Rocker Phil Collins has spoken out about the difficulties he faces in drumming after undergoing surgery to correct a spinal cord injury and nerve damage caused by years of playing.

"My vertebrae has been crushing my spinal cord because of the position I drum in," he told Rolling Stone. "It comes from years of playing. I can't even hold the sticks properly without it being painful."

Collins has, however, found a new way to drum.

"The first time I picked up the drumsticks after my neck surgery, they flew across the room because I couldn't grip them," he said. When I play, I've had to tape the sticks to my hand. It's like wearing a condom. It's very strange. It really cramps your style."

The drummer added that he hopes another upcoming surgery will help him regain full use of his hands.

Due to Collins' injury, talks of another Genesis reunion have been suspended. The drummer did note, however, that he hopes to perform with a Peter Gabriel-led lineup of Genesis again some day [they toured in 2007 without Peter Gabriel]. [RTT News]

With the Genesis reunion on the shelf for now, Phil Collins is putting together an album of Motown covers to come out this September. To promote the record, he'll be playing four nights at NYC's Roseland Ballroom on June 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th with a 19-piece band. Tickets to those are on Citibank presale now. General sale starts Friday, April 23rd at 10am. More info below.

Serious Genesis fans may want to think twice about seeing Phil on June 23rd (unless they plan to go all four nights). Another Genesis member plays a (free) show in NYC on the same day...

Steve Hackett and Renaissance
Presented by Battery Park City Authority
Steve Hackett, best know as the Genesis guitarist, continues to shine as a star performer and composer in his own right with an original and extraordinary acoustic and electric playing style. Art-rock ensemble Renaissance, led by vocalist Annie Haslam, perfected a synthesis of folk pop and symphonic influence on their classic albums Prologue, Turn of the Cards, and the remade Scheherazade.
Free, 7pm, Rockefeller Park, River Terrace and Warren Streets 212.417.2000

Peter Gabriel, like Phil, has his own new album of covers and shows coming up too. He plays two nights in May at Radio City Music Hall. Tickets are still on sale.

More about Phil Collins' live band and some videos below....

Continue reading "this week in Genesis - Phil Collins releasing Motown covers & playing 4 NYC shows, Steve Hackett playing free summer show "

DOWNLOAD: Bon Iver - Blood Bank (MP3)

Vivian Girls rocking for kids @ the Living Room - Jan 9, 2009 (by Maryanne Ventrice)

today in NYC
* DANCE
* Whiplash @ UCB
* Les Paul @ Iridium
* Mondomundo Fest @ SOB's
* Matteah Baim @ Chelsea Market
* Brooklyn Songwriters Exchange @ Union Hall
* City and Colour & William Elliot Whitmore @ Bowery Ballroom

Zack de la Rocha of Rage Against The Machine was born today in 1970.

Brooklyn Songwriters Exchange brings Lucy Wainwright Roche, Rebecca Pronsky, Stephen Clair, and Brooke Campbell to Union Hall tonight for free.

"On January 12, in presenting the second part of the 2nd Annual Mondo Mundo Festival at S.O.B.'s, the Mondo Mundo Agency brings APAP attendees and NYC fans alike an eclectic line-up of four globally-influenced ensembles each with a unique, modern interpretation on music from Ireland, Latin America and Morocco.; the first 100 industry presenters with APAP badges will get into the festival for free. Mondo Mundo Agency will present a second evening of music as part of their 2nd Annual Mondo Mundo Festival featuring four artists from their roster including The McDades, Zemog El Gallo Bueno, Jose Conde and Hassan Hakmoun at S.O.B.'s."

happy 50th Birthday Motown.

NY Mag has a feature on Antony & the Johnsons.

Pop Matters lists the Best Music Journalism from 2008.

Goblin Cock tour dates.

The Wall Street Journal suggests How the Music Industry Can Get Digital Satisfaction.

The picture up there is from the Kidrockers gig the Vivian Girls played over the weekend. All of their dates HERE.

Bon Iver's new song "Blood Bank" above. Franz Ferdinand's new song "Ulysses" below...

What else?

Continue reading "What's going on Monday?"