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Duane Betts thanks fans for their support following death of father Dickey Betts

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Musician Duane Betts has taken to social media to thank fans for their support following the April 18 death of his father, Allman Brothers Band co-founder Dickey Betts, at the age of 80.

“Wow. I’m so grateful for you all. The outpouring of support has been incredible and helped me and my family so much,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’m flooded with pride to see dad getting the credit he deserves. So again, I thank each and everyone of you from the bottom of my heart.”

Duane also shares that he’s canceling some shows as he deals with his grief, noting, “I need a little more time to get my head together so I will not be in Oklahoma and Texas this week but I will resume as scheduled In New Orleans at @jazzfest.”

He adds, “Look forward to playing with so many friends there and of course, seeing your smiling faces. I think dad would want me to get back out there with my guitar.” A complete list of Duane Betts dates can be found at duanebetts.com.

Over the weekend, Duane shared a tribute to his dad. “Oh dad, I miss you so much. You are the brightest light. I have looked up to you for the 46 + years we have shared on this planet together," he wrote, adding, “I am filled with gratitude to the deepest depths of my soul for what you taught me and the values you instilled in me.” 

He shared, “At his core he was just an extremely sweet and sensitive soul. He left us an amazing body of work to enjoy, laugh, cry and dance to that will never die. I am so proud of what he accomplished in his lifetime.”

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Neil Young adds more dates to his Love Earth tour

Courtesy Live Nation

Neil Young has added more dates to his upcoming Love Earth tour.

The two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer has added five new shows to the trek: July 25 in Bend, Oregon, July 26 in Gorge, Washington, July 28 in Boise, Idaho, July 29 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and July 31 in Denver, Colorado.

A presale for the new shows begins Tuesday, April 23, at 10 a.m. local time, with tickets available to general public starting Friday, April 26, at 10 a.m. local time. 

Young’s Love Earth tour, with his band Crazy Horse, is set to kick off with a two-night stand in San Diego, April 24 and 25. A complete list of dates can be found at NeilYoungArchives.com.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Sammy Hagar to be honored with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Sammy Hagar is the latest rocker being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The former Van Halen frontman will receive his star in the Recording category on Tuesday, April 30. The star, the 2,779th on the Walk of Fame, will be located at 6212 Hollywood Boulevard adjacent to Amoeba Music. 

Food Network star Guy Fieri will serve as emcee for the ceremony, with John Mayer and Hagar’s manager Tom Consolo on board as guest speakers.

“The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to honor rock legend Sammy Hagar for his contributions to the world of Rock & Roll music, ” Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, shares. “From his humble beginnings in Fontana, California to strolling the Hollywood Walk of Fame as a young boy, he has truly come a long way!"

Sammy is also getting ready to celebrate the opening of Sammy’s Island, a tropical poolside restaurant and bar at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The grand opening is set for Friday, May 17, with Hagar and his band The Circle hosting. Tickets are on sale now.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Dionne Warwick calls Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honor a “home run”

Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Dionne Warwick is set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year in the Musical Excellence category, and she is certainly happy with the recognition.

“In every game it’s usually 3 strikes and you’re out. I guess I hit a home run this time!” she shared on social media. “Happy to be part of the roster of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.”

The Musical Excellence honor is handed out to “artists, musicians, songwriters and producers whose originality and influence creating music have had a dramatic impact on music.” Others getting inducted in that category this year include Jimmy Buffett, punk rockers MC5 and Motown producer/songwriter Norman Whitfield.

The 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction will take place live on Saturday, October 19, at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. The ceremony will stream live on Disney+, followed by a special airing on ABC at a later date.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Jon Bon Jovi on having a rest stop named after him: “It’s a very New Jersey thing”

Jo Hale/WireImage

Among the many accolades Jon Bon Jovi has received throughout his career, one of the more out of the ordinary ones is having a rest stop in New Jersey named after him — and he's totally OK with that.

“You know, like George Washington slept everywhere. This is going to sound a little disgusting: I’ve peed everywhere,” he tells The Wall Street Journal. “From the man who’s overly hydrated, when they said, 'We’re going to name the rest stop after you,' I laughed. I said, 'I think that’s a great idea.' I think it’s hysterical.”

