December 7, 2014 by Amy Gold
During the week of November 30, 2014, oldies music fans bade a final farewell to Ian McLagan of Faces and Bobby Keys of the Rolling Stones.
Also that week, it was announced that Bruce Springsteen's "High Hopes" and Jackson Browne's "Standing In The Breach" made Rolling Stone Magazine's "50 Best Albums" list for 2014.
Elton John will be ringing in the New Year on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest," to be broadcast live on ABC starting at 8:00 PM ET. Next March, Billy Joel will be giving a show at the Syracuse University Carrier Dome in Syracuse, NY. Next June, Fleetwood Mac will be headlining the 2015 Isle of Wight Festival. Next July, Pete Townshend will be performing a classical rendition of the band's "Quadrophenia" album in London with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Oriana Choir. A studio recording is also expected out that same month (listen to a preview below).
Also that week, it was announced that Aretha Franklin will be receiving Billboard Magazine's first-ever Icon Award, to be presented at the Billboard Women in Music Awards ceremonies which will take place later this month. Next April, the Doobie Brothers will be honored with the ASCAP Voice of Music Award for their 40+ years in music. Also, Glen Campbell's latest and final song, "I'm Not Gonna Miss You," is among those to be nominated for a Grammy in the Best Country Song category.
Finally, Roger Daltrey of The Who made big news in Scotland when he crashed a wedding reception, much to everyone's surprise and delight. Daltrey performed the very apropos "I Can't Explain" with the wedding band for a most memorable and delightful evening.
(For more information about the above-listed news items, please see below for a list of sources with links and article summaries.)
Listen to a preview of Pete Townshend's upcoming "Classic Quadrophenia."
December 1, 2014: Roger Daltrey Crashes Wedding Reception
Scottish newlyweds Susan and Carl Smith had a surprise guest at their wedding reception, Roger Daltrey. The Who were staying at the same hotel where the reception took place (near Bishopton, Renfrewshire in Scotland), and Daltrey performed the very apropos "I Can't Explain" with the wedding band for a most memorable and delightful evening. Both the bride and the groom gave their heartfelt thanks to the rock legend on Facebook.
Source: BBC News - The Who star Roger Daltrey crashes wedding
December 1, 2014: Doobie Brothers To Receive ASCAP Award
The Doobie Brothers will be honored with the 2015 ASCAP Voice of Music Award for their 40+ years in music. The awards ceremonies will take place on April 29, 2015 in Los Angeles at the Loews Hollywood Hotel.
Source: The Doobie Brothers to Receive Voice of Music Award at 2015 ASCAP Pop Awards
December 2, 2014: Billy Joel To Give Show At Syracuse University
On March 20, 2015, Billy Joel will be giving a show at the Syracuse University Carrier Dome in Syracuse, NY. Tickets go on sale December 6, 2014. Joel will have the distinction of being the artist with the most shows to date at this venue. Over the years, he has made many donations to Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, and he was also the university's commencement speaker in 2006.
Source: Billy Joel to Play Record-Setting Show at Carrier Dome in Syracuse, NY
December 2, 2014: Oldies Artists Make Rolling Stones '50 Best Albums' List For 2014
Rolling Stone just released its "50 Best Albums" list for 2014, and two oldies artists made the list. Bruce Springsteen came in at #2 with "High Hopes," and Jackson Browne ranked #19 with "Standing In The Breach." Another veteran performer, Leonard Cohen, made the list with his latest album, "Popular Problems," which ranked at #24.
Source: U2, Bruce Springsteen Land at Top of "Rolling Stone" Magazine's Best Albums of 2014 List
December 2, 2014: Fleetwood Mac To Headline 2015 Isle Of Wight Festival
Fleetwood Mac will be headlining the 2015 Isle of Wight Festival. First held in 1968-1970, this historic event has been held every year since 2002 on the English island for which it was named. Fleetwood Mac will be taking center stage on June 14, 2015, making this the first time the band has partaken in this music festival.
Source: Fleetwood Mac To Headline 2015 Isle Of Wight Festival
December 2, 2014: Pete Townshend To Perform And Record Classical Version Of 'Quadrophenia'
On July 5, 2015, Pete Townshend of The Who will perform a classical rendition of the band's album, "Quadrophenia." This event will take place at London's Royal Albert Hall, and plans have also been made to release a studio album in commemoration of the band's 50th anniversary. Townshend will be backed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Oriana Choir.
Source: The Who's Pete Townshend To Perform 'Classical' Version Of Quadrophenia
December 2, 2014: Bobby Keys Of The Rolling Stones Passes Away
Saxophonist Bobby Keys died on December 2, 2014 at age 70 of cirrhosis at his home in Franklin, TN. He was a longtime member of the Rolling Stones, and he had also performed with a number of other bands, especially during the 1970s. Born in Slaton, TX, Keys began his music career at age 15 touring with Bobby Vee and Buddy Holly. In 1964, he began his long and fruitful tenure with the Rolling Stones and performed with the band through most of its "14 On Fire" tour. His virtuoso saxophone playing is featured prominently in such hits as "Brown Sugar," and he can also be heard on many Stones albums. Throughout his long career, Keys had also performed and/or recorded with such top bands and artists as John Lennon, George Harrison, The Who, Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Delaney Bramlett, and Harry Nilsson.
Source: Rolling Stones Saxophonist Bobby Keys Dead at 70
December 3, 2014: Aretha Franklin To Receive Billboard Icon Award
Aretha Franklin is among those to be honored at the Billboard Women in Music Awards ceremonies which will take place on December 12, 2014 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. She will be presented with Billboard Magazine's first-ever Icon Award for her many lifelong achievements in the music industry.
Source: Aretha Franklin to Receive "Billboard" Women in Music's First Icon Award
December 3, 2014: Ian McLagan Of Faces Passes Away
Keyboardist Ian McLagan died of a stroke on December 3, 2014 at age 69 at the Brackenridge Hospital in Austin, TX. He was a member of Small Faces and Faces and had also played with many other top acts. Born in Hounslow, Middlesex, England, he began his career in the early 1960s playing in various local bands. In 1965, he joined Small Faces (later Faces) and remained with the band to its breakup in 1975. Besides serving as the band's keyboardist, he also co-wrote "Cindy Incidentally," "You're So Rude," and other hits. He also played with Rod Stewart, the Rolling Stones, the New Barbarians, Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker, John Mayer, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Melissa Etheridge, Bonnie Raitt, and many other top bands and artists. He formed his own group, the Bump Band, in 1977, and throughout his long career, he released many solo albums. In 2000, McLagan published an autobiography, "All the Rage: A Riotous Romp Through Rock & Roll History." In later years, the Faces reunited twice, once in 2008, and again in 2012 for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Source: Faces Keyboardist Ian McLagan Dead at 69
December 5, 2014: Glen Campbell Receives Grammy Nomination
Glen Campbell's latest and final song, "I'm Not Gonna Miss You," is among those to be nominated for a Grammy in the Best Country Song category. Campbell recorded this song, which was co-written with Julian Raymond, before his retirement. To date, the country legend has received nine Grammys as well as numerous other awards.
Source: Glen Campbell, Eric Church Score Country Grammy Nods
December 5, 2014: Elton John To Perform On 'New Year's Rockin' Eve'
Elton John is among those who will be ringing in the New Year on this year's "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest," making this the very first time he has appeared on this show. This event will take place at Barclay's Center in Brooklyn and will be broadcast live on ABC, starting at 8:00 PM ET on December 31. Elton John is set to perform "I'm Still Standing" right after the ball drops.
Source: Elton John to Perform on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest"
