#WhatsHappening for April 30, 2016

Hey, ho kiddios. Welcome to the weekend. Don't forget to join Magic Mark tonight at Saturday Night Karaoke, live and loud at the Iron Horse Tavern.

Am I the only one that absolutely fucking hates the Carvana commercial with the bearded doucheketeer bouncing around like a boy-band reject? Instant mute or channel change every single time it comes on.

Seriously- how cute is this?

I'll tell you what has caught my attention (in a positive way)- the commercials for "Keanu: Gangsta Kitty".

I've never seen "Key & Peele"- not because of a lack of interest, but because I don't even know what channel it comes on, but damn it looks funny. Plus, it's apparently about a guy going batshit, balls out to get his cat back. How could that not be fun?

Brian Johnson says he may not be touring, but he is still the front man for AC/DC- even if Axl Rose is handling vocal duties for the rest of the band's tour.

Johnson released a statement through Rolling Stone that he feels gives a more complete explanation of what's going on than the press is reporting.

"I want personally to explain the reason because I don’t believe the earlier press releases sufficiently set out what I wanted to say to our fans or the way in which I thought it should be presented."

Johnson added he is "not a quitter and I like to finish what I start," and that "doctors made it clear to me and my bandmates that I had no choice but to stop performing on stage for the remaining shows and possibly beyond."

"The emotional experience I feel now is worse than anything I have ever in my life felt before. Being part of AC/DC, making records and performing for the millions of devoted fans this past 36 years has been my life's work. I cannot imagine going forward without being part of that, but for now I have no choice."

"The one thing for certain is that I will always be with AC/DC at every show in spirit, if not in person. My thanks also go to Angus and Cliff for their support."

Johnson says he "can continue to record in studios and I intend to do that. For the moment, my entire focus is to continue medical treatment to improve my hearing. I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances. While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic. Only time will tell."

Birthdays today include: Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees; J.R. Richards of Dishwalla; Chris "Choc" Dalyrimple of Soul For Real; Turbo B of Snap; Wayne Kramer of MC5; and Bobby Vee. #Musical Birthdays

#WhatsHappening for April 28, 2016

Up yours, death.

"The rumors are flying."

Lindsey might as well have written that song about the news in the wake of Prince's death.

Look, I don't care what people do in their personal lives. Never have. Unless I'm invited to be a part of their life (or it somehow has an impact on me personally- and it doesn't) it's not my business.

I really hope rumors is all these stories. Because they make me sad.

The Spring Awakening Music Festival has announced its full 2016 lineup- and over 40 acts will are on the bill.

The Chainsmokers, deadmau5, Steve Aoki, Kaskade, Jamie xx and Dillon Francis are among the players for the Chicago festival that hits at Addams/Medill Park this June (still technically spring). 

Nicky Romero, Flying Lotus, Zeds Dead, Flux Pavilion, Crystal Castles, Dada Life, Jai Wolf, The Knocks, and Above & Beyond are among the announced performers on the DJ and electronic stages.

Pre-sale tickets are sold out, but general admission and final day wristbands are still available.

Sometimes, this is what karaoke sounds like to those of us who are working. Just saying.

Drugs are bad, m'kay?

British Oscar winner Kevin Macdonald says he will bring the life of Whitney Houston to the screen in a documentary that has approval from the singer's estate.

MacDonald says he wants “audiences to walk out of the cinema and feel positive about Whitney and her music.” He added that the the film "won't shy away from the darker parts of Whitney's life - her descent into addiction”.

Macdonald has interviewed many of Houston's friends, family, and collaborators and has been given access to exclusive demo recordings, rare performances and an archive of recordings.

No word on when the film will be released.

I usually crash pretty early on Sunday nights. Being up until 3 or 4 on Saturdays and being awakened by the gang of idiots around the karaoke compound means that I'm bushed by the time the sun starts to sink.

Last Sunday, though, MTV Live was running Prince videos from 7-11. I think I finally dozed off around 10:30 or so.

ALL THE FOOD IN THE GREEN ROOM IS MINE!

Not everyone is happy with Axl Rose subbing as lead singer of AC/DC. 

AC/DC loyalists are bombarding the band's Twitter account, demanding refunds for their tickets to many of the upcoming shows.

Among my favorites: "I'd rather have no AC/DC than to have them with Axl Rose as their frontman...just my opinion." and "Can not believe that @acdc think it's okay to have Axl Rose singing at concerts. #wasteofspace #nothappy #refund #angry".

Tell us how you really feel. 

Birthdays today include: Daisy Berkowitz of Marilyn Manson; Too Short; Kim Gordan of Sonic Youth; John Wolters of Dr. Hook. #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for April 25, 2016

I'm still reeling here. I got nothing else.

Some perspective, though. I found this on Billboard- the Prince musical family tree. And these are just the ones he worked with- and doesn't account for the number of artists he influenced. For the full-sized graphic, check it out here.

"Purple Rain" and "The Very Best of Prince" have snagged to the top two spots on the Billboard album charts- despite the chart data being closed out on last Thursday, the day his death was announced.

On the singles charts, five on Prince's singles have made return appearances on the Hot 100.

This week's chart positions for Prince:

No. 17, "Purple Rain"

No. 20, "When Doves Cry"

No. 28, "Kiss"

No. 29, "Little Red Corvette"

No. 39, "Let's Go Crazy"

No. 41, "1999" 

Live musicals continue to be the newest "thing" on TV- and "Hairspray Live!" will be NBC's next foray into the field.

Jennifer Hudson and Harvey Fierstein have been announced as the stars for the show- with Hudson playing Motormouth Maybelle and Fierstein will play Edna Turnblad- the role he created and won a Tony Award for in the stage version. Firestein will also , who is also write the teleplay.

“We are beyond thrilled with this incredibly talented duo of stars for ‘Hairspray Live!,’” said Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment. “Harvey Fierstein created the role of Edna Turnblad on Broadway in an indelible Tony-winning performance that demanded to be memorialized on film, and we’re happy he wanted to step into her shoes one last, unforgettable time. We’re also so grateful that the incomparable Jennifer Hudson will play Motormouth Maybelle and we know her rendition of ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ will literally stop the show.”

The show will air live from Los Angeles on December 7.

Soul singer Billy Paul, best known for his 1972 single “Me and Mrs. Jones,” died on Sunday yesterday, according to a message posted on his website. 

“We regret to announce with a heavy heart that Billy has passed away today at home after a serious medical condition,” the statement reads.

“We would like to extend our most sincere condolences to his wife Blanche and family for their loss, as they and the world grieves the loss of another musical icon that helped pioneered todays R&B music. Billy will be truly missed. Please share you thought [sic], messages and stories of Billy as we remember this legendary artist, family member and friend.”

Paul’s manager confirmed his passing, saying Paul died at his home in in Blackwood, N.J., after being diagnosed with cancer and hospitalized a week ago at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia.

Birthdays today include: Eric Avery of Jane's Addiction; Andy Bell of Erasure; Steve Perrone of Average White Band; Bjorn Ulvaeus of ABBA; Stu Cook of Creedence Clearwater Revival. #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for April 22, 2016

Damnit. I mean...

Damnit!

This has to be the absolute worst year in popular music history.
David Bowie's death was gut wrenching. Glenn Frey's passing shortly after that was a shock, too. Two icons- musical giants- who I "grew up with" gone. 
And now? Well, I'm still in shock after hearing that Prince was found dead at his home in Minneapolis yesterday.

Shock. Sadness. My stomach is churning. I own every album the man ever made- solo, and with his backing bands (when he let the play). And I think that sucks- because none of us will ever have a chance to hear new music from him again.

Of course, I remember reading back in the 80s or 90s that he had enough songs in his archives to release a new, full album a year for something like 40 years- so maybe his estate will keep the new music coming for a while.

I can remember seeing Prince for the first time on "Saturday Night Live" in 1981. Though Charles Rocket was the one who took the bullet for saying "fuck" during 'Weekend Update', the Purple One let it fly during the performance of "Partyup".

Clad in an overcoat, thong, thigh highs, weird tassled boots, Prince and the band that became the Revolution put on a show, for sure. I was 12 (the episode aired in February- turned 13 that summer). I was astounded.

Besides the over the top stage performance, I could tell the guy was a talented musician. I went looking for his record immediately (well, the cassette, anyway) and bought my copy of "Dirty Mind" the next day. I quickly followed that purchase up with copies of "For You" and "Prince" as soon as I did enough chores and conned some money out of my dad to get them. 

When "Controversy" came out in November, I got it, too. 

The next year saw the release of the double album, "1999" and Prince began making inroads into pop radio. 

"Little Red Corvette", the album's title track and "Delirious" all got massive crossover airplay, while "Lady Cab Driver" and "Automatic" got played on E93.

And then the "Purple Rain" came falling. Suddenly, Prince was everywhere. And it was awesome.

My then-girlfriend and I saw the movie at the Terrace in Savannah. More than once.

By then- if there was any doubt- I was hooked. 

The guy played, like, every instrument there was. He wrote songs for himself. He wrote songs for other people (never, that I can recall, under his own name, though). He stayed true to his vision- though, oftentimes, the listeners struggled to keep up.

"Around The World In A Day" and "Parade" followed "Purple Rain". While they were wonderful albums in their own rights ("Around" is, too me, woefully under appreciated), they didn't sell like "Purple Rain" did- and were deemed failures by Warner Bros, his label at the time.

"Sign o' the Times" came next. While not as big a seller as "Purple Rain" (then again, very few albums actually ever will be). It was two discs of absolute awesome. 
I played every single song on air while working in at radio stations in Savannah and Waycross. Even the ones that weren't released as singles. And the extended versions, if I could get my hands on them. 
(Full disclosure: "Sign o' the Times" is, in my mind, his absolute finest work- though I was never disappointed with any of them.)

"Animaniacs" loved him, too.

I played the entire "Lovesexy" album during a show once (if you put the CD on, it's one track from start to finish, so...). Got into a little trouble for that. I didn't care.

I never got to play any of his later albums on the air (I worked for a country station- I would've been shit-canned immediately for a stunt like that), but that doesn't mean I didn't continue buying them.

The man was a genius. If you doubt that, check out the reaction from Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and everyone else while Prince absolutely owns the solo in "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" during George Harrison's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame tribute to George Harrison.

Reading through my Facebook feed yesterday, I was amazed by the sheer number of people posting about Prince's death. And the number of tributes from other artists were astounding.

Mick Fleetwood, Sheila E., Tommy James, The Rolling Stones, Carole King, Cyndi Lauper, Joe Walsh, John Oates, Kenny Rogers, Barry Manilow, Questlove, the Original 7, Madonna, President Obama, and so many others- all expressing their love, admiration, and sorrow about his passing.

Something I think pretty much every music fan is feeling right now.

And then there was this absolutely brilliant tribute from Chevrolet.

Thank you, Prince. For the music. For the memories. For the entertainment. 

For everything.

You will be missed. And you'll never be equaled.

#WhatsHappening for April 19, 2016

Man oh man, is my head killing me. Damn you, pollen. And getting old.

I swear, when I was a kid, I can't recall being allergic to anything. Anything.

I was outside constantly. I rolled in the grass. I played. I did all the normal shit kids do (well, kids back then, anyway). 

Then, I got old. And I'm allergic to pretty much every damned thing. Except animal dander. Go figure. 

Anyway...

It's official- Axl Rose is (temporarily) the lead singer for AC/DC, and will fill in for the band as they wrap up their current tour- just in time to hit the road again with the newly re-formed Guns N' Roses.

Brian Johnson says he's not retiring, though. In a statement released today, Johnson said that "after a series of examinations by leading physicians in the field of hearing loss" he was told he risked "total deafness" if he continued playing large venues.

"While I was horrified at the reality of the news that day, I had for a time become aware that my partial hearing loss was beginning to interfere with my performance on stage," Johnson said. "I was having difficulty hearing the guitars on stage and because I was not able to hear the other musicians clearly, I feared the quality of my performance could be compromised. In all honesty this was something I could not in good conscience allow.  Our fans deserve my performance to be at the highest level, and if for any reason I can't deliver that level of performance I will not disappoint our fans or embarrass the other members of AC/DC. I am not a quitter and I like to finish what I start, nevertheless, the doctors made it clear to me and my bandmates that I had no choice but to stop performing on stage for the remaining shows and possibly beyond. That was the darkest day of my professional life." 

Johnson said he was "personally crushed by this development more than anyone could ever imagine. The emotional experience I feel now is worse than anything I have ever in my life felt before. Being part of AC/DC, making records and performing for the millions of devoted fans this past 36 years has been my life's work. I cannot imagine going forward without being part of that, but for now I have no choice. The one thing for certain is that I will always be with AC/DC at every show in spirit, if not in person."

"Finally, I wish to assure our fans that I am not retiring. My doctors have told me that I can continue to record in studios and I intend to do that. For the moment, my entire focus is to continue medical treatment to improve my hearing. I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances. While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic. Only time will tell."

Boston and Pearl Jam are the latest groups to cancel their North Carolina shows in protest of the state's "bathroom" bill. 

You know what my big problem is with North Carolinians? That there are so damned many of their license plates on the cars of people doing the absolutely most fucktarded things on I85 during my commute every day.

Speaking of things that make me say "fuck you"...

So, when it's a really busy night, things fall through the cracks. Or the door opens and the slips fly all over the place. Shit happens, right?

When something like that does happen and someone points it out, I do my best to "fix" it. At the same time, if it's a busy night and you forget to turn in your slip- that's your problem. And bitching at me about it isn't going to help. 

And being a dick to me will do even less for your cause.

And here's another thing- if you're in a bar, you're going to hear profanity. It's a fact. Get over it. 

Birthdays today include:  Rod Morgenstein of Winger; Mark Volman of The Turtles; Bernie Worrell of Funkadelic; Eve Graham of the New Seekers; and Alan Price of the Animals. #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for April 16, 2016

Hey, ho kiddios. Anyone else as tickled as I am that it's the weekend?

I thought so.

The Braves won their first game of the season last night, beating the Marlins 6-3, making them 1-9 on the year. Sounds about right.

Now, do I think they're going to go 16-146? No. But 70 wins will be a damned miracle. And, despite what team reps might want you to believe- moving to the second fucking worst traffic nightmare in the metro area next year isn't going to lead to some miraculous turnaround.

Don't forget to join us for another face-meltingly fun edition of Saturday Night Karaoke, kicking ass and taking names tonight from 10-1 at the Iron Horse Tavern. (PS, that's called hyperbole- no ass kicking or face melting will occur.)

Does this look like a sick man?

The biggest news that I saw yesterday was Prince ending up in an Illinois hospital after playing two shows in Atlanta Thursday night.

His Purpleness was is said to be "fine," as his reps told Entertainment Weekly yesterday afternoon.

Reports say the singer was taken to a Moline hospital after his jet was forced to make an unscheduled landing due to his illness.

Prince had cancelled his two Atlanta shows last week, and played this week, instead- but is said to still be suffering from the flu.

Also making headlines is the rumored concert line up of Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, the Who, Roger Waters, and Neil Young for a festival in Indio, California this October.

The tentative schedule for the show, which is still being negotiated, would have Dylan and the Stones would open the show on Friday with back-to-back sets. Saturday's sets would feature Neil Young and the Promise of the Real opening for McCartney; and Sunday would feature the Who and Pink Floyd's Waters closing out the festival.

Billboard reports that organizers were also considering a second weekend performances. 

Zac Brown  he was "in the wrong place at the wrong time" after being caught in a Palm Beach hotel room where four people were arrested for drug possession last week.

The Palm Beach Police Department says Brown was present they arrived at the Four Seasons Hotel, but that he was not charged or arrested. 

In a statement issued yesterday, Brown said that he did not know the people arrested, was cooperating fully with police, he is not part of any ongoing police investigation, and regretted "using poor judgment and putting myself in that position."

Steve Miller says he's not a grumpy guy- despite what his tirade after last week's induction ceremony at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame may have led you to believe.

Miller told Rolling Stone that the ceremony was "unpleasant" and said the music "industry fucking sucks and this little get-together you guys have here is like a private boys' club and it's a bunch of jackasses and jerks and fucking gangsters and crooks who've fucking stolen everything from a fucking artist."

Miller added that he stands by his statements. 

"I spoke the truth as I experienced it, and as I have experienced it over the years. Basically, as everybody that has had a taste of the record business knows, they are gangsters and crooks. The history just proves it. If you're naïve as a musician when you go into it, you learn your lessons quickly. I remember when I was a kid and signed with Capitol Records I thought, "boy, this is great, I'm going down to L.A., I'm going to record at Capitol tower." I went in there and the engineering staff walked out because they didn't like me because I was a hippie [laughs]. That was my first experience. I was thrown into a pool of sharks, where all the bands were fighting for the same resources, managers were wheeling and dealing, and it was a lot more than I thought. I was pretty naïve when I started and, over the years, my record companies have grossed over $1 billion from my work, and I've spent 50 years auditing them to force them to pay me what my contracts call for. I caught them illegally selling hundreds of thousands of my records in markets worldwide. They've broken their contracts, they've broken their word. They have built-in theft in all their accounting. I've had to threaten to use the RICO statutes against them. It's a business with built-in theft and cheating, that's just considered normal, and I'm just not the kind of guy who tolerates that, I don't go for that. If it's not fair, and if it's not clean and clear, then I'm going to work to make it that way.

Birthdays today include: Akon; Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum; Jimmy Osmond; Stephen Singleton of ABC; Peter Garrett of Midnight Oil; John Bentley of Squeeze; Boll 'Sputnick' Spooner of The Tubes; and Bobby Vinton. #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for April 14, 2016

Hey, hi, howdy. Sure happy it's Thursday, am I right? 

Don't forget to join us for Saturday Night Karaoke, live and loud at the Iron Horse Tavern, coming up this weekend.

Ringo Starr has joined Bruce Springsteen in cancelling his North Carolina in protest against what he calls a discriminatory new law in the state. 

Starr was scheduled to perform in Cary, North Carolina on June 18.

"I’m sorry to disappoint my fans in the area, but we need to take a stand against this hatred. Spread peace and love," Starr said in a statement. "How sad that they feel this group of people cannot be defended."

Cyndi Lauper, meanwhile, told ABC News that her upcoming concert in Raleigh will go on as a sort of rally to "build public support to repeal HB2."

"I will be donating all of the profits from the show to Equality North Carolina's efforts to repeal HB2 and I am proud of my manager and agent for joining me in this effort by donating their commissions from the show to this vital effort," she said. 

"I look forward to coming to North Carolina and standing up for equality and fairness. If we truly want an inclusive society, we all have to include ourselves in the effort to make that happen. This is the best way I know how to include myself and urge you to join me in the best way you know how."

A new ICM survey shows over a third of vinyl buyers do not actually play the records they purchase. The BBC reports that 41 percent of buyers said they own a turntable which they do not use, and seven percent said they do not even own a turntable.

The remaining 52 percent of respondents said they own a turntable they don't use.

Gwen Stefani will be honored at this year's Radio Disney Music Awards, being presented with the Hero Award. 

The ceremony will be held Saturday, April 30, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles and be broadcast the next night on the Disney Channel.

Sometimes they write themselves.

Bethlehem, PA police say Diana Ross was injured yesterday when her limo was struck by an SUV that ran a stop sign.

Police say the 72 year old singer complained of head and neck pain after the incident. She was treated at the scene by paramedics and said she would seek further treatment on her own.

No one else was reported injured and Ross performed as scheduled at the Sands casino complex last night.

Birthdays today include: Win Butler of Arcade Fire; DaBrat; Martyn Le Noble of Porno For Pyros; Joey Pesce of 'til tuesday; Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple; and the legendary Loretta Lynn. #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for April 12, 2016

Hey, hi, howdy kids. How's your week so far?

Just a friendly reminder- don't forget to join us for Saturday Night Karaoke, live and loud at the Iron Horse Tavern this weekend. The fun runs 10pm-1am. Be there!

I'm glad to be a Springsteen fan- and even happier that he told North Carolina to get bent and cancelled his appearance there until the state pulls its collective head out of its collective ass and repeals their idiotic law preventing trans-gender people from using bathrooms of their current sex.

I'm sure they'll say it was "research."

I am not, however, a Jimmy Buffet fan. He's fucking terrible. He's also too chicken shit to cancel his shows in North Carolina. 

Bryan Adams, however, has joined Springsteen in protest- cancelling his shows in Mississippi- where a bill similar to North Carolina's was passed.

The absolute best of the "fuck yous" to North Carolina, though, comes from porn site Xhamster.

A California federal judge says the heirs of Spirit guitarist Randy Wolfe can move forward with their lawsuit that alleges Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" is a rip off of the 1968 instrumental titled "Taurus."

The order denies the defendants' motion for a summary judgment and says there is a triable issue of fact regarding whether Jimmy Page ever saw Spirit perform- and that enough similar protectable expression was demonstrated that should proceed to the jury.

Lawyers for Led Zeppelin had asked for the dismissal, in part, because Wolfe had once said in interviews that it was "fine" that "Taurus" was used and that "I'll let them have the beginning of Taurus for their song without a lawsuit."

The trial is set for May.

It was on this day in 1954 that Bill Haley and His Comets recorded "Rock Around the Clock" at Pythian Temple studios in New York City. The song is considered by many to be the song that put rock and roll on the musical map and was used over the opening titles for the film 'Blackboard Jungle' and has sold over 25 million copies.

Laurie Anderson will curate the tribute concert to her late husband, Lou Reed.

The event will be called ‘The Bells’ and will be held at New York’s Lincoln Center on July 30.

The line-up is yet to be revealed, but live music, film screenings, lyric readings, and an all-day broadcast of his music will be featured and the event will culminate in a concert featuring artists selected by Anderson.

Nope, nothing creepy here.

A 42 year old Hong Kong man has spent £35,000 to build a life sized robot Scarlett Johansson.

And you thought Japan was the capital of that kind of thing.

Birthdays today include: Nicholas Lofton Hexum of 311; Amy Ray of Indigo Girls; Art Alexakis of Everclear; Will Sergeant of Echo & The Bunnymen; Vince Gill; Alexander Briley of Village People; David Cassidy; John Kay of Steppenwolf; and Herbie Hancock. #Musical Birthdays

#WhatsHappening for April 10, 2016

One of my coworkers was surprised that I was "only" getting a $3 refund on my taxes.

Me? I'm surprised when people get big tax returns. Think about it- if you took that "big" refund amount and put it into a savings account, you're at least going to get interest on it. Do that by overpaying on your taxes and you're giving a free loan to the government. You're not really getting anything out of it. And- unless you do your own taxes, 100%- you're losing money there, too.

So- happy tax week!

I didn't think you could make him creepier.

The southern Indian city of Chennai is now home to a larger than life statue of Michael Jackson.

Self-describe "die-hard" fan Chandrasekaran carved the statue out of a single piece of black granite. He said he had tried to donate the statue to Jackson's family but was unable to do so.

The statue was unveiled at Vels University by film star Prabhu Deva, famous in India for his Jackson-inspired dance moves.

Chandrasekaran told the BBC that the 10'-3" statue was made by six sculptors and took 45 days to chisel it out of a single piece of rock, and that the sculptors repeatedly watched the Beat It music video to get his posture correct, and studied "thousands" of photographs to get his features correct.

American Idol is over. Fifteen years' too late, if you ask me.

Then again, the closest I get to "reality" shows are the shows on the Science Channel. I may watch crap, but at least it's not complete crap.

Can we stop with the "No GMOs" as a sales pitch? Pretty much everything you eat has been bred to grow, look, and taste a certain way. That's genetically modified- whether you admit it or not. Unless you're literally picking your food from the wild, you're eating something that's GMO. I know, these ads are talking about test tube seeds and the like- but that's splitting hairs. Or would that be heirs?

Say "hello" to her little friend.

Kylie Minogue, Jess Glynne, and Katherine Jenkins will be among the stars performing at Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday celebrations.

The event will be part of a four night celebration hosted by Ant and Dec in May, and will be held on the private grounds of Windsor Castle and be broadcast by ITV on May 15th.

Also performing will be Beverley Knight, Martin Clunes, Damian Lewis, Alfie Boe, John Boyega, James Blunt, and Jim Carter. Absolutely Fabulous comedian Jennifer Saunders, actress Imelda Staunton and Alan Titchmarsh will also participate.

Jenkins described said being asked to perform was "such an honour"

The celebration will tell the story of the Queen's life, from her birth in 1926 to her coronation in 1953, and her reign spanning more than 60 years.

Hosts Ant and Dec said: "This spectacular evening will bring together some of the best known names in the entertainment world who will perform with 900 horses and 1,500 participants to mark this very special birthday."

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies were held Friday night. Cheap Trick managed to put aside their hard feelings with former drummer Bun E. Carlos long enough to storm through a three song set- something that other big name bands have failed to do time and again- including Cheap Trick co-inductees Chicago.

Others inducted at the ceremony include Deep Purple, N.W.A., the Steve Miller Band, and Bert Berns.

The show will be broadcast on HBO on April 30.

Birthdays today include: Mandy Moore; Bryce Soderberg of Lifehouse; Mike Mushok of Staind; Kenny Lattimore; Afrika Bambaataa; Babyface; Brian Setzer; Steve Gustafson of 10,000 Maniacs; Bunny Livingston of Bob Marley & Wailers. #MusicalBirthdays 

#WhatsHappening for April 6, 2016

April 6, 1937 – April 6, 2016

Looks like we'll have to line up a tribute to yet another legend, as country music's Merle Haggard died today- his 79th birthday- at his home in Redding, California. This comes on the heels of his upcoming shows being cancelled last week because of illness.

Often called “the Poet of the Common Man,” Haggard's music reflected his humble roots and balls-out way of life. 

Haggard made his first recordings for the Tally label before moving to Capitol Records, and his career produced 38 chart-topping records along- including "Okie From Muskogee,” “If We Make It Through December,” “Hungry Eyes,” and “Working Man Blues.”

Haggard and his band the Strangers also scored with several film and TV hits over the years, including the series “Movin’ On,” “Barroom Buddies” and “Misery and Gin” from Clint Eastwood’s Bronco Billy," and his “Mama Tried” was featured in “Killers Three,” in which Haggard also co-starred.

Haggard was born in Oildale, CA and spent time in San Quentin Prison, despite showing great promise as a performer. He recalled in an interview that seeing Johnny Cash onstage there in 1958 was a particular inspiration, and the two men later became close friends and mutual fans.

Haggard’s first single was “Skid Row” and he found his first chart success with a cover of Wynn Stewart’s “Sing a Sad Song” in 1964. His first top-10, “(My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers,” followed the next year and his first No. 1 song, “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive,” came in 1966.

Haggard recalled in a 1999 interview with Variety that, when Capitol Records came calling, they asked him"‘Don’t you think it’s time you let us help you?’"

“They were also disappointed in everything but the Beatles. There was nothing in the world selling except Beatle music. Every country act in the entire fucking world had just got fired. And it just so happened that during that really strange Beatlemania I got a goddamn hit.”

Haggard is survived by his wife Theresa Ann Lane; their children Jenessa and Ben Haggard, the latter of whom served as lead guitarist in the Strangers for several years; and his children from previous marriages, Marty, Noel, Dana and Kelli. Married five times, his second and third wives were stage and recording partners Bonnie Owens and Leona Williams.

I'm not sure that's not Michael.

Janet Jackson has announced that she is cancelling the European dates on her Unbreakable world tour. 

"We're in the second leg of the tour and there actually has been a sudden change. I thought it was important that you be the first to know," Jackson said on Twitter today. She added that she her husband "are planning our family. I'm gonna have to delay the tour. Please if you can try and understand that it's important that I do this now. I have to rest up, doctor's orders." Jackson did not say that she was pregnant, however.

Woman in desperate need of a makeover. Steven Tyler.

Steven Tyler tells Rolling Stone that Aerosmith may call their live show quits next year after four decades. 

Tyler told the magazine “I’m doing 30 [solo] shows from May until August. And then in 2017 we go out with Aerosmith. We’re probably doing a farewell tour.”

There was no confirmation from other members of the band. 

He did provide some hope for fans, though, saying "look, there’s two bands that still have the original members, us and the Stones. Whether we do a farewell tour or go into the studio and do another record, I’m just excited about it.”

Birthdays today include: Frank Black of Pixies; Stan Cullimore of Housemartins; Ralph Cooper of Air Supply; Tony Connor of Hot Chocolate; and Christopher Franke of Tangerine Dream. #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for Monday, April 4, 2016

Hey, hey- whaddaya say?

Well, it's Opening Day for the Braves. In the top of the 9th, they're doing their damndest to give this gave to the Nationals. 

I've said this before, and I'll say it now- Fulton County Stadium went out with a World Series. Sure, it was three straight losses, but it was still the World Series. Turner Field will be lucky to go out with 70 wins out of this team.

And then the Braves, to me, will pretty much cease to exist. I will not subject myself to the hellhole of traffic where the team so stupidly decided to put a stadium- the culmination of a series of stupid moves ownership has made over the past seven or eight years. 

Currently in my Facebook "trending" column: Dolly Parton and Katy Perry: Singers Perform Duet Medley at 2016 Academy of Country Music Awards.

Why, exactly, was Katy Perry at the Country Music Awards? Was it to compare cup size with Dolly or something?

Any excuse to post this GIF.

It was on this date in 1964 that the Beatles owned the top five spots on the Billboard singles chart:

No. 1, "Can't Buy Me Love"

No. 2, "Twist and Shout"

No. 3, "She Loves You"

No. 4, "I Want to Hold Your Hand"

No. 5, "Please Please Me"

That particular feat has yet to be equalled.

Last night's winners at the Academy of Country Music Awards:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Jason Aldean

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Chris Stapleton

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Miranda Lambert

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR: Florida Georgia Line

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR: Little Big Town

NEW MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Chris Stapleton

NEW FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Kelsea Ballerini

NEW VOCAL DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR: Old Dominion

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Traveller by Chris Stapleton

SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR: "Die A Happy Man" by Thomas Rhett

SONG OF THE YEAR: “Nobody to Blame” by Chris Stapleton

VIDEO OF THE YEAR: "Mr. Misunderstood" by Eric Church

VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR: "Smokin’ And Drinkin’" by Miranda Lambert featuring Little Big Town

Unlike the Grammy's, I've actually heard of a lot of these people. And I don't even like country music.

From the "are you fucking kidding me?" file: It's being reported that Johnny Depp will replace Michael Keaton in the Beetlejuice sequel.

Which just made it unwatchable.

Word is that filming is getting ready to begin on Doctor Sleep- the sequel to The Shining.

To me, that could be good or bad. I enjoyed the book. Then again, I enjoyed reading The Shining, too.

And the movie, in it's own right, is a visually stunning movie and a great ghost story. As a representative of the book, however, it's garbage. 

Birthdays today include: Andre Dalyrimple of Soul For Real; Kelly Price; Jill Scott; Magnus Sveningsson of The Cardigans; Craig Adams of The Cult; Dave Hill of Slade; Pick Withers of Dire Straits; and Hugh Masekela. #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for April 1, 2016

Hey ho, kids- Friday is finally here. No fooling.

So, I was watching "Join or Die with Craig Ferguson" this afternoon, and this week's topic was "History's Most Influential Band." Of course the consensus was the Beatles. I mean, how could it not be?

But dig this- the other bands considered? The Rolling Stones, Run D.M.C., The Ramones, and Nirvana.

But... No Clash? No Beach Boys? No Talking Heads? No Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five? No Queen? No Earth, Wind & Fire? No Fleetwood Mac? No Parliament?

None of them even got a mention. Un-freaking-believable.

The Beatles are, pretty much, an undeniable choice. They changed music. They changed fashion. They changed celebrity. They changed technology. They changed business.

But there are so many great choices that were incredible influences.

The Clash took punk rock and proved it could be melodious and rebellious- actually playing music instead of torturing their instruments. I mean, I love the Sex Pistols, but talented musicians they were not.

The Beach Boys basically created a genre. And Pet Sounds remains one of the greatest sets ever recorded.

Talking Heads took the Clash's expansion of punk rock and took it further, blending genres in astounding ways.

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious brought rap off the streets and put it on the radio. And 1982's "The Message" remains a monumental testament.

Grandeur. Showmanship. Musical virtuosity. Queen had all of that in spades. Oh, and Freddie Mercury, too.

 

Earth, Wind & Fire's horn section alone merits consideration- toss in the incredible harmonies and funky beats, and you have a recipe for a groove.

Speaking of grooves- Parliament. Take a listen to pretty much any rap song and there's a damned good chance there's a Parliament sample in it.

Fleetwood Mac started their career as a blues band. Santana recorded one of their songs and had a top ten hit. The band has always boasted musical bad-asses. And their songs are just as good now as they were the first time I heard them.

Birthdays today include: Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum; Mark White of ABC; Jimmy Cliff; John Barbata of Jefferson Starship; Rudoph Isley of Isley Brothers. #MusicalBirthdays