rolling stones

No Respect? Top Stars Skip Redding Tribute

Published November 6th, 2009 by Karen
Estelle
Creative Commons License photo credit: Patrik Hamberg

Otis Redding is undeniably one of the most famous voices in soul music—and deservingly so. In his short career, the ’60s singer created a legacy that has shaped rock bands and soul divas alike.

(The Rolling Stones scored a career-defining hit with their take on Redding’s “Satisfaction,” and Redding’s “Respect” is Aretha Franklin’s signature hit.)

However, when contemporary music stars turned out to pay tribute to the late Redding, the caliber of talent probably wasn’t quite as high as the legend deserved. Continue reading »

"[...] is the one with the Rock’n'Roll Hall of Fame…a place the Boss might know a thing or two [...]"
  Springsteen’s Four-Letter Word Offends Fans | Music Vixen Blog

Worst Duets: Metallica and Lou Reed, U2 and Fergie, and More

Published November 2nd, 2009 by Karen
IMG_2152 (Large)
Creative Commons License photo credit: kylmis

Oh, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, why do you do this to us?

In honor of the R’n’R Hall of Fame’s 25th Anniversary, a series of “all-star” concerts were held in NYC featuring some top acts, and some not-so-top acts, all mixed together into a sometimes nightmarish pop culture stew.

Some things just shouldn’t mix, as the concert’s list of duets proves:

The night produced some strange duets:
U2 & Springsteen (ok)
Mick Jagger & Fergie (ick)
Metallica & the Kinks (why?)
And things just get even weirder after that…

Below: check out videos from some of the best and worst combos and tell us which you think is the best (or worst). Continue reading »

Daily Music Quiz: Motown, Rolling Stones and a Reggae Icon

Published September 11th, 2009 by Karen
Jamaican Coffee Table
Creative Commons License photo credit: RyAwesome

Today marks the anniversary of the untimely death of a legend of reggae music. Check the clues below and see if you can guess this star’s identity (Answer and video, below).

Born in Jamaica in 1944, this musician was a well known champion the Rastafari movement.

HINT: One of this performer’s earliest hits was the 1964 song “Simmer Down,” recorded with the Wailers.

Can you name this reggae legend?

ANSWER: Continue reading »

"[...] few famous players of Les Paul guitars: Slash (Guns’n'Roses/Velvet Revolver) Zakk Wyld (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society) Joe Perry [...]"
  RIP: Les Paul, Electric Guitar Innovator, 94 | Music Vixen Blog

American Idol: Slash Plays “School’s Out,” Broadway Style. Paula Lip Synchs. Eyes Roll.

Published May 7th, 2009 by Karen

Above: Alice Cooper performs “School’s Out” with actual muppets (on the Muppet Show)!
Video: Last night on Idol, Slash played “School’s Out” with Idol pop puppets
.

Hey, remember when Slash and Guns’n'Roses used to strike fear into the hearts of over-protective parents with sex, drugs, tattoos, rock’n'roll and stuff like that?

Yeah, those days are over. Last night Fox was broadcasting live as one more nail was driven into rock’s coffin.

It’s only rock’n'roll, but even Mick Jagger must’ve been rolling his eyes at the TV as Slash posed his way through an embarrassing version of Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out” during a stomach-churning group number on American Idol last night.

Actually, it’s difficult to decide which was more embarrassing: the clueless Idol kids singing rock’n'roll Broadway style, or Slash and his troupe of dusty old guys with bad dye-jobs and too much eyeliner pretending they were in on the joke. Maybe Axl was the cool one after all?

We’re not sure how, but these “top” Idol contestants pretty much wrecked this song–which is tough to ruin! Let’s face it, Alice Cooper isn’t much of a singer (and we’re pretty sure Slash isn’t really much of a guitarist-he just lucked into a sweet Les Paul and an iconic/cartoonish image).

During the commercial break, the Idols tried to sell us a car or a soda or something while singing an ultra-glossy version of All American Rejects‘ pop-emo hit “Move Along,” that was somehow even blander than the original. Good job, Idol.

Also during the show (or the few minutes we actually managed to stomach), Idol judge Paula Abdul hit the stage to poorly lip-synch her Continue reading »

"For fans that would like to either find or see the George Harrison star, you can can find it
  Paul Nerger

George Harrison Gets Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Published April 15th, 2009 by Wendy
Beatles vs Rolling Stones
Creative Commons License photo credit: laverrue

Hundred of friends and fans of late Beatle George Harrison gathered in Los Angeles, California yesterday as Harrison was posthumously awarded a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, according to an Associated Press report.

Those in attendance included Paul McCartney and Tom Petty, as well as Harrison’s widow Olivia and son Dhani. “Thank you very much!” shouted McCartney to the fans as the star was unveiled in front of the landmark Capitol Records building.

The only other surviving Beatle, Ringo Starr, did not attend. But one of Harrison’s friends, Monty Python’s Eric Idle, said he had recently spoken to Starr and that Ringo wanted to know why he hadn’t been awarded a star. Idle said he told Starr that they don’t give stars to drummers.

The Beatles have a star on the Walk of Fame, but the only members of the band with individual stars are John Lennon and now Harrison.

"What about Roger and Heather Daltrey....hasn't been 44 years but I believe they have been married for 38 or 39!"
  VJ

Secret to a Happy (rock star) Marriage and Free Wedding Music

Published October 7th, 2008 by Karen

Who has been married 44 years: One of the Beatles or the Rolling Stones?

With rock stars like Paul McCartney and Phil Collins making headlines for their $50 million dollar divorce settlements, it’s starting to seem as though all Hollywood weddings and rock’n’roll marriages are doomed.

However, long before Britney was divorced (twice) or Mariah Carey eloped, rock stars were walking down the aisle—and making it last.

Today we’re taking a look at some of the longest-lasting marriages in the rock music world. Members of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones have had successful relationships, but who comes out on top? Find out! (And, if you’re in the mood, check out some free wedding music mp3s).

Top Rock Star Weddings

11. David Bowie and Iman: Married 16 Years
A rockstar and a supermodel? Sounds like the recipe for marital success to us!
Free David Bowie MP3—Rebel Rebel MP3

10. John Cougar Mellencamp and Elaine Irwin: Married 16 Years

9. Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa: Married 17 Years

8. Jon Bon Jovi (Bon Jovi) and Dorothea Hurley: Married 19 Years
Known for writing catchy love songs, it’s no surprise that Bon Jovi married his childhood sweetheart.

7. George Harrison (Beatles) and Olivia Trinidad Arias:  Married 23 Years (until Harrison’s death in 2001).

6. Ronnie Wood (Rolling Stones) and Jo Howard—Unfortunately, after 23 years of marriage, this couple seems to be headed for divorce court, but they’re still married for now, so they’re on our list.

5. Keith Richards (Rolling Stones) and Patti Hansen: Married 25 Years
Yeah, we were pretty shocked by this one, too!

4. Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne: Married 26 Years
 
3. Ringo Starr (Beatles) and Barbara Bach: Married 27 Years
The Beatle drummer found happiness with one of the Bond Girl beauties from the James Bond films, lucky fella.

2. Paul McCartney (Beatles) and Linda McCartney: Married 29 Years (until Linda’s death)
Paul and Linda had one of the best marriages in rock’n’roll history. Unfortunately, things with Heather Mills didn’t go quite as well.

Free Beatles MP3—Can’t Buy Me Love MP3

And, the winner of best Rock Star marriage is…
1.
Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones
Charlie Watt married Shirley Ann Shepherd in October of 1964, which means they’ve been married for 44 years. While the other Rolling Stones were out partying, the soft-spoken drummer used to speak openly about how much he missed his wife and family while on tour.

Being married for 44 years is a long time by any standard, and considering Watts is a member of one of the most famous bands in the world—The Rolling Stones—it’s AMAZING!

Free Rolling Stones MP3—Satisfaction Free MP3

What do you think?
Are you surprised that Rock Stars can make their marriages last?
Can young stars learn something from these successful marriages?
Leave a comment and tell us what you think.
 

"Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes... Cool Post! Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes is my passion! Thank you! Keep up the good work. Best..."
  Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes

You Can Spend Christmas with a Rock Star Like Keith Richards!

Published December 10th, 2007 by Karen

Perhaps instead of leaving milk and cookies for Santa and his helpers, Rolling Stones guitarist/legendary wildman, Keith Richards, leaves out a big bottle of something that’ll really cut through the winter chill.

Regardless of what culinary delights he leaves for St. Nick, this year Richards is unveiling a gift for his fans…sort of.

Just in time for the holidays, Richards is teaming up with iTunes to re-release his 1978 single, “Run Rudolph Run.” The lively holiday tune (a cover of Chuck Berry’s Christmas classic) was recorded without his fellow Stones, and has been somewhat difficult to track down—until now.

Of course, Richards isn’t the first rocker to release a Christmas song. See if any of your favorites made my list of the top Christmas songs by rock bands.

Top 15 Christmas Rock Songs

15. “Jingle Bell Rock”—Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes

14. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”—Brenda Lee

13. “Please Come Home for Christmas”—Bon Jovi

12. “Happy Xmas (War is Over)”—John Lennon

11. “Santa Clause is Coming to Town”—Bruce Springsteen

10. “I Won’t Be Home for Christmas”—Blink 182

9. “Christmas at the Zoo”—Flaming Lips

8. “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight)”—The Ramones

7. “Run, Rudolph, Run”—Chuck Berry

6. “Merry Xmas Everybody”—Slade

5. “If Christmas Can’t Bring You Home”—Reigning Sound

4. “Frosty the Snowman”—The Ronettes

3. “Blue Christmas”—Elvis

2. “Father Christmas”—the Kinks

1. “Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)”—Darlene Love