MANILA, Philippines—The PBA and the Korean Basketball League are set to hold a dialogue on ideas of cooperation including the exchange of players from one association to another, effectively opening a proverbial forbidden door among the continent’s professional organizations. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said he received a letter from KBL President Kim Hee-ok, stating the […]
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Queen guitarist Brian May will make his acting debut in an upcoming episode of CBBC show Andy And The Band.
According to May, he was offered the chance to star in the children’s TV show as the Godfather of Rock, but initially turned them down.
However, he changed his mind after reading the script. “It was very moving because it’s a great story, it’s such a lovely look into what happens to kids and how they lose their confidence and what can be done,” May told the PA news agency.
In the episode, May will perform alongside The Odd Socks. “It is a good song, I didn’t write it, I did contribute. I’m a person who can’t help sticking my oar in so we did collaborate on it.”
We’ve had big news, and bigger news BUT here’s the BIGGEST news!
Rock legend @DrBrianMay makes his acting debut with us in our brand new series on @cbbc and @BBCiPlayer.
Brian plays the Godfather of Rock (naturally) in the episode ‘Planet Rock’
@CBeebiesHQ pic.twitter.com/3PkJFwUdU1
— Andy & the Odd Socks (@andyoddsock) January 20, 2022
May went on to explain how The Odd Socks speak to children who “feel like they’re an outcast – it’s an antibullying campaign built into what they do, which I think is wonderful. It must give so many kids confidence who have lost their belief because they’re regarded as something different, a bit odd, and they get bullied,” he continued.
“These things are very serious, I have grandchildren now and I know, all over again, what happens in schools, and it’s so easy for a kid to be marginalised,” May said of the programme’s anti-bullying theme.
“You don’t realise how much damage that can do to kids. So it’s grown ups that need to be educated, not just the kids.”
“All the grown ups that I’ve shown it to have been very moved, some of them have cried, which is great,” he added.
The episode airs on CBBC on Thursday January 27 and is available on BBC iPlayer from Monday January 24. The single ‘Planet Rock’ by Andy And The Odd Socks featuring Brian May will be released on February 18.
Each episode of Andy And The Band features presenter Andy Day and his band completing odd jobs to help their fans and save the day.
“Andy And The Band is a show about celebrating differences, and taking on the world in your very own way,” Day said. “It features my real life band, Andy And The Odd Socks, and truly is a family show, packed full of musical references for parents to enjoy along with their kids.
“We famously played our very first gig at Glastonbury festival, so of course the next step was to invite Brian May, one of the world’s greatest guitarists, to join us for a special episode of the TV show. Working with Brian has been a musical dream come true, as I am huge Queen fan, but most importantly he completely understood the ethos and message of inclusivity we share in everything we do.”
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Round Hill Music acquired a significant share of Nancy Wilson‘s master royalties and has entered a long-term deal to administer her neighboring rights income.
Though the exact share of the Heart singer, songwriter and guitarist’s master royalties remains undisclosed, Round Hill will own portions of classic Heart songs like “Barracuda,” “Magic Man,” “Alone,” “Crazy on You” and “These Dreams” — all of which were co-penned by Wilson.
Trevor Bowen, chair of Round Hill Music, said of the deal, “We are very pleased to announce the acquisition of Nancy Wilson’s fantastic catalogue of classic Heart tracks from across her career including songs from her double and triple platinum selling albums. This important acquisition provides the Company with direct exposure to a timeless American rock band.”
Josh Gruss, founder and CEO of Round Hill Music, added, “Heart is a band who have earned their place in rock and roll immortality and Nancy has played a pivotal role in their astonishing success over the last 45 years. She is an icon and the longevity of her music is a testament to her incredible talent.”
Producer and artist Murda Beatz signed a global distribution deal with ADA Worldwide. His first single under the agreement is “One Shot” feat. Blxst and Wale.
