music news

Steven Tyler defends national anthem performance (AP) AP - Steven Tyler says he meant to sing the national anthem like that. ... more Bee Gee Robin Gibb says his health has improved (AP) AP - Bee Gee star Robin Gibb says he is making a strong recovery and putting on weight after suffering from a serious illness. ... more Bee Gee Robin Gibb makes "spectacular" recovery (Reuters) Reuters - Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb said on Friday he had made a "spectacular" recovery from a serious illness, which was widely reported to be cancer. ... more Rising star Angela Meade in Met Opera's `Ernani' (AP) AP - In an era of overthinking directors, intricate stage movements and concept productions that transport operas through time and locale, there is an argument for Verdi the way it used to be. ... more Black Sabbath drummer says may pull out of reunion (Reuters) Reuters - Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward has said he will not participate in the British heavy metal band's reunion recordings and tour unless he is offered a "signable" contract. ... more NYC's Algonquin closes legendary Oak Room (AP) AP - New York City's famous Algonquin Hotel has permanently shuttered the Oak Room, its fabled supper club that helped launch careers of many top-shelf jazz and cabaret stars. ... more Country or folk? The Civil Wars blur Grammy lines (AP) AP - Even Grammy voters don't know what to do with The Civil Wars. ... more Adam Lambert to tour with Queen ... more How low can you go? Record label launches bass hunt (Reuters) Reuters - The Decca music label is looking for a singer who can go where no other singer is believed to have gone before -- a low "E," which is nearly three octaves below a middle "C" on the piano. ... more Madonna launching video on billboards, online (AP) AP - Clear Channel is giving Madonna all its luvin'. ... more