We love seeing musicians from different parts of the rock scene join forces and collaborate on something special. Whether it be an original song or a cover of a band that moved them, the results can prove music’s undeniable ability to form deep human connections. Duran Duran’s new cover of “Pyscho Killer” by Talking Heads is no exception, featuring Måneskin’s badass bassist, Victoria De Angelis. The new rendition of the Talking Heads classic highlights bass as it ebbs and flows with emotion through every fiery run. Every instrument in the arrangement plays off one another to create one infectious conversation… Read more »
A mohawked Eddie Vedder put the regal Waldorf-Astoria hotel in a punk rock state of mind Monday night when he inducted the Ramones into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Nearing the end of his 17-minute speech, Vedder said, “After this, I’m sure the evening will move quickly, but it’s the Ramones and it’s punk rock and I’m just about finished and I hope you’re OK with that.” The crowd’s response included some jeers and boos. “Apparently you’re not. F– you,” he replied. But overall, the night was filled with special moments – including a Talking Heads induction and… Read more »
In some ways, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s induction ceremony is like a family reunion, giving loved ones a chance to reconnect and share loving memories. But as with many families, feuds can simmer and threaten to ruin that nice little gathering. The unknown element in the weeks leading up to the hall’s annual event is often whether hard feelings can be set aside. On Monday, the Talking Heads – the foursome that was part of punk’s first generation and stayed together for more than a decade before dissolving in acrimony and lawsuits in the 1990s – were… Read more »
Anticipation for the Talking Heads’ arrival backstage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony last night was high; reporters hung around waiting until well past midnight. And when David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Jerry Harrison and Chris Frantz finally showed, there was only the briefest of silences before the question came up: “How did it feel to play together and are there plans for a reunion?” “One thing at a time,” Harrison said, diplomatically. “It was great tonight.” The band addressed the issues that had kept them from performing together for eighteen years, claiming that reports of acrimony… Read more »
They represented the anti-establishment, so it was a bit odd to see the Ramones so happy to become part of the music establishment as members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But for the remaining members of the punk rock originators – whose lead singer, Joey Ramone, died last year – Monday night’s induction at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel represented long-overdue respect for the band that helped revolutionize rock with their rapid-fire, guitar-heavy songs. “I’d like to congratulate myself, and thank myself, and give myself a big pat on the back,” joked Dee Dee Ramone. “Thank you Dee Dee,… Read more »
The cameraman removed the digital video camera from the tripod and got ready for some hand-held shots of the X-ecutioners at Phat Beats record store in the West Village. A look of concern creased the face of the group’s publicist, who hurriedly approached the producer of the shoot. Her idea was to lead into the television news story with shots of the DJs scratching, but the X-ecutioners, whose new record, Built From Scratch, charted at #15 on this week’s Billboard 200 albums chart, don’t normally perform in retail outlets and their label rep was worried that without their precision equipment… Read more »
Numerous critics and closed-minded fans have been less than kind about cartoon supergroup Gorillaz’s decision to play live shows hidden behind large projector screens displaying comic images of the characters. But the minor agony of journalistic slings and arrows is nothing compared to headaches the band experienced right before the tour launched in Toronto on February 23. “We lost our original bass player on the first day through something slightly dubious that happened 15 years ago,” said vocalist Damon Albarn, who also fronts the band Blur. “Basically, he’s in prison now. But fortunately, at the 11th hour we found a… Read more »
A few punks, a scruffy “Refugee” and the most sex-crazed chef on television are crashing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Punk rock pioneers the Ramones and Talking Heads, Southern rockers Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and soul singer Isaac Hayes will lead the class of 2002 when they are inducted into the rock hall on March 18, organizers announced Thursday (December 13). Other artists recognized include ’60s icons Brenda Lee and Gene Pitney, guitar great Chet Atkins, and Stax Records co-founder Jim Stewart. Atkins, who crafted the sound of country music before moving on to record with Elvis… Read more »
Hot on the heels of new releases from such established superstars as Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey, Virgin Records America is releasing seven key albums from developing artists the label hopes will follow in those multi-platinum footsteps. Ranging an eclectic musical spectrum from Pop-R&B to Urban-Alternative Rock to World Music, these artists reflect Virgin’s commitment to unique yet accessible music for which the label has become known. Forming the all-star rookie line-up are: Nikka Costa – All ears piqued when Tommy Hilfiger’s slick commercial hit TV screens last year, featuring that funky, rhythmic bassline from Nikka’s debut single “Like A… Read more »
