MichaelDorf.comA special star-studded concert paying tribute to Paul Simon is scheduled to take place on March 31 at New York City's famous Carnegie Hall.  The show will feature 20 as-yet-unannounced artists performing 20 of the legendary singer/songwriter's classic compositions.

VIP tickets and other special packages for the show, dubbed The Music of Paul Simon at Carnegie Hall, can be purchased now at the Carnegie Hall box office and online at CarnegiePaulSimon.com.  Tickets will go on sale to the general public soon.

Proceeds raised by the concert will benefit music education programs for underprivileged youths.  The event is the latest in a series of tribute shows held at Carnegie Hall and other Big Apple venues in recent years that local entrepreneur Michael Dorf has organized.  Among the artists that have been the subject of previous events are The Rolling Stones, Prince, Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Elton John, R.E.M., The Who and Neil Young.

Incidentally, the Simon tribute will take place about two weeks after Paul wraps his recently announced joint U.S. tour with Sting.  The two Rock and Roll Hall of Famers recently added a February 16 concert in Anaheim, California, to their itinerary.  Visit PaulSimon.com to check out all of the upcoming tour dates.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

TheKinks.infoSome updated information has emerged about the theatrical film about The Kinks that's being directed by Julien Temple.  You Really Got Me, which focuses on the notoriously turbulent relationship between the band's founding sibling members, Ray and Dave Davies, is expected to be released sometime in 2015.

The biopic will be scored by the Davies brothers themselves, and is being penned by the screenwriting team of David Clement and Ian La Frenais, whose previous credits include The Commitments and Across the Universe.

You Really Got Me is being produced by BBC Films in partnership with Oscar-winning movie producer Jeremy Thomas' Recorded Picture Company.  Thomas describes the flick as "a unique tale, the story of the Cain and Abel of rock 'n' roll."

Temple's long resume includes recent documentaries on both Davies brothers, as well as 1986's Absolute Beginners, a theatrical film that featured Ray in a supporting role.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Photo by Media24/Gallo Images/Getty ImagesPeter Gabriel had a strong connection to Nelson Mandela, the former South African president who died Thursday at the age of 95. The musician called Mandela a friend and worked with him extensively on human rights issues.

At a New York City event Thursday night for his human rights organization Witness, Peter told ABC News Radio that Mandela's death was "an enormous loss."

Peter said of Mandela, "He's the great figurehead for anyone struggling for human rights, you know, maybe Gandhi before, but to go from to a violent struggle and then reach non-violence and forgiveness and really inspire not only your own people but people all around the world, we haven't seen anything like that." 

The human rights group The Elders, which was launched by Mandela in 2007, began as an idea from Peter and mogul Richard Branson. It's comprised of global leaders who work together for peace and human rights.

Peter's ties to Mandela extend to the musical arena, too. He performed at many events for the late leader's charity, including a 70th birthday concert for Mandela at London's Wembley Stadium in 1988, singing "Biko," about South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko.

Peter was one of many musicians who spoke highly of Mandela following his death. In a phone interview with ABC News, Aretha Franklin shared her own thoughts. The Queen of Soul, who met Mandela in 1990 and later performed at a Mandela Day benefit concert in New York in 2009, said, "Even though he was imprisoned in a small jailhouse, his spirit and his ideals and his heart and his soul could not be imprisoned."

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

WALTER DHLADHLA/AFP/Getty ImagesFormer South African president Nelson Mandela died Thursday at the age of 95.  Through the years, he'd worked with many top musicians at various charity events, and still others served as ambassadors for his charity.  Others were simply inspired by his lifelong fight to end apartheid in South Africa.  Here's a selection of reactions to his passing:

In a lengthy essay in Time magazine, U2's Bono, a longtime Mandela friend, writes, "As an activist I have pretty much been doing what Nelson Mandela tells me since I was a teenager...I, like everyone else, was mesmerized by his deft maneuvering as leader of South Africa...more than anyone, it was he who rebooted the idea of Africa from a continent in chaos to a much more romantic view, one in keeping with the majesty of the landscape and the nobility of even its poorer inhabitants...He never doubted that his continent would triumph in the 21st century: 'We are not just the peoples with the oldest history,' he told me. 'We have the brightest future.'"

