Italian conductor Muti to visit Syrian refugee camp
May 4, 2023 GMTMILAN (AP) — Italian conductor Riccardo Muti plans to visit Syrian musicians living in the vast Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan on the sidelines of his annual Roads of Friendship concert series that aims to use music to build bridges and help those affected by war.
U2 creating new experience with Sphere Las Vegas concerts
April 24, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — U2 is familiar with rocking out in major sporting arenas and stadiums, but the legendary band will soon hit the stage to create a new immersive concert experience inside a high-tech, globe-shaped venue in Las Vegas.
Soundgarden, Chris Cornell’s widow settle recordings lawsuit
April 17, 2023 GMTThe widow of singer Chris Cornell and his former bandmates in Soundgarden said Monday that they have resolved her lawsuit against them, clearing the way for the release of the band's final recordings more than five years after his death.
Concert venue where 2 died in stampede has license denied
March 9, 2023 GMTThe license of a Rochester, New York, concert venue was revoked Wednesday while authorities investigate the circumstances of a stampede after a rap concert that left two women dead and injured several other concertgoers.
Barenboim cancels piano concert in Monaco, citing health
March 8, 2023 GMTMILAN (AP) — Prominent pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim has canceled a piano recital at the Opera de Monte-Carlo due to the effects of a serious neurological condition, the opera house announced on Wednesday.
2 dead in stampede at GloRilla concert in New York
March 7, 2023 GMTThe death toll rose to two on Monday following a stampede at a rap concert in Rochester, New York, that authorities said may have been triggered by unfounded fears of gunfire.
The Memphis rap stars GloRilla and Finesse2tymes had finished performing Sunday night at Rochester's Main Street Armory when something prompted people to surge dangerously toward the exits just after 11 p.m., Police Chief David M.
Joni Mitchell honored with Gershwin Prize at tribute concert
March 2, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON, DC (AP) — When Joni Mitchell finally took the stage near the end of an all-star tribute concert honoring her as this year’s recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, she opted to perform a cover rather than one of her own songs.
Slovenian band Laibach’s Ukraine concert canceled amid rift
February 27, 2023 GMTLJUBLJANA, Slovenia (AP) — A planned concert by Slovenia’s popular band Laibach in Ukraine next month has been cancelled after the group angered Ukrainians by remarks interpreted to suggest that Kyiv was involved in a proxy war on behalf of its Western patrons.
Iconic Slovenian band Laibach to perform in Ukraine amid war
February 22, 2023 GMTLJUBLJANA, Slovenia (AP) — Slovenia's iconic band Laibach will hold a concert in Ukraine's capital next month, saying Wednesday this will make them the first foreign group to perform a full show in Kyiv since the beginning of the Russian invasion last February.
2 sentenced to prison over failed Iowa music festival
February 18, 2023 GMTTwo leaders of a Cedar Rapids tourism board have been ordered to serve time in federal prison for defrauding a bank to support a music festival that lost $2.3 million.
Aaron McCreight, the former CEO of GO Cedar Rapids, was sentenced to 18 months and Douglas Hargrave, the former chief financial officer, to 15 months.
Barenboim takes it day-by-day, balancing music with illness
February 15, 2023 GMTMILAN (AP) — No one was more surprised than Daniel Barenboim himself at the impromptu homecoming to Milan’s Teatro alla Scala as a last-minute sub just two weeks after he formally stepped down as the Berlin's State Opera's music director after 30 years.
U2 returning to stage in Las Vegas, minus one of quartet
February 13, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — U2 is returning to the concert stage later this year for the first time since 2019 but without one of the original quartet, as drummer Larry Mullen Jr. is on the injured list.
Priest killed in Mexico, threats force concert to cancel
February 12, 2023 GMTMEXICO CITY (AP) — A priest in western Mexico has been shot to death, the eighth killed under the administration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
The church’s Catholic Multimedia Center identified the priest as Rev.
Cardi B brings energy at pre-Super Bowl concert, joins crowd
February 12, 2023 GMTCHANDLER, Ariz. (AP) — Cardi B teamed with her husband Offset onstage, embraced Serena Williams and later partook with a lively crowd during the rapper’s energetic pre-Super Bowl concert in suburban Phoenix.
