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    Elton John, Sting and More Slam U.K. Government for Turning Down Post-Brexit Deal

    WENN

    A number of musicians have signed an open letter criticizing the British lawmakers for turning down a post-Brexit deal as artists now need ‘costly work permits’ to tour across Europe.

    Jan 21, 2021
    AceShowbiz – Elton John and Sting are among 110 musical artists to have signed an open letter to the U.K. government demanding visa-free touring in the European Union.
    The letter comes after the government confirmed it had turned down a post-Brexit deal which would have enabled touring in the E.U. without visas, with culture minister Caroline Dinenage saying that the arrangement “would not have been compatible with the government’s manifesto commitment to take back control of our borders.”
    While she said that the “door is open” for the E.U. to consider the U.K.’s “very sensible proposals,” she added that musicians and artists touring Europe “will be required to check domestic immigration and visitor rules for each member state in which they intend to tour.”
    However, the lack of a deal didn’t go down well with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Liam Gallagher, Brian May, Roger Daltrey, Radiohead, and Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis.

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    The letter, organised by the Incorporated Society of Musicians, reads, “The reality is that British musicians, dancers, actors and their support staff have been shamefully failed by their government.”
    “The deal done with the E.U. has a gaping hole where the promised free movement for musicians should be. Everyone on a European music tour will now need costly work permits for many countries they visit and a mountain of paperwork for their equipment.”
    It added, “We call on the government to urgently do what it said it would do and negotiate paperwork-free travel in Europe for British artists and their equipment.
    “For the sake of British fans wanting to see European performers in the U.K. and British venues wishing to host them, the deal should be reciprocal.”
    The Who star Daltrey added to Sky News of the letter, “What’s (Brexit) got to do with the rock business? As if we didn’t tour in Europe before the E.U.”

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    Drake Makes History by Breaking Spotify's 50 Billion Streams Record

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    The audio streaming service confirms the ‘God’s Plan’ hitmaker’s feat days after he celebrated the achievement with a post on his Instagram Story timeline.

    Jan 20, 2021
    AceShowbiz – Hip-hop superstar Drake has made music history by becoming the first artist to break the 50 billion streams barrier on Spotify.
    Unconfirmed reports about the rapper’s latest career milestone emerged over the weekend (January 16-17), when Drake himself shared a social media post about the achievement on his Instagram Story timeline and simply added an upside down smiley face, but now Spotify bosses have made the news official, confirming the feat to Variety.
    The new honour shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to fans – Drake has repeatedly dominated end-of-year streaming lists with the popularity of chart smashes like “One Dance”, “Hotline Bling”, and “In My Feelings”, while 2018 single “God’s Plan” boasts more than 1.67 billion hits alone on Spotify.

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    He also ended the 2010s as the most-streamed artist with 28 billion streams, beating Ed Sheeran, Post Malone, Ariana Grande, and Eminem to the title.
    And Drake is only going to improve on his impressive track record when he releases his new album, “Certified Lover Boy”, later this month.
    The Canadian star first hinted that a new album was in the works back in April 2020 as the album was originally set for a release this summer. Drake later announced the album’s title on August 14 of the same year.
    He treated fans to a short teaser last October, which also happened to be his 34th birthday. Additionally, he released “Laugh Now Cry Later” featuring Lil Durk. It marks the first single to be released from this new project.

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    Joel and Benji Madden Sell Controlling Stake in Veeps to Live Nation

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    In the wake of the acquisition by the concert promoters, the Good Charlotte brothers are still expected to run the streaming company alongside co-founders Sherry Saeedi and Kyle Heller.

    Jan 20, 2021
    AceShowbiz – Good Charlotte stars Joel Madden and Benji Madden have snagged a small fortune after selling their ticketed livestream platform Veeps to Live Nation bosses.
    The concert promoters have snapped up a controlling stake in the brothers’ streaming company, which launched in 2017 as an artist VIP company.
    Since March (20), when it became a pay-to-view platform, Veeps has hosted livestreams by artists like Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, and singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright.
    Veeps is the first major acquisition for Live Nation since the beginning of the pandemic, according to Billboard.
    The Maddens and co-founders Sherry Saeedi and Kyle Heller will continue to run Veeps.

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    Confirming the acquisition, Michael Rapino, the president and chief executive of Live Nation, tells Billboard, “Live streaming is a great complement to our core business, and essentially gives any show an unlimited capacity.”
    “Looking to the future, livestreams will continue to unlock access for fans – whether they are tuning into a sold out show in their hometown, or watching their favourite artist play in a city halfway around the world. The most critical element of livestreaming is the artist on stage, and with Live Nation’s unmatched inventory feeding into Veeps, together we will help fans enjoy more live music than ever before.”
    Joel Madden adds, “We’re very happy to be joining a company that is such a big supporter of artists and artist-led businesses. This partnership is a demonstration that premium, ticketed livestreams have earned themselves a permanent place in the verticals of every artist business.”
    Brother Benji adds, “We’ve always believed that taking an art-first approach to live stream shows helps artists create the kind of performance they can be proud of, and an experience that fans love. This means applying as much creativity and thoughtfulness as you would with any in-person show.
    “We will only see this platform get more innovative as concerts return and we layer into shows in even more ways. We’re incredibly grateful for our team who continues to hustle non-stop and we look forward to amazing things ahead alongside Live Nation.”

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    Jennifer Lopez 'Really Nervous' Ahead of Performance at Joe Biden's Inauguration

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    According to fiance Alex Rodriguez, the ‘On the Floor’ hitmaker is jittery about her scheduled performance at the upcoming star-studded presidential inauguration.

    Jan 20, 2021
    AceShowbiz – Jennifer Lopez is struggling with nerves ahead of her performance at Joe Biden’s inauguration celebrations on Wednesday (20Jan21), her fiance Alex Rodriguez has revealed.
    Although the “On the Floor” hitmaker played the Super Bowl Halftime Show and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve last year (20), Alex admitted his wife-to-be is feeling the pressure about taking to the stage to honour the incoming U.S. president.
    Appearing on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on Monday, Alex said, “It’s been such a crazy year for her. So amazing. So many blessings. But to think, in the span of 12 months, she’s done the Super Bowl, New Year’s, now the inaugural. It’s unbelievable. And what’s interesting is she’s most nervous about Washington, D.C., because of the responsibility.”

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    “She wants more than anything, like all of us, to bring people together. To inspire. And you know music and sports does that better than anything.”
    Alex also promised that his fiancee is planning “something really cool” for the performance, teasing: “You’re gonna be surprised. You’re gonna love it.”
    Jennifer Lopez will be joined at the “Celebrating America” TV special by the likes of Foo Fighters, John Legend, Kerry Washington, Eva Longoria, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Justin Timberlake, and Demi Lovato.
    Lady GaGa is tapped to sing the national anthem and Tom Hanks will serve as a host at the star-studded event on Wednesday, January 20 as the Democratic Party leader and his Vice President, Kamala Harris, are sworn in at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

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    Tim McGraw and Tyler Hubbard to Perform New Song at Joe Biden's Inauguration Special

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    The two country musicians are scheduled to team up for a performance of new song ‘Undivided’ in hopes to bring America together at the upcoming presidential inauguration.

    Jan 20, 2021
    AceShowbiz – Country stars Tim Mcgraw and Tyler Hubbard will help to spread the message of unity during U.S. President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration special by performing their new song “Undivided”.
    The singers have become the latest artists added to the line-up for Wednesday night’s (20Jan21) TV event, titled “Celebrating America”, which will air hours after the Democratic leader is sworn into office.
    According to People.com, McGraw and Hubbard will team up to perform their new duet for the first time as they encourage Americans to work through their differences and unite to build a better future, particularly in the wake of the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on 6 January, when pro-Donald Trump supporters stormed the Washington, D.C. building in a bid to protest Biden’s election victory.
    “I thought, ‘Man, I thought we needed this message last year,'” Hubbard recently told “CBS This Morning” of the message behind his new single upon hearing of the violent riots. “I didn’t think we could need it anymore than we needed it last year, but apparently we still do.”

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    McGraw and Hubbard aren’t the only new additions to the “Celebrating America” broadcast – Luis Fonsi and Ozuna will join DJ Cassidy for a special edition of his “Pass the Mic” virtual jam sessions, while soul group Black Pumas will perform, too.
    Tom Hanks will be hosting the 90-minute special, which also boasts sets by Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, the Foo Fighters, and John Legend. Tune into the special from 8.30pm ET on primetime TV and online at: BidenInaugural.org.
    Meanwhile, another country star will be stepping up to honour Biden and his Vice President-elect Kamala Harris at the swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday morning, with Garth Brooks joining Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez.
    In addition, Josh Groban, Patti LaBelle, and the Clark Sisters will take part in a presidential prayer service hosted by officials at the Washington National Cathedral prior to the inauguration.
    The religious gathering will also be livestreamed on the same site from 10am ET.

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    Van Morrison Plans Legal Action to Challenge Live Music Ban Amid Pandemic

    WENN

    The ‘Moondance’ singer has announced his plan to challenge regulations that prohibit indoor live music in his native Northern Ireland amid Covid-19 crisis.

    Jan 20, 2021
    AceShowbiz – Van Morrison is threatening legal action against lawmakers who are preventing him from performing during the ongoing COVID pandemic.
    The singer/songwriter has instructed his lawyers to commence judicial review proceedings against regulations that prohibit live music in indoor licensed venues in his native Northern Ireland, as part of a six-week lockdown.
    Van’s lawyer Joe Rice claims his client will argue the ban in Northern Ireland is unsustainable in law and is not based on credible scientific or medical evidence.
    Morrison hit the headlines last year (20), when he denounced the COVID lockdowns in three new songs and performed in London.

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    He also accused lawmakers of taking people’s freedom, while alleging experts were making up facts to justify the restrictions.
    Rice’s letter to Northern Irish leaders calls on ministers to go public with the medical and scientific basis for the regulations.
    If the ban is not lifted, the “Moondance” singer plans to officially challenge the prohibition by way of judicial review.
    “Many people in the music and arts world in Northern Ireland have been devastated financially, socially and artistically by this complete ban,” Rice tells PA Media. “This differs from the law in England and Wales and the evidence behind such a negative decision in this jurisdiction is far from obvious.”
    “Sir Van is taking this action on behalf of the thousands of musicians, artists, venues and those involved in the live music industry. He has been supporting many artists throughout this pandemic and is determined to ensure that, as we endeavour to emerge safely from this lockdown, artists and musicians will have a proper opportunity to play their part through live music to restore the cultural, social and economic wellbeing and success of our society.”

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    Pearl Jam's Tribute Act Urges Band to Rescind Legal Threats Over Name

    Pearl Jamm’s guitarist Tim Love says that he can’t understand why the Eddie Vedder-fronted rock band made the demand for them to hand over email addresses and destroy merchandise.

    Jan 19, 2021
    AceShowbiz – Pearl Jam has threatened London-based tribute act Pearl Jamm with legal action if they don’t change their name.
    The group has received letters from the real band’s lawyers, demanding guitarist Tim Love and his pals hand over email addresses and destroy merchandise.
    “They’ve asked us to change the name of the band,” Love told the BBC.
    The tribute act has over 9,100 followers on Facebook and Love admits he can’t understand why his heroes are so upset.
    “No one’s ever come to a show, got to the end of the show and came up to us demanding their money back because they were expecting to see Pearl Jam play at the Garage in Highbury,” he said.

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    The band has published an open letter to Pearl Jam on Facebook, stating, “You have known of our tribute band for years yet have waited until a global pandemic to have threatening legal letters sent. This isn’t the Pearl Jam we know and love, the Pearl Jam that stands up for social issues and against corporate giants. Yet your lawyers tell us it is indeed you, the band, that are behind this…”
    “We know of at least one other tribute band that decided to call it a day over this. It may have been easier, cheaper and more effective for one of you to reach out to us personally. We would have done that for you. But not like this.”

    “Your actions are out of character and unreasonable yet our love for the music endures. We sincerely hope that, despite confirmation to the contrary, you are blissfully unaware of actions being taken in your name. We invite you to respond either publicly or privately and rescind the legal threats that have been made.”

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    Bow Wow Slams Houston Mayor for Singling Him Out Over Packed Houston Concert

    Instagram

    Under fire for performing at an unmasked gig in Texas, the ‘Let Me Hold You’ hitmaker complains that Mayor Sylvester Turner hates his guts and stresses he was not the only celebrity attending.

    Jan 19, 2021
    AceShowbiz – Bow Wow refused to be the only one getting blamed for a packed performance amid COVID-19 surge. Claiming that Mayor Sylvester Turner singled him out for his appearance at the unmasked gig, the “Let Me Hold You” hitmaker took to social media to express his complaints.
    On Monday, January 18, the 33-year-old MC slammed the Mayor of Houston via Instagram Story. Sharing a screenshot of the Mayor’s tweet, he argued, “Someone tell the Mayor of Houston TX I’m leaving right now. Geeeez! He singling me out as if I was the only celeb here this weekend. This is ridiculous.”
    Around one hour earlier, Bow claimed on Twitter that Sylvester “hates [his] guts” because he was the only one getting called out among celebrities who attended the event. He pointed out, “Safe to say the mayor of houston hates my guts. I cant believe i get the blame for a whole weekend. This is ridiculous.”

    Bow Wow slammed Mayor Sylvester Turner for only blaming him for a packed concert.

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    Bow’s posts did not go unnoticed by Sylvester who later offered his clarification on Twitter. “Let me be very clear. I don’t dislike @BowWowPromoTeam. While the city is in the midst of this pandemic nearly 2000 infected and 17 dying yesterday, this is not the time for concerts,” he explained. “Help us get past this virus and then do your thing. The same for other bars & clubs. st #COVID19.”

    Mayor Sylvester Turner stressed he did not dislike Bow Wow.
    One day earlier, the Mayor stated that he and officials in the city keep an eye on the rapper’s upcoming performances. “These events that are scheduled with @BowWowPromoTeam today in Houston are on our radar,” he wrote. “Other bars/clubs that are operating as restaurants, beyond capacity and social distancing requirements, please expect visits. Today we report 1964 new cases and 17 more deaths.”
    Sylvester’s caution came after Bow performed to a packed crowd at a club in Houston on Friday night, January 15. Making use of Instagram Stories, “The Masked Singer” runner-up shared clips where he sang his 2005 hit “Like You” amid the pandemic. He was also seen not wearing a mask at the event.
    Aside from Bow, Meek Mill, Kenny Burns, Mr. Rugs, J. Prince Jr., Trey Songz and Fabolous were among those attending the concert.

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