Music News From ABC News Radio

Chief Keef Arrested for Allegedly Smoking Weed in Atlanta-Area Hotel

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 22:00:18 +0000

Facebook.com/ChiefKeefChief Keef has been released from police custody in the Atlanta area after being arrested Monday for allegedly smoking weed at a swanky hotel. That's according to TMZ, which shared audio from a Le Meridien hotel security guard's call to 911.

The unidentified guard reports that he was tracking down the source of a leak at the hotel when he knocked on the door of Keef's room. That's when he says he caught a glimpse of a "bunch of gentlemen rolling marijuana." The guard says he didn't get a good look at the group, but recalls there were at least "three black males" -- two with long dreadlocks and one female.

"I announced myself as 'security,' and they let me in the room, as if it didn't even matter," the security guard reports to the dispatcher. Police were sent to the hotel, and Keef was reportedly arrested. In a tweet early Tuesday morning, Keef wrote, "Jus Got Out Of Dekalb County jail In Atlanta Mad As f**k."

Just earlier this year, Keef was sentenced to 60 days in juvenile detention after violating his probation by holding a rifle during an on-camera interview last year with the music website Pitchfork.

The-Dream Streams His "IV Play" Album; Tour Plans Change

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 22:00:18 +0000

Island Def JamThe-Dream is streaming his IV Play album online, one week before the project arrives in stores. All 14 songs from the standard edition are available on Vevo, so that means fans can check out full versions of tracks featuring Beyonce, Gary Clark Jr., Jay-Z and more.

On Monday night, The-Dream and his "Where Have You Been?" collaborator Kelly Rowland performed their song together on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. In a tweet Monday, Dream messaged his duet partner, writing, "K.Row..... Thank You from Me and the Lovecult for being here for me Today! Jay Leno...I appreciate it soooo much. I LOVE you!"

The-Dream and Kelly were supposed to kick off their co-headlining Lights Out tour this Thursday at Myth in St. Paul, Minnesota, but plans have changed now that Kelly will be on the judges’ panel when The X Factor returns this fall.

A note on Myth's website announces, "Due to X Factor-related scheduling conflicts, Kelly Rowland & The Dream’s Lights Out Tour has been canceled for the time being. Refunds available at the point of purchase. We are very sorry for any inconvenience." A similar message went out in a tweet from The Midland venue in Kansas City, Missouri, where the tour was scheduled to stop on Friday.

There's no word yet on whether additional dates will be scrapped. Many venues were still advertising tickets. Right now, The-Dream is preparing for the May 28 release of his IV Play album. A deluxe version of the set includes four additional bonus tracks, for a total of 18 songs.

Surviving Doors Members Pay Homage to Late Keyboardist Ray Manzarek

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 22:00:17 +0000

Henry Diltz/Elektra RecordsIn the wake of Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek's death Monday at age 74 after a battle with bile-duct cancer, the group's two surviving members, guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore, have penned tributes to their longtime band mate.

After issuing a brief initial statement about Manzarek's passing on Monday, Krieger later posted a longer homage on his official Facebook page. In the message, Krieger notes that Manzarek and late Doors singer Jim Morrison "were the two most unusual people I have ever known." He then points out that while Morrison "was obviously a genius" whose unique qualities were immediately apparent, Ray "was a late bloomer."

Krieger continues, "The real Ray didn't appear until after Jim was gone. He was constantly doing projects with different people, producing, playing with different poets. He always saw the good side of people, and that was his genius."

The guitarist goes on to praise Manzarek for being "the only guy at UCLA that saw something good about Jim. Everyone else thought of Jim as a phony or worse. He saw the genius of Jim's words and the rest is history."

Lastly, Krieger notes that Ray "sure did influence my life, and I hope yours [too]. I'll always be grateful to John for introducing me to Ray and Jim, and I'll never forget them."

As for Densmore, he writes of Manzarek in an extended Twitter post, "There was no keyboard player on the planet more appropriate to support Jim Morrison's words." Then, speaking directly to his late band mate, he declares, "Ray, I felt totally in sync with you musically. It was like we were of one mind, holding down the foundation for Robby and Jim to float on top of. I will miss my musical brother."

Meanwhile, a TMZ report has revealed some new details about Manzarek's illness and the treatment he sought to cure it. Sources close to the keyboardist's side group The Manzarek-Rogers Band revealed to TMZ that Ray was at the RoMed Clinic in Rosenheim, Germany, the facility in which he died, because it's a world-class clinic that specializes in treating the rare cancer that killed him. The sources reported that Manzarek told his band mates about his condition in March, and he went to Germany not long after that.

