"The Federal Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. has suggested that the use of wood from India that is not finished by Indian workers is illegal, not because of U.S. law, but because it is the Justice Department's interpretation of a law in India. (If the same wood from the same tree was finished by Indian workers, the material would be legal.) This action was taken without the support and consent of the government in India.

On August 24, 2011, around 8:45 a.m. CDT, agents for the federal government executed four search warrants on Gibson's facilities in Nashville and Memphis and seized several pallets of wood, electronic files and guitars. Gibson had to cease its manufacturing operations and send workers home for the day, while armed agents executed the search warrants. Gibson has fully cooperated with the execution of the search warrants." [Gibson]"

Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz is outraged at government. Listen to an audio interview with him below...

Continue reading "Gibson guitars vs. U.S. government"

Lollapalooza 2009 (more by Paul Birman)

"The office of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is investigating Lollapalooza sponsors C3 Presents and their partners for anti-trust issues stemming from the radius clauses that the Austin, Texas-based concert promoters impose on all of the artists who play the giant, three-day concert in Grant Park, according to numerous sources familiar with the investigation." [Jim Derogatis]

Basically, bands aren't allowed to play in the same general area, for a certain amount of time, before or after another show they have scheduled. This ensures that one show doesn't compete with the other. The article says that club owners in Chicago say that this especially sucks for them, because so many bands play Lollapalooza and the length of time Lollapalooza says the bands can't play is unfair. Lollapalooza (C3) says that's just how it is, and people who agree with them would say that bands have the choice to play Lollapalooza or not, and then can come back and tour through Chicago later in the year. The above-linked article by Jim is an interesting read.

"Authorities say an arrest in Scott County has made them more aware of a new kind of often abused substance -- something some call the "new marijuana."

Drug agents arrested Sytanya Darren Fells on Friday during a traffic stop on Highway 27 in Oneida. Fells is wanted in Knox County for felony theft and in Florida for felony grand larson.

Fells was a passenger in a camper bound for Bonnaroo. According to drug agents, a serach of the vehicle showed the driver, Larry Thurber, was carrying 38 Xaxax pills and "Mojo" - a synthetic herbal incense often used as an alternative to marijuana." [WBIR, Knoxville, TN]

Video below...

Continue reading ""the new marijuana" discovered on its way to Bonnaroo"

Kid Cudi @ Bonnaroo (via MagicHatBrewing)

"Kid Cudi performed at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Tennessee despite being arrested hours earlier in New York City.

The artist arrived at the venue, telling the fans, "I really wanted to be here tonight." He is also expected to perform at tonight's concert, co-headlining with Jay-Z.

According to sources, the artist was arrested on drug and destruction charges. CuDi allegedly smashed a 24 year old woman's phone and then broke her apartment door off of its hinges." [SickHop]

Videos from Bonnaroo, including one of of Aziz Ansari introducing Kid Cudi, below...

Continue reading "Kid Cudi got arrested in NYC, but still played Bonnaroo"

Ambulance LTD @ Mercury Lounge another time (more by Bao Nguyen)

AMBULANCE LTD - PLAY THEIR FIRST GIG SINCE BEING FREED FROM THE LENGTHY TVT BANKRUPTCY DEBACLE.

AUGUST 18TH 2009 @ MERCURY LOUNGE, NYC.

Ambulance Ltd have been in legal limbo for two years now but are finally free to sign a new record deal. Their first NYC gig since selling out Bowery Ballroom last Summer is going to be at the intimate Mercury Lounge on August 18th.

Marcus will be joined onstage with his brother Kevin Congleton on drums, Ian Fenger on guitar, Jeremy Kay on bass and Matt Sumrow on keyboards. These musicians also play with Dean and Britta, Lissy Trullie and even Marcus' hometown compatriots of Eugene, Oregon The Cherry Poppin Daddies!

Listen to new demos and a great Radio Session and Interview which previews new songs and sheds light on the legal battle at www.myspace.com/ambulanceltd

What are the chances that the band with "LTD" in their name is talking about legal issues and bankruptcy? Actually the other band (member) with LTD in their name is pretty good at getting involved with the law too. Tickets for the Mercury Lounge show are now on sale. Videos below...

Continue reading "Ambulance LTD free from 'bankruptcy debacle', playing show"

"A federal judge has sentenced a man who pleaded guilty to leaking part of the Guns N' Roses album Chinese Democracy to a year's probation. Blogger Kevin Cogill will also serve two months of home confinement, subject his computers to government scrutiny, and record a public service announcement for the Industry Association of America." [LiveNews]

"After about 30 hours of deliberation, a jury on Monday convicted music producer Phil Spector of second-degree murder in the death of actress Lana Clarkson more than six years ago.

Wearing a black suit with a red tie and pocket square, Spector showed no reaction as the verdict was announced. Now 69, he faces a sentence of 18 years to life in prison when he is sentenced May 29.

Asked if he agreed to the sentencing date, Spector quietly answered, "Yes."

Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler declined to allow Spector to remain free on bail pending sentencing, citing Spector's years-long "pattern of violence" involving firearms." [CNN]