Tag Archives: Paul McCartney

Karol G to Co-Headline This Year’s Rock in Rio Festival

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Karol G is ready to rock…

The 33-year-old Colombian Grammy-winning singer/songwriter will co-headline this year’s Rock in Rio, one of the biggest music festivals in Brazil.

Karol GKarol G has been added to the line-up, which will include performances from Mariah Carey, Ludmilla and many other artists. 

The very first Rock in Rio festival took place in 1985. The line-up included music icons like Queen, Tina Turner, AC/DC, Rod Stewart and Iron Maiden. Since then, many other global stars like Britney Spears, Shakira, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Paul McCartney and Drake have performed at the multi-day festival.

This year, Rock in Rio will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the festival in a big way. The event will take place over two weekends, Sept. 13 to 15 and 19 to 22, at the Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro.

Karol G was added as a co-headliner to the September 20 date. She’s currently touring Latin America with her Mañana Será Bonito Tour. The tour will visit Brazil on May 10 in São Paulo. Her fans in Brazil will get a second chance to see her in Rio de Janeiro for Rock in Rio. She’ll headline the Palco Mundo (World Stage) that day with Katy Perry, Cyndi Lauper and Ivete Sangalo.

Brazilian superstar Ludmilla is one of the co-headliners on the September 13 date. She recently performed on the main stage of the Coachella music festival. Travis Scott, 21 Savage, and Matuê, Teto & Wiu will also headline the Palco Mundo. Mariah Carey will headline the Palco Sunset (Sunset Stage) on September 22. Other performers to look out for over those two weekends include Lulu Santos, DENNIS, Gloria Groove, Iza, Ed Sheeran, Charlie Puth, Imagine Dragons and One Republic.

Next month, the 2024 Rock in Rio Lisboa will first take place. From June 15 to 16 and 22 to 23, Camila Cabello, Jonas Brothers, Aitana, Doja Cat, Sheeran and many others will perform at the precursor festival to the one later happening in Rio de Janeiro.

Pitbull to Perform During “Keep The Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett” Concert at Hollywood Bowl

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Pitbull is hitting the Buffett line…

The 43-year-old Cuban American rap superstar will take part in Keep The Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett, which will take place at the Hollywood Bowl on Thursday, April 11.

PitbullThe one-night tribute concert will celebrate the iconic singer-songwriter’s life and career.

Buffett passed away at the age of 76 on September 1, 2023.

In addition to Pitbull. the show lineup will include performances by Paul McCartney, Eagles, Jon Bon Jovi, Zac Brown, Jackson Browne, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Scotty Emerick, Jack Johnson, Caroline Jones, Mac McAnally, Jake Owen, Jake Shimabukuro and The Coral Reefer Band.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, March 15, at 10:00 am PT at Ticketmaster.com.

American Express Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Wednesday, March 13, at 10:00 am through Thursday, March 14, at 10:00 pm. A variety of other presales will also be available during this time.

With a recording career that spanned more than 50 years and included hits such as Margaritaville, Come Monday, and It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere, Buffett filled arenas with “Parrot Heads.”

He released more than 30 albums, nine were certified platinum or multiplatinum. In addition, Buffett was a best-selling author, actor, and entrepreneur.

Grupo Frontera to Perform in Mexico City’s Zócalo During This Year’s Grito de Independencia

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Grupo Frontera will be making a special visit to Mexico’s most iconic plaza…

The Regional Mexican group will perform at Mexico City’s Zócalo — the country’s most important public square — on September 15 for the annual Grito de Independencia event, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has announced.

Grupo Frontera“The members of Grupo Frontera will be there on September 15 at night in the Zócalo,” said the Mexican president at the end of his usual morning conference, where he played Frontera’s cover of “No Se Va,” originally by Colombian group Morat.

López Obrador reiterated his taste for the music of the Regional Mexican group, which he has included in his playlist to challenge corridos tumbados, a musical genre that although he has said he will not prohibit, he considers to glorify drug traffickers.

