Wired To Music

Eminem Dominates With Recovery; New Album Bows With First Week Sales of 741,000, the Biggest Debut of Any Release Since 2008

2010-06-30T20:07:24Z

Eminem, the Nielsen SoundScan Artist of the Decade for 2000-2009, is already kicking off the new decade with more of the same. His latest album, Recovery (Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records), makes its debut atop the charts this week with sales of 741,000 copies; easily outpacing any other release for this year, and setting a bar that no other album has reached for first week sales in almost two years.

The album's first single, "I'm Not Afraid," debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May. The song was only the 16th in the 52-year history of the Hot 100 to debut at the top spot, and the first rap song to do so in 13 years. The second single from the album, "Love The Way You Lie" (featuring Rihanna), is already showing tremendous growth at radio, and debuts at #1 on the Singles chart this week, with sales of 337,000.

"It's been 12 years since Eminem signed to Aftermath and Interscope," remarked Jimmy Iovine, Chairman, Interscope Geffen A&M Records. "This is a real watershed moment in his career. In my opinion, with this album Eminem's impact on popular culture, and as a lyricist and writer, puts him on course to be mentioned in the same sentence as Dylan, Springsteen, and Bono."

Recovery is being hailed as a tour de force for the rapper, receiving a four-star review in the current issue of Rolling Stone, and being described as "his fiercest and most focused work in a long time ... a strong return to the form that made him a star in the first place." (USA Today, 6/21/10)

Eminem performed "Not Afraid" on the roof of the Ed Sullivan Theater for an appearance on "The Late Show with David Letterman" that aired Friday night, as well as at Sunday night's "2010 BET Awards." He heads to Europe next week for headlining slots at Switzerland's Freuenfeld festival (July 9), T In The Park in Scotland (July 10), and wraps up in Ireland at Oxegen (July 11). Eminem and Jay-Z also will perform co-headlining dates at Comerica Park in Detroit (September 2 and 3) and New York's Yankee Stadium (September 13 and 14). Tickets for the four shows went on sale late last week and quickly sold out. SOURCE Interscope Records; Aftermath

First-Ever Lakefront Jazz and Blues Festival Launches With Jonny Lang and Other Top Performers

2010-04-14T21:07:05Z

Grammy-award winning musician and Midwest native Jonny Lang, along with an exciting lineup of musical talent, will launch the first ever Lakefront Jazz and Blues Festival in Prior Lake, Minn. on Saturday, July 10.

The Lakefront Jazz and Blues Festival is the brainchild of the Prior Lake Rotary and is presented by Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.

"We are absolutely thrilled to be introducing this exciting event with such high caliber talent as Jonny Lang," said Shaun Naya, Event Co-Chair and Fundraising Chair for the Prior Lake Rotary. "The Prior Lake Rotary has been working hard to bring this festival to fruition and we have been extremely pleased by the support of local businesses and organizations that have stepped forward to help make this event a success."

The day-long festival will start at 1 p.m. with a variety of well known jazz and blues artists and culminate with Jonny Lang's live performance. Food and beverages along with a kids' activity area sponsored by Girl Scouts of America will also be part of the activities provided at Lakefront Park.

"From the very beginning it was our goal to create a free, family-friendly musical event, while showcasing our beautiful city, and raising money to continue the philanthropic missions supported by our club," said Event Co-Chair Dave Card.

In addition to Lang, other performers scheduled to entertain festival guests include:

Urban jazz headliner Nick Colionne, who dazzles audiences with his captivating live guitar performances and colorful costumes that have tagged him "the best dressed man in jazz."
Popular guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Joyce Cooling, who is recognized as one of the most dynamic contemporary jazz guitarists in the world for her vibrant, body-moving sound.
Blues giant Lil' Ed Williams, a talented guitarist, soulful vocalist and member of the popular band The Blues Imperials, which has been performing around the world for 25 years.

Organizers hope to attract 10,000 people to Lakefront Park, which would make it one of the largest music events in the south metro area. The free event does not require admission tickets, and a complimentary shuttle service to the park will be available from various locations throughout Prior Lake.

    
    
    WHAT:       First-ever Lakefront Jazz and Blues Festival
    
    WHERE:      Lakefront Park
                Prior Lake, MN 55372
    
    WHEN:       Saturday, July 10, 2010
                1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
    
    COST:       Free

Mystic Lake Casino Hotel is also offering a Lakefront Jazz and Blues Festival hotel package for visitors. The $129 special includes a premier, double occupancy guestroom, free valet parking, free access to Dakotah! Sport and Fitness, complimentary transportation to and from Lakefront Park on Saturday and a variety of exceptional discounts for entertainment at the hotel. For more information about the package or to make reservations, call 1-800-813-7349 and reference code JAZZ10, or visit www.mysticlake.com/hotel.

For more information about the Lakefront Jazz and Blues Festival, please visit www.lakefrontjazz.com.

John Mayer's 'Battle Studies World Tour' Extends to Summer

2010-04-01T19:23:10Z

John Mayer's fourth album, Battle Studies, debuted at #1 in November 2009 and launched a world tour that has sold out arenas across the country and earned the musician some of the best performance reviews of his career. Summer dates for The Battle Studies World Tour, produced by Live Nation, have now been announced to kick off on July 16th in Charlotte, North Carolina. Special guests will include Train, The Avett Brothers and Owl City. Tickets for Mayer's hometown of Hartford, CT will go on sale on April 16, while dates in select markets go on sale beginning April 17th at LiveNation.com.

Citi® cardmembers will also have access to presale tickets beginning Wednesday, April 14th at 10am local time through Citi's Private Pass® Program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com.

Since kicking off in February, the Battle Studies World Tour has repeatedly ranked among the Top Five on Billboard Magazine's weekly Hot Tour list. Mayer's current single, "Heartbreak Warfare" is his seventh Top Five radio hit, with the song reaching over 385 million people in the past three months. He has also earned a steady stream of performance accolades:

Mr. Mayer is an astonishing blues guitarist, both in his technical gifts and in his ability to make those gifts appear accessible. - New York Times

"It was an impressive display of his sharp guitar playing, appealing sing-alongs and personable wit, and the audience responded generously." - RollingStone.com

"...for two hours, he thrilled fans with high-energy vocals, superb and innovative guitar playing, and light-hearted banter." - The Oklahoman

"He certainly has the scary-good guitar chops to try anything, whether it's the smooth and effortless, funky vibe of 'Vultures' or the edgy rock build-up of 'Assassin' or the smoky blues-bar interlude on his cover of 'Ain't No Sunshine.'" - Grand Rapids Press

"Mayer was in good spirits, seemingly self-possessed by the music, grooving to his own guitar playing, enjoying the sound of his fellow musicians and singing like the words mattered to him." - Minneapolis Star Tribune

"... there's no question that the guy can play guitar. It's not for nothing that such revered ax men as B.B. King and Eric Clapton have given Mayer their imprimatur." - Philadelphia Inquirer

"Performing for more than 12,000 fans with a killer seven-piece band, Mayer has surely grown into his stage persona. He's equal parts quirky and smooth, earnest and confident. And he has a hearty body of work to draw from." - Dallas Morning News

Battle Studies was released in November 2009 on Columbia Records and debuted at #1. It is his fourth studio album from the seven-time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter/guitar player/producer and incorporates the warmth, melodies and simplicity of 70's and 80's California rock and pop. Battle Studies is a confessional, relaxed and liberated album recorded in a private home in California where Mayer lived and worked over the course of six months before wrapping at the famed Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. The album was co-produced by John Mayer and Steve Jordan.

ABOUT JOHN MAYER - The consistency with which John Mayer combines word craft and melody has earned him rarefied status in popular culture as a respected songwriter and musician. Since his acclaimed debut in 2001 with Room For Squares, each release has earned John Mayer additional accolades. Through 2003's Heavier Things, his work with John Mayer Trio in 2005, CONTINUUM's 2006 release and now Battle Studies, John Mayer has established himself as a musician and collaborator who exceeds genre boundaries. The guitarist, vocalist and songwriter has earned seven Grammy Awards and sold nearly 12.5 million albums worldwide.

In May 2007, Time Magazine placed John Mayer on their Time 100 list of the most influential contemporary thinkers, leaders, artists and entertainers. For two consecutive years, Rolling Stone Magazine featured John Mayer on the cover of their annual "Guitar" issue - first with February 2007's "The New Guitar Gods" round-up and then in May 2008's "Living Guitar Legends" issue featuring Mayer with peers and icons alike.

Pairings with a range of artists are a defining trait of the musician whose collaborative streak is well-known. From rock to blues, hip-hop to jazz to country, Mayer has performed and/or recorded with Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, T-Bone Burnett, Herbie Hancock, Dixie Chicks, Jay Z, Alicia Keys and Taylor Swift. In 2005, Mayer famously toured and recorded with power players Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan as John Mayer Trio, whose live album TRY! featured searing blues and rock. As on Continuum, John Mayer again took the helm as the co-producer of Battle Studies, his fourth studio album, released on November 17, 2009 and debuted at #1.

ABOUT TRAIN - Grammy Award-winning band Train is rolling back into the music scene with the recent release of their new Columbia Records' album, Save Me, San Francisco. Their current hit single, "Hey, Soul Sister," has reached #1 on the overall iTunes chart, has been certified RIAA Double Platinum (selling more than 2 million copies), and soared up the Billboard charts, peaking at #6 on the HOT 100 chart and #1 on the Adult Top 40 Chart. Save Me, San Francisco is the multi-platinum-selling band's fifth studio album and channels Train's early days, revisiting the roots rock sound that has made the band such a tour de force. USA Today raves that Save Me, San Francisco finds the band, "returning to its mid-'90s roots, when its hook-laden country-tinged tunes hit adult-contemporary audiences in their sweet spot."

