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14 Feb 2023

Paramore’s ‘This Is Why’ Is Cruising to U.K. Chart Title

Paramore’s reunion could net the pop-punk veterans a U.K. chart crown.

Hayley Williams, Zac Farro and Taylor York reunited on This Is Why (via Atlantic), their six album and first since 2017’s After Laughter. It could also be their first U.K. No. 1 in nearly a decade.

Based on sales and streaming data reported by the Official Charts Company, This Is Why is the clear leader at the midweek stage. It’s currently out-selling its nearest rival, You Me At Six’s Truth Decay (Underdog), by more than two-units-to-one.

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If it maintains its trajectory, This Is Why will follow Paramore’s Brand New Eyes (from 2009) and Paramore (2013) to the top of the chart.

You Me At Six’s Truth Decay, No. 2 on the Official Chart Update, should give the Surrey, England rock outfit a seventh top 10 entry.

The Rolling Stones, meanwhile, are rolling to a 42nd top 10 appearance with their live hits retrospective GRRR! Live (Mercury Studios). It’s on track for a No. 6 debut.

Several winners from last Saturday’s 2023 BRIT Awards should see gains on the Official U.K. Albums Chart, published Friday (Feb. 17). Harry Styles’ third studio album Harry’s House (Columbia) is on course to climb 12-3 after collecting album of the year, while British group and best new artist winners Wet Leg could reenter the top 40 with their chart-topping eponymously titled debut. Wet Leg (Domino Recordings) is at No. 33 on the Official Chart Update.

Finally, a string of reissues look set to peak positions on the national chart. Scottish alternative rock outfit Mogwai has a pair of re-issues on track for new highs — 1997 debut Mogwai Young Team (at No. 12 via Chemikal Underground), and their sophomore LP Come On Die Young (No. 24).

Also, Gary Numan’s new wave act Tubeway Army could see their 1978 self-titled debut beat its previous best. Tubeway Army (via Beggars Banquet) blasts into the midweek chart at No. 13, ahead of its No. 14 peak position from 1979.

14 Feb 2023

S Club 7 Reunite For 25th Anniversary Tour

S Club 7 are bringing it all back for a reunion tour of the U.K. and Ireland.

The original seven members — Rachel Stevens, Bradley McIntosh, Hannah Spearritt, Jo O’Meara, Jon Lee, Paul Cattermole and Tina Barrett — will set out for a 25th anniversary nostalgia trip later in the year.

As it stands, the British pop outfit will play 11 arena dates, scheduled to kick off Oct. 13 at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, then visit Sheffield, Newcastle, Glasgow, Dublin, Cardiff and more cities, before wrapping Oct. 28 at London’s The O2.

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“After eight years it feels amazing to announce that we’re reuniting and performing together again,” reads a statement from the reunited group.

“We’re so excited to bring the S Club party back to our fans across the country to celebrate 25 years of S Club 7,” the message continues.

“We can’t even believe it’s been so long. Music and friendship have always been at the core of everything that we’ve ever done. We hope everyone can join us for one big party.”

Tickets will be available to the public from Friday (Feb. 17).

Formed in 1998 by pop svengali Simon Fuller, S Club 7 went on to become one of the U.K.’s biggest pop bands of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Along the way, the seven-strong act landed four U.K. No. 1 singles (“Bring It All Back,” “Never Had A Dream Come True,” “Don’t Stop Movin’” and “Have You Ever”) and a No. 1 album with 2000’s 7.

Fans will remember that they also starred on the family sitcom Miami 7/S Club 7 in Miami, about seven friends who relocate to Miami in search of fame, playing exaggerated versions of their own personalities. (The show aired on ABC Family in the United States.)

The group disbanded in 2003, with Stevens going on to enjoy a high-profile pop career in her homeland, bagging five top 10 singles, including No. 2s for “Sweet Dreams My LA Ex” (2003) and “Some Girls” (2004).

Then, in 2014, the singers joined forces once more to perform for the BBC Children In Need appeal. The reunion gathered pace when a U.K. tour was booked the following year.

More on the 2023 tour will be revealed at a press conference Tuesday morning (Feb. 14), streamed live on Instagram and YouTube.

14 Feb 2023

Miley Cyrus‘ ’Flowers’ Blitzes Midweek U.K. Chart

Miley Cyrus should take the bouquet once again in the U.K. chart race, as “Flowers” (via Columbia) takes a considerable early lead.

Cyrus’ latest hit is “flying” on the midweek chart, the OCC reports, and is well-placed to snag a fifth consecutive week at No. 1 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart, when it’s published late Friday (Feb. 17).

“Flowers” is easily Miley’s longest-reigning No. 1 in the U.K., beating the single-week runs for her previous leaders “We Can’t Stop” and “Wrecking Ball,” both from 2013.

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Also on the latest chart blast, PinkPantheress could pounce to a new peak position — and a career high — with “Boy’s a liar” (Warner Bros). The tune, which is juiced-up by the release of a remix featuring rising U.S. rapper Ice Spice, lifts 15-4 on the Official Chart Update.

The BBC Sound of… 2022 winner has three top 40 singles to her name, with “Boy’s a liar” last week giving her a first-ever top 10 appearance.

Meanwhile, Coi Leray’s viral number “Players” (Uptown/Republic Records) is shuffling up the chart, and is on the verge of giving the U.S. rapper a first top 10. It’s up 12-11 on the midweek survey.

Finally, Linkin Park makes a noteworthy impact on the chart blast with “Lost” (Warner Bros), a previously unreleased track which features vocals from the band’s late leader singer Chester Bennington.

It’s set to appear at No. 16 on the chart blast, for the nu metal act’s 18th U.K. top 40 appearance. “Lost” is one of six unreleased songs on Meteora 20, the 20th anniversary edition of their sophomore album. Meteora 20th Anniversary Edition will be released through Warner Records on April 7.

13 Feb 2023

Brandi Carlile, Trey Anastasio & Stick Figure To Headline 2023 Levitate Festival

Brandi Carlile, Phish lead singer Trey Anastasio and American reggae band Stick Figure are slated to headline this year’s Levitate Music and Arts Festival, which is slated for July 7-9 at the Marshfield Fairgrounds near Cape Cod, Mass. Other notable artists on the bill include Goose, Ziggy Marley, Rebelution and Peach Pit.

This year’s event will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the festival as well as the 20th anniversary of the Levitate surf and skate shop brand that launched it.

“It’s humbling,” says Levitate co-founder Daniel Hassett of the upcoming festival. “We’re excited to use this milestone to dig into our roots and expand our arts and mural programming, partner with more local vendors than ever, [double] our kids’ programs and [expand] our greening efforts.”

Over the past 20 years, the Levitate brand has grown considerably. In addition to launching an apparel line and kids’ summer camps, it expanded its flagship store; launched an outdoor restaurant, music and events venue; established a fall touring series called Levitate Flannel Jam; and founded the non-profit Levitate Foundation.

“I couldn’t be prouder of what Levitate has become,” adds co-founder and artist director Jess Hassett. “The line-up is full of amazing female artists including Brandi Carlile, Lucius, Celisse, and Melt. Pro-skater Nora Vasconcellos will be exhibiting her incredible skills and our arts and mural program will feature a bigger and more diverse group of brilliant artists than ever before.”

Tickets for the festival go on sale Tuesday; 1% of each ticket sold will go to the Levitate Foundation. Visit www.levitatemusicfestival.com for more information and the full lineup.

13 Feb 2023

KEY Releases a ‘Killer’ Music Video for New Album

After KEY opened up to Billboard about the film and family references that made Gasoline his most personal and empowering album yet, the K-pop star returns with its deluxe version, Killer, that showcases another side of the SHINee member.

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The title track single “Killer” sees KEY throwing it back to the ’80s with a workout-ready, synth-pop production soundtracking the guilt and self-conviction he needs to justify a harsh breakup. The accompanying video keeps somewhat in line with the throwback sound with KEY embracing similar elements to classic sci-fi action flicks like Tron and Blade Runner for cinematic scenes of the star riding through a city on a futuristic motorcycle. Meanwhile, the dance numbers in the visual feel classically KEY as he powers through interpretive dance moves to tell his story.

KEY also showed how the vintage inspirations come to life in Killer‘s album packaging, sharing on Instagram the video game and VHS–esque graphics that will instantly strike nostalgia in any ’80s or ’90s kid.

Alongside “Killer,” KEY’s repackaged record includes two other new songs including anthemic thumper “Heartless” and “Easy,” produced by KEY’s past collaborators LDN Noise who have been behind tracks like “Guilty Pleasure,” and SHINee singles “View” and “Married to the Music.”

Watch “Killer” below:

13 Feb 2023

Justin Bieber, Kodak Black Sued Over 2022 Shooting at Pre-Super Bowl Party

Two men who were allegedly shot outside a pre-Super Bowl party that followed a Justin Bieber concert last year have filed a wide-ranging lawsuit Bieber and Kodak Black, among a host of other defendants.

Plaintiffs Mark Schaefer and Adam Rahman are alleging negligence, battery, assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress in claims brought by lawyer Gloria Allred over injuries they say they suffered during the Feb. 11, 2022, incident, which occurred outside Los Angeles restaurant The Nice Guy where the party was being held. Filed Thursday (Feb. 9) and obtained by Billboard, the suit claims that the defendants “negligently breached the duties owed to Plaintiffs” by “failing to provide adequate security; failing to warn Plaintiffs of the danger; increasing the likelihood of violence; and/or instigating, escalating, and exacerbating the impact of the violence.”

Kodak Black is solely named on a total of three counts — assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress — with the plaintiffs singling out his conduct as a “substantial factor” in causing them harm.

The complaint goes on to claim that both plaintiffs suffered “physical pain, mental suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, physical impairment, inconvenience, grief, anxiety, humiliation, and severe emotional distress,” along with financial harm including medical expenses and lost earnings. Schaefer and Rahman are asking for general, special and punitive/exemplary damages in amounts to be determined at trial.

Reps for Kodak Black and Bieber did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

On the night of the party, which was held on Feb. 11, 2022, the LAPD reported that four men, reportedly including Kodak Black, were shot outside The Nice Guy. Videos posted to TMZ and social media showed Black posing for photos with a group of people outside the restaurant when a fight broke out. Black was among several people involved in the scuffle when shots rang out, sending everyone at the scene running for cover.

The party followed Bieber’s private concert at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, Calif., which was held as part of “Homecoming Weekend” — a series of events held in advance of that year’s Super Bowl. Guests at the bash also reportedly included Jeff Bezos, Hamilton actor Anthony Ramos, NFL Hall-of-Famer Tony Gonzalez, Drake, Khloe Kardashian, Tobey Maguire and Bieber’s wife Hailey Bieber.

13 Feb 2023

Super Bowl 2023 Had Its Highest Viewership in Six Years

The Super Bowl averaged an impressive 113 million viewers on Sunday (Feb. 12), a one percent increase in comparison to last year’s big game and the broadcast’s greatest viewership in six years.

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About 106 million of the viewers watched the game on Fox and a Spanish-language feed on Fox Deportes, while the remainder opted for Fox and NFL digital platforms, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

As expected, viewing peaked during Rihanna‘s halftime performance, which averaged 118.7 million viewers, making it the second-most-watched halftime show on record behind Katy Perry’s 2015 performance.

During her 12-minute show, RiRi was dressed in a curve-hugging red outfit, surprising fans with a pregnant belly during the airborne performance at the State Farm Arena in Glendale, Arizona, where she treated viewers to a medley of some of her biggest hits.

The new baby will have a big sibling, as Rihanna just welcomed her first child with A$AP Rocky in May. “When I first got the call to do it again this year, I was like, [hisses] ‘You sure?’ I’m three months postpartum,” RiRi previously said about accepting the Super Bowl gig, during an Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show press conference earlier in the week. “Should I be making major decisions like this right now? I might regret this. But when you become a mom, there’s something that just happens where you feel like you can take on the world. The Super Bowl is one of the biggest stages in the world, so as scary as that was because I haven’t been on stage in seven years, there’s something exhilarating about the challenge of it all … It’s important for my son to see that.”

13 Feb 2023

Taylor Swift & Bad Bunny Among the World’s Highest-Paid Entertainers

Forbes revealed this week its list of the world’s 10 highest-paid entertainers, who, combined, made more than $1.3 billion last year.

Topping the list are Genesis and Sting, who made $230 million and $210 million, respectively, thanks to selling their music. Genesis topped 2022 with a $300 million music rights sale to Concord Music Group in September, while Sting also made $300 million before fees by selling his entire musical catalog, both solo and with The Police, to Universal Music Group in February.

Among the other major artists on the list was Taylor Swift, who came in at No. 9 with $92 million. According to Forbes, income streams from physical record sales, streaming, digital downloads, licensing and sync were the primary source of the superstar’s major income last year.

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Bad Bunny came in at No. 10 with $88 million, and the Puerto Rican rapper can attribute much of his financial success to his massive Último Tour Del Mundo and The World’s Hottest Tour, plus endorsements from Corona, Cheetos and Adidas.

In December 2022, Swift was named in Forbes’ list of the world’s 100 most powerful women, ranking at No. 79. The success of Midnights and her re-recorded albums Red (Taylor’s Version) and Fearless (Taylor’s Version) were highlighted, along with her political influence and November’s Eras Tour ticket sale meltdown.

See the full list of the world’s highest-paid entertainers here.

13 Feb 2023

Live Nation Beats Antitrust Lawsuit Over Allegations of ‘Predatory’ Behavior

A federal appeals court on Monday (Feb. 13) rejected an antitrust lawsuit accusing Ticketmaster and Live Nation of exploiting its “impregnable market power” to foist inflated prices on hundreds of thousands of fans, ruling that concertgoers forfeited their right to sue when they bought their tickets.

In a 24-page ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld an earlier ruling that dismissed the proposed class action, saying that when the fans purchased their tickets, they had agreed to settle any disputes with Ticketmaster via private arbitration rather than in open court.

On appeal, attorneys for the plaintiffs had challenged the validity of that agreement, arguing it had not been presented clearly enough to customers. But in Monday’s decision, the appeals court was unswayed.

“At three independent stages — when creating an account, signing into an account, and completing a purchase — Ticketmaster and Live Nation webpage users are presented with a confirmation button above which text informs the user that, by clicking on this button, ‘you agree to our Terms of Use,’” Judge Danny J. Boggs wrote for a panel of three judges. “A reasonable user would have seen the notice and been able to locate the terms via hyperlink.”

The ruling came as Live Nation and Ticketmaster are facing heightened scrutiny over their market power in the wake of a disastrous November rollout of tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

The incident, which saw widespread service delays and website crashes, has prompted calls from lawmakers in Washington D.C. to break up Live Nation and Ticketmaster, which merged to create their current structure in 2010. It has also spawned investigations from attorneys general around the country and at least two antitrust class actions. The DOJ is also reportedly investigating Live Nation for antitrust violations, though the probe predated the Swift tour debacle.

The case decided on Monday was filed back in 2020 but raised similar accusations to critics who have spoken out in the wake of the Swift incident. Aiming to represent “hundreds of thousands if not millions” of customers, the proposed class action alleged that Live Nation’s dominance allowed it to increase prices for consumers and perform other “predatory acts” — calling it a “monster” that “must be stopped.”

“Defendants’ anticompetitive scheme has been wildly successful and today threatens to put nearly all ticketing services for major concert venues (primary and secondary) in the United States under Ticketmaster’s monopolistic thumb,” the accusers wrote in their April 2020 complaint.

But the case was quickly tossed out. A federal judge ruled in 2021 that Live Nation and Ticketmaster users had clearly assented to a form of so-called clickwrap agreement — a common online tool that presents users with terms of service before proceeding — that required them to resolve any such claims against Live Nation via a private arbitration process.

Monday’s ruling upheld that decision for Live Nation. The appeals court said the company’s agreement was not the kind of “pure clickwrap” that offers users the clearest presentation of terms of service, but the court said it also was not “browsewrap” — a less effective form of user agreement where terms are “hidden in links located at the bottom of webpages.” Whatever the format, the appeals court said Live Nation’s version “did enough” to pass legal muster.

“Appellees’ notice is conspicuously displayed directly above or below the action button at each of three independent stages that a user must complete before purchasing tickets,” Judge Boggs wrote for the court. “Crucially, the ‘Terms of Use’ hyperlink is conspicuously distinguished from the surrounding text in bright blue font, making its presence readily apparent.”

The ruling will effectively end the current case, but a second similar lawsuit against Live Nation (filed by the same team of attorneys from the law firm Quinn Emmanuel) based on slightly tweaked allegations is still pending in a lower federal court.

Both a representative for Live Nation and an attorney for the plaintiffs did not immediately return a request for comment on the Ninth Circuit’s ruling.