Music News

Bob Dylan Sells Catalog Of Recorded Music To Sony Music Entertainment

January 26, 2022 2:00 am

Sony Music Entertainment has announced it has fully acquired Bob Dylan's entire back catalog of recorded music, as well as the rights to multiple future new releases, in a major expansion of SME's six-decade relationship with the artist.

This agreement, concluded in July 2021, comprises the entirety of Bob Dylan's recorded body of work since 1962, beginning with the artist's self-titled debut album and continuing through 2020's highly acclaimed and successful Rough and Rowdy Ways.

Dylan and SME will continue to collaborate on a range of future catalog reissues in the artist's renowned and top-selling Bootleg Series: The Bootleg Series Vol. 16 (1980-1985). The agreement also provides the opportunity for SME to partner with Dylan on additional projects.

Commenting on the acquisition, Dylan said, "Columbia Records and Rob Stringer have been nothing but good to me for many, many years and a whole lot of records. I'm glad that all my recordings can stay where they belong."

In making the announcement, Rob Stringer, Chairman, Sony Music Group said, "Columbia Records has had a special relationship with Bob Dylan from the beginning of his career and we are tremendously proud and excited to be continuing to grow and evolve our ongoing 60-year partnership."

(Photo: Raph_PH)

Eric Church Pays Tribute To Meat Loaf With 'I'd Do Anything For Love' Cover

January 25, 2022 11:00 pm

Eric Church performed a cover of "I Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)" during his stop at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Saturday (January 22), paying tribute to Meat Loaf, who passed away on Thursday (January 20) at age 74.

Church and his band were at Little Caesars Arena as part of the Gather Again Tour. Church, who had the over 16,000-person crowd singing the late musician's 1993 comeback hit along with him, finished his version, pointing towards heaven.

"I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)," the opening track and lead single from Meat Loaf's sixth album, Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell, was the singer's first and only Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 of his career.

During the show on Saturday, Church also honored Bob Seger, a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer from Detroit, who Church opened for in 2006 after being kicked off a Rascal Flatts tour.

"He saved my career," Church told the crowd. "I would not be standing here if it was not for Bob Seger."

Church performed two tracks by the hometown hero, including "Get Out Of Denver" and "Ramblin' Gamblin Man."

Lovely Meat Loaf tribute last night from @ericchurch. pic.twitter.com/7kTVUe2DMY
— Courtney Hoekstra (@cshillz) January 23, 2022

Adele's 'Easy On Me' Earns Tenth Week Atop Billboard Hot 100

January 25, 2022 8:00 am

Adele's "Easy on Me" has earned the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the tenth week.

"Easy on Me," released in October, earned 99 million radio airplay audience impressions and 14.3 million U.S. streams and sold 5200 downloads in the January 14-January 20 tracking week, MRC Data shows.

The ballad also leads Billboard's Radio Songs chart for a ninth week.

This is Adele's second song to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 10 weeks. The first one was her 2015-16 hit, "Hello."

"Easy on Me" is followed by "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from Encanto, Glass Animals's "Heat Waves," The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber's "Stay," and and Kodak Black's "Super Gremlin" in the next five positions on the Hot 100.

The Billboard Hot 100 blends all-genre U.S. streaming (official audio and official video), radio airplay and sales data.

(Photo: Simon Emmett)

Bob Dylan Announces Spring Tour Dates

January 25, 2022 7:00 am

Music legend Bob Dylan has announced Spring tour dates for his Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour.

The next leg of the world tour will kick off in Phoenix on March 3 and wrap up roughly a month and a half later in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on April 14.

Tickets for upcoming performances can be purchased at the artist's website beginning January 28.

The latest U.S. leg is part of the legendary troubadour's four-year worldwide tour, named after his 2020 album, Rough and Rowdy Ways.

Bob Dylan, Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour 2022:

March 3 - Phoenix, Arizona @ Arizona Federal TheatreMarch 4 - Tucson, Arizona @ Tucson Music HallMarch 6 - Albuquerque, New Mexico @ Kiva AuditoriumMarch 8 - Lubbock, Texas @ Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts & SciencesMarch 10 - Irving, Texas @ Toyota Music FactoryMarch 11 - Sugar Land, Texas @ Smart Financial CentreMarch 13 - San Antonio, Texas @ Majestic TheatreMarch 14 - San Antonio, Texas @ Majestic TheatreMarch 16 - Austin, Texas @ Bass HallMarch 18 - Shreveport, Louisiana @ Municipal AuditoriumMarch 19 - New Orleans, Louisiana @ Saenger TheatreMarch 21 - Montgomery, Alabama @ Montgomery PACMarch 23 - Nashville, Tennessee @ Ryman AuditoriumMarch 24 - Atlanta, Georgia @ Fox TheatreMarch 26 - Savannah, Georgia @ Johnny Mercer TheatreMarch 27 - North Charleston, South Carolina @ North Charleston PACMarch 29 - Columbia, South Carolina @ Township AuditoriumMarch 30 - Charlotte, North Carolina @ Ovens AuditoriumApril 1 - Greensboro, North Carolina @ Steven Tanger CenterApril 2 - Asheville, North Carolina @ Thomas Wolfe AuditoriumApril 4 - Chattanooga, Tennessee @ Tivoli TheatreApril 5 - Birmingham, Alabama @ BJCC Concert HallApril 7 - Mobile, Alabama @ Saenger TheatreApril 9 - Memphis, Tennessee @ Orpheum TheatreApril 11 - Little Rock, Arkansas @ Robinson CenterApril 13 - Tulsa, Oklahoma @ Brady TheatreApril 14 - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma @ Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre

(Photo: Alberto Cabello)

New Orleans Jazz Fest Reveals Star-Studded Lineup

January 25, 2022 3:00 am

The New Orleans Jazz Fest has unveiled a star-studded lineup for this year's event, with The Who, Stevie Nicks and Foo Fighters among the headliners.

The yearly music festival, which was canceled in both 2020 and 2021 due to pandemic, is now returning in the hopes of making up for lost time, with the lineup having been populated by a majority of the same artists from the canceled years.

Other artists scheduled to perform on the April 29 through May 8 weekends include Jimmy Buffett, Luke Combs, Lionel Richie, Erykah Badu, Randy Newman, Norah Jones, Ludacris, Death Cab for Cutie, Melissa Etheridge and Terence Blanchard, to name a few.

Among the short list of artists unable to play at the make-up show are the Rolling Stones, Demi Lovato, Lizzo, and Dead & Company.

Ticket-holders for the canceled shows have been advised to expect word from the ticket company so that they may exchange their tickets for one weekend of their choosing.

Gin Blossoms Announce Tour To Celebrate 30th Anniversary Of 'New Miserable Experience'

January 25, 2022 12:00 am

Gin Blossoms have announced a tour in celebration of the 30th anniversary of their multi-platinum breakthrough album New Miserable Experience.

The "Celebrating 30 Miserable Years" tour, which begins in February, will see the band performing the 1992 album in its entirety.

The tour will kick off on February 18 with a show at the Sunrise Theatre for the Performing Arts in Fort Pierce, Florida. The trek will also feature stops in Nashville, Houston, and St Louis.

The New Miserable Experience record sold over five million albums and was on the charts for almost three years. "Till I Hear it From You," which was the lead single from the record, was then described by Billboard as "the closest thing to a perfect pop song to hit radio in recent memory."

Lead vocalist Robin Wilson recently reflected on the anniversary of the album, saying, "It was hard to make NME, but we knew it was special. It's humbling that it still resonates and we still have jobs in the music biz."

Guitarist Jesse Valenzuela adds, "Its funny how time slips away. We are still so proud that even after all these years the album still resonates with fans."

Eric Clapton Opens Up About How Opposition To Covid Policies Gave Him New Motivation

January 24, 2022 10:00 am

In a new interview, rock icon Eric Clapton opened up about how his opposition to the government's Covid policies gave him new motivation.

Clapton, who is the writer of the anti-lockdown song "Stand And Deliver," told the Real Music Observer that he decided to release the politically charged song titled "This Has Gotta Stop" as a way of protest against federal policies in dealing with the pandemic.

"In the U.K., we have BBC, and it used to be an impartial commentary on world affairs and state affairs. And suddenly it was completely one-way traffic about following orders and obedience. And I felt really motivated, musically. It instigated something which really was laying dormant," Clapton said about the origin of "Stand And Deliver" and "This Has Gotta Stop."

He continued, "I was just playing live gigs up until the lockdown without really being socially involved in any way. . I have a tool, I have a calling, and I can make use of that. So I set about it and started writing."

Vaccinated people may be victims of "mass formation hypnosis," according to the English rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter.

Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat, Liam Gallagher & More To Perform At 2022 BRIT Awards

January 24, 2022 8:00 am

Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat, Liam Gallagher and many more are set to perform during the 2022 BRIT Awards.

The awards show is set to take place at London's O2 Arena on February 8 and will be broadcast live on ITV and ITV Hub and streamed for non-U.K. viewers via the Brits' YouTube channel.

"With Omicron continuing to present many challenges in terms of planning, organizers are working around the clock to pull together the best possible show and The BRITs will continue to lead the way in terms of putting on a live music event safely as the UK navigates the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic," the organizers announced in a statement. .

They added, "Artists, Nominees and all guests will be asked to show a negative LFT test on arrival to the venue, and fans will this year be offered to purchase stall seats on the arena floor, where nominated artists will also take their seat in an exclusive area."

Other artists announced to perform during the show include British rappers Dave and Simbiatu Ajikawo, aka Little Simz, and Holly Humberstone.

Among the performers, Dave and Little Simz and Sheeran have four nominations each. Meanwhile, Doja Cat has two Brit nominations this year.

Little Simz said, "Thank you BRITs. It's an honour to be nominated for 4 BRIT Awards and I can't wait to be performing on the night too. I'm so happy and grateful the music has connected and resonated. Congratulations to everyone nominated."

My Chemical Romance, Paramore To Headline When We Were Young Festival

January 24, 2022 4:00 am

The Las Vegas-based "When We Were Young Festival" has confirmed My Chemical Romance, Paramore and Avril Lavigne as headliners for this year's edition.

"We've missed you," tweeted the band Paramore, along with a link to the festival's website.

Due to overwhelming demand, the festival organizers have added a second date with the same lineup. The festival is now scheduled be held at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on October 22 and 23.

Other musical acts set to perform at the festival include Dance Gavin Dance, Jimmy Eat World, 3OH!3, We The Kings, Manchester Orchestra, A Day to Remember, Palaye Royale, The Used, Senses Fail, Bright Eyes, PVRIS, Knocked Loose, The Wonder Years, Mayday Parade Pierce the Veil, Bring Me the Horizon, Boys Like Girls and Wolf Alice, as well as TikTok stars Lil Huddy and Jxdn.

Foo Fighters, The Strokes & Metallica To Headline Boston Calling Festival

January 24, 2022 2:00 am

Foo Fighters, The Strokes, and Metallica have been announced as headliners for this year's Boston Calling Festival.

This year's Boston Calling festival is set to take place at the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston on Memorial Day weekend from May 27 to 29.

Other A-listers to perform at the festival include Rüfüs Du Sol, Weezer, HAIM, Run The Jewels, Glass Animals, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Avril Lavigne, Black Pumas, Cheap Trick, Goose, EARTHGANG, and Modest Mouse.

"We are so thrilled to bring Boston Calling back, and we cannot thank our loyal fans enough for supporting us as we navigated the pandemic," Boston Calling CEO Brian Appel said in a press release. "This year's line-up is particularly special for us. It not only signifies a return to the things we love, but it also celebrates some of the world's most renowned acts, exciting up-and-comers, and Boston's talented music scene."

A limited number of 3-Day General Admission tickets, 3-Day VIP tickets, and 3-Day Platinum tickets are on sale now, as well as a two-pack of 3-Day GA tickets.

Fugees Cancel 25th Anniversary Tour Due To Covid-19

January 24, 2022 1:00 am

The Fugees have canceled their 25th anniversary tour due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Fugees, the hip-hop group comprised of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel, announced on social media, "We anticipate and understand disappointment but our anniversary tour will not be able to happen."

"The continued Covid pandemic has made touring conditions difficult, and we want to make sure we keep our fans and ourselves healthy and safe," the statement read. "An idea sparked to honor and celebrate this 25th anniversary of 'The Score' but we see now it may not currently be our time for revisiting this past work."

"We're grateful for the special night we did get to share with some of you in New York, with that rare live moment. If opportunity, public safety, and scheduling allow, we hope to be able to revisit this again sometime soon," the statement continued. "Thank you for all of your love and support throughout the years."

The tour was announced in celebration of the 25th anniversary of The Score. The tour was initially set to run between November and December last year but was postponed three days before it was to begin.

'Nevermind' Baby Refiles 'Child Pornography' Lawsuit Against Nirvana

January 23, 2022 8:00 am

Spencer Elden, the naked child whose picture was used as the cover photo of Nirvana's iconic album Nevermind has decided to refile a lawsuit against the band after a federal judge in California dismissed the claims earlier this month.

Calling the cover "child pornography," Elden refiled the case late Wednesday to Judge Fernando M. Olguin.

Elden lost the previous trial after he was unable to attend the motion to dismiss filed by the band last month. Elden has dropped a claim of sex trafficking in his revised lawsuit.

However, Elden claims that the photographer, Kurt Weddle, "intentionally commercially marketed the child pornography depicting Spencer and leveraged the lascivious nature of his image to promote the Nevermind album, the band, and Nirvana's music, while earning, at a minimum, tens of millions of dollars in the aggregate."

"There is no doubt that Elden's claims will fail on the merits," the band's lawyers said, claiming that too much time has passed since the release of the album for Elden to sue.

The motion to dismiss filed by the band argued that Elden has sold signed copies of the album and has reenacted the same photograph for paid gigs, making any psychological damage claimed by the now-30-year-old meaningless.

Adele Tearfully Announces Postponement Of Las Vegas Residency

January 23, 2022 7:00 am

Global superstar Adele recently shared a tearful message announcing the postponement of her Las Vegas residency as a result of Covid-related production delays.

"I'm so sorry, but my show ain't ready," Adele says in the video posted on social media. "We've tried absolutely everything we can to put it together in time and for it to be good enough for you, but we've been absolutely destroyed by delivery delays and COVID."

"Half my crew, half my team is down with Covid. They still are, and it's been impossible to finish the show," she adds. "And I can't give you what I have right now, and I'm gutted."

Adele apologized for the last-minute announcement, which came just a day before the residency was originally scheduled to kick off on Friday, January 21.

The "Easy On Me" singer promised all 24 dates of the "Weekends With Adele" residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace will be rescheduled.

(Photo: Simon Emmett)

All dates will be rescheduled More info coming soon ?? pic.twitter.com/k0A4lXhW5l
— Adele (@Adele) January 20, 2022

Legendary 'Bat Out Of Hell' Rocker Meat Loaf Dead At 74

January 23, 2022 4:00 am

Legendary rock singer and actor Meat Loaf died Thursday night, January 20, at the age of 74, his longtime agent Michael Greene confirmed.

Greene released a statement revealing that Meat Loaf passed away surrounded by his wife Deborah, daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends.

"We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man," Greene said.

"We thank you for your understanding of our need for privacy at this time," he added. "From his heart to your souls.don't ever stop rocking!"

Born Marvin Lee Aday, Meat Loaf has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and starred in dozens of movies, including Fight Club, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Wayne's World.

Meat Loaf's debut album Bat Out of Hell remains one of the top 10 selling albums of all time, while he won a Grammy for the song "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)."

Judas Priest Announce Andy Sneap's Return As Touring Guitarist

January 23, 2022 2:00 am

Judas Priest has decided to reinstate electric guitar player Andy Sneap into the touring lineup for their upcoming trek.

In a statement last week, the rock band announced that they were planning to resume their 50 Heavy Metal Years tour in March as "an even more powerful, relentless four-piece heavy metal band," consisting of singer Rob Halford, guitarist Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis with occasional appearances from retired guitarist Glenn Tipton.

Sneap had said he was "incredibly disappointed" over Judas Priest's decision to tour as a quartet.

Following backlash from fans, the band issued another statement, saying, "Hello metal maniacs. given all that has recently evolved and transpired, we have decided unanimously as a band to continue our live shows unchanged with Rob, Ian, Richie, Scott, Andy and Glenn joining us whenever he's able."

"So see you all soon as we forge ahead celebrating 50 massive heavy metal years of Judas Priest together," the statement added.

Judas Priest are set to resume their 50th anniversary tour on March 4.

Avril Lavigne Drops 'Love It When You Hate Me' From Newly Announced Album

January 22, 2022 7:00 am

Following "Bite Me" Avril Lavigne has dropped her next single in collaboration with blackbear, titled "Love It When You Hate Me."

The song features on her seventh full-length album, Love Sux, which is scheduled to release on February 25, via Travis Barker's DTA and Elektra Records.

The album also features Machine Gun Kelly and Blink-182's Mark Hoppus.

The video shows the Canadian superstar entangled in the madness and chaos of a toxic relationship as she sings along with blackbear, "Don't call me baby/I love it when you hate me/I know it's crazy/I love it when you hate me/The highs the lows the yes, the no's/You're so hot when you get cold."

Shortly after the release, Avril took to Twitter with video footage of herself grooving to the track while sitting in a car.

Meanwhile, Lavigne is set to embark on her 2022 world tour, which starts in Amsterdam on February 26 and finishes in Victoria, California, on May 25.

(Photo: David Needleman)

Whitesnake's David Coverdale Sells Catalog To Round Hill Music

January 22, 2022 5:00 am

Whitesnake frontman and Deep Purple lead singer David Coverdale has sold his music publishing, master rights and master rights royalties to Round Hill Music Royalty Fund Ltd.

Round Hill has also entered into a long-term administration agreement for the neighboring rights income from the catalog of Coverdale.

Coverdale is best known for being the frontman of Whitesnake, of which he was also a founding member. He was also the lead singer of Deep Purple from 1973 to 1976.

The acquired catalog includes recordings from Coverdale's career as a solo artist and as the frontman of Whitesnake. It also includes master royalty participation from recordings during Coverdale's tenure as the lead singer of Deep Purple.

Whitesnake hits in the agreement include "Here I Go Again", "Is This Love", "Crying In The Rain", "Still Of The Night" and "Fool For Your Loving"

(Photo: Ralph Arvesen)

Katy Perry Announced As Musical Guest For 'Saturday Night Live'

January 22, 2022 2:00 am

Katy Perry has been confirmed as musical guest on "Saturday Night Live" later this month.

The pop superstar is set to appear on the January 29-date episode, which will be hosted by actor Willem Dafoe, who recently reprised his role of Green Goblin/Norman Osborn in Marvel blockbuster Spider-Man: No Way Home.

The appearance will mark Perry's fourth time performing on the show following her performances in 2010, 2013 and 2017, while Dafoe will be making his debut.

"Live from New York, it's PLAY," Perry tweeted while sharing the iconic corkboard SNL post with her and Dafoe's names pinned to it. "Can't wait to bring my slice of Sin City to the Big Apple (and ur [TV])."

Meanwhile, the Italian rock band Måneskin will make their SNL debut as the January 22-dated show's musical guest, which will be hosted by former SNL cast member, actor and comedian Will Forte.

(Photo: Katy Perry/Instagram)

Eddie Vedder Shares New Solo Single 'Brother The Cloud'

January 21, 2022 10:05 pm

Eddie Vedder recently released a new solo single entitled "Brother the Cloud."

The song will feature on the Pearl Jam singer's highly anticipated new album, Earthling, which is set to drop on February 11 via Seattle Surf/Republic Records.

The album features contributions from Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Ringo Starr, Glen Hansard, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer.

Earthling, which was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Andrew Watt, is Vedder's first album since 2011's Ukulele Songs. Vedder had previously dropped "Long Way" and "The Haves" from the Earthling.

Vedder is also set to embark on a tour next month in support of the album.

Earthling Track List:

01. Invincible02. Power of Right03. Long Way04. Brother the Cloud05. Fallout Today06. The Dark07. The Haves08. Good and Evil09. Rose of Jericho10. Try11. Picture [ft. Elton John]12. Mrs. Mills13. On My Way

(Photo: Danny Clinch)

Lionel Richie To Receive Library Of Congress Gershwin Prize

January 19, 2022 12:00 am

Pop music icon Lionel Richie will be awarded with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced that Richie will be honored with an all-star tribute concert in Washington, D.C., that will be broadcast nationally on PBS stations on May 17.

A songwriting superstar of the first order, Richie is known for his mega-hits such as "Endless Love," "Lady," "Truly," "All Night Long," "Penny Lover," "Stuck on You," "Hello," "Say You, Say Me," and "Dancing on the Ceiling." He co-wrote one of the most important pop songs in history, "We Are the World," for USA for Africa.

Richie has mentored young artists as a judge on ABC's "American Idol" for the past four seasons and is set to return for the show's 20th season.

"In so many ways, this national honor was made for Lionel Richie whose music has entertained and inspired us - and helped strengthen our global connections," Hayden said. "Lionel Richie's unforgettable work has shown us that music can bring us together. Even when we face problems and disagree on issues, songs can show us what we have in common."

Richie's songs are part of the fabric of pop music and American culture. The Tuskegee, Alabama, native has sold more than 125 million albums worldwide. He has won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, four Grammy Awards, the distinction of MusicCares Person of the Year in 2016, and was a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2017.