Eric Clapton is once again dropping hints about retiring from the road. The rock 'n roll hall of famer says, "The bit onstage, that's easy. If I could do that around my neighborhood, that would be great...But for me the struggle is the travel....When I'm 70 I'll stop."
Natalie Cole is back with a new album...not R&B, rock or jazz standards like she's done before. Instead, she'll release an album in Spanish this spring--inspired by several records her legendary father Nat King Cole made. Natalie hasn't released any futher specifics, other than saying her producer is "a Cuban gentleman."
John Mellencamp is set to make an appearance in Austin. He'll headline the MJ&M Gala at the Moody Theater in Austin on April 11th. It's a joint fundraising event effort being led by Matthew McConaughey and Texas music artist Jack Ingram, along with UT football coach Mack Brown. The program works to impact the lives of kids by investing to empower children.
Bob Dylan will hit the road in April to kick off a 13-date tour, including nine college shows, plus a theater, two arenas and a stadium gig. The tour marks the 25th anniversary of when Dylan began his Never Ending Tour. Looks like it is really "never ending."
Brian Wilson and Jeff Beck are teaming up and heading to Las Vegas to take part in the Rock And Roll Fantasy Camp. Their session runs from April 18th through 21st at the MGM Grand. They'll work with campers, and Brian is set to do a private performance. The March session of the camp will include Sammy Hagar while the first April session will feature Def Leppard. Quite a collection of stars!
Rick Springfield is returning to General Hospital. Rick will make his GH appearance a family affair when he appears with his son, actor Liam Springthorpe. Rick told People.com that they will not be playing father and son on the ABC soap, despite a strong facial resemblance. Rick will reprise his role as Dr. Noah Drake, and his son will play an undercover policeman.
Elton John is preparing to release a new studio album The Diving Board. He told Rolling Stone, "I'm not the sort of artist who'll get played on the radio." (Odd statement considering his superstar status.). The new album is described as "returning to the piano/bass/drums arrangements of his earliers albums." Elton will again team with Bernie Taupin for this new album. Elton and Bernie crafted several more songs in January to round out The Diving Board. Elton says, "It's the most adult record I can make at my age. I'm just heading toward 80 years old and playing at the Holiday Inn."
Tom Jones hasn't been seen or heard much in the U.S. in the last few years. That will change this spring as he lands a U.S. deal for his latest album. Spirit in the Room, which went on sale in the U.K. last May, will be released in the U.S. in April from Rounder Records. It's a new collection from composers like Paul Simon and Paul McCartney.
Simon Cowell has said he would love to have David Bowie as a judge on The X Factor. Cowell says, "It's no secret I've asked him, and he hasn't said yes yet, but I'll keep extending my invitation. He's a legend. He's a great songwriter, he has a massive influence on music today, and he's 100% credible. I'm a fan. Not just of his music, but of him, the man. He's cool. Most of us aren't. Bowie is."
