Duran Duran

Duran Duran

There are some groups so “on trend” it’s scary. MTV, launched in the early ’80s, was initially in dire need of content. Equally important, they needed to find musicians who “got it.” Artists who understood making a video was more than standing in front of a camera lip-synching. Enter Duran Duran from Birmingham, England. Duran…

“Cowboys From Hell” Goes Double Platinum

“Cowboys From Hell” Goes Double Platinum

Pantera‘s major label debut album, “Cowboys From Hell” released in ‘90, was recently certified (May 26th) double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales in excess of 2-million copies in the United States. “Cowboys From Hell,” originally certified platinum in July ’97, has been called one of the most influential Metal albums of the…

Jeff Beck Honored

Jeff Beck Honored

A Jeff Beck tribute concert, organized by Eric Clapton and Sandra Beck, the guitarist’s widow, took place Monday night (5/22) at London’s Royal Albert Hall.  The event featured Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, ZZ Tops’ Billy Gibbons and actor/guitarist Johnny Depp.  A second all-star concert was held Tuesday night. Beck, who passed away earlier this year, was…

Foo Fighters Are #1

Foo Fighters Are #1

Foo Fighters’ “Rescued” is #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart (dated 5/20). Released on April 19th, “Rescued” is the first single off the Foos eleventh studio album, “But Here We Are,” which will drop June 2nd.    The track references the passing last year of drummer Taylor Hawkins. According to the band, it’s “the first…

Doctor Tom Petty

Doctor Tom Petty

Florida native Tom Petty was recognized by the University Of Florida with an honorary Doctor Of Music degree. Bruce Petty, Tom’s brother, accepted the posthumous doctorate on his behalf at the university’s spring commencement ceremony (May 4th). The university also partnered with Petty’s estate for what they called the Tom Petty Endowment for Guitars & Innovation, benefitting its School…

RATM Is In

RATM Is In

The good news is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announce that Rage Against The Machine will be inducted into the Hall on November 3rd at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson and late singer George Michael (who won the fan vote) will also be inducted. …