News …

Changes at Live Nation? – CNN / Associated Press

Motley Crue disses MTV over film delay – Reuters

Despite fainting, hospitalization and more medical tests, Amy Winehouse still intends on playing Glastonbury and Nelson Mandella’s 90th birthday celebration – The Times Online U.K.

Three is no longer the charm as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences limits the number of original songs per film to be nominated for an Oscar to two – Associated Press

With portable karaoke machine, off-key amateur singers no longer need to go to clubs and taverns to annoy others – Reuters

Maceo Parker does the ol’ Q&A – Tahoe Daily Tribune

Views …

Willie Nelson in Ann Arbor, Michigan – “Folks don’t go to see Nelson because he’s a great singer … They go because he’s a great entertainer, an American icon and because he’s Willie Nelson.” – The Ann Arbor News

Billy Bragg in Montreal – “Alone on stage, mostly plugged in, he brought the rough-and-ready sound of his 1983 debut, Life’s a Riot with Spy Vs. Spy, back to life. Amazingly, that attack has lost none of its edge or passion.” – The Montreal Gazette

Grace Jones at London’s Meltdown – ” … a set incorporating the whole span of her career from her Studio 54 disco days, through to her ’80s Trevor Horn-produced pomp.” – BBC

Travis Tritt in Stockton, California – “Two hours and 15 minutes later, the affable and hard-rocking country singer from Marietta, Ga., still was slamming away, finishing off a 28-song demonstration of just what ‘Put Some Drive in Your Country’ really means.” – Stockton Record

Ani DiFranco in Aspen – ” … adored, and impressive” – The Aspen Times

Russell Watson in Manchester, U.K. – “The Salford born tenor known simply as The Voice, bravely defied the odds last night as he stepped back on to the stage – and was met with a hero’s welcome at the Manchester Evening News Arena.” – Manchester Evening News

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

Brian Wilson is 66

Anne Murray is 63

Lionel Richie is 59

Michael Anthony is 54

John Taylor (Duran Duran) is 48

Mark De Gli Antoni (Soul Coughing) is 46

Murphy Karges (Sugar Ray) is 41

Amos Lee is 31