#WhatsHappening for February 27, 2016

Hey, hey- it's Saturday. That's about all the enthusiasm I can manage right now. I've only had one cup of coffee.

I promise to be a tad more peppy at Saturday Night Karaoke tonight, so join me for the fun from 10-1- live and loud at the Iron Horse Tavern.

Pictured: The future of Courtney Love.

A spokesperson for Yoko Ono says she was hospitalized due to "flu-like symptoms", and not a stroke, as reported by Page Six yesterday.

The artist and widow of Beatles legend John Lennon was later determined to be suffering from dehydration. The spokesperson added "in all likelihood, she'll be going home (today)."

Conspiracy theorists are making claims that Katy Perry is actually JonBenét Ramsey- the child pageant participant whose disappearance made headlines in the mid 90s..

Any reason to post this GIF is okay with me.

Videos- most of them made more than a year ago- have recently been circulating that claim that the purported murder of the the then-six-year-old Ramsey was a hoax orchestrated by the Illuminati and Free Masons to make money and make Perry a star.
The conspiracists claim Perry's lyrics, tweets and music videos as proof- as well as a physical resemblance between Perry and Ramsey's parents- all point to them being the same person.

Of course- as with most conspiracy theories- there's a big flaw in the premise- Perry was 12 i
n 1996, when Ramsey was found dead in her parents' basement. Supporters of the theory dismiss this fact by claiming it means that "they" wouldn't need to hide Perry away because of the age difference.

Longtime Sha Na Na member Lennie Baker, who sang lead on the group's cover of "Blue Moon" has died. 

Baker's nephew confirmed that the singer passed away Wednesday in Massachusetts after being briefly hospitalized after developing an infection.

Baker spent 30 years touring with Sha Na Na as a vocalist and saxophone player, but left the group in 2000. He was 69.

Don McLean's planned Australian tour has been postponed in light of the domestic abuse charges leveled at the him.

The singer’s 10 date tour was slated to kick off March 14 and included a high profile slot on the March 25 bill for Bluesfest in Byron Bay.

The shows have be rescheduled for the same dates in 2017.

Birthdays today include: Josh Groban; Jeremy Dean of Nine Days; TLC's Chilli; Paul Humphreys of O.M.D.; Journey's Neil Schon; Robert Balderrama of ? & The Mysterians; and Eddie Gray of Tommy James & The Shondells. #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for February 24, 2016

Hi kids. Happy hump day. 

I got to thinking about great song lyrics today, and I have to say- I have quite a few "favorites." Too many to pick just one "top", in fact. Some that I consider the "best", though...

"All Along The Watchtower"

I'm not particularly a fan of his voice, but I would never deny that Bob Dylan is a phenomenal lyricist. And Jimi Hendrix's blistering guitar solo elevates what is already a great song into the realm of all-time bad-assery.

"The Rising"

Bruce Springsteen's heartfelt homage to the men and women who ran towards the destruction of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001- "The Rising" is simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting, not to mention anthemic enough to get any crowd on its feet.

"Sound of Silence"

This was actually a hard choice for me, because I think "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is astounding- and so is pretty much the entire Simon & Garfunkel catalog.

That said, "Hello darkness, my old friend- I've come to talk with you again" sets the tone for a song that is breathtakingly bleak. (And yes, I like Disturbed's version, too.)

"The Man Comes Around"

Johnny Cash's "American" album series- the last new music Cash made before dying- contains some of Cash's most personal- and profound- work. Seriously, I defy you to say that his cover of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt" isn't moving.

"The Man Comes Around," though, is the best of the bunch. Said to be inspired by a dream Cash had about Queen Elizabeth II, the song was one of three Cash-penned compositions that appeared on "American IV: The Man Comes Around," and was the only one written specifically for the set. 

