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It's official: John Ridley will direct a bio-film about the late Jimi Hendrix, who'll be played on screen by the musician Andre Benjamin, better known as OutKast's Andre 3000. Ridley also has written the original screenplay for the project, titled All Is By My Side. Haley Atwell and Imogen Poots will appear in co-starring roles.
Darko Entertainment, Subotica Entertaiment and Matador Pictures will produce the film, which Darko is financing. Producing are Darko's Sean McKittrick and Jeff Culotta, Danny Bramson, Subotica's Tristan Orphen Lynch and Matador's Nigel Thomas. Ridley and Tedd Hamm will serve as exec producers on the project, scheduled to begin production on location in Ireland later this month. In announcing "Side," the producers said it will be based on actual interviews with Hendrix as well as archival materials.
However on Thursday (May 10), Experience Hendrix, LLC issued a statement on the prospective film that indicated it would not include the musician's classic recordings.
"Various media outlets have recently published accounts that indicate a feature length Jimi Hendrix biographical film is nearing production," reads the statement. "Experience Hendrix, LLC, the family-owned company entrusted with safeguarding the legacy of Jimi Hendrix and administrator of the Jimi Hendrix music and publishing catalog has made it known many times in the past that no such film, were it to include original music or copyrights created by Jimi Hendrix, can be undertaken without its full participation."
Hendrix's estate did not definitively close the door on its involvement in a biopic, starring Andre 3000 or another actor. "Experience Hendrix CEO Janie Hendrix, sister of Jimi Hendrix, and the EH board have not ruled out a "biopic" in the future," continues the statement, "though producing partners would, out of necessity, have to involve the company from the inception of any such film project if it is to include original Jimi Hendrix music or compositions."
30 Mayıs 2012 Çarşamba
Freddie Mercury 'Optical Illusion' To Join Queen Musical
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In the wake of Tupac Shakur's projected appearances at Coachella in April, the return of a number of dead musicians was discussed -- and Queen's Freddie Mercury is set to be next.
According to the BBC, "an optical illusion of sorts" will take the stage at the 10th anniversary of the West End musical We Will Rock You. Mercury died in 1991, at age 45.
"People will come out saying, 'Did we actually see Freddie?'" guitarist Brian May told the BBC.
He added that their illusion, long in the works, had been beaten to the punch by Tupac's much-discussed surprise.
"It's a little unfortunate they did that thing with Tupac as we've been trying to make Freddie appear on the stage for quite a while," May added. "[That technique] is something we've looked at ourselves but I think probably for a show that runs eight shows a week it's not really quite practical."
However, don't expect Mercury to join the band next. In April, Queen's Roger Taylor said hat he wouldn't play with a Tupac-style recreation of Mercury.
"I don't want to appear with a hologram of my dear friend. It's the real one or no hologram for me. But I think it's an amazing effect when used properly -- obviously in darkness," he said at the time.
Instead, Queen's enlisted singer Adam Lambert for a handful of summer shows this year, including two nights at the HMV Apollo Hammersmith in London in July.
In the wake of Tupac Shakur's projected appearances at Coachella in April, the return of a number of dead musicians was discussed -- and Queen's Freddie Mercury is set to be next.
According to the BBC, "an optical illusion of sorts" will take the stage at the 10th anniversary of the West End musical We Will Rock You. Mercury died in 1991, at age 45.
"People will come out saying, 'Did we actually see Freddie?'" guitarist Brian May told the BBC.
He added that their illusion, long in the works, had been beaten to the punch by Tupac's much-discussed surprise.
"It's a little unfortunate they did that thing with Tupac as we've been trying to make Freddie appear on the stage for quite a while," May added. "[That technique] is something we've looked at ourselves but I think probably for a show that runs eight shows a week it's not really quite practical."
However, don't expect Mercury to join the band next. In April, Queen's Roger Taylor said hat he wouldn't play with a Tupac-style recreation of Mercury.
"I don't want to appear with a hologram of my dear friend. It's the real one or no hologram for me. But I think it's an amazing effect when used properly -- obviously in darkness," he said at the time.
Instead, Queen's enlisted singer Adam Lambert for a handful of summer shows this year, including two nights at the HMV Apollo Hammersmith in London in July.
Black Sabbath's Bill Ward Says He's Out Of Reunion Gigs
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Bill Ward will not be joining Black Sabbath for this year's performances, the drummer confirmed in a letter to fans on his website.
The lengthy, emotional note explained that Ward had been asked to participate "minimally" at the band's Download Festival set in the UK in June, then later offered the chance to play a Birmingham warm-up show "for free and see how the first show goes" before potentially joining the group at the Download Festival and Lollapalooza.
"I was tempted," Ward wrote, but said he decided against it. "I can't prioritize the Sabbath fans making one show more important than the other. I can't do that. All of you are important. It's all the gigs or none at all. I can't come to Birmingham and 'see what happens' knowing there is a risk of not being able to play Download or Lollapalooza. Again, for me, it's all or nothing.
"I didn't want to make this decision, but I have to be honest and transparent," he added, noting that he holds "no malice" toward the quartet's other original members.
He closed by stating he remains open to a contract with "signable" terms.
The group announced its reunion and a new album last year before Ward initially declared he wouldn't participate under the current terms. In February, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler responded to Ward's announcement with a statement saying "We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open."
The group has yet to respond to the new remarks. To add to the band's worries, Iommi is continuing his battle with lymphoma, telling fans in a March Facebook note that he'd just finished chemotherapy.
Bill Ward will not be joining Black Sabbath for this year's performances, the drummer confirmed in a letter to fans on his website.
The lengthy, emotional note explained that Ward had been asked to participate "minimally" at the band's Download Festival set in the UK in June, then later offered the chance to play a Birmingham warm-up show "for free and see how the first show goes" before potentially joining the group at the Download Festival and Lollapalooza.
"I was tempted," Ward wrote, but said he decided against it. "I can't prioritize the Sabbath fans making one show more important than the other. I can't do that. All of you are important. It's all the gigs or none at all. I can't come to Birmingham and 'see what happens' knowing there is a risk of not being able to play Download or Lollapalooza. Again, for me, it's all or nothing.
"I didn't want to make this decision, but I have to be honest and transparent," he added, noting that he holds "no malice" toward the quartet's other original members.
He closed by stating he remains open to a contract with "signable" terms.
The group announced its reunion and a new album last year before Ward initially declared he wouldn't participate under the current terms. In February, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler responded to Ward's announcement with a statement saying "We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open."
The group has yet to respond to the new remarks. To add to the band's worries, Iommi is continuing his battle with lymphoma, telling fans in a March Facebook note that he'd just finished chemotherapy.
Elton John Recovering, Vegas Shows Cancelled
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Elton John was hospitalized in Los Angeles on Wednesday, where he allegedly underwent a number of tests for what was described as a "serious infection".
He was advised by doctors to cancel his four remaining concert shows scheduled in Las Vegas over the weekend in order to recover.
John said in a statement: "All I can say to the fans is sorry I can't be with you. I hope to see you soon at this wonderful theater at Caesars Palace."
A spokesperson for the singer said that John is quickly recovering from his infection, adding that he is "at home and doing well" following treatment.
He was advised by doctors to cancel his four remaining concert shows scheduled in Las Vegas over the weekend in order to recover.
John said in a statement: "All I can say to the fans is sorry I can't be with you. I hope to see you soon at this wonderful theater at Caesars Palace."
A spokesperson for the singer said that John is quickly recovering from his infection, adding that he is "at home and doing well" following treatment.
Elvis Presley's Original Tomb At Forest Hill Cemetery Up For Sale
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The crypt, where Elvis Presley was temporarily buried before being laid in his final resting place at Graceland, is being auctioned off. It will be sold during Julien's Auctions on the first day of a two-day "Music Icons" auction that will run June 23 and 24.
The tomb, which is located at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee, will go on sale with starting price of $100,000. The highest bidder will receive the crypt, opening and closing of the vault for burial, a memorialization inscription and use of the chapel for a committal service.
Commenting on some who might consider the auction "morbid," Darren Julien told New York Times, "I just consider that if you're an ultimate fan of Elvis Presley, it's an opportunity." He added, "It's definitely a conversation piece. Only one person can say, 'Hey, I'm going to be buried where Elvis Presley was'."
The King of Rock and Roll, who died on August 16, 1977 at the age of 42, was laid in the tomb for two months alongside his mother Gladys. It has remained empty ever since and was marked only by a statue commemorating his brief stay there.
In addition to putting up the crypt for auction, Julien will sell a robe worn by Amy Winehouse in her "Rehab" music video, a cigarette packet signed by The Beatles and Chinese ceramic dogs from Meat Loaf's collection at the upcoming event.
The tomb, which is located at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee, will go on sale with starting price of $100,000. The highest bidder will receive the crypt, opening and closing of the vault for burial, a memorialization inscription and use of the chapel for a committal service.
Commenting on some who might consider the auction "morbid," Darren Julien told New York Times, "I just consider that if you're an ultimate fan of Elvis Presley, it's an opportunity." He added, "It's definitely a conversation piece. Only one person can say, 'Hey, I'm going to be buried where Elvis Presley was'."
The King of Rock and Roll, who died on August 16, 1977 at the age of 42, was laid in the tomb for two months alongside his mother Gladys. It has remained empty ever since and was marked only by a statue commemorating his brief stay there.
In addition to putting up the crypt for auction, Julien will sell a robe worn by Amy Winehouse in her "Rehab" music video, a cigarette packet signed by The Beatles and Chinese ceramic dogs from Meat Loaf's collection at the upcoming event.
26 Mayıs 2012 Cumartesi
Freddie Mercury 'Optical Illusion' To Join Queen Musical
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In the wake of Tupac Shakur's projected appearances at Coachella in April, the return of a number of dead musicians was discussed -- and Queen's Freddie Mercury is set to be next.
According to the BBC, "an optical illusion of sorts" will take the stage at the 10th anniversary of the West End musical We Will Rock You. Mercury died in 1991, at age 45.
"People will come out saying, 'Did we actually see Freddie?'" guitarist Brian May told the BBC.
He added that their illusion, long in the works, had been beaten to the punch by Tupac's much-discussed surprise.
"It's a little unfortunate they did that thing with Tupac as we've been trying to make Freddie appear on the stage for quite a while," May added. "[That technique] is something we've looked at ourselves but I think probably for a show that runs eight shows a week it's not really quite practical."
However, don't expect Mercury to join the band next. In April, Queen's Roger Taylor said hat he wouldn't play with a Tupac-style recreation of Mercury.
"I don't want to appear with a hologram of my dear friend. It's the real one or no hologram for me. But I think it's an amazing effect when used properly -- obviously in darkness," he said at the time.
Instead, Queen's enlisted singer Adam Lambert for a handful of summer shows this year, including two nights at the HMV Apollo Hammersmith in London in July.
In the wake of Tupac Shakur's projected appearances at Coachella in April, the return of a number of dead musicians was discussed -- and Queen's Freddie Mercury is set to be next.
According to the BBC, "an optical illusion of sorts" will take the stage at the 10th anniversary of the West End musical We Will Rock You. Mercury died in 1991, at age 45.
"People will come out saying, 'Did we actually see Freddie?'" guitarist Brian May told the BBC.
He added that their illusion, long in the works, had been beaten to the punch by Tupac's much-discussed surprise.
"It's a little unfortunate they did that thing with Tupac as we've been trying to make Freddie appear on the stage for quite a while," May added. "[That technique] is something we've looked at ourselves but I think probably for a show that runs eight shows a week it's not really quite practical."
However, don't expect Mercury to join the band next. In April, Queen's Roger Taylor said hat he wouldn't play with a Tupac-style recreation of Mercury.
"I don't want to appear with a hologram of my dear friend. It's the real one or no hologram for me. But I think it's an amazing effect when used properly -- obviously in darkness," he said at the time.
Instead, Queen's enlisted singer Adam Lambert for a handful of summer shows this year, including two nights at the HMV Apollo Hammersmith in London in July.
Black Sabbath's Bill Ward Says He's Out Of Reunion Gigs
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Bill Ward will not be joining Black Sabbath for this year's performances, the drummer confirmed in a letter to fans on his website.
The lengthy, emotional note explained that Ward had been asked to participate "minimally" at the band's Download Festival set in the UK in June, then later offered the chance to play a Birmingham warm-up show "for free and see how the first show goes" before potentially joining the group at the Download Festival and Lollapalooza.
"I was tempted," Ward wrote, but said he decided against it. "I can't prioritize the Sabbath fans making one show more important than the other. I can't do that. All of you are important. It's all the gigs or none at all. I can't come to Birmingham and 'see what happens' knowing there is a risk of not being able to play Download or Lollapalooza. Again, for me, it's all or nothing.
"I didn't want to make this decision, but I have to be honest and transparent," he added, noting that he holds "no malice" toward the quartet's other original members.
