Archive - December 19th - 29th, 2006
Friday, December 29th, 2006:
●
VH1 Pays Tribute To James Brown:
Originally aired January 13 of 2005, "(inside)Out: James Brown's Last
Chance," chronicled Mr. Brown along his rocky road to resuscitate his
reputation, recapture his audience, and regain his place in American Pop
Culture. VH1 had unprecedented access to Mr. Brown and his world,
including his trusted inner circle: his new wife, Tomi Rae Brown; his
manager, "SuperFrank," and his trusted 40-year associate, Mr. Bobbit.
Sadly, the documentary marked the final, most significant look into the
private world of this legendary artist.
Narrated by the Rev. Al Sharpton, "(inside)Out" followed Mr. Brown on
the road, and revealed the toll it took on the aging legend. Although
James Brown was full of life and passion for his craft at the time, he
was struggling to reestablish himself as a marketable force on the
current music industry landscape. VH1 will re-air the special on Friday
December 29 at 1:00 p.m.
In addition to VH1's programming, VH1 Classic will honor the late James
Brown by re-airing the music legend's final televised appearance from
last month's "Third Annual UK Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony."
The special extended edition of the induction ceremony will re-air on
Friday, December 29 at 11:00 PM.
Brown, dubbed the "Hardest Working Man in Show Business" was inducted at
London's Alexandra Palace last November and performed his classic hit "I
Feel Good."
The show originally aired on VH1 Classic on Friday, November 24. Artists
honored along with Brown included Brian Wilson, Led Zeppelin, Prince,
Rod Stewart, Dusty Springfield and Bon Jovi as well as legendary Beatles
producer Sir George Martin who received this year's Honorary Membership
in recognition of his exceptional contribution to British music.
Throughout the weekend, VH1 Classic will also air some of Brown's most
notable videos including "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" and "Living In
America" as well "(inside)Out: James Brown's Last Chance" on Friday,
December 29 at 10:00 PM.
"The Godfather of Soul," "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business,"
"Mr. Dynamite" -- James Brown indisputably earned each of these mighty
titles. Brown's impact and influence on American music is undeniable,
and he had 54 Top Ten Singles, and 44 gold records to show for it.
Brown will be remembered for his electrifying stage performances, his
athletic stamina, mastery in musicianship and split-second timing. When
people think of James Brown they will always recall his the sum of his
legendary greatness.
*all times ET/PT
●
Final Update Of 2006:
The past week hasn't been full of information but we managed to squeeze
some additional news in as the year comes to a close. The next update
will be January 3rd, the primary focus will be on upcoming '07 releases.
As a reminder January 8th, 2006 will see our "Best Of 2006" released for everyone to read. The "Best Of" will include a monster amount of information pertaining to upcoming album releases, a look back at 2006, our personal pick's for best song of the year, album of the year and tons of additional catagories. Everything is currently being finalized and checked over.
Have a wonderful New Years, stay safe! To all our friends in the Colorado area "STAY WARM!"
Happy New Year!!
Tony & Jere
Thursday, December 28th, 2006:
●
Lucky Boys Confusion - New Song, New Album?:
In September '06 the band announced the had plans to go on an indefinite
hiatus. "As you've no doubt noticed, we haven't announced our fall tour
dates yet. The reason being is that the band, after 9 years playing
together, is going on an indefinite hiatus. We basically burned
ourselves out after our 9 week tour this summer and most of us are
looking forward to being home for awhile and having some sense of
normality."
Now comes word via the bands MySpace page that a new song "Blood Drops" can be heard. The bigger item here is that the band will be releasing a new album entitled "Live And Acoustic In Chicago." More details coming soon, check their MySpace page to listen to this new song: www.myspace.com/luckyboysconfusion
●
Seger To Tape Detroit Shows:
Bob Seger told a 1975 audience at Detroit's Cobo Arena, where he taped
his famed "Live Bullet" album, that it "might just end up on a record."
