Music News Net

JOHN FOGERTY's Baseball Bat Shaped Guitar to Baseball Hall of Fame Museum

MUSIC NEWS- On July 25th, after the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, John Fogerty's legendary baseball bat-shaped guitar will be put on display and become part of the exhibit at the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum. This will be the first time that the Museum will immortalize a musician as part of the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which by the way, has for more than a decade kicked off their annual festivities with the playing of the baseball'ss unofficial anthem, Fogerty's classic tune, "CENTERFIELD".

But the famed bat almost didn't make it to Cooperstown, NY.   Fogerty recently commented, "That guitar means a lot to me. It's symbolizes two of my great loves, baseball and the guitar. When 'Centerfield' came out, it was after a long break and was such an important album to me on many levels. The lessons of baseball - the hits, the misses, the triumphs, and the losses - were something that I could really relate to in my life. So I got this idea to make a baseball bat guitar and of course, it had to be a Louisville Slugger. Well, there's nothing else like it in the world, and I think 'Slugger' will be happy at the Baseball Hall of Fame. "

"Best New Artist" Grammy Award Rules Updated

MUSIC NEWS - To evolve and improve its Awards process, The Recording Academy announced changes to eligibility rules in the Best New Artist category, the Classical Field, and for Recording Academy-produced performances. The new rules go into effect immediately for the upcoming 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 13, 2011, with the total number of GRAMMY categories remaining at 109.

New eligibility requirements for Best New Artist;

New artists have at least one chance to compete in the Best New Artist category, provided that the artist has not already won a GRAMMY. The current eligibility requirements state that the artist must have released, as a featured performing artist, at least one album but not more than three; and the artist must not have been entered for Best New Artist more than three times, including as a performing member of an established group. Any previous GRAMMY nomination for the artist as performer precludes eligibility in the Best New Artist category (including a nomination as an established performing member of a nominated group.)

Date and Venue for 53rd Annual Grammys Announced

MUSIC NEWS - The 53 installment of the king of the music award events, The Grammys, will take place in Los Angeles at the STAPLES Center on Sunday, February 13, 201.  The event will air live on CBS Television from 8 - 11:30 pm (ET/PT).   Due to last year's earlier show and Awards process dates, this year the eligibility dates for the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards are September 1, 2009, through September 30, 2010. (a 13-month eligibility period.) The date for the GRAMMY nominations announcement will be announced shortly.

"The 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards was a dynamic, memorable evening, and it delivered our highest ratings since 2004 and the biggest year-over-year increase in more than 20 years," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "We have every intention of keeping that momentum going with our 53rd show, and once again we are thrilled to be bringing the excellence and excitement of our GRAMMY Week events and charitable initiatives to the city of Los Angeles. We also look forward to working on another outstanding GRAMMY telecast with our partners and good friends at CBS and STAPLES Center."

JEFF BECK Hits the Road for "Emotion & Commotion"

MUSIC NEWS - Rock guitar master Jeff Beck has announced additional dates on upcoming tour that include the USA and Canada with the legendary Brit rocker's adding two dozen dates over the spring and summer. 

The first leg of Beck's North American tour begins April 16 at Nob Hill Masonic Center in San Francisco, CA, and wraps up on May 1 at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans, LA.  Beck will then be on a break for a month before starting up again on June 3 in Boston, MA at the Bank of America Pavilion, then  ending June 23 at the PNC Pavilion in Cincinnati, OH.

No GENESIS Reunion at "Hall of Fame" Event Says Gabriel

MUSIC NEWS - Now that the pop music, one-time prog rockers Genesis are going to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame this March, there's been considerable hope (MNN included) that Peter Gabriel would be part of the festivities and perform with his old band (for the first time in almost 30 years).  Unfortunately, he's said that no reunion will happen (with him) and that he might not be able to attend the ceremony!

He recently told Rolling Stone: "As far as I know, I'm definitely not going to sing. I learned at our last reunion (in 1982) that you can't just get up there. You have to rehearse".  Rehearsals for his upcoming European solo tour will conflict with the "Hall" ceremony, making any rehearsals for a reunion performance impossible.  In fact, just getting to the awards festivities in NYC will be difficult for him. He said: "I'm trying to find a way to do it. It's not easy. If I can work it out, I'll go".

The Boxer Rebellion's UNION Named iTunes USA "Best Alt Album"

MUSIC NEWS - London independent rockers The Boxer Rebellion are pleased with the news that their second album, "Union," was named "Best Alternative Album" by iTunes USA in the year-end "Rewind 2009" roundup of the year's top albums, tracks, films and more. Announced today, the top-honor selection from the #1 music retailer in the United States caps off a stellar year for the international four-piece group. Selections for this year's iTunes "Rewind 2009" can be found at itunes.com/rewind2009.

The band will be heading to the USA, and Austin, TX in particular for the March 2010 version of the SXSW Music and Arts Festival. These upcoming dates will be rare American opportunity to witness the band's visually-stunning and potent live show, a showcase that has continued to win them a feverishly devoted following throughout the UK and Europe. Dates for the band's upcoming performances at SXSW 2010 to be announced shortly.
 
Since UNION's release, the band went on some unbelievably successful tours of Europe and was even invited to record a Live session at London's flagship Apple store, a feat no other unsigned band has been able to achieve. Additionally, the band recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with HMV in the UK where the music and entertainment specialist is currently acting as a lead outlet and strategic partner for the physical release of "Union..
 
The Boxer Rebellion is comprised of American vocalist Nathan Nicholson (from Maryville, TN), Aussie guitarist Todd Howe, and a supremely talented rhythm section in Englishmen Adam Harrison (bass) and Piers Hewitt (drums).

52nd Grammy Award Nominations Announced

MUSIC NEWS - Nominations for the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards were announced tonight by The Recording Academy and reflect a wide mix of the music released over the past year. The Noms were determined by the voting members of The Academy.  And, for the second year, nominations for the annual GRAMMY Awards were announced on primetime television as part of "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night", a one-hour special that was broadcast live on CBS from Club NOKIA at L.A LIVE. The show featured the announcement of nominations in several categories as well as performances by the Black Eyed Peas, DJ/producer David Guetta, Maxwell, Nick Jonas & The Administration, Sugarland, and host LL COOL J. Presenters included Linkin Park, George Lopez, Katy Perry, Smokey Robinson, Ringo Starr, T-Pain, and Dwight Yoakam.

The 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on January 31, 2010, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and once again will be broadcast live on CBS TV from 8 – 11:30 pm (ET/PT).

Linkin Park, Katty Perry, Smokey Robinson, Ringo and Others at Grammy Nomination Show

MUSIC NEWS - Two-time GRAMMY-winning rockers Linkin Park, GRAMMY-nominated actor/television host George Lopez, GRAMMY-nominated pop star Katy Perry, GRAMMY-winning soul singer Smokey Robinson, nine-time GRAMMY-winning rock icon Ringo Starr, GRAMMY-winning rapper T-Pain, and two-time GRAMMY-winning country artist Dwight Yoakam have been revealed as presenters on the "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night,"  show, which takes place on Wednesday, December 2, at Club NOKIA in L.A.

French DJ/producer David Guetta will spin throughout the one-hour special, which also features performances by GRAMMY winners the Black Eyed Peas, GRAMMY-nominated Maxwell, GRAMMY-nominated Nick Jonas and his side project Nick Jonas & The Administration, and GRAMMY winner Sugarland, with two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J set to host.

The show will be broadcast on CBS-TV from 9 – 10 p.m. ET/PT. This will mark the second time nominations for the annual GRAMMY Awards will be announced live on primetime television. 

UPDATE 12/2/09- See Grammy Nomination list, here.

25 Songs Added to Grammy Hall of Fame

MUSIC NEWS - The Recording Academy has announced their newest additions to its GRAMMY Hall Of Fame, adding 25 recordings to a list that now includes 851 titles. The selections are drawn from all genres of music and acknowledge the diversity of musical expression. The list and recordings now reside as a collection on display at the GRAMMY Museum in L.A.

The selected recordings range from 1923's "Dipper Mouth Blues" by King Oliver & His Jazz Band to 1977's "Birdland" by Weather Report is the most recent of the inductees, which have to be at least 25 years old. Other recordings chosen this year include Louis Armstrong's "Lazy River," the Beach Boys' "California Girls," James Brown's "It's A Man's Man's Man's World," George's Carlin's Class Clown, the Doors' "Riders On The Storm," Jose Feliciano's "Feliz Navidad," and Bob Marley & The Wailers' Catch A Fire. Other artists with selections include the Isley Brothers, Bo Diddley, Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Mahalia Jackson, Harry James & His Orchestra, Janis Joplin, Johnny Mercer, Jelly Roll Morton, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (Mr Bojangles) .

[Amazon]

PAUL McCARTNEY Receives Library of Congress Gershwin Prize

MUSIC NEWS - Sir Paul McCartney has been awarded the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. It's only the third such award to be presented, with previous recipients being Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon.   An all-star tribute concert for McCartney is planned for spring 2010.

Paul continues to be active with new albums and tours.  Earlier this year, he embarked on a five-week tour of the USA: "Summer Live '09". The tour commenced with the inaugural run of shows at New York’s Citi Field Stadium, which was the site of the former Shea Stadium where The Beatles made history in 1965 when they played a concert that set the precedent for the modern-day stadium rock show. Critics hailed the Citi Field performances, seen by more than 120,000 people, as the concert experience of a lifetime. The tour concluded in Dallas on August 20.  The multi-disc CD/DVD "Good Evening New York City" was released today (November 23 in the UK).

In addition to his music, Paul McCartney is committed to a number of charities including PETA, LIPA, One Voice, The Vegetarian Society, Nordoff Robins, and Adopt-A-Minefield.

More on the Gershwin Prize @ loc.gov

[Amazon]

GRAMMY NOMINATIONS Set for One Hour TV Special

MUSIC NEWS - It used to be enough just to announce the GRAMMY nominations, but we will again have the chance to experience the "event" live on TV !  Join the Black Eyed Peas, Maxwell, and  Sugarland and more for "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night".  Two-time GRAMMY winner LL Cool J are again set to host the one-hour special, taking place live on Wednesday, December 2, at Club NOKIA in L.A. 

The Nomination show will be broadcast in HDTV and 5.1 Surround Sound on the CBS Television Network from 9 – 10 pm ET/PT.  More performers and presenters are to be announced shortly. The special marks the second time nominations for the annual GRAMMY Awards will be announced live on primetime television.

This year's GRAMMY Awards, the 52nd,  will air live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 31, 2010, and broadcast on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT.  

NEIL YOUNG's Friends Among Those to Perform at the MUSICARES Person of the Year Benefit

MUSIC NEWS  - Legendary artist and activist Neil Young will be honored as the 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year at a special L.A. event on Friday, January 29, 2010 celebrating his exceptional artistic achievements as well as his philanthropic work. Proceeds from the annual Person of the Year tribute — now in its 20th year — provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

It's now been announced that  multi-GRAMMY-winning artists Sheryl Crow, Emmylou Harris, Norah Jones, k.d. lang, Dave Matthews, Ozomatli, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and James Taylor; GRAMMY winners John Mellencamp, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Wilco; GRAMMY-nominated artists Jackson Browne and Josh Groban and acclaimed emerging band Everest  will perform at the gala to pay tribute to Neil Young.

The 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year gala will begin with a special reception and silent auction that will offer an exclusive and unparalleled selection of luxury items, VIP experiences and one-of-a-kind celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests.

CHICKENFOOT Picks Up Classic Rock Award

MUSIC NEWS - Rockers "Chickenfoot" were named 2009's 'Best New Band' by Classic Rock Magazine at the UK publication's annual awards ceremony that was hled at London's Park Lane Hotel. Thouhg the band was unable to attend the ceremony, they recorded a personalized video acceptance speech which played out to rapturous applause.

The star studded event was attended by such legends as Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Pete Townshend of The Who, Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones,  Brian May of Queen, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Jeff Beck, Paul Rodgers of Bad Company, Iggy Pop, Slash of Guns N' Roses, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Joey Tempest of Europe, Ginger Baker of Cream, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, Carl Palmer of ELP and members of Iron Maiden,  Anthrax, Anvil, Marillion, ZZ Top, Uriah Heep and Mott the Hoople.

The prestigious award follows quite a successful year for the new band, with sold out concerts and their debut album going Gold in the USA. Chickenfoot also plans a release of a new Deluxe Edition of their eponymous debut album.

CF is comprised of drummer Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), bassist Michael Anthony (ex-Van Halen), guitarist Joe Satriani and vocalist Sammy Hagar (ex-Van Halen), Chickenfoot have been hailed by critics and fans as one of the most exciting rock and roll bands in recent years.

[Amazon]

MTV Announces More Performers for Europe Music Awards

  MUSIC NEWS - The Foo Fighters and Shakira have just joined the line-up for the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), joining previously announced performers Leona Lewis, Green Day and Tokio Hotel at the event. This year's event takes place in Berlin on November 5.

MTV also announced a batch of celebrity presenters for the EMAs, including Italian actress and director Asia Argento, Backstreet Boys, Jean Reno, Juliette Lewis and Monica Bellucci.

POLKA Category Out at the Grammys !

      MUSIC NEWS - The Recording Academy announced changes to their Grammy Awards effective this year.  The Academy voted to split the category Best Contemporary Folk/Americana into two categories: Best Contemporary Folk Album and Best Americana Album.  Additionally, the Folk Field is being renamed American Roots Music, which will include the Best Traditional Blues Album, Best Contemporary Blues Album and Best Bluegrass Album categories.   In Latin Music, the Best Latin Urban Album will now be combined with Latin Rock or Alternative into Best Latin Rock, Alternative Or Urban Album. 

The announcement went on to say:  "To ensure the Awards process remains representative of the current musical landscape, the Best Polka Album has been eliminated".

This brings the total number of GRAMMY categories to 109. The 52nd awards ceremony will be held on January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, CA.