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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
 

For the Love of God, NO!!!! Paula Abdul Signs on to X Factor
May 9, 20110 – Well, that’s it. I’m never watching X Factor. Paula Abdul has signed on, with old American Idol pal Simon Cowell, to be a judge on his new show.

Crazy Paula will join Cheryl Cole, Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Cowell as a judge on the show

Cowell said, “This show would never have been the same without Paula and I can’t believe I am saying this - I have missed her a lot, and I am thrilled she’s on the show."

Abdul said, "I am excited beyond words to be a part of The X Factor. I couldn't be happier to bring my love for cultivating talent and performance to such a wildly anticipated show. I'm looking forward to being back with the FOX/FremantleMedia family and know that it will be an extraordinary journey — we're going to have a blast. I'm also delighted and grateful to be sitting next to Simon again…but you might want to check back with me in a week or two!"

Frankly, I have enough craziness in my life, listening to Paula’s incoherent Gobbledegook is something I don’t need. – by John Beaudin

 

 

Where's My Teeth?: Paula Abdul Is Finally Leaving Idol? It’s Not a Done Deal Yet
August 13, 2009 – I wonder if Paula Abdul is really leaving American Idol. Since the beginning I have continually turned down the volume on Paul Abdul’s spaghetti-stringed gobble-dee-goop on American Idol. Whether fans were in denial of her obvious inebriated state or enjoying it, the whole thing got too crazy for me. I’m still waiting for the poor girl to run down Hollywood Boulevard naked holding a bible. I know it’s a guilty pleasure for us to watch craziness on the tube, why else would Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt have become household names, but really how long can we watch something burn? Hugh Grant lived on the tracks in 1995, so did Rob Lowe in 1988 but their craziness, it seems, was temporary, Paula has continually rewired the English language and maybe her network, Fox, was dog tired of her false sense of positivity. Poor Paula took the old saying, “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say nothing at all” drove it, drunk, way past Dr. Sanity’s house in search hillbilly wisdom. Really, at least half of the time this woman sounded like Scooby-Doo reciting Shakespeare. Paula once said, “Constructive criticism is about finding something good and positive to soften the blow to the real critique of what really went on.” Well, that sounded mental and is it really a positive review when you’re too drunk or lost to recognize bad?

Even though TV is filled with idiotic behaviour usually followed by apologies and/or denials, we continue to accept it or simply enjoy the squirming and sweating. Because celebrities gain as many headlines as real news we are as conditioned to believe or detest it, either way we watch it and each week we waited for Miss Abdul to eat crayons on live TV. This woman has been left to her own devices just because she tried to be the “positive one” so we ignored her true calling as the next guest on Intervention. How long can we ignore that there is either a substance abuse problem here or mental illness or the most bizarre case of eccentricity. Maybe she’s a decoy for Joaquin Phoenix.

Now, comes word that Victoria Beckham, Posh Spice, has replaced Paula as a temporary judge. That’s gotta be salt in poor Paula’s wound, replace her with the worst singer in the Spice Girls. I can’t believe I used the words “singer” and “Spice Girl” in the same sentence.

There is only one person whose absence would spell the demise of American Idol and that’s Simon. Love him or hate him, he’s the most poignant person on the show. Cowell is finalizing a deal with Fox to continue for three more seasons.

Within the week we’ll all find out if this mess is just another publicity ploy by Fox. God, I hope not. – by John Beaudin

Paula Abdul is Nuttier Than first Suspected, Says Drug Story is False
May 8, 2009 – I doubt that Paula Abdul can remember where her bathroom is, let alone what she said yesterday. The craziest of American Idol judges is now saying the Ladies Home Journal is lying about her admission to being addicted to pain killers. Paula called the radio station WKQI's Mojo in Detroit Thursday morning to clear the air! "It was very stressful for me to hear that and to be quoted saying something. I never said," Abdul told the morning show. "I've never checked into a rehab clinic. I've never been addicted or abused drugs, and I've never abused alcohol. I've never even been drunk in my life," she said.

Ladies Home Journal, meanwhile are sticking to their story, "We definitely stand by out reporting. We're happy that she shared her journey with us," said Mariella Azcuy, a publicist for the magazine.

The issue is set to hit stands on Tuesday. So, Paula what are you on then because you act like you’re addicted to a whole bunch of something? – By John Beaudin

Where's My Teeth?: Can We Please Vote Paula Abdul Off American Idol?
May 7, 2009 – Paula Abdul waited seven seasons on American Idol to remind the world that even though she judges a singing competition it’s always better to lip-synch your way through a tune. Many Idol fans on-line are calling Abdul a hypocrite today after her obvious lip-synched performance last night on the show. I’m not sure why she even wore a microphone.

