Music News

Instruments From U2, Paul McCartney, Elton John & Many More Being Auctioned For Charity

November 28, 2021 4:02 am

Musical instruments used by U2, Paul McCartney, Elton John and several other music stars are set to be auctioned off to benefit the Music Rising charity.

Music Rising was formed by U2's The Edge and producer Bob Ezrin in 2005 to aid musicians devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

The Edge and Ezrin have collected guitars and other musical instruments from McCartney, Rush, Radiohead, Pearl Jam, Joe Walsh, Green Day, Ron Wood, Dave Grohl, Tom Morello, Noel Gallagher, Joan Jett, and many others.

The auction, titled "Guitars Icons: A Musical Instrument Auction to Benefit Music Rising," is set to take place on December 11 at Van Eaton Galleries in Los Angeles.

The auction will see a 2005 Limited Edition Gibson Les Paul Music Rising guitar that the Edge played during "One" on the Joshua Tree tours of 2017 and 2019 along with many other shows.

A custom signature Fender Stratocaster that Edge used on "Bad" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" in 2017 and 2019, Adam Clayton's Fender Standard Precision Bass he used on "A Sort of Homecoming," "Bullet The Blue Sky," "Running to Stand Still" and "One Tree Hill" in 2017, and Bono's Custom Gibson ES-175 Electric Guitar he played throughout the Zoo TV tour on "The Fly" and "Angel of Harlem," will also come under the hammer.

Midnight Oil Announce New Album 'Resist,' Final Tour

November 28, 2021 1:02 am

Australian rock band Midnight Oil recently announced a new album and a Farewell Tour.

Midnight Oil announced that a chapter of their half-a-century long career will come to a memorable close next year with the release of a 12-song LP they recorded with late bass player Bones Hillman and a series of big gigs. Both are titled Resist.

The band also announced that this will be their final concert tour while making it clear that this does not mean the end of the Oils.

Each of the members will continue their own projects over the years ahead. They also remain very open to recording new music together in the future and supporting causes in which they believe.

The tour will see them perform classic Midnight Oil songs from across their repertoire while also showcasing some "urgent new works."

Resist engages with the issues of today and tomorrow - like the lead single "Rising Seas," which tackles the climate crisis in typically uncompromising fashion.

The album pre-order and Australasian tickets will go on-sale beginning November 30.

Midnight Oil said they are also planning a handful of international concerts, subject to Covid restrictions.

Drummer Rob Hirst says, "If I look back, I see a blur of familiar names and faces: Jim, Pete, Martin, Bear and me, slamming loud prog-pop in a Chatswood garage; Giffo, magnificent, rocking back and forth at his first Royal Antler gig; Bonesy, headphones on, singing, lounging on the deck learning our catalogue."

"I see our managers in their offices; our folks-in-the-engine-room; our wives and trusted friends, and the tiny faces of the 'Baby Oils'; and the first two rows of a thousand gigs: Midnight Oil fans, pumping, jumping, singing louder than the band...But I don't look back," he added.

Resist will be Midnight Oil's 15th studio album.

A Midnight Oil special performance on "The Sound" is set to air on Sunday at 5:30 pm on ABC TV or ABC iview.

Don McClean Reacts To Taylor Swift Breaking Record For Longest Billboard Hot 100 No. 1

November 27, 2021 11:02 pm

Don McLean has graciously reacted to Taylor Swift breaking his long-held record for the longest song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The 10-minute 13 second version of "All Too Well (Taylor's Version)" recently broke the record held by McLean's 8 minute and 42 seconds-long song "American Pie" since 1972.

"Let's face it, nobody ever wants to lose that #1 spot, but if I had to lose it to somebody, I sure am glad it was another great singer/songwriter such as Taylor," McLean said in a statement posted on social media.

"There is something to be said for a great song that has staying power. 'American Pie' remained on top for 50 years and now Taylor Swift has unseated such a historic piece of artistry," he told Billboard.

Upon breaking the nearly 50-year record, an elated Taylor shared her joy with her fans on Twitter on Monday.

"I'm so proud of this song and the memories I have with you guys because of it. You truly chose this one and now you did THIS?! I'm floored. A ten minute song is at the top of the Hot 100," the singer-songwriter tweeted.

Elton John Announces Special Homecoming Shows At Watford FC's Vicarage Road

November 27, 2021 7:02 am

Iconic musician Sir Elton John has added two special hometown shows at Watford FC's stadium Vicarage Road to his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.

The singer will play at Vicarage Road in June to wrap up the European leg of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. Elton has previously performed at the stadium several times, including in 1974, 2005 and 2010.

Elton became the chairman of Watford Football Club in 1976 and now has the role of an Honorary Life-President. One of the stands at Vicarage Road is named the Sir Elton John Stand.

"I simply had to play Vicarage Road a final time as part of my Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour," John said in a statement. "My relationship with the club, with the fans, the players and the staff over the years have meant the world to me. Through the good times and the bad, Watford have been a huge part of my life.

"I love the club so dearly, and have had some of the best days of my life in those stands - these shows are going to be so incredibly emotional, and to spend them surrounded by my fellow Watford fans will be wonderful," he added. "We've been on quite the journey together. Come on you 'Orns!"

Post Malone, The Killers & Pearl Jam Among Lollapalooza Stockholm Headliners

November 27, 2021 6:00 am

Post Malone, The Killers, and Pearl Jam have been announced as headliners for the 2022 edition of Lollapalooza Stockholm.

Next year's Lollapalooza Stockholm is set to take place in the Swedish capital on July 1-3. Tickets for the 2022 festival are on sale now via LollaStockholm.com.

Other artists set to perform include Imagine Dragons, Doja Cat, Glass Animals, Kacey Musgraves, Lewis Capaldi, Måneskin, Kaleo, Jimmy Eat World, Modest Mouse, HAIM, Biffy Clyro, Turnstile, Wolf Alice, White Reaper, Kennyhoopla, and Alice in Chains' Jerry Cantrell.

Pearl Jam and The Killers were previously scheduled to play Lolla Stockholm in 2020 before it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brian Wilson Shares 'Right Where I Belong' Featuring My Morning Jacket's Jim James

November 27, 2021 5:00 am

Brian Wilson has released a new song, "Right Where I Belong," featuring My Morning Jacket's Jim James.

The song was written by Wilson for the soundtrack of the Beach Boy's upcoming documentary Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road.

Wilson revealed that he wrote the song as requested by the film's director Brent Wilson and Rolling Stone editor Jason Fine.

"I enjoyed working on the song with Jim. He was the perfect collaborator," he added.

Wilson's music has "always held a place of such divine importance," James said in a statement.

"It has always been there with me in celebrating life's greatest triumphs and has also sustained me through some of my darkest hours," he added. "His spirit and life story have taught us all to never give up and to always listen to and honor the spirit of each of our own unique creative souls."

Bryan Adams Tests Positive For Covid For Second Time In A Month

November 27, 2021 1:00 am

Bryan Adams has tested positive for Covid for the second time in a month. The veteran Canadian rock star is currently hospitalized in Italy.

"Here I am, just arrived in Milano, and I've tested positive for the second time in a month for Covid," Adams wrote in an Instagram post from Milan's Malpensa airport. "So it's off to the hospital for me. Thanks for all your support."

The post was accompanied by a photo of him waiting for an ambulance with his baggage, wearing a mask.

Adams, who is also a photographer, arrived in Italy to promote Pirelli's 2022 fashion calendar.

This is the second infection for the "Summer of 69" singer within a month, despite having received both doses of vaccine.

Adams was first infected with the deadly virus on October 30, forcing him to pull out from his scheduled appearance at Tina Turner's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

(Photo: BMG)

Adele's '30' Beats Drake's 'Certified Lover Boy' For Biggest Week Of 2021

November 26, 2021 11:00 pm

Adele's latest and fourth studio album 30 has surpassed Drake's Certified Lover Boy to become this year's biggest debut.

According to MRC Data's initial reports, 30 has earned more than 660,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. from its November 19 release through November 22, with over 560,000 of that sum in traditional album sales.

Meanwhile, Drake's Certified Lover Boy had debuted with 613,000 units in the week ending September 9.

The current tracking week ends on Thursday, November 25. Billboard is scheduled to announce the album's official final first-week numbers on Sunday, November 28.

Undoubtedly, 30 is set to debut atop the Billboard 200 albums chart dated December 4, which will earn Adele her third No. 1. She previously topped the chart with her last two studio albums: 25 and 21.

Adele's 'Easy On Me' With Chris Stapleton Debuts On Billboard's Country Airplay Chart

November 26, 2021 8:02 am

Pop superstar Adele's "Easy on Me," featuring Chris Stapleton, has entered the Billboard's Country Airplay chart.

The song debuted at No. 25 with 5.4 million audience impressions, according to MRC Data. This is Adele's first entry on a Billboard country chart.

"Easy on Me," which dropped on October 14, is a single from Adele's latest studio album 30, which dropped on November 19 via Columbia Records. The song has spent four weeks atop the all-genre Billboard Hot 100.

Meanwhile, Adele appears on her 17th Billboard airplay chart, among 25 active airplay surveys published throughout the year.

(Photo: Simon Emmett)

Ozzy Osbourne Postpones U.K., European Tour With Judas Priest To 2023

November 26, 2021 1:00 am

Ozzy Osbourne's U.K. and European tour has once again been postponed to May 2023 in the wake of a surge in Covid cases in Europe.

The tour, which was originally planned to be held in 2019, was previously moved to January 2022 due to the pandemic.

"Due to the ongoing uncertainty with full capacity events and travel logistics in much of Europe, we have come to the difficult decision to postpone my 2022 tour to 2023," Ozzy said in a statement.

"Original tickets remain valid for the new dates. I want to thank all of you and Judas Priest for your continued patience and support," he added, referring to the band that is guesting on the tour.

New dates:

May

June

(Photo: Alberto Cabello)

The Eagles Announce 2022 'Hotel California' Tour Dates

November 25, 2021 8:00 am

Rock legends The Eagles have announced the dates for their Hotel California 2022 Tour.

The concerts, spread over February-March 2022, have been set for Savannah, George; Charlotte, North Carolina; Orlando, Florida; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Tampa, Florida; Raleigh, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; and Austin, Texas.

Each show will feature Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, Deacon Frey and Vince Gill playing the band's epic 1976 album Hotel California, accompanied by an orchestra and choir, along with an additional set of the Eagle's greatest hits.

Tickets go on sale on December 3, at 10 AM local time. A variety of presales and a limited number of VIP packages are available starting December 2. VIP packages include premium seats, exclusive merchandise, parking & more.

Tour Dates:

Feb. 19 - Savannah, GA @ Enmarket ArenaFeb. 21 - Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum CenterFeb. 24 - Orlando, FL @ Amway CenterFeb. 25 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ FLA Live ArenaFeb. 28 - Tampa, FL @ Amalie ArenaMarch 2 - Raleigh, NC @ PNC ArenaMarch 4 - Atlanta, GA @ State Farm ArenaMay 19 - Austin, TX @ Moody Center ATX

Metallica Version Of Mystery Game 'Clue' Unveiled

November 25, 2021 5:00 am

Heavy metal icons Metallica have unveiled their own version of the classic mystery board game, "Clue."

"We're partnering with the iconic American mystery game to bring you Metallica Clue!" the metal rock band wrote on Instagram as they introduced the new game.

The game will revolve around retrieving a key piece of equipment which has gone missing during sessions for Metallica's next album.

A description of the game on the band's website reads: The band and crew are back at HQ to record Metallica's next album, but with all the excitement, a key piece of equipment has gone missing! As the hours tick by, the group grows more and more eager to begin. They decide to split up and scour the building for any trace of their missing equipment. Find out WHAT piece has gone missing, WHERE it's hiding, and WHO finds it so the recording session can get back on track!

The available players are Papa Het, Duder, Mr. Ripper, Dr. Groove, The Engineer, and Col. William. Guitar, bass, snare drum, wah pedal, microphone, and computer are the pieces of equipment included in the Metallica Clue board game.

The game, designed by the artist Maxx242, is available for $49.99.

Lady Gaga 'Utterly Speechless' After Tony Bennett Collab Earns 6 Grammy Nominations

November 25, 2021 2:00 am

Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett's album Love for Sale has received six nominations for this year's Grammy Awards.

The pop star shared her joy and excitement over the news on Instagram, writing, "Thank you so much to the @RecordingAcademy for these 6 nominations for Love For Sale. I am stunned and shocked and beyond grateful

"I don't know what to say. I just keep crying and am utterly speechless," she added.

"This means so much to me, @itstonybennett, the Bennetts, my family, jazz music, and the great Cole Porter who wrote all these timeless classics," Gaga captioned a picture showing her holding Bennett.

The 35-year-old singer-songwriter thanked all the Grammy voters for recognizing her and Bennet's "dedication to jazz music and for also recognizing it in major categories where this music is often not nominated."

Love For Sale was nominated in the Album Of The Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, and Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical) categories, while a song from the album, "I Get A Kick Out Of You" received nominations for Best Music Video and Record Of The Year.

(Photo: Kelsey Bennett)

Recording Academy Reveals Nominees For 2022 Grammy Awards

November 24, 2021 11:00 pm

The Recording Academy recently announced the full list of nominees for the 2022 Grammy Awards.

Jon Batiste is the most-nominated artist this year, earning a whopping 11 nominations.

Justin Bieber, Doja Cat and H.E.R. are tied for second-most nominated, with eight each.

Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo tie for third-most nominations, with each earning seven nods.

Rodrigo received nominations in all four of the main categories - best album, best new artist, record of the year and song of the year, for "Drivers License."

Other best new artist nominees include Arooj Aftab, Jimmie Allen, Baby Keem, FINNEAS, Glass Animals, Japanese Breakfast, The Kid Laroi, Saweetie and Arlo Parks.

The race for record of the year is going to be tight, with ABBA, Batiste, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, Brandi Carlile, Lil Nas X, Eilish, Doja Cat and SZA, Rodrigo, Silk Sonic, and Bieber, Daniel Caesar and Giveon delivering equally impactful tunes.

Batiste's WE ARE, Bennett and Lady Gaga's Love for Sale, Bieber's Justice (Triple Chucks Deluxe), Doja Cat's Planet Her (Deluxe), Eilish's Happier Than Ever, H.E.R.'s Back of My Mind, Lil Nas X's Montero, Rodrigo's Sour, Taylor Swift's Evermore and Kanye West's Donda have been nominated for album Of the year.

Ed Sheeran ("Bad Habits"), Alicia Keys feat. Brandi Carlile ("A Beautiful Noise"), Olivia Rodrigo ("drivers license"), H.E.R. ("Fight for You"), Billie Eilish ("Happier Than Ever"), Doja Cat feat. SZA ("Kiss Me More"), Silk Sonic ("Leave The Door Open"), Lil Nas X ("MONTERO [Call Me By Your Name]"), Justin Bieber feat. Daniel Caesar and Giveon ("Peaches") and Brandi Carlile ("Right On Time") are nominated for the song Of the year award.

"I Get A Kick Out Of You" by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, "Lonely" by Justin Bieber & Benny Blanco, "Butter" by BTS, "Higher Power" by Coldplay, "Kiss Me More" by Doja Cat Featuring SZA have received nominations in the best pop duo/group performance category.

JAY-Z added three more nominations this year, bringing his career total to 83. With that, the rapper has become the most-nominated artist in the history of the Grammys.

That officially makes JAY-Z and Beyoncé the most-nominated couple in Grammy history, as Bey is the most-nominated female with 79.

Nearly 60 years after receiving his first Grammy nomination, 95-year-old music icon Tony Bennett received five more nominations in 2021.

In all, the Academy announced nominations for 86 categories for the 64th Grammy Awards, to be held on January 31.

Tanya O'Callaghan Replaces Michael Devin As Whitesnake Bassist

November 24, 2021 6:00 am

Whitesnake have parted ways with long-time bassist Michael Devin ahead of their farewell tour and replaced him with Irish bassist Tanya O'Callaghan.

"Whitesnake & bassist Michael Devin have decided to go their separate ways after an amazingly successful decade together...," the British rock band announced on social media.

Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale recalled that along with numerous tours, Devin applied his talent to studio albums Forevermore, The Purple Album and Flesh & Blood.

"We sincerely thank him for being part of our journey & for all his exceptional gifts he brought to Whitesnake," he added.

Devin is leaving Whitesnake after a decade with the group.

In an update a couple of days later, Whitesnake announced the replacement for Devin.

"A whirling dervish of a performer whom we feel will bring a fresh, new, exciting musicality & welcome energy to the band, both in the studio & onstage. here she is. Irish born & bred. the one & only. Tanya O'Callaghan," Coverdale said in a welcome note, describing the new bassist as "The Irish Tornado."

O'Callaghan said it is an absolute honor to be joining Whitesnake/David Coverdale for their worldwide farewell tour in 2022/23.

"This small town gal still pinches herself over the amount of legends I've had the joy to work, tour and record with over the past few years since I made the terrifying solo leap across the Pacific with no clue how everything would unfold," O'Callaghan said.

"It's been a wild ride and just when I thought it couldn't get any better, who calls, only feckin' WHITESNAKE!" she added. "And the best part, to step into the snake shoes of my bass brothers Rudy Sarzo, Tony Franklin Neil Murray and Michael Devin ... are you kidding me...what a f#*king honor beyond belief!!! My heart is exploding."

O'Callaghan is an established freelance bassist, speaker and activist, touring and guesting on pop, funk, R&B and blues projects with various bands.

She will be joining the legendary artists during their Farewell Tour, starting on May 27, 2022, in Germany.

(Photo: Jody Wilk Photography)

'James Taylor In Concert' Coming To YouTube For Thanksgiving

November 24, 2021 3:00 am

The one hour 1971 BBC concert film James Taylor In Concert will premiere on YouTube on Wednesday, November 24, at 7:30 pm ET.

The concert film features special guest appearances including Carole King, Danny Kortchmar, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkel and Jo Mama.

"James Taylor In Concert," which is marking its 50th anniversary, will be available for on-demand viewing through the Thanksgiving weekend until November 29.

Taylor, who is currently on a U.S. tour with special guest Jackson Browne, will take a break during the Thanksgiving week.

The tour will resume next Monday with a show at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, and continue until December 13.

Taylor and Browne are set to embark on an extensive Canadian tour in April 2022, followed by Taylor's rescheduled European tour in September.

(Photo: Norman Seeff)

Guitars Played By Eric Clapton, U2's The Edge & More Sell For Over $5 Million

November 24, 2021 1:00 am

Guitars played by Erick Clapton, U2's The Edge, and Amy Winehouse fetched over $5 million at a recent auction.

The auction, titled Julien's Auctions' Icons & Idols: Rock N' Roll, took place on November 20 and 21. The highest bid went to Clapton's acoustic guitar, used during his time with Derek & The Dominoes. The guitar received a winning bid of $625,000. Clapton's handwritten lyrics for "Layla" sold for $37,500.

The Edge's 1976 Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar, used during the band's 1987 The Joshua Tree tour, was sold for $437,500, while a guitar used by his U2 bandmate Bono was sold for $115,000.

The Fender Stratocaster used by Winehouse on stage and in the video for "Take The Box" received a bid of $153,000. A guitar used by Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, used throughout the cycle of the band's 1987 album, A Momentary Lapse Of Reason, sold for $200,000.

Meanwhile, some items that were previously advertised were not auctioned off, including artwork by Kurt Cobain and Robert Plant's handwritten lyrics for Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir."

(Photo: Julien's Auctions)

Foo Fighters Share 'Love Dies Young' Video Starring Jason Sudeikis

November 23, 2021 8:02 am

Foo Fighters recently shared a new music video for "Love Dies Young" starring Jason Sudeikis.

In the music video, Sudeikis plays a synchronized swimming coach. He gives a pep talk to five swimmers in the start of the video, who are later revealed to be the band's members. Sudeikis sports a blonde wig and mustache and an American flag jacket.

"How lucky are we? We get to do something that we love, that we are good at. How lucky are we?" Sudeikis' character says in a locker room. "You get to do your synchro, I get to coach you. I get to coach champions. Potential champions."

Sudeikis then starts yelling at his team, shouting, "This is the most important competition of your lives. I yell at you because I love you. You listen to me because you love me."

"Is this a weird dynamic? Yeah sure, from the outside - to losers. I picked you up out of the water by the scruffs of your necks, and I looked at you and I said, 'You will be a champion!' Or not," he adds before the opening guitar riff to "Love Dies Young" starts playing.

"Love Dies Young" appears on Foo Fighters' 10th studio album Medicine At Midnight, which dropped in February.

(Photo: Brantley Gutierrez)

The Human League Celebrate 40th Anniversary Of 'Don't You Want Me' With New Remix

November 23, 2021 7:02 am

The Human League have released a remix of their classic hit "Don't You Want Me" in celebration of the track's 40th anniversary.

The English trio teamed up with German DJ and producer Purple Disco Machine for the revamped version of the 80's hit.

"I can't say how happy I am with the Purple Disco Machine remix of 'Don't You Want Me,' because my favorite pop music ever is Disco," explained The Human League's lead singer Phil Oakey.

"I've been following Tino Schmidt for a few years, both for his original songs and his terrific remixes," he continued. "Although I'm happy with those remixes that are a completely alternate take to the original I'm really knocked out that Tino's mix is the first since the original that totally understands the spirit and enhances it while bringing our track right up to date, standing powerfully up against my favorite contemporary dance tunes."

"And now I'm going to listen to it again, as loud as the neighbors will stand!" "I am absolutely honored to remix 'Don't You Want Me,'" added Purple Disco Machine. "It is quite simply one of the best records ever made and I've been desperate to play a version in my DJ sets for years."

"Don't You Want Me" was released on November 27, 1981 as the fourth single from the band's third studio album Dare. The song turned out to be the group's most popular and most commercially successful single.

It was the biggest selling U.K. single of 1981, that year's Christmas No. 1, and has since sold over 1.56 million copies in the U.K., making it the 23rd-most successful single in U.K. Singles Chart history.

It also topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. on July 3, 1982, where it stayed for three weeks.

(Photo: Wall Of Sound)

Hulu Shares First Trailer For 'Pam & Tommy'

November 23, 2021 5:02 am

Video streaming service Hulu recently released the first trailer for its upcoming biographical miniseries "Pam & Tommy."

The series revolves around the infamous 1995 sex tape drama involving Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee and "Baywatch" actress Pamela Anderson. Lee and Anderson famously had shot a sex tape on their honeymoon, which was stolen from their home by an electrician.

Lily James plays the role of Anderson, while Sebastian Stan stars as Lee.

"Not a big deal to me? I'm on that tape, same as you," Lee (Stan) is seen saying in the trailer, as the couple realize the tape is spreading across the internet. "No, not like me you're not," Anderson (James) responds.

Seth Rogen, Nick Offerman, Taylor Schilling, Andrew Dice Clay, Pepi Sonuga, Spencer Granese and Mozhan Marnò also star in the eight-part series, executive produced by Rogen and creative partner Evan Goldberg and directed by Craig Gillespie.

The "Pam & Tommy" series premieres on February 2, 2022.

(Photo: Hulu)