Elton John Say’s Sorry to His Ex-Wife
June 28, 2008 – Oh, this was the stuff made for movies. Elton John, who most people in the industry knew was gay, marries a woman. It was only a matter of time before everyone knew the whole thing was a sham. Elton hooked up with sound engineer Renate Blauel in Sydney in 1984 and he now says he’s really sorry for putting his wife through that whole thing. He told VH1, "She is the classiest woman I have ever met and I do love her desperately, but it wasn't to be. I was living a lie. I'm not exactly proud of that, to say the least." Blauel is now a recluse in Surrey, UK but no one knows if she’s in hiding because of the failed relationship. She was the sound engineer on Human League’s album ‘Hysteria.’
The couple had no children. – By John Beaudin


Extreme’s Original Line-up Reunites for New Album in August
June 27, 2008 – Let’s hope this reunion works out better than the Van Halen III era. Former Van Halen vocalist, Gary Cherone, is getting back together with his original band ‘Extreme’ with original line up of Nuno Bettencourt on guitar, Pat Badger on bass with new drummer Kevin Figueiredo. Their new album
'Saudades de Rock' will be released on August 9th.  Extreme’s biggest album 'Pornograffiti' sold 2 million and had two pretty big hits (‘More Than Words' and 'Hole Hearted') that still get loads of airplay. ‘Saudades’ will be the bands fifth album, their first in 13 years.

Cherone was Van Halens third lead singer after David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar and the Van Halen III is considered a dark spot in the band history. – By John Beaudin

Don’t Expect to See Phil Collins at Billy Joel’s ‘Moving Out’
June 26, 2008 – Phil Collins thinks that artists should only use their tunes in live concert tours. The former Genesis singer says he doesn’t approve of acts digging into the vaults to have their songs land on Broadway shows. He’s into writing new tunes for new shows like he did for Tarzan, “I would like to do a Broadway musical, well, not even Broadway, just a musical.  I wouldn’t use my own songs, I don’t really approve of that. I don’t think it’s something I would want to get involved in.” In 1999, he scored the Disney ‘Tarzan’ film and wrote additional songs for the 2006 stage presentation in New York. Collins also said that the new German version of the ‘Tarzan’ would be a bit more sexy, not X-rated or anything but more racy. Though Phil recently announced his retirement from touring as a solo artist and Genesis he points out that he will continue to write new tunes and possibly record. – By John Beaudin

Leona Lewis and Anthony Kiedis have been named the Sexiest Vegetarians of 2008.
June 26, 2008 – Sure, winning a Grammy is cool but being Sexiest Vegetarian has to be a close second. Leona Lewis and Red Hot Chili Peppers lead singer, Anthony Keidis, have just received the honor or curious distinction from animal rights group PETA. The results were based on an online pole. Lewis, famous for the hit tune ‘Bleeding Love’ hasn’t eaten meat since she was twelve told the press, "I am totally against animal cruelty. I am vegetarian so I don't have clothes, shoes, or bags made from leather or suede or any animal products. I'm on a mission."
Other nominees included Abbie Cornish, Kristen Bell, Casey Affleck, Hayden Panettiere and Milo Ventimiglia.
Kiedis said, "I saw some documentary footage of what happens in the factory farming of cows. It sealed the deal.”

Last year’s winners were American Idol’s Carrie Underwood and Kevin Eubanks from the Tonight Show – Who thought Kevin Eubanks was sexy? I want names! – By John Beaudin

Guns ‘n’ Roses ‘Chinese Democracy’ Leaks onto Internet
June 25, 2008 – That’s what you get for making us wait 101 years for an album! The new Gun ‘n’ Roses album has leaked onto the internet. In fact, it’s become one of the most bootlegged albums in the world. So far no one knows if the fast-swapped version on the net is the actual finished product but it’s some sort of reasonable, hand-drawn facsimile. Remember we reported a few months ago that leader Axl Rose had handed over the finished product of the album to Geffen but the parent company has done nothing with it yet.  Is it any good?  Also, Axl and company have now signed on with Azoff Management who has also worked with the Eagles, Neil Diamond and Van Halen among others.

It’s nuts but Rose actually started ‘Chinese Democracy' over 14 years ago and the price tag for the album is $15 million. – By John Beaudin

This is the track listing of the current bootlegged version of ‘Chinese Democracy.’
1 - The Blues
2 - Catcher in the Rye
3 - Chinese Democracy
4 - IRS
5 - Madagascar
6 - Oh My God
7 - Rhiad and the Bedouins
8 - Silkworms
9 - There Was A Time

Congrats to Al Green Gets Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards
June 25, 2008 – No one argues when Al Green get an award! The famous soul singer got the big one last night at the BET awards in Los Angeles.  He also proved that great performers stay humble (take a hint Kanye) as Green actually apologized for his performance saying, "I'm sorry I didn't sing as well as I could. I got
scared."

The great Quincy Jones picked up the Humanitarian Award and Humble-Howard, Kanye West was Best Male Hip-Hop Artist and Best Collaboration for 'Good Life' with T-Pain. Also Rihanna’s not so secret boyfriend Chris Brown was Best Male R&B Artist. Alicia Keys who won Best Female R&B Artist made us wince once again with her over the top speech, "I just want to say that we are so incredible, we are such an incredible
people. We are so beautiful and fly, and everybody wants to be like us. I
mostly want to thank all of you that are watching and standing here right
now. Without you, I really, really appreciate you very much. I want to
dedicate this to all the other nominees, because we put so much heart and
soul into everything." Yeah, Alicia, we all want to be as pretentious as you. – By John Beaudin

BET 2008 winners:

Video of the Year: UGK featuring Outkast, 'International Player's Anthem (I
Choose You)'
Best Male R'n'B Artist: Chris Brown
Best Female R'n'B Artist: Alicia Keys
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Kanye West
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Missy Elliott
Best Gospel Artist: Marvin Sapp
Best New Artist: The-Dream
Best Group: UGK
Best Collaboration: Kanye West featuring T-Pain, 'Good Life'
Best Video Director: Erykah Badu and Mr. Roboto
Viewers' Choice Award: Lil Wayne featuring Static, 'Lollipop'
BET J Award: Raheem DeVaughn
Best Actor: Denzel Washington
Best Actress: Halle Berry
Female Athlete of the Year: Candace Parker
Male Athlete of the Year: Kobe Bryant

Amy Winehouse Has Emphysema
June 24, 2008 – Things just keep going from bad to worse for Amy Winehouse so it wasn’t such a surprise for most of us on hearing news that the singer has developed emphysema. In fact, some people are predicting she could be dead within 3 months. Winehouse collapsed in her home last week and has been warned that if she doesn’t quit drugs she could be in a wheelchair with an oxygen mask in tow to help her breathe. Her father Mitch said, “To think this could be my beautiful 24-year-old daughter's life is preposterous. But if drugs mean more to her than breathing properly, then so be it. The doctors have told her if she goes back to smoking drugs it won't just ruin her voice, it will kill her. It’s in its early stage but had it gone on for another month they painted a very vivid picture of her sitting there with a mask on her face struggling to breathe.” – By Kari Graham

Coldplay Tops Both UK and US Charts For the First Time
June 23, 2008 – Even though reviews have been lacklustre for the new album 'Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends’ things are looking good for Coldplay as they enter both UK and US singles charts with the albums title track. Also a week later the album is No. 1 in many countries around the world. The band’s drummer Will Champion said, "We are thrilled to have our first number one single in the UK and to be number one on both sides of the Atlantic makes it all the more special. Fingers crossed for the quadruple." – By John Beaudin

Ronnie Wood Tries Raising Cash on EBAY
June 26, 2008 – Before Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood was a rock star he studied at London’s Ealing Art College and he wanted to be an artist. Let’s just say we’re glad he quit his day job. Wood has been trying to sell some of his new art on EBAY without much luck. A new painting of his former Faces band mates including Rod Stewart failed to reach even half of its reserve price of £1,300 so it was pulled last week.  Wood said, “We had such a great reaction from the last listing but it ended too quickly! So here it is again - your chance to snap up a real Ronnie print framed and ready to be hung, featuring your favorite rocker and his pal Rod.” The only problem was even the second time it didn’t sell. – By John Beaudin

Avril Lavigne Learns How to Cancel Shows and Gives You the Finger at the Same Time
June 22, 2008 – Oh Avril, you got issues girl! Sure, she’s has a jolly old time treating the press like crap, giving the royal bird to fans and now maybe we’re fed up with her? Concert sales on her current tour were not great and lately she’s been cancelling shows with rumours of wild drinking parties. She cancelled a show in Barcelona on Sunday and according to Perez Hilton.com the reason was the singer was “in a state of "indisposition." Perez wrote, “Bitch, please ! Avril cancels concerts as often as she changes underwear (which may not be a lot or may be too much, depending on how you look at it).” – by John Beaudin


Sheryl Crow Eating Crow
June 21, 2008 – Everything loses its shine and it looks like Sheryl Crow better get Maaco. Ticket sales have sucked on her current tour to a point of embarrassment. Most of her shows are less than half full. On May 23rd she played to 2,973 fans at the Verizon Wireless Music Center in Pelham, Ala, the problem was the venue holds over 10 thousand. On May 29th the average was better with Crow selling 3,489 of the available 5,400 seats in New York. Her show in Cincinnati has similar results. That’s gotta hurt. Well, we liked her first album. – by Kari Graham

Annie Lennox Wants Everyone to leave Amy Winehouse Alone
July 20, 2008 – Annie Lennox has an idea for the paparazzi – leave Amy Winehouse alone. She feels that the troubled singer really needs a rest from the spotlight and some needed rehab. Lennox who has long been deadest against drugs firmly believed that Winehouse can’t get better unless she has time to herself. Lennox said, " wish somebody could stop everyone taking pictures of her and get her out of the spotlight. I want to see her healthy, not wrecked." – by John Beaudin


Police, Beyonce and Jay-Z in Worlds Most Powerful Celebrity List
June 16, 2008 – Oprah, to no ones surprise was number one on the annual Forbes magazine's Celebrity top 100 list but Beyonce and Jay-Z? The singer who brought us such classic-junk as ‘Bootylicious’made the list along with new husband Jay-Z. No they didn’t win the lottery, people actually buy their music. – What duh? – by John Beaudin

 

 

 

Forbes magazine's 2008 Celebrity 100, top 10:
1. Oprah Winfrey
2. Tiger Woods
3. Angelina Jolie
4. Beyonce Knowles
5. David Beckham
6. Johnny Depp
7. Jay-Z
7. The Police
9. J.K. Rowling
10. Brad Pitt

Chris Martin Calls New Coldplay album Their “Unforgettable Fire”
June 12, 2008 – Coldplay are set to release their new album but they`re actually thinking about another band – U2. Lead voice Chris Martin says, 'U2 once said they were reapplying for the job as the best band in the world. On 'Viva La Vida,’ we feel like we’re just reapplying to be a band again.” At least U2 never had an album title that was impossible to remember like 'Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends’ – what kind of recall can you get with that?

Martin says, 'Viva La Vida’ is our 'Unforgettable Fire’ in that it’s less straightforward, more oblique. It’s about sex and death and love and fear and travel and illness. There’s light and there’s dark.' He quickly points our that he doesn’t think Coldplay is the best band on earth, “the best bands in the world today are probably Arcade Fire and Sigur Ros. I think Coldplay is only the seventh best band in the world.'

 'Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends’ is out this week. – by John Beaudin

At Last New of Zeppelin Shows
June 11, 2008 – It finally happened! Jimmy Page has finally announced that there will be more Zeppelin shows. That’s if the 3 remaining members don’t die from some old-man disease first. The legendary guitarist was hangin’ backstage after the Foo Fighters gig at Wembley and said the band is ready to do more shows.
Page said a full tour would not be possible before 2009 since singer Robert Plant was busy touring with Alison Krauss.
The closest thing to Zeppelin in 2008 is Plant performing 'When the Levee Breaks', 'Black Dog', and 'The Battle of Evermore' with Krauss on tour.
Led Zeppelin reunited last December at an Atlantic Records benefit for founder Ahmet Ertegun. Jason Bonham replaced his late dad John

It’s a Sad Day – Toto Calls it Quits
June 11, 2008 – Of all the bands that got a bad shake by the music industry and radio Toto has to be one of the tops. Here was a band formed by some of the best musicians in the world including legendary drummer Jeff Porcaro and powerhouse vocalists like Joseph Williams and Bobby Kimball and of course leader and guitar crazy-man Steve Lukather. It was Lukather who this week posted on his website that the band was no more.  After 31 years the guitarist said the band had lost its form with so many personnel changes. He even blamed record exec Donnie Ienner for hurting the band.
On a personnel note I was 18 when I bought that famous self titled debut album featuring ‘Hold the Line,’ it changed the way I looked at music. It created a need to search our musicians with true studio and live chops. By the time the group won that pile of Grammys for ‘Toto 4’ they were my favourite band. As much as I loved Bobby Kimball’s belting voice I quickly became a convert of Joseph Williams on ‘Fahrenheit’ and possibly their best album ‘The Seventh One.’
Lukather pointed out that the band lost its soul when Porcaro died in 1992.

Here is what he posted this week. – by John Beaudin

"I would like to make a formal announcement as I have been barraged by e-mails and speculations on various websites.

The fact is yes I have left Toto. There is no more Toto. I told the guys before the last leg of our tour.

We had some differences in how business was being done. The other fact is that I have been the only guy who was at the first rehearsal till the last gig a month or so ago. When Jeff died part of us all died with him. We pursued it and had some great times. Simon was a champ replacing Jeff at a most difficult time. Bobby was out of the band for 16 years and then came back and you know the other singer stories. Other than Bobby, Joe was the only guy that really fit with us cause he was a high school buddy as well. No offence to Bobby at all.

When Dave retired that was REAL hard for me cause we started the band together. Hell its 35 years if you count High School where the core all met. When Mike fell ill and had to leave that was it for me. If there isn't a Paich or at least one Porcaro how can we even call it Toto? It was bittersweet cause I finally got to tour with my dear friend and musical legend Leland Sklar whom I have known since I was 19 years old. We had some laughs and great times

Honestly I have just had enough. This is NOT a break. It is over. I really can't go out and play Hold the Line with a straight face anymore. I was 19 when we cut the record. I am 50 now.

I have only the deepest respect for the guys that have been in and out of this band over the years. We had a great run and I owe an awful lot to the experience and the success we had. We hung in there hard despite being the most hated band in the world by most so called "rock critics". We took the punches and kept going. Our old label President Donnie Ienner ruined us in the USA by not releasing our records and not letting us out of our contract for over 10 YEARS! And that really set us back. Why? You have to ask the man himself cause we never knew why. He just didn't like our music or us personally I guess. We will never know.

The USA turned their backs on us and it was very hard for me to keep smiling thru it all. It just sort of festered inside me and I was hurting myself in the process and eventually I had to be honest with myself and I was not happy at all. The guys in the current line-up could not be more different individuals and the only real thing we had in common was music. This was NOT the high school band of brothers that we started in the 70's. We had a magic thing and the same sense of humor and the same views on life. Somehow that was lost. It's not the new guys fault. It is what it is.

I just can't do it anymore and at 50 years old I wanted to start over and give it one last try on my own. As the only original member that had NEVER ever left or missed even ONE gig or recording I figured I might as well do it myself now while I can still get out and do it and have a new record that just came out and a new band that is unreal and a tour booked that will take me thru the end of summer 2009 and beyond. The title of my record says it all. Ever-Changing Times.

Today I conferred with my soul brother and founding member David Paich on this matter. He wrote me back and he said, "We are FREE"! I laughed out loud. I don't think he thought this was Toto anymore either.
There are no bad feelings from me to the other guys at all. I wish them only the very very best and all the good things in life and I am sure we will run into each other here or there and it will be hugs and all, hope so anyway.

So, there you have it. I hope you will come out to one of my shows and thank you for 31 years of friendship." - Steve Lukather, 2008

AC/DC Signs Deal with Wal-Mart but Can Angus Get Cheap Shorts
June 11, 2008 – Just think of the cute little shorts opportunities! Just like the Eagles, Garth Brooks and Journey before them AC/DC have just signed an exclusive deal with Wal-Mart stores. The as-yet-untitled album will be sold with free form fitting rocker shorts by George – Ok, that’s not true but we’re just saying. Brendan OBrien is producing the album to be released in the fall. The exclusive deals with Wal-Mart have worked well for the Eagles but then again “Long Road out of Eden” was a flawless album (read our review). So far it has sold over to 7 million in the U.S. alone. This will be AC/DC’s first album of new material since 2000’s “Stiff Upper Lip.”

Interestingly, AC/DC music had not been available in digital form until last August after signing an exclusive deal with Verizon Wireless. The deal however is for full album downloads. None of this one tune at a time stuff. Did we mention each download comes with short-shorts? – by John Beaudin


Eddie Says “Free Hips for Everybody,” Van Halen Tour Makes 93 Million
June 11, 2008 – Everybody loves a reunion and freakin’ everybody really loved this one. Billboard magazine reports that the Van Halen reunion has made a whopping 93 million. The tour which wrapped up on June 2 in Grand Rapids had over a million in attendance and 74 shows.

Though original bassist Michael Anthony was not in the line-up the rest of the original band David Lee Roth, and Eddie and Alex Van Halen, along with Eddie's son Wolfgang Van Halen wowed the crowds. Eddie also had to go into rehab during their tour and there was that hip problem but it all worked out in the end.
Overall, fans were just happy to see Roth sing lead again for the first time in 23 years. Spokesman for the group says, ``It’s the most successful tour to date for the band.`` Also expect to see a live DVD in the coming year. – by John Beaudin

Cat Deeley of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Crushing on Steven Tyler
June 11, 2008 – There is something wrong with the world when Cat Deeley of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ is single. The beautiful host with the crooked nose says she desperate to meet a man. Yeah right, like she can’t find a date? "It's a much bigger country than the UK, so slowly but surely I will work my way through them all,” says Deeley.

She adds, "My perfect catch is Steve Tyler from Aerosmith. I like a man who can tell stories, who has been to the edge. And he has been at the precipice, jumped and held on by his fingertips." I give up! – by John Beaudin

Christina Aguilera Defends her right to Party
June 11, 2008 – Are mothers not allowed to have fun? That’s the way Christina Aguilera feels these days. The singer says she feels like she’s in jail sometimes when it comes to going out and having fun. She gave birth to son, Max Liron in January and says, "I spend all day with my son and once in a while if I want to go out and have a mommy-daddy night with my husband, I am more than allowed to do that.” She adds, "They never air footage of the paparazzi actually pulling up beside my husband and being like: 'When is she going to leave the house? I have been trying to get a picture of her for weeks.”

Of course we have been corrupted by the likes of Britney Spears and Anna Nicole Smith where as parents we’ve all found ourselves yelling at them on screen.

"Everybody has an opinion and everybody sometimes wants to cause drama and be mean spirited, but it's something that comes with what you do and I learned that very early on." says Aguilera. – by John Beaudin

David Archuleta Signs Deal with 19 Recordings – Good Luck Handling his Dad!
June 10, 2008 – When the Idol tour ends in September young David Archuleta will continue writing songs and doing a few covers for his debut album. The 17 year old runner-up on American Idol, like winner David Cook has just signed a deal with 19 Recordings/Jive.
Archuleta told Billboard he’s already started writing his own tunes, “I thought that was really fun to do ... I'd like to get into that more. I think this experience on 'American Idol,' trying to figure out what songs work best with your voice and trying to arrange them, has really helped and I'd like to see if I can write some more stuff, because I've only written like three songs all the way."

Though the final vote tally was not even close Archuleta had 3 songs in the Top 100 last week, John Lennon’s “Imagine” at No. 36, Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” at 56 and his personal choice performance tune “In This Moment at No. 60. Though none of these songs survived this week top 100.

Archuleta’s gig on American Idol was not without drama. Scribes were calling his Dad a terrible stage parent, Jeff was been banned from anywhere backstage and his alleged controlling behaviour may have hurt his sons chances of winning the competition. It came down to the people versus Jeff Archuleta. People just didn’t want David to win because of Jeff. You know what they say, “never reward bad behaviour.”– by John Beaudin

Elton John Wants to Help Lily Allen
June 9, 2008 – They don’t call him Captain Fantastic for nothing! Elton John likes to help people. Like many recovered substance abusers he hasn’t forgotten how to give back and that’s exactly what he and his Canadian life-partner David Furnish want to do with singer Lily Allen. Furnish met up with Allen at a Royal Academy of Arts VIP private view on Wednesday and then she was carried out of the Glamour Women of the Year Awards. The pair believes that Allen just needs to clean up and first she needs to stay out of the public eye so they’ve invited her to stay at their house.

Allen has woken up in some peculiar situation not remembering how she got there or where her purse is. Rumour now has it that she will take them up on their offer.
Elton has a reputation of also helping celebrities even when they might not ask for it. A few years ago Elton kidnapped Robbie Williams and threw him in rehab. He has also been trying to help two singers who really need it, Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse. – by John Beaudin

People We Love to Hate – Heather Mills, Ignored at Party.
June 9, 2008 – Ever get the feeling Heather Mills loves attention? Ever notice no one cares? The former Mrs. Paul McCartney was speaking at an event this past weekend and no one seemed to notice. Mills reportedly went nuts on the crowd when most of the attendants continued to speak over her speech on cruelty to puppies at a New York party.
One source says she said, 'Listen up at the back. I haven’t been up for 24 hours and flew here from London to be ignored.'
She was later quoted as saying “People go to these events, have a drink and leave.”

