British rock guitarist Alvin Lee, founder of the band Ten Years After who burst to stardom with a memorable Woodstock performance, has died. He was 68.
A statement posted on Lee's official website said he died Wednesday unexpectedly from complications following a routine surgical procedure. Lee's manager, Ron Rainey, said the guitarist died in Spain.
"We have lost a wonderful, much loved father and companion," said the statement signed by his daughter Jasmin, wife Evi and former companion Suzanne. "The world has lost a truly great and gifted musician."
The Nottingham, England-born Lee founded the band Ten Years After in 1967. The group first toured the U.S. in 1967, but its popularity exploded following Lee's rousing performance of the song "I'm Going Home" at Woodstock in 1969. Lee's epic and electrifying solos on his Gibson guitar for the 11-minute performance were immortalized in the documentary film about the legendary festival.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Jepsen drops Boy Scouts event over gay rights
Carly Rae Jepsen is canceling her performance at the national Boy Scouts of America Jamboree because of the organization's exclusion of gays.
Jepsen, the Canadian pop singer best known for the inescapable hit "Call Me Maybe," made the announcement Tuesday on Twitter.
"I always have and will continue to support the LGBT community on a global level," she wrote, "... and stay informed on the ever changing landscape in the ongoing battle for gay rights in this country and across the globe."
Rock band Train also has taken a stand, but pursued a different tack in a post on its website Friday. The group asked the BSA to reconsider its policy rather than immediately pull out of the July gathering in West Virginia. The event, held once every four years, is expected to draw more than 45,000 scouts and adults.
Jepsen, the Canadian pop singer best known for the inescapable hit "Call Me Maybe," made the announcement Tuesday on Twitter.
"I always have and will continue to support the LGBT community on a global level," she wrote, "... and stay informed on the ever changing landscape in the ongoing battle for gay rights in this country and across the globe."
Rock band Train also has taken a stand, but pursued a different tack in a post on its website Friday. The group asked the BSA to reconsider its policy rather than immediately pull out of the July gathering in West Virginia. The event, held once every four years, is expected to draw more than 45,000 scouts and adults.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Dave Grohl's Sound City Players to Perform at SXSW
Dave Grohl's merry band of rock superstars, the Sound City Players, will continue their string of national shows with a performance at SXSW in Austin, Texas on March 14th. The rotating cast of musicians have already played in Los Angeles, New York and the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, to support the Foo Fighter frontman's directorial debut, Sound City, a documentary about the famed Sound City recording studio in Van Nuys, California, and its accompanying album, Sound City: Real to Reel.
Grohl's Sound City Players lineup at SXSW brings back many familiar faces: Stevie Nicks, John Fogerty, Lee Ving of Fear, Rick Nielsen, Rick Springfield, Brad Wilk of Rage Against the Machine, Corey Taylor of Slipknot and more, according to Billboard. The show will be held at the rock hall Stubbs and the Meat Puppets will open.
SXSW will be a busy week for Grohl: he will also deliver the festival's keynote address on the morning of the Sound City Players' show.
Grohl's Sound City Players lineup at SXSW brings back many familiar faces: Stevie Nicks, John Fogerty, Lee Ving of Fear, Rick Nielsen, Rick Springfield, Brad Wilk of Rage Against the Machine, Corey Taylor of Slipknot and more, according to Billboard. The show will be held at the rock hall Stubbs and the Meat Puppets will open.
SXSW will be a busy week for Grohl: he will also deliver the festival's keynote address on the morning of the Sound City Players' show.
Monday, March 4, 2013
People always commented on the tall one with the glasses
Roger's cousin Claudette told the Detroit Free Press that everyone was drawn to his personality.
"People always commented on the tall one with the glasses," she said. "He was personable, approachable and he loved talking to the women, loved talking to the guys, loved to dance, loved to sing, loved to perform. That was the joy of his life."
His voice can be heard on Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On," with Rogers saying, "It's just a groovy party, man, I can dig it." Mary Wilson of the Supremes said that captured his essence.
"If people want to remember him, they should put that record on and listen to Bobby," Wilson told the newspaper. "That's who he was."
Rogers and The Miracles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. He was too ill to attend the ceremony.
He shared songwriting credits with Robinson on The Temptations' "The Way You Do the Things You Do," The Contours' "First I Look at the Purse" and The Miracles' "Going to a Go-Go."
Funeral arrangements through James H. Cole Home for Funerals in Detroit were incomplete Sunday afternoon.
"People always commented on the tall one with the glasses," she said. "He was personable, approachable and he loved talking to the women, loved talking to the guys, loved to dance, loved to sing, loved to perform. That was the joy of his life."
His voice can be heard on Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On," with Rogers saying, "It's just a groovy party, man, I can dig it." Mary Wilson of the Supremes said that captured his essence.
"If people want to remember him, they should put that record on and listen to Bobby," Wilson told the newspaper. "That's who he was."
Rogers and The Miracles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. He was too ill to attend the ceremony.
He shared songwriting credits with Robinson on The Temptations' "The Way You Do the Things You Do," The Contours' "First I Look at the Purse" and The Miracles' "Going to a Go-Go."
Funeral arrangements through James H. Cole Home for Funerals in Detroit were incomplete Sunday afternoon.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Brian May Speaks Out Against Badger Population Reductions in Britain
In a recent interview with the Guardian, the astrophysicist, animal rights activist and Queen guitarist Brian May expressed concern over the imminent badger culls that are set to take place in Britain this summer, despite overwhelming disapproval from the public, Parliament and scientific community.
"It's kind appealing, 'We're doing something, we're taking action, it's a kind of sexy thing, yeah, we'll go and kill the badgers,'" said May. "But this is a tragedy for Britain's wildlife and it's a tragedy for the farmers as well, I believe, because I think it will drive a wedge between the farming community and the general public, who actually will not stand for this."
May called the government-mandated population reduction "very, very sad" and added the move won't help the farmers fight the spread of bovine tuberculosis, which the badgers have been blamed
"It's kind appealing, 'We're doing something, we're taking action, it's a kind of sexy thing, yeah, we'll go and kill the badgers,'" said May. "But this is a tragedy for Britain's wildlife and it's a tragedy for the farmers as well, I believe, because I think it will drive a wedge between the farming community and the general public, who actually will not stand for this."
May called the government-mandated population reduction "very, very sad" and added the move won't help the farmers fight the spread of bovine tuberculosis, which the badgers have been blamed
Thursday, February 28, 2013
American classical pianist
Van Cliburn, the internationally celebrated pianist whose triumph at a 1958 Moscow competition helped thaw the Cold War and launched a spectacular career that made him the rare classical musician to enjoy rock-star status, died Wednesday after a fight with bone cancer. He was 78.
Cliburn died at his home in Fort Worth surrounded by loved ones, said his publicist and longtime friend Mary Lou Falcone.
The Grammy winner had made his last public appearance in September at the 50th anniversary of the prestigious piano competition in Fort Worth named in his honor. To a roaring standing ovation, he saluted many past contestants, the orchestra and the city, saying: "Never forget: I love you all from the bottom of my heart, forever."
Cliburn died at his home in Fort Worth surrounded by loved ones, said his publicist and longtime friend Mary Lou Falcone.
The Grammy winner had made his last public appearance in September at the 50th anniversary of the prestigious piano competition in Fort Worth named in his honor. To a roaring standing ovation, he saluted many past contestants, the orchestra and the city, saying: "Never forget: I love you all from the bottom of my heart, forever."
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Michael Jackson Is death
He said the case was unique and it should proceed intact with claims that AEG is liable for Murray's actions. "This has never happened before, or at least no one's been caught," Boyle said.
Putnam argued that by the time it was negotiating Murray's contract to treat Jackson while performing a series of London concerts, the doctor had already been treating the singer for some time, had relocated from Las Vegas to Los Angeles and had ordered large amounts of propofol to help Jackson sleep.
"Sadly, it appears that Michael Jackson's death would have occurred anyway," Putnam said after the hearing.
Katherine Jackson sued in September 2010 and a trial has been scheduled for early April.
Putnam argued that by the time it was negotiating Murray's contract to treat Jackson while performing a series of London concerts, the doctor had already been treating the singer for some time, had relocated from Las Vegas to Los Angeles and had ordered large amounts of propofol to help Jackson sleep.
"Sadly, it appears that Michael Jackson's death would have occurred anyway," Putnam said after the hearing.
Katherine Jackson sued in September 2010 and a trial has been scheduled for early April.
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