MUSIC MAGNETIC | WEE NEED MORE MUSIC

Katy Perry Talks Breasts and Beyonce, Paltrow To Cover Prince on 'Glee'

2011-02-09T07:26:00.000+07:00

Katy Perry Talks Breasts, Beyonce, Hubby in Elle
Katy Perry graces the March cover of Elle, looking colorfully chic and discussing (among other things) her breasts, her relationship with Russell Brand, and how she's more in line with, say, Cyndi Lauper than a full-fledged diva like Beyonce. Regarding her shapely physique at a young age: "I had enormous boobs that I didn't know what to do with, so I wore minimizers, which were not cute… Little did I know…that these things would come in handy someday." She added regarding her career: "…I could potentially stick around." Glad to see she's confident! (Elle.com)

Gwyneth Paltrow to Duet Prince's 'Kiss' on 'Glee'
Gwyneth Paltrow will reprise her role of substitute Holly Holiday on "Glee" with a bang -- specifically, a Prince-tinged bang. Paltrow and Matthew Morrison (Mr. Schuester) will reportedly perform a steamy duet of Prince's "Kiss." The song is a coup for the "Glee" production team, as Prince does not commonly license his music for use on TV. (TV Line)

Madonna's Manager Clears Up Rumors on Twitter
Guy Oseary, Madonna's manager, took to his Twitter account today to clear up recent rumors regarding Madge. "Madonna will not be at Grammys. I have no idea where the rumor of a live dvd box set is coming from," he said, adding: "The update is that Madonna can't wait to get into the recording studio. This will happen as soon as she finishes the movie she directed." (@guyoseary)

Austin, TX Votes for Fred Durst to Be Garbage Services Namesake
The city of Austin, Texas recently took to the internet, asking internet users to choose the new name for its Solid Waste Services Department. The current leader? "The Fred Durst Society of the Humanities and Arts" -- by a huge margin. Tweeted Durst, singer of rap-rock band Limp Bizkit, in response: "I want to thank all of you who are helping me in Austin. I hope we win." Unfortunately, the city says that the name cannot be used whether it wins or no, citing that "it doesn't reflect what we really do." (TPM)

Miley Cyrus Spotted With Amy Winehouse's Ex
Miley Cyrus, 18, was photographed on Sunday curling up next to 22-year-old actor Josh Bowman, one of her costars in the upcoming film "So Undercover" -- and Amy Winehouse's ex. The two snuggled in Los Angeles' Griffith Park playing with a puppy, but as a inside source tells Us Weekly regarding Cyrus' status: "She considers herself single. "She's enjoying herself." (Us Weekly)

Rapper Lil B Dedicates New Track 'Justin Bieber' to Teen Idol
Rapper Lil B has a way of turning celeb names into the subject of songs that are usually not based in the truth but are based in all that is awesome. He's dedicated songs to Miley Cyrus, Ellen DeGeneres, and Paris Hilton -- but his latest target is none-other than teen idol Justin Bieber. On the just-released track "Justin Bieber," Lil B spits the following rhymes: "Everybody knows Justin Bieber is my cousin/Straight West Side, young Based God, it's nothing/55 Bieber, swag off the meter, 50 on my shh, 'cause I look like Bieber." (In case you aren't aware, no, Lil B does not look like the Biebs.) (Complex)

(Reporting by Jillian Mapes and Kevin Rutherford)

( News & Photo From : http://www.billboard.com )

Beyonce to headline Glastonbury with Coldplay and U2?

2011-02-09T07:25:00.000+07:00

So the current round of gossip surrounding Glastonbury 2011 headliners is that Beyonce will headline on Sunday night!

The Holy Moly gossip site are claiming that have it on good authority that the final line-up will be U2 on Friday, Coldplay on Saturday and Mrs Jay-Z on the final evening.
All this is unofficial chat at this stage so until Michael and Emily Eavis reveal the final line-up around April/May the bets will continue being placed.

Beyonce would fit in with earlier claims by Michael Eavis that one of the headliners would be a huge American artist, but it still has to be seen if he was reffering to her when he said "one that we've been after for years".

( news & Music From : http://www.music-news.com )

Christina Aguilera Stuffs Up National Anthem At Super Bowl

2011-02-08T07:37:00.000+07:00

Christina Aguilera has surprised America by mangling the words to the National Anthem at the Super Bowl today.

Christina completely missed the lyric “O’er the ramparts we watched” and instead sang ‘what so proudly we watched’ about 55 seconds into the performance.

Americans love their anthem and to flub a line is pretty much considered a national disgrace.

It was a bad year for entertainment at the Super Bowl. At Half Time, Black Eyed Peas used every musical cliché in the book and staged a performance that looked more like they were briefed for a Star Wars convention.

Bruno Mars' plea deal following his Las Vegas cocaine arrest last September has become official

2011-02-08T07:36:00.000+07:00

Bruno Mars' plea deal following his Las Vegas cocaine arrest last September has become official.