ABOUT OWL CITY - Owl City has become an international phenomenon over the past year with the release of his now platinum album Ocean Eyes (Universal Republic July 2009), #1 single "Fireflies" (now triple platinum) and several sold out headlining tours of the US, Europe, UK and Asia. Adam Young started his career as Owl City in June of 2007 when he began making music in the basement of his parent's house in Owatonna, Minnesota - a small town with roughly twenty-two thousand inhabitants. Nearly three years later, thanks to more than 18 million profile views and more then 90 million plays on MySpace, this young man has become more than just an internet sensation. "Fireflies" is now an international hit having made it to the #1 spot in 22 countries and Owl City's latest single "Vanilla Twilight" seems to be on the same trajectory - having already gone gold and climbing the charts world wide. In addition, he's won the critics over with features out now in the New York Times, Rolling Stone, People, Entertainment Weekly, and USA Today, among many others.

ABOUT THE AVETT BROTHERS - There is no harmony like brotherly harmony. Something indelible in the weave of voices and play of sensibilities is stamped into the fraternal DNA and also stems from a lifetime of shared experiences. You can clearly hear fraternal magic at work in the songs of Scott and Seth Avett, better known as the Avett Brothers, as well. That magic is abundantly evident on I and Love and You, the Avett Brothers' big-label debut. Its 13 songs are delivered in a style that defies pigeonholing but might be described as a rootsy amalgam of folk, country, bluegrass, rock and pop - even a jab of punk-style dynamics here and there. Drawn by the naked honesty of their songs and the rousing intensity of their live shows, legendary producer and talent scout Rick Rubin signed the Avett Brothers - consisting of siblings Scott and Seth, plus bassist Bob Crawford - to his American Recordings label in 2008.

In harnessing the tools available to them in the service of the strongest set of songs they've written so far, the Avett Brothers have surpassed themselves on I and Love and You. There's really no great secret or magic formula for what they've achieved here. It comes down to honoring inspiration with an awful lot of hard work. "The brothers have an incredibly strong work ethic," affirms Rick Rubin, "and they continually worked at honing their craft. Hearing brothers who have sung their whole lives together - singing the truth - was a revelation each new day."

BATTLE STUDIES WORLD TOUR SUMMER DATES:
Jul 16	Charlotte, NC	Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Charlotte	(with Train)
Jul 17	Raleigh, NC	Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion @ Walnut Creek	(with Train)
Jul 18	Virginia Beach, VA	Verizon Wireless Amphitheater	(TBA)
Jul 21	Wantagh, NY	Nikon at Jones Beach Theater	(with Train)
Jul 24	Scranton, PA	Toyota Pavilion @ Montage Mountain	(with Train)
Jul 25	Hershey, PA	Hershey Park Stadium	(with Train)
Jul 27	Cincinnati, OH	Riverbend Music Center	(with Train)
Jul 28	Clarkston, MI	DTE Energy Music Theatre	(with Train)
Jul 30	Camden, NJ	Susquehanna Bank Center	(with Train)
Jul 31	Bristow, VA	Jiffy Lube Live	(The Avett Brothers)
Aug 01	Burgettstown, PA	First Niagara Pavilion	(with Train)
Aug 03	Holmdel, NJ	PNC Bank Arts Center	(with Train)
Aug 06	Mansfield, MA	Comcast Center	(with Train)
Aug 07	Hartford, CT	Comcast Theatre	(with Train)
Aug 08	Saratoga, NY	Saratoga PAC	(with Train)
Aug 10	Toronto, ONT	Molson Canadian Amphitheatre	(with Train)
Aug 11	Darien Center, NY	Darien Lake PAC	(with Train)
Aug 13	Cuyahoga Falls, OH	Blossom Music Center	(The Avett Brothers)
Aug 14	Tinley Park, IL	First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre	(The Avett Brothers)
Aug 15	Noblesville, IN	Verizon Wireless Music Center	(The Avett Brothers
Aug 18	Phoenix, AZ	Cricket Wireless Pavilion	(with Owl City)
Aug 20	Mountain View, CA	Shoreline Amphitheatre	(with Owl City)
Aug 21	Wheatland, CA	Sleep Train Amphitheatre	(with Owl City)
Aug 22	Los Angeles, CA	Hollywood Bowl	(with Owl City)
Aug 24	Irvine, CA	Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre	(with Owl City)
Aug 25	Chula Vista, CA	Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre	(with Owl City)
Aug 31	West Valley City, UT	USANA Amphitheater	(TBA)
Sep 01	Morrison, CO	Red Rocks Amphitheatre	(with Owl City)
Sep 04	Dallas, TX	Superpages.com Center	(TBA)
Sep 05	Woodlands, TX	Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion	(with Owl City)
Sep 06	Orange Beach, AL	The Amphitheatre @ the Wharf	(with Owl City)
Sep 08	Atlanta, GA	Aaron's Amphitheatre @ Lakewood	(with Owl City)
Sep 10	Tampa, FL	The Ford Amphitheatre	(with Owl City)
Sep 11	West Palm Beach, Fl	Cruzan Amphitheatre	(with Owl City)

Additional ticket and tour information is available at LiveNation.com.

Grace Jones to Perform at 18th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party

2010-02-25T19:33:15Z

Legendary entertainer Grace Jones will perform for guests at the 18th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Viewing Party. The gala event, which will take place March 7, 2010, at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, has brought some of the most iconic musicians to the stage over the years, but none as theatrical as the incomparable Grace Jones.

"Grace Jones is not only an amazing performer, but a dear friend and a fellow activist in the fight against HIV/AIDS," says Sir Elton John. "Without a doubt, Grace will put on a show for our guests that will have them talking for years to come. It is an absolute honor to have Grace as part of this evening that means so much to the Foundation."

Ms. Jones' first album, Portfolio, released in 1977, resulted in a string of dance-club hits that transformed the international club scene. Her following albums "Fame" and "Muse" generated considerable success in the market and solidified her as a major recording artist. Jones later adapted to the emerging New Wave music to create a different style for herself. This resulted in the acclaimed albums "Warm Leatherette", "Nightclubbing" and "Living My Life."

Equally known for her roles in the fashion, art and film communities, Jones has established a presence that has stood the test of time. Born in Jamaica and raised in Syracuse, New York, she began her career as a successful high-fashion model. Starring roles followed in such films as the James Bond blockbuster "A View to a Kill", "Conan the Destroyer" with Arnold Schwarzenegger and the vampire thriller "Vamp." Jones took the art world by storm when she became the muse to famed artists Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, resulting in an iconic series of portraits by Warhol and Haring's famous series of body paintings. With her dramatic visual makeover created in partnership with Jean-Paul Goode, Jones starred in the concert special "A One Man Show" and created a persona that has intrigued fans and established her as an international entertainment icon.

Follow the Elton John AIDS Foundation on Facebook: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/5321

SOURCE Elton John AIDS Foundation

Eminem Returns to Europe This July

2010-02-23T19:36:06Z

Multi-platinum, Oscar and Grammy-winning rap superstar Eminem will descend upon European soil to headline three major festivals this summer - Scotland's T In The Park, Switzerland's Openair Frauenfeld and Ireland's Oxegen - giving hundreds of thousands of fans a live dose of select tracks from his impressive catalogue.

First, the hip-hop icon storms the UK, headlining the mainstage at Scotland's T In The Park in early July. This marks Eminem's first European show in five years and his first-ever appearance at the festival. He then continues his European return with appearances at Gampel, Switzerland's Openair Frauenfeld and Dublin, Ireland's Oxegen 2010. Much like the blistering show he performed at New Orleans' Voodoo Fest in October 2009, Eminem will be performing with a live band, bringing a new and different level of intensity to his music. He will also be joined on by his group D12 all the dates.

"I'm excited to get back to Europe to rock some shows," said Eminem. "The crowds there are always big, crazy and dedicated...it's going to be great to feel that energy again."

At the 16th annual Openair Frauenfeld, Eminem is set to share the stage with another hip hop legend, Jay-Z. His headlining set is expected to draw 40,000 fans.

Marshall Mathers will also take the stage in Dublin, closing out Oxegen with a highly anticipated mainstage headline set. It's Eminem's first appearance in Ireland since his phenomenal sold out shows to over 200,000 fans in Marley Park in 2004. Eminem will follow an Oxegen tradition that's included unforgettable performances by previous headliners The Who, Muse and Kings of Leon.

2009 has seen the re-emergence of one of hip-hop's finest MC's. Ever since he returned to the game with Relapse, the biggest selling hip-hop album of last year, Eminem has made himself an unmistakable presence: from the chart topping success of the album, through live performances at the American Music Awards and the Grammy Awards, to ferocious verses on tracks with Lil Wayne, Kanye West and Drake. He also snatched up two more Grammy Awards at the 2010 ceremony, upping his total count to eleven.

Since dropping his classic debut The Slim Shady LP in 1999, Eminem has sold over 75 million albums worldwide, and over 30 million in the United States. He is the biggest selling artist of the last 10 years, a feat that resulted in him being recently named Artist of the Decade by Nielsen Soundscan.

Today's 75th Birthday of Elvis Presley Celebrated With New 'ELVIS 75' CD

2010-01-08T17:47:14Z

In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Elvis Presley's birth (January 8, 1935) comes a new 25-track collection of his most well-known songs. ELVIS 75 follows the December release of the career-spanning 4CD box set, ELVIS 75: GOOD ROCKIN' TONIGHT. ELVIS 75 was released to all physical and digital retail outlets this past Tuesday, January 5, through RCA/Legacy, a division of SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT. As the year continues, RCA/Legacy will unveil a full slate of Elvis Presley catalog titles.

The release of ELVIS 75 coincides with a 4-day celebration of his 75th birthday, January 7-10th, centered at Graceland in Memphis. Events will include a birthday proclamation on the front lawn of Graceland, parties, dances, and panel discussions. For further information, please go to www.elvis.com.

In February, 'Viva ELVIS' by Cirque du Soleil® opens exclusively in a custom-built theatre at ARIA Resort & Casino at CityCenter, Las Vegas. This lavish stage spectacular was created in partnership with Elvis Presley Enterprises and CKX, Inc. 'Viva ELVIS' is a harmonious fusion of dance, acrobatics and live music, and a tribute to the life and music of Elvis Presley. Nostalgia, modernity and raw emotion provide the backdrop for his immortal voice and the exhilaration and beauty of his music. Created in the image of The King of Rock 'n' Roll - powerful, sexy, whimsical, truly unique and larger than life - the show highlights an American icon who transformed popular music and whose image embodies the freedom, excitement and turbulence of his era. Significant moments in the artist's life - intimate, playful and grandiose - blend with the timeless songs that remain as relevant today as when they first hit the top of the charts. 'Viva ELVIS' focuses on the essential humanity of the one superstar whose name will forever be linked with the history of Las Vegas and the entire world of entertainment: Elvis Presley. Ticket and show information is available now at www.cirquedusoleil.com/vivaelvis or by phone at 877.253.5847 or 702.531.2031.

From the moment in early 1956 when Elvis' first string of hits on RCA Victor proclaimed his arrival on the old 'Top 100' - "Heartbreak Hotel," "Blue Suede Shoes," "Hound Dog," "Don't Be Cruel," "Love Me Tender" - there were 17 chart titles in 1956 alone - his hammerlock on rock and roll was unquestioned, his influence on the destiny of all popular music about to be engraved in stone. Even after the Beatles' conquest started in 1964, and the revolution of Bob Dylan in 1965, Elvis continued his reign on the charts, slotting nearly four dozen songs on the Hot 100 from 1964 to 1969.

As compiled by Joel Whitburn, Elvis is the top-ranked Hot 100 male artist (by far!) of the 1950s and '60s - and the only act (male, female, or group) ever to be top-ranked #1 for two separate decades. Elvis holds unassailable records for the Most Chart Hits (151), Most Top 40 Hits (104), Most RIAA Platinum Hits (28), Most RIAA Gold Hits (24), and Most Weeks Charted (1,598).

SOURCE Legacy Recordings

Stevie Wonder Receives Grammy(R) Award Nomination for 'All About The Love Again'

2009-12-09T16:40:50Z

Road to Wonder's Nomination began in February 2009 at 51st Grammy(R) Awards Ceremony

Stevie Wonder continues to write songs that positively affect global social issues with this year's Grammy® nomination for Best Pop Male Vocal Performance of his song "All About The Love Again." With a total of 22 Awards, Stevie Wonder has been awarded the most Grammy® Awards for a Male Artist in history.

Wonder's "All About The Love Again" was first introduced to Grammy® voters during last year's 51st award ceremony. Wonder went on to perform the song, which was written for President Obama, during a PBS command performance at the White House. "All About The Love Again" marks the second time in Wonder's storied career where his music has been used for social change such as his "Happy Birthday" ode to Martin Luther King, Jr. in the campaign to adopt a Federal Holiday in his honor. Wonder began writing "All About The Love Again" in the 70's during his history breaking Grammy® run and was moved to complete the song by the Obama campaign message of Change. Grammy® insiders recognized Wonder's broad popular message and placed it in the Pop Male Vocal category this year. Will this become Stevie's 23rd Grammy®?

Wonder's songwriting genius and legacy continues to provide the world with music that permeates popular culture. The heartfelt simplicity of the message in the music has never departed from his songs. "All About The Love Again" speaks to the power of love to cure the problems of hunger, war, and poverty.

"All About The Love Again" appears exclusively on the Change is Now: Renewing America's Promise CD+DVD from set from Hidden Beach Recordings and is available at retailers nationwide and online from iTunes and Amazon.com.

About "Change Is Now"

The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) joined forces with Hidden Beach Recordings to release CHANGE IS NOW: RENEWING AMERICA'S PROMISE-the first ever official Presidential Inauguration commemorative CD/DVD set. This collection celebrates President Barack Obama's historic election by including eight of his landmark campaign speeches together on one DVD and an 18-track CD with inspired music from some of America's top recording artists.

"The songs featured on this unique collection have captured the energy and enthusiasm that all Americans celebrated on January 20th," PIC spokesperson Brent Colburn stated. "The eighteen artists on this album truly represent how our differences can come together to celebrate our common purpose. We are grateful for their creativity and their musical contributions."

In addition to Stevie Wonder's track, CHANGE IS NOW: RENEWING AMERICA'S PROMISE features tracks by will.i.am, the Tony Rich Project, Ozomatli, Sheryl Crow, India.Arie, Melissa Etheridge, Lenny Kravitz, Robin Thicke, Maroon 5, Usher Raymond IV, BeBe Winans, Wilco, James Taylor, Jennifer Hudson, Lionel Ritchie, Death Cab for Cutie and Common.

SOURCE Hidden Beach Recordings

Sade To Release First Single, 'Soldier Of Love' Off Forthcoming New Album

2009-12-07T16:38:00Z

Epic Records is pleased to announce the release of "Soldier Of Love," the highly anticipated first single off Sade's forthcoming new body of work by the same name.

"Soldier Of Love" which Sade co-produced with Mike Pela, was written by Sade along with longtime collaborators Andrew Hale, Stuart Matthewman and Paul Spencer Denman. The track, featuring a pulsating and anthemic drum beat along with haunting vocals that Sade is known for, is set to hit airwaves December 8(th) and will kick off the countdown for SOLDIER OF LOVE. Recorded in England and set for release WORLDWIDE on February 8(th), SOLDIER OF LOVE marks Sade's first studio album since the multi-platinum release of Lovers Rock in 2000.

The first single "Soldier Of Love" will premiere on Tuesday, December 8(th) at 7am EST on www.sade.com.

Known for their one of a kind timeless sound, Sade has enjoyed phenomenal success both internationally and stateside throughout the span of their twenty-five year career. Since the release of their debut album, Diamond Life in 1984 the band has seen all five of their studio albums land in the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart selling a total of more than 50 million albums worldwide to date. They've been nominated for American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and have won three Grammy Awards - first in 1986 for Best New Artist, then in 1994 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for "No Ordinary Love", and again in 2002 for Best Pop Vocal Album with Lovers Rock.

WWW.SADE.COM

SOURCE Epic Records

Foo Fighters, Give an Electrifying Performance in New 'VH1 Storytellers' Special To Be Simulcast Around the World

2009-11-20T22:36:29Z

"VH1 Storytellers: Foo Fighters" to Premiere Worldwide Beginning Friday, November 27 at 11:00 PM* on VH1 in the US and on MTV's Channels Across 162 Countries

Full Episode Available at Storytellers.VH1.com Following On-Air Premiere

Six-time Grammy® Award winning rock band, Foo Fighters, had the crowd on their feet during a taping for "VH1 Storytellers" October 28 at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, CA. Fans can watch this exclusive performance when "VH1 Storytellers: Foo Fighters" premieres Friday, November 27 at 11:00 PM* on VH1. The US premiere kicks off a global roll-out for this latest edition of "VH1 Storytellers," as the special will also debut on MTV channels across Europe, Asia, Australia and Latin America beginning Friday, November 27 (check local listings). The broadcast, which will air in 162 countries, marks the first-ever global premiere of the iconic series, "VH1 Storytellers."

The one-hour on-air special will feature Foo Fighters performing a selection of some of their most popular songs in addition to their latest single from the new album Foo Fighters: Greatest Hits. Following in the "VH1 Storytellers" format, Foo Fighters will answer questions from the audience and give viewers a unique opportunity to hear the inspiration behind such classics as "Everlong," "Big Me," "My Hero" and from their new album "Wheels" and "Word Forward."

The full on-air show will be available online at Storytellers.VH1.com following the on-air premiere.

"VH1 Storytellers: Foo Fighters" is a production of VH1. Patrizia DiMaria produces with Lee Rolontz, Rick Krim and Bill Flanagan serving as executive producers.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 95 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

*All times ET/PT

SOURCE VH1

Sheryl Crow, Common and Ray LaMontagne to Perform at National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 3rd

2009-11-18T22:39:03Z

The National Park Service and the National Park Foundation announced today that Sheryl Crow, Common and Ray LaMontagne will perform at the 2009 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The annual holiday event will be streamed live at www.thenationaltree.org on Dec. 3rd at 5:00 EST/2:00 PST, and will be broadcast nationwide beginning Dec. 4th, on public broadcasting stations in partnership with WETA, Washington, D.C.'s flagship public broadcasting station (check local listings).

Sheryl Crow is a nine-time Grammy Award winning, multi-platinum singer-song writer. Her many other honors include three American Music Awards, a People's Choice Award, and a spot on VH1's "100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll."

Common is a Grammy Award winner and multi-platinum selling recording artist who has collaborated with hip-hop producers Kanye West, Will.i.am, Pharell and many more. Common has also built a career as an entrepreneur, film actor and author of children's books.

Ray LaMontagne is a singer and songwriter, whose third and most recent album, "Gossip in the Grain" debuted at number three on the Billboard Charts. Rolling Stone magazine has described his voice as "full of the warm yearning of a young Van Morrison."

Additional performers will be announced next week.

The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is presented by the National Park Foundation and National Park Service. Underwriters Laboratories is the premier sponsor of the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 2009. Alex Coletti Productions will produce the ceremony. Additional support comes from General Electric, Guest Services Inc., Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Washington, D.C., Hudler Carolina Tree Farms, Santa's Best, the W Hotel Washington, and the Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C.

For more information visit www.thenationaltree.org.

For Broadcast Inquiries please contact Suzanne Masri, WETA, (703) 998-2686 smasri@weta.org

SOURCE National Park Foundation

'Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT' Reaches $200 Million Worldwide

2009-11-12T19:51:05Z

Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT has reached a box office gross of $200 million worldwide, Sony Pictures Entertainment announced today. The film has taken in $61 million domestically and more than $140 million internationally.

Commenting on the announcement, Jeff Blake, Chairman of Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution said, "Moviegoers and film critics everywhere have truly embraced this celebration of Michael Jackson and his music. This special film documents Michael's creative genius. We are seeing repeat business throughout the world because this movie is so rich with Michael performing his most renowned and recognized songs while offering such a unique, never-before-seen perspective on his artistry. Kenny Ortega and the filmmaking team did a brilliant job of capturing Michael creating a masterwork and it's a genuine thrill to see audiences respond to the film as they have."

Outside of North America, the film has performed best in such countries as Japan ($27.2 million), UK ($14.3 million), Germany ($12.1 million), France ($12.1 million) and Australia ($7.2 million).

Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT offers Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London's O2 Arena. Covering the months from March through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than 100 hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing numerous songs for the show. Audiences are given a privileged and private look at Jackson as he has never been seen before. In raw and candid detail, Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT is the last documentation of Michael Jackson in action, capturing the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius, and great artist at work as he and his collaborators move toward their goals of London, the O2, and history. Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson's creative partner for the concert tour and the director of the stage show, directed the film, which was produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain.

Sony Music Entertainment's Columbia/Epic Label Group has released a top-selling, two-disc, stand-alone companion album to the motion picture.

SOURCE Sony Pictures Entertainment

Cher Returns to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace With New Show Changes and the Addition of Spring 2010 Dates

2009-11-09T19:54:13Z

Due to overwhelming demand, Spring 2010 performances of Cher at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace will go on sale Saturday, Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. These new available tickets will include 24 performances from April 10 -25 and May 8 -30.

In addition to more performances, the pop icon will return to The Colosseum stage on November 19 with a newly added opening sequence and even more glitzy Bob Mackie costumes. Celebrating old-time Hollywood glamour and style, these new additions feature dazzling theatrics that pay tribute to the grace and timelessness of the 1940's and 1950's.

"We are so excited to return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and have made wonderful, new changes to the show, including a number choreographed by my dear friend Tyce Diorio from So You Think You Can Dance," said Doriana Sanchez, director and choreographer of Cher at The Colosseum. "It pays homage to the great movie musicals, complete with incredible costumes by Bob Mackie. We are thrilled to be able to present some really fun and new things for the audiences to see."

Tickets for the following Spring 2010 performances go on sale Saturday, Nov 14 at 10 a.m.:

April 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25

May 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 22, 23, 25, 26, 29, 30

Cher returns to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace November 19 - December 20, 2009. The 90-minute show is presented at 7:30 p.m. four nights a week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday (dark Monday, Thursday and Friday). Tickets start at $95 and can be purchased by calling 1-866-510-CHER (2437) or online at Ticketmaster.com keyword "Cher". Tickets may also be purchased in person at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Box Office open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For groups of 20 or more, call 702-731-7208.

For more information on Cher at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace visit cher.aeglive.com or www.caesarspalace.com.

SOURCE AEG Live

Experience ABBA In Japan for the First Time Only on the Group's Third Concert DVD

2009-10-29T21:38:29Z

ABBA, one of the most popular pop music groups in history, has released only two concert films--until now. Nearly two hours in length, In Japan (Polar/Polydor/UMe), to be released November 3, 2009, joins ABBA In Concert and ABBA - The Movie as the only DVD venues for fans to experience the performance phenomenon of ABBAmania.

The DVD's centerpiece is a 54-minute show, "ABBA In Japan," taped for Japanese television in 1978. Agnetha Faltskog, Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Ani-Frid Lyngstad perform 14 songs plus a bonus track of the original tape mix of "If It Wasn't For The Nights." Among the other songs are such global hits as "Take A Chance On Me," "Money, Money, Money," "SOS," "Dancing Queen," "Waterloo," "Fernando," "Knowing Me, Knowing You," "The Name Of The Game" and "Thank You For The Music."

Extras on In Japan include two exclusive behind-the-scenes documentaries with TV performances and interviews with press and radio during ABBA's 10-day visits to Japan in 1978 (24 minutes) and 1980 (37 minutes).

ABBA's recent success has been nothing short of astounding given that the group disbanded in the early '80s. ABBA has reportedly sold more than 400 million records to date around the world. Fueled partly by the enormous success of the ABBA-centric Mamma Mia! on stage and screen, sales continue to soar for releases such as 1992's ABBA Gold - Greatest Hits, six-times U.S. gold and with more than 26 million copies sold worldwide. In late 2008, the nine-disc box set ABBA - The Albums, containing all eight original studio albums plus a bonus disc of B-sides, rarities and other hits, was issued.

But the group's touring tenure was relatively short. ABBA - The Movie, directed by the award-winning Lasse Hallstrom, documented a frenetic two-week concert tour of Australia in 1977 and was released in theaters later that year. In 2006, ABBA - The Movie made its DVD debut and in 2008 premiered in its Blu-ray version. The other previously released concert film, ABBA In Concert, captured the foursome on its 1979 swing across North America and Europe, only ABBA's second major tour, and was released on DVD in 2004.

Now with In Japan, fans can once again enjoy the rarity of ABBA on stage at the height of ABBAmania.

SOURCE Universal Music Enterprises

U2 To Perform at the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards

2009-10-27T21:36:02Z

U2 will perform in front of Berlin's Brandenburg Gate on November 5, as part of the 16th MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), the news was announced today by MTV Networks International (MTVNI), owned by Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B). As a prelude to the Fall of The Wall celebrations in Berlin, U2 return to the city for a free ticketed performance which will be beamed into the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards.

U2's manager Paul McGuinness said: "It'll be an exciting spot to be in, 20 years almost to the day since the wall came down. Should be fun."

Tickets to attend MTV EMAs present U2 at the Brandenburg Gate will be free of charge and available by registering on www.u2.com or www.mtvema.com from 9pm (CET) on Wednesday 28 October 2009. Tickets, which will take the form of a bar-coded e-ticket, will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and will be restricted to a maximum of 2 per applicant. Access to the performance will be strictly via one advance, scanned e-ticket per person. Tickets will not be available on the night of the show.

Commented Antonio Campo Dall'Orto, EVP, Music Brands, MTV Networks International and Executive Producer for the MTV Europe Music Awards: "The exceptional musical heritage of this year's EMAs spans genres and generations and we are extremely proud to be bringing U2 to Berlin for this extraordinary performance. This year's Awards will be remembered as the night when the world's major music players came together against the backdrop of the fall of the Berlin Wall to celebrate music, freedom and the birth of a new age in Europe."

The MTV Europe Music Awards will take place at the 02 World, Berlin on Thursday 5 November 2009 and will be broadcast live on MTV at 9pm CET. The MTV Europe Music Awards are sponsored by Sony Ericsson, MTV Games / Harmonic's The Beatles(TM): Rock Band(TM) and Dell.

For more information on 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards artists -- and to vote -- please go to: www.mtvema.com

Or go to: www.ema.mtv.co.uk/press

SOURCE MTV Networks International

P!nk Releases DVD With Bonus CD Set 'Funhouse Tour Live In Australia' in Stores Oct. 27

2009-10-23T21:23:50Z

P!nk's dazzling live concert performance is captured on the new DVD Funhouse Tour Live In Australia plus bonus CD set due in stores Oct. 27.

The DVD features P!nk performing her enduring hits from the past decade and songs from her fifth studio album Funhouse, which has sold 5 million units worldwide. The concert was filmed entirely in HD in Australia where she sold out a record-breaking 60 shows and will also be available on Blu-ray on Dec 8. The bonus live audio CD, limited to the DVD set only, is made up of a dozen of Pink's handpicked tour favorites and a previously unreleased exclusive studio track, "Push You Away".

The Funhouse tour has received unprecedented critical acclaim:

"Even in an era of escalating pop spectacle, Pink's 'Funhouse' tour is going to be hard to top...Onstage she was a down-to-earth superwoman." - New York Times

"Pink even pulled off an impressive version of 'Bohemian Rhapsody'...Like everything in Friday's concert- like everything in Pink's career- the song was a gamble, but one that the singer made look like a piece of cake." - Los Angeles Times

"Pink knows how to challenge, titillate, lure and wow the crowd...Pink combines showmanship with her powerhouse vocals, for an evening worth the price of admission." -Chicago Tribune

"Pink imported her Funhouse tour to the states, bringing a show filled with razzle-dazzle covers and stunts ..." -Rolling Stone.com

"Pink soared through the air and rocked out Madison Square Garden...filling the huge venue with the sights and sounds of her flashy Funhouse show." - MTV.com

Since her debut in 2000, P!nk has been widely hailed as a fearlessly talented singer/songwriter. To date, the Pennsylvania native has sold 30 million albums cumulatively worldwide. Her previous albums include: her four million-unit selling debut, Can't Take Me Home (2000); her sophomore follow-up, M!ssundaztood (2001) which sold 11 million worldwide; the 2.7 million worldwide seller Try This (2003), and I'm Not Dead (2006), which sold over 5 million units globally and spawned two No. 1 hits "Who Knew" and "U + Ur Hand."

www.pinkspage.com

SOURCE JIVE Label Group

EMINEM ON TOUR:
7/9-7-11 Balado Kinross-Shire, Scotland T in the Park
7/9-7-11 Gampel, Switzerland Openair Frauenfeld 7/9-7-11 Dublin, Ireland Oxegen SOURCE Interscope Records