The San Diego County Medical Examiner's office has ruled the cause of Ike Turner's death on Dec. 12th was a
cocaine overdose. "We are listing that he abused cocaine, and that's what resulted in the cocaine toxicity,"
stated chief investigator Paul Parker. Also listed as "significant and contributing factors" to his passing
were hypertensive cardiovascular disease and pulmonary emphysema.
Gerald Schneeman of Rockford, Illinois, has filed a lawsuit against promoter Live Nation. Schneeman claims he was
struck in the head with a guitar by a member of Motley Crue (who wasn't named in the suit) while he was standing
in front of the stage at their concert at the Ford Amphitheater on Nov. 22nd of 2006. He also claimed that security
came over, assaulted him and dragged him from the venue resulting in bodily injury, scarring and disfigurement.
According to World Entertainment News Network, Bobby Brown was taken into police custody Massachusetts last month
following a disturbance at a Brockton Holiday Inn hotel. Brown was allegedly found in possession of cocaine during
the questioning, asked officers to "use discretion" and not charge him for the drugs. The police are
now seeking to charge him with possession of a Class B substance after a hearing in court on Feb. 19th.
Former U.K. vocalist Jimmy Nail and wife Miriam Jones have separated. The two met in 1980 and has given her credit
for auditioning for the the comedy series Auf Weidersehen Pet (which would launch his acting career.) In a statement
from the star's spokesman, "Jimmy Nail and Miriam Jones are no longer an item. They remain the best of friends.
There will be no further comment." They share two sons, Tom and Fred. Nail's recording career began with his
1986 album, Take It Or Leave It.
Former Whitesnake guitarist Mel Galley has announced on his MySpace page that he will have to postpone his scheduled
performances at the end of March as he will be undergoing surgery to remove a tumor found in his esophagus. He's
awaiting further test as to what stage the tumor was in but regrets having to reschedule the shows.
Michael Derderian, owner of The Station nightclub has been granted an early release (October 2009). The parole
board ordered him to serve more than 3 years of his 4-year sentence before being paroled. Derderian pleaded no
contest to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter and injuries to over 200 attendees of a Great White concert in
the fire at his nightclub in 2003.
The News of the World reports that Gary Glitter (a.k.a. Paul Gadd) recently suffered a heart attack in the Vietnamese
jail where he is serving a 3-year sentence for child abuse. The singer was taken to the hospital and according
to a nurse, "He remains very frail and his blood pressure is dangerously high." He is expected to return
to prison when he is well enough. U.K. officials are reportedly in talks with their counterparts in Vietnam to
secure his early release from jail due to his poor health. Glitter was sentenced to the charges in March of 2006.
Former Obituary guitarist Allen West has reportedly been released from the Gainesville Correctional Institution
after serving 8 months for his 5th driving under the influence offense.
The Eagles' Long Road Out Of Eden fell two places on the Billboard 200 album chart to #8 on sales of 29,000 copies.
Garth Brooks' The Ultimate Hits slid two spots to #9 on sales of 28,000. Led Zeppelin's Mothership fell four to
slots to #20. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss' Raising Sand climbed nine places to #25.
"Into The Night" by Santana featuring Chad Kroeger has climbed to #27, the song's highest position on
the Hot 100 chart in 15 weeks.
On the Hot Dance Singles Sales chart, Nine Inch Nails retains the #2 spot with "Every Day Is Exactly The Same."
Tone-Loc's "Wild Thing: Peaches RMX" debuted at #8. Kraftwerk re-enter the chart at #9 with "Aerodynamik."
Celine Dion's "Taking Chances" has taken another step toward the top of the Hot Dance Club Play chart
climbing one spot to #3. Dave Gahan's "Kingdom" fell six places to #11.
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss' Raising Sand climbed one spot to #5 on the U.K. Album chart during its 10th week.
Madness have extended their run on the U.K. Singles chart to 28 years with the debut of their new single, "NW5,"
at #24.
Paul McCartney will be receiving the prestigious Outstanding Contribution To Music award at the Brits Awards on
Feb. 20th. Kylie Minogue, who has been nominated for Best International Female and Best International Album, will
perform at the show. Bjork is also nominated for Best International Female Solo Artist. Bruce Springsteen is nominated
for Best International Male Solo Artist. The Eagles and Foo Fighters are both nominated for Best International
Group and Best International Album.
The rumors have been confirmed. Yazoo's Vince Clarke and Alison Moyet will reunite for Reconnected, their first
U.K. performances in 25 years. 5 dates have been scheduled and will be the first time they have played any material
from their second album live. The tour dates in June will be preceded by a 4-disc box set, In Your Room, which
includes remasters and 5.1 mixes of both their albums (Upstairs At Eric's and You And Me Both), B-sides and remixes
as well as a DVD containing a short film, exclusive new interviews and promo videos.
Elton John and his partner David Furnish traveled to the Maseru, Lesotho, on Jan. 19th to deliver 120 motorcycles
to the African nation so doctors and nurses can treat medical emergencies in the mountainous region. The donation
comes via the Riders for Health Programme (which is funded through his Elton John AIDS Foundation.)
Triumph's Rik Emmett, Mike Levine and Gil Moore will reunite for a performance at the 2008 Sweden Rock Festival.
Alabama's Randy Owen has been working with John Rich of Big & Rich on his solo debut album, One On One, due
out this spring. He plans to release his solo single, "Braid My Hair," with proceeds to be donated to
assist the children who are treated at St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
Depeche Mode frontman Dave Gahan will be announcing a release date for a remix album due out in the U.S. shortly.
Bette Midler recently told Parade magazine that she is considering retiring from show business after her 30 month
run in Las Vegas at Caesar's Palace's Colosseum ends.
Sony BMG has responded to an article in British tabloid newspaper the Daily Mirror calling the reports that the
label had dropped Annie Lennox after 25 years "ludicrous." The singer was interviewed by the paper when
she mentioned the label had been ignoring her calls and emails for 3 weeks and that her recent album, Songs Of
Mass Destruction, was the last of her contract. Sony BMG confirmed that Lennox isn't under contract but that they
hope to work with her in the future.
The first single to be released from Def Leppard's upcoming album, Songs From The Sparkle Lounge, will be the song
"Nine Lives" which features a guest appearance by Tim McGraw. The album is tentatively scheduled for
a Mar. 18th release.
Sean O'Brien And His Dirty Hands have finished the recording of their new studio album, Goodbye Game.
Debbie Harry has released her new video for her upcoming single, "If I Had You," for its premiere on
ArtistDirect.com. The song comes from her latest album, Necessary Evil.
Iron Maiden will be releasing their double-disc DVD, Live After Death, on Feb. 5th via New Door Records/UMe to
coincide with their Somewhere Back In Time World Tour. The set was recorded during their four-night stand at Long
Beach Arena in 1984. The second disc in the set includes the 'History Of Iron Maiden' which continues the story
started on The Early Days DVD.
George Michael has reportedly signed a publishing deal with Harper Collins for a 'no-holds-barred' autobiography.
The deal for the book (due out in August of 2009) is said to be worth $6 million for the British rights alone and
is among the biggest publishing contracts ever for that market.
Stryper's Michael Sweet has been tracking vocals in his studio for the group's upcoming album. Plans are to start
mixing early in February with hopes of a release July or August followed by a tour.
Soft Cell's classic 1981 album, Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, and 1982's Non-Stop Ecstatic Dancing will be reissued
as a double-CD set on Feb. 18th in the U.K. featuring remixes and rare bonus material. After Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret
is released, similar packages for 1983's The Art Of Falling Apart and 1984's Last Night In Sodom are expected later
in the year.
Martin Briley has recorded a new master of the original version of his hit, "Salt In My Tears," for a
4-track CD. The song is accompanied by an acoustic version as well as two previously-unreleased songs. The limited-edition
sold out (at CDBaby.com) in one day. The songs are available for digital download at CDBaby.com and will be heading
to iTunes, Rhapsody and other online stores in a few weeks.
The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery will open the "Recognize! Hip-Hop and Contemporary Portraiture"
exhibition on Feb. 8th featuring photographs of LL Cool J, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five and many others.
Hanoi Rocks' Andy McCoy will see his 2001 book, Sheriff McCoy, released in English in the U.S. this year via Bazillion
Points Publishing.
Michael Jackson has reportedly voiced his reluctance to join his siblings for a Jackson world tour this year due
to his work on his new solo album. A firm decision has not been confirmed at this time.
The RAH Band have plans to release a new EP, Turn My Love Around, this year via Shocking Music. The title track
is expected to be released as a single shortly and is getting played in clubs and on their MySpace page.
Paul McCartney plans to commemorate the 10th anniversary of his late wife, Linda, by presenting the first major
U.K. collection of photographs taken by her in an exhibition opening Apr. 24th.