Seems the negative reaction that Mills received on first dating McCartney was pale in comparison to the hate thrown at her after the divorce where she was awarded a reported 24.3 million pounds.

McCartney is now dating someone who actually has money, millionaire Nancy Shevell. – by John Beaudin

What was George Michael Really Like During the Wham Years?
June 8, 2008 – Wham’s former manager, Simon Napier-Bell, wants you to see what really happened behind closed doors of the bands heyday. He plans on making a tell-all movie on the famous band but to do so he needs permission to use Wham music and that’s owned by Michael. Before it even gets off the ground the £50 million production could get axed by Michael who has been rumoured to come off as less than complimentary in the project. Napier-Bell said, "There are several people sniffing around my Wham! film, but I'm not sure any of them will come off because they all require Wham! Music in them and George controls that. He will have the yes or not on each script presented. George would want control." – by John Beaudin

YES Cancels 40th Anniversary Tour  
June 6, 2008 - NEW YORK, NY, JUNE 4, 2008 -– Legendary rock band YES announced today that the group will unfortunately be canceling their 2008 40th Anniversary Tour. The 26-city tour was scheduled to kick off in Quebec next month and run through the summer.Said Jon Anderson, “In the wake of my recent respiratory attack, doctors have advised me to spend the coming months resting and recovering. Unfortunately, this means I won't be able to tour with Yes this summer as originally planned.  I'd like everyone know how deeply disappointed I am by this turn of events. I was looking forward to celebrating our music with the amazing family of Yes fans once again; but as we all know, health must come before anything else. Wishing you all the very best...”Said Chris Squire, “We were all looking forward to performing for our fans after a prolonged leave of absence from touring.  I am especially regretful of the fact that I know many of our fans and friends have probably laid out non-refundable airfares and hotels, etc. in order to enjoy the Yes shows this summer. Please join me in wishing Jon a speedy return to health, which at this point in time is our main concern.”Yes frontman and founding member Jon Anderson was admitted to the hospital last month after suffering a severe asthma attack. He has now been diagnosed with acute respiratory failure and was told by doctors this weekend that he needs to rest and not work for a period of at least six months or suffer further health complications. Upon receiving this news the band has determined that their tour plans need to be put on hold

Billy Joel Working with Marc Anthony?
June 3, 2008 - My first thought was, "What the hell is Billy Joel Thinking?” Word comes out today that fabulous Piano Man is working on some tunes with, of all people, Marc Anthony. Isn't he the guy the looks like he's been dead for 3 days? No, seriously he looks like he hasn’t eaten a good meal in months. He may look gaunt but he's sure been a busy bee - the Spanish singer is actually working on 3 albums to be released simultaneously at the end of the year. The projects are a new tropical album, a Spanish ballad album and an English-language pop album, that's the one with Joel. It will also feature Babyface. Maybe Anthony will get opportunities to eat on his “Together” tour starting on July 26 in Los Angeles. - By John Beaudin

When is This Freakin’ Led Zeppelin Reunion Tour Going to Happen?
June 2, 2008 – The closest I got to the big Zeppelin reunion gig in England was my friend Kari bringing back an Autographed Zep 4 LP. She was backstage and met Jimmy, John, Robert and Jason. It’s already my prized possession of Rock, n Roll memorabilia but as much as I love staring at it I’d rather see the boys in concert. Last week more rumours circulated that Zeppelin would perform at the Rogers Centre in Toronto in August. Actually, the Globe and Mail said talks were on to make the gig happen but now it’s all been shot down as an urban legend Chicken Noodle Soup. So the big boys, Billboard magazine got involved and in the end said they were, "fairly confident there's nothing to it." Hey, did I mention my Zep 4 album? – by John Beaudin

Paul McCartney is King
June 2, 2008 – It was a McCartney love-in yesterday in Liverpool as the king of all music came home. Appropriately, McCartney’s new girlfriend multi-millionaire heiress (at least this one’s not after his money) Nancy Shevell cheered him on during the show. Shevell sat with Paul’s kids Mary, 38, Stella, 36 and James, 30. After all the drama with Heather Mills it seems the whole world wants Sir. Paul to just be happy and he seemed that way touring Liverpool with Nancy. He also introduced her to George Harrison’s widow, Olivia Harrison and John’s widow, Yoko. Go have some fun you crazy kids. – by John Beaudin

The Great Bo Diddley Dies at 79
June 2, 2008 – He be da man! The legend, Bo Diddley has died at his florida home. He was 79. The great guitarist had a heart attach and stroke and doctors say he simply had heart failure. In spite of ailing health he continued to tour up until a few months ago. His real name was Ellas Bates McComb and he was born in 1928 and interestingly he got the name Bo Diddley while boxing.  He was famous for his square guitar and had his first hit the famous tune named after him. He was one of the founding fathers of Rock’n’Roll. Some of his other hits include “I’m a Man” and “Pretty Thing.” – by John Beaudin

Steven Tyler’s Achy Breaky Feet
May 31, 2008 – Rehab for your feet? Well, that’s the story coming from Steven Tyler’s camp. They say it was his feet that got him in the hospital not substance abuse. The Aerosmith front man says he’s been battling with foot pain for years as a result of his crazy on stage antics, so he’s getting them fixed. Tyler released the following statement,
“The doctors told me the pain in my feet could be corrected but it would require a few surgeries over time. The 'foot repair' pain was intense, greater than I'd anticipated. The months of rehabilitative care and the painful strain of physical therapy were traumatic. I really needed a safe environment to recuperate where I could shut off my phone and get back on my feet.” Make no mistake, AEROSMITH has no plans to stop rocking. There's a new album to record, then another tour.
You believe it, right? – by John Beaudin

Jim Morrison On New John Densmore Album
May 30, 2008 – We’re not saying Jim Morrison didn’t like John Densmore, his former drummer in the doors, we’re just saying were not sure how the dead legendary singer feels about him now or if he’s even into Jazz. Densmore has just released his first solo album “TibalJazz” and Morrison who died in 1971 sings vocals on a new version of “Riders on the Storm.” I guess Morrison said yes from the grave. Densmore says, “'TribalJazz' is a departure from what Doors fans would be used to. For thirty years I've been saying I was a Jazz drummer before I got into The Doors," The drummer and Art Ellis, “Art had been producing his original Afro/Jazz music, as well as performing as (an) opening act in festivals with Sting and many others. We began reworking the wonderfully melodic lines of Art's music into a synthesis of world rhythms and acoustic classic Jazz that pleases us both." – by John Beaudin

Paul McCartney and Foo Fighters Dave Grohl Together!
May 30, 2008 - Can this get any better? On Sunday, Paul McCartney is set to play in his hometown at Liverpool FC's Anfield stadium. Sir Paul says playing to the folks that really know him is always special and Foo Fighters Dave Grohl will play a new tune with the famous Beatle. Remember we all loved John Lennon's primal screams that gave the Beatles a real edge but Paul was also a rocker and this could be the start of something bigger. These two guys will probably sound fantastic together. Stay tuned. - by John Beaudin

Eddie Money Goes Country
May 23, 2008 – Eddie Money had lots of hits since the mid-seventies but his crowning glory has to be his 1977 self titled debut album featuring guitar god Jimmy Lyons and tunes like “Two Tickets to Paradise” and “Baby Hold On.” Would he have achieved it all as a country artist? Maybe he still will. Money is set to re-release his old hits as country tunes. The singer spent lots of time in Nashville putting more than just a little country tinge on classic tunes like “Two Tickets” and “Hard Life.” The first single “Gimme Some Water” originally from his 1978 album “Life for the Taking” features Vince Gill. Money told Billboard magazine, "He's a big Eddie Money fan. I'm trying to get the money together to do a video, 'cause I think 'Gimme Some Water,' with the hangman's noose and the horses and everything, would make a great video.’
Money hits the road this summer and though the gigs will be mostly rock he may sneak in a country tune or two. – By John Beaudin

Steven Tyler Gives Rehab a Try
May 22, 2008 – He may not have hit rock-bottom but Steven Tyler knows when he needs help. The Aerosmith rocker may have entered rehab just one week after his actress daughter Liv announced her separation. Tyler’s managements deny the rehab story but several reports say the 60 year old singer is receiving treatment for an unnamed substance abuse at Las Encinas Hospital drug rehabilitation clinic. Get well Steven! - by Kari Graham

We Still Miss Freddie Mercury but We Still Want Queen – More Dates to Come
May 22, 2008 – It`s hard to believe that Queen is about to release their first new album in over 13 years. Sure, Freddie Mercury is long gone but Paul Rodger is such a different singer I`m almost scared to hear it. Looks like I`m in the minority since the bands fall European tour sold out in record time and  new dates have been added. The tour kicks off on September 15th in Russia ending in Europe in November. For information go to www.queenpluspaulrodgers.com – by John Beaudin

Metallica Cooking up Cool Website Gadgets for New Album
May 15, 2008 – Maybe Lars Ulrich does more than watch “Golden Girls” reruns all day after all. The famous metal drummer and the rest of the boys in Metallica are being productive busy-bees trying to make the release of their first album in five years unique for the fans. Mission Metallica.com has just launched to give the fans not only a sneak peak to the album but clips of the metal-gods clowning around in the studio and contest to travel to each one of the bands shows. The album will also be available for download on release in September. Go to http://www.missionmetallica.com/ - By John Beaudin

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Clear Channel Inks Deal with Pandora
May 15, 2008 – Clear Channel radio stations will offer a new service to its listeners courtesy of Pandora. The new deal will include personalized radio players, lyrics page, and widget strategy, among others. Pandora systems allow listeners to form custom play lists built around one or several songs. In other words, give the system one tune and it will find other songs of a similar ilk from a catalogue of ½ million tunes. The new system will help the broadcasting giant stay competitive especially since competitor CBS Radio installed similar software a few weeks ago. – By Kari Graham

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Coldplay To Follow New Album Release With Huge Tour
May 15, 2008 - Could Coldplay become the biggest band in the world? Each album outsells the one before and so far buzz is good on their latest, “Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends” to be released in June. The band has now posted details of the bands huge summer tour kicking of at  Philadelphia's Wachovia Center on June 29 and then moving on to Europe in August. Most North American show tickets will go on sale June 14, with some selected show tickets available in mid-May.  

Coldplay will also play some free concerts this summer including June 16th at Brixton Academy in London and Madison Square Garden in New York on June 23rd. You can win tickets by visiting the bands official website at www.coldplay.com.

Here are the confirmed North American dates for Coldplay's Viva La Vida Tour:
June 29: Philadelphia, PA; Wachovia Center
July 2: Washington, DC; Verizon Center
July 3: Hartford, CT (XL Center)
July 5: Detroit, MI (The Palace of Auburn Hills)
July 6: Cleveland, OH (Quicken Loans Arena)
July 8: St. Paul, MN (Xcel Energy Center)
July 9: Kansas City, MO (Sprint Center)
July 10: Oklahoma City, OK (Ford Center)
July 12: Phoenix, AZ (Jobbing.com Arena)
July 19: Las Vegas, NV (MGM Grand Garden Arena)
July 21: Sacramento, CA (ARCO Arena)
July 24: San Jose, CA (HP Pavilion)
July 27: Pemberton, BC (Pemberton Festival)
July 29: Edmonton, AB (Rexall Place)
July 30: Calgary, AB (Pengrowth Saddledome)
August 1: Winnipeg, MB (MTS Centre)
August 3: Omaha, NE (Qwest Center)
August 4: Chicago, IL (United Center)
October 20: Montreal, QC (Bell Centre)
October 21: Ottawa, ON, (Scotiabank Place)
October 26: East Rutherford, NJ (Izod Center)
October 29: Toronto, ON (Air Canada Centre)
October 30: Toronto, ON (Air Canada Centre)
November 3: Boston, MA (TD Banknorth Garden)
November 11: Atlanta, GA (Philips Arena)
November 18: Houston, TX (Toyota Center)
November 19: Dallas, TX (American Airlines Center)
November 21: Denver, CO (Pepsi Center Arena)
November 22: Salt Lake City, UT (Energy Solutions Arena)

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John Mellencamp Gives us “Life, Death, Love and Freedom on July 15
May 14, 2008 – How high can high-definition go in music? John Mellencamp wants to find out. His new album "Life, Death, Love and Freedom," produced by T-Bone Burnett will be released in CODE, a form of high definition on July 15. Hear Music will distribute the disc which promises to sound as good as the original master thanks to a technique created by Burnett. Don’t think you’ll hear the difference? Just wait and see since the album will be released as a two CD set, one recorded in CODE hi-fi and the other in standard edition. Burnett told Billboard magazine what it was like recording with Mellencamp, “I didn't offer much direction, really, but he was certainly open. He encouraged me to play guitar a lot on the record, which I enjoyed."

You’ll be able to pick up “Love” at Starbucks in North America. Mellencamp hits the road on July 8th in Philadelphia with Lucinda Williams opening. – by John Beaudin

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Steve Miller’s Got Plans, Baby!
May 14, 2008 – Oh to be young and full of energy. When you have the power to record two, three albums at once, put together a 3 disc DVD set and tour like a crazy bastard, oh that would be the life except Steve Miller is 63. There’s no stoppin’ that dude. The man who brought us “The Joker” and “Fly Like an Eagle” show’s that maybe life does start at 60. The Blues/Rocker is set to celebrate the Bands 40th anniversary of the release of its first two albums. There’s more, Miller will also release his first ever DVD – 3 disc set with exclusive backstage views and powerful concert footage. “Live from Chicago will be released on May 20th. Expect to see part of the show on a PBS HD fundraiser promotion during the summer. It also seems fitting Miller and the boys are going back to their roots with enough material in the can for 2 possibly 3 new albums that will be available soon for download on the net. Miller says he started the project with about 5 thousand songs and got to the meat in the last four months.

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Rod Stewart Now Turns to Country
May 13, 2008 – Well, it’s not fair to say that Rod Stewart has never done Country. Some of his early tunes had its fair share of twang and `You’re In My Heart` would make a great country hit. Needless, Rockin`Rod plans to record R&B Country tunes for his next album. The 63 year old says it’s a great idea but his record label J Records doesn’t want to put out a country album, "There's a Country and Western album I'd love to do, although the record company doesn't want it," he told Reuters. "We are still in the throes of talking about it. I very much doubt whether we will get it done this year." Here’s our prediction – Rod will win this one. – by John Beaudin

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David Gilmour Goes Really Big for New Live Album
May 13, 2008 – Would one of the driving forces behind Pink Floyd ever do something understated? David Gilmour is set to release his new live album `Live in Gdansk` in September and it’s a huge production. It sounds great on paper anyway. The album was recorded on the last night of his 2006 tour in Poland and it features a 40 piece string section of the Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra. Also on the project conductor by Zbigniew Preisner, who worked on Gilmour`s last hit album  ``On An Island.`` The album reached No. 1 in England and No. 6 in the U.S. and features old friends Kate Bush, Paul McCartney and PeteTownshend. - By John Beaudin

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Boston Press on Without Brad Delp
May 8, 2008 – As tragic as this story is Boston is not the first band to lose their lead singer and go on with the music. Singer Brad Delp committed suicide in 2007 which kept the band in limbo forcing everyone to stop and heal from the tragedy. Now leader Tom Scholz says the band has two new singers, a summer tour on the way and a new album for the fall. Interestingly, Delp will be featured on the new CD via 2-3 tunes that were recorded before his death, the rest of vocals will be handled by former Stryper singer Michael Sweet and Tommy DeCarlo, a fan Scholz discovered via a Delp tribute DeCarlo posted to YouTube. The album the first since 2002’s “Corporate America” will include a few remixes from that album since it was a commercial flop. He says the project is, “A mix of "really straightforward rock 'n' roll songs and some things that are pretty esoteric.” Scholz says Delp will never be forgotten, “Brad was the most amazing musician [and] singer I've ever known. There's nobody on the face of this Earth that could replace him and do what he did.” Also a new remixed version of the band’s “Greatest Hits” including a few new tracks will be released to coincide with the new tour. Go to the official Boston website for tour dates. http://www.bandboston.com

