to TMZ, Lindsay had been pursuing Max for the past few days and got jealous when he started talking to another woman at the club. Sources tell the website Lindsay was at Madison Square Garden attending the Justin Bieber concert where The Wanted was the opening act. Lindsay was reportedly blocked from getting backstage to see them and later met up with a few of the group’s members at the NYC hotspot Avenue. As the evening wore on, sources say Lindsay appeared intoxicated and apparently started to lose Max’s attention. That’s apparently when he started talking to the woman Lindsay is accused of assaulting. She was arrested and charged for the incident.
Arch MUSIC NEWS for 11/27/12
Arch MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott -
Motley Crue‘s Nikki Sixx is on his way to being a married man once again. He says in a Facebook post that he and his 27-year-old girlfriend Courtney Bingham are engaged. He says he “popped the question and she said YES” during their recent vacation in St. Bart’s. Sixx, 54 adds that the two of them as well as their families are “beyond happy,” and they appreciate all the congratulations they’ve been receiving through social media. This will be Nikki’s third trip down the aisle. The bassist was married for seven years to “Playboy” Playmate Brandi Brandt, and spent eleven years with “Playboy” Playmate and actress Donna D’Errico.
Carole King is getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She’ll receive star number two-thousand-486 with a special unveiling ceremony on December 3rd. Carole is expected to be at the event, which will take place on Hollywood Boulevard across the street from The Dolby Theater. It’s a public event, and the ceremony, which will begin at 1:30 p.m. St. Louis time, will also be streamed online at www.WalkOfFame.com.
James Taylor will perform at the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, which is set for the Ellipse in Washington, DC’s President’s Park. Taylor is one of several stars slated to participate in the upcoming event. Colbie Caillat, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, and “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips are some of the other artists who’ve been tapped for the festivities, while more performers could be added. President Obama will officially light the tree, carrying on a tradition that started with President Coolidge in 1923. The ceremony will be streamed live online at www.thenationaltree.org on December 6th starting at 3:30 p.m. CST. It will also air as a PBS special throughout the month of December.
Today would have been the late Jimi Hendrix‘s 70th birthday. While the rock legend passed away more than 40 years ago, he’s far from forgotten. He continues to be remembered and honored today in a number of ways. Jimi’s sister, Janie Hendrix, works to protect and preserve her famous brother’s legacy through Experience Hendrix. In honor of Jimi’s 70th birthday, she recently released “The Ultimate Lyric Book, a compilation of song lyrics in their original, handwritten form. Experience Hendrix has also teamed up with Lyric Culture to create a Hendrix clothing line. An exhibit just opened this month at the Experience Music Project Museum in Jimi’s hometown of Seattle, which sheds new light on the late guitar icon’s rise to fame. Meanwhile, a Hendrix biopic starring OutKast‘s Andre Benjamin is in the works. Producers hope to screen “All Is By My Side” at the Sundance Film Festival in January. In addition, a new album of previously unreleased material, titled “People, Hell and Angels,” is slated for release on March 5th.
Arch MUSIC NEWS for 11/26/12
Arch MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott -
It seems Coldplay will be using some vacation time this holiday season and beyond. During their concert in Brisbane, Australia, last Wednesday, frontman Chris Martin told the crowd that the gig would be their “last big show for three years or so.” The singer added that he doesn’t want to stop, but the band’s tour behind their latest album “Mylo Xyloto” is officially over. They have a trio of arena shows in the U.S. next month, but other than that their schedule books are clean. However, Martin recently said they already have a name picked out for their “Mylo Xyloto” follow-up, so he and his bandmates will likely be spending at least some of their free time in the studio.
Kid Rock is planning to take another look at the album that kicked his career into a higher gear. He’ll celebrate next year’s 15th anniversary of his breakthrough 1998 release “Devil Without a Cause” by re-recording it. Rock explains that this will give him ownership of the new master recordings of the songs, but he says that’s not the only reason to take on the project. He expects “people will dig” the new versions of some of the songs he’s adjusted after playing them live for the past 15 years. Rock admits that it will be “tough to top” the originals, but he still believes there’s “something special” about the revamped versions. So far, there’s no release date set for take two of “Devil Without a Cause.” The original album, meanwhile, has since been certified eleven-times platinum, thanks in part to hit singles like “Bawitdaba” and “Cowboy.”
Amy Winehouse‘s father Mitch doesn’t like the idea of Lady Gaga playing his daughter in her upcoming biopic. He’s telling reporters in London that though he likes Gaga and her family personally, he isn’t sure that she’s right for the part. Winehouse’s father was responding to rumors that started making headlines in late 2011 shortly after his daughter’s death in July that year. He said that Gaga is “a lovely girl” and that he’s met her parents several times. He compared her to Amy, saying that the two were alike in that Amy too was outrageous in her public life, but totally normal in private. Mitch, who is a former taxi driver and now in charge of his daughter’s charitable foundation, also had something to say about his own part in the biopic, which he said was still in the works. He joked that he hoped “someone good and handsome” like George Clooney will play him.
“Gangnam Style” has reached a new record on YouTube. The song by Korean rapper Psy is now the most-watched YouTube video of all time, passing Justin Bieber’s “Baby.” The video took over on Saturday, earning approximately 803-million-761-thousand views since being posted in July. The longtime YouTube champ “Baby” is now in second place, earning approximately 30-thousand fewer views than Psy since it was put up in February 2010. Bieber’s clip became the most-watched video on the site in July 2010, passing up then-leader Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.”
The Michael Jackson tribute “Bad 25″ didn’t bring in too many viewers. The 90-minute Spike Lee-directed film delivered weak ratings for its television premiere, after having a limited theatrical release last month. The special aired on ABC on Thanksgiving night. According to “Entertainment Weekly,” “Bad 25″ brought in four-point-six-million viewers and one-point-two-million in the 18-to-49 age group, which is down 25-percent from last year’s music special from the network, “A Very Gaga Thanksgiving.” It was the night’s lowest-rated show in the demographic, behind football and repeats on CBS. Well-received by critics, “Bad 25″ compiles behind-the-scenes footage of the King of Pop during the making of the 1987 album, including a rare look at Jackson’s collaborators such as Martin Scorsese, who directed the short film for the “Bad” single. Current stars like Mariah Carey, Sheryl Crow, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, and Chris Brown are also interviewed.
Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards might be just a few weeks shy of his 69th birthday, but he and his bandmates are proving they can still rock like they did a half-century ago. The group played the first of their five “50 and Counting” shows at London’s O2 Arena Sunday night, which was also the Stones’ first performance in five years. They gave a nod to their history by launching the concert with the 1963 UK hit “I Wanna Be Your Man.” The band also played such classics as “Wild Horses,” “It’s Only Rock and Roll,” and “Start Me Up,” as well as the new tunes “Doom and Gloom” and “One More Shot.” They saved “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” for the encore.
Meat Loaf says his operation last week was a success. A post on his Facebook page says the “surgery went well,” and the “chicken noodle soup is going down.” The chicken soup — not turkey — apparently served as the rocker’s holiday dinner. The Thanksgiving message added that the singer is grateful for “the enduring love and support” he’s received from his fans, both over the years and over the past week as he’s addressed his medical issue. He also gives “a special thank you to all the doctors and nurses who are taking great care” of him, especially on the holiday. Meat Loaf doesn’t say how long he’ll be laid up. But the post notes that “his hospital bed will be his best friend for a few days yet,” and that he was going to start rehab “imminently.” Meat Loaf mentioned earlier this month that he would be having a procedure done on his knee, but gave no further details. He underwent the operation last Monday.
Stevie Wonder can still stir up a crowd. The Motown legend provided the finale for Sunday night’s 2012 Soul Train Awards, which aired on BET, playing a two-song set that included his classic “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours.” Wonder also treated the audience to his hit “Superstition.” New Edition also created one of the night’s special moments as this year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The group also performed a medley of their hits. Meanwhile, the late Whitney Houston was among the winners. Her song “Celebrate,” which she recorded with Jordin Sparks, got the nod for Best Gospel/Inspirational Performance. Other winners include Beyonce, Tyrese, Frank Ocean, and Sean Paul, while the late “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius was also remembered at the event. The 2012 Soul Train Awards were taped in Las Vegas earlier this month. The ceremony also aired on Centric.
Arch MUSIC NEWS for 11/21/12
Arch MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott -
One Direction officially has the number one album in the U.S. The group’s sophomore album “Take Me Home” has sold 540-thousand copies in its first week and has scored the number one spot on the Billboard 200, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The album saw the third-largest sales week of the year. It was surpassed only by Taylor Swift’s “Red” and Mumford and Sons’ “Babel.”
Britney Spears has been named one of 2012′s Most Powerful People by “Entertainment Tonight.” The show aired its first-ever “Powerful People” segment on Monday and decided to include the pop princess and “X Factor” judge on their list. The show talked to the star about her career, and she even had a chance to squash the rumors surrounding her relationship with fiance Jason Trawick. Britney said that her wedding plans are “getting there” and her and Jason are doing “pretty good.” She did joke that she loves “organizing and keeping things clean” and that she’s “OCD to the point where [she's] completely anal,” which she admits leads to some squabbles between the two.
Kesha wants her fans to know just how crazy and beautiful her life is. On Tuesday, the singer released her first ever book, a memoir that includes very personal anecdotes and photos. She tells MTV she feels she owed it to her fans to give them the full story of what her life is really like “without any filters.” Kesha says she opened up her own journals and family archives in order to put the book together. Her reasoning for revealing so much of her real life to fans was that she wanted to prove that she’s not just all talk. Kesha says, “I decided that if I’m going to preach that you have to give haters the finger and be who you are no matter what, then I have to walk the walk as well.” Kesha’s upcoming album “Warrior” drops on December 4th. Her book, titled “My Crazy Beautiful Life,” is out now.
Some One Direction fans are outraged about Carly Rae Jepsen‘s victory at the American Music Awards. When the “Call Me Maybe” singer beat out the British boy band for the “New Artist of the Year” award, some fans took to Twitter to voice their anger. Some even made death threats about the decision, not believing that Jepsen could have possibly raised enough votes to win the award. One tweet read: “Carly Rae Jepsen I’ll Kill You Maybe.” Another said, “I’m screaming so loud who voted for Carly Rae Jepsen I will kill yr firstborn.” Jepsen isn’t the only artist to feel the wrath of One Directioners’ teenage drama. Taylor Swift was also recently targeted by fans of the boy band after rumors of her relationship with member Harry Styles started making headlines.
The Rolling Stones now have their own app. Through the application, users will gain access to a variety of exclusive content including interviews, performance footage, photos, and videos. It also includes interactive features that will allow fans to connect with one another and vote on songs they want to hear the band play at their upcoming shows. The Stones were involved in developing the app, which frontman Mick Jagger says is “something a bit special and innovative” from the group. Guitarist Keith Richards calls the app “part of a rather splendid celebration” for the band, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. He adds that there will be “quite a few surprises in there for the fans.” The Rolling Stones Official App is free, and available for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.
The farmers accused in the death of former Electric Light Orchestra cellist Mike Edwards have been cleared of any wrongdoing. The BBC reports that Brian Burden and Russell Williams have been found not guilty on both of the health and safety charges they faced. Edwards was killed in September 2010 when a 13-hundred-pound bale of hay crashed through a fence, rolled down a steep hill, and crushed his van as he was driving through Halwell, England. Burden and Williams had been accused of not controlling the placement of the hay bale and of inaccurately assessing the risk of the bale rolling away. They successfully argued that they took the necessary standard precautions to protect the public. A 2011 inquest ruled that Edwards’ death had been an accident. Following that hearing the musician’s family has lobbied for new safety rules to be put in place to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Edwards was a member of ELO from 1972 until 1975, and is featured on the band’s early hits “Roll Over Beethoven” and “Can’t Get It Out Of My Head.”
Arch MUSIC NEWS for 11/20/12
Arch MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott –
Rush will be added to the sidewalk gallery outside the Guitar Center on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood with a ceremony today. Frontman Geddy Lee says he and his bandmates are pleased to receive the recognition. He calls it “an honor” to have Rush “added to this illustrious list of great and highly talented musicians.” The ceremony is coinciding with the dates on Rush’s “Clockwork Angels” tour. The Canadian band performed in Los Angeles Monday night, and they’ll be in San Diego on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the group is making it possible for all fans to check out their current show. Rush will be taping Sunday’s performance in Phoenix and their November 28th concert in Dallas for a new DVD, which is expected to be released in 2013.
Longtime iTunes holdouts AC/DC are finally joining the digital age. They’ll be releasing their entire back catalog on the digital music service. The rollout began Monday morning and includes all of the band’s studio albums, live albums, soundtracks and box sets. It also includes AC/DC’s brand new release, “Live At River Plate,” also released Monday. AC/DC joins a handful of major acts that have changed their tune about iTunes in recent years. The Beatles jumped on board in 2010 a few years after fellow holdouts Metallica and Led Zeppelin did the same. Kid Rock also recently joined the iTunes family. But country star Garth Brooks and rock band Tool remain on the other side of the fence for now.
One Direction is getting Barbara Walters’ seal of approval. The British boy band has been named as one of “The View” host’s “10 Most Fascinating People of 2012.” Last week, the group released its sophomore album “Take Me Home.” The album debuted at number one on the U.K. charts and their second single “Little Things” is the number one single. On the day of the album’s release, One Direction performed at the “Today” show, bringing in the biggest crowd in the show’s history, just two weeks after Hurricane Sandy hit the city. Harry, Zayn, Liam, Louis and Niall have since announced an upcoming 3-D movie that will be directed by Morgan Spurlock and will be released in August 2013. The U.S. leg of their world tour will be kicking off in June. Other fascinating people chosen by Walters to be a part of this year’s special include, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, “50 Shades of Grey” author E.L. James, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane. The 90-minute special will air on December 12th on ABC.
Bruno Mars is giving fans a taste of his upcoming album “Unorthodox Jukebox.” He debuted the song “Moonshine” on his Twitter account Sunday night. “Moonshine” is the second single from Bruno’s sophomore album after “Locked Out Of Heaven,” which is currently at number six on the Billboard Hot 100. The full album is out December 11th.
Arch MUSIC NEWS for 11/19/12
Arch MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott -
Here are the winners from the 2012 American Music Awards:
ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Justin Bieber
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Carly Rae Jepsen
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – POP/ROCK:
Justin Bieber
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – POP/ROCK:
Katy Perry
FAVORITE BAND, DUO OR GROUP – POP/ROCK:
Maroon 5
FAVORITE ALBUM – POP/ROCK:
Justin Bieber, “Believe”
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – COUNTRY:
Luke Bryan
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – COUNTRY:
Taylor Swift
FAVORITE BAND, DUO OR GROUP – COUNTRY:
Lady Antebellum
FAVORITE ALBUM – COUNTRY:
Carrie Underwood, “Blown Away”
FAVORITE ARTIST – RAP/HIP-HOP:
Nicki Minaj
FAVORITE ALBUM – RAP/HIP-HOP:
Nicki Minaj, “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded”
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – SOUL/R&B:
Usher
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – SOUL/R&B:
Beyonce
FAVORITE ALBUM – SOUL/R&B:
Rihanna, “Talk That Talk”
FAVORITE ARTIST – ALTERNATIVE ROCK:
Linkin Park
FAVORITE ARTIST – ADULT CONTEMPORARY:
Adele
FAVORITE ARTIST – LATIN:
Shakira
FAVORITE ARTIST – CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL:
tobyMac
FAVORITE ARTIST – ELECTRONIC DANCE MUSIC:
David Guetta
Stevie Wonder paid tribute to the late Dick Clark. At Sunday’s 40th American Music Awards, Wonder shared his memories of the event’s creator. Wonder also called upon those in power — including politicians and spiritual leaders — to “put your love first” to “unite the world.” He then launched into a four-minute, 20-second tribute performance that included a medley of his hits “Master Blaster,” “My Cherie Amour,” and “Sir Duke” as images of Clark were shown behind him.
Bobby Brown is pleading not guilty to charges of DUI. Brown was not in the courtroom for Friday’s hearing, but entered the plea through his lawyer. However, the judge still ordered Brown to attend three Alcoholics Anonymous meetings pending his next court date on December 13th. The New Edition singer was arrested on October 24th after he failed a field sobriety test. Along with driving under the influence, he was also charged with driving on a restricted license and driving without an interlock system. Brown could face up to two-years in prison if he’s convicted on all charges. The October arrest was Brown’s second this year. In March the singer was arrested for DUI after police pulled him over for talking on his mobile phone while driving. He pleaded no contest to that charge and was sentenced to three years of probation.
Paul McCartney is stepping up for the turkey this Thanksgiving. The former Beatle is supporting People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals in their campaign to make the holiday meat free. He’s featured in an ad wearing a t-shirt that says “Eat no” with a picture of a turkey. McCartney is depicted standing next to the phrase “Say No, Thanks To Turkey – Go Vegetarian.” Regarding his own family’s holiday menu, the British rocker says he’ll serve a veggie roast for Christmas. He tells “NME” that it slices up so he can do all his “traditional dad things” with it, but it’s “completely vegetarian” and “delicious.” McCartney adds that he prefers the veggie roast over his “memory of turkey.”
Kid Rock is kicking off a busy week with a new album. His latest effort, “Rebel Soul,” hits music stores today, just a few days before he’s scheduled to take the stage in his native Michigan during halftime at the Detroit Lions’ Thanksgiving Day football game. “Rebel Soul” is the follow-up to Rock’s 2010 country-tinged album, “Born Free.” It also marks the first time he’s made an album available on iTunes. Kid Rock previously only allowed digital versions of his albums to be sold as a whole, but he changed his mind with his ninth release. Sources tell Billboard.biz Rock felt he could “no longer ignore how much money he was leaving on the table” by staying away from Apple’s digital music store.
Coldplay fans have plenty of new items to pick up today. They’ve just released their “Live 2012″ package, which documents their “Mylo Xyloto” world tour on CD and either DVD or Blu-Ray. The concert film made its debut last Tuesday, when it arrived in select movie theaters around the world for one night only. But if Coldplay’s first concert film and live album in nine years isn’t enough, fans can also get the accompanying eBook, “Mylo Xyloto Live.” The interactive collection comes with hundreds of pictures and videos, plus frontman Chris Martin’s studio journal and interviews with the band and crew members from the “Mylo Xyloto” trek. The digital book is being released exclusively through Apple’s iBooks and iTunes.
R.E.M. isn’t letting retirement keep them from releasing new music videos. The clip for the group’s song “Blue” made its debut online late last week, more than a year after R.E.M. called it quits. The video was directed by James Franco, and also features an appearance by Lindsay Lohan. Pitchfork.com says Franco was originally set to work with Michael Stipe and company on two videos from their 2011 “Collapse Into Now” album. In addition to “Blue,” the actor was also supposed to work with them on a video for “That Someone Is You,” but the second collaboration has yet to surface.
