bbnews
Page: 185
Till Lindemann, frontman of incendiary German metal act Rammstein, is a free man after the Berlin public prosecutor’s office dropped its sexual assault investigation, citing a lack of evidence.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The probe was initiated in June, when several women came forward with claims they were plied with substances at pre- or after-show parties, and recruited to engage in sexual activity.
One of those accusers, Shelby Lynn, from Northern Ireland, told the BBC she was recruited and “groomed” for sex with the singer after a May concert in Vilnius, Lithuania. Lynn claimed her drink was spiked at the show, but says she wasn’t sexually assaulted.
Lindemann always denied the allegations, and lawyers for the 60-year-old singer called them “without exception untrue”.
Now, Lindemann has been cleared on suspicion of committing sexual offenses and violations of German’s Narcotics Act.
“The statements made by witnesses in the press reports have not been confirmed by the investigations,” reads a press release issued Tuesday (Aug. 29) by the public prosecutor’s office.
Afterwards, Lindemann posted a brief message to his social channels, reading: “I thank all those who have waited impartially for the end of the investigation.”
When the allegations emerged earlier this month, the band members issued a statement to say they took them “extremely seriously” and condemn all forms of abuse, adding that fans should feel safe “in front and behind the stage” at shows. Also, the rockers asked that they “not be pre-judged.”
Politicians weighed in. German Families Minister Lisa Paus called for an “alliance against sexism” and safety from abusive behavior, telling the AFP news agency, “young people in particular need to be better protected from attacks here.”
Formed in 1994, Rammstein has consistently been one of Germany’s most popular — and controversial — rock music exports.
The band’s explosive concerts have landed them on festival headline slots around the world, and, at times, put them at loggerheads with health and safety. A planned 2001 concert at former London venue Astoria was scrapped “due to significant restrictions to their stageshow and pyrotechnics” — in other words, authorities were worried the inner-city venue would light up.
The group has also courted controversy with its lyrical content and music videos, which have included a hardcore pornographic promo for the 2009 single “Pussy”, and the clip for 2019’s “Deutschland” which was blasted as tasteless and unacceptable by Jewish organizations for its depiction of band members as concentration camp inmates.
Their success as a touring juggernaut and record-seller is in no doubt. In 2019, Rammstein’s untitled seventh studio LP debuted at No. 1 on the album charts in 14 countries, according to Universal Music.
Duran Duran wave in their new era with the release of “Danse Macabre,” a fresh cut with shades of darkness.
Teased earlier this month, “Danse Macabre” (which translates to the Dance of Death) is the title track from the Rock And Roll Hall of Famers’ forthcoming 16th studio album, due out Oct. 27 via Tape Modern/BMG.
The legendary ‘80s band welcome on board some familiar guests for the forthcoming LP, including former guitarists Andy Taylor and Warren Cuccurullo, Paper Gods collaborator Mr. Hudson, longtime producer Nile Rodgers, and Måneskin’s Victoria De Angelis.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Announced in March as a “special new music project,” Danse Macabre is a Halloween concept album, “catalyzed by one special live performance” in Las Vegas on Oct. 31, 2022, reads a statement from the band’s reps.
It’s “the soundtrack to their ultimate Halloween party,” and contains three new compositions, including the first release, plus reworked songs, and covers of songs by Billie Eilish, Talking Heads, The Rolling Stones, Siouxsie And The Banshees and more.
Spanning 13 songs, Duran Duran “unearth bright melodies from the darkness, threading together new songs, themed covers, and newly reimagined versions of their own ‘spooky’ classics,” reads the official statement.
Opening with a fog horn and a synth riff reminiscent of “All She Wants Is,” “Danse Macabre” is like no Duran Duran song that came before it. Cuccurullo and Hudson assist on “Danse Macabre”, over which Simon Le Bon raps out the opening verse. Joshua Blair produces.
[embedded content]
The song “celebrates the joy and madness of Halloween,” says founding band member and keyboardist Nick Rhodes. The idea for the album, he continues, was born out of that Sin City show. “We had decided to seize the moment to create a unique, special event…the temptation of using glorious gothic visuals set to a dark soundtrack of horror and humor was simply irresistible.”
After all these years, says founding member and bass player John Taylor, “Danse Macabre offers an interesting insight into the personality of the band. The music packs a real punch.”
Danse Macabre follows a dizzying spell of activity for the band, which included their 2022 induction into the Rock Hall at a ceremony in Los Angeles, where the band members revealed for the first time Andy Taylor’s cancer diagnosis. Also, DD headlined London’s Hyde Park, performed at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace, closed the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on their home soil of Birmingham, and worked their way across North America for a headline tour which included sold out shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden, three nights at the Hollywood Bowl, and a special Cancer Awareness Trust fundraiser Aug. 19 at The Guild Theatre in Menlo Park, CA.
North America dates continue Thursday, Aug. 31 at Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul, MN.
The English act’s last album, 2021’s Future Past, debuted at No. 3 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart, their highest-charting effort since the classic lineup reunited in 2004 for Astronaut, which also peaked at No. 3.
“Danse Macabre” tracklistNightboatBlack MoonlightLove VoudouBury A FriendSupernatureDanse MacabreSecret Oktober 31stGhost TownPaint It BlackSuper Lonely FreakSpellboundPsycho Killer (feat. Victoria De Angelis)Confession in the Afterlife
Los Angeles singer-songwriter August 08 has died at age 31.
“The entire Def Jam family mourns the tragic loss of Ray’ August 08′ Jacobs,” Def Jam said in a statement to Billboard on Tuesday (Aug. 29). “A brilliant songwriter, an accomplished musician and a singular artist, August will remain in our memory as a beloved colleague and friend. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.”
Born Ray Jacobs, August was the first signee to Jhene Aiko’s Allel Sound label and released his first EP under her imprint in July 2022. Titled Towards the Moon, August’s project was anchored by his song “Water Sign” with Aiko. Towards the Moon was the follow-up to his April 2022 EP Towards the Sun.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
“August is an incredible writer, singer and artist whose music speaks to me on so many levels… As a fellow Los Angeles native, I am so proud of him,” Aiko told Variety last year upon signing him. “August’s talent, love for songwriting and hands on approach with his art is something I can relate to and have a great amount of respect for. It was a natural evolution of our friendship and musical collaboration to have him become the first artist signed to Allel Sound. I couldn’t be more excited to work with August.”
Before August teamed with Def Jam and Aiko’s label, he previously aligned with 88rising, where he worked with Joji on his Seasick album cut “What We Used To Be.” He also paired himself with ScHoolboy Q on “Cutlass” on the aforementioned project.
“RIP August the kindest and most talented genius you will be missed beyond words,” 88rising shared on Instagram. “Thank you for being an amazing mentor and a steadfast friend through all these years. We are forever grateful to you and the joy you brought in every room, through every song. Your energy, guidance and care gave so much inspiration and strength that will be carried on always.”
In June, August 08 released “Bruises,” which he called “an expression of love through all.” “Been through a lot of heartache in my love life but I’ve always been able to put the pieces back together and move forward. ‘Bruises’ speaks to love and how it may waiver but never completely abandons us,” he said after the release. “This video represents love in all forms and how no matter our difference we can love through all. I love how music can connect people from all over allowing for freedom of express. I wanted to pay homage with love and respect to the art and the community.”
On the songwriting side, August collaborated with Ty Dolla $ign, Duckwrth, Kyle and more. He also co-wrote DJ Khaled’s Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “I’m the One,” featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper and Lil Wayne.
HYBE & Geffen give an update on their new global girl group competition. Selena Gomez responds after rumors swirl that her new track “Single Soon” is about her ex The Weeknd. Nicki Minaj teases her new single “Last Time I Saw You.” Cardi B gives an update on her new music. Victoria Monét reveals she […]
In its second week on Billboard’s Streaming Songs chart, Oliver Anthony Music’s “Rich Men North of Richmond” rises to No. 1 on the Sept. 2-dated survey. In the Aug. 18-24 tracking week, “Rich Men North of Richmond” earned 22.9 million official U.S. streams, a 31% boost, according to Luminate. It debuted on the Aug. 26-dated […]
Grimes is among the first wave of featured speakers for the 2024 South by Southwest (SXSW) conference, an event which promises to lean into AI-focused programming.
Announced today (Aug. 29), the multidisciplinary artist will join a session dubbed “AI and the Independent Artist,” which will explore how artificial intelligence is changing the way artists create and market their music, engage with their fans, and, of course, the challenges and responsibilities for the music industry that come with it.
The Canadian artist is known for pushing boundaries in the creative space. She enhanced that reputation by unveiling her Elf.Tech project earlier in the year, an open-source software program which encourages fans to make music (and money) with replications of her voice.
TuneCore CEO Andreea Gleeson and CreateSafe CEO Daouda Leonard are also confirmed for the panel, on which they will “present principles for companies to consider” and share results and lessons learned from early AI pilot programs, according to a SXSW statement.
The conversation on AI is only getting started. Just last week, streaming giant YouTube and Universal Music Group, the world’s biggest music company, announced a new initiative with artists and producers for an “AI Music Incubator,” and YT unveiled its own set of principals as it promised to “embrace” AI “responsibly together” with its music partners.
Other SXSW daytime discussions will drill into “AI and Humanity’s Co-evolution,”” with speakers venture partner at SignalFire Josh Constine and OpenAI’s VP of consumer product and head of ChatGPT Peter Deng; “Building the Next Era of the Internet” with author, general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, and founder/managing partner at a16z crypto Chris Dixon; and a conversation with creator, host, and executive producer of the podcast Call Her Daddy Alex Cooper and founder and CEO of ACE Entertainment Matt Kaplan.
Also slated for the conference schedule, CEO of the Future Today Institute and professor at NYU Stern School of Business Amy Webb will launch the 2024 Emerging Tech Trend Report.
SXSW 2024 will take place March 8–16 in Austin, TX.
Established in 1987, SXSW celebrates the convergence of tech, film and television, music, education, and culture and is recognized as an important destination for professionals who play in those spaces.
SXSW 2024 is sponsored by Porsche, C4 Energy, and The Austin Chronicle.
Visit sxsw.com for more.
TWICE carves out a slice of history with the announcement of a one-off stadium show in Australia later this year.
Produced by Live Nation, TWICE will bring their 5th World Tour ‘Ready To Be’ to Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 4.
With that show, TWICE will become the first female group to headline a stadium in Australia, and the first K-pop stadium concert to be held in the land Down Under.
The one-off show follows four sold-out Australian arena dates in May.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
“Australian fans have fallen head over feels for their signature high energy performance and stellar setlist of chart-topping hits,” reads a statement from LN.
General tickets go on sale from Wednesday, Sept. 6, with the Live Nation presale starting earlier, from Monday, Sept. 4.
The nine-member South Korean pop act was formed by JYP Entertainment in 2015, when Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu were selected from from Sixteen, a one-season talent show.
Earlier this year, TWICE claimed their third No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart (dated March 25) as Ready to Be: 12th Mini Album debuted atop the list with the act’s best sales week ever.
The EP peaked at No. 2 on the all-genre Billboard 200 and is one of the group’s four top 10 appearanced on that chart.
TWICE recently completed the North American swing of their 5th World Tour ‘Ready To Be,’ playing 13 sold-out performances at nine stadiums and arenas, according to LN. The second leg of the tour will run from September through December, with the group playing venues across Europe and Asia.
In March of this year, the performers were honored with the Breakthrough Award at Billboard’s 2023 Women in Music, which Sabrina Carpenter presented.
Also on the night, TWICE dazzled with a rendition of Ready to Be cut “Moonlight Sunrise,” the artists’ second English-language single, following “The Feels,” which dropped in October 2021.
Doja Cat has one paw on the U.K. chart title.
The U.S. rapper, singer and songwriter leads the chart blast with “Paint The Town Red” (via RCA), which, if it holds its position, would mark her first U.K. chart crown.
Currently, according to the Official Charts Company, Doja Cat leads by a whisker. Less than 1,000 chart units separate “Paint The Town Red” from her all-female top 5 rivals, which include Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire” (No. 2 via Interscope), Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” (No. 3 via EMI), Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” (No. 4 via Interscope/Atlantic) and Peggy Gou’s “It Goes Like (Nanana)” (No. 5 via XL Recordings).
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
In her career to date, Doja Cat has a U.K. chart best of No. 2 for 2020’s “Say So” and a No. 3 for 2021’s “Kiss Me More” featuring SZA.
“Paint The Town Red,” the current leader in Australia, contains a sample of the Dionne Warwick classic from 1963 “Walk On By.” When the Official U.K. Singles Chart was published last Friday, Aug. 25, “Paint The Town Red” lifted 15-4 for a new peak, betting the best of Warwick’s original. Based on early sales and streaming activity reported by the OCC, Dua Lipa’s stint at the chart summit is likely to end at one week, as her Barbie cut “Dance The Night” (Warner Records) looks set to tumble out the top 10.
There are, however, other dance tunes looking to rise in the top tier. Calvin Harris and Sam Smith’s “Desire” (Columbia) could hit a new peak of No. 6, while Chase & Status, Bou and Flowdan’s “Baddadan” (EMI) is predicted to enter the top 10 for the first time at No. 8.
Miley Cyrus’ new single “Used To Be Young” (Columbia) could bag the week’s highest debut at No. 9, for what would give the U.S. pop singer her ninth U.K. top 10 and 24th top 40 appearance.Finally, Selena Gomez is eyeing a 20th U.K. top 40 with “Single Soon” (Interscope), which, based on the chart blast, could enter at No. 17. Afrobeats star Burna Boy’s collaboration with London rapper Dave, “Cheat On Me” (Atlantic), could land at No. 20.All will be revealed when the Official U.K. Singles Chart is published late Friday, Sept. 1.
It’s the end of an era: Los Temerarios are separating, Billboard has learned.
Led by brothers Adolfo and Gustavo Ángel, the band, one of the most iconic Mexican grupero/pop acts in Latin music, is splitting after more than 45 years.
In a statement shared with Billboard, Adolfo, Los Temerarios’ songwriter, producer and keyboardist, and Gustavo, the group’s lead singer, explain the decision while thanking fans for supporting them across four decades. “With the love that has united us since we were kids, the same that we feel for the vocation that we’ve had the privilege of working in for more than 46 years, we want to share that we’ve made the difficult decision of separating, closing one of the most important and gratifying cycles of our lives.”
Since releasing their first album in 1983, Los Temerarios helped popularize the grupero subgenre in Mexico and the United States in the late ’80s, early ’90s. Known for its romantic lyrics powered by electric guitars, keyboards and drums, Los Temerarios secured 41 entries on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart, 17 of which are top 10 hits, including four No. 1s (“Ya Me Voy Para Siempre,” “Por Qué Te Conocí,” “Que De Raro Tiene” and “Si Tú Te Vas”). On the Top Latin Albums chart, the group placed 23 top 10 sets, eight hit No. 1.
The statement continues, “We are eternally grateful to our fans that have so generously embraced our music with their hearts and have been the fuel and inspiration of our career. To the media who has supported us with respect and integrity throughout these years. To the promoters and collaborators who are part of this project, who’s mission is to expand our music made to honor love, the magic and mystery that unites us and gives life meaning. Everything that we express form this moment on will be in form of music and in our next shows where we’ll be giving you the best of us.”
While staying true to their core sound, Los Temerarios soundtracked multigenerational households across the U.S. and have, to date, been a touring titan going on stints almost every year. That came to a halt during the pandemic but earlier this year, the brothers returned to the stage with a special tour that celebrated the group’s more than 40 years trajectory. After spending a decade with Fonovisa, a division of Universal Music Latin Entertainment, Los Temerarios launched their own record label and publisher, Virtus, nearly 15 years ago, which played a major role in their longevity.
“At the beginning of our careers when we were looking for support from labels and executives, we weren’t well received. All we knew back then was that music was our life so we kept looking for options,” Adolfo told Billboard in February. “I thank my brother Gustavo for always standing by my side and supporting all the decisions I made for the band. One day, we decided to launch our label, our publisher, and it was one of the best decisions we could ever make. Staying relevant in this industry is not easy so we have nothing but gratitude for our fans, we feel very fortunate.”
Los Temerarios will complete their 2023 tour dates and have announced new dates for next year. “The touring schedule from September 2023 to November 2024 will be the last one we offer together,” Los Temerarios announce in the statement. “And we will do it with the same love and respect that we’ve always done tours with.”
Below, the complete list of dates for Los Temerarios’ upcoming last tour in the U.S. (For dates in Mexico and Central America, click here.)
2023:Sept. 15 — San Diego, CA — Pachanga ArenaSept. 16 — Ontario, CA — Toyota ArenaSept. 22 — Albuquerque, NM — Rio Rancho Grande ArenaSept. 23 — Denver, CO — Ball ArenaSept. 29 — Oakland, CA — Oakland ArenaSept. 30 — Ontario, CA — Toyota ArenaOct. 7 — Fort Myers, FL — Hertz ArenaOct. 8 — Miami, FL — Miami-Dade ArenaOct. 12 & 13 — New York, NY — UBS ArenaOct. 14 — Bridgeport, CT — Total Mortgage Arena Nov. 3 — Fresno, CA — Selland Arena Nov. 4 — Anaheim, CA — Honda CenterNov. 11 — McAllen, TX — Payne Arena
2024: June 15 — Los Angeles, CA — BMO Stadium July 26 — San Jose, CA — SAP CenterAug. 3 — Las Vegas, NV — Michelob Ultra Arena Aug. 8 — Phoenix, AZ — Footprint CenterAug. 9 — Coachella, CA — Acrisure ArenaAug. 24 — Sacramento, CA — Golden 1 CenterSept. 7 — Fairfax, VA — EagleBank ArenaOct. 4 — Austin, TX — Moody CenterOct. 12 — Houston, TX — Toyota CenterNov. 2 — Atlanta, GA — Gas South ArenaNov. 3 — Charlotte, NC — Spectrum CenterNov. 8 & 9 — Chicago, IL — Allstate Arena Nov. 23 — Anaheim, CA — Honda Center
Purchase tickets to the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week here.
The 2023 ARIA Awards is locked in for Nov. 15, and will return to Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion.
Confirmed this week, it’s the ARIAs’ second successive year at the Hordern, a Sydney landmark with 100 years’ history and the site of countless concerts, from Frank Sinatra to Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, David Bowie, Queen and the Jackson Five.
From its grand opening in 1924 until 1983 (when the now demolished Sydney Entertainment Centre first opened its doors), the Hordern, with its 5,500-capacity, was the largest indoor venue in the country’s biggest city. Its reputation for hosting cracking concerts remains very much intact.
“Since 1987,” comments ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd, “the ARIA Awards have represented the pinnacle of achievement in Australian music. The incredible releases over the last 12 months prove there’s no shortage of world-class talent on our shores, and Nov. 15 is our opportunity to showcase a year of amazing Australian music to the world.”
The Australian recording industry’s flagship awards ceremony will premiere live on Stan for the first time (from 5pm local time). That live stream will be followed by a free-to-air feed from commercial TV broadcaster the Nine Network (from 7.30pm local time) with performances and moments available on-demand on the @ARIA.official YouTube channel.
The 2023 edition of the ARIAs marks the fifth year in partnership with streaming giant YouTube, an alliance which has reached some 29 million views. Last year’s awards captured more than 1.7 million views on the platform, according to YouTube, which will also live stream the red carpet globally.
“Sydney is already the centre of much of the recorded music industry, but we want to make music a bigger part of our state’s story,” comments John Graham, minister for the arts, minister for music and the night-time economy and minister for jobs and tourism. “I want to thank ARIA for their advocacy for the industry.”
More announcements on the 37th annual ARIA Awards, including nominations, will be announced “very soon,” organizers state.
The 2023 ARIA Awards event team is led by Roving Enterprises (production), and includes executive producer Craig Campbell and event producers Second Sunday. Twofold Media handles PR and red carpet, and White Noise Agency is tasked with sponsorship.