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Tom Verlaine, Television Frontman and Influential Guitarist, Dies at 73

Tom Verlaine has died after a brief illness, a representative for the innovative guitarist and founding member of Television confirms to Billboard. He was 73.

Verlaine died peacefully and surrounded by friends in New York City, the rep says.

Born Thomas Miller in 1949, Verlaine was raised in Wilmington, Delaware, before moving to New York City in 1968 and taking on his stage name.

He formed Television, who became an influential fixture of NYC’s punk rock scene at CBGB in the ’70s, establishing an early residency at the legendary Lower East Side club with bandmates Richard Hell, Billy Ficca and Richard Lloyd. With Television he brought his signature guitar work and songwriting to two albums, 1977’s landmark Marquee Moon and 1978’s Adventure, before the group parted ways in 1978.

Verlaine then embarked on solo endeavors — releasing several of his own albums throughout his career over the next few decades, beginning with a self-titled record in 1979 — and reunited with Television periodically.

His early musical influences ranged from free jazz to the Yardbirds’ Five Live Yardbirds to the Rolling Stones’ “19th Nervous Breakdown,” and included John Coltrane, Pablo Casals and John McLaughlin.

“My first music experiences were with classical and then jazz,” Verlaine told Billboard in 2005. “I played sax for three years, so my real roots are in instrumental music. In fact, when I hear the term ‘music’ I never think of ‘songs.’”

Following Verlaine’s death, fellow musician Patti Smith’s daughter, Jesse Paris Smith, penned a heartfelt, personal tribute on Instagram.

“Dearest Tom. The love is immense and forever. My heart is too intensely full to share everything now, and finding the words is too deep of a struggle. The feeling inside is so heavy, though your spirit is light and lifted, it is everywhere, completely and truly free,” she wrote on the post, where she shared a personal photo of the pair.

“I love you always and forever, and will always remember and hold close the touch of your hand – hands of a beautiful creator and of a love more warm, tender, delicate, and true that one can ever dream,” she continued. “There has never been another like you and there never will be. What a blessing and gift I was given to share my time on earth with you. I will be grateful to the end of my life, and we will see you again beyond that, meeting you there wherever you’ve gone. Thank you leading the way.”

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Shakira Posts Cryptic Video After Ex Gerard Pique Goes Public With New Girlfriend

Shakira is seemingly reacting to her ex-boyfriend Gerard Piqué’s newly debuted relationship on social media.

One day after the soccer star revealed his younger girlfriend Clara Chia Marti in an Instagram post, the 45-year-old Colombian superstar shared a video of herself dancing and mouthing the scathing lyrics of her new diss track “BZRP Music Sessions Vol. 53,” a collaboration with Argentine DJ and producer Bizarrap.

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“Las mujeres ya no lloran las mujeres bailan merengue!” Shakira wrote alongside the split-screen Instagram clip on Thursday (Jan. 26). The caption translates to “Women don’t cry anymore, women dance merengue!” which is similar to her hit single’s lyrics of “Women don’t cry anymore, they cash in.”

In “BZRP Music Session #53,” which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, Shakira is more unapologetic and empowered than ever, spitting diss verses to Piqué and even throwing a jab at his new love interest.

“I’m not getting back with you, don’t cry for me, nor beg me/ I understood that it’s not my fault that they criticize you/ I only make music, sorry that it bothers you,” the singer chants on the dance-pop track. “Good luck with my so-called replacement/ I don’t even know what happened/ You’re acting so weird, I don’t even recognize you/ I’m worth two 22-year-olds/ You traded in a Ferrari for a Twingo/ You traded in a Rolex for a Casio.”

This isn’t the first time Shakira has taken aim at her ex. Prior to the Bizarrap session, she released the more poignant “Monotonía” alongside Ozuna, lamenting the loss of love to “monotony.”

See Shakira’s post on Instagram below.

