Odds & Ends: Frank Ocean, Diddy & Puddle Of Mudd’s Wes Scantlin

There was a time when music fans turned to television for a daily dose of hits.  While it may seem like ancient history to anyone born after the Jimmy Carter administration, people used to sit glued to their sets as music videos by Michael Jackson, Beastie Boys, Prince, Guns N’ Roses and other acts paraded across the screen 24/7 on MTV.

But that was before reality shows hit the youth-oriented channel.  Now Diddy wants to bring back those thrilling days of yesteryear.

Diddy’s channel – Revolt – initially became available in approximately 25 million homes, according to USA Today. Diddy says he wants to wean the 18-34 audience away from the internet and put them in front of the warm glow that only television screens can provide.  The rapper/entrepreneur said he plans to accomplish his goal with “unpredictable” elements such as music news, videos and, well, everything MTV dumped oh so long ago.

“It isn’t just hip hop, it isn’t just an urban-based channel, it isn’t just rock ’n’ roll,” Diddy told USA Today.  “We’re looking for greatness, we’re looking for great stars, we’re looking for people who have something to say.  Our bar is extremely high; it’s highly curated.  There are other places artists will be able to get exposure, but when you make it to Revolt, you will feel you’ve been authorized.”

Although Diddy sees Revolt as bringing music fans back to television, the channel is using social media as part of its marketing strategy.  It also has a website.  Check it out at Revolt.tv.

Neighbor vs. neighbor isn’t anything new, but adding a chainsaw to the mix doesn’t happen every day. That’s what reportedly landed Puddle Of Mudd singer Wes Scantlin behind bars for a short time this week. 

Citing law enforcement sources, TMZ reports Scantlin and his Los Angeles neighbor have a history of feuding.  Evidently those bad vibes came to a head this week when Scantlin “went all Leatherface” on his neighbor’s patio.

The celebrity gossip site sez Scantlin was arrested for “felony vandalism” and was seen leaving the police station Wednesday evening.  As to his alleged chainsaw escapade, the rocker was reported to have said, “My neighbor vandalized my house so I had to take action.”

Guess that explains everything, doesn’t it?

Frank Ocean’s trek through Australia has come to an abrupt halt, thanks to a tear in one of his vocal cords.

Ocean was scheduled to play Melbourne’s Festival Hall July 25-26.  But that was before he experienced vocal problems during the first evening’s gig and sought out medical attention after the performance.

Now that doctors are telling him to rest his voice, Ocean has canceled the remaining dates on his Australian tour.  Along with his second Melbourne show, other gigs scratched from the itinerary include his participation in the Splendour In The Grass Festival July 28 and two nights at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion July 29-30. 

According to an announcement issued by Live Nation and Niche Productions, Ocean’s schedule doesn’t allow for any make-up dates but efforts are being made to “confirm a return to Australia as soon as it practical.”

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