Trace Adkins Shines a Light on Red Cross Relief Efforts in Oklahoma

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 22:00:17 +0000

Show Dog/UniversalWith the devastating images coming from those deadly tornadoes in Oklahoma, Trace Adkins wants to remind everyone about the Red Cross relief effort already under way in the affected areas. During his Tuesday appearance on Live with Kelly and Michael, Trace said, "I've got a lot of friends in Oklahoma and yeah, there are Red Cross volunteers on the scene right now. They were there Sunday, as soon as this started happening."

Trace won All-Star Celebrity Apprentice on Sunday, and he donated the $1.5 million he won on the show to the Red Cross. That organization was on the scene when Trace's Nashville home burned two years ago, and he's been working on their behalf ever since.

Trace explains, "We always see the huge, you know, the natural disaster response, and the things that the Red Cross does, but it's 365, you know, 24/7."

For more information on how you can help, go to RedCross.org.

Madonna's MDNA Tour DVD Coming in September

Andrea Dresdale — Tue, 21 May 2013 22:00:15 +0000

Sara De Boer/Startraks Photo via ABCMadonna's MDNA tour, which just won her the Top Touring Artist honor at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night, is coming to DVD in September.

That's according to the star herself, who told Billboard that despite rumors she's been working on a new album, "I just finished editing the DVD of my concert, so I haven't had any free time."

Speaking with Extra, Madonna said she loved her MDNA tour because two of her four children got to be a part of the production. "To me that’s my idea of fun, to be creative, to do what I love to do and see my kids working around me and earning their way in life," she explained. "My daughter [Lourdes] worked in the costume department, and she loved it. My son [Rocco] was in the show, and he loved it.”

If you can't wait until September for the MDNA tour DVD, the concert will air on EPIX on June 22. There's a trailer for it online now.

Madonna also told Extra a funny story about posing for a photo with Kim Kardashian at the star-studded Met Gala earlier this month. It turns out it isn't the first time that Madonna met the reality star, who's expecting a baby with boyfriend Kanye West.

"I met her years and years ago when she was a little girl, believe it or not," Madonna laughed. "She told me she was a huge fan of mine, and it was during the time I was wearing all of the rubber bracelets on my arms. I took off all of the bracelets and gave them to her and then I completely forgot about it. She reminded me when I saw her the other night. Now she's a pregnant lady!"

Avril & Chad to Duet on Her New Album; Couple Ready for Upcoming Wedding

Andrea Dresdale — Tue, 21 May 2013 22:00:14 +0000

Sara De Boer/Startraks Photo via ABCNow that Avril Lavigne's new single "Here's to Never Growing Up" is out, a new album will follow, with something special for fans. Avril says she and her fiance, Nickelback's Chad Kroeger, have immortalized their love on the new record by singing together.

Chad and Avril co-wrote several songs for the album, including the single, but she tells MTV News that he also joins her for a duet on her album, which will her fifth studio disc. It's due in September. Meanwhile, the couple is busy planning their wedding.

"It's going pretty smooth. My wedding planner, she knows what she is doing, but there's a lot that goes into it," Avril tells MTV. "Planning a wedding is almost like a full-time job. There's a lot of details."

The singer revealed to E! that she's already picked out her wedding dress, so that's done, but a lot remains to take care of. Is Chad helping out? Avril tells E!, "Of course he's been really involved. He's also been really cool with just letting me kinda taking the wedding in the direction I want to take it in."

For his part, Chad tells E! that his involvement consists of taking in "a lot of the things that are presented to me, and I look at them on paper, and when I'm asked my opinion, I offer it very gently." He adds, "That's the smartest thing I can possibly do because that big day is not about me. That big day is about her." Smart man.

Avril adds that while she and Chad want the nuptials to be "a very big event," she added, "At the same time it's small and it's just close friends and close family."

Muse to Be Featured on "World War Z" Soundtrack?

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 22:00:14 +0000

Gavin BondMuse has hinted that they may be lending their talents to the soundtrack for the upcoming zombie horror flick, World War Z. On Tuesday, the group posted a six-second video on their YouTube channel that features the “S” in the band’s name changing to a red “Z,” along with the phrase, “There will be no warning.” That phrase has been used to promote the film.

World War Z, a big-screen adaptation of Max Brooks’ novel of the same name, will arrive in theaters on June 21. It stars Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos and Matthew Fox.

Beyonce's "Grown Woman" Track Leaks to the Web

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:00:00 +0000

IAmBeyonce.comThe Beyonce headlines have been nonstop for weeks now, but with all the chatter about concert dates, pregnancy rumors and H&M ads, the BeyHive has been calling for new music. On Monday, fans got their wish -- at least, sort of.

A full version of Beyonce's "Grown Woman" track is now on the Web, and though it's not clear whether the song is in its final state, it's the closest fans have gotten to a new single from the singer. Reportedly produced by Timbaland and co-written by The-Dream, "Grown Woman" features Bey declaring, "I can look fast if I want/I can go slow all night long" over a lush, tribal beat.

