Queen celebrates 40th Anniversary
Classic rock group Queen is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The historic occasion will be marked with a yearlong series of releases, re-releases, special limited-edition items and worldwide events. In May, the first five of Queen’s 15-album studio catalog will be reissued. Each will be released in a new double-CD edition. One disc will include the remastered original album and the other will feature rare tracks. Queen’s Brian May said, “A huge amount of work has already been put in behind the scenes to unleash a completely newly mastered set of the original Queen LPs and CDs. I know our fans will appreciate the attention to detail, bringing the early albums closer than ever to the magic of the vinyl originals, but with the benefit of up-to-the-minute quality technology.”
New American Idol Anniversary CD Features All-Stars
On March 15, RCA Records will release American Idol 10th Anniversary-The Hits. The compilation includes tracks by “American Idol” winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Daughtry, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen and Lee DeWyze. Also featured are hits by second place finalists Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken.
Speaking of American Idol, the Top 13 contestants were chosen by viewer votes on March 3. The Season 10 female finalists are 16-year-old Lauren Alaina, 22-year-old Pia Toscano, 21-year-old Karen Rodriguez, 16-year-old Thia Megia, 20-year-old Haley Reinhart, 24-year-old Ashthon Jones and 26-year-old Naima Adedapo. Ashthon and Naima risked being eliminated, but were given wild card slots from the judges. The six male finalists are 17-year-old Scotty McCreery, 23-year-old Jacob Lusk, 20-year-old Casey Abrams, 26-year-old Paul McDonald, 22-year-old James Durbin, and 21-year-old wild card recipient Stefano Langone.
Aguilera to Appear on The Voice Reality Show
Three of the four judges for the upcoming reality show “The Voice” have been announced. They are Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Maroon 5’s Adam Levine. The singing competition will premiere on April 26. Christina released a statement that says, “I am so excited to be part of such a wonderful project that celebrates music and the talent behind it. To be given the opportunity to help shape new artists’ careers and mentor them to see their dreams come to fruition is a task I welcome with open arms. I am so happy to be working with fellow Grammy Award winners Adam and Cee Lo as I feel there is so much we can all bring to “The Voice.”
Alice Cooper Among New Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees
On March 14, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place in New York City. The Class of 2011 includes Darlene Love, Tom Waits, Alice Cooper, Leon Russell and Neil Diamond. Bette Midler, Neil Young, Rob Zombie, Elton John and Paul Simon will be on hand to introduce the inductees.
New Album Releases March 15:
“High Maintenance” (EP) by Miranda Cosgrove
“Only Trust Your Heart” by Dionne Warwick
“Endgame” by Rise Against
“Priscilla: Queen of the Desert” the original cast recording
“Real” by James Wesley
Musical Events/Festivals/Benefits:
The 2011 South By Southwest music festival will take place March 15-19 in Austin, Texas. During the five-day event, some 2,000 artists from 61 countries will perform on 90 stages throughout Austin. This year’s Keynote Speaker is Irish musician Bob Geldof, who will deliver his address on March 17.
Look Who's Going On Tour!
On March 16, rapper Lil Wayne will kick off his “I Am Still Music” tour in Providence, Rhode Island. He’ll be supporting his latest album, “I Am Not A Human Being.” Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Travis Barker and Mixmaster Mike will join him on the 26-city North American trek. Lil Wayne’s ninth album, “Tha Carter IV,” will be released this year.
Country star Kenny Chesney will begin his 52-date “Goin’ Coastal Tour” on March 17th in West Palm Beach, Florida. Ten of the 52 shows will take place at stadiums. Billy Currington and Uncle Kracker will open all of the concerts, and the Zac Brown Band will join them on the stadium dates. Kenny’s latest album, “Hemingway’s Whiskey,” features the Number One hits “The Boys of Fall” and “Somewhere with You,” and his current Top 20 hit, “Live a Little.”