He'll be able to say it again this week at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
Seger and his Silver Bullet Band will be filming and taping the final
two nights of their four-show home stand Thursday and Saturday at the
Palace in suburban Detroit. There's no word yet on what will become of
the material, although a Seger source told Billboard.com that "obviously
we're intending to do something with it, sooner rather than later."
Seger told Billboard.com that the multi-night stand means that Detroit
is "probably the best place to do it," but the hometown factor also
works in its favor. "Obviously nobody knows our stuff better than
Detroit," Seger said.
He's released two concert albums, "Live Bullet" in 1976 and "Nine
Tonight" in 1981, but never made a concert video.
The taping has fans wondering if Kid Rock -- with whom Seger shares
manager Punch Andrews -- will make another guest appearance to recreate
their duet on Vince Gill's "Real Mean Bottle," which the two Michigan
rockers recorded for Seger's latest album, "Face the Promise." Rock
closed the show with Seger on December 20, but is scheduled to be in
Iraq entertaining troops until Friday. Still, he's expected back in time
for Saturday's concert.
Full Article: http://today.reuters.com/news/
● News Tidbits:
» Sting rocked classical charts in 2006
» Guns N' Roses Set Fire to the Stage in L.A.
» Buckcherry Want 'Everything' for Christmas
Wednesday, December 27th, 2006:
● New TV Captures:
» Goo Goo Dolls - 12.23.06 - Carson Daly
» Twisted Sister - Late Late Show - 12.22.06
Additional Captures:
» Scott Weiland - 12.18.06 - Leno
» Hall & Oates - 12.23.06 - Kimmel
» Miley Cyrus, Aly & AJ - 12.25.06 - Disney Parade
» LeAnn Rimes - 12.25.06 - Macy's Tree Lighting
●
Anberlin - New Trailer & EP:
Hey Everyone!
Our new album, "Cities," will be in stores everywhere on February 20th!
Right now you can listen to just a taste of the new album at
purevolume.com.
"Cities" will be available in two versions. The "Cities" Special Edition
includes 3 bonus tracks plus a bonus DVD with a behind-the-scenes look
at the making of "Cities," featuring never-before-seen footage,
interviews with the band, and more.
This 3 minute clip is just a small taste of what you can expect on the
Special Edition bonus DVD and a glimpse into the amazing world of
Anberlin. Check out the "Cities" video teaser
here!
Don't forget to download the "Godspeed" EP at iTunes starting December
28th featuring the album track "Godspeed" and an unreleased "Cities"
B-Side, "The Haunting!" Download Now:
www.apple.com
Merry Christmas!
Anberlin
● News Tidbits:
» Former President Ford dies at 93
» Rocker Thorogood leads blues chart for 2nd year
» Signed Beatles Album Cover Auctioned
» James Brown's Body to Lie at Apollo
» Sony BMG settles suit over CDs
» BBC moves to file-sharing sites
Monday, December 25th, 2006:
● The "Godfather Of Soul" Leaves Us:
James Brown, the legendary R&B belter, a
singer and songwriter who created a foundation for funk and provided the
roots of rap, a man of many nicknames but a talent that can only be
described as one of a kind, is dead.
Brown died early Monday at Atlanta's Emory Crawford Long Hospital of
congestive heart failure, his agent said. He was 73.
"The most difficult thing is for me to stand here without him. We were a
team," Charles Bobbit, Brown's personal manager, told reporters Monday.
Pausing to fight back tears, Bobbit said he was at Brown's bedside when
he died.
Brown told him, "I'm going away tonight."
Then he took three long, quiet breaths, and closed his eyes, Bobbit
said.
Brown was in Atlanta for a dental appointment when he fell ill and was
admitted to the hospital over the weekend for pneumonia.
"It appears what happened is that he did die of a heart attack as a
result of his pneumonia," the singer's agent Frank Copsidas told CNN
Radio.
