News …

Oasis tops U.K. music poll – The Press Association

The Rolling Stones speak out against drugs. Yes, you read that right – The Times Online U.K.

Fans rally to preserve The Carpenters’ family home – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

Reliving the first day of Beatlemania – Liverpool Echo

Musicians in politics – “Politics is show business for ugly people …” – The New Statesman

Grand Ole Opry’s Bobby Lord dies – Asheville Citizen-Times / Associated Press

Views …

The Police in Hawaii – “Was Honolulu ready to sing? Silly question.” – The Honolulu Advertiser

George Strait in Philadelphia – “They call him “King George” Strait, and rightfully so.” – Philadelphia Inquirer

Trace Adkins in Toledo – “Through fun songs and heart-wrenching ballads, for 18 songs and 80 minutes, Adkins kept the crowd on its feet.” – Toledo Blade

Kid Rock in St. Louis – “The proud Detroit rocker’s well-executed Rock and Roll Revival tour, which came to the Scottrade Center Saturday night, was a high-rollin,’ lowdown throwdown of rock, rap, country, honky-tonk and more.” – St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Willie Nelson in New Mexico – “Of course the show opened with ‘Whiskey River,’ giving Willie the opportunity to show he’s still strong as steel. ” – The Daily Times

Levon Helm Band in NYC – “At 67, he still has one of the rock world’s sunniest smiles.” – The Star-Ledger

They Say It’s Their Birthday … (Or so says Associated Press)

Yoko Ono is 75

Herman Santiago (Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers) is 67

Irma Thomas is 67

Dennis DeYoung is 61

Singer Juice Newton is 56

Randy Crawford is 56

Robbie Bachman (Bachman-Turner Overdrive) is 55

Larry Rust (Iron Butterfly) is 55

Dr. Dre is 43