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)

Happening...
Mood:  rushed
Now Playing: Multiples

Tonight, Robert, we're going to be...

Metallica peform led Zeppelin covers set, and announce Earls Court date.
Metallica, who have just announced a one-off UK date at Earls Court at the end of the year, paid tribute to Led Zeppelin as part of the 7oth birthday celebration of US magazine Esquire.
Metallica have confirmed a show at London's Earl's Court on December 20.

Christmas cracker?
The Darkness plan Xmas No.1 single.

Still on a high from topping the British album chart with their debut album 'Permission To Land', The Darkness have their sights set on a Christmas No.1 single.

Confirming their status as the band of the moment, The Darkness have made some amendments to October's sell-out UK tour: the October 8 concert at Wolverhampron's Wulfrun Hall has been upgraded to the Civic Hall; new shows have been added at Plymouth Pavilions December 3, Bournemouth BIC 4, London Brixton Academy 5/6.

Hendrix the best ever

Jimi wind prestigious guitarist poll.
Even 33 years after his death, the Jimi Hendrix legend shows no sign of waning. Rolling Stone magazine recently named the Seatlle-born star, who would have been 61 in November, as the greatest guitarist of all time.

Hackett and JPJ team up

Guitarist and bassist play shows in Japan.
The former Genesis guitarist has just returned from Japan where he played three Guitar Wars shows with former Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt5, ex-Mr Big guitarist Paul Gilbert, ex-Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones and king Crimson drummer Pat Mastelotto.

Nice one, Keith

Emerson and co to tour; but ELP unlikely
the nice tour the UK this month, completing one of the more unlikely reunions in rock. Keyboard player Keith Emerson broke up the band in 1970 to form Emerson, Lake & Palmer, but last year invited bassist Lee Jackson, and drummer Brian Davision to join him at a press reception for his solo piano album 'Emerson Plays Emerson'.
(Source: Rockahead)

John Lennon Musical Heads To Broadway
Mood:  bright
Now Playing: Lennon Legend
Imagine a Broadway musical based on songs by John Lennon -- Yoko Ono has, on Oct. 15, producers announced she has given the go-ahead for a show using her late husband's work.

Tentatively titled "The Lennon Project," the stage musical will explore the turbulent times of the 1960s and 1970s with some 30 songs drawn from more than 200 Lennon wrote after the Beatles break-up. The legendary band released their last album, "Let It Be," in 1970 but had already dissolved as a act.

"Over the past two decades, I have been experiencing the feedback from the world to John's life, statements and music," Ono said in a statement. "I realized what John had meant to the world. He was a catalyst who brought down the hypocrisy and the old world establishments by saying 'Gimme Some Truth.'"

"What we present on stage should again give people insight, encouragement, inspiration and fun, so they can go on with their lives with some assurance and hope," she continued.

The show, which is planned for the 2004-2005 season, will be produced by Edgar Lansbury and Don Scardino. Scardino will also direct the show with a script he plans to write with Eric Overmyer.

The Lennon show follows several recent Broadway shows based on preexisting songs by a composer. The long-running "Mamma Mia" is based on music by ABBA; the Tony-winning, rock-ballet "Movin' Out" is performed to Billy Joel's music; and this season marks the opening of "The Boy From Oz," a musical biography of Australian cabaret singer Peter Allen.

As previously reported, Capitol will on Nov. 18 release the "Lennon Legend" DVD, featuring rare newsreel and private footage from the Lennon/Ono archive, 15 new and remastered music video clips, newly created animations of Lennon's drawings and an extensive photo gallery.
(Source: Billboard.com)

This Endless War called Love
Now Playing: Pause for Thought
World Food Day Teleconference 2003

Working together for an International Alliance against Hunger.

Progress has been slow in efforts to reach the World Food Summit goal of cutting by half the number of the world's chronically hungry and under-nourished people by 2015. This goal will not be met if we continue doing "business as usual".
FAO estimates that 840 million human beings on our Earth remain chronically hungry, 799 of them in the developing world. The number has been decreasing by barely 2.5 million per year over the last eight years. At that rate, we will reach these goals one hundred years late, in 2115. This year's World Food Day theme, International Alliance against Hunger, is a way to build greater momentum to achieve our goals.

In 2000, at the Millennium Summit, world leaders agreed to fight hunger, poverty and disease. Placed at the heart of the global agenda, the goal of ending hunger and other development goals are now enshrined in the "Millennium Development Goals."

In 2002, world leaders further agreed to match their commitments with resources and action. And, again in June 2002 in Rome at the World Food Summit; five years later, they re-committed themselves to the fight against hunger. There is no doubt that governments have proclaimed their commitment to reducing hunger. But governments alone cannot solve the difficult problems of hunger and malnutrition.

Many different groups must work together in a united effort. The International Alliance will bring together the strengths of: food producers and consumers, international organizations, agribusiness firms, scientists, academics, donors, policy-makers, private individuals, religious groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and all others committed to reducing the suffering caused by hunger.

The good news is that leaders in an increasing number of countries are boldly putting the fight against hunger at the forefront of national priorities. They need our support. These leaders recognize that only when people are well-fed can they take part in their nation's economic and social advancement. We should urge other nations to adopt a similar determination.

On this World Food Day, let us all join together and make a collective call to make the International Alliance against Hunger. Working together, we must urge governments to put in place the right policies and to implement anti-hunger programmes. And, we should remind the international community of its commitments to make more development assistance available for fighting hunger. Let us all give priority to the "war against hunger".
(Source: Fao.org)

Concert for George
Mood:  special
In U.S. Theatres For Limited Theatrical Release
In UK Theatres for October 10th
Musical Director Eric Clapton Performs With Harrison's Closest Friends
--------
Rock music's most celebrated musicians gathered at Royal Albert Hall in London on November 29, 2002 to pay tribute to one of their own, the legendary George Harrison, on the one year anniversary of his death. On that magical night, Harrison's closest friends gathered to perform a collection of his music for a live audience. Concert For George is far more than a concert film, it is a soulful cinematic tribute to a musician whose vision transcended the ordinary and whose talents contributed to a revolution in the music industry. Under the musical direction of Harrison's longtime friend Eric Clapton, the film captures an emotional gathering of musicians such as, Jeff Lynne, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Billy Preston and Ringo Starr.....
(Source: GeorgeHarrison.com)

Europe plans Comeback after 10 years
Mood:  celebratory
Now Playing: Revival
Swedish rock band Europe are planning a return to the music scene with a new album and world tour.
The 1980s outfit, most famous for their anthem The Final Countdown, spilt up in 1992 after 10 years of success.
Europe sold more than 10 million albums worldwide and The Final Countdown was number one in 25 countries in 1986.
Lead singer Joey Tempest described their new material as "fresh and hard but still with the typical Europe melodies in focus."
Europe reunited temporarily for a millennium concert in Stockholm on New Year's Eve in 1999.
Revival -The band have talked about getting back together for some time and are currently recording some new material.
"To finally once again meet our fans throughout the world feels incredibly inspiring, it's them that made us what we are today," said bass player John Leven.
Rock music is enjoying a renaissance at the moment after years of playing second fiddle to dance music.
According to the British Phonographic Institute's figures, in 2002 rock records outsold pop, buoyed by records from acts such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Queens of the Stone Age.
Flamboyant British band The Darkness have become one of the most talked about bands of the year, with their 1980s-style stadium rock and outrageous outfits.


Uma decada apos seu desaparecimento, a banda sueca de rock Europe decidiu voltar ao estudio e preparar uma turne mundial para 2004.
O grupo liderado por Joey Tempest quer reviver os momentos de gloria conquistados entre meados dos anos 80 e inicio dos 90, quando estavam no auge o couro, o cabelo comprido e a vers?o mais suave do hard rock. Com sua mistura de sons contundentes e melosos e efetivas baladas, seu disco The final countdown (A contagem regressiva definitiva, 1986) foi um sucesso mundial e vendeu seis milh?es de unidades, dois menos que o single do tema que dava titulo ao album.
Em pouco tempo, a banda se converteu em idolo de massas, e seu lider, o cantor Joey Tempest, no objeto de desejo das adolescentes.
O grupo ainda gravou outros dois discos e continuou fazendo sucesso ate o inicio dos anos 90, mas as desavencas entre alguns de seus membros e o proprio esgotamento criativo fez com que a banda se
desfizesse em 1993.
Tempest gravou alguns discos solos, de pouca repercuss?o, enquanto o guitarrista John Norum, um dos primeiros a deixar a banda, foi construindo uma solida carreira como artista solo e colaborando com
outras bandas de rock. Em epoca de auge dos "revivals", a Europe decidiu retomar o trabalho
e buscar o sucesso alcancado nos anos 80, com uma formula similar a de ent?o: mistura de sons pesados e baladas.
"Sentimos que tudo ira muito bem se voltarmos a tocar. As pessoas tomaram distancia do que foram aqueles anos e descobriu que a Europe fez muitas melodias fortes", disse ha alguns meses Tempest ao jornal Aftonbladet, numa epoca em que ja se especulava sobre a volta do grupo.Quando terminar a gravac?o do disco, Tempest, Norum, John Leven, Mic
Michaeli e Ian Haugland pretendem fazer uma turne no segundo semestre de 2004, na America, no Jap?o, na Australia e na Europa.