Monday, March 31, 2003
Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth to tour … separately
In the wake of their summer 2002 co-headlining tour--during which Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth reaffirmed that they really don’t like each other--the two former Van Halen frontmen are opting to go it alone in 2003. Hagar is due to release a new concert CD dubbed “Sammy & the Wabo’s Live Hallelujah” on May 20, and will precede the run with a short round of concert dates, according to his publicist; details are posted at his website.
Roth, meanwhile, is due to drop a new album tagged “Diamond Dave” on July 8, and is hitting the road for a lengthy spring and summer outing of his own. His website is still virtually devoid of any information whatsoever--a condition that has persisted for months--but dates are posted at Pollstar.
In the wake of their summer 2002 co-headlining tour--during which Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth reaffirmed that they really don’t like each other--the two former Van Halen frontmen are opting to go it alone in 2003. Hagar is due to release a new concert CD dubbed “Sammy & the Wabo’s Live Hallelujah” on May 20, and will precede the run with a short round of concert dates, according to his publicist; details are posted at his website.
Roth, meanwhile, is due to drop a new album tagged “Diamond Dave” on July 8, and is hitting the road for a lengthy spring and summer outing of his own. His website is still virtually devoid of any information whatsoever--a condition that has persisted for months--but dates are posted at Pollstar.
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Madonna decides to be uncontroversial
Madonna’s new video for the title track from her forthcoming album “American Life” was due to debut this week, but she has decided to pull the plug on the clip in light of the war in Iraq. In a prepared statement, Madonna said that she doesn’t want to “risk offending anyone who might misinterpret the meaning of this video,” which reportedly ends with the camouflage-clad singer tossing a grenade at a President Bush look-alike.
One might surmise that her decision was also spurred by the seemingly popular opinion that voicing your opposition to the war and/or President Bush is synonymous with being a card-carrying member of Al-Qaeda.
Joe McCarthy lives!
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Al Gore has the Dixie Chicks’ back
Former Vice President Al Gore told the Tennessean that the flap following Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines’ anti-Bush remark during a recent London concert is one of many indications that the first amendment is currently taking a beating.
“They [the Dixie Chicks] were made to feel un-American and risked economic retaliation because of what was said,’’ Gore told the newspaper. ‘’Our democracy has taken a hit. Our best protection is free and open debate.’’
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No pride, but proud to be an American
Though they’re not too proud to subject themselves to the barbs of crusty British talent judge Simon Cowell, the second-season finalists in the Fox TV show “American Idol” are evidently proud to be Americans.
The finalists will release this month a charity single that will feature cover versions of Lee Greenwood’s “I’m Proud to Be an American” and “God Bless the U.S.A.,” Billboard.com reports.
The charity single was originally going to be a cover of Burt Bacharach’s “What the World Needs Now Is Love.”
We’re trying our best not to be cynical about this.
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Amphitheaters to host Neil Young and Crazy Horse
Neil Young and Crazy Horse have announced plans to embark on a 26-city North American amphitheater tour in June. Lucinda Williams will open on all dates. As it usually is when it comes to news regarding Young, the fan site hyperrust.org is the best place to find more information.
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Mark Knopfler calls off tour
Mark Knopfler, who broke his collarbone and six ribs in a motorcycle accident last month, has canceled all of his scheduled tour dates. There are no immediate plans to reschedule.
Thursday, March 27, 2003
New Metallica album to include bonus DVD
Metallica fans who’ve waited nearly six years for a new batch of tunes from the group have even more to look forward to now: the band’s new album, “St. Anger"--due out on June 10--will also include a free bonus DVD featuring footage of the band performing all of the songs from the new album.
Director Wayne Isham is in charge of filming the group’s performance of the album’s 11 tracks, seven of which have been filmed so far, according to Metallica’s website. Isham has worked with the group in the past on videos for “Enter Sandman, “Sad But True” and “I Disappear,” as well as on the “Cunning Stunts” and “S&M” concert DVDs.
Metallica fans who’ve waited nearly six years for a new batch of tunes from the group have even more to look forward to now: the band’s new album, “St. Anger"--due out on June 10--will also include a free bonus DVD featuring footage of the band performing all of the songs from the new album.
Director Wayne Isham is in charge of filming the group’s performance of the album’s 11 tracks, seven of which have been filmed so far, according to Metallica’s website. Isham has worked with the group in the past on videos for “Enter Sandman, “Sad But True” and “I Disappear,” as well as on the “Cunning Stunts” and “S&M” concert DVDs.