He closed by stating he remains open to a contract with "signable" terms.
The group announced its reunion and a new album last year before Ward initially declared he wouldn't participate under the current terms. In February, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler responded to Ward's announcement with a statement saying "We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open."
The group has yet to respond to the new remarks. To add to the band's worries, Iommi is continuing his battle with lymphoma, telling fans in a March Facebook note that he'd just finished chemotherapy.
Bill Ward will not be joining Black Sabbath for this year's performances, the drummer confirmed in a letter to fans on his website.
The lengthy, emotional note explained that Ward had been asked to participate "minimally" at the band's Download Festival set in the UK in June, then later offered the chance to play a Birmingham warm-up show "for free and see how the first show goes" before potentially joining the group at the Download Festival and Lollapalooza.
"I was tempted," Ward wrote, but said he decided against it. "I can't prioritize the Sabbath fans making one show more important than the other. I can't do that. All of you are important. It's all the gigs or none at all. I can't come to Birmingham and 'see what happens' knowing there is a risk of not being able to play Download or Lollapalooza. Again, for me, it's all or nothing.
"I didn't want to make this decision, but I have to be honest and transparent," he added, noting that he holds "no malice" toward the quartet's other original members.
He closed by stating he remains open to a contract with "signable" terms.
The group announced its reunion and a new album last year before Ward initially declared he wouldn't participate under the current terms. In February, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler responded to Ward's announcement with a statement saying "We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open."
The group has yet to respond to the new remarks. To add to the band's worries, Iommi is continuing his battle with lymphoma, telling fans in a March Facebook note that he'd just finished chemotherapy.
Ronnie Wood Says Rolling Stones May Tour In The Fall
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The Rolling Stones are set to tour later this year after Ronnie Wood revealed he is "keeping October/November free".
The legendary rockers have long been rumored to be playing live again this year to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Earlier this year, it appeared they would be delaying the celebrations until 2013 after guitarist Keith Richards suggested the band weren't ready to go back on the road yet.
However, speaking earlier this week, Wood hinted the band could tour before the end of the year, telling one newspaper, "It looks like we are going to be doing more stuff. I am keeping October/November free, that’s what I've been told. I'm just awaiting more information."
However, the Faces man scotched suggestions the band would be recording new material, adding: "New ones? Are you joking? We are familiarizing ourselves with our back catalog and have only scratched the surface."
Earlier this year, Wood suggested the band were "on the verge" of arranging a reunion and were simply "tying up loose ends".
The band played their first ever gig in London on July 12, 1962. However, Richards has suggested playing in 2013 would be a more fitting half-century anniversary. "The Stones always considered '63 to be 50 years, because Charlie [Watts] didn't actually join until January," he said. "We look upon 2012 as sort of the year of conception, but the birth is next year."
Richards also refused to rule out the possibility of former bassist Bill Wyman for the tour, claiming that he was "up for it" and they had discussed him teaming up again with his former band mates.
The Rolling Stones will release a new photo album to mark 50 years since their first ever gig this year. The tome – which is titled The Rolling Stones: 50 – will feature 700 shots and words from the band on their history, and will hit bookshelves on July 12.
The legendary rockers have long been rumored to be playing live again this year to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Earlier this year, it appeared they would be delaying the celebrations until 2013 after guitarist Keith Richards suggested the band weren't ready to go back on the road yet.
However, speaking earlier this week, Wood hinted the band could tour before the end of the year, telling one newspaper, "It looks like we are going to be doing more stuff. I am keeping October/November free, that’s what I've been told. I'm just awaiting more information."
However, the Faces man scotched suggestions the band would be recording new material, adding: "New ones? Are you joking? We are familiarizing ourselves with our back catalog and have only scratched the surface."
Earlier this year, Wood suggested the band were "on the verge" of arranging a reunion and were simply "tying up loose ends".
The band played their first ever gig in London on July 12, 1962. However, Richards has suggested playing in 2013 would be a more fitting half-century anniversary. "The Stones always considered '63 to be 50 years, because Charlie [Watts] didn't actually join until January," he said. "We look upon 2012 as sort of the year of conception, but the birth is next year."
Richards also refused to rule out the possibility of former bassist Bill Wyman for the tour, claiming that he was "up for it" and they had discussed him teaming up again with his former band mates.
The Rolling Stones will release a new photo album to mark 50 years since their first ever gig this year. The tome – which is titled The Rolling Stones: 50 – will feature 700 shots and words from the band on their history, and will hit bookshelves on July 12.
Aerosmith Sets August Release Date For Long-Awaited Album
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As Steven Tyler's second season at the judges table on American Idol ends, the singer's other gig as the leader of Aerosmith gets back underway. After the veteran rock group performed a new single, "Legendary Child," on the Idol finale on Wednesday (May 23), Aerosmith announced that its new album, Music From Another Dimension, will finally hit stores on August 28.
The making of the group's follow-up to 2004's Honkin' On Bobo has been anything but easy: Tyler entered rehab in late 2009, and the rest of Aerosmith was rumored to be looking for a replacement singer. The singer rejoined the group for a tour in 2010, but after Tyler signed on to American Idol that August, the new album was put on hold until last summer, when the group reunited with producer Jack Douglas after Tyler's first Idol season wrapped.
"This record is different from the recent past, say the last 20 years, where everybody is getting in the studio and throwing down their songs," guitarist Joe Perry said in March, when the album was being finalized. "Some of the songs are completed and some are just riffs. This record is a lot more band-written stuff than there has been in the recent past."
The release of Music From Another Dimension will follow Aerosmith's Global Warming tour, which was announced earlier this year and kicks off June 16 in Minneapolis. While the album was being mixed this spring, Aerosmith rehearsed 25 songs -- including two or three new tracks -- for the tour.
Here is the track list for Music From Another Dimension:
1. What Could Have Been Love
2. Beautiful
3. Street Jesus
4. Legendary Child
5. Oh Yeah
6. We All Fall Down
7. Another Last Goodbye
8. Out Go the Lights
9. Love Three Times a Day
10. Closer
11. Shakey Ground
12. Love a Lot
13. Freedom Fighter
14. Up on the Mountain
The making of the group's follow-up to 2004's Honkin' On Bobo has been anything but easy: Tyler entered rehab in late 2009, and the rest of Aerosmith was rumored to be looking for a replacement singer. The singer rejoined the group for a tour in 2010, but after Tyler signed on to American Idol that August, the new album was put on hold until last summer, when the group reunited with producer Jack Douglas after Tyler's first Idol season wrapped.
"This record is different from the recent past, say the last 20 years, where everybody is getting in the studio and throwing down their songs," guitarist Joe Perry said in March, when the album was being finalized. "Some of the songs are completed and some are just riffs. This record is a lot more band-written stuff than there has been in the recent past."
The release of Music From Another Dimension will follow Aerosmith's Global Warming tour, which was announced earlier this year and kicks off June 16 in Minneapolis. While the album was being mixed this spring, Aerosmith rehearsed 25 songs -- including two or three new tracks -- for the tour.
Here is the track list for Music From Another Dimension:
1. What Could Have Been Love
2. Beautiful
3. Street Jesus
4. Legendary Child
5. Oh Yeah
6. We All Fall Down
7. Another Last Goodbye
8. Out Go the Lights
9. Love Three Times a Day
10. Closer
11. Shakey Ground
12. Love a Lot
13. Freedom Fighter
14. Up on the Mountain
From the Pit: An Opera Company's "Unsung Heroes"
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Sarah Richardson, who plays the viola, sent us this vlog (video blog) about the time she and her fellow musicians spend underneath the Central City Opera stage as members of the Central City Opera Orchestra. I've mentioned in a previous blog post how much I enjoy watching the Orchestra from the balcony. This collection of photos, videos and commentary gives you an insider's view from below as well!
Check out more from our violist on her blog, Beyond Do Re Mi. What do some musicians do when there are a lot of opera performances and not much time to drive back down to the Denver area in between them? According to one blog article, Sarah occasionally spends time at a nearby campground recharging her artistic soul enjoying nature and journaling. We actually have quite a few patrons who go camping while visiting the opera each summer, too. You may have been camping beside one of our orchestra members and not even realized it!
Check out more from our violist on her blog, Beyond Do Re Mi. What do some musicians do when there are a lot of opera performances and not much time to drive back down to the Denver area in between them? According to one blog article, Sarah occasionally spends time at a nearby campground recharging her artistic soul enjoying nature and journaling. We actually have quite a few patrons who go camping while visiting the opera each summer, too. You may have been camping beside one of our orchestra members and not even realized it!
23 Mayıs 2012 Çarşamba
Facebook To Make Bono Richest Musician In The World
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U2 frontman Bono will become the richest musician in the world today (May 18), overtaking Paul McCartney, according to NME.
Facebook is set to float on the stock exchange and all its early investors are set to earn huge amounts of money from the flotation, with the Irish singer among them.
The U2 singer owns 2.3 percent of the shares in Facebook through his private equity firm, Elevation Partners, which it bought for $90 million (£57 million) in 2009 and now stands to make a handsome return. Given the social media company is currently valued at over $100 billion (£63 billion), this makes Bono's share worth over $1.5 billion (£940 million) and puts him well above McCartney, who is currently the world's richest rock star with a fortune of £665 million, said NME.
Facebook is set to float on the stock exchange and all its early investors are set to earn huge amounts of money from the flotation, with the Irish singer among them.
The U2 singer owns 2.3 percent of the shares in Facebook through his private equity firm, Elevation Partners, which it bought for $90 million (£57 million) in 2009 and now stands to make a handsome return. Given the social media company is currently valued at over $100 billion (£63 billion), this makes Bono's share worth over $1.5 billion (£940 million) and puts him well above McCartney, who is currently the world's richest rock star with a fortune of £665 million, said NME.
Mick Jagger Performs With Foo Fighters, Arcade Fire & Jeff Beck On SNL Season Finale
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Sir Mick Jagger brought the poise expected of a British knight and the flash expected of a rock legend as host and musical guest of Saturday Night Live's season finale. Jagger performed four times-with Foo Fighters, Jeff Beck, and twice with Arcade Fire.
The show also marked Kristen Wiig's final appearance on the SNL stage as a regular cast member. Wiig had been rumored to be leaving SNL after this season, and the night's final sketch appeared to confirm those rumors. It featured Jagger as a school head at a graduation ceremony. He called Wiig up (who took "seven years to graduate") to serenade her with an Arcade Fire-assisted rendition of "She's a Rainbow" and "Ruby Tuesday."
Speaking of "Ruby Tuesday," in his opening monologue, Jagger answered questions he is commonly asked by journalists. Did he has any life regrets? Why, yes. Jagger once turned down an offer from Ruby Tuesdays restaurant to sing at their grand opening. He would have been paid $1,000 and received a lifetime supply of jalapeno poppers.
Jagger said "not a day goes by" that he doesn't regret turning the company down.
Later in the episode, Jagger played a mild mannered businessman at karaoke bar who had a crippling fear of singing in public. Meanwhile, his associate Rick (Fred Armisen) managed to impress the women they were with by singing the Stones' "Start me up" and doing a great Jagger impersonation.
One of the women gushed that she might sleep with Rick because of how Jagger-like he was. The sketch ended with Jagger's character, unable to conquer his fear of performing in public, singing a morose piano version of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" alone in the bar.
Jagger also got the opportunity to play another rock icon, Steven Tyler, for So You Think You Can Dance at an Outdoor Music Festival. Hosted by Dave Matthews (Bill Hader), the show parodied the types of colorful characters one might find at a music festival. Jagger played up Tyler's over-the-top American Idol judging, while Armisen played a confused Carlos Santana, who could name just one of his own songs.
Sir Mick Jagger brought the poise expected of a British knight and the flash expected of a rock legend as host and musical guest of Saturday Night Live's season finale. Jagger performed four times-with Foo Fighters, Jeff Beck, and twice with Arcade Fire.
The show also marked Kristen Wiig's final appearance on the SNL stage as a regular cast member. Wiig had been rumored to be leaving SNL after this season, and the night's final sketch appeared to confirm those rumors. It featured Jagger as a school head at a graduation ceremony. He called Wiig up (who took "seven years to graduate") to serenade her with an Arcade Fire-assisted rendition of "She's a Rainbow" and "Ruby Tuesday."
Speaking of "Ruby Tuesday," in his opening monologue, Jagger answered questions he is commonly asked by journalists. Did he has any life regrets? Why, yes. Jagger once turned down an offer from Ruby Tuesdays restaurant to sing at their grand opening. He would have been paid $1,000 and received a lifetime supply of jalapeno poppers.
Jagger said "not a day goes by" that he doesn't regret turning the company down.
Later in the episode, Jagger played a mild mannered businessman at karaoke bar who had a crippling fear of singing in public. Meanwhile, his associate Rick (Fred Armisen) managed to impress the women they were with by singing the Stones' "Start me up" and doing a great Jagger impersonation.
