Archive for the ‘Rock & Roll’ Category
Bono Dismisses Claims He Is The Richest Entertainer In The World
U2 lead singer Bono is shooting down speculated reports that he is now the richest rock star in the world following Facebook’s IPO Friday.
The social networking site became one of the U.S. stock market’s largest ever IPO, with the site eventually being valued at $105 billion, more than McDonalds and Amazon.com, when trading closed on Friday.
Bono was rumored to overtake Paul McCartney in the money stakes thanks to his 2.3 per cent stake in the site which his investment group, ‘Elevation Partners’ snapped up for $90 million in 2009.
It was believed the deal would net him around $1.5 billion, outstripping McCartney’s reported fortune of $1 billion, but the rock star insists the Beatles legend is still the richest man in music.
He tells MSNBC, “Contrary to reports, I’m not a billionaire or going to be richer than any Beatle – and not just in the sense of money, by the way, the Beatles are untouchable – those billionaire reports are a joke.”
Rolling Stone has also pointed out that the money will be split between various investors and partners associated with Bono’s investment group. They also note that the singer has stated that the money raised from the Facebook investement will largely go to his philanthropic work in Africa.
PIGSHIT: 71 Good Reasons to Celebrate Bob Dylan’s Birthday this Year
1. His previous 70 years.
2. Most notably, between the hours of 8 and 9pm on the evening of May 17, 1966 in the Manchester Free Trade Hall.
3. Chronicles: Volume One.
4. Blonde on Blonde …in MONO, of course.
5. Not to mention Columbia single # 4-43683.
6. “It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)” …Before the Flood version especially.
7. He recorded no less than Elvis’ “That’s Alright Mama” at his very first “electric” session.
8. He totally gets Smokey Robinson.
9. He wrote the best-ever Picnic song.
10. Introduced the Fab Four to jazz cigarettes (…Is it any wonder then that he later…)
11. Portrayed the coolest-ever Wilbury.
12. His Theme Time Radio Hour.
13. The band he used when he performed at Newport in 1965.
14. The wig he used when he performed at Newport in 2002.
15. “I’m looking for a place that will collect, clip, bath and return my dog. I want a dog that’s gonna collect and clean my bath, return my cigarette, and give tobacco to my animals, and give my birds a commission. I’m looking for somebody to sell my dog, collect my clip, buy my animal and straighten out my bird. I’m looking for a place to bathe my bird, buy my dog, collect my clip, sell me cigarettes and commission my bath. I’m looking for a place that’s gonna collect my commission, sell my dog, burn my bird, and sell me to the cigarette. I’m looking for a place that’s going to animal my soul, knit my return, bathe my foot and collect my dog. Commission me to sell my animal to the bird to clip and buy my bath and return me back to the cigarettes.”
16. In fact, the entire Eat the Document film.
17. His performance at the 1991 Grammys.
18. His Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech at the 1991 Grammys!
19. His 1963 Tom Paine Award acceptance speech …possibly.
20. “If Dogs Run Free.”
21. “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll” …listen to the melody, too.
22. Invited Brian Jones over during the Great Northeastern Blackout of 1965.
23. His canned goods inventory scene in Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid.
24. His Live Aid, um, performance.
25. His $4 million, 6,000-plus square foot, ranch(es)-style six bedroom, seven bathroom, recording-studio-equipped onion-shaped copper-domed Point Dume “Malibu Taj Mahal” complete with 20-foot whale-tiled fireplace and vintage full-sized automobile suspended from the living room ceiling.
26. That rap number he recorded with Brian Wilson.
27. That limo ride he took – and filmed – with John Lennon in ’66 (see # 16).
28. Has more bootleg recordings out there than Brian’s Beach Boys have Greatest Hits albums.
29. Always carries a large light bulb.
30. Always remembers to remember Buddy Holly.
31. Masked and Anonymous.
32. “I’ll let you be in my dreams if I can be in yours”: he said that.
33. His harmonica playing.
34. His lead guitar playing …on the first 12 bars of “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat” especially.