Brown -- known variously as "the Godfather of Soul," "The Hardest
Working Man in Show Business," "Soul Brother Number One" and "Mr.
Dynamite" (and often introduced as all of the above) -- was known for
his elastic dance moves, razor-sharp musicianship and all-stops-out
performances.
Read The Full Article: www.cnn.com
A true legend in the music world with timeless material that will live on forever. Trends Come And Go But Great Music Lasts A Lifetime, our website message never fit so well. Rest In Peace James....
Friday, December 22nd, 2006:
● Uncle Joe's Rockin' Xmas Show 2006:
Three Hours of Classic Rock Christmas Songs
plus Rare Nuggets with Joe Benson's Artist Interviews and signature
stories
Airing on 95.5 KLOS, Los Angeles 5pm Christmas Eve and 10am Christmas
Day
Featuring interviews and greetings from Kenny Aronoff, Barenaked Ladies,
Don Barnes of 38 Special, Martin Barre & Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull,
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, David Coverdale of Whitesnake John Densmore
of The Doors, Joe Elliott & Vivian Campbell of Def Leppard, Mick
Fleetwood, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson of Rush,
Nick Mason of Pink Floyd, Steve Miller, Paul O'Neill of the Trans
Siberian Orchestra, Steve Perry, Tom Petty, Ed Roland of Collective Soul
Tom Scholz & Brad Delp of Boston, Bob Seger, Brian Setzer, George
Thorogood and Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart
Hour One:
The Brian Setzer Orchestra: "Sleigh Ride"
John Lennon & Yoko Ono: "Happy Christmas (War Is Over)"
Trans Siberian Orchestra: "Wizards In Winter"
Steve Lukather & Edgar Winter: "Winterwonderland"
Keith Richards: "Run Run Rudolph"
Eric Clapton & Sheryl Crow: "Merry Christmas Baby"
38 Special: "Halleujah! It's Christmas"
Bob Seger: "Sock It To Me Santa"
Pat Benatar: "Please Come Home For Christmas"
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers: "Christmas All Over"
The Kinks: "Father Christmas"
Heart: "Here Is Christmas"
Chris Isaak: "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer"
Randy Bachman: "Taking Care Of Christmas"
Bruce Springsteen: "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town"
Ted Nugent: "Deck The Halls"
Hour Two:
The Brian Setzer Orchestra: "Dig That Crazy Santa Clause"
Collective Soul: "Blue Christmas"
Billy Idol: "Christmas Love"
Eagles: "Please Come Home For Christmas"
Jethro Tull: "A Christmas Song"
Jethro Tull: "Another Christmas Song"
Steven Tyler: "Rockin' On Top Of The World"
David Bowie & Bing Crosby: "Little Drummer Boy"
Pink Floyd: "Merry Merry"
Queen: "Thank God It's Christmas"
Billy Squier: "Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You"
The Pretenders: "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
Trans Siberian Orchestra: "Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/24"
Gary Hoey: "'Tis The Season"
Paul McCartney: "Wonderful Christmastime"
Elvin Bishop: "Silent Night"
Lynyrd Skynyrd: "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer"
Hour Three:
U2: "Christmas Baby (Please Come Home)"
Boston: "God Rest Ye Metal Gentlemen"
Jon Bon Jovi: "Blue Christmas"
George Thorogood: "Rock & Roll Christmas"
The Black Crowes: "Back Door Santa"
John Mellencamp: "Teddi's Song (When Christmas Comes)"
Barenaked Ladies: "CSNY"
Camp Freddy: "Merry Christmas Everybody"
Greg Lake: "I Believe In Father Christmas"
Styx: "All I Want"
Beach Boys: "Little St. Nick"
Chris Isaak & Stevie Nicks: "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town"
Bryan Adams: "Run Rudolph Run"
Bruce Springsteen: "Merry Christmas Baby"
The Brian Setzer Orchestra: "Jingle Bells"
AC/DC: "Mistress For Christmas"
Mick Jagger & Joss Stone: "Lonely Without You (This Christmas)"
Emerson, Lake & Palmer: "Nutrocker"
Lynyrd Skynyrd: "Classical Christmas"
A 38-year radio veteran, "Uncle Joe" Benson does the afternoon drive
shift at 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles and the nationally syndicated Off The
Record program. He also authored the acclaimed Uncle Joe's Record Guide
series of Rock & Roll history books.
Since the mid-Eighties, Joe has assembled an annual compilation of Rock
& Roll Holiday Songs celebrating the Christmas season. This is the
seventh year of international syndication for the show.
Online Stream: www.955klos.com / Apparently due to some lovely restrictions they will not be streaming this show online. For those lucky enough to receive the actual radio program we hope you have a fun time listening.
●
The Best Of Rocky:
While the new Rocky movie was recently released to theatres the
promotion still continues. This collection contains new material by
Academy Award winners Three 6 Mafia, and a remix of Bill Conti's
original Rocky score track "Gonna Fly Now." These new tracks are
exclusive to this release and are surrounded by classic tracks from
previous Rocky films.
This disc will hit store shelves on 12/26/06 at the approximate price of
$14.00.
1. Gonna Fly Now (Theme From Rocky) - DeEtta
Little & Nelson Pigford
2. Eye Of The Tiger - Survivor
3. Going The Distance
4. Living In America - James Brown
5. Redemption (Theme From Rocky II)
6. Fanfare For Rocky
7. Burning Heart - Survivor
8. Conquest
9. Adrian
10. No Easy Way Out - Robert Tepper
11. Rocky's Reward
12. Alone In The Ring
13. Heart's On Fire - John Cafferty
14. Can't Stop The Fire
15. Mickey
16. Overture
17. It's A Flight - Three 6 Mafia
18. Gonna Fly Now (John X Remix) - Natalie Wilde
Pre-Order: www.walmart.com
●
Happy Holidays:
Everyone have a wonderful weekend, Happy Holidays! Updates will return
on Wednesday, December 27th and run until the 29th at which point there
will be no updates again until January 3rd, 2007. On January 3rd we will
post screenshots of performances that were done at the various New Years
Eve party's.
Thursday, December 21st, 2006:
● Garfunkel To Release 12th Solo Disc In '07:
Art Garfunkel is set to release his 12th
solo album, Some Enchanted Evening, out January 30, 2007, on Atco
Records. For the album, recorded in Los Angeles and New York over the
last year, Garfunkel rejoined forces with producer Richard Perry (Barbra
Streisand, Rod Stewart, Carly Simon, Ringo Starr, Pointer Sisters, Harry
Nilsson), who recorded Garfunkel's 1975 platinum-selling Breakaway
album.
Some Enchanted Evening is a musical celebration of material from the
20th century's greatest songwriters, including Rodgers & Hammerstein,
Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, Antonio Carlos Jobim and George Gershwin.
"I've been loving this stuff all my life," Garfunkel says. The album is
the organic next chapter in Garfunkel's life, as he reflects on
fatherhood (he had his second son last year) and the chaotic world we
live in: "In this nervous world, I want to soothe. It's a great time for
moderation, for thoughtfulness, for dialogue, for the great Exhale, for
humor. A great time for a sweet sound, a visceral, charming, prayerful
sound."
In teaming with his friend and associate, Richard Perry, Garfunkel found
a forum for his revered vocal style, recapturing the spirit of their
Breakaway sessions, which produced the hit "I Only Have Eyes For You."
"In a sense, Richard and I picked up where we left off. This album is
Richard's elegant production, it fits me good, and I am especially proud
of it," says Garfunkel. "Some of the songs I brought in, like 'Some
Enchanted Evening' and Harold Arlen's 'Let's Fall In Love.' I had my
favorites and he had his, like 'Life Is But A Dream' and 'Quiet Nights'
... We both love Johnny Mathis and Chet Baker."
Garfunkel performs regularly with his own band as well as symphony
orchestras, he will appear in Hong Kong for the first time ever later
this month. He will tour the U.S. and Europe beginning January 6 in
Cerritos, California, with dates confirmed through late April.
Garfunkel says, "Before I chased The Beatles with our Simon & Garfunkel
albums, before Buddy Holly, doo-wop, and the Everly Brothers, there was
-- for me, as a kid -- Jo Stafford, Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday, and
these beautiful songs."
The complete track listing of Some Enchanted Evening is below:
1. I REMEMBER YOU (Victor Schertzinger/Johnny Mercer)
2. SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME (George Gershwin/Ira Gershwin)
3. LET'S FALL IN LOVE (Harold Arlen/Ted Koehler)
4. I'M GLAD THERE IS YOU (Paul Madeira/Jimmy Dorsey)
5. QUIET NIGHTS OF QUIET STARS (CORCOVADO) (Antonio Carlos Jobim/Gene
Lees)
6. EASY LIVING (Leo Robin / Ralph Rainger)
7. I'VE GROWN ACCUSTOMED TO HER FACE (Alan Jay Lerner/Frederick Loewe)
8. YOU STEPPED OUT OF A DREAM (Gus Kahn/Nacio Herb Brown)
9. SOME ENCHANTED EVENING (Richard Rodgers/Oscar Hammerstein II)
10. IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU (Johnny Burke/Jimmy Van Heusen)
11. LIFE IS BUT A DREAM (Raoul Cita / Hy Weiss )
12. WHAT'LL I DO (Irving Berlin)
13. IF I LOVED YOU (Richard Rodgers/Oscar Hammerstein II)
●
As The Year Ends...:
As we close out another year many late night programs are adding some
pretty decent musicians. I've compiled a list that features some high
quality musicians.
Thursday, December 21st -
The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson - Performer: Hinder
Friday, December 22nd -
The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson - Performer: Twisted Sister
Friday/Saturday, December 22nd/23rd -
Jimmy Kimmel Live - Performer: Hall & Oates
Friday/Saturday, December 22nd/23rd -
Last Call With Carson Daly - Performer: The Goo Goo Dolls
Check your local listings for the stations & times.
---Christmas Special---
Monday, December 25th -
The 59th Lighting Of The Great Tree At Macy's - Performances By: LeAnn Rimes, Third Day, Truth Squad, George Huff And Macy's Holiday All-Star Choir.
As far as new years eve goes for those of us who prefer to stay in doors, you really have your pick this time around.
There's Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2007 that will have performances by:
Christina Aguilera, Fergie, Natasha Bedingfield, Meat Loaf, RBD, Ludacris, Rihanna & KT Tunstall. Now before those performances Dick Clark has a Primetime show on that will feature Rihanna, KT Tunstall, Rascal Flatts and the stars of the Broadway musical "Jersey Boys." There are always tons of Celebrities who make appearances through-out the night. Vanessa Williams, Tommy Lee, William Shatner, Tori Spelling, Katharine McPhee and others will be there.
This year even MTV has gotten into the New Year's spirit, MTV Goes Gold: New Year's Eve 2007. Performances by: Gwen Stefani, Nas, Pussycat Dolls, Ciara, AFI, Chamillionaire, Lady Sovereign, Three 6 Mafia and appearances by Timbaland, Fall Out Boy, Hayden Panitierre and Perez Hilton.
Carson Daly will host NBC's New Year's Eve from Times Square and Panic! at the Disco will perform. He will have a pre-show as well no word on who will perform, if anyone.
Cat Deeley will host New Year's Eve '06 for FOX with performances by Toni Braxton & Daughtry.
I am sure there are more events on TV as well as online. Check your local listings for the stations & times. No matter what you choose to watch or do have a wonderful time!
