Music News Net

Convention Music, Round Two, RNC's Turn

     MUSIC NEWS-  Now that the music-laden Democratic National Convention is finished rocking Denver, CO in  support of Barack Obama with stars such as Kanye West, Sheryl Crow, Michael McDonald (Doobie Bros), Death Cab for Cutie, Fall Out Boy and Stevie Wonder, it's time to see what the Republicans have lined up for their Twin Cities event.  Seems though that you need to be invited to a number of the RNC shows, with private GOP-friendly appearance that include Gretchen Wilson, LeAnn Rimes, Charlie Daniels and Sammy Hagar.

R.E.M. Leader Threatens Move to UK

     MUSIC NEWS-  (from the empty threat file???) R.E.M. frontman MICHAEL STIPE has reportedly threatened to quit his American residency if Senator JOHN McCAIN is elected president of the USA.  The singer, who has recorded a song for Democratic  candidate BARACK OBAMA will move to the UK if America votes in the Republican candidate at the upcoming November elections.   No word on whether he would give up his citizenship.  Stipe says, "He (McCain) served his country and he did a good job as a serviceman, I will honor him for that, but he is not presidential material." He adds, "I’d have to move to England". 

We're a big fan of R.E.M. and Stipe, but it seems like an odd statement by someone if they love the USA, and one that most people couldn't consider doing.  I'd ask that Stripe reconsider, but if he does move, be sure not to tour the USA again or accept our dollars from CD/merchandies sales!

Bonus- see recent interview with Stipe on the BBC's "The One Show"

THE GRATEFUL DEAD to Regroup for Obama

    Keep on truckin'

MUSIC NEWS - Great news!, word is that The Grateful Dead are likely to re-form in October, to support the US Presidential campaign of Barack Obama. The legendary San Francisco rock band will reportedly get back together on October 13 to raise money for the Obama's campaign.   All four surviving original members will  play together;  Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Phil Lesh and Bill Kreutzmann.  The reports further say that Allman Brothers and Gov't Mule member, Warrne Haynes will join the Dead on lead guitar replacing original member, guitarist Jerry Garcia, who died in 1995 after suffering a heart attack.

John Lennon Film, "NOWHERE BOY" to Be Made; Cast Named

     THR.com reports that the story of John Lennon is now destined for the big screen in a film called, "Nowhere Boy", a biopic that will be directed by Sam Taylor-Wood.  It will be written by screenwriter Matt Greenhalgh, who wrote the Joy Division movie "Control" and will look at Lennon's childhood and journey to cultural icon status. Filming is set to take place on location in Lennon's hometown on Liverpool, England. Greenhalgh's script will show Lennon as a lonely teenager growing up as his aunt and his mother, who gave him up, fight for his love. His only escape is music, art and his friendship with Paul McCartney. Cast is still being determined as is the release date.  "The women in John's early life truly shaped who he became," Taylor-Wood said, "and the strengths and weaknesses of their relationships are central to this film."

UPDATE 1/08/09 - Casting news; KRISTIN SCOTT THOMAS and JAMES MCAVOY's actress wife ANNE- MARIE DUFF will star as JOHN LENNON's aunt and mother in the film.  British actor Aaron Johnson, 18, will portray Lennon in the screenplay about the star's teenage years. Thomas will play the rocker's aunt Mimi, who raised the star when his parents split up. Duff is set to portray his mother Julia in the Matt Greenhalgh screenplay, titled Lennon, which is based on a book by the Beatle's half-sister, Julia Baird.

 

MADONNA Freaks at French Concert Over Tech Problems

      MUSIC NEWS - More MADONNA French problems, and we don't mean another kiss!  She reportedly was furious after the Nice, France concert, on her current Sticky & Sweet tour,  after several technical problems impacted the event.  The pop superstar took to the stage in Nice on Tuesday, August 26 to play to a full house.  In attendance were celebrities Bono, Elton John and David & Victoria Beckham.  But technical problems caused the huge video screens that she uses during the show went out during several songs and when they were working, were terrible quality.   And little Miss Perfectionist Madonna was furious with her staff, according to reports.  And the presence of rocker Elton John, with who the Material Girl star has had a rocky relationship, in part due to Elton's prior"lip sync" comment, meant the slip-up was a double blow to Madonna.  Oh well, there's always the next gig!