Paul Simon: "Mandela was one of the great leaders and teachers of the twentieth century.  He conceived a model for mortal enemies to overcome their hatred and find a way through compassion to rebuild a nation based on truth, justice and the power of forgiveness. His passing should reignite a worldwide effort for peace."

Carole King: "Nelson Mandela's long walk has ended, but his path remains to light our way. Rest in peace."

Lionel Richie: "He was a father to all of us. May his life be a constant reminder, that we are all ONE WORLD..  He will be missed."

Sheryl Crow: "I have a heavy spirit today. Nelson Mandela will forever be remembered, admired, and loved. He changed the world."

Gloria Estefan ‏tweeted a photo of herself and Mandela and added, "RIP Nelson Mandela, who truly changed the world with his sacrifice...it was an honor to have been in his presence."

The Who: "R.I.P. Nelson Mandela."

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Tiwary Entertainment GroupThe Fifth Beatle, an upcoming film project about late Beatles manager Brian Epstein that's based on a popular graphic novel of the same name, has a director.  Peyton Reed, whose credits include Bring It On, The Break-Up and Yes Man, has signed on to helm the flick.

The movie is being co-produced by Oscar-winning producer Bruce Cohen and Tony-winning producer Vivek J. Tiwary, the latter of whom is the author of The Fifth Beatle graphic novel, as well as of the film's screenplay.  The project, which will begin shooting next year, is the first feature film about The Beatles ever to secure the rights to Paul McCartney and John Lennon's Fab Four catalog.

The Fifth Beatle focuses on Epstein's life from his discovery of the band in Liverpool, England, in 1961 to his untimely death in 1967 at age 32 from an overdose of barbiturates.  The story not only recounts the manager's triumphs as the group achieved international superstardom but also delves into his struggles as a closeted gay man.

"From the moment I read Vivek's graphic novel, I knew I wanted to be the person to bring Brian's story to the big screen," says Reed in a statement.  "I'm a lifelong Beatles fan, obviously, but it's Brian's fascinating life that really blew me away and drew me to this project."

Meanwhile, Tiwary and Cohen, commenting jointly on the director, add, "Peyton's films are incredibly fun and entertaining, while still underscoring a serious empathy for the struggle for accomplishment, belonging and the need to love and be loved…In brief, Peyton is simply the perfect director to take the Brian Epstein story to the big screen."

For more information about the production, visit TheFifthBeatle.com.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

THE FIFTH BEATLE Graphic Novel Trailer from TEG on Vimeo.

Rhino EntertainmentIn May, The Doors released an official app for the iPad that treats fans to an in-depth, interactive look at the music and history of the famed Los Angeles rock band.  Now, the program has been expanded with some fascinating updated content timed in conjunction with what would have been late frontman Jim Morrison's 70th birthday -- Sunday, December 8.

The relaunched app features several upgrades, including a new section paying homage to keyboardist Ray Manzarek, who died on May 20 at age 74 after a battle with cancer.  The centerpiece of "Ray Remembered" is a new video interview with The Doors' two surviving members, drummer John Densmore and guitarist Robby Krieger.  An exclusive clip from the conversation can be viewed now at RollingStone.com.  The tribute also boasts an essay about Manzarek penned by Adam Holzman, son of Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman, and a slideshow of rare photos of Ray.  The app also offers updates to the program's navigation and layout.

The Doors app was devised and produced by Jac Holzman and Rhino Entertainment exec Robin Hurley, with input from Densmore, Krieger, Manzarek and Morrison's estate.  Among its many other features are a timeline detailing key moments in the band's history, an interactive map of Los Angeles highlighting locations important to the group, plus song lyrics, information about The Doors' albums, promotional videos and various audio and film clips.

The program can be purchased at AppStore.com for $2.99.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Photo: Jody MorrisElton John, his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin and members of The Clash are among the music stars who have personalized skateboard decks that will be auctioned online starting Thursday to benefit a charity founded by famous skateboarder Tony Hawk.

The second annual Boards + Bands sale features boards donated by pro skaters that have been decorated with the lyrics of their favorite song written by the artist or artists who recorded the tune.  John and Taupin embellished a deck contributed by skater Chris Cole, with Bernie writing some of the lyrics to "Candle in the Wind" and Elton simply adding his signature.

The Clash's Mick Jones and Paul Simonon, meanwhile, put their marks on a board that Hawk himself donated and that features lyrics to "London Calling."  Other musicians who have contributed signed skateboards to the auction include French dance duo Daft Punk, Panda Bear of the indie-rock group Animal Collective and singer/songwriter Ben Harper.  Harper came up with the concept of the Bands + Boards auction.

Bidding on the skateboards will start at 8 p.m. ET at BoardsAndBands.org.  Proceeds from the sale go to the Tony Hawk Foundation's initiative to create and maintain skate parks in low-income areas around the U.S.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Sony MusicA rare set of early lyrics to "Born to Run" handwritten by Bruce Springsteen while he was working on the song has brought in big bucks at a Sotheby's auction held Thursday in New York City.  The document, which was expected to fetch between $70,000 and $100,000, sold for $197,000, including the auction price and fees.

The Boss penned the lyrics on one sheet of white, lined paper in 1974 at his home in Long Branch, New Jersey.  The manuscript features many segments that were eventually revised, as well as notes and comments from Springsteen suggesting alternate words and phrases.

The lyric sheet comes from the collection of Bruce's former manager, Mike Appel.  No word on who the buyer was.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Photo: Jimmy KingDavid Bowie has released yet another video for one of his new songs.  The latest clip accompanies "I'd Rather Be High (Venetian Mix)," which is one of the bonus remixes that appears on The Next Day Extra -- the recently released expanded version of his 2013 comeback album The Next Day.

The video is made up mostly of vintage black-and-white footage from World War I and World War II, alternately showing soldiers dancing and celebrating as well as partaking in a variety of military activities.  The clip also includes scenes showing distorted footage of Bowie's face as he sings the tune.

The video, which was directed by U.K. graphic designer Tom Hingston, can be viewed online now at VEVO.com.  "I'd Rather Be High" also is featured in a new short film created for a Louis Vuitton ad campaign.  In addition, the tune will be included on a limited-edition 12-inch, white-vinyl single that also will feature full-length and edited versions of another tune from The Next Day Extra, "Love Is Lost (Hello Steve Reich Mix by James Murphy for The DFA)."  The disc will be released on December 16.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Gonzo MultimediaJoey Molland, the last surviving original member of Badfinger, has released a brand-new solo album titled Return to Memphis.  The British-born rocker recorded the 10-track collection at Memphis' Royal Studios, the famous facility where Al Green made many of his albums.

"I was raised on a diet of Memphis music, and it was a thrill for me to record there," says Molland.  "I also made a lot of friends."

Joey, who wrote all of the songs on the album, reports that the sound of the material is quite different from the music he made with his old band, and doesn't feature any "real Badfinger power chords or…real jamming guitars."

He explains, "The treatment of the songs, the song content and [producer Carl 'Blue' Wise's] Memphis roots all make for a much simpler approach," adding, "I know everybody gets their own feelings out of songs, but you know, I think the songs talk about relevant things and I look forward to peoples' reaction to them."

Molland says he was accompanied by "a three-piece Memphis rhythm section" on the record, while Wise also brought in four female backing singers to contribute some "'oohs' and 'aahs' and harmonies."

While Return to Memphis hasn't officially been released in the U.S. yet, fans can purchase it online at GonzoMultimedia.com.

Here is the full track list of Return to Memphis:

"Walk Out in the Rain"
"A Love Song"
"A Ship to Mars"
"Frank and M"
"Gotta Feeling"
"Hero"
"Is It Any Wonder"
"All I Need Is Love"
"All I Ever Dreamed"
"Still I Love You"

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Rhino RecordsSeparate four-CD box sets saluting two of the most beloved and lauded soul singers of all time, Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin, will be released on February 4.  Titled, respectively, The King of Soul and The Queen of Soul, the collections both will feature dozens of tracks and will be offered at a suggested list price of $44.98.

The King of Soul features 92 songs spanning Redding's entire, tragically brief career, which was cut short when Otis was killed in a 1967 plane crash at age 26.  Among the many tunes included are such classics as "I've Been Loving You Too Long," "Try a Little Tenderness," "Respect," "Hard to Handle" and "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay."  The compilation also features memorable covers of The Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" and The Beatles' "Day Tripper," a number of live performances and his hit duets with Carla Thomas, "Tramp" and "Knock on Wood."  The box set's arrival will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the release of Redding's debut album, Pain in My Heart.

The Queen of Soul boasts 87 tracks and focuses on recordings Franklin made for Atlantic Records from 1967 until 1976.  All of Aretha's major early hits are here, including her own rendition of "Respect," "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," "Chain of Fools," "Think," "Bridge over Troubled Water," "Spanish Harlem," "Day Dreaming" and "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)."  The set also features several in-concert performances, as well as a standout version of The Band's "The Weight" that included guitar work by late Allman Brothers Band member Duane Allman.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Courtesy of Alice Cooper's Solid RockThe 13th annual edition of Alice Cooper's star-studded Christmas Pudding benefit show is set to take place this Saturday at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix.  Joining the shock rocker at this year's extravaganza will be KISS, Joan Jett and the frontmen of a few of the biggest hair-metal bands of the 1980s -- Motley Crue's Vince Neil, Ratt's Stephen Pearcy, Cinderella's Tom Kiefer and Winger's Kip Winger.  Hosting the bash will be one-time Seinfeld star and Family Feud host John O'Hurley.

Cooper tells ABC News Radio that the idea behind the event, which raises money for his Solid Rock foundation, is for the performers to loosen up and have fun.

"I treat it like a Christmas party," he says.  "Have you ever been to a Christmas party where everybody gets up and does something?  Except that this is all headliners."

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer points out that fans attending the show might be treated to some unexpected collaborations.

"In the past I've had people like Pat Boone with Ted Nugent, Glen Campbell and Rob Zombie," he notes.  "I would try to get people that just didn't belong together on stage together…It just shows that you're breaking down barriers."

Alice reports that one aspect of this year's concert that will be different from previous shows is that the event will feature a house band that will back most of the guest singers.  Cooper says the group, Hairball, is "the best cover band I've ever heard," adding that "these guys play as good as [the guest artists' own] bands."

All the proceeds from the concert go toward the Solid Rock charity Cooper co-founded in 1995, and its affiliated Rock Teen Center facility that opened last year in Phoenix.  As Copper explained to ABC News Radio, "Solid Rock foundation [offers] free music lessons for kids -- you know, guitars, drums, bass, dance, whatever it is.  All the stuff you can't get in school anymore.  And, it's really to get kids off the street [and] give 'em a safe place to go."

That "safe place" is the Rock Teen Center, which is open to at-risk young people ages 13 to 19.  Cooper points out that the motivation behind establishing the center is to convince teenagers going down a bad path that they have better options.

He explains, "I'm looking at this 15-year-old kid [selling drugs on the street], going, 'This kid's either gonna be in jail or dead in two or three years.  How does he know he's not the best guitar player in Arizona?  Why don't we give him a chance, at least give him an alternative, to come in and try it.'"

