Billy Dukes
Queen Reveal ‘Greatest Video Hits’ Box Set Due in August
This summer Queen will re-package their two greatest video hits releases into one box set. The two-disc package called ‘Greatest Video Hits’ will be available on Aug. 28, featuring 33 promo videos from the ’70s and ’80s, as well as new commentary from Brian May and Roger Taylor.
Rare Beatles Album Sells For Five Figures
A rare edition of the first Beatles album to be released in the United States has just sold for slightly under $15K at auction on eBay. A private collector paid $14,999 for an “Ad-Back” copy of ‘Introducing … the Beatles’ in an auction that ended on July 12.
Robert Plant ‘Has Not Married Patty Griffin’
When Robert Plant said he’d eloped with Patty Griffin, he didn’t actually mean he’d married her. That’s what a rep for the former Led Zeppelin singer tells the Hollywood Reporter. In an article in the Independent last week, Plant seemed to confirm marriage reports that have been circulating for months.
Author of New Mick Jagger Book Says Eric Clapton ‘Begged Him’ Not to Steal His Girlfriend
Mick Jagger‘s sexual exploits have been the topic of conversation lately, as a new book called ‘Mick: the Wild Life and Mad Genius of Jagger’ details his many affairs with famous women, and men. The book’s author, journalist Christopher Andersen, tells Washington D.C. radio station Big 100.3 that the Rolling Stones singer made romance a competition.
‘Jimi Hendrix: The Ultimate Lyric Book’ Announced
The family-operated company that controls the late Jimi Hendrix‘s music and image is releasing a 304-page hardcover book featuring photos and the handwritten lyrics from the legendary guitarist. According to the publisher Backbeat Books, the book will be released on Nov. 13.
Steve Vai Says He’d Like to Collaborate With ‘Family Guy’ Creator Seth McFarlane
Steve Vai was taught by Joe Satriani, played in Frank Zappa’s band and calls rock legends like Led Zeppelin and Queen major influences. When the Big 100.3 in Washington D.C. asked Vai who he’d like to collaborate with, the guitarist named a major player … in animation.
Court Repeals Death Sentence For Man Who Killed Dave Navarro’s Mother
One of the oldest men on California’s death row has been given new life. John Riccardi, who was convicted in the 1983 killing of Dave Navarro‘s mother Connie, was taken off of a list of inmates scheduled for execution after a judge determined he was denied a fair trial.
Kiss ‘Destroyer’ Re-issue to Feature Extended Version of ‘Beth’
Add a reissue of what many consider to be Kiss‘s finest album to the cornucopia of new merchandise available from the band in 2012. Their 1976 ‘Destroyer’ album has been remixed and readied for an Aug. 21 release. The package will also include rare and previously unheard recordings, plus the artwork the band originally intended to use.
Deep Purple Keyboardist Jon Lord Dies
Jon Lord, the founder and influential keyboardist of Deep Purple has died. According to his website, the 71-year-old suffered a pulmonary embolism on Monday (July 16), after fighting a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by family at the London Clinic at the time of his death.
Bret Michaels Works With Michael Anthony, Ace Frehley, Lynyrd Skynyrd + More for New Solo Album
It’s somewhat misleading to call Bret Michaels‘ next album a solo effort, as he’s teamed up with nearly a dozen well-known rockers and country musicians. The Poison frontman has recorded the project without the band that made him famous. Instead, artists like Ace Frehley, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and many more will join him on Poison hits.
Mick Jagger Says The Rolling Stones Weren’t Ready to Play the Olympics
In addition to Keith Moon, the Rolling Stones are another high-profile act forced to turn down a chance to play the 2012 Olympics in London. The games begin next weekend, with ceremonies to include Paul McCartney and Blur. Mick Jagger says his band wasn’t stage ready.
Freddie Mercury Biographer Reveals Songs With Death Titles Were Attempt to ‘Kill Off the Old Freddie’
A new Freddie Mercury biography written by journalist and friend-to-Queen Lesley-Ann Jones dives deep into the man the lead singer became within seconds of walking off stage. In ‘Mercury: An Intimate Biography of Freddie Mercury’ Jones further reveals the humble, quiet man who was conflicted sexually but capable of controlling thousands of fans with a sweep of his hand.