Music – Page 2539 – 105.7 WDNY

Doja Cat, Lil Nas X, Coldplay cancel performances due to COVID

December 13, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Doja Cat, Lil Nas X and Coldplay have all canceled performances due to COVID-19.

Doja Cat contracted COVID two days after she revealed that she would drop out of her New York and Boston Jingle Ball Tour dates after members of her team tested positive.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, she wrote,”As most of you probably heard earlier, a few members on my production team tested positive for Covid 19 and I had to cancel a couple of my upcoming performances as a safety precaution. Unfortunately, I’m sad to share that I just tested positive as well and will no longer be able to perform on the rest of the Jingle Ball Tour.”

“While my spirits are down since I can’t be there to celebrate the holiday with my fans in Philly, DC, Atlanta and Miami, I’m doing ok and look forward to recovering and getting back out there as soon as I can,” Doja continued.

On Friday, Doja first notified fans of her upcoming absences in an update shared on Instagram. “I love you guys so much and I’m so sad this is happening but I will see you all soon,” Doja captioned the post.

This is Doja’s second time contracting COVID-19; she previously tested positive in July 2020.

Meanwhile, the U.K.’s Jingle Bell Ball, staged by London radio station Capital FM, lost performances by both Lil Nas X and Coldplay over the weekend due to crew members testing positive for COVID-19. The station wrote in a tweet, “Of course, everyone at Capital is absolutely gutted, but the show must go on.”

Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran — the latter of whom had COVID himself last month — were announced as doing “extended sets” to make up for the loss.

Travis Scott dropped from Coachella 2022 following Astroworld tragedy

December 13, 2021 by WDNY Radio

As the fallout from the Astroworld continues, Travis Scott has been removed from the Coachella 2022 lineup, according to reports from the city of Indio and the Community Services Manager Jim Curtis, KESQ reports.

The news comes after Scott’s own Astroworld Festival in November, where 10 died and hundreds were injured when the crowd surged toward the stage during Scott’s performance. Sources told Variety that Scott’s manager, Cara Lewis, had been informed of Coachella’s plan to move the “SICKO MODE” rapper as a headlining act, and festival organizers even offered to pay a fee for the cancellation. However, Lewis reportedly has been adamant about keeping Scott on the lineup, offering to waive the entire performance fee, the insider revealed.

Reps for Scott, the festival and the city of Indio, Calif. have not confirmed the KESQ report, the outlet adds.

Nearly three hundred separate lawsuits have been filed against Scott and the promoters of the Astroworld Festival. The lawsuits accuse Scott, who headlined and organized the event on November 5 at Houston’s NRG Park, as well as promoters Live Nation and other companies involved in the festival, of criminal negligence in how they planned and conducted Astroworld.

On December 9, in an hour-long interview posted to Charlamagne’s YouTube page, Scott reiterated that he did not know the extent of the tragedy until after the show. He also denies hearing screams for help from the crowd during his performance, which would have prompted him to shut things down.

Scott added that wants to help improve concert safety measures for the future, so something like this never happens again.

Updated version of authorized Queen biography ‘As It Began’ to be released in March 2022

December 13, 2021 by WDNY Radio

A revised and updated version of the authorized 1992 Queen biography Queen: As It Began, which told the story of the legendary British rock band through the 1991 death of frontman Freddie Mercury, will be published on March 24, 2022.

Queen: As It Began (Revised and Updated Edition) features new contributions from Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor, including exclusive interviews with the two band mates, and adds to the story of the group through 1996.

The updated version of the book features a new foreword penned by May, as well as many additional photographs.

Queen: As It Began was co-written by respected Queen expert Jim Jenkins and Jacky Smith, who has run the group’s official international fan club for 40 years.

The book offers an in-depth look at the band’s history, including the childhoods and early musical endeavors of its four members — Mercury, May, Taylor and bassist John Deacon — the band’s late 1960s origins as a group called Smile that initially featured May and Taylor, the emergence of Queen after the additions of Mercury and Deacon, the group’s path to global superstardom, Freddie’s tragic death at age 45 from AIDS, and its aftermath.

“A source of much pleasure to anyone who has an interest in the inside story of the making of that unusual phenomenon known as Queen,” May says of the book.

You can pre-order the updated version of Queen: As It Began now at the band’s official online store.

“Rain” & “Thunder”: grandson opening for Imagine Dragons tour

December 13, 2021 by WDNY Radio

We know that grandson doesn’t mind the rain sometimes, and it appears he’s pretty cool with “Thunder,” too.

The “Blood//Water” rocker is set to open for Imagine Dragons on the band’s 2022 U.S. tour. He’ll join the “Radioactive” outfit from February 6 in Miami to February 23 in St. Louis.

“IMAGINE GRANNY ARENA TOUR 2022 LET’S DO THIS,” grandson tweeted in all caps in announcing the news.

Following grandson’s opening stint, ID’s U.S. tour will continue from February 25 in Milwaukee, to March 14 in Phoenix. They’ll be supporting their new album Mercury — Act 1, which includes the singles “Follow You” and “Wrecked.”

For the full list of dates and ticket info, visit ImagineDragonsMusic.com.

Alana Haim doesn’t think “the world will ever be the same” when Este Haim meets RHCP’s Flea

December 13, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Prepare for the fabric of reality to change when HAIM opens for Red Hot Chili Peppers next summer.

Speaking with ABC Audio, Alana Haim reveals that she’s a “huge” fan of the “Under the Bridge” rockers. What she’s most looking forward to, though, is seeing her older sister and HAIM bassist Este Haim meet RHCP bass extraordinaire Flea for the first time.

“I feel like the Earth is gonna open up and, like, flames of basses are just gonna fall through the sky,” Alana says.

“I don’t think the world will ever be the same when Este meets Flea,” she continues. “I’m gonna hire a camera crew just so I can get the first reaction. I feel like they’re both just gonna, like, do bass solos at each other for 45 minutes.”

In addition to the RHCP shows, which take place July 23 in Denver and July 27 in San Diego, HAIM will be embarking on their own headlining tour next year. The outing will mark the trio’s first full tour behind their 2020 album Women in Music Pt. III, which Alana calls their “favorite.”

“I mean, that album was made to be toured,” Alana says. “Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we couldn’t tour. But finally I can say we are touring next year, which is really exciting.”

“I’m just ready to get back on the road, I miss it so much,” she adds. “I’m dying to play.”

HAIM’s U.S. headlining tour launches in April.

Genesis’ The Last Domino? tour aims to please every level of fandom

December 12, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Founded in 1969, Genesis has fans that range from those who discovered them in their early Peter Gabriel prog-rock years, to those who came onboard in their ’80s pop era. Since Genesis’ current The Last Domino? tour will reportedly be their last, it’s been crafted to please all segments of the band’s fandom.

The band’s Friday show at the shiny new UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. saw Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks — ably assisted by longtime tour guitarist/bassist Daryl Stuermer, two backup singers and Collins’ 20-year-old son Nic on drums — take fans through every era of their career in a masterful display of musicianship, accompanied by stunning visuals and lights.

Collins, who for medical reasons has been performing seated, still played the part of the ringmaster, introducing songs, cracking jokes and encouraging audience participation. His insistence on calling Elmont, N.Y. “Elwood” became a running joke. While some songs were slowed down to accommodate him, his voice seemed to get stronger as the night progressed.

Faced with the daunting task of handling his dad’s complex and strenuous drum parts, Nic Collins passed with flying colors, earning wild, sustained cheers and applause from the crowd.

Fans of Genesis’ pop era cheered for the hits, from their sole U.S. number one — “Invisible Touch” — to “That’s All,” “Follow You, Follow Me,” “Throwing It All Away” and early ’90s singles like “No Son of Mine.” 1986’s “Land of Confusion” is, sadly, still timely, and album cuts like “Mama,” “Home by the Sea” and “Domino” still rock.

Meanwhile, instrumental showcases like “Duke’s End,” “The Cinema Show” and “Firth of Fifth,” snippets of fan favorites like “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway,” and full performances of deep cuts like “Duchess” and “Afterglow” were warmly received by old-school fans.

If this truly is Genesis’ final go-round, The Last Domino? did its best to keep all the customers satisfied.

Megan Thee Stallion is now a college graduate

December 12, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Megan Thee Stallion is getting hotter by one degree. The Grammy-winning artist received a bachelor’s degree in health administration from Texas Southern University on Saturday.

“Megan Pete, a.k.a. Megan Thee Stallion, is one of 843 graduates who will celebrate their accomplishments achieved at Texas Southern University,” the university announced in a statement.

Ahead of the big day, the hitmaker took to social media to share her excitement and inspire her fans.

“I want y’all to remember that you can do whatever you wanna do and be whoever you wanna be, cause look at me,” she wrote.

The Houston native started her college journey at Prairie View A&M University, another historically Black college or university in Texas. Pete is rooted in a rich legacy of HBCU alumni following in the footsteps of her mother, grandmother, aunt and uncle, who all attended PVAMU. She later transferred to Texas Southern, where she crossed the stage this weekend.

Despite fame, she vowed to finish college not only for herself but for the influences in her family –- her grandmother and late mother, Holly Thomas.

The rapper has been a strong advocate for higher education, awarding several college scholarships to students over the last two years and proving to be an inspiration for millions of her fans.

Crossing the stage, she joins a prestigious roster of HBCU alumni who are activists and entertainers, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Oprah Winfrey, Jesse Jackson, Taraji P. Henson, Michael Strahan and Stephen A. Smith.

Megan Thee Stallion plans to open an assisted living facility in Houston, which she has said will provide more opportunities for graduates and economically support her home city.

Billy Corgan joins Cameo to raise money for animal shelter

December 10, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Finally, Billy Corgan is on Cameo.

The Smashing Pumpkins frontman and his longtime partner Chloe Mendel have joined the site, which allows you to purchase personalized video messages from celebrities, to raise money for their hometown no-kill animal shelter PAWS Chicago.

Corgan, of course, is a longtime supporter of PAWS Chicago — you may remember the adorable photo of him and his cats on the cover of a 2014 issue of PAWS Chicago magazine.

The Cameos cost $250 for personal use, and $4,500 for business use, in case you’re hoping to use Corgan’s words to inspire your employees or customers.

For more info, visit Cameo.com/BillyCorgan.

Anderson .Paak announces fourth annual .Paak House holiday event in California

December 10, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Anderson .Paak announced Friday he is hosting his annual .Paak House charity holiday event for the first time in his Oxnard, California hometown.

The Grammy winner will perform with his group, The Free Nationals, and he will also present special surprise entertainment at the event on December 22. Anthony Anderson, Ty Dolla $ign, Snoh Aalegra, Jhené Aiko, Raphael Saadiq, Goapele, The Game, Schoolboy Q, Cordae, and Thundercat are among the celebrities who have appeared in the past.

“After a long year of studio sessions, promotional tours, and award shows, I’m excited to give back to the community. This year we are going to give Oxnard something they can remember for a lifetime,” Anderson said in a statement. “We can’t wait to see you all at .Paak House 2021!”

Tickets are on-sale now on the event website. For those not able to attend in person, .Paak House will be livestreamed.

This will be the fourth annual .Paak House, presented by the 35-year-old-singer’s Brandon Anderson Foundation. The event previously raised over half a million dollars toward community initiatives and served over 3,000 families providing them with basic hygiene care, food, toiletries, clothing, school supplies, and more.

Paak has released four solo albums, with his latest, Ventura, dropping in 2019. As a member of the duo Silk Sonic, with Bruno Mars, their debut single, “Leave The Door Open,” is up for four Grammy Awards:
Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best R&B Song, and Best R&B Performance.

The smash hit also won an American Music Award for Favorite R&B Song, and Soul Train Awards for Song of the Year and Video of the Year.

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Halsey releases sticky, sweet video for “Honey”

December 10, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Halsey has released the sticky, sweet performance video for the song “Honey” off her album If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power.

In the clip, filmed live in Los Angeles, Halsey performs the upbeat tune in a white lace dress. Midway through the song, they begin to literally cover themselves in honey. By the end of the song, Halsey’s dancing around, completely covered in it.

Earlier this week, the singer hinted on Twitter that they’re thinking about not releasing any more music. When one fan suggested what their new “era” should be, Halsey responded, “Bold of you to assume I’m gonna make more music.”

They later explained why they’re considering hanging up their music career, writing, “im highly sensitive since having my child and I want to protect him from having to read or hear unnecessary things about me in the future considering I have 0 control over what people say about me and he didn’t ask to receive that volume of info so I do think about it sometimes.”

Halsey added, “Perhaps I will learn to stop spilling my guts and become the reclusive homestead farmer I was always meant to be. Write lots of books that I won’t let anyone publish till I die. Probably not. but if it happens, here’s the foreshadowing.”

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