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Great White to perform at benefit for fallen guitarist
The surviving members of Great White are due to perform together at an April 29 benefit concert at West Hollywood’s Key Club, Billboard reports. Proceeds from the show will, in part, benefit the pregnant girlfriend of the group’s late guitarist, Ty Longley, who was among the 99 people killed in the nightclub fire that occurred during the band’s Feb. 20 performance in Rhode Island.
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Sony Music axes 1,000 employees
In another sign of the ongoing trouble faced by the recording industry, Sony Music on Friday sacked 10% of its worldwide staff--about 1,000 employees--Reuters reports.
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China dates canceled by The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones, who recently announced with great fanfare their plans to play their first-ever concerts in China, have canceled the shows due to severe acute respiratory syndrome, the flu-like disease that has been plaguing Asia of late.
“We are very sad and disappointed not to be able to do these concerts,” lead singer Mick Jagger said in a statement. “We have been looking forward to the shows in China for so long and will reschedule them as soon as possible.”
The Associated Press reports that the flu-like SARS illness has infected more than 1,400 people worldwide and killed 54, mostly in Asia.
The Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization have issued warnings regarding SARS, recommending that people in certain parts of Asia avoid live gatherings.
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Dandy Warhols return with new album in June
A July 22 North American release date has been set for “Welcome to the Monkeyhouse,” a new album from the Dandy Warhols. The album takes its title from Kurt Vonnegut’s 1968 short-story collection, and features guest appearances from Chic guitarist/producer Nile Rodgers and Duran Duran frontman Simon LeBon.
Wednesday, March 26, 2003
R.E.M.’s fall tour plans take shape
R.E.M. opens its first North American tour since 1999 this fall; dates and other relevant information were posted Thursday (3/27) at the band’s official website. Splitting opening-act duties are Wilco, Ed Harcourt and Sparklehorse.
R.E.M. opens its first North American tour since 1999 this fall; dates and other relevant information were posted Thursday (3/27) at the band’s official website. Splitting opening-act duties are Wilco, Ed Harcourt and Sparklehorse.
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Backstreet Boys scrap recording plans
Backstreet Boys were expected to begin work on a new album this month, but those plans have been postponed indefinitely.
“As a group, we have decided not to record our next album at this time,” the band said in a statement. “We are not breaking up, but individually we are currently at different places in our lives, and our hearts and minds are focused in other areas. All of us are getting along great and are supporting each other in our individual endeavors.”
The statement adds that they’ll record again “when the time is right.”
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Rolling Stones call off Hong Kong concerts
The Rolling Stones have canceled two Hong Kong concerts--which were to take place on Friday and Saturday (3/28-29)--due to the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in Southeast Asia. The SARS virus has killed about 50 people to date, and more than 1,300 have become ill, Reuters reports.
“Increases in the number of cases of SARS in Hong Kong and Southern China and continued concern over large gatherings have created apprehension among fans and concern for their safety,” the band said in a statement.
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Neil Young takes Crazy Horse for a ride
Elder statesman of rock Neil Young and his band Crazy Horse are lining up dates for a summer North American tour. The outing follows Young’s recent collaboration with Crazy Horse bassist Bill Talbot and drummer Ralph Molina, with whom Young has recorded a new album, Billboard.com reports. The set is due out some time this year, but a specific release date hasn’t been announced.
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American Idol contestant may have to swap mic for gun
“American Idol” finalist Josh Gracin is currently living with his fellow finalists at the program’s Hollywood Hills house, but he could soon find himself in a tent pitched in the Iraqi desert; in addition to being a singer, Gracin is also a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps. The Corps announced on Thursday that--despite rumors to the contrary--Gracin has not been given a deal that keeps him out of Iraq and on the popular television program, according to a Reuters report.
Show-host/judge Simon Cowell might be a real prick, but we’re guessing Saddam is worse.
Tuesday, March 25, 2003
The Strokes grant Nigel Godrich a tryout
The Strokes--a group that critics like even more than a good taco--are in a New York studio with producer Nigel Godrich (Beck, Radiohead). Billboard.com reports. They’ll record two songs with Godrich and see how it goes, the group’s manager told the website.
And we’d prefer a good taco.
The Strokes--a group that critics like even more than a good taco--are in a New York studio with producer Nigel Godrich (Beck, Radiohead). Billboard.com reports. They’ll record two songs with Godrich and see how it goes, the group’s manager told the website.
And we’d prefer a good taco.