"God Only Knows"

Seriously- he may be a complete fucking whack-job, but Brian Wilson can craft a gorgeous song. I really wish I had the chops to pull this one off at karaoke! The subtle French horn wonderfully complements the Beach Boys incredible harmonies that send this love song to heights that were previously pretty much unheard of among pop groups.

Other favorites:"Wish You Were Here", "A Day In The Life", "The River of Dreams", "Beautiful Loser", "Terrible Lie", "You're My Best Friend", "Roll With The Changes", "7", "Don't Give Up", and I think I'll stop here or this will be one long-assed blog post.

“Weird Al” Yankovic is hitting the road again with 78 summer dates across North America during the Return of the Mandatory World Tour. 

The tour kicks off in St. Petersburg on June 3 and wraps up September 24 at Radio City Music Hall in New York- and includes a June 19 stop at the fabulous Fox Theater in Atlanta.

Birthdays today include: Michelle Shocked; Rupert Holmes; Lonnie Turner of the Steve Miller Band; and Paul Jones of Manfred Mann. #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for February 20, 2016

Everyone who's had contact with me for the past two weeks could pretty much figure out that I was somewhat out of sorts, and it seemed to get worse this week (though there really shouldn't have been a way it could). Anyway, I don't think there's anyone who's happier it's Saturday than I am.

It's smoke. On the water. Get it?

Deep Purple co-founder and former guitarist Ritchie Blackmore says he was “honored by the offer of induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”, but would not be at the ceremony inducting the band.

In a post on his official Facebook page, Blackmore said that he “was discussing the possibility of attending, until (receiving) correspondence from the President of the Rock Hall of Fame, who said that Bruce Payne, management for the current Deep Purple Touring Band, had said "No"..........!!!!!"”

Blackmore said he “sincerely thanks all the fans that voted for him for their support.”

Jason C. kept asking me to use this picture, so...

Don't forget to join the gang for Saturday Night Karaoke tonight, live and loud from 10pm-1am at The Iron Horse Tavern. It's my first night back after a couple of weeks off, so make sure you're ready to heckle and come see how much I fuck up.

Police unions are the country are calling for a boycott of Beyonce after her Super Bowl halftime appearance, saying her work “contains anti-police messages.”

Unions in Miami, Tampa and Nashville, Tennessee, are either calling for officers to boycott her music or urging them not volunteer to work at her shows.

Javier Ortiz, president of the Miami union, said this week that the performer “used this year's Super Bowl to divide Americans by promoting the Black Panthers and her anti-police message shows how she does not support law enforcement.”

I am a proud member of the Police Emerald Society of Southeast Georgia. I am proud to have many friends who are police officers.

I'm also a citizen of the United States, and I believe in the Constitution of this country.

That Constitution gives Beyonce the right to say or “sing” what she wants. To espouse whatever opinions she desires. 

It also gives all of those people the right to disagree with and boycott her. And I'm all for boycotting her- but... not because of her performance, which I didn't see.

I boycott her because her “music” is fucking terrible. You know what, though? It's okay, though- I have a right to hate it. Just like she has a right to keep making it.

And police officers around the country have a right to boycott her. That's their right. They're private citizens, too, when they aren't representing the badge. 

I'm guessing there would be plenty of officers who won't boycott, though. And do you know why? Because those brave men and women have taken an oath to serve and protect. 

I, personally, have never met an officer who thought that duty was limited only to people they liked- or that liked them.

In fact, if I were them, I'd take her money and point out what a hypocrite she is. But I'm an asshole like that.

Usher, Demi Lovato, Yolanda Adams, and The Band Perry are headed to the White House to celebrate the late Ray Charles.

Leon Bridges, AndraDay, Anthony Hamilton, Brittany Howard of the Alabama Shakes, Sam Moore and Jussie Smollett have also been invited to this Wednesday's taping of “Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance at the White House.”

The show will air Friday on PBS stations nationwide.

Birthdays today include: Rihanna; Julia Volkova of t.A.T.u.; Brian Littrell of Backstreet Boys; Edwin Graham of The Darkness; Ian Brown of Stone Roses; Jon Brant of Cheap Trick; Walter Becker of Steely Dan; Jerome Geils of The J. Geils Band; Lew Soloff of Blood, Sweat & Tears. #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for February 18, 2016

Hey, hey- whaddaya say? We're on the verge. Hells yeah!

Billboard headline: Adele 'Cried Pretty Much All Day' After Grammys Performance.

I guess that means she heard herself sing.

More criminal charges relating to domestic violence have been filed against singer Don McLean.

Knox County, Maine Assistant District Attorney Christopher Fernald said yesterday that his office is adding misdemeanor charges of terrorizing, criminal threatening, criminal restraint, criminal mischief and obstructing the reporting of a crime to the initial charges that were made during McLean's arrest last month.

The case is due to return to court Monday, but McLean's attorney says the singer would not be appearing as he has already entered a plea.

Don't forget to join us for Saturday Night Karaoke, live and loud at The Iron Horse Tavern from 10pm-1am this week.

Iron Maiden is about to hit the road in support of their “Book of Souls” album last year, and yesterday they unveiled their personalized Boeing 747 that will be piloted by frontman Bruce Dickinson.

Dickinson has been a pilot for more than 20 years and was once a professional pilot for the now defunct British charter line Astraeus.

The sold-out David Bowie tribute/memorial in New York City keeps growing- expanding to two nights and adding even more artists.

The March 31 segment of the show at Carnegie Hall will include Debbie Harry, Pixies, Michael Stipe, CyndiLauper, Bette Midler, The Roots, Perry Farrell, Heart's Ann & Nancy Wilson, and Robyn Hitchcock- while the next night's show at Radio City Music Hall will include the full Blondie lineup, and Mumford & Sons.

Birthdays today include: Dr. Dre; Robin Bachman of Bachman Turner Overdrive; Derek Pellicci of Little RiverBand; Juice Newton; Dennis DeYoung, formerly of STYX; and Yoko Ono. #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for February 16, 2016

Hey, hey- whaddaya say? Tuesday's almost over- which means hump days a'coming and the weekend is almost in sight!

Blah, blah, blah... #Grammys. Didn't watch. Kind of like the Super Bowl.

And what does Red say?

I'm laughing my ass off here, reading that some dipshit doorman refused Paul McCartney entrance at some flash in the pan rapper's Grammy after-party last night.

What kind of dipshit doesn't know Paul McCartney is? Paul-fucking-McCartney. Seriously!

TMZ cameras caught McCartney, Beck and Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins waiting outside of Hollywood's Argyle, where the trio were denied access to the post-awards ceremony show.

McCartney can be heard saying, “How VIP do we gotta get? We need another hit.”

Tyga, the “performer” in question, took to Twitter today to defend himself, saying “Why would I deny @PaulMcCartney stop it. He's a legend... I don't control the door. I had no knowledge SIR PAUL was there. I just performed and left.”

Pictured: Hudgens' chapeau.

Speaking of dipshits, Vanessa Hudgens and her boyfriend are under investigation for defacing a rock formation in Arizona's Coconino National Forest.

Seems the couple carved their names and a heart into the formation during their Valentine's weekend stay- violating federal law that specifically prohibits “damaging natural surfaces or property of the United States”- and it was Hudgens herself who triggered the investigation after she posted a photo of the “art” on Instagram.

The maximum punishment for a conviction is $5000 and/or 6 months behind bars.

Ice Cube's take on the Grammys? “If any of y'all thought I was gonna stay through that three-hour bullshit, you out your batty ass mind. I'm back in the car bitch.”

The rapper posted the message on Snapchat shortly after presenting the first televised award last night- for best rap album- to Kendrick Lamar.

Snoop Dogg shared Cube's … uh... enthusiasm for the show, saying in an Instagram video “I got seats to the Grammys, but fuck that. I’m sitting in my mothafuckin’ house watching this shit.”

