The Eagles and The Flaming Lips are leading the lineup at the Austin City Limits festival later this year.  Tickets went on sale on Tuesday for the event, which is scheduled across three days this fall.  On the bill for the "ACL Festival" are acts that run the gamut from The Flaming Lips, Band of Horses, The Man, and Vampire Weekend.  Also making an appearance is country's Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses.  Bingham hit it big earlier this year with an Oscar -- among other awards "hardware" -- for his song with T-Bone Burnett "The Weary Kind." The song was featured in the 2009 Jeff Bridges film "Crazy Heart."

The Austin Parks Association will present "The Austin City Limits Festival 2010" from October 8th through the 10th in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas.

With less than a month before the release of the Steve Miller Band's new album "Bingo!", the rockers are announcing new tour dates.  LiveDaily.com reports that SMB is adding 17 additional dates.  Included in these are concerts in Toronto on April 30th and San Francisco, California on September 22nd.  Steve Miller Band's 2010 trek will kick off at M Resort Spa Casino in Henderson, Nevada.  The rockers' last date -- as of the current tour slate -- is at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on October 2nd. 

"Bingo!" -- the upcoming ten-track studio LP from the Steve Miller Band -- is scheduled to be released on June 15th.

Steve Miller Band 2010 Tour:

May 2010
21 - Henderson, NV - M Resort Spa Casino
22 - Cabazon, CA - Morongo Casino Resort & Spa
23 - Tucson, AZ - Pima County Fairgrounds
28 - Robinsonville, MS - Grand Casino Tunica
29 - Bossier City, LA - Harrah's Louisiana Downs
30 - Little Rock, AR - Riverfest

June 2010
2 - Portland, ME - Cumberland County Civic Center
4 - Summerside, Prince Edward Island - Credit Union Palace
5 - Halifax, Nova Scotia - Halifax Metro Center
7 - Corner Brook, Newfoundland - Pepsi Centre
8 - St. Johns, Newfoundland - Mile One Centre
12 - Atlantic City, NJ - Atlantic City Hilton & Resorts
13 - Mashantucket, CT- MGM Grand at Foxwoods
30 - Toronto, Ontario - Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

July 2010
2 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
3 - Chicago, IL - Grant Park
5 - Montreal, Quebec - Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
9 - Temecula, CA - Pechanga Resort & Casino
10 - Santa Barbara, CA - Santa Barbara Bowl
11 - Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theatre
14 - Woodinville, WA - Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
15 - Troutdale, OR - Edgefield Winery
16 - Bend, OR - Les Schwab Amphitheater
17 - West Sacramento, CA - Raley Field
24 - Pittsburgh, PA - PNC Park at North Shore
25 - Louisville, KY - Churchill Downs
27 - Vienna, VA - Filene Center at Wolf Trap
29 - Ashville, NC - Biltmore Estate
30 - Alpharetta, GA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park
31 - Orange Beach, AL - Amphitheater at the Wharf

August 2010
10 - West Allis, WI - Wisconsin State Fair Park
12 - Eagle, ID - Eagle River Pavilion
14 - Commerce City, CO - Dick's Sporting Goods Park

September 2010
17 - Corona, CA - Fender Museum of Music & The Arts
18 - Irvine, CA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
22 - San Francisco, CA - Moscone Center

October 2010
2 - Miami Gardens, FL - Sun Life Stadium

The Rolling Stones may very well be back on top in the UK by this Sunday.  NME.com reports that the British rockers' reissue of "Exile On Main Street" has debuted strong in that market.  The LP  --  which features all of the original material from the 1972 album, along with eleven tracks from the vaults -- is at number one in mid-week tracking there.  If the legendary rockers attain number one by the end this week, it will mark a long awaited return to the top.  The Rolling Stones haven't had a number one album since the release of "Voodoo Lounge" in 1994.

As the anniversary of the passing of "The King Of Pop" approaches, TMZ.com reports that Michael Jackson's brother, Randy, wants the pop star's gravesite opened to fans.  Jackson is resting in a very private mausoleum at Forest Lawn Mortuary in Los Angeles, also shared by the late actors Clark Gable and W.C. Fields.  Randy said on Twitter that he wants to open up the mausoleum to fans on June 25th so that his brother's fans could go "beyond the gates of Forest Lawn" to visit Michael.  But Clark Gable the third, who is the actor's grandson, doesn't want to see that happen.  He says opening up the place to the public would leave the site much less sacred.  Fields' grandson, Ronald J. Fields, is on Randy's side.  He thinks opening up the tomb would be "moving" to Michael Jackson's fans.

Look for bearded rocker Billy Gibbons in prime time tonight.  The ZZ Top legend will reprise his role on the FOX crime drama "Bones" tonight.  Hart Hanson, who executive produces the long-running show, tells "The Dallas Morning News" Gibbons is a "good actor."  The TV exec wrote the character with the rocker in mind four years ago when he was looking for someone to play the father of Angela, one of the show's offbeat crime fighters.  Hanson adds, quote, "He's a better actor than people give him credit for.  I selfishly used the fact that I had a TV series to meet one of my idols.  And he turned out to be a really interesting actor."

Gibbons' guest stints on "Bones" date back to 2005.  He returned to the show in 2007 and 2009.  The rocker is part of the "Bones" season finale, airing tonight on FOX at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.

A pink Cadillac enjoyed by the late "King" of rock n' roll is heading to auction next month.  "The Paul Fraser Collectibles Newsletter" reports that the car -- along with other rock memorabilia from various artists -- is going to the blocks next Thursday, May 27th.  Fame Bureau is handling the sale.  Also on the 27th, fans will get a chance to bid on a gold medallion owned by Presley.  

The vehicle going to auction is a 1957 model which includes a vanity plate that reads, "3 Elvis."  The car is being offered by an American collector.

No tour plans on the horizon for the Rolling Stones at the moment, but when they do decide to go, Mick Jagger says they'll go big.  Speaking on CNN's "Larry King Live" on Tuesday, the venerable frontman said the band's next tour would be no different from their previous tours, noting, quote, "It's always worldwide."  One of the must enduring acts of all time, the Stones have rocked concert stages for almost 50 years now.  But Jagger downplayed any references to being an icon.  He credited the band's longevity to luck, hard work and loyal fans. 
 Mick Jagger's interview with Larry King aired on the same day a reissue of the Rolling Stones' 1972 double album "Exile On Main Street" arrived in stores.  Jagger called "Exile" "special" while talking to King.  He said, quote, "It's one of the real good ones.  And it's a real favorite of people.  And we do play a lot on stage of this album.  So, you know, I rank it right up there."  The reissue includes eleven previously unreleased tracks.  Meantime, "Stones In Exile," a new documentary about the making of the "Exile" album, is screening at the Cannes Film Festival in the South of France this week.  France is also where the group recorded the album almost 40 years ago.  "Stones In Exile" will be released to DVD next month.

The upcoming documentary about the late George Harrison is almost finished.  Director Martin Scorsese has been working on the project for several years with Harrison's widow, Olivia.  Scorsese tells "The Hollywood Reporter" the film covers the rock legend's life, beginning with his pre-Beatles days and continuing beyond the band's breakup.  He notes he was interested in Harrison's journey as an artist, and calls the film "an exploration," noting, quote, "We don't know.  We're just feeling our way through."  Olivia admits developing the documentary hasn't been easy.  She explains that before George died in 2001 he was hoping to make his own autobiographical film, and adds, quote, "This is a deeply personal journey for me, it's been excruciating," she says. "I've been archiving for five years -- 35 years, really.  Throwing cassettes and letters in drawers, little things and pieces of paper that you find that say, 'Goats on my roof.'  You think, What does that mean?'"

Scorsese and Harrison are promoting their project, titled "Living in the Material World: George Harrison," at the Cannes Film festival.  No release date for the documentary has been set yet.

Elton John is still expected to perform in Morocco as scheduled.  Britain's "Telegraph" says organizers of the Mawazine World Rhythms festival are not rescinding their invitation to the rock legend, despite protests from Islamic groups who don't want the openly gay artist performing in their country.  Festival Director Aziz Daki explains their decision, noting, quote, "Elton John is one of the best artists in the world. He is great and extraordinary when he appears on stage. That's why we invite him and welcome him to the Mawazine festival."  He adds, quote, "The private life of a singer is not our business.  We do not invite singers and artists after assessing their private lives."  The Mawazine World Rhythms festival begins in Rabat on Friday.

Elton was also planning to play at a private event in Egypt this week, but his appearance was cancelled earlier this month.  The head of the country's musicians union banned John from performing, citing comments the British classic rocker made to "Parade" magazine about Jesus and the Middle East.

Paul McCartney's ongoing Up And Coming Tour is getting an extension.  The former Beatle has announced two new shows, at AT&T Stadium in San Francisco on July 10th and at Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake City on July 13th.  The Bay Area date will mark McCartney's first concert within the San Francisco city limits in more than 40 years.  The last time he performed in the city proper was back in 1966, when The Beatles gave their last official concert at Candelstick Park.  Meanwhile, McCartney's Salt Lake City show will mark his concert debut in the state of Utah.  Tickets for both shows go on sale on May 24th at 10:00 a.m. local time.  Special ticket presales begin Thursday.  Check PaulMcCartney.com for details.

McCartney began his Up And Coming Tour with a show in Phoenix, Arizona back in March.  Since then he's played a handful of dates, which have been announced in piecemeal fashion.  The rock legend's trek has included two nights at the Hollywood Bowl, as well as stops in Miami and Puerto Rico.  Next up for McCartney is a two-night stand in Mexico City on May 27th and 28th.  He'll launch a five-date run in Ireland and the UK, which includes stops at the Isle of Wight Festival and Hard Rock Calling, in Dublin on June 12th.

The Eagles are adding to their touring schedule.  The veteran band has been tapped as a headliner for this fall's Austin City Limits Festival, along with the bands Muse and Phish.  The event runs October 8th through 10th at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas.  Other top names on the bill include The Strokes, M.I.A., Flaming Lips, LCD Soundsystem, Spoon, Vampire Weekend, Norah Jones, and Band Of Horses.  Single-day passes are still on sale but three-day passes are sold out.  The ACL festival supports the Austin Parks Foundation charitable organization.  For more information about the lineup, visit 2010.ACLFestival.com.

The Eagles are currently on a spring tour, which runs through the end of June.  The band's next show will be in Denver, Colorado on Thursday.

Ozzfest is once again looking at options to offer fans the best concert-going experience possible.  Organizers have announced that fans ordering tickets before June 18th via LiveNation.com will receive a digital copy of Ozzy Osbourne's new album, "Scream," the day before the disc arrives in stores.  Also, all six dates on the tour will feature all-in ticket pricing, which means that fans will have no add-on fees.  Ticket prices start as low as 30-dollars when purchased in a four-pack.  This year's Ozzfest features Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue, Rob Halford, DevilDriver, and Nonpoint as headliners.  Second stage performers include Black Label Society, Drowning Pool, Kingdom Of Sorrow, Goatwhore, Skeletonwitch, Saviours, and Kataklysm.  For complete ticket information, visit OZZFest.com or LiveNation.com.

Bobby Womack is praising a recent collaborator.  The R&B great recently teamed up with the animated British band Gorillaz, led by rocker Damon Albarn, lending his vocals to a couple of tracks from the group's most recent release, "Plastic Beach."  Womack compares Albarn to such legends as Jimi Hendrix and Ray Charles, telling "The Sun," quote, "He's very creative and thinks way out there, trying things that people don't try."  The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer adds that he enjoyed his Gorillaz experience, noting all egos were in check during the sessions.  Womack can be heard on Gorillaz's current single "Stylo," as well as the track "Cloud of Unknowing."

Ronnie James Dio has died.  The rocker was 67-years-old when he succumbed to cancer.  Born Ronald James Padavona on July 10, 1942, Dio will be remembered as one of heavy metal's signature frontmen.  Dio's rock resume included work with Black Sabbath, Elf, Rainbow, and his namesake band Dio.  In recent years, the rocker collaborated with his former Sabbath bandmates -- Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice, on a side project called Heaven & Hell.  Dio's wife and manager, Wendy Dio, broke the news of Dio's passing to Blabbermouth.net in a statement that read, quote, "Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45 a.m. [on Sunday] 16th May.  Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away."

In the fall of 2009, Wendy Dio announced to the world that her husband had been diagnosed with stomach cancer.  In early reports, Wendy announced some progress in Dio's battle with the disease while thanking the rocker's many fans for their cards, letters and e-mails.  Wendy Dio also added to her public statement on Sunday, "Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."

Some big names hit the stage last Thursday night for Sting's annual Rainforest Fund benefit concert.  This year, PopEater.com reports that Lady Gaga, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, and Sting himself performed their music at Carnegie Hall for the event.  Gaga was joined onstage by both Elton and Sting.  She performed a cover of "Stand By Me" on her own briefly before being joined by Sting.  Sir Elton then lent her a hand as she performed her track, "Speechless."  But it was Elton's covers of Madonna songs "Material Girl" and "Like A Virgin" that really captured the audience's attention.  He sang "Material Girl" by himself.  But for "Like A Virgin," several male dancers wearing only tight shorts came onstage to dance around the singer. 

This year's event was the Rainforest Fund's 21st Birthday Celebration Concert.  Sting and his wife, Trudie Styler, established the charitable fund in 1989.  Over the last two decades, the organization credits itself with preserving more than 115-thousand acres of rain forest. 

Aerosmith may be back in the saddle again, but guitarist Joe Perry says that the Boston rockers feel like a "baby band" at times.  In an exclusive interview with "Classic Rock" magazine, Perry said that everyone in Aerosmith right now is, quote, "at the top of their game, including Steven (Tyler) whose singing is awesome.  He also looks great."  Tyler's ongoing participation with the group was confirmed in February, after Perry and his fellow bandmates publicly discussed replacing him with another singer for several months.  As the band gears up for a global tour, Perry adds that there's a feeling of needing to prove themselves anew.  The 59-year-old rocker says, quote, "The past few months have felt like an eternity and with all that's gone on we know we have lot to prove to people In that sense we feel like a baby band all over again."

The city of Peoria, Illinois will host a weekend of events honoring the memory of Dan Fogelberg later this summer.  The events will surround the afternoon dedication on Saturday, August 28th, of a memorial to Fogelberg at Riverfront Park.  Also during the weekend, there will be a fan club hosted party to remember the crooner behind hits like "Longer" and "The Leader of the Band," and a Dan Fogelberg Tribute Concert at Peoria's Scottish Rite Cathedral.  Peoria was Fogelberg's place of birth in 1951.  Fogelberg died in Deer Isle, Maine in 2007 after a three year battle with prostate cancer. 

The late music star's body of work includes such albums as 1974's "Souvenirs," 1980's "Phoenix," and 1981's "The Innocent Age," all of which went multi-platinum.

Almost 40 years later, Keith Richards describes the recording of "Exile On Main Street" as less debauchery-filled than fans might expect.  A reissue of "Exile" is in stores.  Also rolling out in various markets is the rock documentary "Stones In Exile," which chronicles the recording of the album in a chateau in Southern France.  "The Los Angeles Times" reports that Richards says of the "Exile" era, quote, "The word 'debauchery' comes up an awful lot.  Drugs did too -- there was quite a bit of that.  But when you're making a record, you're totally focused on that.  You don't really consider what else is going on; you don't have time for it.  Debauchery is the last thing on your mind -- I'm down in a bunker trying to make a record."

The Stones recorded in France in the early 1970s to seek some relief from high taxes back in England.  Life and work in a foreign land reportedly fueled the project's theme of "exile."

Peter Gabriel is joining the fight to preserve the pastoral beauty of the English valley that inspired his 1977 track, "Solsbury Hill."  The UK's TimesOnline.com reports that Gabriel is lending his voice to the complaints that development, building, and excavation are putting Woolley Valley -- near Bath, England -- into disarray.  The Genesis rocker commented, quote, "The development is making a mockery of our planning and environmental policies."  Woolley Valley has been labeled an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" in England.  The area also is protected by Article 4 direction, which requires landowners to get approval for uses of the property there. 

Even the former owner of the parcel in dispute -- Jonathan Dimbledy -- is voicing concern.  Dimbledy said of the development, quote, "It appears that the new owners have repeatedly ignored the planners and that (the Bath and North East Somerset Council) has been remarkably slow to take the tough action required."
         
The daughter of rock legend Phil Collins is gearing up to shoot a film opposite Taylor Lautner.  ContactMusic.com reports that Lily Collins has signed on for "Abduction," a new film from "Boyz N The Hood" director John Singleton.   In the film, Collins will portray the girlfriend of Lautner's character.  The action film will center on a Lautner's character's shock at discovering a photo of himself as a baby on a missing person's website.  "Abduction" is due in theaters in 2011. Collins -- who is 21-years-old -- hit the big screen in a big way in 2009's "The Blind Side."  Her character -- whose first name ironically was Collins -- was the teen daughter of Sandra Bullock's character, Leigh Anne Touhy.

Harmonix -- the developer of "Rock Band" video games -- is turning to fans to determine which music catalog to canonize next.  In a survey on the Harmonix official website, the game creator is asking fans to weigh in on a number of major acts.  The survey questionnaire offers up Pink Floyd, U2, The Eagles, and Led Zeppelin as options.  Any one of these choices would extend Rock Band's legacy.  In 2009, Harmonix "The Beatles: Rock Band" was a big seller that introduced the Fab Four to a new audience of music fans.

Among the individual tracks released by "Rock Band" previously are Free's "All Right Now," The Who's "Baba O'Riley," The Police's "Can't Stand Losing You," and Rush's "Closer to the Heart."  All of the tracks appeared on "Rock Band Track Pack: Classic Rock."

Beatles fans and collectors will place their bids next month on a rare reel-to-reel recording of a Beatles press conference.  It's not just any press conference.  It's the August 1966 event at Toronto's King Edward Hotel in which John Lennon was on the the hot seat for his comment that the Beatles were, quote, "more popular than Jesus."  Lennon was 25-years-old at the time of the King Edward Hotel press conference.  Global auction house Bonhams will offer the 14 minute original recording via its Bonhams & Butterfields house in Los Angeles, California.  Bonhams and Butterfields expects to pull in somewhere between 20-thousand and 25-thousand dollars for the artifact from rock history.

By 1966, The Beatles had attained global recognition for their albums "A Hard Day's Night," "Beatles for Sale," "Help!" and "Rubber Soul.  They'd also performed their legendary performance on America's "Ed Sullivan Show" and performed at The Hollywood Bowl.  Bonhams & Butterfield will launch the Beatles press conference recording auction on June 13th.  For more information visit, www.bonhams.com.

In their quest to fill the seat that "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell will leave vacant at the end of the season, "Idol" producers have cast the net out to one of the biggest stars in the music industry.  TV's "Access Hollywood" reports that Sir Elton John recently declined an offer to take over Cowell's judging duties next season.  The reported salary would have been 33-million dollars.  Cowell announced in January that Idol's ninth season would be his last.  The FOX hit has suffered a few setbacks in the last year.  In addition to Cowell's announcement, longtime judge Paula Abdul bowed out of the series after its eighth season.  The show's ratings -- while still high -- have softened this season as well. 

"American Idol" is airing on Tuesday and Wednesday nights on FOX.  The show's season nine finale will air on Wednesday, May 26th.

The daughter of the late "King" of rock and roll wants to see more flowers at the late "King of Pop's" gravesite.  Lisa-Marie Presley took to her MySpace page to blog her request on Wednesday that fans of Michael Jackson leave more flowers at his grave.  Presley says Jackson's favorite flower was the sunflower, which she says he called "The Happy Flower."  Presley says if everyone were to buy just one silk sunflower and send it, "the whole area" around Michael's gravesite would be filled up in no time.  She says that would be, quote, "much more appropriate than what the current status is right now."  That alleged empty status is being disputed by a group of Jackson's fans.  According to TMZ.com, the "Original Michael Jackson Fans of Southern California" say they visit the singer's grave monthly.  They flood the place with mementos, flowers, cards, and gifts.  The club even documents their handiwork with photos. 

A representative from the fan club says, quote, "You know what, we all know that we visit Michael once a month...so like everything else, we just have to find comfort in the fact that we know the truth."  Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson married in 1994.  The two divorced after just 18 months of marriage.

On Tuesday, June 1st, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers will launch its 2010 tour with the first of two consecutive nights at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver, Colorado.  Later, on June 15th, the Rock and Roll Hall Of Famers will release its new LP, "Mojo."  As part of a promotion on the band's official site, every tour ticket purchase gives fans one free download from "Mojo."

The back-and-forth between Supertramp co-founders Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies continues.  As Davies and the "new" Supertramp prepare to launch what they're calling a reunion tour, Hodgson -- who is not a part of the trek -- has issued a list of songs he says the band should not play.  The 60-year-old rocker says tracks from Supertramp's catalog for which he has writing credits should be banned from the tour.   Over 20 tracks listed in Hodgson's statement include classics like "The Logical Song," "Dreamer," "Give A Little Bit," "Breakfast In America," and "Lady."  Hodgson's "no-play" list follows just days after Davies issued a statement of his own, explaining that he and Hodgson tried to work on a reunion for 15 months and it didn't pan out.

Set list changes notwithstanding, Davies' 40th Anniversary Supertramp Reunion Tour is slated to launch on September 2nd in Halle, Germany.

"Guitar Hero" is offering Aerosmith's "Livin' On The Edge," "Love In An Elevator," "and "Rag Doll." The new-to-gamers Aerosmith tracks follow the release earlier this month of more classic rock singles.  Activision's "Guitar Hero" and "Band Hero" debuted "Classic Rock 3 Track Pack" for XBox Live and Wii last Thursday, and it became available for Playstation on Tuesday.  "Classic Rock 3" features Foreigner's "Juke Box Hero," Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama," and Steve Miller Band's "Take The Money and Run."

"Guitar Hero" has given video game treatments to material from Kiss, Alice Cooper, Heart, and more since it hit the market in 2005.

Even in the midst of a well-attended reunion tour, The Eagles' Don Henley is talking about the end of the band.  In an exclusive interview with "The Vancouver Sun" this week, Henley said, quote, "I had hoped that we could go for two more years and reach the 40-year milestone. But it's looking more and more like the end of the trail is imminent."  If the 62-year-old rocker goes back on his word, it won't be the first time.  The "Desperado" singer famously said in 1980 after the band's first break-up that the musicians would reunite, quote, "when hell freezes over."  Cut to 14 years later when a tour and live LP called "Hell Freezes Over" raked in millions. The Eagles are well into their summer reunion trek through North America.  For more information or tour dates, visit www.eaglesband.com.

The surviving members of Queen are reportedly in line for a big payday.  UK newspaper "The Times" reports that drummer Roger Taylor, guitarist Brian May, and bass player John Deacon will not renew with longtime UK distributor EMI when the band's contract expires at the end of 2010.  Queen will reportedly move over to Universal in a deal worth tens of millions of pounds.  In exchange, Universal will get rights to Queen's iconic catalog of hits.  An industry source cited by "The Times" commented on the deal saying, quote, "EMI just decided they couldn't compete.  It was too much to pay and they want to spend that money on developing new talent."

Queen's catalog includes "We Are the Champions," "You're My Best Friend," "Bohemian Rhapsody," and more hits.  The songs' uses in pop culture include appearances in the films "Wayne's World," "Revenge Of The Nerds," and "The Break-Up," on TV's "The Sopranos" and "The Big Bang Theory," and more.  Queen tracks have also had extensive use in commercials and marketing.

Fans who love Chicago's single "If You Leave Me Now" will have a shot to perform that 1976 hit live on stage with the band.  Spinner.com reports that the soft rock group has partnered with the American Cancer Society for the promotion, "Sing With Chicago."  The fundraising idea allows fans to bid via eBay for the chance to sing "Leave Me Now" live on stage with Chicago on a date during the group's U.S. tour.  The winning bid will be donated to ACS.  Robert Lamm, Chicago's keyboardist and singer said of the idea, quote, "It stems from the work we did last year for World Hunger Year.  It got such a great response and it really did so much good that when the opportunity came to work with ACS this year in regards to breast cancer, it was sort of natural."
 
Rick Davies is responding to criticism of his upcoming Supertramp "Reunion" Tour which will exclude the band's original frontman and co-writer Roger Hodgson.  According to a statement on the band's official website, Hodgson and Davies spent 15 months in talks about reteaming.  The statement also asserts that Hodgson elected to continue his solo career rather than collaborate and adds, quote, "After a bit of soul-searching and much encouragement and support from Supertramp's long standing promoters, Rick decided to put the band back on the road...We sincerely hope this puts an end to the confusion that has been circulating on the internet and in the press."  Davies' Supertramp Reunion Tour is slated to debut in Halle, Germany on September 2nd.

The public response follows Hodgson's statement in late April in which he said that the band should not play songs written by him.  Hodgson said, quote, "Since the current Supertramp is a vehicle for Rick's music, which is very different from my style and songs, it's important for Supertramp to stay true to Rick's style and songs and avoid doing covers of my songs." 

The former frontman of a band once compared to The Beatles is producing a film about the legendary rockers.  BBCNews.com reports that one-time Oasis lead singer Liam Gallagher is working on a film adaptation of the novel "The Last Cocktail Party" by Richard DiLello.  DiLello -- who was the so-called "house hippie" of the "A Day In The Life" band -- wrote a memoir that includes details from The Beatles' final years.  Included in "Cocktail Party" is a rundown of the goings on at the Fab Four's record label, Apple.  Gallagher's In 1 Productions -- in association with UK Independent Revolution Films -- will produce the film.  A rep for In 1 said, quote, "This will be a film with humor and affection, providing an insider's look at what it meant to be a young man caught up in the wild swirl of the music business, celebrities and the tail end of the swinging '60s in London."

Meanwhile, like the band that inspired them, the members of Oasis have parted ways.  Liam's brother, guitarist Noel Gallagher, posted a statement on the band's website in the late last summer telling fans that he'd quit the group.

Roger Waters is talking about the original inspiration for one of Pink Floyd's defining works, "The Wall."  In an exclusive interview with Spinner.com, the 66-year-old rocker says that "The Wall" was inspired by the distance he felt between the band and its audiences by the time that Floyd was playing arenas.  Waters also cites challenges in his own life -- like the end of his first marriage -- as instrumental for the album and stage show.  He adds that fans have drawn from "The Wall" on their own terms, saying, quote, "You start feeling parallels in other people's experiences.  The separations that you might feel from things that might be important to you are symbolically represented by this wall that is separating you from the band that's making this music."  "The Wall" -- released in 1979 -- includes the tracks "Hey You" and "Comfortably Numb."

Waters is preparing to mount "The Wall Live," a tour with his solo band.  The rocker plans to kick off the trek in Toronto, Canada this September.  Tickets for the shows go on sale today.

The gender and name reassignment is complete.  Sonny and Cher's little girl has grown up to become a man.  According to court documents obtained by TMZ.com, Chaz Bono  --  the former Chastity Bono  --  officially became a man on Thursday when a judge granted his petition for a gender and name change.  The documents indicate that Chaz underwent "irreversible surgery" on September 23rd, 2009 to change his "sex characteristics from female to male."  The 41-year-old Bono is the only child of music star Cher and the late Sonny Bono, known as the former pop duo Sonny & Cher.  Born Chastity Bono, Chaz originally came out publicly as a lesbian in 1995.  Chaz announced his plans to transition from female to male in 2008.

Alexa Ray Joel -- the daughter of music legend Billy Joel and super model Christie Brinkley -- is discussing a bout with depression late last year that landed her in the hospital after ingesting too many homeopathic pills.  People.com reports the 24-year-old says that, for her, depression was like a, quote, "black hole."  Joel said, quote, "I felt like I was in a black hole and I couldn't see out.  I hit rock bottom that day...A part of me wanted people close to me to know -- not the whole world."  Joel also says she was "addicted" to her now ex-boyfriend, musician Johnny Riott.  The couple originally got together when Joel was 19-years-old.

In related news, Alexa Ray was in the public eye a few weeks ago attending the late-April premiere of "The Last Play At Shea" with her father Billy.  The documentary about Billy Joel's ascent to fame and to a massive gig at Shea before its demolition was part of the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival.

James Taylor and Carole King kicked off the North American leg of their heavily-anticipated "Troubadour Reunion Tour." Taylor and King played dates in Australia, New Zealand, and Tokyo.  Concord/Hear Music debuted the artists' "Live At The Troubabour" on both CD and DVD.  The live album and video capture Taylor and King's shows at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, California in November 2007. Among the tracks on the project are "So Far Away," "It's Too Late," You've Got A Friend," "Fire and Rain," and "Up On The Roof."  Amazon is taking preorders for "Live At The Troubadour" now.

Here are the dates for James Taylor and Carole King's "Troubadour Reunion Tour."

May 19 - Phoenix, AZ @ Jobing.com Arena
May 21 - Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
May 22 - Nashville, TN @ Sommet Center
May 24 - Chicago, IL @ Allstate Arena
May 25 - St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
May 27 - Detroit, MI @ The Palace of Auburn Hills
May 28 - Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
May 30 - Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center
Jun. 2 - Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Arena
Jun. 3 - Atlanta, GA @ The Arena at Gwinnett Center
Jun. 5 - Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Bankatlantic Center
Jun. 6 - Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Arena
Jun. 8 - Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
Jun. 10 - Philadelphia, PA @ Wachovia Center
Jun. 12 - Hartford, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
Jun. 15 - New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
Jun. 19 - Boston, MA @ TD Garden

Carly Simon finally has a video counterpart to her 1972 hit "You're So Vain." Spinner.com reports that the singer-songwriter has selected a winner from hundreds of entries in a contest announced earlier to create a film for the song.  Brett Bisogno's effort took the top prize of 10-thousand dollars for his stripped down approach.  In Bisogno's video, Carly Simon is featured singing and dancing while a mysterious male figure in dark clothes and a hat appears in interspersed clips.
To see "You're So Vain," the video, visit www.carlysimon.com.

Celine Dion, U2, and The Beatles occupy positions one, two, and three on a list of America's favorite musical performers.  Dion is the favorite overall with American adults. This, according to new Harris Interactive poll which asked, quote, "Who is your favorite singer/musician?"  U2 followed behind the "My Heart Will Go On" diva in second position, with Elvis Presley and The Beatles sharing the number three position. Dion is also the favorite among women in general and married women.  She's also the preferred by Democrats, Moderates, and those over the age of 65; people living in the Eastern and Southern U.S., and those who earn between 35-thousand and 74-point-nine-thousand-dollars a year. 

Meanwhile, U2 is tops among men, Republicans, and Conservatives, as well as those between the ages of 34 and 45, those living in the West, and those with an income of 75-thousand-dollars or more.  The Beatles rank highest among Independents and Liberals, as well as with those between the ages of 46 and 64 and those who make less than 35-thousand-dollars a year. 

Favorite Singer/Musician or Band

ALL ADULTS

1. Celine Dion
2. U2
3. Elvis Presley and The Beatles
5. Tim McGraw
6. Lady Gaga
7. George Strait
8. Rascal Flatts
9. Alan Jackson and Frank Sinatra

Tony-nominee Brandon Victor Dixon has been tapped to play a music legend on Broadway later this year.  BroadwayWorld.com reports that Dixon will play Ray Charles in the biographical production, "Unchain My Heart: The Ray Charles Musical."  Dixon earned his Tony nod for playing Harpo in the Oprah Winfrey-produced "The Color Purple."  He's also appeared on TV with roles on "One Live to Live" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."  "Unchain My Heart" is scheduled to go into previews on October 8th.  The musical is then slated for a November 7th opening night at Manhattan's Shubert Theatre. 

Other announced cast members include Nikki Renee Daniels -- whose theater credits include "Nine" and "Promises, Promises."  Daniels will play Della.  Harrison White of "The Lion King" will play Jeff Brown.  "Unchain My Heart" promises to explore, quote, "the strength the strength, humor and musical genius of the legendary Ray Charles" and feature hits such as "Georgia on My Mind," "What'd I Say," "Mess Around," "Hit the Road, Jack," "Unchain My Heart," "I Got a Woman" and "Hallelujah, I Love Her So." Tickets for the Ray Charles musical will go on sale this summer.

The Steve Miller Band is back with new material that will roll out over the next two months.  The rocker is unveiling his first new studio album in 17 years with the June 15th debut of "Bingo!"  In advance of "Bingo's" release, the band has leaked a single via the Roadrunner Records website called "Hey Yeah."  The track -- which features everything from electric guitar to background vocals, clapping, and drums -- is available for purchase on iTunes on now.  "Bingo!" is available for pre-order now via Amazon.com.

In related news, The Steve Miller Band is back on the road beginning later this month.  The rockers play M Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada on the May 21st before moving onto gigs at Morongo Casino in Palm Springs, California on the May 22nd and Pima Fairgrounds in Tucson, Arizona on the May 23rd.

Phil Collins and Roxy Music have been added to the lineup at the 2010 Montreux Jazz Festival.  The 44th Annual music extravaganza in Montreux, Switzerland will kick off with a live performance by Collins on July 1st.  The Genesis frontman is scheduled to perform 1960s Motown and soul.  In related news, Collins is working on an LP of soul covers called "Going Back," due in stores this September.  On July 2nd, Roxy Music's Bryan Ferry, Phil Manzaranera, Andy Mackay, and Paul Thompson will share the stage.  Other festival guests scheduled to appear this summer at Montreux include Billy Idol, Massive Attack, Mark Knopfler, Simply Red, Elvis Costello & The Sugarcanes, and Costello's wife, singer-songwriter Diana Krall.  

Montreux has emerged as one of the most prestigious music festivals in the world.  The event was originally held at the Montreux Casino, which burned down in 1971. The fire was subsequently immortalized by the Deep Purple song, "Smoke On The Water."

It looks like Sir Elton John is still giving ticket holders to his shows a lot of music for their money.  Spinner.com reports the 63-year-old music legend rocked a three-hour concert on Saturday in Youngstown, Ohio.  The gig was John's last on the U.S. leg of his recent tour -- which focused on large-scale venues in smaller cities.  On his gig at Youngstown's Covelli Center, the rocker started one minute early with the track "Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding."  John then played 24 additional tracks and an encore.  Sir Elton also played a live version of a new track -- "You're Never Too Old" -- which was released in March. 

Rapper-turned-actor Common says he'd love to play the late Marvin Gaye on screen.  The emcee recently spoke with the "Orlando Sentinel" and revealed that he hopes someone will realize that he's capable of playing the legendary R&B singer.  Common explains, quote, "I hope some people out in Hollywood see I can do more than bad guys, that I start to see material that I can really do something with.  I took a turn with 'Just Wright,' maybe people will see there's more to me.  I'd love to play Marvin Gaye for instance."  Common says he's researching which producers might be interested in a Marvin Gaye biopic, adding that the "Let's Get It On" singer's life is a story that needs to be told.  Common remarks, quote, "Marvin was a monumental figure in music, important in our lives in so many ways.  And troubled.  He's a character with so much depth.  I'd be all-in on that project."  Common is appearing this month in the romantic comedy "Just Wright" with Oscar-nominee Queen Latifah.

Ozzy Osbourne's "Ozzfest" will return as a touring festival this summer, but the trek will be scaled down to include fewer cities.  Rock's "Prince Of Darkness" will perform on the Ozzfest Main Stage with Motley Crue, Rob Halford, DevilDriver, and Nonpoint.  Meanwhile, Black Label Society -- led by Ozzy's former guitarist Zakk Wylde -- will headline the second stage with Drowning Pool, Kingdom Of Sorrow, Goatwhore, Skeletonwitch, Saviours, and Kataklysm.  Osbourne is supporting his new album, "Scream," which is slated for a June 15th release.  Ozzfest will begin on August 14th at San Manuel Amphitheatre in San Berardino, California. The festival also will feature stops in Chicago on August 17th at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, Pittsburgh on August 19th at First Niagara Pavilion, Hartford on August 21st at Comcast Theater, Camden on August 22nd at the Susquehanna, and Boston on August 24th at Comcast Center.

Simon & Garfunkel are hitting the pause button on their eagerly-awaited reunion tour.  RollingStone.com reports that the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers are pushing back their "Old Friends Live On Stage" trek through North America to July. 

Simon & Garfunkel's "Old Friends" tour is now schedule to re-commence on July 3rd in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  Here is a list of the recently announced tour dates.

July 3 Sat Vancouver BC General Motors Place 
July 5 Mon Calgary AB Pengrowth Saddledome 
July 6 Tue Edmonton AB Rexall Place 
July 8 Thu Winnipeg MB MTS Centre 
July 9 Fri Saskatoon SK Credit Union Centre 
July 11 Sun Fargo ND Fargodome 
July 12 Mon St. Paul MN Xcel Energy Center 
July 14 Wed Madison WI Coliseum at Alliant Energy Center
July 17 Sat Auburn Hills MI Palace of Auburn Hills 
July 19 Mon Toronto ON Air Canada Centre 
July 21 Wed Ottawa ON Scotiabank Place 
July 22 Thu Montreal QC Bell Centre 
July 24 Sat Halifax NS Halifax Metro Centre 
July 25 Sun Halifax NS Halifax Metro Centre 
July 29 Thu Uncasville CT Mohegan Sun Arena 
July 31 Sat Atlantic City NJ Trump Taj Mahal Etess Arena 

Award-winning singer-songwriter Christopher Cross turned 59-years-old Monday 5/3/10.  Cross exploded onto the music scene in the early 1980s with his self-titled solo debut.  The album contained the hits "Sailing," "Ride Like The Wind," and "Say You'll Be Mine," and fueled his command of the GRAMMYs in 1981.  At the 23rd annual GRAMMY Awards, his disc got the nod for Album of the Year, the hit "Sailing" earned Record and Song of the Year honors, and Cross was named Best New Artist, giving him the distinction of being the only solo artist to capture all four of the event's General Field categories in the same year.  Cross has also won an Oscar, taking the Best Song category in 1982 for "Arthur's Theme" from the film "Arthur" starring Dudley Moore.  Cross continues to perform live and is reportedly working on a new studio album to be released later this year.

The new feature-length documentary about The Doors is coming to DVD and Blu-Ray Disc in June.  "When You're Strange," a "rock-doc" about the California band which opened in limited theatrical release on April 9th will hit video on June 29th.  Eagle Vision -- a unit of Eagle Rock Entertainment -- is distributing the project on video.  Tom DiCillo directs the film, which features previously-unseen footage of the band and narration from Oscar-nominee Johnny Depp.

One of The Band's founding members is about to appear on a postage stamp.  Canada's postal service -- Canada Post -- issued a statement this week confirming that Robbie Robertson will be immortalized on millions of letters north of the border.  Robertson's image will appear in the Canadian Recording Artists stamp series, which will also feature folk singers Kate and Anna McGarrigle, and vocalist Ginette Reno.  The Recording Artists stamp series will go into circulation in 2011.  Moya Greene, President and CEO for Canada Post said that each year new stamp ideas are derived from input from the Canadian public.

Robertson -- The Band's lead guitarist and one of its songwriters -- was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  Most recently, the rocker served as the music supervisor for the Martin Scorsese film, "Shutter Island."

Peter Frampton has some pint-sized fans to thank for his appearances on primetime cartoons.  According to Spinner.com, Frampton says his "cameos" as an animated version of himself on the FOX series "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy" won him a new generation of fans.  Frampton, who turned 60 earlier this month, comments, quote, "Both were an honor to do. But I went to Australia, with the Rock Symphony, and one of the interviewers there said that his child only knew me from the Simpsons, knew me from nowhere else.  But that's OK!"  Frampton appeared on "The Simpsons'" "Homerpalooza" episode in 1996 and was a cartoon guest star on "Family Guy" in 2001. 

The rocker's latest LP -- "Thank You Mr. Churchill" -- is available now.  Frampton will play a few solo dates next month.  Beginning in June, he'll hook up with Yes for dates throughout North America.  On July 30th, Frampton will play a date with the Steve Miller Band in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Here is a list of upcoming performances by Peter Frampton:

May 21 Shelton, WA Little Creek Casino Resort
May 23 Tucson, AZ Pima County Fairgrounds
June 8 (With Yes) West Palm Beach, FL Kravis Center
June 9 (With Yes) Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
June 11 (With Yes) Biloxi, MS Beau Rivage Resort
June 15 (With Yes) Upper Darby, PA Tower Theatre
June 16 (With Yes) Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena 
June 18 (With Yes) Bethel Woods, NY Center for the Performing Arts
June 20 (With Yes) Washington, PA Meadows Racetrack & Casino
June 23 (With Yes) Vienna, VA The Fiene Center
June 24 (With Yes) Baltimore, MD Pier Six Concert Pavilion
June 25 (With Yes) Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
June 26 (With Yes) Wantagh, NY Jones Beach
June 29 (With Yes) Big Flats, NY Tag's Summer Sound Stage
June 30 (With Yes) Canandaigua, NY CMAC
July 4 (With Yes) Blue Ash, OH Lake Forest Venue
July 7 Albuquerque, NM Sandia Casino Amphitheatre
July 9 (With Yes) Los Angeles, CA The Greek Theatre
July 10 (With Yes) Valley Center, CA Harrah's Rincon
July 11 (With Yes) Saratoga, CA The Mountain Winery
July 13 (With Yes) Santa Rosa, CA Wells Fargo Center for the Arts
July 15 (With Yes) Snoqualmie, WA Snoqualmie Casino
July 17 (With Yes) Enoch, AB River Cree Resort & Casino
July 23 (With Yes) London, ON Harris Park
July 24 (With Yes) Mattawa, ON Explorer's Point
July 28 (With Yes) Boston, MA Bank of America Pavilion
July 30 (With Steve Miller Band) Alpharetta, GA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
July 31 Orange Beach, AL The Ampitheatrer at the Wharf
August 11 Hamburg, NY Erie County Fair & Expo

A single sheet of paper is expected to fetch as much as 700-thousand-dollars at auction in June and Beatlemaniacs may think it's well worth it. A sheet containing John Lennon's handwritten lyrics to "A Day in the Life" featured on the Beatles' legendary album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" is on the auction blocks.  Sotheby's is offering the item in New York on June 18th. The paper contains a rough draft of the lyrics, while a neater version, with fewer corrections, is on the reverse side.

Jackson Browne is aligning himself with an environmental organization focused on saving the oceans.  TheHuffingtonPost.com reports that the rocker was one of the VIP guests who participated in the Mission Blue Voyage to the Galapagos Islands.  In video posted on TheHuffingtonPost.com, Browne said that he was glad to make the trip with the nonprofit organization that creates and conserves marine areas. Among the other big stars who took the trip to the Galapagos according to TreeHugger.com were Leonardo DiCaprio, Glenn Close, Edward Norton, Chevy Chase, and more.  Approximately 100 guests attended the five-day conference earlier this month.

Cheap Trick will pay tribute to one of The Beatles' most famous albums in Las Vegas this summer.  The band has announced that it's starring in "Sgt. Pepper Live" at the Paris Las Vegas Theatre beginning this June.  The rockers will be joined on stage by the Sgt. Pepper Symphony Orchestra as they cover "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."  Bill Edwards Presents, Inc. is producing the revue, which will kick off its limited engagement on June 11th.

Cheap Trick is just a few "degrees of separation" from The Fab Four's famous 1967 LP.  The band worked on its 1980 album "All Shook Up" with Sir George Martin and Geoff Emerick.  Martin and Emerick served as producer and engineer respectively on "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band."

Here is the list of show dates for "Sgt. Pepper Live" at the Paris Las Vegas Theatre.

June 11, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live
June 12, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live
June 15, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live
June 16, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live
June 18, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live
June 19, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live
June 22, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live
June 23, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live
June 25, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live
June 26, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live
June 29, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live
June 30, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live
July 20, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live
July 21, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live
July 23, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live
July 24, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live
July 27, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live
July 28, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live
July 30, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live
July 31, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - Paris Las Vegas Theatre - Sgt. Pepper Live

Aerosmith's Joey Kramer is using his celebrity to help a local nonprofit organization.  Community website "Wicked Local" reports that the drummer is working with Heath & Education Services or "HES" in Beverly, Massachusetts.  The organization works with children and adults coping with depression and substance abuse.  Kramer has openly discussed his own struggles with both issues over the years, culminating with his revelations in the 2009 memoir "Hit Hard: The Story Of Hitting Rock Bottom at The Top."  As part of Kramer's efforts for HES, he's offering an all-inclusive trip to Aerosmith's show in London this June, in a raffle to benefit the organization.  The rocker also took students from the HES Solstice School to Boston's Fenway Park on Wednesday. The visit included a tour of the park and a Q&A in which the 59-year-old discussed his approach to combatting addiction and depression. Paul O'Shea, President & CEO of HES, said of Kramer, quote, "I admire his guts; it takes a lot to come out and talk about the trauma that you've faced in your life and the difficulties you've had, and sometimes the bad decisions you've made."

Rocker Francis Rossi is investing in the spirits business.  "Classic Rock" reports that the Status Quo guitarist and singer recently purchased a minority stake in Glen Rossie Whiskey.  Rossi will serve as a Chairman of the company behind a spirits brand that is nearly 200 years old.  Rossi is also on his "One Step At A Time" solo tour. 

Here is the list of dates for Rossi's solo tour, "One Step At A Time:"

Fri May 21st Basse Zorn Live Festival, Strasbourg, France
Sun May 23rd Rockhal, Luxembourg
Sat May 29th Frederikshavn Rock Festival, Denmark

Billy Joel's daughter is admitting to undergoing plastic surgery.  People.com reports that Alexa Ray Joel sought rhinoplasty or a "nose job" in early April.  Joel, whose mother is model Christie Brinkley, says she's thrilled with the results, but doesn't plan to seek additional procedures like MTV "Hills" star Heidi Montag, for example.  Joel said her old nose, quote, "always bothered me a little bit. I was self-conscious of pictures taken from the side. To some people that's vain, but at the end of the day, we all want to feel pretty."

Alexa Ray was in the line of paparazzi fire again this past Sunday when she attended the world premiere of "The Last Play at Shea" with her father.  "Shea" chronicles Billy Joel's journey from obscurity to a show at Shea Stadium before its 2009 demolition.  The documentary debuted as part of the Tribeca Film Festival in New York.

The first video off AC/DC's "Iron Man 2" LP is now available on the Aussie band's website.  The five-and-a-half-minute clip intersperses scenes from the Robert Downey, Jr. film with concert footage. The concert footage -- which showcases a packed stadium of fans -- was shot during a show in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2009, according to metal site Blabbermouth.net.  Marvel Studios and Columbia Records announced in January that music from AC/DC's catalog will appear in "Iron Man 2," the sequel to the 2008 blockbuster. To view the "Shoot To Thrill" video, visit www.acdcrocks.com.

Here is a complete list of tracks on "AC/DC: Iron Man 2"

1. Shoot to Thrill
2. Rock 'N' Roll Damnation
3. Guns for Hire
4. Cold Hearted Man
5. Back in Black
6. Thunderstruck
7. If You Want Blood (You've Got It)
8. Evil Walks
9. T.N.T.
10. Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be
11. Have a Drink on Me
12. The Razor's Edge
13. Let There Be Rock
14. War Machine
15. Highway to Hell

One of the hardest-working men in showbiz is adding another live date to his schedule.  "The Las Vegas Sun" reports that Sir Elton John has agreed to perform at tennis star Andre Agassi's 15th Grand Slam for Children.  The annual event will take place this year at the Wynn Resort & Casino on October 9th.  Also headlining that evening is Matchbox 20 frontman and Carlos Santana collaborator, Rob Thomas.  In a statement, Agassi commented, quote, "We're honored that Elton and Rob will headline this special anniversary night, ultimately helping us make a difference in the lives of Agassi Prep students."

Agassi's Grand Slam events benefit the Andre Agassi Preparatory Academy, a public charter school in Las Vegas for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade.

There's a new documentary about Billy Joel.  "The Last Play At Shea" premiered at the The 2010 Tribeca Film Festival.  The feature from producer Nigel Sinclair chronicles Joel's long journey from obscurity to a concert at Shea Stadium prior to its 2009 demolition.  Sinclair's no stranger to documenting iconic rock subjects with films like The Who's "Amazing Journey" to his credit.  Steve Cohen, the film's production designer said the famed venue was its own character in the film.  Cohen commented, quote, "Shea was not just another stadium concert on the tour schedule, it was New York.  We are New Yorkers! It was the advent of the Mets after the loss of the Dodgers years ago; Robert Moses and the history of New York and Long Island; the story of Billy's life and career; and the catalyst of the Beatles first play at Shea!" At the film's premiere, Joel himself showed up for a Q&A session with his daughter Alexa Ray Joel in tow.  Clips from "The Last Play At Shea" are available to view now at www.billyjoel.com.

Carlos Santana is off to Europe following his North American summer tour.  The guitar legend will take his "Carlos Santana Universal Tone Tour" across the Atlantic beginning with a show at the 02 Arena in Dublin, Ireland on September 29th.  The Dublin date will follow the final destination on the North American leg of "Universal Tone" in West Palm Beach, Florida on August 1st. Steve Winwood will serve as the opening act for that show.  On both sides of the pond, "Universal Tone" is slated to include live performances of classic Santana tracks, along with material from the rocker's upcoming LP.

Here is the list of tour dates on the "Carlos Santana Universal Tone Tour."

9/29/10 - Dublin, Ireland O2 Arena
10/1/10 - London, UK O2 Arena
10/2/10 - Manchester, UK Manchester Evening News Arena
10/3/10 - Newcastle, UK Newcastle Arena
10/5/10 - Arnhem, NL Gleredome
10/6/10 - Antwerp, BE Sportpaleis
10/7/10 - Oberhausen, DE Konig-Pilsner Arena
10/9/10 - Zurich, CH Hallenstadion
10/10/10 - Dijon, FR Zenith de Dijon
10/12/10 - Paris, FR Palais Omnisport Paris-Bercy
10/13/10 - Mannheim, DE SAP Arena
10/15/10 - Prague, CZ O2 Arena
10/16/10 - Berlin, DE O2 Arena
10/17/10 - Munich, Germany Olympiahalle
10/19/10 - Milan, IT Fila Forum
10/20/10 - Friedrichshafen, DE Rothaus Arena
10/23/10 - Hamburg, DE Colorline Arena

Ringo Starr is talking about the song that he and Sir Paul McCartney recorded with the late John Lennon in mind.  "The Belfast Telegraph" reports that "Peace Dream" started as a solo track for Starr, but after he played it for McCartney, the two turned it into a collaboration.  Starr said, quote, "Paul came to the house with his bass -- that was a good sign, I played him 'Peace Dream,' and he said, 'Sure, I'll play on it." The track references a dream of a world without hunger, fighting, and pain and even mentions Lennon by name with the lyric, quote, "Just like John Lennon said from his Amsterdam bed, 'One day the world will wake up to see the reality.'"  "Peace Dream" appears on Ringo's latest LP, "Y Not," which arrived in January.  Starr will launch a 2010 tour in support of "Y Not" in late June at Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

Here is a list of tour dates for Ringo Starr:

Thu 06/24/10 - Niagara Falls, ON Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort
Fri 06/25/10 - Niagara Falls, ON Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort
Sat 06/26/10 - Bethel, NY Bethel Woods Center For The Arts
Sun 06/27/10 - Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
Tue 06/29/10 - Boston, MA Bank Of America Pavilion
Wed 06/30/10 - Westbury, NY Theatre At Westbury
Fri 07/02/10 - Easton, PA State Theatre Center For The Arts
Sat 07/03/10 - Atlantic City, NJ Caesars Circus Maximus Theatre
Mon 07/05/10 - New Brunswick, NJ State Theatre
Tue 07/06/10 - Lancaster, PA American Music Theatre
Wed 07/07/10 - New York, NY Radio City Music Hall
Fri 07/09/10 - Cincinnati, OH PNC Pavilion At Riverbend
Sat 07/10/10 - Atlanta, GA Chastain Park Amphitheatre
Sun 07/11/10 - Durham, NC Durham Performing Arts Center
Tue 07/13/10 - Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
Thu 07/15/10 - Hollywood, FL Seminole Hard Rock Live
Sat 07/17/10 - Saint Augustine, FL St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Sun 07/18/10 - Biloxi, MS Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
Tue 07/20/10 - Cleveland, OH The Nautica Pavilion
Wed 07/21/10 - Canandaigua, NY Constellation Brands - Marvin Sands PAC (CMAC)
Fri 07/23/10 - Windsor, ON Caesars Windsor "The Colosseum"
Sat 07/24/10 - Hammond, IN The Venue At Horseshoe Casino
Sun 07/25/10 - Prior Lake, MN Mystic Lake Casino
Wed 07/28/10 - Calgary, AB Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Fri 07/30/10 - Airway Heights, WA Northern Quest Casino
Sat 07/31/10 - Woodinville, WA Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
Sun 08/01/10 - Eugene, OR Cuthbert Amphitheater
Tue 08/03/10 - Saratoga, CA The Mountain Winery
Thu 08/05/10 - Rancho Mirage, CA The Show At Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
Fri 08/06/10 - San Diego, CA Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay
Sat 08/07/10 - Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre

The Allman Brothers will perform at another festival later this year.  The band will play the Crossroads Guitar Festival on Saturday, June 26th in Chicago, Illinois

R&B legend Ronald Isley is out of jail and on his way back to the stage next month. Contactmusic.com reports that the Isley Brother -- jailed in Indiana in 2007 after a tax evasion conviction -- spent much of his three years behind bars dreaming about his return to music.  On the immediate horizon, the 68-year-old will be on stage next month on May 8th at a show in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  After that, he's discussing plans for a gospel album.  Isley told the syndicated "Steve Harvey Morning Show" that he became interested in gospel while incarcerated.  Isley said he spent time with the other inmates, noting he was, quote, "talking to young people and crying with them and people that were gonna be in there some years and that part really hurts.  They looked up to me.  I was working at the chapel and I did gospel shows every week and that kept me up." Ronald Isley was among the Isley Brothers founding members in the mid-1950s.  Among the R&B group's hits are "That Lady," "This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)," and "The Pride."

General Motors has released the Michigan advertising agency that linked Bob Seger's anthem "Like A Rock" to Chevy trucks.  "The Detroit Free-Press" reports that Campbell-Ewald, the Warren, Michigan firm that utilized the Seger track to help sell Silverado pickups was recently replaced by the Publicis Groupe, a global ad firm based in Paris.  The move is the latest in a string of changes in GM's marketing approach.  Chrysler is no longer working with BBDO out of Troy, Michigan and has sought the services of Fallon, a Minneapolis, Minnesota agency owned by Publicis.  GM's Dodge has moved its account to a firm in Portland, Oregon called Wieden-Kennedy.

In related news, Seger -- who is a Michigan native -- says he's planning a tour for later this year.

Deep Purple alum Glenn Hughes has announced that he'll perform solo concerts later this year.  The rocker revealed dates on his website with a performance at the Pentrich Rock & Blues Custom Show in Pentrich Derbyshire, England on July 31st kicking off the solo run.  The dates were announced on the heels of reports that Hughes' supergroup with guitarist Joe Bonamassa may be on the rocks.  The unnamed group's LP producer Kevin Shirley wrote on his Facebook page, quote, "We set out as friends and lovers of music, to make something special. Then the managers got involved? and kept changing their wants, ultimately demanding EVERYTHING!"  Meanwhile, Hughes insists on his website that the supergroup lives on, writing in a post, quote, "Don't worry..we have made an amazin' album...we aint splittin' up...we want everyone to hear this."

Heart is on tour this summer. Ann and Nancy Wilson, along with the current lineup of the band, have scheduled a 22-city trek, wrapping up in Nashville on August 17th. Heart will release a new studio album called "Red Velvet Car" later this year.

Following up the amazing box set released in 2005, ABKCO will begin its reissue program of classic albums on the Cameo-Parkway labels. First up are six, newly remastered CDs, including two-fers from Bobby Rydell, Chubby Checker, The Orlons, Terry Knight & The Pack, and Clint Eastwood! Back when he was on the TV show "Rawhide," the actor-director recorded an album called "Clint Eastwood Sings Cowboy Favorites." Like all the other releases, that LP has been out of print for decades and never officially released on CD. There will also be a doo-wop collection called "Cameo Parkway Vocal Groups, Volume 1." Look for all six discs on June 22nd. More releases from the vaults will follow in the coming months.

Sting's tour with the Royal Philharmonic hasn't launched yet, but the rocker's already making one major cancellation.  On Wednesday, Sting announced via his website that his June 10th date at the USANA Amphitheatre in Salt Lake City, Utah has been scrapped.  The 58-year-old is citing a scheduling conflict.  Ticket holders can receive refunds for the performance at the original points of purchase.
Sting's global trek -- "An Evening With Sting Featuring the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra" -- will get underway on June 2nd in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  He has promised to present reworked versions of the most familiar songs from his catalog on the tour.

Two of rock's guitar legends are "selling their images," so to speak, and they're doing so for a good cause.  Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and Queen's Brian May are selling portraits of themselves to benefit the Action for Brazil's Children Trust.  The nonprofit organization was founded by Page and his wife, Jimena, to help children at risk in Brazil.  May is also a benefactor of the charity.  The Page portrait is priced at 500-British pounds, or around 770-U.S. dollars.  The portrait featuring May's likeness is going for 250-British pounds, or around 385-U.S. dollars.  For more information about the Action for Brazil's Children Trust, visit www.abctrust.org.uk.

Phil Collins is revisiting American soul on his upcoming LP, called "Going Back."  Entertainment website HitFix.com reports that the rocker will put his "invisible touch" on soul from the 1960s, with a heavy emphasis on material from the Motown vault.  Collins plans to record covers of tracks made famous by Stevie Wonder, The Ronettes, Curtis Mayfield, The Temptations, and more.  The 59-year-old will also record a new version of "Love Is Here," a track from The Supremes.  Collins' 1982 cover of the girl group's "You Can't Hurry Love" was one of the most successful singles off his "Hello, I Must Be Going" LP.

Regarding the project, Collins said, quote, "My idea...was not to bring anything "new" to these already great records, but to try to recreate the sounds and feelings that I had when I first heard them. My intention was to make an 'old' record, not a 'new' record."

Here is an advance track listing of material from Phil Collins' upcoming "Going Back" LP:

"Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue)" (The Temptations)
"Papa Was A Rolling Stone" (The Temptations)
"Going Back" (made popular by Dusty Springfield)
"Some Of Your Loving" (made popular by Dusty Springfield)
"Uptight (Everything"s Alright)" (Stevie Wonder)
"Blame It On The Sun" (Stevie Wonder)
"Never Dreamed You"d Leave In Summer" (Stevie Wonder)
"(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave" (Martha and the Vandellas)
"In My Lonely Room" (Martha and the Vandellas)
"Jimmy Mack" (Martha and the Vandellas)
"Standing In The Shadows Of Love" (the Four Tops)
"Something About You" (The Four Tops)
"Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever" (The Four Tops)
"Talking About My Baby" (Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions)
"Do I Love You"" (The Ronettes)
"Going To A Go-Go" (Smokey Robinson & The Miracles)
"Love Is Here" (The Supremes)
"Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While)" (Kim Weston)

The post-Beatles work of Sir Paul McCartney is returning via reissues distributed by Concord Music Group.  McCartney announced that Concord -- the independent label owned by TV producer Norman Lear -- will reissue "Band On The Run" in August.  The 1973 album from McCartney's Wings will feature bonus material in its re-release.  Other McCartney titles will follow.  Music industry giant EMI's exclusive relationship with the former Beatle to oversee his solo work and his work with Wings has ended, clearing the way for McCartney's new alliance.  The McCartney-Concord deal will not alter EMI's handling of the Beatles' catalog.  In a statement, McCartney said, quote, "Since the release of 'Memory Almost Full' in 2007 I've had a good working relationship with Concord and enjoyed our mutual love of music.''
 
Coachella 2010 is now history, but the press is still talking about Sunday's appearance by Sly Stone at the Indio, California festival.  CNN.com's "The Marquee Blog" reports that Stone eventually took the stage -- without the Family Stone -- at Coachella at 11:10 p.m. Pacific time.  The funk star had been slated to perform at 7:00 p.m.  This reportedly left a small band of about 300 fans waiting for the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer as a rep announced at 7:05 p.m that, quote, "Sly Stone's performance has been postponed 'til a little bit later."  When Stone did appear -- over four hours later -- he launched into a speech about a lawsuit he's waging against his former manager, Jerry Goldstein. Another memorable moment from the 67-year-old's performance included his choice to lie down on the stage at the conclusion of a new song.  Stone and his back-up singers did roll out some of Sly's bigger hits like "Stand," "Hot Fun in the Summertime," and "Family Affair."  The music legend's long-awaited performance ran about a half-hour.  In a statement to CNN, Coachella booker Chris Spellman wrote, quote, "Sly's a composer, as he's a performer - and on stage, in the moment, his shows combine the two."

A movie about the late Lana Clarkson, the victim in Phil Spector's murder trials, is said to be in the works.  WowOWow.com's Liz Smith reports that the project is being developed for British TV, and Welsh R&B singer Duffy is hoping to land the leading role.  Duffy says she's captivated by the struggling actress' story.  Smith says the movie would focus more on Clarkson's life and would steer clear of casting blame for her death onto Spector.  The legendary producer is still revered by many in the UK for his work with The Beatles, and with John Lennon and George Harrison as solo artists.  No timetable has been set for the film.  However Duffy adds that if it comes to fruition she hopes the Clarkson film will eventually make its way onto the U.S. airwaves as well. Clarkson made her mark in showbusiness starring in several B-movies.  Her credits include guest appearances on several TV shows, such as "Silk Stalkings," "Hotel," and "The Love Boat," and the sitcoms "Wings," "Who's the Boss," and "Night Court."  But her biggest feature films are the 1985 action-fantasy "Barbarian Queen" and 1987's sci-fi comedy "Amazon Women on the Moon."  At the time of her death the 40-year-old Clarkson was working as a hostess at the House of Blues in West Hollywood, which was where she caught Spector's eye.  She accompanied him home, and several hours later was dead of a gunshot wound in the foyer of the legendary producer's mansion.

The UK has anointed its favorite rock song.  "The Belfast Telegraph" reports that Britain's digital station "Absolute Classic Rock" conducted a poll in which listeners picked Led Zeppelin's "Stairway To Heaven" as its most-loved rock track.  The 1971 single off the band's "Led Zeppelin IV" is one of three Zeppelin tracks from the poll's top ten.  Also making the list are "Whole Lotta Love" at number ten and "Rock 'n' Roll" at number seven. It's not the first time that the "Stairway" been honored.  "Rolling Stone" named the Zeppelin classic one of the top 500 songs of all time in 2003.  In 2001, the Recording Industry Association of America named it one of the "Songs of the Century."

Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer is speaking out on his recent autobiography, anxiety, and Steven Tyler.  In a new interview with "Blender," the 59-year-old expands on revelations from his 2009 memoir, "Hit Hard: The Story of Hitting Rock Bottom at the Top."  In a passage from "Hit Hard," Kramer discusses the impact of his 1995 breakdown on the band's plans to record an album at the time.  Kramer now comments, quote, "I didn't know what direction I was going in, where I was coming from, why I was feeling the way I was...it was really a mystery to me.  When I went away [to a clinic in California] to deal with it, I really received an education about it, and I was able to make some choices." 

Kramer also explains his complex relationship with Aerosmith's frontman, Steven Tyler.  Kramer says, quote, "Steven and I have a longtime, long-running tumultuous relationship which today is a very loving one.  Today, we know how to deal with one another on a much gentler and more even keel.  It took everything that we went through together -- doing that dance together -- to get to that space."  In related news, Aerosmith will kick off its "Cocked, Locked, Ready To Rock!" tour on May 17th, in Caracas, Venezuela.  "Hit Hard: The Story of Hitting Rock Bottom at the Top" is available now.

Frankie Valli is suing his one-time Broadway counterpart.  "The New York Post" says the Four Seasons frontman, along with band mate Bob Gaudio and the writers of the musical "Jersey Boys," are suing those involved in "The Boys in Concert" tour.  They claim in court documents, quote, "Beginning with low-profile performances of songs from 'Jersey Boys,' defendants have now increased the scale of their performances as 'The Boys' to the point that they now more boldly flaunt their similarity to the production."  The suit further alleges that the traveling show is tricking concertgoers into believing "The Boys in Concert" is a, quote, "authorized road company" of the Broadway production.  Actor and singer Christian Hoff -- who won a Tony Award for his portrayal of Valli in "Jersey Boys" -- is among the defendants. Valli wants a judge to issue a court order to prevent "The Boys in Concert" from continuing with the alleged deception, and award him and his co-plaintiffs 150-thousand-dollars for each song "The Boys" perform along with other monetary damages.  "The Boys in Concert" have 18 upcoming shows, including three private performances and a benefit event. 

The Beatles are earning praises of biblical proportions.  The Vatican newspaper "L'Osservatore Romano" is reflecting on the Fab Four, 40 years after the band split up, calling the legendary group a "precious jewel" and questioning, quote, "What would pop music have been like without The Beatles?"  In the article, titled "Seven Years That Shook Music," the Vatican acknowledges, quote, "''It's true they took drugs, lived life to excess because of their success, even said they were bigger than Jesus and put out mysterious messages, that were possibly even satanic."  But the article -- sanctioned by Pope Benedict the 16th -- concedes, quote, "They may not have been the best example for the youth of the day, but they were by no means the worst.  Their beautiful melodies changed music and continue to give pleasure."  The article adds, quote, "''Forty years later, the Beatles still astound with their originality and they are a consolation against the continual assault on music lovers by the record industry."

This latest statement is the second official endorsement of The Beatles in recent years.  Back in 2008 the Vatican officially forgave the late John Lennon for his 1966 remark that The Beatles were, quote, "more popular than Jesus."  Last Saturday marked the 40th anniversary of the end of The Beatles.  It was on April 10th, 1970 that Paul McCartney made the official announcement that the group was breaking up.

Ringo Starr isn't exactly impressed with the Pope's recent praise of The Beatles.  The Vatican marked the 40th anniversary of the legendary band's breakup with an article in "L'Osservatore Romano" heralding the group as a "precious jewel," but a seemingly skeptical Starr tells CNN, quote, "Didn't the Vatican say we were satanic or possibly satanic -- and they've still forgiven us?"  The famed drummer also notes the Pope's opinion of his former group likely isn't the biggest issue the Catholic church needs to address, adding, quote, "I think the Vatican, they've got more to talk about than the Beatles."

Ahead for Starr is another All-Starr Band tour, in support of his latest CD "Y Not."  He notes he didn't have any material prepped when he began the project, explaining, quote, "We had no song and we just played something and kept it moving and that's how it all happened."  The album boasts contributions from a variety of stars, such as Joe Walsh, Edgar Winter, and Dave Stewart, while the first single, "Walk With You," features Paul McCartney.  Ringo and his latest All-Starr Band, which includes Winter, Gary Wright, Rick Derringer, and others, will begin their tour in Canada with two shows in Niagara Falls, Ontario on June 24th and 25th.

Ozzy Osbourne is now set with his latest album "Scream."  The disc, his first in almost three years and his tenth studio album overall, arrives on June 15th.  Osbourne teamed up with Kevin Churko to produce the effort.  The album also features the debut of new guitar player Gus G.  The lead single from the record will be "Let Me Hear You Scream."  The song received its official debut last night, being featured in CBS's "CSI: NY."  Osbourne will announce plans for his upcoming 18-month tour, including this year's Ozzfest, next week.

Jazz drummer Steve Reid, who played with the likes of James Brown and Miles Davis, had died.  Spinner.com reports that Reid died in New York of cancer.  He was 66.  Reid's career as a drummer dated back to his teens when he played with the Apollo Theatre House Band, led during that era by Quincy Jones.  At the Apollo, Reid supported Martha and the Vandellas.  Reid's other collaborations included work with Sun Ra, Ornette Coleman and the Four Tet.  Reid also served as a session drummer for Motown Records.  European deejay Gilles Peterson commented of Reid's passing via Twitter, quote, "Devastated by the news that my friend drummer Steve Reid passed away in New York -- a true inspiration who will be greatly missed."

There's a new Otis Redding concert CD-package.  AmericanSongwriter.com reports that Stax Records and Concord Music Group released the late singer's "Live On The Sunset Strip." "Sunset Strip" features Redding's 1966 concerts in Hollywood at age 24.  On the recordings, the soul legend performs renditions of tracks like "I Can't Turn You Loose," "Satisfaction," "These Arms Of Mine," and more.  The three-CD package pulls from multiple live sets and features songs in their entirety. The project's liner notes feature observations from Ashley Kahn, a music historian.  Kahn writes of Redding circa 1966, quote, "His ten-piece band was his personal, traveling amen-corner, urging him to testify night after night.  His out-of-breath stage patter was warm and downhome. 'Ladies and gentlemen,' he addressed his fans, 'holler as loud as you wanna' you ain't home!'"  "Live On The Sunset Strip" is available now.

Otis Redding died on December 10, 1967 when the plane he was traveling in crashed into Lake Monona in Madison, Wisconsin.  Four members of the Bark-Kays were also killed in the crash.  Otis Redding was 26 years old. 

Reports of Phil Spector's involvement in a scuffle behind bars are surfacing.  "The New York Daily News" reports that the 70-year-old had several teeth knocked out in a disagreement with a fellow inmate last fall at the state prison in Corcoran, California.  The embattled producer's friend Steven Escobar said the incident resulted from comments made by Spector.  Escobar commented, quote, "Phil has quite a mouth on him. Not everyone understands his humor.  He said the wrong thing to the wrong inmate in the yard."  In addition to lost teeth, Spector suffered a bruised nose and black eye.  Spector's wife -- Rachelle -- is denying the reports that her incarcerated husband was attacked.  Rachelle added, quote, "Anyone who meets Phil loves him."  The former "Playboy" model continued, quote, "He's an idol to the other inmates. They look out for him. They also know he was wrongfully convicted."

Ron Wood is telling listeners of his UK radio show that Keith Richards sometimes "forgets" one of the Rolling Stones' biggest hits.  The Stones' guitarist said on his "Absolute Radio" program that Richards occasionally struggles to remember how to play "Paint It Black" live.  Richards co-wrote the 1966 single with Mick Jagger and Brian Jones.  Said Wood of performing "Paint It Black" in concert, quote, "'We always have this moment of hesitation where we don't know if Keith's going to get the intro right."
 
Bruce Hornsby says the world just doesn't understand Ambrosia.  The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter says the band had more of an edge than its 1970s smooth rock hits like "Biggest Part Of Me" suggested.  "The Daily Press" music blog "Mix Position" reports that Hornsby knows several members of the band whose name may conjure up images of a creamy fruit salad for the uninformed.  Hornsby said, quote, "The hits are what people think of, but they were a schizo sort of band.  Really what they were was an American version of an English prog(ressive) band.  It was a shame what happened to them -- the hits that kill careers."  Hornsby added that he thinks Ambrosia's lesser known work was evocative of bands like Pink Floyd and Genesis. Meanwhile, the band still tours. For more information, visit www.ambrosialive.net.

Quincy Jones was in Bloomington,Indiana on May 8th to pick up an honorary Doctorate of Music degree.  InsideIndianaBusiness.com reports that the legendary producer-composer-musician received the honor from Indiana University.  Jones also delivered the commencement address for the graduating undergraduate class at the Bloomington, Indiana institution. Jones' body of work in the music business includes recordings as a solo artist and as a producer, conductor, composer, and arranger on other artists' work. Among his most popular collaborations were 1981's "Find One Hundred Ways" with James Ingram, and his work as a producer on both the 1984 and 2010 versions of "We Are The World."  Coming up later this Spring from Jones is "Q: Soul Bossa Nostra," an LP of his greatest hits recorded and updated by contemporary artists.  

Digital music provider iTunes is offering up a bonus to Jeff Beck fans who buy the music legend's new LP via its site.  RollingStone.com reports that iTunes will include a 30-minute interview between Beck and rocker Alice Cooper along with purchases of Beck's "Emotion & Commotion" LP. "Emotion & Commotion," Beck's first studio album in seven years, is in stores now.  Beck's new project includes a mix of heavy rock, R&B, fusion, and a few tracks that teams the guitarist with a full orchestra. Regarding the album's eclectic approach, Beck told "Rolling Stone" that he originally envisioned a classical album, saying, quote, "The original idea was I was going to make a classical record a complete and utter departure from all of the things I'd ever done. That was an idea that was put to me by [Blow by Blow and Wired producer] George Martin in 1976."  Rhino Records has released Jeff Beck's "Emotion & Commotion." Look for the project on iTunes along with the Alice Cooper interview.

The son of rock-folk icon Bob Dylan is hitting the road to support his newest LP. Spinner.com reports that former Wallflowers frontman Jakob Dylan launched a tour with Neko Case for his new album, "Women And Country."  The trek kicked off at the Carnegie Music Hall in Homestead, Pennsylvania.  The junior Dylan collaborated on "Women And Country" with producer T-Bone Burnett. Fresh off an Oscar win for his work on "The Weary Kind" from the Jeff Bridges' film "Crazy Heart," Burnett reunited with Dylan on "Women."  Jakob Dylan and Burnett met on Bob Dylan's 1975 tour when Jakob was a boy.

"Wichita Lineman" crooner Glen Campbell is working on what's reported to be his final LP. The 73-year-old is also making plans for a tour to support the album, called "Ghosts On The Canvas."  The LP's producer Julian Raymond tells Billboard.com that the trek will hit select cities where Campbell will play a run of shows in small halls and theaters.  Raymond explains that Campbell, quote, "won't go too hard," but the trek "will be strategic and a different way to get him out there than the night-after-night grind."  No dates for the tour have been announced yet.  Campbell also doesn't have a release date yet for "Ghosts on the Canvas."  The new CD is his follow up to 2008's "Meet Glen Campbell."

Sting will play his debut gig at an American institution this summer.  The Metropolitan Opera in New York has announced that Sting will perform at the venue in July.  As with other dates on his upcoming tour, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will join The Police frontman for the New York shows.  Titled "An Evening With Sting - Performing His Most Celebrated Songs," the booking actually includes "two evenings with Sting" at the Met on July 13th and 14th, 2010.  Steven Mercurio will conduct the Royal Phil's musicians as they back up the 58-year-old rock legend. Regarding the performances, Sting said, quote, "The Metropolitan Opera has such a rich cultural history in supporting and celebrating a truly diverse range of artists.  It is both an honor and a thrill to have the opportunity to perform at this renowned landmark."
For more information or tickets, visit www.sting.com.

Former Rolling Stones and Grateful Dead road manager Sam Cutler has released his autobiography and its iPhone app. "You Can't Always Get What You Want" follows Sam's life on the road with those bands and others, doing what he did best: making stage announcements in his now iconic English accent, and rocking one of the world's greatest mustaches. That's Sam trying to calm down the crowd at the infamous Altamont concert in December of 1969, which you can see in the Stones' documentary "Gimmie Shelter," and his voice introducing the band on its live album from the same year, "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out." The iPhone app has Sam's full narration of the audio book, video links to two interviews and more than 30 photos.

Aerosmith and the J. Geils Band will co-headline Fenway Park this summer. The two Boston legends take the field on August 14th, but the Boston Globe hints that a second and even a third show may be added. Red Sox season ticket holders get first crack at buying seats, but for the rest of us, tickets are on sale.  

Archie Andrews is spicing up his love life. The hero of "Archie" comics and leader of the fictional cartoon band, The Archies, has been choosing between the brunette Veronica and the blonde Betty since the 1950's. Well, in the latest issue of the comic book series, Archie hooks up with Valerie, the African-American bass player for Josie & The Pussycats. The romance begins with "Archie" issue number 608 which is at newsstands. 

The Rolling Stones new single is available. The legendary band debuted "Plundered My Soul" on April 17th, which was Record Store Day,the third annual celebration of independently-owned record stores in the U.S.  "Plundered" is a previously-unreleased song from the English rockers and one of ten tracks from the band's vaults set to appear on a reissue of the Stones' 1972 album "Exile On Main Street."  The limited edition seven-inch singles are individually numbered for collectors when sold in stores.  A video for "Plundered" is also in the works.

Former Doors drummer John Densmore is talking about "When You're Strange," a new documentary about the band from filmmaker Tom DiCillo.  Densmore, now 65, refers to the Doors' late frontman Jim Morrison as a "Dionysus."  Densmore adds that his bandmate's pleasure-seeking ways didn't make him want to quit the legendary band. Densmore says he likes DiCillo's film because it shows some of Morrison's lighter moments as a young man dreaming about success in California.  The film features never-before-seen archival footage of Morrison rehearsing with the group.  Also featured are Densmore, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, and guitarist Robby Krieger.  Oscar-nominee Johnny Depp narrates.  "When You're Strange: A Film About The Doors" is rated R. 

Fans of "The Boss" may be trekking to Ohio this summer.  The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Museum is hosting a weekend celebrating Bruce Springsteen this June.  The Cleveland, Ohio-based museum will dedicate events, tours, screenings, and special programming to the 60-year-old New Jersey rocker.  The weekend is scheduled in connection with the museum's upcoming exhibit, "From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen."  The Springsteen happenings are scheduled from Friday, June 4th through Sunday, June 6th.  For more information or tickets, visit www.rockhall.com.

Record producer Phil Ramone, who was not a member of the pioneering punk rock band, will be honored at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards. He'll get the Howie Richmond Hitmaker statue at the ceremonies in New York City on June 17th. Phil produced most of Billy Joel's albums and worked on dozens of hits by Paul Simon, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra and countless others. Phil Collins will receive the Johnny Mercer Award that night.

The Runaways' real-life frontwoman Cherie Currie is speaking out about the new film about the 1970s girl band.  RollingStone.com reports that Currie never got a phone call from "The Runaways" writer-director Floria Sigismondi regarding the script and that the rock biopic took "poetic license."  Currie comments, "She never even called me once.  She never picked up the phone to call me or ask a question or anything.  There were some things that upset me [in the movie]. I mean, I actually won that talent show in real life, and she has me up there being booed."  Dakota Fanning plays Currie in the film, alongside Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett.  Jett -- in contrast -- was closely-affiliated with "The Runaways" and served as its executive producer.

Neil Young has announced more dates for his trek with Scottish folk singer Bert Jansch.  RollingStone.com reports that the duo's "Twisted Road Tour" will now kick off in Albany, New York on May 18th.  Jansch will be the opening act and Young says he'll debut new material on the road. Young's admiration for Jansch is well-documented.  In 1992, the Canadian rocker said of Jansch, quote, "Bert Jansch is on the same level as Jimi Hendrix.  That first record of his is epic.  It came from England, and I was especially taken by 'The Needle of Death,' such a beautiful and angry song." The concerts will follow a number of recent high-profile appearances for Young.  The 64-year-old was honored in Los Angeles as MusiCares Person of the Year by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences in January.  The Canadian singer-songwriter also performed at the Closing Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia in late February.

Here is an updated list of announced dates for the Young-Jansch Tour:

May 19 - Buffalo, NY @ Shea's Performing Arts Center
May 21 - Worcester, MA @ Hanover Theatre
May 23 - Wallingford, CT @ Oakdale Theatre
May 24 - Washington, DC @ Constitution Hall
May 26 - Louisville, KY @ Palace Theatre
May 27 - Knoxville, TN @ Knoxville Civic Auditorium
May 29 - Atlanta, GA @ Fox Theatre
May 30 - Spartanburg, SC @ Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
June 1 - Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
June 2 - Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
June 4 - Houston, TX @ Jones Hall
June 5 - Austin, TX @ Bass Performance Hall
June 7 - Dallas, TX @ Meyerson Symphony Center

One of the world's most successful music stars reportedly thinks he'd have a hard time "making it" in the business these days.  According to the UK's "News Of The World," Wonder's longtime business manager Keith Harris, says his star client often discusses the tough nature attaining success in the business today.  Harris, who has managed Wonder since 1978, says, quote, "Stevie's view is that, if things had been this way when he'd first started, he might have got as far as his first hit, 1963's 'Fingertips,' but he'd never have made it as far as his second, 'Uptight,' in 1966." Wonder did make it by most standards, winning 22 Grammy-awards over the course of his career.  At least one singer with hopes of "making it" was inspired by Stevie Wonder's catalog

Looks like Sony Music will pick up the North and South American distribution rights to EMI's back catalog. The UK's Guardian newspaper says talks between the two major record labels could begin next month. Universal Music pulled out of its talks with EMI last week, so the deal with Sony has to get done, and soon. EMI has to come up with big bucks by June 14th to make good on the debt it owes Citigroup, or the bank will take over the label. If this deal happens, The Beatles and Elvis Presley will be on the same label.

The Chinese government has dashed Bob Dylan's plans to rock East Asia. The UK's "Guardian" reports that Dylan's promoters in Asia say that Chinese officials will not give their okay to Dylan's proposed shows in Beijing and Shanghai. Promoter Jeffrey Wu of Brokers Brothers Herald said that China's Ministry of Culture has concerns over Dylan's status as part of the counterculture movement. Wu added that because the two big dates in China were scrapped, the rocker's other planned concerts in Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Hong Kong are all off the tour as well. Wu added, quote, "With Beijing and China ruled out, it was not possible for him just to play concerts in Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan. The chance to play in China was the main attraction for him. When that fell through everything else was called off."

A partial collapse of a stage in Chichen Itza, Mexico didn't stop Sir Elton John from rocking a show there over the weekend of 4/2/10.  Agence France-Presse reports that six-thousand fans took in the "Rocket Man's" show at the famed Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza on Saturday night 4/3/10, just days after three workers were injured following an accident during the setup of a temporary stage at the site.  Two workers on the scene suffered minor injuries while a third broke his leg on Thursday when part of the stage collapsed in the lead-up to Sir Elton's performance.  No other damage was incurred at the ancient site and Mexican authorities allowed the show to go on as planned.  Indigenous groups have spoken out publicly regarding music concerts at Chichen Itza over recent years, stating that the performances don't reflect Mayan history or culture.  Following Thursday's mishap, local Mayan groups alleged that "aluxes" -- or Mayan fairies -- caused the incident, to display their unhappiness over the concert.
 
There are new live recordings available from Bad Company.  The Paul Rodgers-led band has partnered with Concert Live to market "instant" CDs of select concerts on their current UK trek.  The recordings are also available in a three-disc deluxe "digipak" collectors' set.  Available now are Bad Company's April 1st show in Birmingham, England and the April 2nd show in Manchester, England and London's Wembley Arena.  For more information, visit www.concertlive.co.uk.

Elton John and Lady Gaga may team up to record the next James Bond theme song. The UK tabloids say Gaga is the first choice for the producers of the new Bond movie which will be directed by Sam Mendes and released in 2011. Elton says he wants to get in on the single and make it a duet. The last Bond theme was the first duet for the series. Jack White and Alicia Keys recorded "Another Way To Die" for the 2008 movie, "Quantum Of Solace."

There is another movie about the Chess Records label. Just a little more than a year after "Cadillac Records" told the story of the Chicago blues & R&B label that kickstarted rock 'n' roll, The Hollywood Reporter says "Who Do You Love" gets more into the life of Chess founder Leonard Chess, and his brother Phil who wasn't even mentioned in the previous film. There are no major stars in "Who Do You Love," and it was made with a much smaller budget than "Cadillac Records," but the new film pays more attention to the music and the contributions of Willie Dixon who was the African-American guide through the world of black music for the Polish-Jewish immigrant Chess brothers. 

Leonard's son Marshall Chess is also portrayed in the movie. As an adult, he went on to run the Rolling Stones' custom record label.

Eric Clapton will headline the Summerfest in Milwaukee on June 28th. That's two days after his Crossroads Guitar Festival in Chicago's Toyota Park. The Who's Roger Daltrey will open the show.

Bob Dylan and Ray Davies of The Kinks will perform at the UK's Hop Farm Festival this summer. The big event happens on July 3rd in Kent. It's the third year of the annual festival. For more information, go to hopfarmfestival.com.

Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin will be inducted into the Apollo Theater's hall of fame. The historic New York City theater in the Harlem section of Manhattan has put together a special ceremony on June 14th as part of its 75th anniversary. Aretha is scheduled to perform. The Jackson 5 first took the stage of the Apollo on an amateur night in 1969. The group won and that's how its career was launched.

Acclaimed New Orleans drummer and actor Bernard "Bunchy" Johnson has died.  "The Times-Picayune" reports that Johnson passed away on March 21st of unknown causes. Johnson was 57.  The musician had a decades-long career backing up the likes of Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Deacon John, George French, Ellis Marsalis, and more music greats.  Johnson's acting resume included work in the Nicolas Cage film "Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call," "Monster's Ball" starring Halle Berry, and "Treme," the upcoming HBO series set in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans. Johnson also played regularly with the Jeremy Davenport Band at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. Regarding Johnson's passing, Davenport commented, quote, "He was the quintessential New Orleans drummer.  He was one of the last great, authentic New Orleans drummers who knew all those crazy, funky beats. He learned them from the source."

Bob Seger may be touring later this year. He told a Detroit radio station that dates will be booked for October and November. It will be Bob's first concert trek since 2007.

Al Green will do a co-headlining tour of the UK with Michael McDonald this summer. The soul icon from Memphis and the ex-Doobie Brother will visit Cardiff, Wales, on June 22nd, followed by Birmigham, Manchester, Bournemouth and finally, London's O2 Arena on June 27th.

Stevie Wonder has invited 31-year-old songstress Corinne Bailey Rae to hit the road with him this summer.  UK newspaper "The Daily Star" reports that Bailey Rae has confirmed that she's a musical guest on Wonder's tour across Europe.  One of the trek's highlights is a performance at the three-day Hard Rock Calling Festival in London's Hyde Park in June.  Bailey Rae says she's excited to tour with the Motown great, adding, quote, "I have met him a few times and he is so funny and humble. He's had a big influence on me. Just getting to see him play again is going to be great, but the fact that I have got there by playing my music and he asked me is incredible."

Brit-born Bailey Rae made a splash in the U.S. with her self-titled debut album in 2006. The album's biggest single -- "Put Your Records On" -- earned two Grammy nominations.

There's a new rock doc about Levon Helm from filmmaker Jacob Hatley on the independent film scene.  The film, titled "Ain't In It For My Health," premiered at South By Southwest in Austin, Texas earlier this month.  It focuses on Helm, the drummer and singer for The Band.  Hatley's documentary delves into Helm's struggles following The Band's dissolution as well as his public battle with throat cancer, drug addiction, bankruptcy, and the death of The Band's Richard Manuel and Rick Danko.  Hatley also interviews husband and wife musicians Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams; Helm's daughter, Amy; and actor Billy Bob Thornton for "Ain't In It For My Health."

Levon Helm has enjoyed a career resurgence in recent years.  His traditional folk albums -- 2007's "Dirt Farmer" and 2009's "Electric Dirt" -- both won Grammy awards.

A&E Home Entertainment released its mini reality series about the Jackson brothers on video.  The two disc set, "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty," features the entire six-episode run of the A&E series that turned the spotlight on original Jackson 5 members Marlon, Jermaine, Tito, and Jackie Jackson.  The series also showed the family's reaction to the tragic passing of the late "King Of Pop," Michael Jackson.  Production on the show had wrapped in June 2009 -- before Michael's death later that month on June 25th.  That led to A&E's decision to shoot additional footage and expand the project from a one-time "special" to a "series." "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty" premiered on A&E on December 13th, 2009.  Episodes aired through the miniseries' finale on January 17th, 2010.

David Clayton-Thomas, singer for Blood Sweat & Tears has written an autobiography. Penguin Press announced that the book named after the band he fronted will be in stores on September 15th. David stopped touring with BS&T in 2004 and now sings with a 10-piece band under his own name.

Robert Plant is hitting the road this summer -- but not with Led Zeppelin. RollingStone.com reports that the veteran frontman is reassembling Band of Joy, his project with the late John Bonham prior to the rockers' involvement with Zeppelin.  The band plans to release a new album in summer or fall, and is booked for 12 U.S. dates beginning July 13th in Memphis, Tennessee.  Band of Joy's 2010 incarnation includes singer Patty Griffith, Darrell Scott on multiple instruments, drummer Marco Giovino, and bass player Byron House.  Buddy Miller will serve as guitarist and as a co-producer.

In a statement regarding Band of Joy, Plant said, quote, "It's been a blast working on these new songs -- I'm enjoying such creativity and vitality.  It's been a remarkable change of direction for all of us and as a group we all seem to have developed a new groove."

Here is a list of concert dates for Robert Plant and Band of Joy:

July 13 - Memphis, TN @ The Orpheum Theater
July 15 - Little Rock, AR @ Robinson Center Music Hall
July 16 - Tulsa, OK @ Brady Theater
July 18 - Albuquerque, NM @ Sandia Casino Amphitheater
July 20 - Phoenix, AZ @ Dodge Theater
July 21 - Tucson, AZ @ Anselmo Valencia Amphitheater
July 23 - Dallas, TX @ Meyerson Symphony Hall
July 24 - Houston, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
July 26 - Austin, TX @ Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater
July 28 - Mobile, AL @ The Saenger Theatre
July 30 - Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Eckerd Hall
July 31 - Miami, FL @ Bayfront Park Amphitheater

 
Here are dates for Diana Ross' "More Today Than Yesterday" Tour:

19-May - New York, NY @ Radio City Music Hall
21-May - Atlantic City, NJ @ Caesars Atlantic City
25-May - Bethesda, MD @ Music Center at Strathmore
27-May - Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theatre
28-May - Cleveland, OH @ State Theatre
29-May - Detroit, MI @ Fox Theatre
31-May - Toronto, ON @ Roy Thomson Hall
2-Jun - Knoxville, TN @ Tennessee Theatre
4-Jun - Atlanta, GA @ Chastain Park Amphitheatre
5-Jun - Memphis, TN @ Live At The Garden
6-Jun - St. Louis, MO @ Fox Theatre
9-Jun - Los Angeles, CA @ NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE
11-Jun - San Diego, CA @ Humphrey's
12-Jun - Saratoga, CA @ The Mountain Winery

The first four albums by the all-girl band The Runaways are available in a new collection.  The band's tracks were digitally-remastered on a double CD called "The Mercury Albums Anthology," for sale now in the U.S., according to "Classic Rock."  The set includes The Runaways' hits "Cherry Bomb," "Queens Of Noise," "Hollywood," "Wasted," and a few covers, too, like "Wild Thing" and Lou Reed's "Rock & Roll."

Drummer Sandy West, guitarist Joan Jett, and bass player Micki Steele were The Runaways original members in 1975.  The groundbreaking band's formation is documented in "The Runaways," the indie film now in limited release.  Kristen Stewart leads the film's cast in the role of Jett.  Dakota Fanning plays Cherie Currie -- the singer who joined the band about one year into its run.

The "Piano Man" has acquired some new real estate.  "New York Magazine" reports that Billy Joel purchased a luxury condo on Manhattan's Elizabeth Street for three-point-three-million dollars.  The property originally went on the market for four-hundred-75-thousand more than Joel's purchase price.  The condo is in "Nolita" -- the nickname for North of Little Italy.  The acquisition follows reports that Joel's ex -- Katie Lee -- is still living solo in a townhouse that the couple once shared on Perry Street near SoHo.  The magazine also reports that Katie Lee may continue living there to shoot her new cooking show, although the upscale property is on the market for nearly 13-million-dollars.

"Nowhere Boy," the British movie about the early life on John Lennon will finally open in selected U.S. theaters. Showbiz 411.com says The Weinstein Company has set October 8th for the release date, which is the day before what would have been John's 70th birthday. Expect a lot of marketing and promotion of all things Lennon around that date. EMI has plans to release the first-ever Lennon box set of studio and live recordings that week.

KC & The Sunshine Band singer Harry Wayne Casey wants you to know that alleged sex crimes suspect Richard Finch has not been part of the band for more than 30 years. Since Richard has been all over the news for allegedly having sexual contact with a 17-year-old boy, Harry told PopEater.com that he created KC & The Sunshine Band in 1973 and Richard joined to play bass a year later. Richard left the band in 1980 and Harry says his contributions ended there and that he was never an integral part of the group's sound or success.

ABBA may reunite after all. Benny Andersson told The Times of London that he'd be willing to do a one-off intimate performance that could be shown all over the world on pay-per-vew TV. ABBA split up nealy 30 years ago, and everytime the question of a reunion came up, all four members always said no. Benny and Bjorn Ulvaeus are into it, and so is Ani-Frid (Frida) Lyngstad. The holdup seems to be with Agnetha Faltskog who is a bit of a recluse and refuses to get on an airplane.

Performances and interviews by British Invasion artists are the spotlight of a new DVD set. The first four volumes of the "British Invasion" documentary series features the Small Faces, Herman's Hermits, Dusty Springfield and Gerry & The Pacemakers. Each DVD is loaded with complete TV performances from each artist, along with interviews from back in the day as well as more current footage. Two more box sets are due in over the next few months.

Glen Campbell will record one last album, then do a farewell tour. Billboard.com says the singer-guitarist, who will turn 74 next month, is in the studio now, working with folks like Jakob Dylan, ex-Replacements leader Paul Westerberg, Bob Pollard of Guided By Voices and others. After many decades with Capitol, Glen does not currently have a record deal, but he's shopping for one to release the new one which will be called "Ghost On The Canvas." He will hit the road one last time after the album is released.

RollingStone.com reports that the Jimi Hendrix album "Axis: Bold as Love" is available as downloadable content for the "Rock Band" video game.  Also, the Hendrix track "Valleys of Neptune" has been released for gamers.  "Neptune" is the previously-unreleased track that takes center stage on the Hendrix LP of the same name released earlier. Harmonix, MTV Games, and Experience Hendrix worked together to add the material to the "Rock Band" series. Hendrix originally released "Axis" in the U.S. in 1968.  The album contains the tracks "Little Wing," "Bold As Love," and "Castles Made of Sand," among others.

Johnny Maestro, who sang lead with The Crests and the Brooklyn Bridge, is dead. The New York Times says he died (3/24/10) of cancer at age 70. With the interracial doo-wop group The Crests, Johnny scored seven hits including the classic, "16 Candles," which peaked at number 2 in 1958. Ten years later, Johnny was a member of the Del-Satins and when that group merged with The Rhythm Method, a vocal supergroup called the Brooklyn Bridge was formed. Its biggest hit was "Worst That Could Happen," which topped out at number 3 in 1969.

Creedence Clearwater Revisited are on tour, Featuring original CCR bassist Stu Cook and drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford, the band also includes lead singer/guitarist John Tristao filling in for John Fogerty; lead guitarist Tal Morris and keyboard player/singer Steve Gunnar. The tour wraps up in Saratoga, California, on September 17th.

The Beatles can now add a rather unique honor to their endless list of accomplishments: Best Colonoscopy Song! Digestive Care of Florida announced yesterday that to spotlight National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it held an online contest to determine the top colonoscopy related song, and the winner is...wait for it..."The Long And Winding Road." Digestive Care is offering free colonoscopies to Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr when they pass through the Miami area over the next few months. The song that came in second place was "Back Door Man" by The Doors, with a three-way tie for third place: "Pants On The Ground" by "American Idol" contestant General Larry Platt; Elton John's "Someone Saved My Life Tonight"; and "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees. 

Here are a few more colonoscopy songs that should have made the list:

"All Things Must Pass" by George Harrison
"It Don't Come Easy" by Ringo Starr
"Let 'Em In" by Wings
"Brown Sugar" by The Rolling Stones
"Big Bottom" by Spinal Tap
"Float On" by The Floaters
"Go Now" by the Moody Blues
"Fly Me To The Moon" by Frank Sinatra
"Up A Lazy River" by Si Zentner
"Thirty Days In The Hole" by Humble Pie

Jackson Browne is gearing up for an extensive trek with David Lindley.  The musical collaborators have dates booked in Europe and North America beginning June 3rd with a show at Colston Hall in Bristol, England.  The concerts come less than one month after the May 11th release of "Love Is Strange," a two-disc set featuring live recordings from Browne and Lindley's shows in Spain in 2006.  Joining the headliners on the road are veteran members of Browne's band -- Kevin McCormick on bass, Mark Goldenberg on guitars, Mauricio Lewak on drums, and Jeff Young on keyboards and backing vocals.  Browne will play one solo date on the lengthy trek.  The Grammy winner plays on his own at Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, California on July 18th.

Here are the list of dates booked for the Jackson Browne-David Lindley Tour:

Europe:
6/3 Bristol, UK Colston Hall
6/4 Sheffield, UK City Hall
6/6 Gateshead, UK Sage
6/8 London, UK Hampton Court Palace
6/9 Amsterdam, Netherlands HMH
6/11 Stockholm, Sweden Circus
6/14 Gothenburg, Sweden Tradardsforeningen
6/15 Hamburg, Germany Stadpark
6/17 Brussels, Belgium Palais des Beaux Arts
6/18 Paris, France Casino de Paris
6/20 Glasgow, Scotland RCH
6/21 Edinburgh, Scotland Usher Hall
6/23 Cork, Ireland Marquee
6/29 London, UK Royal Albert Hall
7/1 Nottingham, UK Concert Hall
7/2 Liverpool, UK Summer Pops Festival

U.S: 
7/18 Rancho Mirage, CA* Agua Caliente Casino *Jackson Browne only
7/20 Las Vegas, NV The Joint
7/21 San Diego, CA Humphrey's
7/23 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre
7/24 Berkeley, CA Greek Theatre
7/27 Eugene, OR Cuthbert Amphitheater
7/30 Woodinville, WA Chateau Ste Michelle
7/31 Goldendale, WA Maryhill Winery
8/2 Boise, ID Idaho Botanical Gardens
8/3 Bozeman, MT Theater at The Brick
8/5 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre
8/7 Sioux City, IA Orpheum Theatre
8/8 Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre
8/10 St. Louis, MO Fox Theatre
8/11 Tulsa, OK Brady Theater
8/13 Grand Prairie, TX Nokia Theatre
8/15 Atlanta, GA Chastain Park Amphitheatre
8/24 Baltimore, MD Pier Six Concert Pavilion
8/25 Portsmouth, VA Ntelos Pavilion
8/27 Wallingford, CT Toyota Presents the Oakdale Theatre
8/28 Boston, MA Bank of America Pavilion
8/30 Buffalo, NY Shea's Performing Arts Center
9/1 Scranton, PA Toyota Pavilion
9/2 West Long Branch, NJ MAC Center - Monmouth University
9/4-5 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Spa & Resort Event Center
9/7 Albany, NY Palace Theatre
9/9 Hershey, PA Star Pavilion at Hersheypark Stadium
9/11 Upper Darby, PA Tower Theatre
9/12 Vienna, VA Wolf Trap for the Performing Arts/The Filene Center
9/14 New York, NY Beacon Theatre
9/18 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
9/19 Cleveland, OH Time Warner Cable Amphitheater at Tower City
9/21 Indianapolis, IN The Lawn at White River State Park
9/23 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre
9/24 Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theatre

Legendary rock photographer Jim Marshall has died.  RollingStone.com reports that Marshall passed away in his sleep (3/23/10) in New York City at age 74.  In his 50-year-plus career, the photographer made a name for himself by catching some of rock's defining moments on film.  Marshall -- for example -- took the iconic photo of Jimi Hendrix burning his guitar at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967.  His other work include up-close-and-personal access to Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, The Beatles, The Who, Janis Joplin, The Rolling Stones, and more.  Regarding Joplin, Marshall once said, quote, "You could just call her at home and be like, 'We have to take some pictures,' and she'd say, 'OK! Come over!' She trusted me and knew I had her best interests at heart. I only wanted to make her look good." Last October, Marshall released "Trust," a hard cover compilation of his work featuring a shot of Joplin on its cover.

This year, John Lennon would have been 70, and it's also the 30th anniversary of his death. His hometown of Liverpool with mark both events with a festival that will last two months. It kicks off on John's birthday, which is October 9th, and ends December 9th, which is the day after he was murdered in New York City. The John Lennon Tribute Season will salute all the aspects of his life and his overall contribution to Liverpool.

Ringo Starr and the latest incarnation of his All Starr Band announced North American tour dates. He's beginning the tour with two nights in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on June 24th and 25th, crossing the United States and Canada, then wrapping up in Los Angeles at the Greek Theater on August 7th. The 11th lineup of the All Starr Band includes tour veterans Edgar Winter and Gary Wright, along with Rick Derringer, Richard Page of Mr. Mister, Romantics frontman Wally Palmar and studio pro Gregg Bissonette on drums. Ringo will celebrate his 70th birthday July 7th on stage at New York's Radio City Music Hall.

Stevie Wonder will headline one day of the Hard Rock Calling Festival in London's Hyde Park on June 26th. Stevie's gig comes between the festival's other headliners: Pearl Jam on June 25th and Paul McCartney on the 27th. Stevie will also play the UK's Glastonbury Festival that weekend.

Philly soul pioneers Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff may turn their now charred offices into a museum. Billboard.com says that after a fire destroyed much of the headquarters for Philadelphia International Records, the legendary producers are considering a re-opening of the facility as a tribute to all that great music. Investigators are calling the fire arson and Christopher Cimini will be tried on those charges as well as burglary. Video surveillance cameras show Christopher breaking into the building on February 21st, the night the fire was set.

Southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd are teaming up with Poison frontman and reality TV fixture Bret Michaels on a multi-city trek this summer.  The acts have also announced that .38 Special will appear on the tour as a special guest.  Regarding the upcoming dates, Michaels said, quote, "There is no doubt that Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of my all time favorite rock and roll bands.  I have been friends with them a long time, so I am honored that Skynyrd has asked me to join them on their tour this summer."  Michaels -- who's on TV these days as a contestant on NBC's "Celebrity Apprentice" -- says to look for him to play some of Poison's greatest hits this summer.  Meanwhile, the guys from Skynyrd say that they're rooting for Michaels to be Donald Trump's next "Celebrity Apprentice." The Skynrd-Michaels tour will launch in West Palm Beach, Florida on June 10th at the Cruzan Amphitheatre.

Here is a list of dates on the Lynyrd Skynyrd-Bret Michaels 2010 Tour:

Thu Jun 10 West Palm Beach, FL - Cruzan Amphitheatre
Sun Jun 13 Houston, TX - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Thu Jun 17 Birmingham, AL - Verizon Wireless Music Center
Fri Jun 18 Raleigh, NC - Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion
Sat Jun 19 Charlotte, NC - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Sun Jun 20 Virginia Beach, VA - Virginia Beach Amphitheater
Thu Jun 24 Detroit, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
Fri Jun 25 Chicago, IL* - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Sat Jun 26 St. Louis, MO - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Sun Jun 27 Indianapolis, IN - Verizon Wireless Music Center
Thu Jul 01 Boston, MA - Comcast Center
Fri Jul 02 Holmdel, NJ - P.N.C Bank Arts Centre
Sat Jul 03 Buffalo, NY - Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
Thu Jul 08 Cleveland - Blossom Music Center
Fri Jul 09 Washington, DC - Jiffy Lube Live
Sat Jul 10 Hartford, CT - Comcast Theatre
Sun Jul 11 Pittsburgh, PA - First Niagara Pavilion

There's another exhibit dedicated to the memory of rock 'n' roll's "King."  "Elvis! His Groundbreaking, Hip-Shaking, Newsmaking Story" is now open at the Newseum, a museum of news history located in Washington D.C. at the corner of Sixth Street N.W. and Pennsylvania Avenue. The Presley exhibit focuses on the rock icon's media image as he impacted pop culture and musical tastes.  "Elvis!" features letters and scrapbooks from the Graceland vaults, private telegrams, and video produced by the Newseum. "Elvis! His Groundbreaking, Hip-Shaking, Newsmaking Story" will run through February 14th of next year.  Had Presley lived, he would have turned 75 this year.

The theatrical release of the rock biopic "The Runaways" has inspired the editors at "Rolling Stone" to compile a list of favorites from the movie genre.  "Runaways," which tells the story of the all-girl band led by Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, didn't make the list, however.  The Bob Dylan biopic "I'm Not There" took the editors' top spot.  Director Todd Haynes' unorthodox storytelling had actress Cate Blanchett and others inhabiting the Dylan role.  "I'm Not There" is followed by the more straightforward "Ray," starring Oscar winner Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles.  Also making the top ten were "La Bamba" starring Lou Diamond Phillips as Ritchie Valens and "Great Balls of Fire!" starring Dennis Quaid as Jerry Lee Lewis and Winona Ryder as Myra Gale Brown, his teenage love interest.

Here is a list of the top ten rock biopics according to "Rolling Stone's" editors:

1. "I'm Not There" (Biopic about Bob Dylan)
2. "Ray" (Biopic about Ray Charles)
3. "The Doors" (Biopic about The Doors)
4. "Walk The Line" (Biopic about Johnny Cash)
5. "Control" (Biopic about Ian Curtis, lead singer of Joy Division)
6. "La Bamba" (Biopic about Ritchie Valens)
7. "Sid and Nancy" (Biopic about The Sex Pistols' bassist Sid Vicious and his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen)
8. "The Buddy Holly Story" (Biopic about Buddy Holly)
9. "What's Love Got To Do With It" (Biopic about Tina Turner)
10. "Great Balls Of Fire" (Biopic about Jerry Lee Lewis)

EMI Music may be selling off its vast and lucrative back catalog. The Times of London says the financially strapped record label is looking to lease its North American music holdings, which includes music by The Beatles, The Beach Boys, David Bowie, Queen and dozens more top shelf artists. EMI could raise 600-million dollars or more, but that would give a competitor the chance to manage all of that music. Universal was reportedly the front-runner, but now it looks like talks have moved on to Warner Music and Sony.

Sir Paul McCartney has made the peace with his ex-wife. Britain's Sunday People says he and Heather Mills have put their bitter divorce behind them for the sake of their six-year-old daughter, Beatrice. Paul and Heather reportedly meet up every week to talk about little Bea, with Heather sometimes sticking around for a cup of tea at Paul's house. Paul was ordered to pay Heather 48.6-million dollars in the divorce, plus annual payments for Beatrice. The marriage was officially dissolved in 2008.

Chicago is offering fans a chance to sing with the band on it's current tour. In every city the band visits, bids will be accepted on a package that includes two front-row seats to the concert, backstage passes, and the opportunity to sing "If You Leave Me Now" on stage with the group. Proceeds from that very special package will benefit the American Cancer Society. Chicago's tour with the Doobie Brothers wraps with two nights in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on May 29th and 30th.

The wife of legendary record producer and convicted murderer Phil Spector is releasing an album. The New York Daily News says former Playboy model Rachelle Short worked on the music with Phil before he was sentenced and send to prison. There's no title yet for the album, but it will be out on June 8th.

Aretha Franklin is a very busy lady. She'll release a new album called "A Woman Falling Out Of Love" next month. It will be the first release on her own label, Aretha's Records. She told Billboard.com that after all those years with Arista, she and label chief Clive Davis could not come to terms on a new deal, so Aretha decided the time was right to do her own thing. She's also working on an album of operatic arias, and will do three classical concerts this summer with former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice who is also a concert pianist. Aretha says the concerts will be bi-partisan efforts for each of the ladies' favorite charities.

The first releases from the 250-million dollar deal between the Michael Jackson estate and Sony Music are on the way. In November, look for a collection of previously unreleased tracks, then in 2011, there will be a deluxe reissue of Michael's 1979 album, "Off The Wall." 10 albums are planned all together through 2017 with the "This Is It" soundtrack counting as the first.

Two official Rolling Stones DVDs will be released this year by the fine folks at Eagle Rock Entertainment. First up is a new documentary, "Stones In Exile," about the making of the band's classic 1972 double-LP, "Exile On Main Street." The DVD will be out in June, shortly after the various deluxe re-releases of the original album by Universal Music on May 18th. Later this year will be the first ever authorized DVD release of the Stones 1972 concert film, "Ladies And Gentlemen...The Rolling Stones." The movie has been fully restored, including newly remastered sound, and will first be released in theaters. Then, look for the DVD and Blu-ray in the fall.

Wanna play guitar at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Festival this summer? If you're a musician without a record deal, head on over the www.playcrossroads.com and upload as many as five MP3 files of yourself performing, plus photos and a bio. The winner will be flown out to Chicago, put up in a swanky hotel, and given a 30-minute set on the Ernie Ball Village Stage at the Crossroads event on June 26th. Bands can enter too.

Cheap Trick is planning another series of concerts where they play their albums, in order, all the way through. The band did it in the late 1990's and told the press at the South By Southwest music conference in Austin, Texas, that those gigs started a trend. Soon after, quite a few artists, including Steely Dan and Bruce Springsteen began performing entire albums on stage. Also on the way is Cheap Trick's re-recording of its 1977 album, "In Color," produced by Steve Albini. That should be out sometime this year.  Cheap Trick taped an episode of "Austin City Limits" that will air next year.

Singer-guitarist Alex Chilton has died.  The Memphis "Commercial Appeal" says the veteran rocker, who as a teenager provided the lead vocals to The Box Tops hits "The Letter" and "Cry Like a Baby," passed away at a hospital in New Orleans.  Chilton's longtime friend John Fry tells the paper that earlier in the day Chilton said he wasn't feeling well, and paramedics were called.  They took him to the hospital, where he died in the emergency room.  Chilton was 59.
Chilton was still musically active, and performing with his group Big Star. 

Barry and Robin Gibb are talking about a career-retrospective Bee Gees box set. Barry Gibb said fans should look for "Mythology: The 50th Anniversary Collection" this fall.  The set includes songs from all four Gibb brothers, including Andy. "Mythology" was created and produced by the Gibb brothers and will include a booklet with tributes, memories, and other notes from friends on collaborators.  Barry and Robin are the surviving Gibb brothers.  Maurice Gibb died in January 2003. Andy Gibb passed way in March 1988 at age 30.

Cherie Currie released an updated version of her memoir.  NYPress.com reports that the former Runaways frontwoman is reiussed "Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway."  The theatrical debut of "The Runaways," a biopic about the all-girl band behind the hit "Cherry Bomb" in running.  Dakota Fanning plays a young Currie.  Also starring in the film is "Twilight's" Kristen Stewart who plays Joan Jett.  Currie says she welcomes the attention that "The Runaways" will give her former band.  The 50-year-old said, quote, "'I'm just glad that The Runaways are finally being recognized for what we went through and what we tried to accomplish.  I really don't regret anything except for leaving the band and not keeping in touch with Joan." 

 
One of the details "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell reportedly wants for his rumored nuptials is Sir Elton John at the microphone.  Popeater.com's Rob Shuter cites sources close to Cowell who say The Rocket Man tops a list of possible entertainers for a possible wedding.  The unnamed source continues, quote, "Elton would be the perfect choice. Unlike others, he's brilliant live. Plus, Simon's dear mum and older relations know all his songs."  News of Cowell's engagement broke late last month, although the "Idol" judge has remained tight-lipped as to whether or not he really is engaged to "Idol" makeup artist Mezhgan (MISH-gone) Hussainy.  She has been spotted wearing a huge diamond ring.

Paul McCartney is trying to get the rights back to his solo catalog from EMI Music. Bloomberg reported that since the label is going through major financial difficulties, Paul wants the reclaim his solo tunes and the material recorded by Wings. EMI would continue to control The Beatles' back catalog. There has been talk for some time that Paul wants to overhaul all of his solo and Wings albums, giving them a proper re-mastering with bonus and live tracks added to each disc. The individual albums have never been re-mastered here by Capitol, and the last batch of UK reissues date back to 1993.

Handmade Films, the movie company formed by George Harrison to help the Monty Python gang finance "The Life Of Brian," has been bought out by Image Entertainment. Home Media Magazine says they grabbed the physical and digital distribution rights to more than 30 films in the Handmade library. That includes "Time Bandits," directed by Python Terry Gilliam, which made more than 42-million dollars at the box office in the early 1980's. All of the Handmade films will eventually be released by Image on DVD and Blu-ray.

The Eagles will co-headline a stadium tour this summer with the Dixie Chicks and Keith Urban. It kicks off on June 8th in Toronto, followed by a June 10th gig at the all new Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. So far, dates have been booked through a June 24th show at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. This should end any rumors that the Dixie Chicks have split up. Singer Natalie Maines is still with the band, even though Martie Maguire and Emily Robison will release an album by a side-project the sisters are calling the Court Yard Hounds. That CD will be out on May 4th.

A lost recording of a complete 1971 Led Zeppelin concert was bought at a parking lot sale in England. London's Evening Star tabloid says the rare audio comes from a show the band did at St. Matthews Baths Hall in Ipswich, which is basically an emptied out swimming pool. The buyer says the quality of the recording is excellent. There have been bootlegs available of this concert, but never the entire concert, and usually in really awful quality. Led Zeppelin had just released its fourth album the week before the concert, so "Stairway To Heaven" was a brand new song.

Plans are in the works now for "Farm Aid 25: Growing Hope For America." Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews will mark the 25th year of the organization with a major anniversary concert this fall. No date or venue has been announced yet, but you can get all that info as soon as it's released at Farmaid.org.

Duran Duran released deluxe editions of its self-titled debut album from 1981 and "Seven And The Ragged Tiger" from 1983. Both have been newly remastered and will come with a bonus CD of 12-inch remixes, b-sides, and live performances as well as a DVD of music videos. Look for both in stores. There will also be limited edition 180-gram vinyl pressings of both albums.

The 25th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was Monday 3/15/10.  This year's awards assembled The Stooges, Genesis, ABBA, Jimmy Cliff, and The Hollies for induction into one of the industry's most prestigious institutions.  On hand to honor the inductees were Phish's Trey Anastasio -- who presented Genesis.  Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong -- who presented The Stooges. The E-Street Band's Steve Van Zandt presented The Hollies.  Surviving Bee Gees Barry and Robin Gibb presented Swede pop band ABBA and Wyclef Jean presented Jimmy Cliff.

Percy Sledge and The Blind Boys of Alabama are among the musical acts going into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. The annual gala was created to fete Alabama's music heritage. Inductions over the years have included artists from all genres.  In addition to Sledge and The Blind Boys, the Music Hall will honor other musicians with ties to the state.  O'Jays frontman Eddie Levert, country star Mac Davis, ARS, country singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson, singer-songwriter Mac McAnally, and Bobby Denton were also be honored this year. As part of the artists' inductions, they will each receive a bronze star on the Alabama Music Hall's Walk of Fame.  Information and exhibits about their accomplishments will also go on display in The Music Hall of Fame itself.

A vampire film starring the likes of Alice Cooper and Henry Rollins is screening at South By Southwest this year.  The campy feature -- called "Suck centers on Joey Winner, a struggling musician who fronts a down-on-its luck band with no fans. Cooper plays an eccentric bartender who gives Joey some unusual advice for dealing with his troubles.  Rollins plays "Rockin' Roger."  Malcolm McDowell, Moby, Iggy Pop, and Alex Lifeson also make appearances. 

A musical featuring the hits of Ray Charles is heading to Broadway.  "The New York Times" reports that "Unchain My Heart, the Ray Charles Musical" will debut on November 7th.  Pulitzer Prize-winner Suzan-Lori Parks will pen the book for the show with Sheldon Epps directing.  "Unchain My Heart's" premise is that during Charles' last live recording session he reflects back on his life and career.  Interspersed with these memories will be songs from the late music legend's catalog.  Stuart Benjamin -- who also produced the 2004 biopic "Ray" starring Jamie Foxx -- is the Broadway show's lead producer.
Preview performances of "Unchain My Heart, the Ray Charles Musical" are scheduled to begin this October.

The Walk of Fame in St. Louis, Missouri got another star. "The St. Louis Post-Dispatch" reports the city honored the 5th Dimension.  The pop group has ties to the area.  Original members Billy Davis, Jr., Lamonte McLemore, and the late Ron Townson all hailed from St. Louis.  The 5th Dimension rose to prominence in the 1960s.  The group's hits include "One Less Bell To Answer" and 1969's "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In," a medley of material from the musical "Hair."

Former "American Idol" producer Nigel Lythgoe is talking about the big star that he thinks could fill departing judge Simon Cowell's shoes.  Lythgoe told "The Hollywood Reporter's" Showbiz 411 blog he believes Sir Elton John is up to the task.  Lythgoe said of the "Rocket Man," quote, "He's absolutely it."  The 60-year-old Lythgoe was a producer on "Pop Idol" in the UK prior to the talent show's jump across the pond to U.S. network FOX.  Lythgoe left "American Idol" after its seventh season.  Cowell, meanwhile, announced earlier this year that this season -- the show's ninth -- will be his last.

Tommy James says that a movie based on his autobiography, "Me, The Mob And The Music," will be directed by Martin Scorsese. He told BlogTalk.com that he had to finish the book in six weeks after Marty called expressing interest in a film version. Tommy says Val Kilmer is in negotiations to play him, but another actor will probably have to be hired as the young incarnation of the singer.

A set of furniture Michael Jackson ordered before his death will hit the auction block in June. The 22 items were custom built for the entertainer by Italy's Colombostile Artisans and were supposed to be in the house he was renting during his comeback shows at London's O2 Arena. All of the furniture is now on display at a museum in Ireland as part of  recreation of that home in Kent, England. Julien's Auctions will hold the sale on June 25th at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Three former members of the 70's teeny-bopper band the Bay City Rollers are suing the rest of the band and their record company of holding back millions of dollars in royalties. The New York Post says original lead singer Gordon "Nobby" Clark, bassist Ian Mitchell, who was only in the group for a few months in 1976, and his replacement, Pat McGlynn claim they are all owed money from Arista Records. The label says the three musicians never signed the proper documents and have no evidence to support their claim.

Gene Simmons of Kiss has issued a challenge to The Rolling Stones and U2. He did a radio interview in the U-K and said Kiss would blow both of those bands off the stage. Gene said (quote), "You come on up on that stage with us, baby. Show me what you got, and then we'll show you what the big boys do." Gene insisted that Kiss is the best live act in the world.

How's this for a perfect summertime show? Foreigner, Styx and Kansas will hit the road together for a tour called "United We Rock." It kicks off on June 3d in Kansas City, Missouri and will hit more than 20 cities before wrapping up in September.

Jackson Browne will release a 2-disc live album in May. "Love Is Strange" was recorded in 2006 at a concert in Spain that had Jackson paired up with his longtime pal David Lindley who has played on many of the singer-songwriter's albums. The duo will tour Europe in June, then kick off a U.S. tour on July 20th at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

An exhibit on Elvis Presley's early trouble with the press is open at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. Newspapers in the 1950's hated The King's music and his allegedly sexual performance style. But, that's what made Elvis a superstar as the kids ran out in droves to buy his records, watch him on TV and see his movies. That bad boy image changed after Elvis went into the Army and this exhibit traces his manager Colonel Tom Parker's manipulation of the press. Other items on display include Presley's 1957 Harley-Davidson motorcycle and the Bureau of Narcotics badge President Richard Nixon gave Elvis when he visited the White House and demanded to be made a "federal agent-at-large" to help fight drug abuse.

Pink Floyd won its lawsuit against EMI. Spinner.com says the band took its longtime record label to court over royalties from downloads and whether or not EMI had the right to offer Pink Floyd's tunes digitally as individual tracks instead of full albums. A London court ruled in favor of the group and ordered EMI to pay 60,000-dollars in costs. The judge still has to decide how much the troubled label has to pay in fines. However, as of now, EMI can only sell complete Pink Floyd albums online, not individual tracks.

New Jimi Hendrix material is now in stores.  The interactive V-Album releases of the guitar great's "Are You Experienced," "Axis: Bold As Love," "Electric Ladyland," and "First Rays Of The New Rising Sun" along with "Valleys Of Neptune," a collection of previously unreleased recordings.  All the discs include bonus features like documentary videos, revised liner notes, scans of handwritten lyrics, and photos.  The classic rocker's half-sister Janie Hendrix says, quote, "The additional content reflects the spirit of my brother's multi-dimensional presence that has been a touchstone for five generations of music lovers.  This will be a real treat for Jimi Hendrix fans, both young and seasoned."  Scatter Tunes is behind the Hendrix releases.

John Fogerty will be honored as a BMI Icon. The performing rights organzation held its annual Pop Awards banquet on May 18th at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles, and the former Creedence Clearwater Revival leader was the guest of honor.

The late King of Pop wasn't a loner or pedophile as some may think.  That's according to three of Michael Jackson's bodyguards who appeared ABC's "Good Morning America." Mike Garcia, Javon Beard, and Bill Whitfield said the pop star lived a sheltered life, recalling a naive comment he made one night on the Las Vegas strip. The bodyguards also observed Jackson on dates with women, saying that when he went on dates there was often a privacy curtain drawn to shield the backseat of the car.  Whitfield says his boss was either kissing his dates or, quote, "chewing loud gum."  The three Jackson insiders say the singer was, in fact, a man juggling two girlfriends.  The three also said the pop star loved ordering food at drive thru restaurants, and described him as a good father.  Garcia says, quote, "The kids would constantly tell him, 'I love you, Daddy...'  It was like the four buddies.  That was their world."  Garcia, Beard, and Whitfield say they plan to write a book to defend Jackson.  The late pop star died last June at the age of 50. 

Get ready for a possible cartoon version of KISS. The hard rock band has inked a deal with production company E1 to create a half-hour comedy targeted at a children's audience.  E1 executive Frank Saperstein said of the project, quote, "It's wonderful to collaborate with the creative forces behind one of the greatest rock bands of all time and unquestionably one of the most recognized worldwide."  E1 has played a role in leveraging the KISS brand and has attempted to get the rockers out in front of younger audiences in the process. The production company lists KISS' appearance in a Dr. Pepper ad during Super Bowl 44 and a high-profile guest spot on "American Idol" as examples of the band's longevity.

Marriage rumors are swirling around rocker Ron Wood.  UK newspaper "The Daily Express" reports that Wood is getting serious with his new girlfriend Ana Araujo. "The Daily Express" also cites an insider who thinks that the 30-year-old Araujo is a positive influence.  The same source adds, quote, "Ronnie now really thinks Ana could be the woman to make a life with."  The 62-year-old guitarist had some well-publicized personal setbacks recently.  He divorced his longtime wife -- Jo -- in November.  Also late last year, he wrapped up a reportedly tumultuous relationship with 21-year-old Ekaterina Ivanova.  In early December, Wood was arrested in connection with an alleged domestic dispute with Ivanova that led to a police caution. The 62-year-old guitarist has been married twice before.  In 1971, he wed model Krissy Findlay.  The couple split in 1978.  His marriage to Jo Karslake lasted from 1985 to 2009.

One of the first and most widely-watched Elvis Presley biopics is now on video.  Starring Kurt Russell as the King, the made-for-TV movie drew high ratings when it aired on ABC in February 1979.  Russell earned an Emmy nomination for his performance.  Shelly Winters, Pat Hingle, and Ellen Travolta co-starred in the small screen feature directed by John Carpenter of "Halloween" fame. Among the bonus features on the DVD is a special episode of "American Bandstand" dedicated to Presley.  During the episode, "Bandstand" host Dick Clark observes, quote, "He was one of twins, his brother did not survive. And can you imagine if there had been two men who looked like Elvis Presley walking the face of the Earth?" The DVD release this year arrives during a milestone year for Presley fans.  Had Elvis lived, he would have celebrated his 75th birthday this year.

Progressive rock fans on the East Coast are in for a real treat this summer. Jethro Tull and Procol Harum will do a handful of shows together, kicking off on June 11th at Jones Beach Theater on Long Island, New York; then hitting the PNC Bank Arts Center in New Jersey on the 13th; Longview Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania on the 16th; upstate Canandaigua, New York on the 17th and wrapping up in Toronto on the 18th at the Molson Amphitheater. So far, those are the only dates booked for both bands to share the bill. Jethro Tull is on an extensive world tour that is already underway in the UK.

Cher has added a summer run to her Las Vegas residency. Caesars Palace announced this week that in addition to her April and May runs, Cher will also play The Colosseum from June 15th through July 4th. Tickets for those shows are on sale.

Sir Cliff Richard, the British pop singer who was selling millions of records while The Beatles were cutting their teeth in small clubs, will celebrate his 70th birthday with an album of jazz and swing standards. EMI will release "Bold As Brass" on October 11th in the UK, which is three days before Sir Cliff hits the big 7-0. He will do six concerts in October at London's Royal Albert Hall. Cliff has sold more than 250-million records worldwide in a career that is still going strong after 50 years.

lvis Costello, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Earth, Wind & Fire are among the artists traveling to California Wine Country this May.  "The San Jose Mercury News" reports that the Sonoma Jazz + Festival has booked the big names for its event in Sonoma, California, which runs from May 21st through the 23rd.  The festival includes "Wine and Song" around the plaza in the scenic Northern California town with area wine makers like St. Francis Winery, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, and Blackstone Winery offering tastings as jazz acts perform.  Costello, CSN, and EWF all will headline at main stage shows in the evening.  Tickets for the event are on sale.  For more information, visit www.sonomajazz.org.

Here is the schedule of main stage shows at the Sonoma Jazz + Festival 2010:

May 21, 2010 - Crosby, Stills & Nash, Main Stage, 8 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
May 22, 2010 - Earth, Wind & Fire, Main Stage, 9 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
May 23, 2010 - Elvis Costello & The Sugarcames, Main Stage, 8 p.m. Pacific Standard Time

Cirque Du Soleil's next Las Vegas show will be based on the life and music of Michael Jackson. A major source in Sin City revealed that following the major success of The Beatles "Love" and the hopeful success of "Viva Elvis," the Cirque gang is in talks now with the Jackson family to bring all of that great music into a new show. This is in the very early stages, but something could be ready by 2011.

Mick Jagger had an affair with Angelina Jolie...twice. That's according to a new book, "Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: The True Story." Mick allegedly slept with the then relatively unknown actress in 1997 after she appeared in the music video for the Rolling Stones' single, "Anybody Seen My Baby." Then, they got it on again in 2003. That's two years after Angelina started her relationship with Brad Pitt. Mick was with Jerry Hall in both instances.  

T-Bone Burnett is an Oscar winner.  The veteran songwriter and producer nabbed a statue in the Best Song category at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood.  Burnett shared the honor with co-writer Ryan Bingham, winning for "The Weary Kind" from the Jeff Bridges film "Crazy Heart."  Burnett and Bingham were critical favorites going into the evening, having already won at the Golden Globes and the Critics Choice Awards earlier this year.  It was a first-ever Oscar win for Burnett, who was nominated in 2004 for the song "Scarlet Tide" from "Cold Mountain," which he co-wrote with Elvis Costello. In related news, Spinner.com reports that the 62-year-old will work on Sir Elton John's upcoming LP. Over the years, Burnett's worked with Tony Bennett, The Wallflowers, and Robert Plant.

It's going to be an award-packed few months for Phil Collins.  Showbiz411.com reports that the Songwriters Hall of Fame has tapped Collins for its Johnny Mercer Award.  The Mercer is the organization's highest honor, bestowed only on artists who are already in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.  In receiving the Mercer, the 59-year-old Genesis rocker joins elite company.  Billy Joel, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Carole King, and Paul Simon have all received the award.  The Songwriters Hall of Fame will give Collins its Johnny Mercer Award on June 17th at New York's Marriott Marquis Hotel.

One of the world's most prolific musicians is creating new material.  Spinner.com reports that Sir Elton John is working on an LP with his longtime collaborator, lyricist Bernie Taupin.  John and Taupin have also enlisted the creative input of Leon Russell for the project which -- according to Taupin's website -- is on its way to the studio.  Veteran producer T-Bone Burnett is on board to work on production of the recording sessions. Burnett is coming off an Oscar win for Best Song on Sunday for "The Weary Kind" from the Jeff Bridges film "Crazy Heart."  Billboard.com also reports that legendary Canadian rocker Neil Young will make an appearance on the new project, as will Grammy-winning R&B star Booker T. Jones. The upcoming LP from Sir Elton will be the rock legend's 30th studio project.  His last -- "The Captain & The Kid" was released in 2006.

Johnny Mathis is releasing one big piece of information surrounding his forthcoming country project  --  its title.  The crooner announced on his official website that he's working on "Let It Be Me - Mathis In Nashville."  Mathis says a release date and track listings are also on the way.  Meanwhile, the 74-year-old continues to tour heavily in 2010.  He's playing two sold-out shows in Florida later this month at the Ocean Reef Cultural Center in Key Largo on the 19th and at the Philharmonic Center in Naples on the 21st with dates booked through mid-November.

For album updates or addition tour dates, visit www.johnnymathis.com.

Here is a list of upcoming tour dates for Johnny Mathis.

Thursday June 3, 2010 Highland, CA San Manuel Casino
Saturday June 5, 2010 Reno, NV Silver Legacy
Friday July 9, 2010 Pittsburgh, PA Heinz Hall
Saturday July 10, 2010 Pittsburgh, PA Heinz Hall
Thursday July 22, 2010 Cohasset, MA South Shore Music Circus
Saturday July 24, 2010 Mashantucket, CT MGM Grand at Foxwoods
Thursday Aug 26, 2010 Westbury, MY Capital One Bank Theatre
Saturday Aug 28, 2010 Ocean Grove, NJ Great Auditorium
Friday Oct 22, 2010 Englewood, NJ Bergen Performing Arts Center
Saturday Oct 23, 2010 Englewood, NJ Bergen Performing Arts Center
Friday Nov 12, 2010 Branson, MO The Mansion Theatre
Saturday Nov 13, 2010 Branson, MO The Mansion Theatre

Redbone singer and co-founder Lolly Vegas is dead. The band's official Web site says Lolly had cancer and died at age 70. Lolly put Redbone together with his brother Patrick in 1969. The band's biggest hit was "Come And Get Your Love," which peaked at number 5 in 1974. Redbone guitarist Anthony "T-Bone" Bellamy died on December 25th of 2009.

There could be some new Rolling Stones music this year. Keith Richards told Rolling Stone magazine that while nothing is on the schedule, he wouldn't be surprised if the band heads into the studio in the next few months. As for touring, Keith said he can't imagine the Stones will play the big stadiums gigs ever again, but they might try something different. Keith said (quote), "You can't go around there in lemon-yellow tights forever."

Sir Bob Geldof is very upset about a report by the BBC that claims the money raised by the 1984 Band Aid "Do They Know It's Christmas" single and the 1985 Live Aid concert was used by rebels in Ethiopia buy weapons. Bob insists that (quote), "not a single penny went to the armaments, not a pound, not a penny," and that the BBC has no evidence to back up its claims. The BBC said it stands by the report.

A museum dedicated to reggae music will open in city where it was developed: Kingston, Jamaica. It will include such rare artifacts as the only album Bob Marley produced before he became an international superstar. The LP was called "Escape From Babylon" by American singer Martha Velez. There is also a cassette of Peter Tosh jamming with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. The Jamaica Music Museum is asking for donations to help preserve the island's important musical history. There is no opening date set for the facility.

Ron Banks -- founder of the R&B group The Dramatics -- is dead.  According to "The Detroit Free Press," Billy Wilson, president of the Motown Alumni Association, said Banks died of a possible heart attack.  He was 58.  Banks founded The Dramatics in the 1960s while still a student at Northern High School in Detroit, Michigan.  Regarding Banks, Wilson said, quote, "You know, people who have been in the business awhile can be cocky and arrogant.  But he stayed beautiful, always.  Even during the tense moments in the group's career, he just remained cool and calm."  The Dramatics' breakout single was the 1971-hit "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get."  The group performed live throughout the country since its formation with the exception of a brief hiatus in the 1980s.

Manhattan will play host to an exhibit of Grateful Dead memorabilia from now through midsummer.  "The Grateful Dead: Now Playing at the New York Historical Society" will run through the fourth of July. The exhibit consists of items from the band's archive located in Santa Cruz, California.  Rollingstone.com says items on display will include album covers, backstage passes, band merchandise, test pressings, contract riders, and more.  Also to be featured are concert posters originally created by artist Dennis Larkins. The band was from California, but had strong ties to the Big Apple.  The New York Historical Society's CEO Louis Mirrer commented, quote, "The Grateful Dead first played New York in 1967 at the Cafe Au Go Go and Central Park and continued to play concerts in New York City every year from the late 1970s up until 1995."

Gerry Marsden of the British invasion group Gerry & The Pacemakers is receiving an honorary fellowship this summer.  "The Liverpool Echo" reports that Marsden is on John Moores University's honorary fellowship list.  Marsden will pick up the honor this July.  The Liverpool-based university is celebrating Marsden for his "outstanding contribution to the performing arts."  Regarding the honor, the 67-year-old said, quote, "It is nice to honored, particularly by a Liverpool university."
Gerry & The Pacemakers enjoyed success in the early sixties with the chart topping hits "How Do You Do It?" "I Like It" and "You'll Never Walk Alone."  The band was managed by Brian Epstein, also known for his work with The Beatles.

A "Space Cowboy" and a country star are making appearances "CMT Crossroads" this season. Rocker Steve Miller teamed up with country's Kenny Chesney in Nashville to tape an installment of the series. Miller's music is already familiar to country fans. Numerous country stars have covered Miller's "The Joker" in concert including Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, and even Chesney. When Miller and Chesney performed the song together for the taping, it was hit with the crowd. The duo sang a few of Kenny's songs, including "Living In Fast Forward" and "I Go Back." The focus, however, was on Miller's music with the two singing "Fly Like an Eagle," "Rockin' Me Baby," and "Jet Airliner."  Chesney and Miller took the stage at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium for the show. It was the first time "Crossroads" was taped at the venue.  While no air date is set yet, the Chesney-Miller episode of "CMT Crossroads" is expected to debut on the network in July.
Miller and Chesney's time together began well before the cameras started rolling, and continued long after the cameras stopped.  Earlier in the day Steve gave Kenny a custom guitar, and they resolved to write a song together using it.  They also extended their day beyond the taping.  After leaving the Ryman they went next door to Tootsie's Orchid Lounge.  They began their spontaneous performance at the club just before 11:00 p.m., and continued past midnight.

Sir Paul McCartney is adding dates to his 2010 trek. For more information or tickets, visit www.paulmccartney.com.

Here is the list of dates for the "Up And Coming Tour."

Saturday 12th June - RDS, Dublin
Sunday 13th June - Isle Of Wight Festival
Sunday 20th June - Hampden Park, Glasgow
Saturday 26th June - Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Sunday 27th June - Hard Rock Calling, London

Bass player Tom "T-Bone" Wolk -- best known for playing bass with Hall & Oates -- has died.  RollingStone.com reports that Wolk suffered an apparent heart attack at age 58.  Outside of his work with Hall & Oates, Wolk had a long run with the house band on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" from 1986 through 1992. He also worked with Elvis Costello, Shawn Colvin, Billy Joel, Squeeze, and more.  Daryl Hall issued a statement in response to Wolk's passing, saying, quote, "T-Bone was my musical brother and losing him is like losing my right hand."

Two of the 1980s biggest acts -- Pat Benatar and REO Speedwagon -- are embarking on a tour this summer.  RollingStone.com reports that Benatar will team up with Speedwagon for a trek called "Love On The Run."  The tour launches in Uncasville, Connecticut on June 24th at the Mohegan Sun Arena.  Benatar has put out a few compilations in recent years that showcase her catalog of hits like "Heartbreaker," "Fire and Ice," "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," and "Treat Me Right."  In addition to compilations and a Christmas album, REO Speedwagon released "Find You Own Way Home" in 2007, an LP of new material.

Here is a list of concert dates for the "Love On The Run" Tour: 

June 24 - Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
June 25 - Rutland, VT @ Vermont State Fairgrounds
June 26 - Atlantic City, NJ @ Caesar's
June 29 - Vienna, VA @ Filene Center
July 1 - Atlanta, GA @ Chastain Park Amphitheatre
July 2 - Saint Augustine, FL @ St. Augustine Amphitheatre
July 3 - Orlando, FL @ Universal Studios
July 8 - Lampe, MO @ Black Oak Amphitheatre
July 9 - Memphis, TN @ Memphis Botanic Garden
July 10 - Maryland Heights, MO @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
July 11 - Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theatre
July 15 - Council Bluffs, IA @ Harrah's Council Bluffs
July 16 - Walker, MN @ Moondance Jam Fairgrounds
July 17 - Red Wing, MN @ Treasure Island
July 18 - Chicago, IL @ Charter One Pavilion
July 21 - Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
July 23 - Las Vegas, NV @ Thomas & Mack Center
July 24 - Phoenix, AZ @ Dodge Theatre
July 27 - Saratoga, CA @ The Mountain Winery
July 31 - Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre
Aug. 27 - Gilford, NH @ US Cellular Pavilion

Add Jethro Tull to the list of groups planning a tour for summer 2010.  LiveDaily.com reports that the Brit band plans to get a mini-trek going in Miami, Florida on June 11th and to continue on from there to another eleven cities throughout the rest of the month.  There are also reports that the group is working on a studio album, which would mark Jethro Tull's return to recording after an eleven year break.  The band's last LP was "J-Tull Dot Com," released in 1999.

Here is a list of dates on Jethro Tull's Summer 2010 Tour:

June 4 - Miami, FL - Bayfront Park Amphitheatre
June 8 - Vienna, VA - The Filene Center
June 10 - Ledyard, CT - Foxwoods Resort Casino
June 11 - Wantagh, NY - Nikon at Jones Beach Music Theater
June 12 - Atlantic City, NJ - Caesars Atlantic City
June 13 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center
June 15 - Boston, MA - Bank of America Pavilion
June 17 - Canandaigua, NY - Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
June 18 - Toronto, Ontario - Molson Amphitheatre
June 19 - Windsor, Ontario - Caesars Windsor
June 20 - Highland Park, IL - Ravinia Pavillon

Billy Joel says Elton John is just plain wrong. Commenting on last week's story that had Elton claiming the duo's Face-To-Face tour dates this summer were canceled because Billy wanted time off, Billy told RollingStone.com that a tour was never even booked for the summer. He says he decided months ago that he didn't want to work during the warmer months. Billy and Elton still have a few dates left together, wrapping up in Buffalo, New York, on March 11th, but there is no feud going on between the two piano men. As for Elton's other comment that there will never be any more Face-To-Face concerts, Billy says that also isn't true. But, after a very hard 2008, Billy says he just wants to (quote), "be a bum" this year.

There will be a Kinks reunion after all. RollingStone.com says now that guitarist Dave Davies is feeling much better after suffering a stroke in 2004, his brother Ray Davies is ready to start working on a new album and perhaps a tour. Meanwhile, Ray has recruited Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi to help him re-record some Kinks classics for an album project due out later this year. Ray was reportedly inspired by his performances at the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame concerts at Madison Square Garden last year when he was backed up by Metallica.

When Sting hits the road this summer he's bringing the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra with him.  Billboard.com reports the veteran rocker is planning a solo trek featuring his most famous songs.  In a new twist, the Philharmonic will support Sting in giving the singer's well-known material the symphonic touch.  Tracks like "Roxanne" and "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" from the rocker's days in the Police, will be featured along with solo work like "Fields Of Gold."  The run will launch on June 2nd at the Centre for the Performing Arts in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California and Ravinia Park in Chicago, Illinois are among the other venues Sting has announced.  More dates for the tour are forthcoming from the rocker. The trek will mark Sting's first North American outing since he reprised his role as frontman for The Police during the band's 2007 reunion tour.

If a new senate bill in Tennessee is approved, the late Isaac Hayes will have a highway named for him.  According to Tennessean.com, senate bill 3345 proposes that part of Interstate 40 should bear the name "Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway."  The stretch of road runs through Tennessee's Shelby County.  The proposal describes the late singer-songwriter and occasional actor as a, quote, "true Renaissance man who achieved success in vocal performances, songwriting, humanitarian work, and television and motion picture endeavors, and as a radio host, saxophone player, restaurateur and cookbook author." Hayes had ties to Tennessee.  He was born in Covington, Tennessee and later earned a living as a session player for Stax Records in Memphis.  The Oscar winning "Shaft" theme composer died in 2008 at the age of 65.

Toto will be back this summer with a brief trek through Europe.  The band has announced plans to regroup for a tour to honor Mike Porcaro, the group's bass player who has ALS, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease.  David Paich, Steve Lukather, Steve Porcaro, Simon Phillips, and Joseph Williams will assemble, with Nathan East appearing as a  special guest.  Exact tour dates are forthcoming from Toto with July 2010 slated as the launch date. The band's last album -- "Falling In Between Live" -- debuted in August 2007.  The group's catalog of hits includes 1979's "99," along with "Rosanna" and "Africa," which were both released in 1982.

Everyone needs a lift sometimes, just ask Mick Jagger. The UK's "Mirror" reports that the Rolling Stones frontman wore a pair of Nike sneakers with elevated soles while he was out with girlfriend L'Wren Scott recently.  The couple had ventured out to the New York premiere of "Shutter Island" where the five-foot-ten-inch Jagger was spotted with the special sneakers, allegedly created to give him some height around Scott, who is six-feet-four-inches tall. Mick's reportedly not the only big rocker who has employed the tactic. U2's Bono is five-foot-seven and allegedly wears lifts around his wife, Ali Hewson.

EMI may have saved Abbey Road from the wrecking ball, but the music label's other major London studio has been sold. The Telegraph says Olympic Studios in the Barnes section of town was sold for 5.3-million dollars to a businessman who may turn the building into a movie theater. EMI shut down the facility last year. It opened in 1966 and was as much as home to The Rolling Stones as Abbey Road was for The Beatles. In fact, the Fab Four recorded a few tracks at Olympic too. Led Zeppelin worked there as did U2, Duran Duran and countless other bands.

Ok, so Carly Simon's backwards masking of the name "David" on her new version of "You're So Vain" does not mean the song is about David Geffen. She told Showbiz 411's Roger Friedman over the weekend (quote), "What a riot! Nothing to do with David Geffen." Roger says Carly didn't even know the Elektra/Asylum label chief when she wrote "You're So Vain" in 1971. So, the mystery continues.

A British tabloid claims to have unlocked the mystery subject of Carly Simon's classic hit "You're So Vain."  But others are calling it another vain attempt at identification.  Simon's publicist tells CNN that London's "Sun" newspaper jumped the gun when it reported that the singer's 1972 song was about record producer David Geffen.  The paper apparently made the leap after Simon told "Uncut" magazine that her updated version of the song included a whispered clue that, if played backwards, provides the answer to the longheld secret.  On Friday, the "Sun" reported that the name "David" was revealed and that it referred to Geffen.  The tabloid added that Simon had harbored some resentment against Geffen at the time, because he had chosen to promote singer Joni Mitchell over her.  Not so fast says Simon's publicist.  The rep says although the man's first name is David, "it could be one of many Davids."

Roger Friedman of "The Hollywood Reporter's" "ShowBiz411" column also took issue with "The Sun's" reporting of Geffen being the "Vain" mystery man.  According to Friedman, Simon and Geffen's worlds never even intersected at that time.  Friedman wrote, quote, "David Geffen had nothing to do with Carly Simon in 1972.  He ran Asylum Records.  She was on Elektra."  The updated version of Carly Simon's "You're So Vain," is featured on the singer's latest album "Never Been Gone."

The fourth edition of "Billboard's" annual Money Makers survey is out, and veteran acts U2 and Bruce Springsteen occupy the top two spots on the list. The survey is based on the artist's revenue from album sales, downloads, ringtone sales, and concert grosses.  According to the estimates, U2 netted over 108-million-dollars in 2009.  That's almost double Springsteen's 57-point-six-million-dollars, which put him on the list at number two.  The rest of the top ten includes Madonna at 47-million-dollars, AC/DC at 43-million-dollars, Britney Spears at 38-million-dollars, Pink at 36-million-dollars, The Jonas Brothers at 33-million-dollars, Coldplay at 27-million-dollars, and Kenny Chesney at 26-million-dollars.  Rounding out the top ten is Metallica at 25-million-dollars.

Natalie Cole is confirmed to headline the 2010 Lake Tahoe Music Festival this summer.  The "Unforgettable" singer is booked to perform on August 5th at the Northstar-At-Tahoe Resort.  The event in Northern California is in its 28th season and will kick off with a gala at a private residence on July 15th.  San Francisco conductor Edgar Braun founded the festival in 1982.  The event typically hosts about 12-thousand attendees. Tahoe's not the only scenic destination that Cole is visiting this summer.  Cole and her orchestra will appear at the 2010 Apsen Music Festival this July. 

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland is opening up its library and archives to the public. While the big flashy items like John Lennon's Sgt. Pepper uniform will remain on display at the museum, smaller items like Jim Morrison's first poem will now be moved to a brand new 12-million dollar building two miles away. The library will clearly appeal to researchers and scholars, but even the casual rock fan can find something interesting.

Carlos Santana's next album will be another collaborative effort, in

the style of "Supernatural," "Shaman" and "All That I Am." The guitarist is working with record label guru Clive Davis again on the as-yet-untitled project. But, this time, the album will feature cover tunes. Billboard.com says Carlos works out with Rob Thomas on Cream's "Sunshine Of Your Love"; The Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" with India.Arie and classical cellist Yo-Yo Ma; Joe Cocker on "Little Wing" by Jimi Hendrix; and Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots on the Rolling Stones' tune, "Can't You Hear Me Knockin'." Carlos will go on tour in the late spring and summer while continuing his residency at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Ray Davies is talking about collaborations on his latest project.  The iconic frontman tells Blabbermouth.net that he'd like to add Metallica to the list of acts who've helped him rework some of the Kinks' hits.  Davies said of the Hall of Famers, quote, "I listen to their music and I think we could do a quite interesting collaboration."  The 65-year-old rocker added of his upcoming LP, quote, "I want it to be diverse and interesting, not the obvious things and hopefully stretch the artists and get them to do things that either that they wouldn't have thought of or in some case that I wouldn't have thought of. I'd like it to be truly collaborative." Davies has already updated a few of his songs with some rock heavyweights.  Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi have reportedly teamed up with Davies on his recordings.

A man was charged with arson in the blaze that destroyed the offices of Philadlephia International Records. The Inquirer newspaper says Christopher Cimini turned himself into police with his attorney present. Police say a surveillance video shows an intoxicated Christopher trying a set of keys to get into the building, believing he’s was somewhere else. He then kicked in the door and used a lighter to find his way. That's when the fire started. Christopher called for help and was rescued by firefighters.

The Allman Brothers Band will stream its annual New York City concert residency this year. When the group relocates from the Beacon Theatre to the United Palace Theater, you'll be able to see all of the shows via Moogis.com. That's the subscription-based Website set up by Allman's founding member and drummer Butch Trucks. For 150-dollars a year, you'll have access to a ton of live and archived Web casts of Allman Brothers Band concerts, and other exclusive content dating back to 2000.

Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff will rebuild the offices of Philadelphia International Records which were destroyed in a fire. The two architects of the Philly Soul sound said they feel (quote), "violated" by the fire which officials have ruled was arson. One suspect was questioned, then released.  But, the 40-year-old home of countless hits by the O'Jays, Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes, the Jacksons and countless other artists on Broad Street will be reborn. The studios were virtually untouched by the fire, but more than 40-pecent of the label's memorabilia is gone forever.

The final studio album by Johnny Cash, "American VI: Ain't No Grave." Is in stores, but a lost recording by the Man In Black is being championed by some of his hardcore fans. In 1964, Johnny recorded an album for Columbia Records called "Bitter Tears" which dealt with this country's poor treatment of Native Americans. The label didn't support the LP and it was quickly taken out of print. "Bitter Tears" is available on CD and via iTunes, but Johnny's son, John Carter Cash, is hoping Sony will do a proper reissue of the album to show its importance and relevance as a different kind of protest statement.

Billy Joel and Sir Elton John are scrapping plans to tour together this summer.  "The Chicago Tribune" reports that the two rockers -- who've collaborated on their "Face2Face" tour for years -- have canceled all summer dates.  John announced the cancelation during a satellite interview to promote the Chicago run of his musical "Billy Elliott."  The pop vet said, quote, "It's not my decision, it's Billy's.  He has decided to take a year off.  It doesn't gel with my plans but he's a friend. And as an artist you have to respect his decision."  The English "Rocket Man" added in his comments to Chicago media outlets that he was, quote, "bitterly disappointed" not to be playing at Wrigley Field.

Just days after the announcement that EMI plans to retain ownership of Abbey Road Studios, an annual event is firming up the location.  Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp is still slated to bring campers to Abbey Road in London for part of its five-day experience from May 25th through May 30th this year.  The elite program allows rock "campers" to rehearse, record, and perform live with music veterans. Confirmed for this year's camp are "rockstar counselors" Joey Molland of Badfinger, Alan White of Yes, and more, according the program's website.  For about 10-thousand dollars, campers get several days to collaborate with the rockers on their craft. In addition to time at Abbey Road Studios, optional items for campers include a live gig at another historic location -- Liverpool's Cavern Club. For more information, visit www.RockCamp.com.

An Aussie promotions company is offering big bucks to anyone who knows the whereabouts of a long-lost ABBA costume. Contactmusic.com reports that Dainty Consolidated Entertainment is eager to locate a white suit worn by ABBA's Agnetha Faltskog during the group's 1977 Australian tour.  Company officials are now offering eight-thousand-996 Australian dollars -- or approximately 81-hundred U.S. dollars -- to anyone who can help the company reclaim the suit. The 70's-era costume was due to be featured in the massive AbbaWorld exhibition in Melbourne this June.

Lee Freeman, rhythm guitarist for the Strawberry Alarm Clock, is dead. He died on February 14th after a long battle with cancer at age 61. Lee formed the band with lead guitarist Ed King, who went on to join Lynyrd Skynyrd. Strawberry Alarm Clock scored a number one single with "Incense And Peppermints" in 1967.

Alice Cooper says he's ready to rock Broadway.  "Classic Rock" reports that the 62-year-old may be developing a stage version of his 1975 concept album "Welcome To My Nightmare."  In a separate interview with "Rolling Stone," Cooper talked about the appeal of a Broadway show.  Cooper said, quote, "You can do so much more if you're not travelling.  You can set things up, put people in the audience that are in the show, so the guy sitting next to you might fly up in the air.  I love the idea of an insane asylum, of being in an insane asylum, where you walk in, they lock the doors, and then they stand there, so you're in.  The claustrophobia thing is good."

There is a new set of CDs on the market for Allman Brothers Band fans. RollingStone.com reports that the rockers have released a deluxe box set of live material from their 2009 run at The Beacon Theatre.  The shows at the New York venue marked the band's 40th anniversary.  Titled "Beacon Box," the set contains 45 discs and arrives in a wood case with a glossy booklet, souvenir backstage passes, and other bonus material.  Priced at around 500-dollars, "Beacon Box" is available through the Allman Brother's website, Hittin' The Note.

Looks like Aerosmith has settled whatever problems it was having with singer Steven Tyler. Billboard.com says the band has booked more European dates before and after its appearance at the Download Festival in England this summer. The official word is that Steven is back and will be at the mic for all of those shows. No North American concerts have been scheduled yet, but Aerosmith has been offered gigs in South America. There's also no word on if they will finish the new album started with producer Brendan O'Brien before Steven and guitarist Joe Perry's various health issues.

Leonard Cohen, Earth, Wind & Fire's Maurice White, Philip Bailey, Verdine White, Larry Dunn and Al McKay are among the artists entering the Songwriters Hall of Fame this year.  The Songwriters Hall of Fame Chairman and CEO Hal David announced inductees on Tuesday.  Joining Cohen and the EWF writers are singer-songwriter Jackie DeShannon, renowned producer David Foster, and lauded composer-arranger-instrumentalist Johnny Mandel. The Songwriters Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognizing the work and lives of those composers and lyricists who create popular music around the world.  This year's annual induction and dinner is scheduled for Thursday, June 17th at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.  Past honorees have included Burt Bacharach, Phil Collins, Van Morrison, John Fogerty and Billy Joel.

A group that enjoyed a heyday in the 1970s continues to dominate the music scene.  The Recording Industry Association of America released its compilation list of gold and platinum certifications from 2000 to 2009 on Wednesday, and The Eagles topped all other groups in gold and platinum awards with 48.  The "Hotel California" band fell short of pop star Beyonce's 64 certifications, which made her the top artist overall on the RIAA list.  Both The Eagles' and Beyonce's award totals included albums, digital songs, music videos, and master ringtones. The late Michael Jackson also made a big impression on the past decade in music, leading all male artists with 44 certifications.

There is a new DVD set out there that celebrates the impact of the 1970s blues-rock band Free.  Called "Free Forever," the set features two DVDs of archival video, interviews, memorabilia, and other excerpts from the band's history.  The set also features live performances by the Paul Rodgers-led band from Germany's Beat Club and UK's Granada TV.  The set's second disc contains all of the audio from Free's set at 1970's Isle of Wight Festival.  The festival's roster also included Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and The Doors.  This Eagle Rock Entertainment package is in stores now.

Here is a list of track listings on "Free Forever."

Disc #1:
Beat Club - Germany, 1970
1.) Mr. Big
2.) Fire and Water
3.) All Right Now

Doin' Their Thing - Granada TV, July 1970
4.) Ride On Pony
5.) Mr. Big
6.) Songs of Yesterday
7.) I'll Be Creepin'
8.) All Right Now

Original Videos
9.) All Right Now
10.) The Stealer
11.) My Brother Jake
12.) Love You So
13.) Wishing Well

Disc #2:
Isle of Wight Audio 1970
1.) Ride On Pony
2.) Woman
3.) The Stealer
4.) Be My Friend
5.) Mr. Big
6.) Fire and Water
7.) I'm A Mover
8.) The Hunter
9.) All Right Now
10.) Crossroads

Isle of Wight Videos:
1.) Be My Friend
2.) Mr. Big
3.) All Right Now

 Jeff Beck's new album features an orchestra, American popular standards and an aria from an opera. The master guitarist's first studio album in seven years is called "Emotion & Commotion." Nine of the ten tracks feature the orchestra, including "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" from "The Wizard Of Oz," and "Nessun Dorma" (NESS-oon  DOR-ma) from Puccini's (poo-CHEE-nee's) opera "Turandot" (TOUR-en-dot). Four tunes are sung by female vocalists Joss Stone, Olivia Safe, and Imelda May. She's the one who sang with Jeff on the Grammys last month during the tribute to Les Paul. Jeff will join Imelda's band as part of two Les Paul tribute concerts on June 8th and 9th at the late musical master's old haunt, the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City.

Paul McCartney sang about renting a cottage in the Isle of Wight, if it's not too dear, on the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper" tune "When I'm 64." He may be three years too late, but Sir Paul may be headlining the Isle of Wight music festival this summer. London's Daily Star says McCartney is interested in the gig and may close the festival which runs from June 11th through the 13th at Seaclose Park in Newport.

There is a new top ten list of suggested listening straight out of the Vatican.  The UK's "The Telegraph" reports that "L'Osservatore Romano" -- the official newspaper of the Vatican -- has released a list of ten albums featuring artists like the Beatles and U2 perfect for anyone marooned on an island.  The newspaper described its list as, quote, "semi-serious," and offered up the list of albums as alternatives to the so-called "cheesy" fare at Northeastern Italy's San Remo festival, which is going on this week.  Joining the Fab Four's "Revolver" and U2's "Achtung Baby" on the papal hit list are "Graceland" by Paul Simon and "Supernatural" by Carlos Santana.

Here is "L'Osservatore Romano's" recommended list of top ten albums (in order of release date):

1. "Revolver" by the Beatles
2. "If I Could Only Remember My Name" by David Crosby
3. "The Dark Side of the Moon" by Pink Floyd
4. "Rumours" by Fleetwood Mac
5. "The Nightfly" by Donald Fagen
6. "Thriller" by Michael Jackson
7. "Graceland" by Paul Simon
8. "Achtung Baby" by U2
9. "(What's the Story) Morning Glory" by Oasis
10. "Supernatural" by Carlos Santana

The video game series that is introducing a new generation to classic pop and rock hits has new tracks on the way.  RollingStone.com reports the "Rock Band" series will introduce original master recordings by the late Otis Redding.  "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay," "Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)," "I'm Sick Y'All," "I've Got Dreams To Remember," and "Love Man" will all be available starting next week.  "Rock Band" will release the material as a track pack or as single tracks for XBox 360 and PS3.  The Redding individual tracks will be available for Wii.

Robert Plant is rolling out a solo LP in 2010.  "Classic Rock" reports that the Led Zeppelin frontman will release "It's Rude To Say No" later this year.  Producer Buddy Miller is working with Plant on the project in Nashville, Tennessee.  At least one other artist -- country singer-songwriter Darrell Scott -- is confirmed as a musical guest on the album.  There's no word yet if Alison Krauss, Plant's collaborator on the Grammy-winning "Raising Sand" will appear on this project.  Scott has commented on his time working with the 61-year-old rocker, saying, quote, "Those two-plus weeks were some of the most memorable times I've ever had in the studio.  The number one thing is that Robert loves music.  You think they're posing and just getting through it, but I was humbled with how Robert Plant loved the music -- old country, blues, rockabilly..."

Two of the 1980s biggest musical acts are now confirmed for the largest classic rock festival in the U.S.  Blabbermouth.net reports that Pat Benatar and REO Speedwagon have signed on for Moondance Jam 2010 in Minnesota.  Benatar will pull into town with husband Neil Giraldo in tow to back her up on guitar.  Also supporting the "We Belong" singer is her original drummer Myron Grombacher.  REO Speedwagon makes its Moondance appearance as the 30th anniversary of its "Hi Infidelity" album approaches this fall.  Benatar and Speedwagon will join the previously-announced Lynyrd Skynyrd at the multi-day festival. Moondance Jam 2010 will take place from July 14th through July 17th in Walker, Minnesota.  For more information, visit www.moondancejam.com.

Jeff Beck has announced more U.S. concert dates. The second leg of the tour promting his new album, "Emotion and Commotion" kicks off on June 3rd in Boston and wraps up on June 23rd in Cincinnati, Ohio. Jeff won a Grammy this year for Best Instrumental Rock Performance for his version of the Beatles' classic, "A Day In The Life."

Eric Clapton has enlisted some of music's greats for his third Crossroads Guitar Festival.  RollingStone.com reports that the "Layla" rocker will hold the all-day show at Chicago's Toyota Park on June 26th.  Once again with the June "Crossroads" festival, the all-star gathering will benefit the Crossroads Centre in Antigua.  Clapton founded the facility for addiction treatment in the early 1990s.  Shrugging off the philanthropic component of the show, Clapton said, quote, "But it's a selfish thing. I can go to one place and hear all of my favorite musicians in one day." The 64-year-old rocker hosted similar events in 2004 and 2007, also benefiting the Caribbean-based Crossroads Centre.  Confirmed for June's festival at this point are Jeff Beck, Robert Cray, BB King, James Burton, Los Lobos, Sheryl Crow, ZZ Top, Steve Winwood, Jimmie Vaughn, and more.  Tickets for the star-packed event are on sale.

Creedence Clearwater Revival's John Fogerty, The Flaming Lips, and reggae singer Jimmy Cliff are all part of an eclectic roster of talent at this year's Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival.  The music legends will join OK Go, Jay-Z, Phoenix, Norah Jones, a banjo-playing Steve Martin, and more at the four-day, multi-stage camping festival in Manchester, Tennessee this June.  Specifically for Bonnaroo, The Flaming Lips will once again "channel" Pink Floyd as the band performs "Dark Side of the Moon" with Stardeath and White Dwarfs.  The Flaming Lips released a rendition of Floyd's "Dark Side" digitally last December. First held in 2002, Bonnaroo takes place on a 700-acre farm approximately 60 miles southeast of Nashville.  General admission and VIP seats for Bonnaroo 2010 are on sale now at www.bonnarootickets.com.

Ringo Starr has people walking all over him these days.  The former Beatle received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  The unveiling ceremony watched by thousands of fans took place Monday 2/8/10 evening in front of the Capitol Records Building on Vine Street.  Ringo received the two-thousand-401st star on the Walk, which is near stars for his late Beatle band mates John Lennon and George Harrison as well as the recently unveiled star for the late Roy Orbison.  Guests in attendance to help Starr celebrate included Joe Walsh, producer Don Was, and singer-songwriter Ben Harper, who appears on Starr's new album "Y Not."  The CD is in stores.  Ringo will tour behind the album this summer, launching the trek with shows in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada on June 24th and 25th. With the addition of Ringo's star, Paul McCartney becomes the only former Beatle without a solo star on the famed Walk.  He is represented with the Fab Four's star.

Stevie Wonder will be one of the headliners at this year's Bonnaroo festival. That's unusual since the event usually features jam bands and indie rock favorites. Stevie will be one of the 125 acts on the bill that also includes John Fogerty. Bonnaroo happens on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee, and this year's dates are June 10th through the 13th. 

Elton John has been asked not to perform in Israel this summer. The London tabloids say the British Committee for Universities of Palestine sent a letter to the singer that it would be wrong for him to do a concert in Israel because of the alleged abuses its army committed during a strike on the Gaza Strip last year. Elton is scheduled to play at a stadium in Tel Aviv on June 17th. Paul McCartney and Madonna have both done concerts in Israel during the last few years.

Frames for hanging LPs on your wall are rather common these days, but what about a larger than life, giant paintings of classic British 45s? A company called Super Size Art has done just that. They have reproduced the sleeve, label and vinyl itself into a nearly three-foot tall 3-D single that you can hang anywhere with a chrome spindle that comes with the artwork. Titles include "Please Please Me" by The Beatles on Parlophone; The Who's "My Generation" on Brunswick, "It's All Over Now" by The Rolling Stones on Decca and dozens more. See them for yourself at supersizeart.com.

Canadian classic rocker Burton Cummings is on his way to becoming an American citizen.  The former Guess Who frontman says in a MySpace post that he "aced" his citizenship test.  He admits that while the test itself wasn't all that hard, he was still nervous about it.  Cummings describes the ten-question exam, explaining that after getting the first seven questions right the man administering the test said they could stop, since he only needed six correct to pass.  The singer notes the other requirements are the ability to read and write -- something the examiner said he "assumed" the rocker could do. Cummings, who now lives in California, adds, quote, "I've been approved...I saw the immigration man stamp my papers in a bright red ink. I'm gonna rev up my Yamaha 88, and do the best version of Marvin Gaye's version of "The Star Spangled Banner" ever...and I'm not gonna record it...I'm just gonna sing it for me and the U.S.A."

Beware of Boston imposters! Guitarist and band mastermind Tom Scholz released a statement this week warning fans about phony groups claiming to be Boston and booking concerts under that name. Tom says one guy even passed himself off as Tom Scholz and swindled a promoter out of 5,000-dollars. He suggests fans go to BandBoston.com for all official information about the group.

He never actually left, but Santana's 1999 album "Supernatural" was called his big comeback. That mega-selling release is getting the deluxe reissue treatment. Sony Legacy has expanded the album into a 2-disc set. The first disc has the original, newly remastered CD, featuring collaborations with Rob Thomas, Lauryn Hill, Eric Clapton and others, while disc two has seven previously-unreleased tracks, remixes and instrumental versions. Look for the set in stores.

Olivia Newton-John is being called back to the big screen.  UK's "Daily Telegraph" reports that the 1970s icon who starred in "Grease" opposite John Travolta is now in Canada shooting another movie musical.  This one is called "Score: The Musical" and it's set amidst the world of ice hockey.  In the film, Newton-John plays the sports-disinterested mom of a teen player who becomes a sensation on the ice.  She co-stars with Marc Jordan in the film.  Jordan co-wrote the Rod Stewart song "Rhythm Of My Heart" along with John Capek. Newton-John's other starring roles have included the films "Xanadu" with Gene Kelly and "Two of Kind," in which she also played opposite Travolta.

 Ringo Starr will tour this summer. Live Daily says the ex-Beatles drummer is set to hit the road behind his new, self-produced album, "Y Not." The tour kicks off June 24th with two nights in Niagara Falls, Ontario, then on to Bethel, New York, on the site of the Woodstock Festival on June 26th, and Westbury, New York, on the 30th. Then, in July, it's 14 cities, including a 70th birthday show on July 7th at New York's Radio City Music Hall. The tour wraps in Los Angeles at the Greek Theater on August 7th. Backing up Ringo will be the 11th incarnation of his All-Starr Band. This time, the lineup includes guitarist Rick Derringer, bassist Richard Page of Mr. Mister, Romantics lead singer Wally Palmar, Edgar Winter, Gary Wright and drummer Gregg Bissonette, most recently with Spinal Tap.

A new version of "We Are The World" was recorded in Los Angeles. More than 75 artists gathered at Henson Recording, which is the same studio where the original 1985 all-star charity single was captured on tape, except back then it was called A&M Studios. The lineup for this edition includes Pink, Celine Dion, Natalie Cole, the Jonas Brothers, Kanye West, Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand and many others. This time, the proceeds will benefit the earthquake relief effort in Haiti. Quincy Jones produced the session, just like he did in 1985. There is no release date yet for this new version.

Just for fun, here are the lyrics for "We Are The World," and the singers who did each line on the original single, which was credited to USA FOR AFRICA:

There comes a time when we heed a certain call (LIONEL RICHIE)
When the world must come together as one (LIONEL RICHIE and STEVIE WONDER)
There are people dying (STEVIE WONDER)
Oh, and it's time to lend a hand to life (PAUL SIMON)
The greatest gift of all (PAUL SIMON and KENNY ROGERS)
We can't go on pretending day by day (KENNY ROGERS)
That someone, somehow will soon make a change (JAMES INGRAM)
We're all a part of God's great big family (TINA TURNER)
And the truth (BILLY JOEL)
You know love is all we need (TINA TURNER and BILLY JOEL)
# # #
(Chorus)
We are the world, we are the children (MICHAEL JACKSON)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (MICHAEL JACKSON)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (DIANA ROSS)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (MICHAEL JACKSON and DIANA ROSS)
Well, send'em you your heart so they know that someone cares (DIONNE WARWICK)
And their lives will be stronger and free (DIONNE WARWICK and WILLIE NELSON)
As God has shown us by turning stone to bread (WILLIE NELSON)
And so we all must lend a helping hand (AL JARREAU) 
# # #
(Repeat Chorus)
We are the world, we are the children (BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (KENNY LOGGINS)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (STEVE PERRY)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (DARYL HALL)
When you're down and out there seems no hope at all (MICHAEL JACKSON)
But if you just believe there's no way we can fall (HUEY LEWIS)
Well, well, well, let's realize that a change can only come (CYNDI LAUPER)
When we (KIM CARNES)
stand together as one (KIM CARNES, CYNDI LAUPER, HUEY LEWIS) 
# # #
(Repeat Chorus and Fade)
The song then fades, with additional ad-lib singing by BOB DYLAN, RAY CHARLES, STEVIE WONDER, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, JAMES INGRAM.

The late Roy Orbison got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  Orbison's widow Barbara and sons Roy Jr. and Alex were on hand for the occasion, along with singer-songwriters Chris Isaak and Jason Mraz, rockers Joe Walsh and Jeff Beck, actor Dan Aykroyd, and Orbison's Traveling Wilburys band mate Jeff Lynne.  Orbison received the 24-hundredth star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which will be added in front of the historic Capitol Records Building on Vine Street. Orbison's star will be next to the stars of the late Beatles John Lennon and George Harrison -- who was also a member of the Traveling Wilburys. 

Sylvester Stewart -- known to music fans as Sly Stone -- is suing his former manager.  The 66-year-old singer who fronted Sly & The Family Stone filed suit in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that his former manager defrauded him out of millions of dollars worth of royalty payments.  In court documents, Stone accuses Jerry Goldstein of, quote, "fraud, breach of contract and the diversion and misappropriation" of Stone's royalties and assets for over 20 years.  Stone's suit seeks repayment of the alleged lost funds -- which he claims total between 20 and 30-million-dollars.  The musician is also seeking punitive damages against Goldstein. The suit also alleges that Goldstein used Stone's funds to live a lavish lifestyle and purchase property with funds tucked away in trusts and offshore corporations.  Sly & The Family Stone is best known for hits such as "Everyday People," "Dance To The Music," and "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)."
 
The Hit Parade Hall of Fame has announced its 2009 inductees with names like the Doors, Sam Cooke, and Marvin Gaye on the list.  The Hit Parade Hall of Fame considers nominees who have had at least two top ten hits of any genre during a 30-year period beginning in 1950.  Votes from fans -- coupled with factors such as career longevity, record sales, and concert success -- are all considered by a nominating committee at the end of each calendar year.  Inductees for the previous year are then announced in January.  Joining the Doors, Cooke, and Gaye on this year's list are Carole King, Little Richard, The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, and more. The Hit Parade Hall of Fame's nominating committee is comprised of radio, recording, and artistic professionals from the music industry including disc jockey Bill Drake, broadcasting executive Allen Shaw, radio personality Mike Harvey, and others.  For a complete list of 2009's inductees, visit www.hitparadehalloffame.org.

The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night" has been named one of the most influential movie soundtracks of all time. Turner Classic Movies put together the list, which also includes "Shaft" by Isaac Hayes and the Bee Gees' music for "Saturday Night Fever."

Here are TCM's Top 15 Most Influential Movie Soundtracks:

King Kong (1933) - Composer: Max Steiner

Alexander Nevsky (1938) - Composer: Sergei Prokofiev

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) - Composer: Bernard Herrmann

Blackboard Jungle (1955) - includes "Rock Around The Clock" by Bill Haley & His Comets

The Man with the Golden Arm (1955) - Composer: Elmer Bernstein

Psycho (1960) - Composer: Bernard Herrmann

A Hard Day's Night (1964) - Musical Director: George Martin; Songs: John Lennon, Paul McCartney

Goldfinger (1964) - Composer: John Barry

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) - Composer: Ennio Morricone

The Graduate (1967) - Composer: Dave Grusin; Songs: Paul Simon

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) - Musical Consultant: Patrick Moore; Music Editor: Frank J. Urioste

Shaft (1971) - Composers: Isaac Hayes and J.J. Johnson

American Graffiti (1973) - Music Coordinator: Karin Green

Saturday Night Fever (1977) - Composers: Barry, Maurice & Robin Gibb and David Shire

Star Wars (1977) - Composer: John Williams

Tina Turner says she's mulling over another world tour.  The 70-year-old music legend was in Paris this week at the Giorgio Armani Prive [[Pree-VAY]] show, wearing a sparkling black top and answering questions about getting back on stage.  Regarding a major trek, Turner said, quote, "I haven't made a decision yet. I didn't make a plan for a big tour, with big stadiums."  Turner added that she hasn't ruled anything out, particularly after her 2008 world tour raked in 47-point-seven million dollars.  One thing the Grammy-winner will confirm is her love for sexy clothing.  Turner said at the Armani show, quote, "My favorites are short skirts that work for heavy dancing.  I have a short torso, and it looks better with a short skirt."

Sir Paul McCartney will get married again later this year. The British tabloids say wife number three will be Paul's longtime girlfriend, Nancy Shevell. Like Linda, his late first wife, Nancy is American and the wedding will be in the States, most likely somewhere in New York City. Paul has reportedly picked his son James to be best man.

The Bruce Springsteen exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland will stick around a bit longer. The museum announced yesterday that the collection of The Boss's artifacts, handwritten lyrics and guitars was supposed to close in the spring, but you'll be able to catch it through the end of this year.

The Monkees' 1968 album, "The Birds, The Bees and the Monkees," is getting the deluxe reissue treatment. Rhino Handmade has put together a three disc set that includes the original mono and stereo mixes of the album, plus a third CD with rarities and outtakes. There are 88-tracks all together. You can only order the set from rhinohandmade.com. This was the final studio album to feature all four Monkees. They followed it up with the soundtrack to their movie, "Head," after which Peter Tork quit the group.

Keith Richards is sober... for now. The U-K's Sun tabloid says doctors have kept the 66-year-old Rolling Stones guitarist off the sauce for four months. Keith once swore never to give up drinking, and a pal says he might open a bottle again at some point, but for now, Keith is a dry county.

Some of rock's most enduring musical acts still dominate the industry, according to the numbers.  The Beatles, U2, Bruce Springsteen, and The Rolling Stones all occupy spots on "The Los Angeles Times" list of The Ultimate Top Ten of the Decade, which ranks musicians based on earnings solely from album and ticket sales.  The income totals don't include merchandise sales, endorsement and licensing deals, ring tones, and other sources of income.  The Beatles take the list's number four spot with 627-point-three-million-dollars in the zero's decade.  The Fab Four are followed closely by U2 at 609-point-seven-million-dollars.  The Boss took the list's lucky seven spot with 588-point-three-million-dollars, followed by The Stones who raked in 569-point-six-million-dollars during the past ten years.

Taking number one was a pop diva.  Celine Dion pulled in a staggering 747-point-nine-million-dollars during the decade, bolstered in large part by her show at Las Vegas' Caesar's Palace. 

"The Los Angeles Times'" Ultimate Top 10 of the Decade

1. Celine Dion, 747-point-nine-million-dollars
2. Kenny Chesney, 742-million-dollars
3. Dave Matthews Band, 737-point-four-million-dollars
4. The Beatles, 627-point-three-million-dollars
5. U2, 609-point-seven-million-dollars
6. Toby Keith, 591-point-nine-million-dollars
7. Bruce Springsteen, 588-point-three-million-dollars
8. The Rolling Stones, 569-point-six-million-dollars
9. Tim McGraw, 550-point-seven-million dollars
10. Britney Spears, 494-point-three-million-dollars

Heart is now on the bill for this summer's Lilith Fair.  The "Barracuda" rockers will join Loretta Lynn, Norah Jones, Ke$ha, Mary J. Blige, Sarah McLachlan, and more at the female music fest that will tour North America for the first time in over a decade.  Show planners continue to add artists and tour stops.  Right now, "Lilith 2010" is scheduled to play Austin, Boston, New York, Edmonton, Vancouver, and other cities.  McLachlan founded Lilith fair in 1997 with Nettwerk Music Group's Dan Fraser and Terry McBride.

The Mellotron is a keyboard that can play back the pre-recorded sounds of other instruments. It started out as a something your Aunt Flo would play at parties, but it became an essential part of the British progressive rock movement. A new documentary called "Mellodrama" explores the history of the instrument, and its predecessor, the Chamberlin. The DVD includes interviews with folks like Mike Pinder of the Moody Blues and Ian MacDonald of King Crimson who helped put the Mellotron on the map. You can order the documentary at mellodramadvd.com. The most recognizable Mellotron part has to be the opening of "Strawberry Fields Forever" by The Beatles. That's Paul McCartney using the Mellotron's flute setting.

Gladys Knight and Herbie Hancock are now on the bill for one of this summer's biggest jazz festivals.  "The Democrat and Chronicle" reports that the music stars will join rock legend Jeff Beck and major league baseball player-turned jazz guitarist Bernie Williams at the 2010 Rochester International Jazz Festival in Rochester, New York.  Knight is slated to open the fest on June 11th.  The event's co-producer and artistic director John Nugent said of the "Midnight Train to Georgia" vocalist, quote, "Gladys has 28 people coming with her, backup singers, a horn section.  She always travels large.  It's a fabulous show.  She's still kicking it."  Hancock takes the stage mid-festival on June 15th.  Nugent referred to the 69-year-old jazz musician as a, quote, "trailblazer." The 2010 International Jazz Festival will take place from June 11th through June 19th.  An entire festival line up will be announced on March 30th. 

Brian Eno is declaring the "record age" over.  The Roxy Music alum-turned-prolific producer told "The Guardian" that the era of making big profits from recorded music has likely passed.  Eno said, quote, "I think records were just a little bubble through time and those who made a living from them for a while were lucky.  There is no reason why anyone should have made so much money from selling records except that everything was right for this period of time."  Eno, who has worked with music greats like David Bowie, Talking Heads, and U2, reflected that as history moves on, something else will replace recorded music.  The 61-year-old added, quote, "The record age was just a blip.  It was a bit like if you had a source of whale blubber in the 1840s and it could be used as fuel.  Before gas came along, if you traded in whale blubber, you were the richest man on Earth.  Then gas came along and you'd be stuck with your whale blubber." Eno's still recording music.  Most recently, the English musician scored Peter Jackson's "The Lovely Bones" starring Mark Wahlberg and Stanley Tucci.

Elvis Presley was in really bad shape when he died in August of 1977. According to a new book by The King's walking prescription pad, Dr. George Nichopoulos, or Dr. Nick for short, Elvis was nearly blind from glaucoma, arthritis, a fatty liver, an enlarged heart, severe constipation, a colon swollen to more than twice its normal size, gout and migraines. Dr. Nick was indicted on 14 counts of over-supplying drugs to Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and others, but was acquitted on all charges. He has been called the man who killed Elvis, but in this new book, Dr. Nick wants to clear his name by showing that Presley could have died from any one of those many ailments.

To recognize what would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday on October 9th of this year, EMI is rolling out a major reissue program of his solo work. First up will be expanded editions of five albums, and the very first box set of his officially released material. The only other box set out there, the 4-CD "Anthology" from 1998, was all demos, home recordings and outtakes. 

 You'll never get an autobiography out of Ringo Starr. The ex-Beatles drummer turns 70 this summer and told ContactMusic that while he has many stories to tell, the only thing publishers seem to want is stories about John Lennon. Ringo says he could write 12 books about his life before the Fab Four, but there would be very little interest in that. If fans want to know about Ringo, he says all they have to do is listen to the songs.

Back in 1969, The Beatles turned down an offer to perform at Woodstock. Almost 41 years later, Ringo Starr is booked at the Bethel Woods Center For The Arts, which is on the site of that historic festival in upstate New York. He'll be there with the next edition of the All Starr Band on June 26th. That will make Ringo the first Beatle to play Woodstock.

Bob Seger's telling his fans to pick up a new book that focuses on his life on the road.  The rocker's promoting "Travelin' Man: On the Road and Behind the Scenes with Bob Seger."  The book -- created by Tom Weschler -- includes behind-the-scenes photos of the Detroit rocker that document the highs and lows of recording, performing, and songwriting in the artist's early days -- specifically before the breakthroughs of "Live Bullet" and "Night Moves."  The book features photos by Weschler from 1960s through 1970s, along with additional current pictures. The 64-year-old remains a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.  In mid-December 2009, the rocker's "Greatest Hits" album was named the best-selling catalog album in the U.S. in the past decade.  Billboard and Nielsen's SoundScan confirmed the distinction.

The Beatles were the top-selling band of 2009. Billboard.com says thanks to the newly remastered individual stereo albums, stereo box set and mono box set, the Fab Four sold 3,282,000-units from September 9th through the end of the year. And that's all CDs, no digital downloads since there are no Beatles tunes legally available in that format. The "Abbey Road" album sold the most vinyl in 2009, moving 34,000-copies. There will be Beatles remastered vinyl albums at some point. 

Here's a fun fact: Since Nielsen SoundScan began tallying music sales in 1991, The Beatles have sold a total of 60,370,000 albums in the U.S. alone. Not bad for a band that broke up in 1970!   

John Lennon's widow Yoko Ono is ready to write about her relationship with the late Beatle and more.  "The UK Express" reports that the 76-year-old is at least thinking about her memoir. In a website Q&A with fans, Ono said that she'd love to write an autobiography, but needs to find the time.  Ono then added that her memoir would be her next book, which she plans to write in the next five years.  Previously, the enigmatic artist said she would avoid writing an autobiography because it might hurt the families of and the people close to The Beatles.  Ono said in a 2007 interview, quote, "There are things that I can't write because it may hurt someone.  I think about how it might hurt (their) children, and I don't want to do that." If Ono proceeds with her plans, it will be the first time that she tells "her side of the story" via memoir.  Lennon's first wife, Cynthia -- the mother of his 46-year-old son Julian -- has written two autobiographies chronicling her life with the rock star.

All of the Columbia singles released by Paul Revere & The Raiders featuring Mark Lindsay will be included in a new box set from the fine folks at Collectors' Choice. The 3-CD set has 62 A and B sides, featuring all of the group's hits in their original mono or stereo mixes; all newly remastered. There's also the very rare single the band did for Chevrolet, plus a Pontiac commercial and a single included with Mattel's "Swingy Doll." Look for the set in stores now.

Freddie Mercury's lover has died. The British tabloids say Irish hairdresser Jim Hutton, who was the late Queen singer's companion since the early 1980's passed away on New Year's Day of complications from bronchial-pneumonia resulting from AIDS at age 60. That was the exact cause of death for Freddie back in 1991.

Redbone's Anthony "T-Bone" Bellamy has died.  Bellamy, a guitarist, pianist, and vocalist, passed away in Las Vegas on Christmas Day 2009, as confirmed in a statement from the Native American Music Awards organization.  The musician, whose birth name was Anthony Avila, was 69-years-old.  Formed in the late 1960s, Redbone featured Bellamy, along with brothers Patrick and Lolly Vasquez.  According to Patrick Vasquez, it was guitar legend Jimi Hendrix who encouraged the musicians to form an all-Native American rock group.  The band's greatest success came in 1974 when its single "Come and Get Your Love" made the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Native American Music Awards inducted Bellamy with Redbone into its Hall of Fame in 2008.  Also in a statement, N.A.M.A. said of the late rocker, quote, "He was a beloved and endearing friend of the 'Nammys' since its inception, and will be greatly missed."

Neil Young is receiving a major honor in 2010.  The 64-year-old rocker -- born in Toronto, Ontario -- is among the 57 appointments to or within the Order of Canada.  "The Toronto Star" reports that Young is joining fellow appointees Ivan Reitman, the director of "Ghostbusters" and other films, hockey legend Mario Lemieux, and the late city-builder David Pecaut.  Established in 1967, The Order of Canada recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to community, and service to nation.  In the forty years since its inception, more than five-thousand leaders from various walks of life have entered the Order.

The Rolling Stones are the top touring artists of the decade. Billboard magazine says the band's 264 concerts over the last 10 years grossed more than 869-million dollars. All of those shows were sold-out, which is something no other major live act from 2000 to 2009 can claim. U2 came in second with 844-million dollars, followed by Madonna with 802-million and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band who took in 688-million bucks.

One of rock's all time best and rarest events ever captured on film will finally be released on DVD. "The T.A.M.I. Show" has been on wish lists for years, and other than lousy VHS copies and even worse bootlegs, the show has not been seen anywhere in its entirety since it was first shown at 33 movie theaters in Los Angeles on November 14th, 1964. The lineup included The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, Chuck Berry, The Supremes, The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, Gerry & The Pacemakers and in a history-making performance, James Brown & The Famous Flames. Shout! Factory released a deluxe edition DVD. T.A.M.I. stood for "Teen Age Music International." The Police name checked "The T.A.M.I. Show" in their song, "When The World Is Running Down, You Make The Best Of What's Still Around."

Roy Orbison's 1962 Epiphone 12-string acoustic guitar has been recreated in a limited edition by Gibson. It's an exact replica of the instrument Roy used to compose many of his big hits, including "(Oh) Pretty Woman." His signature and the opening riff of that 1964 chart topper are engraved on the back of the headstock. This limited-edition guitar will cost you 1,332-dollars, but you do get a hard shell case with it. 

The best-selling catalog album of the decade was originally released in 1994. Bob Seger's "Greatest Hits" has sold close to nine-million copies and stayed on the Billboard 200 for two years before it was moved to the Catalog Albums chart. The CD has been there for 660 weeks.

The eldest son of John Lennon is speaking out on his relationship with the late Beatle.  Julian Lennon told "CBS News" that he doesn't compete with his father's legacy in his own musical career.  Lennon said, quote, "I don't regard it as competition in any way -- it's just the love of music."  Lennon added that working on his new album, "Everything Changes," allowed him to come to terms with his family history.  The 46-year-old explained, quote, "With Dad running off and divorcing Mum, I had a lot of bitterness and anger I was living with.  In the past, I had said I had forgiven Dad, but it was only words.  It wasn't until the passing of my friend Lucy and the writing of this song that really helped me forgive my father.  I realized if I continued to feel that anger and bitterness towards my dad, I would have a constant cloud hanging over my head my whole life." Julian Lennon is the son of John Lennon and his first wife, Cynthia Powell.  He was named for John Lennon's late mother, Julia.

UK magazine "Classic Rock" is unveiling acts for its 2010 High Voltage Festival.  Fans from around the globe can trek to London in July to catch some of rock's biggest names on stage.  The magazine's just-announced roster additions include Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society and metal band Clutch.  Other High Voltage acts range from progressive rocker and Genesis alum Steve Hackett to 1980s mainstays ZZ Top, Foreigner and Asia.  MAMA Festivals and "Classic Rock" magazine will present the High Voltage Festival at London's Victoria Park on July 24th and 25th.  For more information or tickets, visit www.highvoltagefestival.com.

Sly Stone has signed a new record deal. Billboard.com says the reclusive rock star is recording a new album for Cleopatra Records that will include new songs and re-recorded versions of his Sly & The Family Stone hits. Look for the album in the summer of 2010.

The Kinks are getting the big screen treatment.  According to "Screen Daily," there's a bio flick in production about the London rockers called "You Really Got Me."  The film focuses on the uneven relationship between the legendary band's brothers Ray and Dave Davies.  "You Really Got Me" director Julien Temple says of the project, quote, "At the heart of it is the extraordinary love-hate relationship between these two brothers: love/hate, sibling rivalry is at the core. I think it's a very rich social, cultural nexus around The Kinks. Their story is the untold story of all those big bands of the 1960s." Ray and Dave Davies founded The Kinks in the mid-1960s.  They've both sung lead vocals with Ray on rhythm guitar and Dave on lead guitar.

Foreigner, The Allman Brothers, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin are among the acts featured on Atlantic Records' box set.  "Time Capsule" is a limited edition ten CD/DVD set celebrating the label's legacy.  It features 165 tracks that span from 1947 to present day.  The collection includes the PBS American Masters documentary "Atlantic Records: The House That Ahmet Built," as well as 140-page book featuring rare or previously-unseen photos from the label's history.  Also included is an exclusive 45 r.p.m. vinyl of Atlantic's first release, the single "Drinkin' Wine, Spo-Dee-O-Dee" by Stick McGhee and His Buddies. The set's roster also includes Pete Townshend, Skid Row, Bad Company, Roxy Music and more. "Time Capsule," retailing for 199-dollars-and-98-cents, is available now.  Orders can be placed online at www.atlantictimecapsule.com.

What is the best guitar riff of all time? According to a new poll by MusicRadar.com, it's "Voodoo Child (Slight Return) by The Jimi Hendrix Experience. The track first appeared on Jimi's 1968 double-album, "Electric Ladyland." More than 5,000 users of MusicRadar.com participated in the poll. 

Here are their choices for the Top 10 best guitar riffs of all time:
10) "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" - ROLLING STONES
9) "Smells Like Teen Spirit" - NIRVANA
8) "Day Tripper" - THE BEATLES
7) "Enter Sandman" - METALLICA
6) "Back In Black" - AC/DC
5) "Layla" - DEREK & THE DOMINOES
4) "Smoke On The Water" - DEEP PURPLE
3) "Whole Lotta Love" - LED ZEPPELIN
2) "Sweet Child O' Mine" - GUNS N' ROSES
1) "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" - THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE 

The Grammy Hall of Fame has cemented the significance of 25 recordings. The Beach Boys, The Doors, Weather Report and more now have songs in the Grammy Hall of Fame. The National Association of Recording Arts & Sciences released its list of additions to the over 800 songs in its honored Hall.  Among these are The Beach Boys' "California Girls," The Doors' "Riders on the Storm" and Weather Report's "Birdland."  Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow said, "The selections are timeless staples that span six decades and represent a wide range of genres from comedy to rock, reggae, jazz and R&B.  They all greatly deserve to be memorialized."

Here is a complete list of songs that will enter The Grammy Hall of Fame. 

Dooley Wilson - As Time Goes By
Weather Report - Birdland
The Beach Boys - California Girls
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Catch A Fire
George Carlin - Class Clown
Billie Holiday - Crazy He Calls Me
King Oliver & His Jazz Band - Dipper Mouth Blues
Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra - Don't Get Around Much Anymore (Never No Lament)
Ella Fitzgerald/Count Basie - Ella and Basie
Jose Feliciano - Feliz Navidad
Judy Garland & Gene Kelly - For Me and My Gal
Mahalia Jackson - His Eye on the Sparrow
Muddy Waters - I Feel Like Going Home
James Brown - It's A Man's Man's Man's World
Stan Getz/Charlie Byrd - Jazz Samba
Jelly Roll Morton - Kansas City Stomps
Louis Armstrong - Lazy River
Louis Armstrong & His All-Stars - Louis Armstrong Plays W.C. Handy
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - Mr. Bojangles
Janis Joplin - Pearl
The Doors - Riders on the Storm
The Isley Brothers -Twist and Shout

 A former member of the Monkees is heading to the British stage.  Micky Dolenz -- star of the 1960s sitcom and musical group The Monkees -- is joining the London cast of "Hairspray." TheImproper.com reports that Dolenz will play Wilbur Turnblad, the father of the show's upbeat heroine, Tracy Turnblad.  This isn't Dolenz's first visit to the stage.  The actor-singer-comedian has also appeared in "Grease," "Aida," "Pippin" and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." Now 64, Dolenz joined the cast of "The Monkees" in 1965.  A made-for-TV band, the group's hits include "Last Train To Clarksville," "I'm A Believer," among others.

Canadian music legend Gordon Lightfoot says he will not record an album of all new material ever again. The 71-year-old singer told The Canadian Press that his 2004 release, "Harmony," was the last record he owed his record label, and that he doesn't feel the need to do anything new. Gordon has released 20 studio albums since his debut, "Lightfoot!" in 1966. But Gordon says he will continue to tour. However, that will not include the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Gordon did the honors for the '88 games in Calgary, but he will not make the trip out west in February.

Paul Simon's 37-year-old son is drawing comparisons to the late Elliott Smith.  Harper Simon released a self-titled CD in mid-October on his own label.  Now, RollingStone.com is comparing the freshman LP to the work of Smith, the singer-songwriter whose song "Miss Misery" for the film "Good Will Hunting," earned him an Oscar nomination.  Smith died in 2003 at the age of 34.  Harper Simon said that he was initially hesitant to step into the spotlight, but knew it was time.  He said, quote, "I realized, 'If I don't do this I'm going to regret it.'"  Harper Simon's self-titled debut is available now.  Featured on the LP are guest spots from Sean Lennon -- son of the late John Lennon -- and Harper's famous dad, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Paul Simon.

The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd are the inspiration behind some new wines.  According to "Classic Rock" magazine, a company called Wines That Rock has launched spirits to, quote, "capture the quality and spirit of rock 'n roll mythology in its portfolio of great tasting wines, iconic album art for labels, earth friendly production and great consumer value."  The Mendocino, California company's first wines include the Rolling Stones-inspired Forty Licks Merlot.  Meanwhile, Dark Side of The Cabernet "Chavingon" may just help Pink Floyd fans to get comfortably numb.  Regarding the quirky varietals, Wines That Rock Co-Founder Ron Roy said, quote, "With these wines, we blasted the music in the cellar of the winery and developed a bottle of wine that captured the attitude of the music."  For more information, visit www.wines-that-rock.com.

Sir Paul McCartney has earned another award for his extensive body of work.  "The New York Times" reports that The Library of Congress has named the Beatle its third recipient of The Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.  The 67-year-old rocker is the first non-American to win the Gershwin Prize.  The two previous Gershwin recipients were Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder.  Librarian of Congress James Billington said while announcing the honor, quote, "It is hard to think of another performer and composer who has had a more indelible and transformative effect on popular song and music of several different genres." An all-star concert surrounding the prize is planned for spring 2010.  McCartney has said that he plans to play at the show.

Ozzy Osbourne was turned down by one of his heroes. Ozzy told the UK magazine Heat that while he was recording his new album, Sir Paul McCartney was in the building. The ex-Black Sabbath frontman has always been a huge Beatles fan and had never met Paul. After shaking hands, Ozzy said he asked McCartney to play bass on one of his new tunes. Paul said no because he didn't think he could improve on the bass line that was already on the track. Ozzy said he was stunned by this, but totally understood.

Woody Harrelson is revealing how a Beatle's wit helped him put a spin on some undesirable publicity earlier this year.  Harrelson told "Rolling Stone's" film critic Peter Travers that Beatle Paul McCartney gave him a great line to use after the actor's April 2009 scuffle with the paparrazi.  The "Zombieland" actor bumped into McCartney at a New York restaurant after the face-off with a photographer at LaGuardia Airport.  Still rattled, Harrelson told the rock legend about the incident.  He said McCartney's response was, quote, "'You know what, you ought to try this' and he had this idea of saying that I mistook (the photographer) for a zombie.  I never would have thought of that."  Harrelson released a statement the next day saying that he'd attacked the paparrazo because, quote, "I quite understandably mistook him for a zombie."

Art Garfunkel may still have a sweet, soothing voice, but the man himself is allegedly a jerk. The New York Post says at the recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Concert at Madison Square Garden, Artie thre a fir when an assistant couldn't come up with a tissue fast enough. When the underling managed to find a paper towel, the singer screamed, "I said a tissue!" - and threw it back. It gets better. RadarOnline says last March Art was giving a poetry reading at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York. A developmentally challenged person seated in the front row in a wheelchair was making noise so Art stopped and said (quote), "I'm as sympathetic as anyone to the handicapped, but I'm trying to do a show."

Want to know the main reason Led Zeppelin will never tour again? According to a recent book, "Led Zeppelin: Shadows Taller Than Our Souls," lead singer Robert Plant hates the band's signature tune, "Stairway To Heaven," and refuses to peform it. The only way Plant would agree to sing it at the 2007 reunion concert in London  was if the song was in the middle of the set and not the finale. Plus, it had to stay true to the album version, not the sprawling live versions Led Zep has done over the years with endless soloing from Jimmy Page. Even the most diehard Led Zep fans agree that "Stairway" is not one of the band's best songs, and that it's clearly overplayed on the radio.

Queen drummer Roger Taylor still thinks Adam Lambert has the goods.  Blabbermouth.net reports that the rocker told "BBC Breakfast" that he'd like to work with the 2009 "American Idol" runner-up.  Taylor played the "Idol" finale earlier this year, which featured a face-off between Lambert and winner Kris Allen.  Taylor said of a Lambert collaboration, quote, "It may happen -- we might do something with him in the future.  He is phenomenally talented.  He has one of the greatest voices I've ever heard."  Lambert also has acknowledged the Queen rumors. The 27-year-old told ContactMusic.com, quote, "I don't know if joining the band permanently is in the cards for me right now. They're legends; I'm just the new kid on the block." The long-running rockers need a new frontman after parting ways with Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers.  Their five-year collaboration, which came to an end back in May, resulted in three live projects as well as the CD "The Cosmos Rocks."  The 2008 release marked the first studio album from Queen since 1995's "Made In Heaven."  That album, released four years after Queen frontman Freddie Mercury's death, featured the group's last material with their original vocalist.

"The Rolling Stones: Live At The Max," the first concert feature shot with IMAX technology, is now available in remastered form.  RollingStone.com reports that the 1991 film is available on DVD and Blu-Ray Disc.  Filmed during the Stones' 1990 European "Steel Wheels" tour, "Max" remains the most successful IMAX concert film of all time.  The 90-minute movie is heavy on the band's classic hits, but also includes a few "Steel Wheels" singles.

Meat Loaf's best days may be well behind him, but a new DVD shows the singer at his best. "Bat Out Of Hell: The Original Tour" was captured during Meat's appearance on the German TV show "Rockpalast" in June of 1978. His debut album was brand new and audiences all over the world were getting their fill of Mr. Loaf's amazing live performances. The incredible backing band on that tour included singer Karla DeVito who was brought in to replace the album's female vocalist, Ellen Foley. She had to leave the band for a role on the TV series, "Night Court." The DVD also includes a bonus interview from 1978 with Meat Loaf and the man who wrote all of those amazing songs, Jim Steinman.

Jimmy Buffett released a new studio album called "Buffett Hotel." Inspired by a recent trip he made to West Africa to be a part of the "Festival In The Desert," held near Timbuktu, The album includes Jimmy's first-ever song about hittin' the waves called "Surfing In A Hurricane."

ABBA released its third concert film on DVD. "In Japan" has the Swedish pop group performing its biggest hits during a 54-minute concert broadcast live on Japanese television in 1978. The disc also comes with two documentaries that feature ABBA's TV and press appearances while they were in Japan in 1978 and again in 1980. The group's other two concert films were "ABBA - The Movie," filmed in Australia in 1977, and "ABBA In Concert" shot during a tour of Europe and North America in 1979.

Clarence Clemons talks about his real life and tells a few tall tales in his new book.  The longtime E Street Band saxophonist has released "Big Man: Real Life and Tall Tales". Regarding the book, Clemons says don't believe everything that you read.  While memories from his career and friendship with Bruce Springsteen take center stage, Clemons also provides what he calls, quote, "outright lies."  Penned with TV writer and producer Don Reo, "Big Man" features made-up adventures like fictional fishing trips with Norman Mailer and hustling at pool with Fidel Castro. Regarding his music, the 67-year-old sees no end in sight.  Despite knee and hip injuries with accompanying physical pain, Clemons says he feels great when he's on stage.  Clemons continues to tour with The Boss on the "Working on a Dream" tour

Al Stewart is promoting a new album with Dave Nachmanoff.  "Uncorked" -- a 13-track live album -- is now available at www.davenach.com. 

Al Stewart Tour Dates
 
May 27, Snoqualmie, WA Casino Snoqualmie

Time/Life commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with a special DVD set available.  "Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Live" includes performances from a quarter-century's worth of induction ceremonies.  Highlights include a Bruce Springsteen/Bono duet on U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" and Mick Jagger singing "Honky Tonk Woman" with Tina Turner.  Acceptance speeches, toasts, and roasts also appear.This nine-disc DVD set features an all-star concert that christened the Hall of Fame's museum in Cleveland, Ohio.  A deluxe collector's edition also includes nine essays from rock journalists and historians.  For more information, visit www.timelife.com.

Now that Rod Stewart has gone through the Great American

Songbook, he's getting into a little bit of soul. His latest album is called "Soulbook" and finds Rod mining classic R&B and soul hits from the 60's and 70's. And, Rod got some help from a few very special friends for the project. He duets with Mary J. Blige on the Stylistics' classic, "You Make Me Feel Brand New"; Jennifer Hudson on "Let It Be Me," made famous in a soul version by Betty Everett and Jerry Butler; and with two original performers: Stevie Wonder on "My Cherie Amour" and Smokey Robinson on the Miracles' hit, "The Tracks Of My Tears." Look for the album in stores now.

All of the singles released by Creedence Clearwater Revival make up a new box set. "The Singles Collection" is a 2-CD/1-DVD package featuring all 30 of the band's U.S. 45s, including some that never charted. All of the tracks will be in their original single mixes with many of them on CD in mono for the first time. The DVD will have four of CCR's promotional clips, which is what they called music videos before MTV. Fantasy Records will also do a limited edition of the singles on vinyl with replicas of the original picture sleeves and Fantasy logos. Both sets are in stores.

Don Henley of the Eagles does not Tweet. There's a posting on the band's official Web site that any Twitter, Facebook or MySpace accounts that claim to be Don Henley are most definitely not him. The post goes on to say "He does not communicate via social networking sites and has not authorized any account to be created on his behalf." So there.

Stuart Copeland doesn't mince words in his new autobiography, "Strange Things Happen."  The book, which was released on October 6th, is the former Police drummer's take on his life in music.  Copeland expresses respect for the band's breakout solo supernova Sting.  However, the 57-year-old also claims that at times he wanted to "claw" at the Police frontman's neck.  Citing creative differences as the reason for the band's breakup, Copeland paints an equally tense picture of the band's 2007-08 reunion tour. Regarding Sting's complaints in their first reunion rehearsals, Copeland writes, quote "I can take not one more word from you about anything.  Do not even make eye contact with me, let alone make another suggestion about how I would play my drums ... you (expletive) piece of (expletive.)."  Meanwhile, the Police reunion tour pulled in over $350 million worldwide.

 Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson wants a new writing challenge.  According to "The Los Angeles Times," Wilson will complete at least two unfinished works by "Rhapsody in Blue" composer George Gershwin.  The Gershwin estate has authorized the pop legend to work on the songs, which are more than 70 years old. The 67-year-old musician hasn't ruled out adding vocals to the unfinished Gershwin to replicate his trademark pop sound.  Wilson, known for both his genius and his eccentricity, says he's "thrilled" to finish what Gershwin started.  The Beach Boy told the paper, quote, "I'm proud to be able to do it.  Hopefully I'll be able to do them justice." Wilson plans to release an album's worth of material next year.  In related news, Phil Ramone is also producing a tribute album of Gershwin's work, also slated for a 2010 release.  George Gershwin died in 1937.

Davy Jones hates The Monkees. Not the music, the actual other three guys in the band. He told the National Enquirer that he will never work with them ever again. Davy says Mike Nesmith is (quote) "not an entertainer" and more of a businessman; Peter Tork is impossible to work with and Micky Dolenz wants to be at the front of the stage playing guitar, not behind the drums. Davy says it's not about money, he just doesn't have anything left to prove as a Monkee.

Who was the biggest influence on KISS? Gene Simmons says that's easy, The Beatles. He told Billboard magazine that KISS is the Fab Four on steroids with tons of makeup and high-heeled shoes. For Gene, the Beatles were a better model than the Rolling Stones because John, Paul, George and Ringo all sang and could all be frontmen. He also loved the Beatles' uniform look and wonders why they never trademarked their haircuts. The faces of KISS are in the Library of Congress with Gene and Paul Stanley owning the trademark.

B.J. Thomas made records for the Scepter label from 1966 to 1973, and all of them have been out of print for years. Collectors' Choice has taken 8 of those LPs and put them on 4 CDs. Each original album has been newly remastered and come with bonus tracks, making each CD a 26-track extravaganza. All of B.J.'s early hits are here like "Hooked On A Feeling" and "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head." Look for the CDs in stores.

Journey’s new singer Arnel Pineda defines "rags to riches."  This, according to Oprah Winfrey no less. The talk show host welcomed the 42-year-old singer and his Journey bandmates to her TV show on Monday 10/5/09.  Oprah asked Journey's originals about Pineda, a once homeless street performer from the Phillipines.  Guitarist Neal Schon said they found the gifted singer via YouTube.  Winfrey asked Pineda if he imagined that his life would exceed his dreams. Pineda belted out Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" in the show's opening.  Winfrey said the song inspired the show itself, a broadcast filled with stories about overcoming adversity.  Journey's current studio release is 2008's "Revelation."

One of rock and roll's legendary shutterbugs has a released book.  Jim Marshall has unveiled "Trust," a 164-page photo compilation featuring Bob Dylan, The Who, Led Zeppelin and scores of other icons.  Famous for capturing "the decisive moment" -- the instant that separates a timeless photo from a forgettable one -- Marshall says the book is his life's work.  The San Francisco native includes never-before-seen pictures from his archives and personal anecdotes in "Trust."  "Rolling Stone" currently features a slideshow of highlights from the book on its website.The 66-year-old pro photogapher was on hand for many of rock's biggest moments, including the Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock.

Billy Joel is writing a book. The New York Daily News says he signed a 2.25-million dollar deal with HarperCollins for a tell-all autobiography. The publisher confirms that Billy is currently writing the book but would not reveal a title or release date.

Michael Jackson died a healthy man. The Los Angeles Times says autopsy reports show that he had scars and punctures on his skin as well as tattooed eyebrows and lips, but at 50 years old, Michael weighed 136-pounds. That's fine for a man who was 5-foot-9. His heart was strong, but he did have some arthritis and damaged lungs. Still, the report says, none of those health problems were life threatening and that Michael died from the very strong anesthetic given to him by his personal doctor, Conrad Murray.

ZZ Top’s two-disc "Double Down Live" provides a concert showcase with rare footage of the band.  The set is the first collection of concert material approved for release by the group.  Disc One of the set was filmed in 1980 at the height of ZZ Top's success with "Sharp Dressed Man," and includes 22 early ZZ Top tracks highlighting their '70s hits.  Disc Two warps ahead to 2008, and was filmed during their European tour.  It boasts eleven performances, interview clips, and backstage footage.  "Double Down Live" is in stores now.

The last of the Genesis box sets is in stores. "Live 1973-2007" collects all of the band's live albums and some previously unreleased concert material into a 10-disc set. Billboard.com says keyboard player Tony Banks is now working on a box set of all the Genesis concert videos. He says there will be no duplication of the footage available on the previous CD/DVD box sets, along with previously unseen stuff too. Look for that set in 2010.

 Sir Paul McCartney's gifts as a writer aren't limited to song lyrics.  According to Canada's CBC network, a 1953 essay written by a then ten-year-old McCartney, is now in circulation.  This, after a British researcher located the 300-word piece inside a scrapbook at the Central Library of Liverpool, England.  The young Paul was an entrant in a contest surrounding the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.  In his essay, McCartney wrote about the joy and anticipation of England's new monarch, calling her a, quote, "lovely young Queen."  The young McCartney also contrasted the coronation of the new queen to the violent coronation of William the Conquerer nine centuries earlier.
 Later, as a member of the Beatles, McCartney wrote about his Queen again, this time in the lyrics of "Her Majesty."  In 2013, the Central Library of Liverpool will display the essay to mark the 60th anniversary of Elizabeth's coronation.

A new documentary makes Dick Clark out to be a villain. The Hollywood Reporter says "Wages Of Spin" follows the showbiz mogul's career from his early days hosting TV's "American Bandstand." The film looks into a 1960 Congressional probe that discovered Dick had interests in businesses that could profit from exposure on the show including record labels, pressing plants and talent agencies. Dick denied taking "payola" at the time, but it turns out he held the copyrights for 143 big hits, including "Sixteen Candles" and "At The Hop," which wound up getting played more often on "Bandstand." The movie also alleges that Dick forced all the performers on the show to give back the union-mandated fees they received for their appearances.

Michael Jackson thought "Thriller" wasn't all that good. The UK's News of the World tabloid found an interview with the singer it published in the 1980's that has the late entertainer complaining that the early mixes of his biggest album were (quote), "crap" and that they (quote), "sucked." Michael was ready to tell producer Quincy Jones that he would not allow the album to come out. Instead, he hopped on a bicycle and rode near the studio to watch some children play in a schoolyard. When he came back, Michael said he felt refreshed and knew what he had to do to make "Thriller" work.

l Rights Reserved.

The Zombies released one of their recent complete performances of the classic 1968 album "Odessey and Oracle" on DVD. The reunited British invasion band did three sold-out nights at the London Shepherds Bush Empire in March of 2008. One of those nights was filmed and recorded in 5.1 Surround Sound. The concert also included solo material from singer Colin Blunstone and keyboard player Rod Argent's band, Argent. Look for the DVD in stores.

There have been women who slept with The Beatles or The Rolling Stones, but super groupie Chris O'Dell has done them all, and then some. She's written a tell-all book called "Miss O'Dell" that is available now. Read stories about her dalliances with a then married George Harrison while the Fab Four was still together in the late 1960's. Chris says she snorted coke with George and his wife Patti, and acted as beard for Eric Clapton when he was romancing Patti, right under her husband's nose. Chris then moved on to Ringo. Her assignment with the Stones was to sleep with Mick Jagger whenever he asked. Mick was also married at the time. Chris completed the rock circle by working for and sleeping with Bob Dylan. George Harrison wrote and recorded a song for Chris called "Miss O'Dell." It was the B-side of his 1973 chart-topper, "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)."

Hall & Oates first-ever career-spanning box set, "Do What You Want, Be What You Are," has 74 tracks on 4 CDs with 16 of them previously unreleased. The C D is in stores now.

Sir Paul McCartney tops a new survey of Americans' favorite Beatles. According to Zogby International, nearly 30 percent of the more than 48-hundred American adults polled, favored the 'Yesterday' singer.  John Lennon drew 16 percent of the poll, with George Harrison and Ringo Starr rounding out the list at ten percent and nine percent respectively.  Brits take a different position on which Beatle is most "fab."  In a similar survey conducted by the UK's "The Daily Mirror," Brits said they prefer Lennon.  The late rock legend scored 39 percent of the vote in that online poll, followed by McCartney at 28 percent and the late George Harrison at 26 percent.  Starr was a distant fourth with only six percent of the vote. Arguably one of the most successful bands of all-time, the Beatles apparently have not won over everyone.  Twenty-two percent of those surveyed by Zogby said they didn't like band.  Three percent said they didn't know the Fab Four's music well enough to make a decision.  Most of the small unfamiliar demo was over the age of 70.

The Beatles never would have made it on the British talent show "X Factor." "American Idol's" Simon Cowell also does that UK version and told England's "The Early Show" that Ringo Starr would have ruined the band's chances because he wasn't talented or good looking enough. Simon says The Beatles as a group would have been turned down, but John, Paul & George had a very good chance of getting through.

OK, so The Beatles remasters look and sound amazing, however, Beatle weenies will be upset about several "corrections." The folks who did the remastering of the stereo and mono sets at Abbey Road studios in London chose to "correct" a few things here and there that they felt needed to be "fixed." Here are a few we noticed at first pass:
   --John's popped "p" on "I'm A Loser" is gone.
   --John's dirty guitar switch from the chorus to his solo on "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" is also missing, and his distorted scream near the end of the song has been cleaned up.
   --Ringo's stick click on the album version of "Let It Be" during the piano intro is now gone. 
   There are probably more, but again, only true Beatle knuckleheads will even notice.

Second to Yoko Ono, the most important person in John Lennon's life was Paul McCartney. The Times of London got a hold of an interview John did with rock journalist Ray Connelly in 1969, just before the breakup of The Beatles, and John said that he only asked two people to work with him as a partner: Paul and Yoko. John goes on to say (quote), "Paul and me were The Beatles," and that they gave the (quote), "lousy" songs to George and Ringo to sing, before the guitarist and drummer began writing their own tunes. In an eerie quote, John said he wanted to stop wasting his life away because (quote), "I don't want to die at 40." John was murdered in 1980 at age 40.

It's possible to have the Rolling Stones perform at your wedding...if you can come up with 8.2-million dollars. Sky News says the Stones top the list of most expensive acts that can be hired for private events. If that's too rich for your blood, try Barry Manilow. He'll sing at your son's bar mitzvah for 1.2-million. Somwhere in the middle are Sir Paul McCartney whose fee is 1.6-million dollars and Sir Elton John who will cost you 3.3 million bucks.

Some of the historic live performances from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's 24-years of induction ceremonies are now available on DVD. Time Life has a 9-disc set which also contains induction speeches and backstage moments. There are 125 exclusive performances all together, including the reunion of Cream before the Royal Albert Hall concerts; Mick Jagger & Tina Turner singing "Honky Tonk Women"; Bruce Springsteen and Bono sharing a mic on "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" and lots more. Order the set at timelife.com.

Newly unearthed interviews with an angry John Lennon reveal a man who felt hurt and betrayed by his Beatle buddies. John sat down with Rolling Stone editor and publisher Jann Wenner shortly after the band broke up and Jann recently gave those tapes to writer Mikal Gilmore for a new article about why the Fab Four went their separate ways in 1970. John said they got tired of (quote), "being sidemen for Paul," and that the "music died" when they became huge in the early 1960's, which is why he felt their music never improved. John was apparantly most angry with the poor treatment Yoko received, especially from George. John said (quote), "George insulted her right to her face and I didn't hit him, I don't know why. Ringo (Starr) was alright but the other two really gave it to us. I'll never forgive 'em." 

A legendary rock movie you will never see has been leaked on the Internet. It's so notorious and nasty, we can't even say the title. The film is the notorious documentary about the Rolling Stones' 1972 North American tour and reveals everything you've ever heard about the band's sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll behavior on the road. It's never been officially released, though good quality bootlegs have been around for years. The movie is so severe that a court order says the only way it can be shown in public is with director Robert Frank present at the screening. But, for as long as it's up there, you can see this cinematic curiosity at Flavorwire.com.

Time magazine has published its list of the "10 Greatest Electric Guitar Players." And they are:

10) Prince
9) Yngwie Malmsteem
8) Les Paul
7) Chuck Berry
6) Jimmy Page
5) Eric Clapton
4) Keith Richards
3) B.B. King
2) Slash
1) Jimi Hendrix

Let the arguments begin!

Stephen Stills has two archival releases out. Billboard.com says "Manassas: Pieces" is a 15-song collection of outtakes from the recordings Stephen made with the country-rock band he put together in 1971 with former Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers member Chris Hillman. Look for that CD in stores now, Along with "Live At Shepherds Bush," a CD/DVD set recorded and filmed at a show he did last fall at that London venue. It features both solo acoustic and full band material.

Some lyrics that were supposedly written by John Lennon when he was in The Beatles have gone on display in Liverpool. They have both fans and experts baffled as to when they were written, and about whom. It's really just a fragment of a song that reads:

 "Little girl I've come to stay/And this time I just have to say/ I love you/If she turns you down and you're rejected/Try again the best you can/Call to see her when you're least expected/Tell her now she'll understand." 

When the lyrics put up for auction more than ten years ago, Sotheby's said they were probably written by John in 1966. His son Julian says he may take a crack at adding music to those words.

Journey’s latest cd "Revelation," is in stores and showcases their new singer.  Journey recruited Filipino singer Arnel Pineda in late 2007 after discovering him on YouTube.

The house in Macon, Georgia where the Allman Brothers Band lived and worked is set to become a museum. They called it The Big House and more than 300,000 pieces of memorabilia will be on display including some of the late Duane Allman's guitars, Gregg Allman's Hammond Organ, tons of photos and miles of concert footage. The museum is open.

Jimmy Buffett's former lead guitarist is dead. Louisville’s Tim Krekel joined Jimmy's Coral Reefer Band in 1977 and played on his "Son Of A Son Of A Sailor" album the following year. Tim split for a solo career after Jimmy's "Hot Tub" tour in 1988. He was 58.

The Doobie Brothers have a new album in the works.  The effort is coming from the group's longest-lasting lineup, which features frontmen Tom Johnson and Pat Simmons, guitarist John McFee, and drummer Michael Hossack.  Also on board are keyboardist Guy Allison, bass player Skylark, and drummer Ed Toth, along with sax player Mark Russo.  In addition, the Doobies are reuniting with producer Ted Templeman, who was at the helm when the group recorded for Warner Brothers.  Simmons notes sessions are going well.  He says in a statement, quote, "It's been years since Tom and I have been together in the studio with Ted, but it's as though we've never been apart."  The classic rocker adds that, quote, "the chemistry and camaraderie are as strong as ever."  The upcoming album will be the Doobie Brothers' first CD since 2000's "Sibling Rivalry."  The still untitled disc is expected to hit stores this year.

The 2010 Hollywood Walk Of Fame Recipients:

Bryan Adams
The Funk Brothers
Alan Jackson
Chaka Khan
Van Morrison
Marco Antonio Solis
Ringo Starr
ZZ Top
Roy Orbison

Turtles co-founder and singer Howard Kaylan is now a screenwriter. "My Dinner With Jimi" tells the story of how Howard and the other Turtles went to London in 1967 and in one night met Graham Nash, Donovan, Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Later that night, at 4am, they had dinner with Jimi Hendrix. The straight-to-DVD movie is in stores.

Robert DeNiro's famous line in "Taxi Driver" may have been stolen from Bruce Springsteen. The E Street Band's longtime sax player Clarence Clemmons was at the Book Expo in New York City last week, plugging his memoirs, which will be out in the fall, and said DeNiro fessed up when Clarence was showing him how to play the instrument properly for his role in the movie, "New York, New York." The Big Man says Bobby revealed that he borrowed Travis Bickle's catch phrase from seeing Springsteen answer the crowd's cheers of "Bruuuuuuuuce" at a concert with, "You talkin' to me?" Hopefully, Clarence's book has more good stuff like that.