Elton John Hosts Virtual Benefit Concert
What was supposed to be a night of celebration became a night of donation when Elton John hosted the iHeart Living Room Concert For America, raising funds for two US charities. The awards show was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and instead aired an "online" festival featuring Billie Eilish, Dave Grohl, Mariah Carey and more.
Sam Smith Delays & Renames New Album
COVID-19 isn't just pushing back festivals and concerts, it's pushing albums back too. Sam Smith is the latest artist to delay an album release, stating dropping the record in the current state of the world "doesn't feel right." Smith also announced To Die For will be renamed, though didn't reveal what it will be called or when it will release.
Nine Inch Nails Releases Surprise Albums
On the other end of the spectrum, this pandemic led to Nine Inch Nails releasing two new albums as part of the Ghosts series (Ghosts V - VI) last week. “As the news seems to turn ever more grim by the hour we’ve found ourselves vacillating wildly between feeling like there may be hope at times to utter despair — often changing minute to minute,” the band said of the contrasting tones of Together and Locusts. Check 'em out on Spotify.
Every week we take to Google Trends to see what people are searching for. Are people looking for WD-40 or E-40? What about Lil Yachty vs. Boat Rentals? Are people yawning, or looking up Yanni's discography? What's more popular; NASCAR or Coachella?
The Weeknd has been on top of the music world for quite some time, and with the release of his latest album After Hourslast month, is back in the driver's seat. If you didn't catch it, he even added a handful of bonus tracks to the album last week, giving fans even more content to dig into while many are social distancing. Speaking of the near-global quarantine, has anyone else paused to ask yourself what day it is? I know I have, and that's why this week we're wondering: Are people searching for The Weeknd, or wondering if it's the weekend?
We've got a close one folks, but Google Trends informs me that The Weeknd is the winner. And, if you're wondering what day it is, I'll save you a Google search; it's Thursday Apr. 2.
We want to share pictures from our growing community of music lovers! Let's see your favorite live concert shots, band tees you cherish, trademark hoodies, collection of instruments, posters, and everything you love about music!
Last week we shared a platinum record commemorating Metallica's "Black Album," and this week we're following it up with Rihanna and Janet Jackson, two of the biggest stars ever. This comes by way of Kevin, who also sent along a platinum plaque for The Temptations, sending us a treasure trove of music goodies. Thank you!
Keep the collectibles and memorabilia coming, we got some amazing stuff last week and we know there's even more out there!
I was supposed to be seeing Rage Against The Machine at the very moment I am writing this here newsletter to our wonderful community of music lovers, lucky enough to catch tickets for the second wave of added shows. Instead, I am here with all of you in the form of written-word, and while I would love to see one of my top-five bands of all-time for the first time, I'm grateful to know we're all here together.
So, here's a throwback RATM pic, the closest I'll come to seeing them on this fine day.
