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LISTEN LIVE

Norah Jones Live Webcast on Letterman
May 2, 2012 - Norah Jones is set to appear with a Live-on-Letterman webcast, featuring Jones from the prestigious Ed Sullivan Theater in New York, tonight - Wednesday, May 2nd at 8:00 ET. This is a clever, strategic move for Jones to push her next album “Little Broken Hearts” set for a May 1st release. MORE

Elton John Sued Over Allegedly Stealing "Nikita" Lyrics
April 27, 2012- It’s been said that some things in life may come back to haunt you and in this case, Elton John is being accused of stealing lyrics for a hit single he released back in 1985. MORE

REVIEW - Esperanza Spalding – Radio Music Society (4 out of 5 Stars) – Heads Up – Concord Music Group
April 4, 2012 – Esperanza Spalding is a groovy chick. I mean, really, when she’s in the room, everyone else disappears and I’m talkin’ more than that big “love-sculpture” hair. She’s the type of musician you might walk up to at a party, ask about her music, and walk away three hours later regretting the question. This lady has a vision so you better have a seat. MORE

 

Pink Floyd Set to Release ‘Making of 'Wish You Were Here' on DVD
April 3, 2012 – Great news for Pink Floyd fans. After a slew of re-releases last year there’s more to come with the DVD documentary on the making of another classic album, ‘Wish You Were Here.’

Set for June 26th release, the DVD will feature brand new interviews with surviving members David Gilmour, Roger Waters and Nick Mason as well as archival chats with Richard Wright, who died of cancer in 2008 at the age of 65. MORE

 

KISS Supports War Veterans Looking For Roadie
April 1, 2012- The band KISS is touring with Motley Crue this summer and they want to hire a veteran to hang out with the band on the road.  KISS is participating in a program called "Hiring Our Heroes."  They are looking for a strong hand that can help in setting up the stage, running effects and breaking it all down.  MORE

Toto’s Steve Lukather Set to Join Ringo Starr's 13th All Starr Band Tour
February 10, 2012 – It’s no secret that Steve Lukather, like many of us, is a huge Beatles fan. It was announced this week that the Toto guitarist and founding member will join Ringo for the famous tour to begin in Niagara Falls Ontario on June 14th. MORE

REVIEW – Van Halen – A Different Kind of Truth (***3 out of 5)
February 7, 2012 – Unwrapping this one might bring back Christmas-past memories of a re-gifting faux pas. As they say it must be a great gift if they are giving it back to you? Sure, you will feel a certain déjà vu with the new Van Halen album, “A Different Kind of Truth.” That classic sound is certainly there. The problem? MORE

It’s “Van Halen Day” on Rock History Book – Check out the New Album Today – CLICK TO LISTEN
February 6, 2012 – It’s safe to say that Rock History Book Radio has tons of Van Halen fans listening everyday and it was a no-brainer to pronounce, today, “Van Halen Day!” All day hosts John Beaudin and Shannon Edwards will feature two tracks, every hour, from the new Van Halen album, “A Different Kind of Truth.” MORE

Norah Jones to Release New Album in Spring
Jan 31, 2012 - Good news for all the Norah Jones fans out there! The singer is set to release a new album in spring called 'Little Broken Hearts.' This will be Jones' fifth studio CD and she will be joined by producer and musician, Danger Mouse who is notably the backbone for the project. He also co-wrote many of the tunes with her. MORE

Springsteen to Release "Wrecking Ball" in March
Jan 24, 2012 - Bruce Springsteen is full speed ahead with his new album due out in March. “Wrecking Ball” will be his 17th studio album and is produced by heavy hitter Ron Aniello (Patti Scialfa, Jars of Clay) and talent thrown in from Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machines) and members of the E Street Band. MORE