Tickets for Beyoncé’s 1st concert of world tour sell out
February 7, 2023 GMTSTOCKHOLM (AP) — Tickets for the first concert of Beyoncé’s upcoming "Renaissance” world tour sold out Tuesday, and concert management group Live Nation said a second concert in Stockholm was added because of the high demand.
Legend, Carlile, Crow to perform at MusiCares tribute event
January 19, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — John Legend, Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow and Lionel Richie will be among those performing in tribute to Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson when both are honored as the 2023 MusiCares Person of the Year by the Recording Academy.
Mexican president asks Bad Bunny to play free concert
December 14, 2022 GMTMEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s president made a public request Wednesday to Puerto Rican reggaeton star Bad Bunny to play a free concert in Mexico City, to make up for a fake ticket scandal that left thousands frustrated outside his sold-out appearance Friday.
2 Chainz hosts Amazon Music live concerts using NFL platform
December 7, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — 2 Chainz wants to capitalize off the NFL’s huge “Thursday Night Football" platform to feature some of the world's most popular musical performers on Amazon Music's live concert series.
Elton John rockets toward retirement at Dodger Stadium
November 21, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Forty seven years after he took the stage at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in a sequined-studded baseball uniform as the world's biggest pop star, Elton John walked on to the same stage on Sunday night wearing a bedazzled Dodgers bathrobe, a uniform more fitting for a 75-year-old man on the verge of retirement.
Elton John’s final tour revisits LA glory with Lipa, Carlile
November 15, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Elton John’s audacious 1970 U.S. debut at a local nightclub moved a critic to declare that the slight young Englishman would become one of rock's most important stars. It didn't take long.
Berlin conductor Petrenko worried `no one needs us anymore’
October 25, 2022 GMTKirill Petrenko thought back to the spring of 2020, when his first season as chief conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic was abruptly stopped by the coronavirus pandemic.
“We all were very destroyed because at a certain point we thought no one needs us anymore,” he said.
Joanna Simon, acclaimed singer, TV correspondent, dies at 85
October 22, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Joanna Simon, an acclaimed mezzo-soprano, Emmy-winning TV correspondent and one of the three singing Simon sisters who include pop star Carly, has died at age 85.
Simon, the eldest of four, died Wednesday, just a day before her sister Lucy died, according to Lucy's daughter, Julie Simon.
Families of 2 killed at Astroworld festival settle lawsuits
October 20, 2022 GMTHOUSTON (AP) — The families of two people who died during last year’s Astroworld music festival have settled wrongful death lawsuits they had filed, according to attorneys.
With Geffen Hall, NY Phil gets a fresh, better sounding home
October 4, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Forced from their offices early in the pandemic, key leaders of the New York Philharmonic and Lincoln Center met in July 2020 under the trees of the venue’s Capital Grove patio to try to finally solve a decadeslong problem.
Ringo Starr tour on hold as he recovers from COVID-19
October 3, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Ringo Starr has tested positive for COVID-19, forcing the former Beatle to cancel several scheduled concerts in Canada with his All Starr Band.
Five concert dates from Tuesday to Sunday — in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Lethbridge, Alberta; and the British Columbia cities of Abbotsford and Penticton — will be rescheduled.
Review: Keith Jarrett at his peak on ‘Bordeaux Concert’
September 28, 2022 GMT“Bordeaux Concert,” Keith Jarrett (ECM Records)
When Keith Jarrett gently strikes the final note on the opening piece of “Bordeaux Concert,” 15 seconds pass before concertgoers begin to applaud, taking time to savor what they just heard.
Elton John pays tribute to Queen at his final Toronto show
September 9, 2022 GMTTORONTO (AP) — Elton John paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at his final concert in Toronto on Thursday night, saying he was inspired by her and is sad she is gone.
“She led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace and decency and genuine caring,” John said.
Rock icon Melissa Etheridge announces solo off-Broadway show
August 15, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Rocker Melissa Etheridge has found a new stage: The Grammy- and Oscar-winner will unveil a solo show mixing her music and stories off-Broadway.
“Melissa Etheridge: My Window – A Journey Through Life” will play 12 performances only starting Oct.
Review: Post Malone concert doc is all flash, no substance
August 11, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — There's a moment in Post Malone’s new concert film when its star confesses to how surreal his life has become: “Sometimes I feel like I’m not a real person.”
Fans will get no clarity on that astounding statement after watching Amazon's “Post Malone: Runaway,” a limp, uninspiring 60 minutes of flash with no substance.
