#WhatsHappening for April 26, 2018

Happy Thursday, kids. Hope the week has sailed smoothly by for you so far.

Bill Cosby was found guilty of drugging and molesting Temple University employee Andrea Constand in 2004.

A jury outside Philadelphia convicted Cosby on three counts of aggravated indecent assault, less than a year after a previous jury deadlocked on the same charges. He faces up to 10 years in prison on each of the counts.

Talking Heads' co-founder Chris Frantz is joining the ranks of musicians-turned-authors with a memoir that's due out in the spring of 2020 to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Heads' Remain In Light LP.

Frantz, his wife- Tina Weymouth, and David Byrne formed Talking Heads in 1973, and Frantz and Weymouth formed Tom Tom Club in 1980- when Byrne was working on solo projects. Frantz and Weymouth have also worked as producers on numerous other artists' projects.

The book will be published by Faber Social. 

"From a rough loft on Chrystie Street to legendary CBGB, to touring with the Ramones, the Pretenders, B-52’s, the Police, Dire Straits and many others, Talking Heads wrote the soundtrack for the punk and new wave movement," Faber Social said in a statement. "Chris Frantz remembers it all in thrilling detail and proposes a memoir as eclectic—and electrifying—as Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club."

On the heels of the prosecutor's decision not to file charges related to Prince's death, the singer's heirs filed suit against Walgreens and the Illinois hospital that treated him after he suffered from an opioid overdose, alleging that a doctor and various pharmacists failed to provide Prince with reasonable care, contributing to his death.

The lawsuit, filed in Cook County, Illinois, alleges a doctor and pharmacist at Trinity Medical Center in Moline, Illinois, failed to appropriately treat and investigate Prince's April 15, 2016, overdose, and that he died "as a direct and proximate cause of one or more ... deviations from the standards of care." It goes on to accuse Walgreen Company pharmacists at two of its Minnesota branches of "dispensing prescription medications not valid for a legitimate medical purpose."

Attorneys for the said in a statement that "Prince's family wishes, through its investigation, to shed additional light on what happened to Prince. At the same time further light on the opiate epidemic will hopefully help the fight to save lives. If Prince's death helps save lives, then all was not lost."

"Claps back" needs to go away.

Don't forget to join us for Saturday Night Karaoke this weekend- live and loud at the Iron Horse Tavern in historic downtown Norcross.

Birthdays today include: Jose Pasillas of Incubus (42); T-Boz of TLC (48); Chris Mars of The Replacements (57); Roger Taylor of Duran Duran (58); Gary Wright (75); Bobby Rydell (76); and Duane Eddy (80). #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for April 23, 2018

Whoo-hoo, Monday Tuesday! Sorry, I got sidetracked.

I don't really see it.

Paramount has picked up the upcoming Elton John biopic Rocketman, starring Kingsman actor Taron Egerton. The film will track John's career from his days at the Royal Academy of Music through his recovery from drug and alcohol addiction and his rise to international superstardom.

Egerton will go the Sissy Spacek/Coal Miner's Daughter route and sing John's tunes himself- and has already recorded songs at Abbey Road Studios. (Is anyone besides me really hoping one of the songs isn't Candle in the Wind? At least, not the "English Rose" version.)

Have you seen the Denny's commercial with the Solo tie-in? It's like even a good-if-it's-the-middle-of-the-night-you're-ripped-and-nothing-else-is-open restaurant realizes that Chewbacca is going to be better in this movie than the poor guy who's playing the titular character.

The estate of the late mastermind Prince has finally brought the Purple one back to the internet. Here it is, in all its glory. I especially love that all the videos are there, plus the discography of his incredibly prolific career, his output as a producer, and- still to come, according to the estate's reps- selections from his vault of unreleased material.

Deep Purple and Judas Priest are hitting the road this fall on a 25-city co-headlining tour that kicks off August 21st in Cincinnati. The tour will span slightly over a month, wrapping up September 30th at the Toyota Amphitheatre in Wheatland, California. 

Deep Purple is touring to promote their 2017 album inFinite, while Judas Priest released their latest, Firepower,  just last month.

Tickets for the tour go on sale Friday at 10 AM, while Citibank cardholders can snag tickets until Thursday morning. The tour hits the Atlanta area on September 14th with a show at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.

Janet Jackson's camp announced yesterday that her State of the World Tour will be adding some summer dates across the United States. The 11 city extension includes dates in Austin, Texas, and Syracuse, New York as well as appearances at the Panorama, FYF Fest, and Outside Lands festivals.

Tickets go on sale Friday.

If you regularly peruse our ramblings, you know that the words Kanye and West rarely appear here unless I'm insulting him, but I had to mention the Billboard headline from today: Is Kanye West Eying a Political Run in 2024?