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Journey Takes a Break From Feuding, Returns for Harmonious Concert at Oklahoma Casino

Before playing his piano ballad “Faithfully” on Journey‘s opening 2023 date at an Oklahoma casino theatre on Friday (Jan. 27), Jonathan Cain told about 3,000 fans: “It’s good to be back. All together again.”

It was a unifying sentiment after months of Journey acrimony. Although the classic rock band sold 296,000 tickets in 2022 and grossed $31.9 million, according to Billboard Boxscore, Cain and his longtime bandmate, lead guitarist Neal Schon, have been battling legally since late October over Schon’s expenditures on Journey’s American Express card and Cain’s participation in an event at former President Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Lago resort.

As Journey prepares to return to arenas Feb. 4 in Allentown, Pa., the two-hour show at the Choctaw Grand Theatre in Durant, the first of two nights, was generally harmonious and upbeat.

The sextet’s three focal points — frontman Arnel Pineda, Schon and Cain — dominated the spotlight. Pineda, who replaced long-departed frontman Steve Perry in 2008 and sounds exactly like him, was in constant motion, running, jumping, waving, pointing and leading singalongs. Schon soloed constantly, opening the first song “Only the Young” with a burst of noise on his PRS NS-15 guitar and improvising with hard rock power chords in unexpected ways at the ends of rock radio fixtures “Wheel In the Sky” and “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’,” and Cain anchored “Feeling That Way” and “Who’s Crying Now” on his red piano.

Journey’s live formula is simple: play the beloved hits from the ’70s and ’80s, even if Schon and Cain are the only remaining band members from that era. They dispatched with their signature “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which has nearly 1.5 billion plays on Spotify alone, as the third song, then closed with na-na-na-ing, whoa-oh-whoaing and general earworm-rocking with “Wheel In the Sky,” “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” and the finale “Any Way You Want It.”

Relying on a setlist similar to much of the 2022 tour, Journey challenged the crowd in subtle ways, opening with lesser-known hits like “Only the Young,” a 1985 single first released by Scandal, then “Stone in Love,” from 1981’s Escape, later throwing in “Be Good to Yourself,” from 1984’s Raised On Radio, during the punchy, four-song finale. Most experimental of all was Schon, who wore a black denim jacket, an open-collar shirt and several necklaces, and spent much of the night engrossed in his guitars, coming up with different improvisational angles and colors for hits you thought you knew, dabbling in glam rock, metal and even new age music, peaking with a three-minute solo before “Wheel In the Sky.”

Schon and Cain consistently kept roughly 20 yards of distance between them, as Cain, mostly stationary in a dark suit coat, held down stage right with four different keyboards. Schon spoke sparingly, but Cain told the story of writing “Faithfully” on a lonely 1981 bus ride, concluding, “We pay a price for a life like this,” then encouraging the crowd to support the U.S. armed forces. The two cooperated musically, especially on “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’,” when Cain played boogie-woogie runs and Schon dropped in sympathetic guitar riffs to augment the piano. With the exception of Schon, who sang minimally, all six band members harmonized on vocals, nicely backing Pineda’s impossibly high range on “Anytime.”

With Schon and Cain in separate corners, and drummer Deen Castronovo, bassist Todd Jensen and second keyboardist Jason Derlatka holding down the middle, it was Pineda’s job to enliven the crowd, which he did, energetically and enthusiastically. He was the one member of Journey who seemed happy to be there, jumping on a pedestal and throwing his head back to hit those high notes, patting Schon on the back, fist-bumping Cain, signing autographs as songs were going on and, long after the others had walked off stage, sticking around for crowd selfies. Rock stars may “pay a price” for the rock-star life, but, Pineda suggested, it’s fun, too.

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5 Uplifting Moments in Latin Music This Week (January 28)

From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and more, Billboard editors highlight the latest news buzz in Latin music every week. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.

Emilio Estafan’s acting debut

Grammy-winning producer and musician Emilio Estefan has made his actoral debut in the recently-released Bezos: The Beginning, where he plays Jeff Bezos’ father, Mike Bezos. Based off the book Zero to Hero, the movie is a true-life story that chronicles Bezos’ journey to create Amazon and become one the richest men in the world.

“Very happy to be a part of this movie and represent Mike Bezos, the father of Jeff Bezos,” Estefan wrote on social media. “Mike represents the unconditional love that a father has for his son and his family, the unique love that parents feel for their children. When they introduced me to the project, I loved it! I think they called me because of my accent but the reality is that I identified immediately with Mike.”

Bezos: The Beginning is now streaming on Amazon video.

Shakira at the Grammy Museum

Calling all Shakira fans!

The “Shakira, Shakira: The GRAMMY Museum Experience” exhibit is set to go live March 4 at the Recording Academy Grammy Museum in Los Angeles.

“It’s an honor to have the journey of my career displayed at the GRAMMY Museum,” Shakira said in a statement. “These pieces are a testament to so many indelible moments that I cherish, and I’m so happy to be able to relive these memories with those who have and continue to support me as an artist.” 

The news comes after the Colombian singer-songwriter hit No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart (dated Jan. 28) with “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53.” Shakira now ties with Bad Bunny for the fourth-most No. 1s overall, both with 12.

Karol G’s new album is coming … soon

Colombian star Karol G revealed Wednesday (Jan. 25) the name of her upcoming new album, which is set to drop soon. “Finally, finally,” she wrote on social media. “Today I announce a project that I’ve dedicated so much love and time to. I just know that for me and for everyone else, Mañana Será Bonito (Tomorrow Will Be Pretty).”

Mañana Será Bonito is the name of her highly anticipated fourth studio album. It will follow her 2021 Grammy-nominated KG0516, which scored Karol her first No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums. The set earned the biggest week for a Latin album by a woman since Shakira‘s 2017 El Dorado.

Victor Manuelle to be honored at Premio Lo Nuestro

In recognition of Víctor Manuelle’s impact and influence in Latin music, the 35th annual Premio Lo Nuestro will honor the salsa musician with the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award on Feb. 23.  

“The fact that I have been able to make a living from what I am so passionate about is very meaningful to me,” the Puerto Rican superstar tells Billboard Español. “It’s very exciting to know that the award ceremony, which is a very important platform, decided to give me this recognition. It fills me with pride, and it is a sign of the effort of what I have wanted to represent in the salsa genre throughout my entire career.”    

The complete list of Premio Lo Nuestro nominations was announced Monday (Jan. 23), consisting of 192 artist nominees of diverse musical backgrounds across 39 categories. The ceremony will air live on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. ET via Univision; it will simulcast on Galavisión in the U.S. and Canal 5 in Mexico. 

J Balvin announces VR concert

Meta and iHeartRadio have partnered to bring to life “J Balvin Futurum: A VR Concert Experience. Created specifically for VR, the 180-degree concert experience will offer state-of-the-art visuals and performances such as a custom-built lighted stage, seven backup dancers and J Balvin strapped to a 15-foot robotic arm that moves to the beat of the music.

The Colombian artist will perform 17 of his biggest hits, including  “La Canción,” I Like It” and “Mi Gente,” all of which hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts. The “J Balvin Futurum” show — which kicks off at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET on Feb. 17 — is part of the iHeartRadio Concert Series in VR. Balvin joins previous performers such as John Legend, Carrie Underwood and Kim Petras.

To watch the VR concert, fans can subscribe to the event by clicking here.

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Every Song Ranked on TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s ‘The Name Chapter: Temptation’: Critic’s Picks

A day before TOMORROW X TOGETHER unleashed their new The Name Chapter: Temptation EP and officially kickstarted a new musical era, the K-pop boy band met with reporters both in-person in Korea and virtually around the world via a global media showcase on Jan. 26. In the hourlong press conference that included the first look at TXT’s new single, music video and stage performance, youngest member HUENINGKAI shared the group’s bold plan to “work hard to make 2023 the year of TXT.” With their most robust music output in months—not to mention the group’s highest amount of album pre-orders ever hinting at a high Billboard 200 debut—The Name Chapter: Temptation has already set TXT in motion to make that dream a reality.

With six entries on the Billboard 200 (the most of any K-pop group other than their BIGHIT MUSIC labelmates BTS), TOMORROW X TOGETHER have shown how their stylized storytelling targeted for their Generation Z is consistently connecting. But the quintet share that Temptation EP was particularly intentional for including the group’s own stories. The group said HYBE founder Bang Shi-Hyuk (who contributed to two of the EP’s five tracks, including the new single “Sugar Rush Ride”) encouraged them to take a heavier hand on certain songs this time to bring their own stories and lyrics. Not only do SOOBIN, YEONJUN, BEOMGYU, TAEHYUN and HUENINGKAI all boast writing credits, YEONJUN crafted melodies for one of the standout b-side tracks “Happy Fools,” marking his first melody contribution for a TXT album. “It made me so proud,” the 23-year-old remarked, “It was rewarding. It inspired me to write even more.”

With a slew of new genres explored, a significant crossover collaboration alongside Coi Leray and some of their career-best lyrics, The Name Chapter: Temptation is starting an excellent year and new music chapter for TOMORROW X TOGETHER. Read on for Billboard‘s ranking of the new tracks.

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Rauw Alejandro, Rosalia & More: What’s Your Favorite New Latin Music Release? Vote!

This week, our First Stream Latin roundup — which is a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums, and videos recommended by the Billboard Latin editors each week — is powered by new music from Christian Nodal, Rosalía and newcomer Peter Nieto, to name a few.

The list includes the highly-awaited duet between Christian Nodal and TINI, “Por El Resto de tu Vida.” On their dazzling, first collaborative effort, the Mexican artist and Argentinean pop star collide their powerhouse vocals with a beautiful bolero guitar interplay that later transforms into a bolero-trap thump.

Rosalía also surprised fans with the release of her bilingual track “LLYLM” (the acronym for “lie like you love me”), where she sings over a guitar-led tune fused with the magnetic handclaps: “I don’t need honestly, baby, lie like you love me, lie like you love me.” Her boyfriend and Puerto Rican star, Rauw Alejandro, on the other hand, teamed up with Reggaetón’s finest, Daddy Yankee, to release “Panties y Brassieres” a.k.a. the hidden track number seven, meant to be part of Rauw’s Saturno album.

Additionally, Spanish act Marc Seguí kicked off 2023 with a new musical era, one where he steers away from his edgy urban pop sound and ventures into rock music. In his first single of 2023, “Plaza en el Cielo,” Seguí flaunts his new roquero and rebellious stage. “I wanted to talk about a darker stage in my life where I was quite lost, a stage in which the music that accompanied me the most was rock,” he explained in a press release.

Check out the other tracks on this week’s First Stream Latin and vote for your new favorite release below:

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Cat Ears, Swarovski Crystals & More: See Doja Cat’s Impressive Style Evolution

Doja Cat — aside from being one of the biggest Billboard Hot 100 hitmakers of the 2020s — has ascended the ranks in her career to not only become a formidable pop star, but has also evolved into a fashion icon in her own right. Following the success of her breakthrough single, “Say So,” Doja has used fashion to different sides of her personality, from playful (see her 2019 BET Awards and 2021 VMAs looks) and elegant, to edgy and avant-garde.

The Grammy winning rapper has most recently turned heads with her recent appearances at Paris Fashion week. While attending Schiaparelli Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show on Monday (Jan. 27), the star got the internet talking after in a head to toe red ensemble. The twist? Makeup artist Pat McGrath covered Doja in 30,000 red Swarovski crystals — all applied by hand, she noted — to complete the show stopping look.

But high fashion moments didn’t stop there: Once Doja realized she was getting criticisms online for not wearing eyelashes to complete her ensemble, she turned up the next day in a menswear inspired outfit consisting of pinstriped separates and a shirt with a ruffled breast. The real star, however, was the “Woman” singer’s fake goatee and eyebrows made of — you guesses it — strips of eyelashes.

As Doja cat continues to turn out looks, take a look back in history to see all how her styles has evolved over time, from her humble beginnings and cat ears to the present.

 

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Country Music Artists Who Have Performed the National Anthem at the Super Bowl

Eight-time Grammy winner Chris Stapleton will become the latest country artist to usher in the Super Bowl, with a performance at Super Bowl LVII on Sunday, Feb. 12 on FOX, just prior to the game’s kickoff at 6:30 p.m. ET at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Stapleton is known for his bluesy, supple vocal delivery as well as his songwriting chops (in addition to his own material, he’s written hits for Kenny Chesney, Josh Turner and Darius Rucker, among others). He’s also the reigning CMA male vocalist of the year, having won in the category six times. This year’s Super Bowl pregame performance lineup also includes R&B artist Babyface performing “America The Beautiful,” while Abbott Elementary star Sheryl Lee Ralph will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Rihanna is this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show performer.

Stapleton is the third consecutive country singer to handle national anthem duties prior to the big game since 2021–Eric Church joined Jazmine Sullivan for a rendition of the anthem in 2021, while Mickey Guyton performed the national anthem last year.

Here, Billboard looks back at other country music artists who have performed the national anthem throughout the years.

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A Roundup of Country & Americana Festivals in 2023 (Updating)

Nothing goes together better than summer heat, cold drinks, good friends and country music. Throughout much of the year, country music fans gather at events across the nation (and abroad) to see their favorite country music artists perform.

Below, Billboard looks at many of the top country music festivals slated for 2023, including some of each festival’s top performers, from established artists such as Tim McGraw and Miranda Lambert to hot-shot newcomers including Bailey Zimmerman, Megan Moroney and Zach Bryan. Names including Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson and Zac Brown Band proliferate several festival lineups this year, headlining festivals including Country Thunder festivals, C2C and Windy City Smokeout.

Taken altogether, these numerous country fests offer a glimpse into the breadth of the country music moment, from Texas natives like Lambert, Johnson and Parker McCollum, to pop-leaning vocalists Dan+Shay, to ’90s country stalwarts Brooks & Dunn and Dwight Yoakam.

In addition to stellar lineups, these festivals also offer a range of activities and food offerings, including camping, line-dancing, food trucks, and merch vendors selling an array of items. See below.

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The Dream Setlist for John Mayer’s Solo Acoustic Tour

2023 is off to a strong start for John Mayer fans. The guitar pro announced a solo acoustic arena tour on Thursday (Jan. 26), featuring 19 stops across North America this spring.

“I began my career on stage with only a guitar and a microphone,” he shared. “A lot has changed since then, but I knew one day I’d feel it in my heart to do an entire run of shows on my own again, just like those early days.”

It was unclear what was to come for the artist after Mayer announced his departure from Columbia Records after 21 years in March 2022. The only thing that was clear was that John wasn’t calling it quits, sharing at the time that “I love music more than ever, and I believe some of my best work still lies ahead.”

This run of shows marks Mayer’s first solo endeavor since the departure, with attendees having “acoustic, electric and piano” picks both new and old to look forward to on the special tour.

While he can rip up an electric solo like no other, some of his best lyricism and guitar work shine on his acoustic tracks. This was made abundantly clear during several stops of the 2022 Sob Rock tour, when Mayer pivoted to an acoustic-heavy format after several of his band members tested positive for COVID-19.

Could those set of shows have been the inspiration for this stripped-down trek? Of the 20-plus years of songs in his catalog, here are 24-ish songs we hope to hear on the solo tour, with a focus on the acoustic and piano favorites.