Michael Jackson Tribute Concert Planned; Winehouse Makes Billboard Comeback

By Mary Morningstar from Washington

Michael Jackson Tribute Concert Planned

Michael Jackson’s siblings Marlon, Jackie, Tito and La Toya recently held a press conference with their mother Katherine to announce an upcoming tribute concert.  “Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert” is scheduled to take place in Cardiff, Wales on October 8.  Tito Jackson said, “I know my brother would be very, very proud to see all the artists that he admired and respected so much coming together for this event.”  The family hasn’t yet announced the artists who will perform at the concert.

Winehouse Back on Billboard Chart

Fans of the late Amy Winehouse bought 50,000 copies of her albums in the week following her death.  Her 2007 Back To Black album sold 37,000 copies, which led to its return to the Billboard 200 at Number 9.  The 27-year-old British singer was found dead in her London home on July 23.  An autopsy failed to reveal the cause of death.  Toxicology results are expected within the next couple weeks.  Winehouse’s family held a private funeral on July 26.

Beach Boys Plan 50th Anniversary Allbum

The Beach Boys have announced plans to record a new album commemorating the group’s 50th anniversary.  Lead singer Mike Love told Billboard that he and his cousin Brian Wilson have written some songs.  They hope to begin recording with the rest of the band later this year and release the collection in 2012.  Love said, “It just makes a lot of sense with a milestone such as 50 years to get together and do something.”

Adele's 21 Tops Billboard 200 Chart Again

British pop singer Adele returns to Number One on this week’s Billboard 200 with her latest album, 21. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the collection sold 77,000 copies during the past week to place it in the top spot for the 11th non-consecutive week.  New releases debuting in the Top 10 this week include Universal Pulse by 311 (Number 7), We the Best Forever by DJ Khaled (Number 5), Time of My Life by 3 Doors Down (Number 3) and Kidz Bop Forever by Kidz Bop Kids (Number 2).

Grand Ole Opry to Honor Oak Ridge Boys

On August 6, The Oak Ridge Boys will be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.  Throughout the 1970s and ‘80s, the legendary Country group recorded 17 Number One songs.  They include “Bobbie Sue,” “It Takes A Little Rain (To Make Love Grow)” and their Grammy-winning hit, “Elvira.”

New Album Releases August 2:

“Sky Full of Holes” by Fountains of Wayne

“The Reflection” by Keb Mo

“How I Go” by The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band

“re:(disc)overed” by Puddle of Mudd

“American Folk Songbook” by Suzy Bogguss

“Hold On ‘Til the Night” by Greyson Chance.

Musical Events / Festivals / Benefits:

Eminem

Lollapalooza 2011 will be held at Chicago’s Grant Park August 5-7.  Headliners include Coldplay, Eminem, Foo Fighters and Muse.  Also appearing at the 20th anniversary sold out event are My Morning Jacket, Cee Lo Green, Damian Marley & Nas, Tinie Tempah and Grace Potter & the Nocturnals.  A record 90,000 music fans will be in attendance each day.

Concert News:

A fan was nearly killed at Country star Tim McGraw’s July 24 concert in Mansfield, Massachusetts.  Six young men have been charged with the brutal beating of another McGraw fan in the middle of the Comcast Center.  Reports indicate the fight started over a female in the audience and that alcohol played a role.  A security guard saved the victim.

Close to 70 fans were arrested at Brad Paisley’s July 23 show in upstate New York.  Fifty-six people were charged with underage drinking.  The rest of the citations were for resisting arrest, criminal possession of a controlled substance, disorderly conduct, driving while intoxicated and harassment.  Paisley wrote on his Twitter page, “Quite a performance in Darien Lake Saturday.  We also played music.” (VOA News)