Kevin Seconds didn't have to wait long without a radio show. His new program, Absolute Rant & Ruckus Show with
Kevin Seconds, debuts today (Jan. 21st) at 8 p.m. (PST) on KSSU.com.
In 2004, Superfecta Records released remastered versions of the Thompson Twins' 1983 album Quick Step & Side
Kick and 1984's Into The Gap. Although those included a few bonus tracks, a double-CD version of both albums are
due out in the U.K. on Mar. 3rd via Demon Music Group's Edsel label containing even more bonus material in the
form of B-sides, cassette remixes and 12" mixes. Demon Music Group also have these double-disc collections
scheduled for release soon: You Just Can't Beat It: The Best Of The Beat, Wherever I Lay My Hat: The Best Of Paul
Young and Digging Your Scene: The Best Of The Blow Monkeys.
According to a recent interview at SleazeRoxx.com, Faster Pussycat's Brent Muscat has confirmed that he has ended
his legal battle with Taime Down over control of the band name. According to Muscat, "The only people who
won are the lawyers and the only people who lost are the fans."
According to a blog post at the Hall & Oates Web site, John Oates has been 'on an insane writing binge' and
believes he has a collection of new songs that may be his best in years... maybe ever. He plans to head into the
studio in March and April to record those songs for his second solo album. Bassist/guitarist Tom "T-Bone"
Wolk has been producing an album for Mutlu Onaral (which he calls the next generation of "Philly soul")
on which Daryl Hall lends his voice to two tracks. T-Bone has also mentioned that new Hall & Oates music could
be out later this year.
The original line-up of L.A. punk act X plan to reunite for the 13 - 31 Tour which will launch in Chicago on Mar.
19th. A specially selected show from the tour will be taped for a 1-hour special to air on DirecTV.
Frankie Banali has posted to his official Web site that, although he has been contacted to see if he is interested
in either auditioning a new singer for Quiet Riot with Rudy Sarzo and Carlos Cavazo in the line-up or re-forming
the version of the band with Paul Shortino, Carlos Cavazo and Sean McNabb, it isn't happening. "Let me make
this very simple and perfectly clear. While I am still actively involved in the business interests of Quiet Riot
and will continue in that capacity, I reject any and all suggestions to have Quiet Riot continue as a live performing
entity." Meanwhile, Cavazo has a new group called Big Noize that includes vocalist Joe Lynn Turner, drummer
Vinny Appice and bassist Phil Soussan.
Bryan Adams' "I Thought I'd Seen Everything" will be released as a single later this month from his upcoming
album, 11, due out in March.
Mike Scott of the Waterboys has recorded vocals for two songs on the new album, L'Espoir, by French singer Cali
due out on Feb. 4th. Meanwhile, he has also been working on remastering their 5th album, 1990's Room To Roam, with
bonus tracks for release this year.
It seems that Tiffany has added another independent film to her resume this year entitled The Isolationist. The
dark comedy short film is currently in post-production while Necrosis has just started shooting. A trailer for
The Isolationist has been posted on YouTube. Meanwhile, I Think We're Alone Now, the documentary about over-the-top
Tiffany fans (not starring the singer), premieres at Utah's Slamdance Film Festival this month.
Megadeth have officially welcomed in new guitarist Chris Broderick to the band in time to make his live debut with
the band on Feb. 4th in Helsinki, Finland.
Van Morrison has been working on the follow-up to 2006's Pay The Devil. The disc, Keep It Simple, will be released
via Lost Highway on Mar. 11th.
CBS plans to broadcast a one-hour special of Garth Brooks' first concert on Jan. 25th at Los Angeles' Staples Center
which will raise money for those affected by the October 2007 Southern California fires. Viewers will be directed
to a special 800 phone number or Web site (mccormicktribune.org/2008firerelief) to donate.
Wet Wet Wet have announced that "Weightless" will be the next single from their album, Timeless. The
song will be released in the U.K. on Feb. 4th in standard CD single, maxi CD single, DVD single and digital formats
from Townsend Records.
U.K. fans of Bob Dylan rejoice as a collection of television performances (ranging from 3 songs from his 1979 appearance
on Saturday Night Live to his 1995 performance at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame) will be released under the title
Re-Transmissions on Mar. 3rd.
The original members of Asia have announce that the title of their new studio album will be Phoenix. The disc is
due out from Frontiers Records in April with a tour to follow.