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Billy Corgan unplugs his band, calls it Djali Zwan
Okay, so Billy Corgan has this new band called Zwan that sounds an awful lot like Smashing Pumpkins. And Zwan has an album out, and some people bought it. Now, if you believe what you read on RollingStone.com, Corgan has formed a band called Djali Zwan. Djali Zwan reportedly features the same lineup as Zwan, but it plays “different, acoustic material.”
Corgan plans to film Djali Zwan in the studio this fall, and to issue an album and DVD early next year.
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Darryl Worley, Toby Keith entertain Bush and military families
Country crooners Darryl Worley and Toby Keith performed for President (insert asterisk here) Bush and military families at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa on Wednesday (3/26), Launch reports. Beastie Boys, Lenny Kravitz, Billie Joe from Green Day, Sheryl Crow, John Mellencamp, Zack de la Rocha, DJ Shadow and System of a Down evidently weren’t invited.
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Johnny cash hospitalized
Johnny Cash has been in a Nashville hospital since early last week, recovering from his latest bout with pneumonia. The country star is reportedly in stable condition. “We’re taking our time and making sure he is completely healed,” a hospital spokesperson told the Associated Press. “We’re being as careful as possible.”
Cash suffers from autonomic neopathy, a nervous system disease that makes him especially susceptible to pneumonia.
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Tom Petty postpones European tour
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers were supposed to open a European tour on July 3, but have postponed the dates “after consultation with the European promoters,” according to Petty’s official website. “It was agreed that all dates would be rescheduled,” the site helpfully points out.
No reason was given for the postponements, but we’re gonna go out on a limb and say it had somethin’ to do with a little somethin’ called worldwide strife.
Album Chart: 50 Cent won’t cash out of top slot
Consumers seem to have spent more time watching CNN last week than buying records, but despite an almost across-the-board drop in sales, 50 Cent’s “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” manages to hold on to No. 1.
Consumers seem to have spent more time watching CNN last week than buying records, but despite an almost across-the-board drop in sales, 50 Cent’s “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” manages to hold on to No. 1.
With a one-week tally of about 234,000 copies sold, down from about 279,000, “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” will spend its third consecutive week--and fifth overall week--in the top slot on the Billboard 200 album chart, according to industry sources. After seven weeks in stores, the album has now sold just over 3.5 million copies.
Norah Jones and R. Kelly also stay put, with Jones’ Grammy-winning “Come Away with Me” locked at No. 2 with sales of about 176,000 copies--down from about 243,000 copies--and R. Kelly’s “Chocolate Factory” in again at No. 3 with sales of about 105,000, a drop of about 24,000 copies.
Pre-Oscar hype helped the “Chicago” soundtrack gain some ground, making it one of only two albums in the Top 10 to do so; the set climbs from No. 6 to No. 4 with sales of about 96,000 copies, up from about 94,000.
Also moving up the chart is Evanescence’s debut set “Fallen,” which, despite a sales dip of about 7,000 copies, climbs four places to No. 5 with sales of about 85,000 copies; and Kid Rock’s “Cocky,” which climbs two places to No. 6 despite a tally of about 78,000 copies, a drop of roughly 15,000.
While the war in Iraq was likely a significant indirect force in slowing album sales, the Dixie Chicks seem to have gotten more directly impacted by the conflict; the trio’s “Home” experienced a drop in sales from about 124,000 copies to about 72,000 copies during the first full week following singer Natalie Maines’ anti-Bush comment at a London concert. A subsequent brouhaha saw many country radio stations and fans boycott the group’s music, leaving the album down three places to No. 7.
In at No. 8 is Fabolous’ “Street Dreams, “ which slips only one spot despite a drop in sales of 27,000 copies.
After 19 weeks in stores, Sean Paul’s “Dutty Rock” makes its first appearance in the Top 10, scraping its way up to No. 9 from No. 12 despite a sales drop of about 3,000 copies.
Closing out the Top 10, and marking the group’s only other gainer this week, is the Eminem-heavy “8 Mile” soundtrack, which leaps from No. 29 to No. 10. The album’s sales climbed from about 36,000 copies to about 55,000in the wake of the film’s release on home video.
The exposure also helped “The Eminem Show,” which jumps six places to No. 12.
A sparse group of debuts happening outside the Top 10 includes (Hed) Planet Earth’s “Blackout” at No. 33, the Allman Brothers’ “Hittin’ the Note” at No. 37, the “Atticus ... Dragging the Lake II” compilation at No. 51, Mr. Cheeks’ “Back Again!” at No. 75 and Stephen Malkmus’ “Pig Lib” at No. 97.