● News Tidbits:
» New Avril Lavigne album due in April (As Previously Reported)
» TRANSFORMERS - Movie Trailer (Trying To Have Some Fun During The Holidays)
» Downtown: Journey Of A Heart Pre-Order (United States Release)
» Peter Boyle of 'Everybody Loves Raymond' dies
Wednesday, December 20th, 2006:
● Journey Announces Yet Another Change (Island Report):
Through-out history there has been high
points as well as low points. This holds true in life & in business, but
sometimes these things mesh together. It was
announced last night that Steve Augeri has been permanently relieved of
his lead vocal duties for the band Journey. Stepping in will be vocalist
Jeff Scott Soto. In 2004 Journey Guitarist Neal Schon formed Soul SirkUS
with Jeff Scott Soto. The band released technically 2 albums and played
a handful of live shows before calling it quits to pursue other
projects.
To some this change in Journey may come as a bit of a shock but for many
this is just the boom after the storm. After a summer of controversial
news surrounding Steve Augeri this new information just adds
another chink in the Journey legacy chain. As Journey's summer tour with
Def Leppard rolled on there were no official statements made,
hardly any interviews done and they even had a great opportunity to be
on the nationally syndicated radio call in show "Rockline" to
clear the air with their fans but even that appearance was cancelled.
This isn't the first time the band has been in controversy. In 1986
members Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon and singer Steve Perry ousted
bandmates Steve Smith & Ross Valory because they were not capturing the
sound "Journey" was looking for. What happened then is very similar to
what has happened in 2006. Steve Augeri was ousted not because he
couldn't cut it, but because the band was looking to go in a different
direction with a different sound. Is it really that cut and dry?
Clearly not when you consider in recent years that longtime Journey
members haven't been fan friendly. Their official website has very
little to do with the actual band which makes no sense after all
what is the point of having an official website if you aren't using it?
Will any real music fan know the truth behind this legendary band, from
Perry's 1996/97 departure to Augeri's oust in 2006?
Many questions were posed when the summer started and Jeff Scott Soto
was announced as the temporary lead singer yet there has been no
answers. There's always a cover story, a piece of information that
allows the band to push forward so they can avoid the real truth as to
what is happening with the music we all have grown to love.
What is lost in the mix is that the music we have all come to love is
dieing. Journey and other bands like them are at the end of their
careers like it or not and are not pushing the younger talent that
is out there. These fresh new acts have drawn inspiration from legendary
classic rock bands and yet they have to work harder then ever to be
noticed. This has nothing to do with the music industry, this has
everything to do with legends not giving back to the people that made
them.
Neal Schon & Company have once again attempted to push "Journey" in a
different direction. Yet again opening themselves up to the post Perry
accusation that they can not cut it without "The Voice." It has been
said that when someone takes over a position in any situation the 2nd
person always has the hardest job. Steve Augeri had the most difficult
job in the "Journey" lifeline because he had to show that the band could
in fact move on without Steve Perry. While there were no monster hits,
hardly any radio interviews & TV appearances, Steve fronted 1 full
album, an EP, a live DVD and a handful of tracks on "Generations." Now
the 3rd person to take over a position always has the easiest job
because they do not have to follow the ground rules that were originally
enforced. What makes it even easier is the fact that most critics & fair
weather fans are eager to jump on the bandwagon because it's something
new and yet they have no real knowledge of what has occurred nor do they
care.
Steve Augeri will be remembered as an
amazing singer, a torchbearer and an all around nice guy. A man who
simply gave it his all but his all just wasn't good enough for some. We
wish Steve all the best in his future endeavours and look forward to
hearing his first ever solo album entitled "In The Moment" which will be
released in 2007. This is hardly the end of the line but a new beginning
for Steve as he is finally out of the shadows of controversy that have
surrounded "Journey."
In 2008 Journey will release an all new Studio album fronted by Jeff
Scott Soto, time will tell how this album is received by music fans. One
thing is certainly
clear, there's major hype behind this new band arrangement. Hype usually
leads to trouble and causes massive disillusion and panic. There has
always been a rift in Journey between current members and former members
but now there's an even bigger one, Current Members & Their Fans.
---Edited Press Release---
Jeff Scott Soto has been officially named
the new lead singer of Journey. He had been filling in for Steve Augeri,
who had to leave the U.S. tour with Def
Leppard shortly after it began on June 23 due to illness.
“We are so grateful to Steve for all the years he dedicated to Journey,”
says Journey in a joint statement. “We thank Steve for all his hard work
and we
wish him only the best in his future endeavors. Over the past few
months, we’ve come to realize that Jeff has proven himself above and
beyond that he can
sing the hell out of our songs and we’re happy to officially welcome him
as part of the family. We’re excited to start a new chapter with Jeff
and we’re
excited about what the future may bring.”
Steve Augeri states: “Singing for Journey these last eight years have
been the most challenging and the most rewarding of my career. I would
like to take
this opportunity to thank the band, and especially the fans, for the
privilege of being part of a musical legacy that has touched so many
hearts and souls. I
wish my fellow bandmates success and happiness as they continue to make
great music in the future, as I will strive to do the same myself.”
Jeff Soto also adds, “With delight & pleasure, I am accepting the offer
to continue my tenure with Journey now as their permanent vocalist after
the
amazing past months we've spent together on tour. I also pay high
respect to Steve Augeri for coming in and helping Journey continue their
legacy for nearly
the last decade and to Steve Perry for co-creating this legacy. I hope
to now add and help drive Journey into the next stage of this band's
future.”
Steve Augeri is currently recording his debut solo album, IN THE MOMENT,
due out the summer of 2007. He’s also putting the finishing touches on
the
much-anticipated follow-up to the AOR classic TALL STORIES album,
launching early next year. For more info, visit
www.steveaugeri.com.
Journey--Neal Schon (guitar), Ross Valory (bass), Jonathan Cain
(keyboards), Deen Castronovo (drums) and Jeff Scott Soto (vocals)—are
currently mapping
out plans for 2007.
●
Rock Icons File Lawsuit To Stop Illegal Sales:
Grateful Dead Productions, Carlos Santana, and the members of Led
Zeppelin and The Doors filed a lawsuit today seeking to stop the
unlawful reproduction, promotion and sale of thousands of vintage
concert memorabilia items and illegal copies of the memorabilia.
The lawsuit was filed in San Francisco in the U.S. District Court,
Northern District of California against William Sagan, who operates a
website, wolfgangsvault.com, through which he is promoting and selling
these materials in violation of federal and state laws. Sagan acquired
the memorabilia when he purchased certain assets of the late legendary
concert promoter Bill Graham from Clear Channel Entertainment, which
acquired Graham's concert promotion company after his death. Graham's
archives contained millions of promotional items and personal
memorabilia, such as vintage concert posters and t-shirts featuring the
musical artists' intellectual property -- their names, voices,
likenesses, photographs, trademarks and copyrights -- which were never
authorized for sale.
Sagan has continued to expand his allegedly unlawful practices by
offering reproductions of these items for sale, including "reprints" of
vintage concert posters and a new line of baby clothing featuring the
artists' names and protected trademarks. In addition, to increase sales
of these materials, Sagan is streaming allegedly illegal recordings of
live concerts performed by the artists to the public on his website and
is offering to "license" these recordings to other parties.
The artists are represented by Jeff Reeves and Ashlie Beringer, lawyers
with the international law firm, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.
"Sagan simply doesn't have the legal rights to exploit and profit from
the extraordinary success of these musicians," said Jeff Reeves, who
represents the musicians. "This memorabilia was created in the first
place for the purposes of promoting concerts and as gifts for fans and
concert crew. Graham himself did not have the right to sell, reproduce
or otherwise exploit these materials as a promoter, and neither does
Sagan, who was not authorized to purchase these materials and who has
absolutely no connection to the artists or their music."
"We have never given permission for our images and material to be used
in this way," said Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead. "What Sagan is doing
is stealing. He is stealing what is most important to us -- our work,
our images and our music -- and is profiting from the good will of our
fans."
"Bill Graham was a man of great integrity who cared very deeply about the artists he worked with as a manager and promoter," said GRAMMY-award winning musician Carlos Santana, one of the artists -- along with his namesake band Santana -- affected by William Sagan's activities on wolfgangsvault.com. "Bill was a close friend to me and the Santana Band for many years, and I know that what Sagan is doing would go against everything he believed in. I am fully committed to joining with other artists to protect our work, our rights and our legacy."
● News Tidbits:
» Rock Stars To Train Aspiring Musicians
» Stephen Colbert Battles The Decemberists In A "Guitar Shred-Off"
» Bruce Springsteen Meets Nick Lachey For His Daughter
» Spice Girls May Reunite for Princess Diana Concert
» Jonny Lang's "Turn Around" Garners Grammy Nomination
» Contest: Daryl Hall and John Oates Christmas Album
Tuesday, December 19th, 2006:
● Best Of 2006 - Preview:
That time of year has come once again! Our Best Of 2006 Awards are just around the corner. On Monday, January 8th, 2007 we will unveil our awards to everyone in cyberspace! We are still finalizing all of our information and gathering additional details so we can bring you the most accurate & up to date music news. There are over 25 Categories on this year's Best Of. Below is a Break Down of the Awards, this information could still change and most likely will by the time January 8th rolls around.
Awards Break Down
- Over 60 artists/musicians nominated for Best Artist
- Over 35 artists/musicians nominated for Best Modern Rock Album
- Over 20 artists/musicians nominated for Best Solo Album
- Over 25 artists/musicians nominated for Best Live Album
- Over 20 artists/musicians nominated for Best Rock Music DVD
- Over 80 producers nominated for Best Producer
- Over 80 guitarists nominated for Best Guitar Work
- Over 85 vocalists nominated for Best Vocal Work
- Over 25 album covers nominated for Best Album Covers/Artwork
- Over 500 songs nominated for Best Song
Award Sections
- '06 Music Awards: A full list of nominees & award winners
- Misc. Awards: Features Appreciation Awards, Live Guitarist(s) Of The Year & Enduring Guitarist(s) Of The Year, Best Movie, Best Movie DVD, Best TV Series DVD.
- Look Back At 2006: A review of 2006 from the highlights to the low points
- Look Head To 2007: Over 14 pages of information on upcoming album releases
Items are being added daily as we wind down the year. Now as far as who will be listed on the Best Of and who won't be. Harem Scarem will not be featured on the 2006 Awards because their official release date for "Human Nature" is in January 2007. You can purchase their release at many fine online music outlets right now but our cutoff for 2006 releases has passed therefore Harem Scarem will be on our Best Of 2007 Awards. John Waite will be on this year's awards because his album dropped earlier in the year online at various retailers.
So who is nominated this year? We always throw-out hints as to who is on our list but this year we will just tell you some of the artists featured. But you will have to guess which categories they are in:
Sammy Hagar, Chicago, Day Of Fire, 7th Decibel, Jonathan Cain, Fair Ground, Europe, Ra, Skillet, John Waite, The Who, Wig Wam, Fraze Gang, Mike Previti, Ted Poley, Saga, Warrant, Aly & AJ, Cheyenne Kimball, Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, Jordan Knight, LeAnn Rimes, Holly Brook, Ashley Parker Angel, Liberty N’ Justice, Eddie Money, Janeen Leah, Styx, Steelheart, Whitesnake, Paul Simon and many many more!
We look forward to bringing you our Best Of 2006 Awards in January!
Tony & Jere
---Full News Update To Follow Wednesday,
20th.---