One of the women gushed that she might sleep with Rick because of how Jagger-like he was. The sketch ended with Jagger's character, unable to conquer his fear of performing in public, singing a morose piano version of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" alone in the bar.
Jagger also got the opportunity to play another rock icon, Steven Tyler, for So You Think You Can Dance at an Outdoor Music Festival. Hosted by Dave Matthews (Bill Hader), the show parodied the types of colorful characters one might find at a music festival. Jagger played up Tyler's over-the-top American Idol judging, while Armisen played a confused Carlos Santana, who could name just one of his own songs.
Robin Gibb Of The Bee Gees Dead At 62
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Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees once said that "an artist is an artist because he is not happy with the world, so he creates his own existence." And the singer and composer, who died Sunday at the age of 62 after a series of health issues, certainly created a memorable existence for himself.
"The family of Robin Gibb, of the Bee Gees, announce with great sadness that Robin passed away today following his long battle with cancer and intestinal surgery," his spokesperson confirmed in a statement. "The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time."
As one-third of the Bee Gees, Gibb was part of the sixth top-selling pop group of all time, selling more than 200 million records worldwide, notching 60 No. 1 hits around the globe and winning nine Grammy Awards, including Lifetime Achievement and Legend citations. Along with his Bee Gees siblings Barry and the late Maurice, his twin who died in 2003, Gibb has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
Gibb was also the most prolific member of the band as a solo artist with six albums including this year's "Titanic Requiem," a classical piece co-written with his youngest son Robin-John. The latter, he wrote during January in the British newspaper The Mail, "saved my life" while he was in the throes of the health crisis that ultimately killed him.
"Getting involved in the routine of composing and singing again really saved me," Gibb wrote. "The 'Titanic Requiem' has been a huge investment for me -- physically, emotionally and financially -- and has come at a difficult time." Yet Gibb was upbeat, noting that "I'm happy to say I'm nearly better...It's taken its toll, naturally, but the strange thing is that I've never felt seriously ill. I've mostly felt great...I am not and have never been at death's door."
But just days after "Titanic Requiem's" release, Gibb -- who was first hospitalized with abdominal pains in August of 2010 and was subsequently diagnosed with colon cancer that spread to his liver -- underwent intestinal surgery. On April 14 he fell into a pneumonia-induced coma, where his family -- including brother Barry, second wife Dwina and his three children -- kept a vigil until his death.
Gibb once noted that music also "saved me from a life of crime," and he wasn't joking.
Gibb, who was 35 minutes older than Maurice, was one of five children born to Hugh and Barbara Gibb on the Isle of Man in England. The family later moved to Manchester, where Robin and Barry have acknowledged indulging in petty theft. Maurice once remembered Robin setting fire to several billboards as well. But the three oldest Gibb brothers were also drawn to music. "The real world was just too real and we didn't want to be a part of normal life," Robin once said. "We wanted to create a magic world for the three of us. The three of us were like one person, and we were doing what we needed to do: make music. It became an obsession."
He, Barry and Maurice had started performing in Manchester, but their career really flourished after the family moved to Australia, in 1958 -- even performing aboard the ship that took them there. Their father helped push the trio, known as the Rattlesnakes and then Wee Johnny Hayes & the Bluecasts, to radio and talent shows, and it was a DJ named Bill Gates who came up with the Bee Gees moniker. The brothers, who had all left school during their early teens, started releasing singles in 1963, while its first album, "The Bee Gees Sing and Play 14 Barry Gibb Songs," came out in 1965.
The trio scored its first big hit with "Spicks and Specks" in 1966, which preceded their return to England that year. They were signed by manager Robert Stigwood, who was working for Beatles manager Brian Epstein's NEMS organization, and in 1967 the Bee Gees signed with Polydor Records in the U.K. and Atco in the U.S., scoring a quick series of hits that included "New York Mining Disaster 1941,," "To Love Somebody," "Holiday," "Massachusetts" and "Words." But there were rivalries and creative differences in the group; a frustrated Robin left the Bee Gees after 1969's "Odessa" album, releasing one album ("Robin's Reign") and scoring a No. 2 U.K. hit with "Saved By the Bell."
Robin returned to the group in 1970, and the Bee Gees gained momentum with "Lonely Days," "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" (their first No. 1 hit in the U.S.), "My World" and "Run to Me." Hooking up with producer Arif Mardin for 1974's "Mr. Natural," the trio began to move in an R&B direction. "Main Course" made the Bee Gees disco club favorites in 1975 with hits such as "Jive Talkin' " and "Nights on Broadway," and its contributions to the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack in 1977 made them a pop phenomenon, holding the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 100 for 25 weeks from December 1977-August 1978 with their own songs and hits they composed for youngest brother Andy Gibb and Yvonne Elliman. "Saturday NIght Fever" became the fourth top-selling album worldwide, and despite co-starring in the ill conceived film adaptation of the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" in 1978, the group was back on top the following year with "Spirits Having Flown."
The Bee Gees' greatest success came during a rough patch in Gibb's personal life, however. He and his first wife -- NEMS secretary Molly Hullis, the mother of children Spencer and Melissa -- separated during the mid-70s and divorced in 1980. Gibb also spent a couple of hours in jail three years later for violating the couple's agreement about not speaking publicly about the marriage. But in 1980 Gibb also met Dwina Murphy; the two married and had Robin-John in 1983 but made headlines a few years later when it was revealed Dwina was bisexual as well as an ordained disciple of the Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids." The two had what Gibb called an "open relationship" that included extramarital affairs. "He's free to go wherever he wants and see whoever he wants," Dwina told one interviewer. "But, even if we're away from each other for periods of time, there's a bond and nothing's going to break it."
Gibb, who released three more solo albums during the mid-80s, said that he and Dwina "have achieved a wonderful combination of freedom and closeness. I don't worry about Dwina finding someone else and I don't have the urge to settle down with someone else, either. Jealousy is energy-draining. Many marriages fail because of it."
Laid low by the deaths of brothers Andy in 1988 -- who died at age 30 at Robin's home in Oxfordshire, England -- and Maurice in 2003, Robin and Barry put the Bee Gees on an indefinite hiatus while they pursued their own creative endeavors. Robin's 2002 solo album "Magnet" hit the charts in the U.K. and Germany, and he released "My Favourite Christmas Carols" in 2006. He also performed occasional solo shows, and in 2011 he hit the charts again by joining The Soldiers, a trio of active British military personnel, for a cover of the Bee Gees' "I've Gotta Get a Message to You." The two surviving Gibb brothers, meanwhile, oversaw an extensive Bee Gees reissue campaign and performed together for special events such as a benefit for the University of Miami's Diabetes Research Institute and the Prince's Trust 30th Birthday Concert in London, both in 2006. The two also appeared together on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" and the BBC's "Strictly Come Dancing," and they inducted ABBA into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
The Gibb brothers were also working with director/producer Steven Spielberg on a film version of the Bee Gees' story.
"The family of Robin Gibb, of the Bee Gees, announce with great sadness that Robin passed away today following his long battle with cancer and intestinal surgery," his spokesperson confirmed in a statement. "The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time."
As one-third of the Bee Gees, Gibb was part of the sixth top-selling pop group of all time, selling more than 200 million records worldwide, notching 60 No. 1 hits around the globe and winning nine Grammy Awards, including Lifetime Achievement and Legend citations. Along with his Bee Gees siblings Barry and the late Maurice, his twin who died in 2003, Gibb has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
Gibb was also the most prolific member of the band as a solo artist with six albums including this year's "Titanic Requiem," a classical piece co-written with his youngest son Robin-John. The latter, he wrote during January in the British newspaper The Mail, "saved my life" while he was in the throes of the health crisis that ultimately killed him.
"Getting involved in the routine of composing and singing again really saved me," Gibb wrote. "The 'Titanic Requiem' has been a huge investment for me -- physically, emotionally and financially -- and has come at a difficult time." Yet Gibb was upbeat, noting that "I'm happy to say I'm nearly better...It's taken its toll, naturally, but the strange thing is that I've never felt seriously ill. I've mostly felt great...I am not and have never been at death's door."
But just days after "Titanic Requiem's" release, Gibb -- who was first hospitalized with abdominal pains in August of 2010 and was subsequently diagnosed with colon cancer that spread to his liver -- underwent intestinal surgery. On April 14 he fell into a pneumonia-induced coma, where his family -- including brother Barry, second wife Dwina and his three children -- kept a vigil until his death.
Gibb once noted that music also "saved me from a life of crime," and he wasn't joking.
Gibb, who was 35 minutes older than Maurice, was one of five children born to Hugh and Barbara Gibb on the Isle of Man in England. The family later moved to Manchester, where Robin and Barry have acknowledged indulging in petty theft. Maurice once remembered Robin setting fire to several billboards as well. But the three oldest Gibb brothers were also drawn to music. "The real world was just too real and we didn't want to be a part of normal life," Robin once said. "We wanted to create a magic world for the three of us. The three of us were like one person, and we were doing what we needed to do: make music. It became an obsession."
He, Barry and Maurice had started performing in Manchester, but their career really flourished after the family moved to Australia, in 1958 -- even performing aboard the ship that took them there. Their father helped push the trio, known as the Rattlesnakes and then Wee Johnny Hayes & the Bluecasts, to radio and talent shows, and it was a DJ named Bill Gates who came up with the Bee Gees moniker. The brothers, who had all left school during their early teens, started releasing singles in 1963, while its first album, "The Bee Gees Sing and Play 14 Barry Gibb Songs," came out in 1965.
The trio scored its first big hit with "Spicks and Specks" in 1966, which preceded their return to England that year. They were signed by manager Robert Stigwood, who was working for Beatles manager Brian Epstein's NEMS organization, and in 1967 the Bee Gees signed with Polydor Records in the U.K. and Atco in the U.S., scoring a quick series of hits that included "New York Mining Disaster 1941,," "To Love Somebody," "Holiday," "Massachusetts" and "Words." But there were rivalries and creative differences in the group; a frustrated Robin left the Bee Gees after 1969's "Odessa" album, releasing one album ("Robin's Reign") and scoring a No. 2 U.K. hit with "Saved By the Bell."
Robin returned to the group in 1970, and the Bee Gees gained momentum with "Lonely Days," "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" (their first No. 1 hit in the U.S.), "My World" and "Run to Me." Hooking up with producer Arif Mardin for 1974's "Mr. Natural," the trio began to move in an R&B direction. "Main Course" made the Bee Gees disco club favorites in 1975 with hits such as "Jive Talkin' " and "Nights on Broadway," and its contributions to the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack in 1977 made them a pop phenomenon, holding the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 100 for 25 weeks from December 1977-August 1978 with their own songs and hits they composed for youngest brother Andy Gibb and Yvonne Elliman. "Saturday NIght Fever" became the fourth top-selling album worldwide, and despite co-starring in the ill conceived film adaptation of the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" in 1978, the group was back on top the following year with "Spirits Having Flown."
The Bee Gees' greatest success came during a rough patch in Gibb's personal life, however. He and his first wife -- NEMS secretary Molly Hullis, the mother of children Spencer and Melissa -- separated during the mid-70s and divorced in 1980. Gibb also spent a couple of hours in jail three years later for violating the couple's agreement about not speaking publicly about the marriage. But in 1980 Gibb also met Dwina Murphy; the two married and had Robin-John in 1983 but made headlines a few years later when it was revealed Dwina was bisexual as well as an ordained disciple of the Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids." The two had what Gibb called an "open relationship" that included extramarital affairs. "He's free to go wherever he wants and see whoever he wants," Dwina told one interviewer. "But, even if we're away from each other for periods of time, there's a bond and nothing's going to break it."
Gibb, who released three more solo albums during the mid-80s, said that he and Dwina "have achieved a wonderful combination of freedom and closeness. I don't worry about Dwina finding someone else and I don't have the urge to settle down with someone else, either. Jealousy is energy-draining. Many marriages fail because of it."
Laid low by the deaths of brothers Andy in 1988 -- who died at age 30 at Robin's home in Oxfordshire, England -- and Maurice in 2003, Robin and Barry put the Bee Gees on an indefinite hiatus while they pursued their own creative endeavors. Robin's 2002 solo album "Magnet" hit the charts in the U.K. and Germany, and he released "My Favourite Christmas Carols" in 2006. He also performed occasional solo shows, and in 2011 he hit the charts again by joining The Soldiers, a trio of active British military personnel, for a cover of the Bee Gees' "I've Gotta Get a Message to You." The two surviving Gibb brothers, meanwhile, oversaw an extensive Bee Gees reissue campaign and performed together for special events such as a benefit for the University of Miami's Diabetes Research Institute and the Prince's Trust 30th Birthday Concert in London, both in 2006. The two also appeared together on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" and the BBC's "Strictly Come Dancing," and they inducted ABBA into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
The Gibb brothers were also working with director/producer Steven Spielberg on a film version of the Bee Gees' story.
