Got Sick, But Did Not Give Up

Australian legend AC/DC was literally forced to cancel six US concerts due to it’s vocalist’s health problems. As the New Musical Express said, doctors have recommended him to stay at home for a certain period of time after they’ve found something not so good about his physical condition. Brian Johnson is about to turn sixty two on October 5, and if taking into consideration his pretty harsh lifestyle all kinds of things may show up. As the result of it, AC/DC had cancelled it’s concerts in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Lousville, Kansas City, Des Moines and Milwaukee. However, this unpleasant thing will not totally interrupt their American tour, which is going to be continued on October 16 in Washington. All of the AC/DC guys are pretty strong people and once they’re after something, especially if it’s touring process, then absolutely nothing can stop them. Current tour had started in 2008 and was organised to support their new album called “Black Ice”. This time AC/DC did not follow an easy path, hence this tour had begun in 2008 and will end in 2010, so it’s no wonder why Brian got sick. Also, Johnson had noted that after this tour will be over, he is about to quit music for good, but his fellow bandmates told him not to allow this at any cost.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Possible Return, Maybe True

British singer Robbie Williams was recently seen in one of the New York’s recording studios, and according to The Daily Mirror, he specifically went there to co-work with his former collegues from Take That. Interesting twist in this guy’s game, hence he was not really planning to re-unite with them. The newspaper had discovered that he is about to record a new song with his former bandmates, and if it actucally comes out then it will be his first collaboration moment with them since 1995.  Williams has left the band fourteen years ago and did not participate in the process of making music with them in any way. As the newspaper’s source (closely related to the band) had noted, there is a possibility that Take That’s new material is most likely going to see the light, and fans will hear it. At the same time it may be supported by the tour in which Williams is going to participate, and surely will sing together with Take That as an equal member. However, it’s not known when Take That is planning to release this new stuff, and their representative had refused to comment Robbie Williams’ return. In the beginning of 2009 his manager had particularly noted that his client is not looking at the possibility of reuniting with Take That on the every day basis.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Is She Really Quitting?

Popular British singer Lily Allen who’s recent album “It’s Not Me, It’s You” was released in February this year, had decided to finish her music career, said ClashMusic. This news is quite shocking because this girl is currently on the top, the last album was able to get to the first place on the British national charts, and suddenly she came up with this strange decision. She insists on the fact that there will be no new albums, and there will be no new contract with her record label. Not so long ago a singer wrote in her blog at the ‘It’s Not Alright’ website that she is very upset with the online piracy, and that she doesn’t feel like getting along with this kind of situation. “The days of me making money from recording music have been and gone as far as I’m concerned, so I don’t (at this point) stand to profit from legislation (against file sharing). Except future purchases of previously recorded material (which won’t be much)”, she said. Nobody knows (and she didn’t say anything) what she is about to do after quitting music; the best guess will be that she is planning to start up her acting career. After all, a lot of musicians are speaking about leaving music, but usually their words don’t really come true.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Rochdale Remembers

On Wednesday, September 23 Britain was witnessing the ceremony dedicated to the post-punk band Joy Division and the legendary BBC DJ John Peel (the real name John Robert Parker Ravenscroft). This event took place in Rochdale, Greater Manchester county where Joy Division and Peel have started their careers. The idea of installing so called Blue Plaques came from the town council of Rochdale, so it definitely means that they care about modern culture and the history of their place. Practically, post-punk sounds of Joy Division and John Peel are surely giving some serious credits to this small town. The Blue Plaque which is dedicated to Peel was installed on the building where Tractor Sound Studios was previously located; simply the guy began to finance it in 1973 and generally took care of it. Moreover, those who have decided to organise the Blue Plaque for Peel have underlined that even though he was born in Liverpool, he is still very much connected to Rochdale because for a certain period of time he had worked over there on the textile factory. Joy Division’s Blue Plaque is now located on the building where legendary Cargo Studios were based back in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Cargo Studios was like the ‘alma mater’ for them.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

MM Was Diagnosed With Swine Flu

Infamous American rock musician Marilyn Manson (the real name Brian Hugh Warner) had told his fans that he got sick with A/H1N1 virus, better known as the “swine flu”. This information came out on September 24 on the Australian music news site Undercover. “So I have officially been diagnosed, by a real doctor, with the swine flu. I know everyone will suggest that f..ing a pig is how this disease was obtained. However, the doctor said my past choices in women have in no way contributed to me acquiring this mysterious sickness. Unfortunately, I am going to survive,” wrote Manson in his Facebook page. When he became sick is not known at all, but he is surely not planning to stay sick for a long time. In the nearest future Manson is planning to perform in Halifax, and some other cities in Canada. So far there was no information if he is planning to cancel these venues. It’s interesting to note that he is not the first famous musician who got ‘swine flu’ – all Kasabian bandmates were hospitalised with the characterised symptoms. Also, there were some rumours that Pete Doherty (Babyshambles) became sick with H1N1, but later this information was denied.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

The Abbey Road Sign

The street sign from the infamous Abbey Road in London is now put on the eBay Internet auction, said NME. The most important part of this lot is based on The Beatles popularity, which dragged the street name into the same fame; this band’s 1969 album is called “Abbey Road”. Besides that, the band’s recording usually took place at the studio located on Abbey Road, so the street sign is surely worth of something. The one who put that piece of historical metal on eBay will become known on September 29, and before it anyone who wants to participate in the process can offer his own price per this lot. Money that will be taken from this sale will go into London’s transportation system. “This is a rare opportunity for someone to own a precious piece of Beatles memorabilia and Westminster history,” said councillor Danny Chalkley. Also, it’s interesting to note that along with the “Abbey Road”, forty two other street signs will be sold out, and probably used for the same purpose of helping London. The Abbey Road street sign was erected in 2003, but only after four years had to be removed because The Beatles’ fans just kept on writing on it. Currently, the Westminster authorities are thinking about creating the new sign, but this time it should be very strong and protected from any possible signatures.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Jon Bon Jovi Is Against It

Jon Bon Jovi had supported musicians from legendary Nirvana, which have accused Activision in illegal use of Kurt Cobain’s image, said BBC News. During the last week bassist Chris Novoselic and drummer Dave Grohl have announced the fact that they don’t like how Cobain looks in Guitar Hero 5. Actucally a lot of musician are accusing this game of something bad, this time it’s a bad image of their fellow bandmate and the leader. Besides that, they were angered because in the game Kurt is performing other band’s songs among which is Bon Jovi. In his interview Jon Bon Jovi had underlined that Activision was proposing him to participate in the Guitar Hero 5, but he decided to reject it. He said that while talking to him, Activision representatives did not mention that his “image” may be performing other songs, and he obviously doesn’t like it. Also, he didn’t make any comments on what he would do if Guitar Hero 5 went against his wil, and put other music tracks on his digital self. The scandal around Guitar Hero 5 began right after Courtney Love wrote on her Twitter mini blog that she is going to sue Activision for using her dead husband’s image (most likely without her consent).

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Sudden Appearance

Infamous Amy Winehouse had performed at the surprise concert in one of the London’s small clubs called Jazz After Dark. Possibly it’s one of the best things about being popular; one can show up somewhere, right next to people and perform live while sharing love and respect. This improvised show took place on September 17. British media sources have assumed that Amy’s sudden performance at Jazz After Dark was dedicated to her birthday, which took place on September 14 (she turned 26). Singer herself had decided not to make any comments on this issue, and probably was right. After all, what could she say? This concert was one of her first live appearances in 2009; the last one took place in August. At that time she had appeared on stage together with The Specials and performed a few songs. In May 2009 she had participated at the music festival in Saint Lucia, which is also her new living location. It’s interesting to note that her Saint Lucia performance had received a lot of negative feedbacks, and was generally dumped by her critics. Right now nobody knows when she is planning to release a new record, there are many rumours and controversies, but definite answers may be given only by the future itself.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Pop Is The Legend

The Stooges leader, legendary Iggy Pop will receive the Classic Rock Roll Of Honour award as the living legend, said The Daily Telegraph relating this news to the ceremony’s organisers. A solemn ceremony where a sixty two years old musician is going to attain his prize will take place in London on November 2 this year. He definitely deserves to get it, hence Pop is not just the living legend, but he also belongs to survivors. So many times he could’ve pass out from this world due to drugs, alcohol, and other difficulties that stood on his way, but could not break him, and now he receives what trully belongs to him. Iggy himself had said that he is extremely happy to get this prize, which was established by the Classic Rock magazine. During the previous years such artists as Ozzy Osbourne (2008), Jimmy Page (2007), Alice Cooper (2006) and Motorhead’s Lemmy Kilmister (2005) were awarded with it. Surely all of these guys including Iggy Pop deserve it because again, all of them are survivors along with being the living legends. Other Classic Rock magazine’s nominees will become known to the public right during the ceremony. It will include “The best new band”, “The best album”, “The best band of the year”, and “The best movie of the year”.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

The Young Phrazes

The Strokes vocalist Julian Casablancas had finished his work with the solo album, said ClashMusic. This new work had received the name “Phrazes For The Young”, and will be the first solo project created by this artist. It should be released as planned on October 19, 2009. It’s already known that the track list will include eight songs personally written by Casablancas and nobody else, so this new thing belongs exclusively to him. Frontman of the American garage-rock band was working with the solo album in various studios, which located in New York, Nebraska and Los Angeles. Musician had told the press that in the nearest future his new creation will be available on his official website, and that he may support the album with some short tour in around the UK soon after it’s release. Casablancas is not the first guy from The Strokes who began to record on his own. The band’s rhythm guitarist Albert Hammond, Jr. had released two albums: “Yours To Keep” in 2006 and “Como Te Llama?” in 2008. Bassist Nikolai Fraiture had organised his own side project called Nickel Eye and during the winter of 2009 had released “The Time Of The Assassins”. In other words, this band is full of talents and they just can’t stay away from making new and cool stuff.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Long Awaited Video

American legendary band Alice in Chains had finally released a new video to their song “Check My Brain” from the upcoming album “Black Gives Way To Blue”, said Blabbermouth.net on September 14. The best part is that it’s their first video in ten years, so it was nervously awaited by fans and those who just like rock music in general. “Check My Brain” video is going to be the first in which their new vocalist William Duval was fully presented. The video itself is currently available on MtvU website on 24/7 basis. It was directed by the infamous Alex Cortes, who has gained a lot of fame through his works with U2 and The White Stripes. The last Alice in Chains video came out in 1999 with their previous vocalist Lain Staly, who has died due to the drugs overdose in 2002. Practically, the band was silent since then and many believed that they are not even planning to come back, but things began to change. “Black Gives Way To Blue”, which is going to be released on September 29 will be their first album in fourteen years. In 1995 they’ve released “Alice in Chains” album and since then just kept on re-releasing previous stuff in various compilations.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Phil Collins Will Come Back Later

Genesis vocalist and drummer Phil Collins had damaged the upper part of his spinal chord, and therefore this nasty accident may put his career under the danger of being knocked out for an uncertain period of time. As The Daily Telegraph said, at least it may put him away from the stage for a few years, hence this kind of trauma takes a very long time to recover. Besides the fact that Collins went through a successful surgery, it’s still not known if a musician is going to be able to perform on drums because his hands are not functioning right. Hopefully, current medicine and good care will restore this guy as soon as possible. Collins personally noted that he received this trauma way back in 2007 during the Genesis tour “Turn It On Again: The Tour”, which was dedicated to his return (he left the band in 1996). “Somehow during the last Genesis tour I dislocated some vertebrae in my upper neck and that affected my hands”. He cannot play drums and keyboards right now, but at the same time Phil is trying to keep up with his spirits. “Maybe in a year or so it will change, but for now it is impossible for me to play drums or piano. I am not in any ‘distressed’ state – stuff happens in life.”

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Photos And Oasis

Tommorow London is going to see an exposition, which is about to include rare and previously unpublished pictures of now legendary British band Oasis, said New Musical Express. This art expo will open on September 11 in one of the London’s night clubs. Photograph lovers and Oasis fans will be able to look at some very interesting and rare photos made by Michael Spencer Jones, the band’s photographer who used to work with them almost since the beginning of their career. Surely, this guy knows a lot about them, and if he still works with them, then he is a trully good photographer and a true admirer of Oasis. Jones co-worked with the band during the release of their debut album Definitely Maybe (1994). Also, Jones had produced photos for the release of their fourth single “Cigarettes And Alcohol”; his photo had appeared on a single cover. To the viewer’s attention this expo will show Oasis photographs made my Jones during the band’s studio sessions, and tours. Moreover, many of these photos were already included in the recently released Oasis photo album. Practically, this gathering was designed particularly for those who like this band, and generally enjoys photography, so those who are in London don’t miss it.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Anti Music Video Games Opinions

Ex-The Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman had criticised music video games, said BBC News. In the recent time projects like Guitar Hero or Rock Band are possessing the great popularity among gamers. As Wyman believes they’re distracting children from playing for real on the real music instruments. Quite interesting remark from an old guy who grew up in a totally different time, and possibly cannot understand the fact that such games are actually driving kids into playing music on the real instruments. Meanwhile, the same opinion is shared by the Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason. He has noted that Guitar Hero or Rock Band are interesting games, but it annoys him that children are spending so much time playing them. Mason had also unterlined that if children were spending the same amount of enthusiasm learning how to perform on the real instruments then by now they would become good guitar players. Of course both musicians get to the point, but seriously can these games trully distract from the real music? After all many of these kids will actually start the real music careers with the help of these games, so it’s hard to tell whether they’re getting distracted. It’s not the first time when promiment musicians have decided to criticise video music games. In June, Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page and the leader of The White Stripes Jack White have shared the same point of view.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Heteropoda Davidbowie

German scientist Peter Jager had discovered a new type of spiders and decided to name it after the infamous British musician David Bowie. This cool news was spread out by The Daily Telegraph on September 7. This unique type of spiders, which is now called Heteropoda davidbowie was discovered by Jager in Malasya; special quality is in it’s deep yellow hair. So far there is no clear information if the “guy” is dangerous to human beings. The Daily Telegraph supposes that Jager named this spider after Bowie because a musician had popularised this sort of species in his songs. The whole deal is in the fact that spiders were mentioned in Bowie’s legendary album “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars”, which was released in 1972. Peter Jager said that by giving famous names to rare species, scientists are able to bring some attention to the problem of their extinction. Pretty good idea, especially if David Bowie will notice his old friends from Mars. So to speak, Bowie is not the first musician to ‘give out’ names to spiders; in 2008 American biologist Jason Bond has named another rare type of spiders Myrmekiaphila neilyoungi after Neil Young.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

He Is Not Leaving

Musicians from The Rolling Stones have denied any rumours regarding their drummer Charlie Watts. The problem was based on some information that Charlie is planning to leave the band. However, recently Reuters said that the band’s official representative called all of these rumours to be “a fabricated story”. This strange rumour had appeared on September 2 with the help of the Australian website Undercover relating this news to some circles that surround the band. It was noted that a 68 years old musician just got tired from his work in the band (since 1968) and wished to leave it. Undercover was also underlining that “rollings” are planning to invite Charlie Drayton who is constantly recording together with Keith Richards. Previously, Mick Jagger and Richards kept on saying that without Watts the band cannot stay together no matter who may replace him. Possibly that without anyone of them the band may not stay together; their unchanging lineup is simply the one and only solid lineup. As Rirchards had told the press, in 2010 The Rolling Stones are planning to record a new album, which is going to be produced by Jack White (The White Stripes, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather). It’s already known that Richards had already recorded something new with him.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Metallica Is Loved By Monkeys Too

American scientists have noted that monkeys are practically not accepting/perceiving human musical sounds. The only song which was able to create some sort of a reaction in them was Metallica’s “Of Wolf And Man”. Scientific article about this strange effect had appeared in the Current Biology magazine, and it’s short version may be seen on the Madison University’s website. Within the frames of this study scientists were learning about the behaviour of monkeys called Cottontop Tamarin (Saguinus oedipus). Scientists were making videos of fourteen different monkeys during five minutes, later they’ve played music for thirty seconds and compared their behaviour. This project had included a professional violencellist David Teie who had chosen various music tracks that may influence monkeys. Among played tracks are “Grudge” by Tool, “Fragile” by Nine Inch Nails, and “Adagio for Strings” by Michael Barber. Also, Teie had produced some music of his own, which presumably had to influence monkeys – or monkey music. Eventually, those tracks which were ‘happy’ made them behave in the calm way, ‘sad’ or ‘noisy’ music made them look more disturbed. On the other hand human music did not influence them at all except Metallica. While listening to the “Of Wolf and Man” monkeys look calm and happy, so Metallica with it’s lound music made a huge and positive effect on these creatures.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Lego Wins It All

The White Stripes video “Fell in Love With a Girl” made by Michel Gondry had taken the first spot within the best videos chart, which includes all sorts of videos created since the year 2000, said Pitchfork. Their video was set up in the unique lego style (or brickfilm); everything what was shown in the video was designed with the help of Lego toy building bricks. “Fell in Love With a Girl” was released as a single from the album “White Blood Cells” in 2002. The White Stripes is in many ways the unique band, hence it constantly trying to reinvent something what had already existed before, but makes it look new and cool. Such lego styled video could be made up way back in the 80’s, or early 90’s. However, it still looks original. Totally, Pitchfork had chosen 50 videos, which now may be seen on their official website. Here is the best ten of those: 1. The White Stripes – “Fell in Love With a Girl”, 2. R. Kelly – “Trapped in the Closet”, 3. Weezer – “Pork and Beans”, 4. The Avalanches – “Since I Left You”, 5. Feist – “12345”, 6. Pulp – “Bad Cover Version”, 7. Bat for Lashes – “What’s a Girl to Do”, 8. Justice – “D.A.N.C.E.”, 9. “Fatboy Slim” -“Weapon of Choice”, 10. OK Go – “Here It Goes Again”.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com