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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
 

Are The Police Returning?
Nov 16, 2011- Well, if you’ve got the main member of the band saying no then that’s a big fat no! In an interview with Billboard Magazine, Sting, vocalist/bassist of the band (that was most popular in the 70’s and 80’s) can’t see the trio getting back together again. “You know, it's something I am very proud of but I’m not sure there would be a reason to open it again except for nostalgic reasons, and I think we did that” in 2007-2008, he said. “I thought we did it very successfully. The timing was perfect. Everybody was happy to see us. So you know say, ‘OK, let’s close the book….”

 Here’s a double whammy too for Sting fans as he says they shouldn’t expect a solo album anytime soon either. Ouch!

Right now Sting is promoting his 25 Years box set, one-CD greatest hits album and iTunes app. “It’s hard to know what the new model is. I think the app is the new model,” says Sting. “People are going to stop buying CDs. People are going to stop selling and making them, so I am looking for different ways to get music to people, and the application at the moment seems to be the favorite.” Looks like Sting is just moving with the times. – By Shannon Edwards

 

The Day John Bonham Almost Kicked Sting's Ass
January 25, 2011 – Jason Bonham has interesting memories of his dad going backstage and meeting Sting. When the younger Bonham was 13 he convinced his dad to meet the Police. He told Spinner.com, the whole thing happened at a show promoting the band's second album “Reggatta de Blanc”

Bonham says, “[Dad] managed to get me backstage and he threatened to punch Sting,. It was hilarious. Dad stepped on his foot and he [Sting] was very cocky back then. He was the new young front man and had that punk kind of attitude. Dad was probably a dinosaur to him, even at 32. I remember [Sting] saying, ‘Hey man, don’t step on my blue suede shoes.’ My dad said, ‘I’ll step on your [expletive] head in a minute.’” – by John Beaudin

 

Sting Likes to ‘Dress Up’ His Wife In the Bedroom
January 17, 2011 – Sting says he knows how to keep things hot in the bedroom. The 59-year-old singer told Harper`s Bazaar he likes to dress up for his wife Trudie Styler and his aim is to keep things playful in bed, "When we see each other, it's romance. I don't think pedestrian sex is very interesting. There's a playfulness we have; I like the theatre of sex. I like to look good. I like her to dress up. I like to dress her up."

Sting adds that he feels `lucky` to be with his wife, “We treat every day as it comes. Relationships aren't easy, and I don't think they're particularly natural, but we're lucky because we actually like each other. We love each other -- that's a given -- but Trudie lights my world up when she comes into a room. I don't take her for granted."

The Couple once admitted to being swingers but later retracted the statement. – by John Beaudin

 

Sting Happy to Meditate with Carlos Santana
June 7, 2010 – Both Sting and Carlos Santana performed at last month Mawazine Festival in Morocco and it was what happened behind the scenes that brought a little kumbaya to the world presses. The pair had a chance to meditate together.

Sting said, "He's [Santana] a very serious man a very spiritual man. I sat with him before his show and we all meditated together and prayed that the concert would be a good one and that the people would enjoy the date and understand the message that he was trying to give would be received."

Both are known for their deep spiritual practices. Who could forget Sting’s famous Police chant, “We are spirits in the material world” and his tireless “giving back” via charity concerts and leadership to make the world a better place.

Santana’s spirituality goes back to his early life. In 1972, after becoming a huge fan of John McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra, McLaughlin introduced him to his guru, Sri Chinmoy. Chinmoy accepted them as disciples in 1973. – by John Beaudin
 

Sting Fighting to Legalize Marijuana
April 5, 2010 – Sting seems to be fed up with our paradigms around pot! The singer says we, as a society, spend too much time putting marijuana users in jail when legalizing the substance could feed the hungry of the world. Here is what he said on his blog.

"The 'War on Drugs' has failed - but it's worse than that. It is actively harming our society. Violent crime is thriving in the shadows to which the drug trade has been consigned.

People who genuinely need help can't get it. Neither can people who need medical marijuana to treat terrible diseases.

We are spending billions, filling up our prisons with non-violent offenders and sacrificing our liberties.

For years, the 'Drug War' has been used as a pretext to lock people in prison for exorbitant lengths of time - people whose 'crimes' never hurt another human being, people who already lived at the margins of society, whose voices were the faintest and whose power was the least.

Meanwhile, resources to fight genuine crime - violent crime - have been significantly diminished.” – by Shannon Edwards

Sting Set to Release His New Album on October 27
July 23, 2009 - Sting will come back this fall with a new solo CD “If On a Winter’s Night” slated to be released on October 27.2009 on Deutsche Gramophon. The album was arranged and produced by Robert Sadin, who worked on Herbie Hancock’s Grammy-winning “Gershin’s World”. The forthcoming CD will be inspired by Sting’s favourite season and features two original compositions, a cover of traditional music of the British Isles, including traditional songs, carols and lullabies.

As Sting put it on his web site : “The theme of winter is rich in inspiration and material.  By filtering all of these disparate styles into one album I hope we have created something refreshing and new.”

Sting’s original compositions include “Lullaby for an Anxious Child” and “The Hounds of Winter.” Both have been previously released (“Hound” is the opening track of his 1996 solo album “Mercury Falling”). Other tracks include the 14th century carol “Gabriel’s Message”, the traditional Newcastle ballad “The Snow it Melts the Soonest”. Henry Purcell’s “Now Winter Comes Slowly”, the English “begging” song “A Soalin” and an English reworking of Schubert’s “Der Leiermann” now called “Hurdy Gurdy Man”.

Of his deep affinity for winter, Sting explained: “Our ancestors celebrated the paradox of light at the heart of the darkness, and the consequent miracle of rebirth and the regeneration of the seasons”.

For more information: www.sting.com - By Akbar Nour

Sting Set to Avoid Pop Music Again with “If On a Winter's Night”
June 24, 2009 – Sting hasn’t released a Pop album since 2003’s “Sacred Love” – it’s been that long.  His last album “Songs from the Labyrinth” in 2006 was inspired by the lute songs of English composer John Dowland. Now Sting says his next project "If On a Winter's Night” will be inspired by his favorite time of year and feature two original compositions as well as traditional songs, carols and lullabies from the British Isles. It’s due in stores October 27th on Deutsche Grammophon.

"The theme of winter is rich in inspiration and material," says Sting. "By filtering all of these disparate styles into one album I hope we have created something refreshing and new." 

"If On A Winter's Night" will be produced by the chap who put together Herbie Hancock's Grammy-winning "Gershwin's World," Robert Sadin. It will feature Sting’s long-time friend and guitarist Dominic Miller.

The two original tunes "Lullaby for an Anxious Child" and "The Hounds of Winter," will compliment old Newcastle ballads "The Snow It Melts the Soonest," and the 14th century Carol "Gabriel's Message,” which was featured on the 1989 Christmas compilation “A Very Special Christmas.”

Sting explains his love for winter, "Our ancestors celebrated the paradox of light at the heart of the darkness, and the consequent miracle of rebirth and the regeneration of the seasons."

Seems Sting got his Rock ya-yas out on the Police reunion tour and now he’s gone all mellow again. – by John Beaudin

The Police Go Out Big in New York Last Night
Police Say Goodbye in NYCAugust 8, 2008 – For starters, I’m still not convinced this is the end but maybe the end, for now. The Police ended their reunion tour last night at New York's Madison Square Garden and they went out big baby!

The crowd went nuts when Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland opened the show with Cream’s ‘Sunshine of Your Love’ instead of their regular opener ‘Message in a Bottle.’

Critics praised the band for having the third highest grossing tour of all time with a nice purse of over $358 million for 1512 shows. The guys played hard last night and Sting summed everything up by telling the crowd, "It's been a huge honor to get back with my good friends. The real triumph of this tour is that we haven't strangled each other -- that doesn't mean it hadn't crossed my mind."

The Police also did a cover of Jimi Hendrix’s signature ‘Purple Haze,’ the last tune was ‘Next to You’ a reminder to everyone of where the band started – in Punk.