Arch MUSIC NEWS for 11/16/12
Arch MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott -
Adam Levine‘s multi-media career has put the Maroon 5 frontman among the top nominees at the upcoming People’s Choice Awards. The singer has a spot in six different categories, both for his work with the band and as a judge on NBC’s “The Voice.” Maroon 5 earned nods for Favorite Band, Favorite Album, Favorite Song and Favorite Music Video, while Levine himself is in the running for the Favorite Celebrity Judge award along with his fellow “Voice” coach Christina Aguilera. “The Voice” is also a contender in the Favorite Competition TV Show category. Voting is under way now on the People’s Choice website, Facebook page and Twitter account. Fans have until December 13th to pick their favorites, with the winners scheduled to be announced on January 9th. The ceremony will air live on CBS starting at 8:00 p.m. STL time.
Here is a partial list of the People’s Choice Awards 2013 Nominees:
FAVORITE COMPETITION TV SHOW
America’s Got Talent
American Idol
Dancing with the Stars
The Voice
The X Factor
FAVORITE CELEBRITY JUDGE
Adam Levine
Britney Spears
Christina Aguilera
Demi Lovato
Jennifer Lopez
FAVORITE BAND
Green Day
Linkin Park
Maroon 5
No Doubt
Train
FAVORITE BREAKOUT ARTIST
Carly Rae Jepsen
Fun.
Gotye
One Direction
The Wanted
FAVORITE SONG
“Call Me Maybe,” Carly Rae Jepsen
“One More Night,” Maroon 5
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” Taylor Swift
“We Are Young,” Fun. ft. Janelle Monáe
“What Makes You Beautiful,” One Direction
FAVORITE ALBUM
Believe, Justin Bieber
Blown Away, Carrie Underwood
Overexposed, Maroon 5
Some Nights, Fun.
Up All Night, One Direction
FAVORITE MUSIC VIDEO
Boyfriend, Justin Bieber
Call Me Maybe, Carly Rae Jepsen
Gangnam Style, Psy
Part of Me, Katy Perry
Payphone, Maroon 5 ft. Wiz Khalifa
It looks like Kurt Cobain will be hitting the big screen in a couple years. Filmmaker Brett Morgen tells the “New York Post” he and Courtney Love have been talking about making a documentary about the late Nirvana frontman since 2007, but the time hasn’t been right until now. The director — who also helmed the new Rolling Stones doc “Crossfire Hurricane” as well as the Oscar-nominated “On the Ropes” — adds that this won’t be a typical documentary. Instead, he says they’re treating it like a “third-person autobiography.” Morgen explains that in addition to Cobain’s musical talents, the rocker was also “an incredible artist and filmmaker.” So he says they want to make their movie as if “Kurt was around making a film about his life.” The documentary is due out in 2014.
Maroon 5 is scheduled to take the stage on “Saturday Night Live” this weekend, marking the band’s fourth appearance on the sketch comedy show. Their latest episode of “SNL” — which also features host Jeremy Renner — airs Saturday at 11:30 p.m. Eastern on NBC.
Jon Bon Jovi‘s daughter is in the clear following an alleged overdose and arrest on drug possession charges. The Oneida County (NY) District Attorney’s Office has dropped all criminal charges against 19-year-old Stephanie Bongiovi and a 21-year-old man who was allegedly involved with her overdose. The D.A.’s office reportedly cited a New York law that prohibits the prosecution of people experiencing a drug overdose in its decision to drop the charges. Stephanie was arrested after she was treated by emergency medical personnel at a dormitory at Hamilton College in upstate New York. Police claim small quantities of heroin, marijuana and drug possession were found in the dorm room.
Donald Trump has a new Twitter target. The real estate mogul is embroiled in another war of words on social media, this time with Cher. It all started when the singer took aim at Macy’s for selling Trump’s apparel brand. A petition calling for Macy’s to dump Trump over his caustic comments about President Barack Obama has been making the rounds. Cher tweeted in all-caps that she would never go to Macy’s again, “If they don’t care that they sell products from a LOUDMOUTH.” She also took aim at Trump’s hair, referring to it as “his rug.” That’s when Trump fired back. He tweeted, “Cher – I don’t wear a ‘rug’ – it’s mine. And I promise not talk about your massive plastic surgeries that didn’t work.” Cher later took back her “rug” comment, saying it was a “cheap shot” and she was wrong. She did, however, keep up her lobby for Macy’s to fire the “Celebrity Apprentice” boss. She tweeted, “I hope Macy’s dumps him!” Macy’s offered a statement earlier this week in response to the petition to remove Trump’s apparel line from its inventory. The company said its marketing and merchandising offerings were not representative of any political position, adding, “Ours is a free society comprised of a wide range of viewpoints.”
Queen‘s classic “We Will Rock You” has been reworked for CBS’ coverage of the 2012/2013 NFL season. The new version was created by classical composer Helmut VonLichten, who worked with Queen guitarist Brian May to re-record some of his parts on the song. “Ultimate Classic Rock” says the mash-up with the CBS theme music, “Posthumus Zone,” will put the foot stomps and claps, as well as Freddie Mercury’s vocals over VonLichten’s orchestral score. He tells the magazine “We Will Rock You” is “the perfect painting” and that he “simply re-framed it a bit.” The track is available now on iTunes. VonLichten also worked with Jay-Z two years ago to create a remix of the rapper’s “Run This Town” for the network’s coverage of the Super Bowl.
Tickets for Def Leppard‘s Las Vegas residency “Viva Hysteria!” go on sale today. The British rockers announce plans this week to perform an exclusive nine-show residency at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, beginning next March. The concert series will feature songs from Def Leppard’s multiplatinum 1987 album “Hysteria,” as well as other material from the band’s 35-year career. Def Leppard’s Hard Rock run at The Joint will begin Friday, March 22nd and run through April 10th. Shows begin at 8:00 pm. Show dates for Def Leppard’s “Viva Hysteria!” at The Joint at Las Vegas’ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino:
Friday, March 22
Saturday, March 23
Wednesday, March 27
Friday, March 29
Saturday, March 30
Wednesday, April 3
Friday, April 5
Saturday, April 6
Wednesday, April 10
Arch MUSIC NEWS for 11/15/12
Arch MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott -
Stevie Wonder is set to perform a tribute to Dick Clark at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Sunday. Wonder will take the stage in honor of the late TV and radio personality, who created the American Music Awards in 1973. Wonder joins a performance lineup that already includes Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Linkin Park, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Ke$ha, Psy and Carly Rae Jepsen. The awards will be broadcast live on ABC on November 18 at 7 p.m. CST.
