News …

The Magical Mystery Tour – Documenting the beginning of the end of the Fab Four – The Times Online U.K.

Jerry Seinfeld fans aren’t exactly jumping for joy over their hero’s decision to pitch MS Vista – Adweek

Obama or McCain? Can you guess which side Madonna is on? – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” changed for Olympics closer – The Telegraph U.K.

Australian government changes its mind, rescinds Snoop Dogg ban and issues the rapper a visa – Melbourne Herald Sun

Bob Marley statue unveiled in Serbia unites Serbs and Croatians – The Guardian U.K.

Views …

Madonna in Cardiff – ” … the sheer totalitarian spectacle silenced all doubters.” – The Times Online U.K.

Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival in San Francisco – ” … the texture of the event was provided by other acts on other stages.” – San Francisco Chronicle

George Michael in London – “Michael’s voice moved effortlessly across the notes as if were a stone skimmed across water.” – The Telegraph U.K.

Jonas Brothers in Chicago – ” … those thousands of shrieking fans to whom the Jonas Brothers pander, it was, indeed, the best night of their lives.” – The Chicago Sun-Times (registration may be required)

Bob Dylan in Evansville, Indiana – “He played a fair spread of new and old material, and Dylan fans sang and danced to classics such as ‘Hard Rain’ and ‘It’s Alright Ma, I’m Only Bleeding,’ and used the time during his newer songs such as ‘Nettie Moore’ to socialize.” – Evansville Courier & Press

James Burton & Friends in Shreveport – “Actor John Goodman may have put it best Saturday night when he said the James Burton & Friends concert was ‘so hot it could make the swamp boil.'” – The Shreveport Times

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

Wayne Shorter is 75

Walter Williams (The O’Jays) is 66

Henry Paul (BlackHawk, The Outlaws) is 59

Gene Simmons (KISS) is 59

Rob Halford (Judas Priest) is 57

Geoff Downes (Asia) is 56

Elvis Costello is 54

Billy Ray Cyrus is 47

Vivian Campbell (Def Leppard) is 46

Terminator X (Public Enemy) is 42

Jeff Tweedy (Wilco) is 41

Jo Dee Messina is 38