Roger Hodgson Continues Breakfast In America Tour
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Roger Hodgson, the legendary voice of Supertramp, recently completed the first leg of his “Breakfast in America Tour” with sold out shows across the US and South America. On June 6, Hodgson heads to Germany to kick off a summer run through Germany, Holland, Italy, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Spain, and Switzerland, before returning to perform in North America in August.
Fans the world over have been thrilled with Hodgson’s unforgettable songs such as “Breakfast in America,” “The Logical Song,” “Dreamer,” “Give a Little Bit,” “Take the Long Way Home,” and “It's Raining Again.” Hodgson and his band perform these timeless songs worldwide, as they take you on a magical musical journey.
Universally recognized as one of the most gifted composers and songwriters to have ever put pen to paper, Hodgson helped define a generation of progressive rock. Founding Supertramp in 1969, Hodgson’s dulcet tones and beautifully crafted lyrics helped the band sell in excess of 60 million albums, transforming them into a worldwide phenomenon.
Reflecting on his tour, Roger said "I love performing these songs, which continue to resound for me as a performer and for the fans. My songs come from a very personal place inside me and they carry my beliefs and my dreams and my philosophy of life. I understand the deep connection that fans have with my songs that have been a part of so many peoples’ lives around the world."
Fans the world over have been thrilled with Hodgson’s unforgettable songs such as “Breakfast in America,” “The Logical Song,” “Dreamer,” “Give a Little Bit,” “Take the Long Way Home,” and “It's Raining Again.” Hodgson and his band perform these timeless songs worldwide, as they take you on a magical musical journey.
Universally recognized as one of the most gifted composers and songwriters to have ever put pen to paper, Hodgson helped define a generation of progressive rock. Founding Supertramp in 1969, Hodgson’s dulcet tones and beautifully crafted lyrics helped the band sell in excess of 60 million albums, transforming them into a worldwide phenomenon.
Reflecting on his tour, Roger said "I love performing these songs, which continue to resound for me as a performer and for the fans. My songs come from a very personal place inside me and they carry my beliefs and my dreams and my philosophy of life. I understand the deep connection that fans have with my songs that have been a part of so many peoples’ lives around the world."
Jon Anderson To Play Select Summer 2012 Concerts
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Original Yes vocalist and songwriter Jon Anderson will be playing select concert dates this summer in support of his new digital download release, "Open."
Anderson is best known for his work with Yes, Vangelis and Kitaro, as well as his solo efforts, recently completed several successful tours of the US and South America.
The new summer tour promises to deliver a mixture of material from Jon Anderson's prolific solo career, collaborations with Vangelis and classic Yes songs, along with songs from his latest CD Survival & Other Stories and new compositions, highlighted by humorous and enlightening stories.
On August 8, 2012 Anderson will be performing in the UK for the first time in many years at the Sadler's Wells Theater in London.
“The concert in London is with the Slovakian Chamber Orchestra with the help of my good friend composer Peter Machajdik plus a semi acoustic group I performed with a couple of years ago in Bratislava,” says Jon. "We will be performing some classic songs I wrote with Yes and Vangelis, plus some new songs in a concert for 'Earth and Peace at the 2012 Olympic Games.' "
The singer is currently recording "Ever," the follow-up to the 21-minute "Open" opus.
Jon Anderson Summer 2012 Tour Dates:
June 1 - Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant - Minneapolis, MN
June 3 - The Pabst Theatre - Milwaukee, WI
June 6 - Mayne Stage - Chicago, IL
June 8 - Viper Alley - Lincolnshire, IL
June 11 - The Triple Door - Seattle, WA
June 12 - The Triple Door - Seattle, WA
June 16 - Napa Valley Opera House - Napa, CA
June 19 - Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center - Livermore, CA
June 21 - Rio Theatre - Santa Cruz, CA
July 6 - The Coach House - San Juan Capistrano, CA
For more information, visit www.jonanderson.com.
Anderson is best known for his work with Yes, Vangelis and Kitaro, as well as his solo efforts, recently completed several successful tours of the US and South America.
The new summer tour promises to deliver a mixture of material from Jon Anderson's prolific solo career, collaborations with Vangelis and classic Yes songs, along with songs from his latest CD Survival & Other Stories and new compositions, highlighted by humorous and enlightening stories.
On August 8, 2012 Anderson will be performing in the UK for the first time in many years at the Sadler's Wells Theater in London.
“The concert in London is with the Slovakian Chamber Orchestra with the help of my good friend composer Peter Machajdik plus a semi acoustic group I performed with a couple of years ago in Bratislava,” says Jon. "We will be performing some classic songs I wrote with Yes and Vangelis, plus some new songs in a concert for 'Earth and Peace at the 2012 Olympic Games.' "
The singer is currently recording "Ever," the follow-up to the 21-minute "Open" opus.
Jon Anderson Summer 2012 Tour Dates:
June 1 - Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant - Minneapolis, MN
June 3 - The Pabst Theatre - Milwaukee, WI
June 6 - Mayne Stage - Chicago, IL
June 8 - Viper Alley - Lincolnshire, IL
June 11 - The Triple Door - Seattle, WA
June 12 - The Triple Door - Seattle, WA
June 16 - Napa Valley Opera House - Napa, CA
June 19 - Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center - Livermore, CA
June 21 - Rio Theatre - Santa Cruz, CA
July 6 - The Coach House - San Juan Capistrano, CA
For more information, visit www.jonanderson.com.
17 Mayıs 2012 Perşembe
Jimi Hendrix Biopic A Go Without Estate's OK
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It's official: John Ridley will direct a bio-film about the late Jimi Hendrix, who'll be played on screen by the musician Andre Benjamin, better known as OutKast's Andre 3000. Ridley also has written the original screenplay for the project, titled All Is By My Side. Haley Atwell and Imogen Poots will appear in co-starring roles.
Darko Entertainment, Subotica Entertaiment and Matador Pictures will produce the film, which Darko is financing. Producing are Darko's Sean McKittrick and Jeff Culotta, Danny Bramson, Subotica's Tristan Orphen Lynch and Matador's Nigel Thomas. Ridley and Tedd Hamm will serve as exec producers on the project, scheduled to begin production on location in Ireland later this month. In announcing "Side," the producers said it will be based on actual interviews with Hendrix as well as archival materials.
However on Thursday (May 10), Experience Hendrix, LLC issued a statement on the prospective film that indicated it would not include the musician's classic recordings.
"Various media outlets have recently published accounts that indicate a feature length Jimi Hendrix biographical film is nearing production," reads the statement. "Experience Hendrix, LLC, the family-owned company entrusted with safeguarding the legacy of Jimi Hendrix and administrator of the Jimi Hendrix music and publishing catalog has made it known many times in the past that no such film, were it to include original music or copyrights created by Jimi Hendrix, can be undertaken without its full participation."
Hendrix's estate did not definitively close the door on its involvement in a biopic, starring Andre 3000 or another actor. "Experience Hendrix CEO Janie Hendrix, sister of Jimi Hendrix, and the EH board have not ruled out a "biopic" in the future," continues the statement, "though producing partners would, out of necessity, have to involve the company from the inception of any such film project if it is to include original Jimi Hendrix music or compositions."
It's official: John Ridley will direct a bio-film about the late Jimi Hendrix, who'll be played on screen by the musician Andre Benjamin, better known as OutKast's Andre 3000. Ridley also has written the original screenplay for the project, titled All Is By My Side. Haley Atwell and Imogen Poots will appear in co-starring roles.
Darko Entertainment, Subotica Entertaiment and Matador Pictures will produce the film, which Darko is financing. Producing are Darko's Sean McKittrick and Jeff Culotta, Danny Bramson, Subotica's Tristan Orphen Lynch and Matador's Nigel Thomas. Ridley and Tedd Hamm will serve as exec producers on the project, scheduled to begin production on location in Ireland later this month. In announcing "Side," the producers said it will be based on actual interviews with Hendrix as well as archival materials.
However on Thursday (May 10), Experience Hendrix, LLC issued a statement on the prospective film that indicated it would not include the musician's classic recordings.
"Various media outlets have recently published accounts that indicate a feature length Jimi Hendrix biographical film is nearing production," reads the statement. "Experience Hendrix, LLC, the family-owned company entrusted with safeguarding the legacy of Jimi Hendrix and administrator of the Jimi Hendrix music and publishing catalog has made it known many times in the past that no such film, were it to include original music or copyrights created by Jimi Hendrix, can be undertaken without its full participation."
Hendrix's estate did not definitively close the door on its involvement in a biopic, starring Andre 3000 or another actor. "Experience Hendrix CEO Janie Hendrix, sister of Jimi Hendrix, and the EH board have not ruled out a "biopic" in the future," continues the statement, "though producing partners would, out of necessity, have to involve the company from the inception of any such film project if it is to include original Jimi Hendrix music or compositions."
Freddie Mercury 'Optical Illusion' To Join Queen Musical
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In the wake of Tupac Shakur's projected appearances at Coachella in April, the return of a number of dead musicians was discussed -- and Queen's Freddie Mercury is set to be next.
According to the BBC, "an optical illusion of sorts" will take the stage at the 10th anniversary of the West End musical We Will Rock You. Mercury died in 1991, at age 45.
"People will come out saying, 'Did we actually see Freddie?'" guitarist Brian May told the BBC.
He added that their illusion, long in the works, had been beaten to the punch by Tupac's much-discussed surprise.
"It's a little unfortunate they did that thing with Tupac as we've been trying to make Freddie appear on the stage for quite a while," May added. "[That technique] is something we've looked at ourselves but I think probably for a show that runs eight shows a week it's not really quite practical."
However, don't expect Mercury to join the band next. In April, Queen's Roger Taylor said hat he wouldn't play with a Tupac-style recreation of Mercury.
"I don't want to appear with a hologram of my dear friend. It's the real one or no hologram for me. But I think it's an amazing effect when used properly -- obviously in darkness," he said at the time.
Instead, Queen's enlisted singer Adam Lambert for a handful of summer shows this year, including two nights at the HMV Apollo Hammersmith in London in July.
In the wake of Tupac Shakur's projected appearances at Coachella in April, the return of a number of dead musicians was discussed -- and Queen's Freddie Mercury is set to be next.
According to the BBC, "an optical illusion of sorts" will take the stage at the 10th anniversary of the West End musical We Will Rock You. Mercury died in 1991, at age 45.
"People will come out saying, 'Did we actually see Freddie?'" guitarist Brian May told the BBC.
He added that their illusion, long in the works, had been beaten to the punch by Tupac's much-discussed surprise.
"It's a little unfortunate they did that thing with Tupac as we've been trying to make Freddie appear on the stage for quite a while," May added. "[That technique] is something we've looked at ourselves but I think probably for a show that runs eight shows a week it's not really quite practical."
However, don't expect Mercury to join the band next. In April, Queen's Roger Taylor said hat he wouldn't play with a Tupac-style recreation of Mercury.
"I don't want to appear with a hologram of my dear friend. It's the real one or no hologram for me. But I think it's an amazing effect when used properly -- obviously in darkness," he said at the time.
Instead, Queen's enlisted singer Adam Lambert for a handful of summer shows this year, including two nights at the HMV Apollo Hammersmith in London in July.
Ringo Starr Has Lost His Beatles Photos
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During the early days of the Beatles, Ringo Starr often traveled with a camera and took photos of of the group behind the scenes, from rehearsing for their history-making appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show to goofing around on the set of their 1965 movie, Help!
In countless Beatles photographs, Starr is seen taking his own pictures, the vast majority of which have never been released. Sadly, Starr says that's unlikely to change anytime soon.
"I don't know where they are," he says with a sigh. "I wish I did. There's been several moves and things happen."
Starr hopes they might pop up unexpectedly one day, since it's happened before – about a decade ago, he uncovered a bunch of postcards from his band mates and published them in the 2004 book, Postcards from the Boys. "I found a box on my shelf and was like, 'What the hell is that?'" Starr recalls. "And it was full of the postcards. At the time we were moving house yet again, and the secretary I had at the time decided to put them all in envelopes and put them in a shoebox. That's how I found out I still had them. So you never know – one day I may find another box with all my photos."
Starr recently spoke with Rolling Stone, sharing his thoughts on releasing the Let It Be movie on DVD, his upcoming summer tour with the All Starr Band, and why he's reluctant to perform "Octopus's Garden" live.
In countless Beatles photographs, Starr is seen taking his own pictures, the vast majority of which have never been released. Sadly, Starr says that's unlikely to change anytime soon.
"I don't know where they are," he says with a sigh. "I wish I did. There's been several moves and things happen."
