LINKIN PARK, GREEN DAY: Lead Rock Pack at iHeartRadio Music Awards
Linkin Park and Green Day are the leading rock nominees at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Linkin Park has four nominations -- Alternative Song of the Year and Rock Song of the Year for "The Emptiness Machine," plus Alternative Artist of the Year and Rock Artist of the Year.
Green Day has three nods -- Alternative Song of the Year for "Dilemma" and Alternative Song of the Year and Rock Song of the Year. Pearl Jam, Metallica, Shinedown and Cage the Elephant also have multiple nominations. The awards will be handed out March 17th in Los Angeles and air live on FOX.
The Rolling Stones rumoured to announce UK dates for 2025
The Rolling Stones are reportedly set to announce their first UK shows in three years as part of a European tour this summer. Mick, Keith, and Ronnie Wood are said to be planning four dates in London at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. An insider revealed that the band is eager to perform for UK audiences and show that they still have what it takes to rock a stadium. The announcement is expected in the coming weeks and will include dates in Rome, Amsterdam, Paris, and Barcelona. The news follows the success of their North American tour in support of their latest album, "Hackney Diamonds."
SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME: Class of 2025
The Songwriters Hall of Fame has announced its class of 2025.
In the Performing Songwriters category those elected are:
·George Clinton
·Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald and Patrick Simmons of The Doobie Brothers
·Mike Love of The Beach Boys
Non-Performing Songwriters:
·Ashley Gorley - "I Had Some Help"
·Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins - "Say My Name"
·Tony Macaulay - "Baby Now That I’ve Found You," "Build Me Up Buttercup"
To be nominated, a songwriter "with a catalog of notable songs" qualifies for induction 20 years after their "first significant commercial release of a song." The ceremony will be held on June 12th at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. Unlike the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, there is no physical Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Those nominated this year in the Performing Songwriters category who came up short are:
·Bryan Adams
·Boy George -- real name George Alan O’Dowd
·Sheryl Crow
·Eminem -- real name Marshall Mathers
·David Gates of Bread
·Janet Jackson
·Tommy James
·Alanis Morissette
·Dr. Dre, Easy E, Ice Cube, MC Ren and DJ Yella of N.W.A
·Steve Winwood
And the Non-Performing Songwriters:
·Walter Afanasieff - "All I Want for Christmas Is You"
·Steve Barri and P.F. Sloan - "Secret Agent Man," "Eve of Destruction"
·Mike Chapman - "Love Is a Battlefield," "Ballroom Blitz"
·Sonny Curtis - "Love Is All Around (Theme from The Mary Tyler Moore Show)," "I Fought the Law"
·Tom Douglas - "The House That Built Me"
·Franne Golde - "Nightshift"
·Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter - "One Tin Soldier (Theme from Billy Jack)," "Don’t Pull Your Love," "Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got)"
·Roger Nichols - "We’ve Only Just Begun," "Rainy Days and Mondays"
·Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham - "I’m Your Puppet," "Cry Like a Baby"
·Narada Michael Walden - "How Will I Know," "Freeway of Love"
DOOBIE BROTHERS: New Album Details
Following Wednesday’s news that The Doobie Brothers have been elected for induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, comes more news on their new album, Walk This Road, which will be out on June 6th. The title track, featuring Mavis Staples, is out now. Commenting on the song, Tom Johnston says, "We all sang on [it]. That’s a different kind of track for us to do. I think it’s good to try to do things you haven’t done before, that’s the way it should be.”
This is the Doobie's first album of new material with Michael McDonald since 1980's One Step Closer. “Getting back in with the guys and playing again is great,” says McDonald. “In my heart I’ve always been a Doobie Brother. We’ve all remained friends over the years. We’ve all been enjoying it tremendously, even more than we thought we would.” Walk This Road contains 10 tracks, with three of them out now -- the title track, "Call Me" and "Lahaina." This is the band's first album since Liberte in 2021.
Sting cancels four gigs 24 hours before he's due onstage after falling ill
Sting announced that he will be postponing multiple concerts and an award show appearance due to illness. He will not be performing at the Bass Magazine Awards where he was set to receive a lifetime achievement award. His concerts in Phoenix and Wheatland have been rescheduled to June 1 and May 28, respectively, and his performance at the Cherrytree Music Company’s 20th anniversary has been moved to May 29. Fans are advised to keep their tickets for the postponed shows as they will be honored on the new dates. Additionally, Sting's son recently lost his home in the L.A. wildfires, adding to the family's challenges.
Becoming Led Zeppelin IMAX Documentary: Witness the Story Behind the Rock Legends
A new clip from the upcoming documentary Becoming Led Zeppelin features surviving band members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones reminiscing about their first jam session together. Page suggested they play "Train Kept A-Rollin," which led to an explosive and improvisational session. Plant's vocals surprised the band members, with Jones noting his unique voice and range. The documentary opens in IMAX theaters Feb. 7, with nationwide screenings starting on Feb. 14.
