After a lengthy break, that included marriages and children, The Cranberries are back on the road. Chen Nan reports.
Faye Wong is undoubtedly the queen of pop music in most Chinese people's minds. But if they have listened to the music of Irish band The Cranberries, they would realize their queen is not quite a genius. When Wong's career started in Hong Kong in 1994, her cover of The Cranberries' song Dreams made people see her as a pioneering singer. Her imitation of lead female vocalist Dolores O'Riordan's silky voice, feverish high pitch and willowy whisper, as well as the cropped haircut, blew into the Chinese pop music industry like a fresh breeze. The recording immediately distinguished Wong from other female singers.
The Cranberries have influenced other Chinese musicians apart from Wong, such as songwriters Dou Wei, who is Wong's former husband, and singers Mavis Fan and Candy Lo. The Super Girl winner Li Yuchun also covered their song Zombie on her 2005 talent show.
"We have listened to Faye Wong's singing and it's certainly flattering," says Noel Hogan, a founder and guitarist of The Cranberries.
"We saw an interview of a young band on TV the other day. It's surprising that they mentioned our band and called us their idols. We were just doing our own thing, you know."
Friday, September 28, 2012
Psy vows topless show if song gets No 1
A chubby South Korean singer who has taken the pop world by storm, topping Apple's iTunes downloads and getting 270 million Youtube views, has vowed to perform his "Gangnam Style" hit topless if it reaches number one.
The rapper who does the foot-stomping "horse dance" and goes by the name Psy, returned on Tuesday to the upmarket Seoul suburb that he put on the world music map.
"If it ranks number one in the Billboard chart, then I will perform 'Gangnam Style' topless in a place where everyone can watch," Psy told a news conference on his return from the United States.
Gangnam is the most upmarket neighborhood in the South Korean capital. Known as Seoul's "Beverly Hills", its streets are lined with designer-brand shops and trendy bars and restaurants.
Psy, who sums up his style as "dress classy, dance cheesy", has became a surprise hit in the United States where he was feted on chat shows and signed a deal with Island Records.
Psy, whose real name is Park Jai-sang, has always stuck out as an oddity compared with the svelte, well-scrubbed members of Korean girl and boy bands that have swept to fame in Asia and beyond.
After gaining recognition with a 2001 debut album, he landed in hot water several times. He says he was caught smoking marijuana and later had to repeat his mandatory military service after not taking it seriously the first time.
The 34-year-old was raised in Gangnam and went to the Berklee College of Music in the United States. He dropped out of a US business school which his traditional parents hoped would prepare him for taking over the family business.
The rapper who does the foot-stomping "horse dance" and goes by the name Psy, returned on Tuesday to the upmarket Seoul suburb that he put on the world music map.
"If it ranks number one in the Billboard chart, then I will perform 'Gangnam Style' topless in a place where everyone can watch," Psy told a news conference on his return from the United States.
Gangnam is the most upmarket neighborhood in the South Korean capital. Known as Seoul's "Beverly Hills", its streets are lined with designer-brand shops and trendy bars and restaurants.
Psy, who sums up his style as "dress classy, dance cheesy", has became a surprise hit in the United States where he was feted on chat shows and signed a deal with Island Records.
Psy, whose real name is Park Jai-sang, has always stuck out as an oddity compared with the svelte, well-scrubbed members of Korean girl and boy bands that have swept to fame in Asia and beyond.
After gaining recognition with a 2001 debut album, he landed in hot water several times. He says he was caught smoking marijuana and later had to repeat his mandatory military service after not taking it seriously the first time.
The 34-year-old was raised in Gangnam and went to the Berklee College of Music in the United States. He dropped out of a US business school which his traditional parents hoped would prepare him for taking over the family business.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Sinatra estate steps to plate in Dodgers Chapter 11
The estate of Frank Sinatra, a long-time Los Angeles Dodgers fan, has joined four other season ticket holders to ask a bankruptcy judge for an official say in the baseball team's future.
Nancy, Frank Jr. and Tina Sinatra and the other ticket holders are seeking recognition as an official committee to advocate on behalf of Dodger fans who generally blame team owner Frank McCourt for its financial problems.
They did not specify their concerns or motives in a filing with the Delaware bankruptcy court. But an official committee would speak on behalf of all season ticket holders, and would have some or all of its expenses for lawyers and advisers paid by the Dodgers.
The family of the singer known for such standards as "My Way" and "New York, New York" and for acting in films such as "From Here to Eternity" has held season tickets since the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles from Brooklyn, New York for the 1958 season, according to court documents.
"The season ticket holders are the voice of all fans and therefore deserve a seat at the table," said Anthony Sabino, a law professor at Tobin College of Business at St. John's University. "One could even say they are the lifeblood of a franchise."
In a statement, the Dodgers said there is no need for an official committee of ticket holders because their interests "will not be affected by the Chapter 11 cases."
Bankrupt companies generally work hard to get the support of official committees in order to successfully reorganize.
