Music – Page 3297 – 105.7 WDNY

Muse headlining 2022 Aftershock Festival in place of Foo Fighters

May 27, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Muse will be headlining the 2022 Aftershock Festival in place of Foo Fighters, which canceled all of their upcoming tour dates following the unexpected death of Taylor Hawkins.

The English trio will fill in for the Foos’ scheduled set at the Sacramento, California, event’s closing night on Sunday, October 9.

“It’s been too long and we can’t wait to come back to Northern California and headline Aftershock on Sunday, October 9, in Sacramento,” says frontman Matt Bellamy.

Aftershock 2022 takes place October 6-9 in Sacramento’s Discovery Park. The other headliners are My Chemical Romance, KISS and Slipknot.

Hawkins passed away March 25 in Bogotá, Colombia, ahead of a Foo Fighters show scheduled there for later that night. He was 50 years old.

Earlier this month, Red Hot Chili Peppers performed in place of Foo Fighters at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, while Nine Inch Nails took their place at Welcome to Rockville. NIN will also headline this weekend’s Boston Calling in the Foos’ stead, while Arcade Fire is filling in at Montreal’s Osheaga in July.

Mark Tremonti recounts “surreal, intense honor” of recording charity Sinatra covers album

May 27, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Of all the unexpected projects to come out of the rock world the last couple years, it’s hard to top the guitarist for Creed recording a Frank Sinatra covers album.

Mark Tremonti, who now plays in Alter Bridge and his own namesake solo band, tells ABC Audio that he’s always been a fan of Ol’ Blue Eyes, but didn’t know how to channel it in his career as hard rock guitarist. That changed, however, when his daughter, Stella, was born in March 2021 with Down syndrome.

“Once we got the diagnosis that our daughter had Down syndrome, I was, like, ‘This all had its reasons,'” Tremonti shares. “‘I’m gonna record a record doing Frank Sinatra songs, and I’m gonna do it for charity and raise money and awareness for Down syndrome.'”

Thus, we now have Tremonti Sings Sinatra, which will raise money for the National Down Syndrome Society.

In addition to the charity aspect, it was important to Tremonti that the album sound, and feel like a “real” and “authentic” interpretation of Sinatra’s work, down to getting approvals from the Sinatra family to use his name and likeness.

“[That] was probably the biggest hurdle of them all,” Tremonti says. “They’ve only done that with guys Tony Bennett and Michael Bublé.”

That authenticity was also bolstered by surviving members of Sinatra’s orchestra, including bandleader Mike Smith, who gave Tremonti the same cup of tea Sinatra would drink to warm up his voice, as well as the actual sheet music Sinatra used to perform classics like “Luck Be a Lady.”

“This was the sheet that Frank Sinatra actually held in his hand when he sang ‘Luck Be a Lady,'” Tremonti says. “Every moment of this recording process was a surreal, intense honor to participate in.”

Tremonti Sings Sinatra is out Friday.

To get in shape for Vegas, Katy Perry says she has to “let go of my Taco Bell”

May 27, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Katy Perry returns to Las Vegas Friday night for more shows in her PLAY residency: She’ll perform through June 11, take a break, then return for more shows in July and August, with more shows expected to be announced later this year. But Katy says she can’t just breeze into Sin City and get on the stage. She says she’s got to work up to it.

“You definitely have to be mindful that you have a show coming up after a six- or eight-week break,” the American Idol judge tells USA Today. “I get really strict about two or three weeks before. [The set] is like a giant kid’s jungle gym and I’m a 37-year-old adult. So I have to train like an athlete and do physical therapy and use the sauna and let go of my Taco Bell.”

The one song that’s part of Katy’s residency show that isn’t one of her hit singles is her rendition of “The Greatest Love of All,” originally recorded by George Benson and made famous in 1985 by Whitney Houston. Katy says she decided to add it to the set after becoming a mom to daughter Daisy Dove, who’ll turn 2 in August.

“After I had my daughter, the song spoke to me in a different way,” Katy tells USA Today. “I feel like Daisy has given me the greatest love of all and I find it now in my family life.”

In addition to her show, Katy also has American Idol, her shoe line and her new line of nonalcoholic beverages, De Soi. In response to that age-old question about balance, Katy says, “There’s a lot more balance when you have a family. A lot falls away that isn’t really important … But I’m at my best multitasking.”

“I’m transitioning a little more into the entrepreneurial space,” she adds, referring to the shoe line and De Soi. “These are branches of my tree. My trunk will always be music, but I have many branches.”

Colts owner Jim Irsay to display collection of historic rock guitars in NYC next week

May 26, 2022 by WDNY Radio

In recent years, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has purchased some of the music world’s most historic guitars, as well as many other famous memorabilia items. He will be putting his collection on public display in New York City for the first time on Friday, June 3, at the Hammerstein Ballroom.

The Jim Irsay Collection includes guitars played and owned by Bob Dylan, members of The Beatles, Prince, Eric Clapton, The Grateful Dead‘s Jerry Garcia, Pink Floyd‘s David Gilmour and many other famous musicians.