Monday, March 24, 2003
Phish to cap summer tour with two-day ‘It’ fest
Phish is planning yet another concert-sleepover event. The popular jam band has dubbed its latest creation--which takes place on Aug. 2-3 at the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine--"It."
Phish is planning yet another concert-sleepover event. The popular jam band has dubbed its latest creation--which takes place on Aug. 2-3 at the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine--"It.”
“It" will be the last date of Phish’s just-announced summer tour, which gets underway on July 7 in Phoenix.
More details about the “It” fest and the tour are available at Phish’s official website.
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Def Jam gets jammed up in fraud-suit verdict
Island-Def Jam Music Group chairman Lyor Cohen likely had a bad weekend after a jury in New York Federal Court on Friday (3/21) found him liable for fraud, copyright infringement and breach of contract in connection with TVT Records’ planned release of a new album from producer Irv Gotti, and the “misuse of other TVT material,” Billboard.com reports.
TVT filed the $30 million lawsuit last October, in which the label claims that Cohen had green-lighted TVT’s plans to release the Gotti-produced album--which features Ja Rule, among others--and then interfered with the album’s release, which was originally set for last November. Gotti and Ja Rule were TVT artists before signing more-recent deals with Def Jam.
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More musicians decry Iraq war
Add R.E.M., Lenny Kravitz and Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong to the growing list of major artists who have recorded songs expressing, shall we say, displeasure with the current war in Iraq.
Here’s a rundown of links to downloads of some new anti-war songs we’ve heard about:
Billie Joe Armstrong’s “Life During War (Lyrics by Aaron Elliot and PHGP)
Beastie Boys’ “In a World Gone Mad”
Zach de la Rocha / DJ Shadow’s “March of Death”
Lenny Kravitz’ “We Want Peace”
John Mellencamp’s “To Washington”
R.E.M.’s “The Final Straw
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Not in Our Name? Not in our house.
Venue management at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark forbade the peace organization Not in Our Name from setting up an information table at a March 19 Ani DiFranco concert, according to a posting DiFranco’s official website.
According to DiFranco’s site, the venue also refused to allow NION’s literature and posters to be available at the Righteous Babe label’s merchandising table. DiFranco’s camp said it was the first time in her 12-year touring career that such information wasn’t allowed at one of her shows.
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Duran Duran box set hits stores this summer
“Duran Duran: The Singles Box 81-85” is scheduled for a June 10 release. The set features 13 CD-singles, each housed in “pouchettes, faithfully replicating the original single sleeve artwork designed by the renowned Malcolm Garrett and Pete Farrow,” according to Capitol Records.
Some of the hits represented in the set include “Girls on Film,” “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Rio,” “The Reflex,” “The Wild Boys” and “A View to a Kill.” Each CD single includes multiple versions of its respective track and/or B-sides.
Sunday, March 23, 2003
Fan contributions save Paul Westerberg’s tour DVD
A DVD that was recorded on Paul Westerberg’s recent tour will be released later this year, Vagrant Records owner Rich Egan told Billboard.com. According to Egan, the bulk of the footage was provided by Westerberg fans who videotaped shows.
A DVD that was recorded on Paul Westerberg’s recent tour will be released later this year, Vagrant Records owner Rich Egan told Billboard.com. According to Egan, the bulk of the footage was provided by Westerberg fans who videotaped shows.
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Zack de la Rocha rages against the war
Former Rage Against the Machine frontman Zack de la Rocha may have left the group, but he hasn’t given up the cause. The vocalist, along with DJ Shadow, has recorded a new anti-war track titled “March of Death,” which is available as a free download at his website.
In a message posted on the site, de la Rocha explained the inspiration for the song. The message reads in part:
“Lies, sanctions and cruise missiles have never created a free and just society. Only everyday people can do that. Which is why I’m joining the millions worldwide who have stood up to oppose the Bush administration’s attempt to expand the U.S. empire at the expense of human rights at home and abroad.”
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Celine Dion launches three-year Vegas run
Canadian singer Celine Dion, who announced in May of 2001 that she had signed a 3-year deal to perform 200 shows per year at a new theater specially designed for her at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, opens the production on Tuesday night (3/25). Information about the show, dubbed “A New Day,” is posted at Dion’s official website.
Dion is expected to make about $100 million over the course of the production’s three-year run, the Associated Press reports.
