News
Page: 158
Black Crowes‘ frontman Chris Robinson acknowledges, with a laugh, that “I’ve been cynical in the past about institutions” in general — and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame specifically.
But he’s unreservedly pleased about the band’s first Rock Hall nomination.
“We’re just very excited,” Robinson, who formed the group with younger brother Rich Robinson, drummer Steve Gorman, bassist Johnny Colt and guitarist Jeff Cease in 1989 in the Robinson’s native Atlanta, tells Billboard. “I don’t think we ever really would have thought about it, so for it to be in front of us, it’s incredible. We’re thrilled.
“All sarcasm aside, it’s amazing to be thought of. It’s amazing to be included. We love music, and we understand the real magical, alchemic process in it, and that we’ve managed to still be here this many years later and still be making records and in a lot of ways having a level of recognition and success that we haven’t felt before.
Trending on Billboard
“Just to be mentioned (alongside) some of the names of the greatest artists, it’s fantastic,” he says of the band’s first nomination.
Robinson is well aware of his May 2017 remarks to SiriusXM’s Howard Stern, when he said he would not attend a Black Crowes’ induction and that “the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to me is like going to the mall or something.”
“As if an interview with Howard Stern’s a deposition,” Robinson says with another laugh. “I think like anything with age… To say what I’m saying today is sincere. This isn’t one of those situations where I’ll grudgingly, ‘Oh, if we get in, I’ll go…’ If it happens for us, then I’ll be there with bells on my feet.”
The Black Crowes flew out of the box strong, of course, starting with two multi-platinum albums — 1990’s Shake Your Money Maker and 1992’s The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion — and a rash of 16 Mainstream Rock chart hits that includes “Jealous Again,” a rendition Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle,” “She Talks to Angels,” “Remedy” and “Thorn in My Pride.” The group has released nine studio albums, selling more than 30 million copies worldwide. Its latest, 2024’s Happiness Bastards, was nominated for a Grammy Award for best rock album, losing out to the Rolling Stones’ Hackney Diamonds. “If you’re gonna lose a Grammy, lose it to Mick (Jagger) and Keith (Richards). We were just happy to be included,” Robinson says.
The Crowes have gone through three distinct eras during the band’s career — 1984-2002 and 2005-2015, with the Robinsons regrouping in 2019. More than two dozen musicians have played in the group during that time; in addition to the original lineup, guitarist Marc Ford and the late keyboardist Eddie Harsch are part of the nomination. There has been rancor over the years; Gorman published a revealing memoir, Hard to Handle: The Life and Death of the Black Crowes, in 2019 and subsequently sued the Robinsons for unpaid royalties, in a case that was settled during 2022. Chris Robinson says any amends prior to a Rock Hall induction is a matter for “down the road,” while the current state of the band remains strong.
“I think where our career has led us since Rich and I got back together… I think it just adds to how deeply we’re interested in our career and our band,” he explains.
The Black Crowes are planning a “light” year of performing, Robinson says, and the brothers have already started to write new songs. “We probably have another 20 new songs already, sketches,” he says. “I think Happiness Bastards was kind of the ignition, a very positive step. It was like, ‘Wow, that was fun’ and ‘Wow, now we have some new ideas. I think getting in the studio this spring is something that we feel we want to do. It’s very exciting.”
Robinson, a Los Angeles resident for more than two decades, is also still glowing about the FireAid benefit concert on Jan. 30 at the Kia Forum, where the Black Crowes performed “Remedy” and backed John and Shane Fogerty on Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” before the Robinsons teamed with Slash for a rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California.”
“It was a super, super special event,” Robinson recalls. “Los Angeles gets this rap for being so shallow and vapid and stuff… but it just goes to show the real heart and soul of a place like Los Angeles. That’s what happens when you’re in a show business industry town. That’s where this town is pointed towards. So it was just spectacular.
“And to do it with Slash, who’s a friend but he’s synonymous with the Los Angeles music scene… I thought it was a really nice moment. And Jimmy (Page) saw it and he thought it was great. So, win-in.”
The Class of 2025 will be revealed in late April. That announcement typically details which artists are inducted as performers, which names are entering the Rock Hall in the musical influence or musical excellence categories and who the year’s Ahmet Ertegun award recipient will be. The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place in Los Angeles this fall.
After decades of eligibility, Bad Company’s future in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame seemed to be, as the song says, a “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy.”
Now the English supergroup finds itself nominated for the Rock Hall’s class of 2025, one of eight first-timers on the shortlist of 14.
“Bad Company fans and friends have been lobbying for this nomination persistently for years and they never gave up, so big thanks to them,” frontman Paul Rodgers tells Billboard. “According to them, Bad Company fits all of the criteria and then some to be inducted.” Drummer Simon Kirke, however, is more inclined to also note that it’s about time.
“I think it’s been a long time coming,” he says from his current home in New York City. “It has rankled me a bit. We’ve been around a long time and we’ve influenced a lot of bands, and I think it’s a place that we deserve. I’m just pleased that we’re at least on the ballot. I’m happy and I’m honored, and fingers crossed that we make it.”
Formed during 1973 in London, Bad Company brought together Rodgers and Kirke from Free, guitarist Mick Ralphs from Mott the Hoople and bassist Boz Burrell, fresh out of King Crimson. The group was managed by the legendary Peter Grant and signed to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song label. Its self-titled 1974 debut hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200, going five-times platinum and launching enduring rock radio hits such as “Can’t Get Enough” (No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100), “Movin’ On” (No. 19) and the song “Bad Company.”
Four of the band’s other 11 studio albums went platinum or better, as did the 1985 compilation 10 From 6. All told Bad Company sold more than 40 million records worldwide, with a cadre of other top 40 Hot 100 hits such as “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Young Blood,” “Shooting Star” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy.”
Trending on Billboard
“Leaving behind those three bands that had become a bit of a millstone around our necks, there was certainly an element of hope and a fresh start,” Kirke recalls. “We just basically wanted a fresh start from our old bands, so it was like a phoenix rising from the ashes. I remember when Paul started singing these songs that Mick had written, ‘Can’t Get Enough’ and ‘Ready For Love’…it was really exciting. We just hoped that it was something that would be around for awhile, and here we are 50 years later.”
Rodgers, who splits time between British Columbia and Palm Springs, Calif., says he and Ralphs actually had different visions at the outset of Bad Company. “(Ralphs) recently told me that he thought that we would form a duo like the Everly Brothers. This was a surprise to me,” he says. “For myself after Free imploded…I was determined that my next band would have the best management and we did. Peter Grant was the most powerful, creative manager at the time and he was a large, large part of Bad Company’s success. It is particularly obvious to me now as we celebrate our 50th anniversary, and I look around and hear so many talented musicians who are not getting the break they need to reach the masses. I hope they find their Peter Grant.”
The original Bad Company foursome came to a stop in 1982. Ralphs and Kirke resumed from 1986-99 with a succession of other musicians — and had some success with the platinum Holy Water album in 1990 and singles such as the title track, “How About That,” “If You Needed Somebody” and “No Smoke Without Fire.” The original foursome reunited during 1989-99, playing live and releasing four new songs on The ‘Original’ Bad Co. Anthology. Burrell passed away in 1999 from a heart attack at 60, and Rodgers and Kirke reformed Bad Company two years later, with Ralphs coming back on board from 2008-2016, when a stroke rendered him unable to continue touring. (Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes, also nominated for the Rock Hall this year, was an additional guitarist during 2016).
Bad Company last toured during 2019, and Kirke confirms that “I think it’s safe to say (the band’s) playing days are pretty much over.”
He and Rodgers are still active, however. Though Rodgers is also battling health issues — he’s suffered several strokes since 2016 and 2019 — he released the solo album Midnight Rose during 2023 and is continuing to write new material. Kirke, meanwhile, has written a stage musical about addiction that’s currently being shopped and is planning to record his fourth solo album during the spring.
Both men, and likely Ralphs, will be watching the Rock Hall voting period play out, too — if not with bated breath, then certainly with interest. “My hope,” Rodgers says, “is if we are going to be inducted, let it be while Mick is still here. I do hope that the induction happens while Mick can experience, it too.”
Maná has become the first ever Spanish-language rock band to be nominated for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inclusion – a historic and long overdue recognition for not only Maná but Spanish-language music in general.
With this nomination, Maná becomes the first Latin nominee for Rock Hall induction in nearly 10 years (since Los Lobos were nominated in 2016). Three Latin artists – who record primarily in English – have been inducted into the Rock Hall since its first edition in 1986, including Santana (1998), Ritchie Valens (2001) and Linda Ronstadt (2014).
“We’re four guys who grew up in Mexico listening to rock and roll — The Beatles, The [Rolling] Stones, Queen, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Santana,” lead singer Fher Olvera tells Billboard, speaking on behalf of Maná. “We dreamed of sharing our lyrics and music with the world. We wanted to share the sounds and spirit of Mexico and Latin America. To be nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is almost impossible to imagine. We’re honored and grateful.”
Trending on Billboard
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced on Wednesday (Feb. 12) this year’s nominees, unveiling 14 artists who are in contention to join the Rock Hall’s Class of 2025. Besides Maná, the list includes Bad Company, The Black Crowes, Mariah Carey, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Cyndi Lauper, Oasis, Outkast, Phish, Soundgarden and The White Stripes.
Revolutionizing the rock en español scene, Maná – composed of Olvera, drummer Alex González, guitarist Sergio Vallín and bassist Juan Calleros – formed more than 30 years ago in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and have since become one of the most revered and successful rock bands out of Latin America.
Their debut on the Billboard charts came in January 1994 with Dónde Jugarán los Niños, peaking at No. 2 on the Top Latin Albums chart. But it was their 1997 set, Sueños Líquidos, that became Maná’s first album to hit No. 1 on Latin Albums, and seven more No. 1s came after that, making Maná the Latin rock group with the most leaders on that chart to date.
Furthermore, Maná holds the title for the Latin rock band with the most entries on Hot Latin Songs and Latin Airplay – with 33 and 36 total entries, respectively.
On the touring front, Maná remains active and relevant. While they’ve toured around the world through decades, in 2023, Maná accomplished an extraordinary feat playing more than 55 concerts, including 16 as part of a residency at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, where it sold over 220,000 tickets, according to Live Nation.
“Maná is one of my favorite bands,” says Bob Roux, Live Nation president U.S. concerts. “They’re a global touring powerhouse. They sell out everywhere they go from Los Angeles to Mexico City, Buenos Aires to Bogota, Madrid and even London. What I love most about them is every tour has a social cause. They’re always giving back to their community. They have worked tirelessly their entire career, making great records, performing live, and standing up for what they believe in. I can’t think of a more deserving artist to get this prestigious nomination.”
With anthemic songs like “Oye Mi Amor,” “Clavado En Un Bar,” “El Reloj Cucú” and “Rayando El Sol,” just to name a few, Maná has for decades been a fixture in multigenerational homes in Latin America and beyond. Its music has not only stood the test of time, but the band has also become a fierce advocate of environmental justice – launching Selva Negra Foundation in 1996 – and a protector of immigrant rights, most recently speaking out against President Trump’s mass deportation efforts.
“We want to share this recognition with all Latinos everywhere, especially the immigrants who are suffering right now,” adds Olvera. “Don’t lose faith. Our people always find a way. Maná loves you. We’ll always be here standing with you.”
Nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame are voted on by an international panel of more than 1,200 artists, historians and music industry players. Plus, a fan-voted element that impacts the final tally. The Class of 2025 will be revealed in late April, and the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place in Los Angeles this fall.
The 2025 nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame were revealed early Wednesday (Feb. 12) morning. Of the 14 nominees who appear on this year’s ballot, only some of them (likely about half) will be inducted into the institution later this year as the Rock Hall’s Class of 2025. Explore Explore See latest […]
Little Simz has been announced as the curator of Meltdown Festival for 2025.The event, which is held at London’s Southbank Centre, is now in its 30th edition and will see the rapper crafting an eclectic bill of music, art and workshops across eleven nights June 12-22. The full lineup is expected to arrive in the spring.
Simz joins a prestigious list of previous curators including the likes of The Cure’s Robert Smith, David Byrne, Grace Jones, Nick Cave, Jarvis Cocker and most recently, Chaka Khan.“I’m super excited to be the 2025 Meltdown festival curator! My team and I are preparing 10 days of art, music, workshops and more,” Simz said in a statement. “So many incredible artists have curated this festival, so it’s a true honor to be a part of it.“Thank you to the Southbank Centre for having me. Meltdown 2025 the Simz way is going to be epic.”Jane Beese, Head of Contemporary Music, Southbank Centre said: “Little Simz’s ability to forge new genre-defying ideas and her ambition to inspire the next generation of creators aligns with what the Southbank Centre’s artistic program and vision stands for. We’re incredibly excited to witness the lineup she’ll curate and for the power of her great art, leadership and culture to bring people together onsite for our 30th year.”The festival has forged a reputation for staging unique one-off performances over the years. Patti Smith performed her album Horses in full for her curation of Meltdown in 2005, while Rahim Redcar — fka Christine and the Queens — delivered a two-hour rock-opera show in celebration of his Paranoïa, Angels, True Love LP in 2023.Simz’s new role, meanwhile, follows an illustrious few years in her career. Last summer, the 30-year-old performed on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage to glowing reviews, while she won the Mercury Prize for 2021’s Sometimes I Might Be Introvert. Outside of music, she has starred in the acclaimed Netflix series Top Boy.Her most recent full-length release, 2022’s No Thank You, was accompanied by a short film directed by Gabriel Moses, the designer of the 2025 BRIT Awards trophy.
Trending on Billboard
SYDNEY, Australia — Warner Chappell Music has struck an exclusive worldwide administration deal with Luke Steele, frontman and co-songwriter Australian electronic pop outfit Empire of the Sun.
Born in New Zealand and raised in Perth, Steele is a one of the highest-flying talents of his generation to emerge from Down Under.
Steele (as Emperor Steele) and Nick Littlemore (Lord Littlemore) have released four studio albums as Empire of the Sun, each of them cracking the ARIA Top 10. Along the way, the act has snagged eight ARIA Awards, two APRAs, and a APRA Billions Award for “Walking on a Dream,” awarded to APRA AMCOS songwriter members and their publishers for one billion streams of a song.
“Walking on a Dream” was an ARIA Top 10 hit in 2008, and belatedly drove into the Billboard 100 it was synced to a Honda Civic commercial in 2016. In the U.S. the song drove all the way to No. 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 and to No. 1 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs, their second leader on the tally after 2013’s “Alive”.
Trending on Billboard
Debut album Walking on a Dream peaked at No. 97 on the Billboard 200 in 2016, Ice on the Dune went to No 20 in 2013 and Two Vines climbed to No. 51, also in 2016.
Empire of the Sun’s catalog has shifted over 5.5 million albums worldwide, reps say, and accumulated more than 7.6 billion streams.
Steele has also released two albums and two EPs with the Sleepy Jackson, a solo album Listen To The Water, and worked with the likes of Jay-Z and Beyoncé.
“I’m a longtime fan of Luke,” comments Guy Moot, co-chair and CEO of WCM. “As one of Australia’s most influential and successful musical talents, he’s consistently pushed boundaries and delivered groundbreaking work with every release. We’re proud to be supporting him at such a pivotal moment in his career and look forward to seeing where his vision takes electronic music next.”
Adds Dan Rosen, president, Recording and Publishing, Australasia, WMG: “Luke is an exceptional songwriter and artist. He has been at the forefront of the Australian music scene for almost two decades and has had significant global impact with his music.” This signing, says Rosen, is “super exciting” for “everyone at Warner Chappell Music and we’re honored to be a part of this next stage in Luke’s artistic journey.”
Later this month, Empire of the Sun embarks on their world tour in support of Ask That God, their fourth and latest studio album, the expanded version of which dropped last week. The deluxe version includes “Somebody’s Son,” featuring Lindsey Buckingham.
When Empire of the Sun reunite, “we’re trying to find that rare jewel every time,” Steele told Billboard last year, ahead of the release of Ask Their God. “That’s what keeps it exciting for us.”
Sabrina Carpenter just earned the ultimate pop royalty seal of approval.
After being unveiled as the cover star for the March 2025 issue of Vogue on Tuesday (Feb. 11), the “Espresso” singer received high praise from none other than Madonna, who took to Instagram to express her admiration for the striking photoshoot—one that many fans noted bore a strong resemblance to Madonna’s own Vanity Fair spread from 1991.
“Is this a Valentine’s present to me?” the Queen of Pop commented under Vogue’s Instagram post, seemingly acknowledging the visual nod to her iconic era.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Carpenter’s high-fashion moment, shot by longtime Madonna collaborator Steven Meisel, sees the singer posing in an ice-blue satin cone bra corset mini dress by Dolce & Gabbana—a silhouette that immediately drew comparisons to Madonna’s signature Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra from her Blond Ambition Tour in 1990.
Trending on Billboard
Beyond Madonna, other celebrities also took notice of the glamorous spread. Actress Lily Collins excitedly wrote, “Omg this is amazing,” while supermodel Heidi Klum added, “Wow.”
Carpenter, who has long embraced elements of pop history in her aesthetic, has paid homage to Madonna before. At the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, she turned heads in a white sequin Bob Mackie gown—famously worn by Madonna at the 1991 Academy Awards. The choice was seen as a bold tribute to one of her biggest inspirations.
In her accompanying Vogue interview, Carpenter opened up about drawing inspiration from powerful, hyper-feminine women while recording her highly anticipated sixth studio album, Short n’ Sweet.
“(I was) feeling inspired by images of women that felt very strong and hyperfeminine,” she explained. “And then being like: ‘If only she said what she was actually thinking.’”
With Short n’ Sweet expected to further establish her as a dominant force in pop, Carpenter’s Vogue cover—and Madonna’s co-sign—marks yet another defining moment in her fast-rising career.
Will Smith’s Hitch might have been a box office success, but according to the film’s director, Andy Tennant, making the 2005 romantic comedy wasn’t as smooth as the final product.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
In a new interview with Business Insider, Tennant reflected on creative tensions with Smith during the production, revealing that their visions for the film didn’t initially align. “We had our difficulties,” Tennant said. “The movie I wanted to make and the movie Will wanted to make, neither one of those movies is as good as the movie we made together. It was a battle.”
Tennant also claimed that just three days before filming was set to begin, Smith wanted to delay production.
Trending on Billboard
“He wanted to work on it some more,” the director alleged, explaining that Smith tried to “back out” at the last minute. However, he credited Jada Pinkett Smith for helping mediate the situation, saying, “Jada was a big help. She kind of seconded some of my instincts. There was a time during prep when I was pushing back on a lot of crazy s–t that was happening.”
Despite the reported behind-the-scenes tension, Hitch went on to gross over $370 million worldwide and remains one of Smith’s most popular films. The movie, which starred Smith as a professional “date doctor” helping clients navigate the dating world, also featured Eva Mendes and Kevin James in breakout roles.
Now, two decades later, Smith is reportedly moving forward with a Hitch sequel—but without Tennant. “I just found out about it three months ago,” Tennant said.
“I had a really good idea for a sequel, and I was talking to an executive at Sony, and he said Will’s production company is developing a sequel.” While he didn’t reveal details of his own concept, Tennant acknowledged the situation with a shrug: “Hey, that’s Hollywood.”
Smith has yet to comment on the development of Hitch 2, but the sequel would add to a busy year for the actor. In addition to his return to film, Smith is also preparing to release his first album in over 20 years, Based on a True Story, in March via SLANG Recordings.
The album rollout began last year with “You Can Make It” featuring Fridayy and Sunday Service Choir, which became his first No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart. It was followed by “Work of Art” with Russ and Jaden Smith, “TANTRUM” with Joyner Lucas, and the latest single, “Beautiful Scars” with Big Sean and featuring Obanga.
Smith described the project as his most personal yet, telling Billboard last month, “I’m more artistic than I’ve ever been, a better actor than I’ve ever been, a better poet than I’ve ever been … I’m going to be better on stage than I’ve ever been. I’m just on fire about this next creative phase of my life and career.”
Smith also revealed that he’s planning to release not one but three albums under the Based on a True Story banner, describing them as “three seasons of a TV musical show.” The first instalment, Rave in the Wasteland, arrives in March and will include songs written in the aftermath of the 2022 Oscars. The second album, The Gift of Madness, is set for June and draws inspiration from a quote by Quincy Jones about artists who “believe impossible s–t can happen.” A third instalment is expected by the end of the year.
As part of his return to music, Smith has already performed two sold-out shows in San Diego and is scheduled to headline France’s Positiv Festival on July 31. He told Billboard, “Getting back out city to city, seeing people and feeling the energy keeps me creatively alive.”
Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour has finally arrived. The Colombian superstar kicked off her Latin American trek on Tuesday (Feb. 11) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at the Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos. Her highly anticipated show follows her Grammy performance, which took place Feb. 2, where she delivered “Ojos Así” and most […]
Just days after addressing critics who expect lengthy shows from artists, a charitable Jack White is giving back to his fans with a new live EP and an affordable ticket deal for students.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Taking to social media on Monday (Feb. 10), White revealed that students will be able to purchase $20 tickets at all upcoming dates on his ongoing No Name Tour.
“A limited number of student tickets will be available to purchase in-person only at each venue’s box office on show day,” White explained. “These tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis with a valid student ID (1 ticket per student ID).” More information about this ticketing approach is available on the website for each venue on the tour.
Trending on Billboard
White, who is himself a noted critic of high ticket prices, is following in the footsteps of other bands who have taken a similar approach to capping the cost of tickets in the past. While DIY post-hardcore outfit Fugazi were famous for their $5 entry fee, recent years have seen the likes of The Cure attempting to make their gigs affordable too.
In 2024, frontman Robert Smith claimed ticket sellers were “driven by greed”, and capped the price of some tickets to just $20. In some cases, however, the fees were more expensive than the tickets themselves.
Alongside White’s recent generosity, the veteran musician also unveiled his No Name Live EP on Wednesday (Feb. 12). The five-song release includes a handful of live recordings of cuts from his 2024 record No Name, including “That’s How I’m Feeling”, “Archbishop Harold Holmes”, “Morning at Midnight”, and “Rough on Rats (If You’re Asking).”
These recordings were taken from U.S. performances in Denver, Atlanta, New Haven, and Dallas, respectively, with an additional appearance of “Old Scratch Blues” recorded during his trip down to Hobart in Australia.