Trying to play catch up here. Lots going on in the last week, so let's get started.
- I'll rant and rave about the Ticketmaster/Live Nation deal within 24 hours, but if you want to have a better understanding as to the history of it all, the Chicago Sun Times has an excellent break down.
- Billy Joel and Elton John will be Wrigley Field's 2009 concert event. Tickets go on sale this coming Saturday. They are priced at $175, $95 and $55. I would be ok with these prices in an arena, but come on guys, baseball stadiums are horrible places for concerts and there is no way any ticket should cost more than $75.
- Janet Jackson's Japanese tour was cancelled due to credit issues and a crumbling economy. Hmmm, is this a sign of future tours by acts who overcharge? Couldn't she lower her prices a little and maybe bring a smaller entourage with her? I guess not.
- Jon Bon Jovi is not having a good 2009 so far. His arena football league cancelled its season, a former employee is suing him for back pay, he cancelled a charity dinner for the Soul Foundation (pissing international fans off royally as the cancellation was done mere days after they could have gotten refunds on their plane tickets) and if that isn't enough, Ticketsnow is selling fan club tickets to the one-off gig later this month at this link. How can someone sell them if they don't have the physical ticket? This is a will-call only event. Do yourself a favor and call them at 800-927-2770 and have a good laugh. I think the phone explanation that operator gives you will be enough to make you cry or laugh depending on how invested you are in them.
- The None But My Own Blog has an excellent write up about Rudy Sarzo's new book on Randy Rhoads.
- The Sydney Morning Herald has a track-by-track breakdown of the new U2 album.
- The Wall Street Journal has a superb write up on the legacy of Buddy Holly who died 50 years ago last week.
- As always, Roger Ebert breaks down why The Reader isn't really about the holocaust, but about "not speaking when you should". Essential reading at this link.
