Hot Music Beat

The Jonas Brothers ended up cancelling their concert in Zurich last Saturday night because Nick Jonas got sick with an upper respiratory infection. The official announcement said “We are sad to announce the cancellation of the Jonas Brothers concert for this evening in Zurich. Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers is ill with an upper respiratory infection of the nose and throat and the doctor has advised that he not speak or sing… The band, the management, and the promoter apologize that the show must be cancelled on such short notice… Tickets can be refunded as of Monday, 9 November until 31 December 2009 at the presale agency.”

British singing legend Morrissey has reportedly been discharged from a UK hospital.

The singer, real name Steven Patrick Morrissey, collapsed with breathing difficulties during a gig in front of 1,000 fans.

He was taken to hospital after being dragged off-stage unconscious and treated by paramedics on-site.

An unidentified spokeswoman for the Great Western Hospital, in Swindon, confirmed that the singer stayed overnight at the hospital.

The incident took place at the Swindon Oasis Leisure Centre, where fans said he looked pale and “winced” before collapsing.

Earlier this year, Morrissey cancelled tour dates for an unspecified illness. He is scheduled to begin a tour in Europe in November, and is to stage nine performances in the US.

Jillian Moody, who was at the gig, said, “He kept putting his hand up to his mouth as if he felt sick or – perhaps he was trying to hide something, but he didn’t look particularly comfortable.”

DMX got into a screaming match with security when he arrived to Colorado Springs charity concert nearly one and a half hours late after security was told that he was scheduled to perform. The rapper, his bodyguards and fans eventually got into a shoving match with security in front of the stage, while the crowd, who had already been told that DMX wasn’t going to show up, began chanting for the rapper. DMX eventually got on stage but the sound system was reportedly turned off so he couldn’t perform. I think that he’s the only guy who could make a charity event into a melee.

If you ever decide to toss some money is rapper Pitbull’s face, be prepared to get your teeth knocked out. During one of his shows in Aspen, Colorado, a fan was tossing money around in the crowd and was pulled on stage by Pitbull. The guy thought it would be a good idea to make it rain in the rapper’s face. Unfortunately for him, the rapper levels the guy with a devastating right hand then follows it up with a kick once the dude was on the ground. The best part of it was that Pitbull never even missed a beat when he was knocking the dude out. Sources say that the fan was tossed out of the venue after getting socked but was let back in once he convinced security that he meant no harm. No cops were even called to the scene.

Amy Winehouse has once again cancelled a concert. Wino was slated for a gig in London to celebrate 50 years of Island Records but her management issued a statement saying that she and her band would be missing the performance. However, no actual reason was given as to why. No one would say why she wouldn’t make the trip, just that she wouldn’t. All the spokesperson for the venue would say was “Amy would like to apologize to her fans who bought tickets for the show.” A bit of advice, I don’t think that Wino is going to be performing anytime soon so I suggest you all just save your time, money and effort.

Noel and Liam Gallagher are apparently quite the divas when it comes to the dressing room stocks of their concerts. A source recently spilled the beans on what the two Oasis brothers have in their dressing room: “Liam and Noel have requested that their dressing room be supplied with herbal teas, fresh organic fruit, almonds, pine nuts, Cadbury’s chocolate and organic crisps. They also ask for fine china crockery and a linen tablecloth.” Quite the impressive requests for Noel and Liam Gallagher… I wonder how they came to require such extravagant luxuries before the shows. They weren’t probably having the same comforts before playing in The Feisty Goat in Manchester when they were starting out.

The singer, who was supposed to perform in the United Arab Emirates in May, has apparently cancelled the concert due to the fact that it is not appropriate timing for such an event. Yassin Matbouly, the concert’s organizer, explained the situation that led to Rihanna’s cancellation: “We want to share with you that Rihanna and her management will not hold a public concert at this time as it is not appropriate timing.” Still, Yassin Matbouly had this to add about Rihanna’s concert: “Rihanna’s management contacted us and explained she was unable to come to the UAE in May, but said she is keen to still perform in the region. It is very sad for us at this time knowing the concert will not happen, but we will not give up and we will continue to put our offer to Rihanna’s management for a future date.” You have to observe the irony here: Rihanna got cold feet about performing in Dubai. Still, it is commendable that she is interested in having a concert there… after all, there are so many other artists who state that they never want to go play somewhere where a show was cancelled. And we’ll also pretend that this has nothing to do with that nasty little Chris Brown incident.

Berlin based glam rockers Cinema Bizarre have announced they will join Lady Gaga on her upcoming spring tour. Lady Gaga’s The Fame Ball Tour kicks off this week in San Diego and is sure to be filled with the pop sensation’s offbeat glitz and a cast of unusual acts to fit the bill. Cinema Bizarre’s support for the The Fame Ball tour will span all 23 dates which will also include Chester French and The White Tie Affair.

Look out for Cinema Bizarre’s EP to hit all Hot Topic retailers March 17th and for a full length album to hit stores this spring.

For more information, head to myspace.com/cinemabizarre.

Cinema Bizarre Tour Dates
Mar 12 House of Blues – San Diego
Mar 13 The Wiltern – Los Angeles
Mar 14 Mezzanine – San Francisco
Mar 16 The Showbox/ the market – Seattle
Mar 17 Wonder Ballroom – Portland
Mar 18 Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver
Mar 21 Gothic Theatre – Englewood
Mar 23 Fine Line Music Café – Minneapolis
Mar 24 House of Blues – Chicago
Mar 25 Royal Oak Music Theatre – Royal Oak
Mar 26 Elements – Kitchener
Mar 27 Bronson Centre – Ottawa
Mar 28 Metropolis – Montreal
Mar 30 House of Blues – Boston
Mar 31 Terminal 5 – New York
Apr 1 Electric Factory – Philadelphia
Apr 2 9.30 Club – Washington DC
Apr 3 Toad`s Place of Richmond – Richmond
Apr 4 Palm Springs Convention Centre – Palm Springs
Apr 6 House of Blues – Orlando
Apr 7 The Ritz – Tampa
Apr 8 Revolution – Ft. Lauderdale
Apr 9 Centerstage – Atlanta
Apr 20 The Knitting Factory – Los Angeles, California *
Apr 24 Highline Ballroom – New York *

UK rock / drum’n'bass / hardcore / trance quartet Enter Shikari return to the USA for the first time since 2008’s Coachella to play four sets at this year’s South By Southwest in Austin, Texas.

The band can be found blowing minds and bursting ear drums at the following events

Thursday 19th March
2.15pm(-ish) – EMOS – Artery Foundation show (free entry… all ages. no badge / no wristband. first come first served)
5.15pm(-ish) – THE WAVE. 6th St – Kerrang / Guitar Hero party (rsvp for this one to Kerrangparty@xtaster.co.uk).

Saturday 21st March –
10pm – EMOS ANNEX (this is the band’s official SXSW showcase, so all the usual wristband / badge etc required)
1am @ PUREVOLUME HOUSE (rsvp for entry – http://www.purevolume.com/thehouse)

Enter Shikari have just completed work on the follow up to their debut album ‘Take To The Skies’ entitled ‘Common Dreads’.

‘Antwerpen’, a track from the forthcoming album, was released as a free download via the band’s website – www.entershikari.com – just a few days ago, and just for laughs.

The band will be available for all manner of promo during SXSW. To connect with the band send an e-mail to info@entershikari.com

Oasis has been forced to drop two shows in China which were scheduled for April as the country has decided to put a ban on the band from performing in the country. After learning that Oasis member Noel Gallagher appeared at a ‘Free Tibet’ benefit concert in the United States over 10 years ago, the Chinese government deemed that the band is “unsuitable to perform to their fans in the Chinese Republic.” In response, Oasis has issued a statement saying “Oasis are extremely disappointed that they are now being prevented from undertaking their planned tour of mainland China and hope that the powers that be within China will reconsider their decision and allow the band to perform.”

The Black Eyed Peas are bent on changing the world in their own little way through the Peapod Foundation. The band ahs made a name for itself not only in Hollywood but globally as well so they can easily get sponsorships from big companies. Willl.i.am said he wants to continue to give back to poverty-stricken areas even in California where school funding has been reduced by $200 million. The band has hooked up with Adobe giving them a chance to continue their programs in Harlem, East L.A. Philippines and in Mississippi.

The band including lead singer Fergie was recently spotted at the 5th Annual Black Eyed Peas Peapod Foundation Benefit Concert where they raised more funds to finance their undertaking. Will.i.am said he hopes to continue being active and provide children with the opportunities that will allow them to express themselves. He said President Barack Obama’s presence in the White House should encourage everyone to do their part in changing America for the better. He admitted he has not spoken to Obama after creating “New Day” but said he saw him at the inauguration.

A 29-year old man died last weekend while at a Slipknot concert at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs. There was no violence involved though. Cory Nickels collapsed on the concourse level following the concert. When the concert ended at 10:30PM, Nickels was already starting to feel sick. He had a rescue personnel assist him but shortly after, he suffered a cardiac arrest. He was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead. Sgt. Ray Mabbit from the Council Bluffs Police Criminal Investigation Division said that an autopsy was scheduled and that friends of Nickels’ have said that his family has a history of heart problems. You would think he would know to stay away from a Slipknot concert considering he has heart problems.

John Mayer wasn’t able tospend the holidays with his girlfriend Jennifer Aniston. Instead, the singer spread some holiday cheer at the 95.5 WPLJ-FM’s 17th Annual Holiday Concert at Blythedale Children’s Hospital last week in Valhalla, New York. He liked doing charity more than getting some loving from Jen. The 31-year old musician joined Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas onstage for a rendition of Ben E. King’s classic ‘Stand By Me’. About 400 people turned out for the invitation-only concert, which hospital officials said raises about $250,000 a year. John and Rob weren’t alone in their causes though as they were also joined by musicians Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles.

Chad Kroeger along with the rest of his band mates from Canadian rock band Nickelback opened up to E! at the Tattoo Rock Parlor in Toronto about their newest album ‘Dark Horse’ which was released last week. E! News Weekend’s Arisa Cox whipped out a couple of sex toys and talked about some of the album’s song titles like ‘Something in Your Mouth’, ‘S.E.X’ and ‘I’d Come for You’. With titles like that, even some of the most innocent and frigid people can get their minds going. It was a pretty interesting interview seeing some rugged grown men talking sex toys with a beautiful interviewer.

The guy who attacked Noel Gallagher may have gotten off easy but he should watch out for Oasis and their Ontario, Canada fans. The band was supposed to play at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario on Tuesday night but due to injuries Noel got in last weekend’s attack, the show was postponed. The venue’s website put up a notice about it details what happened during the attack saying “Noel fell heavily on to his monitor speakers when he was pushed suddenly from behind by his attacker and suffered bruising to his ribs and hip. He was examined in a local hospital after the band’s performance and has been advised to rest. Unfortunately, despite resting up yesterday, the extent of his injuries mean he will not be able to perform tonight. The band are very keen to complete their Canadian tour and options for rescheduling the final London, Ontario show are currently being looked into. Ticket holders are asked to retain their tickets until a further announcement is made in a few days.”

If only that will actually happen, it will be one of the biggest crossover hits if you ask me. The Jonas Brothers continued Fan Week with dance pop star Lady GaGa at MTV’s Total Request Live at the MTV Times Square Studios on Tuesday in New York City. The brothers are really becoming one hot commodity as the New York Times gave a raving review about their Burnin Up concert at Madison Square Garden saying “Now they are among the most culturally important American rock bands of the last decade, reflective of the size and buying power of the children’s market, the mainstreaming of clean Christian values in pop and the evergreen ability of a few handsome kids with reedy voices to captivate all girls within eye- and earshot.”

R&B star Lloyd will return to the game with his third effort, Lessons In Love. The July 15th release comes strapped with the hard-driving lead single “How We Do It” featuring Ludacris. Lloyd will be playing a string of tour dates along with a FREE concert live on DeepRockDrive.com on Sunday May 25th at 4PM PST. The concert will allow fans to interact with Lloyd with digital applause, song requests, and more.

Fans can pick up their FREE tickets here to see Lloyd

at the Pepsi Free Concert Series on DeepRockDrive.com. Ticket quantities are limited so get yours now!

Watch the Show Live on MSN!

In celebration of the release of Madonna’s upcoming album HARD CANDY, Control Room, MSN and Verizon Wireless will present the one and only Madonna live in New York’s famed Roseland Ballroom on Wednesday, April 30th. The show will be available live on MSN Music In Concert at music.msn.com/inconcert and will also be available for viewing post-show.

Now fans can Madonna-fy their online world with promo banners, Myspace codes, and desktop backgrounds:

Pre Concert:
Post Concert:

Nobody or nothing can hold country superstar Kenny Chesney down – not even an injury. The singer received the go-ahead from his doctors on Monday to continue his ‘Poets & Pirates’ tour after injuring his foot during a concert in Columbia, South Carolina on Saturday night. I’m actually still in awe that he continued performing after suffering his injury at the beginning of that show. The docs say that Kenny could perform but that he needs to take it easy. Let’s hope that he cuts the whole lift out of his grand entrance. We can’t risk him injuring his other foot now, can we?

Hilary McRae will celebrate the release of her “impressive debut” (Performing Songwriter) ‘Through These Walls’ (Hear Music) with shows in her native Florida. She recently opened for Huey Lewis & The News at the Pompano Beach Amphitheatre, and she will be opening for Todd Rundgren at Miami’s Jackie Gleason Theatre on April 15. McRae will also perform at NYC’s The Living Room on April 10 and April 21, extending her successful residency at the venue.

In other tour news, Hilary was hand-picked to perform at Florida’s SunFest in May, where she will warm up the stage for Fergie. In June Hilary heads to Milwaukee, WI for the PrideFest where she will open for Natasha Bedingfield. More shows to be confirmed in the coming weeks, stay tuned for details.

Hilary McRae Spring Dates:
April 10 – The Living Room – New York, NY
April 15 – Jackie Gleason Theatre w/ Todd Rundgren – Miami, FL
April 21 – The Living Room – New York, NY
May 2 – SunFest – West Palm Beach, FL
June 7 – Pride Fest – Milwaukee, WI