In what has become a Spinal Tap-like slew of unfortunate events, Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton is the third member of the group to go on the disabled list since the band's tour kicked off a month ago. Hamilton is recovering from "non-invasive surgery" and will miss "some dates," according to a statement from the band. He will be replaced by David Hull, who previously played on Joe Perry's solo albums. Just before the tour started in June, guitarist Brad Whitford underwent emergency surgery and he has missed all the dates so far. Then Steven Tyler tore a leg muscle while on stage, and has been in a cast. To date, seven concerts on the tour have been postponed. But as of press time, Wednesday night's show in Atlanta was still scheduled to take place.
Whitney Houston |
Whitney Houston appeared at the world premiere of her new album, I Look To You, in London on Tuesday night at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Sony Music chief creative officer Clive Davis played nine tracks for the media who were in attendance, including "Million Dollar Bill," "Nuthin' But Love," "Call You Tonight," "I Didn't Know My Own Strength," "Like I Never Left," "For the Lovers," "I Look to You," "Worth It" and a cover of Leon Russell's "A Song for You." The overall feel of the record was notably contemporary, reported Billboard, while retaining Houston's trademark vocal flourishes. Collaborators on the album include Alicia Keys, Diane Warren, Stargate, R. Kelly and Akon, and it is due to be released September 1. Houston described the album as "a labor of love" and said, "I hope that these songs stay with you for a lifetime."
Blogger Kevin Cogill, who was charged with leaking part of Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy, has been formally sentenced by a federal judge. Cogill will serve a year's probation and two months of home confinement, with his computers under government scrutiny. He must also record an anti-piracy PSA for the RIAA.
Mariah Carey's new video for the single "Obsessed" will make its primetime TV debut tonight during America's Got Talent on NBC. Carey will also perform on the America's Got Talent results show on Wednesday, August 5. She will also perform on The Today Show on Friday, August 28.
The Toronto edition of the Virgin Festival has been announced, with Ben Harper & Relentless7, Nine Inch Nails, Pixies, Franz Ferdinand, Our Lady Peace and Pet Shop Boys headlining. The festival will be held at Burl's Creek Park on August 29 and 30.
VH1 is putting together the "Best Cruise Ever," which will set sail from Tampa to Grand Cayman island from April 15-19, 2010. The cruise will include performances by 3 Doors Down, Lifehouse, Shinedown, Carolina Liar, Finger Eleven, SafetySuit and more bands to be added. The trip also will include "VH1-themed activities and contests, plus the chance to hang with your favorite bands," according to VH1bestcruiseever.com. Fans can sign up for the pre-sale at the website now.
Ex-Smashing Pumpkins bassist D'Arcy Wretzky emerged from seclusion late last week to call WKQX (Q101)/Chicago's Ryan Manno. D'Arcy called to discuss recent Q101 guest Davy Jones and Silversun Pickups and the phone call turned into a 12 minute conversation with Manno. The entire call can be heard here.
Third Eye Blind is gearing up to release their comeback record, Ursa Major, on August 18. The album is up for pre-order on iTunes and the online version includes a duet with Kimya Dawson of The Moldy Peaches on the song "Why Can't You Be" as an iTunes exclusive bonus track.
The 2009 Monolith Festival returns to Red Rocks in Colorado on September 12 and 13. Yeah Yeah Yeahs will headline on the first night, with The Mars Volta headlining night two. Also playing the festival are M. Ward, OK Go, Ida Maria, Phoenix, The Dandy Warhols, Method Man & Redman and many others.