As I said when it was rumored Oprah Winfrey would run- or when any other fucking "celebrity" asshat (including the one currently residing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue) makes the announcement, let me offer this: How about a big-old FUCK NO?

Are old-guard, career politicians a problem? Ab-so-fucking-lute-ly. Is a person who's completely bereft of knowledge of how government actually works, and has never held a job that involved actual work the answer? Ab-so-fucking-lute-ly not. 

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

Birthdays today include: Kelly Clarkson (36); Aaron Comess of Spin Doctors (50); Patty Schemel of Hole (51); Billy Gould of Faith No More (55); Boris Williams of The Cure (60); David J of Love & Rockets (61); Glen Cornick of Jethro Tull (71); and Barbra Streisand (76). Today would also be Roy Orbison's 82nd birthday. #MusicalBirthdays 

#WhatsHappening for April 21, 2018

Hey kids. Happy weekend!

Don't forget to join Mark tonight for all the madness that is Saturday Night Karaoke, live at the Iron Horse Tavern.

Carver County, Minnesota prosecutor Mark Metz announced Thursday afternoon that charges would not be filed relating to Prince's death, saying "there is no reliable evidence showing how Prince obtained" the drugs that killed him.

The investigation also uncovered that the Vicodin the singer was taking was counterfeit, and laced with fentanyl- making them even more dangerous. Metz said that "...(the) evidence demonstrates that Prince thought he was taking Vicodin and not fentanyl" and that "...(in) all likelihood, Prince had no idea he was taking a counterfeit pill that could kill him. Others around Prince also likely did not know that the pills were counterfeit containing fentanyl."

Metz added that there was "no evidence that the pill or pills that actually killed Prince were prescribed by a doctor. There is also no evidence to suggest any other sinister motive, intent or conspiracy to murder Prince. The evidence suggests that Prince had long suffered significant pain, became addicted to pain medications but took efforts to protect his privacy."

Metz called the singer's death "a tragic example that opioid addiction, and overdose deaths do not discriminate no matter the demographic."

To say the least.

I never watched much of Smallville, but my favorite of young Clark Kent's hometown, would-be loves was Chloe Sullivan- played by Allison Mack- so imagine my surprise to read yesterday that Mack had been arrested and indicted by the Feds on charges of sex trafficking, sex trafficking conspiracy, and forced labor conspiracy.

The arrest was related to Mack's alleged involvement with an organization called Nxivm, which claims to be a self-help program but was, according to the indictment, a pyramid scheme in which some recruits were exploited "both sexually and for their labor, to the defendants' benefit."

I mean, wow.

Rolling Stone has confirmed reports that R. Kelly's lawyer and publicist have severed ties with the singer.

Trevian Kutti, who was Kelly's publicist, told the magazine that "effective April 16, 2018, I no longer represent Mr. Robert Kelly" while attorney Linda Mensch, said, "I no longer represent R. Kelly." She added that her "resignation was unrelated to any allegations related to Mr. Kelly’s social life." 

The BBC also reported that Kelly's executive assistant, Diana Copeland, had resigned as of April 1st- shortly after the release the BBC documentary, R. Kelly: Sex, Girls and Videotapes, which investigated the numerous allegations of sexual misconduct against the singer.

Birthdays today include: Jencarlos Canela (30); Michael Timmins of Cowboy Junkies (59); Robert Smith of The Cure (59); Patti Lupone (69); Iggy Pop (71); and Slide Hampton (86). #MusicalBirthdays 

#WhatsHappening for April 19, 2018

Hey, hi, howdy kids. We're most of the way through the week, so that means Saturday Night Karaoke is just around the corner. Don't forget to join Mark for all the fun at the Tavern this week.

While the vultures continue to circle around, trying to get their piece of the pie that is Prince's estate, the late rock royalty's publishing agent has announced that his biography will be published by the end of the year.

Esther Newberg says that three different editors met with Prince at his Paisley Park home to strike a deal just a few weeks before he died in 2016. She said Prince was "committed to the book project" and worked together with author Dan Piepenbring- including personally writing, by hand, over 50 pages. Reproductions of those pages may be included in the book.

Speaking of late geniuses, David Bowie is now being featured on a limited edition of five Metro Cards issued by the by the NYCT Subway system.

Rail Control to Major Tom: David Bowie branded MetroCards, created by @Spotify, are now available at the Broadway-Lafayette and Bleecker St stations. We’ve printed 250,000 cards, featuring 5 iconic images from the David Bowie exhibit @BrooklynMuseum. Drop by anytime to get yours. pic.twitter.com/LxqmBkSSxA

— NYCT Subway (@NYCTSubway) April 17, 2018

Bowie lived in the Soho district of New York City- and the Brooklyn Museum there is now home to the David Bowie Is exhibit, so the Soho subway station at Broadway-Lafayette has been turned into a combination David Bowie shrine and ad for the show. The cards are $6.50 each.

Yo! MTV Raps is back. Kind of.
In anticipation of the show's rebirth (though no firm date was given for that), the network has announced they'll be holding a 30th anniversary tribute at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on June 1. 
Artists expected to appear include Big Daddy Kane and the Juice Crew, Eric B. and Rakim, Doug E. Fresh, KRS-One and Boogie Down Productions, EPMD, Flavor Flav, Melle Mel & the Furious Five, The Pharcyde, Brand Nubian, Nice and Smooth, Onyx, Black Sheep, Das EFX, Special Ed, Yo-Yo, and Kid Capri. 
Fab 5 Freddy is also scheduled to be attending and the show will feature tribute videos from Eminem, Method Man, Redman, and more. Tickets go on sale Saturday at noon EST. MTV will livestream the show, as well.

Birthdays today include: Luis Miguel (48); Stevie B (60); Tony Martin of Black Sabbath (61); Rod Morgenstein of Winger (65); Mark Volman of The Turtles (71); and Alan Price of The Animals (76). #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for April 17, 2018

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey, kids- what time is it? Tuesday. No biggie. Hope everything's going smooth for you so far.

Don't forget to join SuperMark this week for another kick-ass edition of Saturday Night Karaoke, live and loud at the Iron Horse Tavern. The fun runs 10pm-1am this week.

As much as I enjoying the amazingly aesthetically pleasing Molly Ringwald, I'm still not watching Drop the Mic- so shut up, TBS.

Kendrick Lamar made history yesterday, winning a Pulitzer Prize for music for his album DAMN. That win was only the second in the awards' 75 years that didn't go to a non-classical or jazz musician. Bob Dylan won for his autobiography Chronicles, which won in 2008.

The Pulitzer board called the album "a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life."

Dana Canedy, host of the ceremony awarding the prizes, said the organization was "very proud of this selection. It means that the jury and the board judging system worked as it’s supposed to- the best work was awarded a Pulitzer Prize. It shines a light on hip-hop in a completely different way. This is a big moment for hip-hop music and a big moment for the Pulitzers."

Huey Lewis & The News have cancelled their entire 2018 slate of shows due to Lewis' hearing loss.

Huey Lewis and The News cancel all 2018 performances. See attached note from Huey. pic.twitter.com/FbWqDlGwnR

— Huey Lewis (@Huey_Lewis_News) April 13, 2018

By the way, if you missed Saturday Night Karaoke last week- you missed a very enthusiastic crowd. Thanks to David for the video.

Birthdays today include: Avi Kaplan of Pentatonix (29); Victoria Beckham- aka Posh Spice- of Spice Girls (44); Liz Phair (51); Maynard James Keenan of Tool (54); Pete Shelley of Buzzcocks (63); Michael Sembello (64); Jan Hammer (70); and Buster Williams (76).  Today would also be Linda McCartney's birthday.

#MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for April 15, 2018

Good Sunday Afternoon, friends and neighbors. Hope you're all digging your weekend. I personally enjoyed the rainy Sunday morning that let allowed me enough respite from the damnable pollen to open up the door of the karaoke compound and let in some fresh air while I did my Sunday routine.

In case you missed karaoke last night (and, honestly, there were so many people there I couldn't keep track of who joined us)- the new songbooks are (finally) finished. The books now contain all of our selections that are available for performing. As always, if there's a song you'd like to do that's not in the list, feel free to drop us a line on Facebook or via e-mail to request it. If it's available, we'll be happy to check on getting it (as long as it's not subject to the following):

Though I'm very much opposed to censoring folks, I have removed all songs that I could track down containing inappropriate lyrics that would make them unsuitable for many venues. If you happen to come across one I missed the next time you're browsing the book, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know so I can take care of it.

You might also notice that some other, more innocuous choices have been removed from the songbooks. That's because, after 15+ years of hosting karaoke, I just don't want to hear them any more. 

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony for 2018 was held in Cleveland last night, and the 33rd annual ceremony kicked off with a tribute to Tom Petty, and The Killers performing the late rocker's American Girl.

For many fans, the highlight was the reunion of Bon Jovi with their former bandmates Richie Sambora and Alec John Such- with all of the members seeming to relish their time- and performance- together.

The Cars, Nina Simone, The Moody Blues, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe were also inducted, as well as Dire Straits- whose Mark and David Knopfler didn't attend the event. David Illsley, who played bass in the band, said Mark Knopfler had told him "he just didn't feel like coming, it's as simple as that. It just didn't appeal to him, and I appealed to him on several occasions." I'm guessing he sees the Hall as a joke, just like I do.

