The promoter of the more than 30 concerts scheduled for PNC Bank Arts Center this summer has banned tailgating at five of the events, hoping to reduce alcohol consumption, especially underage drinking.

High-ranking representatives of Live Nation Corp., the promoter, told the Senate Legislative Oversight Committee in Trenton today tailgating will not be permitted rock concerts by John Mayer, OAR, 311, Beatstock and a day-long rock festival tagged Projekt Revolution. There will be no Ozzfest tour this year.

Live Nation, which has nine years remaining on a seemingly ironclad 20-year contract to present concerts at the state-owned amphitheater, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, and the State Police want to prevent a repeat of the last year's concert season when 2 teenagers died, and 615 people were arrested, mainly for heavy drinking, including 437 who were 20 years old or younger at 34 concerts. [NJ.com]

The weirdest thing happened recently (well, not that weird). A band called Dispatch sold out three nights in a row at Madison Square Garden, and I realized I had never even heard of them. I guess I slept through that part? Anyway, they added a fourth show at Webster Hall that goes on sale next week via Ticketmaster Auction (thx Matt). Are they friends with O.A.R.?

Squeeze is touring, and tickets are now on sale for a 2nd NYC date at Nokia Theatre. (thx Thighs)

The Police kicked off their reunion tour in Canada, and they've added another NYC show.

I know nothing about this band, but file this in the "band that plays MSG may be playing a small venue" category. Somebody told me that "Exposed Youth" at Knitting Factory on June 4th is O.A.R. under a fake name. Google reveals that "Exposed Youth" was O.A.R.'s old name or something.

As you know, Duran Duran is playing a fan club show at Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC on June 17th. I have two pairs of tickets to give away. Do you want to win them? You don't even need to be in the fan club. E-mail BVCONTESTS@HOTMAIL.COM (subject: Duran), and include a link to a YouTube video from the 80's that you think is awesome. Two winners will be picked and notified via e-mail. Contest ends June 7, 2007 @ noon EST.

And since this post started with an old Rolling Stone cover, here's a picture of that new Amy Winehouse one: