Phil Collins ponders potential comeback
At the premiere of the Tarzan musical in Stuttgart, Germany, Phil Collins told reporters he is contemplating returning to the music industry.
The seven-time Grammy Award winner - and 24-time nominee - retired as a musician in 2011. He hasn't released an album since the critically acclaimed Testify in 2002. That same year, he began his "First Final Farewell" Tour.
Collins is one of three artists (Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson) to sell 100 million albums each as a member of band and as a solo artist. He rose to fame as the drummer of the famous band Genesis.
"I have started thinking about doing new stuff," Collins told reporters at the Tarzan opening. "[Maybe playing] some shows again, even with Genesis. Everything is possible. We could tour in Australia and South America. We haven't been there yet."
Collins has also won two Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award for songs he wrote for the films Tarzan and Buster.
Rolling Stone reached out to Collins' manager Tony Smith for comment. He responded saying, "No definite plans at this time."
Billy Joel to perform monthly at Madison Square Garden
At a press conference in New York City on Tuesday, Billy Joel announced he will perform at Madison Square Garden (MSG) monthly for the indefinite future.
The once-a-month scheduling is a historic first, according to Rolling Stone Magazine.
"Playing Madison Square Garden is an experience that never gets old," Joel said in an NYC press conference on Tuesday. "A show a month at the Garden for as long as there's demand means more opportunities to connect with music fans and provides a unique and memorable show every time we play here."
Joel had been on a three-year break from performing until earlier this year. MSG executives made it clear the monthly show will continue until the demand for it stops.
"Billy, having you as our music franchise feels a little like having the Pope as your parish priest," said MSG Executive Chairman James Dolan at the press conference. "I'm truly an admirer and I grew up with your music, too, and so I'm thrilled to death."
Joel's next show is on New Year's Eve at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. His MSG shows are slated for Jan. 27, Feb. 3, March 21, April 18 and May 9. The June concert and future performances will be announcedas the dates approach.
Pharrell is taking a new approach to his next solo LP
Pharrell, the singer-songwriter best known for his rapping, announced Tuesday that his latest LP will be "rap-free."
"That's the difference between 30 and 40," Pharrell said in an interview with Complex. "'Cause I was 30, now I'm 40 - and I'm not rapping."
The four-time Grammy Award winner hasn't released a solo album since In My Mind in 2006. This year, he became the 12th artist in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 to hold the No.1 and 2 spots on the list with "Blurred Lines" and "Get Lucky."
In the interview withComplex, Pharrell discussed his musical influences growing up. Diddy and Kurt Cobain shaped his musical interest and he tries to emulate them. He said Diddy's "The Benjamins" and Cobain's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" represented something more than music - the songs discussed a momentary escape from the cultural expectations of musicians. That digression from the norm inspired Pharell and his music. The LP is expected to be released next year.
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