A snippet of the song debuted last month as part of Bey's "Mirrors" commercial for Pepsi, and later somebody at a concert in Paris posted footage of Mrs. Carter performing the new material. The audio from the show was a little rough, but now fans can finally hear Beyonce loud and clear. "It ain't no fun if a girl can't have none/You really wanna know how I got it like that 'cause I got a cute face and my booty so fat..." she sings.

There's no official word on whether "Grown Woman" will appear on Beyonce's upcoming album. The same goes for "Standing on the Sun," which she debuted in March as part of her H&M summer collection advertisement.

In other Beyonce news, she's been posting new photos to her Tumblr page. Along with pictures from her trip to Cuba and photos from the road, Bey also shared a snapshot of her daughter, Blue Ivy. With her back to the camera, 1-year-old Blue sits in her miniature director's chair, which displays her initials: "BIC." She sports a pink tutu, matching top and a head full of tiny pigtails.

Music Stars React to the Oklahoma Tornado Tragedy

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:00:53 +0000

Oklahoma County SheriffSince a devastating tornado ripped through Moore, Oklahoma, on Monday, killing at least 24 people, the world has taken to Twitter and Facebook to express their support, send out prayers and wishes, and talk about how people can help. Among those reacting were many of music's top stars. Here's a roundup of some of these artists' thoughts about the tragedy:

Kansas: "The band KANSAS would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to those affected by the recent storms in Oklahoma and the Midwest. For those looking to help, you can donate to the Red Cross by texting RedCross to 90999 or at RedCross.org."

Styx: "Our hearts are broken for Oklahoma. Let's all continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers."

Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry: "My sympathies for those who lost families and homes from the tornado that hit Oklahoma. #Climate #climatechange"

REO Speedwagon bassist Bruce Hall: "While I'm so thankful that my family and friends in [Oklahoma City] are safe, my heart is breaking for those that have suffered such great loss. When we are asked 'where is your favorite place to play?' The Zoo Amp is always on that list. Oklahoma has stood by REO Speedwagon for 40 years and now we will stand by Oklahoma as they continue to Ride this Storm Out, re-build and come back stronger. If you are able, please donate to the Red Cross disaster relief fund."

Alice Cooper: "Thoughts and prayers going to everyone in [#Oklahoma] and the surrounding areas with these #tornados..."

Cher, who celebrated her birthday on Monday: "My birthday was joyous! Family came over..Oh The CAKE ! 1 thing made my day sad..the devastation in Oklahoma ! We need 2 say prayers 4 Them."

Rock Stars React to the Oklahoma Tornado Tragedy

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:00:53 +0000

Oklahoma County SheriffSince a devastating tornado ripped through Moore, Oklahoma, on Monday, killing at least 24 people, the world has taken to Twitter and Facebook to express their support, send out prayers and wishes, and talk about how people can help. Among those reacting were many veteran rock stars. Here's a roundup of some of these artists' thoughts about the tragedy:

Styx: "Our hearts are broken for Oklahoma. Let's all continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers."

Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry: "My sympathies for those who lost families and homes from the tornado that hit Oklahoma. #Climate #climatechange"

Alice Cooper: "Thoughts and prayers going to everyone in [#Oklahoma] and the surrounding areas with these #tornados..."

Slash: "Horrible what the people in Oklahoma just went thru. The devastation they're facing now. & the lives they've lost."

Ex-Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan: "If you have it, please help the #Oklahoma tornado victims by donating to the Red Cross http://redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999."

Former GN'R drummer Matt Sorum: "I love you Oklahoma My heart is broken for you. Prayers for you."

Did Katy Perry Contribute to KPatz's Breakup?

Andrea Dresdale — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:00:52 +0000

Courtesy: Katy PerryDo Twilight fans have Katy Perry to blame for the breakup of Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson? One source says yes, in a way.

The two stars reportedly split over the past few days, when Pattinson was spotted moving out of Stewart's house, according to E! And a source tells E! that Katy, who's been friendly with the couple for a long time, "played a role, as one of many reasons" in the breakup. For example, earlier this month, Katy and Pattinson were spotted leaving the Met Gala in New York City together.

However, K-Stew's cheating scandal with her Snow White & the Huntsman director may also have contributed to the split, according to E!. People had reported that Kristen and Robert had already been fighting a lot and not spending any time together. Meanwhile, Katy's been vacationing with friends in the Bahamas.

Coyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Artists React to the Oklahoma Tornado Tragedy

Andrea Dresdale — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:00:52 +0000

Oklahoma County SheriffSince a devastating tornado ripped through Moore, Oklahoma, on Monday, killing at least 24 people, the world has taken to Twitter to express their support, prayers for love, and to talk about how people can help. Among those reacting were many of music's top stars. Here's a roundup of some of their thoughts:

Rob Thomas: "Please send thoughts, prayers, blood and donations to Oklahoma. Truly devastating and heartbreaking."

