A major new housing and business development in Dartford, England is naming its streets after songs by the Rolling Stones. Group members Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were both born in and attended elementary school in Dartford. Among the names given to the roads are Satisfaction Street, Ruby Tuesday Drive, Sympathy Street, Cloud Close and Dandelion Row. Dartford Council spokeswoman Oakley Hartney told the Associated Press, "There's a lot of excitement and support for the Stones in the borough as a whole. Everyone is very supportive and this is a way to celebrate."
Coldplay Faces Copyright Lawsuit
Guitarist Joe Satriani has filed a copyright infringement suit against Coldplay. Satriani claims the title track from the rock band's Grammy-nominated album Viva La Vida contains "substantial, original portions" of his 2004 song, "If I Could Fly." Coldplay released a statement that says, "If there are any similarities between our pieces of music, they are entirely coincidental, and just as surprising to us as to him. Joe Satriani is a great musician, but he did not write the song 'Viva La Vida.' We respectfully ask him to accept our assurances of this and wish him well with all future endeavors." Coldplay recently received seven Grammy nominations for Viva La Vida, which has sold close to two million copies in the United States. Satriani's lawyer, Howard King, says, "As far as the 'coincidence,' ultimately that's for a jury to decide."
Spears Sets Record with Success of 'Circus' Album
Britney Spears sold 505,000 copies of her latest album Circus its first week of release in the U.S. She's the only artist in SoundScan history to have four albums sell 500,000 or more in a debut week. Circus tops this week's Billboard 200 chart and its title song enters the Hot 100 list at Number 3 (week ending December 20). This is the first time Britney has debuted in the Hot 100's Top 10. Her new album's first single, "Womanizer," is also in the Top 10 this week, which marks the first time she's had two songs in the Top 10 list simultaneously. In related news, Britney has announced that on March 3, 2009 she'll head out on her first concert tour in five years. "The Circus Starring Britney Spears" outing will begin in New Orleans, Louisiana and continue through April 29. The Pussycat Dolls will open the shows.
Michael Jackson Memorabilia to Be Sold at Auction
The glove that Michael Jackson first wore in his 1983 "Billie Jean" video is one of more than 2,000 items being auctioned at Julien's Auctions on April 21, 2009. The self-proclaimed "King of Pop's" personal possessions will be put on display prior to the auction, which will air live on Auction Network. Michael will donate a portion of the proceeds to MusiCares, the Recording Academy's charity that helps musicians in need.
TV Talk Show Host Dr. Phil to Host Washington DC Christmas Concert
On December 17, cable network TNT will broadcast the annual "Christmas In Washington" concert. This year's holiday special will be hosted by Dr. Phil McGraw and his wife Robin. Performers include Country newcomer Julianne Hough, former Hootie & the Blowfish lead singer Darius Rucker, a cappella group Straight No Chaser, actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth and Christian rock band Casting Crowns.
Stevie Wonder May Appear on Next Season of 'Dancing With The Stars'
Access Hollywood reports that Stevie Wonder might become the first blind contestant to appear on Dancing With the Stars. Wonder told a Los Angeles radio station, "It'd be fun. It's not impossible. Right now it's just a thought." The 58-year-old added that he'd like to use the show to lose some weight.
New Album Releases - December 16
"When the World Comes Down" - the All-American Rejects
"Folie A Deux" - Fall Out Boy
"A Different Me" - Keyshia Cole
"iSouljaBoyTellem" - Soulja Boy
"Intuition" - Jamie Foxx
"Da Realist" - Plies
"Complete Studio Recordings" (box set) - Led Zeppelin
"Ghostdeini The Great" - Ghostface Killah
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" - original motion picture soundtrack
Musical Events/Festivals/Benefits
On December 16, the homeless veterans benefit "No Veteran Left Behind" will take place in the Nashville suburb of Franklin, Tennessee. Country stars Marty Stuart, James Otto, Big Kenny of the duo Big & Rich, 3 Doors Down, and others will appear at the charity concert. The event will be hosted by We Are Building Lives, an organization that assists local veterans with mentoring, health and psychological care, employment, housing and education.
Awards Presentations/Winners
Nominations for the 2008 Golden Globe Awards have been announced. There are two music categories. Nominated for Best Original Score are Alexandre Desplat for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Clint Eastwood for Changeling, James Newton Howard for Defiance, Hans Zimmer for Frost/Nixon, and A.R. Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire. The Best Original Song nominees are Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman for "Down To Earth" from Wall-E, Clint Eastwood for "Gran Torino" from Gran Torino, Miley Cyrus and Jeffrey Steele for "I Thought I Lost You" from Bolt, Beyoncé Knowles, Amanda Ghost, Scott McFarnon, Ian Dench, James Dring and Jody Street for "Once In A Lifetime" from Cadillac Records, and Bruce Springsteen for "The Wrestler" from The Wrestler. The 66th Golden Globe Awards will be presented in Los Angeles on January 11, 2009.
Look Who's Going On Tour!
Billboard Boxscore has released its list of the top-grossing concert tours of 2008. Bon Jovi tops the list by bringing in $210.7 million on their North American "Lost Highway" tour. Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band claim the Number 2 spot with $204.5 million. Madonna's at Number 3 with $162 million. The Police rank Number 4 with $150 million and Celine Dion brought in $91 million, giving her the Number 5 spot. Rounding out the Top 10 are Kenny Chesney with $86 million, Neil Diamond with $81.2 million, the Spice Girls with $70 million, the Eagles with $56.6 million and Rascal Flatts with $55.8 million.
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