News

A campaign to make the Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers classic “Roadrunner” the official state rock song of Massachusetts has hit a snag: Aerosmith. The bill to recognize “Roadrunner”, introduced to the state legislature by Dorchester Representative Marty Walsh earlier this month, now faces competition from a competing bill to give the state rock song honors to Aerosmith’s “Dream On”. Duxbury Democrat Representative Josh Cutler and Marshfield Democrat Rep. James Cantwell introduced the “Dream On” legislation on Monday.

The new issue of Uncut, out today (February 28), features David Bowie, Stephen Stills, Kraftwerk and Wilko Johnson.

The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson and Jeff Beck are to host a Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp in Las Vegas. The 'camp' takes place from April 18-21 at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, where attendees will learn songwriting tips from the legendary Beach Boys singer and guitar lessons from Jeff Beck. In addition to practicing and recording music with the two legends, the 'campers' will also get the chance to perform at MGM Grand's Rouge Lounge at the end of the four-day session. There will also be an attendees-only gig by Brian Wilson.

The Temptations Richard Street has died aged 70. Street, who was a member of the Motown group for 25 years after joining the band in the early 1970's as Paul Williams' replacement, passed away early yesterday morning (February 27) in Las Vegas of a pulmonary embolism.

Dan Toler, former guitarist for the Allman Brothers, has died at 65 in his hometown of Sarasota, Florida, reports Ticket Sarasota.

Stephen Stills looks back over his musical career, recalling his work with Neil Young, David Crosby and Graham Nash, among others, in the new issue of Uncut, out tomorrow (February 28).

Blur have announced a string of dates in the USA, Mexico, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The band have confirmed that they will be playing Coachella festival in California on April 12 and 19. They will also play Mexico's Vive Latino Festival on March 16, followed by Hong Kong's Asia World Arena on May 6 and the New Taipei County Stadium on May 9.

Rare live footage of the Manic Street Preachers performing a gig in Aldershot in 1991 has emerged online.

David Byrne and St Vincent have announced a trio of headline UK shows, set to take place in August. The pair will play London's Roundhouse on August 27, Birmingham Symphony Hall on August 28 and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on August 29. The shows will take place as part of a wider European tour. David Byrne and St Vincent will also join Sigur Ros and Belle And Sebastian in headlining this summer's End Of The Road festival following their stand-alone shows.

David Bowie’s return to active service with The Next Day has been described as the greatest comeback ever and I’m sure every Bowie fan is hoping this will in fact be the truth of the matter when they finally get to hear the album, which is released on March 11, still a tantalising couple of weeks away at the time of writing.