Dave Matthews Band is helping the victims of Hurricane Sandy by turning their tour-opening concert in New Jersey into a benefit show, pledging $1 million to regional recovery efforts. According to a statement, all proceeds from the November 30 show at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, NJ will be donated to Bama Works Sandy Relief Fund, including ticket sales and merchandise
Maroon 5 is now one week away from unseating Carly Rae Jepsen on the Single of the Year throne. Billboard.com reports the pop-rockers’ hit “One More Night” is number one on the Hot 100 for ninth frame this week, which puts it in a tie with the Canadian pop star’s “Call Me Maybe” for 2012′s longest-reigning chart-topper.
Mariah Carey and Cee Lo Green will help bring in the Christmas spirit on this year’s “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” on NBC. The network announced on Wednesday that the two have signed on for the special, along with Rod Stewart, Trace Adkins, Victoria Justice, and “The Voice” season two contestant Chris Mann. Billy Crystal and Bette Midler will also be making special appearances. On Wednesday, an 80-foot-tall, 50-foot-wide Christmas tree arrived at Rockefeller Center ready to be lit up with thousands of lights to bring in the holiday season. This is the 80th year of the tree lighting tradition. NBC’s presentation of “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” will air Wednesday, November 28th on NBC.
Kelly Clarkson says she sometimes has a hard time listening to her older songs because “they just use so much autotune when it’s not needed.” She says that she finds that she sounded “so different” and “so young” when she goes back and listens to songs like “Miss Independent.” It’s been a decade since she won the first season of “American Idol” and has put out five albums since. She’s also picked up two Grammy awards. Next Tuesday is the release of Clarkson’s first greatest hits album “Greatest Hits – Chapter 1,” which will include hits like “Stronger,” “Since U Been Gone,” and “Behind These Hazel Eyes.” The album has two new songs as well, “Catch My Breath” and a duet with Vince Gill called “Don’t Rush.” Clarkson will also be performing at this Sunday’s American Music Awards on ABC.
Jon Bon Jovi has yet to comment on his family drama. His 19-year-old daughter is reportedly OK but facing charges after allegedly overdosing on heroin at her upstate New York college. TMZ.com says police responded to a dorm room at Hamilton College early Wednesday after someone reported Stephanie Rose Bongiovi as unresponsive. Emergency medical personnel on the scene found Stephanie alive. Police say they also found a “small quantity” of heroin along with marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Stephanie, the oldest of Jon Bon Jovi’s four children with wife Dorothea Hurley, was arrested on misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and criminally using drug paraphernalia. She’s been ordered to appear in court at a later date. TMZ says another student, a 21-year-old man, was also arrested and charged with drug possession.
Rolling Stones fans are now getting the chance to see the band’s new documentary. “Crossfire Hurricane” is having its broadcast debut on HBO tonight. The group teamed up with director Brett Morgen on the project, which commemorates the band’s 50th anniversary.
Van Halen is keeping its word — on two fronts. As promised, the group will return to action next year, and they will go to Japan. Pollstar.com says Van Halen has set make-good dates for their missed Japanese shows. The group will perform in Tokyo on June 21st and play a two-night stand in Osaka on June 24th and 26th. Rumors began to surface about the band’s stability earlier this year after Van Halen scrapped the second leg of their North American tour. At the time, band members said they weren’t splitting up but they just needed a break. Van Halen originally intended to resume touring this month with shows in Japan. However, those plans changed over the summer when Eddie Van Halen needed emergency surgery following a severe bout of diverticulitis.
A CD edition of John Mellencamp and Stephen King‘s musical “Ghost Brothers of Darkland County” is on the way. Elvis Costello is among the performers taking part in the project. He provides the voice for the devil-like character “The Shape” on the song “That’s Me.” T Bone Burnett served as musical director for “Ghost Brothers,” which had its premiere in Atlanta earlier this year. He joined Mellencamp and King in assembling an all-star cast for the album, which features songs from the musical along with key sections of dialog. Sheryl Crow, Kris Kristofferson, Rosanne Cash, Matthew McConaughey and Meg Ryan are some of the stars featured on the project. In addition to the single CD, “Ghost Brothers” will be available as a deluxe three-disc set featuring the music and dialog disc, a music-only CD, and a DVD with a “Making of Ghost Brothers” mini-documentary and interviews with Mellencamp, King, and Burnett along with other bonuses. “Ghost Brothers” is slated for release on March 19th.
Arch MUSIC NEWS for 11/14/12
Arch MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott -
INXS is bringing at least one aspect of their career to an end. The band is officially confirming their on stage comment Sunday in Perth, Australia that they were playing their last show. The guys say in a statement that they’ve decided to “bring down the curtain as a live touring band.”
One Direction fans took over New York City on Tuesday morning. The group appeared on the “Today” show, performing to a crowd of 15 thousand fans – the biggest crowd in the show’s history, according to “Today” co-host Al Roker.
A new film is in the works honoring Bruce Springsteen, and producers are looking for input from the fans. Ridley Scott Associates, Black Dog Films and Scott Free London are behind the project, titled “Springsteen & I,” which will feature testimonials from Bruce’s followers sharing memories and insights on what the New Jersey rocker and his music has meant to them. Producer Svana Gisla explains that they are “searching for a wide variety of creative interpretations, captured in the most visually exciting way” from those who’ve “been a hardcore Tramp since ’73 or have heard one of his songs for the first time today.” “Springsteen & I” is being described as “the ultimate collective filmmaking experience — for the people and by the people,” which will result in “a unique feature music documentary.” Additional details on the project and how to contribute your story are available at BruceSpringsteen.net and SpringsteenAndI.com. Producers plan to have the movie ready for release in 2013.
Eric Clapton sold his platinum chronograph Patek Philippe wristwatch at an auction Monday, and set a new record in the process. A Christie’s rep describes the watch as “ultra rare,” and says it sold for three-point 63-million-dollars. Clapton had the watch for about ten years. In addition to its celebrity connection, it’s only one of two watches of this design that are cased in platinum. In addition to telling the time, the watch also features day and month windows, minute and second dials, and a perpetual calendar with moon phases. Experts say it’s among the top ten wristwatches in the world. The buyer has been described as “an Asian private collector,” who attended the auction in person. The sale took place in Geneva, Switzerland. This is the second time this fall that Clapton has made a windfall through an auction. At a London auction last month the legendary guitarist sold a German abstract painting that went for a record 34-point-two-million dollars.
Here are the winners of the Classic Rock Roll of Honor awards, which took place in London on Tuesday, sponsored by Classic Rock magazine
Classic Rock Roll of Honour 2012
Band Of The Year: Rush
Best New Band: Tracer
Breakthrough Act Of The Year: Rival Sons
Event Of The Year: Ginger Raises nearly 400-thousand-dollars
Comeback Award: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Album Of The Year: Rush “Clockwork Angels”
Film/DVD Award: Pink Floyd “The Story Of Wish You Were Here”
Reissue Of The Year: Pink Floyd’s “Immersion”
The Living Legend Award: ZZ Top
Outstanding Contribution: The Damned
Spirit Of Prog Award: Family
Showman Of The Year: Nikki Sixx
The Musicians’ Union Maestro Award: Phil Manzanera
Tommy Vance Inspiration Award: Jon Lord
V.I.P. Award: Tony Smith
Metal Guru Award: Anthrax
Classic Album Award: Status Quo “Live!”
Classic Songwriter Award: Russ Ballard
Led Zeppelin is lending a couple of songs to NBC’s “Revolution.” The band’s classic tracks “Kashmir and “Since I’ve Been Loving You” will help create the soundtrack to next Monday’s episode. In addition, “Kashmir” is also featured in this week’s promo for the show. Zeppelin’s TV presence ties in with the release of their new concert film, “Celebration Day,” which will arrive in stores on Monday. The movie documents the band’s 2007 reunion concert at London’s O2 Arena. Both “Kashmir” and “Since I’ve Been Loving You” are among the songs Zeppelin performed at the special event, which paid tribute to the late Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun. Ertegun gave Zeppelin their record deal back in 1968, and the group maintained a relationship with the label throughout their career.
Stevie Wonder contributes to a salute to Eddie Murphy. The Motown legend is among the participants on the Spike TV special “Eddie Murphy: One Night Only,” premiering Wednesday night. At the taping earlier this month, Wonder performed his hit “My Cherie Amour” before he invited Eddie to join him to sing “Higher Ground.” Many of Murphy’s Hollywood friends and colleagues also take part in the event. Samuel L. Jackson, Adam Sandler, Jamie Foxx, Tracy Morgan, and Russell Brand are some of the other stars featured on the show.
Kesha is taking a break from auto-tune and going acoustic. The singer revealed an unplugged version of her single “Die Young,” which will be sold as a part of a separate EP when her album drops. The extra, “Deconstructed,” will feature five broken-down versions of the songs “Old Flames,” “Blow,” “Harold Song,” “Supernatural” and “Die Young.” The EP will be sold through her fan store starting December 4th, “Warrior’s” release date. This isn’t the first time Kesha has sung without computers helping her out. Early this year she sang “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” for the Bob Dylan cover album “Chimes of Freedom.”
Arch MUSIC NEWS for 11/13/12
Arch MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott -
Rihanna has revealed the seven lucky countries who made the list for her 777 world tour. Starting on Wednesday, the singer will be hitting the following seven countries to promote her upcoming “Unapologetic” album: Mexico City, Toronto, Stockholm, Paris, Berlin, London and New York. Her stop in London will fall on November 19th, which is the date the album is set to drop. According to a press release, Rihanna won’t be announcing the venues of her concerts in each city until the day she arrives. In the release, the singer says that she thinks that “when it’s over it will be the coolest thing I’ve ever done.”
INXS could be coming to an end. Australia’s PerthNow.com says drummer Jon Farriss told the crowd at the band’s concert in Perth Sunday night that he was “getting teary” because they were playing their last show. INXS reportedly plans to issue a statement Tuesday to formally announce that the group is disbanding. INXS formed in Sydney, Australia in 1977. The group had their breakthrough in the U.S. in 1985 with the album “Listen Like Thieves.” They followed up with what became their biggest disc, 1987′s “Kick.” The band has been celebrating that album’s 25th anniversary this year. The hits continued to follow for another decade. However, INXS has struggled since the 1997 death of founding frontman Michael Hutchence.
Def Leppard is setting up shop in Las Vegas. The band has announced an exclusive nine-show residency at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, beginning next March. Guns N’ Roses kicked off a 12-show, three-and-a-half-week engagement at the Hard Rock on October 31st. Def Leppard’s Hard Rock run at The Joint will begin Friday, March 22nd and run through April 10th. Shows begin at 8:00 pm. Tickets go on sale this Friday, November 16th.
ZZ Top is set to be honored at the “Classic Rock Roll of Honour” awards. The group has been tapped as this year’s Living Legend, which recognizes artists who have established a lasting legacy in rock. But the band could win an award as well. The Texas trio is in the running for Band of the Year along with Black Sabbath, Guns N’ Roses, Joe Bonamassa, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Rush. Rush and Bonamassa also face off for Album of the Year, while the latest studio efforts from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Alice Cooper, Slash, UFO, and Van Halen are also vying for the award. “Classic Rock” magazine is behind the ceremony, which will take place in London tonight.
Bono is in Washington, DC this week, with plans to do more talking than singing. Bono began his appearances last night to give the keynote speech at an event called the Global Social Enterprise Initiative at Georgetown University. He congratulated America for “electing an extraordinary man as president”, joking about attack ads, and imitating former President Bill Clinton. Later in the week, he’ll be sitting down with both Democrats and Republicans in Congress and senior Obama administration officials to urge them to keep funding for U.S. foreign assistance programs, emphasizing their effectiveness in fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria around the world. The Irish singer has been an avid advocate for the poor for a long time, but his trip to the nation’s capital this week isn’t a coincidence. President Obama and members of Congress are busy trying to come up with a way to avoid the so-called “fiscal cliff” of tax increases and spending cuts that could come early next year. Bono is trying to make sure U.S. development assistance programs survive the process.
Green Day may be on the sidelines while frontman Billie Joe Armstrong spends some time in rehab, but the band continues to give fans new music with today’s release of “¡Dos!” The aptly titled album is part two of the punk rockers’ trilogy of albums, which started back in September with “¡Uno!” and will come to an end on December 11th with “¡Tré!”
Christina Aguilera‘s seventh album “Lotus” is out today. When she first released the single “Your Body” in September, Christina said it was the first time she had felt so inspired since 2002′s “Stripped.”