Sinatra, who died in 1998, was known for dropping by the team's clubhouse.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Coldplay's new 'Mylo Xyloto' album gets October release
British rock band Coldplay announced on Friday they will release their fifth studio album on October 25 in the United States and a day earlier elsewhere.
The group unveiled the new album's graffiti pop art reversible cover and its title "Mylo Xyloto," on its website, but did not explain what the album title meant.
The album's new single, "September," will be released on September 12, following the June release of "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall".
Lead vocalist Chris Martin told Billboard the album, co-produced by Brian Eno, does not fit into "any musical kind of box".
"I think we have a lot to prove to ourselves. There's no point in not going for it," he said in an interview published on Friday.
The band's fifth album, which will be released in digital, CD and vinyl formats, follows their 2008 album "Viva La Vida", which sold 2.8 million units in the United States.
The group unveiled the new album's graffiti pop art reversible cover and its title "Mylo Xyloto," on its website, but did not explain what the album title meant.
The album's new single, "September," will be released on September 12, following the June release of "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall".
Lead vocalist Chris Martin told Billboard the album, co-produced by Brian Eno, does not fit into "any musical kind of box".
"I think we have a lot to prove to ourselves. There's no point in not going for it," he said in an interview published on Friday.
The band's fifth album, which will be released in digital, CD and vinyl formats, follows their 2008 album "Viva La Vida", which sold 2.8 million units in the United States.
Monday, September 17, 2012
JJ Lin signs contract with Warner Music
Singer JJ Lin, of Singapore, signed a contract with Warner Music at a news conference in Beijing on August 8, 2011. Lin, in a red suit at the conference, called it a new start for him. Lin said he wanted to know more people and make positive changes to his environment, so he didn't continue his previous contract. He had been with Ocean Butterflies for eight years.
Lachie Rutherford, president of Warner Music Asia Pacific, and Sam Chen, president of the China market of Warner Music attended the conference to show their appreciation for JJ Lin. Sam Chen gave Lin a piano ornament decorated with crystal as welcome present. Lanchie said they have known each other and they have "talked about music, songs and the future."
Singers at Warner Music including Jolin Tsai, Khalil Fong and F.I.R expressed their greetings of welcome through VCR and JJ Lin said he expected to cooperate with them in music.
Lachie Rutherford, president of Warner Music Asia Pacific, and Sam Chen, president of the China market of Warner Music attended the conference to show their appreciation for JJ Lin. Sam Chen gave Lin a piano ornament decorated with crystal as welcome present. Lanchie said they have known each other and they have "talked about music, songs and the future."
Singers at Warner Music including Jolin Tsai, Khalil Fong and F.I.R expressed their greetings of welcome through VCR and JJ Lin said he expected to cooperate with them in music.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
McCartney recalls fear after 9/11, helps heal with music
LOS ANGELES - Paul McCartney on Thursday recalled the shock and fear that engulfed New York in the aftermath of the Sept 11 attacks and what he called the magical power of music in helping to heal those wounds.
Speaking ahead of the television broadcast of his 9/11 documentary The Love We Make, the former Beatle said that the concert he helped organize after the attacks was one of the most worthwhile moments of his career.
Shot in black and white, The Love We Make chronicles McCartney's personal journey in the devastated city immediately after the attacks on the World Trade Center, and preparations for the Concert for 9/11 six weeks later.
It will be broadcast on cable channel Showtime on Sept 10 as part of a slew of US television programs marking the 10th anniversary of the attacks.
"The whole mood of the world, of America and New York had changed. There was fear in the air and I had never experienced that in New York," McCartney said.
He added that he organized the concert in a bid to help New York let out the fear.
"We were emerging from the fearfulness of the immediate impact, and now you were seeing the emotion releasing through music it's one of the reasons I am in music."
"It was a great feeling. We actually felt like we were doing a bit of good," he said.
Speaking ahead of the television broadcast of his 9/11 documentary The Love We Make, the former Beatle said that the concert he helped organize after the attacks was one of the most worthwhile moments of his career.
Shot in black and white, The Love We Make chronicles McCartney's personal journey in the devastated city immediately after the attacks on the World Trade Center, and preparations for the Concert for 9/11 six weeks later.
It will be broadcast on cable channel Showtime on Sept 10 as part of a slew of US television programs marking the 10th anniversary of the attacks.
"The whole mood of the world, of America and New York had changed. There was fear in the air and I had never experienced that in New York," McCartney said.
He added that he organized the concert in a bid to help New York let out the fear.
"We were emerging from the fearfulness of the immediate impact, and now you were seeing the emotion releasing through music it's one of the reasons I am in music."
"It was a great feeling. We actually felt like we were doing a bit of good," he said.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Katy Perry, 'Teenage Dream' make Billboard history
Pop princess Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" reached a new height this week as "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" became the album's fifth single to reach the top of Billboard's pop songs chart, marking the first time any album has amassed such a feat in its 19-year history.
If Perry's newest No. 1 also lands atop the Hot 100 later this week, "Teenage Dream" will be the only album other than Michael Jackson's "Bad" to generate five separate No. 1s. "Bad" was released in 1987, before Billboard began issuing the pop song chart.
Prior to "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" reaching No. 1, "Teenage Dream" was tied with Justin Timberlake's "FutureSex/LoveSounds" (2006-07) and Lady Gaga's "The Fame" (2009) which both had four singles snag the top spot.
"Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" became not only Perry's fifth No. 1 off "Teenage Dream" but her seventh overall, tying her with Lady Gaga for second-most No. 1s since the chart's inception. Rihanna currently holds the record with eight.
If Perry's newest No. 1 also lands atop the Hot 100 later this week, "Teenage Dream" will be the only album other than Michael Jackson's "Bad" to generate five separate No. 1s. "Bad" was released in 1987, before Billboard began issuing the pop song chart.
Prior to "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" reaching No. 1, "Teenage Dream" was tied with Justin Timberlake's "FutureSex/LoveSounds" (2006-07) and Lady Gaga's "The Fame" (2009) which both had four singles snag the top spot.
"Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" became not only Perry's fifth No. 1 off "Teenage Dream" but her seventh overall, tying her with Lady Gaga for second-most No. 1s since the chart's inception. Rihanna currently holds the record with eight.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
An autopsy on singer Amy Winehouse Monday
LONDON — An autopsy on singer Amy Winehouse Monday failed to determine what killed the 27-year-old star, leaving fans and family with a weeks-long wait for the results of toxicology tests.
Winehouse's devastated parents visited mourners outside her north London home to thank them for their support, ahead of a private family funeral that could be held as early as Tuesday.
The singer, who had struggled with drug and alcohol abuse for years, was found dead Saturday at home by a member of her security team, who called an ambulance. It arrived too late to save her.
The Metropolitan Police said Monday that a forensic post mortem "did not establish a formal cause of death and we await the results of further toxicology tests." Those are expected to take two to four weeks.
An inquest into the singer's death was opened and adjourned at London's St. Pancras Coroner's Court. During the two-minute hearing, an official read out the name, birth date and address of Winehouse, described as "a divorced lady living at Camden Square NW1."
"She was a singer songwriter at the time of her death and was identified by her family here at St. Pancras this morning," said coroner's officer Sharon Duff.
Duff said the scene of Winehouse's death "was investigated by police and determined non-suspicious."
In Britain, inquests are held to establish the facts whenever someone dies violently or in unexplained circumstances. Assistant Deputy Coroner Suzanne Greenaway said Winehouse's inquest would resume on Oct. 26.
Winehouse's devastated parents visited mourners outside her north London home to thank them for their support, ahead of a private family funeral that could be held as early as Tuesday.
The singer, who had struggled with drug and alcohol abuse for years, was found dead Saturday at home by a member of her security team, who called an ambulance. It arrived too late to save her.
The Metropolitan Police said Monday that a forensic post mortem "did not establish a formal cause of death and we await the results of further toxicology tests." Those are expected to take two to four weeks.
An inquest into the singer's death was opened and adjourned at London's St. Pancras Coroner's Court. During the two-minute hearing, an official read out the name, birth date and address of Winehouse, described as "a divorced lady living at Camden Square NW1."
"She was a singer songwriter at the time of her death and was identified by her family here at St. Pancras this morning," said coroner's officer Sharon Duff.
Duff said the scene of Winehouse's death "was investigated by police and determined non-suspicious."
In Britain, inquests are held to establish the facts whenever someone dies violently or in unexplained circumstances. Assistant Deputy Coroner Suzanne Greenaway said Winehouse's inquest would resume on Oct. 26.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Michael Jackson's tribute concert
Several members of Michael Jackson's family unveiled plans on Monday for a tribute concert to the late King of Pop, but performers were unnamed leading to a less-than-thrilling announcement for the "Thriller" singer.
The tribute show, supported by Jackson family matriarch Katherine Jackson, will be held on October 8 in Cardiff, Wales at the Millennium Stadium, which holds about 75,000 people. It will be broadcast live via satellite on pay-per-view television and into movie theaters around the world, some of which will screen it in 3D, said promoter Global Live Events.
Katherine Jackson told reporters at the unveiling in Los Angeles that she is proud of the event and the caliber of singers performing. No names were announced on Monday.
"If my son was here today, he would feel the same way, and so I'd like to say thank you very much for helping to keep my son's legacy alive," she said.
Michael Jackson, who rose to fame in his family of singers then embarked on a solo career that included smash hits such as "Thriller" and "Billie Jean," died in June 2009, of an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol he used as a sleep aid.
His physician at the time, Dr. Conrad Murray, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death. He has pleaded not guilty and a trial will start in September.
Jackson's brother, Jermaine Jackson, tried in vain to mount a tribute concert in Vienna in 2009, but plans were scrapped after he struggled to get big-name acts and the event's organizer went out of business.
The tribute show, supported by Jackson family matriarch Katherine Jackson, will be held on October 8 in Cardiff, Wales at the Millennium Stadium, which holds about 75,000 people. It will be broadcast live via satellite on pay-per-view television and into movie theaters around the world, some of which will screen it in 3D, said promoter Global Live Events.
Katherine Jackson told reporters at the unveiling in Los Angeles that she is proud of the event and the caliber of singers performing. No names were announced on Monday.
"If my son was here today, he would feel the same way, and so I'd like to say thank you very much for helping to keep my son's legacy alive," she said.
Michael Jackson, who rose to fame in his family of singers then embarked on a solo career that included smash hits such as "Thriller" and "Billie Jean," died in June 2009, of an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol he used as a sleep aid.
His physician at the time, Dr. Conrad Murray, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death. He has pleaded not guilty and a trial will start in September.
Jackson's brother, Jermaine Jackson, tried in vain to mount a tribute concert in Vienna in 2009, but plans were scrapped after he struggled to get big-name acts and the event's organizer went out of business.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Mongolian sounds of DOLAN
Xoomei, matouqin "Some people don't even want to try to listen to new types of songs simply because they don't understand the language. This puzzles me. The same crowd is sometimes hardcore followers of Bon Jovi or Michael Jackson. Do they speak fluent English? Not necessarily", said Sunbori, the leader and guitarist of the band.
"Appreciation of music has two dimensions. You can enjoy its beautiful lyrics, or you can simply love the tunes. If you can listen to a foreign song without understanding a word, you can do the same with other types of songs, including Mongolian folksongs", Chaoluomeng, the lead matouqin player, added.
DOLAN's songs are very easy to enjoy, even for those who don't know a single word of Mongolian. "We've added many elements from modern music. Depending on the song, we'll add a touch of R&B or a twist of Jazz. This makes it easier for our songs to be accepted, even by those who are not accustomed to Mongolian sounds," said Sunbori.
This gives a new "look" to the traditional folksongs without changing their fundamental essence. Still the soft and mellow folksongs, still singing about tender human emotions, and still sung with passion and feelings, only easier to appreciate.
Their group name DOLAN means "warmth" in Mongolian, a nice match to the feeling their songs bring. Music directly reflects the characters of the players, and DOLAN's sounds emit an aura of purity and honesty. In this increasingly complicated world, that's something we should value and protect.
Music is food for the soul, and there are neither boundaries nor borders to its beauty. This is exactly what DOLAN believes in.
"Appreciation of music has two dimensions. You can enjoy its beautiful lyrics, or you can simply love the tunes. If you can listen to a foreign song without understanding a word, you can do the same with other types of songs, including Mongolian folksongs", Chaoluomeng, the lead matouqin player, added.
DOLAN's songs are very easy to enjoy, even for those who don't know a single word of Mongolian. "We've added many elements from modern music. Depending on the song, we'll add a touch of R&B or a twist of Jazz. This makes it easier for our songs to be accepted, even by those who are not accustomed to Mongolian sounds," said Sunbori.
This gives a new "look" to the traditional folksongs without changing their fundamental essence. Still the soft and mellow folksongs, still singing about tender human emotions, and still sung with passion and feelings, only easier to appreciate.
Their group name DOLAN means "warmth" in Mongolian, a nice match to the feeling their songs bring. Music directly reflects the characters of the players, and DOLAN's sounds emit an aura of purity and honesty. In this increasingly complicated world, that's something we should value and protect.
Music is food for the soul, and there are neither boundaries nor borders to its beauty. This is exactly what DOLAN believes in.
Aaron Kwok looks at more roles, seriously
Aaron Kwok Fu-Shing has been one of China's most successful pop music icons for more than two decades and has a gobsmacking luxury car collection to prove it. Parked in his Hong Kong garage are four Ferraris, four Lamborghinis and two Porsches and, of course, a few top-of-the-line Mercedes Benzes he drives to the local shop. Across the Chinese-speaking world, Kwok is regarded as royalty and known as one of the "Four Heavenly Kings", along with Andy Lau, Leon Lai and Jacky Cheung. Now at age 45, the song and dance man is focusing on another of his life-long passions.
Today he wants to be known as a serious movie actor. "A method actor," Kwok says, as he gives a thumbs-up and looks his interviewer in the eyes.
Kwok's star power is as eye-catching as his exclusive car collection, but this month he was in Europe, attracted by another kind of horse power.
West of London, only 10 kilometers from Windsor Castle, he recently attended the Royal Ascot races, in his capacity as the "ambassador" of Swiss watchmaker Longines, one of the many lucrative sponsorship deals he enjoys. Pepsi, Fuji Film, Clarins Skin Care, Citibank International, HSBC Credit Cards and the Hong Kong Jockey Club all pay the good-looking celebrity millions to put his face on their brands.
After a 12-hour flight from Hong Kong and a one-hour drive through London's horrible traffic snarl, the superstar arrives at the famous race track still looking sprightly and dapper and launches into a discourse about acting. Perhaps he is using some of his "method acting" to overcome jet lag.
Today he wants to be known as a serious movie actor. "A method actor," Kwok says, as he gives a thumbs-up and looks his interviewer in the eyes.