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Sting Under Fire for Rainforest Charities
May 7, 2008 – Sting and his wife Trudie Styler are under attack over questionable bookkeeping for their charity Rainforest Foundation Inc. The organization started by the couple and Belgian photographer, Jean Pierre Dutilleux, back in 1989 has scored zero by a watchdog group for each of the last four years. In 2006, the singer held a charity concert at Carnegie Hall to help save the world's rainforests but not enough of the money went to the cause according to The New York Post. The charity watchdog reviewed the tax records and found out less than half of the amount actually went to forest saving charities. A spokesman for the watchdog group says that usually 75% of the take goes to any cause but less than 50% of Sting’s charity does that. To make it worse, Stings Rainforest Foundation is rated one of the worst out there. The singer is planning another big rainforest concert on Thursday featuring Billy Joel and James Taylor. The Foundation also has way too many reserves in the bank. The charity has $10 million in assets including $5 million in cash and according to the Better Business Bureau charities rarely keep more than a year’s expenses in reserve. Dutilleux who started the Rainforest Foundation Inc has turned against him and is helping in the investigation, saying, "I have kept quiet for almost 20 years, hoping for improvement. But enough is enough. Everything is true or worse." Yesterday Styler tried to defend their stance, she says, "The Rainforest Foundation is celebrating its 20th year. We wouldn't still be in business or have given out millions of dollars over the years if we'd spent everything we made immediately after it came in." – by Shannon Edward

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Yes Ready for Anniversary Tour and “Very Different” New Music
May 7, 2008 – After talking to Yes lead singer, Jon Anderson, it’s easy to get confused on the future of the super-group. The group is geared up for their 40th anniversary summer tour and Anderson told Billboard magazine the new music will sound like the big “opus” sound reminiscent of classics like “Close to the Edge” and “Tales From Topographic Oceans." "They're very, very different," Anderson says. "It'll be interesting when we perform them, because we know that we want to try and perform them in a unique fashion."

However, Anderson says he’s still not sure if these songs will ever wind up on an album, "Putting together a large piece of music or something that is really a jump in a musical direction takes a lot of commitment from everybody.... But maybe during the tour we will discuss making some new music." There are more possibilities for the band Anderson says there are also talks to bring the 80’s incarnation of the group back on the road. He’s talked to Trevor Rabin, the guitarist and co-producer of the “Owner of a Lonely Heart” period and says it may not be an official 80’s Yes reunion, "I wouldn't do it, like, Yes," Anderson explains. "I'd do it like me and Trevor aspiring to be the two of us making music and see what we come up with.” Yes’ last studio album was 2001’s “Magnification.” The Yes anniversary tour kicks off July 12 at the Festival d'ete de Quebec in Quebec City. – by John Beaudin

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The Police Say Goodbye Again
May 7, 2008 – Does retirement mean anything anymore in Rock’n Roll? If you believe it the Police just announced that their calling it quits - again. That’s it, after their current summer tour Sting, Andy Summer and Stewart Copeland will go their separate ways. The band says the last show will be a fundraiser in New York City. The boys say they will donate a million dollars to help New York City reduce its carbon footprint by 30% by 2030. The donation will also be matched by a special fund created by New York mayor, Michael Bloomberg. The band said, "We are pleased to contribute to this powerful and historic initiative that will undoubtedly improve the quality of life for future generations.” Sting says it’s very appropriate to end things in The Big Apple, "We kicked off our very first American tour at CBGB's in 1978 and this summer, 30 years later, our journey will come full circle as we play our final show here in New York City." The retirement and donation news came at an interesting time considering Sting’s own Rainforest charity was under fire this week for fancy bookkeeping and not giving out enough to the actual source of the charity. – by John Beaudin

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Who Says Paul McCartney Hates Mick Jagger?
May 6, 2008 – Like an old tired urban legend there’s always been a belief that Paul McCartney has had this on-going rivalry with Mick Jagger. True? Well, in the sixties there could have been some competition between the Beatles and Rolling Stones which probably made both bands work harder. It’s all good now, however, McCartney considers Jagger one of his closest friends so it seems fitting that one would ask the other for advice. McCartney who is ready to kick off a world tour later in the year asked Jagger for tips on touring while in your sixties. A source close to the story confirmed that first the two are close friends and secondly there was advice exchanged, "Mick has advised him to take a relaxing break before he embarks on the tour and then to try and factor one or two days more than usual between shows if possible. He said that it is the travelling that is the really tiring thing."

The Stones ended a long tour last August when Jagger was 64 and McCartney turns 66 next month. - by John Beaudin

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Phil Collins Officially Retires
April 27, 2008 – If you missed the Genesis reunion this past year you’re SOL. Phil Collins has just called it quits. He’s retiring from recording and touring. The 57 year old singer told The Times he’s already gone down this road; in fact he was already retired when his Genesis band mates coaxed him onto the reunion tour.

Collins has been the drummer for Genesis since 1970, when Peter Gabriel left the band as lead singer in 1975 Collins stepped out front as the new voice of the band thus changing the direction to a more commercial sound. In 1981 Collins released his first solo album `Face Value`` featuring the hit `In the Air Tonight` it was the first of many for the singer.

So what’s he going to do with all his free time? His favourite pastime is actually collecting memorabilia from the Battle of the Alamo.

Is it really the end? Well he’s certainly earned the right to do whatever he wants but the word `retire` doesn’t hold much weight in Rock`n Roll. - By John Beaudin