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Radiohead tunes in release date for new album
Radiohead has announced a June 10 release date for its new album, titled “Hail to the Thief.” The group co-produced the set with longtime collaborator Nigel Godrich.
“Hail to the Thief” is Radiohead’s sixth album, and is the follow up to 2001’s “Amnesiac” and 2000’s “Kid A.”
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Godspeed You! Suspected Terrorists
Members of the eclectic Canadian group Godspeed You! Black Emperor were held for questioning over the weekend by authorities who suspected they were terrorists, Pitchfork Media reports. The nine-member group--which is on a U.S. tour--reportedly was surrounded by police and federal agents at an Oklahoma gas station while en route from Fort Worth, Texas, to Columbia, Mo.
The band reportedly was released after about three hours of questioning.
“They get hassled by The Man regularly,” Bruce Adams, co-founder of the Chicago-based label Kranky, told the website. “Police pulling them over, anything you can imagine. It’s just the feeling in the country right now.”
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
Dixie Chicks top South Carolina legislature’s priority list
In the midst of a highly controversial U.S.-led war in the Middle East, the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism, crippling cutbacks in state and federal budgets and a South Carolinian unemployment rate of 6.3 percent, South Carolina legislators on Wednesday (3/19) found time to pass a resolution that calls for the Dixie Chicks to apologize for singer Natalie Maines’ recent anti-Bush remark by giving a free concert in South Carolina.
Republican state Rep. Catherine Ceips introduced the resolution, the AP reports.
We weep for the citizens of South Carolina.
In the midst of a highly controversial U.S.-led war in the Middle East, the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism, crippling cutbacks in state and federal budgets and a South Carolinian unemployment rate of 6.3 percent, South Carolina legislators on Wednesday (3/19) found time to pass a resolution that calls for the Dixie Chicks to apologize for singer Natalie Maines’ recent anti-Bush remark by giving a free concert in South Carolina.
Republican state Rep. Catherine Ceips introduced the resolution, the AP reports.
We weep for the citizens of South Carolina.
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Unreleased Beatles track to see light of day
A forthcoming DVD that documents a secret jam session that Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr had in the mid-90s will include the trio’s performance of a previously unreleased track titled “Thinking of Linking” that McCartney wrote when he was 16 years old, Ananova reports.
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Paul McCartney lines up Russian gig
Paul McCartney has scheduled a May 24 concert at Moscow’s Red Square, an event that will mark his first concert in Russia. “I’ve long wanted to play in Russia, but for a number of years, when the Communists were in power, they didn’t want me to,” McCartney said in a statement. “I’m delighted that at last I can play there.”
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The Offspring say goodbye to longtime drummer
Drummer Ron Welty has exited the Offspring, and Josh Freese (A Perfect Circle, The Vandals) will play on a new Offspring album to be released later this year. “After more than 15 great years with The Offspring, I’ve decided to leave to devote all my energies on a new project called Steady Ground,” Welty said in a statement.
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‘Dark Side of the Moon,’ 30 years later
RollingStone.com has posted a nice package of online materials that focus on the 30th anniversary of the release of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” album. Included are interviews with band members Roger Waters and David Gilmour, as well as producer Alan Parsons.
Tuesday, March 18, 2003
Album Chart: 50 Cent gets his money’s worth at No. 1
"Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” the hugely popular debut from rapper 50 Cent, will again grace the top spot on the forthcoming Billboard 200 album chart, bringing its run to four non-consecutive weeks at No. 1.
"Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” the hugely popular debut from rapper 50 Cent, will again grace the top spot on the forthcoming Billboard 200 album chart, bringing its run to four non-consecutive weeks at No. 1.
50 Cent’s inaugural effort spent its first two weeks at No. 1, then slipped to second place during the subsequent two weeks, first behind R. Kelly’s “Chocolate Factory,” then behind Norah Jones’ Grammy-fueled “Come Away With Me.” The album regained the top spot last week, and holds on after selling almost 280,000 copies during its most recent week out, according to industry sources.
The feeding frenzy around “Come Away With Me” has slowed, but the set still moved more than 243,000 copies, enough to remain locked in at No. 2.
R. Kelly’s “Chocolate Factory” gains a bit of ground, up one notch to No. 3 thanks to sales of about 128,000 copies. The album--which is buoyed by its latest single, “Ignition"--has now moved more than 1 million copies during its four weeks in stores.
