FireAid Hosts Nirvana Reunion With St. Vincent, Joan Jett and Kim Gordon Subbing in for Kurt Cobain
Fans at the Intuit Dome wondering what hit them may have witnessed the closest thing to a Nirvana reunion we'll get: The band's three surviving members - Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl and Pat Smear - blazing through bruising versions of "Stay Away" with St. Vincent on vocals, "School" with longtime friend Kim Gordon and "Territorial Pissings" with Joan Jett, all filling the lead vocal slot vacated by Kurt Cobain's death almost 31 years ago. Each singer brought the full gravel out of their voices while channeling Cobain, but St. Vincent in particular showed a rare ferocity. Nirvana fans were moved to tears as Dave Grohl's daughter, Violet Grohl, joined the band at FireAid. The 18-year-old surprised the audience by singing lead vocals on Nirvana's "All Apologies." Fans praised Violet's performance, with many expressing awe and admiration for her talent. The set was actually a reprise of the four-song showcase that the surviving members - and most of the above singers - played at the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, although Lorde performed there instead of Violet Grohl.
GRAMMY AWARDS: This Sunday
The 67th annual Grammy Awards will be presented this Sunday at the Crypto.com arena in Los Angeles, and The Beatles and The Rolling Stones are among the nominees. "Now and Then," The Beatles' last song with the late John Lennon, is up for Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance, making it the first AI-assisted song to be nominated. It's also their 24th and 25th nominations, they've won seven. Paul McCartney talked about Peter Jackson’s work on the song. "He was able to extricate John's voice from a ropey little bit of cassette where it had John's voice and a piano. He could separate them with AI. They tell the machine, 'That's a voice, this is a guitar, lose the guitar.' So, when we came to make what will be the last Beatles record, it was a demo that John had that we worked on. We were able to take John's voice and get it pure through this AI so that then we could mix the record as you would normally do."
John Lennon and Paul McCartney won Song of the Year in 1967 for "Michelle. In 1971, the band won Best Original Score Written for A Motion Picture or A Television Special for Let it Be.
They also have a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a Trustees Award, and seven of their albums and eight songs were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Lennon also received a nomination for Best Boxed or Special Limited-Edition Package for Mind Games. His son Sean Lennon, who produced the collection, says, “I am absolutely thrilled... It has been the honor of a lifetime for me to work on my father’s music and to be able to reintroduce it to the world. My mom [Yoko Ono] and I are so appreciative of the recognition.”
The Stones' latest album, Hackney Diamonds, has been nominated for Best Rock Album. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood say, "We are honored Hackney Diamonds has been recognized for a Grammy. This past year has been a thrill to see our new music celebrated, especially when it comes to the heart and soul of what we’ve always been about -- rock ‘n’ roll.
“Rock music has been the epicenter of our lives for over 60 years, and Hackney Diamonds is not only a return to our roots, but also an evolution.” The Rolling Stones have been nominated 16 times and won four. Four of their albums and three songs were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
The Grammys air live on CBS at 8 p.m. ET.
Huge Names Booked For "SNL50: The Homecoming Concert"
“Saturday Night Live” is rocking out to celebrate 50 years. The comedy institution, also known for featuring a wide range of music acts during the years, is set to air “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” live on Peacock, featuring tons of music talent. Jack White, David Byrne, Arcade Fire, Bonnie Raitt, Chris Martin of Cold Play, David Byrne, Devo, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Jack White, Jelly Roll, Lady Gaga, Mumford & Sons, Post Malone, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Robyn, The B-52s, and The Roots are all set to be featured. The event will be hosted by Jimmy Fallon. “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” airs on Peacock on February 14th at 8PM Eastern. The official SNL50: The Anniversary Special, a three-hour live broadcast takes place February 16th on NBC.
GRATEFUL DEAD: Downtown L.A. Celebration
The Grateful Dead are being recognized tonight (Friday) at the Los Angeles Convention Center.as MusiCares' 2025 Persons of the Year. In a statement, Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann,
Mickey Hart and the now late Phil Lesh said, “This honor is truly a testament to the legacy of the music, which has always been bigger than us -- it’s about the connection between us, the crew and all those who’ve been on this long, strange trip. It’s not just about what we create, but about making sure the people behind it, behind us every night, the ones who quietly make it all happen, get the support they need to keep going, no matter what life throws at them.”
Hosted by Andy Cohen, the performers include Dead & Company, Sammy Hagar, Bruce Hornsby, Mick Fleetwood with Stewart Copeland, Noah Kahan, Vampire Weekend, Norah Jones, Maren Morris, Sierra Farrell and Lukas Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Billy Strings, My Morning Jacket, The War and Treaty, Zac Brown, Wynonna Judd and The War on Drugs. Dave Matthews was also scheduled but had to attend to a family matter.
Proceeds from the event will raise funds for MusiCares and its efforts to support musicians in need. Previous honorees include Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac, Phil Collins, Elton John, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Bono, Sting, Don Henley, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, Lionel Richie, Bob Dylan, Carole King, David Crosby, and Bruce Springsteen.
Paul McCartney, Slash, Grateful Dead memorabilia auction: what you can buy
Music lovers and collectors have a chance to own rare memorabilia from legendary artists at Julien's Auctions' MusiCares Charity Relief Auction this weekend, Sunday and Monday February 2-3. Items from Paul McCartney, Slash, and the Grateful Dead are up for grabs, with high bidding activity already seen on 92.73 percent of the 55 lots available. The auction supports musicians in need through the Recording Academy's MusiCares foundation, providing crucial assistance for those facing hardships. With items like a signed lyric book from McCartney and a signed Gibson Slash Les Paul guitar attracting multiple bids, this year's auction is expected to be highly competitive, with proceeds benefiting the music community.
PAUL McCARTNEY: Ready for Super Bowl 59
Paul McCartney has attended the last two Super Bowls, and, responding to a fan's question on his website, he says he has his late wife to thank for introducing him to American football.
"Well, being married to Linda meant I was in America quite a bit. We spent a lot of time there with her family and American football was always on the television. I would watch it with everyone but not really know what was going on! "Then Linda gave me a big clue. She said, ‘See that guy there? When the two teams line up against each other, there’s a guy who receives the ball. Keep an eye on him, he’s called the quarterback, and he’s going to pass it to someone. All the action comes from him.’ So, once I had that clue, I found it much easier to follow. "I watched a lot of it and grew to really like it, because it’s quite a complicated and strategic game -- and obviously very athletic. In Britain we used to laugh at it, saying, ‘They wear all those pads and protective gear. We don’t, we’ve got rugby, a proper sport!’ But I got over all that, and found I really liked it. So yeah, I’m a big fan of football, American-style."
Paul also took part in his crew's football pool on his recent tour. "I won once and everyone hated me! They said, ‘Oh god, oh no!’ Because of course there’s money involved and I’m their boss. But I said, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll give the winnings to charity.’ It was only that one time. But, believe me, it was a thrill!"
McCartney performed at Super Bowl 36 in 2002 (his first performance with his current band), and then did the halftime of Super Bowl 39 in 2005. Super Bowl 59 will be held at the Superdome in New Orleans on February 9th.
Ringo Starr Confirms Rumor That His First Time Smoking Weed Was With Bob Dylan
Ringo Starr confirmed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that he smoked weed for the first time with Bob Dylan's friend. The 84-year-old former Beatle expressed his love for the experience. Starr recently released a country album titled Look Up and filmed a concert special at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. The Beatles are nominated for two Grammys this weekend for their song "Now and Then."
Ringo Starr, Famous Pizza Hut Pitchman, Says He's Never Eaten Pizza In His Life
Ringo Starr has let slip a secret…he’s never eaten pizza! In his entire life! Just a reminder here…Starr appeared in a Pizza Hut commercial back in 1995! Well, while appearing on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” the rocker revealed the juicy secret. “I’ve never had a pizza. Or a curry. Well, I’m allergic to several items, and with pizza, you don’t know what you’re putting in it half the time. Or the curry. So, I’m pretty strict with myself because it makes me ill immediately,” Starr shared. On the bright side, that gave host Jimmy Kimmel some perspective, who joked “I used to think you had the greatest life, and now I realize mine is better.”
MARIANNE FAITHFULL: Dead at 78
Vocalist Marianne Faithfull has passed away at 78-years-old. The singer’s family shared in a statement that “Marianne passed away peacefully in London...in the company of her loving family.” She was known for hits including the single “As Tears Go By.” She was also part of the "British Invasion" of US pop charts in the ‘60s. Faithfull was also the girlfriend of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger at one time. The rocker shared in a statement “She was so much part of my life for so long. She was a wonderful friend, a beautiful singer and a great actress. She will always be remembered.” Faithfull was also an actress, with one of her last projects lending her voice to a scene in "Dune: Part One."
Jagger, Stones Honor Faithfull
"A wonderful friend, a beautiful singer and a great actress."That's how Mick Jagger described Marianne Faithfull in a social media post after her death was announced.Faithfull co-wrote the Rolling Stones song "Sister Morphine" with Jagger and Keith Richards. During her relationship with Jagger, Faithfull reportedly inspired a number of Stones songs, including "Wild Horses" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want." On X, the Stones posted a 1960s video of their performance of "As Tears Go By." Others who paid tribute to Faithfull include Metallica, Dave Davies of The Kinks, and Slash from Guns 'N Roses.
ROLLING STONES CANCEL UK TOUR
It looks like the Rolling Stones will not be touring in 2025. After reports the band was gearing up for a tour of the UK and Europe, it's now reported that Stones have scrapped those plans due to "issues with venues and travel." The band still hopes to hit the road in 2026.
The Rolling Stones never made any public announcements about tour dates. They wrapped up a 20-date U.S. tour last year.
ERIC CLAPTON: Ex Did Him a Favor?
Pattie Boyd, the ex-wife of George Harrison and Eric Clapton, says when she auctioned off some of her personal belongings last March, including love letters from both, she did Eric a favor. Speaking to The Mail, she says, "I don't know whether Eric is upset that I sold the letters..."But if he is, he shouldn't be. I'm allowing everyone to see what a creative man he is, what a beautiful writer -- his handwriting is exquisite -- so I am showing another part of him. Not just the guitar player and songwriter, but a romantic."
The auction, at Christie's in London, took in $3.6 million, with the painting that graces the cover of the Derek and The Dominos debut and only studio album, 1970's Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs being the big seller at $2.5 million. That set a record for an original album cover artwork. Other big sellers included one of those letters, which Clapton wrote in 1971. "I would sacrifice my family, my god, and my own existence, and still you will not move. I am at the end of my mind, I cannot go back and there is nothing in tomorrow (save you) that can attract me beyond today, and questions why do you hesitate, am I a poor lover, am I ugly, am I too weak, too strong, do you know why?... if you don't want me, please break the spell that binds me..." It sold for $153,000. Another love letter from Clapton went for just under $137,000.
ROGER WATERS: Back to the Dark Side ... Again
Roger Waters has expanded his 2023 album, The Dark Side of the Moon Redux, into a deluxe box set. In addition to the album on two gold vinyl LPs, CD and Blu-ray all mixed in Dolby Atmos, there is a live version of the album recorded at the London Palladium on October 8th and 9th, 2023, also on gold vinyl, CD and Blu-ray, and mixed in Dolby Atmos. There is also a track-by-track interview with Waters on Blu-ray; four 45-rpm vinyl discs from the original
Redux album of "Money," "Time," "Speak to Me/Breathe" and "Us & Them," each with artwork etched on the B-side; and a 40 page commemorative book of photos from the making of the album, rehearsals and the concerts. The initial orders of this collection from Roger's
official store will contain a signed print from him. It will be released on March 14th.
King Crimson's Adrian Belew Had To Get Hand Surgery
Beat guitarist Adrian Belew has revealed he’s had to undergo hand surgery. The guitarist…who has played with King Crimson, Talking Heads, Frank Zappa, and more...revealed that the surgery had to be done as he’d been dealing with numbness and pain during his recent tour last year. It turns out he had been dealing with carpal tunnel. Thankfully his hands were…in good hands. “Early this morning I had hand surgery…I am super fortunate to have Dr. Kobi Azari as my surgeon. Dr. Azari is a world-renowned surgeon who was the first in America to do a successful hand transplant. A bit overqualified for my minor surgery!” Belew revealed in a post to social media.
BOB DYLAN: Waxing Nostalgic?
Bob Dylan raised eyebrows last fall with some odd tweets such as running into a Buffalo Sabres hockey player in an elevator in Prague and recommending a restaurant in New Orleans to all his followers. Now he's doing the same on Instagram, posting four videos that have nothing to do with his career.
·The first is Eddie Van Halen on a Les Paul tribute show from 1988.
·The second is Ricky Nelson performing "Believe What You Say."
·The third is a scene from Marilyn Monroe's 1952 film Clash by Night.
·And the fourth shows guitarist Django Reinhardt performing in 1945.
Elvis Presley Palm Springs honeymoon home is for sale
A $9 million Palm Springs home with ties to Elvis Presley is up for sale. The mid-century modern house, designed by architect William Krisel, was featured in a 1962 Look magazine article as "The House of Tomorrow." Elvis and Priscilla leased the house for their honeymoon in 1967, and their daughter, Lisa Marie, was born nine months later. Known as the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, the four-bedroom, five-bath home features unique curved design elements and stunning mountain views. The property joins other celebrity-status homes in the area, such as the Frank Sinatra Estate and the Liberace House.
IN OTHER NEWS
Geddy Lee has posted photos on Instagram from his appearance Monday in Charlotte, North Carolina at Queens University, Holocaust Remembrance Day, which was also the 80th anniversary of the Auschwitz concentration camp liberation. He discussed his parents' imprisonment at Auschwitz and other camps. He says, “My heartfelt thanks to all — especially the survivors — that came out to hear my family’s harrowing story of survival, and to mourn the inhumanity of six-million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. So hard to believe it’s been 80 years since my mom and dad were liberated.”
Michael Anthony has brought his ’32 Ford roadster over to auto designer Chip Foose to “have a little tuning up done before the summer cruising season.”
The Soundwaves Art Foundation has announced We Love LA auctions, which will run through February to raise money for Sweet Relief’s Natural Disaster Fund. Artists whose songs inspired the artworks being auctioned off include Cher, The Doors, Fall Out Boy, Korn and "Weird Al" Yankovic.
Lindsey Buckingham has commented on the fires in Southern California, saying, “In the 52 years I’ve lived in Los Angeles, I’ve never seen anything like the Eaton and Palisades fires. My heart goes out to all who’ve been affected by these tragedies. That said, we must all embrace the spirit of togetherness, compassion, and the resolve to rebuild.”
Metallica have announced that their Helping Hands Concert & Auction in Los Angeles last
month raised $3.5 million for their All Within My Hands foundation.
Patti Smith says that she's doing fine after a video seemed to show her collapsing on stage in
Brazil Wednesday night. She wrote on Instagram, "I had some post-migraine dizziness. Had a small incident, left the stage, and returned 10 minutes later and talked to the people, told them I was fine and sang them 'Wing' and 'Because the Night.' I was checked out by an excellent doctor and was absolutely fine. Please do not accept any other story." Patti is 78.