Meanwhile, Cooper and most of this year's other Christmas Pudding lineup also will be taking part in a similar benefit show on Thursday night in the Orleans Casino in Las Vegas.  That event will aid the Brennan Rock & Roll Academy, a facility established by Dollar Loan Center founder Chuck Brennan that offers music-education programs to underprivileged young people in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Photo: David BergmanIn October, Branka Delic of Australia lived out a wedding fantasy of hers when Jon Bon Jovi walked her down the aisle at a Las Vegas wedding chapel, as she tied the knot with her now-husband, Gonzalo Cladera.  She's now auctioning off her wedding dress on eBay to raise money for the New Jersey rocker's Soul Kitchen charity restaurant in Red Bank, New Jersey.

All of the proceeds from the sale of the sleeveless, ivory dress will go to the restaurant.  A statement on the listing reads, "We want to give back to JBJ as our way of saying thanks for doing what he did."

Delic says the dress has only been worn once, and hasn't been washed since the wedding.  She tells Australia's Hornsby Advocate, "It's still in the same form it was when he put his arm around me and walked me down the aisle."

The auction ends on Friday.  As of Wednesday night, the highest bid was $255.

Delic got married at the Graceland Wedding Chapel, the same chapel in which Jon married his wife, Dorothea, in 1989.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Photo: Kevin MazurAfter announcing that he plans to play one show a month at New York City's Madison Square Garden for as long as fans are willing to show up, Billy Joel has now expanded his handful of 2014 tour dates beyond the Big Apple and Florida.

The Detroit Free Press reports that the Piano Man will perform February 15 at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan.  It'll be his first solo headlining show in the Detroit area since 2007; tickets go on sale December 13.  Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Joel will rock that city's Consol Energy Center on February 21; tickets for that show also go on sale December 13.  It will be his first solo show in Pittsburgh since 2008.

Back in New York, Billy now has a sixth 2014 show scheduled for Madison Square Garden: June 21, with tickets on sale now.  He's also playing there on his 65th birthday -- May 9 -- as well as on April 18, March 21, February 3 and January 27.  Those last four dates are all sold out, but of course, more will coming, until further notice.

As previously reported, Joel also os playing Sunrise, Tampa and Jacksonville, Florida in January.  Visit BillyJoel.com for a full list of dates.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Photo: Brian RasicOn the heels of announcing a series of 2014 concerts in Australia and New Zealand, The Rolling Stones have revealed that their 14 on Fire tour also will visit Japan, China and the Middle East.  The trek will kick off with a February 21 performance in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, which will be followed by three shows in Tokyo and one in Macau, China.

The Tokyo concerts are scheduled for February 26, March 4 and March 6, while the Macau gig will take place on March 9.  The band is planning to announce two more Asian dates soon.

Fans can expect the legendary British rockers to play such classics as "Gimme Shelter," "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll," "Jumping Jack Flash" and "Paint It Black" at the upcoming shows, as well as a couple of surprise cover tunes.

As previously reported, The Stones' Down Under leg will run from a March 21 show in Perth, Australia, through an April 5 stop in Auckland, New Zealand.  Visit RollingStones.com/Tickets to find out how to buy tickets to all the upcoming concerts.

Here's a list of all of The Stones' confirmed upcoming tour dates:

2/21 -- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, du Arena
2/26 -- Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo Dome
3/4 -- Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo Dome
3/6 -- Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo Dome
3/9 -- Macau, China, CotaiArena
3/19 -- Perth, Australia, Perth Arena
3/22 -- Adelaide, Australia, Adelaide Oval
3/25 -- Sydney, Australia, Allphones Arena
3/28 -- Melbourne, Australia, Rod Laver Arena
3/30 -- Macedon Ranges, Australia, Hanging Rock
4/2 -- Brisbane, Australia, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
4/5 -- Auckland, New Zealand, Mt. Smart Stadium

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio