James Durbin kept the rock alive on American Idol this week, during Wednesday night’s Elton John-themed show.
Durbin rocked out a version of “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting,” one of the heaviest tracks off of 1973’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”double album.
Following the departure of two contestants on Thursday night’s results show, the Santa Cruz Kid survives another week and moves on as part of the Top 9.
A new video has surfaced from Duff McKagan’s Loaded.
“Dead Skin” comes off the group's new album, "The Taking," which will be released on April 19 via Eagle Rock Entertainment.
The CD was recorded at a Seattle-area studio with veteran rock producer Terry Date(Soundgarden, Pantera, Deftones).
Duff McKagan’s Loaded "The Taking" Released date: April 19, 2011
01. Lords Of Abaddon 02. Executioner's Song 03. Dead Skin 04. We Win 05. Easier Lying 06. She's An Anchor 07. Wrecking Ball 08. King Of The World 09. Cocaine 10. Your Name 11. Follow Me To Hell
The weekend before the new album is released, Duff McKagan’s Loaded will be playing live at Easy Street Records (Queen Anne Store) in Seattle, Washington on Record Store Day — April 16 — at 2 p.m.
Record Store Day celebrates the culture of independent record stores by playing host to in-store events/performances, signings and special product releases on a global scale.
The official Ambassador for this year’s event is Ozzy Osbourne. Full 2011 Record Store Day details can be found here.
Eagle Rock Entertainment will re-release Duff McKagan's Loaded's 2009 album "Sick," in May. This special reissue of the CD also packs a bonus DVD, featuring 11 tracks from a live set at The Garage in Glasgow filmed in December 2008.
Sammy Hagar rocked The Tonight Show With Jay Leno Wednesday night with an interview and surprise performance.
Hagar was on hand to talk about his new autobiography, "Red: My Uncensored Life In Rock," which just debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times nonfiction hardcover best sellers list.
Sammy spoke with Leno about various parts of his career, including the headline-grabbing Van Halen sections, as well as his first-hand experience with aliens.
Sammy Hagar – interview (part 1) The Tonight Show with Jay Leno – March 30, 2011
Sammy Hagar – interview (part 2) The Tonight Show with Jay Leno – March 30, 2011
The Aerosmith marketing machinery is in full gear these days, as everyone works on capitalizing on Steven Tyler’s role on American Idol.
Hey, strike while the iron is hot: which makes sense, especially given the news, in late January, that Aerosmith’s sales were up substantially thanks to Tyler’s increased profile on the reality show.
Idol’s finale should land in May, and Aerosmith are all over it: on May 3, Tyler’s autobiography, “Does The Noise In My Head Bother You?” gets released, and now comes word that yet another Aerosmith best-of collection will come out in May, as well.
The bad boys from Boston will release "Tough Love: Best Of The Ballads" on May 10.
The song selection is a little odd, though, as some of the songs aren’t even ballads (“Love In An Elevator,” “Livin’ On The Edge” “Rag Doll”), but that’s due to the fact that Geffen Records are putting out the compilation; more obvious songs like “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” and “Pink” aren’t included because they were recorded for Columbia Records.
Basically, it’s safe to assume this Best-of is targeted at the American Idol viewer who just discovered Aerosmith because of Tyler, and Geffen wants to put some radio-friendly hits on their radar while they've got the potential new fans attention.
Aerosmith Tough Love: Best of The Ballads Release date: May 10, 2011
01. Angel 02. Amazing 03. Love In An Elevator 04. Cryin' 05. What It Takes 06. Rag Doll 07. Crazy 08. Deuces Are Wild 09. Livin' On The Edge 10. Blind Man 11. Janie's Got A Gun 12. Dream On
Sammy Hagar will guest on tonight's (Wednesday, March 30) edition of NBC-TV's "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno."
"The Tonight Show" airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. EST. Check local listings for details.
Hagar's autobiography, "Red: My Uncensored Life In Rock," debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times nonfiction hardcover best sellers list, appearing on the chart dated April 3, 2011.
Hagar promoted the book's publication with major press interviews in New York City, as well as a two-week signing tour on both the East and West Coasts.
Following his turn earlier this year as “Fawn” in “Gnomeo & Juliet,” Ozzy has teamed up with Disney again for their regular series, “Fish Hooks.”
Ozzy guest stars as the Earth Troll on an all new episode of "Fish Hooks."
In the episode, "Legend of the Earth Troll," the legendary rocker plays an Earth Troll tasked with helping Milo to understand the importance of recycling. This magical troll is actually Milo's buddy Oscar in disguise!
The plan seems to work until Milo starts to take recycling too far and ends up endangering the quality of life for his teachers and friends.
You can check out the all-new episode of Disney Channel's "Fish Hooks" on Friday, April 8 (8:30 p.m., ET/PT).
TMZ is reporting Motley Crue singer Vince Neil claims HE was the victim in an alleged assault last week between him and his ex-GF, insisting she left several bloody marks on his skin.
It all started last Thursday night, when Neil's ex-girlfriend Alicia Jacobs filed a battery report against him, claiming the ex-rocker went ballistic on her and a friend while they were watching a show at the Las Vegas Hilton and bruised up her shoulder.
But Neil is adamant he never laid a finger on Alicia -- claiming SHE was the aggressor, digging her nails into his skin and inflicting the bloody wounds in the picture above.
TMZ is told Neil -- who has already served 10 days in jail this year over a DUI case -- is considering pressing charges of his own.
Metallica frontman James Hetfield and filmmaker Justin Hunt were interviewed on the Wednesday, March 30 edition of "Fox & Friends" on the Fox News channel about the new documentary "Absent."
“Absent” traces the story and effects of Fathers who weren’t there to raise their children, for one reason or another, creating what Hunt calls “the father wound.”
Hetfield's father left his family when James was 13 and his mother died of cancer three years later. "My father left without saying goodbye," Hetfield says in the film. "He left a note, and it wasn't even to me."
Absent – James Hetfield & Justin Hunt interview FoxNews – Fox & Friends - March 30, 2011
Billboard reports ZZ Top is "in full production" on a new album, its long-awaited follow-up to 2003's "Mescalero," which guitarist Billy F. Gibbons predicts will be out "by the end of the year."
Gibbons tells Billboard.com that the Texas trio has been working on the set in both Houston and Los Angeles. "I've got a little studio at my house out in L.A.," he says, "and it kind of takes the load off to be able to leave Texas, go to California, stay there for awhile, and then you get to leave California and come back to Texas."
As for the sound, Gibbons notes that he, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard are "still just making a lot of loud noise. We still pose as interpreters of the blues. We can't invent it; It's already been invented. But we can do it our way." Gibbons adds that the album will be comprised primarily of originals but that the group "might cover a couple of things."
Speaking of covers, a ZZ Top tribute album is also on the way, with Foo Fighters, Steven Tyler, Nickelback and Kid Rock taking part, according to Gibbons. A representative from Universal South says the collection is still being recorded and compiled with no title, release date, or firm track list in place yet.
ZZ Top, meanwhile, hits the road with Lynyrd Skynyrd for the Rebels & Bandoleros Tour that stars May 12 in Wichita, Kansas, and plays 11 dates over three weeks.
Guitars Not Guns, a non-profit organization, will be auctioning via eBay a Gibson Epiphone Les Paul guitar autographed by legendary axeman Slash.
The guitar was signed on February 3, 2011 backstage at HP Pavilion in San Jose, California. Included in the auction package is a certificate of authenticity, photos and video of Slash during signing and a new Mono M80 hybrid case.
The eBay auction begins April 21, 2011 and ends May 1, 2011.
$99 opening bid and no reserve.
Other eBay auctions beginning April 21, 2011, to benefit Guitars Not Guns include autographed guitar memorabilia from Yngwie Malmsteen, George Benson, Johnny Lang, Steve Vai, Ed Robertson and Kevin Hearn, Ronnie Montrose, Nuno Bettencourt, Brad Gillis and Joel Hoekstra.
Video footage of Slash signing the guitar can be viewed below.
100% of the auction proceeds will benefit the Guitars Not Guns non-profit music program. Guitars Not Guns, Inc., a federally exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides free guitars and lessons to foster kids, at risk youth and other deserving children in a classroom setting with qualified teachers. No child is turned away for lack of funds.
AC/DC’s founding bass player Mark Evans and one-time drummer Simon Wright will team up for a series of Bon Scott Tribute Shows to be announced soon, reports Australia’s Undercover.fm.
Evans was AC/DC’s bass player through the band’s early years with Bon Scott, from the first album up to, and including, 1977’s “Let There Be Rock.”
Wright joined the band in the 80s and played on "Fly On The Wall" (1985), "Who Made Who" (1986), and "Blow Up Your Video" (1988).
ACDCfans.net reports that Wright and Evans will perform with the band Raise The Flag at the Bon Scott Tribute Shows to be announced for Fremantle, Western Australia, the final resting place of Bon Scott, and on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
AC/DC – Let There Be Rock Rock Goes To College University Of Essex – November 10, 1978
Ozzy kicked off his South American tour in support of “Scream,” this past Saturday, as the band arrived for the first of 6 shows on the continent.
OzTV was there to capture the action, including Ozzy and the guys having lunch in a very public café, causing a bit of commotion for those with cameras.
Live footage features “Let Me Hear You Scream,” as the band rocks Argentina Racing Stadium, before guitarist Gus G. shows off a new idea he’s working on to Ozzy.
On August 18, 1990, Whitesnake headlined the legendary Monsters Of Rock at Castle Donington festival (now known as Download). The band’s performance at the festival was one of the most memorable events on the "Liquor & Poker World Tour" that saw Whitesnake play sold-out shows to over one million people.
The event was captured for posterity and, now, Whitesnake's "Live At Donington 1990" DVD/live double CD set will be available on June 3 in Europe and June 7 in North America via Frontiers Records.
Since the inception of Whitesnake.com more than ten years ago, this DVD has been the most requested product from fans of the 'Snake. The incredible, never-before-seen, visual footage captures one of the most musically intense Whitesnake lineups performing in front of more than 70,000 fans.
Whitesnake circa 1990 featured guitar greats Steve Vai and Adrian Vandenberg, bassist Rudy Sarzo, drummer Tommy Aldridge and, of course, incomparable frontman David Coverdale.
The "Live At Donington 1990" DVD also includes a substantial gallery of never before seen stills of the band on the "Liquor & Poker World Tour 1990", plus an intimate behind-the-scenes documentary of the making-of the "Slip Of The Tongue" album.
"Whitesnake: Live At Donington 1990" will be available in 2CD set, DVD coverpack, combo 2CD + DVD in digipak and digital edition.
"Live At Donington 1990" DVD track listing:
01. Slip Of The Tongue 02. Slide It In 03. Judgement Day 04. Slow An Easy 05. Kitten's Got Claws 06. Adagio For Strato 07. Flying Dutchman Boogie 08. Is This Love 09. Cheap An' Nasty 10. Crying In The Rain (featuring Tommy Aldridge drum solo) 11. Fool For Your Loving 12. For The Love Of God 13. The Audience Is Listening 14. Here I Go Again 15. Bad Boys 16. Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City 17. Still Of The Night 18. Bonus content: The Making of Slip of the Tongue; Slide Show
"Live At Donington 1990" CD 1 track listing:
01. Slip Of The Tongue 02. Slide It In 03. Judgement Day 04. Slow An Easy 05. Kitten's Got Claws 06. Adagio For Strato 07. Flying Dutchman Boogie 08. Is This Love 09. Cheap An' Nasty 10. Crying In The Rain (featuring Tommy Aldridge drum solo)
"Live At Donington 1990" CD 2 track listing:
01. Fool For Your Loving 02. For The Love Of God 03. The Audience Is Listening 04. Here I Go Again 05. Bad Boys 06. Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City 07. Still Of The Night
The latest rumor regarding the Van Halen camp is that the band’s new album is nearing completion.
VH hit the studio in January with producer John Shanks; on Monday, That Metal Show host Eddie Trunk tweeted that he heard gossip from a “reliable source” that the “VH album is close to done and will come out this year. Label TBD”
The Van Halen News Desk reports that this timing matches up perfectly with what they’ve heard from a trusted source at the beginning of March – that the recording process is going great and the band is starting to mix the new tracks. Also, from another reliable VHND source comes word that this Fall is the most probable time that the album will be released and a tour will begin.
The recording will be VH’s first with David Lee Roth since 1984 (recorded in ’83), their first new music with Roth since ’96, and their first studio album since 1998’s “Van Halen III.”
This has been floating around the bootleg market for years, so it’s nice to see it finally getting a proper release.
On April 26th, IDS/Rock Tapes/Fontana North Canada is releasing Dio's “Live in Bulgaria.” The set was recorded in Sofia, Bulgaria at Festivalna Hall in front of 7,000 people for TV on September 20th, 1998.
DIO "Live In Bulgaria" Release date: April 26, 2011
01 - 'Evilution' 02 - 'Straight Through The Heart' 03 - 'Don‘t Talk To Strangers' 04 - 'Holy Diver' 05 - 'Drum Solo' 06 - 'Heaven And Hell' 07 - 'Children Of The Sea' 08 - 'I Speed At Night' 09 - 'We Rock' 10 - 'Neon Knights' 11 - 'Stargazer' 12 - 'Mistreated' 13 - 'Catch The Rainbow' 14 - 'The Last In Line' 15 - 'Rainbow In The Dark' 16 - 'The Mob Rules' 17 - 'Man On The Silver Mountain' 18 - 'Long Live Rock And Roll'
The Dio line-up featured Ronnie James Dio (vocals ), Tracy G (guitars), Larry Dennison (bass), Scott Warren (keyboards) and Simon Wright (drums).
“Short of receiving an Emmy for my superb voice, the Honorary Headbanger Award is the next best thing. Praise be you won’t hear me sing.” - William Shatner
Legendary actor, recording artist and author William Shatner will be presented with the Honorary Headbanger Award at the third annual Revolver Golden Gods Award Show on Wednesday, April 20, at Club Nokia in Downtown Los Angeles.
Revered for his role as Captain James T. Kirk on Star Trek, Shatner will be on-hand to accept his award, an honor Revolver magazine bestows each year to someone who has made their name outside of the metal world but still embodies its spirit.
Later this year, Shatner will officially prove the latter with his new album, “Seeking Major Tom,” which features collaborations with hard-rock musicians including Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Paice of Deep Purple, and, on a cover of Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man,” Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society and Mike Inez of Alice in Chains.
Heaven & Hell’s "Live From Radio City Music Hall" 2007 concert will be released on Blu-ray disc on May 17 via Eagle Rock Entertainment. The Blu-ray will contain lots of bonus features that were not on the original DVD.
The "Live From Radio City Music Hall" DVD has sold around 60,000 copies in the United States since its August 2007 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
"Live From Radio City Music Hall" captures Heaven & Hell bashing its way through some of the Ronnie James Dio-era's best including "Mob Rules," "Die Young," "Neon Knights," "Children Of The Sea" and an epic 15-minute-plus version of "Heaven And Hell."
The quartet also performed a pair of new songs — the hit single "The Devil Cried" and "Shadow Of The Wind" – both songs debuted in 2007 on "Black Sabbath: The Dio Years" (Rhino/Warner Bros. Records), the first comprehensive introduction to the Dio-era's legacy. The disc includes the entire show shot in breathtaking HD as well as a tour documentary and other bonus footage.
"Live From Radio City Music Hall" Blu-ray track listing:
01. E5150/After All (The Dead) 02. The Mob Rules 03. Children Of The Sea 04. Lady Evil 05. I 06. The Sign Of The Southern Cross 07. Voodoo 08. The Devil Cried 09. Computer God 10. Falling Off The Edge Of The World 11. Shadow Of The Wind 12. Die Young 13. Heaven And Hell 14. Lonely Is The Word 15. Neon Knights
Bonus features:
* Road Movie * Hail The Gods Of Metal * Meet The Mob * Radio City" * The Wisdom Of Dio
"Live From Radio City Music Hall" is available at regular retail outlets both as a two-disc CD set and as a DVD for a suggested list price of $19.98 and $19.99, respectively.
Deep Purple's first North American tour in four years — which is scheduled to kick off in early June — will feature classic members Ian Gillan (lead vocals), Roger Glover (bass) and Ian Paice (drums, percussion) along with Steve Morse (guitar) and Don Airey (keyboards).
The trek, dubbed "A Night With Deep Purple And The Songs That Built Rock," will see the band performing in each city while backed by a 30-piece symphony orchestra.
For a list of currently confirmed dates, visit Deep-Purple.net.
When asked during a February 22, 2011 press conference in Mexico City if there are any plans for Purple to record a new studio album soon, vocalist Ian Gillan replied, "I guess it's about time, isn't it?! So we're gonna get together and have a writing session quite soon. And if we get excited, then we'll probably have another [album finished and ready for release] shortly after that. We'll see how it goes. But there's no plans. But I think we're getting poked by various connections who would like to see another Deep Purple record. So I think it's about time."
Deep Purple released a live album last year called "Space Truckin' Round the World Live 68-76." The two-disc set features rare live recordings from various concerts all over the world, including gigs in Tokyo, Paris and San Diego. The compilation, which features multiple band lineups, also features a detailed history of the group, individual concert details and photos. It was released as part of the 10th anniversary of Purple Records — the label that handles the band's music.
Purple’s 18th – and last - studio album, "Rapture of the Deep," was released in November 2005. It is the fourth studio record from Purple since guitarist Steve Morse joined the band in 1994, and it was also the second album to feature veteran keyboardist Don Airey.
Deep Purple – Smoke On The Water With guest Ronnie James Dio In Concert with the London Symphony Orchestra DVD Royal Albert Hall – London, UK – September, 1999
That’s the idea behind Iron Maiden’s move to cancel a gig in Rio Sunday night when a barricade at the front of the stage collapsed due to a surging crowd of enthusiastic fans.
Terra reports the incident happened during the first song of the band's set at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Opening with "Satellite 15...The Final Frontier,” Maiden’s lead singer, Bruce Dickinson, noticed the barrier separating the fans from the stage broke and the crowd had rushed forward towards the members of the group.
Dickinson urged the crowd to take it easy. "Hey guys, please calm down. Everyone, take a step backward. The fence broke and it's dangerous. We do not want anyone to get hurt," he announced.
A 10-minute delay to fix the barricade became 20, before Dickinson then returned to the stage to update fans. "The fence is completely broken. We do not want anyone to get hurt," he said, advising fans to pick up a bracelet before leaving the venue giving them access to tomorrow night's show. "We cannot play tonight, but tomorrow, at the same time, we'll be here," he added. "Everyone who has a ticket or bracelet will be able to enter. Those of you who cannot make tomorrow's concert will be given a refund."
A full makeup show at the HSBC Arena is confirmed for Monday, March 28. Here’s the statement from the promoters, Evenpro:
The Iron Maiden Concert at HSBC ARENA has been postponed to Monday, March, 28th due to technical problems with the barricade provided in front of the stage.
This decision was taken by HSBC ARENA in agreement with the band's staff, because it's their priority not to put fans' safety in risk.
Iron Maiden will stay in Rio de Janeiro one more day to be able to make the show and not leave Rio de Janeiro out of this leg of The Final Frontier Tour.
All the fans at tonight (Sunday) concert must bring their tickets stub tomorrow to be allowed entry the concert.
Check out the rest of the official statement on the Rio incident, make-up gig, and refund policy here.
Iron Maiden – Satellite 15…The Final Frontier HSBC Arena - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – March 27, 2011
Hagar’s new autobiography, "Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock," has debuted at #1 on the New York Times best-sellers list.
Sammy tops the Hardcover Nonfiction list on the chart dated April 3, 2011.
Hagar kicked off the book’s launch with an appearance in Toronto before hitting New York for some major press visits, all while doing a 2-week tour of book signings on the east and west coasts of the States.
Sammy’s been making headlines around the world for the new book, including many based on his thoughts on both David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen, that actor Charlie Sheen reminds him of Eddie circa 2004, and some regarding Hagar’s visitations by aliens from other dimensions.
Sammy Hagar’s comments that Charlie Sheen reminds him of Eddie Van Halen were enough to turn a lot of people’s heads as it was the #1 rock news story of the week on the hennemusic Hot 10.
Hagar is making the rounds to promote his new book, "Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock," and let’s just say it wouldn’t be a good idea for Eddie Van Halen to be reading the headlines these days – he won’t like what he sees.
Sammy’s comments relate to his 2004 reunion with VH – as told in the book - and the alleged mess he found Eddie in…and living in; this isn’t a “current’ description of Ed, as the two haven’t spoken in years.
The HH10 is a list of the most-viewed rock news stories in the past week by hennemusic readers.
In addition to celebrating Pearl Jam’s 20th Anniversary, Eddie Vedder has some plans this year: a solo tour has been announced, and a new album (“Ukelele Songs”) and concert film will be released this Spring. The first video from the film footage is “You’re True,” the second most-read story of the week.
Crue and Poison fans continue to keep the 2001 summer tour schedule on the HH10 (at #3), while Metallica fans learned of some concert footage getting the 3D treatment for future release – 24 hrs later, the band issued a statement warning fans that the material has not been authorized by Metallica and to avoid the products being promoted.
Other rock stories of the week included news that Zeppelin fans will see Jason Bonham again this spring, with a month-long US trek throughout May; the Foo Fighters were quoted at SXSW that they had no interest in being involved with Glee, James Durbin continued to rock American Idol and Ozzy is helping cheer on the Washington Capitals as they head into the upcoming NHL playoffs.
Van Halen – Best of Both Worlds Tokyo Dome – Tokyo, JP – February 1, 1989
Bret Michaels made headlines this week with news that the Poison singer is proceeding with a lawsuit against the Tony Awards following his 2009 accident at the event.
Michaels was hit on the head when some staging came down at the end of a performance by Poison; the singer now believes the injury led to his 2010 brain hemorrhage.
Michaels’ lawsuit has four parts to it: negligence, negligent interference with prospective economic advantage, civil batter and negligent misrepresentation.
In very basic terms, Michaels is seeking damages for – what he believes – was a lack of information and specific direction from producers, which led directly to the accident; financial relief for missed public engagements following the event due his injuries; and, that organizers misled Michaels into ‘harm’s way’ by failing to provide proper directions regarding his exit from the stage.
Michaels is suing for unspecified damages.
The legal papers for Bret’s lawsuit can now be viewed online here.
Poison - Bret Michaels’ stage incident Tony Awards – June 7, 2009
As the world continues to search for ways to help Japan through their current crisis, the music industry has pulled together to offer some assistance.
Universal Music spearheaded an industry-wide effort to create “Songs for Japan," a CD to support disaster relief efforts in the country, which was devastated March 11 by an earthquake and tsunami.
More than 30 recording artists have contributed to "Songs for Japan," a compilation of 38 hits and classic tracks available on the iTunes Store for $9.99.
You can order "Songs For Japan" from the link below.
Proceeds from the album's sale will benefit the disaster relief efforts of the Japanese Red Cross Society.
The artists participating on “Songs for Japan,” the music labels, and music publishers have waived their royalties and proceeds from the worldwide sales of the album to ensure that the JRCS receives as much support as possible from this global initiative.
• John Lennon, "Imagine" (Remastered) • U2, "Walk On" (Radio Edit) • Bob Dylan, "Shelter From the Storm" • Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Around the World" (Live) • Lady Gaga, "Born This Way" (Starsmith Remix) • Beyonce, "Irreplaceable" • Bruno Mars, "Talking to the Moon" (Acoustic Piano Version) • Katy Perry, "Firework" • Rihanna, "Only Girl (In the World)" • Justin Timberlake, "Like I Love You" • Madonna, "Miles Away" (Live) • David Guetta, "When Love Takes Over" (feat. Kelly Rowland) • Eminem, "Love the Way You Lie" (feat. Rihanna) [Clean Version} • Bruce Springsteen, "Human Touch" • Josh Groban, "Awake" (Live) • Keith Urban, "Better Life" • Black Eyed Peas, "One Tribe" • Pink, "Sober" • Cee Lo Green, "It's OK" • Lady Antebellum, "I Run to You" • Bon Jovi, "What Do You Got?" • Foo Fighters, "My Hero" • R.E.M., "Man on the Moon" • Nicki Minaj, "Save Me" (Clean Version) • Sade, "By Your Side" • Michael Buble, "Hold On" (Radio Mix) • Justin Bieber, "Pray" (Acoustic) • Adele, "Make You Feel My Love" • Enya, "If I Could Be Where You Are" • Elton John, "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" • John Mayer, "Waiting on the World to Change" • Queen, "Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together)" [Remastered] • Kings of Leon, "Use Somebody" • Sting, "Fragile" (Live in Berlin) • Leona Lewis, "Better in Time" • Ne-Yo, "One in a Million" • Shakira, "Whenever, Wherever" • Norah Jones, "Sunrise"
There’s a few sides to the Vince Neil story following an incident at the Las Vegas Hilton on Thursday night.