Birthdays today include: The Weeknd; Lupe Fiasco; Dave Lombardo of Slayer; Andy Taylor, formerly of Duran Duran; Ice-T; former Def Leppard guitarist Pete Willis; James Ingram; and Lynn Paul of the New Seekers. #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for February 14, 2016

Good Sunday morning, cats and kittens. Hope this weekend has been a good one for you so far. For those of you in cooler climes (including those of you nearby the karaoke compound), bundle up and hunker down!

Once upon a time, I’d have actually been interested in who was on the front of Sports Illustrated’s vaunted swimsuit issue. Don’t get me wrong, I still have a great admiration for the female form- it’s just that I don’t care.

And look, putting Ronda Rousey on the cover is akin to putting Danica Patrick on the cover: all hype. Or have you all conveniently forgotten Rousey got her ass kicked on the biggest stage she ever appeared on, after she’d been anointed the sports uberstar? You know, kind of like Patrick does at every race?

Barry Manilow was hospitalized Thursday after suffering “complications from emergency oral surgery” that he had on Monday.

The emergency required rescheduling of shows in Kentucky and Tennessee.

It's unclear whether Manilow would be able to attend Monday night's Grammy Awards ceremony, where he is nominated for his 15th Grammy for his latest album, My Dream Duets.

Guess he'll be back when he's ready to take a chance again.

Pictured: Universal reaction to my jokes.

Hey- today is Valentine's Day. Also, (as my buddy Mike loves to point out) Death Metal Day.

The Fugees’ “The Score” turns 20 this week. And I still don’t understand why their version of “Killing Me Softly” is more popular (at least at karaoke) than Roberta Flack’s original.

Oh, and ripping off Bob Marley? Not cool.

It’s rumored that Lady Gaga will be teaming up with Sam Smith after the two were spotted by Billboard spy “making plans for a future get together” shortly after the annual Oscar nominees luncheon at the Beverly Hilton.

No word on whether the “get together” is work or pleasure related and their reps refused comment.

Don’t forget to join us this week for Saturday Night Karaoke, live and loud at the Iron Horse Tavern from 10pm-1am.

The New York Times reports that Pandora is in talks to sell the online music service and has enlisted Morgan Stanley to meet with potential buyers.

Trading of Pandora shares was briefly halted by the NYSE Thursday when news of the possible sale surfaced, but resumed shortly after.

While the service boasts some 81 million users, it continues to lose money- posting a $19.4 million loss in the fourth quarter of 2015.

 A Pandora spokesperson declined to comment on the reports.

Birthdays today include: Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20; Roger Fisher of Heart; Doug Simril of the Steve Miller Band; and Vic Briggs of the Animals. #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for February 13, 2016

Good Saturday morning, kiddios. Hope you've had a good week- 'cause we plan on wrapping it up with a blast at Saturday Night Karaoke, rocking the house at theIron Horse Tavern tonight from 10om-1am.

My thoughts exactly, kid.

I think the Grammy awards show is tomorrow night. I'm just as excited for it as I was for the Super Bowl.

As in, not even a little. I swear, the disconnect in my brain seems to increase exponentially every day. Not only do I not recognize an overwhelming majority of the names I see when I scan the trade magazines, when I seek them out for a sample, they just sound like noise.

Get off my lawn.

Coldplay's Super Bowl halftime show has boosted their album, A Head Full of Dreams, to the top of the charts in the UK. The latest set from the morose songsters jumped from #10 to the top spot of the this week's album chart on the other side of the pond, giving the band seven straight chart topping discs.

Bruce Springsteen has a new work on the way- an autobiography. The memoir, entitled “Born to Run”, will hit booksellers September 27.

Springsteen has been working on the book since 2009, shortly after the he and the E Street Band performed at the Super Bowl halftime show. Publishing rights have been sold in nine countries.

In a excerpt from the book, Springsteen said “writing about yourself is a funny business. But in a project like this, the writer has made one promise, to show the reader his mind. In these pages, I’ve tried to do this.”

Publisher Simon & Schuster says the book will trace how Springsteen’s early life in Freehold, N.J. And the “personal struggles” that inspired him to become a musician- as well as the of the E Street Band's evolution.

Simon & Schuster's Jonathan Karp said “readers will see their own lives in Bruce Springsteen’s extraordinary story, just as we recognize ourselves in his songs.”

I'm not a fan of elections.

Don't get me wrong- the republican system of government (read up- the United States is not a democracy) is fantastic, but the overwhelming amount of horseshit that's heaped upon voters in the run up to election day is just a ginormous mind-fuck of the people.

My biggest beef? Campaign speeches/debates/whatever don't ever seem to tell you anymore about the candidates. Instead- they always seem to be about why the other candidate is wrong, evil, incompetent, or whatever.

Why not offer a plan to overhaul the education system when you're addressing a group of teachers?

How about a plan to continue economic growth when you're talking in front of autoworkers?

MY CANDIDATE IS AWESOME!!!

Serve up some solid ideas about reforming social programs when you're talking to the “average Joe/Jane”?

But no- insults, out of context sound bites, and even flat-out lies. That's what we get.

Not substance. Not vision. And we sure as hell seem lacking in smarts.

Investigate your candidate. Investigate the other candidates. Discover what the real answers are. Don't rely on the evening news to give them to you. Yes, there's bound to be bias wherever you get your research- but the more you know, the more intelligent your choices will be.

And the better off we'll all be when we all make informed choices.

I forgot what my point was.

Katy Perry, Elton John and Andra Day have signed on for a March 2 benefit show at Radio City Music Hall in support of Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton.

Ms. Clinton announced the concert on Twitter yesterday. The $125 ticket price goes to the Hillary Victory Fund.

The other major Democratic hopeful, Bernie Sanders, has his fans, too. The Red Hot Chili Peppers' held a recent benefit for the candidate in LA, and Jackson Browne, BonnieRaitt, Steve Earle, Killer Mike, Cobra Starship's Gabe Saporta, Thurston Moore, Ben Folds and more have lined up to perform in support of the New Hampshire Senator.

On the Republican side, Donald Trump supporters include Kid Rock, Loretta Lynn, and Azealia Banks.

Marco Rubio touts Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds in his corner, while Jeb Bush has Toby Keith on his side.

Birthdays today include: RobbieWilliams; Robert Harrell of 3 Doors Down; Freedom Williams of C&C Music Factory; Les Warner of The Cult; HenryRollins; Mark Fox of Haircut 100; Peter Hook of New Order; Ed Gagliardi of Foreigner; Peter Gabriel; Peter Tork of The Monkees. #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for February 9, 2016

'Morning kids. It's Fat Tuesday. I feel like you're celebrating me! Check out what's happening on Bourbon Street right now.

I have zero commentary on the Super Bowl, halftime performances, or commercials (the only one of which I've seen is the mind-fuckery that is the puppy-monkey-baby one). The game was only peripherally on my mind before the weekend started, and less so come Saturday morning.

TMZ reports that rapper DMX has been hospitalized after collapsing outside his hotel room in New York Monday last night. The rapper complained of shortness of breath and pain in his chest. The cause was suspected to be an asthma attack.

Elton John tells Shazam that he'll be collaborating with The Killers on their new album- which should be out before the end of the year.
“I'm hoping to go to Vegas and write with Brandon for the new Killers record,” he said. “I’m leaving today. So that'll be interesting."
The band hasn't released a new set of music since 2012’s Battle Born.

Don't forget to join us for Saturday Night Karaoke, live and loud at The Iron Horse Tavern from 10pm-1am this week. 