Also climbing the chart this week is the Dixie Chicks’ “Home,” which lands at No. 4 thanks to sales of about 123,000 copies. That tally spans from Monday, March 10, through Sunday, March 16, so the album spent most of the week unhindered by singer Natalie Maines’ Bush-bashing remarks at a London concert.
Bursting into the Top 10 with a No. 5 debut are punk rockers AFI, whose “Sing the Sorrow” sold about 97,000 copies during its first week out. That keeps it ahead of the “Chicago” soundtrack, which jumps three spots to No. 6 thanks to the film’s steadily increasing Oscar buzz.
Fabolous’ “Street Dreams,” which logged on at No. 4 last week, drops four places to No. 7, while Kid Rock’s “Cocky” stays put at No. 8. Also down is Evanescence’s self-titled debut, which dips two spots to No. 9.
Closing out the Top 10 is the debut from rapper Killer Mike, whose “Monster” sold nearly 80,000 copies during its first week out, thanks in part to the single “A.D.I.D.A.S.”
Debuting further down the chart is Ani DiFranco’s “Evolve” at No. 30, Everclear’s “Slow Motion Daydream” at No. 33, Relient K’s “Two Lefts Don’t Make a Right, But Three Do” at No. 38 and the new Clash compilation “Essential Clash” at No. 99.
Monday, March 17, 2003
Metallica and Ozzy do some bassist-swapping
OK, so last month, Metallica announced that bassist Robert Trujillo had left Ozzy Osbourne’s band to replace ex-Metallica bassist Jason Newsted, who left Metallica more than two years ago. Now, in a sort of heavy-metal-wife-swapping maneuver, Ozzy announced on Monday (3/17) that Newsted was his new full-time bassist.
We can’t help but wonder if Newsted will find life in the Osbourne camp--which, presumably, will include his walk-on role as a real-life cast-member of the family’s MTV reality show--to be less chaotic than life in Metallica, a group that he left “due to private and personal reasons, and the physical damage that I have done to myself over the years while playing the music that I love,” according to a statement that he issued at the time of his departure.
On second thought, he’ll probably fit right in; no one knows more about damaging themselves over the years while playing rock and roll than Ozzy himself.
OK, so last month, Metallica announced that bassist Robert Trujillo had left Ozzy Osbourne’s band to replace ex-Metallica bassist Jason Newsted, who left Metallica more than two years ago. Now, in a sort of heavy-metal-wife-swapping maneuver, Ozzy announced on Monday (3/17) that Newsted was his new full-time bassist.
We can’t help but wonder if Newsted will find life in the Osbourne camp--which, presumably, will include his walk-on role as a real-life cast-member of the family’s MTV reality show--to be less chaotic than life in Metallica, a group that he left “due to private and personal reasons, and the physical damage that I have done to myself over the years while playing the music that I love,” according to a statement that he issued at the time of his departure.
On second thought, he’ll probably fit right in; no one knows more about damaging themselves over the years while playing rock and roll than Ozzy himself.
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Definitive Willie Nelson hits collection due in April
Columbia/Legacy Records will mark country legend Willie Nelson’s 70th birthday with the April 1st release of “The Essential Willie Nelson,” a two-disc set comprising 41 tracks that span Nelson’s 40-plus year recording history.
In addition, the compilation includes a previously unreleased track on which Nelson teamed up with Steven Tyler and Aerosmith.
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Eric Clapton throws rocking PTA meeting
Legendary guitarist Eric Clapton on Tuesday night (3/18) will perform at his daughter’s school in order to help raise money for music and computer equipment, Reuters reports. The event’s 790 tickets, which cost a relatively inexpensive $35, reportedly sold out in an instant, and were allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to parents whose children attend the school.
You gotta figure it’s more lucrative than a bake sale.
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Gord Downie’s second solo effort on the way
Gord Downie, frontman for Canadian favorites The Tragically Hip, will release his second album on June 3. He’ll back the CD, titled “Battle of the Nudes,” with an extensive tour, according to his publicist.
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Rumblings on the Radiohead front
British music news magazine NME.com has been tittering of late with lots of information about Radiohead’s upcoming album, which will hit stores in June, and about the critically acclaimed band’s promotional and tour plans. In May, the band will preview the album with a series of concerts at small U.K. clubs.
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Mark Knopfler hurt in motorcycle wreck
Former Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler suffered a broken collar bone and six broken ribs in a London motorcycle accident on Monday, the BBC reports. No immediate word on whether or not his North American tour, due to open in late April, will still go on as planned.