The 'Just The Way You Are' hitmaker - who was arrested at the city's Hard Rock Hotel when a member of security confronted him in a bathroom and found him with the class-A drug - formally entered his plea deal alongside lawyers Blair Berk and David Chesnoff.
According to gossip website TMZ, the 25-year-old singer agreed a "deferred adjudication" deal with the Clark County District Attorney's Office, meaning the incident will not appear on his criminal record if he stays out of trouble for a 12-month period.

The agreement is also believed to be dependent on the 'Grenade' singer completing 200 hours of community service, as well as him undergoing private treatment, after which the felony will be officially dismissed.

Bruno - real name Peter Hernandez - recently expressed his appreciation at being able to strike a plea bargain with the Clark County District Attorney's Office.

His lawyer Blair Berk said: "Bruno is very appreciative he is being given this opportunity as a first offender not to suffer any conviction and instead to have his charge dismissed. He is taking all of this quite seriously."

IS SLASH MOVING TOWARDS A GUNS N ROSES REUNION?

2011-02-08T07:35:00.000+07:00

In one way, it is rather funny that the one thing that has reunited Slash and Axl Rose in recent times has been their displeasure of Glee, the all-singing and all-dancing sickly sweet TV show. A request by the show to feature Guns N Roses music was denied by both of the main players and it was good to see that they could both agree on something.

Will there be an apology?

Things have gotten even stranger this week with Slash announcing that he would be willing to consider getting the band back together if he receives an apology from Axl Rose. This is still something that is way off, which Slash himself admits but it is a definite change in stance from the guitarist. In previous times, all talk of any possible reunion was laughed off by Slash but this comment at least indicates the chance is not completely dead.

The onus is now on Axl

Of course, this comment from Slash puts the entire onus on the lead singer to make a move, which may well be the sort of reaction that convinces Axl Rose to do nothing. By making the first move but taking none of the responsibility, Slash has made himself look good but still, at least there is at least talk about the possibility of a reunion.

Long-term fans of the band should not be dusting down their bandanas and top hats just yet but with the amount of money that will be up for grabs with a full-scale reunion featuring Slash and Axl, the wheels may start to turn on this plan.

THIN LIZZY GUITARIST AND SOLO MUSICIAN GARY MOORE DIES

2011-02-07T12:10:00.000+07:00

Gary Moore died in the early hours this passed Sunday morning on the Costa del Sol, while on holiday at the Kempinski Hotel in Estepona, Spain. His death has been confirmed by former Thin Lizzy manager Adam Parsons.

Gary Moore, originally from Belfast, Ireland, moved to Dublin in 1969 at the age of 16 to join the band Skid Row. Later, Phil Lynott the singer from Skid Row, formed Thin Lizzy and bought Moore over as guitarist. Moore also had a massive solo career, with all his projects during his career he has released over 20 studio albums, as well as a bunch of compilations and live albums.
Gary Moore's style has ranged from Hard Rock and Metal to Blues which he'd been focusing on more recently in his career. Moore would always play with everything he had, the tone he got from his guitar was screaming and his solos would knock you over. He did a wicked cover of Jimi Hendrix's Red House, check it out below.

Mikael Akerfeldt from the band Opeth commented on Moore's passing:

"We are devastated to hear about the passing of Gary Moore. Both myself and Fredrik (Åkesson; guitar) are massive fans of his, and we've been listening to his music since we're kids. He was such a integral part of our musical upbringing, so it's with great sadness we have to try and accept these horrible news. One of the very best hard rock lead guitar players EVER! We love you Gary, rest in peace."

Prince disappoints with no-show at Dallas fundraiser

2011-02-07T12:01:00.000+07:00

Prince disappointed a Dallas charity and many fans when he simply did not show up for a Friday night fundraiser. To be fair, is sounds like a classic case of massive communication failure between a number of parties.

The Purple One was due in Dallas for a Super Bowl weekend charity event for the Michael-Goss Foundation, a charity started by George Michael and his partner Kenny Goss.
Early Friday, a statement was issued by the foundation saying:

It is our understanding that River Alexander Group, the event organizer, was unable to fund and produce the evening. The organizer came to The Goss-Michael Foundation, invited us to be the beneficiary and receive some of the proceeds which would have gone to our high school scholarship program.
A short time later, the statement was rescinded with the statement "Prince has arrived in Dallas and will perform this evening."

The problem was that Prince never made it to Dallas. A source within the Prince camp told the AP that it was their understanding that the promoters had never made the proper arrangements and that they were afraid that it was a sign that the proper equipment might not be available at the venue.

