New York City Official Calls Lady Gaga a "Slut"

ChinaFotoPress via Getty ImagesLady Gaga is a native New Yorker, but one New York City official doesn't think she's a good role model for young people.  In fact, at an event on Monday, he publicly branded her a "slut."

According to the Staten Island Advance, Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro appeared at a launch event for a program called Tackling Youth Substance Abuse, at which he displayed photos of Gaga onstage in Amsterdam last week, sparking up a joint.   Marijuana use is legal in Amsterdam.  The words "Stop glorifying drug use in the media" appeared with the photos.

Molinaro said, "We have to understand that there's a tremendous influence with our youth, which I didn't have as a youth. And there's the influence right there," he said, pointing to the photos of Gaga.  "There's Gaga. Here's this...this...I would call her a slut. This slut is influencing many, many children...and it's right to do. It's fine, it's part of it," he added sarcastically.

Molinaro continued, "My niece has two daughters, 12 and 14, [and] they love this woman. Why? Why?"

The borough president went on to berate "actresses, actors and ballplayers" who "use drugs as if it's nothing," adding, "We shouldn't praise them. We shouldn't honor them. We should really hit them. We should hit the sponsors that she has...where her millions of dollars come [from]."

He added, "To me, she's not an actress, she's a slut...in the pure meaning of the word."  It's unclear if he was referring to Gaga with that particular comment, since she's not an actress.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank Ink Deal as TGT with Atlantic Records

Twitter.com/Tyrese (L to R: Tyrese, Tank, Ginuwine)Fans of Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank also known as TGT can get ready for the trio to officially debut new R&B music with the announcement of their deal with Atlantic Records. 

In a series of online posts, Tyrese shared the good news with fans.  On Saturday, the singer tweeted a picture of vocal group as they posed with actor Jason Statham and the comment, "The moment we signed our contract."  On Sunday, the R&B singer announced, "Just got off with the chairman of Atlantic Records congratulating us an welcoming us to the label," with the hashtag #TgTAtlanticRecordz.  

Tyrese reflected on the trio's accomplishment with a photo of the guys and another tweet that stated, "3 RnB guys. Solo artist our whole careers are now were in a group... Unreal. It's no longer just a vision.. it's REAL!" 

No word yet on when their album will be available.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Stevie Wonder Leads Tribute to Composer Hal David

Facebook.com/StevieWonderStevie Wonder, Marilyn McCoo, and Valerie Simpson were among the stars who performed a tribute to the late composer Hal David Friday night at the Hillcrest Country Club in Los Angeles, reports  Showbiz411.com.  David, who wrote numerous classic songs with Bacharach for Dionne Warwick, Herb Alpert, Tom Jones and many more, passed away September 1.  He was 91.

Wonder, who also recorded "Alfie," added his personal stamp to the song with a harmonica solo.  Simpson sang “I Say a Little Prayer," and McCoo of The Fifth Dimension performed their hit “One Less Bell to Answer."

Of course, the Warwick hits include "Walk On By," "Alfie," "Reach Out for Me," "Message to Michael," "Trains and Boats and Planes," "I Say a Little Prayer," "Do You Know the Way to San Jose" and "I'll Never Fall in Love Again."

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Ownership Rights of DMX's Latest Album in Dispute

HRM Records/International Arts MusicIronically, there is a big dispute brewing over who owns what when it comes to Undisputed, the new album from DMX.

Seven Arts Entertainment claims that music industry execs Craig Sussman and Charles Gullo, of In The Zone Entertainment, are interfering with its right to distribute Undisputed, previously titled Redemption of the Beast.  According to AllHipHop.com, the issue is that, although the first rights holder hired ITZ to distribute the album, ITZ never paid the almost $500,000 in fees to obtain the distribution rights.  However, Seven Arts says it did pay for distribution rights for the rapper's album back in February.  Even so, that hasn't stopped Sussman and Gullo from interfering with its release. Seven Arts is asking for $6 million in damages in their suit. 

Undeterred, the distribution drama hasn't stopped DMX from hyping his first full-length album since 2006's Year of the Dog...Again.  In a tweet on September 16, DMX urges fans, "[Undisputed] in stores now everywhere... Go get it !!!"

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Heart Ready for Fans to "Walk All Over" Them as They Receive Their Hollywood Star Today

Luck MediaHeart's busy fall continues, as Ann & Nancy Wilson receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday.  Their star, number 2,481 if you're keeping track, will be located at 6752 Hollywood Boulevard, in front of The Musician's Institute.  If you can't make it in person, you can watch it stream live at WalkofFame.com starting at 11:30 a.m. PT.

Comparing this particular accolade with the others they've received in their long career, Ann Wilson tells ABC News Radio, "It's a good one. We've never received an honor like that before."  Nancy, meanwhile says, "We don't have to try to figure out where to put it in our house 'cause it's already on the street over there by the Musicians Institute." 

But while they don't have to ponder where to keep the award, they do have to make a decision about something equally important. "I gotta figure out what to wear [to the ceremony!]," says Ann.

Nancy tells ABC News Radio that one thing they think is special about getting a star on the Walk of Fame is that it's a permanent piece of the landscape that their descendants can visit.  "It'll be really fun for our kids and their kids, y'know, future generations...to just be able to walk by there and go, 'Ooh, yeah I'm related to those sisters,'" says Nancy. "I think that's the coolest thing about it."

The sisters don't even mind that people from all nations will be stepping on their names for all eternity.  "Just walk all over us!  I don't care! Go ahead!" they laugh. 

Heart's new album Fanatic will be in stores October 2.  Their memoir Kicking & Dreaming is in stores now.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Lady Antebellum Launches Australian Tour with Two-Night Stand in Melbourne Tuesday

Capitol NashvilleLady Antebellum kicks off their second Australian tour Tuesday with a two-night stand in Melbourne. They played a run of shows there last year with Keith Urban, and this time Lady A returns Down Under with their own headlining shows.  The group members fell in love with their Australian fans last year.

Lady A's Charles Kelley says of their first visit to Australia, "We kind of found this whole little new world of fans over there for us.  Everybody was super nice.  We love their accents, so it was a beautiful place to be."

Lady Antebellum is getting a big reception in Australia playing multiple nights in every city on the tour.  They've got two nights in Brisbane and three nights in Sydney on top of the opening shows in Melbourne.

Says Charles, "We’d sell out the first night and add a show, which was pretty overwhelming, so we’re looking forward to it."

Charles' band mates Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood want him to see more of Australia than he did last time.  Dave and Hillary both went to the zoo to see koala bears and kangaroos, but Charles opted to play golf instead.

He says, "I can sit there and go, 'Alright, I can go play golf and get out and enjoy nature my way or I can go hold nature.'"

We'll keep you posted if Charles communes with Australia's wild life on the trek.  They'll be playing shows there through October 3.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Country Star Trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockWhat is the name of the bar in Nashville's Printer's Alley where Rascal Flatts first performed together? ANSWER: Fiddle & Steel Guitar Bar.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Rod Stewart Announces First 2013 Dates for Las Vegas Residency

Universal Music GroupRod Stewart has lined up the first set of 2013 dates for his Las Vegas show Rod Stewart: The Hits. 

Stewart will appear at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on January 23, 26, 27 and 30, and February 1,2, 6, 8 and 9.  Tickets go on sale this Friday, September 28 at 10 a.m. Las Vegas time.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's final Caesars Palace show for 2012 will be on October 7, but as previously reported, he will be a special guest at Cee Lo Green's benefit show, Cee Lo and Friends, at Planet Hollywood in Vegas on the 10th.  Rod and Cee Lo appear on each others' Christmas albums, which are both due out the same day: October 30.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Muse Offers Preview of "The 2nd Law: Isolated System" on New Social Website

Danny ClinchMuse is giving you the chance to check out another new track from their upcoming album, The 2nd Law.

The band has launched a new website, Social Connectome, which will allow users to hear incremental 30-second clips of their new track, "The 2nd Law: Isolated System." In order to check out the song you’ll need to join the Muse fan community at the website, which features a 3D visualization of social connections showing how Muse fans discovered The 2nd Law through their friends. The concept for the website was inspired by The Human Connectome Project, a website that offers details of neural connections in the brain.

You’ll get your first chance to hear songs from The 2nd Law played live when Muse takes the stage later this week as part of the iTunes Festival. The band is scheduled to perform at London’s Roundhouse on September 30, just two days before their new album is the released.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Newcomer Greg Bates Bringing His Brand of Country to Brantley Gilbert's Hell on Wheels Tour

Jeremy CowartNewcomer Greg Bates is climbing the country chart with his debut single, "Did It for the Girl," and he'll be singing that easygoing hit on Brantley Gilbert's Hell on Wheels tour starting later this week.  Though Brantley is known for rocking hard on stage, Greg thinks his brand of country will fit in just fine on the tour.

"That's what so great about country music, is you can listen to Brantley Gilbert and George Strait at the same time," Greg explains, "and you can be fans of both equally."

Uncle Kracker is also along for the ride on Brantley's Hell on Wheels tour, launching Thursday in West Lafayette, LA.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Karmin Say "Hello" with "More Aggressive" New Single

KarminMusic.comFans who loved Karmin's debut single "Brokenhearted" probably have noticed that their latest single, "Hello," is a little bit different.  It's definitely not as poppy, for one thing, and it has way more rapping in it. That's why the duo say they were scared to release it as their first single.

"Hello" should have been the natural debut song for Karmin -- engaged couple Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan -- since, as the title suggests, it introduces them and tells the story of their artistic journey.  But the two decided to go with "Brokenhearted" because it was less aggressive.

"We loved 'Brokenhearted'...and it sounded good for the radio, so that was what we pushed out, and thankfully it did great.  So 'Hello' is our little more aggressive second single," Amy tells ABC News Radio.

"It's a little bit darker than 'Brokenhearted,'" agrees Nick. "That was the debate: which single do we go with first? Do we go with 'Hello' or do we go with 'Brokenhearted?' And we thought since summer was coming around, 'Brokenhearted' was better, and now that fall is starting to come, 'Hello' is better."

Another interesting feature of "Hello" is that the chorus is very reminiscent of the "Hello hello hello hello" chorus in Nirvana's grunge classic "Smells Like Teen Spirit."  Amy and Nick says it wasn't intentional, but it doesn't surprise them that it ended up that way.

"You know, we weren't directly going for that but I can totally hear it and we're both huge Nirvana fans so it's only natural," says Amy.  Nick adds, "We were listening to all '90s music when we were writing the album so it's funny that that's how it ended up."

"Hello" is the title track of the duo's debut EP, but they say a full-length disc is on its way this fall.

"We're trying to complete the thought of Hello, which was released as an EP, and make that our first full release, so that'll be coming in November for you guys," reveals Amy.  Nick adds, speaking of the new album, "The first Hello was kind of like half, and this is the remainder.  This is the rest of the thought."

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Bruce Springsteen's Daughter Buys Olympic Gold-Winning Horse

Photo: Danny ClinchWhile Bruce Springsteen was celebrating his 63rd birthday at a concert Saturday night at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, his daughter Jessica was going for the gold, by buying an Olympic horse.  According to the New York Daily News,  Jessica Springsteen purchased Murka’s Vindicat W, the horse Peter Charles rode to clinch the Olympic showjumping team title for Britain in the London Olympics last month.

Twenty-year-old Jessica missed the cut for the U.S. Olympic equestrian team for London.  She hopes that the 10-year-old gelding, whose nickname is "Vinnie," will bring her luck and guide to her to spot on the 2012 Olympic team in Rio de Janeiro. The price was not revealed, but award winning showjumpers have recently been sold for as much as 8 million dollars.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

LMFAO's Skyblu Confirms It: They're Not Breaking Up

LFMAOMusic.comLMFAO wants to make absolutely certain that everyone knows they're not breaking up.