Grupo Frontera joins a long list of national and international artists who have set foot in the second-largest public square in the world, only behind Tiananmen in Beijing. Musicians such as Paul McCartney, Justin Bieber, Manu Chao, Shakira, Café Tacvba and the late icon of regional Mexican music Vicente Fernández, among many others, have performed at the Zócalo.

The attendance record for free concerts held in the so-called Primer Cuadro in the Mexican capital is held by the Argentine rock band Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, which achieved the milestone of gathering 300,000 people on the night of June 3, beating Grupo Firme, who held the record after summoning 280,000 people in September 2022, according to figures from the government of Mexico City.

This week, the sextet scored their first top 10 hit on a Billboard album chart with El Comienzo, which jumped 39-4 on the Top Latin Albums chart on August 19 after its first full week of activity.

El Comienzo also jumped 12-2 on Regional Mexican Albums and debuted at No. 39 on the Billboard 200 all-genre chart.

Los Fabulosos Cadillacs’ Free Mexico City Concert Breaks Zócalo Attendance Record

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Los Fabulosos Cadillacs are breaking records… 

The legendary Argentine rockers drew a crowd of 300,000 to their free concert at Mexico City’s Zócalo, on Saturday, June 3, breaking the attendance record set by Grupo Firme last year, according to data supplied by the local government.

Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, ZócaloUp until last night, Grupo Firme, the boisterous Regional Mexican group, had drawn the biggest crowd ever (280,000) to the historic Mexican site.

But last night Los Cadillacs bested Grupo Firme and other seminal acts, including Rosalía, Sir Paul McCartney, Roger Waters, Shakira, the late ranchera icon Vicente Fernández, and even pop star Justin Bieber.

“¡Winds of liberty, blood of a fighter!” tweeted Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, quoting the lyrics of Los Fabulosos Cadillac’s famous song “Matador.” “We’ve made history again, breaking attendance records with 300,000 people in the Zócalo of Mexico City, enjoying an epic concert from Los Fabulosos Cadillacs,” she added.

Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Zócalo The band — headed by singer Gabriel Fernández Capello, better known as Vicentico, bassist Flavio Cianciarulo and saxophonist Sergio Rotman — took over the second largest public square in the world (behind Tiananmen Square in Peking) with their blend of rock, ska, reggae and punk.

From early in the morning on Saturday, people from different parts of the city, and the country, lined up at el Zócalo in an effort to get access to the front rows of the stage. By the time the show started in the evening, the crowd was so large and tight, that some opted to move to the back to breath better.

The now-historic performance, which lasted around 90 minutes, is part of the group’s El León del Ritmo tour, which celebrates 30 years of one of its most celebrated albums, 1992’s El León, and three decades since the release of their fabled single “Matador.”

The fact that Cadillacs have been around for so long, and that they perform rock en español – a genre many say is fading — makes their accomplishment even more impressive. “They called them old, they made fun of them, and they answered with 300,000 people,” tweeted one fan.

“What happiness! How enormous and indescribable to be playing for all you! Thank you, eternal thanks. We receive this with our hearts,” said a visibly moved Vicentico to an adoring audience that sang to every song in their repertoire.

Following their performance at Coachella in April, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs will take their El León del Ritmo Tour to different countries, including Mexico, the Viña del Mar Festival in Chile, Spain and the U.S.

Here’s the full set list from their record-breaking performance:

  1. “Demasiada Presión”
  2. “El Muerto”
  3. “Carmela”
  4. “Estoy Harto De Verte Con Otros”
  5. “El Genio del Dub”
  6. “Calaveras y Diablitos”
  7. “Los Condenaditos”
  8. “El Aguijón”
  9. “Nro. 2 En Tu Lista”
  10. “Saco Azul”
  11. “Siguiendo La Luna”
  12. “V Centenario”
  13. “Carnaval Toda La Vida”
  14. “Mal Bicho”
  15. “Matador”
  16. “Mi Novia Se Cayó en un Pozo Ciego”
  17. “Vasos Vacíos”
  18. “El Satánico Dr. Cadillac”
  19. “Yo No Me Sentaría en Tu Mesa”

Christina Aguilera Among Celebrities Urging U.S. Senators to Stop Gun Violence Now

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Christina Aguilera is calling for politicians to take action on the issue of gun reform…

The 40-year-old half-Ecuadorian American Grammy-winning singer has joined a roster of celebrities who’ve signed an open letter to U.S. Senators urging them stop gun violence now.

Christina Aguilera

Five years ago, amidst a string of deadly attacks at live music venues including the horrific mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., on June 12, 2016, the cover of Billboard‘s July 2016 issue featured an open letter to U.S. Congress signed by 200 artists and music industry executives calling for gun reform.

Unfortunately, the need for reform has only grown stronger as shootings have continued around the country at a terrifying rate.

So now, five years later, as venues prepare to reopen after their pandemic shutdown and music fans ready to return to concerts and festivals, we stand again with the music community to ask lawmakers to take swift action to stop the violence. — Hannah Karp, Billboard editorial director

An Open Letter to Senators: Stop Gun Violence Now

As leading artists and executives in the music industry, we are adding our voices to the chorus of Americans demanding change.

Music always has been celebrated communally, on dance floors and at concert halls. But this life-affirming ritual, like so many other daily experiences — going to school or church or work — continues to be threatened, because of gun violence in this country.

The one thing that connects the tragedies like the shootings in Boulder, El Paso, Las Vegas, Parkland and so many other places in America, to the one that happened in Orlando five years ago this June, is that it is far too easy for dangerous people to get their hands on guns.

We call on the Senate to do more to prevent the gun violence that kills more than 100 Americans every day and injures hundreds more: Take action on background checks.

Billboard and the undersigned implore you — the people who are elected to represent us — to close the deadly loopholes that put the lives of so many music fans, and all of us, at risk.

Sincerely,

Christina Aguilera, Tori Amos, Sara Barielles, Aaron Bay-Schuck, Tony Bennett, Selim Bouab, Rob Bourdon, Scooter Braun, Cortez Bryant, Michael Bublé, Vanessa Carlton, Joseph Carozza, Steve Cooper, Tom Corson, Lee Daniels, Ellen DeGeneres, Brad Delson, Diplo, Mike Easterlin, John Esposito, Melissa Etheridge, Fletcher, Luis Fonsi, Becky G, Kevin Gore, Julie Greenwald, Josh Groban, Horacio Gutierrez, Joe Hahn, Halsey, Billy Joel, Craig Kallman, Alicia Keys, Kid Cudi, Carole King, Elle King, Adam Lambert, Cyndi Lauper, Kevin Liles, Dre London, Jennifer Lopez, Macklemore, Zayn Malik, Carianne Marshall, Ricky Martin, Paul McCartney, Julia Michaels, Guy Moot, Jason Mraz, Gregg Nadel, Yoko Ono, Mark Pinkus, Gregory Porter, Prince Royce, Bonnie Raitt, Dawn Richard, RMR, Paul Robinson, Maggie Rogers, Kelly Rowland, Mike Shinoda, Sia, Matt Signore, Britney Spears, Rob Stevenson, Sting, Barbra Streisand, Justin Tranter, Sir Trilli, Sharon Van Etten, Aimie Vaughn-Fruehe, Eddie Vedder, Andrew Watt.

If you’re interested in signing the letter, you can email guncontrol@billboard.com.

Demi Lovato to Appear on Second Season of YouTube’s Music Series “Released”

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Demi Lovato is being released…

YouTube has renewed its music series Released for a second season, with the 28-year-old half-Mexican American singer/actress among the artists set to appear in future episodes.

Demi Lovato,

The new season will kick off with rapper DDG, with upcoming episodes featuring Lovato and Sub Urban to follow.

A revival of MTV’s TRL, Released premieres every Thursday night at 11:45 pm ET, moments before the artists drop their latest music videos. Each 15 minute episode provides unfiltered access to the week’s featured artist and their new music ahead of its official release on YouTube.

The show also reveals exclusive music news, special announcements, and check-ins with other artists as music fans around the world countdown to the premiere together.

Sub Urban will be the featured artist on March 25 and Lovato on April 1.

Artists who previously joined the weekly YouTube series are BLACKPINK, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa and more. Washington D.C DJ Little Bacon Bear hosts the series, which is produced by Den of Thieves and Gunpowder & Sky.

Van Toffler praised the artists for their ability to create new music amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“We had a great run with the first 20 episodes of Released. From BLACKPINK to Paul McCartney to Dua Lipa to 24kGoldn, all episodes were produced during a global pandemic yet each artist rose to the occasion and chose this show to unveil new music,” the Gunpowder & Sky CEO said. “Released has quickly become the go-to home to discover what’s about to break out in music.”

“No matter the conditions, we are always proud to be part of a show that resonates with viewers at home. To see such huge success with Released after launching during a pandemic is even more thrilling, and we’re excited to continue working with this incredible team to elevate it even further,” added Den of Thieves co-founders Evan Prager and Jesse Ignjatovic.

Sheila E to Take Part in Ringo Starr’s 80th Virtual Charity Concert, “Ringo’s Big Birthday Show”

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Sheila E is celebrating a music legend…

Ringo Starr is throwing a virtual charity concert to celebrate his 80thbirthday on Tuesday, July 7, with the 62-year-old half-Mexican American percussionist, singer, author and actress set to take part.

Sheila E

“Ringo’s Big Birthday Show” will hit YouTube at 8:00 pm EST that night. 

The show will include a mix of at-home performances and unearthed concert footage from Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, Gary Clark, Jr., Sheila E, Ben Harper, and others. 

“I love birthdays,” says Starr.  “This year is going to be a little different. There’s no big get-together, there’s no brunch for 100. But we’re putting this show together – an hour of music and chat. It’s quite a big birthday.”

The show will also include the debut of a new, guest-laden version of Starr’s 2017 song “Give More Love,” with Jackson Browne,Jeff Bridges, Elvis Costello, Willie Nelson and others. 

Starr will also debut a series of tribute performances on his YouTube channel, from artists including Steve Earle, Peter Frampton and Judy Collins. 

In addition, Starr is asking fans to “say, think, or post #peaceandlove at noon their local time on July 7th.”

The YouTube broadcast will benefit four charities: Black Lives Matter Global Network, The David Lynch Foundation, MusiCares and WaterAid.

Sheila E’s last album, Iconic: Message 4 America, was released in August 2017. She released the single “No Line,” featuring Snoop Dog, last year.

Blacc to Participate in Netflix’s Animated Beatles-Themed Series “Beat Bugs”

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Aloe Blacc is getting animated…

The 37-year-old Panamanian American singer-songwriter has been added to the voice cast of Netflix’s animated musical series Beat Bugs.

Aloe Blacc

There’s no word yet on Blacc’s role/participation on the kids show inspired by the songs of The Beatles.

The series follows five best friends who together discover life’s most important lessons in an overgrown suburban backyard. The Beat Bugs live out these childhood adventures to the words and music of The Beatles.

“Because I’m able to tell [the story] through streaming episodes, you’re able to engage in cinematic storytelling,” says creator Josh Wakely. “To do Pixar-level storytelling was really the intention from the beginning.”

Beat Bugs incorporates more than 50 songs from the John Lennon/Paul McCartney ‘Northern Songs’ catalog and features covers by P!nk, Eddie Vedder, James Corden, Regina Spektor, Of Monsters and Men, The Shins, Chris Cornell, Rod Stewart, Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams, Tori Kelly and Sia.

Beat Bugs will premiere its 13-episode first season globally on August 3 on Netflix, and Season 2 on November 18.

Mars Earns Sixth Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 with “Uptown Funk!”

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It’s a chart-topping start of the New Year for Bruno Mars…

The 29-year-old’s collaboration with Mark Ronson‘s, “Uptown Funk!,” has reached the summit on the Billboard 100 chart, rising 2-1 on the first chart released in 2015.

Bruno Mars

The song replaces Taylor Swift‘s “Blank Space” after seven weeks at the helm.

“Uptown Funk!,” released via RCA Records, earns Mars his sixth Hot 100 No. 1 and second as a featured artist: he previously reigned as a guest in his first appearance, on B.o.B‘s “Nothin’ on You” in 2010. In between, he led with his own tracks “Just the Way You Are” (four weeks, 2010), “Grenade” (four, 2011), “Locked Out of Heaven” and “When I Was Your Man” (one, 2013).

Among male soloists in the Hot 100’s 56-year history, only nine boast more No. 1s than Mars. Michael Jackson leads with 13, followed by Stevie Wonder (10), Elton John, Paul McCartney, Usher (nine each), George Michael (eight), Phil Collins, Frankie Valli and Elvis Presley (seven each; note that Presley’s career predated the Hot 100’s 1958 launch by two years).

“Uptown Funk!,” the 1,041st Hot 100 No. 1 of all-time, reaches the summit with the majority (65 percent) of its chart activity from sales, as it rebounds 2-1 for a second week atop the Digital Songs chart with 382,000 downloads sold (down 12 percent) in the week ending Jan. 4, according to Nielsen Music.

“Uptown Funk!” pushes 4-2 on the Streaming Songs charts with a 14 percent surge to 10 million U.S. streams. On Radio Songs, it rises 10-9 with an 11 percent increase to 76 million in all-format audience.

“Funk!” previews Ronson’s album Uptown Special, due Tuesday (January 13).

“It’s definitely one of the best things I’ve ever done,” Ronson says of his new Hot 100 leader. “And, I know that it’s one of Bruno’s favorite things that he’s ever done, as well.”

Pitbull Developing Two Reality Shows with The Weinstein Company

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Pitbull is about to get real with The Weinstein Company.

The 33-year-old Cuban American rap superstar has been tapped by The Weinstein Company to be the catalyst for two reality television series.

Pitbull

The first is called Pitbull: The Lyfe. It will focus on the “Timber” singer’s world tour, recording sessions, and his life behind the scenes.

The second series is The REAL Change Project, in which Pitbull teams with public figures like Michelle Obama, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, Kobe Bryant and others as they look back at obstacles they overcame in their formative years and the mentors who helped them succeed.

That series will include live performances with the aim of raising money for school teachers and educators around the globe.

itbull joins a long list of music stars who’ve lived their lives onscreen, including Ozzy Osbourne, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, Snoop Dogg, Bret Michaels, T.I., and Russell Simmons.

Pitbull has seen his songs reach No. 1 in 15 countries, and his signature tunes are I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho), the Kesha duet Timber and Give Me Everything, the latter with Neyo.

Pitbull, currently on a North American arena tour with Enrique Iglesias, has geared his career toward global appeal. That includes performing the World Cup anthem We Are One (Ole Ola) with Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte, and expanding his brand with lines of vodka, clothing and fragrances. He’ll also host the American Music Awards for the second time and through his Honey I’m Home banner, he’ll host a New Year’s Eve special on Fox.

“Our television division at TWC has made an incredible name for itself in creating fresh and entertaining unscripted programming. Partnering with Pitbull, one of the biggest names in music today, on The REAL Change Project and The Lyfe is a phenomenal opportunity that we’re all very excited to get started on,” said TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein.