Morrissey will not take his tour to Canada because he wishes to protest Canada’s seal hunt, where 325,000 seals could be killed a year. Morrissey stated: “I fully realise that the absence of any Morrissey concerts in Canada is unlikely to bring the Canadian economy to its knees, but it is our small protest against this horrific slaughter – which is the largest slaughter of marine animal species found anywhere on the planet,” the singer said. “The Canadian Prime Minister says the so-called ‘cull’ is economically and environmentally justified, but this is untrue.” I like when artists speak out on political issues, but personally, I don’t feel why he has to take it out on Canadian fans who have nothing to do with it. Ah well, typical Moz. ( source )
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It was erroneously released in a statement that Brian Eno was contributing to the new Roxy Music album. However, this is not the case. According to EnoWeb, the reports are “untrue and just in-good-faith wishful thinking from the journalists — Brian has no involvement with the band’s current recording or tour plans. All that happened was that Brian popped in to visit the members of the group when they were in the studio.” Wishful thinking, indeed. ( source )
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The Rolling Stone continue to fall in credibility and rise in laughability, as they are casting for a new MTV reality show where contestants compete for a job writing for Rolling Stone. Chances are, the winner will be an attractive (but fake looking) young women that the older staffers can stare at, who can’t write at all but looks fine around the office. Amusing. ( source )
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The same names make the usual news: Pete Doherty’s Babyshambles failed to appear at London’s famous KOKO venue on the 23rd, without citing any official reasons. Fans waited until 2AM for the band until they were told that they would not be playing because they haven’t showed up. Doherty earlier pleaded guilty on charges of posession of heroin, crack cocaine, and marijuana. His case has been adjourned until April 20th. ( source )
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In a new marketing strategy, Island Def Jam did not release Ne-Yo’s single ‘So Sick’ to iTunes, even though it has been one of the hottest singles on mainstream radio recently. The strategy apparently paid off, as he sold significantly more than his expected numbers. More labels may take the route to completely avoid online audio stores, as some believe it damages inital album sales. ( source )
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Its South Park’s duty to make fun of everything imaginable — but when they made fun of Scientology, vocal member and musical personality Isaac Hayes quit the show. To swipe back, creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker are now portraying him in an episode as a bonafide pedophile. The show clearly loves taking risks. The funniest thing about the show may be how it keeps avoiding lawsuits. ( source )
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One of the most successful American country artists of all time, Buck Owens, died Saturday at the age of 76. He had fifteen consecutive county number ones, one of which The Beatles covered (‘Act Naturally’). ( source )
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Art Brut’s outstanding debut, Bang Bang Rock & Roll will finally see an American release on Downtown Records. Also, Nikki Sudden is dead at the age of 49. ( source )
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New music material information: Amusement Parks On Fire, Bright Eyes, Rainer Maria, Jade Tree, Keane, The Jam, Arctic Monkeys, and Six Organs Of Admittance.
New tour information: Arab Strab, Gogol Bordello, An Albatross, Islands, Pixies, Band Of Horses, and lineup additions to the Intonation Music Festival.