Jon isn't the first New Jersey native to have a rest stop named after him, which makes him even more OK with the honor.

“But actually, when you’re in the company of Frank Sinatra and Vince Lombardi and Alexander Hamilton …It’s actually a very New Jersey thing,” he says. “We’re often surrounded by backhanded compliments. That’s what New Jersey is—we are a shadow of New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. We had to work very hard, and we carry that with us where we go.”

Bon Jovi is about to give fans some insight into his career and his band with the new four-part docuseries Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, which debuts Friday, April 26, on Hulu.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


British comedian Ted Robbins on the negative effect of being related to Paul McCartney

ABC/Heidi Gutman

British comedian Ted Robbins is related to The BeatlesPaul McCartney, and in a recent interview he suggested that the rocker's success may have taken a toll on some members of the family. 

Robbins’ late mother was McCartney’s first cousin, and he reveals on the Chatabix podcast that while the rocker is close to his relatives, having such a huge star in the family hasn’t been easy for everyone.

“Paul and my mum are first cousins. You know, when people do that 'who's the most famous person on your phone?' Well, that's Mr. McCartney,” he says.

“In some ways it's a great thing, and for some members of our family, I won’t name names, it's kind of screwed their lives up a bit,” he says. “Because you's be compared, you know what I mean? Paul McCartney and all that. You become a dentist, great, you know.”

Robbins thinks that’s particularly true for McCartney’s younger brother Mike, who is a musician himself, and goes by the name Mike McGear.

“I think Mike, his brother, who's the loveliest of men and talented, but his fear is on his gravestone, ‘Here lies Paul McCartney’s brother,’” he says.

Robbins also claims the song “Teddy Boy” from McCartney’s 1970 solo album was written about him.

“You know he wrote a song called 'Teddy Boy,' which is on his first (solo) album, called McCartney," he says. “And, you know, it goes, ‘This is the story of a boy named Ted’ and it was sort of inspired [by me].”

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Madonna sued by fans for starting DC show late, allegedly lip-synching

Live Nation

Madonna's already been sued by fans over the fact that she started her Brooklyn, New York, show in December 2023 two hours late. Fans in Washington, D.C., have now filed a similar complaint.

In the complaint, obtained by ABC News, three fans who attended Madonna's show in December 2023 at D.C.'s Capital One Arena allege that not only did she start late, the arena was kept at an uncomfortably hot temperature and that she lip-synched during the show. They claim that, had they known about the latter, they wouldn't have purchased tickets.

Lawyers for the fans claim that Madonna's late start amounts to "false advertising," while the arena's uncomfortable temperature is "demonstrative of Madonna’s arrogant and total disrespect for her fans.” 

The complaint — a proposed class action suit — states that when Madonna took the stage two hours after the 8:30 p.m. start time on the tickets, she said, "I am not sorry, it’s who I am… I’m always late.” The complaint further alleges that when the hot fans chanted "A.C." at Madonna, she replied, "F*** you! I’m cold!… If you’re hot, take your f****** clothes off!”

When Madonna's lawyers replied to the original complaint regarding the Brooklyn show, they argued, "No reasonable concertgoer — and certainly no Madonna fan — would expect the headline act at a major arena concert to take the stage at the ticketed event time.” 

This new complaint calls that argument absurd, noting that acts like Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift start on the time indicated on the ticket.

In addition to false advertising, the plaintiffs are claiming "intentional and negligent misrepresentation and unfair and deceptive trade practices" and are asking to be "compensated for their damages."

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Journey’s Neal Schon can see the band playing the Las Vegas Sphere

Rob Loud/Getty Images for Journey

It looks like at least one member of Journey wants to see the band play Las Vegas’ new state-of-the-art venue, Sphere.

Co-founder and lead guitarist Neal Schon posted photos from Phish’s recent residency to Facebook, commenting that playing the venue is something he could see Journey doing.

Regarding Phish’s stint, Schon writes, “I called this a long ago after evaluating the Sphere. The whole thing is built for a jam band."

