Music Industry News

Knitting Factory to Close Hollywood Club

Source: Michael Ricci
July 19, 2009

The rock n roll continues to disappear from Hollywood Boulevard. All-ages music venue the Knitting Factory is opting not to renew its lease at its current location and looks to shut its doors this fall.

Concerts that include shows by metal act A Static Lullaby and Scottish indie rockers Frightened Rabbit are currently booked through mid-October at the venue, but barring last-minute renegotiations the Knitting Factory's final show will be around Oct. 31, Margolis said. A representative from property manager ...

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Murder Charges in Michael Jackson Case Unlikely

Source: Michael Ricci
July 19, 2009

The investigation is far from over, but a law enforcement official says there's nothing to suggest murder. Some doctors could face lesser charges of improperly prescribing drugs, but not any time soon.

Michael Jackson's death is unlikely to result in murder charges against any of the performer's doctors, according to a senior law enforcement official familiar with the evidence being assembled by a multiagency investigation.

“There's nothing I have been told that would suggest a murder charge. It's just so ...

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Bout with Cancer Gave Guitarist Karan a Gift - Letting Go

Source: All About Jazz
July 18, 2009

Mark Karan, who overcame a bout with cancer, strums his 1952 Gibson Les Paul goldtop guitar on the deck of his Fairfax home. He has recently released a new solo album called Walk Through The Fire.

Just two years ago, Karan was lying in a hospital bed, steeling himself for the first round of chemotherapy for throat cancer, when he asked his wife to hand him his guitar and a piece of paper. In 20 minutes, he'd written “Walk Through ...

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Wannabe's Can Upload, Sell Tracks in 'Rock Band'

Source: PC Magazine
July 18, 2009

Ever wanted to self-publish your garage band's 1992 hit “Death Cupcakes for Diana" on MTV's Rock Band? Then it's time to get practicing. Harmonix and MTV Games announced Friday that they will launch the Rock Band Network, a platform to turn virtually any track into a Rock Band gameplay file, and then sell that track direct to gamers, online, through a new Rock Band Network Music Store. The service will enter beta in late August, the companies said, where artists ...

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Man Suspected of Stealing 2 Expensive Violins Extradited

Source: Michael Ricci
July 18, 2009

Man suspected of stealing 2 expensive violins is extradited from France. He had been in French custody since 2007, when he was arrested after allegedly trying to sell the instruments, which were stolen from a Los Angeles Philharmonic musician's home.

A “career criminal" who allegedly stole two violins from the home of a Los Angeles Philharmonic musician was extradited from France on Friday to face federal charges after trying to sell the instruments to Parisian shops, the FBI said.

Anthony ...

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Potent Anesthetic Propofol Primary Reason Jacksons Heart Failed

Source: All About Jazz
July 17, 2009

The potent anesthetic Propofol was the primary reason Jacksons heart failed. Should toxicology and autopsy results confirm it, the criminal investigation into the stars death will seek out whoever prescribed and administered the drug to the singer.

The results of Michael Jacksons full autopsy will be delayed, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles coroners office tells the AP. Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said the report which is expected to include toxicology results will not be finished for two more ...

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Michael Jackson's Pseudonyms for Drugs

Source: Michael Ricci
July 17, 2009

Investigators target Michael Jackson's pseudonyms. Associates say the pop singer had long used false names to acquire prescriptions, a violation of federal and state laws designed to curb drug abuse.

At least five physicians are focus of probe. For those who live in the tabloid cross hairs, the fake name is essential. Privacy-seeking celebrities have standard pseudonyms for checking into hotels, booking spa appointments, reserving restaurant tables, advertising for help and setting up visits to the doctor's office.

But when ...

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AEG Faces Aftermath of Singer's Death

Source: All About Jazz
July 17, 2009

Things seem to be getting back to normal in the offices of AEG, the owner of both venues and the promoter behind the 50 sold-out concerts at Londons 02 Arena that Michael Jackson was prepping for before his death June 25.

While AEGs VP of communications Michael Roth is fielding phone calls and emails related to Jackson, the dust had largely settled. At least until an autopsy report will determine how much money AEG will be able to recoup from ...

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