TMZ and other media outlets reported Neil barged into comedian Hal Sparks’ show at the Hilton’s Shimmer Lounge late Thursday when Neil, 50, rushed up to a table and began shouting obscenities at former girlfriend Alicia Jacobs, Wayne Newton’s publicist Tricia McCrone and Las Vegas Sun writer John Katsilometes.
Statements were taken from Jacobs’ group and others. Neil had a glass of champagne in his hand as he poked and berated the group, reported Norm Clarke of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Jacobs, the entertainment reporter at KSNV-TV, Channel 3, said she has a bruise from Neil jabbing at her with his finger.
In a first-hand report by John Katsilometes of the Las Vegas Sun, the writer indicates “Hilton security officials and Metro Police officers were summoned to investigate what was at least a clear case of felony buffoonery and, maybe worse, as McCrone and Jacobs said Neil poked them with his right forefinger. They say he poked me, too. I honestly couldn’t tell who was or wasn’t poked (I felt nothing), but Jacobs came away with a circular bruise on her right shoulder.”
“As I told the officers,” continued Katsilometes, “it was just a case of a guy succumbing to anger and bad judgment who lurched into a comedy show and made an idiot out of himself. But Jacobs’ role as Neil’s ex-girlfriend complicates issues, as she reported that Neil made contact with her. Such an act could fall in the realm of domestic abuse, and Metro could charge Neil, even though Jacobs opted not to press criminal charges Thursday night.”
Now, sources close to Vince Neil tell TMZ the singer is quite adamant ... he didn't lay his hands on anyone during an alleged confrontation with his ex-girlfriend.
As TMZ first reported, Neil's ex-girlfriend filed a battery report with Las Vegas PD after she claimed Neil got physical with her and a friend.
But sources close to Neil paint a slightly different picture. A TMZ source says Neil is telling people he bumped into his ex and did exchange words with her -- but he maintains he never touched her. The TMZ source says Neil claims it was her who got physical with him in the hotel lobby ... and he's now considering pressing charges of his own.
As expected, Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder is heading out on the road for a solo US tour this summer.
The tour will support the May 31 release of Vedder’s new solo album, “Ukulele Songs,” on Pearl Jam's Monkeywrench Records.
The month-long US tour kicks off on June 15th in Providence, Rhode Island and wraps up on July 15th at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall. Special guest Glen Hansard(The Swell Season, The Frames) will join Vedder on the road.
Tickets for the general public will go on sale on April 1, 2011 at 10:00 am local time through http://www.ticketmaster.com or at Ticketmaster outlets.
If you’re a PJ Ten Club member, the pre-sale for the Vedder tour will begin Tuesday, March 29th at 8am Pacific; the pre-sale will end on Wednesday, March 30th at 5pm Pacific or until tickets are gone.
Eddie Vedder 2011 US Tour
06/15 – Providence, RI @ Providence Performing Arts Center (PAC) 06/16 – Boston, MA @ The Wang Theatre 06/18 – Hartford, CT @ The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts 06/21 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre 06/22 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre 06/25 – Philadelphia, PA @ Tower Theatre 06/26 – Detroit, MI @ Fox Theatre 06/28 – Chicago, IL @ The Chicago Theatre 07/01 – St. Louis, MO @ Fox Theatre 07/02 – Minneapolis, MN @ Orpheum Theatre 07/05 – San Diego, CA @ Copley Symphony Hall 07/06 – Long Beach, CA @ Terrace Theater 07/08 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern 07/09 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl 07/11 – Oakland, CA @ The Paramount Theatre 07/14 – Portland, OR @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall 07/15 – Seattle, WA @ Benaroya Hall
Some new Eddie Van Halen guitars are now on the market.
EVH introduces two new Wolfgang guitar models, the Wolfgang USA Custom and the Wolfgang Stealth - both are distinctive variations on the hugely successful original model, the U.S.-made EVH Wolfgang guitar designed by Eddie Van Halen.
The new models were unveiled at the 2011 NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show in January; Eddie even stopped by his booth to check things out.
EVH at NAMM NAMM – Anaheim, CA - January 12, 2011
Perhaps the most uniquely elegant instrument in the Wolfgang series, the Wolfgang USA Custom represents Eddie Van Halen’s personal tribute to the short-scale set-neck guitars of the late 1950s, combined with the distinctive modern personal touches he prefers on his own guitars. These two elements culminate in a truly magnificent tone machine embodying the best of yesterday and today. The guitar’s mahogany body has a ½” arched maple top and seven-ply binding, a bound mahogany set neck with dual graphite reinforcement rods, and a 24.75″ scale length. Features include a compound radius (12″-16″) ebony or rosewood fingerboard, 22 vintage stainless steel frets, seven-ply headstock and body binding, mother-of-pearl headstock logo inlay on ebony, dual EVH Wolfgang Custom nickel-covered humbucking pickups with three-position switching, stop-tail bridge with fine tuners, EVH custom tuners, dual EVH custom low-friction 500k volume pots, dual EVH custom high-friction 250k tone pots and an EVH molded-stripe case by SKB®. Available in Black, White and Vintage Cherry Burst.
In designing an especially sleek all-black addition to the Wolfgang series, Eddie Van Halen decided to try something he previously wasn’t known to prefer - an ebony fingerboard. He liked it so much that the resulting guitar - the Wolfgang Stealth - now resides at the very forefront of his arsenal.
Features include an arch-top basswood body, quartersawn maple neck with dual graphite reinforcement rods, compound radius (12″-16″) ebony fingerboard with 22 vintage stainless steel frets, dual hard-mounted EVH Wolfgang humbucking pickups with three-position switching, dual Bourns® low- (volume) and high-friction (tone) potentiometers, EVH-branded Floyd Rose® locking tremolo with EVH D-Tuna®, black hardware, EVH-branded 14-1 Gotoh® chrome tuners with pearloid buttons, Schaller® chrome string retainer and EVH molded-stripe case by SKB®. Available in Stealth Black.
Check your local music retailer for availability; more details at EVHgear here.
TMZ is reporting that Bret Michaels blames the 2009 Tony Awards for causing the brain hemorrhage that nearly killed him ... after he was whacked in the head by a piece of scenery while performing on the show.
Michaels has filed a lawsuit against Tony Award Productions, CBS and others ... blaming producers for not instructing him on how to safely exit the stage after his performance was over ... because while he tried to exit, he was "smacked" in the face by a piece of the set.
In the suit, filed Friday in L.A. County Superior Court, Michaels claims he had to be hospitalized for a broken nose and a cut lip.
Six months after the awards, Bret nearly died from a subarachnoid brain hemorrhage -- and the rocker insists it was NO coincidence.
In his suit, Michaels claims, "One of the most common causes of this type of hemorrhage is head trauma -- exactly like the one Michaels suffered at the hands of the Tony Awards."
Michaels notes, "Through his sheer will to live, to see his children grow up, [he] was able to survive this trauma."
Bret says producers have "failed and refused" to remedy the situation ... and even blamed him for the mishap at the Tony Awards, claiming he "missed his mark."
Michaels is suing for unspecified damages. A rep for the Tonys had no comment for the TMZ report.
Poison - Bret Michaels' stage incident Tony Awards – June 7, 2009
In an American Idol episode full of surprises, Stevie Wonder appeared on Thursday night’s results show to sing a special "Happy Birthday" tribute to the Aerosmith frontman.
The Top 11 Idol contestants danced on stage with Stevie while fellow judges Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson brought Tyler up on stage for the occasion.
Tyler was presented with a portrait and a huge birthday cake; he turns 63 on March 26.
Steven was genuinely surprised at the birthday celebration, sharing his thoughts on Twitter:
“Idol was out of this world….what an incredible night”
“Hey I’m wheels up on my way to birthday in Heavin & watch the sun come up on a truly blessed child of God that Stveie Wonder sang Happy Birthday to…pinch me please”
Stevie Wonder – Happy Birthday (to Steven Tyler) American Idol – March 24, 2011
American Idol 
