Warren Zeiders was sick + out on tour when “Pretty Little Poison” hit #1

Disney/Randy Holmes

If you thought Warren Zeiders was in full party mode the week “Pretty Little Poison” hit #1, you’re wrong. 

Unfortunately, as Warren recounts, he was under the weather and was trying to get on the mend while juggling a busy tour schedule.

“You know, I’m a firm believer in the fact that God has a sense of humor. So when I went #1, I happened to be sick for two weeks straight [and was] trying to get over that while on tour,” Warren recounts to ABC Audio.

“Needless to say, I think it’s a great example of a pinch-me moment. You’re still living, you’re still breathing. The good and bad, ebb and flow can all happen to you even in the highest moments,” he notes.

Regardless, Warren’s thankful now to have his career-first #1 under his belt. 

“Hearing those words still doesn’t feel real,” says the country newcomer. “I’m just very grateful for it.” 

“Pretty Little Poison” is the title track of Warren’s 2023 debut album, which received the deluxe treatment in February. 

Later this fall, Warren will join Jelly Roll on his Beautifully Broken Tour. For tickets and Warren’s full tour schedule, head to his website.
 

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Foreigner’s Lou Gramm talks possible Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction: “Would mean the world to me”

Courtesy of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Foreigner is one of the many acts nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year, and the band’s original lead singer, Lou Gramm, is certainly looking forward to the possibly of them getting in.

Gramm tells ABC Audio being inducted with his musical peers “would mean the world to me,” sharing, “To be in a very tight fraternity like that with people who you respect and admire is the epitome of what this career is all about.” 

Foreigner had been eligible to get into the hall since 2002, but this is their first nomination, something that’s been shocking to many fans and even fellow rock stars. In fact, Mark Ronson, the stepson of Foreigner’s Mick Jones, released a video in February featuring artists like Foo FightersDave Grohl and even Paul McCartney making a case for them to get in.

Gramm says he’s been surprised and shocked by all the support they’ve received. “The Paul McCartney one was particularly cool because he was shocked that we weren’t in already,” he says.

This year’s inductees will be announced in late April, and should Foreigner make the cut, Gramm says he and the band will likely play two songs at the ceremony. He thinks one will be  their #1 hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is,” although he says “the other one had better rock.” And that wouldn’t exactly be difficult with hits like “Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded” and “Jukebox Hero” to choose from.

And if the performance happens, it would be Gramm’s first time onstage with Jones in many years, which should be a treat for fans. As Gramm notes, “If we’re able to get together onstage for this glorious event, it’ll be fantastic.”

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“Big fan of honesty” Tim Montana readies debut rock record, including “Devil You Know”

Music Knox Records/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville

After introducing himself to rock fans with his single “Devil You Know,” Tim Montana has announced his debut rock album, Savage.

“Devil You Know” was quite the introduction — as it reached the top five on Billboard‘s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, fans could also watch its accompanying video, which reflects Montana’s experience growing up in an abusive household.

“I’m a big fan of honesty,” Montana tells ABC Audio. “Sometimes I’m probably too honest.”

“I know there’s a lot of kids out there that are victims of abuse, and I hope maybe they can see this video and be like, ‘Hey, I’m not the only one to go through this,'” he continues. “[For] forever I thought I was the only kid in the world that had that happening to me.”

To that end, the “Devil You Know” video recreates some of Montana’s most painful childhood memories, such as when his guitar, which he describes as his “only escape,” would be taken away.

“I remember things getting broken in my room and my guitar ripped out of my hands,” he says. “I wanted to capture that scene.”

Montana’s son plays him as a child in the video, which added further poignancy.

“I remember my wife calling and [she] goes, ‘Hey honey, I know you need therapy, but if our kid needs therapy replaying your scenes in your video, I’m gonna kill you,'” Montana laughs. 

“Devil You Know” will appear on Savage, which is due out July 12. The album’s title track is also out now.

Here’s the track list:
“Devil You Know”
“Savage”
“Ashes”
“Die Today”
“Shut Me Out”
“Right Again”
“Get You Some”
“Death Row”
“Ain’t Comin’ Down”
“Lovely”
“Day By Day”

If you are affected by abuse and needing support, or know someone who is, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). You can also chat online at thehotline.org or online.rainn.org, respectively. 

 

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Music producer Rico Wade dies at 52

Mike Windle/Getty Images for SXSW

Rico Wade, the Atlanta-based music producer of Organized Noize and The Dungeon Family, has died, his family and music groups announced on Saturday. Wade was 52.

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our son, father, husband, and brother Rico Wade. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a talented individual who touched the lives of so many,” read a statement from Wade’s family announcing his death.

“We ask that you respect the legacy of our loved one and our privacy at this time,” the statement continued.

Wade gained recognition for his work producing world-famous musical acts like OutKast, Ludacris, Killer Mike and several more. Wade’s work with The Dungeon Family, and later Organized Noize, is considered an important foundation for the modern success of southern hip-hop.

“We are devastated by the news of the passing of our dear brother Rico Wade. The world has lost one of the most innovative architects in music, and we have lost an invaluable friend,” read a statement from Organized Noize and The Dungeon Family.

The music collective recognized Wade’s impact on their group in their message.

“Rico was the cornerstone of Organized Noize and The Dungeon Family, and we will forever treasure his memory and the moments we shared, creating music as a united team,” the statement continued.

Wade was responsible in part for producing Outkast’s hit 1994 debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik and TLC’s 1995 Grammy-winning hit “Waterfalls.”

Wade’s counterparts from across the music world weighed in to pay tribute to the producer.

Former Dungeon Family member rapper Killer Mike took to Instagram to pay tribute to Wade writing, “I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship and Brotherhood. Idk where I would be without y’all.”

Famed Atlanta rapper, and cousin to Wade, Future, also posted a tribute on social media.

“This life wouldn’t b possible if it wasn’t for my cousin. Love u forever,” wrote Future on his Instagram Story.

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Olivia Rodrigo joins reunited No Doubt for Coachella day two; Taylor and Travis make the scene

John Shearer/Getty Images for No Doubt

We should have suspected something was up when an article in NYLON magazine about Gwen Stefani featured numerous quotes from Olivia Rodrigo about what an inspiration the No Doubt frontwoman has been for her.

During day two of Coachella, on Saturday, April 13, Gwen and No Doubt, performing live together for the first time since 2015, welcomed Olivia to the stage for a rendition of their song “Bathwater.” Olivia wore an “I [heart] ND” tank top as they sang the track from No Doubt’s 2000 album Return of Saturn.

It was a full circle moment for Olivia, who, in 2021, chose “Bathwater” as one of the 18 songs to celebrate her 18th birthday. “I love Gwen Stefani more than anything; I think she’s such a brilliant songwriter,” Olivia gushed. “And the song is just so honest.”

Olivia has been welcoming her musical influences to the stage during her GUTS tour. She’s performed with both Sheryl Crow and Jewel, and tapped ’90s alt-rockers The Breeders to open several shows.

In addition to “Bathwater,” No Doubt filled their set with hits from throughout their discography, including the ’90s classics “Just a Girl” and “Don’t Speak.”

Meanwhile, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were spotted at Coachella as well. People reports the two watched sets by Taylor’s pals Ice Spice and Jack Antonoff while dancing and kissing. Taylor also wore a cap advertising her boyfriend’s New Heights podcast.

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No Doubt, Sublime bring back ’90s classics at Coachella

John Shearer/Getty Images for No Doubt

Day two of Coachella went down Saturday, April 13 with the reunions of both No Doubt and Sublime.

No Doubt, performing live together for the first time since 2015, filled their set with hits from throughout their discography, including the ’90s classics “Just a Girl” and “Don’t Speak.” For the song “Bathwater,” they brought out Olivia Rodrigo, who recently called frontwoman Gwen Stefani “incredibly inspiring” and a “true artist.”

Meanwhile, Sublime took the Coachella Stage with original members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh alongside Jakob Nowell, son of late frontman Bradley Nowell. The set began with a video tribute to Bradley, followed by a run of ’90s throwbacks including “Santeria,” “What I Got” and “Doin’ Time,” which Lana Del Rey also performed during her Friday headlining performance.

Saturday also featured Vampire Weekend‘s last-minute performance, which included an appearance by the “Queen of Coachella,” Paris Hilton, who played cornhole onstage during their set-closing medley.

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“Voice of our generation” Billie Eilish among Lana Del Rey’s onstage guests at Coachella

Billie Eilish: Chris Willard/Disney; Lana Del Rey: Kayla Oaddams/WireImage

Lana Del Rey’s headlining set at Coachella on Friday, April 12, was crowded with special guest appearances, including one from Billie Eilish.

