Ticket News

Angels rookie pitcher Adenhart killed in car crash

2009-04-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart was among three people killed in a crash in Fullerton, California, early Thursday, according to the team and a hospital spokesman.
Adenhart, 22, from Silver Spring, Maryland, died at UC Irvine Medical Center, according to spokesman John Murray.
"The Angels family has suffered a tremendous loss today," Tony Reagins, the team's general manager, said in a written statement. "We are deeply saddened and shocked by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick's family, friends, loved ones and fans."
One person was arrested in connection with the three-vehicle accident occurred about 12:23 a.m. Thursday in Fullerton, south of Los Angeles. Witnesses say a red minivan ran a red light and struck two vehicles at a Fullerton intersection, police Lt. Craig Brower told CNN.
One of the vehicles, a gray Mitsubishi, slammed into a power pole, Brower said. Two of its passengers were dead at the scene, he said. The other two were transported to UC Irvine Medical Center.
Murray said Adenhart underwent surgery and died at the hospital, but did not know if he died during or after the procedure. Brower said the remaining passenger was in critical condition.
The Angels said the two dead at the scene included the female driver of the Mitsubishi and another male. No other members of the Angels organization were involved, the team said.
Adenhart reportedly was "in bad condition at the scene," team spokesman Tim Mead told reporters, and there wasn't much that could be done for him at the hospital. He died "mid- to late morning," Mead said.
A passenger in the minivan was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, Brower said. The third vehicle sustained minor damage, and its driver was unhurt, he said. Police did not identify any of the dead.
The minivan's driver fled the scene and was later arrested, Brower said. Andrew Thomas Gallo, 22, of Riverside will face charges of manslaughter, felony driving under the influence and hit-and-run, he said.
Footage from the scene showed the minivan with a smashed front end and the Mitsubishi, which was heavily damaged. Debris littered the intersection where the crash took place, and it was cordoned off with yellow police tape.
The Angels' game Thursday night with the Oakland A's was postponed at the direction of Bud Selig, commissioner of Major League Baseball. No information was released as to when the game would be played.
"Major League Baseball is in mourning today upon the news of this tragedy that has taken Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart and two others," Selig said in a statement. "Nick was just 22 years of age, with a wonderful life and career ahead of him. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my sincere sympathy to the families and friends of all three victims and to the entire Angels' organization. I send my deepest condolences to Nick's parents, Jim and Janet. The hearts of everyone in baseball are with them at this most difficult time."
The Angels quoted Adenhart's family in the team statement, saying they "expresses sincere gratitude for all the help the Angels have provided.
"He lived his dream and was blessed to be part of an organization comprised of such warm, caring and compassionate people," Adenhart's parents said in the Angels statement. "The Angels were his extended family. Thanks to all of Nick's loyal supporters and fans throughout his career. He will always be in everyone's hearts forever."
Funeral and memorial arrangements were pending, the team said.
MLBPA Executive Director Donald Fehr issued the following statement.: "We were shaken and deeply saddened when we learned about the terrible accident that claimed the lives of Nick Adenhart and others. Just hours before the accident, Nick demonstrated his passion for baseball and his prospects for a very bright future when he pitched six scoreless innings for the Angels. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick's family, his teammates, the Angels organization and his many friends and fans; it is very painful to lose a son, a teammate and a friend under these circumstances, and we also extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the other victims of the crash."
Adenhart pitched in a game against the Oakland A's Wednesday night in Anaheim, California, making what was characterized as a "brilliant effort" despite the Angels' 6-4 loss, according to Major League Baseball's Web site, MLB.com.
In his fourth major league start, Adenhart pitched a scoreless six innings, allowing seven hits, three walks and five strikeouts.
"I thought he pitched a terrific game," manager Mike Scioscia told MLB.com after the game and before the crash took place. "He gave us a chance to win. He has better tools out there now. He pitched ahead a lot and was able to get back in counts and put guys away."
"It felt good to work out of some jams early," Adenhart told MLB.com. "My curveball was really working for me, and then my change came on later when I felt I needed it."
Jim Adenhart had flown out from Baltimore, Maryland, and was at Wednesday night's game to watch his son's start, his first of the season, Mead said. He remained in California Thursday, and Janet Adenhart was expected to fly out later in the day.
The Angels drafted Adenhart in the 14th round of the June 2004 draft, according to the team statement. He was in his fifth professional season and made the Angels Opening Day Roster for the first time.
"Adenhart earned his spot in the Angels rotation via a spring training in which he recorded a 3-0 record and a 3.12 ERA over the course of six starts," the team statement said. "During that span, he struck out 18 while allowing only five base on balls."
Adenhart made his major league debut May 1, 2008, against Oakland, the team said. At the time, he was the youngest active-roster pitcher in the majors.
Adenhart was a 2004 graduate of Williamsport High School in Williamsport, Maryland. His baseball coach there, Rod Steiner, told CNN affiliate WHAG, "After watching last night, as well as he pitched ... things seemed to be going so smooth. This is the last thing that you ever imagine."
He remembered Adenhart as a hard worker who knew he wanted to be a major-league pitcher while still in high school, and worked hard to achieve that goal, despite a setback when he had to undergo shoulder surgery.
He said area residents who didn't even know Adenhart followed his career and cheered him on. "He touched a lot of lives."
Adenhart was a member of the 2006 Olympic Qualifying Team that traveled to Cuba and qualified the United States for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. He started one game for Team USA, earning a no-decision and striking out six batters in an 8-7 win over Brazil.
"You're never prepared for this kind of news," USA Baseball Executive CEO Paul Seiler said. "We, like the entire the baseball community, mourn the loss of someone so young who was in the prime of his life. Our thoughts go out to his family, his teammates and the entire Angels organization."
Davey Johnson, who managed the 2006 Olympic Qualifying Team, fondly remembered his time with Adenhart.
"One of the highlights of managing for USA Baseball is the opportunity to work with bright, young players who are eager to learn the game. Nick embodied all of those attributes. He was a joy to manage in Cuba and was a key contributor to our success there. This is such a tragedy -- his career was just getting started."

Kanye West Launching Energy Drink, Cologne

2009-04-09T14:54:00.000-07:00

Rapper Kanye West is expanding his empire into branded beverages and fragrances.West will have his own energy drink through a collaboration with GURU Beverages Inc., a maker and distributor of organic and natural drinks. West will be involved in the entire development process of a new beverage "inspired by his own personal artistic vision," the company announced yesterday (April 8). The new drink is expected to launch later this year. As part of the deal, West is now an equity partner in the company."I express myself through music, fashion, art and design and that's why I am excited to collaborate with GURU; because the brand values what I value, and I can put what inspires me into this new product," West said in a statement. West is also part of a deal that will see branded perfumes and colognes from Jay-Z, Rihanna, and West himself. Parlux Fragrances, Inc., announced Tuesday (April 7) that it has signed an agreement with Iconic Fragrances LLC, Jay-Z's own licensing company. The agreement allows for royalties, profit sharing, and stock options for West and the others.

Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder Announces Solo Tour

2009-04-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder will tour selected Eastern and Southern U.S. cities in June, the band announced on its website today (April 8). Vedder's new 14-date solo trek starts June 8 in Albany, N.Y. and hits intimate venues in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Nashville, Memphis and Atlanta before wrapping up with a trio of Hawaii dates June 29 - July 2.Liam Finn, who was also the opening act on Vedder's inaugural solo tour last year in support of the "Into The Wild" soundtrack, will open for Vedder on the entire run of new dates.A presale for current Pearl Jam fanclub members runs through April 10 at 5pm Pacific at PearlJam.com.The Pearl Jam frontman recently performed alongside Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr at the David Lynch Foundation benefit "Change Begins Within" at New York's Radio City Music Hall on April 4. Vedder is also on the bill for folk icon Pete Seeger's 90th Birthday Concert at New York's Madison Square Garden on May 3.
June 8: Albany, N.Y. (Palace Theatre)June 9: Albany, N.Y. (Palace Theatre)*June 11: Philadelphia (Tower Theatre)June 12: Philadelphia (Tower Theatre)June 14: Baltimore (Lyric Opera House)June 15: Baltimore (Lyric Opera House)June 18: Nashville, Tenn. (Ryman Auditorium)June 20: Memphis, Tenn. (Orpheum)June 21: Memphis, Tenn. (Orpheum)*June 23: Atlanta (Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center)June 24: Atlanta (Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center)*June 29: Maui, HI (Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theatre)July 1: Honolulu (Hawaii Theatre)July 2: Honolulu (Hawaii Theatre)* indicates the "unconfirmed, possible 'rollover'" date.

Rascal Flatts On Track To Score No. 1 On Billboard 200

2009-04-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

Rascal Flatts' new album "Unstoppable" looks like it'll live up to its name, as it's on course to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart next week. Industry prognosticators project the Lyric Street set will sell over 300,000 copies in its first week, and suggest that number could grow even higher.If it does open at No. 1, it will be the fourth chart-topper for the band -- the most of any country group. They are currently tied for the most with the Dixie Chicks.Unsurprisingly, "Unstoppable" leads the Nielsen SoundScan Building chart that was released on April 8, which reflected unweighted sales through the close of business on Tuesday, April 7.Billboard estimates the seven merchants who report to Nielsen SoundScan's Building chart -- Trans World Entertainment, Best Buy, iTunes, Starbucks, Borders, Target and Anderson Merchandisers -- comprise about 60% of all U.S. album sales.Rascal Flatts' last studio album, 2007's "Still Feels Good," opened at No. 1 with 547,000 and has sold 2.2 million in the U.S.
Other albums looking good for a top 10 debut on next week's Billboard 200 chart include Jadakiss' "Last Kiss" (Ruff Ryders/D-Block/Def Jam) and Jason Aldean's "Wide Open" (Broken Bow). Also, watch for Walt Disney's "Hannah Montana: the Movie" soundtrack to post a big gain next week, as the film bows in U.S. theaters on Friday, April 10. The Easter holiday, which falls on Sunday, April 12, will also likely be a sales driver for the set.Nielsen SoundScan's sales tracking week, as reflected in the official Billboard 200 chart, runs from Monday through Sunday of each week. The newest Billboard 200 chart, released today (April 8) -- where Keith Urban's "Defying Gravity" debuted at No. 1 with 172,000 -- reflected the week that ended on Sunday, April 5.

Fall Out Boy Takes 50 Cent On Tour

2009-04-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

It was 50 Cent's proposal to play some shows with Fall Out Boy this month. But he didn't have to ask twice."He came up with the idea, and we were like, 'Yeah. Totally. Yeah. Why not?," frontman Patrick Stump tells Billboard.com. "He had been talking for awhile about doing something together. We definitely like hip-hop a lot, and I think a lot of people know that at this point. We've toured with Paul Wall. We've had Lil Wayne on our record. I worked with Gym Class Heroes extensively. So I think it works."But Stump acknowledges that hasn't been a universal sentiment."We've encountered a little bit of negative feelings about it," he says, "but I think that you should challenge your audience a little bit. And I think the reality is that, OK, if you don't like 50 Cent, if you're that stuck-up that you're going to stand there and hate him actively, then go to the concession stand during (his set). Go get a T-shirt or go to the bathroom if that's how you feel. Otherwise, challenge yourself."I'm excited to see how it goes because it will certainly add something to the tour in a different way that I think is worth seeing. I think it should be interesting."
The rapper -- whose new album, "Before I Self Destruct," is due in June -- is playing five shows with Fall Out Boy, starting April 14 at the Fillmore in Denver. Both acts are also playing at this weekend's Bamboozle Left festival in Irvine, Calif. Stump says there are no plans yet to collaborate on stage, but he doesn't rule it out, either."We haven't really talked about it," Stump says, "but I think a tour kind of has a life of its own. On the first day it's just like summer camp -- you're really awkward. But by the last day you have your group of friends and you've figured yourself out, so who knows? It may happen. I could just as easily see him and Cobra Starship hanging out, so we'll see."Fall Out Boy kicks off its Believers Never Die Part Deux tour today (April 3) in Mesa, Ariz. Other opening acts on the tour include Metro Station, All Time Low and Hey Monday.

Aerosmith To Tour With ZZ Top, New Album Delayed

2009-04-07T15:39:00.000-07:00

Health issues and touring commitments have combined to postpone Aerosmith's next album, according to guitarist Joe Perry.Perry tells Billboard.com that the record sessions -- for the group's first album since 2004's "Honkin' on Bobo" and first of all-original material since 2001's "Just Push Play," were delayed when he had to have surgery earlier this year to clear out an infection in his knee replacement. Then, last month, singer Steven Tyler came down with pneumonia, after which the veteran Boston rockers "realized there wasn't any chance of getting it finished before we hit the road for the summer. So basically we had to push (the album) back, and when the band gets off the road, that's when we'll pick up the Aerosmith record."Aerosmith's tour, the group's first since 2007, starts in June with ZZ Top. Perry says about 40 dates are set so far for North America, with South America, Europe and Japan also under consideration. The itinerary should be announced soon.Perry -- who was in Cleveland to attend Saturday's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony and perform the Yard Birds' "Train Kept A Rollin'" with Metallica, Ron Wood and inductee Jeff Beck -- says Aerosmith has "probably two or three (songs) that could be mixed right now, maybe even more. But there's a long way between two or three and doing the 12 or 14 that you have to have to do a whole project." He says what's been done so far at his home studio with producer Brendan O'Brien "sounds like 'Rocks'" and hews closer to the rougher sound of "Honkin' on Bobo" than the more polished production of "Just Push Play." "It's everybody in the room with a producer cracking the whip," Perry notes, "laying the tracks down and getting a good take without having to (edit) too much."
The silver lining in the Aerosmith delay, Perry adds, is that he's been able to go "full blast" on his next solo album, the follow-up to 2005's Grammy-nominated "Joe Perry." He has 10-12 songs ready -- three of which, including a cover, he played for Billboard.com -- which he'll record with "an A-list producer I can't name, but will very soon." David Hull from the Joe Perry Project is playing on some tracks, along with Ben Tileston, who plays drums with two of Perry's sons in TAB the Band. He's also considering using other players and possibly guest vocalists."I have a big chunk of time before the tour, so I'm gonna try to get the solo record done as soon as I can," Perry says. "Chances are you're gonna be hearing that before you hear an Aerosmith record...'cause I expect the Aerosmith tour, God willing. to continue through the fall."

Metallica, Run-DMC Inducted Into Rock Hall Of Fame

2009-04-07T15:35:00.000-07:00

Metallica shoved the mosh pit into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.Heavy metal's heaviest hitters, whose menacing, monstrous sound has banged heads around the globe for decades, were inducted into rock's shrine on Saturday night, capping a star-studded ceremony that felt much more like a concert than an awards show.For the first time, the no-holds-barred show, back in Cleveland following a 12-year holdover in New York's Waldorf-Astoria ballroom, was open to the public.And nearly 5,000 fans partied in the balconies inside renovated Public Auditorium as 1,200 VIPs dined below at tables costing as much $50,000 each.Many of the came to pay homage to Metallica, which earned top billing in an eclectic 2009 class that included rap pioneers Run-DMC, virtuoso guitarist Jeff Beck, soul singer Bobby Womack and rhythm and blues vocal group Little Anthony and the Imperials.
Metallica's members have survived some of the dark themes — death, destruction and desolation — that threads through its music, and their induction was a chance to celebrate their legacy as perhaps the hardest band to ever walk the earth. The event also served as a reunion as bassist Jason Newsted, who left the group in 2001, joined his former bandmates on stage for seering versions of "Master of Puppets" and "Enter Sandman.""Whatever the intangibles elements are that make a band the best, Metallica has them," said Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, who delivered a heartfelt speech in presenting the band. He recalled being on tour and hearing Metallica on the radio for the first time."My mind was blown. It wasn't punk rock. It wasn't heavy metal. It just stood by itself," he said. "I didn't know what it was, but I knew it was a mighty thing."In accepting their awards, Metallica's members were joined by Ray Burton, the father of original bassist Cliff Burton, who died tragically in 1986 when the band's tour bus skidded off an icy road in Sweden."Dream big and dare to fail, because this is living proof that it is possible to make a dream come true," said frontman-guitaristr James Hetfield, who then rattled off a long list of hard-rocking bands he feels deserve induction."Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy, Rush, Kiss, Ted Nugent, Iron Maiden, Motorhead. We'd like to invite them through the door," said Hetfield, who concluded his remarks by wrapping Ulrich in a bear hug.The evening ended with a jam for the ages as Metallica, Beck, Jimmy Page, Aerosmith's Joe Tyler and Flea brought the house down with a performance of the Yardbirds' "Train Kept A Rollin."A guitar virtuoso, Beck, who was previously inducted in 1992 with the Yardbirds, was put in for his solo work. Although best known for his rock accomplishments, Beck's career has wandered a fretboard of genres ranging from blues to jazz to electronica."Jeff's style is totally unorthodox to the way anyone was taught," said Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, who presented his longtime friend. "He keeps getting better and better and better."Beck, wearing all white, was joined on stage by Page, a fellow guitar god, who played bass during a searing rendition of Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song."With two turntables and a microphone, Run-DMC broke down the barriers between rock and rap. With sparse, stripped-down lyrics above pounding beats, the trio of Joseph "DJ Run" Simmons, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels and Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell changed rap in the 1980s by taking the realities of the streets to the suburbs.

Phish To Play Fenway Park

2009-04-07T15:34:00.000-07:00

The Green Monster is getting scaly.Phish announced a May 31 concert at Fenway Park on Monday, one of a handful of shows the Vermont-based jamband added to its summer tour.The home of the Boston Red Sox has only recently been used as a concert venue, first by Bruce Springsteen in 2003. Jimmy Buffett, the Rolling Stones and the Police followed suit at the world's oldest baseball park.The Phish foursome reunited last month in Hampton, Va., after nearly five years off.

Simon And Garfunkel Confirm Reunion Tour

2009-04-07T15:32:00.000-07:00

Simon and Garfunkel have crossed their personal bridge over troubled water and will reunite for a rare concert tour, kicking off in New Zealand and Australia.Veteran Australian promoter Michael Chugg has confirmed the music industry's worst kept secret with the news that Paul Simon and his long-time running mate Art Garfunkel will return to the stage for a string of Australasian dates mid-year.However, fans of the hit-making singers and songwriters will have to sit tight on international dates, which so far have yet to be announced.The enduring duo will first visit New Zealand for a June 13 concert at Auckland's Vector Arena, before traveling west for seven shows in Australia, beginning June 17 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and concluding July 2 at the Burswood Dome in Perth. It will mark the pair's first Australasian visit since their 1983 Summer Evening Tour."It's been 25 years since they've been here and I'd put money on the table this will likely be the last time for us with these two legends together," comments Chugg, executive chairman of Sydney-based Chugg Entertainment. "This is probably a twice in a lifetime chance, but the last time you'll get to take it I'd say."
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General tickets go on sale April 17 in Australia via Ticketek, and through Ticketmaster in New Zealand. A special Visa Entertainment pre-sale for all shows began today at 12 noon local time and runs until 5pm this Wednesday.Speculation on a reunion tour has ramped up since the partnership played a surprise reunion gig Feb. 13 at New York's Beacon Theatre, which was hosting its first event after a seven-month renovation by Madison Square Garden Entertainment.The pair performed "The Sound of Silence," "The Boxer" and "Old Friends" during the encore, in what was understood to be just their third appearance together since concluding a 2004 U.S. and European reunion run, entitled Old Friends In Concert Tour.

Chris Brown Pleads Not Guilty

2009-04-07T15:28:00.000-07:00

Chris Brown pleaded not guilty Monday to threatening and assaulting his girlfriend, fellow music star Rihanna.The 19-year-old R&B singer entered his plea, speaking in a soft voice, while standing alongside his lawyer, Mark Geragos. His mother sat in the first row, red-eyed.Within moments of the hearing, a lawyer for Rihanna said the singer was hoping a plea deal could be reached before the case goes to trial. "She would be pleased if this was over quickly," attorney Donald Etra said. He reiterated that Rihanna would testify if required.Brown was charged in March by Los Angeles County prosecutors with felony assault likely to cause great bodily injury and making criminal threats. He was arrested nearly a month earlier after police said he was involved in an early morning altercation with a woman who identified the "Run It!" singer as her attacker.Court records list Brown's victim as "Robyn F." Rihanna's real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty.
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Etra represented the 21-year-old "Umbrella" singer at Monday's arraignment, but did not speak during the five-minute hearing. He said afterward that that the singer is in "fine spirits" and spending time with her family in Barbados.Etra said Brown's plea was "totally expected."If convicted, Brown could be sentenced to probation or nearly five years in prison.Neither side has publicly addressed Brown and Rihanna's relationship since the incident.But there has been discernible fallout and backlash since Brown's arrest.Neither singer performed at the Grammy Awards hours after the alleged beating, and both were also no-shows for the Kids' Choice Awards show March 28.Sponsors have stopped using Brown, some radio stations have stopped playing his music and some broadcasters have even started playing an anti-Chris Brown song created by the little-known dance group Smoke Jumpers.Brown left the courthouse with his mother, two bodyguards and an entourage. On his way out, he had to walk through a phalanx of cameras. He was picked up by a car in front of the courthouse.Geragos offered no comment and quickly left the courthouse with his client.

AC/DC Adds Summer Stadium Shows

2009-04-07T15:21:00.000-07:00

Following a successful run of North American arenas earlier this year, AC/DC will bring its Black Ice tour back to the United States this summer. New dates begin July 28 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., and are currently scheduled through Sept. 8 in Anaheim, Calif. Nine new U.S. dates were confirmed at deadline, and more will be announced shortly. AC/DC is currently touring in Europe through late June. Tickets for summer concerts in Foxborough; East Rutherford, N.J.; Detroit; Grand Rapids, Mich.; and Tacoma, Wash.; go on sale Saturday (April 11) through ticketmaster.com and the band's Web site, acdc.com. Tickets for the San Diego show go on sale April 18, and the Los Angeles concert goes on sale April 25. Since starting its tour in late October, most of AC/DC’s North America dates sold out. From October 2008 through March 2009, the band grossed $49.1 million from 36 concerts that drew nearly 561,000 fans, according to Billboard Boxscore. AC/DC's ongoing Black Ice world tour -- its first outing since 2001, when it grossed $28.5 million from 52 shows, according to Boxscore -- is in support of the rock act's latest album release "Black Ice." The Columbia set, released exclusively through Wal-mart, Sam's Club and AC/DC's Web site last October, has moved 2 million copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Depeche Mode announces venues for North American tour

2009-04-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

Depeche Mode has unveiled the venues for this summer's North American leg of its "Tour of the Universe."
The new-wave pioneers begin their North American trek July 24 and are currently scheduled to make stops in 20 cities by earlier September. The itinerary is included below.
The international portion of the jaunt launches May 10 in Tel Aviv, Israel, before heading to Europe for a string of 35 stops. Details for the overseas performances are posted at the band's website.
The British icons are promoting their 12th studio album, "Sounds of the Universe," which hits shelves stateside April 21. The group recently released the video for the effort's first single, "Wrong," on their website, and announced last Tuesday (2/24) that they would be the first artists to participate in the iTunes Pass. Fans who purchase the new album for a slightly higher price through the iTunes Pass option will also be the first to receive exclusive singles, remixes and videos over a set period of time. A Black Light Odyssey Dub remix of another new Depeche Mode track titled "Oh Well" was the first exclusive unveiled.

Metallica Announce Second North American Tour

2009-04-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

Metallica have a new North American tour set-out for late 2009.
Starting in Nashville, TN on September 14, the second leg of the rockers' 'Death Magnetic' tour will continue through until December 12 with a final performance in San Jose, CA.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1981, Metallica rose from humble beginnings to become one of the biggest and most influential heavy-metal bands on the planet. Their 1983 debut, Kill 'Em All, is widely considered one of the first thrash-metal albums, thanks to its blitzkrieg riffs and breakneck tempo. Their subsequent albums — 1984's Ride the Lightning, 1986's Master of Puppets and 1988's ... And Justice for All — saw the band expanding not just their sound, but their audience. Their self-titled 1991 album (also known as The Black Album for its iconic onyx cover) made them one of the biggest bands in the world, with a long run at #1 on the Billboard albums chart, selling a staggering 22 million copies worldwide. Last year, they released the return-to-form Death Magnetic, which also debuted atop the Billboard charts and was one of 2008's biggest-selling albums.

U2 360 Tour: Chicago, Boston and New York All Instantaneous Sell-Outs

2009-04-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES, March 30, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ ----TORONTO - 2 SHOWS COMPLETELY SOLD OUT!
With sales this morning of over 82,000 tickets sold in New York, 72,000 in Boston and 65,000 in Chicago U2 360 Tour will set the largest single day attendance record in each city.
Response has been overwhelming and records continue to shatter. In London, with over 6700 tickets sold in just 60 seconds, ticket sales for U2 360 Tour at Wembley Stadium resulted in the highest sales rate ever in the UK. At Dublin's Croke Park, 160,000 tickets for U2 360 Tour performances on July 24th and 25th sold out in just 40 minutes, leading the announcement of a 3rd and final event in that city. Sales in Gothenburg and Amsterdam were so brisk that 2nd performances were added and sold out within hours of them going on sale. Zagreb sales broke all sales records in that country and last week - U2's tour opener in Barcelona sold out in 54 minutes becoming the fastest ever sold out show in the history of pop music in Spain.
The North American tour opener in Chicago September 12th at Soldier Field was an instantaneous sell-out. Due to overwhelming demand, a 2nd and final performance September 13th also with special guest Snow Patrol has been confirmed. In Boston, in addition to the sold out September 20th performance, fans will be able to see U2 with special guest Snow Patrol at a second event - September 21st at Gillette Stadium.
In New York at Giants Stadium, Muse will be the special guest at both the September 24th and now 2nd and final performance on September 25th. In Toronto, response to the announcement of U2's performance was so strong that a 2nd performance was announced prior to it going on sale this morning and both performances September 16 and 17th at Rogers Center are also now sold out.
Also confirmed this morning, U2 360 Tour will visit Washington - September 29th at FedEx Field; Charlottesville, October 1st at Scott Stadium; Atlanta - October 6th at Georgia Dome; Tampa - October 9th at Raymond James Stadium; Los Angeles - October 25th at the Rose Bowl; and Vancouver - October 28th at BC Place Stadium.
Tickets in Charlottesville will go on sale Friday, April 3rd. Tickets for all additional performances including the 2nd and final performances in Chicago, Boston and New York will go on sale next Monday, April 6th at 10:00 am.
Full details of all dates and on-sale information as well as a virtual model of the unique production and seating positions can be found on a dedicated microsite at U2.com. Subscribers to U2's official website U2.com will have an opportunity to purchase tickets in advance of the public on sale date.

No Doubt Announces 2009 Summer Tour With Special Guest Paramore

2009-04-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES, CA – Grammy-winning rock band No Doubt announced plans for their 2009 summer tour today. The band will launch their highly anticipated tour this May, playing outdoor amphitheaters and arenas throughout the summer. Singer Gwen Stefani said, “The whole reason for going on this tour was to have fun, try on all our favorite songs again and to get inspired to make new music. It feels good to be all together again."No Doubt has selected Paramore as the special guest for the tour. "What a dream tour! We couldn't be more excited to kick off 2009 by touring with a band like No Doubt,” said Paramore singer Hayley Williams. "Get there early...this is going to a be a great night from the moment the lights go down," said bassist Tony Kanal. The third act that will open the show will be shared among The Sounds, Janelle Monae and Bedouin Soundclash. Check your local listings for more specific information. “Now that five years have passed, the excitement level for us is extremely high. We are so fresh and ready! I feel like a kid again when rehearsing these songs,” said drummer Adrian Young.The 2009 No Doubt Summer Tour will be produced by Live Nation and will include stops in both the U.S. and Canada. The band last toured in 2004, co-headlining with Blink 182.

Busy Neil Young to release box set

2009-03-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

Neil Young’s a busy guy. He’s got a new album, “Fork in the Road,” due out April 7. He has put out a pair of videos, drawn from songs on the album; one (“Cough Up the Bucks”) comments on the economic mess, while the other (“Light a Candle”) strikes a more optimistic note.
And, if you’re a fan, the biggest news of all is that he’s finally putting out a long-awaited box set of his first 10 years, from some 1963 live sets through material for his 1972 classic, “Harvest,” and on to his 1973 film, “Journey into the Past.” In typical drily humorous Young fashion, the 10-disc set is called “Archives, Vol. 1.” (One can only imagine that a complete Young overview will be like one of those 150-CD sets compiling everything Bach ever wrote.)
Young can be notoriously — and justifiably — fussy about his recordings, paying strict attention to sound quality, microphone selection and basic “feel.” So it’s a real treat that this box set is finally seeing the light of day, particularly given what’s sure to be some exciting work: the years with Buffalo Springfield, the early material with Crazy Horse, perhaps even those Mynah Birds records with Rick James.
The box set comes out June 2, and is being released in three forms: an 8-CD box, a 10-DVD box, and a 10-disc box on Blu-ray DVD. The man is nothing if not accommodating.

T.O. a no-show at Bills' workouts

2009-03-23T16:44:00.000-07:00

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- T.O. was a no-show Monday for the start of the Bills voluntary offseason conditioning program.
That didn't stop his new teammates from eagerly awaiting Terrell Owens' arrival -- whenever that might occur -- and even getting in a laugh or two.
"I'm really excited about meeting the guy," center Geoff Hangartner said. "I've heard he's a great teammate."
Hangartner, who signed with the lls on Feb. 28, even got a joke in at Owens' expense, showing there's more than one Bills newcomer with a playful side.
With an obvious wink and a smile, Hangartner complained his free-agent signing has since been overshadowed by Owens, who made a far bigger splash a week later when he signed a one-year, $6.5 million deal.
"I'm pretty angry about it really," Hangartner said, barely able to contain his laughter. "I figured all along I'd be like the big-name free-agent signing."
Pausing for effect, Hangartner added: "That's fine. I can see why we've gotten overshadowed. He obviously earned the right to be the lead dog."
Owens' absence was not a big concern for Bills strength and conditioning coach John Allaire.
Stressing that the program is voluntary, Allaire said he was already impressed with the shape Owens was in when the two met shortly before the player signed with the Bills on March 7.
"He's a physical specimen," Allaire said. "He has a very good history of being in shape, ready to go. We're not anticipating anything different this year."
Having reviewed Owens' workout program, Allaire said the two are "on the same page" and there isn't much he needs to address.
Allaire would only say, "we'll see," when asked whether he expects Owens to take part in the 12-week conditioning program.
It's also not clear whether Owens will attend the team's voluntary minicamps set to start in May.
Two weeks ago, coach Dick Jauron noted the 35-year-old Owens' previous history of not taking part in voluntary sessions with his past teams, but hoped the Bills would be an exception.
"My hope is that he's here," Jauron said. "He knows how important it is for us, particularly in his first year with us."
Under NFL rules governing offseason workouts, players are required to attend teams' mandatory minicamps, which the Bills have scheduled for June.
Owens was unavailable for comment. His publicist, Keith Estabrook, said he was not aware of Owens schedule regarding the Bills and referred questions to the team.
One thing certain was how eager Owens' teammates were to see what impact he'll make to a sputtering offense that's ranked among the league's worst over the past six seasons; and whether he can change the fortunes of a team that's missed the playoffs for nine straight years.
"I don't know about anybody else's feelings, I know about mine: I'm pretty excited," guard Langston Walker said. "We've all seen him make some amazing plays and catches over the last few years ... He's definitely something that defenses are going to have to account for."
Second-year receiver James Hardy looked forward to start working with Owens, even though the two play the same position.
"I welcome him with open arms," Hardy said. "I'm going to try to soak up as much information as I possibly can and try to put it into my game. I know overall, at the end of the road, it's going to be a great experience for me."
Hardy has already benefited, saying he received an undisclosed amount of money for agreeing to give up his No. 81 jersey to Owens. Hardy will now wear 84.
"The number was never a big deal to me," Hardy said. "For the most part, everyone's excited because they feel he can help us on the offensive side."
The NFL's broadcasting partners have taken notice.
The league announced Monday that the Bills will be part of its Kickoff Weekend prime time schedule, opening their regular season with a Monday night game at AFC East rival New England on Sept. 14. The game will feature not only Tom Brady's expected return, but feature two of the league's premier receivers, Owens and New England's Randy Moss.

Britney Spears's Ex Ordered to Stay Away for Three Years

2009-03-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

Britney Spears and ex-boyfriend Adnan Ghalib won't be getting back together anytime soon. The paparazzo, 36, is forbidden from communicating with the singer, 27, or getting within 100 yards of her for the next three years, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Aviva K. Bobb ruled Wednesday. The orders also prevent Ghalib from contacting Spears directly or indirectly through phone, mail or e-mail, as well as forbid him to claim that he represents her interests. Others protected by the order include Spears's parents, siblings and her children.The singer's father, Jamie Spears, who requested the order in January, has accused Ghalib and ex-manager Sam Lutfi of trying to disrupt his daughter's life. Before Jamie gained legal control over Britney, the pop star was hospitalized twice. Ghalib is also facing felony charges for allegedly trying to run over a process server.

Zvonareva beats Ivanovic, wind to take Indian Wells title

2009-03-23T16:33:00.000-07:00

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) -- Vera Zvonareva was the steadier player on a wind-swept afternoon at Indian Wells on Sunday, defeating defending champion Ana Ivanovic in the BNP Paribas title match.
With swirling gusts making the service toss difficult and even some routine shots extremely tricky, the 24-year-old Russian took a 7-6 (5), 6-2 victory over her Serbian opponent.
No. 6 Zvonareva added the crown to the doubles championship she won the previous day with teammate Victoria Azarenka, whom she had beaten in the singles semifinal.
Zvonareva joined Lindsay Davenport as the only women to win the singles and doubles title at Indian Wells in the same year. Davenport did it twice, in 1997 and 2000.
In the singles final this time, the wind swirled around the stadium in the 40-mph range, with both players often tossing the ball to serve only to have to catch it and try again. Serving on the first point of the tiebreaker, Ivanovic tossed the ball up, it went sailing some three feet behind her, bounced on the court and kept bouncing away, swept off the court by the wind.
Ivanovic finally served and won the point, but a string of errors cost her the rest of the tiebreaker and plagued her in the second set.
Zvonareva, who won her ninth career singles title and second of the year, handled the conditions better. She made 23 unforced errors, half of Ivanovic's total. Ivanovic also had five double faults, Zvonareva one.
Those mistakes negated Ivanovic's winners -- she hit 29 to Zvonareva's five.
The victory evened Zvonareva's record against Ivanovic to 4-4.
No. 7 Ivanovic, the defending French Open champion who had two stints at No. 1 last year, was trying to become only the second woman to repeat as Indian Wells champion. Martina Navratilova won the desert event in 1990-91.

Schilling announces retirement

2009-03-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

BOSTON (AP) -- Curt Schilling retired from baseball Monday, ending a career in which he won World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks and was one of the game's most dominant pitchers and grittiest competitors.
The 42-year-old right-hander said on his blog he's leaving after 23 years with "zero regrets." Schilling missed all of last season with a shoulder injury after signing a one-year, $8 million contract.
"The things I was allowed to experience, the people I was able to call friends, teammates, mentors, coaches and opponents, the travel, all of it, are far more than anything I ever thought possible in my lifetime," he wrote.
Schilling had surgery last June and had said he might come back in the middle of this season though he was not under contract. He made no reference to his injury on his blog.
He was co-MVP of the 2001 World Series with Randy Johnson while in Arizona. Schillingalso won World Series titles with Boston in 2004 and 2007.
"Curt had a great career and made a profound impact on the Red Sox, helping to restore the Red Sox' status as a championship organization," general manager Theo Epstein said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "He was consistently dominant, and never more so than when it mattered most. Not only for what he did -- but for when and how he did it -- Curt deserves to be remembered with the all-time greats."
Schilling came to Boston for the 2004 season and helped the team win its first World Series in 86 years, pitching Game 2 of a sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals after a surgical procedure to suture a loose tendon in his right ankle and with blood seeping through his sock. The sock is now in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
He was drafted by the Red Sox in the second round in 1986 but was traded to the Baltimore Orioles before playing for the big league club. He pitched for Baltimore, Houston, Philadelphia and Arizona before being wooed to the Red Sox by Epstein.
Schilling, one of the sport's hard throwers, finishes his career with 3,116 strikeouts, 14th most in baseball history, a 216-146 record and a 3.46 ERA.
He was even better in the postseason, with an 11-2 record, the best of any pitcher with at least 10 decisions, and 2.23 ERA in 19 career starts.
"The game always gave me far more than I ever gave it," Schilling wrote on his blog. "All of those things, every single one of those memories is enveloped with fan sights and sounds for me."
Schilling was 9-8 with a 3.87 ERA in 2007, when he spent seven weeks on the disabled list with shoulder tendinitis.
In the final game of his career, he won Game 2 of Boston's 2007 World Series sweep of the Colorado Rockies, 2-1. Schilling allowed one run on four hits in 5 1-3 innings and was relieved by Hideki Okajima after walking Todd Helton on a full count.
Schilling's shoulder injury came to light early the following February when he disclosed on his blog that he and the team disagreed about the best way to treat it. He preferred surgery while the team wanted him to rehabilitate it in hopes of having him pitch in 2008.
He eventually had surgery on June 23 to repair his right biceps tendon and labrum. Dr. Craig Morgan, the surgeon, said the operation kept Schilling on target to pitch by the middle of this season if he decided to return.
Schilling was known for his outspokenness.
In March 2005, he testified at a congressional hearing concerning steroids. In July 2007, he said on HBO's "Costas Now" that the refusals of Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire to address speculation about steroids use were tantamount to admissions.
Last September, he criticized former teammate Manny Ramirez during a radio appearance.
"He was very kind, and well-mannered, but there were spurts and times when you didn't know who he was," Schilling said. "You know, he was always kind and nice for the most part, but he'd show up the next day and say, 'I'm through with this team, I want out now."'
On Monday, Schilling announced he was out of baseball.
"The game was here long before I was, and will be here long after I am gone," he wrote. "The only thing I hope I did was never put in question my love for the game, or my passion to be counted on when it mattered most. I did everything I could to win every time I was handed the ball."

Girardi: A-Rod making progress in rehab program

2009-03-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is making progress in his rehab program after right hip surgery, but is unlikely to rejoin the team before New York breaks spring training camp on April 1.
"I'm not anticipating it," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Monday. "It's only 10 days. His rehab is going well."
Rodriguez had surgery on March 9. He is rehabbing in Vail, Colo., and is expected to be out until May. He has been riding a stationary bike, working out in a pool and doing range of motion drills.
In other news, Girardi said if the regular season were under way that Xavier Nady would be the starting right fielder over Nick Swisher.
"Nady did a lot of good things last year, so obviously he had somewhat of the upper hand coming in," Girardi said. "Swish gives us a lot of flexibility."
Nady was acquired from Pittsburgh on July 26. He hit .268 with 12 homers and 40 RBIs in 59 games with the Yankees. Swisher, who plays first and all three outfield positions, was obtained in a November trade with the Chicago White Sox.
"I know Swisher is obviously going to be a big part of this team," Nady said. "We both plan on playing a lot."
Girardi also confirmed that Chien-Ming Wang is scheduled to start the first exhibition game at the new Yankee Stadium on April 3 against the Chicago Cubs. A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte will both pitch in a second exhibition game with Cubs one day later.
CC Sabathia is expected to start the regular-season opener.
"I do feel good about this team," Girardi said. "I like the depth of our rotation. I like the fact that we have kids pitching at Triple-A that have big league experience. I like the fact that you send a kid like Phil Hughes down who has a very good spring training and competed at a high level. I feel like we have a lot more depth in that area. That's an area we didn't have depth in last year."
Shortstop Derek Jeter is rejoining the Yankees from the World Baseball Classic and told Girardi that he wants to play in Tuesday night's game against the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees captain went 1-for-5 in the United States' 9-4 loss to Japan in the WBC semifinals on Monday night.
"Are we surprised? No," Girardi said. "I'm going to put him in the lineup."
The Yankees also reassigned Kei Igawa to their minor league camp on Monday. The left-hander, who allowed one run over 15 1-3 innings, was in the mix for the long relief role.
Igawa will be a starter at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre.
"Right now that's what we envision him doing," Girardi said. "We told him, just continue to attack the zone. I think he did a really good job most of spring training. I thought this was probably his best spring training."

Madonna's Greatest Hits Album to Include New Songs

2009-03-23T16:14:00.000-07:00

Calling all Madonna fans! The Queen of Pop is coming out with a long-awaited greatest hits collection this fall. 'We're hoping to have a greatest hits package come out in September," the singer's longtime publicist, Liz Rosenberg, tells PEOPLE. "We're all very excited about it." With so many hit songs to choose from over her long career, the singer's manager, Guy Oseary, asked fans on Twitter Tuesday which tunes they think should be included. "Working on Madonna's greatest hits album," he wrote. "Any tracks that you think MUST be on?" Still, the new album won't only feature songs her fans know and love. "Madonna does have plans to go into the studio to record a few new songs for this album," says Rosenberg.The greatest hits album will be Madonna's last with Warner Records, with whom she sold more than 200 million albums. In October 2007, she ended her 27-year relationship with the label when she signed a reported $150 million deal with concert promoter Live Nation.

Jonas Brothers Announce World Tour Dates

2009-03-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

Nearly two weeks after the premiere of Disney's "Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert" film, the siblings have unveiled dates to their upcoming world tour. The 44-date North American leg begins June 20 at the Dallas Cowboys New Stadium in Texas and wraps Aug. 31 at the Scotiabank Place in Ottawa.Prior to North American arena dates, the Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009, produced by Live Nation and presented by Burger King, will play a handful of dates in South America in mid-May before heading to the United Kingdom and Europe in early June.The Jonas Brothers trek will feature support from former "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks and rock act Honor Society.Tickets in North America go on sale to Jonas Brothers fan club members in select cities beginning March 16, while the general public on sales start March 20 through livenation.com.The Jonas Brothers World Tour supports the trio's most recent studio album, "A Little Bit Longer," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 last August. The Hollywood Records set has sold 1.49 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Kings Of Leon, Jane's Addiction Among Lollapalooza Headliners

2009-03-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

Kings of Leon will be among the headliners of both this year's Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits festivals, Billboard sources have confirmed. Depeche Mode, the Beastie Boys, and Jane's Addiction are also playing Lollapalooza, which takes place in Chicago's Grant Park Aug 7-9, the Chicago Tribune reports and Billboard's sources confirm. Both events are produced by Austin, Texas-based C3 Productions.The full Lollapalooza lineup announcement is expected in April.Among the known top headliners for this year's Lollapalooza, Kings of Leon are the only band that wasn't around when the event debuted in 1991 as a traveling, multi-city festival. As previously reported, the band sold out New York's Madison Square Garden in January, and has a run of U.S. arena dates scheduled for April and May.Jane's Addiction, the classic alternative band fronted by Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell, has reunited with its original lineup and will play the event for the first time since its inception. As previously reported, the group is set to embark on a co-headlining tour with Nine Inch Nails, a band that also played on the first Lollapalooza tour and headlined the Chicago fest in 2008. (Nine Inch Nails is playing a separate solo Chicago show this year).The Beastie Boys, who were on the Lollapalooza tour in 1994, are preparing for the release of their follow-up to 2007's "The Mix Up" instrumental album. They are among the headliners of the Bonnaroo festival in Tennessee in June.
As previously reported, Depeche Mode is prepping the April 21 release of "Sound of the Universe" and head out on a North American tour on July 24. The Lollapalooza show will be its only Midwest appearance.Kings of Leon and Jane's Addiction will meet earlier in the season when both bands headline the Sasquatch festival at the Gorge in Quincy, Wash on May 23-25.

U2 Unveils Stadium Dates

2009-03-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

U2 and Live Nation have confirmed the first round of stadium dates on the band's global "360°" tour.As first revealed on Billboard on Friday (March 6), the tour, produced by Live Nation Global Touring and sponsored by "smartphone" brand Blackberry, kicks off at Barcelona's Nou Camp soccer stadium on June 30. The first tickets to go on sale for the "in the round" shows will be for Milan and Gothenburg (March 13), followed by Amsterdam (March 14).In a statement issued today, the band's manager Paul McGuinness said: "U2 has always been at their best when surrounded by their audience, this staging takes a giant leap forward. With 85% of the tickets priced at less than €95 [$119.40], general admission floor tickets priced at €55 [$69.12] and at least 10,000 tickets at every venue priced at around €30 [37.70], we have worked very hard to ensure that U2 fans can purchase a great priced ticket with a guaranteed great view."Confirmed support acts on the tour will include Glasvegas, Elbow, Kaiser Chiefs, Snow Patrol and Black Eyed Peas. Further acts will be announced shortly.