I mean, it's not like I wouldn't like to see it and explore the exhibits- it's just that I think it's bullshit the way inductees are chosen, and deemed eligible, and blah-blah-blah.

So, this is neat... My buddy Chip had some of his work featured on Saturday Night Live last night. That guitar that Jack White is holding is one that Chip built for him, as pointed out by Chip's wife, Mary.

It's not the first time one of Chip's creations have gotten widespread notice, though- he also has some of his work in the Smithsonian (and, now that I think about it, probably the Rock Hall, too). I mean, that's some cool shit, yeah? 

Music trivia time. 
Otis Redding improvised the whistling on (Sittin' On The) Dock of the Bay because he forgot the lyrics he wanted to sing. Steve Cropper talks about it below.

Birthdays today include: Luis Fonsi (40); Chris Stapleton (40); Ed O'Brien of Radiohead (50); Samantha Fox (52); Dave Edmunds (74); and Roy Clark (86). #MusicalBirthdays 

#WhatsHappening for April 9, 2018

Good Monday evening, kids. Hope you all enjoyed your weekend. If you missed Saturday Night Karaoke this past week- you missed loads of fun. Various clips below.

In today's "what the fuck?" news- Variety is reporting that guitarist Lindsey Buckingham has left Fleetwood Mac.

News of the firing was first shared on Twitter by Billy Burnette on April 4, when he posted that "...Lindsey Buckingham is out but I’m not in." Burnette replaced Buckingham in the group from 1987 until 1995. He deleted the post a few hours later.

Variety reports that a source "close to the band" said Buckingham didn't leave the band voluntarily and "was fired." Variety then reported a short time later that former Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell and Crowded House frontman Neil Finn would be touring with the band this fall in Buckingham's place. No disrespect to either of those guys, but you know you're a badass if it takes two people to replace you.

Representatives for Kenny Rogers, who was in the midst of a farewell tour, have announced that the singer was cancelling the remainder of his tour dates due to "health challenges."

Rogers was midway through his tour, with upcoming dates in Nevada, Rhode Island, and at the Stagecoach festival in Indio, California.

"Kenny Rogers has been working through a series of health challenges," according to the reps' statement. "His doctors fully expect the outcome to be great, but they have advised him to cancel all performances through the end of the year to focus on recuperation."

Rogers himself later said he "didn’t want to take forever to retire. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to say farewell to the fans over the course of the past two years on ‘The Gambler’s Last Deal’ tour. I could never properly thank them for the encouragement and support they’ve given me throughout my career and the happiness I’ve experienced as a result of that."

No details were given about Rogers' health issues.

System of a Down has announced that they'll be playing their first U.S. shows in three years beginning in October.

So far, only four performances have been announced- including their headlining gig at the Aftershock festival in Sacramento. The other shows are in Phoenix, San Diego, and Las Vegas.

Billboard headline: How to Fix the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Op-Ed

Tear it down and start over?

Birthdays today include: Jesse McCartney (31); Jazmine Sullivan (31); Albert Louis Hammond Jr. of the Strokes (38); Rachel Stevens (40); Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance (41); Kevin Martin of Candlebox (49); Hal Ketchum (65); Steve Gadd (73); Margo Smith (76); and Kay Adams (77). #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for April 4, 2018

I know, I know- I've missed a few days. I have a sinus infection and feel like garbage. Anyway, happy Hump Day.

I'm years behind when it comes to watching movies, but I did watch Dunkirk Sunday. It's phenomenal, and Christopher Nolan is going to get a Best Director Oscar sooner or later. And, according to my brilliant sister, this one deserved Best Picture over The Shape of Water (which I have not seen, but she has).

Billboard headline: Justin Bieber Flaunts 'A Hundred Hours of Tattoos' in New Instagram Post

Okay by me. I mean, the longer he's in the chair, the less chance their is of him making more shitty noise to insult/assault our ears with.

Bon Jovi has been forced to cancel their shows tonight and tomorrow night in Montreal.

Unfortunately due to band and crew members being affected by the flu epidemic, the 2 Bon Jovi shows in Montreal have been rescheduled. Tickets for the April 4th will be honored on May 17th and tickets for April 5th will be honored on May 18th. We apologize for the inconvenience.

— Bon Jovi (@BonJovi) April 4, 2018

The band is currently touring in support of their new album, This House is Not for Sale. Their next scheduled date is Saturday in Newark.

Birthdays today include: Andre Dalyrimple of Soul For Real (44); Kelly Price (45); Jill Scott (46); Magnus Sveningsson of The Cardigans (46); Mike Starr of Alice In Chains (52); Kid of Kid 'N Play (54); Craig Adams of The Cult (56); and Dave Hill of Slade (66). #MusicalBirthdays