Lennon, Cobain and more...
Mood:  lazy
Now Playing: Rock Mix

John and Kurt's lyrics outlive them

JOHN LENNON'S handwritten lyrics to the BEATLES' "Nowhere Man" sold for $455,000 -- more than four times the anticipated price -- at a Christie's auction in New York . . . The paperback version of KURT COBAIN's Journals contains additional material, including handwritten lyrics to "Blew," "Mr. Moustache" and the unreleased "Travelin' White Trash Couple," as well as a recipe for oatmeal cookies . . . GUSTER will perform the VIOLENT FEMMES' debut album in its entirety on November 25th at New York's Arlene's Grocery . . . Cameras will follow the wedding preparations of JANE'S ADDICTION guitarist DAVE NAVARRO and actress CARMEN ELECTRA for the MTV documentary miniseries Til Death Do Us Part: Carmen & Dave, set to debut in January . . .
Riverhead Books will publish The Wu-Tang Manual, the hip-hop group's collective autobiography, in June of 2004 . . . Members of PEARL JAM, THIRD EYE BLIND, SPOON and the PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA collaborated with street musicians on tracks for Live From Nowhere Near You, Volume One. Proceeds from the album's sales benefit Outside In, a social services agency in Portland, Oregon . . . THE BLASTERS will release The Blasters Live, a DVD from their August 13th reunion show at the Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana, California . . . Rhino Records will re-release five EMMYLOU HARRIS albums, Pieces of the Sky, Elite Hotel, Luxury Liner, Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town and Blue Kentucky Girl, with bonus tracks on February 24th . . .

SARAH McLACHLAN performed "Fallen" on Wednesday's episode of Martha Stewart's Living. The singer also showed the host how to bake Mom's Currant Cake, a recipe from her Plenty cookbook . . . CREED's SCOTT STAPP and MARK TREMONTI are at work on solo albums to be released next year . . . The DIXIE CHICKS have moved the release of their new double CD/DVD Top of the World Tour Live from Tuesday, November 25th, to Friday, November 21st . . . Composer MICHAEL KAMEN, who collaborated with METALLICA, DAVID BOWIE and QUEEN, died Tuesday after suffering from multiple sclerosis. He was fifty-five . . . On Monday, the eve of the release of her new album In The Zone, BRITNEY SPEARS received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame . . .

The CHRISTINA AGUILERA concert special Stripped...Live in the U.K. will air November 30th on the WB network. Taped earlier this month at Wembley Arena in London, the show will also be released as a DVD on January 13th . . . 50 CENT and G-UNIT, and R. KELLY have been added to the list of performers at the Vibe Awards in Santa Monica, California. The show airs November 21st . . . MEAT LOAF collapsed on stage at London's Wembley Arena on Monday night. A hospital spokesperson said the singer was suffering from "exhaustion due to a prolonged viral infection" . . . RANCID, director JIM JARMUSCH, and actors MATT DILLON and STEVE BUSCEMI will appear in the video for JOE STRUMMER'S cover of BOB MARLEY'S "Redemption Song" . . .

Taking a cue from SUGE KNIGHT's Tha Row, IRV GOTTI's Murder Inc. Records, home to JA RULE and ASHANTI, will shorten its name to The Inc. . . . TOBY KEITH will perform a medley of his songs during the halftime show of the Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day game. The show, which will be telecast on CBS, kicks off the Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle fundraising drive . . . A throat condition has caused MICHELLE BRANCH to cancel nine dates on her current tour in support of Hotel Paper . . .

Augusta, Georgia will construct a statue and rename the Garden City Music Festival in honor of hometown boy JAMES BROWN . . . Australian singer-songwriter ANNE McCUE, a favorite of LUCINDA WILLIAMS, will release her U.S. debut Roll on February 24th . . . PETE TOWNSHEND and ROGER DALTREY will play a March 29th concert to mark the 150th anniversary of the London's Royal Albert Hall . . . STACIE ORRICO will perform her single "(There's Gotta Be) More to Life" on a float at the seventy-seventh annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27th in New York.(Rollingstone.com)

Pink Floyd Statues, action figures, toys and collectibles
Mood:  surprised
Now Playing: The Wall Box Set
Pink Floyd The Wall Figure Set Based on the legendary film PINK FLOYD: THE WALL, this initial series of figural Maquettes (statues) bring some of the film's most memorable characters to life in 3D. Each Maquette comes with an interlocking Wall base that can be fit together with other bases to form a large wall. The Maquettes are approximately 6 inches tall and the bases are 7 inches wide! This series 1 set of 6 individually packaged Maquettes includes: 1x Iron Eagle Warplane, 1x School Master, 1x Marching Hammers, 1x Judge and 2x Female Scorpion with Pink. (Subject to change.)
In animation a Maquette is a small model of an intended work, used by animators as a reference tool to help retain character consistency. This Maquette is often made of a porcelain/resin blend.(Entertainment Earth)

Alice Cooper Getting Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame
Mood:  celebratory
Now Playing: 35-year career
Alice Cooper wasn't announced as one of the new inductees into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame on Thursday, November 20th, but that doesn't mean there are no new honors for him. Cooper will be on hand December 2nd when he is given his own star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, in celebration of his 35-year career.


Cooper's got two new releases out now -- the new studio album The Eyes Of Alice Cooper, and the CD/DVD combination Brutally Live -- Special Edition, which is an expanded version of his 2000 home video Brutally Live. (Launch Media)

Springsteen To Offer Holiday Rock
Mood:  amorous
Now Playing: Essential Bruce

Bruce Springsteen will stage a trio of holiday concerts next month in his adopted hometown of Asbury Park, N.J. The Dec. 5-7 shows at the Asbury Park Convention Hall will benefit several local charities and organizations. The Max Weinberg 7 -- the house band on NBC's "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" led by the E Street Band drummer -- will back the boss, as they have for such past shows.

Billed as Bruce Springsteen & the Max Weinberg 7 & Friends, the shows will likely draw on the talents of such pals as "Southside Johnny" Lyon and Garland Jeffries, as well as various E Street Band members. The 2001 series also saw unannounced appearances by Elvis Costello and Bruce Hornsby.

Tickets, priced at $100, go on sale tomorrow (Nov. 22) via Ticketmaster phone outlets only. Sales will be restricted to two tickets per show, per phone call. Tickets will not be available in advance and will need to be picked up at the venue on the night of the show.

A new three-disc best-of, "The Essential Bruce Springsteen" (Columbia), debuts this week at No. 14 on The Billboard 200. (Billboard)

The Stones Get Vinylized
Mood:  energetic
Now Playing: Rock Vinyl Collectors
There's only a few of us geeks left that still spin records on turntables, and when I say "spin," I don't mean we scratch our records hip-hop style. On the contrary, we'd lose our minds if we saw someone deliberately scratching our classic Beatles or Miles Davis albums. Collecting vinyl could be downright disconcerting at times, considering that most of the records out there are dusted to hell. Well, the Rolling Stones is not only one band that truly appreciates the rock enthusiast's debacle, but has some pretty classic records to boot. That's why on November 25th ABKCO Records will release 11 Rolling Stones titles in vinyl. The series will feature the Stones' initial recordings from 1963 through the 1970 live show Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out!, in addition to several compilations. The single LPs will retail for $19.98, and the double-LP Hot Rocks will sell for $24.95. Hey, nobody said good taste was cheap. Rock on vinyl collectors of the world. (Arrow FM)

Clapton Sets World Tour Plans
Mood:  bright
Now Playing: Guitar God

Although Eric Clapton has said he's through with extensive world touring, the legendary guitarist has lined up a slew of upcoming international dates. Clapton will spend a month touring Japan beginning Nov. 15 in Hiroshima and wrapping Dec. 13 with the second of two four-night stands at Tokyo's Budokan Hall.

The guitarist will hit the road again in the spring, beginning a month-long European tour April 9 in Antwerp, Belgium. The run ends May 11 after a six-show run at London's Royal Albert Hall. It is unknown if the artist is planning any dates in North America.

Clapton has not released a studio album since 2001's "Reptile." But he can be heard throughout the upcoming "Concert for George," due Nov. 18 from Warner Strategic Marketing. The show was taped last November as a tribute to late Beatles guitarist George Harrison.

Clapton also teams with soul vocalist Solomon Burke for a rendition of "Message to My Son," which is included on bandleader Jools Holland's upcoming album "Small World Big Band Vol. 3." That album is due Nov. 17 internationally via Radar.

