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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: 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)

December 1 - Gilbert O'Sullivan (1955)
December 1 - Bette Midler (1945)
December 1 - John Densmore (The Doors) (1944)
December 2 - Jay-Z (1970)
December 2 - Michael McDonald (1952)
December 3 - Ozzy Osbourne (1948)
December 5 - Johnny Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls) (1965)
December 5 - Jim Messina (1947)
December 7 - Tom Waits (1949)
December 8 - Phil Collen (Def Leppard) (1957)
December 8 - Warren Cuccurullo (Duran Duran) (1956)
December 8 - Gregg Allman (1947)
December 8 - Bobby Elliot (The Hollies) (1942)
December 9 - Jakob Dylan (The Wallflowers )(1970)
December 9 - Nick Seymour (Crowded House) (1958)
December 9 - Donny Osmond (1957)
December 9 - Walter Orange (The Commodores) (1946)
December 11 - Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe) (1958)
December 11 - Jermaine Jackson (1954)
December 11 - David Gates (Bread) (1940)
December 11 - Chester Thompson (Genesis) (1948)
December 12 - Eric Schenkman (Spin Doctors) (1963)
December 12 - Paul Rodgers (Bad Company) (1949)
December 12 - Dickey Betts (Allman Brothers Band) (1943)
December 12 - Dionne Warwick (1940)
December 14 - Peter Stacy (The Pogues) (1958)
December 16 - Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) (1949)
December 16 - Benny Anderson (ABBA) (1946)
December 16 - Tony Hicks (The Hollies) (1943)
December 18 - Christina Aguilera (1980)
December 18 - Elliot Easton (The Cars) (1953)
December 18 - Keith Richards (Rolling Stones) (1943)
December 19 - Kevin Shepard (Tonic) (1968)
December 19 - Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Fire) (1941)
December 20 - Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes) (1966)
December 20 - Peter Criss (Kiss) (1945)
December 23 - Bruce Hornsby (1955)
December 23 - Adrian Belew (1949)
December 25 - Robin Campbell (UB40) (1954)
December 25 - Phil Spector (1940)
December 25 - Little Richard (1932)
December 26 - Lars Ulrich (Metallica) (1963)
December 27 - Karla Bonoff (1952)
December 27 - David Knopfler (Dire Straits) (1951)
December 27 - Mick Jones (Foreigner) (1944)
December 28 - Edgar Winter (1946)
December 29 - Marianne Faithfull (1946)
December 29 - Ray Thomas (Moody Blues) (1941)
December 30 - Jeff Lynne (ELO and Traveling Wilburys) (1947)
December 30 - Davy Jones (The Monkees) (1945)
December 30 - Michael Nesmith (The Monkees) (1942)
December 30 - Bo Diddley (1928)
December 31 - George Thorogood (1952)
December 31 - Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith) (1951)
December 31 - Donna Summer (1948)
December 31 - Burton Cummings (The Guess Who) (1947)
December 31 - Andy Summers (The Police) (1942)

Click here for the full list
 

 

Dr. Conrad Murray Found Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter
November 7, 2011 – Michael Jackson fans are cheering in the streets right now. Dr. Conrad Murray has just been found guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter.

All twelve jurors found Michael Jackson’s last doctor responsible for his death.

A sentencing date was set for November 29, 2011. Murray was denied bail for his own safety and for the safety of the public. He was led away in handcuffs.

On June 25, 2009,  Michael Jackson died of acute propofol intoxication after he suffered cardiac arrest at his home in the Holmby Hills neighborhood in Los Angeles. - by John Beaudin

 

 

New Michael Jackson Album Projected to Sell 340,000 in its First Week
November 16, 2010 – Sony music is expecting big things from the new Michael Jackson album “Michael.” The label says it expects to sell at least 340,000 in the first week alone and 60,000 downloads.

The album due December 14 on Epic will have an approximate shipment of 900,000 in its first week, which is similar to the concert album “This is It.” That album sold 373,000 but also had a major motion picture behind it. It has since sold 1.6 million.

It’s also predicted that “Michael” will sell another 280,000 in its second week.

The first single featured on Jackson’s site “Breaking News” has garnered as much criticism as praise. Some believe it’s not even Jackson singing while others have attacked the quality of the tune.

“Hold My Hand” featuring Akon was released on Jackson’s site today. – by John Beaudin

Michael Jackson’s Doc Should Be Getting Really Nervous
July 29, 2009 – According to multiple sources ranging from the Associated Press to TMZ, Dr. Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson’s personal physician gave the singer the powerful anesthetic Diprivan before he died.

TMZ is saying that the Doctor actually told the police he administered the drug in an interview two days after Jackson died. The online magazine suggests that either the Doc wasn’t paying attention or fell asleep or he simply left the room when Jackson’s heart stopped. Interestingly there was no EKG machine or pulse oximeter found in Jackson's home. These are the machines usually used to monitor the pulse of a patient being administered Propofol (also known as Diprivan).

Murray could be in some very serious trouble. More than just being the man who “killed Michael Jackson” he could be charged with manslaughter. The Los Angeles Times are reporting that Murray is in fact part of a manslaughter investigation. No charges have been filed yet. Some sources are also saying that one, possibly two; woman took boxes out of Murray storage locker right after Jackson died.

Yesterday Edward Chernoff, Murray’s Lawyer released the following statement. "It's a waste of time responding to all these timed 'leaks' from 'anonymous' sources, I feel like a horse swatting flies. Everyone needs to take a breath and wait for these long delayed toxicology results. I have no doubt they want to make a case — for goodness sakes, it's Michael Jackson! But things tend to shake out when all the facts are made known, and I'm sure that will happen here as well."

We could have final autopsy results as early as the end of this week and a news conference could be called as early as Monday Aug. 3rd.

The doc also had his home searched by police.

Michael Jackson died on June 25th. – by John Beaudin

 

Everyone's Pointing Fingers at Dr. Conrad Murray and Possible Jackson Family Civil Suit
July 23, 2009 – I don’t think Michael Jackson’s doctor felt very secure yesterday. Fingers were being pointed at Dr. Conrad Murray. He was the last physician to look after the singer and things came to a head with dozens of police and U.S. federal agents armed with a search warrant ransacked his office.

Police are not saying much but their actions seem to point at the doctor as a suspect.

Officials were at Murray’s office for almost 3 hours yesterday.

Ed Chernoff, Murray's attorney, said, "The search warrant authorized law enforcement to search for and seize items, including documents, they believed constituted evidence of the offence of manslaughter.”  Chernoff also said police and agents left with "a forensic image" of a computer hard drive and 21 documents.

The hard drive search could indicate that authorities are looking for a direct connection between Jackson, Murray and prescription drugs.

"The coroner wants to clear up the cause of death; we share that goal," Chernoff said in a statement. "Based on Dr. Murray's minute-by-minute and item-by-item description of Michael Jackson's last days, he should not be a target of criminal charges."

The Jackson family are also looking at a civil suit against Murray for wrongful death. – by Kari Graham

Sony Pays $50 Million for Michael Jackson’s Final Footage
July 23, 2009 – Even though multiple movie studios were bidding for the rehearsal footage to Michael Jackson’s O2 shows it looks like Sony has closed the deal. The Hollywood Reporter has said that Sony pictures paid AEG Live $50 million for the, over 80 hours, of footage.

Sony plans on releasing a feature film documentary on the final days of Jackson’s life and they are working fast with a reported release date of October 30th.  Kenny Ortega, who most recently worked on the High School Musical films, is set to edit the film before his new Footloose (remake) project begins.

The films will include three completed videos that were going to run as interstitials during the concerts and possibly new film for the song “Thriller” which was filmed in 3D.

AEG, who set up Jackson’s comeback O2 tour, are also working on a tribute show for the arena set for the King of Pop’s birthday, Aug. 29. The plan is to have different music superstars perform each song on Jackson’s comeback set list. The biggest rumor has the Jackson’s reuniting. – by John Beaudin

Michael Jackson Comeback Was Set to Begin Today
July 13, 2009 – It’s strange. Michael Jackson was set to begin his string of 50 UK shows today but instead here we are asking how his strange life unravelled out of control and who is responsible. Fans are gathering at the O2 arena for a huge vigil today. Here is the latest in this bizarre case.

TMZ is reporting that Michael’s doctor Arnold Klein has not always been so forthcoming with the singer’s medical records. L.A. County Coroner is still waiting for the doc to do his job and hand over all of Jackson’s history. They ran into the same problem during Jackson’s first child molestation case in 1993.

As for his child molestation case in 2005 court documents are showing that Jackson has a scary dependency on drugs. He was using several aliases to score drugs according to employees at the Neverland Ranch. Joey Jeszeck, a security official at the ranch, said he would frequently pick up the drugs.

