Corey Taylor urges vaccination after feeling “the worst I’ve ever been sick in my life” with COVID-19

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Corey Taylor is encouraging all his fans to get vaccinated as he recovers from a battle with COVID-19.

The Slipknot frontman revealed that he tested positive for the virus last Friday, a day after he finished a solo tour. In a new video message posted Monday afternoon, Taylor shares that he’s feeling much better — his fever’s broken, and he no longer feels body aches — and credits being fully vaccinated for helping him in his recovery.

“This is the worst I’ve ever been sick in my life,” Taylor says. “Had I not been vaccinated, I shudder to think how bad it would have been. But because I had that extra little bit of protection, man, it definitely helped me get through it.”

To those who are “still on the fence” about getting the jab, Taylor has one piece of advice: “Go, go, go.” 

“If you’re still on the fence, I’m telling you right now, it’s the best thing you can do for yourself,” he says.

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Elton John charts on the ‘Billboard’ Hot 100 for first time in 21 years

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Elton John is back on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time in 21 years — and he has Dua Lipa to thank.

Billboard reports Elton’s song with Dua, “Cold Heart (Pnau Remix),” debuts at number 81 on the chart dated August 28.

Elton’s last appearance on the chart was on the tally dated July 29, 2000, when “Someday Out of the Blue” ranked at number 99 after peaking at 49.

“Cold Heart” also debuted at number three on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart and at number 16 on the Adult Contemporary radio airplay chart, giving Elton his 74th career entry and extending his current record for the most AC hits of any artist.

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Kelsea Ballerini pays tribute to Taylor Swift with “Teardrops on My Guitar” cover on Jonas Brothers tour

ABC/Fred Lee

Kelsea Ballerini kicked off her opening slot on the Jonas Brothers‘ tour with a tribute to Taylor Swift

During the opening night of The Remember This Tour in Las Vegas on Friday, Kelsea dedicated part of her set to a medley of songs by her favorite artists, including that of the country and pop superstar. 

“There is one particular woman who really paved the way for people like me,” Kelsea prefaced her performance, playing a few notes on her guitar before launching into “Teardrops on My Guitar,” as the crowd let out elated cheers upon hearing the first few lyrics. 

Kelsea then offered an understated, acoustic rendition of the track, and the audience sang passionately alongside her. 

“Teardrops on My Guitar” was released in 2007 as the second single off Taylor’s self-titled debut album. The multi-platinum song reached the top 15 of the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Hot Country Songs chart.  

Kelsea continues on with the Jonas Brothers through the fall, when the tour wraps at The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on October 27. 

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Ringo Starr, Brian Wilson and more stars pay tribute to late Everly Brothers singer Don Everly

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Don Everly of the influential early rock ‘n’ roll duo The Everly Brothers died Saturday at his home in Nashville at the age of 84.  In the wake of his passing, musicians who were inspired by the duo’s music have taken to social media to post tribute messages in Don’s honor.

Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr posted an homage to Don and his younger brother and band mate, Phil, who died in 2014, on his Twitter that reads, “God bless Don and Phil the Everly brothers we loved them peace and love.” The message is accompanied by a vintage photos of The Beatles and The Everly Brothers together.

Founding Beach Boys member Brian Wilson also paid tribute to Don on his Twitter page.  “I’m sad to hear about Don Everly passing,” Wilson wrote. “The Everly Brothers were a big influence on us and we learned a lot from their beautiful harmonies. Love & mercy to Don’s family.”

Meanwhile, Peter Frampton tweeted, “I am so sad to hear about the loss of Don Everly. Both Phil and Don created songs and harmonies that changed music forever. You will be together again now. RIP Don and Phil.”

Here are tributes from some other notable music artists:

Rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis: “The Everly Brothers are integral to the fabric of American music. Very few of us can say we were around at the beginning, and even fewer can say we’re still here. With my friend Don’s passing, I am reflective…reflective on a life full of wonderful friends, spectacular music and fond memories…God Bless Don Everly and long live Rock and Roll music.”

Don McLean: “I met the Everly Brothers in 1969 and asked them about Buddy Holly. Phil said Buddy took the plane so he could do his laundry. I think Buddy had other laundry to do as well. This started my thinking for ‘American Pie’ which I wrote later. Additionally, Don was a great lead singer and unique rhythm guitar player.”

Kinks guitarist Dave Davies: “Very sad day. Both of the Everlys were part of my musical life growing up. We were inspired by their wonderful records and their singing and their voices. ‘Wake Up Little [Susie]’ was my favorite as a kid.”

David Crosby: “[The Everly Brothers were the first] people who made me really love harmony…'[All I Have to Do Is] Dream.'”

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Megan Thee Stallion drops new “Tuned in Freestyle” video for her haters

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Following up her recent “Outta Town Freestyle” video, Megan Thee Stallion is once again slayin’ her haters with a new rapid-fire freestyle track and video called “Tuned in Freestyle.”

The clip, which was released Monday, captures Megan in a recording studio. Decked out in a lime-green top with matching hot pants and glasses, the “Hot Girl Summer” artist begins, “This goes out to all you tuned in, the hotties, the secret hotties,” then later raps, “Talk about something y’all like, stop talking ’bout me.”

She also references a couple of Pokémon characters, rapping: “I’m the hot girl, feelin’ like Charizard/ And he know he finna win if he get my card.”

The three-time Grammy winner appears on the cover of the September/October 2021 issue of Essence, which hit newsstands on Monday. Megan has six nominations, including a nod in the Artist of the Year category, for the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, which takes place on September 12 in New York City.

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Styx collaborates on new “Renegade”-inspired beer, Oh Mama, made for band’s Pittsburgh fans

Courtesy of Styx/Voodoo Brewing Co.

Styx‘s 1979 hit “Renegade” has long been embraced as the adopted theme song of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and now the veteran rockers have partnered with the Pittsburgh-area Voodoo Brewing Co. to create a beer inspired by the classic tune.

Oh Mama beer, named after the opening lyrics of “Renegade,” is a traditional golden lager brewed by Voodoo especially for Styx’s fans in and around the Steel City.

The brew currently is available in four packs of 16-ounce cans and in 50-liter kegs at Voodoo’s corporate pubs and franchise locations; online for home delivery in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.; at select beverage outlets in Pittsburgh and Erie, Pennsylvania; and for delivery in various states via the Tavour app — using the code word “renegade.”

Oh Mama also can purchased on tap at select bars and pubs.

“We are excited to announce that STYX, in partnership with Voodoo Brewing Co., is bringing our Oh Mama beer to a frosty mug near you,” say singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw in a statement. “We think you’re gonna love it as much as we do. Cheers!!!”

Adds guitarist James “JY” Young, “As we have our tradition with ‘Renegade’ and the Steelers, we are excited to announce our Oh Mama beer. We look forward to bringing a part of Steeler tradition to our fans that they can enjoy from home.”

“Renegade” is played at every Steelers home game during the third quarter as the soundtrack to a video compilation of defensive highlights meant to inspire the team’s players and fans. Styx also has performed the national anthem at several Steelers games over the years.

Styx released its latest studio album, Crash of the Crown, in June and the band has a bunch of 2021 U.S. tour dates scheduled to support the record.

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Phoebe Bridgers moving all fall tour dates to outdoor venues

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Phoebe Bridgers is bringing her tour outside.

The “Kyoto” artist has announced that all of her upcoming fall tour dates will be taking place in outdoor venues. The decision was made “in the interest of safety” amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, all venues will require attendees to be fully vaccinated, except for where that is “not permissible by law.” In those cases, attendees must either show proof of vaccination or obtain a negative test with 48 hours of entering the show.

“Please wear a mask,” Bridgers says. “I love you. See you soon.”

Bridgers’ tour is set to kick off September 3 in St. Louis. Due to the venue rearranging, some shows have been postponed to a different date.

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Ed Sheeran teases his rerecorded song for ‘Red (Taylor’s Version)’

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Ed Sheeran is giving fans a little taste of his contribution to pal Taylor Swift’s re-recorded version of Red.

On Instagram Monday, Ed shared a snippet of himself rerecording his part for their duet “Everything Has Changed.” In the caption, he did his part to help spread the word that the vinyl for Red (Taylor’s Version) is up for pre-order today and the album is available to pre-save on streaming platforms.

“Here’s a video of me rerecording my bit for a song you might know,” Ed wrote. “There’s also a brand-new song me and Taylor wrote the first day we met called ‘Run’ that’s out with the new version of the record, November 19th. Enjoy guys! Was so fun reliving all of this.”

Earlier on Monday, Taylor announced the vinyl pre-order news by officially joining TikTok.

Meanwhile, Ed announced last week that his new album, = [Equals], will be out October 29.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos)

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“Get ready to fall apart”: Kacey Musgraves announces new album, ‘star-crossed’

Interscope Records/UMG Nashville

Kacey Musgraves is star-crossed in her highly anticipated new album. 

Kacey announced Monday that star-crossed is the name of her fourth studio album, which will be released on September 10. It’s the follow-up to her multi-Grammy-winning 2018 project, Golden Hour. Kacey teams up again with producers Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk on the 15-track album, which features tracks titled “good wife,” “angel,” “camera roll,” and “gracias a la vida,” which translates to “thanks to life,” and more.  

star-crossed is built around the concept of a modern-day tragedy in three acts, in light of her divorce from ex-husband Ruston Kelly. After teasing the title track on Instagram over the weekend, the singer has now dropped the song in full. 

Alongside the album, Kacey will debut star-crossed: the film via Paramount+ featuring Schitt’s Creek star Eugene Levy, actress Victoria Pedretti of The Haunting of Hill House, singer Princess Nokia, comedian Megan Stalter and RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Symone

The trailer for the film depicts Kacey as an out-of-the-ordinary bride who ultimately reclaims her freedom, with shots of her running alongside a black stallion and dancing with drag queens in the street in the middle of the desert.

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Diamonds Are Forever: Beyoncé and Jay-Z star in new Tiffany’s “ABOUT LOVE” campaign 

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100

As Beyoncé and Jay-Z confirmed with their 2018 duo album, Everything Is Love in their life, and Tiffany agrees as The Carters star in the jewelry company’s new ABOUT LOVE campaign.

In a series of ads debuting September 2, Beyoncé models the iconic Tiffany Yellow Diamond, and Jay wears Jean Schlumberger‘s legendary Bird on a Rock brooch, customized as cuff links.

Mrs. Carter is only the fourth person ever to wear the Tiffany Yellow Diamond, which has last worn by Lady Gaga at the Oscars in 2019. The stone features over 100 carats of white diamonds.

“Love is the diamond that the jewelry and art decorate,” Bey and Jay say in a statement to People.

The campaign also features a 22-carat yellow diamond ring and a 15.02-carat emerald-cut diamond ring, plus an 18-carat yellow and rose gold bracelet

“Beyoncé and Jay-Z are the epitome of the modern love story. As a brand that has always stood for love, strength and self-expression, we could not think of a more iconic couple that better represents Tiffany’s values,” says Alexandre Arnault, Tiffany’s EVP of product and communications. “We are honored to have the Carters as a part of the Tiffany family.”

Queen Bey posted three photos on Instagram of her wearing a black gown with mesh opera gloves. Hova joins her in a classic black tuxedo and bow tie.

A film about the campaign, shot by Jay, will be released September 15 featuring Beyoncé’s version of “Moon River.”

In partnership with The Carters, Tiffany is donating $2 million toward scholarship and internship programs for historically Black colleges and universities.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)

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