"Prince is extremely disappointed that the organizers, the Meridian Entertainment Group and the River Alexander Group ... were unable bring him and his band to Dallas. They say that apparently they lost their investors and were unable to adequately fund the event. Prince was looking forward to performing in support of the Goss-Michael Foundation."
The final blow, though, was the fact that Prince's no-show was never told to the host for the evening nor announced to the public, so the people who had paid $1,500 a ticket showed up at the venue only to be told that the event was off.

( http://www.music-news.com )

Adele - 21

2011-02-01T07:57:00.000+07:00

Artist: Adele
Album: 21
Release: 24th January
Label: XL Recordings

When Adele announced herself to the world back in 2007 with her incredible single Hometown Glory, few were in any doubt that a significant new talent had arrived on the scene. Her deeply powerful and emotionally expressive vocals demanded undivided attention, and when presented in the context of her soul-inspired debut album 19 that's exactly what she received, not to mention a raft of award nominations. Indeed, such was the impact that Adele made when she first arrived in our lives that it's hard to imagine how she might replicate that excitement the second time around. Hard, that is, until you hear 21, which doesn't just live up to 19; it blows it out of the water.

Current single Rolling In The Deep opens the album with an explosion of soul swagger. Drums pound, the piano thunders and backing singers ooze attitude as Adele's inimitable vocals soar, reproaching the man foolish enough to throw her love away. From its stripped-back beginning through the crackling potency of its breakdown to its giant-sounding climax, Rolling In The Deep embodies the entire dynamic scope of 19 in under four minutes. We're given no time to collect ourselves, though, as the blistering blues stomp of Rumour Has It charges towards us with tight choral harmonies and snarling guitar, both of which drop away in a flurry of handclaps as Adele's mood suddenly drops, cushioned by a sombre combination of strings and piano that gradually lift her back towards a fiery finale.

After such an unexpectedly robust opening salvo, Turning Tables soothes us and steers us back into more familiar territory. Similar in sound to Hometown Glory, its love-weary lyrics help it to pack a greater punch. It's a glimpse of Adele as she was on 19, and it helps us to join the dots between that album and this; with heartbreak as her muse the remarkable quality of her voice is heightened by the depth of her emotion, an effect that seeps out into the music itself so that every beat and every note seems heavy with intent.

So too it is on Don't You Remember, a country-infused ballad whose slick exterior doesn't quite hide the underlying bruises, or the phenomenally powerful Set Fire To The Rain, which culminates in an orchestra of blustering strings. He Won't Go is a shuffling soul jam in a minor key, while Take It All's plaintive piano-and-vocal is punctuated by the cries of a gospel choir. The spirit of Ray Charles permeates the full-bodied groove of I'll Be Waiting, while the shimmering Hammond organ of One And Only echoes Al Green at his slow-dancing best. A cover of The Cure's Lovesong follows, and rendered as a gentle bossa nova swathed in tender strings it takes on a forlorn sadness born of unrequited devotion.

( News & Photo From : http://www.ilikemusic.com )

Chali 2Na - Fish Market Part 2

2011-02-01T07:55:00.000+07:00

Artist: Chali 2Na
Album: Fish Market Part 2
Release: 21st February
Label: Decon Records

One of the best-loved and most recognisable hip hop outfits of the late nineties and early noughties was Jurassic 5, and baritone-voiced Chali 2Na was probably the best-loved and most recognisable emcee among their number. When the crew called it a day in 2006, 2Na struck out on his own, releasing his debut solo effort Fish Market in 2009 to a warm reception paired with the general consensus that the heady heights of J5 had not been matched.

There's no word yet of a follow-up album, but in the meantime we can content ourselves with the new mixtape Fish Market Part 2, a follow up to the original Fish Market mixtape released in 2004. As with its predecessor, Fish Market Part 2 is comprised of a mixture of new and old material, including rare b-sides, collaborations and guest appearances dug out from the vaults. DJ Dez Andres of Detroit legends Slum Village joins 2Na on mixing duties.

As is inevitable with a release of this nature, Fish Market Part 2 doesn't have the kind of cohesive character and flow that one might expect from a studio album, but that having been said, nor does it suffer from the cobbled-together vibe to which some mixtapes fall prey. Twenty-two tracks in total, a handful are relatively uninteresting skits, and a few more besides are little more than curiosities; Tanya Stephens' No Bad Mon, for example, features only a brief blast of 2Na, and the Rusko-produced Gadget Go Go is impressive lyrically but aurally incongruous.

The majority of the record, however, is well worth the occasional misplaced moment. There are plenty of beautifully produced tracks, and an abundance of killer verses from 2Na, as well as a range of his emcee mates. Production highlights include FM2 Theme, which gets proceedings underway with a blend of bouncing piano and cut and scratched vocal samples, Step Yo Game Up's high-energy combination of stabbing strings and a minimal beat, Across The Map's tumbling, oriental-sounding melody, Hood Report's pitch-shifting synth sounds and the soulful groove of Wheels On The World.