According to a release, Murda Beatz has worked on over 40 platinum and multi-platinum singles. Last year, he produced Chlöe’s “Have Mercy” and Polo G’s Hot 100 No. 1 single “Rapstar.” He was nominated for a 2016 Grammy for Album of the Year for his work on Drake’s fourth studio album Views.
Independent digital music licensing company Merlin reached a multi-year deal with Lickd, which provides video creators with access to label-owned music.
The partnership means that music from tens of thousands of independent labels and hundreds of thousands of artists will now be available to Lickd customers; it also provides new revenue opportunities for Merlin members. “This partnership will not only offer opportunities for YouTubers and other content creators to expand their income, it will also put independents in a position where they can further maximise their revenue potential,” said Lickd CEO Paul Sampson in a press release.
“User-generated social video content is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the media and entertainment industries, and we’re thrilled to help keep our members’ music at the forefront,” added Charlie Lexton, COO of Merlin.
According to Merlin, its members account for over 15% of global music market share.
Pop singer-songwriter Raveena signed to Warner Records, which released her latest single, “Rush.”
Raveena’s releases to date include the 2019 album Lucid, the 2020 EP Moonstone and the 2021 single “Tweety.” The Indian-American artist’s music blends “contemporary R&B with elements from the South Asian diaspora,” according to a press release.
ASM Global acquired a majority stake in Anthony James Partners, an owner’s representative and AV consultancy that specializes in the design, procurement and implementation of large-scale AV technology and related systems.
According to a release, the partnership will strengthen ASM Global’s technological capabilities via the deployment of digital signage networks, LED displays, broadcast production facilities and audio and sports/entertainment lighting, along with core integration and infrastructure requirements for ASM arenas, stadiums and convention centers. It will also support a broader range of design, procurement and construction administration services in entertainment districts, municipal and cultural centers and digital out-of-home media.
Ron Bension, ASM Global president and CEO, said in a statement, “Demand for cutting-edge technology solutions for our vast network of facilities has been steadily increasing. AJP and their excellent leadership team are best in class. A trusted resource, they provide unique services and employ a proven process that will protect the best interests of our clients. Our partnership with AJP further solidifies our position as the premier provider in live-entertainment services, content and technology.”
“ASM’s leadership and management expertise will support new opportunities for AJP to expand our value offering and services across a global footprint,” added AJP CEO and founding partner Michael Rowe.
AJP has provided critical technical/design management services for the Nashville Predators/Bridgestone Arena, Chicago White Sox/Guaranteed Rate Field, Philadelphia Union/Subaru Park, Gila River Arena, Purdue University/Ross-Ade Stadium, Clemson University/campuswide digital signage network, Xavier Center/Cintas Center and several ACC Network broadcast production facilities, including the University of Louisville, University of Pittsburgh, University of North Carolina and Virginia Tech.
For ASM, AJP recently participated in an $8 million facility upgrade project at the Louisville, Kentucky, KFC Yum! Center; technology upgrades at the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale, Arizona; and AV design for El Distrito (District Live) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
U.K.-based rock band Crawlers signed to UMG’s Polydor Records.
Comprised of Holly Minto (vocals and trumpet), Amy Woodall (lead guitar), Liv Kettle (bass guitar) and Harry Breen (drums), Crawlers released their self-titled debut EP – which includes the single “Come Over (Again)” – in October through Modern Sky/Lab Records.
Crawlers are represented by Alfie Skelly and David Pichilingi at Modern Sky.
Natalie Hemby struck a writer management agreement with Jody Williams Songs (JWS) for representation in Nashville.
The agreement will include managing Hemby’s songwriting calendar and pitching select songs in the Nashville market. Mick Management, headed up by Adam Sensenbrenner and Jessica Swan, will continue working with Hemby across her career.
“With the support of Jody Williams and Nina Jenkins running point for me in Nashville, my team is complete,” said Hemby in a statement. “Jody has been a mentor and a friend to me throughout my career.”
The deal follows independent publisher CTM Outlander’s recent signing of the two-time Grammy-winning songwriter-artist and acquisition of her publishing catalog.
