AEG looks set to manage three Californian stadiums

TicketNews.com reports that three of California's well-known stadiums could be changing management if the recommendations of both venues' oversight boards are accepted. According to reports, change could be on the way for the O.co Coliseum, the Oracle Arena, and Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. According to the Oakland Tribune, the Oakland Coliseum Complex, which houses the first two venues, may be under new management when its current contract expires. The O.co Coliseum is home to both the NFL's Oakland Raiders and the MLB's Oakland Athletics, while the Oracle Arena is home to the NBA's Golden State Warriors. Both arenas are under the management of SMG, and have been for the past 13 years but a selection subcommittee of the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority, which recently met to discuss bids received from SMG, AEG, and Global Spectrum, was expected to recommend the bid from AEG to manage the venues.

Killers' Tommy Marth mourned

Tommy Marth, the 33 saxophonist with the Killers who played on their second and third albums and extensively toured with the band, has been found dead. The 33 year old's death has been confirmed as suicide by Clark Country Coroner's Office. In a statement The Killers said: 'Last night we lost our friend Thomas Marth. Our prayers are with his family. There's a light missing in Las Vegas tonight. Travel well, Tommy.'

Robin Gibb out of coma

Robin Gibb has come out of his coma and is said to be positively responding to treatment

Fingers crossed for Robin whose twin brother and fellow BeeGee Maurice died in 2003 from intestinal damage after complications from cancer

Picture: The BeeGees at the Prince's Trust Rock Gala at the Royal Albert Hall in 1988. (C) PTEL 1988

Sinéad O'Connor's cancels, Bjork cancels

Bjork has been forced to cancel two shows after discovering she has a nodule in her throat. The Icelandic singer, who is touring her eighth studio album 'Biophilia', had been in residence at the Buenos Aires Centro de Exposiciones in Argentina since April 6, but has been forced to shelve the final two shows of the run after the diagnosis. Sinéad O'Connor has also been forced to cancel her upcoming U.S. tour due to her battles with bipolar disorder. In a public statement O'Connor said she suffered a "breakdown between December and March," and she had been advised by her doctors to cancel her tour. The outing was in support of her recently released album, “How About I Be Me (And You Be You)?”

Accidental porn broadcast 'broke the rules'

OfCom has found that the UK's Jazz FM breached broadcast rules when it accidentally played five minutes of hardcore pornography - or "clearly audible sounds of sexual activity" over the air. As the show it featured in "Funky Sensation with Mike Vitti" was pre-recorded, no apology could be played out live (just porn!). Jazz FM explained that a former member of studio staff had opened a personal email during the broadcast which contained a link to pornographic content. When they clicked on the link they had accidentally left the fader on the sound desk up, which was how the audio from the video they were watching came to be made available for all listeners to hear. Ding Dong!

EC approves Sony/ATV's EMI deal

The European Commission has approved the deal in which the Sony/ATV led consortium will acquire EMI Music Publishing. Confirming the deal had been approved in Europe, the EC's Competition Commissioner Joaquín Almunia said "[The consortium] offered to divest valuable and attractive catalogues containing bestselling titles as well as works of successful and promising authors. I am therefore satisfied that the competitive dynamics in the online music publishing business will be maintained so as to ensure consumer choice and cultural diversity". Martin Bandier said "Having spent over seventeen years of my professional life helping to build EMI Music Publishing, today is not only an important milestone on the path to final approval, but a very special day for me, personally". The EC approved the deal on the basis of the proposed sale of the Virgin-branded songs catalogue, plus the Famous UK catalogue and some key songs by prominent Anglo-American artists, which were designed to specifically deal with those EC concerns. Although the Sony/ATV deal still needs approval in the US, and is also being investigated in Australia and Brazil, securing approval in Europe with just a one-stage investigation is a considerable step forward for the deal. Not everyone is happy – commenting on the EC approval IMPALA’s Executive Chair Helen Smith told reporters: "It sounds like the worst possible result for European writers and publishers, as well as anyone who needs to rely on fair terms to access music

Viagogo announces Olympics tie-up

Viagogo, Europe's largest online resale ticket marketplace, has announced two new partnerships this past week – a collaboration with the Spanish Olympic Committee and a second deal with Aristeia Corporate Hospitality, a leading European hospitality provider.

Dick Clark 1929 - 2012; Levon Helm of the Band; Greg Ham from Men at Work; Bert Weedon.

Dick Clark had died of a heart attack at the age of 82. Considered by many to be the person most responsible for the bonfire spread of rock 'n' roll across the States in the late 1950s through his show "American Bandstand", Clark became household name and shrewdly pursued a hugely successful broadcasting career. For three decades, he was the first and last voice many Americans heard each year with his New Year's Eve countdowns. More sad news - Levon Helm of iconic roots rock group The Band has died, aged 71. And Greg Ham, the multi-instrumentalist best known as a member of Australian band Men At Work, has died aged 58. He died at his Melbourne home after friends became concerned and contacted police. Finally its goodbye to the man who taught the rock & roll world to play guitar: Bert Weedon, whose guitar book 'Play In A Day' was used by Pete Townshend, George Harrison and Eric Clapton amongst countless others, has died aged 91.

Kiwi third strikes are out

New Zealand’s ‘three strikes’ legislation which was introduced last September and which sees alleged Kiwi file-sharers monitored, warned, and eventually punished for their infringements has now reached the final phase with the first so-called ’3rd strike’ issued. The ‘enforcement’ notices were delivered on behalf of the music industry although commentators noted that even after more than 6 months, their movie industry counterparts are yet to send even one initial warning. Internet users who are discovered uploading copyright material are first sent two warnings via their ISP. On receipt of a third, under the “Skynet” legislation, copyright holders can take the Internet account holder to the Copyright Tribunal where they face hefty fines.

One Direction sell out!

Pop sensations One Direction, the British/Irish boy band who are ruling the music charts on both sides of the pond and down under have sold out their spring U.S. tour so quickly that the group has decided to give fans another chance to see them...next year! Not only did the group's scheduled dates in May and June sell out rapidly, but according to Hollywoodreporter.com, a special performance on December 3rd at, Madison Square Garden, which was announced only on April 3, sold out in ten minutes. Wow. But will they still be called One Direction we wonder as the trade mark case brought by the US band of the same name hangs heavy around their young necks …..

US Talent Unions back UMG on EMI takeover

In a surprise move, two of the US’s biggest talent unions have come out in support of Universal’s takeover of EMI’s recorded music division on the ground that UMG would, unlike previous owners Terra Firma, actually invest in music and musicians. In a letter to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz The American Federation of Musicians said that UMG had shown “compliance with and respect for its collective bargaining agreements has been positive when compared to its peer companies” and that “Sustaining the EMI legacy” under Universal’s ownership “would appear to benefit AMF recording musicians.” The recently merged The Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists said Universal has shown commitment to the music industry, investing in new artists and innovative musical genres in a separate letter saying “For EMI to be left to further drift into oblivion, or for EMI to be acquired and sold off in pieces by capital investment speculators with no appreciation for, or commitment to, artists who fuel the recording industry, would ill serve the industry,” SAG-AFTRA said.

Plant out

Robert Plant has appointed the Gloucester Guildhall as the setting for his new band's live debut. Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters, whose sound is derived from "the roots music of Mississippi, Appalachia, Gambia, Bristol and the foothills of Wolverhampton", will play at the 400 capacity venue on 8 May.

Tupac Back?

The big talking point from Coachella 2012 was the technological resurrection of the late Tupac Shakur – and talks are underway to take the digital West Coast rap legend on tour. Shakur made his first on-stage appearance since being murdered in 1996 thanks to the technological wizardry of Digital Domain and the practicalities were handled by Philip Atwell of Geronimo Productions and Dylan Brown of The Yard. Immersive technology solutions provider AV concepts executed the Dr Dre led project. The ultimate revival show possibility was reported following headline appearances by Dr. Dre himself and Snoop Dogg with the virtual Shakur, in a show that also featured appearances from Eminem, 50 Cent, Wiz Khalifa and Warren G. And its all on next weekend again!

more here http://www.cambio.com/2012/04/16/coachella-2012-tupac-hologram-creepy-or-cool-video/ More from technology company MUSION here http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00r7l20 and here http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01gykwg/Click_21_04_2012/

Gaga outsells Madge

Reports say that Lady Gaga is substantially outselling Madonna in London as the pair vie to be queens of the London summer. Gaga has now announced a second September show a Twickenham Stadium after a ten minute sell-out of the first show, with a total of 110,000 tickets up for grabs. Madonna's Hyde Park show on July 17th (capacity of 55,000) remains on-sale with a higher pricing structure.

Sugarland testimony released

Jennifer Nettles, one half of the country music duo Sugarland, has said she was never asked to delay the band's show at the Indiana State Fair because of an approaching storm. She would have complied if asked, Nettles said, according to testimony given during a taped deposition saying ""We're invited to come into a place and play. It's not our place," Nettles said. "I don't feel it's my responsibility, or my management's responsibility, to evacuate the fans in the case of danger. Do I care about their safety? Absolutely."

Seven people died and more than 40 were injured last year when a storm caused a stage at the state fair to collapse, shortly before Sugarland was to perform. Metal scaffolding supporting the stage lights fell onto a crowd of fans and workers as a storm swept through the fairgrounds on August 13th, 2011 one of three serous incidents involving inclement weather at outdoor events in North America that year, mirrored by the Pukklepop tragedy in Belgium.

Topley-Bird at Parliament

Martina Topley-Bird is playing a gig in the Houses Of Parliament to celebrate the passing of the Live Music Act (17th April). And this blogger will be there! The singer will appear on a bill that also includes Daytona Lights and MP4, a band comprising politicians. Ex-Suede man Bernard Butler is expected to be among the guests at the gig, which is being put on by industry body UK Music. The new live music law, which was passed in March, cuts red tape for pubs, small gig venues and nightclubs under 200 capacity or playing acoustic music wanting to put on gigs.

New Kids and the Boys in a cinema near you soon!

The New Kids on The Block / Backstreet Boys show at London's O2 on the 29th April is going to be streamed live into cinemas across Europe by Myscreenevent.com. 300 cinemas in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Holland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania will screen the show in super surround sound.

Robin Gibb in coma

Reports say that Bee Gees pop legend Robin Gibb is in a coma, amid fears he has only days to live. The 62-year-old's family are understood to be at his bedside. Gibb has been battling colon and liver cancer and was recently hospitalised with pneumonia.

Organisers of the 2012 Olympic games have confirmed that much of the so called 'live' music the at opening and closing ceremonies will be performed to

Organisers of the 2012 Olympic games have confirmed that much of the so called 'live' music at opening and closing ceremonies will be performed to backing tracks in a move described as 'shameful' by the Musicians Union. Organisers said that that the complexity of the event led to the decision to use pre-recorded music saying it was 'standard practice'. In February the shows' creative director had said that the intention was "not to go out there and do a mime show".

European festivals launch standard contract terms

YOUROPE, the European festivals organisation that has a membership of over 80 festivals across Europe, has announced that 22 of its members will be introducing standard artiste booking terms for the 2012 festival season. The new terms cover areas such as force majeure, cancellation, insurance, security, the use of pyrotechnics and lasers, noise limits, curfews and payment terms and are designed to set out basic standards that festivals and performers have to adhere to. The association also said it was introducing simplified booking contracts for emerging talent with General Secretary Christof Huber saying "It was the wish from so many members to create these Standard Terms for the European festivals. It should make life easier for festivals as they have standard terms for important topics, rather than a number of contract terms which they can’t fulfil“. Participating festivals include Melt! (Germany), Exit (Serbia), Sziget (Hungary), Oya Festival (Norway)and Open Air St Gallen (Switzerland).

More departures from MAMA?

HMV's move to sell the MAMA Group has already resulted in some key executives departing and now it's emerged that some of the staff behind the MAMA management agency SuperVision have already launched a new venture called Trust Management which lists in its profile a roster including some former SuperVision-managed artists, such as Ash, Howler and Out Like A Lion - but a later report in Record Of The Day says that it understands that MAMA managers James Sandom and Cerne Canning are joining rivals Red Light Management.

One Direction face name dispute

British boy band One Direction are being been sued for trademark infringement by a California pop-rock group with the same name. Attorneys for the California band are seeking an injunction that would stop X-factor supremo Simon Cowell's Syco Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment as well as the UK band from using the name One Direction and they also want a share of the profits earned by the chart-topping British boys.

Village People decision expected soon

It seems that U.S. District Judge Barry Ted Moskowitz will be deciding Victor Willis’s claim against his music publisher sooner rather than later, possibly by the end of this month. The ex-lead singer of the Village People, is seeking to regain ownership of U.S. copyrights in the group’s hits, including “Y.M.C.A.,” “In the Navy” and “Go West” from music publisher, Scorpio Music SA. The claim is under 1976 US provisions that allow songwriters to regain control of their works after 35 years.

N'Dour in high office

The Grammy winning musician Youssou N'Dour (52) has been named as Senegal's new Minister for Culture & Tourism under the newly installed President, Macky Sall.

France brings in new ticketing laws

Whilst the UK secondary ticket market remains firmly in the spotlight after Channel 4's ground breaking Dispatches programme which revealed some of the less savoury activities and hidden practices in the secondary sector, highlighted by undercover filming at Seatwave and Viagogo, France has passed new laws which have outlawed the resale of tickets for concerts, sporting events and cultural exhibitions. The law forbids anyone from selling or exchanging tickets or access rights without the permission of the promoter or organiser of the event. The maximum penalty is a E15,000 (£12,500) fine.

The Great Ticket Scandal here

Turn to 11. Jim Marshall dies.

The father of all rock and roll amplifiers, Jim Marshall, has died aged 88.

Moshi Monsters Mob Madonna's MDNA

Moshi Montsters, the online social networking game that has already faced the wrath of Lady Gaga for its Lady Goo Goo character, has outstripped presales of Madonna's album MDNA. Monster Rox is described as collection of 'fantastic summer tracks' with the story of making the tracks' in a 'hilarious' chat between the monsters and the producer.

PRS Revenues grow

Revenues collected by UK collection society PRS For Music on behalf of songwriters and their publishers has risen 2011, by 3.2% to £630.8 million. This despite a continued drop in the money paid to songwriters and publishers by record companies from record sales (what was called 'MCPS' income), which were down 13.3%.

PRS reported increases in the monies collected from international licensees, the live sector and digital services which all helped ensure that overall PRS income was up. International income was up 10.6%, aided by a number of big hits for British songwriters and the continued increases in efficiency in collecting royalties due to PRS members from outside the UK. Income from licenced digital services was up 45.3% and now accounts for 6% of PRS's total income. Live royalties were up 8.2%.

Sony to bid for MAMA?

Sony Music is among those bidding for the MAMA Group, according to a report in The Independent. The major labels joins live music firm AEG Live and Time Out owner Oakley Capital in reaching stage two of the bidding for HMV's live division.