Latest news with #RockHall
Malaysian Reserve
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
Italian American Legend Connie Francis Belongs in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) launches advocacy campaign on behalf of Francis, whose chart-topping ballads once ruled the airwaves — and now trend across TikTok by the billions. CLEVELAND, July 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the nation remembers Connie Francis, one question, amplified by disbelief, grows louder: Where the girls are? Everywhere but the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it seems. 'The Rock Hall has faced ongoing criticism for under-representing early female pop vocalists and girl groups — many of whom, like Connie Francis, laid the foundation for pop and rock in the 1950s and '60s,' said COPOMIAO President Basil Russo. 'There's a strong case to be made that she deserves induction for her cultural influence and pioneering success as one of the first female pop superstars. Madonna — a successor to Francis in both Italian American heritage and chart dominance — was inducted in 2008. Francis's exclusion today appears indefensible.' Consider her legacy: 200+ million records sold worldwide First woman to top the Billboard Hot 100 Top-selling female artist of the 1960s 27 billion TikTok views featuring her music (and counting) 53 Billboard Hot 100 chart hits The voice of a generation, Francis broke through at a time when women were expected to sing, not lead. Born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero in Newark, N.J., to Italian immigrant parents, she grew up speaking Italian and performing at local events by age 4. After years of grinding out talent contests and TV appearances, she exploded onto the scene in 1958 with 'Who's Sorry Now?' COPOMIAO is rallying the public to contact the Rock Hall and advocate for the recognition Connie Francis deserves. From there, she became a trailblazer: the first woman to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with 'Everybody's Somebody's Fool,' and the first to headline major tours across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. She recorded in over a dozen languages, starred in Hollywood musicals, and even opened for the Queen of England. By the mid-1960s, Francis had become not only a household name but also a symbol of Italian American pride. ABOUT COPOMIAO Formed in NYC in 1975, the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) is a national coalition of 74 cultural, educational, fraternal and anti-defamation groups that advocate for the Italian American culture.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Italian American Legend Connie Francis Belongs in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) launches advocacy campaign on behalf of Francis, whose chart-topping ballads once ruled the airwaves — and now trend across TikTok by the billions. CLEVELAND, July 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the nation remembers Connie Francis, one question, amplified by disbelief, grows louder: Where the girls are? Everywhere but the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it seems. "The Rock Hall has faced ongoing criticism for under-representing early female pop vocalists and girl groups — many of whom, like Connie Francis, laid the foundation for pop and rock in the 1950s and '60s," said COPOMIAO President Basil Russo. "There's a strong case to be made that she deserves induction for her cultural influence and pioneering success as one of the first female pop superstars. Madonna — a successor to Francis in both Italian American heritage and chart dominance — was inducted in 2008. Francis's exclusion today appears indefensible." Consider her legacy: 200+ million records sold worldwide First woman to top the Billboard Hot 100 Top-selling female artist of the 1960s 27 billion TikTok views featuring her music (and counting) 53 Billboard Hot 100 chart hits The voice of a generation, Francis broke through at a time when women were expected to sing, not lead. Born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero in Newark, N.J., to Italian immigrant parents, she grew up speaking Italian and performing at local events by age 4. After years of grinding out talent contests and TV appearances, she exploded onto the scene in 1958 with "Who's Sorry Now?" COPOMIAO is rallying the public to contact the Rock Hall and advocate for the recognition Connie Francis deserves. From there, she became a trailblazer: the first woman to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Everybody's Somebody's Fool," and the first to headline major tours across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. She recorded in over a dozen languages, starred in Hollywood musicals, and even opened for the Queen of England. By the mid-1960s, Francis had become not only a household name but also a symbol of Italian American pride. ABOUT COPOMIAO Formed in NYC in 1975, the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) is a national coalition of 74 cultural, educational, fraternal and anti-defamation groups that advocate for the Italian American culture. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Axios
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Where potential 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame reunions stand
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's class of 2025 includes four acts fans would love to see reunite. State of play: Rap duo Outkast hasn't performed together in a decade. The White Stripes disbanded in 2011. Soundgarden has been in limbo since lead singer Chris Cornell died in 2017. Health issues have sidelined Bad Company since 2019. Flashback: The Rock Hall ceremony has featured high-profile reunions before, including Led Zeppelin, Cream, Talking Heads and others. There have also been reunions that weren't, with members of bands like Guns N' Roses, Van Halen, Grateful Dead and others opting not to show up. What we're hearing: Soundgarden nearly reunited earlier this summer. The band would need a fill-in singer for the Rock Hall ceremony, much like Nirvana in 2014. Bad Company drummer Simon Kirke has said a reunion is "yet to be decided." Singer Paul Rodgers' health and the recent death of guitarist Mick Ralphs complicate things. Between the lines: Outkast's Andre 3000 has said he isn't interested in rapping, instead focusing on instrumental jazz music. Jack White, of The White Stripes, has remained active as a solo artist, but drummer Meg White has been out of the public eye for over a decade.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legendary rock band's ex-drummer responds to fans about possible reunion
Fans have been speculating about who could replace Pearl Jam's longtime drummer Matt Cameron, who left the group after 27 years earlier this week. Well, those who wished it would be Dave Abbruzzese will have to keep on wishing. Abbruzzese addressed the '1000's of posts, messages and emails' he has received from fans 'hoping I would call Pearl Jam and attempt to reconcile with them' in a lengthy Facebook post on Tuesday, July 8. While the drummer thanked enthusiastic fans, he thought that the years of estrangement between himself and his former bandmates would most likely not result in a reunion. 'The fact that I haven't had any personal contact with any of them leads me to believe the water under the bridge runs too deep and too icy for there to be any reconnection or reconciliation,' Abbruzzese wrote. 'This is a shame and saddens me, greatly. I know I could and would have much to contribute if indeed the call came, but sadly, I don't see that happening.' Abbruzzese, who played with Pearl Jam from 1991 to 1994, was dismissed from the band over reported creative and personal tensions, according to Billboard. Those tensions resurfaced when the drummer was excluded from Pearl Jam's 2017 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 'I nothing to reconcile with them about. My firing from the band and the subsequent trials and tribulations caused by the actions of the band's management and the band's old label that made things challenging for me weren't completely my doing,' Abbruzzese wrote. 'With the exceptions of some petty comments and actions that I never quite understood or expected, I have never placed blame and harbored resentments towards the members of the band,' he added. 'Although I never truly understood what was so important to destroy the musical chemistry we had back then, it is what it is, and I can't do anything about it. At least nothing that I can figure out.' The drummer went on to say that 'the years since 1995 have served me well towards growing as a person and a player' and that he has 'been involved in so many wonder-filled projects." 'Plus add to that the personal aspects of my life, blessed with a beautiful and talented daughter... overcoming substance abuse, embracing insanity and coming out on the other side, working in the field of recovery, legal issues, a failed marriage... Needless to say, music is still very important and a continued passion without any doubt,' Abbruzzese wrote. 'My drumming and passion for giving it my all is still as powerful as ever. I wish Pearl Jam and its organization continued success and I do hope that there will come a day that we can again connect on some level. All that being said, I do ask that you please stop sending me messages asking & telling me to contact their management. I appreciate and understand your desire to see what could come out of that reunion musically. I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious, also. With much love and appreciation, Dave.' Cameron wrote in a statement posted to the band's X profile Monday that he was leaving Pearl Jam after nearly three decades. 'After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,' Cameron wrote. 'I am forever grateful to the crew, staff and fans the world over. It's been an incredible journey,' he continued. 'I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Peace and Love, Matt Cameron.' The rest of Pearl Jam also shared a statement regarding Cameron's departure. 'From being one of our first musical heroes in the bands Skinyard and the mighty Soundgarden, to playing on our first demos in 1990, Matt Cameron has been a singular and true powerhouse of a musician and drummer,' Pearl Jam wrote. 'He has propelled the last 27 years of Pearl Jam live shows and studio recordings. It was a deeply important chapter for our group and we wish him well always. He will be deeply missed and is forever our friend in art and music.' A replacement for Cameron has yet to be revealed. Hip-hop star plays chess 'for over an hour' at Boston cafe before show Pop star once tore her ACL on stage — but 'got up' and finished the show Wu-Tang Clan coming to Boston Friday - Where to buy last-minute tickets Tyler, The Creator Boston Show: Where to buy last-minute tickets for under $150 Prolific rock musician postpones tour to have surgery Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Influential '90s rock band loses member after 27 years: ‘We wish him well'
Pearl Jam's longtime drummer Matt Cameron is leaving the band after nearly three decades. 'After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,' Cameron wrote in a statement posted to the band's X profile Monday. 'I am forever grateful to the crew, staff and fans the world over. It's been an incredible journey. More to follow. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Peace and Love, Matt Cameron.' The rest of Pearl Jam also shared a statement regarding Cameron's departure. 'From being one of our first musical heroes in the bands Skinyard and the mighty Soundgarden, to playing on our first demos in 1990, Matt Cameron has been a singular and true powerhouse of a musician and drummer,' Pearl Jam wrote. 'He has propelled the last 27 years of Pearl Jam live shows and studio recordings. It was a deeply important chapter for our group and we wish him well always. He will be deeply missed and is forever our friend in art and music.' A replacement for Cameron has yet to be revealed. Cameron first rose to fame as the drummer for Soundgarden, which he joined in 1986. After the band broke up in 1997, Cameron joined Pearl Jam on their 'Yield Tour' in 1998. He eventually became a permanent member of the band, replacing Jack Irons. Rolling Stone ranked Cameron 52nd on its list of the '100 Greatest Drummer of All Time' in 2016. He is also a two-time Grammy Award-winner and a two-time inductee in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. 'Much love and respect to Jeff, Ed, Mike and Stone for inviting me into the band in 1998 and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, filled with friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter,' Cameron wrote on X. Groundbreaking punk band plays final live show in Amsterdam '60s pop icon 'feeling much better' after hospitalized with 'extreme pain' Live Wire: Winterpills celebrate 20th anniversary of debut album with digital reissue Frontman of hit '90s band says he would do this again 'in a heartbeat' '80s metal band cancels shows so lead singer can have emergency surgery Read the original article on MassLive.
