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By Kayla Falgoust
Metallica announces fall tour, New Orleans named a stop
Even though Metallica seems, at times, to have been left behind in the ever-changing music industry by alienating their fans with the disappointment of 2003’s St. Anger and its overwhelming paranoia over music piracy, the heavy metal quartet still seems to register with young people of every music interest.
One telltale sign of their perpetual popularity is the band’s unexpected headlining slot this past June at Bonnaroo. Even though the music festival is traditionally known for its embrace of jam bands and neo-hippies, the diverse crowd found commonality despite Metallic’s hard-hitting, mind-blowing heavy metal, proving that the band still appeals across genre lines.
Recently, Metallica has announced an extensive fall tour in support of its upcoming studio release Death Magnetic, which will hit shelves on September 13. Unlike Bonnaroo, the tour is scheduled to feature supporting acts within the heavy metal genre, including Lamb of God, Down, Machine Head, and the Sword. Among the various tour destinations is a November 23 performance at the New Orleans Arena.
Saul Williams gives rise to reality through poetry, music
Decked out in vibrant colors and Native American headdress, Saul Williams is a force of nature on stage, ripping rhymes that speak truth to excite even the most mundane music spectator.
Back in the late ‘90s, the now 32-year-old African American writer, musician and actor was a rising slam poet performing at open mic nights. In 1998, he contributed to the award-winning film “Slam” as both a writer and actor, gaining wider exposure and much critical acclaim. Soon after, Williams entered the music scene, performing with the likes of Nas, the Fugees and Erykah Badu.
Next, Williams would release two critically successful albums with 2001’s Amethyst Rock Star followed by his self-titled effort in 2004, thrusting himself into the forefront of the alternative hip-hop scene with his powerful yet undeniably relevant lyrical themes.
Most recently, Williams released The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust, his third studio album, which was co-produced by Nine Inch Nail frontman Trent Reznor. Currently, Williams is hitting up the summer festival scene with both music and spoken word performances, showcasing his lyrical abilities and spreading a message all his own.
Country star Gretchen Wilson accused of ripping off the Black Crowes
The Black Crowes have recently filed a lawsuit against country singing sensation Gretchen Wilson for apparently ripping off one of the band’s more popular songs. The Southern rockers claim that Wilson’s new single “Work Hard, Play Harder” is suspiciously akin to the band’s 1991 hit “Jealous Again” from the debut album Shake Your Money Maker.
With one quick listen to both songs, the similarities are glaring, forcing the Robinson brothers and their band to sue Wilson, her record label, publishing company and TNT for using the song in a TV ad for its series “Saving Grace.”
Despite the controversy, however, the Black Crowes are continuing to support their most recent album Warpaint, which was released in March 2008. The band is currently in the midst of a North American tour, making a stop in New Orleans to play the House of Blues on November 18. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster at the very un-modest price of $50.