Here are Eric Clapton's tour dates:

Nov. 15: Hiroshima, Japan (Green Arena)
Nov. 17, 19-20: Osaka, Japan (Osaka-Jo Hall)
Nov. 24: Saitama, Japan (Saitama Super Arena)
Nov. 26-27: Yokohama, Japan (Yokohama Arena)
Nov. 29-30, Dec. 2-3: Tokyo (Budokan Hall)
Dec. 5: Sendai, Japan (Grande 21)
Dec. 7: Sapporo, Japan (Sapporo Dome)
Dec. 9-10, 12-13: Tokyo (Budokan Hall)
April 9: Antwerp, Belgium (Sportpaleis Antwerpen)
April 11-12: Rotterdam, Holland (Ahoy)
April 23: Dublin (the Point)
April 24: Belfast (Odyssey Arena)
April 26: Glasgow (SECC)
April 27: Newcastle, England (Telewest Arena)
April 29: Manchester, England (Evening News Arena)
April 30: Birmingham, England (NEC Arena)
May 2: Sheffield, England (Hallam FM Arena)
May 4-5, 7-8, 10-11: London (Royal Albert Hall)
-- Jonathan Cohen, N.Y

Zeppelin is not an issue
Mood:  not sure
Now Playing: Led Zeppelin
Plant releases new solo collection; and says no to Led-style reunion.
ATLANTIC RECORDS RELEASE A two-CD Robert Plant anthology called 'Sixty-Six To Timbuktu' on November 4.
As the title suggests, the 35 tracks trace Plant's entire career, from 'You Better Run', his first solo single in 1966, to a recent live performance in Timbuktu.

Responding to the inevitable question, Plant told US trade magazine Billboard that he won't participate in any Led Zeppelin reunion, although he doesn't rule out the possibility of working again with guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones in another capacity.
(Rockahead)

Baby McCartney
Mood:  smelly
Now Playing: Proud Family...
Baby called Beatrice for McCartneys

Sir Paul McCartney said yesterday he was ecstatic after becoming a father for the fourth time at the age of 61.

He was with his wife, Heather Mills, when she gave birth three weeks early to their first child, a 7lb girl named Beatrice Milly.

The baby, described by the couple as "our little bundle of joy", was born by caesarian section at the private Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth in north London on Tuesday.

The couple said yesterday their daughter was named after Heather's mother, Beatrice, and the former Beatle's aunt, Milly.

"She is a little beauty and we couldn't be prouder," they said in a statement. "Our immediate family were told the news right away and are all as overjoyed as we are at the early arrival of our little bundle of joy."

Mills, 35, a former model, made no secret of her longing for a baby. But she feared she would never conceive after suffering two ectopic pregnancies during her marriage to Alfie Karmal, a computer sales director.

Sir Paul has three children - Mary, Stella, and James - from his marriage to Linda McCartney, who died of breast cancer five years ago. He also has a step-daughter, Heather, from Linda's first marriage.

It is understood that doctors will monitor the child's feeding, temperature and blood sugars to ensure all is well before mother and baby are allowed home.

Mills's father, Mark, 62, from Washington, near Sunderland, said: "I am very proud."
By Nicole Martin - Filed: 31/10/2003 (Source: NewsTelegraphCo)



AROUND THE CLOCK...

Stones Cancel China Gigs

The Rolling Stones have had to cancel their tour dates in China due to complications with the Stars crisis. The group tried to reschedule its April dates in Beijing and Shanghai but to no avail.

Meet The Beatles Again On DVD

"The Ed Sullivan Shows Featuring The Beatles," a two-disc DVD features four digitally restored Sullivan shows, starting with the band's debut on Feb. 9, 1964, before a record TV audience of 73 million.
(Classicrocktoday)

Rock rules!
Mood:  on fire
Bridge School Benefit Rocks

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young headlined the 17th annual Bridge School benefit concerts at the Shoreline Amphitheatre near San Francisco. Neil Young opened each day with a brief acoustic set featuring his wife, Pegi, on vocals. Other show highlights included Young joining Pearl Jam on one tune and CSNY performing Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth."

Journey's "Greatest Hits" DVD

Journey's "Greatest Hits DVD 1978-1997" can now be order for arrival on November 25th. The 18 tracks include live and produced videos recorded between 1978 and 1996.

Bowies Ink Hilfiger Deal

David Bowie and wife Iman have inked a deal with fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger for the two to appear in their first ad campaign together. The campaign will be for the new H Hilfiger line, to be launched in spring 2004.

Rod Hits Out Over 'Unfair' Criticism

Rod Stewart believes he is unfairly criticised for dating a younger woman. He says Paul McCartney and his wife have a similar age gap and get away with it

Big Changes For "Let It Be"

As the November 18th date for the release of the Beatles Let It Be - Naked approaches, more details are coming out about the totally remixed and stripped-down album. As previously revealed, the track listing has changed, some songs have been removed, and much of the strings, choruses, and horns, added by rock producer Phil Spector, have been removed. The big change are the changes to "The Long and Winding Road." First, the strings that punctuated the song are replaced by piano and organ. And most surprising, the new version is not the same take used on the original "Let It Be album."

