After 40 years, Steven Tyler has quit Aerosmith by walking out on the “Crazy” rockers following a performance in Abu Dhabi last month, if band guitarist Joe Perry is to be believed.

The report comes just months after the singer spoke out publicly to dismiss reports the band was on the verge of splitting. In August, Tyler broke his shoulder after falling off stage while performing in South Dakota, and the group was forced to scrap the remainder of its summer tour.

Perry admits that following the accident he and Tyler didn’t speak for more than a month and Perry fears his pal has left the rock group after its performance as part of the Formula One racing season’s final weekend in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 30.

“Steven quit as far as I can tell. I don’t know any more than you do about it. I got off the plane two nights ago. I saw online that Steven said that he was going to leave the band. I don’t know for how long, indefinitely or whatever. Other than that, I don’t know,” he tells The Las Vegas Sun.

Perry claims the discord in the band can be attributed to Tyler’s failure to return phone calls: “Frankly, the last few months I’ve been wanting not to rock the boat. I don’t want him canceling any more gigs. We really wanted to do these last four. We just kind of didn’t want to call him out or anything and get him anymore pissed off, for whatever reason. So we just let things lie. So we did the gigs and, like I said, I got off the plane and saw this online. That’s how I know about it… He has had no contact with me or the other band members.”

Joe Perry says he’s determined to continue Aerosmith, even if its famous front man refuses to return.

“Right now I’m adjusting to how we’re going to go on…We’re just trying to – at least I am – trying to figure out what direction the band should take….”

We have conformation here @ Squire Pop about the on again, off again Aerosmith saga.  The recent battle between ax-man Joe Perry and lead singer Steven Tyler has apparently been resolved once and for all.  The trouble all started after rumblings from an upset Perry had the epic rock band severing their association with lead man, Tyler after an injury over the summer tour forced cancellation of the groups remaining shows.  However, this all appears in jest after Perry’s most recent comments regarding the future of the group.

On his official Twitter page, http://twitter.com/AdmiralPerry/status/5573340125 Perry stated the following, “Aerosmith not splitting up. Promise that’s the last you’ll hear from me on the subject till we gear up again.”

This is welcome news to us here @ SP and to fans of the band around the world.  Here’s to the hopes that the band sorts out its differences and is soon…back in the saddle again.

Jackson concert surpasses initial estimates
Nov 02, 2009 – Worldwide ticket sales for Michael Jackson’s concert movie exceeded initial forecasts when final data were issued on Monday, rising to $103.9 million, distributor Columbia Pictures said.
The Sony Corp 6758.T< <SNE.N unit had said the day before that “This Is It” earned a preliminary $101 million since opening worldwide on Wednesday.

Michael Jackson movie ‘This Is It’ tops charts with $101M revenue in five days
Nov 02, 2009 – “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” pulled in $101 million worldwide in its first five days, and distributor Sony is extending the farewell performance film beyond its planned two-week run. The film was the No. 1 Halloween thriller domestically with a $21.3 million opening weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. The previous weekend’s No. 1 movie, Paramount’s low-budget horror sensation “Paranormal Activity,” slipped to No. 2 with $16.5 million, lifting its total to $84.8 million. “This Is It” captures Jackson in behind-the-scenes performances in the weeks before his death last June, as he rehearsed his biggest hits for the London shows.

Could ‘Michael Jackson’s This Is It’ win an Oscar?
NOv 02, 2009 – “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” comes too late in the year to be considered for a documentary Oscar, but the film about the late King of Pop’s preparations for a series of comeback concerts could qualify for other Hollywood honors, including the Academy Award for best picture. The film, which opened around the globe last week already has earned rousing praise from fans and critics, who say it restores Jackson’s reputation as a world-class entertainer.

Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ Is Top Weekend Movie With $21.3 Million
Nov 02, 2009 – “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” was the top film in ticket sales in U.S. and Canadian theaters this weekend, bringing in $21.3 million for distributor Sony Corp. Last week’s No. 1 film, “Paranormal Activity” from Viacom Inc.’s Paramount Pictures, fell to second place with $16.5 million, researcher Hollywood.com Box-Office said today in an e- mailed statement.

Michael Jackson was planning Thriller movie
Nov 02, 2009 – Late pop legend Michael Jackson was planning to make a feature-length big screen version of his hit Thriller video when he died, it has been revealed.  Close friend and Jackson’s comeback tour director Kenny Ortega reveals he had discussed several movie projects with the star including a Thriller movie, and a film version of Peter Allen musical Legs Diamond, reports starpulse.com.

Akon, T-Pain Oz concert marred by violence
Nov 02, 2009 – Rapper Akon took matters into his hands at a gig in Australia when he jumped between brawling fans and ordered them to “calm down”. Akon was performing at Melbourne’s HiSense Arena as part of his co-headlining gig with T-Pain when rival gangs got into fisticuffs.

Michael Jackson commands the public one last time
Nov 01, 2009 – In a scene from “This Is It,” stage director and creative partner to Michael Jackson Kenny Ortega was sorting out how to seamlessly jump from a video feed to the King of Pop’s live cue. As MJ suggested he would face the audience, Ortega worried how Michael would know if the grand visual already flashed his cue to take it over via live performance. Michael answered, “I have to feel it.”

‘No Ceilings Mixtape’: Lil’ Wayne’s ‘No Ceilings’ official mixtape in high demand
Nov 01, 2009 – Lil’ Wayne has once again become the main subject of rap fans, and it’s not because rapper is headed to jail in 2010.  Lil’ Wayne’s official mixtape, “No Ceilings,” has become a massive hit online.

Lil Wayne slapped with copyright lawsuit
Nov 01, 2009 – Lil Wayne, who faces yet more legal woes, is now being sued for copyright infringement along with fellow rapper Birdman.

Singer killed by coyotes: Teenager folk star Taylor Mitchell attacked on remote solo walk
Oct 30, 2009 – Up-and-coming singer Taylor Mitchell died after being attacked by coyotes in a national park in her native Canada, while hiking alone in a national park. Other hikers raised the alarm after hearing the terrified screams of 19-year-old folk singer Taylor Mitchell. Read the full message from Taylor’s Mom

US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Nov 01, 2009 – Michael Jackson’s much-hyped concert movie reigned at the worldwide box office on Sunday, but its performance in North America was hardly a thriller. “This Is It,” composed mostly of rehearsal footage recorded in the weeks before the “King of Pop’s” death in June, earned an estimated $101 million in the five days since opening globally on Wednesday, distributor Columbia Pictures said.

Justin Timberlake Inks Tequila Deal With Live Nation
Oct 29, 2009 -  Timberlake has signed a deal with Live Nation to make his 901 Tequila the official tequila sponsor at clubs, arenas and amphitheaters across the country. It’s the first time Live Nation has entered into this sort of deal for something as specific as tequila, and it’s possible it could lead to more business between Timberlake and Live Nation.

Bucky Covington – “Gotta Be Somebody”
Oct 29, 2009 -  Nobody was more excited than Bucky Covington when Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger showed up as a co-writer on the lead single to what will likely be Tim McGraw’s last album for Curb Records. “Nickelback is country, Nickelback is country!” Covington shouted as he dashed out into the streets, embracing strangers and swinging toddlers playfully around by the arms. One of his longest-held dreams had finally become reality.

Late Michael Jackson’s Mom Katherine fights back for his assets
The shadow of darkness still prevails on the Jackson Family. Likewise, it is reported that Late Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine dismissed the lawyers whom she hired to represent her in an ongoing probate case with the executors of the singer’s estate.

Top-Earning Dead Celebrities
The money might be drying up in Hollywood, but there’s still plenty of cash being made in the graveyard. The 13 iconic figures on Forbes’ list of the Top-Earning Dead Celebrities grossed a collective $886 million in the past 12 months.

Michael Jackson’s final curtain call
Oct 29, 2009 -  His music was at the heart of it all but the videos, the costumes, the live shows, the legends about his sprawling home and immeasurable wealth — all of it fuelled the public’s interest in him and his fans’ devotion to him.

“Michael Jackson’s This Is It” carries a title dripping with tragic irony
Oct 29, 2009 -  The title for Jackson’s 50-concert stand at London’s O2 Arena, which was to have begun July 9, was a triumphant declaration that Jackson was bringing his whole arsenal of musical gifts to the stage for millions of fans.

Critics’ Choices and other notable concerts: Ghostface Killah, Dan Deacon, Thao with the Get Down Stay Down, and more Oct 29, 2009

Dr. Dre is not too fond of Rush Limbaugh
Oct 25, 2009 – Legendary hip-hop producer/MC/label head Dr. Dre, notoriously press-shy, recently revealed his feelings about one Rush Limbaugh, the conservative radio talk show host.

Rocker brings melodies, big hooks for Breslin show
Oct 25, 2009 – Back in 2006, Chris Daughtry had the same reaction as the rest of us: How had he been voted off “American Idol”?!? That seemed impossible. Now jump ahead three-and-a-half years, with his Breslin Center concert coming up. Things may be even bigger than Daughtry had fantasized.

Dr Dre Says “Man F*ck Rush Limbaugh”
Oct 25, 2009 Grammy-Award-Winning producer Dr Dre recently became the latest hip-hop artist to call out controversial talk show host (and radio personality) Rush Limbaugh. During a on-street interview over the weekend (where the paparazzi caught Dre getting into his car), Dre shared his opinion on Limbaugh and promised his long-awaited “Detox” album was on it’s way.

Morrissey Rushed to Hospital After Collapse on Stage in England
Oct 25, 2009 – Morrissey collapsed on stage in Swindon, England, Saturday night, and was rushed to the hospital, the BBC reports. He has since been released and is resting at home.

Marching to his own Beats – David E Beats
Oct 25, 2009 – From his modest beginnings of writing poetry to his breakthrough in the rap music industry, David E Beats has always had a desire to be the best. Hailing from Washington, Beats made significant strides in the music industry when he released his first mixtape, David E Beats BLVD, a fusion of hip-hop, R&B and rock.

Four Very Different Releases From Four Very Different Artists
Oct 23, 2009 – “Southern Voice” (Curb Records): Country star and husband to Faith Hill Tim McGraw has 30 No. 1 singles under his belt. He’s sold more than 40 million albums. Yet on his 12th studio album, “Southern Voice,” the remarkably consistent McGraw resorts to the unthinkable: Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger cowrites a tune on this disappointing 12-song work.

KTVU.com Talks To Kelvin Swaby Of The Heavy

Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger gets jiggy with Timbaland
Oct 22, 2009 – Timbaland and Chad Kroeger sitting in a tree? You bet. On Monday (October 20), the super-producer revealed the list of collaborators on his upcoming Shock Value II album, with the Nickelback mastermind turning up on the track “Put Tomorrow in a Bottle”.

Top 40 radio is back on top
We don’t know yet whether Lady Gaga is the Sylvia of 2009, destined to be remembered only when today’s listeners play dinner-party trivia games asking for the names of her Top 40 hits.

Meet DJ Beverly Bond, Founder Black Girls Rock!, Inc
Oct 19, 2009 – New York City born and Maryland bred; DJ Beverly Bond was raised in St. Mary’s County, Maryland prior to her success as a fashion model and DJ. Beverly emerged into the music scene, almost a decade ago and went on to become one of the most sought after DJ’s, as well as the only female DJ of NYC’s own Heavy Hitters.

Lil Wayne: As a rock star he isn’t the great he wants to be, but as a rapper? Still almost peerless
Oct 19, 2009 While still holding on firmly to the ghetto-fab failsafes of cash, money and bitches, this former Hot Boy and New Orleans scene harbinger has made his name by being smarter and subtler than thick lad Fiddy and mentally stabler than crazy uncle Eminem. And, like Kanye, he’s unafraid of experimentation, as the grand unveiling of his new rock direction demands tonight. Thankfully there’s less risk of him making a massive tit of himself in the manner Mr West is so keen on.

A very promising band called Kaos
Oct 14, 2009 – This new rock band called Kaos may intrigue you with its name alone. When asked what it means, lead vocalist Francis Marion “Kiko” Linsangan said “it means as it sounds – chaos,” which intrigued us even more.

Nominees for ‘2009 American Music Awards’ announced
Oct 13, 2009 – Recording artists Paula Abdul, Adam Lambert and Snoop Dogg revealed the American Music Awards (AMAs) nominees this  morning from the Beverly Hills Hotel. Alicia Keys, Black Eyed Peas, Jennifer Lopez and Adam Lambert were also announced as performers for the 37th annual AMAs. The AMA’s will be Adam Lambert’s debut performance of music from his forthcoming CD release. Additional acts and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

New Adam Lambert Song Titles Revealed
Oct 13, 2009 – Adam Lambert told MTV News today that Time For Miracles will be released on Oct. 18 and one of his producers, Rob Cavallo, also revealed three potential song titles to Yahoo! Music today.

 Eminem received four American Music Awards Nominations
Oct 13, 2009 — Nominees for the 2009 American Music Awards were announced on Tuesday (October 13), and a diverse collection of artists are in battle and the show airs live on Sunday, November 22 at 8 p.m. ET.

Em’s nominations include,
* Artist of the Year
* Favorite Male Pop or Rock Artist
* Favorite Male Rap/Hip-Hop Artist
* Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop

Dr. Dre’s ‘Detox’ Album Delayed Again
Oct 9, 2009 – Dr. Dre’s first studio album in 10 years since his 1999 smash hit ‘2010 has been pushed back again to 2010. The album was set to be released by the end of 2009, but Dre is still unhappy with the end product.

Warner Music Group names producer Rob Cavallo chief creative officer
Oct 8, 2009 – Warner Music Group has tapped producer Rob Cavallo for the newly created position of chief creative officer. In the new role he will help develop acts across all of the Warner music labels including Atlantic, Asylum, Electra and Warner Bros. Cavallo, a multiple Grammy winner, has a strong track record with credits that include Green Day’s “American Idiot,” Kid Rock’s “Rock N Roll Jesus” and most recently the top-10 release “Brand New Eyes” from the rock band Paramore.

Greg Ladanyi Grammy-Winning Rock Producer Dies
Sept 30, 2009 – Greg Ladanyi, 57, a Grammy Award-winning producer who worked with Jackson Browne, Don Henley, Fleetwood Mac and other rock bands, died Tuesday at a hospital in the Republic of Cyprus, according to his record company, Maple Jam Music Group.

Legendary Rock Producer Tom Werman Talks With KTVU.com

FOUL-MOUTHED cartoon rockers Beavis and Butthead could be headed back to the small-screen.
And creators reckon they might even make their come back as old age pensioners.

Twelve years after they shocked audiences on MTV, creator Mike Judge is contemplating a comeback – but with the teenage layabouts as grumpy old men.
He said: “I kind of think of them as being either 15 or in their 60s.
“I wouldn’t mind doing something with them as these two dirty old men sitting on the couch. In between then? I don’t know.
“At one point I thought Butthead might do OK on some really low-level sales job. Beavis might be landscaping.”

BY TINA CALDER
news@fameinc.co.uk

ROCK legends Alice In Chains are back.  After more than ten years the band are set to release a new studio album.
And while fans can expect to hear the classic Alice In Chains sounds they may be shocked to hear of a new collaboration by the rock band.

The new album Black Gives Way To Blue includes a special guest performance by Elton John on the title track.
According to the band, the song is a tribute to their late singer Layne Staley who died in 2002 as a result of his battle with drug addiction.
Jerry Cantrell of the band said: “We were thinking about adding piano to the track and a friend suggested we call Elton.
“I remember laughing and saying, ‘Yeah, I’ll get right on that.’ But I decided it was worth trying and wrote Elton an email explaining what that song means to us – that it’s a real, raw openhearted song for Layne.
“We sent him the track and got a call shortly after saying he thought it was beautiful and that he wanted to play on it.
“We were blown away. Elton John is a huge influence on me as a songwriter and having him on that song is an amazing honour for us.”
Sir Elton John added: “ I’ve long been an admirer of Jerry Cantrell and when he asked me to play on Black Gives Way To Blue, I was very flattered and couldn’t resist.
“It was a great recording session with Alice In Chains for a beautiful song.“
Guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell, drummer Sean Kinney and bassist Mike Inez reunited in 2005 at a benefit for victims of the tsunami in Indonesia. Within a year along with new guitarist/vocalist William DuVall they hit the road.
Over the course of their remarkable career Alice In Chains have racked up multiple Grammy nominations, sold more than 17 million albums worldwide, topped the Billboard Top 200 album chart with two albums and achieved 11 Billboard Top 10 hit singles.
“It’s been a meaningful journey and a hell of a story” Jerry told FAME Rocks, adding: “We’re very excited to have a home at EMI and are looking forward to writing new chapters in the book of Alice.”
Bandmate Sean echoed his comments saying: “We’re in a good place.
“We’ve made a record that we’re really proud of, we’ve got a team in place that’s passionate about the music and we’re excited for the fans to hear the new songs.”
BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE was recorded with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Rush, Foo Fighters) at Studio 606 in Northridge, CA and Henson Studios in Hollywood.  The album will be released in the UK through Parlophone on September 28th.
www.aliceinchains.com
BY TINA CALDER
news@fameinc.co.uk

BELFAST singer/songwriter Duke Special is taking over the final day of Belfast’s Belsonic festival.
The vaudevillian star will host DUKEBOX on Saturday August 29 where a whole host of his celebrity friends including The Magic Numbers, BellX1, Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club, David Kitt and the Panama Kings will appear.
The event at Custom House Square will throw open its gates at 3pm for two stages of performers, the Duke will also present a programme of entertainment and street spectacle in the laneways and venues around Custom House Square from 12 noon.
Duke Special is known for his unusual shows, which have included a five night residency in the Empire Music Hall, performances in the Grand Opera House, and a two-stage spectacular at St George’s Market.
Duke, AKA Peter Wilson, said: “I have organised the whole thing.  I had a big wish list and just asked people if they were able to play.
“I have toured with all the artists, or had some involvement with them in the past. I bumped into the Magic Numbers at a festival in Europe. I really like their stuff, it’s so joyous and Romeo sang backing vocals on Our Love Goes Deeper Than This. They are a band I always wanted to bring to Belfast.
“It keeps it interesting for me and prevents you from going stale.
“I want to be doing this when I am 60 or 70.”

Tickets are available from www.belsonic.com, the Stiff Kitten Bar & all Ticketmaster outlets.

BY TINA CALDER
news@fameinc.co.uk

THE Edge has revealed he and his bandmates have stayed together so long because of a “mysterious” connection.
The U2 guitarist says when he joins Bono, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen jnr on stage it’s “magic.”
“I’m acutely aware of what Adam and Larry and Bono are doing, whether or not we catch each other’s eyes,” he said.

“It’s like some sort of dance. There’s some element which is much more mysterious, that is the way the magic happens to be working.”
The band will take their 360 Tour to Glasgow, Sheffield and Cardiff next week before kicking off the American league in Chicago.

Picture courtesy of U2.com

BY ANDREA CLARKE
andrea@fameinc.co.uk