This letter, signed by a ton of artists and pictured above, is set to appear in an ad in Billboard:

We are big fans of Pandora. That's why we helped give the company a discount on rates for the past decade.

Pandora is now enjoying phenomenal success as a Wall Street company. Skyrocketing growth in revenues and users. We celebrate that. At the same time, the music community is just now beginning to gain its footing in the new digital world.

Pandora's principal asset is the music.

Why is the company asking Congress once again to step in and gut the royalties that thousands of musicians rely upon? That's not fair, and that's not how partners work together.
Congress has many pressing issues to consider, but this is not one of them. Let's work this out as partners and continue to bring fans the great musical experience they rightly expect.

The issue is that Pandora is supporting the Internet Radio Fairness Act which they say will "help end the long-standing discrimination against internet radio". Artists are mad because that possibly means less money for them, but Pandora and other Internet radio providers argue they can't stay in business the way things are now.

Continue reading "A bunch of artists wrote an open letter to Pandora who support the Internet Radio Fairness Act"

photos by Dana (distortion) Yavin, words by Andrew Sacher

Blondie @ State Theatre - 10/2/12

Anarchy symbols, peace signs, skulls, and other images lit up the high walls and ceilings of Port Chester's Capitol Theatre last night (10/7) as Blondie came out for their third NYC area show (and final date) of the tour they'd been on since September. Debbie Harry, at 67 years young, was looking as great as ever decked out in sparkling black sunglasses, a metallic silver coat, and bleach blonde hair to go with her sharp attitude, sleek dance moves, and a very in-tact voice. Debbie was joined on stage by original members Chris Stein (guitar) and Clem Burke (drums), and the lineup is rounded out by the more recently added Leigh Foxx (bass), Matt Katz-Bohen (keyboards), and Tommy Kessler (guitar), the latter of who looks like he wants to be a frontman and could've chilled with the Van Halen solos (though a chunk of the crowd seemed to love it). But that aside, the whole band was on point and still ageless in spirit.

In 2011, Blondie put their finishing touches on Panic of Girls, their first full length since 2003, so it wasn't a surprise that they chose to play a number of songs from that record. And don't get me wrong, Panic of Girls is a solid effort and the songs sounded good at the show, but of course the real treats came from the old singles. At under an hour and a half, my only complaint about the set is that I would have liked to hear more, but we still got a handful of crowd pleasers like "Dreaming," "Hanging on the Telephone," "Call Me," "The Tide Is High," and others. At the end of the rap-inspired "Rapture," they worked in a portion of fellow NYC legends Beastie Boys' "No Sleep Til Brooklyn," which they've been doing all tour (on past tours they've done it with "Fight For Your Right"). Debbie worked the crowd the whole show, especially doing so on "One Way or Another," for which she got everyone clapping and put the mic in the audience for the crowd to chant the song's title.

Unfortunately, none of the northeast shows on the tour were with Devo, who joined Blondie on most of the September shows (we did catch that tour in Austin though). This leg of the tour also hit the NYC area last Tuesday (10/2) at New Brunswick's State Theatre on Thursday (10/4) at Staten Island's St. George Theatre. The pictures in this post are from the State Theatre show, which The Smithereens opened. (No pics from the Capitol Theatre show but you can see some shots of the great looking newly renovated venue from Regina Spektor's show last week.) Though the public dates on the tour are over, as mentioned, Blondie will perform a YouTube Presents concert from the Google offices in NYC on Wednesday (10/10) at 4 PM, which will stream live on YouTube.

More pics from the State Theatre show (setlist written on a drum head included) and a video of Blondie doing "Rapture/No Sleep Til Brooklyn" in Houston are below...

Continue reading "Blondie played State Theatre & Capitol Theatre (pics, review)"

Grizzly Bear are on the cover of the new issue of NY Magazine, which makes two weeks in a row that Brooklyn was prominently featured.

Despite making it into Billboard's Top 10 with their new album, Shields, the band still aren't making a lot of money.

Check out pictures from the show they just played in Chicago with Lower Dens.

And speaking of Brooklyn, get ready for Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas.

"The Artwork of Robert Pollard & Tobin Sprout" is opening in Brooklyn soon. Meanwhile check out our recent Guided by Voices pictures from both Austin and the Deluna Fest in Florida.

Crystal Castles and HEALTH play Roseland on Wednesday (10/3). We're giving away tickets here and on our Facebook too.

Also on Wednesday, M83 plays Hammerstein Ballroom and we're giving away tickets to that on Facebook too. Tickets are also still on sale.

Another Facebook contest: win tickets to see Raveonettes and Melody's Echo Chamber at Webster Hall on Friday (10/5).

The Compact Disc turns 30 years old today. The first CD pressed in America was Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA (though Billy Joe's 52nd Street came out in Japan before that). What was the first CD you bought?

Speaking of Bruce Springsteen, Kenny's Castaways, where he used to play is hosting their final show tonight.

Producer and TV On the Radio member Dave Sitek has launched Federal Prism, "a new record label where Sitek will personally record, mix, produce, and release a series of limited edition 12-inch vinyl picture discs with a uniquely curator-driven perspective. The vinyl will be limited to 500 numbered copies each with a jacket personally hand silkscreened by Sitek."

Federal Prism's first release is "Destroyer" by Telepathe. "The b-side of the vinyl will feature a remix by Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor with Alessandro Cortini and Atticus Ross. Sitek adds, "I told Trent I was starting my own label and would love to have him remix something on the first release. I sent him the session and before he actually said 'YES', he sent back this mighty dark space that he, Alessandro and Atticus had built for me! I was shocked and am certain I will have to keep ripping them off for years!"" It's on sale now.

Speaking of Trent Reznor, he says his his band How To Destroy Angels, have "formally partnered with Columbia Records for our next series of releases. The first of these will be available in November and it's called An Omen EP."

Scary: Ryan Adams revealed via Twitter: "Recording a track with my new pal @deadmau5 today. Sounds like BladeRunner starring Don Henley."

More scary: As if it wasn't bad enough that Bruno Mars has been announced as the host of the 10/20 episode of SNL, they're letting him be the musical performer for that episode too!

But here's some good news: Now That's What I Call Music 83 will reportedly be the last in the series.

more stuff below...

Continue reading "ALSO: Grizzly Bear on cover of New York; CDs turned 30; Dave Sitek's new label, Trent Reznor, Ryan Adams, Deadmau5, more"

Blondie at Highline Ballroom in 2011 (more by Dominick Mastrangelo)

As mentioned, Blondie are set to kick off a tour with Devo next month, which unfortunately doesn't include any Northeast shows. But after that, Blondie will make their way over and while they're here, they'll play three NYC area shows, which happen on October 2 at State Theatre in New Brunswick, October 4 at St. George Theatre in Staten Island, and October 7 at the soon-to-be-open Capitol Theatre in Port Chester. Tickets for the State Theatre show are on sale now, tickets for the St. George Theatre show just went on sale today (8/15) at 10 AM, and tickets for the Capitol Theatre show go on sale Friday (8/17) at 10 AM.

The Blondie show at Capitol Theatre is one of a few other recently announced shows at the newly-renovated venue, including Trey Anastasio and Bob Dylan. An updated Capitol Theatre schedule and a list of all upcoming Blondie dates are below.

Continue reading "Blondie expand tour, playing 3 NYC area dates including Capitol Theatre (dates and updated schedule)"

Cheetah Chrome w/ RFTT at Maxwell's in 2011 (more by Greg Cristman)

The CBGB Festival kicks off on Thursday (7/5) and continues through Sunday (7/8). We've mentioned a bunch of the festival's shows like the free Central Park show with Guided by Voices, The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, Cloud Nothings, and the War on Drugs, the Webster Hall show with Agnostic Front, Madball, and Murphy's Law (who also play a Rocks Off Cruise), Fishbone at Brooklyn Bowl, the Webster Hall show with Cro-Mags and Sick of it All, and many others. However, if you're looking for others artists that helped define punk and/or make CBGB the legendary venue it is, there are plenty of options for that too.

On Thursday (7/5), The Bowery Electric is hosting a huge show with Tommy Ramone (who drummed on and co-produced the first three Ramones albums), Cheetah Chrome (of Dead Boys/Rocket from the Tombs), The Waldos (ft. Walter Lure of Johnny Thunders' Heartbreakers), Bear 54 (ft. Ernie Brooks of The Modern Lovers), Andy Shernoff (of The Dictators), Richard Lloyd (of Television), The Miamis, The Sic Fucks, and many more. Tickets for that show are available.

That same day (7/5), David Johansen (of New York Dolls) will be playing Sullivan Hall with Daddy Long Legs, Liza Colby & The Sound Machine, Andy & the Rattles, and a late night set by Strawberry Jam. Tickets for that show are available.

Also on Thursday (7/5), you can catch Glen Matlock (of The Sex Pistols) at, wait for it... singer-songwrter mainstay The Living Room with California, Jaymay, Lou-is, and Aurical.

Check the CBGB Festival site for more.

Hilly Kristal entering CBGB on its final night (more)

The CBGB Festival isn't the only place to catch CBGB legends though. Like they've done in the past, Bowery Electric (a venue very close to where CBGB was) will host Johnny Thunders Birthday Bash, a celebration of the late musician, on July 15, when he would have turned 60 (he passed away in 1991). That show features Walter Lure, Alison Gordy, Andy Shernoff, and many more. Tickets are on sale.

Patti Smith will be touring with Neil Young later this year, which hits NYC for two shows (MSG on 11/27 and Barclays Center on 12/3). Patti also plays a sold out show at the Met, on September 28 (a tribute to Andy Warhol).

Blondie will be touring with Devo later this year. Unfortunately, that tour does not come to NYC.

But enough about NYC punks -- California's late 70s/early 80s hardcore scene is getting some pretty solid representation in NYC this summer too. The current version of Dead Kennedys (who no longer count frontman Jello Biafra as a member) will be playing a show at Santos Party House on July 31 with Cerebral Ballzy. Tickets for that show are on sale now.

Cali punks Agent Orange will be heading out on an east coast tour with The Queers, which comes to NYC for a Rocks Off Cruise on August 18. Tickets for that show are available. All dates on this tour are listed below.

Greg Ginn at Issue Project Room in 2010 (more by Lori Bally)

Black Flag founder/guitarist and SST Records founder Greg Ginn will be in NYC for two shows (early and late) with his new project Greg Ginn and the Royal We at The Iridium on July 29, and two more shows at the venue the next night (7/30) with the Les Paul Trio. Tickets for all four Iridium shows are on sale now.

Long-running Black Flag frontman Henry Rollins is heading out on a spoken word tour which hits the capitals of all 50 states. That means the NY show is in Albany and not too close to NYC, but you might have better luck checking out the Trenton, NJ show. The Trenton show is at the Jersey State Museum Auditorium and unfortunately not City Gardens, which is now closed, but during its existence had seen tons of great tours come through including multiple Henry Rollins appearances. A City Gardens documentary is in the works and due in 2013. The other tri-state area date on Henry's tour is Hartford, CT's Webster Theater.

Meanwhile, Keith Morris, who was a Black Flag frontman before Rollins joined, will be in NYC with his band OFF!, when their tour with Refused comes to Williamsburg Park on July 18. Tickets for that show are still available.

While we're on the topic of punk shows in Williamsburg Park, as mentioned, Riot Fest Brooklyn goes down at the outdoor venue on September 8 with Descendents, Hot Water Music, Gogol Bordello, The Bronx, Screaming Females, The Menzingers, and Larry and His Flask. Tickets for Riot Fest Brooklyn are still available.

Speaking of The Menzingers, they have a new live acoustic video for "Ava House" off their 2012 LP, On the Impossible Past, which you can check out below. You can catch them on their tour with The Bouncing Souls, which hits NYC for a show at Brooklyn Bowl on August 5. Tickets for that show are still available.

In other punk news, as mentioned, H2O, 7 Seconds, and Tournament play House of Vans on July 12. 7 Seconds frontman Kevin Seconds is working on a new album which is due out this year. You can check out the album's closing track, "Oh, Rhonda," at the bottom of this post. The entire 2012 House of Vans schedule was also just announced, Turbonegro included. UPDATE: you can also now RSVP for the 7 Seconds show.

Street Dogs will be in NYC for a show at Highline Ballroom on September 15 with Koffin Kats and special guests. Tickets for that show are on sale now.

As mentioned, the Fat Wreck/Rocks Off CMJ showcase happens on October 19 at Music Hall of Williamsburg with Lagwagon, Dead To Me, Flatliners, and Useless ID. Tickets for that show are still available. That same lineup also plays a Rocks Off Cruise the next day (10/20). Tickets for the boat show are available. And Lagwagon are also one of the bands currently announced for this year's Fun Fun Fun Fest.

As mentioned, Leftover Crack plays Warsaw on Sunday (7/8) with Crackbox and more TBA. That show appears to now be sold out (though we are waiting on confirmation of that). UPDATE: this is CANCELLED.

Another anarcho-punk option for Williamsburg this weekend is NYHC band Reagan Youth who are playing The Grand Victory (245 Grand St.) on Friday (7/6) with Dust Angel (ft. Reagan Youth guitarist Paul Cripple), Geek Skull, Lords of Death, and Empty Vessel.

As mentioned, crossover thrashers D.R.I. and Mucky Pup are teaming up for a tour which hits NYC on December 8 at The Studio at Webster Hall with support from No Redeeming Social Value, Undivided, and Blackout Shoppers. TIckets for that show are still available.

There's also a number of punk shows at Acheron this week.

Before we wrap this up, a bit more about classic UK punk making its way to NYC this summer/early fall. In addition to Sex Pistol Glen Matlock, who's here this week for CBGB Fest, The Vibrators will be in NYC for a show at The Bowery Electric on September 29. Tickets for that are on sale now.

Wreckless Eric, who veers a bit more on the new wave/power pop side of punk, will play Bowery Electric on September 7 as part of a duo with his wife Amy Rigby. They also play September 13 at The Saint in Asbury Park, NJ. If the name doesn't ring a bell, his song "(I'd Go) The Whole Wide World" probably does. It's seen some revived popularity in recent years due to Will Ferrell singing it in Stranger than Fiction. Tickets for both NYC area shows are on sale now.

Did we miss anything good?

Videos and lists of tour dates below...

Continue reading "punk roundup: CBGB Fest, Greg Ginn, Rollins, Off!, Dead Kennedys, Menzingers, Vibrators, Wreckless Eric & more"

photos by Dominick Mastrangelo

"OMG. Is there anything cooler for a mother/daughter trip to New York to incorporate going to see one of the finest examples of an older woman strutting her stuff? I took my daughter to the Highline Ballroom, a small intimate venue packed full of mostly men - but she's still got a diverse following - it wasn't all fat old blokes in tight t-shirts like Pink Floyd fans or ageing women like Tom Jones - it's a real mixture.

SHE IS SO COOL. Initially I was a little worried. She came out in sunglasses and quite a lot of clothes and didn't move very much and her hair is a little, well, a little too Blonde, which I guess in her case is entirely acceptable.

She just got better as her set progressed. Started moving around the stage with that attitude she does so well, stripped down to something more sexy and her voice was good and it was just a great evening and she's f*cking 66!!!!

Honestly. You couldn't find a better role model for the older woman. She is an inspiration. I'm going to walk about New York in my pants today. ROCK ON!!! [Family Affairs & Other Matters]

Maybe you bought some merch from the punk legends at their table, or maybe instead you headed to the Marc Jacobs store on Bleecker Street as part of their pop-up Blondie store, a benefit for Riverkeeper and promotion for their new album out now Panic of Girls, which dropped that same day (Beirut cover included).

Blondie play Music Box at the Borgata in Atlantic City, NJ tonight (9/16) and a show in Clark, NJ on Saturday. Westbury, NY happens Sunday. All tour dates and pictures from Highline Ballroom are below.

Continue reading "Blondie played 2 nights @ Highline Ballroom (pics), continue on tour (NJ this weekend)"

"On Tuesday 9/13 the Marc by Marc Jacobs women's boutique on Bleecker Street in NYC will transform into a pop-up Blondie store! There will be all kinds of Blondie products, from the new album to Blondie fan packs and books, and special Blondie T-shirts, which will benefit Riverkeeper. Blondie will be stopping by in the early evening!

New wave/post-punk pioneers Blondie recently released Panic of Girls in the UK, their third album since reuniting in 1997, and ninth overall. The album includes the single "Mother," which they recently performed live and acoustic from Abbey Road. Check that video out, which includes an interview below. The music video, which B-52 Kate Pierson makes a cameo in, for the track is below too.

Panic of Girls now has a US release date of September 13 via the band's own imprint. They will head out on a North American tour in September and October in support of the album's stateside release. The tour hits NYC on September 12 and 13 at Highline Ballroom. Ticket info is not available yet, but check ticketweb for updates.

Beirut, whose track "Sunday Smile" is covered by Blondie on Panic of Girls, also has a North American tour around that same time. Beirut's tour hits NYC on September 21 and 22 at Terminal 5. Tickets for both of those shows go on Amex presale Wednesday (7/6) and general sale Friday. Listen to the cover below.

Speaking of Blondie covering indie bands, Debbie Harry contributed a cover of Franz Ferdinand's "Live Alone" to their Record Store Day Covers EP with help from the band themselves. LCD Soundsystem offered their take on the same song, though their cover is twice as long (obviously). Stream the entire EP below, which also features covers by Stephin Merritt, ESG, and Peaches. The Record Store Day release was a limited edition colored 12" vinyl. A few are available on ebay. The EP is also now available as a CD and black vinyl. CD versions are on sale at Amazon.

All Blondie tour dates, video, and the EP stream below...

Continue reading "Blondie announces tour in support of new album (that has a Beirut cover on it) --- dates, video & Franz Ferdinand too"

"An Andy Warhol portrait of Blondie star Debbie Harry is expected to fetch up to £5.5 million when it is auctioned at Sotheby's in London later this month.

The 1980 work will go under the hammer on 29 June as part of a two-day auction of contemporary art.

The event will also feature works from the collection of Dave Stewart, better known as one half of the Eurythmics.

Among the seven pieces up for grabs is an early spot painting by Damien Hirst dedicated to the British musician.

According to Sotheby's Cheyenne Westphal, the Harry portrait is "the ultimate culmination of Warhol's exploration of our public fascination with female cultural icons"." [BBC]

Blondie have dates scheduled in Europe this summer. Clem Burke recently took part in the annual Joey Ramone Birthday Bash at Irving Plaza.

Blondie is playing Nokia Theatre on August 31st. Tickets are on sale at noon.

Tickets are on sale for the Tom Tom Club show at Santos Party House.

Fountains of Wayne play Bowery Ballroom on October 7th. Tickets are on sale at noon.

Tickets are on sale at noon for the Gaslight Anthem show at Radio City Music Hall.

Tickets are on AmEx presale for The Avett Brothers show at Radio City Music Hall. They go on general sale Saturday at 11am.

Tickets are on sale at noon for the Frightened Rabbit show at Terminal 5.

Tickets are on sale at noon for High On Fire at Music Hall of Williamsburg.

Tickets are on sale at noon for Interpol at Wellmont Theatre. Interpol's NYC show doesn't go on sale until next week.

Tickets are on sale at noon for the "All Hearts Tour feat Robyn & Kelis with Dan Black & Far East Movement" show that was added at Music Hall of Williamsburg.

Tickets are still on AmEx presale for the recently added Arcade Fire & Spoon show at Madison Square Garden. They go on general sale Saturday at 9am.

Tickets are on sale at noon for Wild Nothing & Blank Dogs at Bowery Ballroom.

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin & Telekinesis are playing Bowery Ballroom on September 8th. Tickets go on sale at noon.

Tickets are on sale at noon for Slash's show at Terminal 5.

Tickets are on sale at noon for Jamie Lidell at Webster Hall.

Tickets are on sale at noon for Stars at Terminal 5.

Tickets are on sale at noon for the Best Coast / Male Bonding shows at Bowery Ballroom and Music Hall of Williamsburg.

Dark Star Orchestra are playing Nokia Theatre on October 2nd. Tickets are on sale at noon.

Tickets are on sale at noon for for the Morning Benders show at Webster Hall.

Tickets go on sale at noon for AA Bondy's upcoming show at Bowery Ballroom.

Tickets are on sale for the two Mystery Jets shows at Mercury Lounge.

Shilpa Ray and Frankie Rose (and their bands) share a bill at Brooklyn Bowl on August 5th. Tickets are on sale.

Tickets are on sale for Holly Miranda at Littlefield.

Tickets are on sale for Sleep at Brooklyn Masonic Temple.

photos by Eric Weiss

Blondie @ The Brooklyn Museum

The above and below pictures from the Who Shot Rock & Roll opening event at the Brooklyn Museum on Thursday, October 29th. Blondie performed for museum members and invited guests to celebrate the music photographs now on display.

This Saturday, 11/7, the fun continues as Who Shot Rock & Roll becomes the theme for six hours of free "First Saturday" events at the museum. From 5-8 is the previously-mentioned Crystal Stilts, Grass Window and the Beets show. That runs at the same time as a discussion with with photographers Bob Gruen and Justin Borucki which is just one of many events that night. It all ends with a "dance party" and a performance by Terrance Koh. More info at the museum's site. More pictures from the opening, and a flyer for the show designed by The Beets, below...

Continue reading "have a Who Shot Rock n Roll themed Saturday @ The Brooklyn Museum (where Blondie played) "

Thursday, October 29, 2009
1-10 p.m.
Morris A. and Meyer Schapiro Wing, 5th Floor

Members beginning at the Individual ($55) level are invited to an exclusive preview and peformance by Blondie to celebrate the opening of Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present. An exhibition viewing will take place from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by a reception from 6 to 10 p.m. The reception will feature a performance by Blondie in the Beaux-Arts Court and a book signing with guest curator Gail Buckland. In addition, photographer Josh Cheuse will be DJ for the evening. Cheuse, whose work appears in the exhibition, will mix a variety of rock classics and more contemporary sounds, letting Members dance all night long.

Members must present their invitation, which admits two, for admission. The Museum Shop will be open until 10 p.m., and the Museum Café will be open until 6 p.m. If you are not a Member and would like to attend this event, join now at the Individual level or above.

Set times for tonight's free show (8/13), below...

Continue reading "Blondie Benatar show tonight in Coney Island - rain or shine"

Hall & Oates, Halloween 2007 (more photos)

As previously reported the national Blondie/Pat Benatar/Donnas tour will be making a free stop at Coney Island's Asser Levy/Seaside Park on Thursday, August 13th. That's one of the free shows at this year's Seaside Concert Series, running Thursdays at the Brooklyn park (which may soon be an amphitheater). Other 2009 acts include Creedence Clearwater Revival Revisited, Daryl Hall & John Oates, and Donna Summer.

Full schedule below...

Continue reading "2009 Seaside Summer Concert Series lineup (free shows in Coney Island - Hall & Oates, Donna Summer included) "

"Joey Ramone (May 19, 1951 - April 15, 2001), born as Jeffrey Ross Hyman, was a vocalist and songwriter best known for his work in the punk rock group the Ramones. Joey Ramone's image, voice and tenure as frontman of the Ramones made him a countercultural icon." [Wikipedia]

The event will also be the unveiling of new tracks from the forthcoming posthumous Joey Ramone solo record. In other Joey Ramone news, the singer's induction award to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was re-presented to his estate at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex in NYC, and accepted by Mickey Leigh and Tommy Ramone, on Thursday, May 14th, after mistakenly being left off the program in the original 2002 ceremony.

Coming up, Tommy Ramone and Handsome Dick Manitoba, who will be at the birthday bash, are speaking with Lenny Kaye (of the Patti Smith Group and more) and Chris Stein (of Blondie) at "LOUD FAST JEWS! A Summit with Four Jewish Fathers of Punk" on Thursday, June 11th at the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research (15 West 16th St). Tickets to that event are on sale. More info below.

Catch Chris Stein this summer with Blondie, as the band tours alone and with Pat Benatar and The Donnas. All three will play the tour's NYC stop, a free show on August 13th at Coney Island's Asher Levy Park.

Also coming to NYC is Gods and Monsters' 20th anniversary show, scheduled for NYC's Gramercy Theatre on June 11th. The band, helmed by guitarist Gary Lucas, will be joined by guests that include Lenny Kaye. Tickets are still on sale.

Uncle Monk, Tommy Ramone's indie-bluegrass band, has scattered shows in NYC and elsewhere coming up. The band plays June 10th at Banjo Jim's and June 21st at Local 269. More dates below.

Joey Ramone's B-Day bash poster, Loud Fast Jew info, and a video of the Ramones' initial induction ceremony, also below...

Continue reading "Joey Ramone would be 58 today, party in NYC tonight ++ other Ramones / Blondie / Manitoba / Kaye appearances "

"For the first time ever, two pioneering rock legends, Blondie and Pat Benatar, will share the stage on the Call Me Invincible tour. They will be joined by special guests The Donnas. They will embark on a trek across the U.S., beginning in Saratoga, CA on July 21st and ending August 23rd in Houston, TX. The Blondie and Benatar ticket gives fans of all ages three decades of hits from the two female rock icons for the price of one! Says Blondie front woman Deborah Harry, "Pat Benatar is not only a friend, but a fearless female rocker who has entertained me and her wealth of fans for so many years. This will be a reunion for us both and being able to bring our two shows to fans across the country is very exciting!" Between Blondie and Benatar, the tour will feature songs from a combined ten Platinum albums, eight #1 Hits and countless other favorites including "Heart of Glass," "Heartbreaker," "Call Me," "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," "Rapture," "Invincible," "One Way or Another" and "Love is a Battlefield." Pat Benatar adds, "Deborah and I have been friends forever. I'm thrilled that we're finally getting an opportunity to tour together, it should be a blast." The tour also showcases original artwork created by New Orleans artist, Tim Neil. His unique design will be the recognizable image of the tour featuring the clever blending of both iconic faces and will also be available for purchase on select merchandise items.

Continue reading "Blondie, Pat Benatar & the Donnas - 2009 Tour Dates (includes a free show in Coney Island) "

A "child" of Andy Warhol, friend of Debbie Harry, buddy of artist Keith Haring, inspiration to Marc Jacobs and collaborator with them all, Stephen Sprouse was among the first generation of artists who didn't distinguish between fashion, art and rock. Mostly known for his upscale version of downtown street fashion, Sprouse's artwork extended from design to silkscreen to paper. Before his premature death in 2004, Sprouse had been preparing for a retrospective of his life's work. And this January, five years later, it will be ready for display in a full-blown Sprouse-esque exhibition called "Rock on Mars" -- a futuristic, pop-influenced smorgasbord -- at Deitch Projects.

"Hopefully people saw his fashion designs when people were wearing them out," says Suzanne Geiss, director at Deitch, "but I'm excited to see what he did on clothing extended to total installations. Seeing these things together will be a first." Sprouse often incorporated musicians into his work -- in this exhibition, designed and curated by long-time collaborator Jamie Boud, there will be paintings of a crucified Iggy Pop and a rarely-seen Sid Vicious with his pants down. In conjunction with the exhibition, Rizzoli is set to release a book of Sprouse's work by Roger and Mauricio Padilha, The Stephen Sprouse Book; and Louis Vuitton has created a new line of clothing and accessories based on the original Vuitton-Sprouse 2001 collaboration.

The exhibition runs from Jan. 9 through Feb. 28, 2009, at Deitch Projects, 18 Wooster St., New York.
[Paper Magazine]

Vuitton will honor the late artist with three events this Thursday [January 8th/today]. The night will kick off with cocktails at the Vuitton boutique on Greene Street, with a simultaneous event at nearby Deitch Projects' Wooster Street Gallery for the opening of the "Rock on Mars" Sprouse retrospective [see above]. Afterwards, Vuitton and Jacobs will host a bash at the Bowery Ballroom, featuring a performance by Sprouse's friend Debbie Harry, followed by DJ Jus Ske. The venue is expected to have a Sprouse feel, with a special graffiti-and-neon decor.

Continue reading "Stephen Sprouse remembered @ Deitch, by Louis Vuitton, Debbie Harry plays Bowery tonight, Cat Power @ Union Pool"

Photos by Lori Baily

On October 6 Rational Animal hosted the 3rd annual Gimme Shelter: Rock & Rescue benefit concert at NYC's Highline Ballroom. Debbie Harry, Moby, Jessie Malin, AdRock, and more came out to show their support for the cause. The event raised money and media awareness to help end euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals in NYC Shelters. Fundraising for the cause continues with the Rockstar Online Auction. Rational Animal is the leading advocacy group for at risk animals in NYC. More pictures from the event below...

Continue reading "Rock & Rescue Benefit (Debbie Harry, Moby, Adam Green, Jesse Malin, etc) @ Highline Ballroom, NYC - pics"

Tickets go on presale this morning at 10am (PASSWORD=PL67ER) for a whole bunch of Blondie shows including June 22nd Nokia Theatre in NYC. They're calling it the 'Parallel Lines' 30th Anniversary Tour. All dates below....

Continue reading "Blondie - 2008 Tour Dates (Nokia Theatre, presale now)"

FNAC's ad agency borrows shamelessly from Sleeveface.
Flickr pool here.

Gothamist interviewed Deborah Harry today....

How do you feel about CBGB being turned into an upscale boutique? [Laughs.] It’s just a building. It’s just a storefront, really, when you get right down to it.

Do you feel though that it’s indicative of broader changes in New York City? Yes, in some ways, but you know when you look at New York City it’s a fast moving, crowded place with layers upon layers of history, with these different buildings and venues that are always changing. You know, I go past the corner of St. Mark’s Place and Third Avenue and that used to be The Five Spot, which was an incredible, very famous jazz club. Max’s Kansas City is now a deli. I mean, this is not the first time I’ve seen this happen. It happens all the time in New York.

What’s your favorite place to hear live music in New York these days? There are a lot places I like, it just depends on who’s playing. I go to the Knitting Factory sometimes; that’s always a good place to go. It’s a comfortable, very intimate size and a fun place to go.

Gossip have new songs streaming at MySpace. Beth Ditto's other two recent appearances on this site were with New Young Pony Club and as part of this year's Out 100.

All tour dates (Gossip & Debbie), and a clip of Deborah Harry expressing love for her ex-tour-mates Gossip, below....

Continue reading "Deborah Harry, The Gossip, CBGB, Knitting Factory"

Continue reading "Nomi is on Deborah Harry's new album (videos)"

AOL is streaming Deborah Harry's new album Necessary Evil out October 9th. Ticketmaster is selling tickets to her solo show at Irving Plaza (fillmore) on November 8th. Video for "Two Times Blue", below....

Continue reading "see Debbie Harry @ Irving, stream her new album"

I am very sorry that Hilly is gone. He was a big help to Blondie and to the New York music scene for many years. His club CBGB’s has become a part of New York lore and Rock n’ Roll history. -Debbie Harry.

* VHS or Beta & Walter Meego are at Studio B
* Meat Puppets play Knitting Factory again
* Mark Olson from the Jayhawks is at Bowery Ballroom
* Jennifer Gentle (Sub Pop from Italy) & The Dodos are at Luna Lounge
* Ferraby Lionheart celebrates a CD release w/ MGMT at Mercury Lounge

What else?

DOWNLOAD: Throw Me The Statue - Lolita (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: The Cave Singers - Seeds of Night (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Debbie Harry - Two Times Blue (MP3)

* Dirty Projectors & others play a Showpaper benefit
* Antibalas plays on Governors Island
* Andrew W.K. plays Highline Ballroom
* Kassav' / Bonga @ Prospect Park Bandshell
* Spanish Harlem Orchestra @ Summerstage
* The Foundry Field Recordings are @ Pianos
* The Mae Shi visit Union Pool
* Blonde Redhead & I'm From Barcelona visit McCarren Pool
* Brand Nubian, Cham, MIMS, Joell Ortiz, Clipse & Large Professor
* Dance, Dance, Dance, Dance, Dance
* Lollapalooza & The Virgin Festival
* The Cave Singers going on tour w/ Black Mountain
* Throw Me The Statue's "Lolita" is a popular song
* Tiny Masters of Today collaborating w/ Yeah Yeah Yeahs
* And yes, that is a new Debbie Harry song up there...
* Right above the picture of Debbie and Karen O

What else?