Kwok's star power is as eye-catching as his exclusive car collection, but this month he was in Europe, attracted by another kind of horse power.
West of London, only 10 kilometers from Windsor Castle, he recently attended the Royal Ascot races, in his capacity as the "ambassador" of Swiss watchmaker Longines, one of the many lucrative sponsorship deals he enjoys. Pepsi, Fuji Film, Clarins Skin Care, Citibank International, HSBC Credit Cards and the Hong Kong Jockey Club all pay the good-looking celebrity millions to put his face on their brands.
After a 12-hour flight from Hong Kong and a one-hour drive through London's horrible traffic snarl, the superstar arrives at the famous race track still looking sprightly and dapper and launches into a discourse about acting. Perhaps he is using some of his "method acting" to overcome jet lag.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Madonna keeps pop crown, 'MDNA' tops Billboard chart
Madonna retained the title Queen of Pop by taking the throne of the Billboard 200 album chart for the eighth time on Tuesday, as her latest album "MDNA" beat Lionel Richie's country themed "Tuskegee" to the top of the weekly sales list.
Madonna's 12th studio album, dedicated to club-friendly dance tracks, sold 359,000 copies in its first week according to Nielsen SoundScan, despite lukewarm reviews from critics and minimal promotional appearances by the singer.
This is the fifth time in the 53-year-old singer's career that her album has debuted at No. 1, following her 2008 CD "Hard Candy," and she is the second woman to top the chart eight times behind Barbra Streisand, who holds the title with nine chart-topping albums.
"MDNA" also was No. 1 on iTunes charts in 40 countries and had the biggest single day pre-sales on iTunes by any artist in history, Madonna's label Interscope Records said in a statement.
Album sales were also boosted by Madonna's upcoming world tour because customers buying tickets also were given the option to receive the album as part of their purchase.
Veteran soul singer Richie, 62, changed directions musically and embraced country music for his 10th studio album "Tuskegee," collaborating with country stars such as Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Shania Twain and Willie Nelson on classic Richie tunes.
Madonna's 12th studio album, dedicated to club-friendly dance tracks, sold 359,000 copies in its first week according to Nielsen SoundScan, despite lukewarm reviews from critics and minimal promotional appearances by the singer.
This is the fifth time in the 53-year-old singer's career that her album has debuted at No. 1, following her 2008 CD "Hard Candy," and she is the second woman to top the chart eight times behind Barbra Streisand, who holds the title with nine chart-topping albums.
"MDNA" also was No. 1 on iTunes charts in 40 countries and had the biggest single day pre-sales on iTunes by any artist in history, Madonna's label Interscope Records said in a statement.
Album sales were also boosted by Madonna's upcoming world tour because customers buying tickets also were given the option to receive the album as part of their purchase.
Veteran soul singer Richie, 62, changed directions musically and embraced country music for his 10th studio album "Tuskegee," collaborating with country stars such as Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Shania Twain and Willie Nelson on classic Richie tunes.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Wanda group acquires US theater chain
China's largest theater owner Wanda group has reached an agreement with AMC Entertainment, the second-largest movie theater chain in North America, under which it will acquire the chain.
The agreement signed today makes Wanda the largest exhibitor in world's second largest film market and the second largest in the biggest market.
The transaction is valued at about $2.6 billion. Wanda intends to invest up to an additional $500 million in AMC over time to fund its strategic and operating initiatives.
Wanda has reached an agreement to secure employment of AMC's management team. The transaction is not expected to have an impact on employee levels at AMC.
AMC has been owned since 2004 by an investment group that includes the Apollo Investment Fund, J. P. Morgan Partners, Bain Capital Investors, the Carlyle Group and others.
As the second largest theater chain in North America, AMC runs 346 theaters with 5,034 screens.
Wanda operates a variety of businesses including commercial properties, luxury hotels, tourism investment and department stores.
It has shown intense interest in the cultural industry since 2005 and has been involved in film production and distribution. The group now owns 86 multiplex locations and 730 screens. It also owns 47 IMAX screens, the most among Chinese theaters. The negotiation started in the first half of 2010.
The agreement signed today makes Wanda the largest exhibitor in world's second largest film market and the second largest in the biggest market.
The transaction is valued at about $2.6 billion. Wanda intends to invest up to an additional $500 million in AMC over time to fund its strategic and operating initiatives.
Wanda has reached an agreement to secure employment of AMC's management team. The transaction is not expected to have an impact on employee levels at AMC.
AMC has been owned since 2004 by an investment group that includes the Apollo Investment Fund, J. P. Morgan Partners, Bain Capital Investors, the Carlyle Group and others.
As the second largest theater chain in North America, AMC runs 346 theaters with 5,034 screens.
Wanda operates a variety of businesses including commercial properties, luxury hotels, tourism investment and department stores.
It has shown intense interest in the cultural industry since 2005 and has been involved in film production and distribution. The group now owns 86 multiplex locations and 730 screens. It also owns 47 IMAX screens, the most among Chinese theaters. The negotiation started in the first half of 2010.
