Capital One used 'Let's Go Crazy' in an ad that aired during the Emmys, and fans were not thrilled about it. Also today: a member of Pussy Riot may have been poisoned, Kanye's playing SNL, Bob Seger's hitting the road one last time, musicians are boycotting SiriusXM, and we remember 'King of the Honkers' Big Jay McNeely.
Dave Grohl performed Nirvana's 'In Bloom' with Trombone Shorty...and yes, there's video. In other news, Dua Lipa says she's 'horrified' by fans being dragged from their seats at her recent concert in Hong Kong. Also today: AEG is ending its controversial 'block booking' practice, Macca's back on top, Beasties respond to Eminem album cover, and Rihanna dangles a tantalizing new business idea.
The Spice Girls will reunite for a tour (at least mostly) without Victoria Beckham, says Mel B. Also today, Aretha Franklin and the Box Tops are being inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame; and Ronnie James Dio's estate is auctioning 666 items. Today's new releases include albums by Jungle, Low, and Willie Nelson - and a sassy new Mariah Carey single.
French-Algerian singer Rachid Taha has died at age 59. In other news, Jason Isbell won big at the Americana Music Association honors, Rami Malek has responded to criticism of a forthcoming Freddie Mercury biopic, Al Green released his first new song in a decade, and two K-pop stars were fired for dating each other. Also, watch Missy Elliott surprise a superfan who can nail 'Work It.'
There's a fierce controversy over copyright legislation in Europe, which some artists favor but which some fear will lead to the censoring of memes and other content. Also, Mitski talked at length with Trevor Noah about her new album and 'gendered' criticisms. In other news: a memorial gathering for Mac Miller, an update on Nick Carter rape allegations, new music from Tom Waits, and a first trailer for a music-themed Coen Brothers movie.
A new edition marks the 50th anniversary of 'Country Music USA,' the book regarded as the genre's definitive history.
Pitchfork has tallied a new list of the best albums of the '80s. In other news: SoundCloud is launching a custom music-discovery playlist to compete with Spotify's popular Discover Weekly, a major music festival has been canceled due to Hurricane Florence, Jack White has announced a live concert film, the Misfits are teasing a reunion, and a new Nicki Minaj video casts popular rappers as puppets.
John Legend has joined the rarified EGOT club, along with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Also, rapper Mac Miller has died at 26, saddening fans and peers from across the music world. In other news, Les Moonves is out at CBS; the Cardi B/Nicki Minaj beef got physical; SXSW's keynote speakers have been announced; and Paul McCartney 'surprised' Grand Central Station.
