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David Bowie, Paul Simon Percussionist Ralph MacDonald Dies at 67
Percussionist Ralph MacDonald, the hidden force behind platinum selling songs and albums from artists like David Bowie, Paul Simon and Jimmy Buffett, died on Sunday (Dec. 18) at age 67. Known as “the ghost,” MacDonald’s Caribbean style on congas and dozens of other hand drums and music-makers helped make artists big enough to be recognized by first name — Aretha, Luther, Stevie — only get bigger.
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Billy Joel Goes Back to College for Intimate Concert
Wednesday night’s Billy Joel show at the University of Massachusetts was far from his biggest concert ever, but for the audience of about 900 students and staff it was more than entertaining. Joel sang, told stories, gave lessons, did impressions and revealed secrets inside Durgin Hall.
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Jon Bon Jovi Stars in New Advil Commercial
Jon Bon Jovi isn’t spending his time recovering from recent knee surgery on his couch. The popular frontman is busy making movies, opening restaurants and now starring in pain medication commercials. That’s right, you can currently find Bon Jovi pitching the benefits of Advil.
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Brian Wilson Says ‘Smile’ Was ‘Too Ambitious’
It took 45 years, but the most famous unreleased album in rock history finally became a pretty good five CD adventure with the release of the Beach Boys ‘Smile’ last month. Brian Wilson says he’s happy with the finished product, and he knows why the band wasn’t able to finish it back in 1966.
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Dick Sims, Longtime Eric Clapton Keyboardist, Dead at Age 60
Keyboardist Dick Sims backed up two of the greatest classic rockers of all times, and a dozen others that were pretty dang good in his 60 years. The keyboardist died on Thursday, after a battle with cancer, prompting Eric Clapton to dedicate his Saturday show to his one time bandmate.
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Queen Extravaganza Tribute Band Chosen by Roger Taylor
Queen‘s Roger Taylor has chosen the six young musicians pictured here in Brady Bunch fashion to serve as the band and singers for the 2012 Queen Extravaganza tour. (Guess that makes him “Michael,” huh?) After a nearly five-month long search for four musicians and two singers to form the ultimate tribute band, the drummer made his decisions on Monday in Los Angeles.
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Rolling Stones Mick Jagger, Keith Richards Talk About ‘Some Girls’ Punk Influences
The Rolling Stones continue to revisit stories and memories from the making of ‘Some Girls’ in honor of the recent re-release of the 1978 album. In a new interview Mick Jagger and Keith Richards talk about how punk music influenced the project.
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Freddie Mercury Biopic Still Scheduled to Star Sacha Baron Cohen
Film producer Graham King says he’s still planning on filming a biopic about Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in 2012, and Sacha Baron Cohen is still planning on playing the lead role. It’d be a rare serious role for Cohen, best known for starring in films like ‘Borat (2006)’ and ‘Bruno (2009).’
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Rolling Stones Officially Release ‘The Brussels Affair’ Bootleg
The Rolling Stones have officially opened an online archive of photos, video and unreleased music, and their first offering is amongst the most coveted pieces of Stones memorabilia not really available. ‘The Brussels Affair’ is now officially for sale at StonesArchive.c
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Queen Planning Release of Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson Recordings
Queen‘s Brian May and Roger Taylor have revealed they’re in possession of recordings of late vocalist Freddie Mercury singing with Michael Jackson. British newspaper The Sun reports that the public may finally get a chance to hear the two men harmonize.
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Queen Extravaganza Competition Moves on to Fan-Voting Semi-Finals Stage
Queen drummer Roger Taylor is taking his search for the best Queen wannabees (Queen-bees?) to the next level. The semi-final round of the Queen Extravaganza competition begins on Nov. 9, with fan voting ultimately deciding who moves on to the finals in December.
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Steve Perry Records Beatles Cover for Future Solo Record
Former Journey frontman Steve Perry is going to be recording new music soon, but it won’t be with his old bandmates. The singer says he’s working on a solo album, but it’s been a challenging process since he’s been out of the music business for so long.