Hemby has penned songs for Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert and Lady Gaga, among others. In 2019, she joined Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris and Amanda Shires to form The Highwomen, which released a self-titled album in 2019. She put out her sophomore solo album, Pins and Needles, on Fantasy Records in October 2021.
Nashville-based company Big Future Music Group inked a joint venture with Truss Records and jointly signed the group I Am They.
I Am They released their debut project in 2015 and earned a GMA Dove Award nomination for new artist of the year. In 2018, the group’s single “Scars” reached No. 2 on Billboard‘s Christian Airplay chart. Managed by Co-Lab Management and booked by Jeff Roberts & Associates, the group is currently on the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular.
Big Future Music Group president Ryan Wesley Smith said, “We are honored and thrilled to bring the talents of I Am They into our universe, along with the launch of Truss Records with our dear friend Tyrus Morgan. To have I Am They as our debut signing is exciting. Their hearts, professionalism and unbelievable presence is paramount in development key components of a burgeoning entertainment company. Couple that with a unique and viable message of hope in their well-written songs—this is exactly our mission for Big Future.”
Tyrus Morgan of Truss Records added, “What an honor to be able to support I Am They through our new label imprint with Big Future Music Group. This band has always been able to write songs that speak straight to the heart, and we are excited to dream with them and bring even more of their signature sound and heart for God to the world.”
The Shalizi Group signed management deals with electronic music producers Svdden Death and Eptic. Both bass music artists have previously worked with The Shalizi Group’s star client, Marshmello — Svdden Death on the 2020 collaborative single “Crusade” and Eptic on Marshmello’s Grammy-nominated 2021 album Shockwave.
The signings bring the artists’ co-managers, Collin Dugger and Adam Knight, to The Shalizi Group. Both were previously with Prodigy Artists. “I’m really excited to have Collin and Adam come over,” said The Shalizi Group CEO Moe Shalizi. “Svdden Death and Eptic are two incredible artists that I’ve been a fan of for a long time.”
Dugger and Knight join The Shalizi Group’s growing management team, which also includes Steven Pahel and Christina Boemio, both of whom joined the company in 2021 and brought in producers Pouya, Getter, Spock and Lucille Croft.
Disability rights activists and advocates for Britney Spears backed a California proposal Wednesday (Jan. 19) to provide more protections for those under court-ordered conservatorships, while promoting less-restrictive alternatives. Their move came as the volatile Spears case again boiled over in a Los Angeles County courtroom.
The hearing to settle lingering issues in the aftermath of Spears’ conservatorship, which was terminated in November, quickly descended into a series of angry accusations between attorneys for Spears and her father, and the case appears headed for a long trial to determine the truth of allegations of misconduct against him.
The case is Exhibit #1 for groups including Disability Voices United, Disability Rights California, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, and Free Britney L.A. who say that what are known as probate conservatorships are overused and misused in California. They most often involve people with developmental or intellectual disabilities or those with age-related issues like dementia or Alzheimer’s.
But the advocacy groups contend that conservatees like Spears can become trapped in a system that removes their civil rights and the ability to advocate for themselves. The Professional Fiduciary Association of California, which represents many of those appointed as conservators, did not immediately comment, but said answers to many questions about the process can be found here.
“Conservatorships should be rare, and the last resort,” said Judy Mark, president of Disability Voices United, a Southern California advocacy group. “The default should be that people with disabilities retain their rights and get support when they need it.” The groups backed legislation by Democratic Assemblyman Brian Maienschein that will also make it easier to end conservatorships for people who want out.
They are promoting instead what are known as “supported decision-making” agreements as a less restrictive alternative. They allow people with disabilities to choose someone to help them understand, make and communicate their choices, but allow the person to still make the decision.
That option has already been adopted in Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C., advocates said. California law says conservatorships should only be ordered if a judge rules they are the least restrictive alternative. But the advocates contend they are often imposed without examining other options.
Maienschein’s bill would require that before granting a conservatorship, judges first document that all other alternatives including supported decision-making have been considered. It would write supported decision-making into California law and back that alternative with grant programs, training and technical assistance.
The bill also would make it easier to end probate conservatorships by mandating a periodic review, including asking conservatees if they want to make the conservatorship less restrictive or end it entirely. Conservators would also be required to consult with the conservatees and make decisions that reflect the conservatee’s wishes or previously expressed preferences.
Before his election to the Legislature, Maienschein was a law clerk for a San Diego Superior Court judge who oversaw conservatorships. “I saw firsthand the role that the court plays in establishing conservatorships, and the potential for abuse,” he said during an online news conference. “The system in California is in desperate need of reform.”
He called Spears “arguably the world’s most famous conservatee,” but said his bill would aid the many others who don’t have “the benefit of worldwide fame to shine a light on her case.” Spears drew widespread attention to the issue, culminating in November when a Los Angeles judge ended the conservatorship that controlled the pop singer’s life and money for nearly 14 years.
But the fallout continued at Wednesday’s hearing, when Spears’ attorney Mathew Rosengart objected to Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny approving the many outstanding attorneys’ fees in the case until the trial is held. Rosengart repeated allegations from a New York Times documentary that James Spears bugged his daughter’s phone and home, saying they were among many instances of “serious misconduct, potentially criminal misconduct, on the part of Mr. Spears.”
James Spears’ attorney Alex Weingarten said the accusations, along with allegations of financial misdealing, are “all nonsense.”
“Virtually everything that is alleged in those objections is either demonstrably false or out of context,” Weingarten said. Weingarten plans to file a motion for a mass unsealing of documents from throughout the conservatorship, saying “we need that truth to come out.” Rosengart said he would object to this too.
Penny ordered the final transfer of Spears’ assets back to her from the court conservator, and ruled that the November order terminating the conservatorship be sealed. She told the attorneys to return to court in July, when she may decide to order the trial. Britney Spears did not take part in the hearing.
“I believe that if AB1663 had been in effect 13 years ago, the court would have been unable to conserve Britney Spears, and now Britney’s story lights the way for where changes in our laws need to be made,” said Mark, of Disability Voices United. Advocates said it is unclear how many people are under conservatorships in California because the data isn’t collected. They said Spears’ battle is an example of how conservatorships are too easily imposed and too difficult to end.
She was a 26-year-old new mother who’d had several public mental health struggles during the height of her career in 2008, when her father sought the conservatorship, at first on a temporary basis. Spears was not present at the court hearing where her constitutional rights were assigned to her father, nor were less-restrictive measures attempted before putting her under a conservatorship, said Free Britney L.A. organizer Leanne Simmons.
It ended only after Spears engaged in a multiyear struggle, and after she won the right to pick her own attorney. “While unique in many ways, it follows a very common pattern of exploitation within the probate court system here in California,” Simmons said.
Rock ‘n’ roll icon Tina Turner and her husband have reportedly bought a 70-million-Swiss-franc ($76 million) estate with 10 buildings, pond, stream, swimming pool and boat dock on Lake Zurich.
The 82-year-old star’s husband, Erwin Bach, was quoted in daily Handelszeitung as saying the couple acquired the century-old, 24,000-square-meter (260,000-square-foot) property in the village of Staefa in September.
Bach said the purchase was a logical step because they both have Swiss nationality now and “feel very comfortable in Switzerland.” He added that “due to the pandemic and its consequences we — like many other Swiss — unfortunately are refraining from travel.”
Swiss news reports say they will be nearby neighbors to Swiss tennis superstar Roger Federer, who reportedly also looked at the property before settling on a different one further east along the lake.
Turner, known for such hits as “Proud Mary” and “What’s Love Got To Do With It” and dynamic on-stage performances, married German music executive Bach in 2013 after a long relationship. Born Anna Mae Bullock on Nov. 26, 1939, in Brownsville, Tennessee, she has lived in Switzerland with him since 1994.
Turner and Bach have rented a home in the town of Kuesnacht, closer to the city of Zurich, for years.
MANILA, Philippines—The weekend series between San-En and Shiga in the 2021-22 Japan B.League season has been canceled due to COVID-19. The weekend series would’ve been the rematch between brothers Thirdy and Kiefer Ravena, who faced against each other in the opening weekend of the season. The NeoPhoenix had three players testing positive for the coronavirus […]
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MANILA, Philippines—Stephen Loman enjoyed a debut unlike many others when he stopped Yusup Saadulaev in ONE: Winter Warriors 2 back in December. Saadulaev, who was the no.3 bantamweight during the fight, got smothered in the bout eventually losing to Loman via technical knockout 4:09 into the first round. Not only did Saadulaev lose the bout, […]
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Reigning US Open champion Emma Raducanu crashed out of the Australian Open in the second round Thursday as she struggled with blisters on her serving hand. The 19-year-old, making her debut at Melbourne Park, looked on track when she raced to a 3-0 lead in the opening set against Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic. But the 17th […]
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An intriguing heavyweight title fight headlines the first UFC pay-per-view event of 2022. UFC 270, on Saturday night in Anaheim, California, features champion Francis Ngannou of Cameroon, fighting out of Las Vegas, against interim titleholder Ciryl Gane of Paris. Ngannou (16-3) boasts possibly the most fearsome one-punch power UFC has ever seen. His four-fight run […]
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The cause of death of Chris Daughtry’s stepdaughter Hannah Price has been confirmed after she was found dead in November.
READ MORE: ‘Am I depressed?’ – help and advice on mental health and what to do next
Price’s death was initially reported as homicide, with her boyfriend arrested – though TMZ declined to confirm whether it was in connection with her death. Price’s mother Deanna Daughtry later clarified that those rumours were “false” in a lengthy Instagram post.
According to a statement by the Daughtry family released yesterday (January 19) 25-year-old Price died by suicide while under the influence of narcotics.
According to People, the family said that Price had struggled with mental illness “from a young age”, and “was in and out of therapy and treatment centres” over the years.
“As Hannah got older, she struggled to find her footing and began using drugs and often found herself in abusive relationships. Just months after losing her biological father to suicide, Hannah was the victim of a crime and was shot in the face,” the statement reads. “We did everything we could to support her and get her the help she needed to recover from these tragedies and get her life back on track. We had just recently made plans with Hannah for her to seek further treatment and move closer to the family.”
On the morning of her death, Price contacted her family and told them she “was in fear for her life” after her boyfriend allegedly physically abused her and took her car, said the statement. The family immediately called the local Police Department to perform a wellness check, and they did, leaving without incident after speaking to Price and determining that she was “OK”.
Price was later found by her boyfriend, who called 911. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and an investigation by Fentress County DA, Fentress County Sheriff Office and the Knoxville Medical Examiners Office determined her official cause of death with no evidence of foul play, according to the statement.
“Hannah was a generous and loving person who wanted more for herself and others. She will forever be in the hearts and minds of those of us who love her,” the family said. “We ask for your continued privacy at this time while we grieve.
“If you or a loved one is experiencing mental health, abuse, or addiction problems, please seek help immediately. Free and confidential resources below can help you or a loved one connect with a skilled, trained mental health professional or counsellor.”
Daughtry has announced that all his forthcoming scheduled live shows have been postponed in light of the tragedy.
Help Musicians UK – Around the clock mental health support and advice for musicians (CALL MUSIC MINDS MATTER ON: 0808 802 8008)
CALM – The Campaign Against Living Miserably
Music Support Org – Help and support for musicians struggling with alcoholism, addiction, or mental health issues (CALL: 0800 030 6789)
YOUNG MINDS – The voice for young people’s health and wellbeing
Time To Change – Let’s end mental health discrimination
The Samaritans – Confidential support 24 hours a day
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Liam Gallagher has announced a new single called ‘Everything’s Electric’.
READ MORE: The NME Big Read – Liam Gallagher: “An Oasis reunion’s gonna happen very fucking soon”
After teasing some “fucking massive” news on Twitter yesterday (January 19), the former Oasis frontman confirmed today (January 20) that the track will arrive on February 4. It’ll be the first preview of his third solo album ‘C’mon You Know’, which is out on May 22.
“New single feb 4th it’s called Everything’s Electric Cmon you know LG x,” Gallagher wrote on Twitter this morning. You can see that post below.
New single feb 4th it’s called Everything’s Electric Cmon you know LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) January 20, 2022
“So Oasis ain’t getting back together then,” asked one optimistic fan following the announcement. “Not yet RKID,” replied Gallagher.
The vocalist previously revealed that he’s dedicated an upcoming new song called ‘I Wish I Had More Power’ to his estranged brother and former bandmate, Noel. “Yeah, it’s a naughty little tune,” he said, “but it’s lovely.”
Elsewhere in the same interview, Gallagher mentioned another track titled ‘Better Days’, adding that it was “full of sunshine”.
LG’s forthcoming record – the follow-up to 2019’s ‘Why Me? Why Not.’ – will be released ahead of a run of UK headline shows, which will see Gallagher return to Knebworth Park in June.
He’ll also take to the stage at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium and Glasgow’s Hampden Park that same month, with support coming from The Streets (Manchester), Kasabian (Glasgow) and Goat Girl (both dates).
The singer revealed last November that ‘C’mon You Know’ was “finished” and being sent off to be mixed.
Liam Gallagher headlined Reading & Leeds, Isle of Wight Festival and TRNSMT last summer, as well as performing a free gig for NHS workers at The O2 Arena in London.
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Avril Lavigne has spoken about the “huge honour” of collaborating with Blink-182‘s Mark Hoppus on her forthcoming new album.
As announced last week, Lavigne’s seventh studio record ‘Love Sux’ – released on February 25 – will contain a track called ‘All I Wanted’, which features Hoppus.
READ MORE: Avril Lavigne – ‘Head Above Water’ review
During a recent conversation on the bassist’s Apple Music Hits show, After School Radio, the Canadian singer-songwriter said: “I was really excited to work with you. I mean, to be honest, you’re one of my favourite artists.”
Lavigne continued: “[1997 Blink album] ‘Dude Ranch’ and ‘Enema Of The State’ [1999] … those were the records I was listening to in high school, and as a teenager and I feel like they were really impactful on me as I was coming into my own musical identity.
The ‘Sk8er Boi’ artist went on to say that the pair worked on ‘All I Wanted’ together remotely “over Zoom, which was different”.
“I mean, I was so excited and I was really impressed with how efficient you are in the studio,” she recalled. “You write, you record yourself, you can engineer, you sing, you’re playing.
“And so having you on the album is a huge honour for me. So I’m really excited about our collaboration.”
Set for release via Travis Barker‘s label DTA Records, ‘Love Sux’ will see Lavigne return to her pop-punk roots. The record also features contributions from Machine Gun Kelly (on ‘Bois Lie’) and Blackbear (‘Love It When You Hate Me’).
Elsewhere in her chat with Hoppus, the musician said it’s “a type of album I’ve wanted to make for a long time” as well as being her “most alternative record sonically”.
“My last album [2019’s ‘Head Above Water’] was very introspective and deep and this one is just rocking all the way through,” Lavigne explained. “And I’m really excited to take this out and play these songs live.”
Avril Lavigne will showcase ‘Love Sux’ during a trio of UK headline shows in March. The dates come as part of a wider European tour, which kicks off next month. You can see the full UK schedule below.
MARCH 2022
25 – Manchester, O2 Apollo
27 – London, O2 Academy Brixton
28 – London, O2 Academy Brixton
29 – London, O2 Academy Brixton
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