News & Views

Bono, Tito Jackson, Robbie Williams and “American Idol” in News. Lee “Scratch” Perry, Melissa Ferrick, AC/DC, Grace Jones, Boz Scaggs and Tim O’Brien in Views.

Photo: AP Photo
South Africa.

News …

How was Bono’s debut as a New York Times columnist? See for yourself – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Who’s the most powerful person in the U.S.A.” could it be new “American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi? – Reuters

Photo: AP Photo
Kara DioGuardi, the newest judge on "American Idol", arrives at a promotional event for the show in New York.

Brooklyn woman petition’s court to have Tito Jackson proclaimed her father – New York Post

Robbie Williams goes searching for UFOs – The Mirror U.K.

Views …

Lee “Scratch” Perry in London – ” … underlined his enduring appeal with a typically warm and engaging performance that depended more on his eccentric wit and personality than his doubtful prowess as a vocalist.” – The Times Online U.K.

Melissa Ferrick in Albany – “She opened her show at WAMC’s Linda Norris Auditorium on Sunday night with a series of intensely concentrated, high-energy songs that came straight at you: you can face them head-on or you can duck, but you can’t just sit there passively.” – Schenectady Gazette

Grace Jones in Sydney – “When Jones appears atop a scaffold dressed in nothing but stilettos, fishnet stockings, a bustier, suit jacket and elaborate feathered headdress, all are united as worshippers at her temple.” The West Australian / AAP

Boz Scaggs in Mashantucket, Connecticut – ” … the singer-songwriter-guitarist’s graceful and laid back voice remains steady for his 64 years.” – The Sun Chronicle

AC/DC in Cincinnati – “Angus failed to exclude any portions of his typical stage routine. During “Thuderstruck” he duck-walked down a glass walkway that ran left-to-right across the stage.” – The Cincinnati Enquirer

Tim O’Brien in Charleston, West Virginia – ” … kept the show varied not only with his many instruments, but also with all the styles of music he played, from melancholy folk songs to old-time fiddle tunes to bluegrass, ragtime and gospel (by way of Bill Monroe).” – The Charleston Gazette

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

Ray Price is 83
Glenn Yarborough is 79
The Amazing Kreskin is 74
William Lee Golden (The Oak Ridge Boys) is 70
Cynthia Robinson (Sly and the Family Stone) is 65
George Duke is 63
Ricky Van Shelton is 57
Tom Ardolino (NRBQ) is 52
Charlie Gillingham (Counting Crows) is 49
Rob Zombie is 43
Rapper TBird (B-Rock and the Bizz) is 42

Photo: AP Photo
Writers Guild of America strike rally, Fox Plaza, Los Angeles.

Zack de la Rocha (Rage Against The Machine) is 39
Raekwon (Wu-Tang Clan) is 39
Dan Haseltine (Jars of Clay) is 36
Matt Wong (Reel Big Fish) is 36
Melanie Chisholm (Spice Girls) is 35
Jeremy Camp is 31
Amerie is 29