May 8, 2017 by Amy Gold
During the week of April 30, 2017, SiriusXM announced The Beatles Channel, a new radio station dedicated entirely to The Fab Four which will launch on May 18, 2017.
Also that week, it was announced that Cher will be this year's recipient of the ICON trophy at the Billboard Music Awards. The awards ceremonies will take place May 21, 2017 and will be aired live on ABC.
Alice Cooper will reunite with three members of his original band for a special performance in Nashville to take place later this month. Former Doobie Brothers frontman Michael McDonald announced a U.S. tour in support of his upcoming album, "Wide Open," which kicks off this June. Graham Nash announced a series of shows in the U.S. beginning in July in support of his latest album, "This Path Tonight." Also, Yes announced the lineup for its February 2018 cruise. Martin Barre of Jethro Tull and Carl Palmer's ELP Legacy will be among the featured performers.
A new biopic titled "Michael Jackson: Searching For Neverland" about the late King of Pop's final years will premiere May 29, 2017 on Lifetime.
Also that week, Carly Simon revealed a never-before-heard fourth verse about an adulterer that didn't make the final cut of her enigmatic 1972 hit, "You're So Vain."
Finally, Barry Manilow's latest album, "This Is My Town: Songs Of New York," reached #12 on the Billboard 200, making this his 26th Top 40 album on that chart to date.
(For more information about the above-listed news items, please see below for a list of sources with links and article summaries.)
Glen Campbell gives a crystal-clear and poignant performance of "Adios," the bittersweet title song of his upcoming final album (to be released June 9, 2017).
May 1, 2017: Michael Jackson Biopic To Premiere On Lifetime
A new biopic titled "Michael Jackson: Searching For Neverland" will make its TV premiere May 29, 2017 on Lifetime. This movie focuses on the last few years of the King of Pop's life as seen through the eyes of two of his bodyguards. The title role will be played by Navi, an actor and well known Michael Jackson impersonator.
Source: Watch now: Get a peek at Lifetime biopic "Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland"
May 2, 2017: SiriusXM To Launch Beatles Radio Channel
On May 18, 2017, SiriusXM will launch a new radio station dedicated entirely to The Beatles. The Beatles Channel, which will broadcast 24/7, will feature "name that tune" quizzes, a call-in number for fans to share stories, weekly broadcasts of Beatles live recordings, and a daily guest DJ session. Non-subscribers can preview this channel for free through the end of May. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr both gave their thumbs up.
May 2, 2017: Yes Announces Featured Performers For 2018 Cruise
Yes announced details of the lineup for its upcoming 5th annual Cruise To The Edge to take place February 3-8, 2018. Featured performers will include Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre, former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett, and Carl Palmer's ELP Legacy. For more info, visit CruisetotheEdge.com.
Source: Cruise Ship Troopers: Yes' 2018 Cruise to the Edge to feature Steve Hackett, Carl Palmer & more
May 2, 2017: Michael McDonald To Launch Tour, Release New Album
Michael McDonald announced a new album titled "Wide Open" which is due out on September 15, 2017. The former frontman of The Doobie Brothers will also launch a tour in support of this upcoming album beginning June 10, 2017 in Lincoln, CA. Over 40 show dates have been confirmed so far covering many states across the U.S.
Source: Michael McDonald's first new album in nine years, "Wide Open," set for September release
May 3, 2017: Alice Cooper To Reunite With Former Band Mates For Special Performance
Alice Cooper will reunite with three members of his original band - Dennis Dunaway, Neal Smith, and Michael Bruce - for a special performance on May 14, 2017 at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville. After a series of headlining concerts in the U.S., Cooper will launch a summer tour in Europe then return for a North American leg with Deep Purple and The Edgar Winter Band.
Source: Alice Cooper reuniting with ex-band mates for special performance in Nashville this month
May 3, 2017: Graham Nash Announces New Tour Dates
Graham Nash announced a series of shows in the U.S. in support of his latest album, "This Path Tonight." This 20-date trek begins on July 11, 2017 in Norfolk, CT and ends on August 19 in Schwenksville, PA, covering many Northern and Northeastern states.
Source: Graham Nash announces new US summer tour dates; talks Jimmy Webb tribute concert
May 4, 2017: Cher To Receive ICON Trophy At 2017 Billboard Music Awards
Cher will be this year's recipient of the ICON trophy at the Billboard Music Awards. She will be honored for her many accomplishments that include topping at least one Billboard chart in every decade beginning in the 1960s. The awards ceremonies will take place in La Vegas on May 21, 2017 and will be aired live on ABC. Cher will perform "Believe" which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for four weeks in 1998.
Source: Cher to perform, receive ICON Award at 2017 "Billboard" Music Awards
May 4, 2017: Barry Manilow Scores 26th Top 40 Album On Billboard 200 Chart
Barry Manilow's latest album, "This Is My Town: Songs Of New York," reached #12 on the Billboard 200 chart dated May 13, 2017, making this his 26th Top 40 album to date. Since 2002, Manilow has released a dozen albums to make the Billboard 200 Top 40 beginning with his greatest hits compilation, "Ultimate Manilow" (2002). Also, he has scored at least one Top 40 album each decade since the 1970s. Other albums by veteran artists in this week's Billboard 200 include "Americana" by Ray Davies which reached #79.
Source: Billboard 200 Chart Moves: Barry Manilow Scores 26th Top 40 Album With 'This Is My Town' | Billboard
May 5, 2017: Carly Simon Reveals 'Lost Verse' From 'You're So Vain'
In an interview with the BBC, Carly Simon divulged another secret about her enigmatic 1972 hit, "You're So Vain," which is a never-before-heard fourth verse about an adulterer that never made it to the final cut of the song:
A friend of yours revealed to me that you'd loved me all the time / Kept it secret from your wives / You believed it was no crime.
You called me once to ask me things / I couldn't quite divine / Maybe that's why I have tried to dismiss you, tried to dismiss you / And you're so vain.
Although the subject of "You're So Vain" remains uncertain, many believe it is a composite of different men Simon had encountered. In a 2015 interview with People, she confirmed long-held suspicions that the second verse is about famed actor Warren Beatty.
Source: Carly Simon plays You're So Vain's lost verse - BBC News
