Adele Wins Six Grammy Awards And Nicki Minaj Embarrasses Herself
February 12, 2012 - As expected it was a huge night for Adele at the Grammy Awards. The singer, from Tottenham, North London, England, walked away with six trophies including "Song," "Record" and "Album of the Year." In her usually classy way she thanked "the doctors who brought my voice back." On stage she described her album "21" as a story that "everyone's been through. Which is a rubbish relationship." Adele's totals tied her with Beyonce as the most wins by a woman in one evening but if you judge it for vocal prowess, it's Adele hands down!

Nicki Minaj, who I don't really consider a musician, presented a convoluted, silly performance. It was easily one of the most embarrassing performances in Grammy history. In it's very Lady Gaga-esque over-the-top attention seeking shtick Minjaj lip-synched through exorcism on stage to one of the worse songs ever recorded - "Roman Holiday." Hey Nicki, can you hear the sound of angry catholics at your door? Good luck with that!!

The Foo Fighters were also big winners with five Grammy’s. Lead singer Dave Grohl walked on stage and reminded the audience how the band’s new album "Wasting Light" was recorded in his garage, the old fashioned way. He said, "The human element of making music is most important. Singing into a microphone, learning to play your instrument. It's not about being perfect. It's not about what goes on in a computer, but what goes on in here and what goes in here," as he pointed to his head and heart. The strange part was the Foo Fighters then performed in the Electronic dance music set of the
evening?

Kanye West, who had the most nominations at seven, picked up four Grammy’s.

Also a big congrats to Justin Vernon and his band Bon Iver who won Best New Artist and Best Alternative Album.

The night was filled with tributes including the reunited Beach Boys, Glen Campbell and, of course, Whitney Houston. Jennifer Hudson's rendition of the Dolly Parton penned "I Will Always Love You," a Whitney signature song, was breathtaking. Houston died yesterday in L.A.

There was a huge milestone for Alison Krauss who officially became the only living artist with 28 Grammy Awards. She surpassed Quincy Jones tonight by winning Best Bluegrass Album.

Unfortunately, Dave Koz did not win a Grammy tonight. He was nominated for Best Pop Instrumental Album for "Hello Tomorrow," Booker T Jones won it for his CD "The Road From Memphis."

The Best New Age album went to Pat Metheny (he must be so happy to be known as a New-Ager) for "What's It All About."

Best Improvised Jazz Solo was awarded to Chick Corea for "500 Miles High." He also won for his trio, Corea, Clarke and White, for Best Jazz Instrumental Album with the CD "Forever." Terri Lyne Carrington picked up Best Jazz Vocal Album.

Bela Fleck and Howard Levy were honored with Best Instrumental Composition
for "Life In Eleven." MORE

Your 54th Annual Grammy Awards Updates
February 12, 2012 - This is how to start a shindig! Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band opened the 54th Annual Grammy Awards with the new single "We Take Care Of Our Own." It was big, it was real, it was beautiful. 

LL Cool J, the nights MC, started his job by saying a prayer for Whitney Houston who died in L.A. yesterday. The reality of her death certainly hit hard when Whitney was featured on the giant screen singing "I Will Always Love You."

Bruno Mars showed his harder edge performing "Runaway Baby" from his "Doo - Wops & Hooligans" album.

Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt did both the Blues and Etta James proud by performing the late music icon's great hit "Sunday Kind Of Love." The pair also gave out the nights first award "Best Pop Solo Performance" which was picked up by Adele and "Someone Like You."

Chris Brown, who famously almost lost his career and freedom a few years ago at the Grammy's after beating the crap out of Rhianna, performed next. He's as much of a great lip-syncher as he is a dancer. It was a great performance however.

Best Rap Performance goes to Jay-Z and Kanye West for Otis. 

Jack Black introduced the sensational Foo Fighters who blew the roof off with their nominated "Walk." Best performance so far!

Coldplay and Rihanna shared the stage next. Well, at least Coldplay sounded good!

Best Rock Performance was picked up by Foo Fighters for "Walk."

Maroon 5 kicked off the Beach Boys tribute with "Surfer Girl." Foster the People did  a great job of "Wouldn't It Be Nice." Then for their 50th Anniversary the reunited Beach Boys took to the stage to perform one of the most loved songs in pop history "Good Vibrations." It was classic!

It's an event when Paul McCartney does anything but having Paul perform with Diana Krall and the Eagles Joe Walsh, well, it doesn't get much more tasty than this. Paul performed his new Jazz single "My Valentine" followed by, of course, a standing ovation.

Chris Brown won "Best R&B Album" for F.A.M.E.

The Civil Wars seemed to upstage Taylor Swift with her kiddie-country music and her variation on a boy-done-me-wrong theme. God this girl's music is boring!

Song of the Year was won by Adele's "Rolling In The Deep." Everyone predicted this one!

"Own The Night" by Lady Antebellum was Top Country Album.

Adele's comback was complete when the talented singer took to the stage for her hit "Rolling In The Deep." After undergoing a throat operation there was no doubt tonight that her pipes were back! She also got a much deserved standing ovation.  Maybe Lady Gaga learned something, probably not.

The Glen Campbell tribute was sensational with Blake Shelton, looking too uptight as usual, doing a cool version of "Southern Nights" and he also had the pleasure in introducing Campbell, who suffers from Alzheimer's. The music legend sang his signature "Rhinestone Cowboy."  He received the recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Best New Artist was Wisconsin-bred band Bon Iver.

Gerry Rafferty was missing from the tributes of fallen music heroes that we lost in the last year and Dan Peek of the group America was also not mentioned. Jennifer Hudson did an amazing rendition of Whitney Houston's classic "I Will Always Love You."  It was a vocal triumph and a fitting tribute to the wonderful voice that put Whitney on the map over and over in the eighties and nineties. Something that Hudson seemed to pull off tonight.

Drake introduced Nicki Minaj who served up the most embarrassing moment, that I can remember, in Grammy history. Her over-the-top badly theatrical lip-synched performance was hard to watch in that half-baked high school kind-of-way. As the cliche goes that's five minutes I can never get back!

Adele, again to no one's surprise, won Record of the Year and Album of the Year.

McCartney closed off the show with some Beatles classics. He was joined by Bruce Springsteen, Joe Walsh and Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters. Could it get any better? Easily one of the best Grammy nights ever - minus Miss Minaj.  MORE

Whitney Houston Died in the Bathtub
February 12, 2011 – More information is surfacing concerning the death of Whitney Houston. Sources close to the investigation say that the singer was found in the bathtub at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles. Her face was underwater.

Houston’s stylist, hairdresser and two bodyguards were just outside the bathroom at the time of her death. The crew were set to help the singer prepare for the Clive Davis pre-Grammy party. After not hearing from Whitney for over an hour they became concerned. One of them knocked on the bathroom door but heard no answer. That’s when a female hairdresser opened the door and screamed when she saw Whitney with her face underwater and her legs were up. One of the bodyguards quickly pulled her out and attempted CPR. Unfortunately, the singer was probably already dead as her body was very cold.

After paramedics arrived they also tried, in vain, to save her live. She was pronounced dead at 3:55PM.

Sources also say that the singer was taking Xanax. When she had big performances it’s something she took to calm her nerves and last night she was set to perform a song at the Clive Davis event. Some are guessing that she may have fallen asleep in the bathtub and drowned.

Houston was also drinking a lot the night before she died.

It’s been reported that Whitney suffered from anxiety and panic attacks and had prescription pills to help nerves. Whitney Houston was just 48.  MORE

Whitney Houston’s Mom Says The Singer Seemed Fine Before Her Death
February 11, 2012 – According to Whitney Houston’s mother, Cissy Houston, she spoke to her daughter just before she died and Whitney seemed absolutely fine.

The elder Houston says she spoke to her daughter about 30 minutes before she died. The pair talked about attending the Clive Davis (pictured with Houston) pre-Grammy party.

Whitney apparently spoke to her cousin, singer Dionne Warwick a few hours earlier today and says there were no signs of trouble. The pair also talked about the pre-Grammy party and how they both wanted to sit together.

Whitney was spotted outside a nightclub this week looked heavily intoxicated. There were also rumors that the singer was on the brink of bankruptcy.

Houston died at 3:35PM today at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. No cause of death has been released.  MORE

Whitney Houston May Have Already Been Dead When Paramedics Arrived
February 11, 2012  - Whitney Houston died this afternoon. She was 48. Some sources are saying there was nothing the emergency workers could have done to save Houston’s life.

A member of the singers entourage found her in her room at the Beverly Hilton hotel this afternoon and immediately called hotel security, then 911 was called. According to some sources Houston was unresponsive by the time paramedics arrived.

Paramedics performed CPR but nothing worked. She was pronounced dead at 3:55PM.

According to Associated Press there were no signs of foul play in her room however a full investigation is underway.

Houston had a well-publicized battle with drugs for many years. MORE

Whitney Houston Dead at 48
February 11, 2012 – Whitney Houston has died according to her publicist. The singer, who was 48, passed away today according to Kristen Foster but it was unclear how the singer died. According to some sources, Houston died at the Beverly Hilton hotel.

Of course the Internet is abuzz on the cause of death being drug related but nothing has been officially announced.

Houston peaked in the 1980’s and ‘90’s with huge hits like "How Will I Know," "Saving All My Love for You" and "I Will Always Love You." She not only had one of the best voices in any genre but also won numerous accolades including 6 Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards and 22 American Music Awards. Needless to say tomorrow nights Grammy broadcast will no doubt be filled with Whitney tributes.

Toto’s Steve Lukather Set to Join Ringo Starr's 13th All Starr Band Tour
February 10, 2012 – It’s no secret that Steve Lukather, like many of us, is a huge Beatles fan. It was announced this week that the Toto guitarist and founding member will join Ringo for the famous tour to begin in Niagara Falls Ontario on June 14th.

Lukather says, "I am deeply honored and excited to join some old and new friends and a musical hero Ringo Starr on this summers USA tour. It is a dream come true and I plan to being my best and enjoy every moment! Its gonna be massive fun!"

Also announced on the tour are Gregg Rolie of Santana & Journey fame along with All Starr alumni Richard Page, Todd Rundgren, Mark Rivera, and Gregg Bissonette.

Each musician gets to sing their classic hits and Ringo does his biggies including, "It Don't Come Easy", "Photograph", "Little Help From My Friends" etc.

The tour runs until July 21 at the Greek Theatre in L.A. but more tour dates are expected to be announced shortly. MORE

REVIEW – Van Halen – A Different Kind of Truth (***3 out of 5)
February 7, 2012 – Unwrapping this one might bring back Christmas-past memories of a re-gifting faux pas. As they say it must be a great gift if they are giving it back to you? Sure, you will feel a certain déjà vu with the new Van Halen album, “A Different Kind of Truth.” That classic sound is certainly there. The problem? This album is watered down. These are mostly old demos – tunes that didn’t make the grade the first time. There is nothing that sounds remotely like “Jump,” on this album, not even close. Though it’s somewhat unfair to compare anyone’s former greatness, especially when they peaked 28 years ago, it still needs to be said. So have Van Halen given you a gift that you gave back? It’s hard not to ask but for a comeback, that’s so important, why couldn’t the band start from scratch? Can Roth and Eddie Van Halen stand each other enough to write a freakin’ new tune?

First off, it’s great to hear David Lee Roth back with the band. He does sound like his former self, albeit without some of the edge, but lets remember he is 57. Noticeably absent is bassist and backing vocalist Michael Anthony who left (well, he was kicked out) after the reunion tour in 2006. I agree with many die-hard fans that this is not a true Van Halen reunion without Anthony’s contributions. I really miss his backing vocals, which were a bigger part of that classic sound than most people think. READ MORE

It’s “Van Halen Day” on Rock History Book – Check out the New Album Today – CLICK TO LISTEN
February 6, 2012 – It’s safe to say that Rock History Book Radio has tons of Van Halen fans listening everyday and it was a no-brainer to pronounce, today, “Van Halen Day!” All day hosts John Beaudin and Shannon Edwards will feature two tracks, every hour, from the new Van Halen album, “A Different Kind of Truth.”

In Fact, John and Shannon will do it all over again tomorrow for our second of two Van Halen Days. “On Tuesday we will play the new album throughout the day but will also feature more classic Van Halen,” says Rock History Book Radio host and Program Director John Beaudin. “Also expect to hear the whole new album in it’s entirety at 12-Noon (eastern),” adds Beaudin.

The new disc, as it turns out, is a rehash of some old demos polished off to 2012 standards and is the first full album with, original lead singer, David Lee Roth in 28 years. “Ok, this will not be the album of the year,” says Beaudin, “But it’s certainly a huge Rock-Event and we want to be there for the fans and, of course, the band.

Beaudin will feature a review of the disc later today on Rock History Book.

Norah Jones to Release New Album in Spring
Jan 31, 2012 - Good news for all the Norah Jones fans out there! The singer is set to release a new album in spring called 'Little Broken Hearts.'  This will be Jones' fifth studio CD and she will be joined by producer and musician, Danger Mouse who is notably the backbone for the project. He also co-wrote many of the tunes with her.

Jones will really be promoting this project with tons of shows this year. She is set to appear at many festivals including a stint at the Hollywood Bowl.

Though she has never out-performed her debut album, "Come Away with Me," from 2002, the nine-time-Grammy winner, with the famous rootsy voice, just keeps belting out the tunes. Norah insists on writing songs that speak to her soul more than returning to the same radio-formula hits of the past. MORE

Jon Bon Jovi Comes Back From the Dead It’s a Festivus Miracle!
December 20, 2011 – If death rumors are started to give us all freakin’ heart attacks then I would say mission accomplished to the jerk-ass who had us believe that singer Jon Bon Jovi was dead yesterday. As they say “oops, I crapped my pants!”

First off, Bon Jovi is not dead. Turns out the rumor was started via a reworked press release that was originally used for Michael Jackson’s death. Yesterday the story broke like wildfire, all over Twitter and Facebook.

Last night Bon Jovi joked about the incident at a concert in New Jersey. On his Twitter account he posted this message, "Heaven looks a lot like New Jersey.". Rest assured that Jon is fine!"

Peter Gabriel’s 25th Anniversary "SO" Edition Seeking Fans Help
December 19, 2011 - Peter Gabriel is leaving the book wide open for fans and colleagues to offer up any personal memorabilia, photos and even diary entries related to his “So” album over the years. The “Genesis” star is excited about putting a slant on things for his 25th anniversary edition of this classic album.

Gabriel will consider all paraphernalia for inclusion in the anniversary reissue’s booklet or on his website.  “We’d love to see what’s out there and what people are willing to send in to add to stuff that’s out there already,” Gabriel said. “Give us some guidance as to what sort of package you’d like to see.”

The closing date for submission is January 9, 2012 and a page has been set up for the project on Gabriel’s website at http://petergabriel.com/so-submissions. –  MORE

Loud Music Connected To Alcohol Consumption?
Dec 18, 2011- So you grab your friends for a night out on the town and you are pumped to watch your favorite band belt out their hits at a sold out concert.  Ever wonder why you don’t think twice in pounding back a few extra beers or highballs while you are all rocking it out?

In a recent article from The Press Association, alcohol actually goes down smooth and tastes sweeter when loud music is playing and all the noise throws off your senses on how much of the bubbly you’ve actually consumed.

Psychologist Dr. Lorenzo Stafford at the University of Portsmouth did a study on why alcohol is sweeter in environments with loud music and he said of his findings:

 “The study found that sweetness perception of alcohol was significantly higher in the music compared to control and other distracting conditions, which is a novel finding and to our knowledge, not seen previously. This is an interesting finding as we might have expected the music to exert a more distracting effect on taste judgment. It appears that our primary sense of taste is somewhat immune to very distracting conditions, but is indeed influenced by music alone. Although individuals might well expect to consume more alcohol in club type environments anyway, it is important they understand how environment can potentially influence over-consumption and act accordingly.”

I know what you are thinking you now have a great reason when you see your next concert why you can stagger away loaded.  Shame on you!  MORE

ZZ Top New Album in Spring of 2012
Dec 12, 2011 - I’ve always wondered how long these guys would sport the long shaggy beards, but I have come to realize that those hairy love sculptures ain’t never going away and neither is their music! Huge ZZ Top fans have been waiting in anticipation for the release of a new album and the project has been talked about for a few years now.

ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons gave another update for fans to pine over with a new interview recently with Rolling Stone.  He says that the hectic touring schedule has kept them out of the studio but when they get the chance they work hard with producer Rick Rubin.

"When you add up the days in the studio, it hasn't allowed us much time to do much else than plug straight into an amp and play as a trio,” says Billy. “We're still not afraid to experiment when time allows, but these are things that don't normally pop up in a ZZ session. It's just, go in and get it."

“Presently, it would be safe to say that by spring of the year 2012” is when fans can look forward to some new ZZ in their collection, according to Gibbons.

ZZ Top’s last album was “Mescalero” released in 2003. MORE

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
Dec 9, 2011- Well, after much consideration let it be known the class of 2012 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have been announced. Congrats to first time nominee Guns N’Roses and previously nominated groups Red Hot Chili Peppers and Beastie Boys who all made the grade.

It turns out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ended up letting in seven of the total 13 acts nominated. Inductees Donovan, Laura Nyro, Freddie King and The Small Faces/ The Faces will also be rising to the occasion.

 All of this will be wrapped up in this year’s ceremony scheduled for April 14, 2012 in Cleveland and tickets will go on sale Dec 17th. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will also be celebrating that whole week with special events and the impressive opening of their new library and archives. The word isn’t out yet whether Guns N’ Roses and Beastie Boys will be performing at the event but it looks promising for The Red Hot Chili Peppers since they are already touring the U.S. in 2012. MORE

Lionel Richie Honored with Humanitarian Award
Dec 5, 2011- It is no surprise that today, iconic superstar Lionel Richie is set to receive from the Harvard Foundation at Kirkland House, the 2011 Peter J. Gomes Humanitarian Award.
Richie has written and recorded many billboard hits and has co-written a few songs aimed solely to benefit hunger victims in Africa and also for the earthquake in Haiti in 2010. He also gives back in supporting and helping to raise funds and world awareness for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

"The students and faculty of the Harvard Foundation are pleased to present the 2011 Humanitarian Award to Mr. Lionel Richie in memory of the late Reverend Peter J. Gomes," said Dr. S. Allen Counter, director of the Harvard Foundation. "Richie is one of our nation's most creative musical artists, who has inspired many through his artistic and philanthropic endeavors. Reverend Gomes would be proud of the selection of the legendary musician, Lionel Richie, for this singular honor. We are honored to have him as our special guest on the Harvard campus."

Each year the Harvard Foundation presents the Humanitarian Award to an individual who has gone above and beyond and in leading by example has been a huge inspiration for all of us. The Peter J. Gomes Humanitarian Award was created to give props to the life and work of Reverend Peter J. Gomes, Minister in the Memorial Church and the Plummer Professor of Christian morals. Gomes, along with President Derek C Bok came together and founded the Harvard Foundation. MORE

George Michael Recovering from Pneumonia
Nov 28, 2011 - Oh no, is what I thought when the news came out that George Michael was recently stricken with respiratory complications in Vienna, Austria. It was so bad that George has to cancel his show two hours before it was about to start, get himself into an emergency room and looked at fast!
The 48 year old pop singer was diagnosed with a lung infection and on the insistence of doctors rest is his only option. He cut out a number of shows on his ‘Symphonic’ tour to fight the illness and then decided to pull back completely.
With all the rumors floating around that Michael’s health might be deteriorating, his supposedly new boyfriend Fadi Fawaz says the singer is “getting stronger” as he battles pneumonia.
Our thoughts are with you as you get better cause you “gotta have faith!” MORE

Man Sues After Forgetting Why He Loves Playboy Mansion
Nov 30, 2011- This lawsuit might make sense if Playboy was built around watching men’s hairy butts. It appears that a man who attended the “Leather Meets Lace” party at the Playboy Mansion recently thinks the admission charge is unfair.

According to TMZ, Steve Frye is suing on behalf of all men who allegedly had to pay $1000 for admission while “gorgeous ladies” did not!  Frye claims the double standard is sex discrimination and offering these women free admission “promotes harmful, negative stereotypes.”

Maybe these guys forgot why they all go to the Playboy mansion, it’s certainly not to hang out and look at the paintings! Oh, and one last thing that puts this all in left field is that proceeds from this event went to charity. MORE

The Doors Lost Song Found
November 22, 2011 - Well, what do you know! A newly found track by The Doors discovered just in time for the 40th anniversary reissue of the band’s 1971 release, “L.A. Woman.”

The Doors producer, Bruce Botnick recently discovered the lost track “She Smells So Nice” while rummaging through the album’s session tapes for the reissue due Jan 24, Rolling Stone reports.

The two-CD set includes a bonus disc featuring covers of Willie Dixon’s “(You Need Meat) Don’t Go No Further” and Barrett Strong’s “Money (That’s What I Want).” The second disc of the L.A. Woman reissue includes eight ‘never heard before’ versions of songs from the album.

“L.A. Woman” was The Doors 6th album and the last one recorded before Jim Morrison’s death. The album was released in April, 1971 and Morrison died in July, 1971.

Interestingly “L.A. Woman” was also the album that separated the band to their long time producer Paul Rothchild who didn’t like the bands direction. He was quoted as saying the project only had two good songs, the hits, “Riders on the Storm” and the title track. He later called the album “dog meat.”

Rothchild died in 1995 from lung cancer. He was 59. MORE

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Back in 2012
November 21, 2011 - If you click on the official website of Springsteen you will see that it indeed confirms a new album and tour are in the works for 2012.

Excited European fans can see Springsteen and The E Street Band from the middle of May until the end of July and the U.S. and world tour dates are still in the making.

The tour will be E Street’s first in three years and without the incredible presence of Clarence Clemons, who died last June from a stroke at age 69. There has been no word on who is going to fit in his shoes. Also, original keyboardist Danny Federici died in 2008 at age 58 from melanoma.

As for the new album? Springsteen says the band is “incredibly excited” for the new year and the music for the new album is “almost done” untitled, and with no release date yet determined.

The Boss and the boys are pumped about everything they are planning for 2012. We just have to stay tuned!  MORE

Death of the CD Expected By 2013.
November 20, 2011 - Industry insiders are saying that the compact disc may be a thing of the past within 2 years! I remember when that little shiny disc wiped out the cassette tape and I thought that would never happen.

According to Side Line Music Magazine, the CD is set to expire by 2013 and will be in motion to start elimination sometime into 2012. The only CD’s that will be out there will be limited edition prints from major record labels. Here we are now left wrapping our minds round streaming and digital download options with retailers such as iTunes and Amazon. The truly bad news is a digital download has inferior sound to a CD, so once again I guess speed kills.

The magazine tried to get a statement from some of the big labels to confirm the extinction of the CD and no one would come forward but some employees and associates of the labels said indeed things are in the works.

Are The Police Returning?
Nov 16, 2011- Well, if you’ve got the main member of the band saying no then that’s a big fat no! In an interview with Billboard Magazine, Sting, vocalist/bassist of the band (that was most popular in the 70’s and 80’s) can’t see the trio getting back together again. “You know, it's something I am very proud of but I’m not sure there would be a reason to open it again except for nostalgic reasons, and I think we did that” in 2007-2008, he said. “I thought we did it very successfully. The timing was perfect. Everybody was happy to see us. So you know say, ‘OK, let’s close the book….”

 Here’s a double whammy too for Sting fans as he says they shouldn’t expect a solo album anytime soon either. Ouch!

Right now Sting is promoting his 25 Years box set, one-CD greatest hits album and iTunes app. “It’s hard to know what the new model is. I think the app is the new model,” says Sting. “People are going to stop buying CDs. People are going to stop selling and making them, so I am looking for different ways to get music to people, and the application at the moment seems to be the favorite.” Looks like Sting is just moving with the times. MORE

Want to Get Rid of Kim Kardashian? Sign the NO MORE KARDASHIAN Petition
November 16, 2011 – Want to get rid of Kim Kardashian? Take all the cameras out of the room. Your problem will be solved.

Enough is enough is what many people are saying about Kim Kardashian and her publicity-seeking clan. Well, maybe you can do something about it or at least get a message across.

Someone with the log-in name janesmith is targeting the Kardashian’s and E-Online. Here is her message;

I am asking people to sign a petition that will be forwarded to E! Online to request that the show ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ ends.

Please sign. However, if you leave comments, no foul language, belittling etc should be used. Example, what you see on comment boards.

I need for everyone to post this link to Facebook.. Twitter.. Email. This will close November 30th. We need several thousand to be heard!

Also please forward this link. We need many signatures!

Sign the petition here. http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/no-more-kardashian.html

Rumors Are True: Black Sabbath Reunion
November 16, 2011 - Let it be known that Black Sabbath gives full props to producer Rick Rubin for getting the band back together. Ozzy Osbourne, Tommy Lommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward confirmed that the rumors were indeed true. The band is in fact getting back together to hit the studios after Christmas to start recording their new album. Wow, the first album in 33 years and all this excitement is set for release in fall of 2012 and will of course coincide with a world tour.

Lommi says the experience is “like putting on an old glove” and Osbourne pipes in that they have written seven or eight songs. These guys mean business! To help mark the 10th anniversary at next year’s Download Festival in England the band is already scheduled to make an appearance there.

Sabbath did try to bring a new album back into the works in 1999 but that fizzled out and the band was last seen together on stage in 2006 when they were honored into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. READ MORE

What’s My Name Again? Townshend of the Who Recalls Fight with Daltrey
November 14, 2011 - Pete Townshend recalls the moment when Who band mate Roger Daltrey, punched him so hard with one strike that he lost his memory for two days! Can you say ouch!

The fight apparently took place when The Who were finishing the last touches on their album Quadrophenia released in 1973. Daltrey was hanging out in the studio to wrap up some final mixes and Townshend already felt he was done with it.

The guitarist tells the Times: “I walked into the studio having not slept for two days after doing the final mixes. I had been in my big Mercedes limousine drinking brandy. Roger was in the studio, having waited for me for the last five hours.” ‘We’ve done it!’ I shouted at him. “Yeah? Well I’ve been here since one o’clock and I’m going.’ Roger said. “‘You can’t fucking go,’ I said. He pushed me out the way. I spat at him – and I got knocked out,” said Townshend. Pete recalls coming around an hour later and his memory non-existent for two days! Now that’s a punch!

Townshend recently put together a new edition of Quadrophenia and he personally feels it was the last great album by The Who. He also says once Daltrey gets back from his solo band tour he hopes they will hit the studios again together. READ MORE

Will The Rolling Stones Tour for 50th Anniversary?
November 14, 2011 - Whenever a band goes to reissue an album, we are always left wondering whether or not they will go on tour to promote it!

This is definitely the case with the Rolling Stones who are promoting the release of two “Some Girls” projects: a reissue of the 1978 album, containing 12 tracks from the original sessions; and, "Some Girls Live in Texas 1978" on DVD and Blu-ray.

This is all good when the band is talking 1978, but what about now? The Stones are being hit with the big question if they will put together a tour to mark their 50th Anniversary. Fans are talking since Keith Richards also told Rolling Stone Magazine that he is planning to meet with Charlie Watts and Ronnie Woods later this month in a London studio. "We're just going to play a little together, because we haven't played for three or four years," Keith explains. "You don't necessarily want to rehearse or write anything – you just want to touch bases. That's a good start: me, Charlie and Ronnie. Mick's welcome, and I'm sure he'll turn up, but right now we just want to get our chops down."

I get a feeling if the moment moves them anything is possible and the fans are always standing by. READ MORE

Dr. Conrad Murray Found Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter
November 7, 2011 – Michael Jackson fans are cheering in the streets right now. Dr. Conrad Murray has just been found guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter.

All twelve jurors found Michael Jackson’s last doctor responsible for his death.

A sentencing date was set for November 29, 2011. Murray was denied bail for his own safety and for the safety of the public. He was led away in handcuffs.

A “Journey” Reunion Ain’t Gonna Happen!
November 4, 2011 - Whenever I see the words in print “Journey “and “Steve Perry” I wonder if this is going to be it, are we finally going to see a reunion or something? Well, let it be known that according to Steve Perry (former lead singer of Journey) that just ain’t gonna happen! Even with a new Journey package in stores now with “Greatest Hits Volume 2” and the song “Don’t Stop Believin” playing like a mantra in our ears?

In a phone chat about this project to The Associated Press Perry says,’  "It's like any emotional, committed relationship. At some point, they seem to all have a shelf life and bands are no exception."  He also admits that "Life has moved us all on in different places in our lives. They're doing what they're doing — they have been since '98. And I've been doing what I'm doing, which is living my life and having a personal life.”

Being out of the spotlight, Steve says that he is in a good space and does not totally rule out touring again, it just won’t be with Journey.  Well,  I guess this case is closed, but I won’t stop believin!- By Shannon Edwards

Update: At the 2011 Billboard Touring Awards on Nov 10 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York Journey will receive the “Legend Of Live” Award. Guitarist Neal Schon will be there to pick up the honor.

How many of you follow Journey since Steve Perry left the band?  Who was your fav. lead singer of Journey? take a poll?  MORE

Michael Bublé Works Harder for What He’s Got!
November 4, 2011 - Here is a Canadian crooner who has won over the hearts of many with his genuine voice, captivating smile and boyish looks. The singer has sold over 35 million records worldwide and has won many awards during his solo career.

Michael works harder for what he’s got and realizes how much he could lose, especially while sitting at the top of his game. ''I’m more afraid of failure now than I have ever been,” Bublé told British magazine GQ. “It's only recently I've understood the maths of what make artists go up and down. They make too much money. They have too many people blowing smoke up their ass. You have to have that fear and desperation. Always want to do something better.”

Buble’ is now getting set for the festive season promoting his new Christmas album, which is no doubt going to be another hit. The 36-year old performer feels very fortunate to have many devoted fans and consistent record sales.

Brian Johnson from AC/DC On The Road Solo With a New Book
November 1, 2011 - AC/DC fans would be quite pumped if the band were to tour in 2012, but one thing that is for sure is that the lead singer Brian Johnson will be on the road! He is set to do some gigs in February to promote his newly released book “Rockers and Rollers: A Full Trottle Memoir.”

The cool think about this book signing stint is that it’s a speaking and live performance combined event. Johnson will share stories from his book and two of his buds from Skid Row, guitarist Scotti Hill and bassist Rachel Bolan will be joining in.

Brian’s book details his life history and his passion for and love of cars. The lighting and production will bring the stories to life and will be done by Cosmo Wilson who also worked with Johnson on the AC/DC world Tour.

Brian Johnson was born in Dunstan in Gateshead in 1947. He joined AC/DC in 1980 and lives in Sarasota, Florida. READ MORE AND GET THE TOUR DATES

Queen Set to Release Freddy Mercury Material
October 28, 2011 - Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor are rummaging through old material to find hidden treasures, that never saw the light of day, while Freddy mercury was still alive. May reveals there is enough beefy stuff to release a Queen record and says, “The songs are there – it’s just a question of finding time to get the right production.”

Also, Paul Rodgers who worked with Queen on vocals between 2004 and 2009 (before branching off on his own solo act) says he would be open to the idea of getting back with them for the London Olympics in 2012.

Queen has certainly rocked it out over the years with many albums certified gold in the U.S, several going platinum, and eight of them going multi-platinum. They were also recently awarded with the Icon Award at the BMI Awards on Oct 4th in London for the success of radio airplay in the U.S.

Queen’s vocalist, Mercury, died of an AIDS related illness on Nov 24, 1991. MORE

Lou Gramm, Eddie Money and Mikey Thomas Jingle Bell Rock Tour
October 27, 2011 - How is this for a powerhouse line-up! Eddie Money, Lou Gramm (formerly of Foreigner) and Mikey Thomas of Starship are teaming up together for the 2011 Jingle Bell Rock Tour. That’s right, these three rockers are going to share the same band while belting out their classic tunes, and singing back up for one another. The “don’t miss this one” concert tour takes off on Nov 25 and runs until mid – December.

The idea to tour together was finalized when the trio “knocked it out of the park” with a sneak peek for the audience at Hollywood’s Sayers’s Club this past summer. You can surely expect Lou, Eddie and Mikey to bring along some of their greatest hits such as, “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Take Me Home Tonight,” “We Built This City,” and many more.

As it heads into the Christmas season, the trio is also going to perform some classic holiday favorites and do their part in giving back to those in need with food and cash donations. CHECK OUT THE CONCERT DATES 

Coroner: Amy Winehouse Died of Alcohol Consumption
October 26, 2011- Well, we finally know what killed Amy Winehouse.  As many feared it was one of her vices that took her away.  According to a coroner’s report released today it was a result of alcohol consumption coining it a “death of misadventure.”  Amy had ultimately died of voluntary actions on her part and nothing criminal had taken place.

Winehouse had a long time battle with substance abuse and was found dead on July 23, in her London apartment at the young age of 27.  Investigators found three empty bottles of vodka in her bedroom and apparently she had been on a bender after being sober for three weeks.  It was stated that an autopsy on Amy’s body actually showed her blood-alcohol level was 5 times over the legal drinking limit.

Last month her parents created the Amy Winehouse Foundation in her memory to help raise funds to aid people in similar situations. MORE

Win an iPad-2-A-Day with the New Rock History Book
October 2011 – What’s the launch of a new radio station without a great prize giveaway? Rock History Book is pleased to announce our first big contest – Win-An- iPad-2-A-Day Giveaway!

Each Weekday host John Beaudin will call out five names at 11AM (eastern), the first of those five to call us back at (917) 310-7625 will win this tasty prize! If we don’t get a winner in with the first batch of five names John will draw for another five at 11:15, and if need be, another five at 11:30 and 11:45. Please keep in mind all times are eastern.

Remember you need to be a member of the Rock-Listeners-Club (mailing list) to be eligible. Join up now at the top left side of each page of our website at www.rockhistorybook.com. You must fill out the form entirely to be eligible. Listeners can also join via the pop-up that appears when listening to Rock History Book once it launches on October 1st.

Want to increase your chances to win? Just forward our weekly emails to a friend and our tracking system will let us know. You will get an extra chance to win with every person you forward our mailer to. Why not increase your odds!

These are the top-of-the-line iPad 2’s with Wi-Fi + 3G and 64 gigs. You can't buy a better iPad!

Pick Up the Phone, It’s Steve Perry!
October 25, 2011 - October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month and Steve Perry, formerly of Journey, is doing his part in giving back.  An auction right now on EBAY gives you the opportunity to chat with Steve for 15 minutes on the phone and receive autographed albums that are re-mastered to vinyl and personalized just for you by Steve himself! 

All the proceeds will go to benefit Susan G Komen for the Cure, an organization dedicated to education and research about causes, treatments and the search for a cure for breast cancer.

This auction is currently getting a lot of buzz with the highest bid at over $ 10,000! What a great way to spread awareness, support a great cause and make all those Journey fans jealous as heck!

Let's recap - Current Journey guitarist Neil Schon is getting publicity by dating infamous white House crasher Michaele Salahi but Steve Perry continues his good deeds. Journey misses you Mr Perry!!! Gotta go now, my phone is ringing! Could be Stevie!

You can go here for more details on this charitable organization www.komen.org

READ MORE

REVIEW - Kennard Ramsey – Somos – 5 out of 5
October 20, 2011 – This is no ordinary album. In fact, there is nothing normal about this album and that’s what makes this one of the most perfect projects that’s ever come across my desk.

There is something that happens to a critic after many years of writing reviews. The writer either ends up loving everything they hear, and God knows most Smooth Jazz reviewers are shameless flag-waivers, or the critic needs to hear something with inventive originality – something that paves a new road. This album has all of the latter.

Kennard Ramsey is a successful film composer who has worked on such projects as “Ted Bundy,” “Ringmaster” and the TV shows “Knots Landing” and “Lincoln Heights.” MORE

Has Neil Schon of Journey Lost his Freakin’ Mind?
October 25, 2011 – Ok this has to be a publicity stunt! Neil Schon, leader of the band Journey, seems to have professed his love for “Whitehouse Crasher/Publicity Hound” Michaele Salahi but is it real?

TMZ reported that Schon had just purchased Salahi a brand new Bentley convertible for $350,000. Of course every time the couple seems to have a satisfying bowel movement the cameras seem to be rolling.

Its also been reported, with clicking cameras all around that Schon just introduced Salahi to his family.

What do you think? Is this for real? Has Neil Schon lost his freakin’ mind? Does this tarnish Journey’s reputation? READ MORE

What is Your “Favorite Album of all Time?”
October 24, 2011 – Everyone has an all-time-favorite album. We hear about these everyday, “Sgt Peppers,” “The Wall,” or maybe “Born to Run.” Rock History Book radio plays almost every top album from the Rock era. We want to know yours!
Call us at (917) 310-7625 and tell us what your pick is for “Top Album Of All Time” and then tell us why.

Starting on Tuesday, November 1st we will feature a different classic album every weekday. Sure, you will hear lots of Springsteen, Boston, Beatles, Stones and Elton John but we don’t want to miss albums that changed your life. So let us know about your own gems!

Remember call us at (917) 310-7625 and if the phone is busy just leave us a message on what that album is and why you just can’t live without it.

John Beaudin and Shannon Edwards (pictured above) will play these great albums starting in November. We look forward to hearing from all of you! READ MORE

Smooth Jazz Now Tightens Up The Sound
August 2, 2011 – With two more Smooth Jazz stations (WLOQ in Orlando and Wave/Toronto) giving up on the format this week we thought it was time to mix up the genre, just a bit! “Smooth Jazz Now” has decided to add more life to this format.

You may have noticed a gradual change in our sound during the last month. We have re-listened to every song on our station, carefully, to make sure they represent a sense of positivity, an interesting journey and most of all we listened for melody. “There has been too much generic groove in this format,” says “Smooth Jazz Now” Program Director John Beaudin. “So many of the songs sound the same and lack melody and life so we made sure to add more familiar songs with more tempo.” Consider it a “Greatest Hits” format for Smooth Jazz. MORE