B103 Music News

Rock Hall of Fame Official Discusses New Rolling Stones Exhibit, Which Opens Today

Fri, 24 May 2013 11:50:00 GMT

As The Rolling Stones make their way across America on their 50 & Counting Tour, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is set to celebrate the debut of an expansive new exhibit about the legendary band. The display, titled "The Rolling Stones: 50 Years of Satisfaction," will open to the public today at 10 a.m. CT and will take up two-and-a-half floors of the Cleveland facility.

Craig Inciardi, an associate curator for the museum who helped oversee the exhibition's creation, says he and his co-workers are very excited to see the multifaceted project come to fruition.

"We've wanted to do a major retrospective exhibit on The Rolling Stones literally since the museum opened in 1995," he reveals to ABC News Radio. "The Stones are the first major act to hit that 50-year milestone, and this exhibit covers their roots, their childhood, how the band formed and traces them through the '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s and up through the present."

In putting the display together, the Rock Hall utilized memorabilia from its own extensive archives, while also gathering items from collectors and from the band members themselves.

Inciardi says the exhibit features "a variety of different types of artifacts," including guitars and other instruments, stage clothing, handwritten letters by the band members, rare posters, blueprints of the stage designs for various tours and much more.

Among the historic instruments featured in the exhibit, reveals Inciardi, are "Brian Jones' first guitar that he used in The Rolling Stones [and a 12-string acoustic that was] one of the first guitars that Keith Richards [used] to write songs."

Inciardi points out that some of the instruments and clothing items that will be displayed can be seen in some of the most famous photos taken of the band. "It's just exciting to see, up close, objects that are iconic," he declares, "that have been photographed and have been reproduced throughout the world."

"50 Years of Satisfaction" also offers a number of interactive programs and video displays that focus on various aspects of the group's history and career. Inciardi reveals that one of the multimedia stations "shows the root of how [The Stones] developed their sound," while another "shows the development of songwriting," while highlighting how two classic tunes -- "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" and "Gimme Shelter" -- were constructed.

Inciardi also insists that the exhibition isn't only for older and/or diehard Stones fans.

"I think this exhibit definitely has multi-generational appeal," he notes. "Young people who might not be aware of The Rolling Stones' history, after seeing the exhibit will realize how much ground The Rolling Stones broke and how many rules they changed and they re-wrote." Inciardi adds that the exhibit also could serve to show younger rock fans that "a lot of bands, the way they dress, the way they act, the way they play, emanates from The Rolling Stones."

"The Rolling Stones: 50 Years of Satisfaction" is scheduled to remain on display at the museum until March. In conjunction with the exhibition, a variety of special as-yet-unconfirmed Stones-related events, such as lectures, Q&A sessions and film screenings will be held at the Rock Hall. Inciardi tells ABC News Radio that the museum will be announcing details about the events "gradually throughout the year." Check RockHall.com for updates.

Photo courtesy of americanbluesscene.com

Oklahoma Tornado Disaster: How You Can Help

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:34:00 GMT

The need for help in the heartland is great. Several organizations are already on the ground in Moore, Oklahoma, and surrounding communities, where the devastation is immense. Here's how you can help:

RED CROSS

The Red Cross of Oklahoma. You can help them by donating to the Red Cross online or, make a $10 donation by texting REDCROSS to 90999.

SALVATION ARMY

The Salvation Army is in multiple locations throughout Oklahoma providing food, hydration, and support to first responders and survivors. You can contribute to the Salvation Army by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769), online on their website, by texting "STORM" to 80888 to make an automatic $10 donation, or by mail:

The Salvation Army
PO Box 12600
Oklahoma City, OK 73157

FEEDING AMERICA

Feeding America is providing food, water and supplies to the residents of the devastated towns.

Remember, you can help in as little time as it takes to send a text message!

Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make an automatic $10 donation to The Red Cross.
Text STORM to 80888 to make an automatic $10 donation to The Salvation Army

Photo source: CNN

John Fogerty Discusses New Album, Plays Creedence Medley During Appearance on The View

Fri, 24 May 2013 11:48:00 GMT

John Fogerty paid a visit to ABC's The View on Thursday morning as part of a busy week he's scheduled to promote his soon-to-be-released album, Wrote a Song for Everyone. The record, which hits stores this Tuesday, features the ex-Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman playing many of his classic compositions alongside an assortment of music stars from various genres.

Asked how the concept for Wrote a Song for Everyone came about, Fogerty revealed, "This whole album was an idea my wife had. She said, 'Why don't you get a bunch of the people you love and go sing your songs.' To me that sounded like Christmas, you know? A good time. So, that's what we did."

Guest host Jillian Michaels then pointed out that John had recently said the new record is the album of which he's most proud, and asked him why he feels that way.

"I just think the music is really cool," he explained. "It's just really vibrant and played well, and the arrangements came out good. And, of course, all these wonderful artists: It was such a joy to be with them."

He added that the stars he collaborated with on the album "are people I'm fans of…I buy their records."

Not surprisingly, Fogerty also treated The View audience to a couple of performances. He played a CCR medley featuring segments of "Lodi," "Bad Moon Rising" and "Proud Mary," plus a rendition of a new tune that's included on Wrote a Song for Everyone titled "Mystic Highway."

As previously reported, Bob Seger, Foo Fighters, Kid Rock, Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello, Jennifer Hudson, Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert, Alan Jackson and Keith Urban are among the artists who contributed to Wrote a Song for Everyone.

Photo courtesy of m.wxxi.org

Aretha Franklin Taking a Break from Touring Until July; Plans to Reschedule Canceled Shows

Fri, 24 May 2013 11:47:00 GMT

After canceling a pair of concerts this month because of unspecified medical issues, Aretha Franklin apparently is now set to take a break from touring until July. A representative for the Queen of Soul confirmed to ABC News Radio a recent report that the singer will be staying off the concert stage through the coming month, and that she's planning to reschedule the two nixed shows.

The aforementioned performances originally had been set to take place this past Monday in Chicago and this coming Sunday in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

The 71-year-old music legend was last seen on the finale of Fox's American Idol on May 16. Appearing live via satellite, Aretha sang a medley of her classic songs with the program's female contestants.

Photo courtesy of biography.com

New Bruce Springsteen Documentary, Springsteen & I, to Hit Theaters in July

Fri, 24 May 2013 11:45:00 GMT

The new Bruce Springsteen documentary Springsteen & I, which focuses on the passionate relationship The Boss shares with his fans, will premiere July 22 at movie theaters around the world. The film was created with major input from the New Jersey rock legend's faithful followers, and features previously unseen concert footage as well as interviews with many people who've been deeply touched by Springsteen's music.

"This beautifully-crafted film provides a unique insight into the powerful bond between a recording artist and those who connect so profoundly with his music," says famed filmmaker Ridley Scott, Springsteen & I's co-executive producer. The movie, which was directed by veteran music-video director Baillie Walsh, has the full support of Bruce, his management and his label, Columbia Records.

Tickets for the Springsteen & I screenings will be available for purchase starting on June 4. The documentary's producers are giving fans the chance to have their photo incorporated into the film's official poster. To find out more details about the promotion and the movie itself, visit SpringsteenAndI.com.

Photo courtesy of brucespringsteen.net

Billy Joel Books Concert in Ireland, Dines with James Taylor, Offers Fans Live Videos

Fri, 24 May 2013 11:43:00 GMT

Looks like Billy Joel's decided he still enjoys playing live. Following high profile appearances at the New Orleans Jazz Fest and at a rock festival in Australia, the Piano Man has now booked his first concert in seven years in Ireland.

According to U.TV, the show will take place at Dublin's O2 arena and will be Billy's first ever indoor concert in the Emerald Isle. Tickets go on sale May 30. Fans are still waiting to see if Billy, who turned 64 earlier this month, will book a full tour, and play his classic albums in their entirety, which is something he told Rolling Stone he'd be interested in doing.

In other Billy Joel news, the Washington Post reports that he and his buddy James Taylor were spotted dining together Wednesday night at Washington, D.C.'s Cafe Milano, described as a "see and be seen hotspot." The two Rock and Roll Hall of Famers were in town to perform in honor of Carole King, who just won the Gershwin Prize for Popular Music. The restaurant reports that Billy, James and their dates chowed down on rockfish, gluten-free pasta and biscotti.

And in a final bit of Billy Joel news, starting today, he's posting videos of four songs from his April Jazz Fest set on his official website: there will be one song per week, for four weeks. The first one is up now: it's "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)."

Photo courtesy of valslist.com

Sorry, American Idol Fans: Kelly Clarkson Isn't Judging Season 13

Fri, 24 May 2013 11:41:00 GMT

While having Kelly Clarkson sitting on the judges' panel of American Idol sounds like a pretty awesome idea, it's not happening. That's according to a rep for the singer, who tells The Hollywood Reporter that despite claims by both E! and New York magazine, Kelly has not inked a deal to be a judge on season 13 of the Fox show.

E! had said that a three-judge panel made up of Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and one other Idol alum -- possibly Adam Lambert -- was "95 percent there."

However, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Adam's reps haven't been contacted about a slot on the panel. Furthermore, an insider tells the publication that the producers' first choice is actually to bring Jennifer Lopez back. In addition, the insider claims they're eyeing Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am, but a source says it's "doubtful" the rapper could fit it into his schedule.

Looks like it's going to be a long summer of non-stop Idol rumors...buckle up.

Photo courtesy of kellyclarkson.com

American Horror Story’s Evan Peters has joined the cast of Fox’s X-Men: Days of Future Past

Fri, 24 May 2013 11:37:00 GMT

The film’s director, Bryan Singer, made the announcement via Twitter stating, “Thrilled to say #Evan Peters is joining #XMen #DaysOfFuturePast as #Quicksilver.” The casting creates a dilemma, since Quicksilver is also part of Avengers 2, being produced by Fox rival Marvel Studios. The casting opens the door for a rare studio crossover. X-Men: Days of Future Past is set for a July 18, 2014 release…

Photo courtesy of forum.playdom.com

Universal Studios to add number of shops with Simpsons theme

Fri, 24 May 2013 11:31:00 GMT

Universal Studios in Orlando already has a ride based on The Simpsons TV show, but now the theme park will be adding a number of shops and restaurants with a Simpsons theme, including a Krusty Burger joint and a Moe's Tavern that will sell Duff Beer, the Orlando Sentinel reports. The new park section, which will be named Springfield, will open this summer...

Photo courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org

Carole King was honored by President Obama at the White House

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:20:00 GMT

Carole King was honored by President Obama at the White House on Wednesday night as she was awarded the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

Obama remarked, "For an entire decade, behind so many of the songs that touched our hearts and stirred our soul, there was Carol forever joyful and uplifting."

Several artists paid tribute to King by performing her music, including Billy Joel, James Taylor, Gloria Estefan, Trisha Yearwood, Jesse McCartney and Emeli Sande.

The highlights included Joel performing "Locomotion," Taylor playing "Up on the Roof," and Estefan, Yearwood and Sande teaming up on "Will You Love Me Tomorrow."

King herself opened the event with a performance of "Beautiful."

The concert was presented as the latest edition of the “In Performance at the White House” series. It will air on PBS next Tuesday.

The 71-year-old King, the first woman to receive the Gershwin Prize, was also saluted with a concert at the Library of Congress on Tuesday night.

Photo courtesy of theobamadiary.com