Billy Joel broke out the rare track, “You’re Only Human (Second Wind),” at his concert at Madison Square Garden Friday night, and dedicated it, as well as the whole concert, to the victims of the Orlando shooting. “We’re no strangers to terrorism and mayhem and grief, maybe here in New York more than any other city in America,” Billy told the crowd. “Us guys have been to Orlando many times, and we will be back there again, and I just want to dedicate tonight’s concert to the people of Orlando, especially the families and friends and the loved ones of the victims of this senseless massacre, you’re with us and we’re with you.” He then told the crowd, “We’re gonna do a song I haven’t done in, I don’t know, 25 years or something. We may screw this up, but at least you know we’re not on tape,” adding, “It’ll be an authentic rock n’ roll f**k up.”
Iggy Pop is heading to Cannes, France. The rocker is set to have a conversation about his long career with Nils Leonard, the head of advertising agency Grey London, at the Cannes Festival of Creativity on Wednesday. “Incredible living artists and icons continue to challenge and define our culture, and Iggy is their Viking king,” Leonard explains. “Iggy has shrugged off what age is supposed to mean, convention, and expectation. He’s grown old disgracefully and successfully. He is a real-life beautiful and vicious inspiration.” Ahead of his appearance, Pop has recorded a version of poet Dylan Thomas’ “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night.” With lines like “Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light,” it certainly fits the theme.
Meat Loaf collapsed on stage during a performance in Alberta, Canada last Thursday night. He said to be on the mend and according to a statement from his team, it was due to “severe dehydration.” “His vital signs are stable and normal — he’s responsive and recovering well,” the statement reads. “He extends his heartfelt thanks for everyone’s support and well wishes, and is expecting a speedy and full recovery.” The collapse comes after Meat Loaf cancelled two previous concerts citing health concerns. Any further cancelled or postponed shows haven’t been announced. Get well soon!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=20&v=W8Bq2Rl4Sl0
The trial over whether Led Zeppelin stole a riff from the song “Stairway To Heaven” from the Spirit song “Taurus” continues. In Friday’s testimony, Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones testified he never met the members of Spirit, even though Led Zeppelin opened for Spirit in 1968. Jones said they sometimes played the Spirit song “Fresh Garbage,” but he did not know who created it or what the song was. He said he just thought it was catchy. The estate of late Spirit guitarist Randy California is suing Jimmy Page and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin for copyright infringement. Jones was dropped as a defendant.
It isn’t often you get to see Eddie Vedder play a small club, but that’s exactly what happened in Chicago this weekend. The Pearl Jam frontman was a surprise guest at the annual Hot Stove Cool Music benefit concert at Chicago’s Metro, where he performed alongside Chicago Cubs GM Theo Epstein, Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, former New York Yankee Bernie Williams and Cubs manager Joe Maddon. Vedder treated the lucky crowd to Pearl Jam hits like “Better Man,” and “Corduroy,” his solo tune “Hard Sun,” as well as his Cubs anthem “All the Way,” and covers of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ In The Free World” and The Who’s “The Kids Are Alright.” He also joined the band for a cover of Split Enz’s “I Got You,” and donated an autographed guitar which went for $26,000 during a fundraising auction. Proceeds from the concert and auction go to Epstein’s Foundation To Be Named Later, the Jimmy Fund and other organizations. Check out video of Eddie’s performance
Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice is recovering from a mini-stroke suffered while the band was on tour in Scandinavia last week. Paice woke up last week with the right side of his body feeling numb, so he went to a hospital right away. Paice says currently the right side of his face is slightly numb and his fingers tingle, but no serious damage. He expects to have enough dexterity to return to touring next month. He says his one good finger is getting sore from typing thank-yous to all the well-wishers.
Radiohead concocted a massive worldwide live event on Friday to celebrate their latest album, “A Moon Shaped Pool.” Unfortunately, what was supposed to be a fun way to connect fans around the world ended in violence at Velvet IndieGround Records in Istanbul, Turkey. Shop owner Seogu Lee and other visitors were reportedly beaten and the record store was vandalized. Graphic photos and video (below) from the violence breakout have been uploaded by fans who were trying to enjoy themselves and celebrate the band. Word of the incident made its way back to Radiohead and they released a statement. “Our hearts go out to those attacked tonight at Velvet IndieGround in Istanbul,” the band says. “We hope that someday we will be able to look back on such acts of violent intolerance as things of the ancient past. For now, we can only offer our fans in Istanbul our love and support.” A clear motive hasn’t been confirmed, but one Reddit thread claims the attackers were upset because the store visitors were not observing Ramadan, a month-long fasting, and were drinking beer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJwznSAJKao&feature=youtu.be
“Walk This Way” and maybe stop by for a cup of coffee while you’re out. Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer is opening a coffee shop in North Attleborough, Massachusetts, this week. Town officials are worried about a possible traffic mess, when The Rockin’ & Roastin’ Cafe starts selling cups of joe. This week’s opening is considered a soft launch. Joey Kramer plans a ribbon-cutting and a grand opening July 1st.
Aside from being one of the most influential rockers in the world, Kurt Cobain was also an artist. According to the New York Times, an authorized traveling exhibition of his artwork is in the works. The Nirvana frontman’s widow, Courtney Love, and his daughter, Frances Bean Cobain, are working with Jampol Artist Management, a company specializing in working with late artists. Company owner Jeff Jampol explains the collection will include the rocker’s “works and his art and his possessions.” He adds, “Cobain’s got some amazing canvases that a lot of the world has never seen or even heard of.” No word yet on when this exhibit will hit the road and where it will stop, but we’ll keep you posted.