Scialfa & Springsteen Contribute Song

Bruce Springsteen and his wife, fellow E-Streeter Patti Scialfa have recorded a song for the CBS television show, Joan of Arc.

Petty To Receive Music Award

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers well receive the Legend Award at this year's Radio Music Awards this Monday. The award will be presented to Petty by Stevie Nicks. In addition to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performing live at the event, expect to see performances by such acts as Elton John, Mick Jagger and Lenny Kravitz.

Arts Commission Honors Kansas

Kansas were honored in Topeka, with the Distinguished Arts Award. Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius presented the band with the accolade, which is the highest honor bestowed by the Kansas Arts Commission.

Harrison Tribute DVD

The star-studded 'Concert For George' will be release on DVD on November 17th. The tribute show to the late Beatle - held at the Royal Albert Hall, London back in November 29, 2001 - will be commercially available as a double-disc presentation spanning an impressive four hours.

The Essential Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen will release, next month, a career-spanning set called The Essential Bruce Springsteen, and a concert DVD from a European stop on his Rising world tour called Live In Barcelona. The three-CD Essential Bruce Springsteen comes out November 11th, while the two-DVD Live In Barcelona is due November 18th.

Buddy Miles Sues Hendrix Estate

Buddy Miles, who played drums for Jimi Hendrix's Band of Gypsys, has filed suit against the Hendrix estate and several record labels. Miles alleges he hasn't received any royalties from Hendrix material he co-wrote and recorded.

Van Halen Story: The Early Years DVD

The Van Halen Story: The Early Years DVD, coming next month, will be a 70-minute telling of the band's early club days leading up to its first world tour and includes never-before-seen photos, rare footage, vintage audio interviews and more. Ex-Van Halen singer David Lee Roth and original VH bassist Mike Stone are among the people who have been interviewed.

Skynyrd Extends Tour, Readies Live DVD

Lynyrd Skynyrd has extended their tour in support of "Vicious Cycle" through a December 13th Michigan show. Meanwhile, their concert DVD, "Lynyrd Skynyrd Lyve: The Vicious Cycle Tour, Celebrating 30 Years of Rock 'N Roll," will be available November 18th.

John Mellencamp Attacks President Bush

John Mellencamp has lashed out at President George W. Bush and America's foreign policy. In an open letter he co-wrote with his wife Elaine, Mellencamp blasts the powers that be for demonizing as "anti-American and unpatriotic" anyone who questions the policies of the U.S. government and the war in Iraq.

Elton Signs For Three Year Vegas Run

Elton John has signed on for a three-year, 75-show run at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. John's engagement kicks off Feb. 13 in the theater, built to accommodate a lavish Celine Dion production that will call the venue home for at least three years.

Cat Stevens' First Gig In 25 Years

Cat Stevens has performed his first concert for more than a quarter of a century. The singer performed songs including his 1971 track, "Peace Train," as he headlined a show at London's Royal Albert Hall. The star, now known as Yusuf Islam, played the concert to celebrate the Islamic schools he founded 20 years ago.

School Named After Randy Bachman

Randy Bachman returned to his former Winnipeg high school for a special ceremony. The Guess Who/Bachman-Turner Overdrive guitarist was their as a special guest to hear the announcement of the construction of a new performing arts facility at West Kildonan Collegiate, which will be named after him. "It's pretty amazing," he said.
(Classicrocktoday)

Metallica Cancels South American Tour
Mood:  sad
Now Playing: Hard Rock
Veteran hard rock quartet Metallica has canceled its South American tour, which was due to kick off today (Oct. 25) in Buenos Aires. In a statement posted on the band's official Web site, the cancellation is blamed on exhaustion and injury.

"We've been going non-stop for the last 18 months with recording 'St. Anger,' press, touring, and all the stuff that goes with that, and honestly, we're fried," reads the post. "To top it off, [drummer] Lars [Ulrich] has a rotator cuff injury that dates back to the 'Black' album touring days and it's flared up again in the last couple of weeks."

The band was also slated to play Santiago, Chile, on Tuesday, Rio de Janiero, Brazil on Oct. 30 and Sao Paulo, Brazil on Nov. 1. The schedule resumes Nov. 6 with the first of six Japanese dates. There are no current plans to reschedule the South American concerts; refunds are available at point of purchase.

Guitarist Kirk Hammett said in a statement, "This is the first time in our 22-year history that Metallica have cancelled a tour, and we are beyond disappointed. Our decision was not an easy one, but it became obvious to all four of us that if we don't take care of ourselves now, we'll be no good to anyone in the future."

"St. Anger" (Elektra) debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 in June and has sold 1.5 million copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.-- Troy Carpenter, NY(Source: Billboard)