35. Jimi Hendrix’s “All Along the Watchtower.”
36. Suze’s “Cough Song.”
37. Race Marbles’ “Like a Dribbling Fram” even!
38. He walked out on Ed Sullivan (unlike Jim Morrison and Mick Jagger).
39. But, he had breakfast with then-governor Jimmy Carter in 1974.
40. He recorded the definitive version of “The Boxer.”
41. He recorded the definitive version of “Froggie Went a-Courtin’.”
42. He even recorded the definitive “Yesterday” …with George Harrison on guitar!
43. His masterful telephone etiquette with A. J. Weberman.
44. His Victoria’s Secret commercial.
45. Those long, pretty damn dirty fingernails on the cover of Nashville Skyline.
46. That long, damn funny promotional video for The Original Mono Recordings box set.
47. His long-time friendship, and mutual admiration society, with Johnny Cash
(also see # 16).
48. His Chopped Liver band.
49. His Christmas album (not to mention “Must Be Santa” video!).
50. “Lenny Bruce.”
51. Elston Gunn(n).
52. Renaldo and Clara …yes, all FOUR hours of it.
53. He hung out – a LOT – in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (with Grizzly the Wrestler) during the making of Hearts of Fire.
54. He not only hung out, but motorpsycho’d around New Orleans with Eric Burdon during the making of Oh Mercy.
55. Tarantula (especially page 10).
56. Wrote “Lay Lady Lay” for the Everly Brothers and/or Midnight Cowboy.
57. Recorded “Buckets of Rain” with Bette Midler.
58. Got the non-evil eye from Gorgeous George.
59. Got Milton Glaser to paint his idol’s name into the hair on his Greatest Hits album poster (see # 7).
60. Auditioned Dharma Montgomery for his band.
61. …Revisited.
62. He (inadvertently) wrote the theme song for “Absolutely Fabulous.”
63. He showed up on “Pawn Stars”
64. …to autograph a copy of Self Portrait, no less !!
65. Performed for the Pope.
66. “Judas!”
67. Soy Bomb !!
68. Managed to once rhyme “Delacroix” with “employed.”
69. Managed to mix Allen Ginsberg with Bill Haley’s Comets on The Basement Tapes.
70. Realized “I’m Your Teenage Prayer” (also on those Basement Tapes), but…
71? He’s younger than that now.
. Bookmark the
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Anya Marina – Dispatches From Felony Flats – Tour Diary 3
Fri, 18 May 2012 18:46:32
Anya Marina – Dispatches From Felony Flats – Tour Diary 3 – On the road with Eric Hutchinson, April 2012
The lovely and talented Anya Marina is on the road in support of her latest release, Felony Flats. Anya has been sending us lots of pictures of life on the road and we are happy to share them with you below.
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Last month I embarked on a tour of the midwest, opening for dear pal Eric Hutchinson with drum genius Paulie Pulvirenti by my side. We rocked the midwest as a super duo and it was a blast. Here is my tour diary in photos.
Before I embark for tour, I usually freak out in some small way. This time it was constructive–I got a haircut at Portland’s own Gold+Arrow salon. I felt good about it.
Old Skool + New School @ Gold+Arrow: 
-o-o-o-o-o-
We play Record Store Day at Electric Fetus in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. Turns out Andy who works at Electric Fetus remembers working with one of my best pals, ex-boss & program director at KBZT in San Diego, Garett Michaels. Small world!
-o-o-o-o-o-
Paulie and I spend long days driving and decide to be “greener” on this tour, opting for gallons of water over lots of little plastic water bottles. This requires agility, balance, and manual dexterity while moving at high speeds on the freeway. Paulie is a gifted eco-friendly Jedi knight! (vehicle was moving while this photo was taken)
-o-o-o-o-o-
80% of tour is this:
-o-o-o-o-o-
I take a walk in Chicago’s Oz Park and find my future dream man!
-o-o-o-o-o-
Another sold out show with Eric Hutchinson! Lincoln Hall, Chicago, IL.
-o-o-o-o-o-
“What’s New Pussycat?” plays in my head as I walk by the Salt ‘n Pepper diner in Chicago. (If you don’t get the joke, buy and listen to John Mulaney‘s comedy album The Top Part. One of the funniest things out there)
-o-o-o-o-o-
Kefir frozen yogurt? The rest of the country needs to get on board with this more G.I.-friendly treat [gastro-intestinal - ed.]. Thank you, Starfruit, Chicago. Delicious!
-o-o-o-o-o-
Forcing management to “blue steel” with me backstage at Lincoln Hall, Chicago.
-o-o-o-o-o-
Can’t stop listening to Eric Hutchinson’s new album [Moving Up Living Down]. This week track 6 (“People I Know”) is my favorite, and I will tell him so in my next text message.
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Sometimes I threaten Eric before he goes on stage:
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Another great part of touring is listening to podcasts. Paulie and I take particular enjoyment in this latest WTF episode with our Portland neighbor and pal James Mercer from The Shins. Good interview!
-o-o-o-o-o-
A beautiful shot of the haunted Majestic Theatre in Madison. The owner tells us the place is haunted by the ghost of Joe, a man who caught his wife cheating on him. Legend has it, he killed her, her lover, and then himself. I am completely freaked out by this but happy to have heard the story long after I played. Nevertheless: nightmares!
-o-o-o-o-o-
Madison fans are wild and fun. These girls made me laugh a lot.
-o-o-o-o-o-
This shot was taken while an enamored fan yelled out to Elliott, Eric Hutchinson’s keyboard player, “I eye-f***ed you from the audience!”
-o-o-o-o-o-
Played with filters for Paulie’s new Twitter pic. Follow him at @Pahoolie!
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While in Michigan, I visited my dad’s old stomping grounds. My late-grandmother, a pianist, and grandfather, a saxophonist, played in bands through the 30s and 40s. My dad plays trumpet in three jazz groups to this day. Must be something in the water!
-o-o-o-o-o-
En route to our final show in Columbus, OH, I play one of my favorite songs, on which Paulie played drums for his friend, the late Elliott Smith. If you don’t have XO, GET IT! One of my all-time favorite albums.
-o-o-o-o-o-
A parting shot with Eric. What a fun tour!!!
-o-o-o-o-o-
with Paulie and Hutchinson bassist Andrew Perusi:
-o-o-o-o-o-
On our way out of town, we stop at Cherbourg Bakery for our first civilized, sit-down meal in a week! For all the touring celiacs, if you ever find yourself in Columbus, holy heck, get yourself to Cherbourg. Adorable, delicious and gluten free!
-o-o-o-o-o-
Paulie and I fly home to Portland just in time for my first-ever comedy & rock “variety show” @ Doug Fir, which I’m calling PDXOXO. I play with designs and fonts on the plane. It was a wild success with comedian Emmett Montgomery, a solo set from Michael Lerner of TELEKINESIS, and a full band show of songs from my new album Felony Flats. Coming soon to a city near you! Thanks for a great tour, Eric Hutchinson! We’ll miss you.
—-oo—-
Be sure to catch Anya Marina when she makes a tour stop near you!
Check out Anya’s earlier ‘Dispatches From Felony Flats’ posts: – Intro – Part 1 – Part 2
—The ARTISTdirect Staff
05.18.2012
Tags: Anya Marina, Eric Hutchinson, Paulie Pulvirenti, John Mulaney, Elliott Smith, Telekinesis
A Couple of Questions (or More) with The Wanted on ARTISTdirect.com
Fri, 18 May 2012 16:24:03
We love The Wanted here at ARTISTdirect.com. They’re everything that a pop group should be. They’ve got moves. They’ve got voices. They’ve got songs that don’t leave your head. Their EP is a must-have, and like a musical treasure chest, it’s one of the best collections of pop gems in recent memory.