The King of Pop also targeted dentists for his drugs. TMZ said “it was known in medical circles that Jackson used dentists to feed his habit.”

The Las Vegas Review-Journal said that Jackson had "doctor shopping" down to a science.

Sources are allegedly telling TMZ that the target of both the Coroner and LAPD investigations is Dr. Conrad Murray. He was the guy with Jackson on that final day. According to the report Murray is not cooperating. There are conflicting reports on whether any of the singer’s drugs were linked to the doctor but investigators are suspicious on his delay to call 911. It looked like he waited 20-30 minutes, claiming he didn’t know Jackson’s address, huh?

Sister, LaToya is also stirring the pot. She says Michael was murdered for his money. She told News of the World “We don’t think just one person was involved in the murder, It was a conspiracy to get Michael’s money.”

She added, “I know who did it and I won’t rest until I nail them, I feel it was all about money, Michael was worth well over a billion in music publishing assets and somebody killed him for that. He was worth more dead than alive. Less than a month ago, I said I thought Michael was going to die before the London shows because he was surrounded by people who didn’t have his best interests at heart.” – by John Beaudin

Will Michael Jackson’s Toxicology Tests Uncover a “Greatest Hits” of Drugs
July 9, 2009 – Many online blogs including Perez Hilton.com are reporting that Michael Jackson could have taken as much as 50 pills a day "for a variety of real and imagined" problems. According to an unnamed source the daily Jackson recipe added up to 30 different pills a day, some in multiple doses.

CNN are reporting that Jackson’s body was riddled with needle marks, especially his arms and some of his veins had collapsed. Nothing has been confirmed yet however.

Meanwhile the Jackson family has given the LAPD a list of doctors who might have contributed to Michael’s downfall. Front and center on the list is Dr. Arnold Klein, Michael’s Dermatologist. He has denied ever giving him any drug that could kill him. – by John Beaudin

 

Michael Jackson’s Ex-Publicist Says the Martin Bashir Interview Killed Him
July 9, 2009 – It’s not a jump to say that Michael Jackson’s interview with journalist Martin Bashir was a bad career move. It was, quite frankly, career suicide. The former publicist for the King of Pop says that the interview was detrimental to Jackson.

Stuart Backerman told CNN yesterday that after opening up about letting kids sleep in his own bed Jackson knew he had said too much and had done his reputation great harm. "He died that night," Backerman said. "He really did because he knew he shot himself in the foot."
Backerman who served as Jackson’s publicist from 2002-2004 added that the singer began using drugs after the famous Pepsi commercial accident. While filming, Jackson’s hair caught on fire. "It certainly started off a little more slowly," Backerman said. "It wasn't a habitual situation. It was just to mitigate pain."

The former publicist, who now lives in Vancouver, said that Jackson sometimes behaved oddly just to get publicity "He was as sly as a fox," Backerman said. "There were certain times when he went out wearing a certain costume. People thought it was weird, but he was trying to create attention."

Backerman didn’t say whether he though Jackson was guilty of the child molestation charges but, in the end, had nice memories of their working relationship, "He really was a sweet man, but naive in a certain level about reaction to some of his stunts." – by John Beaudin

 

Jackson’s Dermatologist: “I Was Not Michael’s Enabler”
July 8, 2009 – Now that the funeral is over the Michael Jackson story is bound to change direction, once again and probably not in a “warm and fuzzy” way. This morning Dr. Arnie Klein, Jackson’s long-time Dermatologist was on Good Morning America shooting down the rumors surrounding him. Klein says if anyone gave Michael drugs, that killed him, it wasn’t him but added he did warn the singer that certain drugs were poison. He called the doctors who did eventually prescribe Jackson those drugs “criminals.”

Klein has also been surrounded with claims that he is the actual father of Jackson’s three children. He said, with a grin on his face, "To the best of my knowledge, I'm not the father." What duh? – To the best of my knowledge?

Many news agencies have claimed that Jackson did not use his own sperm to conceive the kids. – by John Beaudin

 

Mariah Carey on Jackson Memorial: “Sorry that I wasn't able to pull it together and really do it right”
July 8, 2009 – Do you think Mariah Carey’s singing sucked at Michael Jackson’s memorial yesterday? I certainly didn’t. I thought, under the circumstances, she sounded great.

Carey wasn’t too happy with her performance. One thing is for sure everyone sang live. Here is what she said on her blog:

"Just recovering from the day. Still filled w/sadness as we listen to KJLH in LA (Stevie Wonder's radio station) paying tribute to MJ. Trying to sing today was basically impossible for me. I could barely keep myself from crying. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to pull it together and really do it right, but I was literally choked up when I saw him there in front of me.

One thing I know is, we will never really have to say goodbye to MJ. His legacy lives on through his music and the millions of people. He inspired with his timeless music. He will be forever in our hearts." - by John Beaudin

 

Michael Jackson’s Body Expected at Memorial Today
July 7, 2009 - LOS ANGELES, California – The atmosphere at the Staples Centre in downtown Los Angeles is very quite. We are not sure if some people could not get transportation to this city quick enough after being notified of winning tickets or if many are on their way but the mayhem that some people expected is not here – yet.

We have talked to a few people in this line-up that actually bought their tickets. One couple from San Francisco paid 5 thousand for a pair. Neither will sit together as they managed to each buy one tickets from their entertainment connections. At least that’s what they told us. Neither would leave their names. Mostly, everyone is excited with news this morning that Michael Jackson’s body will be transported to the Staples Centre for the memorial.

An army of Jackson fans have signed the huge posters outside the stadium and maybe these thoughts reflect what will be the singer’s eventual legacy, after we’re all tired of talking dirt, as everyone is sticking to reflections on his music.

The Jackson family have congregated at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn cemetery for a private memorial.

The performers expected at the centre include Usher, Mariah Carey, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, John Mayer and even Jermaine Jackson. There is a rumor that all the Jackson brothers will perform but it’s highly unlikely. Also friends Brooke Shields, Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson will reflect on their time with the singer.

If there was anyone in denial about Michael Jackson’s death this huge worldwide memorial will serve a truly sad reality check.- By John Rohn

 

Carrie Fisher Says “I do NOT believe that Michael did anything untoward to not only his children, but to any other child”
July 7, 2009 – Carrie Fisher has released a statement on Michael Jackson on her blog. In it she says that Jackson was a great father. She also adamantly proclaims that Jackson was innocent of any child molestation.

"Hello to one and all!

Tis I! Your intermittent blogmeister, back to provide you with inside information on The Late Michael Jackson. I was friendly with Michael. I believe that he considered us to be friends.

I visited him over the Christmas holiday at that weirdly expensive rental home somewhere here in Southern Cal. What’s odd is that I see fans laying flowers in front of homes that I don’t think Michael ever lived in. But then this whole scene is odd.

Here’s the thing though—–I saw Michael multiple times with his children and thought that he was a very good father. Not only based on seeing him with his children, but also based on his children themselves. They are very well behaved, respectful children, who seemed content in Michael’s company. I mean, I doubt if Michael cooked for them or parented them in ways that might be considered conventional, but you could see how much he loved them and how much they loved him. I do NOT believe that Michael did anything untoward to not only his children, but to any other child. He was a child himself. I never in any way viewed him as someone who was capable of doing what they accused him of doing. He was devoted to his family and doted on them. In a town where you more often see children of celebrities with their nannys and in the care of others, I never saw anything like that with Michael and his children. I would say he was a hands on parent, but with the press and some of the public being as they are, I wouldn’t want to say anything that could be interpreted in any way other than the loving scene that I observed between his 3 children and himself. And I stand to gain nothing in stating this.

Michael was one of the sweetest souls I’ve ever encountered. He was generous and polite. And where you might expect to see children that were pampered and spoiled, his children showed none of this.

I don’t believe that Arnie Klein is the father of these children. Why would he do that? He might as well just adopt 3 kids, rather than arrange a situaion where he was not the father. I realize these children don’t resemble him mightily, but I there must be some other explanation other than someone else fathered these children. Michael was eccentric, no doubt. But he was no fool.

My favorite news program that I’ve seen regarding this whole scene is a program that asked the question, “Are there too many programs on Michael’s death and who will gain custody of his children…….”

Anyway, there you have it. For now. I’ll let you know of any other insights I am privy to as we go along. If I can.

Aside from that, I’m fine. (whatever that means!) Tomorrow we go to Berkeley to do my show for two weeks to prepare for Broadway. Perhaps I will seek custody of Michaels children, depending on how things develop………

Unless you have some other suggestions. Everyone else seems to want to weigh in on it……..

Marry me,
Carrie"

 

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