Aerosmith says new album brings "a little of 1975 back"
LOS ANGELES -- Veteran rock band Aerosmith said on Wednesday they were bringing "a little of 1975 back" on a long-delayed album of new material to be released this summer to coincide with a U.S. tour.
The band said they were working on finishing up the album - the first of new material since 2001's "Just Push Play" - ahead of the tour, but kept the title under wraps.
"The camaraderie's there, there's some songs that are new rock, and old rock and middle-of-the-road rock, and blues, piano. Joe Perry singing a couple of songs, I'm playing the drums, Joey sings, just all kinds of stuff," frontman Steven Tyler told Reuters.
Aerosmith, whose previous attempts to make a new album were dogged by a litany of health problems and internal strife, said they had been working with their long-time producer Jack Douglas to bring "a little bit of 1975 back."
The band will kick off their North American "Global Warming Tour" on June 16 in Minneapolis, playing 18 cities from Toronto to Oakland, California and Atlanta, Georgia. Tickets go on sale from Friday.
"You're going to get some new songs from the new album and some old songs from the old albums and you're going to get new us and old us, and we're just going to go out and rock your world," Tyler, 64, told Reuters.
The volatile singer and "American Idol" judge was greeted by dozens of fans as the band swept into a Los Angeles news conference in flamboyant fashion - Tyler on a motorbike, drummer Joey Kramer in a white Lamborghini, guitarist Joe Perry in a taxi and bassist Tom Hamilton in a rickshaw. Guitarist Brad Whitford is currently on tour with another band.
The band said they were working on finishing up the album - the first of new material since 2001's "Just Push Play" - ahead of the tour, but kept the title under wraps.
"The camaraderie's there, there's some songs that are new rock, and old rock and middle-of-the-road rock, and blues, piano. Joe Perry singing a couple of songs, I'm playing the drums, Joey sings, just all kinds of stuff," frontman Steven Tyler told Reuters.
Aerosmith, whose previous attempts to make a new album were dogged by a litany of health problems and internal strife, said they had been working with their long-time producer Jack Douglas to bring "a little bit of 1975 back."
The band will kick off their North American "Global Warming Tour" on June 16 in Minneapolis, playing 18 cities from Toronto to Oakland, California and Atlanta, Georgia. Tickets go on sale from Friday.
"You're going to get some new songs from the new album and some old songs from the old albums and you're going to get new us and old us, and we're just going to go out and rock your world," Tyler, 64, told Reuters.
The volatile singer and "American Idol" judge was greeted by dozens of fans as the band swept into a Los Angeles news conference in flamboyant fashion - Tyler on a motorbike, drummer Joey Kramer in a white Lamborghini, guitarist Joe Perry in a taxi and bassist Tom Hamilton in a rickshaw. Guitarist Brad Whitford is currently on tour with another band.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Fish Leong draws crowd for Beijing performance
The 34-year-old singer performed her popular hits, such as Courage and Summer, as well as songs from her latest album, Love in Heart. After the concert, she announced that she will take a break from her career and prepare to become a mother.
Ever since Leong released her debut album, Growing Up Overnight, in 1999 in Taiwan, she has been known as "the Queen of Love Songs", an allusion to the many love ballads she sings. Many of the songs in her repertoire, such as Happy Breakup and Courage, have become karaoke hits across Taiwan, Hong Kong and the mainland.
Since getting married to the businessman Tony Zhao, the pop star has worked less and concentrated more on her family.
Jane Zhang has released her first live album, Listen to Jane Z Live, and will kick off her Asian tour starting in Singapore on Sept 15 and 16. The singer explains the album, which will be a main part of the upcoming gigs, was of particular significance to her because she feels it's a reflection of how far she has come after being in the business for so long.
Ever since Leong released her debut album, Growing Up Overnight, in 1999 in Taiwan, she has been known as "the Queen of Love Songs", an allusion to the many love ballads she sings. Many of the songs in her repertoire, such as Happy Breakup and Courage, have become karaoke hits across Taiwan, Hong Kong and the mainland.
Since getting married to the businessman Tony Zhao, the pop star has worked less and concentrated more on her family.
Jane Zhang has released her first live album, Listen to Jane Z Live, and will kick off her Asian tour starting in Singapore on Sept 15 and 16. The singer explains the album, which will be a main part of the upcoming gigs, was of particular significance to her because she feels it's a reflection of how far she has come after being in the business for so long.
Oldie but goodie
Hong Kong DJ and entertainer Anders Nelsson brings back the golden age of rock 'n' roll for a baby boomer reunion concert, reports Rebecca Lo.
When he speaks, Anders Nelsson has that indefinable accent of someone who has lived in Hong Kong for a long time. The California-born son of Swedish Lutheran missionaries has called the city home since 1950. He has been part of its entertainment scene ever since he began playing with his high school band The Kontinentals in the early 60s.
Five decades later, Nelsson is paying tribute to the glory days of rock by DJing a concert to welcome classmates from King George V, his former high school.
Music from the '60s and '70s will be featured, with Nelsson taking requests from the audience and singing a few songs while accompanying himself on guitar.
"Every 10 years, there is a mega reunion for King George V grads," says Nelsson, doing some staging prior to the concert at Grappa's Cellar. "There are a lot of activities planned, but nothing specifically for baby boomers. Since I specialize in nostalgia, it is a good way to get my former classmates together. The concert is also open to the public."
Founded in 1894 and the oldest school in the city's English School Foundation, King George V secondary school in Ho Man Tin was the only choice available to expat kids during the 1950s and 60s.
Although there were students of more than two dozen different nationalities, kids would be punished for not speaking English. The severe colonial educational system meant that caning was the norm and prefects ruled the halls.
When he speaks, Anders Nelsson has that indefinable accent of someone who has lived in Hong Kong for a long time. The California-born son of Swedish Lutheran missionaries has called the city home since 1950. He has been part of its entertainment scene ever since he began playing with his high school band The Kontinentals in the early 60s.
Five decades later, Nelsson is paying tribute to the glory days of rock by DJing a concert to welcome classmates from King George V, his former high school.
Music from the '60s and '70s will be featured, with Nelsson taking requests from the audience and singing a few songs while accompanying himself on guitar.
"Every 10 years, there is a mega reunion for King George V grads," says Nelsson, doing some staging prior to the concert at Grappa's Cellar. "There are a lot of activities planned, but nothing specifically for baby boomers. Since I specialize in nostalgia, it is a good way to get my former classmates together. The concert is also open to the public."
Founded in 1894 and the oldest school in the city's English School Foundation, King George V secondary school in Ho Man Tin was the only choice available to expat kids during the 1950s and 60s.
Although there were students of more than two dozen different nationalities, kids would be punished for not speaking English. The severe colonial educational system meant that caning was the norm and prefects ruled the halls.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Europe Music Awards back to Frankfurt
The MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) will be held on November 11 in Frankfurt, returning to the Germany city which also hosted the annual ceremony in 2001, the music channel announced on Monday.
The EMA show is billed as a celebration of music from around the globe, although it tends to focus on top U.S. artists who are popular internationally and so score well with fans who vote for the winners.
MTV will be hoping to build on the popularity of its 2011 show in Belfast, which attracted 23 million viewers on all platforms as well as 158 million votes worldwide.
Last year's event starred Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Coldplay and LMFAO.
American mezzo-soprano Carla Dirlikov performed last week at 8 Point Art Space in Chengdu East Music Park in Sichuan province's capital.
The solo recital featured pieces from both Western opera repertoires and US musical theater traditions. It was free to the public.
On March 6, she performed at Chengdu's Pride Music Hall. Dirlikov is touring China via cooperation among the US embassy in Beijing, the US consulate in Chengdu and host institutions in China.
She will also give a free performance to the public at the Chongqing Library Theater.
Dirlikov has performed throughout Europe and North America, and recently served as a US cultural envoy to Mexico.
The EMA show is billed as a celebration of music from around the globe, although it tends to focus on top U.S. artists who are popular internationally and so score well with fans who vote for the winners.
MTV will be hoping to build on the popularity of its 2011 show in Belfast, which attracted 23 million viewers on all platforms as well as 158 million votes worldwide.
Last year's event starred Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Coldplay and LMFAO.
American mezzo-soprano Carla Dirlikov performed last week at 8 Point Art Space in Chengdu East Music Park in Sichuan province's capital.
The solo recital featured pieces from both Western opera repertoires and US musical theater traditions. It was free to the public.
On March 6, she performed at Chengdu's Pride Music Hall. Dirlikov is touring China via cooperation among the US embassy in Beijing, the US consulate in Chengdu and host institutions in China.
She will also give a free performance to the public at the Chongqing Library Theater.
Dirlikov has performed throughout Europe and North America, and recently served as a US cultural envoy to Mexico.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Adele breaks Whitney Houston's chart record
The late Whitney Houston was unable to oust Adele from the top spot on the Billboard 200 album chart, and the British singer's "21" replaced "The Bodyguard" as the longest running No. 1 album by a woman.
Boosted by her six Grammy awards and performance comeback, Adele's "21" saw its biggest sales week yet in 52 weeks on the U.S. chart, selling 730,000 copies according to Nielsen SoundScan.
That gave Adele her 21st week at the top spot, beating the record held by Houston with her 1992 "Bodyguard" album. "21" which features hits like "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You" has now sold more than 18 million copies worldwide since its release in February 2011, Adele's Columbia Record label said.
The 23 year-old singer and songwriter also saw a surge in sales for her debut album, "19," which sold 87,000 copies.
Houston's songs also saw a huge sales rise following her death in a Beverly Hills hotel on February 11 and a touching tribute by Jennifer Hudson at the Grammy awards on February 12.
Seven of Houston's albums re-entered the Billboard chart this week, led by "Whitney: The Greatest Hits" compilation at No. 2, selling 175,000 copies. Her self-titled album sold 17,000 to take the 37th spot.
Houston's "I Will Always Love You" single took the No. 2 spot in the Billboard Digital Songs Chart.
Boosted by her six Grammy awards and performance comeback, Adele's "21" saw its biggest sales week yet in 52 weeks on the U.S. chart, selling 730,000 copies according to Nielsen SoundScan.
That gave Adele her 21st week at the top spot, beating the record held by Houston with her 1992 "Bodyguard" album. "21" which features hits like "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You" has now sold more than 18 million copies worldwide since its release in February 2011, Adele's Columbia Record label said.
The 23 year-old singer and songwriter also saw a surge in sales for her debut album, "19," which sold 87,000 copies.
Houston's songs also saw a huge sales rise following her death in a Beverly Hills hotel on February 11 and a touching tribute by Jennifer Hudson at the Grammy awards on February 12.
Seven of Houston's albums re-entered the Billboard chart this week, led by "Whitney: The Greatest Hits" compilation at No. 2, selling 175,000 copies. Her self-titled album sold 17,000 to take the 37th spot.
Houston's "I Will Always Love You" single took the No. 2 spot in the Billboard Digital Songs Chart.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Plugging in
South Korean singer Lee Jae-won is among the growing number of artists from abroad who are hoping to make it big in the expanding China market. Chen Nan reports.
When 31-year-old South Korean singer Lee Jae-won was discharged from the army in 2010, he decided to announce his comeback in China - rather than his home country. On a chilly winter night in Beijing, the youngest member of boy band H.O.T. wears a black futuristic armor-like suit as the spotlight focuses on him. Nearly 500 fans squeezes into a small venue shout his name and Lee thanks them in Mandarin. Another 500 fans wait outside the venue, hoping to get a glimpse of their idol.
With a new electronic album to plug, It's the Time, Lee signed up with a Chinese entertainment company in late 2011.
"China is on the tip of everybody's tongue. Ever since I served in the army, I have considered coming to China to develop my career," Lee says.
He learned Mandarin for eight months before teaming up in 2010 with China Music, a Beijing entertainment company.
When 31-year-old South Korean singer Lee Jae-won was discharged from the army in 2010, he decided to announce his comeback in China - rather than his home country. On a chilly winter night in Beijing, the youngest member of boy band H.O.T. wears a black futuristic armor-like suit as the spotlight focuses on him. Nearly 500 fans squeezes into a small venue shout his name and Lee thanks them in Mandarin. Another 500 fans wait outside the venue, hoping to get a glimpse of their idol.
With a new electronic album to plug, It's the Time, Lee signed up with a Chinese entertainment company in late 2011.
"China is on the tip of everybody's tongue. Ever since I served in the army, I have considered coming to China to develop my career," Lee says.
He learned Mandarin for eight months before teaming up in 2010 with China Music, a Beijing entertainment company.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Whitney Houston's death overshadows Grammys
Houston's body was found in the bathtub of her Beverly Hills hotel room. The cause of death is still unknown.
Besides the top winner Adele at the Grammy Awards, Rockers Foo Fighters were the other big winners, picking up five Grammys including best rock performance for the hit Walk.
"This is a great honor because this record was a special record for our band. Rather than go to the best studio We made this one in my garage with some microphones and a tape machine," frontman Dave Grohl said. "It shows that the human element of making music is what's most important."
Grammy organizers gave out awards in more than 75 categories and many early winners mentioned Houston. Singer Melanie Fiona, who won with Cee Lo Green for a traditional R&B performance for Fool For You, said the singer inspired her.
Other major Grammy winners included Taylor Swift, who picked up Grammys for solo performance and country song with Mean, which she performed to a standing ovation. She had been expected to take best country album, too, but Lady Antebellum swooped in and took that prize with Own the Night.
The other big surprise came when indie folk band Bon Iver took the Grammy for best new artist over rapper Nicki Minaj, who had been widely expected to win behind hit album Pink Friday.
DJ Skrillex won two Grammys for best dance recording and top dance/electronica album with Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites.
Besides the top winner Adele at the Grammy Awards, Rockers Foo Fighters were the other big winners, picking up five Grammys including best rock performance for the hit Walk.
"This is a great honor because this record was a special record for our band. Rather than go to the best studio We made this one in my garage with some microphones and a tape machine," frontman Dave Grohl said. "It shows that the human element of making music is what's most important."
Grammy organizers gave out awards in more than 75 categories and many early winners mentioned Houston. Singer Melanie Fiona, who won with Cee Lo Green for a traditional R&B performance for Fool For You, said the singer inspired her.
Other major Grammy winners included Taylor Swift, who picked up Grammys for solo performance and country song with Mean, which she performed to a standing ovation. She had been expected to take best country album, too, but Lady Antebellum swooped in and took that prize with Own the Night.
The other big surprise came when indie folk band Bon Iver took the Grammy for best new artist over rapper Nicki Minaj, who had been widely expected to win behind hit album Pink Friday.
DJ Skrillex won two Grammys for best dance recording and top dance/electronica album with Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites.
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