ARTISTdirect.com news editor Amy Sciarretto had a few questions with band member Jay McGuiness, and we’d like to share them with you below…
Pop music is cyclical. For a few years, it was all about the solo females, like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Katy Perry. Now it’s all about boys, boys, boys and bands. Do you still think it’s about the song and how it propelled you?
It’s hard, since we want to make our songs good, and our team wants to make our songs and our photos good. We want to be on top. We want to keep on trying to beat everyone, including Adele who is owning America right now. You know what? Jessie J…she deserves to be No. 1 every day of every year. Her voice is perfect. I would bow to Jessie, but to no one else. Okay, maybe to Adele, too.
Do you have a fave boy band?
I like Take That, who are absolutely huge in the UK. They had limited success here, but musically, they bring out good songs. I like The Temptations, too. My mum will be happy that I said it. They were old school gentleman who did some brilliant singing.
You have a non-identical twin brother! Is he musical or not?
I never thought he could sing. He was the smart one and the sporty one. I thought, “Crap, all I’ve got is singing.” He studies hard at University in the UK. A year after we got successful, we got really drunk together and he did karaoke. His voice is incredible. He sat on it, never told anyone. He is my best friend.
Would you date a fan?
I am sure that people want to know. It depends on the girl and the environment in which you meet ‘em. If they break into your hotel, it’s best to say ‘Hello,’ give them a picture and be escorted swiftly away. If you are in a bar, after a gig, and they saw you, and tell you that you are very good, it’s different. We have to be careful, but the fans love us so much. We are never in any danger.
—Amy Sciarretto
05.18.12
Are you a fan of The Wanted?
See the rest of Amy’s interview here!
Tags: The Wanted, Jay McGuiness, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Adele, Jessie J, Take That, The Temptations
OurStage Teams Up With Canada’s Capital Hoedown
Fri, 18 May 2012 14:15:29
Canada + country + Capital Hoedown? Good times to be had in Ottawa this August.
Following the hugely successful first year of Capital Hoedown Showdown, OurStage.com and Capital Hoedown, Canada’s biggest country music festival, are teaming up for another year to offer one undiscovered country artist the chance to perform on the same stage as Taylor Swift at Capital Hoedown 2012. The three-day festival takes place in Ottawa, Ontario from Aug. 10 through Aug. 12.
Capital Hoedown Showdown 2011 garnered over 192,000 judging battles for 101 Canadian artists. With that overwhelming popularity, this year’s competition will be open to country artists in both Canada and the U.S. So it’s North American, not just Canada!
The winner will play on Saturday, Aug. 11, the same day Taylor Swift performs for her only scheduled North American appearance in 2012. Holy amazeballs! Playing before T. Swift? That’s the gig of a lifetime.
Anyone interested in entering or judging can go here.
“Capital Hoedown Showdown is a fun, friendly competition giving aspiring country artists the chance to play at Canada’s biggest country music festival,” said Denis Benoit, President and CEO of Concert International Inc. “Last year’s winner, WYATT, received international exposure for their participation and they had the privilege to perform on the same stage as Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood.”
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Capital Hoedown 2012 again following the great success of last year’s competition,” said Ben Campbell, CEO of OurStage.com. “Now our U.S. members will also have the opportunity to compete for the chance to perform in front of thousands and share the stage with some of country’s top stars.”
Bands can submit original country music from now through June 25 by going to OurStage.com and signing up to enter the competition. Judging is active as of right now.
At the end of Round 1 judging on July 2, the top 100 entries will move forward to Round 2 – the semi-finals. OurStage.com members can continue judging until July 16, when the top 40 ranked entries move on to Round 3.
The grand prize winner, chosen from the top 40 ranked artists in the competition, will be selected by a final judging panel based on the following criteria: (I) presentation; (II) originality and creativity; (III) melody, vocal ability and music; (IV) lyrics; and (V) entertainment value.
Complete details about Capital Hoedown Showdown can be found on OurStage.com and CaptialHoedown.net.
Yee to the haw.
Any aspiring country acts out there enter? Have friends in country acts? Send them this news, stat!
—Ella Marchesa
05.18.12
Tags: Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood
Azealia Banks to Release Digital "1991" EP on May 29
Fri, 18 May 2012 14:13:25
Like money in da Banks. Azealia Banks, that is.
Interscope/Polydor recording artist Azealia Banks will release her EP 1991 digitally on May 29 with a physical version to follow on June 12. So you can pick your pleasure when it comes to this fierce and ferocious female rapper.
Banks, the 20-year-old rapper/singer from Harlem, fills her songs with clever puns and turns of phrase. She’s going to be big in 2012, 2013 and beyond.
Banks’ video for “212 (featuring Lazy Jay)” already has more than 15 million views.You can check it out at below.
Are you feeling Azealia Banks?
—Amy Sciarretto
05.18.12
Tags: Azealia Banks, Lazy Jay
PBS National Memorial Day Concert Confirmed
Fri, 18 May 2012 14:01:47
On the eve of Memorial Day, a star-studded line-up will grace the stage for one of PBS’ highest-rated programs, the National Memorial Day Concert. The multi award-winning television event has truly become an American tradition, honoring the service and sacrifice of all our men and women in uniform, their families at home and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The concert will feature riveting performances from some of the world’s biggest stars. In addition, acclaimed actors will present personal stories of love and sacrifice submitted by viewers through the concert’s “Virtual Wall of Remembrance.”
TheNational Memorial Day Concert will air live in HD on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, May 27, 2012 from 8 to 9:30PM ET before a concert audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network.
The program is co-hosted for the seventh year by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna (CRIMINAL MINDS) and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise (CSI:NEW YORK), two acclaimed actors who have dedicated themselves to veteran’s causes and supporting our troops in active service. They will be joined by an all-star line-up including: distinguished American leader Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.); the multi-platinum rock band DAUGHTRY; nine-time Grammy award-winner, singer and songwriter Natalie Cole; country music superstar Trace Adkins; American Idol finalist Jessica Sanchez; Emmy, Oscar and Tony award-winning actress Ellen Burstyn; Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actor and Vietnam veteran Dennis Franz; celebrated film and television actress Selma Blair; and world renowned tenor Russell Watson; in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.
Consistently one of the highest rated programs on PBS over the past decade, the National Memorial Day Concert became the number three top-rated program in primetime on PBS during the 2010-2011 season with a 3.6 Nielsen rating, reaching more than 8 million viewers.
Featured stories in the 2012 National Memorial Day Concert will include:
• A heartfelt welcome home to our troops who have been serving in Iraq and Afghanistan;
• The poignant story of a young widow who lost her husband in Afghanistan;
• A segment profiling the heroic and brave efforts of veterans from all wars; and
• A closer look at the plight of homeless American veterans.
“Each year on the eve of Memorial Day, we gather at the U.S. Capitol to share the real stories of fallen and wounded heroes, their families, and their combat buddies as a way to remember, to grieve and begin to heal,” said concert co-host Joe Mantegna. “Every one of your stories of remembrance is important to us. We are honored to be able to share these moving tributes from our loyal viewers as we remember the sacrifices made by so many to preserve our freedoms.”
The U.S Joint Chiefs of Staff will also participate in the event along with The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Chorus, The Soldiers Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, The U.S. Navy Sea Chanters, the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, the Armed Forces Color Guard and Service Color Teams provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.
Will you tune in?
—Maggie Pannacione
05.18.12
Tags: Natalie Cole, Trace Adkins, Jessica Sanchez, Russell Watson, DAUGHTRY, National Symphony Orchestra, Joe Mantegna, Gary Sinise, Ellen Burstyn, Dennis Franz, Selma Blair
Jack Johnson Honored By The National Wildlife Foundation
Singer/songwriter Jack Johnson was feted by officials at the National Wildlife Federation on Thursday night as he was honored with a top award for his environmental achievements.
The Better Together hit-maker was presented with the 2012 National Conservation Achievement Award in Communications in recognition of his efforts to raise awareness about eco issues throughout his career and his charity work with the Kokua Hawaii Foundation, which he and his wife Kim founded in 2003.
Speaking at the Washington, D.C. prizegiving dinner, NWF President Larry Schweiger said, “We are honored to recognize Jack Johnson for his pioneering communication strategies in conjunction with his popular concert tours.”
“Mr. Johnson’s efforts to engage his fans – youth and adults alike – are shining examples of philanthropy and how to raise awareness of environmental issues and the actions people can take to be part of the conservation movement.”
Johnson was unable to attend the event in person, but accepted the accolade via video link from his home in his native Hawaii.
He told the audience, “I know the theme for tonight is Rediscovering the Joys of Nature and this is a perfect fit with what we are trying to promote here in Hawaii with the Kokua Hawaii Foundation – trying to connect kids with nature at an early age.”
Johnson has long been a champion of conservation – he previously fuelled all his touring vehicles with sustainable biodiesel and ensured his show merchandise was eco-friendly, while he also donated 100 per cent of his 2008 tour profits to good causes.
Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears Defends Donna Summer’s Legacy
Jake Shears has urged the world to pay its respects to disco queen Donna Summer, insisting controversial comments she allegedly made about homosexuals should not overshadow her contribution to music.
The I Feel Love hit-maker passed away in Florida on Thursday after losing a secret battle with lung cancer. The legendary singer was credited with popularizing disco music in the 1970s and won five Grammy Awards, but her career took a major knock in the 1980s when she was accused of making anti-gay comments at the height of the AIDS scare.
Summer later branded the furor “a terrible misunderstanding” and apologized for her delay in refuting the rumors, and Scissor Sisters star Shears is adamant the controversy should not taint the singer’s legacy.
He tells Britain’s Channel 4 News, “We owe a ton to Donna Summer, as do so many others. I don’t think we would be here without her. You really cannot underestimate (sic) the importance of her music and the influence that she had over pop music, over the dance world.”
“She was the soundtrack to the gay liberation movement of the ’70s. It’s a massive loss and it’s really amazing to think what a huge impact she had.”
Asked about the furor around “her own understanding of gay rights,” Shears replied, “I think that she said some things as time went on into the ’80s and, you know, I think she realized eventually that, you know…
“She was such a lovely woman and I really think that she really deserves all our respect.”
Filipino Christians Try To Ban Lady Gaga Concerts Over ‘Judas’
Lady Gaga‘s tour of Asia has been hit with another blow after protest groups in the Philippines called on officials to follow Indonesia’s lead and ban the pop star from performing.
Dozens of hardline Christians took to the streets of capital city Manila on Friday for a ‘Stop the Lady Gaga concerts’ rally, piling pressure on organizers to axe the upcoming shows.
The protesters, from the Biblemode Youth Philippines group, say they are offended by the raunchy Poker Face hit-maker’s music and promos, and singled out her hit track Judas, branding it blasphemous.
Gaga is due to perform in the city on Monday and Tuesday, and Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto has urged promoters to ensure she obeys the country’s strict concert rules, which ban nudity and lewd acts, according to the Associated Press.
In a statement, he says, “Although we respect artistic and musical expressions, I won’t allow anyone or any group to provide acts which may be questionable in a way at any venue under my jurisdiction.
“We reminded the producers of Lady Gaga’s concert that the show and the event as a whole shall not exhibit any nudity or lewd conduct which may be offensive to morals and good customs.”
Gaga’s gig could also face problems even if the protesters fail in their bid to ban her – they’ve vowed to file a lawsuit against the singer if she performs Judas at the shows in Manila.
The Asian leg of Gaga’s Born This Way Ball tour has been dogged with problems – uncertainty still hangs over her planned gig in Jakarta, Indonesia next month after officials withdrew her performance permit, and her show in Seoul, South Korea was hit with protests and a ban on under-18s.