Whitney Houston‘s greatest hits arrives today. “I Will Always Love You – The Best Of Whitney Houston” features 18 of the singer’s most loved songs. It will also include two unreleased tracks, “I Look To You,” a collaboration with R. Kelly, and the Jermaine Dupri-Bryan Michael Cox-produced “Never Give Up,” which was leaked last week. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of “The Bodyguard,” the 1992 film starring Whitney and Kevin Costner.
Pink is adding a rock act to her upcoming The Truth About Love tour. She’s also announced that Swedish band The Hives would be joining her for the North American leg of her tour, which kicks off in Phoenix on February 13th.
Daniel Craig already has a new Bond girl in mind. In an interview with Global Grind.com, the “Skyfall” actor said if he had to choose between Rihanna and Beyonce as a Bond girl, he’d choose Rihanna. When asked why, he replied because “she’s dirtier.”
Arch MUSIC NEWS for 11/12/12
Arch MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott -
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are spending some of their post-honeymoon time giving back to people still suffering from the affects of Hurricane Sandy. According to PopCrush, the newlyweds spent four hours volunteering in the Rockaways in Queens on Saturday, distributing supplies and spending time with the locals. The area was one of the hardest-hit places in New York City. Timbaland also joined the couple in their afternoon of volunteering. All three stayed at the site until the truck of supplies was emptied, and also took photos with some of the residents there. One fellow volunteer tweeted the couple, thanking them for “giving the kids something to talk about besides Sandy.”
Madonna has been stirring up controversy worldwide during the course of her MDNA tour, and now she might have to pay for it. According to “The Times,” a Russian court is planning to put the Queen of Pop on trial for promoting gay rights during a show in St. Petersburg in August. The eight-point-two-million-dollar lawsuit was submitted by members of the Union of Russian Citizens, the People’s Assembly and the New Great Russia. The Russian court has ruled that there’s sufficient evidence to sue, saying the singer “crossed a line” by handing out pink anti-homophobia bracelets to the crowd. Madonna reportedly told her audience to “fight for the right to be free.” The groups claim that her actions caused “psychological stress and emotional shock.” The onstage stunt was in response to news that the city’s annual gay pride parade would be banned as the event promoted the “propagation of homosexuality,” which is outlawed in the country. The case against Madonna is expected to go on trial within the next two weeks, and the singer is not expected to be present at any of the proceedings.
MC Hammer wants people to know that Oakland, California is “Too Legit to Quit.” According to Allhiphop.com, the rapper is promoting the city in a new video marketing campaign called “Oakland. To Know It Is To Love It.”
Taylor Swift will be headlining this year’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” Coming off the record-breaking success of her “Red” album, the star will be performing in Times Square just before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve. The bash will be the first since Clark’s death in April at age 82. In a release, ABC has said it will be paying respect to America’s Oldest Teenager during this year’s festivities with a two-hour live tribute starting at 7:00 p.m. STL time. Fergie and Jenny McCarthy have been tapped to host the special.
In 2008, the Obama girls got the Portuguese Water Dog Beau after dad won an election, and this year they might be getting a visit from One Direction. According to “The Star,” the President and First lady have invited the British boy band to come sing for Malia and Sasha as a thank you for their help during the campaign. The magazine says a source close to the band revealed that Mrs. Obama personally reached out to them to extend an open invitation “for a date to be arranged that fits in with everyone’s schedules.”
Veterans Day FREE MEALS Across America
Here’s a fantastic list of places across the country that are observing Veterans Day by thanking those who have served in America’s defense. Look carefully at all of the deals, many of them start this weekend even before the observance of the holiday on Monday.
And, if you run into anyone who has served or is serving in the military to protect our nation, please say THANK YOU to them!
Arch MUSIC NEWS for 11/5/12
Arch MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott -
No Doubt is apologizing for the band’s latest video, which made a brief appearance online this weekend. The group pulled their “Looking Hot” clip shortly after it debuted on Friday due to an almost immediate wave of criticism for its depiction of Native American culture. E! News says the video featured frontwoman Gwen Stefani and bassist Tony Kanal in Native American costumes trying to escape from their fellow bandmates Adrian Young and Tom Dumont, who were dressed as cowboys.
One of Hollywood’s latest married couples spent their honeymoon in Tanzania. “Us” magazine has released new photos of Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel arriving in the country on a private plane. According to their report, the couple then boarded a helicopter to a private reserve in world-famous wildlife safari, Serengeti Park. It actually wouldn’t have been Biel’s first time in Tanzania — the actress climbed Mount Kilimanjaro back in 2010 as a part of an all-star charity expedition. Fans shouldn’t expect to hear much more about the couple’s lavish wedding ceremony that took place in southern Italy on October 19th. When friend-of-the-groom and talk show host Jimmy Fallon appeared on “Watch What Happens” last week, he told host Andy Cohen that he “signed a contract” saying that he wouldn’t talk to media about the nuptials.
Lady Gaga is traveling in style. The pop star posted on her Facebook page photos of the private jet that was given to her by Live Nation. The 757 jet was just a loan so that Gaga could get around in luxury, but that didn’t stop her from showing her gratitude on the site. Live Nation went all out to make sure the star was happy with her accommodations, complete with personalized “Lady Gaga” embroidered towels and head rests. In her post, Gaga said that she hoped the photos made her fans feel like she was sharing it with them.
Phillip Phillips may have let success go to his head. According to TMZ, the “American Idol” winner has left his family in a dire financial position after hitting the big time. A source close to the singer’s family has told the site that the Phillips’ have been forced to sell their cherished family business because their son hasn’t been willing to loan them the extra cash to keep it. The Phillips’ pawn shop has been in their family for 24 years, and it is reportedly scheduled to hit the auction block on December 1st. The site says the Phillips’ have tried to reach out to the singer multiple times, but that they’ve been brushed off. They are especially hurt because much of their debt comes from travel expenses racked up from seeing Phillip compete on the last season of “Idol.”
Aimee Mann was among the many artists whose concert schedule was shuffled last week by superstorm Sandy, but she still managed to joke around about it. According to “Rolling Stone,” the singer-songwriter performed a re-worked version of Barry Manilow‘s “Mandy” during a Halloween show in New York. Mann was forced to cancel her show at the Bowery Ballroom last Monday, as well as her gig at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. She honored tickets to both at a make-up concert in Williamsburg on Wednesday, but announced this weekend that they were unable to reschedule the show at the Bowery. Mann will continue her tour behind her latest album, “Charmer,” on Tuesday in Toronto.
Courtney Love says the apparently in-the-works Broadway musical about her late husband Kurt Cobain will never happen. Rumors of the project began last month when Britney Spears’ former manager Sam Lutfi revealed that he was co-managing Love and that they were working on the musical together. But now Love tells “The Observer” that “sometimes it’s best just to leave things alone.” She says she has no intention exploiting Cobain’s legacy for commercial reasons, but she has been in discussions over a film that will focus on her life since he died. Love also revealed that she let director Baz Luhrmann use eight seconds of Nirvana‘s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” in “Moulin Rouge,” supposedly in return for giving her a part in the film. But she says she was so upset when she didn’t get the part that she coined the term “to ‘Baz’ somebody.”
Aerosmith is honoring the past while encouraging fans to look toward the future. The group will be playing a special concert in their hometown of Boston Monday afternoon. Thousands of fans are expected to turn out for the show outside the building at 1325 Commonwealth venue, which is where band members lived in the early 1970s as they were launching the group. “The Boston Globe” says a plaque will be unveiled at the site just before Aerosmith begins their hour-long performance. After giving a nod to their origins the band will entertain the crowd and celebrate Tuesday’s release of their new album “Music From Another Dimension.”
Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen are among the stars inspiring people to give to help out those affected by last week’s devastating superstorm. Friday’s “Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together” telethon raised nearly 23-million-dollars for the American Red Cross. The hour-long, commercial free fundraiser also featured Billy Joel, Sting, and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Brad Whitford, as well as Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, Jon Stewart, Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey, Whoopi Goldberg, and others. Red Cross spokeswoman Peggy Dyer says the total is “an extraordinary example of how the American people pull together in times of disaster.” The telethon aired on NBC Universal stations Friday night.
Stevie Wonder is helping to honor the man who famously impersonated him on “Saturday Night Live,” Eddie Murphy. Murphy is being celebrated for the Spike TV special “Eddie Murphy: One Night Only,” which taped on Saturday and will air next week. Wonder performed his hit “My Cherie Amour” before Murphy himself jumped on stage with the legend to sing “Higher Ground,” which ended in a standing ovation, according to E!. Murphy spoofed Wonder on “SNL” when he appeared as a host back in 1983. Many of Murphy’s Hollywood friends and colleagues were at the event, including Samuel L. Jackson, Adam Sandler, Jamie Foxx, Tracy Morgan and Russell Brand. “Eddie Murphy: One Night Only” will air on Spike TV on November 14th.
Lindsey Buckingham says he’s looking forward to getting back together with Fleetwood Mac. The guitarist tells “Rolling Stone” that the group will begin rehearsals in February for their upcoming 2013 tour. He adds that a new album isn’t out the question. Buckingham explains that he recently recorded some material with John McVie and Mick Fleetwood, and says his bandmates sounded great. However, he admits that before they can commit to a studio project they have to get Stevie Nicks “on board with that.”
Jason Bonham says the new Led Zeppelin concert film means a lot to him. He tells Billboard.com that “Celebration Day” marks the band’s first release to feature him on drums, and he calls it “a huge honor” that they would release a product they recorded with him. Jason explains that when his dad, Zeppelin’s original drummer John Bonham, died in 1980 he aspired to “carry on the tradition,” and he believes one of the most definitive forms of proof that he’s accomplished this goal is to have “ended up playing with your father’s band some 30-something years later.” Led Zeppelin’s “Celebration Day” will arrive in a variety of audio and video formats on November 19th.
Arch MUSIC NEWS for 11/2/12
Arch MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott -
Music stars are coming together to take care of their own. New Jersey natives Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi are among the artists set to appear on the benefit concert special “Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together” airing this Friday on NBC Universal Networks at 8:00 pm Eastern. Springsteen’s E-Street Band member Steven Van Zandt says he will be with the band tonight. The concert aims to raise money for the victims of the storm that devastated much of the Northeast this week. Staten Island, New York-born singer Christina Aguilera, Sting and Long Island’s Billy Joel are also on board for the event. The “Today” show’s Matt Lauer will host. NBC News’ Brian Williams and “Late Night” host Jimmy Fallon are also participating. Money raised will be donated to the American Red Cross. Outlets set to air “Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together” include NBC, NBC.com, USA Network, SyFy, MSNBC, CNBC, Bravo, E!, Style Network and others. A rep for NBC Universal tells “The New York Times” non-NBC owned networks will also be allowed to broadcast the concert.
Michael Jackson is still raking in the cash. The late King of Pop is topping “Forbes” magazine’s new list of the “Top-Earning Dead Musicians of 2012.” For a third straight year Michael has logged posthumous nine-figure earnings. From October 2011 to October 2012, Jackson’s take was $145 million dollars — more than any musician alive or dead. Michael’s fortune came from his 50-percent ownership of the Sony/ATV publishing catalog as well as his own music and the Cirque du Soleil “Michael Jackson Immortal World” tour. Taking a rather distant second place on the list is the late King of Rock, Elvis Presley, whose estate for a second consecutive year brought in 55-million-dollars. Bob Marley‘s 17-million-dollar earnings were enough to land the late reggae great in the number three spot.
Forbes.com’s “Top-Earning Dead Musicians of 2012″ List
1. Michael Jackson, 145-million-dollars
2. Elvis Presley, 55-million-dollars
3. Bob Marley, 17-million-dollars
4. John Lennon, 12-million-dollars
5.Richard Rogers, six-million-dollars
6. George Harrison, five-point-five-million-dollars
“Near Misses” — Musicians earning over three-million but less than five-million-dollars
Jimi Hendrix
Les Paul
Tupac Shakur
Lionel Richie isn’t adding a Country Music Association award to his collection of honors. The pop-R&B star was among the nominees heading into the 46th annual CMA Awards, but fell short at the ceremony. He earned a bid for Musical Event of the Year for his country remake of the hit “Stuck On You.” Lionel recorded the song with Darius Rucker for his duets album “Tuskegee.” But the nod went to Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw for their collaborative hit “Feel Like A Rock Star.”
Lisa Marie Presley also took part in the ceremony, presenting the night’s first award. Elvis Presley’s daughter handed out the Single of the Year honors to one of the night’s big winners Little Big Town for their chart-topping hit “Pontoon.” The 46th annual CMA Awards took place at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Thursday night.