Our Top Five Reads Of The Week

It’s been one of those weeks. Plenty of tour announcements (Jackson Browne, Nine Inch Nails / Jane’s Addiction, Nickelback, Dragonforce) interspersed with items like Robin Williams undergoing heart surgery, U2 delivering the “Top Ten” on “The Late Show With David Letterman” and the concert audience that turned ugly once they realized they weren’t seeing the real Toni Braxton on stage. Yes, it’s been a great week for reading about music.

And here’s what Pollstar.com readers were clicking on this week:

5. Dale Bozzio On Trial For Cat Cruelty Charges
This probably caught more than a few people off guard. Dale Bozzio, she who gave the world “Words,” “Destination Unknown” and “Walking In L.A.” faces 12 misdemeanor charges for animal cruelty. Is she guilty or has the former Playboy Bunny turned 80s pop star been framed?

Obviously, Pollstar.com user Rattusnorvegicus thinks the latter.
DALE A.K.A. MARY FROM CANOGA PARK IS INNOCENT.SHE WAS JUST TRYING TO GIVE THE CATS A CHANCE AT LIFE I’M SURE WHICH THE HUMANE SOCIETIES CAN’T, DUE TO LIMITED FUNDS.THEY PUT THEM DOWN AT AN ASTONISHING RATE.

Way to go, Rattusnorvegicus. But, as everyone knows, the SPCA hates uppercase letters.

4. MJ Confirms O2 Shows
There’s no way you could avoid this bit of music news. Michael Jackson, the self-proclaimed King of Pop, announces to the world he will do up to ten shows at London’s O2 Arena. What’s even more interesting is a report that Jackson might have his eyes set on topping Prince’s record breaking, 21-night-stand at the London venue.

3. Radio Station Clips Eagles’ Wings
Why would a radio station censor a song that’s been around for more than 30 years? The tune is the Eagles’ “Life In The Fast Lane” and the radio station in question is “Eagle” 106.9 in Birmingham, Alabama. Reading our account will surely make you loose your mind.

Commented Pollstar.com user NYGTO:
Reminds me of that crazy Clear Channel nonsense after 9/11. “Can’t play ‘Disco Inferno’ or ‘You Dropped a Bomb on Me.’ Might be offensive!” Pinheads never die.

2. U2 Plans Deals For U
We posted a lot of items about U2 this week, but the band’s plan to offer some tickets priced low enough for even the poorest of fans while hitting the richer ones in their pocketbooks must have agreed with our readers. We know it agreed with us. And our wallets.

1. My Date With Ticketmaster
Anyone who has ever tried to purchase tickets online for a highly in-demand show can probably identify with Pollstar.com writer Jim Otey. Not only is Jim’s account of trying to snag Leonard Cohen tickets through Ticketmaster.com our top story of the week, it’s also attracted the most comments of any story posted this week. Furthermore, not all of them were against the ticketing company.

For example, LunchBox wrote:

Ticketmaster has its faults like any company. There is not one major company in the worid that runs flawlessly and without events that displease the public. The fact remains Ticketmaster is a needed service whether the public feels that way or not. If Ticketmaster is NOT NEEDED then why do they still exist?

Just a heads up: Jim will try to buy tickets online for another major event next week. He’ll document his attempt and post his experience on Pollstar.com. Wish him luck!