Starr hopes they might pop up unexpectedly one day, since it's happened before – about a decade ago, he uncovered a bunch of postcards from his band mates and published them in the 2004 book, Postcards from the Boys. "I found a box on my shelf and was like, 'What the hell is that?'" Starr recalls. "And it was full of the postcards. At the time we were moving house yet again, and the secretary I had at the time decided to put them all in envelopes and put them in a shoebox. That's how I found out I still had them. So you never know – one day I may find another box with all my photos."
Starr recently spoke with Rolling Stone, sharing his thoughts on releasing the Let It Be movie on DVD, his upcoming summer tour with the All Starr Band, and why he's reluctant to perform "Octopus's Garden" live.
Black Sabbath's Bill Ward Says He's Out Of Reunion Gigs
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Bill Ward will not be joining Black Sabbath for this year's performances, the drummer confirmed in a letter to fans on his website.
The lengthy, emotional note explained that Ward had been asked to participate "minimally" at the band's Download Festival set in the UK in June, then later offered the chance to play a Birmingham warm-up show "for free and see how the first show goes" before potentially joining the group at the Download Festival and Lollapalooza.
"I was tempted," Ward wrote, but said he decided against it. "I can't prioritize the Sabbath fans making one show more important than the other. I can't do that. All of you are important. It's all the gigs or none at all. I can't come to Birmingham and 'see what happens' knowing there is a risk of not being able to play Download or Lollapalooza. Again, for me, it's all or nothing.
"I didn't want to make this decision, but I have to be honest and transparent," he added, noting that he holds "no malice" toward the quartet's other original members.
He closed by stating he remains open to a contract with "signable" terms.
The group announced its reunion and a new album last year before Ward initially declared he wouldn't participate under the current terms. In February, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler responded to Ward's announcement with a statement saying "We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open."
The group has yet to respond to the new remarks. To add to the band's worries, Iommi is continuing his battle with lymphoma, telling fans in a March Facebook note that he'd just finished chemotherapy.
Bill Ward will not be joining Black Sabbath for this year's performances, the drummer confirmed in a letter to fans on his website.
The lengthy, emotional note explained that Ward had been asked to participate "minimally" at the band's Download Festival set in the UK in June, then later offered the chance to play a Birmingham warm-up show "for free and see how the first show goes" before potentially joining the group at the Download Festival and Lollapalooza.
"I was tempted," Ward wrote, but said he decided against it. "I can't prioritize the Sabbath fans making one show more important than the other. I can't do that. All of you are important. It's all the gigs or none at all. I can't come to Birmingham and 'see what happens' knowing there is a risk of not being able to play Download or Lollapalooza. Again, for me, it's all or nothing.
"I didn't want to make this decision, but I have to be honest and transparent," he added, noting that he holds "no malice" toward the quartet's other original members.
He closed by stating he remains open to a contract with "signable" terms.
The group announced its reunion and a new album last year before Ward initially declared he wouldn't participate under the current terms. In February, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler responded to Ward's announcement with a statement saying "We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open."
The group has yet to respond to the new remarks. To add to the band's worries, Iommi is continuing his battle with lymphoma, telling fans in a March Facebook note that he'd just finished chemotherapy.
Universal-EMI Merger: Has Music Biz Lost Control?
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On the face of it, Universal Music Group's bid to buy a big chunk of EMI stands to make the world's leading music company an even more formidable force, combining Universal's star lineup of Lady Gaga and Rihanna with the British company's deep library of The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Katy Perry.
Certainly the fierce opposition from rival Warner Music Group, consumer groups and independent music companies makes it seem that way. They have all vowed to fight it tooth and nail, telling U.S. and European regulators that the merger would create a behemoth capable of controlling the future of digital media by withholding content from digital music startups.
But industry insiders say regulators also are looking at a counterargument - that the major recording companies already are weakened giants worn down by the forces of big retailers and piracy that put downward pressure on the price of CDs and digital downloads.
U.S.-based Universal, owned by Paris-based Vivendi, made the $1.9 billion deal in November.
Eight antitrust experts interviewed about the issue were divided about the chances for approval, largely because the music landscape has changed so much in recent years that it is not clear that a deal that would concentrate 40 percent of the recorded music industry in one company would harm competition.
"Ten years ago, the labels had power. Today they don't have any power. If they (the U.S. Federal Trade Commission) block it, it's just because they don't understand the market," said Daniel Sokol, who teaches antitrust issues at the University of Florida Levin College of Law.
Two antitrust experts who spoke on condition of anonymity to protect business relationships said that Universal faces a tough fight in winning U.S. approval - especially because Warner Music Group, owned by privately held Access Industries, has organized opposition to the deal.
"My sense is that the FTC could take a hard line depending on how good a job Warner does in generating complaints," one expert said. "It wouldn't surprise me if it didn't go through."
Universal is gearing up to begin discussions later this month with the FTC about potential asset sales that could make the transaction more palatable to regulators, said a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Universal also is considering making a request to the FTC in the next two weeks for the agency to decide on approval of the deal within a 30-day period, this source added.
Two industry insiders who have met with U.S. regulators say the FTC is asking about the pricing power of retailers like Apple and Amazon, who use cheap music as loss leaders to attract customers for more expensive goods, and about the pressure of illegal music downloads.
The FTC also is asking about allegations made by consumer groups and others that Universal has been reluctant to license its enormous catalog of must-have music to digital startups, or has licensed the music only on onerous terms, those insiders said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Universal spokesman Peter Lofrumento said the company is working closely with the FTC and is confident of approval. The FTC declined to comment on the matter.
As the U.S. regulatory review heats up, a Senate Judiciary subcommittee said last week it will hold a hearing on the matter. The panel has no official say over approval, but is able to help shape the debate over the deal.
While the FTC may accept the argument that major retailers push prices down, Bert Foer, president of the American Antitrust Institute advocacy group, dismissed piracy as a defense.
"It's a passing issue and it will eventually get dealt with. It should not be the justification for allowing an anticompetitive merger to take place," Foer said.
The consumer groups Public Knowledge and Consumer Federation of America have written to two U.S. House of Representatives and Senate antitrust subcommittees to urge close scrutiny of the deal. The groups said Universal's 40 percent market share could make it a bully when innovative startups come up with new ways to sell and stream music online.
"If you control that much of the marquee content, they can determine the fate of new digital business models by withholding content," Mark Cooper of Consumer Federation of America said.
Universal said those worries are unfounded.
"The future of music also depends on providing consumers with as many legal alternatives to piracy as possible," Universal's Lofrumento said. "We have licensed more digital music services than any other music company and will continue to do so to the benefit of our artists, consumers and the overall industry."
Another critic of the deal is IMPALA, a European organization of independent music companies. It points out that last year 90 percent of the Top 1000 for downloads and airplay were from the big four music companies.
"These results are very revealing, especially as they already factor in independent successes such as Adele. They send a serious warning about the dangers of concentration in music for diversity in Europe," said Helen Smith, IMPALA executive chair.
British singer Adele is on the independent label XL Recordings.
European antitrust regulators in Brussels are asking many of the same questions that the FTC is asking, according to sources there, and are also asking whether artists would be able to switch record labels easily after the deal.
The European regulators, who are more public about their investigations than their U.S. counterparts, are due to decide by September 6 whether to clear the deal.
Officials in Brussels are concerned since the combination of Universal and EMI's recorded music unit would create a player almost twice the size of the nearest European rival.
They also appear to be focusing on the companies' market share in classical music and jazz, compilations and the extent to which Universal dominates hit charts.
In addition to Lady Gaga and Rihanna, Universal's roster of artists includes Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, Taylor Swift and LL Cool J. In addition to Katy Perry, EMI's list includes Norah Jones, Coldplay, Joss Stone and Lady Antebellum.
Across U.S. music labels, revenues have plummeted 50 percent from 2000 to $7 billion in 2011, according to the Recording Industry Association of America trade group, which blames piracy for much of the losses.
Employment by record companies in the United States has fallen to less than 10,000 now from about 25,000 people in 1999, the association said.
The situation has not been much better in Europe. British company EMI, which was the first home to the Beatles when they were unknowns in 1962, was heavily indebted in 2007 when British private equity firm Terra Firma bought it with financing from Citigroup.
In February 2011, EMI, unable to pay the loans, was acquired by Citigroup. The bank cleared out the debt, broke the company in two and sold the parts last November.
Sony snapped up EMI Music Publishing, the portion of the company that handles copyrights to 1.3 million songs, for $2.2 billion, and received European approval in April.
The FTC has not weighed in on the Sony deal, but it is not expected to run into antitrust trouble in the United States.
Universal won the rights to EMI's recorded music unit after Warner Music dropped out of bidding. Warner, the No. 3 U.S. music company, has now pursued its public campaign against Universal's deal.
Edgar Bronfman Jr., the former chairman of Warner, said at the Dive Into Media Conference in January in reference to the deal: "It's dangerous, problematic and has to be stopped."
Bronfman argued that Universal, with a 40 percent share, would determine not only the future of the recorded music industry but any kind of digital music industry.
Warner Music declined to comment for this story.
Typically that sort of market share would prompt regulators to challenge a deal - and they might despite Universal's cries that they are powerless to raise prices when faced with retail giants and illegal downloads.
Evan Stewart, an antitrust expert with the law firm Zuckerman Spaeder, argued that the FTC could well approve the deal if Universal's lawyers have compelling data to support arguments about Apple and Amazon's pricing power, and the effect of piracy. "If they're skillful at making that presentation, I think it will be approved," Stewart said.
Certainly the fierce opposition from rival Warner Music Group, consumer groups and independent music companies makes it seem that way. They have all vowed to fight it tooth and nail, telling U.S. and European regulators that the merger would create a behemoth capable of controlling the future of digital media by withholding content from digital music startups.
But industry insiders say regulators also are looking at a counterargument - that the major recording companies already are weakened giants worn down by the forces of big retailers and piracy that put downward pressure on the price of CDs and digital downloads.
U.S.-based Universal, owned by Paris-based Vivendi, made the $1.9 billion deal in November.
Eight antitrust experts interviewed about the issue were divided about the chances for approval, largely because the music landscape has changed so much in recent years that it is not clear that a deal that would concentrate 40 percent of the recorded music industry in one company would harm competition.
"Ten years ago, the labels had power. Today they don't have any power. If they (the U.S. Federal Trade Commission) block it, it's just because they don't understand the market," said Daniel Sokol, who teaches antitrust issues at the University of Florida Levin College of Law.
Two antitrust experts who spoke on condition of anonymity to protect business relationships said that Universal faces a tough fight in winning U.S. approval - especially because Warner Music Group, owned by privately held Access Industries, has organized opposition to the deal.
"My sense is that the FTC could take a hard line depending on how good a job Warner does in generating complaints," one expert said. "It wouldn't surprise me if it didn't go through."
Universal is gearing up to begin discussions later this month with the FTC about potential asset sales that could make the transaction more palatable to regulators, said a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Universal also is considering making a request to the FTC in the next two weeks for the agency to decide on approval of the deal within a 30-day period, this source added.
Two industry insiders who have met with U.S. regulators say the FTC is asking about the pricing power of retailers like Apple and Amazon, who use cheap music as loss leaders to attract customers for more expensive goods, and about the pressure of illegal music downloads.
The FTC also is asking about allegations made by consumer groups and others that Universal has been reluctant to license its enormous catalog of must-have music to digital startups, or has licensed the music only on onerous terms, those insiders said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Universal spokesman Peter Lofrumento said the company is working closely with the FTC and is confident of approval. The FTC declined to comment on the matter.
As the U.S. regulatory review heats up, a Senate Judiciary subcommittee said last week it will hold a hearing on the matter. The panel has no official say over approval, but is able to help shape the debate over the deal.
While the FTC may accept the argument that major retailers push prices down, Bert Foer, president of the American Antitrust Institute advocacy group, dismissed piracy as a defense.
"It's a passing issue and it will eventually get dealt with. It should not be the justification for allowing an anticompetitive merger to take place," Foer said.
The consumer groups Public Knowledge and Consumer Federation of America have written to two U.S. House of Representatives and Senate antitrust subcommittees to urge close scrutiny of the deal. The groups said Universal's 40 percent market share could make it a bully when innovative startups come up with new ways to sell and stream music online.
"If you control that much of the marquee content, they can determine the fate of new digital business models by withholding content," Mark Cooper of Consumer Federation of America said.
Universal said those worries are unfounded.
"The future of music also depends on providing consumers with as many legal alternatives to piracy as possible," Universal's Lofrumento said. "We have licensed more digital music services than any other music company and will continue to do so to the benefit of our artists, consumers and the overall industry."
Another critic of the deal is IMPALA, a European organization of independent music companies. It points out that last year 90 percent of the Top 1000 for downloads and airplay were from the big four music companies.
"These results are very revealing, especially as they already factor in independent successes such as Adele. They send a serious warning about the dangers of concentration in music for diversity in Europe," said Helen Smith, IMPALA executive chair.
British singer Adele is on the independent label XL Recordings.
European antitrust regulators in Brussels are asking many of the same questions that the FTC is asking, according to sources there, and are also asking whether artists would be able to switch record labels easily after the deal.
The European regulators, who are more public about their investigations than their U.S. counterparts, are due to decide by September 6 whether to clear the deal.
Officials in Brussels are concerned since the combination of Universal and EMI's recorded music unit would create a player almost twice the size of the nearest European rival.
They also appear to be focusing on the companies' market share in classical music and jazz, compilations and the extent to which Universal dominates hit charts.
In addition to Lady Gaga and Rihanna, Universal's roster of artists includes Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, Taylor Swift and LL Cool J. In addition to Katy Perry, EMI's list includes Norah Jones, Coldplay, Joss Stone and Lady Antebellum.
Across U.S. music labels, revenues have plummeted 50 percent from 2000 to $7 billion in 2011, according to the Recording Industry Association of America trade group, which blames piracy for much of the losses.
Employment by record companies in the United States has fallen to less than 10,000 now from about 25,000 people in 1999, the association said.
The situation has not been much better in Europe. British company EMI, which was the first home to the Beatles when they were unknowns in 1962, was heavily indebted in 2007 when British private equity firm Terra Firma bought it with financing from Citigroup.
In February 2011, EMI, unable to pay the loans, was acquired by Citigroup. The bank cleared out the debt, broke the company in two and sold the parts last November.
Sony snapped up EMI Music Publishing, the portion of the company that handles copyrights to 1.3 million songs, for $2.2 billion, and received European approval in April.
The FTC has not weighed in on the Sony deal, but it is not expected to run into antitrust trouble in the United States.
Universal won the rights to EMI's recorded music unit after Warner Music dropped out of bidding. Warner, the No. 3 U.S. music company, has now pursued its public campaign against Universal's deal.
Edgar Bronfman Jr., the former chairman of Warner, said at the Dive Into Media Conference in January in reference to the deal: "It's dangerous, problematic and has to be stopped."
Bronfman argued that Universal, with a 40 percent share, would determine not only the future of the recorded music industry but any kind of digital music industry.
Warner Music declined to comment for this story.
Typically that sort of market share would prompt regulators to challenge a deal - and they might despite Universal's cries that they are powerless to raise prices when faced with retail giants and illegal downloads.
Evan Stewart, an antitrust expert with the law firm Zuckerman Spaeder, argued that the FTC could well approve the deal if Universal's lawyers have compelling data to support arguments about Apple and Amazon's pricing power, and the effect of piracy. "If they're skillful at making that presentation, I think it will be approved," Stewart said.
6 Mayıs 2012 Pazar
Ted Nugent: Secret Service Meeting 'Could Not Have Gone Better'
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"I met with two fine, professional Secret Service agents in Oklahoma today," the rocker and arch-conservative said Thursday in a post on his website. "Good, solid, professional meeting concluding that I have never made any threats of violence towards anyone. The meeting could not have gone better. I thanked them for their service, we shook hands and went about our business. Godbless the good federal agents wherever they may be."
He added: "By no stretch of the imagination did I threaten anyone's life, or hint at violence or mayhem. Metaphors needn't be explained to educated people."
Nugent had been under scrutiny since last weekend's NRA appearance in St. Louis, where he ranted about the Obama administration, "We need to ride into that battlefield and chop their heads off in November." If President Obama is re-elected, said Nugent, he'd be "dead or in jail by this time next year."
Nugent's incendiary speech attracted the ears of Secret Services, who launched a probe on the musician. He said in an interview on Glenn Beck's radio show that he respected "their duty to investigate," and had meant no real threat by his remarks.
In a statement to The Associated Press, Secret Service spokeperson Brian Leary said: "The issue has been resolved. The Secret Service does not anticipate any further action."
Ted Nugent says he's off the hook after meeting with Secret Service agents about his controversial, violently-worded speech at an NRA convention.
"I met with two fine, professional Secret Service agents in Oklahoma today," the rocker and arch-conservative said Thursday in a post on his website. "Good, solid, professional meeting concluding that I have never made any threats of violence towards anyone. The meeting could not have gone better. I thanked them for their service, we shook hands and went about our business. Godbless the good federal agents wherever they may be."
He added: "By no stretch of the imagination did I threaten anyone's life, or hint at violence or mayhem. Metaphors needn't be explained to educated people."
Nugent had been under scrutiny since last weekend's NRA appearance in St. Louis, where he ranted about the Obama administration, "We need to ride into that battlefield and chop their heads off in November." If President Obama is re-elected, said Nugent, he'd be "dead or in jail by this time next year."
Nugent's incendiary speech attracted the ears of Secret Services, who launched a probe on the musician. He said in an interview on Glenn Beck's radio show that he respected "their duty to investigate," and had meant no real threat by his remarks.
In a statement to The Associated Press, Secret Service spokeperson Brian Leary said: "The issue has been resolved. The Secret Service does not anticipate any further action."
Robin Gibb's Health Improves
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Robin Gibb's doctors say that the Bee Gees founder is making an astonishing recovery from the grave health problems that he has been battling.
"Only three days ago, I warned Robin’s wife, Dwina, son, Robin John and brother, Barry, that I feared the worst," Gibb's physician and gastroenterologist, Dr. Andrew Thillainayagam, said in a statement released by Gibb's representative. "We felt it was very likely that Robin would succumb to what seemed to be insurmountable obstacles to any form of meaningful recovery. As a team, we were all concerned that we might be approaching the realms of futility."
Thillainayagam explained that Gibb had opted to treat his advanced colorectal cancer with aggressive chemotherapy, and needed two emergency operations within two months. In his weakened condition, he developed brain swelling from liver failure as well as pneumonia and subsequently lost consciousness.
"It is testament to Robin’s extraordinary courage, iron will and deep reserves of physical strength that he has overcome quite incredible odds to get where he is now," Thillainayagam said.
The doctor confirmed that Gibb is now conscious, lucid, and able to speak. Although the singer is being fed intravenously, he is breathing on his own with the help of an oxygen mask.
"The road ahead for Robin remains uncertain but it is a privilege to look after such an extraordinary human being," Thillainayagam said.
"Only three days ago, I warned Robin’s wife, Dwina, son, Robin John and brother, Barry, that I feared the worst," Gibb's physician and gastroenterologist, Dr. Andrew Thillainayagam, said in a statement released by Gibb's representative. "We felt it was very likely that Robin would succumb to what seemed to be insurmountable obstacles to any form of meaningful recovery. As a team, we were all concerned that we might be approaching the realms of futility."
Thillainayagam explained that Gibb had opted to treat his advanced colorectal cancer with aggressive chemotherapy, and needed two emergency operations within two months. In his weakened condition, he developed brain swelling from liver failure as well as pneumonia and subsequently lost consciousness.
"It is testament to Robin’s extraordinary courage, iron will and deep reserves of physical strength that he has overcome quite incredible odds to get where he is now," Thillainayagam said.
The doctor confirmed that Gibb is now conscious, lucid, and able to speak. Although the singer is being fed intravenously, he is breathing on his own with the help of an oxygen mask.
"The road ahead for Robin remains uncertain but it is a privilege to look after such an extraordinary human being," Thillainayagam said.
From the Pit: An Opera Company's "Unsung Heroes"
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Sarah Richardson, who plays the viola, sent us this vlog (video blog) about the time she and her fellow musicians spend underneath the Central City Opera stage as members of the Central City Opera Orchestra. I've mentioned in a previous blog post how much I enjoy watching the Orchestra from the balcony. This collection of photos, videos and commentary gives you an insider's view from below as well!
Check out more from our violist on her blog, Beyond Do Re Mi. What do some musicians do when there are a lot of opera performances and not much time to drive back down to the Denver area in between them? According to one blog article, Sarah occasionally spends time at a nearby campground recharging her artistic soul enjoying nature and journaling. We actually have quite a few patrons who go camping while visiting the opera each summer, too. You may have been camping beside one of our orchestra members and not even realized it!
Check out more from our violist on her blog, Beyond Do Re Mi. What do some musicians do when there are a lot of opera performances and not much time to drive back down to the Denver area in between them? According to one blog article, Sarah occasionally spends time at a nearby campground recharging her artistic soul enjoying nature and journaling. We actually have quite a few patrons who go camping while visiting the opera each summer, too. You may have been camping beside one of our orchestra members and not even realized it!
Gathering Of The Vibes: A Grateful Dead Fan's Dream (Almost)
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The surviving four members of the Grateful Dead -- with their solo projects -- will join the Avett Brothers, Primus, Zappa Plays Zappa, Steel Pulse, Sound Tribe Sector 9 and others at the 17th annual Gathering of the Vibes festival, which will take place July 19-22 at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Conn.
Friday, July 20, will be "pretty much about the Grateful Dead" according to Vibes founder Ken Hays, including performances by bassist Phil Lesh & Friends, guitarist Bob Weir with Bruce Hornsby and Branford Marsalis, and percussionist Bill Kreutzmann with his latest group, 7 Walkers. Percussionist Mickey Hart and his new band -- promoting the "Mysterium Tremendum" album that comes out April 10 -- will appear on Saturday, July 21.
"It's a kindred spirit thing," Hart tells Billboard. "It feels very homey, very warm and fuzzy for us. After Jerry (Garcia) died, these people...didn't want the groove to stop, didn't want the vibe to stop, so they put this (festival) together over the years. The momentum built and now it's quite formidable. We feel a bit of responsibility to carry it on and help them and be a part of it and enjoy it with them. I really do none of the work for it, putting it on and everything, but I do support it, and I always look forward to playing it."
Hays adds that having the Dead members on board in any capacity adds meaning to the festival. "We're keeping the torch alive for them," Hays explains. "As long as they're well and able to perform... we'll always have a place for all the members of the Grateful Dead and whatever they're doing. They are very, very close to my heart and to those of 99 percent of the attendees." But neither Hays nor Hart would commit to the Dead members playing together in any way since they'll all be in attendance.
"You just never know," Hays says. "They're all getting along beautifully together and making incredible music. I think all that we can do is lay out the framework and let the possibilities and their inspiration decide." Hart adds that "everyone's doing what they really want to do and really enjoying it. Everybody's having a good musical life. I'm always up to play with (the others); then the times right, perhaps that'll happen."
In addition to the music, this year's Gathering of the Vibes will feature an assortment of extra attractions. There will be a School of Rock Stage as well as a Kids Corner and Teen Scene; the latter will feature the hands-on technological display of concert sound and lighting equipment that was popular last year. The Silent Disco -- a late-night party at which attendees dance on the Seaside Park beach with headphones rather than listening to a sound system -- will return, as will the World Peace Sanctuary parade and flag ceremony on Sunday morning. There will also be a ferris wheel and a full array of waterfront activities such as jet skis, sailboats, paddle boats and swimming.
"It's consistent with what the Vibes audience has asked for," Hays says. "Last year we had Jane's Addiction and Elvis Costello and people loved it, but I think this is a little bit more back towards the foundation of our roots in terms of the music." The 2011 edition of the Gathering drew about 20,000 fans per day, according to Hays.
It's also the final year of the festival's five-year contract with Seaside Park and the city of Bridgeport. "We'll make some decisions after this year's festival as to the future and where we go from here," Hays says, though the festival has generated goodwill by donating money from previous years that have gone to build a splash pad and a handicapped-accessible playground.
Gathering tickets have already been on sale for awhile, and Hays says the festival is "about one-third of the way sold out." A weekend pass is $185 for general admission, $420 VIP. Single day tickets will be on sale soon at prices to be determined, while Connecticut residents and state employees will receive a 50 percent discount for the festival's final day, and children 15 and under accompanied by parents will be admitted free.
Festival information and updates are available at www.gatheringofthevibes.com.
Hays says he's working on locking in a few more acts he hopes to announce soon, but the festival's current lineup includes:
July 19 -- Dark Star Orchestra, Yonder Mountain String Band, Zach Deputy, Royal Family Ball featuring Soulive and Lettuce
July 20 -- Phil Lesh & Friends, Bob Weir, Bruce Hornsby & Branford Marsalis, 7 Walkers, Greyboy Allstars, Conspirator, Kung Fu
July 21 -- Mickey Hart Band, Primus, Zappa Plays Zappa, Sound Tribe Sector 9, Deep Banana Blackout, Ryan Montbleau Band, Strangefolk, McLovins
July 22 -- Avett Brothers, Steel Pulse, Band Together
Friday, July 20, will be "pretty much about the Grateful Dead" according to Vibes founder Ken Hays, including performances by bassist Phil Lesh & Friends, guitarist Bob Weir with Bruce Hornsby and Branford Marsalis, and percussionist Bill Kreutzmann with his latest group, 7 Walkers. Percussionist Mickey Hart and his new band -- promoting the "Mysterium Tremendum" album that comes out April 10 -- will appear on Saturday, July 21.