Listen to SONYA KITCHELL's New CD, and Tour Info !

    Decca Records has invited you to check out the great, new cd from singer, songwriter, and guitarist Sonya Kitchell.  You can give THIS STORM a listen in it's entirety thru the link below. Her new cd will be released on September 2 and was recorded with Grammy Award-winning producer Malcolm Burn (Daniel Lanois, Peter Gabriel, Emmylou Harris) at the end of her recent tour with Herbie Hancock. Her new release is the follow up to her debut album, 2006’s Words Came Back to Me, released when she was only 16, to huge critical acclaim !

Check out Ms Kitchell's THIS STORM, here and let us know what you think of this amazing album.  Make sure to pick up a copy through this link, thanks !!!

UPDATE 8/29/08- See tour news at end and info on tickets!

UPDATE 9/19-08- Sign up for Sonya's street team-    Click here to sign up and help spread the word about Sonya's tour as she comes to your town!

New KINGS OF LEON "Sex on Fire" Video

     MUSIC NEWS- Southern rockers Kings of Leon released a brand new video of a tune from their upcoming cd announced the release of Only By the Night, the quartet's much-anticipated follow up to 2007's Because of the Times for a release of September 23 in the USA from RCA Records.  The new album was recorded in the band's own locale of Nashville, TN's at Blackbird Studios.  It features production work from longtime collaborators and reknowned producers/mixers Angelo Petraglia and Jacquire King, and the KoL themselves.  The quartet; Followill brothers Caleb (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Nathan (drums), and Jared (bass), plus their cousin Matthew Followill (lead guitar) comprise the group.

UPDATE 9/21/08 - The group made their Saturday Night Live debut this weekend in support of its forthcoming fourth album, Only By The Night. The Bonnaroo favorites appeared on the program along with actor James Franco just three days before Only By The Night arrives on September 23 !  And check out their newly announced tour dates below!

FBI Busts Blogger Over GUNS N ROSES Songs

     The FBI have just arrested a Kevin Cogill, 27, blogger suspected of illegally streaming songs from rock band Guns N Roses unreleased album, "Chinese Democracy" on his blog.  He was charged with violating federal copyright laws. Federal authorities say Cogill posted nine unreleased Guns N' Roses songs on his blog back in June.  The songs were promptly removed after Cogill received a call from Guns N Roses management.  No word on how he obtained the tracks.   According to the arrest affidavit, Cogill admitted to federal agents that he put the songs up on his blog.  "Chinese Democracy" has been delayed several times over the last ten years and has become an extremely anticipated release by the group.  Legally, a new tune from the forthcoming cd called "Shackler's Revenge" will be on the video game Rock Band 2, scheduled for release in September.

OASIS Starts World Tour in the USA - Adds NYC Concert

     Brit rockers OASIS started their 2008 world tour in Seattle, WA (USA) last night, August 26 in support of their upcoming new cd, DIG OUT YOUR SOUL along with opening act, Ryan Adams.  Their first tour in over two years, band opened with 'Rock N Roll Star' and included their tunes, 'Lyla', 'Slide Away', 'Supersonic' and 'Wonderwall' in the set along with a few new songs 'The Shock of The Lightening', 'Ain't Got Nothin'', 'To Be Where There's Life' and 'Falling Down'.   Leader, Noel Gallagher also performed an acoustic version of 'Don't Look Back In Anger' that you can watch fan video clip of on our "Today's Video Clip" page.   They closed the show by going back to their traditional final song, a cover of The Beatles' 'I Am The Walrus'.  They also introduced their new drummer Chris Sharrock (Dave Stewart, Lou Reed, Robbie Williams bands) to the crowd, who was playing his first full gig for the group.    At one point, Gallagher joked to the audience not to get used to Sharrock because Oasis was "trying to break  Spinal Tap's record" for number of drummers - we'll see.  Catch them when they hit your city, itinerary follows-

Dr Dre's Son Found Dead at Home

    The son of well known Grammy award-winning rapper and producer Dr Dre,  was found dead at home in Woodland Hills, CA this past Saturday (August 23), according to Dr. Dre's representative.  Andre Young Jr, 20 was found by his mother unresponsive in his bed around 10:30 A.M.  Paramedics were called to the home, but Young was pronounced dead after their efforts to revive him failed. His mother told police he'd been out the night before, and returned home Saturday at around 5:30 A.M.  No cause of death has been announced, awaiting completion of toxicology tests.  These could take four to six weeks.  Our condolences to the family...

   UPDATE- 8/30/08- An autopsy of Andre Young Jr has failed to find a cause of death.  A spokesperson for Los Angeles authorities said yesterday: "We don't know yet why he died. There were no signs of trauma or foul play. We'll be doing toxicology and other tests, which will take up to six weeks". As usual the toxicology tests will determine whether alcohol or drugs played a part in Young's death.

Led Zeppelin Members Back in the Studio

     MUSIC NEWS-  WOW !!!  The BBC reports today that three Led Zeppelin members have been back in the studio recording new material.  Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham have been working on new songs recently.  No word on Robert Plant's involvement.   Plant is currently on tour with Alison Kraus supporting their cd, RAISING SAND.  Drummer Bonham recently told a radio station in Detroit, MI he's leaving Foreigner and that the new LZ songs may end up at some point on a new Led Zep cd !!      See full BBC article here.

Fall Out Boy Comes Back with New CD

     MUSIC NEWS -  Pop/punk band FALL OUT BOY  has announced the release of its fifth album.  Called "Folie a Deux," the new album will be available on November 4 from Island Records, USA election day!  So,  go out and vote, then pick up this much anticipated new album! The project was hinted at with the release of an online mixtape, "Welcome to the New Administration."    Among other artists, on the tape, Pete Wentz and company revealed five demos; which we hope make it to the new album,

Take a Walk With Nick Jonas

    Teen sensation NICK JONAS (Jonas Brothers) is giving fans with diabetes the opportunity to meet him in person in LA, and learn what it’s like to be a celebrity with diabetes.  The 15 year old star from NJ has teamed up with Bayer Diabetes Care to launch a campaign, called Walk in Nick’s Shoes. 

BARENAKED LADIES Member Escapes Plane Crash

     Not a good summer to be in BARENAKED LADIES !! After the drug bust of Steven Page earlier this summer in NY State, and the band's quick exit from the Disney Block Party tour, now band member, Ed Robertson, 37, was involved in a plane crash in Canada !  He and three others survived a crash in rural southeastern Ontario on Sunday. His Cessna 206 floatplane crashed into a wooded area near Bancroft, Ontario, as he tried to take off from Baptiste Lake, Ontario Provincial.  Fortunately, no one on the plane was injured.  Apparently, his wife, Natalie, and friends Julie and Jeff Jones were also on board. Reports are that the plane stalled but the pilot managed to land it into the trees with its nose resting on the ground. Robertson and passengers had to exit through windows, as the doors were stuck, but had no injuries. Spokeswoman Julie Leroux said that the Transportation Safety Board of Canada is inspecting the accident scene and will decide whether an investigation will be launched. You probably didn't know it, but Robertson is the host of "Ed’s Up" on the Outdoor Life Network. The show documents his travels by plane. He received his pilot’s license in 2005 and is listed on the OLN Web site as a "recreational pilot." Episodes involve landing his Cessna on water near cities across North America, no word on whether this crash will be made into a show !

In unrelated BNL news, Steven Page's court appearance on his recent drug arrest has been re-scheduled for October 14 in Fayetteville, NY, according to Mr. Page's Buffalo-based lawyer, Mark Mahoney.

MNN suggests back to music for these guys !!!

Madonna's Sweet & Sticky Tour Takes Off

    CONCERT NEWS-  Madonna started her new world tour in Cardiff, Wales at the Millennium Stadium and showed her fans that she's still able to make it on stage at her age.  In her usual energetic style, the pop superstar played two hours of hits from her 25-year career. It featured some radically reworked versions of a few of her favorites, such as a techno remix of Like A Prayer and a rock vibe on Borderline.  Some 40,000 eager fans, some in pink cowboy hats and boas, were treated to a heavy metal version of Borderline and La Isla Bonita was a backdrop for a flamenco routine. The show, billed as a musical mashup of gangsta pimp, Romanian folk, rave, and dance, was a tribute to Madonna's non-stop re-inventions of herself and her music over the past thirty years.  Though it's curious to note that the Millennium Stadium was only two-thirds full, and ticket scalpers were charging half the original price.  The diva kept the crowd waiting so long (more than an hour late and entered without an apology) that they eventually began to boo loudly.