Van Halen Plan New Music

"If Dave's up for singing ... then do another tour, and just see where it takes us. Actually, next week or the week after Wolfie, Alex, and I are gonna start jamming. Maybe we'll give Dave a call and see what he's up to. He's off, always doing his own thing, and he checks in every now and then to see how we're doing." - more on this story

Lesbian Idol? Clarkson Says No

Reuters reports: Singer Kelly Clarkson, currently at the top of the U.S. pop charts, said on Tuesday she was not a lesbian but sometimes wished she was because "often times men are very hard for me."

Clarkson, the first and one of the most successful winners of TV talent show "American Idol" told PopEater.com, that she was accustomed to being asked if she was secretly gay. "Lesbians tell it to me all the time. I'm like, 'I'm glad it works for you and I wish I liked women like that because often times men are very hard for me, but I happen to like boys.'

"I could never be a lesbian. I would never want to date (someone like) myself, ever. I'm a crazy person. I need some kind of stable, quiet man," Clarkson, 26, said. - We know it's not news, but it was too fun to pass up. Read more

Did Springsteen Rip Off KISS Song?

MusicRadar reports: While a resolution to the Joe Satriani-Coldplay lawsuit possibly years away, along comes another YouTube song mash-up, and this one's a doozy: Did Bruce Springsteen copy KISS's 1979 disco hit I Was Made For Loving You when writing his new song Outlaw Pete?

That's what an Internet poster who calls himself kstreetshuffle is asking. He just slapped a mash of the two songs on YouTube. [Sadly the KISS song is far superior and actually sung in key.]

Whether anybody can find a similarity to the main riff and melody of Springsteen's epic portrait of an Appalacian-born badass and KISS's dance floor stomper is bound to be the chatter of the Internet for the next coming weeks. Or months. - more on this story, the mashup and Gene Simmon's 2 cents

Black Eyed Peas Family Murder- Osama Sues Britney- Spinal Tap Is Back- Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift Duet- Ticketmaster Live Nation Merger?- New KISS and more

antiMusic reports: Police say a brother of Philippine-born hip-hop singer apl.de.ap of the popular group Black Eyed Peas has been fatally shot in their northern hometown. Chief Inspector Wilfredo Paulo said Joven Pineda Deala was shot in the head early Tuesday as he and his girlfriend were eating in his car that was parked outside the woman's home in Angeles City.more

Britney Spears' former manager and friend Osama "Sam" Lutfi filed a libel and defamation lawsuit Tuesday against the singer and her parents. Lutfi's lawsuit came just three days after a judge granted Spears and her parents a restraining order against Lutfi, paparazzo Adnan Ghalib and a lawyer who the Spears family claim tried to regain control of the singer's life. [sorry couldn't resist that headline] Read more of the sorry if you give half a damn.

They may not have been able to make sweet—or at least lasting—pop with the Jonas Brothers, but Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift are giving it a go with each other. The fresh-faced poptarts are teaming up to perform a duet of the Swift-penned tune "Fifteen" at this weekend's Grammy Awards. more

Nickelback led the musical pack Tuesday, picking up five nominations for the 38th annual Juno Awards, Canada's top music honors. The Alberta rockers received nominations for best single, best group, best producer and best album of the year. more The news gets a little better over seas: International Album Of The Year nominees include: Black Ice - AC/DC * Chinese Democracy - Guns N' Roses * Death Magnetic - Metallica more

When "Grand Theft Auto IV" debuts another downloadable episode later this month, there'll be not only new story lines and characters, but also new music for the ride. Busta Rhymes, Funkmaster Flex and others have been added to music stations on the radio dial in "The Lost and the Damned," an episode that features hours of new content for the popular video game more

Spinal Tap are recording their first new material in nearly twenty years. The spoof English heavy metal band is the brainchild of American actors Michael McKean, Harry Shearer and Christopher Guest. Shearer told BBC 5 Live: "It'll be for download as well as on conventional media later this year." more

In a blockbuster deal that will realign the music industry's balance of power, concert-promotion giant Live Nation and Ticketmaster Entertainment, the nation's largest ticketing operation, are planning to merge, The New York Post has learned.more.

Aerosmith will apparently induct Run DMC into the Crock and Roll Hall of Lame later this year more

Adler's Appetite, the band led by former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler, will embark on a full U.S. tour first time ever this winter/spring. More dates have been announced.

In somewhat related news: Jesper Strömblad, guitarist and founding member of In Flames has been forced to stay home and not participate on the upcoming South American/Australian/Japan tour. Jesper has checked himself into a rehabilitation clinic to get control of his alcohol addiction. more

Epic Records, the home of stars like Michael Jackson and George Michael, names British singer and songwriter Amanda Ghost as its new president. more

Mike Stone has decided he will not be touring with Queensrÿche this spring. The band says, "We will miss him. He is a wonderful player and has contributed to our lives musically and spiritually. We wish him the best and hope to see him succeed in everything he chooses to participate in." more

Rancid have posted the first update in some time on the status of their long-awaited full length. While a formal release date has yet to be confirmed, the band is aiming for a Spring release more

MxPx played to a packed house on January 31st, a benefit show for their late comrade John Spalding, guitarist for 90 Pound Wuss and Raft of Dead Monkeys. The show, which was one of a half dozen put on as a generous outpouring of support for Spalding's widow, was held at El Corazon in Seattle, WA and brought in over $7,000 to benefit the John D. Spalding Medical Fund. The benefit included performances by Amber Pacific and On The Last Day. video

Jennifer Hudson's lipsynched rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," is now available on iTunes. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Hudson-King Foundation, whose specific purpose is to care for the needs of families who have lost relatives to a violent crime.

Elton John is playing his final notes on the red piano in Las Vegas. Promoters say the pop singer will close his Las Vegas Strip show, "The Red Piano," on April 22. more

Paul Stanley told Page Six that he, Gene Simmons and [their hired guns] are headed into the studio to grind out their 42nd record for release this fall. "It's a Kiss album in the most true and classic sense - we're recording it in analog, not digital, and writing it ourselves," says Stanley more

My Chemical Romance are currently working on their next album, although the group have yet to decide on what direction they'll be taking. "We haven't chosen a path yet. It's all over the map in terms of what's there," frontman Gerard Way told BBC Newsbeat. "It's going to be less layered than 'The Black Parade' - I do expect it to be a little more raw."

In today's edition of music industry slowing committing suicide with shortsighted greed and stupidity, here is some sad news: The Performance Rights Act - which would require radio stations to pay royalties to artists and labels for songs they broadcast over the air - will be reintroduced into the new 111th Congress this week, according to a letter signed by members of the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee. They have probably purchased better luck this time given how much money the entertainment world gave to politicians in the last election. The best congress money can buy! But will they live to regret killing one of their best promotional tools? This is good news for talk radio but Congress is already pondering an unconstitutional way to destroy that as well. Yay for creeping fascism! Read more about the We Bought You, We're Now Here To Collect Act - here

Langerado Cancelled Due To Lack of Interest

Madison House reports: Today, the 2009 Langerado Music Festival is cancelled due to sluggish ticket sales. The 7th annual event was slated to happen March 6-8 at their new home in downtown Miami's Bicentennial Park.

Langerado's independent local promoters, faced with a very tough decision in a dismal economy, cancelled the 2009 event only after every possible option was exhausted.

As Langerado Co-Promoter Ethan Schwartz explains, "Langerado has always put the fan experience first. Unfortunately, during these difficult economic times, and facing a first year in a new venue, it's become apparent that we cannot execute a production that lives up to the high standards of our past events. Putting Langerado on hold was the toughest decision we have ever had to make. We are very grateful for the support of the greater-Miami community and the music community during this difficult time." - more on this story

Barenaked Children Award

PR reports: Multi-platinum recording artist Barenaked Ladies received great news today as they were sailing the high seas on their annual "Ships & Dip" cruise. The band, who released their debut original children's album Snacktime early last year, was nominated for a 2009 Juno Award in the category of "Children's Album of the Year."

The nomination is a fantastic way for BNL to kick off the new year, as they begin their celebration of 20 years together as a band.

Snacktime, which was produced and mixed by Michael Phillip Wojewoda (who also worked with the band on their debut Gordon), is composed of 24 tracks, including such titles as "Pollywog in Bog," "Popcorn" and "Here Come The Geese." With 11 children ranging from three months to 12 years old among them, the band was never at a lack of inspiration or imagination. Additionally, the title track includes guest appearances from celebrities/musicians like Geddy Lee, Lyle Lovett, Jason Priestly, Sarah McLachlan, Gordon Lightfoot and more. - more on this story

Metallica Game Talk

PR reports: New Talking Metal video content featuring an interview hosts Mark Strigl and John Ostronomy conducted with "Guitar Hero Metallica" lead designer, Alan Flores, premiered on MTV2's Headbangers Blog link authored by Jon Weiderhorn.

Topics include Metallica's involvement in the game's creation, its exclusive add-on double bass drum pedal, and both the Metallica and non-Metallica songs featured in the game. Footage of the Talking Metal hosts, designer Alan Flores, and Mike Marco (The Burn and Cry) playing the game is also included.

The segment will also air on MTV.com's Rock Hub (link) in the top slot on Wednesday, February 4. - more on this story

Lily Allen Preview

PR reports: MySpace Music is excited to announce the world exclusive premiere of It's Not Me, It's You, the highly anticipated second album from British singer and songwriter Lily Allen.

Beginning on February 3rd, MySpace users across the world will be able to stream her new album in its entirety, giving fans a chance to preview it before the official US release on February 10th.

It's Not Me, It's You will be available for purchase via MySpace Music on February 10th. In addition to her global album premiere, fans should stay tuned for exciting MySpace news about special performances by Lily Allen. - www.myspace.com/music

311 Are Bob Rock's Latest Victims

PR reports: Multi-platinum rock band 311 have been hard at work in their own North Hollywood studio, The Hive, with pop rock producer Bob Rock (Metallica, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith) putting the final touches on their ninth studio album. The highly anticipated record, Uplifter, is set for release via Volcano/Jive Records in late spring.

This is the band's first album in over three years – and their first with producer Bob Rock. 311 will hit the road in support of Uplifter with Spring & Summer tours across the US. 311's Spring Tour will begin April 15 and 311's Summer Unity Tour will follow in June.

For more information on 311, their upcoming release and for the most up-to-date tour stops point your browser to - www.311.com

AC/DC Voted Best Tour of The Year

SleazeRoxx reports: Hard rock band AC/DC was voted Major Tour of the Year at the 20th Annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards that were presented at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Pollstar's annual awards honor acts, promoters, agents, managers, venues and production companies, who are voted on by their peers; the winners are voted on by Pollstar subscribers. The awards represent 2008 concert activity.

Also nominated for Major Tour of the Year were Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Coldplay, Kenny Chesney and Madonna. In Pollstar's 2008 year-end charts, Madonna was the top grossing tour of the year internationally, while Bon Jovi was the top grossing tour in North America, according to box office grosses, but the awards are based on excellence in the category. [ouch!] - more on this story

Elliott Yamin Goes Soph

PR reports: Elliott Yamin (American Idol, season 5) is launching his first official website today, in anticipation of the release of his sophomore album, out May 5 on Sony/ATV Publishing's Hickory Records.

The website is Elliott's first official site and the launch includes five exclusive new photos. Elliott's 2007 self-titled debut album was the highest independent debut by a new artist in the history of the Billboard chart, and went gold in the US and Japan.

Elliott has partnered with heavy-hitting producers Jermaine Dupri, Stargate and Josh Abraham for this highly anticipated follow-up. [Maybe he should have had a website for the first album, it may have helped sales. Just saying.] - Visit the Official Elliott Yamin website

Morrissey Tracklisting and Video

Filter reports: With his outspoken tendencies and staunch political views there's no questioning that Morrissey is a modern-day legend and deserves all eyes and ears to be upon him as he prepares to deliver his ninth solo record Years of Refusal out in the US February 17th.

He's launching the US leg of his massive world tour at the end of the month and is sure to be one of the most-anticipated of the just-announced headliners at this year's Coachella.

Track list: Something Is Squeezing My Skull 2. Mama Lay Softly On The Riverbed 3. Black Cloud 4. I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris 5. All You Need Is Me 6. When Last I Spoke to Carol 7. That's How People Grow Up 8. One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell 9. It's Not Your Birthday Anymore 10. You Were Good In Your Time 11. Sorry Doesn't Help 12. I'm OK By Myself

- Check out his new "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris" Video

REPO! Road Tour Diary: Foxboro

antiMusic reports: We've been telling you all about REPO! The Genetic Opera and the recent REPO! Road Tours. The third tour just wrapped up and REPO star and co-writer Terrance Zdunich (plays Grave Robber) gives us the lowdown! Here is today's entry from Foxboro.

January 15, 2009: It's early. Way too early to be awake. Dragging my luggage (and my tired knuckles), I ride the elevator down to the hotel's lobby. Darren Smith is already there, reading a newspaper, sipping on hotel lobby coffee. He looks as tired as I feel. There's no sign of Spooky yet, but I'm not concerned; Cassie (our designated driver/victim this morning) sent me a text message moments earlier, alerting me that she would be running about 10 minutes late.

10 minutes pass. Cassie arrives. Still no sign of Spooky. I text message him, followed by a phone call to his room. No response. I go up and pound on the door. A sleepy-eyed, sorry excuse for a spooky tour manager stares at me through a crack in the door. He's overslept. With gravel in his throat, he promises to meet us downstairs in 5-minutes. I want to be mad, but Spooky, this disheveled, overslept goth, with Tom Waits morning voice and bloodshot eyes, looks like a fucking rock star. Plus, he manages to get his shit together with record-speed; he meets us in the lobby in a matter of minutes, ready to go. - Read the full entry

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