The two-part Eagles documentary, History of the Eagles--The Story of an American Band, premieres tonight (Friday) and Saturday on Showtime. The film takes you behind the scenes in the band's 42 year history. The film also contains interviews with former band members Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner and Don Felder. The Eagles started off as a backup band for Linda Ronstadt.
Happy 62nd birthday this week to Melissa Manchester. Melissa spent many weeks on the charts in the 70s with hits like Don't Cry Out Loud and Midnight Blue.
The Rolling Stones are set to meet next month, and one of the things Ronnie Wood wants to discuss is the possibility of playing Glastonberry this summer. That event is June 26th through 30th. Regarding a possible tour this year, all Mick Jagger has said is that the group is weighing their options.
Sir Paul McCartney is hoping to be done with new new album in a month. He won a Grammy award for the 2012 standards album Kisses on the Bottom this week. He's been working with numerous producers on the next album, including Giles Martin, son of Beatles producer George Martin. The still-untitled album will be McCartney's first studio rock release since 2007's Memory Almost Full.
It's looking more and more like Olivia Newton-John will be the next big name performer settling into a Las Vegas residency. The Las Vegas Sun is reporting the Australian born singer-actress "is in preliminary discussions with Las Vegas hotel executives for a concert run here." Olivia has concert dates for the U.S. and Britain for the first half of this year scheduled already.
Happy 69th birthday to Peter Tork of The Monkees. The surviving members of the 60s group recently reunited and could have plans for more in the coming months. Peter joined Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith for a reunion tour in 2012. The group paid tribute to the late Davy Jones at each show.
Also celebrating a birthday this week is former Genesis front man Peter Gabriel, who turns 63. Peter led Genesis in the 70s before leaving for a solo career. He was replaced as lead vocalist by drummer Phil Collins. Peter later had a series of solo hits through the 80s, including his biggest hit Sledgehammer.
Dave Clark 5 bass player Rick Huxley has died at age 72. Rick played bass for DC 5 during its 60s heyday, until they split in 1970.
Paul McCartney said he was "surprised, amazed and extremely happy" when he learned he had won the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album Grammy for Kisses on the Bottom on Sunday night in L.A. He added, "Very good timing for Valentines Day." It was Sir Paul's 16th Grammy win.
Rock 'n roll birthdays this week include Ray Manzarek of The Doors. The legendary keyboardist turns 74 this week. Ray teamed up with college buddy Jim Morrison to form The Doors, one of the most iconic rock bands in music history.
Michael McDonald also celebrates his 61st birthday this week. He rose to rock 'n roll prominence as lead vocalist for The Doobie Brothers in the mid-late 70s. The band notched its second #1 hit and won a Grammy award for What A Fool Believes, which featured Michael McDonald on lead vocals.
60's superstar Lulu is finally ready to conquer New York. 45 years after her American chart hit To Sir With Love (from the Sidney Poitier movie), she'll perform this Saturday night at B.B. King's in Times Square. She'll be backed by a band featuring Paul Shaffer and Letterman vocalist Will Lee, along with Rich Pagano and Jimmy Vivino. Lulu also hosted several British TV shows that featured Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin among others.
Fans of The Hollies may not be happy that the band's 50th anniversary celebration apparently will not include the U.S. The Pasadena Star News says The Hollies have more than 40 shows lined up for Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, Norway and Germany during 2013. The band's lineup currently does not include Graham Nash, Allan Clarke or Terry Sylvester. The band considers their March 1963 Abbey Road recording session to be the beginning of their history.
