12 January 2012
VVN Music
Eddie Van Halen has donated 75 electric guitars from his collection to music programs at schools throughout the Los Angeles area. The gift was made in cooperation with the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation.
Van Halen said in a statement, "Music is the universal language. It has the ability to transcend and convey every human emotion that exists without saying a word. Music kept me off the streets and out of trouble and gave me something that was mine that no one could take away from me.
"Music education and families are dealing with the economic times, and I wanted to help them. If I can help a kid discover a liking, or even a passion for music in their life, then that's a wonderful thing. Music has provided a good life for me and hopefully it can help make life better for others with this donation."
A group called the Rolling Stones Liberation Front have issued six demands prior to the group's announcement of any 50th anniversary tour. They say if all six aren't met, they will wage a non-violent disruptive action. The demands are:
We want smaller venues.
We want lower ticket prices.
We want a set list overhaul.
We want to eliminate the horn section and back-up singers.
We want the expulsion of all opening acts.
We want all fans to take responsibility for themselves.
To read the details behind each of the demands, check out the article at Classic Rock magazine.
The Academy of Country Music has announced that Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton will return for their annual awards show on April 1 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It is Blake's second year as host and Reba's fourteenth.
The next night, the stars will return to the venue to tape ACM Presents: Lionel Richie and Friends - A Lifetime of Hits. The special will air later in the year on CBS.
k.d. lang has filed papers to dissolve her domestic partnership with Jamie Price. The two first met in 2003 and entered into a partnership contract in 2009.
Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge, TN has reached a major milestone, it's 25th anniversary year. Parton said of the restaurant "Over the years, some incredibly talented performers, those with two legs and those with four legs, have thoroughly amazed audiences with their talents, and our 25th anniversary season will be no exception!"
Jim Reeves is one of the most successful artists in country music history, racking up hits for years after his death in a 1964 plane crash. Larry Jordan, who knew Reeves and was close friends with his wife, Mary, has written a new book on the singer, Jim Reeves: His Untold Story.
John Parr, who hit in 1985 with the Theme From St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion), has recorded a new version of the song for Denver Broncos' quarterback Tim Tebow.