He added that he could see Journey playing there, noting "all that early material would be explosive with the hits." 

So far there’s no word on whether Journey has any definite plans to play the Sphere. The next band set to take over the venue is Dead & Company, who’ll be playing Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from May 16 to July 13.

Journey is currently on tour and will play North Charleston, South Carolina, on Tuesday. They kick off a summer stadium tour with Def Leppard July 6 in St. Louis, Missouri. A complete list of dates can be found at journeymusic.com.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Patti Smith thanks Taylor Swift for 'The Tortured Poets Department' shout-out

Scott Dudelson/Getty Images

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and punk poet Patti Smith is name-checked in the title track to Taylor Swift’s new album, The Tortured Poets Department, and Smith has shared her gratitude for the recognition.

Taylor sings in the track, "I laughed in your face and said 'You're not Dylan Thomas, I'm not Patti Smith/ This ain't the Chelsea Hotel, we'rе modern idiots.'" 

Thomas, a Welsh poet, died at New York's Chelsea Hotel in 1953. Smith lived in the same hotel in 1969.

The mention prompted Smith to post a photo of herself reading Thomas' Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog. She wrote, "This is saying I was moved to be mentioned in the company of the great Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. Thank you Taylor."

Patti's latest book, A Book of Days, recently came out in paperback. It features 365 photos covering a single year of her life.

Smith is also due to hit the road this summer on a tour of Europe and the U.K. The trek kicks off June 25 in Brighton, England. A complete list of dates can be found at pattismith.net.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Bruce Springsteen plays 30-song set, with three tour debuts, in Columbus

Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images

Bruce Springsteen wrapped the first leg of his 2024 tour in Columbus, Ohio, Sunday and it looks like he had a hard time leaving the stage.

According to setlist.fm, The Boss treated the crowd to a 30-song set, kicking things off with The Ghost of Tom Joad song “Youngstown,” which he hasn’t performed since 2017. The track is somewhat appropriate for the occasion, since it’s written about Youngstown, Ohio.

But that wasn’t the only song to get its tour debut in Columbus. Springsteen also performed the Darkness on the Edge of Town track “Streets of Fire,” the first time it’s been performed since 2016, followed by Born in the U.S.A.’s “I’m Going Down,” its first performance since 2017.

Elsewhere, “Racing in the Streets” returned to the set thanks to a sign request, with Bruce wrapping the show with a seven-song encore: “Born to Run,” “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight),” “Bobby Jean,” “Dancing in the Dark,” “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out,” “Detroit Medley” and “Twist and Shout.” That was followed by the Bruce solo performance of “I'll See You In My Dreams.” 

Springsteen now has a couple weeks off before he heads to Europe for a new leg of the tour, which kicks off May 5 in Cardiff, Wales. He returns to the U.S. in August, starting with a two-night stand in Pittsburgh August 15 and 18. A complete list of dates can be found at brucespringsteen.net.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Peter Frampton & Foreigner react to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction

Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for The Music Center

The 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class was announced Sunday, April 21, on American Idol, with Peter Frampton among the rockers getting the nod this year.

The guitar great took to social media to share his gratitude, noting, “This is something I never expected.”

“I am overwhelmed that I will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, especially alongside so many incredible artists who have gone before me,” he wrote. “I can’t thank everyone enough for voting for me. You are the best. Somebody pinch me please!!”

Foreigner is also getting in this year, with Mick Jones telling Billboard, “I think it means more to me now than perhaps 20 years ago.”

“I’ve had a great career, and this is like the whipped cream and cherry on top," he shares. "It’s something I will savor over the years. It’s a great honor to be included amongst all these great artists that have been inducted over the years.”

As for whether Jones, who revealed in February he has Parkinson’s Disease, will perform, he says, “I do plan to attend. As to whether I get up on stage and perform hasn’t really been decided as yet.” 

Frampton and Foreigner will be inducted alongside Cher, Kool & The Gang, Dave Matthews Band, Ozzy Osbourne, Mary J. Blige and A Tribe Called Quest. In addition, Jimmy Buffett, Dionne Warwick and MC5 will be inducted in the Musical Excellence category.

The 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction will take place October 19 at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. The ceremony will stream live on Disney+, followed by a special airing on ABC at a later date.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Barry Manilow sets performance record at New York's Radio City Music Hall

MSG Entertainment

By now, most people know that Billy Joel has played the most performances at New York's Madison Square Garden. But a new record has just been set at another iconic New York venue: Radio City Music Hall.

On Saturday, April 20, Barry Manilow notched the record for the most lifetime concert performances at Radio City: 42. During the show, Barry was presented with a plaque commemorating the achievement by the Radio City Rockettes.

Manilow's ongoing residency at Radio City started in May 2023 with five sold-out shows; he just wrapped up five more, which ran from April 17 to April 21. He'll be back in October to do an additional five shows, after which he'll have done 48 performances at Radio City.

"Radio City Music Hall is one of the greatest venues in the world,” Barry said in a statement. "What a thrill and an honor to receive this distinction.”

Barry returns to Las Vegas in May to resume his residency show at the Westgate Resort & Casino. He'll then start a long run of shows in London, billed as his final ones in that city. He also has various U.S. arena dates scheduled throughout the summer.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


On This Day, April 22, 1993: 'The Who’s Tommy' opened on Broadway

On This Day, April 22, 1993 ...

The Who’s Tommy opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre in New York.

The musical was an adaptation of the band’s 1969 rock opera. It was directed by Des McAnuff, with the book, music and lyrics by The Who’s Pete Townshend.

The musical follows a young boy named Tommy, who, after witnessing his father murder his mother’s lover, becomes deaf, dumb and blind. Despite this, he becomes an unlikely celebrity due to his pinball-playing skills and eventually inspires a cult following.

The show, which closed on June 17, 1995, won five Tony Awards, including Best Direction for McAnuff and Best Original Score for Townshend.

After a successful run in Chicago, a new reimagining of The Who’s Tommy opened at Broadway’s Nederlander Theatre in March 2024, again directed by McAnuff. Tickets are on sale now.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Jon Bon Jovi to be a guest mentor on American Idol's "grand finale"

Emily Schur

Before the winner of this season of American Idol is crowned, they'll be getting advice from a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer.

Jon Bon Jovi will serve as a guest mentor for the contestants during the show's "grand finale" on May 19 on ABC. He'll be the second Rock & Roll Hall of Famer to be a guest mentor on the show this season: KISS' Gene Simmons appeared on the show on Sunday, April 21.

The news comes as Bon Jovi is getting ready to give fans some insight into their story with the new four-part docuseries Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, which debuts April 26 on Hulu.

They are also releasing a new album, Forever, on June 7. The record, the band's first release since their album 2020, is available for preorder now.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Cher among this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees

Disney/Jenny Anderson

The 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees were announced Sunday, April 21, on American IdolForeigner, Peter Frampton and Cher got the nod in the Performers category, along with Kool & The Gang, Dave Matthews Band, Ozzy Osbourne, Mary J. Blige and A Tribe Called Quest.

In a hugely sentimental nod, Jimmy Buffett, who passed away in September, is also getting in this year, in the Music Excellence category, which is handed out to “artists, musicians, songwriters and producers whose originality and influence creating music have had a dramatic impact on music.” Dionne Warwick is also getting a Music Excellence induction, along with punk rockers MC5 and Motown producer/songwriter Norman Whitfield. 

Inductees in the Musical Influence category include the late blues and R&B singer Big Mama Thornton, as well as British blues musicians John Mayall and the late Alexis Korner. 

“Rock & Roll is an ever-evolving amalgam of sounds that impacts culture and moves generations,” said John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “This diverse group of inductees each broke down musical barriers and influenced countless artists that followed in their footsteps.”

Of course there were some artists who failed to get in this year. Nominees who didn't make the cut include Lenny Kravitz, the late Sinéad O’Connor, Mariah Carey, Sade, Oasis and Jane’s Addiction.

The 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction will take place live on Saturday, October 19, at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. The ceremony will stream live on Disney+, followed by a special airing on ABC at a later date.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


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