Favorite Seventies Artists In The News

Posted by Administrator on December 6th, 2025

Pink Floyd is celebrating the 50th anniversary of their 1975 LP Wish You Were Here with several pop-up stores across the UK, Europe and America. The pop-up stores are hosted in collaboration with Sony Music and News & Coffee, the independent magazine retailer and coffee roaster. They will open at kiosks in London, Barcelona, Los Angeles and Paris. Each location will stock an exclusive Wish You Were Here 50 edition of the Brain Damage Floyd fanzine -- a revival of the editorial project originally founded and produced by Glenn Povey, with five editions available worldwide. Also available is an exclusive limited anniversary vinyl pressing of Wish You Were Here 50, and a selection of strictly limited edition commemorative merchandise. - New Musical Express 12/4/25...... '70s disco icons The Village People were among the headlining music acts at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Draw on in Washington, D.C, on Dec. 5. The splashy affair took place at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the "YMCA" hitmakers closed 2025 in the same city they performed in for several events around Pres. Donald Trump's second inauguration. The Village People performed hit "YMCA," as Pres. Trump danced merrily along in the audience to the group's 1979 hit, which has become one of his favorite songs. The Final Draw will reveal the group-stage matchups for the 48-team World Cup, which will unfold between June 11-July 19, 2026 Three nations will jointly host the upcoming tournament for the first time; the US is the main host, while Canada and Mexico will co-host. - Music-News.com, 12/4/25...... More key cast inner circle roles have been announced in director Sam Mendes' upcoming four-part Beatles biopics, including John Lennon's aunt, the Fab Four's press officer, Paul McCartney's dad, Beatles manager Brian Epstein and record producer George Martin. Lennon's beloved Aunt Mimi Smith, his guardian as a child, will be portrayed by Leanne Best (Line of Duty, Star Wars: The Force Awakens who has a Beatles connection herself -- she's the niece of original Beatles drummer Pete Best. In addition, The Walking Dead's David Morrissey will portray Paul McCartney's father, Jim McCartney; James Norton (Bob Marley: One Love) will play manager Brian Epstein; and Harry Lloyd (Game of Thrones) has been confirmed as "fifth Beatle," producer George Martin. Bobby Schofield (Cherry) has been tapped to portray the band's road manager and McCartney and George Harrison's lifelong pal music biz executive Neil Aspinall; Daniel Hoffman-Gill will step into the shoes of road manager and personal assistant Mal Evans; Arthur Darvill (And Mrs) is on board as journalist/publicist and producer Derek Taylor; and Adam Pally (Sonic the Hedgehog 3) is slated to play the band's quarrelsome music manager, Allen Klein. The thespians join the previously announced main cast -- Paul Mescal (McCartney), Harris Dickinson (Lennon), Barry Keoghan (Starr) and Joseph Quinn (Harrison) -- as well as the actresses portraying their wives: Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird) as McCartney's wife Linda McCartney, Shogun's Anna Sawai as Lennon's wife Yoko Ono, The White Lotus' Aimee Lou Wood as Harrison's wife Pattie Boyd and How to Have Sex's Mia McKenna-Bruce as Starr's wife, Maureen Starkey. The announcement of the latest cast additions can be viewed on Instagram. The four films are currently in production with all of them slated to hit theaters at the same time in Apr. 2028. - Billboard, 12/5/25...... In other Beatles news, the BBC has acquired the six-part documentary series Hamburg Days, a drama series that tells the story of the band's early days as a scrappy band trying to make a name for themselves in the German city's smoke-filled clubs. The series is based on the autobiography of Beatles lieutenant Klaus Voormann, the musician and producer who lived with the group in a London flat in the early 1960s, designed the cover of the Revolve album and performed on solo albums by Lennon, Harrison and Starr in the 1970s following the band's break-up. According to a press release by the BBC, Voormann, 87, was a consultant on the series, which is set in the early 1960s, in the "smoke-filled clubs of Hamburg's St. Pauli's red-light district, [where] an inexperienced young rock 'n' roll band from Liverpool collide with two young artists, Klaus Voormann and [early Beatles photographer] Astrid Kirchherr. Together they help spark a transformation that turns a scrappy group of teenagers into the greatest music phenomenon the world has ever known: The Beatles." A cast has yet to be announced, however the showrunner will be The Crown director Christian Schwochow, who will be joined by director Mat Whitecross (Oasis: Supersonic, Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams) and composer David Holmes (Ocean's Thirteen, Good Vibrations). The story of the band's early years playing Hamburg clubs was previously covered in the 1994 movie Backbeat, which focused on the same period and the