Odds & Ends: Madonna, Oasis, Hinder, Outkast

After Austin Winkler left Hinder’s tour in July because of “personal reasons,” the band announced this week that the singer is no longer a part of the lineup.

“I’m really proud of what we accomplished over the years,” says drummer/songwriter/producer Cody Hanson. “We hold no animosity towards Austin, and wish him the best.

“This summer/fall tour was a tough one. We want to thank the fans for all their overwhelming support. We couldn’t have made it through everything without you. We are very excited about the future of Hinder and can’t wait to share the next chapter with all of you!”

Winkler revealed in August that he was undergoing treatment in Malibu, Calif. He wrote, “I am a month into my treatment in Malibu and I am kicking my disease in the face. I will be in here for another 2 months and I can not wait to get back onstage with the boys and rock your heads off.”

During the tour guest lead singers were brought in to take over the vocals, including Saving Abel’s Jared Weeks.

The remaining members of Hinder plan to stick together and will announce a new singer.  

Every last penny has been counted and it turns out that Madonna has brought in the biggest of the big bucks for 2013.

According to Forbes’ annual list of the world’s highest-paid musicians, Madonna has earned an estimated $125 million, thanks in large part to the last dates of her MDNA Tour, which grossed $305 million. She also raked in dough via her merch sales at concerts, her Material Girl clothing line and her Truth of Dare fragrance.

Lady Gaga comes in second place with $80 million. Forbes notes that sales of her ARTPOP album weren’t included because the LP was released after the end of the scoring period. Plus, she would have earned more money if she had been able to finish her tour instead of taking time off the road because of a hip injury. Despite being cut short, the “Born This Way Ball” tour still grossed $168 million.

Bon Jovi is right behind Mother Monster with a total of an estimated $79 million. Even without Richie Sambora on stage the band’s “Because We Can” tour is grossing over $3 million per city.  

Forbes’ 2013 list also includes Toby Keith ($65 million), Coldplay ($64 million), Bruce Springsteen ($62 million), Justin Bieber ($58 million), Taylor Swift ($55 million), Elton John ($54 million), Beyoncé (53 million), Kenny Chesney ($53 million), Diddy ($50 million), Paul McCartney ($47 million) and Calvin Harris ($46 million).

Along with data from Pollstar, Forbes compiled its list based on information from “the RIAA, Nielsen SoundScan, managers, lawyers and many of the artists themselves.”

Click here to check out the complete list.

André “André 3000” Benjamin and Antwan “Big Boi” are reportedly joining forces once again in 2014, ending Outkast’s indefinite hiatus.  

Revolt TV reports (via Consequence of Sound) that the reunion is all about live dates as there is “no album plans in sight, for now.”

According to Revolt TV’s sources, fans can “expect the Atlanta group to rock multiple festival dates in the coming year.”

As for talk of Coachella, Outkast collaborator Sleepy Brown Instagrammed a photo saying “Outkast Headlining Coachella 2014.” Consequence of Sound points out that he removed the post Wednesday.

Outkast last toured in 2002. The hip hop duo performed at the MTV VMA awards in 2004, where they took home the award for “Video of the Year” for “Hey Ya.”

The group put out its most recent album, Idlewild, in 2006.  

If you think that the upcoming 20th anniversary of Oasis’s debut, Definitely Maybe, would make Noel Gallagher so nostalgic that he’d consider reuniting with his brother – you’re wrong.

When Rolling Stone asked Gallagher why he’d “rather not” get on stage with his old bandmates to celebrate the anniversary, here’s what he said:

“I don’t know. We are split up. You’ve heard that, haven’t you? You must’ve heard.”

After explaining that he only gets asked about a reunion about six times a day, Gallagher added, “I don’t think there’s any unfinished business. I don’t think that we left anything unsaid, do you know what I mean? It’s like, if you’ve seen [Oasis], then good for you. If you didn’t, then that’s fucking tough shit. I’ve never seen the Beatles. So there you go.”