Paul McCartney to Perform at Grammy’s
January 24, 2012 - It’s a done deal as Paul has announced (via his website) that he will be preforming at the 54th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb 12. This is also a very special occasion for him as he’s nominated this year for Best Historical Album for "Band On The Run." McCartney is definitely no stranger to the stage and if he pulls this one in it will be his 15th Grammy win in all. MORE

John Mayer Introduces New Custom Guitar
January 23, 2012 - John Mayer has been out of the spotlight since he cancelled numerous gigs last year to undergo throat surgery. His decision to finally go under the knife was necessary after attempts to rest his voice did not help. In the meantime, John had to regroup and push back the release of his new album. MORE

Etta James Dies at the Age 73
Jan 20, 2012 - Etta James, an iconic R&B American singer known for her classic songs “ At Last” and “Something’s Got A Hold Of Me” has died today at the age of 73. MORE

Steven Tyler and Finding Mrs. Right!
January 19, 2012 - Steven Tyler of Aerosmith never ceases to amaze me. He sat in on an Ellen DeGeneres show recently and proceeded to explain why he decided over the Christmas holidays to marry girlfriend Erin Brady. MORE

Steven Tyler on New Album in the Making
January 14, 2011 - Aerosmith fans will be watching as Steven Tyler is about to get really comfortable in his seat for his second round of American Idol. Ever since he joined the panel for this vocal talent show last season Tyler says sales of Aerosmith’s back catalog has rose 260 percent. We all know he has much to talk about when it comes to American Idol, but let’s get back to your roots Steven! MORE

NEW INTERVIEWS

RETRO - INTERVIEWS - Dan Peek of America
July 26, 2011 - Although Dan Peek left the group America in 1977 he is certainly not forgotten as a member of the famous band. Peek passed away on July 24 of undisclosed causes. He was 60. The singer’s site simply states, “Dan went to Heaven on July 24 2011” and features a video of Peek performing his
America hit “Lonely People. MORE

Classic Interview with the Late Great Jim Clench of April Wine and BTO
November 8, 2010 – When I heard that Jim Clench had passed away I immediately went to my basement to find one of my favourite April Wine albums, “Electric Jewels.” More than any other LP from the group, this one really showcased his talents at such an important time in their incarnation. More

NEW REVIEWS

REVIEW - Esperanza Spalding – Radio Music Society (4 out of 5 Stars) – Heads Up – Concord Music Group
April 4, 2012 – Esperanza Spalding is a groovy chick. I mean, really, when she’s in the room, everyone else disappears and I’m talkin’ more than that big “love-sculpture” hair. She’s the type of musician you might walk up to at a party, ask about her music, and walk away three hours later regretting the question. This lady has a vision so you better have a seat. MORE

 

REVIEW – Van Halen – A Different Kind of Truth (***3 out of 5)
February 7, 2012 – Unwrapping this one might bring back Christmas-past memories of a re-gifting faux pas. As they say it must be a great gift if they are giving it back to you? Sure, you will feel a certain déjà vu with the new Van Halen album, “A Different Kind of Truth.” That classic sound is certainly there. The problem? MORE

 

REVIEW: Colbie Caillat – All of You - Universal Republic
Sept, 2011 – On her third album Colbie Caillat has decided to strategically give us an uptempo summer-vibe. It still sounds like her smash debut “Coco” but this time it’s Colbie with caffeine and it’s positive and fun. MORE

It's Hard to Imagine a Better Outcome
REVIEW - Elton John & Leon Russell – The Union – Decca Records

October 31, 2010 – This project started after Elton John just happened to mention his chief influences on “Spectacle,” a TV program hosted by Elvis Costello and produced by him and partner David Furnish. MORE

 

A Disappointing Return for Sade
REVIEW - Sade – Soldier of Love
June 16, 2010 – There’s always been an understated value to everything that Sade does and sameness to her entire repertoire. That quality of old wine has served the singer/band well… until now. Unlike Norah Jones who has, at least, tried to mix-up-the-pot, Sade really needs to stop wearing the same dress to every party. MORE

BIRTHDAYS (Click here for the full list)
BIRTHDAYS


May 1: Ray Parker, Jr. (1954)
May 1: Rita Coolidge (1945)
May 1: Judy Collins (1939)
May 2: Lou Gramm (Foreigner) (1950)
May 2: Lesley Gore (1946)
May 3: Steve Jones (1945)
May 3: Christopher Cross (1951)
May 3: Frankie Valli (1937)
May 3: Engelbert Humperdink (1936)
May 3: James Brown (1933)
May 4: Lance Bass ('N Sync) (1979)
May 4: Jackie Jackson (The Jacksons) (1951)
May 4: Nick Ashford (Ashford & Simpson) (1942)
May 5: Bill Ward (Black Sabbath) (1948)
May 6: Bob Seger (1945)
May 6: Colin Earl (Foghat) (1942)
May 7: Eagle-Eye Cherry (1972)
May 7: Bill Kreutzmann (Grateful Dead) (1946)
May 8: Darren Hayes (Savage Garden) (1972)
May 8: Alex Van Halen (Van Halen) (1955)
May 8: Philip Bailey (Earth, Wind & Fire) (1951)
May 8: Toni Tennille (Captain & Tennille) (1943)
May 9: Billy Joel (1949)
May 10: Krist Novoselic (Nirvana) (1965)
May 10: Bono (aka Paul Hewson) (U2) (1960)
May 10: Donovan (1946)
May 10: Dave Mason (1946)
May 11: Eric Burdon (Animals) (1941)
May 12: Billy Squier (1950)
May 12: Steve Winwood (1948)
May 12: Burt Bacharach (1928)
May 13: Darius Rucker (Hootie & The Blowfish) (1966)
May 13: Stevie Wonder (1950)
May 14: Mike Inez (Alice In Chains) (1966)
May 14: Ian Astbury (The Cult) (1962)
May 14: David Byrne (Talking Heads) (1952)
May 14: Jake Bruce (Cream) (1943)
May 15: Mike Oldfield (1953)
May 15: Dennis Fredericksen (Toto) (1951)
May 15: Brian Eno (1948)
May 15: Graham Goble (Little River Band) (1944)
May 16: Janet Jackson (1966)
May 16: William Spooner (Grateful Dead) (1949)
May 17: Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) (1965)
May 17: Enya (1961)
May 17: Bill Bruford (Yes) (1949)
May 18: Rick Wakeman (Yes) (1949)
May 19: Dusty Hill (ZZ Top) (1949)
May 19: Pete Townshend (1945)
May 20: Jane Wiedlin (The Go-Go's) (1958)
May 20: Cher (1946)
May 20: Joe Cocker (1944)
May 21: Leo Sayer (1948)
May 21: Bill Champlin (Chicago) (1947)
May 22: Morrissey (1959)
May 22: Bernie Taupin (1950)
May 23: Jewel (1974)
May 24: Patti LaBelle (1944)
May 24: Bob Dylan (1941)
May 25: Lauryn Hill (1975)
May 26: Lenny Kravitz (1964)
May 26: Hank Williams, Jr. (1949)
May 26: Stevie Nicks (1948)
May 26: Levon Helm (The Band) (1942)
May 27: Neil Finn (Crowded House) (1958)
May 27: Siouxsie Sioux (Siouxsie & The Banshees) (1957)
May 27: Bruce Cockburn (1945)
May 28: Kylie Minogue (1968)
May 28: John Fogerty (1945)
May 28: Gladys Knight (1944)
May 28: Billy Vera (1944)
May 29: Noel Gallagher (Oasis) (1967)
May 29: Melissa Etheridge (1961)
May 29: Jesse Johnson (The Time) (1960)
May 29: Gary Brooker (Procul Harum) (1945)
May 30: Nicky Headon (The Clash) (1955)
May 31: Corey Hart (1962)



Click here for the full list
 

Justin Bieber  Acting Like a Dork Again, This Time On CSI
May 9, 2011 – Given the choice between being trampled by killer robots in heat or being stuck in an elevator with Justin Bieber I’d rather chew iron. Of course, I’m not a 10-year-old girl.

There have been many reports that cute little Justin may have reached too much fame too fast. Now Marg Helgenberger of the show CSI says that Bieber was,  “kind of a brat” during his acting stint on the show.

The actress was not impressed with Justin’s childish behaviour she said, “He never acted before. I mean, I shouldn’t be saying this but he was kind of a brat.
I only had one (scene with him). He was very nice to me, but he locked one of the producers in the closet, (and) he put his fist through a cake that was on the cafeteria table.”

In 2010 Scott Mills, a BBC Radio 1 DJ, said “Seriously, someone needs to have a word with him. He’s a precocious little brat.” Mills then proceeded to get death threats and later apologized. This is what he said on Twitter: “I may have called Justin bieber a brat in today’s metro! Just my experience of him,sorry.. Getting few angry messages!”

Last week on a flight from Sydney to Melbourne little Justin was apparently scolded by a stewardess for being a security risk. Turns out the singer and his bodyguard walked down from business to economy class while the plane was moving. The stewardess told Bieber to "respect my workplace" and made it clear she was treating him like a child because he was acting like one. – by John Beaudin
 

Justin Bieber Accused of “Acting Like a Child”
May 4, 2011 – Justin Bieber was accused this week of acting like a child, which is weird because he is a child! On a flight from Sydney to Melbourne little Justin was apparently scolded by a stewardess for being a security risk. Turns out the singer and his bodyguard walked down from business to economy class while the plane was moving this past Sunday.

The stewardess told Bieber to "respect my workplace" and made it clear she was treating him like a child because he was acting like one.

In his Twitter account, Paul Howes, a passenger who witness everything tweeted: "He was a little naughty but did apologise and the flight attendant wasn't out of order."

It’s been a strange week for Bieber, the 17-year-old was pelted with eggs in Sydney on Friday. All six eggs narrowly missed him! What a waste of good eggs! – by John Beaudin

Heather Bright Calls Out Rihanna and Justin Bieber for Stealing Tunes
April 7, 2011 – Here is something that’s been talked about for years in the music industry – the shady songwriting practice of stealing songwriting credit.

Songwriter Heather Bright finally identified the pink elephant in the room by accusing artists such as Rihanna and Justin Bieber for taking credit for tunes they did not write.

Here is what she said”

"It depends on who you are. Rihanna takes publishing, Justin Bieber takes publishing, Kanye West takes publishing. On all the stuff that they don’t write, they take publishing."

Bright happened to write the Bieber song, “Somebody to Love” and when pressed on his part in the process she said, "Umm… How did he get a writing credit on it? That’s an interesting question. I don’t know. (laughs)"

More from Bright, "You can’t be Rihanna and be producing and writing records. You just can’t be doing that. You just won’t have time. All the appearances, the performances, and the ‘this,’ and the ‘that,’ you gotta show up to record, you gotta promote the album, go on tour. I mean, people like Lady Gaga – It’s amazing that they can find time to write! They have to write on tour, all of those artists who actually write!"

Though not mentioned in this interview, Beyonce and Avril Lavigne have also been accused of taking credit for songs they didn’t write though nothing has been proven. – by John Beaudin

 

Debbie Gibson Tells Justin Beiber to Slow Down
January 18, 2011 – Debbie Gibson has some advice for Justin Beiber – slow down or lose your sanity.

"It's too much too soon. People have to remember even though a kid can be wise beyond their years professionally and can handle showbiz, emotionally you're not developed.

Somebody has got to remember that Justin is 16. You go through things when you experience that kind of success young. If I could get all these kids in a room, I'd tell them you're not superhuman. If you need to take a week off, take a week off. Everybody makes you think the world will end and it won't. If you say no, you save your sanity later."

Let’s remember if anyone knows it’s Debbie – She’s been there! – by John Beaudin

 

The Sky is Falling – Justin Bieber Wins the Most American Music Awards
November 22, 2010 – Last night, while watching the American Music Awards, I had to remind myself that when it comes to music everybody's right...right? It's important to remember that Justin Bieber fans can't possible be talked out of loving his tunes – you either like him or you don't. Last night the 16 year old teenybopper won the most AMA's, a total of four, and I had to concede that teenage girl might just rule the world. My wife, however, reminded me that older woman also enjoy his sugary doo-doo and maybe the world is even infested with reasonable helping of dudes who are closet Bieber fans.

When watching music awards shows I used to be the guy at the end of the couch urging himself to breathe while getting ready to play soccer with my television but one day I realized I was turning into Perez Hilton. I had unconsciously transformed myself into a hater. My Twitter and Facebook friends pounced on me when I once wrote “I'd rather be Star Jones' toilet than ever have to listen to “All I Want To Do” by Sugarland again.” Yeah, I know, a little over the top but in my defence Jennifer Nettles twang makes a needle in my eardrum seem like a good idea.

I think the whole thought of Justin Bieber as an entertainer is easier to swallow than the premise that he's the very best that's out there. When a 16-year-old kid with limited musical understanding is held up as the best of what, we as a collective, can do it's probably Prozac time. One of my music mentors in High School would proclaim, “selling lots of albums is one thing, after all people are stupid, but you know things have gone too far when they start stealing all the Grammy s.” The sobering part in all of this is selling records and winning awards, as we all know, is not exclusive to having talent or being an innovator especially in today’s paparazzi world. Rihanna, who opened the show last night, receives as much press for her ever-changing hair color and skimpy outfits than she does for her music. This woman is gorgeous and I've gawked at her more than most. I don't think it's a stretch to say both Rihanna and Bieber could easily be asking us to super-size our meals if they were not part of the pretty-army but what else is new. This has been going on for years. Would the Beatles have been given such a huge window if they weren’t that cute? Probably not but, in their case, I find it hard to believe that such brilliance would have fallen through the cracks.

Also, to be fair, I once caught myself unconsciously singing along to his hit “Baby,” much to my seven-year-old son's delight. I'd reminded him many times that Bieber was not a real musician. “It has to be music Dad if you're singing to it,” he laughed. Sounded like something I'd say - little smart ass!

So, last night after Bieber captured every award he was nominated for and becoming the youngest person ever to win an AMA, I gritted my teeth, turned the channel and watched “The Walking Dead” on AMC. At least those zombies weren't lip-synching.

Check out the complete list of winners (or wieners if you haven't accepted Bieber into your heart) below. - by John Beaudin

- Soul/R&B Album: Usher, "Raymond v. Raymond."

- Soul/R&B Female Artist: Rihanna.

- Soul/R&B Male Artist: Usher.

- Pop/Rock Album: Justin Bieber, "My World 2.0."

- Pop/Rock Band, Duo or Group: The Black Eyed Peas.

- Pop/Rock Female Artist: Lady Gaga.

- Pop/Rock Male Artist: Justin Bieber.

- Rap/Hip-Hop Album: Eminem, "Recovery."

- Rap/Hip-Hop Male Artist: Eminem.

- Country Band, Duo or Group: Lady Antebellum.

- Country Album: Carrie Underwood, "Play On."

- Country Female Artist: Taylor Swift.

- Country Male Artist: Brad Paisley.

- Contemporary Inspirational Artist: MercyMe.

- Soundtrack: "Glee: The Music, Volume 3 - Showstoppers."

- Latin Music Artist: Shakira.

- Alternative Rock Artist: Muse.

- Adult Contemporary Artist: Michael Buble.

- Breakthrough Artist: Justin Bieber.

- Artist of the Year: Justin Bieber.