Cher, who celebrated her birthday on Monday: "My birthday was joyous! Family came over..Oh The CAKE ! 1 thing made my day sad..the devastation in Oklahoma ! We need 2 say prayers 4 Them"

Katy Perry: "Sending out prayers for the people of Oklahoma tonight. Let's help, just text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate 10 dollars to those in need."

Josh Groban: "Just woke up in Finland to the devastating updates on the news. Just heartbreaking. Stay strong, Oklahoma."

Nicki Minaj: "Love to Oklahoma"

Alicia Keys: "So much going on in the world...I'm saddened by the devastating news… My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected #PrayForOklahoma"

Sara Bareilles: "‏My heart breaks for what's happened. Sending love. Text REDCROSS to 90999 or there's a list of others, http://cbsn.ws/12I3xUz"

Sheryl Crow: "Reading the news & continue to pray for the missing in Oklahoma, especially the school children, and all those affected. #Oklahoma"

Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, who's originally from Oklahoma: My heart goes out to the people in Oklahoma affected by this insane storm. So close to where I grew up, I can't believe the devastation

Fergie: Sending thoughts & prayers out 2 the families impacted by today's tornado in OKC. My heart is w/ u. #PrayForOklahoma

David Cook, who lived in Tulsa, OK, for a time: "Hope everyone in Oklahoma stays safe and out of harm's way."

Ricky Martin: "My heart goes out to everyone affected by the devastating #Oklahoma City #tornado. Sending love."

Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean: "My prayers go out to all the people of Oklahoma who have lost a loved one to this horrible tornado deal! Time to rebuild so help if u can!"

Michelle Branch: "I just heard the news about Oklahoma. So devastating. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to help tornado victims."

Simon Cowell: "Oh my god. Just read about Oklahoma. My thoughts and prayers to everyone affected."

Artists React to the Oklahoma Tornado Tragedy

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:00:52 +0000

Rihanna Instagrammed a graphic that reads, "Praying for Oklahoma," while Beyonce posted one that says, "Prayers for #Moore Oklahoma." Diddy did the same, sharing an Instagram graphic that reads, "Prayers Out for Oklahoma."

A post on Michelle William's tumblr says, "#PrayersForOklahoma." The graphic also shares information about donating to RedCross.org to help.

Janelle Monae: "Thinking of you Oklahoma. Thinking hard and praying. Man."

Nicki Minaj: "Love to Oklahoma"

Alicia Keys: "So much going on in the world...I'm saddened by the devastating news… My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected #PrayForOklahoma"

Chris Brown: "Sending my love and prayers to the people of Oklahoma. #PrayForOklahoma."

Solange Knowles: "Oklahoma, you are in my thoughts..."

Q-Tip: "#PrayForOklahoma thoughts are with all who were in harms way...."

Estelle: Crazy. "Oklahoma. ...Hope #mydarlings w family members there are all straight."

Snoop Dogg: "#PrayForOklahoma"

Kirk Franklin: "Lift up a prayer with me now for the people in Oklahoma..."

Artists React to the Oklahoma Tornado Tragedy

Andrea Dresdale — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:00:51 +0000

Rihanna Instagrammed a graphic that reads, "Praying for Oklahoma," while Beyonce posted one that says, "Prayers for #Moore Oklahoma."

Rob Thomas: "Please send thoughts, prayers, blood and donations to Oklahoma. Truly devastating and heartbreaking."

Katy Perry: "Sending out prayers for the people of Oklahoma tonight. Let's help, just text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate 10 dollars to those in need."

Demi Lovato: "My heart hurts for Oklahoma.. Praying for everyone affected by the tornados."

Nicki Minaj: "Love to Oklahoma"

Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, who's originally from Oklahoma: My heart goes out to the people in Oklahoma affected by this insane storm. So close to where I grew up, I can't believe the devastation

Fergie: Sending thoughts & prayers out 2 the families impacted by today's tornado in OKC. My heart is w/ u. #PrayForOklahoma

Alicia Keys: "So much going on in the world...I'm saddened by the devastating news… My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected #PrayForOklahoma"

Imagine Dragons: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Oklahoma tonight.Olly Murs: My thoughts & prayers go out to everyone in Oklahoma that have been affected by this devastating tornado. #prayforoklahoma"

Sara Bareilles: "‏My heart breaks for what's happened. Sending love. Text REDCROSS to 90999 or there's a list of others, http://cbsn.ws/12I3xUz"

Sheryl Crow: "Reading the news & continue to pray for the missing in Oklahoma, especially the school children, and all those affected. #Oklahoma"

David Cook, who lived in Tulsa, OK, for a time: "Hope everyone in Oklahoma stays safe and out of harm's way."

Chris Brown: "Sending my love and prayers to the people of Oklahoma. #PrayForOklahoma."

Scooter Braun: "landed to hear the news about what happened in Oklahoma...my prayers go out to those families suffering in this tragedy. #prayforOklahoma"

Ricky Martin: "My heart goes out to everyone affected by the devastating #Oklahoma City #tornado. Sending love."

Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean: "My prayers go out to all the people of Oklahoma who have lost a loved one to this horrible tornado deal! Time to rebuild so help if u can!"

Michelle Branch: "I just heard the news about Oklahoma. So devastating. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to help tornado victims."

Blink-182 to Launch Charity Auctions for OK Tornado Victims; Other Rock Stars Share Thoughts on Tragedy

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:00:51 +0000

Oklahoma County SheriffBlink-182 is stepping up to help those affected by the deadly tornadoes that ripped through Moore, Oklahoma on Monday, killing at least 24 people. The band has just announced that they'll be offering some exclusive products for a charity auction, the proceeds from which will go to support tornado victims.

“As we watch the news again this morning from Oklahoma our hearts as we are sure yours are as well are just broken for the people [affected] by this devastating tornado,” writes the band in a joint statement on their Facebook page. “In the next few days we will be rolling out some charity auctions and merchandise to raise money (100% of the funds) for the people that have lost everything. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Oklahoma.”

In addition, a number of rock artists have taken to Twitter to express their support and prayers for the tornado victims. Here's a roundup of some of their thoughts:

Slash: "Horrible what the people in Oklahoma just went thru. The devastation they're facing now. & the lives they've lost."

Nickelback: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the Oklahoma tornados #PrayForOklahoma"

Imagine Dragons: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Oklahoma tonight."

Linkin Park's Chester Bennington: "I am heartbroken for the people of Oklahoma!"

Former Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum: "I love you Oklahoma. My heart is broken for you. Prayers for you."

Aerosmtih's Joe Perry: "My sympathies for those who lost families and homes from the tornado that hit Oklahoma. #Climate #climatechange"

Kings of Leon's Nathan Followill: "Sending good vibes 2 the people of Moore/OKC. Glad 2 hear the amazing stories of survival but very heavyhearted 4 those still missing."

Willie Nelson Gathering His Large Family for Birthday Concert in New York City

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:00:50 +0000

Sony LegacyWillie Nelson is gathering his large, musical family for an 80th birthday show at the Hard Rock Café in Times Square June 6. Willie is set to perform along with different bands led by two of his sons, two of his daughters and two of his granddaughters, respectively.

Proceeds from the concert will go to the BioDiesel Alliance and Animal Welfare Institute. A special Willie Nelson "Artist Spotlight" t-shirt, pen and bandana will be available online and at select Hard Rock locations to commemorate the event. Willie actually celebrated his 80th birthday April 30.

A select number of tickets are available through Ticketweb.com.

Kellie Pickler's "Dancing with the Stars" Performance Makes Hubby Kyle Jacobs Cry

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:00:00 +0000

Facebook.com/KelliePicklerThe first half of the finale is over on season 16 of Dancing with the Stars. Country singer Kellie Pickler is in 2nd place, just a point behind Disney star Zendaya. Pickler and partner Derek Hough's emotional freestyle left half the ballroom in tears, including judge Carrie Ann Inaba and Pickler's husband, songwriter Kyle Jacobs.

Kellie told ABC News Radio after the show, "I didn't see him, but I heard that he was tearing up. Which is crazy, because he never cries. Ever. Um, but I, I guess that's just what dancin' can do to you. There's a lot of -- it's, it's emotional!"

The two-hour season finale results show, featuring musical performances from Pitbull, Wynonna and PSY, airs on ABC Tuesday night at 9 p.m. Eastern time.

Carrie Underwood, George Strait, Jason Aldean and More Added to CMT Music Awards Lineup

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:39:46 +0000

Arista NashvilleThe 2013 CMT Music Awards lineup just got a lot hotter with the addition to the performers lineup of Carrie Underwood, George Strait, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban and Lady Antebellum. Florida Georgia Line and Darius Rucker also join the bill, along with previously-announced performers Hunter Hayes, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Pistol Annies and Taylor Swift. Presenters will be announced soon.

You can vote online now to determine the winners at CMT.com and through CMT's mobile apps.

The 2013 CMT Music Awards broadcast live Wednesday, June 5 at 8 p.m. ET on CMT and CMT.com. Jason Aldean and actress Kristen Bell are this year's co-hosts.

Country Stars Send Out Prayers to Oklahoma Tornado Victims

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:33:03 +0000

Facebook.com/JoshTurnerJosh Turner is one of the many country stars with a personal connection to the deadly tornadoes that ripped through Moore, Oklahoma Monday. Josh's truck driver hails from Moore; thankfully, the driver and his family are okay. Jason tweeted, "For those who were not so fortunate, I pray for peace & comfort during the aftermath of this terrible tragedy."

Rascal Flatts' Joe Don Rooney also sent out a prayer, tweeting, "My thoughts & prayers are with my home state of Oklahoma. May God's love & grace be with all affected by these horrible storms."

Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood also tweeted late Monday, "Growing up in tornado alley, you always know what could happen...it doesn't change how devastating it is when something does happen. #pray."

Reba, who grew up in Chockie, OK, added, "All my prayers go out to the folks in Oklahoma dealing with these tornadoes. Stay safe everyone!!!!"

The Zombies Add Slew of Dates to US Summer Tour Schedule

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:00:21 +0000

Photo: David LeveneThe Zombies recently expanded their plans for a U.S. summer tour. The veteran British group's initial series of stateside dates will visit the East Coast and the Midwest, kicking off June 13 in Englewood, New Jersey, and running through a July 7 show in Arlington, Massachusetts. The band also has a brief West Coast visit mapped out for late August and early Septmeber.

Among the events The Zombies have lined up is a free concert in New York City's Central Park on June 16. Prior to the show, founding Zombies members Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent will take part in a paid panel discussion with Academy Award-winning director Jonathan Demme, all about the 1960s British Invasion.

Here are all of The Zombies' confirmed U.S. tour dates:

6/13 -- Englewood, NJ, Bergen Performing Arts Center
6/14 -- Uncasville, CT, Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun Casino
6/15 -- New York, NY, Central Park SummerStage (free concert & paid panel discussion)
6/16 -- Rockville, MD, Parilla Center for the Performing Arts
6/17 -- Annapolis, MD, Rams Head On Stage
6/20 -- Jim Thorpe, PA, Penn's Peak
6/21 -- Glenside, PA, Keswick Theatre
6/22 -- Uniontown, PA, State Theatre
6/23 -- Buffalo, NY, The Tralf Music Hall
6/26 -- Albany, NY, Summer at the Plaza -- Empire State Plaza (free concert)
6/28 -- Chicago, IL, Mayne Stage
6/29 -- Milwaukee, WI, SummerFest
6/30 -- Cleveland, OH, Beachland Ballroom
7/3 -- North Truro, MA, Payoment Performing Arts Center
7/5 -- Hamden, CT, Hamden Summer Concert Series (free concert)
7/6 -- Plymouth, NH, Flying Monkey Performance Center
7/7 -- Arlington, MA, Regent Theatre
8/29 -- Portland, OR, Aladdin Theatre
8/30 -- Spokane, WA, Riverfront Park (free concert)
8/31 -- Ferndale, WA, Silver Reef Casino
9/1 -- Seattle, WA, Bumbershoot Festival

Coachella Announces Festival Dates for 2014; Advance Ticket Sale Begins on Friday

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:00:14 +0000

Photo Credit: Marc BaptisteWhile the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival just wrapped up a little more than a month ago, producers for the event have already revealed their plans for 2014.

According to the festival's website, next year's event will span two weekends, April 11-13 and April 18-20, in Indio, California. While the lineup isn't expected to be announced until next year, advance passes for the 2014 installment of Coachella will go on sale on Friday at 10 a.m. PT.

Acts who took the stage during last month's festival included Janelle Monae, 2 Chainz, Wu-Tang Clan, Pusha T and Allen Stone.

CMA Music Festival Announces Performers for Free Bud Light Stage

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:00:13 +0000

Mercury NashvilleTickets for the CMA Music Festival's nightly concerts at LP Field in Nashville are completely sold out, but there are plenty of chances to catch free music at the event. The Bud Light stage at Bridgestone Arena Plaza will kick off its performances the morning of June 6 and continue through June 9.

New acts Lauren Alaina, Chris Janson, Chris Stapleton, Kelleigh Bannen, Randy Montana, Drake White and Joanna Smith are set to perform on the Bud Light Stage along with hit-makers Chuck Wicks, Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis.

For a full lineup of artists playing the Bud Light Stage, go to CMAFest.com.

Maroon 5 Postpones European Tour Until January

Shane Lou — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:00:13 +0000

Maroon 5 Press Here PublicityMaroon 5 has rescheduled several upcoming European tour dates due to what the band describes as "unforeseen scheduling conflicts."

Adam Levine and company were supposed to visit the U.K., Scotland, Ireland, France and the Netherlands in late June and early July. Those dates have now been postponed until next January.

Robin Thicke will appear at the rescheduled shows, which you can review on Maroon5.com.

Adam says in a statement, "We are truly sorry for any inconvenience we have caused our European fans and promise that when we come over in January we will put on a show to remember!"

Maroon 5's joint U.S. tour with Kelly Clarkson, which launches in August, remains unaffected.

Coachella Announces Festival Dates for 2014; Advance Ticket Sale Begins on Friday

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:00:12 +0000

Facebook.com/CoachellaWhile the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival just wrapped up a little more than a month ago, producers for the event have already revealed their plans for 2014.

Bands who took the stage during last month's festival included Blur, Phoenix, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Modest Mouse, The xx, The Postal Service and Vampire Weekend.

Country Star Trivia

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:00:27 +0000

Comstock/ThinkstockWhat is the first song on Taylor Swift's album, Speak Now? ANSWER: "Mine."

Brad Paisley Steps Into Role as Nashville's Biggest Cheerleader, Performing on "Nashville" Wednesday

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:00:27 +0000

Arista NashvilleBrad Paisley has become one of Nashville's biggest cheerleaders. He gave a surprise performance of "Southern Comfort Zone" at Nashville mayor Karl Dean's citywide address Monday, and Brad will appear as himself on the season finale of Nashville Wednesday night on ABC.

As a longtime resident of Music City, Brad is excited to spread the word of how cool his adopted hometown has become in the past few years. Nothing illustrates that change like the section of Nashville called the Gulch, home to the world's most famous bluegrass club, The Station Inn. It's now surrounded by some of the city's hottest shops and restaurants, like Watermark.

"My wife and I went to eat at Watermark down in the Gulch, which is the hippest little area in Nashville," Brad tells ABC News Radio. "I mean, they're filming episodes of Nashville down there. They're doing all of this, and I'm walking out of the Watermark, and I just realized the Station Inn is right there."

He adds, "When I used to go to the Station Inn and see somebody like Junior Brown or I would go down there and see, like, Larry Cordle play or whatever, I used to think to myself, 'I probably oughta make sure that I'm packing when I go down to that area of town.'"

Now that the Gulch has been revitalized, Brad is happy to report The Station Inn is still going strong.

He says, "It doesn't change The Station Inn except that it really helps everybody. In that sense, it really does sort of illustrate just what's happened to Nashville."

Look for Brad on ABC's Nashville Wednesday night at 10 ET.

Paul Stanley Complains About KISS' Continuing Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Snub

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:00:25 +0000

Photo: Brian LoweLast month, Rush and Heart finally were welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after each being passed over for the honor for more than a decade. One legendary rock band that continues to be overlooked by the Rock Hall, much to the chagrin of its rabid fans, is KISS.

The group's longtime frontman, Paul Stanley, also is apparently pretty frustrated by the snub, while pointing out that the powers that be behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame shouldn't necessarily be considered the authorities in charge of choosing which artists deserve to be recognized.

"Look, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is marketing," he declares during a recent interview with The Huffington Post. "You've got a bunch of faceless people in a back room who trademark a name that sounds very official. Well, if you had thought of it first, you would have been the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."

As a case in point, Stanley notes that late singer/songwriter Laura Nyro -- best known for writing hits for Blood, Sweat & Tears, The Fifth Dimension and Barbra Streisand -- has even beaten KISS into the Rock Hall.

"I am one of the biggest Laura Nyro fans," the singer/guitarist maintains. "I still listen to that stuff incessantly. Laura Nyro does not belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Songwriter Hall of Fame? Absolutely."

Stanley also notes that many established musicians, including Lenny Kravitz, Garth Brooks and Pearl Jam's Mike McCready, have acknowledged that KISS has had a major influence on their own music and careers. "It's absurd for anybody to look around and hear the acts and artists who cite us as an inspiration, and then tell me that we're not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," insists Stanley.

Despite his complaints, Paul says he could take or leave KISS being inducted into the Rock Hall, but says he'd like the band to be acknowledged for the sake of its fans. "I would certainly accept on their behalf because it seems to be a major sore spot for them," he says. "But I don't need the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."

Rihanna Adds Second Mentor to "Styled to Rock" Series

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:00:25 +0000

PR NewswireRihanna's new fashion competition series, Styled to Rock, just got a new addition. Rih announced last week that Pharrell Williams would serve as a mentor on the show, and now model, actress and designer Erin Wasson has joined the team. She'll serve as the second mentor on Styled to Rock.

As previously reported, Rihanna is an executive producer of the series, which will show her and her crew as they search for the next trendsetting designer. Styled to Rock will feature 12 up-and-coming designers who will compete each week for a shot at dressing A-list celebrities.

Styled to Rock will premiere on the Style Network, though there's no official word on exactly when.

Upcoming Otis Redding Compilation Features All of Late Soul Great's Stax/Volt Singles

Music News Group — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:00:24 +0000

Shout! FactoryAn expansive three-CD compilation gathering together all of the singles late soul legend Otis Redding recorded for Memphis' famed Stax/Volt labels will officially be released on July 23.

The Complete Stax/Volt Singles Collection features a total of 70 sides, including such landmark hits as "Try a Little Tenderness," "I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)," "Respect" and his posthumous #1 smash, "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay."

The collection also boasts Redding's classic cover of The Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," as well as his memorable duets with Carla Thomas, the Queen of Memphis Soul, including "Tramp" and "Knock on Wood." All songs in the retrospective are featured in their original mono mixes. The package also contains a booklet with images of each single.

Fans who pre-order The Complete Stax/Volt Singles Collection directly from ShoutFactory.com will have the chance to receive the set as early as June 25, and also will get an exclusive bonus 7-inch vinyl radio promo single of Redding's "I've Got Dreams to Remember" backed with "Nobody's Fault but Mine."

Here is the entire track list of Redding's The Complete Stax/Volt Singles Collection:

Disc 1:
"These Arms of Mine"
"Hey Hey Baby"
"That's What My Heart Needs"
"Mary's Little Lamb"
"Pain in My Heart"
"Something Is Worrying Me"
"Come to Me"
"Don't Leave Me This Way"
"Security"
"I Want to Thank You"
"Chained and Bound"
"Your One and Only Man"
"That's How Strong My Love Is"
"Mr. Pitiful"
"I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)"
"I'm Depending on You"
"Respect"
"Ole Man Trouble"
"I Can't Turn You Loose"
"Just One More Day"
"Satisfaction"
"Any Ole Way"
"My Lover's Prayer"
"Don't Mess With Cupid"

Disc 2:
"Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)"
"Good to Me"
"Try a Little Tenderness"
"I'm Sick Y'All"
"I Love You More Than Words Can Say"
"Let Me Come On Home"
"Tramp" [Otis & Carla]
"Tell It Like It Is" [Otis & Carla]
"Shake" (Live in Europe)
"You Don't Miss Your Water"
"Glory of Love"
"I'm Coming Home"
"Knock on Wood" [Otis & Carla]
"Let Me Be Good to You" [Otis & Carla]
"(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay"
"Sweet Lorene"
"Lovey Dovey" [Otis & Carla]
"New Year's Resolution" [Otis & Carla]
"The Happy Song (Dum-Dum)"
"Open the Door"
"Amen"
"Hard to Handle"
"I've Got Dreams to Remember"
"Nobody's Fault but Mine"

Disc 3:
"White Christmas"
"Merry Christmas, Baby"
"Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" (Live at the Whiskey a Go-Go)
"Direct Me"
"A Lover's Question"
"You Made a Man Out of Me"
"When Something Is Wrong with My Baby" [Otis & Carla]
"Ooh Carla, Ooh Otis" [Otis & Carla]
"Love Man"
"Can't Turn You Loose" (Live in Europe)
"Free Me"
"(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher & Higher"
"Look at the Girl"
"That's a Good Idea
"Demonstration"
"Johnny's Heartbreak"
"Give Away None of My Love"
"Snatch a Little Piece"
"I've Been Loving You Too Long" (Live at Monterey)
"Try a Little Tenderness" (Live at Monterey)
"My Girl"
"Good to Me"

Taylor Swift Reveals Which of Her Own Songs She Blasts in Her Car

Shane Lou — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:00:18 +0000

Facebook.com/TaylorSwiftSome stars will tell you that they don't like listening to their own music, but Taylor Swift owns up to it. At least, she owns up to listening to one particular song: her latest hit, "22."

"It's the one that I blast in the car," she laughs. "It's the one that I turn on at the end of a really, long day and it just makes me feel better, and the chorus just kind of slams in. It's such a big chorus."

Taylor says she wrote that particular "big" chorus -- "I don't know about you/But I'm feelin' 22" -- on a plane, on her way to a co-writing session with hit making writers and producers Max Martin and Shellback.

"I walked in and I was so excited about it, and I played it for them and they were like, 'All right. Let's do this!' They loved it, too," Taylor recalls. "It was really, kind of, an exciting moment for me...[that] they loved it enough to not really change much about it and just to build out from there, and to write the rest of the song."

The Grammy-winning singer also says she enjoys listening to "22" because it's very personal to her: it's the story of her own life, and that of her friends.

"It's just kind of, like, a song about my friends and how we don't know where we're going, we don't know who we are, we don't know about love, we don't about life, we don't know about anything...but we're having so much fun," Taylor explains.

Even though "22's" still going strong on the charts, rumor has it that Taylor's already selected the next single from her album Red: her duet with Ed Sheeran, "Everything Has Changed."