Imagine Dragons hit the U.S. road, now mixing light and dark
August 10, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Imagine Dragons are touring the U.S. this summer and fall, which means frontman Dan Reynolds has to go to a lot of dark places.
The band is debuting songs from the second half of “Mercury,” a double album of brooding and moody meditations on death and human frailty.
Mary J. Blige is next artist in Apple Music concert series
June 30, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Mary J. Blige’s 2022 is going pretty well. Her new album landed in the top 10 of Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and she was featured at the Super Bowl halftime show. Now she's been tapped for a concert like no other.
Members of Queen, the Police, Rush to honor Taylor Hawkins
June 15, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The twin concerts for Foo Fighters' late drummer Taylor Hawkins will include Miley Cyrus, Liam Gallagher, Joan Jett, Mark Ronson, members of Queen, The Police, Rush, Kiss, The Pretenders, Motley Crue, Queens of the Stone Age, Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Supergrass and comedian Dave Chappelle.
Foo Fighters plan 2 tribute concerts for Taylor Hawkins
June 8, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Foo Fighters will honor the rock band's late drummer Taylor Hawkins with a pair of tribute concerts in September — one in London and the other in Los Angeles.
Richard Gere helps Carnegie Hall raise money for Ukraine
May 24, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Actor Richard Gere hosted a benefit concert for Ukraine at Carnegie Hall that raised $360,000 for Direct Relief, a humanitarian organization providing medical aid.
When purple reigned: A 1985 Prince concert finds a new life
May 23, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The first thing you hear is a familiar voice over the sound of thousands of screaming fans.
“Hello, Syracuse and the world. My name is Prince and I’ve come to play with you.”
The Purple One soon arrives, rising up through the stage — wearing an animal print jumpsuit with a ruffled white frock, a guitar slug across his back — as “Let's Go Crazy” starts.
Review: A joyous encounter between musical legends lives on
May 19, 2022 GMTMavis Staples & Levon Helm, “Carry Me Home” (ANTI-Records)
Some efforts to bring musical legends together feel contrived, like they were cooked up for a between-albums payoff. Occasionally, though, when the convergence isn't calculated, the moment just needs to be preserved.
Eagles of Death Metal members testify about Bataclan attack
May 17, 2022 GMTPARIS (AP) — Members of the Californian rock band Eagles of Death Metal provided emotional testimony Tuesday about the night Islamic State group extremists stormed their Bataclan theater concert, killing scores of people in France’s worst attack in generations.
Get on your bike: Coldplay hopes to lead with a green tour
May 16, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — It's often said that fans at live concerts give the band a jolt of electricity. Coldplay wants to literally harness that.
The pop superstars have added kinetic dance floors and energy-storing stationary bikes to their latest world tour, encouraging fans to help power the show as they dance or spin.
Review: Halestorm’s new album is a roar (and lots more, too)
May 5, 2022 GMT“Back From the Dead” by Halestorm (Atlantic)
Lzzy Hale, the lead singer and guitarist for the heavy metal band Halestorm, is that rare breed of wild child whose path you cross at your own peril, and her aggressiveness soaks through her music.
Ray Charles’ ‘lost’ concert makes way to digital platforms
May 4, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — One night in Stockholm half a century ago, Ray Charles delivered a blood-pumping, soul-shaking concert that was almost lost to history.
Astroworld movie released despite lawyers’ concerns
April 30, 2022 GMTHOUSTON (AP) — The experiences of panicked concertgoers who couldn’t breathe and had no clear path to escape a massive crowd surge at last year’s deadly Astroworld music festival in Houston are featured in a documentary released Friday.
Music stars return to Venezuela after skipping it for years
April 4, 2022 GMTCARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — The ground shook at the instant the voice of Mexican music star Alejandro Fernandez collided with the deafening cheers of fans gathered for his first concert in Venezuela in over a decade.
Foo Fighters cancel all dates following drummer’s death
March 30, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Foo Fighters have canceled all upcoming concert dates following the death of the band's drummer, Taylor Hawkins.
Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins dead at 50
March 26, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Taylor Hawkins, for 25 years the drummer for Foo Fighters and best friend of frontman Dave Grohl, has died during a South American tour with the rock band. He was 50.
There were few immediate details on how Hawkins died, although the band said in a statement Friday that his death was a “tragic and untimely loss.”
NY Philharmonic back at Geffen Hall Oct 7 after renovation
March 21, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The New York Philharmonic will return to Geffen Hall after a $550 million renovation on Oct. 7 with a concert led by music director Jaap van Zweden before an invited audience to thank healthcare, emergency and construction workers.
John Mayer finds renewed desire to perform as a headliner
March 18, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — When John Mayer toured with the Dead & Company band, he lost some motivation to solely perform his songs as a concert tour headliner.
Mayer grew more satisfied with blending in than standing out.
Noteworthy musical news: Boston Pops spring season returns
March 17, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — The music is back.
For the first time since the pandemic began, the Boston Pops is holding a spring season with live performances, the orchestra announced Thursday.
Khan, Lauper, Beck to play MusiCares Joni Mitchell tribute
March 17, 2022 GMTLAS VEGAS (AP) — Chaka Khan, Stephen Stills, Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper, Billy Porter and Beck will be among those performing in tribute to Joni Mitchell when she’s honored as the 2022 MusiCares Person of the Year by the Recording Academy.
H.E.R. does juggling act with concert tours, acting, Grammys
March 15, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — H.E.R. won top Oscar and Grammy music honors last year, but those supreme accolades were just a precursor for the singer-songwriter's next moves.
Metropolitan Opera holds special benefit concert for Ukraine
March 15, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Vladyslav Buialskyi spoke to his mother from Berdyansk, a Ukraine seaside town, and told her not to listen to him take the stage at the Metropolitan Opera on Monday night.
With electricity out because of Russia's invasion, he didn't want her wasting power for the Internet stream.
Met Opera to stage March 14 benefit for Ukraine relief
March 7, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The Metropolitan Opera will stage a benefit concert on March 14 for Ukraine relief efforts that will be broadcast on radio worldwide.
Music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin will lead a program that will feature Ukrainian bass-baritone Vladyslav Buialskyi and the Met chorus in Ukraine's national anthem and “A Prayer for the Ukraine,” a choral work by a Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov.
Amazon places bet on streaming, fast-paced music awards show
March 4, 2022 GMTNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Amazon has seen solid returns from its investment in streaming live sports, but its upcoming experiment with its first live music awards show is more of a gamble.
The 57th annual Academy of Country Music Awards from Las Vegas will air exclusively on Prime Video Monday night in a sped-up, concert-like format without commercials.
Tilson Thomas resigns from New World Symphony, lessens work
March 2, 2022 GMTMIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas is resigning as artistic director of the New World Symphony after 34 seasons with the orchestra, wanting to lessen administrative responsibilities as he deals with a brain tumor.
Verbier says Gergiev resigns as festival head at its request
February 28, 2022 GMTThe Verbier Festival says conductor Valery Gergiev resigned as music director at its request.
The Swiss classic music festival said it made the change as a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Gergiev, Putin friend, out of Vienna Philharmonic US tour
February 24, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Valery Gergiev, a conductor who is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, will not lead the Vienna Philharmonic in a five-concert U.S. tour that starts at Carnegie Hall on Friday night.
Reggaeton star Farruko roils fans by preaching about God
February 17, 2022 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Concert-goers had packed a Miami arena expecting Reggaeton artist Farruko to perform his hit “Pepas” — a club sensation and party anthem since its summer release.
But Farruko refused to sing the song in full, leaving out rousing choruses about taking drugs and partying, and apologizing for those lyrics.
John Mayer jams at Small Stages concert, helps concertgoer
February 10, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — John Mayer spoke sparingly during his Super Bowl week concert, but the singer let his music do most of the talking – until one moment when he made sure a concertgoer was safe.
Mayer performed a series of his songs Wednesday night from “Last Train Home” to “Wild Blue” as the headliner at the SiriusXM and Pandora’s Small Stage Series.
Task force to review event safety in wake of Astroworld show
February 9, 2022 GMTHOUSTON (AP) — A new task force will look into how to improve the safety at large Houston-area events in the hopes of avoiding another tragedy like last year's deadly Astroworld music festival, officials said Wednesday.
International orchestras tour US for 1st time in 2 years
February 1, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — After enduring repeated COVID-19 testing and a 5,400-mile (8690-kilometer) flight from London to become the first international symphony to tour the United States in 23 months, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra arrived in California to discover some brass had not.