Britney Spears’ Lip-Synching Stirs Controversy in Australia

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Artist News, Concerts / Tours, Gossip, Pop

Even though Britney Spears isn’t exactly known for her live vocal talents, someone wants to make sure those Down Under know what they’re paying for.

Australia’s Minister for Fair Trading for New South Wales is tossing around the idea of including a disclaimer of sorts in concert-related materials. “It is Britney’s ‘prerogative’ to lip-sync, and it is my job to make sure consumers know what they are paying for up front,” Virginia Judge said in a statement.

Judge doesn’t necessarily believe Britney’s upcoming performance will be a disappointment, she just wants fans entering with their eyes wide open. “Personally I would rather see a live set from a local artist,” the government employee said, “but I am sure Britney’s fans will be treated to a spectacular show.”

Read More | People

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No Doubt Suing Activision Over Band Hero

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Rock

No Doubt are suing the makers of a music video game.

The American rock group agreed to have their name and likenesses used in Band Hero, but the band’s manager, Jim Guerinot, said they were “mortified” to find out that players could use singer Gwen Stefani to perform other artists’ songs. “They’re just like, ‘What? We didn’t sign up for this,’ ” Guerinot said.

No Doubt - whose hits include “Don’t Speak” and “Just A Girl” - are suing the game’s manufacturers Activision for breach of contract and fraudulent inducement. Activision said it “believes it is within its legal rights with respect to the use and portrayal of the band.”

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New Release Date for Chris Brown’s Graffiti

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Artist News, Concerts / Tours, Release Dates, R&B / Soul

I’m not sure how a date change would really make a difference in Chris Brown‘s life at this point, but I guess it wouldn’t hurt for him to try.

Although the 20-year-old singer’s upcoming album was originally set for release on December 15, it will now be made available one week earlier.

Why would Chris want Graffiti dropped closer to Rihanna’s own release date (Nov. 23)? Closer to the unveiling of his ex’s 20/20 interview? Who knows? Maybe Jive Records figures it’s best to take advantage of any publicity - good or bad?

Whatever the reason, the CD comes shortly after Brown kicks off a list of performances. He’ll kick off his Fan Appreciation tour in Houston on November 14 and wrap up in New York on December 15.

Read More | People

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Will the Rolling Stones Tour Again?

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Concerts / Tours, Rumors

The Rolling Stones may be about to tour again.

Ronnie Wood confirmed he had been in touch with band members Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts just last week and everything was “great” - hinting the group could hit the road again soon. He added that he was confident the band could do a follow up tour to 2007’s Bigger Bang.

Earlier this week, Wood picked up the Outstanding Contribution award at the Marshall Classic Rock Roll of Honour awards. The rocker, who was at the event with his 20-year-old Russian girlfriend Ekaterina Ivanova, also said there could be a reunion with his other band, Faces. “Well, we just had one, and there will definitely be more,” he stated.

Commenting on rock stars wearing makeup, Ronnie said: “It’s like KISS - they’re people you don’t recognize in the street, then they take makeup off, I’ve always worn it, but I’ve not got any on tonight.”

There are yet to be any dates confirmed for either a Faces or Rolling Stones tour.

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Emotional Boyzone Unsure About Tour

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Gossip, Pop

Boyzone may be too distraught over Stephen Gately’s death to tour.

The group confirmed earlier this week they are planning to use vocals recorded by Stephen before his sudden and unexpected death last month on their new album, but frontman Ronan Keating said their grief may prevent them from taking the new material on tour.

“We’ve got his vocals for several tracks, thank God. But as for going on the road, we may tour, we may not. I keep remembering things and I get emotional,” Ronan said. The singer also revealed he thinks the band’s next single - which will feature Stephen’s voice and was written by British pop star Mika - will have a huge impact.

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Slash Wrapping Up Solo Project

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Upcoming Releases, Rock

Slash is finishing recording his solo album today.

The former Guns N’ Roses guitarist said he’s recording the last song for his debut solo album - which will feature a number of guest vocalists - and can’t wait for the results to be released.

“It’s pretty much done. I’ve got a couple of songs left to mix and I’ve got one song left to record which I’m doing as soon as I leave here, after I head back tomorrow,” he said Monday at the Marshall Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards. “There’s quite a list of people on the album. I’m not publicly talking about who it is until all the ink is dried on all the different contracts, but the rumors are out there - you sort of know what’s going on.”

Those reportedly appearing on the album include ex Guns N’ Roses bandmate Steven Adler, Black Eyed Peas’ vocalist Fergie, Ozzy Osbourne, Chris Cornell, Flea, Dave Grohl and Cyprus Hill on a new version of “Paradise City.”

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Fans Upset by Steep Bon Jovi Prices

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Concerts / Tours, Rock

Bon Jovi has been blasted for “ludicrous” ticket prices for their London tour.

The “We Weren’t Born to Follow” rockers are set to play a string of dates at the city’s O2 Arena starting June 7, but fans are upset they will have to pay up to a staggering $2100 to see their idols.

General admission to the shows costs $73 for the cheapest seats, rising to $327, while the price of the highest-banded premium tickets has led angry fans to call for a boycott of the concerts.

One wrote on the group’s website: “I am going to stand up for what I believe in and use my earnings to feed my kids rather than lining some fat cat’s pockets.” Another added: “After writing an album about the world’s problems with the recession the prices are just a mockery.”

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Run-DMC’s Story Headed for the Stage

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Gossip, Hip-Hop & Rap

Run-DMC are in talks to turn their story into a Broadway production.

The two surviving members of the pioneering hip-hop group - Reverend Run and DMC - have met with a Hollywood producer to discuss turning the story of their career into a musical. The project is to being headed up by Paula Wagner - who produced Hollywood films Mission: Impossible and Valkyrie.

“Run-DMC’s lyrics and music are infectious. It’s vibrant, it’s alive,” Paula said. “Who they are and what they did was a culturally defining moment. It embraced everybody. Their rise to fame is innately theatrical. It speaks to everybody.”

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Eric Clapton Sidelined with Gallstones

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Artist News, Concerts / Tours, Rock

Musician Jeff Beck will be stepping in for Eric Clapton later this week during festivities for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The 64-year-old guitarist was forced to cancel his Madison Square Garden performance after undergoing surgery for gallstones.

Beck is just one of several musicians lined up for the two-day benefit event in New York. Stevie Wonder, Sting, Paul Simon and Crosby, Stills & Nash are amongst those scheduled for Thursday while Aretha Franklin, Lenny Kravitz, U2 and Metallica are on the slate for Friday.

Bruce Springsteen - who canceled an appearance in Kansas City yesterday after a death in his family - is also supposed to appear on Thursday.

Clapton is reportedly doing well and is recovering from his operation in England.

Read More | Hollywood Reporter

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Family Death Reason for Canceled Springsteen Concert

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Artist News, Concerts / Tours, Rock

A death in Bruce Springsteen‘s immediate family resulted in the cancellation of his Kansas City concert tonight. The announcement came less than two hours before the show was to begin.

“Lenny Sullivan, Bruce’s cousin and the assistant road manager of the E Street Band for the last ten years, passed away today at the age of 36. A warm and sensitive person, he was beloved by Bruce, the Band, the crew, and the entire Thrill Hill family,” read the statement on Springsteen’s website.

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Read More | Associated Press

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