Odds & Ends: D’Angelo, Civil Wars, Black Sabbath & More

D’Angelo’s representatives haven’t released too many details about what’s ailing the singer.

On Saturday Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Md., announced, “This just in … Unfortunately D’Angelo is ill, in the hospital and won’t be performing tonight. Our thoughts are with him.”

His Aug. 1 Brooklyn show was also canceled along with performances this week at Minneapolis’ First Avenue, House Of Blues Chicago, and Humphreys Concerts By The Bay in San Diego. An announcement on Humphreys’ website blames the cancellation on “a medical emergency,” adding that there is no rescheduled date at the time and “D’Angelo expresses his sincere regret due to this unfortunate circumstance.”

So, what’s up with Ozzy Osbourne talking to the press about Bill Ward’s weight? Obviously things between the Black Sabbath bandmates aren’t exactly hunky-dory, what with all of the drama over the drummer not being on the tour because he wasn’t provided a “signable contract.” But commenting on his weight? That seems like a low blow.

But Ozzy says Ward’s weight is relevant to his drumming skills.

“I don’t think he could have done the gig, to be honest,” Ozzy told New York Daily News (via Rolling Stone) when talking about recording Black Sabbath’s new album. “He’s incredibly overweight. A drummer has to be in shape. He’s already had two heart attacks. I don’t want to be responsible for his life.”

Ozzy added “it’s not the same” without Ward and that “the door is always open.”

For all of the Chris Brown haters, this news might just make your day. Or it might mean absolutely nothing because it’s Chris Brown and it’s Twitter.

Earlier today the singer/rapper warned his followers on Twitter that his sixth studio album, due out Aug. 20 on RCA Records, just might be his last.

“Don’t worry mainstream America. After this X album, it’ll probably be my last album,” Brown tweeted.

Explaining his decision he added, “Being famous is amazing when it’s for ur music and talent. I’m tired of being famous for a mistake I made when i was 18. I’m cool & over it!”

Entertainment Weekly points out that his felony assault against Rihanna occurred in February 2009 – when Brown was actually 19. Unless Brown is talking about some other mistake.

With The Civil Wars’ new, self-titled album due out today, fans and the press are curious if the civil war between Joy Williams and John Paul White will be over anytime soon.

In the middle of last year’s European tour the duo canceled the remainder of their 2012 dates along with a 2013 run through Australia. The Civil Wars put out a statement on Facebook saying, “Due to internal discord and irreconcilable differences of ambition we are unable to continue as a touring entity at this time.”

Williams talked to Rolling Stone about whether fans can expect the band to return to the road.

“Are we going to tour?” Williams told Rolling Stone. “I wish I knew the answer to that. I don’t think that it’s never going to happen, it’s just I don’t know if it’s going to happen right now.”

She added, “If John Paul and I can find a place to meet in the middle, I believe that there could be a future for the band. I would be open to having a dialogue … I would be open to trying to mend the bridges that I think we both burned. … It takes two.”

Rolling Stone noted that White “did not answer” the magazine’s request for an interview.

Animal Collective has booked a set of December dates, including a handful of gigs that had been canceled twice because of illness.

Here’s the itinerary:

Dec. 1 – Washington, D.C., 9:30 Club     
Dec. 2 – Portland, Maine, State Theatre     
Dec. 4 – Royal Oak, Mich., Royal Oak Music Theatre     
Dec. 5 – Covington, Ky., Madison Theater     
Dec. 6 – Cleveland, Ohio, House Of Blues     
Dec. 8 – Nashville, Tenn., Marathon Music Works

Last month the band called off all of its remaining July gigs because of illness. Animal Collective was initially forced to postpone gigs in March (including the shows in Royal Oak, Cleveland, Covington and Nashville) because multi-instrumentalist Avey Tare had “an intense case of strep throat.”