2Na's baritone flow is typically charismatic, effortless and varied; as he says himself on Hood Report "pick a day and we gon' come with a fresh changed approach, syncopated rhythms and a sick range of flows." The subjects he covers are as broad as ever, with a tendency towards more conscientious topics, which he manages to explore without straying into the territory of preaching.

Fish Market Part 2 cannot compete with Jurassic 5 at their best, and nor will it fully satisfy those eagerly awaiting a new studio album from Chali 2Na, but it isn't trying to do either of those things. As a collection of previously unheard material intended to tide fans over until something more substantial surfaces it performs admirably. The standard of the music is - with one or two exceptions - consistently high, and we are reminded throughout why 2Na is so well-respected and widely loved.

Hip Hop Playlist of the Week :: Featured Tracks
Chali 2Na - Hood Report
Jurassic 5 - Freedom
Slum Village - Thelonious feat. Common

( News & Photo From : http://www.ilikemusic.com )

Queen Re-Issue First Five Albums

2011-02-01T07:51:00.000+07:00

14th March 2011 sees the re-release of Queen's first five albums - one of the most exciting and influential back catalogues of all time.

Recorded in the maelstrom of the early 1970's London music scene Queen created a groundbreaking and unique soundtrack that remains globally influential today.

Theatrical, imaginative, diverse, melodic and unpredictable they had a sound and a look all of their own. Sitting alongside their contemporaries like Led Zep and David Bowie, Queen set the standard for British rock in the 1970's and became one of the most thrilling, glamorous and downright rock n roll bands of all time, directly influencing a contemporary roll call of artists from Foo Fighters & Axl Rose to Lady Gaga and Katy Perry.

Queen, Queen II, Sheer Heart Attack, A Night At The Opera and A Day At The Races have been specially re-mastered and each will be released as a standard CD as well as a deluxe 2 disc set which will feature new bonus content. Each deluxe album will be released on iTunes featuring bonus tracks plus additional sleeve notes, unseen pictures and videos.

www.queenonline.com

Robyn Gives First Look at U.S. Tour

2011-01-31T07:59:00.000+07:00

Robyn has just come off the biggest 12 months of her 17-year career: Her Body Talk album cracked just about every best-of list, while her smash single "Dancing on My Own" earned her a Grammy nod. The Swedish pop star plans to keep the momentum going in 2011, with a 17-date U.S. tour that kicks off Saturday night in Portland, Maine — plus, top billed slots at festivals including Coachella in April and an opening gig on Katy Perry's Spring jaunt.

Robyn's reputation as one of pop's hottest and most energetic performers is well deserved. Her shows put an emphasis on musical performance over theatrical gimmicks: She's backed by a robust band that features two drummers and two keyboardists, and she can hit all the notes she puts on her records.

"My band and I are trying to connect to the audience, with the intention of doing our best show ever," Robyn tells SPIN. "I don't focus on surprises, covers, or guests — I just want to make the song that I recorded and released sound as good and genuine as possible live."
In addition to crowd favorites like "Dancing on My Own," "Hang With Me," and "Indestructible," highlights of the tour will include a ballad version of "Show Me Love," revamped takes on her Snoop Dogg collaboration "You Should Know Better," and an a cappella cover of "Dancing Queen," made famous by fellow Swedes Abba.
Robyn's eclectic approach to pop music — mixing tender, heartfelt lyrics with thumping club grooves — has helped her build one of the most diverse audiences in years, from teen girls to bespectacled music snobs and hip-hop fans. Or, as she once put it: "[It's] 35-year-old white males, hipsters, badonkadonk girls from Brooklyn, Goths, and nerdy kids."

Robyn says she's also looking forward to opening for Katy Perry's California Dreams Tour later this spring. (Robyn's dates have yet to be announced.) "She has a huge fanbase, so I'm excited to play for a whole new audience.... I don't think that Katy asks you to come on tour with her to change. She likes what we're doing."
When that's done, Robyn will hit the studio with her songwriting partner Klas Åhlund and hopes to put out EP-length releases at a quick pace similar to last year's Body Talk trilogy. "I like doing shorter formats," she explains. "I can get music out much quicker rather than having to wait years for album cycles."

Robyn U.S. Tour Dates:
1/29, Portland, ME (State Theater)
1/31, South Burlington, VT (Higher Ground)
2/1, Baltimore, MD (Ram's Head Live)
2/3, Philadelphia, PA (Electric Factory)
2/4, Boston, MA (House of Blues)
2/5, New York, NY (Radio City Music Hall)
2/7, Cleveland, OH (House of Blues)
2/8, Columbus, OH (The LC Pavilion)
2/9, Detroit, MI (Royal Oak Music Theatre
2/11, Chicago, IL (Riviera Theatre)
2/12, Milwaukee, WI (Rave Ballroom)
2/13, Minneapolis, MN (First Avenue)
2/15, Urbana, IL (Canopy Club)
2/17, Austin, TX (ACL Live @ The Moody Theater)
2/18, Dallas, TX (South Side Music Hall)
2/19, Houston, TX (Warehouse Live)
4/15, Indio, CA (Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival)

( News & Photo From : http://www.spin.com )

Jonathan Knight Breaks Silence: 'I Have Never Hidden the Fact That I Am Gay'

2011-01-31T07:55:00.000+07:00

New Kids on the Block member Jonathan Knight has made his first public comments about being gay in an emotional post on the group's members-only blog. Knight, who was inadvertently outed by fellow '80s pop star Tiffany in a recent interview, says he came out privately two decades ago and feels no need to comment further about it in public.

"I have never been outed by anyone but myself! I did so almost twenty years ago," writes Knight in the post, titled "TO ALL MY FANS WHO HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERN." "I never knew that I would have to do it all over again publicly just because I reunited with NKOTB!

"I have lived my life very openly and have never hidden the fact that I am gay!" Knight continues. "Apparently the pre requisite to being a gay public figure is to appear on the cover of a magazine with the caption 'I am gay'. I apologize for not doing so if this is what was expected! My belief is that you live your life by example, and not by a caption on a magazine! If there ever has been any confusion about my sexuality, then you are someone that doesn't even know me!"

In an interview with Bravo one week ago, Tiffany joked about dating Knight when the two were teen pop stars and later finding out he was gay. "Jonathan Knight, the quiet one, the shy one. He became gay later," said Tiffany. When asked if she thought she had "turned" him gay, Tiffany said, "I had issues with that, I was thinking maybe I did. But now looking back when we were dating he was so much fun we used to do facials together...he was so easy to talk to and he was fabulous."

Tiffany later apologized to Knight for the slip on Twitter, writing, "Really didn't know that was the wrong thing to say...Never meant to hurt Jon." Knight replied, ""Tiff, please don't lose any sleep over it!" he responded. "I know you weren't being mean and I found it to be funny!"

In his note to fans, Knight repeats his intention to keep his private life outside of public scrutiny. "I love living my life being open and honest, but at this time I choose not to discuss my private life any further! My fellow band members don't discuss their private lives with their loved ones and I don't feel that just because I am gay, I should have to discuss mine!"

( news & Photo From : http://www.billboard.com )

Charlatans and Courteeners join up to Napa Live 2011

2011-01-31T07:50:00.000+07:00

This summer off the back of last year's first ever music festival in Cyprus featuring acts from the UK indie scene alongside club nights and comedy Napa Live well has truly redefined the whole scene in Ayia Napa.

For years one of Europe's busiest party destinations has been more famous for its vibrant urban scene but since the opening of the Live Lounge back in 2009 Ayia Napa's first ever Indie and band venue there is also a new crowd in town.

June 14th - 18th the resort will host the Charlatans , the Courteeners , Twisted Wheel , the Twang along with various club nights beach, boat and pool parties featuring dj sets from the likes of London Guns (Adam Fieck of Babyshambles and Gary Powell of the Libertines).

The gigs will be held in the 1200 capacity Napa Forum (Babylon Super club) alongside a special gig on the tues 14th featuring very special mystery guests in the place it all started in the intimate atmosphere of the Live Lounge Venue who last year hosted Kids in Glass Houses in a similar very special gig.

Chris Topliss of the Live Lounge venue explained why Napa Live has taken off much like the scene in Ibiza.
" What makes Napa Live special for me is that is still feels personal, fans and the bands can be seen hanging out in the bar throughout the week and that intimacy comes across in the shows unique atmosphere.It's like one big party where everyone is invited to the aftershow and this year the line up are all bands we just love"

( News From : http://www.music-news.com )

The Beatles Degree Gets Its First Graduate

2011-01-30T08:25:00.001+07:00

Mary-Lu Zahalan-Kennedy has become the first person to graduate with a degree in The Beatles.

Liverpool Hope University launched the Master of Arts course ‘The Beatles – Popular Music and Society’ in 2009.
According to the University website the course is, “A unique opportunity to study in the city of Liverpool, home of The Beatles and with access to leading Popular Music academics and Beatles specialists, this MA is the only one of its kind in the UK and the world.” 

“This MA will examine the significance of the music of the Beatles in the construction of identities, audiences, ethnicities and industries, and localities; by doing so it will suggest ways to understand popular music as a social practice, focusing attention on issues such as the role of music in the construction of regional identities, concepts of authenticity, aesthetics, meaning, value, performance, and the use of popular music as a discursive evocation of place. Furthermore, in a consideration of popular music as a text, popular music semiotics will also be employed”.

“This MA will be of interest to those working in the fields of popular music studies, cultural studies, social anthropology, politics, gender studies, and musicology, among others. Such a course is an essential addition to the discipline of Popular Music Studies”.

The Course is broken into four parts:
-Texts and Contexts: Understanding Popular Music - This will offer the student an understanding of how Popular Music Studies has expanded and developed to deal with the changing nature of popular music over the past 50 years. This module will also provide students with contextually related research methods.
-Topics in History: Liverpool - This module will introduce and discuss musical production and consumption within the post WWII era and will discuss the roles of locality, economics, space and place, and other issues specifically relating to Merseyside.

-Musicology and the Beatles - In this module students will take a popular music semiotics approach and will textually analyse a variety of Beatles material.
-Historical and Critical Approaches - Students will be invited to study a more ethnographic approach to the Beatles, the various cultural discourses surrounding their music, and the local tourist industry established in Liverpool to capitalise on the group.

Mary-Lu is from Ontario, Canada and moved to Liverpool two years ago to study the course. She will return to Canada and resume her job as a teacher in Popular Music Studies./By Paul Cashmere

( News & Photo From : http://www.undercover.fm )

Bruno Mars To Plead Guilty To Cocaine Possession

2011-01-30T08:22:00.000+07:00

Pop singer Bruno Mars will plead guilty to a charge of possessing cocaine in Las Vegas last September and receive probation, among other sentencing requirements, according to a media report on Friday.

Clark County District Attorney David Roger told the Las Vegas Review Journal that Mars will be sentenced to a year of probation, pay a $2,000 fine, perform 200 hours of community service and attend drug counseling. Roger also said that if Mars is able to complete his sentencing without getting into further trouble, he can withdraw his plea and the case will be dismissed. The newspaper said that type of sentencing was common in minor, first-time drug possession cases.

Mars, 25, currently has the No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with "Grenade," a song that has been at No. 1 three of the last six weeks (video below). The Hawaii-born, Los Angeles-based crooner rose to the top of the pop charts in 2010 with "Nothin' on You," his collaboration with rapper B.o.B. He co-wrote Travie McCoy's "Billionaire" and collaborated with Cee-Lo Green on Grammy-nominated song "F*ck You" before scoring a solo hit with the ballad "Just the Way You Are."
But 2010 was marred by his September arrest in which a bathroom attendant at Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel saw Mars, whose real name is Peter Hernandez, with "a baggy of white powder," according to a police report at the time. The powder was later tested and found to be cocaine.

Mars had been due in court in Clark County, where Las Vegas is located, for a Feb. 4 preliminary hearing, but he will waive that appearance and a new court date will be scheduled where he will be expected to enter the guilty plea.

(Additionall reporting by Andy Gensler, Billbaord) ( http://www.billboard.com )

Pantera's Vinnie Paul quoshes reunion rumours

2011-01-30T08:17:00.000+07:00

Vinnie Paul responds to Pantera reunion rumours.

Vinnie Paul douses the rumour the metal legends Pantera will reunite.

The drummer for Pantera and HellYeah spoke to Russian site Darkside and responded to speculation that the metal outfit may reunite without murdered guitarist Dimebag Darrell.

Vinnie Paul said, 't's ridiculous. Dime was such a huge part of it; it would be just completely asinine to even consider that. I think it's pretty disrespectful from people to even suggest it. He left an amazing legacy and it's gonna be left untouched, it's beautiful, it's pristine and I wanna leave it that way. I am really proud of what I do with [HellYeah]. Of course the history of Pantera speaks for itself. I want him to always be known as 'the dude', you know. Period. Forever."

The interviewer suggested that comments about the possible reunion were actually criticising Vinnie Paul for suggesting it.

Vinnie Paul was quick to correct the blogosphere: 'No no, I have never said this was possible. Not me. Might've been some other clowns that used to be in that band, but not me. (laughs)'

Pantera broke up in 2003 and their beloved guitarist Dimebag Darrell was murdered onstage while playing for new band Damageplan in 2004.

( News & Photo From : http://www.music-news.com )

Bret Michaels Released from Hospital After Heart Surgery

2011-01-27T07:47:00.000+07:00

A Phoenix hospital says rock star Bret Michaels has been released.

St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center said Wednesday that Michaels left the hospital after undergoing a successful heart procedure.

A doctor who treated Michaels says the procedure to fix a hole in Michaels' heart produced excellent results and he expects the singer to return to normal activities in a few weeks.

Doctors discovered the hole in April when Michaels was treated for a brain hemorrhage.

Surgeons Monday inserted a catheter into a vein in Michaels' groin with a closure device attached. Tiny cameras assisted doctors as they operated to close the hole.

Doctors said the closure device will stay in Michaels' heart permanently to stop abnormal blood flow between two chambers of his heart, which is thought to have caused the warning stoke Michaels suffered.

( News & Photo From : http://www.billboard.com )

Jay-Z to Produce 'Annie' Remake Starring Willow Smith; 50 Cent Promises New Album

2011-01-27T07:45:00.001+07:00

Jay-Z Will Produce 'Annie' Remake Starring Willow Smith
Jay-Z has made a deal to co-produce a new movie based on the musical Annie with Willow Smith in the lead role. Jay-Z will produce the film in a joint venture with Overbrook Entertainment and Willow's parents Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith. The project is a natural for Jay-Z — he scored a hit by adapting a song from the musical into the single "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" and Willow just recently signed a record deal with his Roc Nation label. [Billboard]

50 Cent Promises New Album
50 Cent has told MTV that he has finished "80 percent" of his forthcoming album, tentatively titled Black Magic, and that the record should be in stores sometime this summer. The new disc is set to include collaborations with Eminem, Boi-1da, Alex Da Kid and the Surf Club. [MTV]

Tori Amos Musical to Open in 2012
Tori Amos has written a musical that will debut at London's National Theatre in April of 2012. No details about the production have been released thus far, but given that Amos has becoming increasingly devoted to writing narrative-driven concept albums this new project makes a lot of sense. [BBC]

Wiz Khalifa Announces New Album
Stoner rapper Wiz Khalifa has announced that his new album Rolling Papers will be in stores on March 29th. The record will feature appearances by Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross and Curren$y. No tracklisting has been provided, but the album will likely include his current hit "Black and Yellow." [Billboard]

Ke$ha Tour Sells Out
Ke$ha's first headlining tour in North America has completely sold out. The singer will begin her Get $leazy tour of large theaters at Portland, Oregon's Crystal Ballroom on February 15th. [Entertainment Tonight]

( News & Photo From : http://www.rollingstone.com )

KORN LOOKING TO MAKE IT A PERFECT 10

2011-01-27T07:43:00.000+07:00

It isn't that long ago since Korn last released an album, but news that the nu metal act are scheduled to hit the studio in April is sure to have fans excited at the prospect of new material. In 2010, the band released 'Korn III: Remember Who You Are', and although it had Korn III in the title, it was actually the bands ninth studio record.

Fashions and trends have never stopped Korn

This means that the next album will be the band’s tenth album, a cause for celebration. Not too many acts make it to releasing ten studio albums and Korn have battled through a lot to get to this stage. Fashion and trends have not always been with the band over the years but the act have never really bothered too much about what those outside the camp think of their music.

Although a lot can change in the studio, the early impressions coming from the band indicates that a change or tweak to the common Korn sound may be in place for this record. Bands usually talk up a new record as being fresh and innovative for the act but with talk of obtaining a Seattle grunge sound on their demos, Korn may be ready to surprise the world with their new release.

No release dates yet but exciting times ahead

As you would expect from such an early stage, there is no information about song titles, album titles or expected release dates but the fact that the band are gearing up for recording in April is a positive sign that new Korn material may be with the world before too long.

( News & Photo From : Metal.com )

Don Henley gets Alison Krauss and Ronnie Dunn on new album

2011-01-27T07:41:00.000+07:00

Ronnie Dunn from Brooks & Dunn has dropped a little bit of info on the new Don Henley solo album. He says he has been in the studio with Don and Alison Krauss.

'Sang on the new Don Henley record, Friday. Don, Allison Krauss and my unqualified self. I was in WAY over my head in that talent pool. Hope it came off to good. Also, Stan Lynch (Google that name...) another hero, was involved. Lucky me!,' Dunn wrote on Facebook.

Henley started work on his first solo album in 11 years last week in Nashville with Stan Lynch (ex-Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers) producing.

The album Dunn and Krauss will appear on will be an album of country covers although Henley has stated previous that he is working on two new solo albums.

The covers album returns the favor country artists did for Henley and the Eagles when they gathered in 1993 to record 'Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles'. Brooks & Dunn were on of the acts that contributed to the record. They covered 'Best of My Love'.

The Eagles had disbanded 13 years before the release of 'Common Thread: the Songs of the Eagles'. The project was the catalyst for their reformation in 1994.

( news & Photo by http://www.music-news.com )

Canadian Federal Watchdog Urges Agency To Reconsider Ban of Dire Straits Song

2011-01-22T06:55:00.000+07:00

Radio stations are confused over ruling to ban 'Money for Nothing' from airwaves

Canada's broadcast regulator, the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission, has put pressure on the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council to reconsider its decision to ban Dire Straits' 1985 hit "Money for Nothing" from Canadian airwaves for including an anti-gay slur.

The CRTC received more then 250 complaints about the CBSC's decision to remove the song, which is a long-established staple of rock radio stations. Many of the complaints were understandably confused about the distinction between the two organizations: The CRTC is a federal watchdog agency and the CBSC is a non-government industry group set up by private broadcasters to set ethical standards.

Confusion about the authority of the CBSC has led to uncertainty about how to enforce the ruling among many Canadian radio stations. The CBSC's regional panel had only sanctioned the station in St. John's, Newfoundland where the original complaint about the song originated. The CRTC has sent a letter urging the CBSC to more thoughtfully examine the artistic intent of the Dire Straits tune, taking into account that it has been played countless times over the past 25 years.

(new & photo from : http://www.rollingstone.com )

BEHEMOTH FRONTMAN NERGAL RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL

2011-01-22T06:50:00.000+07:00

Fans of Polish Death Metal band Behemoth will be delighted to know that front-man Nergal has been released from hospital after a 6 month battle with leukemia. The singer was diagnosed with the condition in August of 2010, which forced the cancellation of a series of gigs around the world. Amongst the canceled shows was a planned performance at the Finnish Sonisphere festival and an American tour scheduled for December.

Home beckons for Nergal

Internet rumours indicated the singer was in an extremely bad way with the condition but following chemotherapy, irradiation and a successful bone marrow transplant, the front-man has been allowed to return home.

The next few months will see Nergal recover and build his strength, but his thoughts are already turning towards the band and hitting the road once more. Whether Nergal considers this to be a second chance or he just wants to make up for lost time, when Behemoth are ready to hit the road again, the shows are set to be explosive.

No news on any stage return yet

Fans of the band have the recently released live DVD, featuring a collection of concerts from recent years, to tide them over but there will be a growing clamour for shows from the band. It is unlikely they will be in a position to return to the stage for this summer’s festival circuit but depending on Nergal’s rate of recovery, plans may be made sooner rather than later to see Behemoth back on the gig circuit.

Whenever that happens, news of the singers release from hospital can only be considered a good thing and fans of the band will no doubt see this as a hugely positive step.

( news & photo from : metal.com )

Liam Gallagher's dandruff snorted by fan

2011-01-22T06:48:00.000+07:00

The former Oasis frontman has told Q Magazine that a fan picked a flake from his scalp just after he performed a Glastonbury set, and then casually inhailed it thinking it was cocaine.

Liam revealed that as he's got the skin condition psoriasis he's prone to flaky bits.

"I've got bad skin. I've got psoriasis all over my f****** body. Everywhere except for me face. And every now and again on me head"
.

He told Q magazine the incident occured backstage after Oasis performed at the massive South East festival.

"Everyone's backstage and this geezer comes up to me off his tits, going 'I ain't seen Oasis for f****** years, f****** great' and I'm going 'yeah, alright'.

"And he goes to his mate. 'look Steve, he's even got cocaine in his hair'. And he pulls a bit of shit out me hair."

Beady Eye's debut album 'Different Gear, Still Speeding' is out February 28.

( news @ photo from : http://www.music-news.com )

Bootleg Beatles seek new John Lennon

2011-01-21T07:51:00.000+07:00

he country's first and foremost tribute band the Bootleg Beatles, are on the look-out for a new Lennon to replace Neil Harrison who is retiring from the band after 31 years.

The bands flawless and authentic performances have wowed audiences and media alike. Even former Beatle, George Harrison, was impressed enough to quip 'You probably know the chords better than I do!' after seeing their performance. So outstanding musicianship and vocals are a must - a physical resemblance to the great man wouldn't go amiss either!

The Bootleg Beatles perform over 30 UK theatre & arena shows a year, including their annual sell-out date at the Royal Albert Hall. Last year also saw them tour South America & Europe as well as performing a headline set on the Acoustic Stage at the Glastonbury Festival.

To be considered for audition, aspiring Lennons should submit an mp3 and/or mp4, photo & CV to auditions@bootlegbeatles.com.

( News & Photo From : http://www.music-news.com )

Prince and Madonna End Decades-Long Feud

2011-01-21T07:50:00.000+07:00

Madonna was among the special guests at Prince's show in Manhattan this week
By Us Weekly

Fellow music superstars Prince and Madonna appear to have ended their decades-long feud.

The Material Girl, 52, was among the celebrities cheering on Prince's sold-out Tuesday show at NYC's Madison Square Garden. (Other A-listers in attendance: Jimmy Fallon, Donald and Melania Trump and an awestruck Leighton Meester, whom Prince serenaded onstage.)

During the show, an attendee reports that Prince, also 52, made a good-natured joke about the high price of Madonna's concert tickets. "I know I'm expensive!" he joshed, then making a friendly call-out to Madonna by name.

Things were far less friendly between the pair, who briefly dated in 1985 and who dueted on "Love Song," a track from Madonna's 1988 Like a Prayer album.

Madonna sniped in an interview that Prince was a "little troll," and quipped in 1994 that he wouldn't eat during a dinner date. "He was just sipping tea, very daintily," Madonna said. "I have this theory about people who don't eat. They annoy me."

For his part, Prince slammed Madonna — and her growing brood of children — during a 2007 concert in London, sniping, "I got so many hits y'all can't handle me. I got more hits than Madonna's got kids."

( News & Photo From : http://www.rollingstone.com )