July 29, 2011

British pop star Morrissey allegedly says the recent tragic massacre in Norway is “nothing” compared to the killing of animals for food.

The Daily Mirror reports that the former singer for iconic 80s alternative band The Smiths made the comments this past weekend during a concert in Warsaw, Poland.

“We all live in a murderous world, as the events in Norway have shown, with 97 dead. Though that is nothing compared to what happens in McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried s–t every day,” the singer is reported to have said, before launching into his song Meat is Murder.

In fact, 76 people died in the massacre.

A spokesperson for the singer tells UK paper the Guardian “There is no more to say on the matter, thank you.”

Morrissey himself, however, made a statement to fansite True to You, after some took issue with the comments.

He said, “The comment I made on stage at Warsaw could be further explained this way – Millions of beings are routinely murdered every single day in order to fund profits for McDonalds and KFCruelty, but because these murders are protected by laws, we are asked to feel indifferent about the killings, and to not even dare question them.

“If you quite rightly feel horrified at the Norway killings, then it surely naturally follows that you feel horror at the murder of ANY innocent being. You cannot ignore animal suffering simply because animals ‘are not us’.”

The rocker has long voiced extreme views on the subjects of animal rights, telling BBC Radio 4 earlier this year that he wasn’t happy to hear that British Prime Minister David Cameron was a Smiths fan, because Cameron had also admitted to having hunted stag.

“It’s a moral issue,” he told the radio station. “Killing a stag is like killing a child. What’s the difference?”

(Photo by PR Photos)

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July 15, 2011

Poison rocker and reality TV star Bret Michaels has cancelled his Super Cruise.

Michaels was to set sail of the coast of Miami for four days with fans and the star had promised to mingle, sign autographs and even work as a bartender on the boat.

But it was announced this week that the event had been cancelled after the promoter pulled out, ostensibly due to medical reasons. Or maybe not.

A statement on Michaels’ website reads,”The Bret Michaels cruise has been cancelled due to unforeseeable circumstances. The promoter, Willie Donwell, is experiencing medical issues. On July 5, 2011, Mr. Donwell backed out of the event-the sole reason the cruise has been delayed is due to Mr. Donwell’s inability to comply with his contractual obligations.

“Bret is currently, and has always been, ready to perform. He is devoted to his loyal fans and we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding.”

That statement, however, was later followed by another that implies the “medical reasons” might be bogus: “Ninety-five percent of the time, in the entertainment business, you deal with great promoters and agents. However, there is always a five percent chance of someone or something not being on the up and up, as was the case with our promoter in Syracuse, whom I filed suit against and fought to get people’s money refunded as best I could. In this case, the promoter, Willie Donwell, backed out of this event. He will not and cannot fulfill his contractual obligations. It has also come to my attention that Mr. Donwell has been involved in at least one other lawsuit of a similar nature in which he was sued by Prince. As a work for hire, I have always been and am ready still to perform as per my original contract. However, that option is not available as Mr. Donwell has attempted to release himself from his obligations and put his business dealings off on others.”

Michaels goes on, “As this is my first ever cruise, I want to reassure everyone that I have went out of my way to try and make this the best fan cruise on the high seas. Again, we are all victims of what I believe is a less-than-reputable promoter who apparently feels he can take advantage of both artists and fans. Know that I am working hard to right this wrong.”

(Photo by PR Photos)

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June 30, 2011

Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil will be honoured with a lifetime achievement award.

The singer will be handed the Lifetime Achievement in Rock ‘n’ Roll prize at the Vegas Rocks! Magazine Awards in August, according to Starpulse.

Publisher Sally Steele says, “There is no one that deserves it more than Vince. Vince has done so much over the years for charity since he has lived here in Las Vegas… We are also planning on having a secret special guest present Vince’s award to him with me, so stay tuned!”

The ceremony will take place at the Las Vegas Hilton on August 21st.

In 1995, Neil’s daughter Skylar Neil, died of cancer at the age of 4 and he founded the Skylar Neil Memorial Fund in her honor. The foundation has reportedly donated millions of dollars to The T.J. Martell Foundation, and it sponsors an annual golf tournament to raise money for children with cancer.

Neil also hosts events for MUSIC for RELIEF, an organization with a mission to support disaster relief.

The rocker has also had legal troubles, however. In 1984 he crashed his car while drunk driving, killing Hanoi Rocks drummer Nicholas Dingley. He has since been arrested for assault more than once and most recently was arrested on suspicion of DUI in 2010.

(Photo by PR Photos)

Story provided by the Dish Information Corporation

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June 6, 2011

Woodford Park in Etobicoke has been renamed in honour of late Canadian musician Jeff Healey.

The Toronto Sun reports that hundreds of Etobicoke residents turned up to honour one of their own as the park on Delroy Dr., in The Queensway-Royal York Rd. area was renamed Jeff Healey park on Sunday, June 5,

Jeff Healey, who died in 2008 after a long battle with cancer, grew up in the area and used to play in Woodford park with his family and friends.

“Jeff loved this place and it helped nurture him,” said his wife, Cristie. “This was the first place he showed me when we were dating.”

Cristie and Jeff have two children, Rachel, 16, and Derek, 6.

“He would be honoured today to see all his family and friends here,” Cristie said. “He loved this place so much.”

Healey’s dad, Bud, 76, said his son, who would have been 42 this year, “liked listening to the stream and the birds. He was independent and knew the entire park.” And Healey’s sister Laura, said “My brother loved it here and we are very honoured that the place was named after him.”

Healey, leader of the Jeff Healey Band, was a world renowned blues and jazz guitarist.

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