Category: Rock Daypop

Queen guitarist Brian May has been given the title of “Sir” as he received the honor of knighthood.
The New Year Honors list for 2023 — the first issued since the death of Queen Elizabeth II — cites May as “Dr. Brian Harold May CBE, Musician, Astrophysicist and animal welfare advocate for services to music and to charity.” The New Year Honors list recognizes the achievements and service of people across the U.K. from all walks of life from the arts, sciences, television and film, fashion, philanthropic endeavors, and beyond.

May previously received a Commander Of The Order Of The British Empire (CBE) honor in 2005. May was appointed CBE by Queen Elizabeth II for his “services to the music industry and for his charity work,” and has now received the honor of knighthood. May’s wife of 22 years, Anita Dobson, may also use the title of Lady May.

May in response to the honor: “I’m happy and grateful to receive this honor. I will regard the knighthood not so much as a reward, but more as a charge, a commission, for me to continue to fight for justice, to be a voice for those who have no voice. I will endeavor to be worthy, to be that knight in shining armor.”

Queen’s Brian May Knighted in Britain

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Foo Fighters have shared that they will be “a different band going forward” as they tease future plans following the unexpected passing of drummer Taylor Hawkins in March 2022.

The band shared a message on social media on New Year’s Eve, telling fans that Hawkins will be with them in spirit: “As we say goodbye to the most difficult and tragic year that our band has ever known, we are reminded of how thankful we are for the people that we love and cherish the most, and for the loved ones who are no longer with us. Foo Fighters were formed 27 years ago to represent the healing power of music and a continuation of life. And for the past 27 years our fans have built a worldwide community, a devoted support system that has helped us get through the darkest of times together. A place to share our joy and our pain, our hopes and fears, and to join in a chorus of life together through music. Without Taylor, we never would have become the band that we were — and without Taylor, we know that we’re going to be a different band going forward … “We also know that you, the fans, meant as much to Taylor as he meant to you. And we know that when we see you again — and we will soon — he’ll be there in spirit with all of us every night.”

The band has been on hiatus ever since Hawkins death on March 25th, 2022 while the group was on tour in South America, canceling the remainder of its tour dates.

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Jeremiah Green, the drummer and co-founder of the indie rock band Modest Mouse, died at the age of 45.

The band confirmed the news of Green’s death, writing in a statement posted on its official Instagram page: “I don’t know a way to ease into this: Today we lost our dear friend Jeremiah. He laid down to rest and simply faded out. I’d like to say a bunch of pretty words right now, but it just isn’t the time. These will come later, and from many people. Please appreciate all the love you give, get, have given, and will get. Above all, Jeremiah was about love. We love you.”

Green’s mother, Carol Namatame, wrote in a Facebook post on Christmas for people to keep Green in their thoughts because he was battling stage 4 cancer. A few days later, Modest Mouse singer Isaac Brock shared a statement of his own about Green’s health on the band’s social media platforms: “Some of you may have already heard, but I figured it would be good to hear the news directly from our camp. Jeremiah was diagnosed with cancer a short while ago, and he’s currently in treatment. It seems to be going smoothly and making a positive difference. Jeremiah, as am I, are believers in the power of positive energy, so if you would be so kind as to send ‘good vibes’ (to quote Jeremiah) in the direction of Jeremiah and his family, that’d be great. Thank you and love.”

Green co-founded Modest Mouse with Brock and bassist Eric Judy in 1992. Green has been with the band for 30 years, except for a short time in 2003,

Shortly After Announcing His Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis, Modest Mouse’s Jeremiah Green Dead at 45

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Dame Vivienne Westwood, the fashion designer and activist who was considered an icon of Britain’s punk movement in the 1970s, has died at age 81.  A message posted to Westwood’s Twitter read: “Vivienne Westwood died today, peacefully and surrounded by her family, in Clapham, South London. The world needs people like Vivienne to make a change for the better.”

Westwood was born Vivienne Isabel Swire on April 8th, 1941 in Derbyshire, England. She briefly attended University of Westminster (then Harrow Art School), but would go on to become a primary school teacher making her own jewelry on the side, which she sold on London’s Portobello Road. In the mid-1960s, Westwood met artist Malcolm McLaren, who would shortly thereafter become manager of Sex Pistols. Together, Westwood and McLaren managed the store SEX, where they sold the clothing they designed. SEX increased in popularity and became a hub for London punks after Sex Pistols were seen wearing Westwood and McLaren’s designs.

Westwood is largely credited for helping push the punk movement towards the mainstream, as well as unifying the fashion and music industries. Westwood was also vocal about numerous causes and movements, notably climate change awareness, and often incorporated her political activism into her designs.

Westwood is survived by her husband, Andreas Kronthaler, and two sons: Ben Westwood, born 1963, and Joseph Corré, born 1967.

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Pearl Jam recently released exclusive footage from a “Ten” show recorded in Philadelphia, and now those that missed the concert can watch the entire show on Prime Video until January 2nd.  The band tweeted: “You’ll see mic swinging and more in Pearl Jam’s “Ten” show, recorded live from Philadelphia. Watch the show now, available for free for all @primevideo subscribers now through Jan. 2.”   

The band also recently shared on Instagram that frontman Eddie Vedder took the stage at the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, which aired on Thursday: “The 45th annual Kennedy Center Honors airs tonight at 8/7c on @cbstv. Tune in to the celebration, honoring performing arts icons and featuring a performance by @eddievedder.”

Pearl Jam will next perform at Innings Festival in Tempe, Arizona on February 26th, 2023.

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Metallica is sharing an acoustic cover version of Thin Lizzy’s “Borderline” live for the first time, which took place December 16 at the band’s annual benefit concert in support of their All Within My Hands Foundation.

The “Helping Hands Concert & Auction” was held at Los Angeles’s Microsoft Theater, and included the band’s debut live performance of the band’s latest single, “Lux Æterna,” the first song from Metallica’s forthcoming album 72 Seasons. The concert also featured the band covering UFO’s “It’s Killing Me,” and an appearance by special guest St. Vincent on “Nothing Else Matters.”

To pre-order 72 Seasons, head here.
Take a look at the acoustic performance of “Borderline” – here.

Watch: Metallica Performs Acoustic Cover of Thin Lizzy’s “Borderline”

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Pink Floyd is thanking fans for their support of their charity single “Hey, Hey, Rise Up.” Back in April, the band released the song — their first new original music recorded together since 1994 — and all proceeds have gone towards humanitarian charities helping Ukraine. The track features frontman Andriy Khlyvnyuk of the Ukrainian band Boombox, and has raised over $600K to be distributed to charities on the ground in Ukraine. David Gilmour and Nick Mason added money to bring the amount to over $600K.

The money raised from “Hey Hey Rise Up” will be split amongst five different charities: Hospitallers, The Kharkiv And Przemyśl Project, Vostok SOS, Kyiv Volunteer and Livyj Bereh. Pink Floyd also encouraged their fans to do more, noting, “Let’s see what else we can do this winter… It would be great if you feel able to contribute to any of these charities directly.”

Take a listen to “Hey, Hey, Rise Up” – here.

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Fall Out Boy continued to tease their return, and seemingly shared a preview of a new song in a video titled ‘A Claymation Fall Out Boy Celebration’.  The two-minute short is animated by Mr. Oz (best known for his work in Marvel’s ‘Venomverse’).

Fall Out Boy started teasing their return a month ago when they took out a full-page ad in the Chicago Tribune to plug a new logo, “FOB 8” and the mysterious phrase, “If you build it, they will come.” They further teased their return earlier this month, when fans began receiving cryptic postcards with the title ‘Pink Seashell Beach’. The postcards came with a message reading: “I saw you in a bright clear field. Hurricane heat in my head. The kind of pain you feel to get good in the end. Inscribed like stone and faded by the rain: ‘Give up what you love give up what you love before it does you in…’” and arrived alongside the launch of a website dubbed “sending my love from pink seashell beach”, which is also promoted with the new claymation video.

Take a look at ‘A Claymation Fall Out Boy Celebration’ – here.

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Modest Mouse drummer Jeremiah Green is battling Stage 4 cancer. Green’s mom Carol Namatame broke the news in a Facebook post on Christmas (December 25), writing alongside a handful of photos of Green: “Please send healing vibes for my son, Jeremiah Green, who is battling stage 4 cancer. He’s is so strong and so brave and hanging in there!”

Seattle radio DJ Marco Collins and friend of Green’s also shared a post on Facebook about the drummer’s diagnosis. “Just found out my friend Jeremiah Green (Modest Mouse) has pulled off the band’s tour because he is currently undergoing chemo treatments to battle Stage 4 Cancer. Despite having a stage 4 diagnosis, his prognosis is good! Also his oncologist is a big MM fan (so he’s got that in his corner!) Sending him nothing but love & healing energy! Get well buddy. We’re all pulling for you!”

Green co-founded Modest Mouse with frontman Isaac Brock and bassist Eric Judy in 1993. He’s been part of the band’s lineup since then (with the exception of a brief departure from 2003-04) and the longest tenured member aside from Brock.  Modest Mouse recently wrapped up a special tour to commemorate the 25th anniversary of their sophomore album The Lonesome Crowded West. Green was able to play the earlier dates of the tour, but ended up pulling out early due to his diagnosis.

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Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler has been diagnosed with pneumonia. The bassist’s wife, Gloria Butler, confirmed the news on Instagram, sharing photos of her husband in the doctor’s office with the caption: “After day 1 at Dr with my husband & was told he was negative for flu, Covid, strep & tonsillitis; I said…well, he’s positive for being a pain in my arse. Day 2 at Dr, he was told he has pneumonia. Although, still positive for being a pain; I now feel guilty for thinking that.”

Butler himself has not yet addressed his illness, though he has been active online, sharing a Christmas message of his own on Instagram, writing: “Wishing everybody a very Merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful New Year.”

Butler has been keeping busy this year; in March he linked up with Apocalyptica to perform on their standalone single ‘I’ll Get Through It’. He later appeared at the Taylor Hawkins tribute concert in Los Angeles, performing two Sabbath tracks – ‘Supernaut’ and ‘Paranoid’ – with Sebastian Bach, Lars Ulrich and the surviving Foo Fighters.

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