The collection also features other instruments, as well as autographed photos, handwritten lyrics and more. The most recent addition to Irsay’s trove of memorabilia is the guitar that late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain played in his band’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” video, which he purchased at an auction for over $4.5 million.

Some non-music-related items are also part of the collection: an original “wanted” poster for John Wilkes Booth, a baseball bat used by Jackie Robinson and a robe worn by Muhammad Ali.

The public event will run from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Free tickets can be reserved at Eventbrite.com.

Meanwhile, a private, invite-only reception will be held June 2 at 7 p.m. ET at the Hammerstein Ballroom that will give attendees the chance to check out the collection. It will also feature a performance by The Jim Irsay Band. Described as a group “which has never existed and will never exist again,” the band will feature Irsay backed by founding R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, longtime John Mellencamp guitarist Mike Wanchic, John Fogerty/ex-Mellencamp touring drummer Kenny Aronoff and others.

Former 10,000 Maniacs singer Natalie Merchant will be a guest performer with the band.

Jon Anderson, Geoff Downes among artists paying homage to late Yes drummer Alan White

May 26, 2022 by WDNY Radio

In the wake of the sad news that longtime Yes drummer Alan White died today at age 72, a number of music artists have shared tributes to the late rocker, among them founding Yes singer Jon Anderson and the band’s current keyboardist Geoff Downes.

Anderson, who played with White in Yes on and off for more than 30 years, posted a statement on his Facebook page that reads, “He was My best man at my wedding to Janee in Maui 1997…We love you Alan and will miss you…You were just the best of the best for Yes, and an amazing drummer…We wrote ‘Turn of the Century’ together all those years ago, just one of so many wonderful times together…he was a gentle soul.”

Anderson’s message concludes, “And now you’re in heaven…resting after the long journey Home to meet your dear Mom who you loved so much…Blessings brother.”

Downes, who first played in Yes in 1980 and ’81, then rejoined the band in 2011, posted his own homage on Twitter that reads, “Today I lost a great brother and friend, the loveliest guy you’ll ever hope to meet. So dreadfully sad. I’m devastated…Alan White, the main man. Miss you forever buddy.”

Here are a few other tributes to White from various artists:

Asia: “Alan White RIP. One of the greatest drummers ever. All the Asia family send love to Gigi and the family. Alan was a great friend of Asia, particularly [Geoff Downes] and regularly sharing birthday celebrations with our [late singer/bassist John Wetton].”

Styx drummer Todd Sucherman: “I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Alan White. What a legend. Styx and Yes had a co-bill tour back in 2011 and it was so much fun to spend a summer on the road with those guys, and hearing that music every night — which meant so much to each one of us in Styx. That tour will always have a special place in my heart. Thanks for your contributions to music that will last until the end of time, Alan! Deepest condolences to Alan’s family, band mates, friends and fans.

Jane’s Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins: “Alan White was so cool — Fly On master drummer.”

Ex-Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy: “Absolutely stunned to wake up to the news of Alan White’s passing. His playing for the past 50 yrs was a massive influence on me & I’ve had the honor of spending much time together thru the years. My condolences to his wife Gigi, his family & the entire Yes camp.”

Music Notes: Katy Perry, Nick Jonas, Olivia Rodrigo and more

May 26, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Katy Perry and Celine Dion are among the Las Vegas entertainers and other celebrities who’ve designed life-size baby elephant statues for display at Resorts World, the hotel and casino where Katy has her residency and where Celine had planned to kick hers off last year before it was postponed. The 26 elephants will be on display through Labor Day. The statues will then be auctioned off to benefit elephant welfare programs.

And speaking of Katy, she’s back at Resorts World this weekend for another round of dates in her PLAY residency. She posted a behind-the-scenes look on Instagram at all the wild and wacky costumes featured in the show.

Olivia Rodrigo reunited with her High School Musical: The Musical: The Series castmates at her show at LA’s Greek Theatre a few days ago. Co-star Dara Renee posted a series of photos on Instagram showing eight members of the cast with Olivia backstage, plus footage of her view from the audience. “GOOD 4 U!! I’m so proud of this Queen!! THE TALENT this icon carries!!” Renee captioned the photos. “Wheww chile You deserve all this and so much more. Love you to the moon and back Liv!!”

Thursday night in L.A., Nick Jonas received the 2022 Golden Glove Award at the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation’s “Big Fighters, Big Cause” Charity Boxing Night. The award acknowledged Nick’s work in raising awareness for diabetes, which he was diagnosed with as a teen. In his acceptance speech, he said, “I’ve been living with this disease for nearly 16 years and it’s been an uphill and crazy ride … I didn’t know anyone when I was first diagnosed that was living with diabetes and my only hope is and has been to try and be a face that people recognize and normalize this disease.”

Sara Bareilles is headed back to Broadway. The singer, who co-wrote the hit musical Waitress and also starred in it off and on throughout its run, will return to the Great White Way for an eight-week engagement of the Stephen Sondheim/James Lapine musical Into the Woods. Sara has been playing the Baker’s Wife in the off-Broadway production; she’ll continue the role when the show moves to Broadway’s St. James Theatre starting June 28. Tickets are on sale now via SeatGeek.com/into-the-woods.

Jussie Smollett’s directorial debut finds streaming home; Young Thug’s rap lyrics used in court

May 26, 2022 by WDNY Radio

–Seems Jussie Smollett is moving away from his court struggles and getting back to business in the entertainment world. The former Empire star is set to make his directorial debut with a film adaptation of James Earl Hardy‘s 1994 novel, B-Boy Blues, which was recently picked up by BET+.

The story follows the relationship of New Yorkers Mitchell Crawford and Raheim Rivers, who meet at a gay bar in 1993 and fall in love.

According to Variety, Mona Scott Young, of the Love & Hip Hop franchise, joined as a producer and was instrumental in getting the film picked up by BET. B-Boy Blues is set to premiere on the streaming service during Pride Month on June 9.

–In the latest in the Young Thug and Gunna RICO case, prosecutors are planning to use Thug’s lyrics in court. On May 9, the rapper was hit with gang-related charges after being named in a sweeping 56-count grand jury indictment in Fulton County, Georgia.

Thug, born Jeffery Williams, the alleged leader of the Young Slime Life gang, was initially charged with two counts — conspiring to violate the state’s Racketeer RICO Act and participating in street gang activity, according to documents obtained by ABC News. He was hit with additional drugs and weapons charges after law enforcement officials searched his home following his arrest.

Prosecutors argue that the lyrics in songs such as “Take it to Trial,” “Ski” and “Slatty” served as “overt acts” to fulfill a key objective of the alleged RICO conspiracy: “Preserving, protecting and enhancing the reputation, power and territory of the enterprise [YSL].”

Like Thug, Gunna’s lyrics were also listed in the indictment. Gunna is charged with one count of conspiring to violate the RICO Act.

Depeche Mode’s Andy Fletcher dead at 60

May 26, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Depeche Mode member Andy Fletcher has died at age 60.

The seminal synth-pop band announced the news in a statement Thursday, reading, “We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member, and bandmate Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher.

“Fletch had a true heart of gold and was always there when you need support, a lively conversation, a good laugh, or a cold pint,” the statement continues. “Our hearts are with his family, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy in this difficult time.”

No cause of death was announced.

Fletcher was a founding member of Depeche Mode, playing keyboards and bass alongside vocalist Dave Gahan, keyboardist and guitarist Martin Gore, and keyboardist and guitarist Vince Clarke, who was later replaced by Alan Wilder.

Depeche Mode began to develop a following in the ’80s, thanks to their innovative use of electronic elements in alternative music, before exploding in the early ’90s with the album Violator, which spawned singles including “Personal Jesus,” “Enjoy the Silence” and “Policy of Truth.”

Following Wilder’s departure in 1995, Fletcher, Gore and Gahan continued to release Depeche Mode albums as a trio, the last of which was 2017’s Spirit.

Fletcher was inducted with Depeche Mode into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.

Snoop Dogg to DJ the 2022 ‘MTV Movie & TV Awards’

May 26, 2022 by WDNY Radio

The MTV Movie & TV Awards will be held in Los Angeles on June 5 and, to help get the party going, Snoop Dogg, aka DJ Snoopadelic, will provide the music for the night.

The network revealed the news Thursday, along with a reminder of Snoop’s DJing duties at last year’s show.

MTV announced the return of the show’s Best Musical Moment social category, as well as the 16 nominees, which include Euphoria‘s “Holding Out For a Hero” and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’ “Rose Song.” Voting officially kicks off via MTV’s Instagram Stories on May 30 and will run until June 3. The winner will be revealed live during the ceremony.

Vanessa Hudgens is set to host the main show, starting at 8 p.m. ET, which will be immediately followed by the Movie & TV Awards: Unscripted, hosted by The Bachelorette star Tayshia Adams. Top nominees for reality TV-focused show include RuPaul’s Drag Race, Love & Hip Hop Atlanta and Tha God’s Honest Truth with Charlamagne Tha God.

AWOLNATION announces mental health conversation with collaborator Elohim

May 26, 2022 by WDNY Radio

AWOLNATION is holding a conversation about mental health Thursday night in conjunction with May being National Mental Health Awareness Month.

The virtual event will feature frontman Aaron Bruno speaking with Elohim, one of the many guest artists featured on AWOLANTION’s new covers album, My Echo, My Shadow, My Covers and Me. Elohim contributes to a rendition of the Harvey Danger track “Flagpole Sitta,” aka the “I’m not sick/But I’m not well” song.

“This song directly tackles mental health and it was Elohim’s idea originally,” Bruno says. “She is very knowledgeable and passionate about mental health awareness and advocacy, and she is one of my best friends.”

The mental health organization The Jed Foundation will present the conversation, which you can watch tonight, May 26, at 8 p.m. ET via AWOLNATION and Elohim’s YouTube channels and Instagram page.

AWOLNATION released My Echo, My Shadow, My Covers and Me earlier this month. The band will launch a U.S. headlining tour in October with support from Badflower.

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