News in Review: U2, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Dewey Martin, Pitchfork Music Festival
First Appeared in The Music Box, March 2009, Volume 16, #3
Written by John Metzger
Tue March 17, 2009, 06:30 AM CDT
U2 Not Resting on Laurels
U2 spent two years crafting No Line on the Horizon, the 12th studio album of its distinguished career. Not wishing to waste time, the band already is in the planning stages for its next endeavor. Meant to balance the rock-oriented textures of No Line on the Horizon, the subsequent set will feature the group’s softer, more reflective side. Bono revealed U2’s intentions in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, and he acknowledged that the effort’s first single Every Breaking Wave was removed from No Line on the Horizon at the last minute.
The Return of Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson is planning to perform an extensive series of concerts at London’s O2 Arena later this year, though many are skeptical about whether or not he will be able to uphold his commitment. In an attempt to lay speculation about his failing health to rest, however, Jackson recently took and passed a physical examination. On Thursday, March 5, Jackson promised that he would focus on his hits during the 10 shows that have been scheduled in London, beginning on July 8. The revenue from his dates at the O2 Arena would go a long way toward stemming his personal financial meltdown.
Last year, Jackson issued an expanded version of his seminal outing Thriller, but he has not recorded a set of new material since unveiling Invincible in 2001. Jackson’s last live performance was at the World Music Awards in 2006, which was underwhelming. His appearances at the O2 Arena would mark his first full-fledged concerts in 12 years. Jackson also left the door open for additional shows to be slated — perhaps, around the globe — though he also indicated that once this current round of activity was completed, he would retire. Whether this turns out to be his comeback or his final farewell likely will be dependent upon the demand that is generated from his announcement.
Bob Dylan’s Latest Adventure, Part Two
A few more details have emerged regarding Together Through Life, Bob Dylan’s forthcoming endeavor. The set, which follows closely on the heels of his odds-and-sods collection Tell Tale Signs, was spurred after Dylan was tasked with contributing a new song to the film La Vie En Rose. Together Through Life will be issued on April 28.
Drummer Dewey Martin Fades Away
On January 31, drummer Dewey Martin passed away at his home in Van Nuys, California at the age of 68. The cause of his death is not known, though Martin had been suffering from an array of ailments in recent years. Martin had performed with Patsy Cline, the Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison, and Carl Perkins before he was tapped to join Buffalo Springfield in 1966. He remained with the outfit until it disbanded two years later with a trio of highly influential albums to its credit. Martin spent the rest of his life attempting to revive the group, while also working on a handful of other projects, including the design of a new style of drum head.
Pitchfork Music Festival Lets Fans Have Say on Friday Night
Unlike previous years when bands selected classic albums from their catalogues to perform in their entirety, the Pitchfork Music Festival is planning to unveil Write the Night: Set Lists By Request during the opening performances at this year’s event. After purchasing a ticket to the show, fans will be given an opportunity to select the songs that they’d like to hear the groups perform. Built to Spill, The Jesus Lizard, Yo La Tengo, and Tortoise will take the stage on Friday, July 17, and, hence, will participate in the experiment, which will take place in Chicago’s Union Park. The Pitchfork Music Festival will continue over the course of the weekend with appearances by The National on Saturday, July 18 and The Walkmen on Sunday, July 19.
Of Further Interest...
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