America’s Gerry Beckely joins The Killers in Sydney for ‘Sister Golden Hair’

America’s Gerry Beckely joins The Killers in Sydney for ‘Sister Golden Hair’
America’s Gerry Beckely joins The Killers in Sydney for ‘Sister Golden Hair’
Scott Dudelson/Getty Images

The Killers fans were transported to the ’70s for a bit during the band’s concert at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on Monday.

The band is known for throwing in covers during their sets. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, this show was no exception, although this time The Killers brought out America’s Gerry Beckley for a performance of his band’s classic track “Sister Golden Hair.”

“Sister Golden Hair,” written by Beckley, was featured on America’s 1975 album, Hearts, and went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. It was their second single to reach number one, following “A Horse with No Name.”

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Summer Walker performs rendition of “Santa Baby” in new video

Summer Walker performs rendition of “Santa Baby” in new video
Summer Walker performs rendition of “Santa Baby” in new video
LVRN Records

Summer Walker is singing a Christmas classic in a new video. Released Monday, the clip features the star as she performs a live rendition of the holiday staple “Santa Baby” from the comfort of her studio. It appears it was filmed long ago, as the singer dons a two-piece red plaid outfit displaying her flat stomach. She’s now preparing to welcome her second child, with some help from doula and neo soul’s own Erykah Badu.

“Santa Baby” is one of 11 songs featured on record label LVRN’s recent Home For the Holidays Volume 2 album, out now for fans to hear. DVSN6lackBaby TateAlex VaughnWestside Boogie and DRAM are among the other artists who appear on the project.

 

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Shirley Watts, wife of late Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, dies at 84

Shirley Watts, wife of late Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, dies at 84
Shirley Watts, wife of late Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, dies at 84
JANEK SKARZYNSKI/AFP/GettyImages

Just 16 months after Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts passed away, his wife, Shirley Watts, has died at the age of 84.

“It is with great sadness that Seraphina, Charlotte and Barry announce the death of their much-loved mother, grandmother and mother-in law Shirley Watts,” reads a statement from her family, according to Variety. “Shirley died peacefully on Friday December 16 in Devon after a short illness surrounded by her family.” It added, “Reunited now forever with her beloved Charlie.”

Charlie and Shirley wed in 1964, before the Rolling Stones took off, and were together until his death on August 24, 2021. She met the future Rock & Roll Hall of Famer when they were both students at the Royal College of Art, where Charlie was studying graphic design. He was only a part-time jazz musician at the time.

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Children of Van Halen & Melissa Etheridge to be featured in MTV’s Family Legacy docu-series

Children of Van Halen & Melissa Etheridge to be featured in MTV’s Family Legacy docu-series
Children of Van Halen & Melissa Etheridge to be featured in MTV’s Family Legacy docu-series
Courtesy MTV

Van Halen and Melissa Etheridge are among the artists to be featured in a new MTV music docuseries that will give fans a different look at their favorite artists.

MTV’s Family Legacy, debuting in 2023, will give some new insight into a host of famous musicians using exclusive footage and new interviews from their children, giving a fresh perspective on the artists.

In addition to Van Halen and Etheridge, other artists set for season 1 include Linkin Park, Backstreet Boys, *NYSNC, Boyz II Men, TLC, Biggie Smalls, Sean Diddy Combs and Brandy.

And while the series doesn’t premiere until next year, fans are getting a preview of what to expect starting Monday with an MTV’s Family Legacy special airing as part of their “We Speak Music” programming.

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Lil Wayne gifts 150 child athletes with new equipment for the holidays

Lil Wayne gifts 150 child athletes with new equipment for the holidays
Lil Wayne gifts 150 child athletes with new equipment for the holidays
Kaitlyn Morris

More than 100 kids own new athletic gear, thanks to a generous donation from Lil Wayne.

Over the weekend, the rapper and Young Money Entertainment President Mack Maine invited 150 kids to a Dave & Busters in New Orleans to celebrate the holiday season. The children, selected by Lil Wayne and local organizations, were chosen as they “work hard and are training to be the best athlete and team member they can be,” a press release reads.

As part of A Weezy Christmas, kids played games and took photos with Santa. They also received basketball, football, baseball, soccer and tennis equipment, courtesy of Wilson Sporting Goods.

“This Christmas Mack & I wanted to give these kids everything necessary so that they could enjoy all the benefits of being a top tier athlete,” Wayne said in a statement. “Whether it’s learning about sportsmanship, teamwork, or just using the field as a way to escape everyday stresses; we wanted to make sure these kids get to experience impactful moments.”

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Maren Morris joins season 15 of Ru Paul’s Drag Race as a celebrity guest judge

Maren Morris joins season 15 of Ru Paul’s Drag Race as a celebrity guest judge
Maren Morris joins season 15 of Ru Paul’s Drag Race as a celebrity guest judge
ABC/Randy Holmes

Maren Morris is among the long list of celebrity guests headed to Ru Paul’s Drag Race this season.

