Grammy-winning songwriter Desmond Child releasing memoir in September

April 25, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Grammy-winning songwriter/producer Desmond Child is ready to tell his story. Child, who has written hits for artists like Bon Jovi, KISS, Aerosmith, Katy Perry and Ricky Martin, is set to release his memoir, Livin’ On A Prayer: Big Songs Big Life, on September 19, featuring a forward by KISS’ Paul Stanley.

“The process of writing the book has been more than cathartic. It has been revelatory,” Child shares. “Not until I went through the deep and sometimes painful experience of writing this book did I realize the great adventure I’d been living … an adventure I’m thrilled to share with the world.”

Child, who was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2008, has been responsible for more than 80 Billboard Top 40 singles, with his hits having sold more than 500 million records worldwide. Some of the hits he’s had a hand in include Bon Jovi classics “Livin’ On A Prayer” and “You Give Love A Bad Name,” KISS’ “I Was Made For Lovin’ You,” Aerosmith’s “Dude (Looks Like A Lady),” Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” Joan Jett and the Blackhearts‘ “I Hate Myself For Lovin’ You” and Perry’s “Wakin’ Up In Vegas.”

Dolly Parton teases first single off upcoming rock album

April 25, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Fans are mere weeks away from getting their first taste of Dolly Parton‘s highly anticipated rock album.

The country music legend, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last year, revealed on Good Morning America Tuesday, April 25, that she’ll be performing the first single off her Rock Star album at the 2023 Academy of Country Music Awards on May 11.

“At the end of the show I am going to get to debut … the first single off of my rock album,” Dolly said. “The album’s called Rock Star.”

“We’ve got a lot of wonderful, great celebrities — a lot of the older rock artists — in addition to all these iconic, wonderful songs,” she continued. “But I wrote the one that I’m going to debut. It’s kinda fitting to the times. It’s called ‘World on Fire.'”

Dolly previewed some of the lyrics for the song, singing, “Liar, liar/ The world’s on fire/ What you gonna do when it all burns down?”

“It’s really kinda about the times and how we can do a little better if we try to heal the divide and just get along a little better,” she explained, adding that it’s “got a great message to it” while also being just a “good and solid … rock anthem.”

Dolly has previously teased that she’ll be joined by the likes of Pink, Stevie Nicks, Brandi Carlile, Steven Tyler, Steve Perry, Paul McCartney and possibly Cher on her Rock Star album.

Not only is Dolly performing at the 2023 ACMs, she’ll be hosting alongside fellow country music superstar Garth Brooks.

“This was a big deal for me to get to work with Garth,” she said. “Everybody’s been talking about it, so hopefully we’ll measure up. I think we will.”

Ice Spice has two songs in the Hot 100’s top 10

April 25, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Ice Spice‘s “Princess Diana (Remix)” is among the top five songs on this week’s Billboard Hot 100chart. The song, which features Nicki Minaj, has landed at #4 after SZA‘s “Kill Bill,” Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” and Miley Cyrus‘ “Flowers.”

The song is one of two Ice Spice singles in the top 10; “Boy’s A Liar Pt. 2” ft. PinkPantheress is the #10 song on the list.

Nicki sent a congratulatory message to Ice on Twitter, writing, “Y’ALL!!!!! Two songs in the TOP 10 is crazy!!!!! Congratulations!!! Princesssssss @icespicee_ #PrincessDiana #HeavyOnIt.”

Ice responded, “[Thanks] queen. We eatin’ good [tonight]!” In a separate tweet, she wrote, “So proud of ‘Princess Diana’ with Nicki, like my dream collab really came true. I can die happy now.”

Ice’s “Princess Diana (Remix)” dropped April 14 with an accompanying music video. She and Nicki have since released other versions of the track, including sped up, slowed down and instrumentals.

Meanwhile, Ice’s single “Munch (Feelin’ U)” is now certified Gold by the RIAA.

Lionel Richie announces all-new Las Vegas residency show

April 25, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Lionel Richie is extending his time in Las Vegas.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer has just announced a new set of Las Vegas residency dates at the Encore Theater at the Wynn Las Vegas. He’s changing things up for fans, promising an all-new show, Lionel Richie: King of Hearts.

The new show will debut with six concerts, set for October 11, 13-14, 18 and 20-21.

A ticket presale kicks off Wednesday, April 26, at 10 a.m. local time, with the general sale set for Friday, April 28, at 10 a.m. local time.

A complete list of Richie dates can be found at LionelRichie.com.

Roger Taylor comments on rumors son Rufus will be drumming with Foo Fighters

April 25, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Queen‘s Roger Taylor has commented on the rumors that his son, The Darkness drummer Rufus Taylor, will be playing drums with Foo Fighters on tour.

Rufus was among the many guest drummers who played alongside Dave Grohl and company at last September’s tribute concerts to the late Taylor Hawkins. As he was good friends with Hawkins and the Foos, Rufus’ name has been bandied about as a possible replacement when the “Everlong” outfit returns to the road in May.

During an interview with BBC Radio 2, Roger was asked if he knows whether Rufus will be taking on the Foo Fighters drum throne.

“[Rufus] does play brilliantly with [Foo Fighters], he knows all their stuff, he knows them all very well,” Roger replied. “He did play ‘Best of You’ with the Foos [at the tribute concerts], and it was phenomenal.”

He added, though, “What exactly is happening, I don’t know.”

Pearl Jam and Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron was also rumored as the new Foo Fighters drummer. In response, Cameron said, “FYI the internet rumors are false, I haven’t joined the Foos.”

What we do know for sure is that Foo Fighters will release a new album called But Here We Are, featuring the single “Rescued,” on June 2. Their first show back is scheduled for May 24 in Gilford, New Hampshire.

The Gap Band drops lawsuit over “Uptown Funk” royalties

April 25, 2023 by WDNY Radio

The Gap Band has dropped their lawsuit against BMG.

Back in January, the family of band members Ronnie J. Wilson and Robert Lynn Wilson sued the label, claiming they were owed back royalties from the Mark Ronson/Bruno Mars hit “Uptown Funk.” The band is credited as co-writers on the song because it samples their 1979 single “Oops Upside Your Head,” and a 2015 deal gave them a 3.4 percent stake in its profits.

The suit claimed that BMG “failed and refused” to pay them royalties, accusing the label of keeping the money “for its own benefit and enjoyment” or “wrongfully” diverting the money elsewhere. BMG has always maintained the allegations were without merit, and now the families have dropped their suit against the label.

BMG says they paid no settlement or money to get them to drop the suit, adding they take “seriously its commitment to treat artists fairly and transparently and its reputation for doing so.”

Regarding The Gap Band, the label says they “are proud to represent many of their music publishing and recording rights.”

Carly Pearce’s singing “The Star Spangled Banner” at 2023 Kentucky Derby

April 25, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Kentucky native Carly Pearce will return to her home state on Saturday, May 6, to sing the national anthem at the 149th Kentucky Derby.

“The Star-Spangled Banner” will be performed live by Carly just after 5 p.m. ET. and will broadcast live as part of NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage.

“Carly Pearce has been taking the country music world by storm with an impressive year of musical performances,” says Mike Anderson, president of the historic Churchill Downs Racetrack. “We are excited for her to take center stage in Louisville to sing our national anthem and kick off this storied celebration.”

Carly joins a star-studded list of country artists who have performed the national anthem at the Kentucky Derby, including Brittney Spencer (2022), Jennifer Nettles (2019), Lady A (2016), Jo Dee Messina (2014) and Martina McBride (2013).

Carly recently celebrated her fourth career number-one hit, “What He Didn’t Do,” and is set to release new music soon.

Def Leppard to play Sturgis Buffalo Chip

April 25, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Def Leppard has added a new show to their summer schedule. The band announced on social media that they’ll be headlining an August 10 concert at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip in conjunction with the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota.

“We’re joining The Best Party Anywhere – get ready to rock with us at @sturgisbuffalochip!” the band shared. “See you at @sturgisrallysd on August 10.”

The Sturgis Rally is set to take place August 4-13. Other artists performing include ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Limp Bizkit, Lita Ford, Styx and REO Speedwagon. Tickets for the concert and rallies are on sale now.

The rally is just the latest addition to Def Leppard’s busy schedule. They have a new album, Drastic Symphonies, dropping May 19, and then they kick off the European and U.K. legs of their stadium tour with Mötley Crüe on May 22 in Sheffield, England. A complete list of dates can be found at defleppard.com.

Did Dua Lipa just soft-launch her new relationship?

April 25, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Dua Lipa and (in hoodie) Romain Gavras in February; Neil Mockford / Ricky Vigil M/GC Images

Did Dua Lipa just make her new relationship Instagram official?

Earlier this year, Dua was spotted out and about with French director Romain Gavras. But on her Instagram Story April 24, she posted a photo that shows her hand holding a Polaroid photo of the two of them laughing together, with a red heart emoji in the lower corner of the shot.

In February, the British tabloid The Sun claimed Gavras, 41, and Dua, 27, were romantically involved. In March, Dua was photographed holding hands with Gavras in Paris. E! reported that the two were seen leaving the Saint Laurent Paris Fashion Week show together. They were also seen together at a BAFTA after-party.

The Paris-born Gavras, who previously dated Rita Ora, has directed music videos like Kanye West‘s “No Church in the Wild” and movies like The World Is Yours. Dua’s two-year relationship with model Anwar Hadid ended in 2021.

When The Sun first reported the relationship, it quoted a source as saying, “Dua knows how important it is to find someone who understands her industry. She feels Romain totally gets it. They’re both really creative people.”

Motörhead announces ‘Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival ’07’ album

April 25, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Montreux Sounds/MJF/Montreux Media Ventures/BMG

Motörhead has announced a new live album.

The set was recorded during the “Ace of Spades” outfit’s 2007 performance at Switzerland’s Montreux Jazz Festival and is aptly titled Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival ’07. It’ll be released June 16.

Notably, Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival ’07 includes the first official release of Motörhead’s cover of Thin Lizzy‘s “Rosalie.” You can watch footage of the “Rosalie” performance streaming now on YouTube.

While Motörhead disbanded in 2015 following the death of frontman Lemmy Kilmister, several archival pieces have been released since then. Most recently, an expanded version of the last Motörhead album, 2015’s Bad Magic, dropped earlier this year.

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