Eilish joined Del Rey for renditions of both artists’ respective breakthrough songs, “Ocean Eyes” and “Video Games.” Del Rey told the crowd, “That’s the voice of our generation, the voice of your generation. I’m so f****** grateful she’s standing next to me right now singing my favorite song of hers.”

“This is the reason for half you b*****s’ existence — including mine!” Billie responded.

Jon Batiste was another one of Del Rey’s guests. They performed “Candy Necklace,” their Grammy-nominated song from Del Rey’s Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd album. 

“Sometimes you just need somebody else’s spirit to move with you, and that is always gonna be Jon Batiste,” Del Rey said.

Del Rey’s musical collaborator, Jack Antonoff — whose band Bleachers will perform at Coachella on Saturday, April 13 — also joined her to play piano on her song “Hope Is a Dangerous Thing for a Woman Like Me — but I Have It,” from her 2019 album Norman F****** Rockwell!

Del Rey and her dancers also arrived and departed the stage riding on the back of motorcycles through the crowd.

However, rumors that Taylor Swift would join Del Rey for a rendition of their duet “Snow on the Beach” proved unfounded.

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Jelly Roll sued by Philadelphia musician Jellyroll for trademark infringement

Scott Kirkland/Disney

How many Jelly Rolls is too many? For one Philadelphia musician, there can only be one, and it’s him.

Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, has been hit with a lawsuit by musician Kurt Titchenell, who performs with his band under the name Jellyroll. According to legal documents obtained by ABC News, Titchenell says he and his band have been performing at weddings, galas and charity events in the Philadelphia area under that name since 1980; he trademarked the name in 2010.

Grammy-winning singer Jelly Roll, meanwhile, says he adopted that name because his mom called him that as a kid. He began releasing mixtapes as Jelly Roll in 2003. Titchenell claims that by using the name, Jelly Roll is violating his trademark. The suit alleges that currently, if you Google the name, you get “as many as 18-20 references” to the Jelly Roll of “Need a Favor” fame “before any reference to plaintiff’s entertainment dance band known as Jellyroll can be found.”

According to the suit, Titchenell’s lawyers sent a cease-and-desist letter to Jelly Roll in February, and though there were “conversations,” they didn’t come to an agreement. Titchenell’s attorneys write in the suit, “At one point, defendant’s counsel inquired as to whether defendant really was in competition with plaintiff.”

The suit now seeks an immediate court order to stop Jelly Roll from using the name, saying that his continued use of it will “irreparably harm” Titchenell and cause “actual confusion, mistake, and deception” in the marketplace — especially given the fact that Jelly Roll has a concert planned in Philadelphia in October.

At press time, Jelly Roll’s team had not responded to ABC Audio’s request for comment.

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Lennon/McCartney part 2: Paul McCartney’s son James releases “Primrose Hill,” co-written by Sean Ono Lennon

James and Paul McCartney/Photo credit: David M. Benett/Getty Images for Eco-Age/Green Carpet Collection

While it may not be another Beatles tune, music fans are now being treated to another McCartney/Lennon musical collaboration.

James McCartney, son of Paul McCartney, just released a new song, “Primrose Hill,” which he co-wrote with his “good friend” Sean Ono Lennon, son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

“With the release of this song it feels like we’re really getting the ball rolling and I am so excited to continue to share music with you,” James shared on Instagram.

James is holding a contest in connection with the song, asking couples to share videos capturing “the essence of love and romance” in their favorite romantic location. The videos, which are due by April 19, must use the song in the background. Winners will have the opportunity to be featured in the video for the track.

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Wage War details new album, ’STIGMA’

Fearless Records

Wage War has announced a new album called STIGMA.

The fifth studio effort from the “Circle the Drain” outfit will drop digitally June 21, followed by a physical release on September 6.

STIGMA includes the previously released single “MAGNETIC.” A second track, titled “NAIL5,” is out now via digital outlets, and its video is streaming on YouTube.

“‘NAIL5’ is a tribute to our fifth album and continuing to push the envelope in every way, and in this instance, the heavy side,” Wage War says. “We took the elements that we loved from our past discography and turned it all the way up. The message: You’re either in or you’re in the way.”

Wage War will launch a U.S. tour with Nothing More April 16 in Charlotte.

Here’s the STIGMA track list:
“THE SHOW’S ABOUT TO START”
“SELF SACRIFICE”
“MAGNETIC”
“NAIL5”
“BLUR”
“TOMBSTONE”
“HAPPY HUNTING”
“HELLBENT”
“IN MY BLOOD” 
“IS THIS HOW IT ENDS?”

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