"It's a kindred spirit thing," Hart tells Billboard. "It feels very homey, very warm and fuzzy for us. After Jerry (Garcia) died, these people...didn't want the groove to stop, didn't want the vibe to stop, so they put this (festival) together over the years. The momentum built and now it's quite formidable. We feel a bit of responsibility to carry it on and help them and be a part of it and enjoy it with them. I really do none of the work for it, putting it on and everything, but I do support it, and I always look forward to playing it."
Hays adds that having the Dead members on board in any capacity adds meaning to the festival. "We're keeping the torch alive for them," Hays explains. "As long as they're well and able to perform... we'll always have a place for all the members of the Grateful Dead and whatever they're doing. They are very, very close to my heart and to those of 99 percent of the attendees." But neither Hays nor Hart would commit to the Dead members playing together in any way since they'll all be in attendance.
"You just never know," Hays says. "They're all getting along beautifully together and making incredible music. I think all that we can do is lay out the framework and let the possibilities and their inspiration decide." Hart adds that "everyone's doing what they really want to do and really enjoying it. Everybody's having a good musical life. I'm always up to play with (the others); then the times right, perhaps that'll happen."
In addition to the music, this year's Gathering of the Vibes will feature an assortment of extra attractions. There will be a School of Rock Stage as well as a Kids Corner and Teen Scene; the latter will feature the hands-on technological display of concert sound and lighting equipment that was popular last year. The Silent Disco -- a late-night party at which attendees dance on the Seaside Park beach with headphones rather than listening to a sound system -- will return, as will the World Peace Sanctuary parade and flag ceremony on Sunday morning. There will also be a ferris wheel and a full array of waterfront activities such as jet skis, sailboats, paddle boats and swimming.
"It's consistent with what the Vibes audience has asked for," Hays says. "Last year we had Jane's Addiction and Elvis Costello and people loved it, but I think this is a little bit more back towards the foundation of our roots in terms of the music." The 2011 edition of the Gathering drew about 20,000 fans per day, according to Hays.
It's also the final year of the festival's five-year contract with Seaside Park and the city of Bridgeport. "We'll make some decisions after this year's festival as to the future and where we go from here," Hays says, though the festival has generated goodwill by donating money from previous years that have gone to build a splash pad and a handicapped-accessible playground.
Gathering tickets have already been on sale for awhile, and Hays says the festival is "about one-third of the way sold out." A weekend pass is $185 for general admission, $420 VIP. Single day tickets will be on sale soon at prices to be determined, while Connecticut residents and state employees will receive a 50 percent discount for the festival's final day, and children 15 and under accompanied by parents will be admitted free.
Festival information and updates are available at www.gatheringofthevibes.com.
Hays says he's working on locking in a few more acts he hopes to announce soon, but the festival's current lineup includes:
July 19 -- Dark Star Orchestra, Yonder Mountain String Band, Zach Deputy, Royal Family Ball featuring Soulive and Lettuce
July 20 -- Phil Lesh & Friends, Bob Weir, Bruce Hornsby & Branford Marsalis, 7 Walkers, Greyboy Allstars, Conspirator, Kung Fu
July 21 -- Mickey Hart Band, Primus, Zappa Plays Zappa, Sound Tribe Sector 9, Deep Banana Blackout, Ryan Montbleau Band, Strangefolk, McLovins
July 22 -- Avett Brothers, Steel Pulse, Band Together
Pink Floyd's 'The Story Of Wish You Were Here' Coming To DVD, Blu-ray
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On June 26, Eagle Rock releases Pink Floyd's The Story Of Wish You Were Here on DVD and Blu-ray Disc. This is the authorized story of the album made with the full involvement and approval of the members of Pink Floyd.
Wish You Were Here, released in September 1975, was the follow up album to the globally successful The Dark Side Of The Moon and is cited by many fans, as well as band members Richard Wright and David Gilmour, as their favorite Pink Floyd album. On release it went straight to Number One in both the UK and the US and topped the charts in many other countries around the world.
This program tells the story of the making of this landmark release through new interviews with Roger Waters, David Gilmour and Nick Mason and archive interviews with the late Richard Wright. Also featured are sleeve designer Storm Thorgerson, guest vocalist Roy Harper, front cover “burning man” Ronnie Rondell and others involved in the creation of the album. In addition, original recording engineer Brian Humphries revisits the master tapes at Abbey Road Studios to illustrate aspects of the songs’ construction.
The band members discuss the album’s themes of absence, the greed of the music business and former band member Syd Barrett, who is famously celebrated in “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” which both opens and closes the album. The program also covers the unexpected visit Barrett paid to Abbey Road during the recording, the difficulties of the early recording sessions and how the decision to split “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” into two sections was the catalyst for the album’s successful completion.
the DVD and Blu-ray releases contain additional bonus material not featured in the TV broadcast version, including further interviews with Roger Waters, David Gilmour and Nick Mason plus Roger Waters and David Gilmour performing excerpts from the Wish You Were Here album.
The Story Of Wish You Were Here is a fascinating document and fitting tribute to Pink Floyd’s outstanding achievement in the creation of this masterpiece.
Robbie Robertson 'Saddened' Over Levon Helm Illness
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With news breaking that Levon Helm is in "the final stages of his battle with cancer," he's receiving words of support from a pair of his Band mates.
"Last week I was shocked and so saddened to hear that my old band mate, Levon, was in the final stages of his battle with cancer. It hit me really hard because I thought he had beaten throat cancer and had no idea that he was this ill," Robbie Robertson wrote on Facebook, explaining that he went to see Helm in the hospital over the weekend.
"I sat with Levon for a good while, and thought of the incredible and beautiful times we had together," he continued. "Levon is one of the most extraordinary talented people I've ever known and very much like an older brother to me. I am so grateful I got to see him one last time and will miss him and love him forever."
And Garth Hudson, the Band's third surviving member, posted a brief statement on his website:
"I am too sad for words right now," he wrote, linking to an Alexis P. Suter Band performance of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door." "Please continue praying for Levon and family."
"Last week I was shocked and so saddened to hear that my old band mate, Levon, was in the final stages of his battle with cancer. It hit me really hard because I thought he had beaten throat cancer and had no idea that he was this ill," Robbie Robertson wrote on Facebook, explaining that he went to see Helm in the hospital over the weekend.
"I sat with Levon for a good while, and thought of the incredible and beautiful times we had together," he continued. "Levon is one of the most extraordinary talented people I've ever known and very much like an older brother to me. I am so grateful I got to see him one last time and will miss him and love him forever."
And Garth Hudson, the Band's third surviving member, posted a brief statement on his website:
"I am too sad for words right now," he wrote, linking to an Alexis P. Suter Band performance of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door." "Please continue praying for Levon and family."
The Band's Levon Helm Dies At 71
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From msnbc.com
Levon Helm, singer and drummer for the Band, has died in New York of throat cancer. He was 71.
"He passed away peacefully at 1:30 this afternoon surrounded by his friends and bandmates," Helm's longtime guitarist Larry Campbell said. "All his friends were there, and it seemed like Levon was waiting for them. Ten minutes after they left we sat there and he just faded away. He did it with dignity. It was even two days ago they thought it would happen within hours, but he held on. It seems like he was Levon up to the end, doing it the way he wanted to do it. He loved us, we loved him."
In the late Nineties, Helm – whose singing anchored Band classics like "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," "Up on Cripple Creek," "Rag Mama Rag," and "The Weight" – was diagnosed with throat cancer and underwent 28 radiation treatments, eventually recovering his voice. In recent weeks, however, Helm had canceled a number of shows, including one at the New Orleans Jazz Fest on April 27th and another in Montclair, New Jersey. A note posted to his website on Tuesday from his daughter Amy and wife Sandy said that Helm was in the "final stages of his battle with cancer. Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey. Thank you fans and music lovers who have made his life so filled with joy and celebration...he has loved nothing more than to play, to fill the room up with music, lay down the back beat, and make the people dance! He did it every time he took the stage."
Born May 26, 1940 in Arkansas, Helm was literally a witness to the birth of rock & roll; as a teenager, he saw Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis in concert and was inspired to play drums after seeing Lewis' drummer, Jimmy Van Eaton. (Helm went on to play mandolin and other stringed instruments as well). In 1960, Helm joined the backup band of rockabilly wildman Ronnie Hawkins – a group that would eventually include Robbie Robertson, Richard Manuel, Rick Danko and Garth Hudson, all future members of the Band.
The musicians broke from Hawkins to form their own group – their names included the Crackers and Levon and the Hawks – but it was their association with Bob Dylan that cemented their reputation. After Dylan saw the group in a club (either in Canada or New Jersey, depending on the source), he invited Helm and guitarist Robertson to join his electric band. "Bob Dylan was unknown to us," Helm wrote in his 1993 memoir This Wheel's on Fire. "I knew he was a folksinger and songwriter whose hero was Woody Guthrie. And that's it." Robertson and Helm were in Dylan's electric band for his controversial, frequently booed show at New York's Forest Hills Tennis Stadium. Afterward, various members of the Band played on Dylan's Blonde on Blonde and toured with him in 1966. (Helm left temporary in 1965, tired of the ongoing hostility from Dylan's folk fans.)
Recuperating in Woodstock after his 1966 motorcycle accident, Dylan again hooked up with the band that would soon be the Band. Before Helm rejoined them, they recorded the landmark Basement Tapes, and the Band's crackling, homespun take on American roots music began to take shape. Rechristening themselves the Band, they signed to Capitol Records and released two classic albums, Music From Big Pink (1968) and The Band (1969). Although Robertson was the Band's principal songwriter, it was Helm's beautifully gruff and ornery voice that brought the Canadian Robertson's mythic Americana songs to life. He was also one of rock's earliest singing drummers.
In 1976, at Robertson's urging, the Band broke up after its farewell concert, known as "The Last Waltz." In meetings before the concert and as recounted in This Wheel's on Fire, Helm was adamantly opposed to the group disbanding. "I didn't want any part of it," he wrote. "I didn't want to break up the band." He begrudgingly went along, but his relationship with Robertson was never the same. After the show, Helm formed his own band, Levon Helm and the RCO All Stars, featuring fellow legends Dr. John, Steve Cropper, and Booker T. Jones, and recorded several solo albums. Helm also ventured into acting with an acclaimed role in 1980's Coal Miner's Daughter, playing Loretta Lynn (Sissy Spacek's) father. But he couldn't leave the Band behind, and with Danko, Manuel, and Hudson, he formed a new version of the Band in the early 80s, recording three new studio albums with them.
The Band continued for a while after Manuel's suicide by hanging in 1986, but Danko's death in 1999 of heart failure ended the Band once and for all. By then, Helm was dealing with throat cancer. After his recovery, he began holding intimate concerts in his combination barn and studio in Woodstock, called the "Midnight Ramble," in part to pay his medical bills. The low-key, woodsy performances became must-see shows and attracted a rock who's who; Elvis Costello, Natalie Merchant, the Grateful Dead's Phil Lesh and Donald Fagen were among the many who joined Helm and his band. The Ramble shows led to two acclaimed Helm solo albums – one of which, 2007's Dirt Farmer, won a Grammy in the Best Traditional Folk category. "This go-round has been a lot more fun," Helm told Rolling Stone in 2009. "Now I know I've got enough voice to do it."
When the Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, Helm didn't attend, revealing that his feud with Robertson was still on. "I thought Levon was going to show," Robertson told Rolling Stone a few years later. "Then that evening they said he changed his mind and wasn't going to come. And I thought, 'Oh, God, it would have been better if he was here.'"
Helm's throat cancer had taken a toll on his singing voice. On stage and in recent interviews, his voice was sometimes strong but other times was reduced to a low rasp. But at one his last shows, in Ann Arbor on March 19th with a 13-piece band, the audience roared when he sang the Band classic "Ophelia." "I'm not the poster boy of good health," he said in an interview last year. "But I'm not doing too bad. I still got the energy to make music. As long as I can do that, I'm great."
Levon Helm, singer and drummer for the Band, has died in New York of throat cancer. He was 71.
"He passed away peacefully at 1:30 this afternoon surrounded by his friends and bandmates," Helm's longtime guitarist Larry Campbell said. "All his friends were there, and it seemed like Levon was waiting for them. Ten minutes after they left we sat there and he just faded away. He did it with dignity. It was even two days ago they thought it would happen within hours, but he held on. It seems like he was Levon up to the end, doing it the way he wanted to do it. He loved us, we loved him."
In the late Nineties, Helm – whose singing anchored Band classics like "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," "Up on Cripple Creek," "Rag Mama Rag," and "The Weight" – was diagnosed with throat cancer and underwent 28 radiation treatments, eventually recovering his voice. In recent weeks, however, Helm had canceled a number of shows, including one at the New Orleans Jazz Fest on April 27th and another in Montclair, New Jersey. A note posted to his website on Tuesday from his daughter Amy and wife Sandy said that Helm was in the "final stages of his battle with cancer. Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey. Thank you fans and music lovers who have made his life so filled with joy and celebration...he has loved nothing more than to play, to fill the room up with music, lay down the back beat, and make the people dance! He did it every time he took the stage."
Born May 26, 1940 in Arkansas, Helm was literally a witness to the birth of rock & roll; as a teenager, he saw Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis in concert and was inspired to play drums after seeing Lewis' drummer, Jimmy Van Eaton. (Helm went on to play mandolin and other stringed instruments as well). In 1960, Helm joined the backup band of rockabilly wildman Ronnie Hawkins – a group that would eventually include Robbie Robertson, Richard Manuel, Rick Danko and Garth Hudson, all future members of the Band.
The musicians broke from Hawkins to form their own group – their names included the Crackers and Levon and the Hawks – but it was their association with Bob Dylan that cemented their reputation. After Dylan saw the group in a club (either in Canada or New Jersey, depending on the source), he invited Helm and guitarist Robertson to join his electric band. "Bob Dylan was unknown to us," Helm wrote in his 1993 memoir This Wheel's on Fire. "I knew he was a folksinger and songwriter whose hero was Woody Guthrie. And that's it." Robertson and Helm were in Dylan's electric band for his controversial, frequently booed show at New York's Forest Hills Tennis Stadium. Afterward, various members of the Band played on Dylan's Blonde on Blonde and toured with him in 1966. (Helm left temporary in 1965, tired of the ongoing hostility from Dylan's folk fans.)
Recuperating in Woodstock after his 1966 motorcycle accident, Dylan again hooked up with the band that would soon be the Band. Before Helm rejoined them, they recorded the landmark Basement Tapes, and the Band's crackling, homespun take on American roots music began to take shape. Rechristening themselves the Band, they signed to Capitol Records and released two classic albums, Music From Big Pink (1968) and The Band (1969). Although Robertson was the Band's principal songwriter, it was Helm's beautifully gruff and ornery voice that brought the Canadian Robertson's mythic Americana songs to life. He was also one of rock's earliest singing drummers.
In 1976, at Robertson's urging, the Band broke up after its farewell concert, known as "The Last Waltz." In meetings before the concert and as recounted in This Wheel's on Fire, Helm was adamantly opposed to the group disbanding. "I didn't want any part of it," he wrote. "I didn't want to break up the band." He begrudgingly went along, but his relationship with Robertson was never the same. After the show, Helm formed his own band, Levon Helm and the RCO All Stars, featuring fellow legends Dr. John, Steve Cropper, and Booker T. Jones, and recorded several solo albums. Helm also ventured into acting with an acclaimed role in 1980's Coal Miner's Daughter, playing Loretta Lynn (Sissy Spacek's) father. But he couldn't leave the Band behind, and with Danko, Manuel, and Hudson, he formed a new version of the Band in the early 80s, recording three new studio albums with them.
The Band continued for a while after Manuel's suicide by hanging in 1986, but Danko's death in 1999 of heart failure ended the Band once and for all. By then, Helm was dealing with throat cancer. After his recovery, he began holding intimate concerts in his combination barn and studio in Woodstock, called the "Midnight Ramble," in part to pay his medical bills. The low-key, woodsy performances became must-see shows and attracted a rock who's who; Elvis Costello, Natalie Merchant, the Grateful Dead's Phil Lesh and Donald Fagen were among the many who joined Helm and his band. The Ramble shows led to two acclaimed Helm solo albums – one of which, 2007's Dirt Farmer, won a Grammy in the Best Traditional Folk category. "This go-round has been a lot more fun," Helm told Rolling Stone in 2009. "Now I know I've got enough voice to do it."
When the Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, Helm didn't attend, revealing that his feud with Robertson was still on. "I thought Levon was going to show," Robertson told Rolling Stone a few years later. "Then that evening they said he changed his mind and wasn't going to come. And I thought, 'Oh, God, it would have been better if he was here.'"
Helm's throat cancer had taken a toll on his singing voice. On stage and in recent interviews, his voice was sometimes strong but other times was reduced to a low rasp. But at one his last shows, in Ann Arbor on March 19th with a 13-piece band, the audience roared when he sang the Band classic "Ophelia." "I'm not the poster boy of good health," he said in an interview last year. "But I'm not doing too bad. I still got the energy to make music. As long as I can do that, I'm great."
Ted Nugent: Secret Service Meeting 'Could Not Have Gone Better'
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Ted Nugent says he's off the hook after meeting with Secret Service agents about his controversial, violently-worded speech at an NRA convention.
"I met with two fine, professional Secret Service agents in Oklahoma today," the rocker and arch-conservative said Thursday in a post on his website. "Good, solid, professional meeting concluding that I have never made any threats of violence towards anyone. The meeting could not have gone better. I thanked them for their service, we shook hands and went about our business. Godbless the good federal agents wherever they may be."
He added: "By no stretch of the imagination did I threaten anyone's life, or hint at violence or mayhem. Metaphors needn't be explained to educated people."
Nugent had been under scrutiny since last weekend's NRA appearance in St. Louis, where he ranted about the Obama administration, "We need to ride into that battlefield and chop their heads off in November." If President Obama is re-elected, said Nugent, he'd be "dead or in jail by this time next year."
Nugent's incendiary speech attracted the ears of Secret Services, who launched a probe on the musician. He said in an interview on Glenn Beck's radio show that he respected "their duty to investigate," and had meant no real threat by his remarks.
In a statement to The Associated Press, Secret Service spokeperson Brian Leary said: "The issue has been resolved. The Secret Service does not anticipate any further action."
"I met with two fine, professional Secret Service agents in Oklahoma today," the rocker and arch-conservative said Thursday in a post on his website. "Good, solid, professional meeting concluding that I have never made any threats of violence towards anyone. The meeting could not have gone better. I thanked them for their service, we shook hands and went about our business. Godbless the good federal agents wherever they may be."
He added: "By no stretch of the imagination did I threaten anyone's life, or hint at violence or mayhem. Metaphors needn't be explained to educated people."
Nugent had been under scrutiny since last weekend's NRA appearance in St. Louis, where he ranted about the Obama administration, "We need to ride into that battlefield and chop their heads off in November." If President Obama is re-elected, said Nugent, he'd be "dead or in jail by this time next year."
Nugent's incendiary speech attracted the ears of Secret Services, who launched a probe on the musician. He said in an interview on Glenn Beck's radio show that he respected "their duty to investigate," and had meant no real threat by his remarks.
In a statement to The Associated Press, Secret Service spokeperson Brian Leary said: "The issue has been resolved. The Secret Service does not anticipate any further action."
Robin Gibb's Health Improves
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Robin Gibb's doctors say that the Bee Gees founder is making an astonishing recovery from the grave health problems that he has been battling.
"Only three days ago, I warned Robin’s wife, Dwina, son, Robin John and brother, Barry, that I feared the worst," Gibb's physician and gastroenterologist, Dr. Andrew Thillainayagam, said in a statement released by Gibb's representative. "We felt it was very likely that Robin would succumb to what seemed to be insurmountable obstacles to any form of meaningful recovery. As a team, we were all concerned that we might be approaching the realms of futility."
Thillainayagam explained that Gibb had opted to treat his advanced colorectal cancer with aggressive chemotherapy, and needed two emergency operations within two months. In his weakened condition, he developed brain swelling from liver failure as well as pneumonia and subsequently lost consciousness.
"It is testament to Robin’s extraordinary courage, iron will and deep reserves of physical strength that he has overcome quite incredible odds to get where he is now," Thillainayagam said.
The doctor confirmed that Gibb is now conscious, lucid, and able to speak. Although the singer is being fed intravenously, he is breathing on his own with the help of an oxygen mask.
"The road ahead for Robin remains uncertain but it is a privilege to look after such an extraordinary human being," Thillainayagam said.
"Only three days ago, I warned Robin’s wife, Dwina, son, Robin John and brother, Barry, that I feared the worst," Gibb's physician and gastroenterologist, Dr. Andrew Thillainayagam, said in a statement released by Gibb's representative. "We felt it was very likely that Robin would succumb to what seemed to be insurmountable obstacles to any form of meaningful recovery. As a team, we were all concerned that we might be approaching the realms of futility."
Thillainayagam explained that Gibb had opted to treat his advanced colorectal cancer with aggressive chemotherapy, and needed two emergency operations within two months. In his weakened condition, he developed brain swelling from liver failure as well as pneumonia and subsequently lost consciousness.
"It is testament to Robin’s extraordinary courage, iron will and deep reserves of physical strength that he has overcome quite incredible odds to get where he is now," Thillainayagam said.
The doctor confirmed that Gibb is now conscious, lucid, and able to speak. Although the singer is being fed intravenously, he is breathing on his own with the help of an oxygen mask.
"The road ahead for Robin remains uncertain but it is a privilege to look after such an extraordinary human being," Thillainayagam said.
Roger Daltrey Confirms Keith Moon Was Invited To Olympics 2012 Opening Ceremony
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The Who's Roger Daltrey has confirmed that organisers of the London 2012 Olympics asked whether drummer Keith Moon – who died in 1978 – would be able to take part in this summer's celebrations.
In an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live! earlier this week, the frontman joked that the band's management had responded to the invitation by suggesting they try contacting the deceased rocker themselves by holding a séance.
He joked: "It could only happen in Britain. We are so organised. We got a letter – well, an email – requesting could Keith Moon attend the opening ceremony."
He then added: "Our manager sent an email back saying, 'Well actually he currently resides at Golders Green Crematorium, where he's been for the last 34 years. But maybe if you got a round table, some candles and some glasses, you might be able to get him back [through a séance].'"
The Who's Roger Daltrey has confirmed that organisers of the London 2012 Olympics asked whether drummer Keith Moon – who died in 1978 – would be able to take part in this summer's celebrations.
In an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live! earlier this week, the frontman joked that the band's management had responded to the invitation by suggesting they try contacting the deceased rocker themselves by holding a séance.
He joked: "It could only happen in Britain. We are so organised. We got a letter – well, an email – requesting could Keith Moon attend the opening ceremony."
He then added: "Our manager sent an email back saying, 'Well actually he currently resides at Golders Green Crematorium, where he's been for the last 34 years. But maybe if you got a round table, some candles and some glasses, you might be able to get him back [through a séance].'"
5 Mayıs 2012 Cumartesi
The Grandmothers Of Invention's US Tour To Begin April
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Three former members of the Mothers of Invention are playing a series of selected concerts as The Grandmothers of Invention starting in April. The group recently performed to wildly enthusiastic audiences in Europe and now plan to bring their show to the US shores.
“This is going to be the most exciting tour of my entire career!” Don Prestonsays.
The Grandmothers of Invention, showcasing the talents of Mothers of Invention/Zappa alumni, features Napoleon Murphy Brock (MOI member 1974-1984) on lead vocals, tenor sax, woodwinds and dancing; Don Preston (MOI member 1966-1974) on vocals, keyboards and transformations; and Tom Fowler (MOI member 1973-1978) on bass and chair dancing.
The band also includes Chris Garcia on drums, percussion, marimba and vocals; Miroslav Tadic on electric guitar (from April 24 thru May 2); and Robbie Seahag Mangano on electric guitar (from May 3 thru May 15).
The Grandmothers of Invention indulge audiences with virtuosic playing, bizarre humor and many Zappa/Mothers compositions. Get ready to hear such Zappa penned classics as “I Am The Slime,” “Muffin Man,” “Florentine Pogen,” “Andy,” “Trouble Everyday,” “Village Of The Sun” and many, many more.
“Once again, after all of these years, be able to witness this music preformed as it was intended,” says Napoleon Murphy Brock.
The Grandmothers of Invention tour dates:
Apr-24 – Stubbs – Austin, TX
Apr-26 – Tipitinas @ at French Qrtr – New Orleans, LA
Apr-27 – Smith's – Atlanta, GA
Apr-28 – Cat's Cradle – Carrboro, NC
Apr-30 – Ramshead – Annapolis, MD
May-01 – The Hamilton – Washington, DC
May-02 – Infinity Hall – Norfolk, CT
May-03 – Iridium – New York, NY (2 shows)
May-04 – Iridium – New York, NY (2 shows)
May-05 – World Cafe Live – Wilmington, DE
May-06 – Rex Theater – Pittsburgh, PA
May-08 – Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland, OH
May-09 – Magic Bag – Detroit, MI
May-10 – Martyrs – Chicago, IL
May-11 – Cedar Cultural Center – Minneapolis, MN
May-12 – Bourbon Theater – Lincoln, NE
May-13 – Denver CO or Boulder CO
May-15 – State Room – Salt Lake City, UT
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