Odds & Ends: Robert Plant, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr, Pemberton

Fans should be sure to catch both of Robert Plant’s performances at Lockn’ – Interlocking Music Festival. Earlier today the fest announced that Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters would put on “two completely different sets.”

Details about the setlists haven’t been revealed but the PR rep for the Arrington, Va., festival boasts that “Plant has never done anything like this in his career, and it will undoubtedly make for some unique and historical moments.”

Plant – who is supporting his 2014 release, Lullaby and… The Ceaseless Roar – performs Sept. 12-13.

The Sept. 10-13 fest at Oak Ridge Farm also features Carlos Santana, The Doobie Brothers, Gov’t Mule, Keller Williams’ Grateful Gospel, The String Cheese Incident, Slightly Stoopid, and Phil Lesh & Friends feat. Chris Robinson, Neal Casal, Adam MacDougall, Eric Krasno and Tony Leone. Plus, a tribute to Joe Cocker is planned with Tedeschi Trucks Band and special guests Leon Russell, Dave Mason, Rita Coolidge, Chris Robinson, Doyle Bramhall II and friends. Tickets are on sale now. Visit LocknFestival.com for more information.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. penned an open letter to fans this week, saying the band wished “to address you one final time as Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.”

The Detroit duo will now be known simply as JR JR. The letter from Daniel Zott and Joshua Epstein explains that when the electronic/pop band formed five years ago, they chose the name – a play on the racing driver/team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. – to give themselves flexibility and a bit of mystery.

“Band names are a weird thing to begin with, but we figured if we named our band Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr there would be no expectations for what we were meant to sound like,” the duo wrote. “Something that bizarre would just have to be listened to and judged without preconception.”

When the band’s team brought up legal concerns, the musicians decided to contact Earnhardt Jr. himself and explain that they were fans of his and “hoped he wouldn’t take offense to our existence.” The racing driver wrote back, saying he was flattered and had no problems with the band name.

Although the band notes that Earnhardt has been gracious to this day, the name has caused confusion, including times people have driven to one of the group’s shows hoping to meet the driver.

JR JR should make life a bit easier on everyone. The guys say, “In our mind, changing our name to JR JR allows us to take back our voice in a way. To us it is all about empowerment, and being who we feel we need to be moving forward.” JR JR celebrated the announcement by releasing a new song, “Gone.” Visit JRJRmusic.com for more information.

A few days before Pemberton opened the festival grounds, a few fans learned the hard way that it’s best to buy tickets straight from the event organizer.

A group of men ended up getting into a physical altercation with a 21-year-old who was allegedly selling fake tickets to the Pemberton, British Columbia, festival, according to the Vancouver Sun. The publication reports that after buying tickets priced at $280 via Craigslist, the would-be attendees suspected the tickets were fake and asked to meet up with the seller. A fight eventually broke out in a strip mall in Vancouver.

The scalper was arrested, while the men who took part in the fight aren’t facing charges.

Pemberton Music Festival responded by posting on Facebook Wednesday, “Be careful because #‎ScammersSuck! We’re learning now that some fans have received fake tickets after buying from 3rd parties. Please only purchase through our website or our Box Office in Whistler.”

Police are advising anyone who bought Pemberton tickets through third-party sellers to contact the festival to make sure the tickets are genuine, according to the Vancouver Sun. Folks who think they’ve been scammed or those who have information about the case are asked to contact the local police.

The July 16-19 fest includes performances from Kendrick Lamar, The Black Keys, J. Cole, Tiesto, Hozier, Kid Cudi, Missy Elliott, Weezer and Jane’s Addiction. Tickets are still available.

Visit PembertonMusicFestival.com for more information.