Kiss' Gene Simmons was fired by Donald Trump on the third episode of The Celebrity Apprentice. During his time
on the show, he did win $20,000 for the charity of his choice (The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.)
The House Of Lords plan to release their new studio album, Come To My Kingdom, on Mar. 14th via Frontiers Records.
The BoDeans will release their 8th studio album, Still, via their He & He LP record label (distributed by Koch)
on Mar. 4th. The 12-track set was produced by T-Bone Burnett.
Toad The Wet Sprocket's Glen Phillips has finished work on his new EP, Secrets Of The New Explorers, which can
be purchased at his glenphillips.com Web site or his MySpace page (www.myspace.com/glenphillips). Meanwhile, Phillips
has recorded 16 tracks with keyboardist Benmont Tench (of the Heartbreakers), drummer Pete Thomas and bassist Davey
Faragher (of Elvis Costello's Imposters), Sara and Sean Watkins (of Nickel Creek), fiddler Luke Bula (of the Blue
Merle Band and multi-instrumentalist Greg Leisz as a group tentatively called the Scrolls.
MVD is scheduled to re-release Crimson Glory's 1986 self-titled debut album and 1989 follow-up, Trancendence, on
Apr. 15th (and in Europe on Feb. 4th.)
Bruce Springsteen has released an iTunes exclusive EP entitled Girls In Their Summer Clothes. The set includes
the premiere of the title track's video, a "Winter Mix" and a live version of the song.
Crossover jazz label Heads Up International has signed a deal with a capella group Take 6 that will see their currently-untitled
new studio album released in August. Aaron Neville is among guests that will be featured on the album.
Deliverance are scheduled to release their 13th studio album, As Above - So Below, via Retroactive Records on Jan.
25th.
Orchestral Manouvres In The Dark will see their 1983 album reissued in a special remastered package in the U.K.
on Mar. 3rd and include 6 bonus tracks.
Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt has scored the music for the upcoming film, Smart People, heading to theaters
in April. Work is also going well on the new Extreme album and they have narrowed the 24 songs they recorded down
to 14 for the album.
Assemblage 23 will release a limited edition (1,000 copies) collection this week entitled Early Rare And Unreleased
via 23db Records.
Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore has recorded a score for an adult film entitled Extra Action (And Extra Hardcore)
that is heading to DVD on Mar. 18th.
Retrospect Records plans to re-release Hammer Head's 1987 metal album, Rock Forever, and Vyper's 1984 album, Prepared
To Strike, later this year.
More info about upcoming episodes of Rock And A Hard Place airing Wednesday's on DirecTV channel 101. Jan. 23rd
- Grandmaster Flash vs. The Pussycat Dolls, Jan. 30th - .38 Special vs. Eddie Money, Feb. 6th - The Pointer Sisters
vs. Sheila E., Feb. 20th - Circus Diablo vs. Halifax, Feb. 27th - Tiffany vs. Berlin, Mar. 5th - Warrant vs. The
Orchestra, Mar. 12th - Lonestar vs. Stars of Track and Field with AC/DC's Chris Slade, Mar. 19th - Scrap Metal
vs. Big City Rock and Mar. 26th - CeCe Peniston vs. Thelma Houston.
Dirty Looks have announced that they will release their new studio album, Superdeluxe, in March.
Camp Freddy will be holding a benefit concert in Los Angeles on Mar. 14th for the Teen Project, a foundation that
is looking to build a sober college housing facility for teens coming out of the foster care system. Former Jane's
Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins will be filling in for Matt Sorum (who is on tour with Velvet Revolver) during
the show with other guests on guitar and vocals. Meanwhile, Perkins has recently talked about the release of a
Jane's Addiction box set later this year.
According to The Kingston Trio official Web site, former member John Stewart, 68, died in San Diego on Friday (Jan.
19th.) He suffered a massive stroke (or brain aneurysm) on Thursday evening and was surrounded by family and friends
when he passed away. Stewart had rejoined the band in time to record Aspen Gold in 1981 but spent most of the decade
recording solo albums including 1980's Dream Babies Go To Hollywood, 1982's Blondes, 1983's Revenge Of The Budgie,
1984's Trancas, 1984's Centennial, 1985's The Last Campaign, 1987's Punch The Big Guy and continued to release
albums up to 2006's The Day The River Sang. Most notably, he wrote the hit "Daydream Believer" which
was a hit for the Monkees in 1967 as well as Anne Murray in 1980.