Music News Net

NO Julian / Sean Lennon Gig at the UN

      MUSIC NEWS - John Lennon's son Julian has denied reports that he's set to perform with his half-brother Sean at a United Nations event on February 26, 2009.   Fox News columnist Roger Friedman recently reported that the Lennon guys were teaming up onstage for the first time at the UN Millennium Goal Awardsin NYC.  But Julian; John Lennon's son with his first wife Cynthia, moved quickly to stop the rumor, insisting it was made up by the journalist.  In a posting on his MySpace.com blog, he writes under the headline "Fox News, Usual Bull";

 "Sorry to say, but the news today about Sean & I playing together at the UN Awards came directly out of Roger Friedman's as*!

"Do they ever tell the truth at FOX? He/they didn't even attempt to get in touch with either of our reps or the producers of the UN event to find out whether this story was true or not. So you know what they represent."

Lennon's murder in 1980 reportedly led to a rift between the two, with Julian and his mother forced to battle Sean's mother, Yoko Ono through the courts for a share of the singer's estate.   Fortunatelyy, the pair is said to have grown closer in recent years, bonding over their love of music.

REV THEORY Offers Fan Tix Upgrades on Upcoming Dates

  MUSIC NEWS

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Hard rockers, REV THEORY  are going back on the road for a headlining tour in Feb & March and have arranged for a cool VIP package.  Ten fans per show can purchase ticket upgrades to not only see the band live, but attend an acoustic performance, receive an autographed poster, AND meet the band in person!   This is NOT a contest, each VIP upgrade is $35 USD and there are only 10 upgrades per show, so get your tickets now before it’s too late! And if you haven’t already, pick up a copy of their Light It Up (Interscope) album in stores and all digital markets everywhere!  Check out details on the VIP package below-

UPDATE 2/16/09 - The band has announced a special gig this Saturday Feb. 21 and Sunday, Feb. 22 in the Auto Club Speedway FanZone as part of the festivities surrounding the Auto Club 500 Weekend the West Coast Premiere of NASCAR for 2009. Rich Luzzi, Julien Jorgensen, Dave Agoglia, Matt McCloskey and Ricky Lixx will rock the stage at a post race concert Saturday (Feb. 21) in the Auto Club Speedway FanZone following the Stater Bros 300 NASCAR Nationwide series race and again Sunday, prior to the NASCAR Spring Cup series Auto Club 500.

SPRINGSTEEN Regrets "Wal Mart Exclusive" Best of Deal

     MUSIC NEWS- In a New York Times article to published this "Super" Sunday, Bruce Springsteen discusses a number of topics, and expressed his regret over his recent Wal Mart exclusive CD deal.     Considering that Springsteen has long been a well regarded champion of progressive causes, and that Wal-Mart has had problems over its labor practices, the deal was a surprise to a lot of people, including many of his fans.   He says, "We were in the middle of doing a lot of things, it kind of came down and, really, we didn't vet it the way we usually do," Springsteen told the paper. "We just dropped the ball on it." He added that, "given [Wal-Mart's] labor history, it was something that if we'd thought about it a little longer, we'd have done something different. It was a mistake. Our batting average is usually very good, but we missed that one. Fans will call you on that stuff, as it should be."  Though his manager, Jon Landau, has continued to defend the deal.  We trust that Bruce's upcoming Darkness on the Edge of Town Deluxe Release will be available at all outlets!! 

Coachella Festival 2009 Line Up Announced...

MUSIC NEWS - The Killers, Paul McCartney and the Cure headline the roster for the 10th Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, ( April 17 thru 19, 2009 at Empire Polo Field in Indio, CA).   Also confirmed have been My Bloody Valentine, Amy Winehouse, Morrissey, Leonard Cohen and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.  This is Sir Paul's first American festival appearance at the event. "I have heard that Coachella is one of the greatest festivals in the world," he said in a statement. "I'm really excited to get out there and rock!"   For Winehouse, this is going to be her first major American appearance since she performing at the 2008 Grammy Awards as she trys to regain her musical footing after the last18 months of drug/legal problems and erratic behavior. 

Tickets are on sale today, January 30 at 9am PT thru Coachella.com/tickets , with a layaway plan being offered thru February 28, 2009  !
 
Current, full lineup for the 2009 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival is below the break...

UPDATE 3/8/09 - Announced today that AMY WINEHOUSE will not be performing at Coachella.

