Monday, July 30, 2012

So THAT'S why no women's underwear was thrown in London!

Tom Jones was forced to pull out of his Olympics performance in London's Hyde Park on Saturday due to doctor's orders.

Jones had contracted bronchitis and his doctor's advised him to cancel shows on Saturday and Sunday.

The singer tweeted his apologies to his fans. He later added "Thanks for all the lovely messages, I don't know if everyone's understanding and support is making me feel better or worse! You're the best!"

Singer Will Young filled in for him on the bill.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

RIP Larry Hoppen of Orleans

Larry Hoppen, a founding member of the band Orleans, has passed away at the age of 61. Hoppen died on Tuesday in Florida. The cause of death is still under investigation.

The following was posted on Hoppen's official site:

The 'Voice'
of Orleans
and their hits
"Dance with Me" and
"Still the One"

To Larry's many fans around the globe, we are sad to inform you that he passed away on July 24, 2012. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family.

Larry possessed immense talents, a deep sense of family and community and maintained a commitment to many charitable endeavors.

His life is proof that we can -- and will -- make a difference in the world.

RIP, Brother Larry.

The family released the following on his Facebook page:
Larry Hoppen, one of the founding members of the band Orleans, passed away on July 24th, 2012. Born on Long Island, New York, Hoppen was 61 years old.

Between 1969 and 1971, his Ithaca, NY- based band, Boffalongo, made two LPs for United Artists. The second included the original recording of "Dancin' in the Moonlight", later a hit by friends King Harvest. Soon after Boffalongo disbanded in late 1971, Larry got a call from (former US Congressman, D-NY, 19) John Hall, inviting him to come to Woodstock, NY to join with the late Wells Kelly and John to form Orleanswhich he did in early 1972. Larry's younger brother, Lance, joined the band the following fall. Tens of millions know Larry's uplifting tenor from the Orleans hits "Still the One", "Dance With Me" and "Love Takes Time".

Larry also performed and/or recorded with Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Livingston Taylor, Lulu, Graham Parker, Blues Traveler, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner, Michael Franks, Levon Helm, the late great Michael Brecker, the late great Chet Atkins, the late great Artie Traum, John Sebastian, Bela Fleck, Felix Cavaliere, Edgar Winter, Robbie Dupree, Spencer Davis, Rick Derringer, Mark Farner, John Ford Coley, Jimi Jamison, John Cafferty and many more notable artists.

Larry released 2 solo albums: "HandMade" and "Looking for the Light", the latter being a flagship fundraising vehicle for his 501(c)3 nonprofit Sunshine for HIV Kids.

Larry was still touring with Orleans, including brother Lance and youngest brother Lane, and was scheduled to appear on Fox TV's nationwide "Fox & Friends' All-American Concert Series" show this coming Friday, July 27th.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Smith Hoppen and his daughters, Claire and Maeve, as well as his bothers, Lance and Lane and his sister, Lynda.

The Family asks that since Larry passion was feeding hungry people, his friends and fans can honor his memory by making a contribution to their local food bank in his name.

Patricia Smith Hoppen and her daughters ask the media to please respect their privacy at this difficult time.

Hoppen's brother Lance released a short statement, saying "Words cannot express the depths of my sorrow."

His wife, Patricia, also issued a statement along with attorney George Gilbert and brother Lance:

The Family asks that since Larry passion was feeding hungry people, his friends and fans can honor his memory by making a contribution to their local food bank in his name.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

At the Top of the Marquee


The Rolling Stones took the opportunity to return to the Marquee, the club in London where they played their first show fifty years ago.  The band posed for photographer Rankin to take a portrait in front of the club.

Their first live outing, on July 12, 1962, was at the legendary Oxford Street venue. At the time they were billed as The Rollin’ Stones.

Of course, the only remaining members from that gig are Keith and Mick. The band who played the first show likely consisted of Brian Jones on guitar, Dick Taylor on bass (who continues to play in The Pretty Things), Ian Stewart on keys (who was no longer a part of the band after 1963 but became their road manager) and Tony Chapman on drums (who went on to play for The Preachers and with Peter Frampton).

The photo is part of the their 50th anniversary celebrations, which have already resulted in forthcoming a hardback book, a new logo and is rumoured to include a world tour (back in May tickets appeared on The Guardian for September UK shows) .

At the Top of the Marquee


The Rolling Stones took the opportunity to return to the Marquee, the club in London where they played their first show fifty years ago.  The band posed for photographer Rankin to take a portrait in front of the club.

Their first live outing, on July 12, 1962, was at the legendary Oxford Street venue. At the time they were billed as The Rollin’ Stones.

Of course, the only remaining members from that gig are Keith and Mick. The band who played the first show likely consisted of Brian Jones on guitar, Dick Taylor on bass (who continues to play in The Pretty Things), Ian Stewart on keys (who was no longer a part of the band after 1963 but became their road manager) and Tony Chapman on drums (who went on to play for The Preachers and with Peter Frampton).

The photo is part of the their 50th anniversary celebrations, which have already resulted in forthcoming a hardback book, a new logo and is rumoured to include a world tour (back in May tickets appeared on The Guardian for September UK shows) .