The band's rep released a statement from Skyblu Monday night that declares, "LMFAO has not broken up. My uncle and partner, Redfoo, and I have decided to take some time between albums to explore our own interests in music and other areas in entertainment."

That statement echoes what a source told ABC News Radio earlier Monday, saying of the duo, "They are not breaking up. LMFAO is between albums and Redfoo and Skyblu are working on their own projects."

Rumors of the so-called split began spreading based on comments made by Redfoo in a recent interview that he and Skyblu were putting things on hold for a while. 

"Redfoo and I are Party Rockers for life," Skyblu concludes in his statement.  "We love and respect one another and support each other in everything we do."

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Flo Rida’s Legal Woes Include IRS Claim and Home Security Lawsuit

Zach Wolfe/Atlantic RecordsThe Internal Revenue Service has slapped a tax lien on Flo Rida’s Miami home, claiming he owes more than $1 million in unpaid taxes, GossipExtra.com reports.

According to court papers filed in Miami-Dade County and obtained by GossipExtra, the 32-year-old rapper, whose birth name is Tramar Dillard, owes $1,040,777.45 in taxes going back to 2009.

Flo Rida is also being sued by the home security company ADT for allegedly failing to fully pay for a $58,000 security system that was installed in his Miami home, TMZ.com reports. According to the lawsuit, ADT installed smoke detectors, dozens of sensors and at least 27 security cameras in the rapper’s home in accordance with a contract signed by Flo Rida’s manager.  ADT is demanding more than 47 grand for an unpaid balance, plus interest. According to TMZ, Flo Rida claims he doesn’t owe a dime because he never authorized the work.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Report: Wiz Khalifa Wanted for Questioning in Hit & Run Accident

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images via ABCWiz Khalifa is wanted by the Los Angeles Police Department for a little sit down about a hit and run accident, TMZ reports. 

According to the site, a woman has filed a complaint against the rapper alleging that on Wednesday Wiz fled the scene after his car crashed into hers.  According to TMZ, the alleged incident occurred around midnight as people were leaving the set of Wiz's video shoot.  TMZ's sources say the woman had been one of the people working on the set.  Calls by TMZ to reps for Wiz were not returned.

No word on which video was being shot.  Wiz has been working on a new album, O.N.I.F.C., which stands for Only Ni**a in First Class.  The disc was initially slated for release on August 28, then September 18, no new release date has been confirmed.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Settlement Deal with Patti LaBelle Nixed After Mom Can't Remain Mum

PRNewsFoto/TJL ProductionsThanks to a little too much talk, a $100,000 settlement from Patti LaBelle may have been voided.  

On Friday, a U.S. District Court judge in Manhattan nixed an out-of-court agreement to settle a claim against the singer for an incident in which Patti reportedly screamed obscenities at a toddler, the New York Daily News reports.  Who killed the deal?  According to the Daily News, the tot's mom effectively ended the confidential arrangement when she talked about the deal on TV. 

According to the judge, the case could proceed to trial but all hope for an out-of-court settlement is not lost.  If the involved parties are able to resurrect the deal, the judge says a trial could be avoided, says the Daily News.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Daughtry Bassist Josh Paul Leaves the Band After Six Years

Cindy Ord/Getty ImagesDaughtry has lost its third member in six years.  Bass player Josh Paul is leaving the lineup, according to a post on the band's official website, but it appears to be quite an amicable parting.

In a statement, Josh said, "The time has come for me to bow out and let the band continue on without me. This has been a very difficult decision, as these are not only my band mates, but my brothers.  For six years we have worked to build something special together, not only on stage and in the studio, but in our lives. I wish the band all the the luck and success that they deserve!"

Chris Daughtry said, in response to Josh's departure, "I want to thank JP for being such an important part of the Daughtry family for the past six years. I will always be grateful to him, will always cherish the time we've spent together personally and creatively, and truly wish him success & happiness in all his endeavors."

Chris followed that up by tweeting, "We are all very sad to see our brother @TheRealJoshPaul leave the band however we wish him nothing but the BEST in his future endeavors!"

He added, "Let it be known that @TheRealJoshPaul is a huge part of our sound and will truly be missed on stage and off. He's been with me since the beginning of 'Daughtry' & always gave 200% every show! @TheRealJoshPaul is one of the BEST bass players period!"

Prior to Josh leaving the band, drummer Joey Barnes left in 2010 after four years and was replaced by Robin Diaz.  And before that, rhythm guitarist Jeremy Brady left in 2007, after one year of service, and was replaced by Brian Craddock.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Heart Ready for Fans to "Walk All Over" Them as They Receive Their Hollywood Star Today

Heart-Music.comHeart's busy fall continues, as Ann & Nancy Wilson receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday.  Their star, number 2,481 if you're keeping track, will be located at 6752 Hollywood Boulevard, in front of The Musician's Institute.  If you can't make it in person, you can watch it stream live at WalkofFame.com starting at 11:30 a.m. PT.

Comparing this particular accolade with the others they've received in their long career, Ann Wilson tells ABC News Radio, "It's a good one. We've never received an honor like that before."  Nancy, meanwhile says, "We don't have to try to figure out where to put it in our house 'cause it's already on the street over there by the Musicians Institute." 

But while they don't have to ponder where to keep the award, they do have to make a decision about something equally important. "I gotta figure out what to wear [to the ceremony!]," says Ann.

Nancy tells ABC News Radio that one thing they think is special about getting a star on the Walk of Fame is that it's a permanent piece of the landscape that their descendants can visit.  "It'll be really fun for our kids and their kids, y'know, future generations...to just be able to walk by there and go, 'Ooh, yeah I'm related to those sisters,'" says Nancy. "I think that's the coolest thing about it."

The sisters don't even mind that people from all nations will be stepping on their names for all eternity.  "Just walk all over us!  I don't care! Go ahead!" they laugh.   (AUDIO IS EXCLUSIVE)

Heart's new album Fanatic will be in stores October 2.  Their memoir Kicking & Dreaming is in stores now.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Barry Gibb Launches Mythology Tour in Australia

Photo: Sayre BermanBarry Gibb is set to return to the stage, kicking off his Mythology concert tour in his native Australia early next year.  The tour starts on February 8 in Sydney followed by shows February 12 in Melbourne and February 16 in Brisbane.  He made his American solo debut last February in Miami and performed in July at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

His touring band will feature his son, guitarist/vocalist Stephen Gibb, and vocalist Samantha Gibb, the daughter of his late brother Maurice.  The only remaining member of The Bee Gees says, "As the place where we started so many years ago, we have always viewed Australia as our home so it is only fitting that we will be kicking off our 'Mythology' tour there."

According to a promoter Live Nation, tickets will go on sale Friday October 5.  That day, The Bee Gees' four disc, 81-song Mythology box set goes on sale in Australia including the group's Saturday Night Fever classics "Night Fever," "Stayin' Alive," "Jive Talkin'," and "More than a Woman."

 Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

The Killers Headed for Big Debut on "Billboard" 200 with "Battle Born"

Island RecordsThe Killers are set to make a big splash on the Billboard 200 album chart this week. The band’s fourth studio album, Battle Born, is expected to grab the #3 slot, with projected sales putting it somewhere around 110,000 copies. We’ll find out if the band’s album has what it takes to be #2 when the new Billboard 200 chart's top 10 is released on Wednesday.

While all the band’s previous albums have debuted in the top 10, The Killers never scored a #1 album on the Billboard album chart. Their highest-charting release to date is their second studio album, Sam’s Town, which hit #2 when it was released in 2006.

We’ll find out if Battle Born has what it takes to be #3 when the new Billboard 200 chart's top 10 is released on Wednesday.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio