CBGB, one of the most famous American music venues, is due to reopen as a restaurant. The venue closed in 2006 after lengthy disputes over unpaid rent. It originally opened in 1973 as a club for Country, Bluegrass and Blues music (hence the name) but became famous as being the heart and soul of punk and new-wave. It has hosted such famous acts as The Ramones, Blondie, Patti Smith, Television, Talking Heads and Joan Jett.
The famous institution has announced the latest acts to be added. Five acts have been chosen and will be inducted at a ceremony in April. After decades of being snubbed, Deep Purple are finally being welcomed into the hall of fame. They are one of many bands whose exclusion has been a key criticism of the Hall of Fame. The fact that controversial rap group N.W.A. are amongst next years inductees doesn’t do them any favours either. They will be joined by fellow new members Chicago, Cheap Trick and Steve Miller.
Yesterday marked what would have been the 100th birthday of Ol’ Blue Eyes himself. Sinatra was one of the best selling and most influential artists of all time, and has performed some of the most famous songs ever written including ‘Come Fly With Me’, ‘New York New York’, ‘My Way’ and ‘Fly Me to the Moon’. As well as having sold over 150 million albums, he was also a key actor of the time and one of the central members of the ‘Rat Pack’. Sinatra has had a lasting impact that is matched only by The Beatles and Elvis Presley, and will continue to inspire for many years to come.
The second annual BBC Music Awards took place at the Genting Arena in Birmingham. Adele was the night’s big winner, picking up both British artist of the year and live performance of the year. Taylor Swift scooped up the prize for best international artist. It was a great night for Belwood favourites as Jack Garratt won the BBC Introducing award and Hozier won the public vote for song of the year for ‘Take Me To Church’. They both delivered stellar performances alongside the rest of the night’s line up which included James Bay, Stereophonics, Jess Glynne, Years & Years and Rod Stewart.
Considered by most to be the world’s greatest drummer, Rush’s Neil Peart has announced his retirement saying “it does not pain me to realize that, like all athletes, there comes a time to take yourself out of the game”. Rush recently completed their 40th anniversary tour. Whilst the band were reluctant at the time to call it a farewell tour, given this latest development it seems they have called it a day. Peart suffers from tendonitis and can no longer continue with the physical demands of the lengthy, intricate drum solos that made him famous. It also gives him more time with his family as the band have been touring nearly nonstop for the past few years. It is the end of an era and a fond farewell to one of history’s greatest musicians.
The former lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots and rock supergroup Velvet Revolver has died. Scott Weiland was found dead in his tour bus aged 48. He is said to have died in his sleep. Although no official cause of death has been announced, Weiland had a history of drug abuse and a member of his backing band the Wildabouts was arrested for cocaine possession. With hits such as ‘Plush’, ‘Vasoline’ and ‘Interstate Love Song’, Weiland was a talented but troubled soul who helped influence the next generation of rock bands in the US.
The twin festivals of Reading and Leeds have unveiled their first line-up announcement for 2016. It included Slaves, the Courteeners and the 1975 as well as headliners Red Hot Chili Peppers. RHCP last topped the bill in 2007. Their set may well include new music as the band have been busy recording their 11th album, their first in 4 years, which is supposedly “very different and unique”. It will be the second album without guitarist John Frusciante. The band is a strong booking and it will be interesting to see what other headliners are in store.
It’s the showdown we’ve all been waiting for; rock legend Dave Grohl versus everyone’s favourite Muppet Animal. The Foo Fighters frontman faced the drummer of the house band The Electric Mayhem on the latest episode of The Muppets. After some trash talk and a couple of smashed drum kits they called it a draw, but who do you think is the winner?
Following a mysterious countdown clock on the band’s website, Foo Fighters have released a surprise EP. The five track Saint Cecilia EP was made from demos recorded in the hotel of the same name in Austin, Texas during sessions for their most recent album ‘Sonic Highways’. If the tracks are any indicator of what the future may hold for the band, then they will be back on top form after the misstep of ‘Sonic Highways’. The EP is being offered as a free download and Dave Grohl has dedicated it to the victims of the Paris attacks.
Avant garde pianist Benjamin Clementine has won this year’s prestigious Mercury Music Prize for his album ‘At Least for Now’. He followed in the Mercury tradition of rewarding lesser known acts and beat more famous albums from Florence + the Machine and bookies favourite Jamie XX. His compelling and poetic music has been widely compared to Nina Simone. He has delivered one of the most memorable Jools Holland performances in recent years and has earned such famous fans as Bjork and Paul McCartney. The award is well deserved recognition for an unspeakably talented artist.
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