The reality competition show returns for season 15 next month, bringing 16 talented contestants to the stage as they vie for the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar and a cash prize of $200,000.

The celebrity guests this season hail from a variety of different corners of the entertainment industry, with Maren repping country music, along with Orville Peck. Also on deck to make appearances are comedian Ali Wong and actor Julia Garner. Pop superstar Ariana Grande will be the guest judge in the two-part premiere episode, which airs January 6.

Maren is one of country music’s most vocal advocates for the LGBT+ community. Earlier in 2022, she made headlines during a social media feud with Jason Aldean’s wife, Brittany, over transphobic comments Brittany made in an Instagram Reel. Ultimately, Maren leveraged the feud into a T-shirt design that raised over $500,000 for GLAAD and the Trans Lifeline.

Season 15 of Ru Paul’s Drag Race will air on MTV. As always, Ru Paul helms the show, with mainstay judges Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Matthews and Ts Madison appearing in every episode. 

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

The Chainsmokers, Machine Gun Kelly to play ’Sports Illustrated’ Super Bowl party

The Chainsmokers, Machine Gun Kelly to play ’Sports Illustrated’ Super Bowl party
The Chainsmokers, Machine Gun Kelly to play ’Sports Illustrated’ Super Bowl party
Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

The Chainsmokers and “my ex’s best friend” singer Machine Gun Kelly are heading to the Super Bowl.

The EDM duo will be among the headliners of the forthcoming Sports Illustrated Super Bowl bash on February 11: Sports Illustrated The Party.

The Chainsmokers will be joined by Machine Gun Kelly at the Scottsdale, Arizona, venue Talking Stick Resort.  The venue teases the show will feature “over the top production and performances,” such as a “custom-built, festival sized mega-structure.”

“Guests will experience an immersive and breathtaking mainstage along with mesmerizing activations throughout the 100,000+ square foot mega-structure,” a press release teases.

Fans can register on the venue’s website for a presale, which opens Wednesday, December 21, at 12 p.m. ET. 

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Birdman says he’s changing his government name next year

Birdman says he’s changing his government name next year
Birdman says he’s changing his government name next year
Jerod Harris/BET/Getty Images for BET

In just a few months, Birdman‘s government name will no longer be Bryan Christopher Williams. The Cash Money Records co-founder has announced plans to change his name.

“In February 2023, I won’t be Williams no more,” he said on social media, per HipHopDX. “I’ll be Bryan Christopher Brooks … 2023 I’m changing my name.”

According to Birdman, he was “born Bryan Brooks.” His name was changed to Williams after his father took him in.

“My momma died and my daddy came and got me out the foster home and I became a Williams and I love him with every piece of my soul,” the rapper explained. Despite expressing his love, he said he hopes “to die Bryan Brooks.”

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Bono discusses the origin of his nickname

Bono discusses the origin of his nickname
Bono discusses the origin of his nickname
ABC/Paula Lobo

Although he was born Paul Hewson, most people know him as U2’s Bono thanks to the nickname Bonovox, given to him by a friend when he was very young — although that wasn’t the first nickname he was given. Bono confirms to Virgin Radio UK that his good friend once gave him a much longer name, but apparently it didn’t stick.

“I’ve been called a lot of things over the years,” he shares. “I was 3 years old, [my friend] was 4, and we had a sort of street gang into our teens and I had many nicknames. I’m very pleased that I qualified to Bono, though even that is tricky in some quarters.”

As for why he and The Edge decided to stick with their nicknames when they became famous, Bono explains, “The really significant thing is, I suppose, that we decided to be called by those names when we went out into the public because it implies a kind of intimacy with your audience, which is nice.” 

He adds, “Some people will occasionally come up to me and say, ‘Hey, Paul, how are you doing, Paul?’ as if that’s getting close. The last person to call me Paul was my dad, and he’s dead. So don’t call me Paul.”

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Children of Linkin Park, Van Halen members featured in upcoming ‘MTV’s Family Legacy’ docuseries

Children of Linkin Park, Van Halen members featured in upcoming ‘MTV’s Family Legacy’ docuseries
Children of Linkin Park, Van Halen members featured in upcoming ‘MTV’s Family Legacy’ docuseries
Courtesy MTV

An upcoming new MTV docuseries is set to focus on the children of artists including Linkin Park and Van Halen members.

The show is titled MTV’s Family Legacy and will premiere in 2023.

“Through exclusive footage and brand-new interviews with the children of our favorite music stars, MTV’s Family Legacy gives fans a unique insight and a fresh take on MTV’s most celebrated events and iconic artists,” a press release states, adding that the series aims to “capture the hearts of ‘90s music fans and take viewers on a tour of pop culture through a new lens.”

MTV’s Family Legacy will also spotlight the children of musicians including Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Boyz II Men, TLC, The Notorious B.I.G., Sean “Diddy” Combs, Brandy and Melissa Etheridge.

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.