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Days after ‘Rolling Stone’ co-founder Jann Wenner’s controversial comments were published in a New York Times interview, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation announced the removal of Wenner from its board of directors, which he helped found in 1983. The hall said in a statement: “Jann Wenner has been removed from the Board of Directors of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation.”

The New York Times published an interview with Wenner regarding his forthcoming book, “The Masters,” which contains interviews with musicians — all white men — including Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen and Bono. When Wenner was asked why the book did not include interviews with women or people of color, Wenner is quoted as saying about the women of rock: “Just none of them were as articulate enough on this intellectual level.” In the interview he expressed similar thoughts regarding Black rock artists. Wenner said, according to the interview: “Of Black artists — you know, Stevie Wonder, genius, right? I suppose when you use a word as broad as ‘masters,’ the fault is using that word. Maybe Marvin Gaye, or Curtis Mayfield? I mean, they just didn’t articulate at that level.”

Wenner said that his selection of musicians for the book was “what I was interested in,” but acknowledged that there might be criticism of his choice: “You know, just for public relations sake, maybe I should have gone and found one Black and one woman artist to include here that didn’t measure up to that same historical standard, just to avert this kind of criticism. Which, I get it. I had a chance to do that.”

After his removal from the Rock Hall Board of Directors, Wenner released a statement apologizing for his comments: “In my interview with The New York Times I made comments that diminished the contributions, genius, and impact of Black and women artists and I apologize wholeheartedly for those remarks.” Wenner said the forthcoming book, was “not meant to represent the whole of music and it’s diverse and important originators but to reflect the high points of my career and interviews I felt illustrated the breadth and experience in that career.”

Jann Wenner removed from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Board after interview

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Staind have shared the video for the new track, “Here and Now” ahead of the release of the band’s first studio album in 12 years, Confessions of the Fallen.  Directed by Bradley Golowin, the video gives fans an intimate glimpse at the band.

Confessions of the Fallen is set for release on Sept. 22, and features 10 original songs, including the previously released “Lowest In Me,” “Cycle of Hurting” and “In This Condition.” The new collection of songs marks the first album with drummer Sal Giancarelli, who joined the band for their live shows beginning in 2011 after original drummer Jon Wysocki left.  To pre-order the new album, head here.

Staind currently have four tour dates on the calendar this year: Sept. 14 in Deadwood, S.D., Sept. 15 in Saint Michael, N.D., Sept. 16 in Danbury, Wis., and Oct. 22 in Fort Worth, Texas. For more information, head to Staind’s official website.

Check out the video for “Here and Now” – here.

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The Rolling Stones announced details of their forthcoming 24th studio record ‘Hackney Diamonds’ at a globally live-streamed event from Hackney Empire in East London on September 6.  Band members Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood shared details on the upcoming release, and shared its lead single ‘Angry’, which debuted along with a music video starring Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney.

Now the iconic rock band have shared the full tracklist for the 12-song album, and confirmed that it will feature an array of guest stars, including appearances from Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, Elton John and Stevie Wonder.  The band also shared that the LP will feature the late drummer Charlie Watts on two of the songs in the tracklist – ‘Mess It Up’ and ‘Live By The Sword’; the latter also features former Stones bassist Bill Wyman. Sir Elton John also performs on the latter track, playing piano for the song, and will appear on ‘Get Close’ – the second song on the tracklist.

‘Hackney Diamonds’ was recorded in various locations including Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles, London’s Metropolis Studios, Sanctuary Studios in the Bahamas, Electric Lady Studios and The Hit Factory/Germano Studios in New York.  The album is set for release on October 20; to pre-save/pre-order, head here.

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Skid Row has postponed their October 2023 tour due to singer Erik Grönwall’s ongoing health issues. Grönwall, who joined the band in 2022, is a cancer survivor having previously been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The tour postponement is directly related to treatment he received two years ago.

A statement on the band’s social media accounts read: “Due to utmost concern for the health and well-being of one of our own, Skid Row’s lead vocalist, Erik Grönwall, the band has made the decision to move the third leg of their highly anticipated US and Canada tour originally scheduled for October 2023 to March 2024.”

Grönwall said on social media: “I want to apologize to all the fans, promoters, Buckcherry and the Skid Row team and to my bandmates. Due to the stem cell transplantation I did on August 12, 2021 my immune system is still partially impaired, which can result in longer time before clearance of infections and also impaired fitness during infections. It will get better with time and all I can do until then is roll with the punches and ensure I have a better balance in terms of touring.”

Skid Row launched their 2023 co-headlining tour with Buckcherry in March, and headed overseas for summer dates before returning to the U.S. for another run of shows beginning Aug. 31 in Dallas.  The band had to cancel concerts in Huntington, New York, Lynn, Massachusetts and Portland, Maine due to the “ongoing illness” of a band member.  While the band’s remaining September dates are scheduled to go ahead as planned, performances originally scheduled for October have been postponed to 2024.

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Extreme has announced new leg of 2024 US tour dates in support of its latest album, “Six,” which was produced by guitarist Nuno Bettencourt and recorded in his home studio. Six marks the band’s first new full record in 15 years.

Says Extreme: “We have been absolutely blown away by all of the love and support during the first leg of the Thicker Than Blood Tour. You all have shown up and brought it every night and we could not be more grateful. So with that, we are excited to announce the second US leg of the Thicker Than Blood Tour with special guests Living Colour.”

Extreme are currently playing shows on the Australian leg of its latest world tour. Tickets for the new 2024 dates with Living Color go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, September 15th at 10 AM local via Ticketmaster.

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