In their first year of eligibility, the alternative rock prototype R.E.M. and ’80s hard rock progenitors Van Halen have been elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The two bands will be joined by the long overlooked Patti Smith, girl group the Ronettes and the first rapper in hall, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. R.E.M. was considered an easy first ballot inductee as the band ushered in the American indie rock scene in the 1980s, influenced multitudes of guitar-oriented bands and became a symbol of artistic independence even after signing with Warner Bros. Band — Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and the retired Bill Berry — scored critically and commercially over the course of two decades, beginning with "Radio Free Europe" and the album "Murmur." R.E.M. is starting work on their new studio album, the follow-up to 2004’s "Around the Sun," in London. Just as last year’s class had its controversial inductee, Miles Davis, the pot will be stirred again as Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five becomes the first rap act voted into the hall. Grandmaster Flash was the first to develop many DJ techniques; the Furious Five’s influential MCs included Melle Mel and Cowboy. Group was the first to bring social commentary to rap and elevate the music beyond novelty with songs such as "The Message" and "White Lines." Smith is considered the Godmother of Punk, a poet who made visceral and cerebral rock ‘n’ roll records and was among the leaders of the original wave of New York punk rockers. The Ronettes were the ultimate girl group between 1963 and 1966. Led by Ronnie Spector, trio was responsible for the prototypical hits "Be My Baby" and "Baby, I Love You." Van Halen was the 1980s’ biggest hard-rock success story. With a guitar hero in Eddie Van Halen and a cartoonish frontman in David Lee Roth, Van Halen played hard-edge rock and roll with a unique swagger. Roth was replaced by Sammy Hagar in the late 1980s and Hagar told the Cleveland Plain Dealer last month that, should Van Halen be inducted, the ceremony "could be a real comedy, man. I don’t think it’s gonna be a real friendly, beautiful scene. "You throw Dave in that mix, and I just don’t see it working. Dave’s gonna want it to be all about him. "Ed’s gonna want it to be all about him. And that’s a tough one right there. I’ll probably just be sitting over in the corner, cracking up." The induction ceremony for the five artists will be held on March 12 in New York. To be eligible for nomination into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an act must have released its first single or album at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. This year’s nominees had to release their first single no later than 1981.
WHOA! Here’s a totally bodacious shot of Bill And Ted stars KEANU REEVES and ALEX WINTER hanging out. The pair haven’t been seen chilling together since sharing their Bogus Journey and Excellent Adventure with cinemagoers. I hope they’re hatching plans for a third movie.
OMG! If the long rumored thrid sequel to Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adverture were to finally happen, I would be overcome with joy! Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure is my favorite movie!! Excellent!!!! Seriously if you haven’t seen either movie run to your nearest video store and rent it now!
The B-52’s are working with New Order’s producer Steve Osbourne on their first new album since 1992. The band have described the new material as "Rock ‘n Roll-Glam-Electro-Soul". The band’s last album was 1992’s ‘Good Stuff’ but they haven’t recorded with founding member Cindy Wilson since 1989’s ‘Cosmic Thing’. On their Theb52s.com, guitarist Keith Strickland discussed their lengthy lay off: "We took a short break which ended up lasting several years with each of us going our individual ways musically… I considered doing a solo album, but in a moment of clarity I decided that I would rather put my energy into a new B-52’s album." The band began working on the album in 2003 and decided to record with New Order producer Steve Osbourne. "(He) produced the New Order album ‘Get Ready’ which I love," said Stickland. "When we were discussing producers for the album, I suggested Steve." Strickland also explained the new album would contain a theme but he would not reveal what it was. "About halfway through these sessions we noticed a theme developing," he said. "However, I don’t want to spoil the experience for you by giving it away. You’ve got to hear it to believe it." A release date for the untitled album has yet to be announced.
Twisted Sister’s MySpace
I always love when Jews do Christmas, but at least they had fun with it! That video is so cool, don’t you think? The only negative thing I can say about it…is the song gets stuck in your head!