The Chicago reunion that fans were hoping for won't be happening.
Former bassist/singer Peter Cetera posted a letter on his website yesterday that he sent to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum officers that said he won't be there for the band's induction.
“Unfortunately this scenario doesn't work for me. I know we all did our best to make it happen, but I guess it's just not meant to be. Personally I'm frustrated and tired of dealing with this and it's time to move on. I have a life with two beautiful daughters and a solo career and its time to get back and give them the full attention they deserve. Thanks for all your help and consideration! Have a great show and please send any individual award I receive to the contact you have for me.”
Look, I know people have their differences- but all of these scenarios (this one, KISS last year, Guns N' Roses, etc.) seem like nothing more than a big “fuck you” to fans.

Thanks for your support, suckers.

Don McLean's attorney says the singer has entered a not-guilty plea to domestic violence charges in writing and would not be appearing in court later this month.
McLean was arrested on January 18 and his wife filed a handwritten request for protection- though the couple later announced that they had “agreed to move forward” and the protection order was dismissed.

Flavor Flav was in court in Las Vegas yesterday and pleaded no contest to misdemeanor driving under the influence charges. He also admitted to having marijuana residue in his system when police stopped his vehicle last May.

I refuse to believe this man has ever touched a drop.

Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Suzan Baucum fined Flav $685 and ordered him to attend a victim impact panel and drunken driving school to satisfy plea requirements.

Birthdays today include: Travis Tritt; Holly Johnson of Frankie Goes To Hollywood; Dennis Thomas of Kool & the Gang; Major Harris of The Delfonics; Carole King; and Barry Mann. #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for 02/04/16

I'm really tired of saying it's been a bad year for music- but... here we go again.
Earth, Wind & Fire co-founder Maurice White has passed away. 
In a statement to the Associated Press, Verdine White said "My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep. While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected as we start what will be a very difficult and life-changing transition in our lives. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes."

The White brothers, along with Philip Bailey and a powerful horn section, were the backbone of the band- named for the elements on Maurice White's zodiac chart.
White revealed he had Parkinson's during the band's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, and had symptoms as far back as the 1980s. He stopped touring with the band in 1995 because his health problems.
White said in an interview that he wanted the band's music to inspire instead of just entertain.
"That was the whole objective, to try to inspire young people to believe in themselves and to follow through on their ideas," he said. "We've touched so many people with these songs."
Besides his success with band mates, Maurice White had a number of successes with Barbra Streisand and Cher, and co-wrote and co-produced the Emotions' No. 1 hit "Best of My Love." He also worked as a session drummer in the 1960s, backing Muddy Waters, the Impressions and others.

Maurice White was 74.

Pictured: Not middle eastern. Not Jewish.

After the success of their “Grease” broadcast last week, Fox is revving up to bring you all the rocking highlights of the... crucifixion?

“The Passion”, hosted by Tyler Perry, will air live from New Orleans on March 20^th. Uh. Yeah. New Orleans seems like perfect setting.

Pictured: Also not a Jew. Or middle eastern.

Appearing in the show will be Trisha Yearwood as Mary, Prince Royce as Peter, Chris Daughtry as Judas Iscariot, Seal as Pontius Pilate, and Jencarlos Canela as Jesus.

Want to take a guess how many of those people are actually from the same continent as the Christian savior?

Not. A. One.

I'm just saying.

If you happened to be in St. Pancras station yesterday- WHY THE HELL DIDN'T YOU CALL?

Lucky tube riders in the London station yesterday afternoon were treated to an impromptu concert by non other than Sir Elton John, who had donated a piano.

John played a few songs on the Yamaha that is inscribed “Enjoy this piano! It's a gift. Love, Elton John.”

While speaking with BBCRadio 2 on yesterday, John announced that he'd be curtailing his workload over the next few years to focus more on his family.

“It's all about the kids now. Everything is worked out around half term and when they're going to be in school, when they're out of school, and they are the most important things in my life. They take preference over everything,” he said, adding, “I'll gradually phase things out in a few years.”

(By the way- no. I have no idea why a subway stop needs a piano, but what the hell?)

Don't forget to join us for Saturday Night Karaoke, live and loud at The Iron Horse Tavern from 10pm-1am this week.

Phil Anselmo’s “white power” proclamation at the “Dimebag” Darrell tribute last month continues to have repercussions as Down, the metal “supergroup” fronted by Anselmo, was dropped from the Dutch FortaRock fest following the incident.

Today, Anselmo posted on his personal web site that he'd “privately suggested to them that they move on without me.”

The band's scheduled show Monday in New Orleans was canceled because of Anselmo's actions, too, and they have eight other European shows set for this some. Their scheduled set at England’s Download Fest has already sparked a Change.org petition with over a thousand signatures in favor of removing the band.

“My band mates are now experiencing the consequences of my behavior, and I now publicly apologize to them as well,” Anselmo wrote. “Never in my entire lifetime would I drag them down with me.”

He also (kind of) apologized for his “white power” proclamation, saying “My biggest obstacle(s) are the over-indulging in the booze and blurting out spiteful, ignorant reductions of the human spirit itself. I will address these issues, head-on.”

Birthdays today include: Cam'ron; Natalie Imbruglia; Rick Burch of Jimmy Eat World; Clint Black; Phil Ehart of Kansas; Alice Cooper; Florence LaRue of the 5th Dimension; and John Steel of The Animals. #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for 2/2/16

Hey, hey- it's Tuesday. Sure, it's 4:30 in the afternoon- but I still need coffee.

Remember when Super Bowl Sunday was about the game instead of the commercials?

Pictured: Something more appealing to me than watching "the game."

I've said this before, and I'll say it again- I have very little interest in commercials. I DVR shows instead of watching them live precisely so I can skip the fucking things. Seeing celebutards hawk shit that I could give less than a fuck about sandwiched into a game that I care even less about isn't my idea of a fun afternoon.

Toss in Coldplay and Beyonce as the halftime “entertainment” and I can't think of a more boring six hours of television. The game's saving grace will be that it's on CBS- which means, at least, that you won't be tortured by the verbal diarrhea of Joe Buck. I say you because I won't be watching.

While Paul Kantner's death was the one that made the news, another founding member of JeffersonAirplane died the same day. Signe Anderson, the band's original lead singer, passed away last Thursday.

Anderson was lead vocalist on the band's first album, “Jefferson Airplane Takes Off,” in 1966 but left the band shortly after the album's release. Her last appearance with the band was in October of that same year at the Fillmore.

She was 74.

Don't forget to join us for Saturday Night Karaoke, live and loud at The Iron Horse Tavern from 10pm-1am this week.

Pictured: Not even in the same fucking league as Bowie.

Grammy producer Ken Ehrlich said in an interview with the New York Times today that Lady Gaga will be performing a tribute to David Bowie at this year's awards.

Erlich said the performance won't open the show, but it would last six minutes or more and cover “at least three or four” Bowie songs.

Erhlich added it would be “a true homage to who David was, particularly musically, but not ignoring his influence on fashion and pop culture in a broader way.”

Def Leppard has been forced to postpone the remaining U.S. tour dates “due to illness.”

The concerts from tonight through the 17^th included shows in San Antonio, Little Rock, and Brooklyn.

The band previously canceled appearances in Greensboro and Orlando over the past week.

A statement from the band said new dates would be announced soon and tickets will be honored for the rescheduled shows.

Birthdays today include: Shakira; Billy Mohler of The Calling; Ben Mize of Counting Crows; Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots; Tony Butler of Big Country; Ross Valory of Santana and the Steve Miller Band; Alan McKay of Earth, Wind &Fire; Howard Bellamy of the Bellamy Brothers; and Graham Nash. #MusicalBirthdays