relationship between early bassist Stu Sutcliffe and Lennon. - Billboard, 12/4/25...... Elsewhere on the Fab Four front, the Beatles archival Anthology series of albums is back on the Billboard charts, 30 years after the project launched in 1995 with Anthology 1. The new album, Anthology 4, has debuted in the top 10 on five Billboard charts, all dated Dec. 6: Top Album Sales (No. 9), Top Current Album Sales (No. 9), Top Rock & Alternative Albums (No. 7), Top Rock Albums (No. 6) and Indie Store Album Sales (No. 3). The 36-track Anthology 4 features 13 previously unreleased tracks from The Beatles' vault. The rest of the cuts on the album were available on previous reissues. Anthology 4 was issued on vinyl, CD, as a digital download and via streaming services, and launches with nearly 17,000 equivalent album units earned in the United States in the week ending Nov. 27, according to Luminate. Of that sum, traditional album sales (purchases of physical copies and digital downloads of the album) numbered 13,000. - Billboard, 12/4/25...... It has been revealed that Jimmy Buffett was present at his posthumous 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, and more than just in spirit. In a new interview on The Howard Stern Show on Dec. 2, country singer Kenny Chesney -- who helped induct the late Parrothead In Chief alongside James Taylor and guitarist Mac McAnally in 2024 -- revealed that some of Buffett's ashes were smuggled into the venue with some help from daughter Savannah Buffett. "We were sitting back there warming up, trying to figure out our parts and stuff, and Mac comes up to me and he goes, 'Look at this,'" the country star told Stern. "And it was a small urn," Chesney continued. "He had Jimmy's ashes in his coat pocket. So Jimmy's ashes were in Mac McAnally's coat pocket on stage with us as [Jimmy] was getting inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Apparently, Savannah was all for the idea, because she was the one who handed off her dad's ashes to McAnally before the ceremony. So even after he passed, Jimmy found a way to join the party," Chesney added. Buffett died at the age of 76 in Sept. 2023. Chesney's full Stern Show interview can be viewed on YouTube. - Billboard, 12/4/25...... Paul Rodgers has revealed that he "dodged a bullet" by skipping Bad Company's recent induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Rodgers and Simon Kirke, the two surviving members of the original Bad Company lineup, had been due to perform together for the first time in six years at the Rock Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on November 8, but Rodgers didn't part due to health issues which prevented him from travelling -- and he's now told Rolling Stone that he has no regrets about missing the big monent. "About a week prior to leaving for rehearsals for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction and TV show, my blood pressure was very high and I started to have chest pains and heart palpitations," Rodgers, 75, said. "I saw my doctor, who absolutely forbid me to get on a plane. He recommended that I stay home, rest and remain calm, and I feel that I dodged a bullet by doing that. I am in the zen phase of my life and enjoy being immersed in a peaceful and calm life. I can sing again and play daily to a crowd of one," he added. The singer had previously confirmed he would not be attending in a post on Instagram, writing: "My hope was to be at the Rock Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony and to perform for the fans, but at this time I have to prioritize my health. I have no problem singing, it's the stress of everything else. Thanks for understanding. Simon along with some outstanding musicians will be stepping in for me -- guaranteed to rock." Bad Company's frontman Rodgers, drummer Kirke, late guitarist Mick Ralphs and late bassit Boz Burrell were among the acts saluted at the annual ceremony on Nov. 8. Ralphs died in June at the age of 81 while Burrell passed away in 2006. The band's former vocalist Brian Howe died in 2020 at the age of 66. - Music-News, 12/5/25...... Six months after his death, Ozzy Osbourne has been posthumously with Birmingham's Lord Mayor's Award on what would have been the heavy metal icon's 77th birthday. The prestigious annual honor presented to an individual (group or organization) for "outstanding achievement or exceptional service to the city and people of Birmingham" was an especially fitting tribute to the late rocker given his love for him hometown. In an X/Twitter video message from daughter Kelly Osbourne, she said, "I just want to take a second to thank the people of Birmingham for not only showing my family so much love, but for showing up for my father in a way that made him the happiest man on the planet." Kelly was on hand to receive the honor alongside her mother, Sharon Osbourne, and the family were also gifted with the book of condolences featuring what Kelly said were "hundreds of thousands" of tributes from fellow Birmingham citizens. The one thing my father was most proud of is that he was a Brummie," said Kelly, using the popular nickname for people from Birmingham. And Birmingham has done him proud." Meanwhile, Ozzy fans are continuing to call for Birmingham UK Airport to be renamed after Osbourne, despite hopes being nixed by its CEO. Fans have started a Change.org petition campaign headed by Dan Hudson, co-host of the A Gay And A Nongay podcast, who suggested that Birmingham International Airport have a rebrand in honour of the Prince Of Darkness. "Birmingham, amazingly, has an extraordinary list of fantastically influential people, going from historic people like Charles Darwin, as well as Robert Plant and Sir Lenny Henry but the answer is no," airport CEO Nick Barton told BBC Radio WM. "The airport name is so important for our future development of what we've got, which is a fantastic airport, but yet to grow significantly, which we will do on the back of its name." Barton did add that progress was being made on a different project to honour Ozzy's legacy at the airport, saying: "It'll be like a mural recognition of Ozzy and other greats in the area." Lastly in Ozzy news, the musician's merch store has shared a new t-shirt design that takes aim at former Pink Floyd member Roger Waters, who shortly after Ozzy's death said in a podcast: "Ozzy Osbourne, who just died, bless him, in his, whatever that state that he was in his whole life, we'll never know. Although, he was all over the TV for hundreds of years with his idiocy and nonsense. The music, I have no idea, I couldn't give a f---. I don't care about Black Sabbath, I never did, I have no interest in [] biting the heads off chickens or whatever they do. I couldn't care less." The new t-shirt was first announced on the late metal legend's Instagram page on Dec.1 In the Instagram reel, a cartoon version of Ozzy was depicted as urinating a rainbow onto a wall that resembles the cover of the iconic Pink Floyd album, The Wall. Over the top, text read: "Another Prick in the Wall Tee available for 48 hours only!", making a nod to the famous three-part composition by Pink Floyd, 'Another Brick In The Wall'." The shirt is currently available on Ozzy's merch store. - Billboard/NME, 12/4/25...... In April 1985, Freddie Mercury released his first solo album outside of Queen, Mr. Bad Guy. The album went on to achieve a gold disc and UK Top 10 success by spawning four hit singles in Britain, "I Was Born To Love You", "Made In Heaven", "Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow" and the UK No.1.charting single "Living On My Own." On Dec. 5, a new 40th anniversary special edition 80g translucent green vinyl and picture disc LP and accompanying CD were released, and Mercury's official YouTube is marking the occasion with a new three-part Mr Bad Guy video series, which has been shared on Vimeo.com. Along with clips from the videos promoting the record's single releases, each of the three episodes presents an excerpt from a classic interview the iconic Queen frontman gave in 1985 in support of Mr. Bad Guy's initial release. As Freddie was famously wary of journalists, the interview was conducted by one of the few he trusted, the highly-respected showbiz reporter David Wigg, resulting in a candid, witty and insightful chat, during which Mercury opens up on what prompted him to take a break from Queen and decide to make a solo record at this moment in time. Responding with the assertion that he believes "the time and place is right" for a solo record, Freddie declares that "It's something in me that I wanted to do. I wanted to write a batch of songs that came out under the name Freddie Mercury, so why not?" More highlights from the classic interview in the second episode of this three-part series celebrating Freddie Mercury's Mr. Bad Guy will follow in the coming weeks. - Music-News.com, 12/5/25...... A federal judge has sided with Cher in the singer's four-year royalties war with the widow of Cher's ex-husband Sonny Bono, issuing a final judgment that grants the diva almost everything she sought. US District Judge John A Kronstadt formally lodged his prior ruling that found Mary Bono, the head of her late husband's estate, was barred from using the federal Copyright Act to reclaim the 50 per cent share of Sonny's composition royalties granted to Cher in her 1978 divorce agreement with Sonny. Mary had tried to terminate those rights -- for hit songs including "I Got You Babe" and "The Beat Goes On" -- along with Cher's 50% share of the musical recordings. The judge ruled that California contract law, which governed the divorce agreement, trumped the copyright termination power of the federal Copyright Act. The judgment includes the payment of substantial legal costs. Mary Bono's lawyer says she plans to appeal the decision. Cher, who will turn 80 in 2026, rose to fame alongside Sonny as Sonny & Cher in the 1960s before building a decades-long solo career. - Music-News.com, 12/3/25...... The National Enquirer is reporting that Elvis Presley's late daughter Lisa Marie Presley ended her marriage to Michael Jackson after finding out that Jackson disappeared on a European Disneyland vacation with two young brothers, Frank and Eddie Cascio (then 14 and 11), in 1996 without telling the bride he married in 1996. Insiders say a furious Lisa Marie, then 27, sought a divorce lawyer immediately after photos emerged of the 37-year-old hitmaker on a balcony with the two boys. According to an insider, Lisa Marie told a close friend at the time, "This marriage was a crazy mistake. It's over." The insider added that the union was a farce -- and that the "Billie Jean" singer was motivated by getting his hands on Elvis' music catalog and "changing the narrative" after he was hit with a civil suit alleging child molestation in 1993. "Michael got what he wanted out of Lisa, which was good publicity," the insider says. "Lisa told me they hardly spent any time together when they were married." Frank Cascio, now 44, and his family -- who were once considered MJ's longtime close friends -- are reportedly seeking a $213 million settlement to end their lawsuit alleging that Frank and other siblings were molested by the "Bad" Grammy winner. A lawyer for the Jackson estate is refuting those accusations, pointing out that the Cascio family had steadfastly "proclaimed Michael Jackson's innocence for years" and described the settlement bid as an "extortion" scheme. Lisa Marie died in Jan. 2023 at age 54 after going into cardiac arrest related to a complication from an earlier weight loss surgery. Jackson suffered a fatal overdose of the anesthetic propofol in 2009 at age 50. - The National Enquirer, 12/3/25...... Australian rock legend Warren Williams died on Nov. 29 after succumbing to a lengthy illness. He was 85. "Yesterday was a very sad day with the loss of my father Warren Williams," the musician's son, Warren Williams Jr., wrote on Facebook. "A most humble, kind and quiet man who taught me so much about being a good human. One of the greatest singers and performers of his time. The memories of growing up by his side will always be there. RIP Dad, we will all miss you." Mr. Williams' career took off after he was invited to be on the Australian Broadcast Company's music variety show Six O'Clock Rock in the 1960s. The Sydney native was credited with being one of his country's first rock singers. - PennLive.com, 12/2/25...... Legendary guitarist Steve Cropper, who played on seminal recordings by the likes of Otis Redding, Booker T & the M.G.'s, Wilson Pickett and many more, died on Dec. 3 in Nashville. He was 84. Mr. Cropper's son confirmed his father's death on Facebook. "It's with the heaviest of hearts that I share the news that my amazing Dad passed away this morning," Stephen Cropper posted. "He certainly lived an incredible life and enjoyed every minute of entertaining you all. Please lift prayers of comfort for my family." As the guitarist for Booker T & the M.G.'s, which served as Stax Records' house band during the 1960s, Mr. Cropper was an architect of the sound, with his ringing, often spare guitar work and deft touch heard on R&B and pop classics including Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay," Eddie Floyd's "Knock on Wood," Pickett's "In the Midnight Hour" and Sam & Dave's "Soul Man" (Sam Moore immortalized Mr. Cropper with his "Play It, Steve," ad lib on "Soul Man"). Mr. Cropper, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a member of Booker T & the M.G.'s, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, was also a noted producer, telling The New York Times in 2018 that he finished producing "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" under great duress following Redding's death in a plane crash in 1967. "If I had a week to work on it, it probably would have been overembellished," he said. Instead, he finished it in less than 24 hours. The song earned Mr. Cropper one his two Grammys, winning for best rhythm & blues song at the 1969 ceremony. Mr. Cropper was nominated for nine Grammys, including most recently in 2024 for best contemporary blues album for his set, Friendlytown. In addition to "Dock of the Bay," he won at the 1995 ceremony for best pop instrumental performance for the Booker T. & the M.G.'s track "Cruisin'." Mr. Cropper experienced a renaissance in 1979 when The Blues Brothers emerged. He got a phone call from John Belushi, who was half of the fictional blues duo Jake and Elwood Blues, with his "brother," Dan Aykroyd, and recorded with the pair and made a suggestion that was golden. "What they wanted to do probably would have made it anyway, I don't know, was basically all slow, kind of medium-tempo blues songs. Nothing wrong with blues songs, but there was nothing in there commercial to dance to," Mr. Cropper recalled in an interview for the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum in 2019. "Steve Cropper's offerings to American music are significant but his contribution to soul and R&B music are immeasurable," Soulsville Foundation CEO Pat Mitchell Worley -- which includes the Stax Museum, Stax Music Academy, and Stax Charter School -- said in a statement. Survivors include wife Angel Cropper and children Andrea, Cameron, Stephen and Ashley. - Billboard, 12/3/25.