July 30, 2012 by Amy Gold
During the week of July 22, 2012, Elton John topped the UK album charts for the first time in 22 years with "Good Morning To The Night."
On a sad note, fans mourned the passing of Orleans co-founder and lead singer Larry Hoppen. Also this week, Darlene Love has a heart attack right before a show but performed anyway. She did not know at the time that she had suffered a heart attack and found this out when she sought treatment for stomach pains the next day.
July 22, 2012: Elton John Tops The UK Album Charts For The First Time In 22 Years
For the first time in 22 years, Elton John had his first #1 album on the UK album charts, "Good Morning To The Night." This album consists of electronic reworkings by Australian electronic duo, Pnau, of some of Elton John's hit songs from the 1970s. The title track has become one of the official songs for the 2012 London Olympics.
Source: Elton John tops UK album chart for first time in 22 years - Yahoo! News
July 22, 2012: Ringo Starr And His All-Starr Band Wrap Up Tour
Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band wrapped up a five week tour on July 28 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Starr was joined by Todd Rundgren, Steve Lukather, Gregg Rolie, Richard Page, Gregg Bissonette, and Mark Rivera. He opened with a Beatles early hit, “Matchbox,” and then performed his 1971 hit, “It Don’t Come Easy,” and another song, “Wings,” from his latest album, “Ringo 2012.”
Source: Review: Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band at the Greek Theatre - latimes.com
July 23, 2012: Tony Bennett Stops Off In Italy During European Tour
During his European tour, Tony Bennett embraced his Italian roots while in Italy where he performed to a sold-out hall at Rome's Parco della Musica. Bennett's other stops will include Spain, Monte Carlo, Germany, and several Scandinavian countries before his tour ends in August.
Source: Tony Bennett makes nostalgic return to Italian roots - Yahoo! News
July 23, 2012: Interview With Billy Joe Shaver
Highly acclaimed songwriter Billy Joe Shaver was interviewed by Rolling Stone Magazine. His songs have been performed by many famous bands and artists, including Waylon Jennings, Elvis Presley, Dylan, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash. Shaver will soon be releasing a new album, "Live at Billy Bob's Texas."
July 24, 2012: Chuck Berry To Be Honored At The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame
Chuck Berry will be honored at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their 17th American Music Masters Series. The ceremonies will take place from October 22-27, 2012.
July 24, 2012: Willie Nelson To Go On Tour This October
Willie Nelson will soon be starting his Railroad Revival Tour which will run from October 20-28. Nelson will be joined by Jamey Johnson and John Reilly. In keeping with the tour's theme, the performers will ride in vintage 1940s railcars.
Source: Willie Nelson on Board For Railroad Revival Tour | Billboard.com
July 26, 2012: Velvet Underground & Nico Album To Be Released This October
Univeral Records will release a 6-CD box set by the Velvet Underground that includes their 1967 debut album, "The Velvet Underground & Nico." This box set, which is slated for release this October, will also include alternate takes, live recordings, practice sessions, and "Chelsea Girl," an album by Nico which was also originally released in 1967.
Source: 'Velvet Underground Nico' To Get 6-Disc Reissue | Music News | Rolling Stone
July 26, 2012: The Lennon Sisters Are Still Going Strong After 56 Years
The Lennon Sisters - Dianne (Dee Dee), Peggy, Kathy and Janet - were first introduced to the world on Christmas Eve, 1955, by famed bandleader Lawrence Welk. At that time, their ages were 9 to 16, and they became an overnight success. Dianne (72) and Peggy (71) are now retired, but Kathy and Janet, along with younger sister Mimi, have continued to perform, mainly at the Welk Resort Champagne Theatre in Branson, MO. The three Lennon sisters will be performing in the Second Annual Lennon Family Concert and Fundraiser, to be held at the Santa Monica Bay Women's Club on July 27 and 28. They will be joined by sister Peggy and several other Lennon siblings, children and cousins.
Source: 56 years on, the Lennon Sisters are still in harmony - latimes.com
July 26, 2012: Orleans Co-Founder Larry Hoppen Passes Away
Larry Hoppen, the lead singer and co-founder of the 1970s pop-rock band, Orleans, died on July 24 in Florida, where he had been residing for some time. Orleans had three Top 40 hits, "Dance With Me" (1975), "Still the One" (1976), and "Love Takes Time" (1979). Hoppen is survived by his wife, Patricia, and two daughters.
Source: Orleans Co-Founder Larry Hoppen Dies | Billboard.com
July 27, 2012: KISS To Release 'Monster' Album This October
On October 16, KISS will be releasing their 20th studio album, "Monster." Last week, KISS began what is to be a worldwide tour with Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, AC/DC, and several other bands. The band will also release a remastered edition of "Destroyer," a DVD entitled "Kissology," and a coffee table book signed by all four KISS band members featuring never-before-seen photographs.
Source: KISS Roar Back This Fall With 'Monster' | Music News | Rolling Stone
July 27, 2012: Bruce Springsteen Announces Up-And-Coming Tour
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band announced that they will begin a new tour in North America that starts October 19 in Ottawa and finishes on December 6 in Glendale, AZ. They are currently on tour in Europe and will be wrapping up on July 31 in Helsinki, Finland. After a two-week break, they will be playing again on August 14 at Boston's Fenway Park.
Source: Bruce Springsteen Announces New Dates for Fall North American Tour | Music News | Rolling Stone
July 27, 2012: Paul McCartney Performs At The Olympics Opening Ceremony
Sir Paul McCartney opened the London 2012 Olympics ceremonies on July 27 with the Beatles' "The End." He closed with "Hey Jude" while the crowd sang along.
Source: 2012: Olympics: Paul McCartney closes London's opening ceremony - CBS News
July 27, 2012: Darlene Love Suffers A Heart Attack Before Her Show, But Performs Anyway
Right before she was scheduled to perform at Tim McLoone's in Asbury Park, NJ, Darlene Love had stomach pains and acid reflux and took an aspirin before going onstage. At the time, the 71-year old Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee did not know she had suffered a heart attack. When her symptoms worsened the next day, this time, she was rushed to a hospital, and it was then that she found out that she'd had a heart attack the night before.
Source: Darlene Love Suffers Heart Attack, But Performs Anyway!
