#WhatsHappening for May 30, 2017

Can you believe it's almost June already? At least it's a short week!

You may have noticed that I didn't really post a whole heck of a lot over the weekend. That's because Memorial Day- despite its designation as the "unofficial start of summer" and the preponderance of cookouts that accompany it- is about remembering the men and women of the United States military who have given their lives in defense of this nation.

I won't name names, but it's quite disappointing that so many "celebrities," performers, and others are so utterly ignorant of the day's meaning.

Obviously, the big music news of the weekend was the passing of Gregg Allman. The singer had been battling liver cancer and died at his home in Savannah, "surrounded by his family and friends."

He will be buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, next to his brother, Duane, and Allman Brothers Band co-founder Berry Oakley.

Allman was 69.

The album Allman was working on with producer Don Was will come out this fall, according to Allman Brothers Band's manager, Bert Holman- who adds that there's plenty of music "in the vaults" as far as solo work from Gregg, and from the band that carried his name.

"We'll keep putting things out as long as there's an appetite for it. There's a great deal of material (left), and still a lot of interest in hearing these things, we think. We're working on other stuff right now in the creative pipeline."

Olivia Newton-John announced today that she was postponing her upcoming US tour after a recurrence of breast cancer. 

John had already postponed dates earlier this month with what she thought was back pain, but doctors later discovered was a relapse of the cancer she was originally diagnosed with in 1992.

"I decided on my direction of therapies after consultation with my doctors and natural therapists and the medical team at my Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia," she said in a Facebook post.

John said she hopes to reschedule the cancelled dates.

When Lauryn Hill hits the road this fall, Nas will be joining her. 

Comedian Hannibal Buress and reggae star Chronixx will also appear on select tour stops.

That announcement comes after Nas recently celebrated the Hill's birthday with her last week. "Singing Happy Birthday Stevie Wonder style to my soul sister Ms Lauryn Hill blessings and blessings love. (Free the Big Bro Lord )," Nas said in an Instagram post. 

The tour kicks off in Chicago on September 7 and wraps up in Vancouver on October 11.

Birthdays today include: alleged rapist Cee Lo Green (43); Patrick Dalheimer of Live (46); Sven Pipien of Black Crowes (50); Wynonna Judd (53); Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine (53); Marie Fredriksson of Roxette (58); Topper Headon of The Clash (62);  Geoffrey Lyall (a.k.a. Klaus Flouride) of Dead Kennedys (68); and Lenny Davidson of the Dave Clarke Five (73). #MusicalBirthdays

Memorial Day

"We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke: but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue."- James A. Garfield at Arlington National Cemetery, May 30, 1868

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, and was established to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

#WhatsHappening for May 25, 2017

Hi kids- welcome to the verge of the weekend.

In the wake of Monday night's terrorist attack, Ariana Grande has cancelled her shows through June 5th. 

Republic Records, Grande's label, released the following statement yesterday: "Due to the tragic events in Manchester the Dangerous Woman tour with Ariana Grande has been suspended until we can further assess the situation and pay our proper respects to those lost," the statement reads. "The London O2 shows this week have been canceled as well as all shows thru June 5 in Switzerland. We ask at this time that we all continue to support the city of Manchester and all those families affected by this cowardice and senseless act of violence. Our way of life has once again been threatened but we will overcome this together. Thank you."

If the European leg of Grande's tour resumes, her next show would be June 7 in Paris.

A&E's Biography will be relaunched next month with features on the unsolved murders of The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur.

The two-part documentary Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G. will debut on June 28th, and Who Killed Tupac?, a six part series, debuts the next night. Of course watching means you have to sit through a fuck-ton of promos for the rest of their least common denominator lineup- which is why I love the DVR.

The Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood has had a lung lesion successfully removed and is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the band's upcoming tour.

A spokesperson for Wood said in a statement that he is grateful to doctors who found the lesion in its early stages, and Wood isn't expected to require further treatment.

The BBC said today that their Radio 1 Big Weekend Festival would proceed "as planned" in Hull this weekend in the wake of the Manchester attack.

"After conducting a full review of the festival, in conjunction with the police and partners, various extra security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of those attending," the BBC said. "As part of this, everyone that enters the site will go through two rounds of thorough searches – one round conducted at transport hubs where police will be present, and a second round of security procedures at the entrance gates."

"We ask for the patience and cooperation of anyone coming to the event on the weekend and that they allow extra time to pass through security."

Authorities in Kuwait have captured a homing pigeon carrying nearly 200 pills of ecstasy in a pack on its back.

Al Arabiya reports that authorities say the bird was flying into the country from Iraq and was caught by trackers near the custom's department.

Who knew Kuwait had such a vibrant EDM scene?

Birthdays today include: Joe King of The Fray (37); Lauryn Hill (42); John Grimaldi of Argent (62); Robert Steinhardt of Kansas (67); Paul Weller of the Jam/Style Council (59); Klaus Meine of Scorpions (69); Mitchel Margo of The Tokens (70); Tom T. Hall (81). #MusicalBirthdays

A Rare Moment of Seriousness

It is no doubt the topic on everyone's mind this morning- the explosion at Manchester Arena yesterday as fans left an Ariana Grande concert there that has killed a reported 19 and injured 59. 

In the aftermath of the attack at the Bataclan in November 2015, I wondered to myself what had taken so long? Gatherings like concerts (ball games, auto racing, parades, rallies, etc) are prime targets, people's guards will almost always be down because of the endorphin rush of having seen the spectacle- but, in the west, such attacks were rare.

That the target last night was fans of an performer whose audience is comprised mainly of teenagers shouldn't be surprising, either. The aims of terrorists are the same- no matter what their ideology: Using violence to coerce another, usually more powerful, group to accede to their will. The more heinous the attack, the more helpless the victim is perceived to be, the more terrible the act will appear.

Terrorists of any political bent will strike wherever they can, and often at the most vulnerable among us. Ask the citizens of Vilnius, Lithuania; Bath, Michigan; Kfar Darom in the Gaza Strip- just some of the many locations around the world where children were the targets of attacks.

While the technology the terrorist can call on to wreak their havoc has advanced- so, too, has our capacity to fight. Now, in this century- we have the world at our fingertips. Social sites have made us a global people, and the ability to be coerced by such acts has been rendered smaller with each passing day.

That doesn't mean terrorists will abandon their efforts- it just means those efforts will continue to become more heinous. It is up to us to be more resilient.

For now, though, I suggest that we focus on the victims/intended victims of yesterday's attack instead of the perpetrator and their aims. 

For the dead, remembrance. For the injured, healing. For the bystanders, counsel. For the responders, safety and sure hands.

For all of us, peace.

#WhatsHappening for May 19, 2017

Honestly, what kind of Friday isn't a good Friday? Welcome to the weekend.

This just in: 

The Detroit News reports this morning that Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell’s wife, Vicky, asked his bodyguard to check on the singer after a telephone conversation in which Cornell repeatedly said, "I am just tired" according to a copy of a report filed by officers who responded to the scene.

The report says the bodyguard found the main door of Cornell's suite and a door to the bedroom suite locked when he checked on the singer after midnight- and that he forced both doors open before finding Cornell on the bathroom floor, "with blood running from his mouth and a red exercise band around (his) neck."

Safeco Field in Seattle on Thursday night.

Cornell’s family issued a statement this morning that disputes the finding that the singer's death was a suicide- saying that his behavior was likely exacerbated by Ativan, which he had been prescribed for anxiety. 

A spokesperson for the Detroit Police says the report The Detroit News published leaked and an official version would not be available until the medical report is complete, "probably several weeks from now."

A Minnesota judge ruled today that Prince's six siblings are the heirs to his estate.

Carver County Judge Kevin Eide said that "the heirs of the estate are determined to be Omarr Baker, Alfred Jackson, Sharon Nelson, Norrine Nelson, John R. Nelson and Tyka Nelson."

The ruling doesn't mean that the siblings will immediately take control of the singer's estate, but instead begins a year-long process in that will allow people claiming to be relatives of the late singer to make their appeals- but also allows them to be excluded if the judge does not accept their case.

Obasi Shaw

A Harvard University senior has earned an honors degree after submitting his debut rap album as his senior thesis in the English department.

Obasi Shaw of Atlanta says his album is "a moody take" on what it means to be black in America, and draws on Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales and other literary works for inspiration. The work was given the equivalent of an A-minus grade (yeah, I'm not sure what that means, either).

Birthdays today include: Sam Smith (25); Jenny Berggren of Ace Of Base(45); Iain Harvie of Del Amitri (56); Yasmin Evans of Yazz (57); Martyn Ware of Heaven 17 (61); Phillip Rudd of AC/DC (63); Dusty Hill of ZZ Top (68); Grace Jones (69); Tom Scott, saxophonist for the LA Express, Steely Dan and the Blues Brothers (69); and  Pete Townshend of The Who (72). #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for May 18, 2017

#WhatsHappening for May 15, 2017

'Sup, kids?

Yep, another Monday. Time to buckle down and ride out the week. After all, the weekend's just five days away!

Barry Manilow canceled his show last night in LA and has also cancelled his Wednesday show in Chicago. 

The 73 year old singer was to scheduled to perform last night at the Forum and at Allstate Arena on Wednesday.

He said in a message posted to Facebook Saturday night that his doctors had ordered him to rest, and he was "very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause."

The Chicago show was been rescheduled for July 29 and the Los Angeles show for Aug. 4.

Is he supposed to be a future Jack Sparrow or something?

Paul McCartney will have a cameo in the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Whoopee.

The Goo Goo Dolls are heading out on a summer tour- dubbed the Long Way Home that kicks off in July, and Johnny Rzeznik says the shows will be bigger and better than ever before.

"I think the shows are going to be longer. Obviously we’re going to play all the hits, but we’re going to go a lot deeper in the catalog."

If you've ever heard any of their tunes besides what got airplay, you probably already know they're a pretty good punk band. If you only know them by Iris- do yourself a favor and have a listen.

Fox has its follow-up to Grease Live, and its the Tony-winning Rent, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Mark Platt will work on producing the show while simultaneously working on the recently announced Jesus Christ Superstar for NBC and Fox's A Christmas Story.

Paramore will be hitting the road this fall, bringing their European Tour One to our side of the Atlantic for the North American Tour Two in support of their new album, After Laughter.

The American dates kick off September 6 in Jacksonville and include an October 2 date at the Fox here in Atlanta.

The band also announced they'd be sailing out on their third Parahoy! concert cruise next April, taking fans from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas, from April 6 through April 10.

The Tupac/Biggie feud is coming to the small screen. Well, the aftermath, anyway.

USA Network has announced that they've picked up Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G. as a series. No debut date was given, but it's been rumored that the show will begin its run this fall. 

Jamie McShane and Brent Sexton lead the cast.

Birthdays today include: Baba Oje of Arrested Development (84); Lenny Welch (79); K.T. Oslin (75); Graham Goble of Little River Band (73); Brian Eno (70); Dennis Fredericksen of Toto (66); Mike Oldfield (64). #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for May 11, 2017

This is a present for YOU, not your mother. Also, the font is terrible.

Hey kids- welcome to Weekend's Eve!

Got your presents for your Mom yet? If not, get off the fucking stick, ya slacker!

A long-unreleased Jimi Hendrix concert film may finally be getting a release date. The Hollywood Report says that a California appeals has ruled that that one of the rights holders did not violate a joint production deal by refusing to accept a limited distribution offer.

The dispute revolves around a film about Hendrix's 1969 performances at London's Royal Albert Hall.

"For almost a half-century, the two parties (or their predecessors) who own the rights to this film and its accompanying soundtrack have been lost in a purple haze of false starts and litigation," begins the decision.

Sony Pictures had offered to distribute the film in limited release, but that deal wasn't satisfactory to Gerald Goldstein- who was one of the original filmmakers. His rejection led to a suit filed by Experience Hendrix, who represent the late artist's interests, after the 2010 deal fell apart. 

Experience Hendrix had asked the court to rescind an earlier decision against them, arguing that the judge in the case had misread the contract, made unsupported factual findings and erred in awarding fees, but the appellate panel affirmed the lower court's decision.

Just a week after bailing out on his headlining set at Sasquatch!, the Hangout Festival announced on Twitter last night that Frank Ocean would no longer be headlining their shindig, either. 

"Due to production delays beyond his control Frank Ocean will be unable to perform," Hangout posted. "He passes on his apologies & hopes to return to AL soon."

Phoenix was tapped to serve as a replacement headliner. Ocean is still scheduled to perform WayHome Festival, NorthSide, Panorama, Primavera Sound and FYF.

District Judge Kevin Eide said in January he wouldn't declare the heirs of the late rock superstar until appeals had run their course for others whose had made similar claims, lawyers for Prince's sister and five half-siblings say that's too long to wait and have Eide to declare them the Purple One's lawful heirs. 

Eide said Wednesday he'll take their request under advisement.

Attorneys for those who have been rejected as heirs say their interests would be harmed if the district court doesn't wait out the appeals process.

Birthdays today include: Eric Burdon of War and the Animals (75); Les Chadwick of Gerry & The Pacemakers (74); Jonathan Jeczalik of Art Of Noise (62); Mark Herndon of Alabama (62); Martha Quinn- original MTV VJ  (57); Greg Dulli of Afghan Whigs (51); and Christoph Schneider of Rammstein (50).

Today also marks the 129th anniversary of the birth of legendary Irving Berlin. #MusicalBirthdays 

'Cuz we all desperately need to relax...

Duuuuuuude.

#WhatsHappening for May 9, 2017

Hey kids, what's shakin'?

Billboard headline: Celine Dion to Perform 'My Heart Will Go On' at 2017 Billboard Music Awards

Because I needed another reason not to watch.

I still say you're an idiot if you shelled out that kind of dough.

The hits just keep on coming for Fyre Festival as a sixth lawsuit has been filed against the organizers, this one alleging a "reckless disregard for reality."

Rolling Stone reports that the latest class-action suit was filed in a Miami court by a North

Carolina couple Kenneth and Emily Reel and seeks $5 million from organizers. Court documents claim organizers "did not take any steps, let alone reasonable steps, to ensure that their promotional materials and marketing campaigns were accurate" and that they "did nothing to ensure that what they were marketing, and in turn what people were relying upon in purchasing tickets, was or even could be true."

Ya just know he reeks of Patchouli.

God's Problem Child, the latest album from Willie Nelson, has claimed the top spot on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart for May 20 after moving 36,000 units in its first week of release.

The album also debuts at #10 on the Billboard 200- good for Nelson's sixth top 10, and fourth since 2013. 

His visit to the top of the country charts gives Nelson his 17th #1 on Top Country Albums, passing Garth Brooks and Merle Haggard for second-most all time behind George Strait, who leads with 26 chart-toppers.

Sean P. Diddy-Daddy-Puffy-Puff Combs' former chef has filed suit against the performer, claiming she was framed for theft and fired after complaining about sexual harassment and not being paid for overtime.

According to a complaint filed Monday in L.A. County Superior Court, the woman is suing for Combs sexual harassment, retaliation, defamation, failure to pay overtime and intentional infliction of emotional distress, among other claims.

She says she regularly worked from 9:00 a.m. to midnight or later without being paid overtime- and was regularly asked to serve food for her boss and his friends "immediately following sexual activity" often when Combs was naked- when he also asked if she liked his body.

The suit seeks damages for unpaid wages and overtime, plus punitive damages and an injunction to prevent future employees from being inaccurately classified as exempt.

Birthdays today include: Pierre Bouvier of Simple Plan (38); Ryan Vikedal of Nickelback (42); Paul McGuigan of Oasis (46); David Gahan of Depeche Mode (55); Paul Heaton of Housemartins (55); John Edwards of Status Quo (64); Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick (67); Billy Joel (68); Steve Katz of Blood, Sweat & Tears (72); Richie Furay of Buffalo Springfield and Poco, (73); Tommy  Roe (74); Pete Birrell of Freddie & The Dreamers (76); and Sonny Curtis of The Crickets (80). #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for May 7, 2017

Hey-o, kids. Hope you're having a good weekend so far.

The Queen of Country remains hospitalized after suffering a stroke at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.

Loretta Lynn's website confirmed that the 85-year-old singer was admitted to a Nashville hospital Thursday night and that she is expected to make a full recovery.

Lynn has been advised by doctors to rest and recuperate. Her summer tour has been postponed.

Crystal Gayle, Lynn's "baby" sister, said through her publicist "Many of you have heard that my sister, Loretta Lynn, had a stroke. She's a strong woman and I know she'll come out of this. Our family appreciates your prayers, love and support. We pray for a speedy recovery."

Lynn is scheduled to release a new album this August, called Wouldn't It Be Great. The release will coincide with a new exhibition at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Is it just me, or does it look like David Lynch has taken to using the same person for his hair that the cheeto in the White House uses for his toupee?

A Rhode Island court has ruled against the beachgoers who had sought access to the sand and surf in Westerly where Taylor Swift owns a vacation home.

Don't objectify me!

The court ruling, handed down last Tuesday, upheld a lower court's ruling that said landowners in the town were within their rights to erect fences that prevent the public from accessing their 2-mile stretch of beach.

The state attorney general's office and environmental groups had argued that the land had been dedicated to the public more than a century ago but the court disagreed, finding the beach is privately owned.

The attorney general says he's disappointed but points out that the decision does not affect a state constitutional guarantee to access the shoreline.

I realize I'm two days late with this, but...

By the way, it was like 55° Friday. What the hell, May? I mean, I'm perfectly fine with that- but it's going to be in the 80s at the karaoke compound today.

Birthdays today include: Christy Moore of The Dubliners (71);

Bill Kreutzmann of Grateful Dead (71); Thelma Houston (70); Prairie Prince- founding member of Journey (66); Bernie Marsden of Whitesnake (65); Anne Dudley of Art Of Noise (61); Marty Wilson-Piper of The Church (58); Phil Campbell of Motorhead (56); Matt Helders of Arctic Monkeys (49); and Eagle-Eye Cherry (45). #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for May 3, 2017

Can you believe it's May already?

Happy hump day, kids. Hope the week hasn't been too bad so far.

If I was home tomorrow, I'd no doubt get sucked into TBS' Star Wars day. Nerd, I am.

I wonder if they found my lack of faith disturbing.

Every time I hear them say "May the Force be with you" I automatically think "and also with you." Thirty-something years later, I still remember the mass responses from filming episodes of The Savannah Catholic Hour for cable access when I worked at WTOC.

Radiohead will be releasing a expanded version of their OK Computer for the 20th anniversary of the album's original release.

The release will be titled OKNOTOK 1997-2017 and include the original album plus unreleased tracks and B-sides, remastered from the original recordings.

Most of the additional material has been released previously. 

I can honestly say that not only have I ever watched CMT, I couldn't even tell you what channel they are. I may have to change that, though, as the network says they'll be featuring their first ever outdoor show of their Country Crossroads series next month with a performance by Earth, Wind & Fire.

Other announced broadcasts include the network's Instant Jam with Brett Eldredge from Las Vegas and the Hot 20 Countdown weekly broadcasts, the return of Nashville, another season of Still The King, something called I Love Kellie Pickler, and To Joey, With Love- a documentary about Joey and Rory Feek.

Well... the EWF concert sounds cool, anyway.

The Eagles have filed suit against The Hotel California in Baja, claiming trademark infringement.

When you're down that's where you'll stay.

Court papers claim that "advertising targeted to U.S. consumers, and in-person communications, Defendants lead U.S. consumers to believe that the Todos Santos Hotel is associated with the Eagles and, among other things, served as the inspiration for the lyrics in Hotel California, which is false."

The papers also claim the name doesn't just refer to the album or song, but "essence of the band itself."

The suit seeks an injunction to ban the hotel from using tge name Hotel California or doing anything else to imply it is connected to or approved by the band- and asks for all related profits plus actual and exemplary damages.

Birthdays today include: David Ball of Soft Cell; Bruce Hall of REO Speedwagon; Christopher Cross; Frankie Valli; Pete Staples of The Troggs; and Engelbert Humperdink. #MusicalBirthdays

Today also marks the anniversary of the births of Bing Crosby, Pete Seeger, and Soul Brother #1 James Brown.

#WhatsHappening for May 1, 2017

Hey, hey- it's May Day!

Also Monday (that part sucks).

I'm digging the look of Alien: Covenant. I may actually watch that one in the theater.

Ryan Seacrest has been tapped as Kelly Ripa's cohost on Live With Kelly. 'Cuz, ya know, I needed another reason not to watch.

Seriously, 80 bajillion channels and daytime TV is still a huge bag of fuckery. Thank goodness for the American Dad, Family Guy, and Bob's Burgers reruns on TBS.

Attorney Mark Gergaos has filed a $100 million class-action suit against organizers of the Fyre Festival.

The suit accuses organizers of fraud, citing the fest's "lack of adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care created a dangerous and panicked situation among attendees- suddenly finding themselves stranded on a remote island without basic provisions."

The event was supposed to be a two weekend, luxury getaway on a private Caribbean island with high end food, accommodations, and celebrity guests. The reality, though, "was more like The Hunger Games or Lord of the Flies than Coachella," according to legal papers filed yesterday. 

Officials put the festival site on lockdown, said the island's tourism ministry, organizers had failed to pay customs duty taxes on items imported for the weekend. 

Considering ticket prices ranged from $4,000 to $100,000, I'm inclined to agree that it seems like "nothing more than a get-rich-quick scam from the very beginning (intended to) fleece attendees for hundreds of millions of dollars." Then again, I also think anyone who shelled out that kind of dough for a ticket is a fucking idiot.

John Legend will be at Salem State University tomorrow to receive the school's first Salem Advocate for Social Justice Award. The Salem Award Foundation for Human Rights and Social Justice was created to recognize those who champion social justice issues and advocate for people who are underrepresented.

Legend will also be performing and discussing his work on criminal justice, education and other issues.

An appellate panel has ruled that the L.A. County judge who denied a disqualification motion should have examined the relationship between law firm Glaser Weil and its former client- Morgan Creek Productions- in the lawsuit filed by Emmett/Furla Productions over a Tupac biopic. 

Emmett/Furla filed the suit in 2015, claiming Morgan Creek breached their co-production deal by casting a lead actor and setting a production budget and schedule without approval.

Pretty sure all it really means is that movie isn't coming out any time soon.

The CMT Music Awards have announced their performance lineup, and the initial list includes Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert and Thomas Rhett. The June 7 show will be hosted live by Nashville star Charles Esten, who says "there is no other show quite like the CMT Music Awards."

"It’s a show fully dedicated to the fans and an annual chance for them to place their votes for their favorite artists. Besides always being flat-out fun, it’s also always been a stage for magical musical moments- and a place where some of country’s biggest legends have been made. I’m thrilled and honored to get to host this great event."

Nominees will be announced on May 9.

Birthdays today include: D'Arcy Wretsky-Brown of Smashing Pumpkins; Tim McGraw; Johnny Colt of The Black Crowes; Phil Smith of Haircut 100; Steve Farris of Mr Mister; Ray Parker, Jr.; Rita Coolidge; Judy Collins. #MusicalBirthdays