Good Artists Borrow, Great Artists Steal

I love this shit-Check out the article below about musicians stealing others music. I am just severely disappointed they didn't include any Zeppelin what so ever. By the way to settle the first line about the first band featured in this article just remember this-they are not a punk (or pop punk) band anymore and haven't been for a long time. Also a little snippet below to get you enticed......

7 Famous Musicians Who Stole Some of Their Biggest Hits

Rammstein

Been out of pocket for a while-including a trip to Houston to see Rammstein. It was the final show of the tour and worth the trip. I would say it definitely ranks in Top 10 of "shows" seen-and I what I mean by that is they put on a full fledged audio and visual assault of the senses. If you ever get a chance check them out-you won't be disappointed.

Death, Postponements and cheap beer

• Donna Summer dead at 63. The Queen of Disco had been fighting cancer and died at her Florida home. Looks like I will have to break out the Casblanca Records box set this weekend.
• IMPLOSION ALERT! Van Halen have postponed 30 dates of their currently scheduled tour. The remainder of dates through June, including Dallas, are still on. Depending on what you read the rumors are: infighting and lack of ticket sales (or at least the more expensive seats) etc.-However promoters are reporting sold out or near sold out shows, and if infighting is the reason why not postpone shows starting now?
• Live Nation is reporting reduced concession prices at most of it's amphitheaters including $4 beers. It's almost like it's 2005 again......
• I have been lax in updating attended shows lately. Next up Rammstein in Houston for the last date of the North American tour. I am skeptical of the venue however.

SNL Updates

• Mick Jagger will host SNL's season final this week. He will also be the musical guest playing with Arcade Fire, Jeff Beck and the Foo Fighters.
• Donald "Duck" Dunn, probably most famous for his membership in the Blues Brothers band, has passed away. His musical accomplishments go far beyond than that of the BB's however: Otis Redding, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Rod Stewart, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Jerry Lee Lewis, Levon Helm and Freddy King among others. I know I saw him at least twice with various bands including the Crossroads Music Fest. I swore he was part of the SNL band at one time but have been unable to confirm.
• SNL has had a very eclectic year with their musical guests. With the exception of the last (which I have not watched) and the next scheduled episode, the best musical guests by far have been Jack White and Florence & The Machine. There was the disaster of Lana Del Rey as well. Some of the other musical choices have caused me some concern-at one time performing on SNL was considered the highest accolade you could get from a variety style TV show, I am not sure where it stands now but from some of the reactions from this years performers I would think it is still tops.

TGIF Updates

• Phil Collins is in the DFW area promoting his love for The Alamo. He has a new book out and has an extensive collection of Alamo memorabilia. I hope nobody hates him for that.
• And Green Day's American Idiot opens tonight in Big D as well. I would like to see this and Rain A Tribute to the Beatles, which just finished up in Dallas....but at The Bass Hall in Funkytown.
• All this Dio reforming, Black Sabbath reunion, who's playing with who is really getting out of hand. It is too much to put here-just look up Vivian Campbell or Vinny Appice for more.

More MCA

In the wake of Adam Yauch's death the tributes have been outpouring. I expect something much bigger in the near future regarding this however only time will tell. I have provided a link below to an article regarding-I attended the Mavericks game in Dallas last Saturday and the majority of the music played during the breaks was Beastie Boys classics.

MCA Tributes and Reflections

MCA Dead

Unfortunately Adam Yauch has passed away. MCA had been fighting cancer since 2009, the same year The Beastie Boys last performed live. I never thought too much of The Beastie Boys until I saw them live one year at Lollapalloza and I don't think I missed a show since.....Our prayers go out to Ad-Rock, Mike D and Adam's family - you will be missed.