It was almost anti-climatic when Abdul admitted to Ladies’ Home Journal to being hooked on pain killers for 12 years (update: she now denies ever saying that). Girl, you’ve been quacking like that duck since the beginning of the show. Like a true addict, especially a high functioning one, the singer thought she was fooling everyone but we knew she was on something, either drunk or high and no one is surprised that she came out. Abdul did admit that she used medication a few years ago but this is the first time she admitted to having a problem.

In 2005 People magazine asked her point blank about drugs and she said, "Drugs? I'm not addicted to pills of any kind," I wonder if she was slurring her words when she said it?

Abdul claims this all started with a cheerleading accident when she was 17, then there was a stage accident in 1991, two years later a car crash and a plane crash in 1993.

Well, as they say, “like attracts like” because the pain she inflicted on me last night brought back flashbacks of Ashlee Simpson’s hillbilly moonwalk on SNL and if she’s in so much pain why is she dancing and how can she do that without pain killers now? For a person with so many injuries she’s easily the most animated character on the panel, always dancing and clapping behind her judge’s desk. Oh, wait, that was the drugs even though she claims never to have been high during any taping of the show. There’s more lunacy here than the Casey Anthony case.

Here’s the deal, I doubt if Paula has ever sung live and her computer generated ‘auto-tuning’ vocals were never that real. The girl has a paper thin voice. She is a dancer who has been riding the wave of one good tune, the catchy ‘Straight Up’ since 1989. Oh, she had other hits, six number one singles in the U.S. but none of the others have really stood the test of time. The problem with her new single, “I’m Just Here for the Music” is it reminds us of the latter.

As for live singing, Gwen Stefani of No Doubt showed the results of non-stop prancing as she huffed and puffed her way through “I’m Just a Girl' last night. At least she was being real, let’s hope Beyonce was watching.

Paula was obviously pushing her luck last night trying to legitimize her singing career. I just want to know what Simon thought of the whole mess! Now that would be good TV. – by John Beaudin

 

Simon and Paula Leaving American Idol? Like That's Going To Happen
April 27, 2009 – The two most talked about American Idol judges could be leaving the show.  Even though Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell talked about their possible exits from the singing competition last week it seems unlikely that the Fox network would let that happen, at least not in Simon’s case.

Abdul, whose long diluted rants are often surrounded with buzz that she’s addicted to some substance, talked to ABC’s ‘Nightline’ and pointed out that her contract ends this season. Cowell has until next year to make up his mind.

Time magazine television critic James Poniewozik said, "You take out one person like Paula or Simon, (and) you're affecting every other player in this grid, they’re a family, a dysfunctional family, and it's tough to mess with that."

Cowell told the New York Times that he felt that he might quit after next season and told the Hollywood Reporter that if the show dipped passed the No.1 spot, he would quit.

Cowell has not talked turkey with the Fox Network yet, "I have not even sat down with them yet. Maybe I'm being premature. Maybe they don't want me!" he said.

Though Idol ratings have dipped about 8% this year it is still No.1.

Bottom line? The show could easily flourish without Abdul but not without Simon, he’s easily the most respected person on the panel.

The other two judges are Randy Jackson and new judge Kara DioGuardi.  – by John Beaudin

 

Tragedy Outside Paula Abdul's House
Nov. 13, 2008 – A woman who auditioned for American Idol and became obsessed with Paula Abdul was found dead in her car Tuesday. Paula Goodspeed, 30, from Thousand Oaks was parked outside of Abdul’s house 3800 block of Beverly Ridge Drive. Police are saying the death, was possible a suicide. Goodspeed was familiar to officials with the Los Angeles Police Department's threat management unit, which investigates stalking cases.

Goodspeed’s audition was shown on national TV during season 5 in 2006. It did not go well. Simon bugged her about her braces and her singing was not even close to the quality that’s expected on the show.

Her parents reported her missing to police at 3 PM on Tuesday describing their daughter as having "an unnatural obsession" with Abdul and even suggested that police check the singer's home. More

Simon Cowell & Paula Abdul Send Love to Jennifer Hudson 
Oct. 29, 2008 – Not only are fans, friends and family sending support and love to Jennifer Hudson but the American Idol clan are also reaching out. Yesterday Idol judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul have expressed their sympathy for Jennifer Hudson. Both were horrified at the news that Hudson’s Mother, brother and nephew were killed on Friday.

Simon said: "I was horrified when I heard the news. This is an appalling tragedy. My thoughts right now are with Jennifer, and her family."

Paula added: "This is a horrific tragedy and my thoughts and prayers go out to Jennifer and her entire family. The time I had to get to know Jennifer and forge a wonderful friendship with her while she was on 'American Idol' was very special to me, and I personally can't imagine a greater loss for any family." More