Friday MusicNewsNet Bits - Sony Music Decline, The Whigs, Scott Weiland's Pants, Death Cab... Tour, M83

Music News Bits Friday Wrap-up-

    * Sony Music Sales Slip - To add to Sony corp's ills, during the period ended Dec 31, Sony Music Entertainment generated only 105.2 billion yen ($1.16 billion), a 22% decrease on a dollar basis compared with the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. Sony attributed the sales drop to the decline of the physical music market.
    * THE WHIGS report they've been thrilled to open for Kings Of Leon on KoL's current North American tour.  A highlight included a performance last night at the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York City. Following three extensive tours at the end of 2008 with The Kooks, Kings Of Leon and Tokyo Police Club and a New Year's Eve show with Band Of Horses, The Whigs are happy to return to Georgia after the MSG gig to begin writing their next album and rest up for their March headlining shows to promote their ATO Records debut, MISSION CONTROL (see itinerary below).

    *  Death Cab for Cutie will hit the road in a US tour in support of 2008's Narrow Stairs. The quartet returns to North America, after a few shows in Japan and Australia. They kickoff March 7 at Miami's Langerado Festival.  (see itinerary below).  They will be supported by Cold War Kids in April and Matt Costa in May. Ra Ra Riot will open every show on the tour.  Tickets are on pre-sale for Fan Club members with the general public having the opportunity starting the weekend of January 30.

    *  Will you wear Scott Weiland's pants???  The former front man for Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, now on a solo tour for his release, is launching a clothing line.  He's partnered with Christopher Wicks, designer and owner of Rock & Roll Religion, for a line of contemporary men's clothing that will be known as Weiland for English Laundry.  "From early on, I was inspired by rock icons like David Bowie and Keith Richards who helped in molding my personal sense of style," said Weiland, in a statement.  Scott- i'm a 34 waist, 32 long. 

    * Torque Recording Company of Canada, has signed indie alt rock outfit Gentlemen and Scholars. The guys, from Evanston, Indiana, will be recording this April for a release scheduled for July 2009. They will then tour with as yet-to-be determined Torque artists after the release. 

    *  Reunion Blues is launching a new site to help touring bands find places to eat, hang out and crash for the night while out on the road. It's also a way for musicians to find venues to perform… and even offers a free link to the band's sound clips, photos and web sites which helps generate exposure for their music!  Called the Touring Bands' Guide- a digital handbook to help independent bands plan and book their tour!  Check it out at ReunionBlues.com/TourGuide.  The info is submitted by touring musicians, for touring musicians, and it helps new bands to book their own independent tour. The site showcases club names and booking personnel's contact info for 27 of the largest US cities… and growing.   Check it out.

    * Electronic pop outfit, M83 and the Los Angeles Philharmonic  will perform a co-headlining concert pairing the orchestra and M83's chief star-gazer Anthony Gonzalez in a program that features individual performances, as well as M83's debut performance with an orchestra. This one-night-only concert, will be Saturday, March 7, at 9 pm.  It will also mark M83's debut at Walt Disney Concert Hall.  Julian Kuerti, Assistant Conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducts. Tickets on sale today, January 30 at Laphil.com.

Ireland's THE SCRIPT to Release Debut US Album

     MUSIC NEWS -  The Irish pop/rock trio, The Script were THE breaking new band of 2008 in the UK and their native Ireland, and now have announced a date for their anticipated America release of their self-titled debut album, THE SCRIPT (via Epic Records / Sony Music) on guess when? ---  March 17^th / St Patricks Day. The news of the album’s release is even more notable as word is out that VH1 has just picked The Script for their You Oughta Know promotion that will begin airing in March '09. Other You Oughta Know artists have been Adele, Sara Bareilles, Leona Lewis and Duffy, all of whom are 2009 Grammy Nominees !  We wish the same good fortune for the Dublin guys.

The talented trio’s debut has already spawned numerous hit singles abroad, including the band’s first official US single, “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” which reached #1 in 5 countries. THE SCRIPT is currently double platinum in the UK, 5x platinum in Ireland, and is a story of both tragedy and triumph, struggle and survival, the journey of 3 Dublin boys from the wrong side of the tracks. 

Brief MODEST MOUSE Tour Unveiled

   MUSIC NEWS - MODEST MOUSE has unveiled a brief (barely three-week) tour that launches at the end of February, hitting LA on February 24 stop at the Hollywood Palladium thru their headlining slot in Miami, FL at the Langerado Festival.   Folk outfit,  Mimicking Birds, the latest act to sign to Isaac Brock’s Glacial Pace label, will open the run. Tickets, on sale today!

BEN KWELLER - New Video, Album, Tour News

     MUSIC NEWS - Ben Kweller has announced the premiere of his new music video for his new tune,  "Fight" on MySpace Music today, Thursday, January 29.    It's one of the highlighted tracks from his soon-to-be released album "Changing Horses" (due February 3rd from ATO Records).  Check out the "Fight" video(below), and be careful on the highway!!!  It's  upbeat representation of the album's musical craftsmanship, a work indebted to Country music  and the kind of poignant songwriting one  expects from the seasoned musician. The music video for "Fight" is a good-natured clip that poignantly illustrates the lengths one will go for their buddies in a pinch.

"Changing Horses" was produced by Kweller and recorded mainly in Austin, TX, where he and his family recently moved.  The title of the new album is meaningful, as it represents a significant change for the 27-year-old Texas-bred musician.  Beginning with his first record, "Sha Sha," released back in 2002, Kweller's albums have always been stylistically restless, moving from indie rock to ballads to anti-folk to melodic chug rock, often from song to song. "Changing Horses," on the other hand, is more focused; a full-blown, pop/country affair, full of pedal steel, twang and multi-part harmonies.  It features his great touring band -- Chris Morrissey on bass and vocals, and Mark Stepro on drums and vocals -- as well as Kitt Kitterman on pedal steel.  Like all of Kweller's work, the new album is filled with unforgettable melodies and  soulful lyrics that could only come from someone sensitive to the human spirit.

Ray LaMontagne Announces First Batch of 2009 Concerts

     MUSIC NEWS -  Today, Ray LaMontagne announced his first North American concerts of 2009.  The quick trek will start April 2 at the Wellmont Th. in Montclair, NJ (NYC area) and end April 30 in Miami, FL at the Fillmore @ Jackie Gleason. The tour is LaMontagne's second in support of his latest album Gossip in the Grain (RCA Victor).   Gossip... got the Maine singer-songwriter's highest chart number with a debut of  #3 on Billboard Charts the first week of release. The album was a digital sensation also, being the top selling album on iTunes that first week.

Ray's fans also have the opportunity to purchase front row seats for these shows and support charity through Tickets-for-Charity®.  A portion of each package purchased through the website will automatically benefit The National Children's Cancer Society, and tix purchasers can donate add'l monies to a wide variety of other charities.  Concert goers will be treated to a different show than they have seen in past years. Most reviews of Gossip... remarked on his more upbeat attitude and a new looser, more soulful sound than previous releases. That sound is epitomized on the Stax inspired horn-led first single, "You Are The Best Thing."    And, opening the shows will be Low Anthem April 2-15 with Jessica Lea Mayfield suporting the April 17 thru 30 shows.

The ENGLISH BEAT Back in No. America to Celebrate Their 30th Anniv !!!

     MUSIC NEWS - Birmingham, UK 2 Tone/ska rockers, THE ENGLISH BEAT are celebrating their 30th anniversary with a music packed 2009. Led by founding member, lead vocalist and songwriter Dave Wakeling, the band plans to record and tour extensively.
 
On the tour (full itinerary below), their live show, of course, includes the band’s best-known tunes, among them “Mirror in the Bathroom,” “Save It for Later,” “Stand Down Margaret” and “I Confess,” and their inspirational covers of “Tears of a Clown” and “Can't Get Used to Losing You,” as well as the hits Wakeling scored with ‘80s pop icons General Public, such as “Tenderness,” “Never You Done That” and “I'll Take You There.”  They will also dish up a growing number of their new songs that are becoming favorites with the fans, like “The Love You Give Lasts Forever,” “How Can You Stand There” and “Said We Would Never Die” .   The new tracks will be recorded and released sometime "tbd" in 2009, either as a series of EPs or a full album, and will include new studio tracks, live tracks, acoustic versions, and remixes by good friends The Thievery Corporation.

DR DOG Hitting the Road Again in the USA

MUSIC NEWS -   Philadelphia, PA indie rockers, Dr Dog is back home in the US after an Australian tour opening for the Black Keys.  And with that, they've announced their add'l Feb & April '09 shows (see full itinerary below).  They'll be out there with some great bands, such as- Drug Rug, Golden Boots, Cave Singers, and Floating Action on the bill (depending on location). All February shows are onsale now with April shows going on sale this Saturday!  For details on the shows or to buy tickets, go to DrDogMusic.com.

And, if you can't wait to see them you can watch their last show played down in Austin: Dr Dog Live

BILLY POWELL of Lynyrd Skynyrd Fame, Dies at 56

      MUSIC NEWS - Lynyrd Skynyrd member, keyboardist Billy Powell (56) died this AM, January 28, 2009 at his home in Orange Park, FL, USA.  According to press reports, Powell phoned 911 around 12:55 a.m. this morning, reporting breathing problems. Rescue crews arrived at the condo but Powell was pronounced dead just before 2 am.  Orange Park Police Lt. Mark Cornett told the AP that Powell had missed an appointment yesterday for a cardiac evaluation.  Powell and guitarist Gary Rossington were the only current members of Lynyrd Skynyrd that survived the infamous '77 plane crash that took the lives of three band members. Powell joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1972 following a stint as a member of the group's road crew.  He was married, to  Ellen Vera Powell and had four children.  Ross Schilling,  with Skynyrd's mgmt company, Nashville based Vector Management, said they believe Powell suffered a heart attack,and an autopsy will not be conducted as his cardiologist will sign the death certificate. The funeral will be private, with no word on a public memorial service.  To make a donation in Billy's name, in lieu of flowers, contact The City Rescue Mission in Jacksonville, FL (904.387-4357). 

Skynyrd was booked to perform this Friday, January 30 in Kinder, Louisiana, and on the 31st in Biloxi, MS.  Their European tour was due to begin May 20 in Finland and new US record deal was in the works.

Annual Zappa Fest to Run, Court Rules

     MUSIC NEWS - Frank Zappa's widow has been unable to stop a German festival using Frank's name and image.  Gail Zappa and her family trust sued the owners of a German Frank Zappa fan club over their annual Zappanale Festival, demanding they stop using the family's name.  They also asked for the remove a bronze sculpture of the avant-garde musician from the town where the fest takes place and asked for 250,000 euros as damages.  A court in Dusseldorf recently threw out the Zappa case, ruling that organizers of the fest can continue to use the name, and the late musician's image in its branding and on its merchandise, because doing so, the judge said, did not violate any of Gail Zappa's rights. Gail's case was weakened because she was unable to show the court that she used Zappa's name and image in Germany.  She also admitted knowing about the event since its start back in 1990 (three years before Frank Zappa's death) yet took action in 2008.

The promoter of the event, Thomas Dippel, told the press after the court's decision "We have always been certain that we have the older rights. We have also patented the name of the festival with the German patent office. Gail Zappa only applied for the patent of her own rights in 2002".

The ruling means Zappanale 2009 festival can go ahead as scheduled August 12 thu 16.

John Forte of The Fugees Back Home from Prison

      MUSIC NEWS - After seven long years away from family, friends, and the world at large, John Forte is back at home, writing and recording new music and embracing life again.  Fans of Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer, know him best for his work with the multi-platinum group “The Fugees.”  He wasted no time getting back into the studio, completing his first track, "Homecoming"  (below), with his good friend Talib Kweli and featuring Kanye West!  They also made a behind the scenes video (See below) of the recording of the track with commentary from Talib Kweli. 

In addition to his “The Fugees” work, Forte is known for his two solo albums, PolySci (Columbia; 1998) and I, John (Transparent; 2002), which featured guest appearances by Herbie Hancock, Esthero and Tricky, and included a duet with famed singer/songwriter Carly Simon on the song “Been There, Done That.” A classically-trained violinist and graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy, Forté recorded his last album while under house arrest awaiting trial; the album was released just as he was being sent to prison.

Paul McCartney Makes Late Night Appearance Colbert Report

  MUSIC NEWS - Music legend, former Beatle and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Paul McCartney will appear as a guest on "The Colbert Report" on Wednesday, January 28 at 11:30 pm ET/PT (at Comedy Central). Sir Paul's appearance will be his first and only scheduled US late-night appearance to promote his recent new album, Electric Arguments, released under The Fireman alias (on ATO Records).  The Fireman are Sir Paul and Brit producer/musician Youth.

Check out Paul and Stephen below-