ROGER WATERS: Rejoices
Roger Waters is not a fan of President Biden, but he's applauding one thing Biden did before leaving office on Monday -- granting clemency to Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier, saying his imprisonment an example of the U.S. government’s mistreatment of Native Americans. Waters posted a video saying, "Leonard, I'm so happy for you, my brother. Finally, one good thing today [Monday, January 20th -- Inauguration Day]." Peltier had been serving two life terms for the shooting of two FBI agents in 1975, but his supporters have long proclaimed his innocence.
Another of those supporters is Doors drummer John Densmore, who says, "A full pardon would have been nice, but clemency is still great. Leonard can see his family yet has to stay where they put him (a few acres in Minnesota where he grew up). It’s called ‘house arrest.' That’s what they did to Geronimo. A bright step on an otherwise dark day." Other supporters included Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Bruce Cockburn [pr: COH-burn] and Rage Against the Machine, as well as the late Pete Seeger, Harry Belefonte, and fellow Native American Robbie Robertson who featured Peltier pleading his innocence in his 1998 song, "Sacrifice." Peltier is 80 years old.
Phish Roll Out Spring 2025 West Coast Dates, Including Hollywood Bowl Shows Benefitting L.A. Wildfire Relief
Phish has announced a spring 2025 west coast tour, including a three-night run at the Hollywood Bowl. The band will donate $300,000 to support relief efforts for the wildfires that have devastated the area. The tour will kick off in Seattle April 18th and include stops in Portland and San Francisco before the Hollywood Bowl shows April 25-27. Ticket requests are open now, with general sales starting on Feb. 7.
Lukather isn't so keen on Weezer's cover of their hit Africa
Toto guitarist Steve Lukather shared his thoughts on Weezer's cover of their classic song Africa, suggesting that it was more of a tongue-in-cheek take rather than a genuine tribute. "I don’t know about him loving the song, man. I don’t think that’s the case at all.""I think he did it to take the piss out of it and it blew up in his face. Now he’s gotta play it every night!”
Lukather mentioned he tried to reach out to Rivers Cuomo but “it just got weird.” Despite the differences, he acknowledged that the cover was beneficial for both bands. Toto followed in suit with their own creation, producing a take on Weezer's 2001 song Hash Pipe. Keyboardist Steve Porcaro also appeared alongside Cuomo and company for a performance of Africa on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Evidently, all was cool between the two camps.
Billy Gibbons Plots New ZZ Top and Solo Music for 2025
Billy F. Gibbons released a new single, "Livin' It Up Down in Texas," as a preview of upcoming music from his band BFG's and ZZ Top. The song debuted during the season finale of Paramount+'s Landman and has sparked excitement for new material. Gibbons hints at more music to come in 2025, but live plans for both groups may affect the release schedule. The BFG's, with new drummer Chris Layton, are currently on tour, mixing in their music with ZZ Top classics. ZZ Top will hit the road in March, while the BFG's have a series of upcoming dates across the country.
Ringo Starr's Drummer Son Zak Starkey Suffers Blood Clot
Drummer Zak Starkey, son of Ringo Starr, has suffered a medical emergency. The artist had to cancel a performance in London with his band Mantra of the Cosmos because he suffered from a Mantra of the Cosmos. The gig was cancelled just hours before it was set to begin. Starkey was advised to take blood thinners for two weeks and rest.
One Of Jeff Beck's Guitars Sells For $1.3-Million
Jeff Beck's iconic Oxblood Les Paul guitar has been sold at auction for about $1.3-million! That was way over what auctioneers were thinking it would fetch apparently, originally expecting it to go for up to $600 thousand. The guitar was featured on the cover of Jeff Beck’s 1975 “Blow By Blow” album. The guitar also made a famous appearance at David Bowie's final Ziggy Stardust performance in 1973. The sale was part of the "Jeff Beck: The Guitar Collection" auction, featuring over 130 items from the artist’s six-decade career.
Nine Inch Nails To Tour In 2025
It’s been almost three years since Nine Inch Nails went on tour, but they’re about to reset the clock. The band has announced the “Peel It Back Tour 2025,” kicking off on Sunday, June 15th in Dublin, Ireland. After several European stops, the North American leg of the tour gets started August 6th in Oakland, then warp on September 18th at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Tickets will go on sale on the band’s official website starting Wednesday, January 29th at noon local time. For a complete list of tour dates, nin.com.
Linkin Park To Release A Cappella Version Of Album "From Zero" Tomorrow
There’s a treat coming tomorrow for Linkin Park fans. The band has announced that an acapella, vocals-only version of their latest album, “From Zero,” is releasing tomorrow. The album features the band’s new lead singer Emily Armstrong, whose vocals will be unaccompanied along with Mike Shinoda’s on the new version of the album released in November.
Disturbed Announce 25th Anniversary Edition Of "The Sickness"
Disturbed are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their debut album "The Sickness" with a deluxe anniversary edition. The limited edition one-LP and three-CD box set will include the original album, B-sides, unreleased demos and an unreleased 14-track concert that was recorded in 2001 in Los Angeles. It will also come with a poster, cloth patch, backstage pass, a set of guitar picks, and more.The deluxe anniversary edition of "The Sickness" will be out on March 7th. Disturbed are also set to kick off a 25th anniversary North American tour on February 25th in Nampa, Idaho.
DAVE MASON: Heart Full of Blues
Dave Mason, fresh off the publication of his memoir in September -- Only You Know and I Know -- and heart valve replacement surgery in November, has a new album on the way.
A Shade of Blues, a collection of some blues standards as well as reworkings of Traffic's "The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" and "Dear Mr. Fantasy," has been in the works for over a decade. It features contributions from Joe Bonamassa, Michael McDonald, and the late keyboardist Mike Finnigan. “My guitar playing has always drawn from the blues,” says Mason. “This album leans a little more heavily into that style, but not entirely—that’s why I call it A Shade of Blues...“I wanted to find new ways to approach these songs. I’ve always enjoyed reinterpreting the music that’s shaped my career...“In England, we didn’t have segregated radio. We grew up listening to everything—jazz, soul, R&B, country. The blues is simple music, but it’s the feel that’s kept it alive for so long.” The first single, "Dear Mr. Fantasy," featuring Joe Bonamassa, is out now. The next single, "Use It, Or Lose It," will be out on February 21st followed by the album on March 21st. Mason will be back on the road starting March 20th in Augusta, Georgia.
John Mellencamp's Longtime Bassist Toby Myers Dead At 75
Toby Myers, longtime bassist for John Merllencamp, is dead at 75.A note posted to Mellencamp's website says "sadness has entered the Mellencamp band and John over the passing of a longtime member." Myer's passes away on January 16th. His cause of death wasn't shared. Myer's joined Mellencamp's band in 1982 and performed on albums like 1983's "Uh-Huh" and 1985's "Scarecrow."
IN OTHER NEWS
U2 have donated $300,000 to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas College of Fine Arts. Dean Nancy Uscher says the U2: UV Music Scholarship and Experiential Fund will “provide support for access to a stellar music education as well as experiential learning and performance opportunities for School of Music music majors. These opportunities will include student travel and support for creative activities and performances at various international music events.” U2 opened the Sphere on the Vegas strip in 2023 with 40 shows through March of last year.
Little Feat are teaming up with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band for six dates in June in Washington State, Montana, Idaho and Utah.
Bachman-Turner Overdrive, which is just Randy Bachman and his band, will tour his native Canada from April 1st in Victoria through May 8th in Halifax.
Doors’ guitarist Robby Krieger will perform five of the band’s six studio albums they recorded with Jim Morrison in their entirety at The Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood. Their self-titled debut album is first on March 29th followed by L.A. Woman on April 26th, Strange Days on May 29th, Waiting for the Sun on June 28th, and Soft Parade on July 26th. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10am PT.
Heart's 1985 self-titled album will be reissued in a Barnes & Noble exclusive smoky blue color vinyl and standard black vinyl on March 7th for its 40th anniversary.
Gov't Mule and Tedeschi Trucks Band are teaming up for a brief co-headlining tour that starts September 3rd in Toronto and wraps up September 10th in Clarkston, Michigan. Tickets go on sale January 31st. Also, the Tedeschi Trucks Band has announced a two leg North American tour. The first leg starts May 6th in Irving, Texas and wraps up May 24th in New York City. The second leg starts July 29th in Tulsa, Oklahoma and wraps up October 25th in St. Augustine, Florida. Steve Winwood, Buddy Guy and Little Feat are among the opening acts. Tickets go on sale January 31st.
Elton John has been nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music Artist for the soundtrack to his Disney+ documentary, Never Too Late. Among those he’s up against are Billie Eilish, Adam Lambert and Orville Peck. The GLAAD Media Awards, which honor fair, accurate and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues in music, film, television, gaming, podcasting, journalism and more, will be handed out on March 27th in Los Angeles.
John Fogerty will deliver one of the keynote addresses at the South by Southwest Conference and Festival March 7th to the 15th in Austin, Texas.
Blues rock keyboardist Barry Goldberg passed away yesterday (Wednesday) from non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The 83-year-old toured and recorded with an array of seasoned blues greats including Steve Miller in the Goldberg-Miller Blues Band, Sam Lay, Nick Gravenites, Harvey Mandel, Corky Siegel, Charlie Musselwhite, and many others. He also was in Bob Dylan’s band when he went electric at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965, and Dylan produced his 1974 self-titled album. Goldberg co-founded the Electric Flag with Michael Bloomfield; and toured and recorded with The Rides, a musical partnership with Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Stephen Stills. Their two albums, released in 2013 and 2016, both topped Billboard’s Blues Albums chart. In lieu of flowers, Barry's family asks that donations in his name be made to The Bear League through SaveBears.org.