The Police reunion tour started on May 28, 2007 in Vancouver. – by John Beaudin

Here is the set list from last night
"Sunshine of Your Love"
"Message in a Bottle"
"Walking on the Moon"
"Demolition Man"
"Voices Inside My Head" / "When the World Is Running Down, You Make the Best of What's Still Around"
"Don't Stand So Close to Me"
"Driven To Tears"
"Hole in My Life"
"Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic"
"Wrapped Around Your Finger"
"De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da"
"Invisible Sun"
"Can't Stand Losing You" / "Reggatta de Blanc"Encore one:
"Purple Haze"
"Roxanne"
"King of Pain"
"So Lonely"
"Every Breath You Take"Encore two"
"Next To You"

Police to Release Live CD, DVD and Vinyl
Police to Release Concert DVD and CDAugust 7, 2008 – You can’t have a reunion tour without a live album. The police are already putting the finishing touches on a live DVD, CD and vinyl release from their farewell tour. It will be called ‘Certifiable.’ The DVD will feature a bonus documentary filmed by drummer Stuart Copeland’s son Jason. The live show was filmed last December in Buenos Aries, Argentina. It will also be available on Blue-Ray. By John Beaudin

 


Check out the set list
Message in a Bottle
Synchronicity II
Walking on the Moon
Voices Inside My Head / When the World Is Running Down, You Make the Best of What’s Still Around
Don`t Stand So Close to Me
Driven to Tears
Hole in my Life
Truth Hits Everybody
Every Little Thing She Does is Magic
Wrapped Around Your Finger
De Do Do Do De Da Da Da
Invisible Sun
Walking in your Footsteps
Can`t Stand Losing You
Roxanne
King of Pain
So Lonely
Every Breath You Take
Next to You

Police, Beyonce and Jay-Z in Worlds Most Powerful Celebrity List
Police Call It QuitsJune 16, 2008 – Oprah, to no ones surprise was number one on the annual Forbes magazine's Celebrity top 100 list but Beyonce and Jay-Z? The singer who brought us such classic-junk as ‘Bootylicious’made the list along with new husband Jay-Z. No they didn’t win the lottery, people actually buy their music. – What duh? – by John Beaudin

 

Forbes magazine's 2008 Celebrity 100, top 10:
1. Oprah Winfrey
2. Tiger Woods
3. Angelina Jolie
4. Beyonce Knowles
5. David Beckham
6. Johnny Depp
7. Jay-Z
7. The Police
9. J.K. Rowling
10. Brad Pitt

Sting Under Fire for Rainforest Charities
Sting Under FireMay 7, 2008 – Sting and his wife Trudie Styler are under attack over questionable bookkeeping for their charity Rainforest Foundation Inc. The organization started by the couple and Belgian photographer, Jean Pierre Dutilleux, back in 1989 has scored zero by a watchdog group for each of the last four years. In 2006, the singer held a charity concert at Carnegie Hall to help save the world's rainforests but not enough of the money went to the cause according to The New York Post. The charity watchdog reviewed the tax records and found out less than half of the amount actually went to forest saving charities. A spokesman for the watchdog group says that usually 75% of the take goes to any cause but less than 50% of Sting’s charity does that. To make it worse, Stings Rainforest Foundation is rated one of the worst out there. The singer is planning another big rainforest concert on Thursday featuring Billy Joel and James Taylor. The Foundation also has way too many reserves in the bank. The charity has $10 million in assets including $5 million in cash and according to the Better Business Bureau charities rarely keep more than a year’s expenses in reserve. Dutilleux who started the Rainforest Foundation Inc has turned against him and is helping in the investigation, saying, "I have kept quiet for almost 20 years, hoping for improvement. But enough is enough. Everything is true or worse." Yesterday Styler tried to defend their stance, she says, "The Rainforest Foundation is celebrating its 20th year. We wouldn't still be in business or have given out millions of dollars over the years if we'd spent everything we made immediately after it came in." – by Shannon Edwards

The Police Say Goodbye Again
Police Call It Quits
May 7, 2008 – Does retirement mean anything anymore in Rock’n Roll? If you believe it the Police just announced that their calling it quits - again. That’s it, after their current summer tour Sting, Andy Summer and Stewart Copeland will go their separate ways. The band says the last show will be a fundraiser in New York City. The boys say they will donate a million dollars to help New York City reduce its carbon footprint by 30% by 2030. The donation will also be matched by a special fund created by New York mayor, Michael Bloomberg. The band said, "We are pleased to contribute to this powerful and historic initiative that will undoubtedly improve the quality of life for future generations.” Sting says it’s very appropriate to end things in The Big Apple, "We kicked off our very first American tour at CBGB's in 1978 and this summer, 30 years later, our journey will come full circle as we play our final show here in New York City." The retirement and donation news came at an interesting time considering Sting’s own Rainforest charity was under fire this week for fancy bookkeeping and not giving out enough to the actual source of the charity. – by John Beaudin