Music News Net

U2 Returns to North America for 360 Tour, Unveils Opening Acts and Adds Show

MUSIC NEWS- In case you forgot, mega-rockers U2 are still on their worldwide 360 Tour and are due back in North America this summer.  They've just announced most of the opening acts for the visit here and have added a show in Utah  (June 3 in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah's Rice Eccles Stadium).  The UT gig will kick off the North American leg that ends on July 19 in East Rutherford, NJ (NYC area) at the new Meadowlands Stadium, home of the NFL's NY Giants and Jets. (full itinerary is below). After they're done in the Garden State (NJ) they head back to Europe for a fourth leg of the 360 Tour.

As mentioned, U2 has also released the names of the opening support acts for nearly all of the North American shows - Lenny Kravitz gets on stage for the first three stops of the tour, The Fray starts at the June 16 Oakland appearance and alt-rockers Interpol pick up on June 27 in Minneapolis, MN.  No word yet who gets to open the Montreal shows on July 16 & 17 and the NJ dates.

Universal Music Group Ups Candace Berry to Executive VP Sales

MUSIC NEWS -  Universal Music Group Distribution (UMGD), part of the Universal Music Group, has appointed Candace Berry to Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Universal Music Distribution (UMD).  The change was announced by Jim Urie, President & CEO of the company and Amanda Marks, Executive Vice President and General Manager of UMD, to whom Ms. Berry reports.

"We are fortunate to have someone of Candace's caliber and credibility stepping into this new and expanded role at UMD," said Ms Marks. "Her extensive experience, incredible work ethic and keen insights make her an ideal fit for this key position. Candace will be a tremendous asset as we continue to expand our market-leading suite of services for our partners and artists through this exciting yet challenging time in our industry."

AMERICAN BANG Debut Album Out This Spring

MUSIC NEWS - We've noted these guys before, and now have word that American Bang will release their self-titled major-label debut album this spring 2010. The first single, “Wild & Young,” arrives on radio March 8, though some stations have gotten an early taste this week. The debut track of “Wild & Young,” along with the album’s pounding and gritty opener, “Whiskey Walk,” is currently available online via all major online retailers.

The effort was produced by the legendary Bob Rock, a nice choice for these Nashville based rockers. The album (out via Reprise Records) is said to capture the amazing grace and guts of the band’s deep musical roots and Southern accent, right at the heart of American rock ‘n roll.
 
American Bang is Jaren Johnston (lead singer / guitar), Ben Brown (lead guitar), Kelby Ray (bass), and Neil Mason (drums).  Expect to see them on the road soon promoting.  More @ AmercianBangRock

(photo James Minchin)

STING Summer Solo Shows Set

 MUSIC NEWS -  Sting announced that he'll go out on a brief solo tour this summer, with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra as support !

Sting plans to re-invent his "most celebrated songs" with the orchestral.  Classic Police tunes like "Roxanne," "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" and "Every Breath You Take" will be included, as will songs from Sting's solo career, such as "Fields of Gold" and "Englishman in New York."

The tour starts in Vancouver at the Centre for the Performing Arts (June 2).  So far, four other dates have been announced: Red Rocks in Morrison, CO (June 9), the Hollywood Bowl in L.A. (June 15) and two nights at Ravinia Park in Chicago, IL (July 17 & 18). Tickets will be on sale on March 8 (Chicago shows go on sale April 22).   Expect announcments for add'l dates shortly, with New York City, Boston, Houston, Philadelphia and Washington, DC, Toronto and Montreal shows in the works.

AEROSMITH Make It Official, Summer European Tour With Steven Tyler

MUSIC NEWS - Well, the boys were all smiles on their video announcement comfirming this summer's European tour.  I guess we can be assured that their public fighting, threats of a replacement singer, etc are over, as they say that Aerosmith is back and ready to rock.

The announcement was made via a video post on their website (and below). Tyler was sitting in the same room with the others and even joked: "I just auditioned and I got the gig."

Aerosmith's has had a tough few months since Tyler fell off a stage during an August concert at the Sturgis motorcycle fest, injuring himself and causing the group to cancel the rest of it's 2009 summer tour.  When the dust settled, Joe Perry made his feelings known and said Tyler had to get his act together to remain in the group.

TOM PETTY and the HEARTBREAKERS Return With Tour and New Album, MOJO

MUSIC NEWS- TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS have announced a much anticipated 2010 North American concert tour and their first new album in eight years, MOJO (out via Reprise Records) !  Tickets for the shows on the lengthy summer tour will go on sale starting March 8, 2010.

The North American tour is being produced by Live Nation and will have the band hitting many of the top arenas and amphitheaters throughout the USA and Canada beginning May 6th in Raleigh, NC. Special guest artists on the tour will include an amazing mix of classic and new rock with appearances by My Morning Jacket, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Joe Cocker, ZZ Top and Drive-By Truckers.

Get Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tickets at StubHub!

DEER TICK Returns With "The Black Dirt Sessions" Release

MUSIC NEWS - Deer Tick has released details on third full-length, The Black Dirt Sessions, due out on June 8, 2010 via Partisan Records.  The set was recorded late last year at their Black Dirt Studios in upstate New York, and The Black Dirt Sessions are said to a deeply personal record from the band and most especially from their lead vocalist and songwriter John McCauley (full tracklist below).

It's reportedly the sound of a band coming into its own, finding its voice and pouring its collective heart out.  The comparisons that have often been thrust upon McCauley by the media may finally fall away as his own voice comes through more clearly this time. On songs like "Goodbye, Dear Friend" and "Christ Jesus" which find McCauley solo at the piano, fully exposed.   The Black Dirt version of "Christ Jesus," which also appeared on War Elephant, manages to be even more devastating than the original.  The band is exploring some darker material here (like death, mortality, the existence of God), more than they've examined in the past, and it suits them.   While the Deer Tick live show has become legendary for its raucous, spontaneous moments, this record serves as solid proof of the band's musicianship, cohesive nature and most importantly gives us a chance to witness McCauley becoming a fully formed, mature songwriter right in front of our eyes (or ears).

Paolo Nutini To Release Live EP in March

MUSIC NEWS -  Paolo Nutini has announced details of his upcoming new Atlantic Records EP,  “PAOLO NUTINI – RECORDED LIVE AT PRESERVATION HALL”. The set will be available thru all online retailers on March 2, 2010.

Recorded last year at the historic New Orleans venue, the four-track EP features renditions of songs originally on the Scottish-born troubadour’s acclaimed second album, “Sunny Side Up.”  Among the highlights are all-new takes on such favorites as “Pencil Full Of Lead,” “Coming Up Easy,” “High Hopes,” and the worldwide hit single, “Candy.”  Besides the digital-only release, a special Limited Edition of “PAOLO NUTINI – RECORDED LIVE AT PRESERVATION HALL” will be made available for physical release on April 17 to honor of “Record Store Day,” the annual celebration of the unique culture surrounding over 700 independently owned record stores in the USA, and hundreds of similar stores internationally.  For participating stores, please visit: recordstoreday.com/Venues. 

WHITE STRIPES Under Great Northern Lights Theatrical Release Info

MUSIC NEWS - The film of the The White Stripes 2007 cross-country Canadian tour will finally be in theatres beginning on Friday, February 26th in Seattle and Toronto. The Emmett Malloy-directed documentary film, The White Stripes Under Great White Northern Lights, which captured their journey will makes its way across North America for a series screenings to allow fans a view into the touring lives of one of the world’s most enigmatic bands prior to its official DVD release on March 16th. Instead of waiting the normal 17 weeks after a theatrical release for dvd, as Sony Pictures Classics did for It Might Get Loud, this one's out quickly !
 
And on March 16th, audiences across the country will have the chance to host their own screenings of The White Stripes - Under Great White Northern Lights.  Just buy a special screening kit and turn a favorite room, a local hangout, or any other location of your choice into their a premiere event. For more information on being part of this momentous occasion go whitestripes.bside.com .

Carole King, James Taylor TROUBADOUR REUNION Tour Add More USA Dates

MUSIC NEWS - Demand for tix to the Carole King and James Taylor concert tour has been tremendous, so the two have added sixteen new shows for their "Troubadour Reunion" run. TIckets go on sale Thursday, February 25th at 10 am local time. Any remaning presales will be announced very soon. See info below for list of new dates / venue and the links to buy tickets.

PUBLIC IMAGE LTD (PiL) Back for North American Tour

MUSIC NEWS - They returned in December 2009 for seven monumental concerts in the United Kingdom–their first shows in 17 years, and now PUBLIC IMAGE LTD (PiL) have announced North American shows to continue their reunion into 2010.  They start in the USA on Saturday, April 17 in San Francisco (full, current itinerary below).  They've also announced their first television performance in 18 years will take place Wednesday, April 7 with an appearance on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" Bud Light Golden Wheat Outdoor Stage. PiL’s last USA TV performance was back in 1992 on 'The Dennis Miller Show' where the band played the song “Covered” live in the studio.

After fronting the Sex Pistols, John Lydon formed Public Image Ltd in 1978. With their experimental sound combining Rock, Dance, Folk, Ballet, Pop and Dub, PiL are regarded as producing some of the most diverse music of the 70s and 80s. As a band, the music and vision constantly evolved like no other, culminating in an incredible live experience. 

The North American tour will be preceded by a special performance by them at the COACHELLA VALLEY MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL on Friday, April 16 (opening day of the three-day event) in Indio, CA. It marks their first show in the United States in 18 years.  

Keith Emerson and Greg Lake Two-gether for North American "Unplugged" Tour

MUSIC NEWS - Progessive rock legends, Keith Emerson and Greg Lake have announced plans for an intimate North American tour as a prelude to the July reunion of ELP in the UK ! The two man show with keyboard legend Keith Emerson and voice and guitars of Greg Lake is being called an “unplugged” night of music with them performing ELP, King Crimson, The Nice and solo career tunes.

The show is completely new, as the two have never performed together, and likely to be a special evening as they're performing in personal setting.  Audiences will be treated to an emotional perspective and a rare and personal insight into the music the two rock idols love during an evening the audience won’t forget, in a setting far different from the theatrics of Emerson Lake and Palmer in their stadium show heyday (though we hope some keyboards get knocked over !).

UPDATE 4/3/10 -  The tour's Thursday (April 1st) in Cleveland, OH has been cancelled as have the weekend shows in Pennsylvania and Connecticut.  Emerson posted the follow message on his site; "The production we had hoped to put on was lacking in its musical and technical preparations... I could not appear in front of an audience with high-expectations unprepared..."    The tour is now scheduled to start on April 5 in Annapolis, MD.

TEGAN AND SARA's New Alligator Video, Tour Update

MUSIC NEWS- Tegan and Sara’s has a new video out now, for their new single “Alligator”. Out exclusivley on MySpace in the USA and Much Music in the girls’ native Canada.    The winter wonderland-evoking video features Tegan and Sara romping with a posse of long-johns-wearing dancers amid mountains of multi- colored confetti and futuristic ewoks was directed by Marc De Pape.

 

“Alligator” is the second single from Tegan and Sara’s current album Sainthood (out via Sire/Vapor Records in October 2009) and produced by Death Cab for Cutie’s Chris Walla (who also produced 2007’s critically applauded THE CON) and Howard Redekopp (who produced 2004’s groundbreaking effort SO JEALOUS) and mixed by Grammy Award winner Dave Sardy (Oasis, Primal Scream, Marilyn Manson).

STRAIGHT NO CHASER Goes Pop, "With a Twist"

MUSIC NEWS - Straight No Chaser has revealed details of its much-anticipated new album.  "WITH A TWIST", arriving in stores and at online retailers on April 13, 2010 (via ATCO/Atlantic Records).

"WITH A TWIST" has the acclaimed a cappella group bringing its amazing vocal sound and musical approach to a wide range of pop & rock favorites (see tracklisting below).  The album features delightfully different renditions of modern classics like Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Under The Bridge," Coldplay's "Fix You," Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over," and Oasis' "Wonderwall."  What's more, "WITH A  TWIST" is highlighted by a rendition of Barry Manilow's "One Voice," featuring guest vocals from Manilow himself.

To promote the new release, "WITH A TWIST," SNC will host a live web chat on Monday, March 8 at 8pm (EST) on sncmusic.com .  They'll perform selections from the new album as well.   The group then embarks on a new USA tour kicking off with a sold out two-night stand at Boulder, CO's Boulder Theater on April 5 & 6 and trek accross the nation through mid-May (see itinerary below).  The tour dates went on sale in mid-December and immediately sold out in several cities including Boulder, CO; Collingswood, NJ; and York, Pittsburgh, and Stroudsburg, PA. In response to the amazing demand, venue sizes were increased and additional shows were added in over a dozen cities.

THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS Go Wild and Announce USA Tour Dates

MUSIC NEWS- Rockers Thirty Seconds to Mars have announced the USA dates on their Into The Wild world tour starting April 9 at the Pearl Theater in Las Vegas, NV.  The shows continue through May 13 at the Fox Theater in Oakland, CA (full itinerary below).  The Into The Wild tour is the band’s first tour in 3 years and is promote their new album ‘This Is War.’ 

The tour started off last week in Nottingham, England before a  sold out crowd of 10,000 fans.   Thirty Seconds to Mars continue to play arenas throughout Europe with stops at London’s Wembley Arena and the Paris’ Bercy stadium.  Mute Math and Neon Trees will be the openers on the USA leg of Into The Wild.