In 2012, Jimmy Buffett and The Coral Refer Band continue their “Welcome To Fin Land Tour.” The mayor of Margaritaville has nine dates scheduled for the first three months of the year. But if you want to attend any of Buffett’s upcoming shows you better hurry. Tickets to his concerts are selling faster than a cheeseburger in paradise.

In January, look for Jimmy Buffett in Miami (28th) and Jimmy Buffett in Jacksonville (31st).

Come February, there’s a Jimmy Buffett concert in North Charleston (2nd), a Jimmy Buffett performance in Orlando (4th), a Jimmy Buffett gig in Birmingham (25th), and a Jimmy Buffett show in Tallahassee (28th).

March opens and closes with a trio of Buffet concerts. Jimmy Buffett will be in North Little Rock on the first and then two days later Jimmy Buffett will be in Louisville. Finally, Jimmy Buffett has a show in Tampa on the 30th.

You can’t mention Jimmy Buffett without mentioning Parrot Heads, the colorful nickname for his rabid fans. Once the term “Parrot Heads” popped into the old noggin’ I began to think about all the other cute little appellations running around in fandom. The result of my intense rumination is a list of the top ten nicknames for fans of bands and artists. Keep reading to see exactly where “Parrot Heads” ranks.

Top Ten Nicknames For Diehard Fans Of Bands/Artists

1. Dead Heads
The nickname that started it all. “Dead Head” first appeared in 1971 on the linear notes of the Grateful Dead’s second live album. Oddly enough, the phrase is found in a section that begins “Dead Freaks Unite.” Obviously, that sobriquet didn’t catch on. Dead Heads were widely known for being smelly hippies high on drugs and veggie burritos.

2. Fanilows
Hardcore fans of Barry Manilow call themselves “Fanilows.” That name alone is enough to make you fall in love with Manilow and his music. I was first introduced to the clever nomenclature on Dec. 11, 2003 during an episode of Will & Grace. I’ve been calling myself a “Fanilow” ever since.

3. KISS Army
Kiss Army is the name of the band’s official fan club and the unofficial name for KISS fans all over the world. It’s a super cool term that combines a word that’s a little effeminate with a word that’s extremely masculine. By the way, it was coined in 1975.

4. Phamily/Phans
While “Phamily and “Phans” are great nicknames they don’t quite work well in normal speech. “I’m part of the Phish Phamily.” “I’m a huge Phan of Phish.” A quick aside: “Phan” is also used by fans of the Broadway musical “Phantom of the Opera.” Phish followers are sometimes called “Phish Heads.”

5. Parrot Heads
The term “Parrot Head” was coined by Timothy B. Schmit in 1985—he was once a member of the Coral Reefer Band but left to become a member of Eagles. You’ll sometimes see the term written as one word, “Parrotheads.” What’s even better than “Parrot Head” is what Buffett calls his young fans, “Parakeets.” Parrot Heads don’t buy every Jimmy Buffet ticket but they buy most of them.

6. Little Monsters/Monsters
Fans of Lady Gaga are called “Little Monsters” or just “Monsters.” Her Gaganess began calling her fans “monsters” in the summer of 2009. Conversely, Gaga calls herself “Mother Monster.” That moniker was suggested to her by a fan she met while visiting Chicago.

7. Blue Army
Coined in the same year as “KISS Army,” “Blue Army” refers to fans of Aerosmith. The band from Boston invented the phrase and chose the word “blue” because their fans wore blue jeans and had blue collar jobs. The name of the band’s official fan club is “Aero Force One.”

8. Gleeks
“Gleeks” describe hardcore fans of the popular FOX musical drama, Glee. The word is a portmanteau of the show’s title and the pejorative “geek.” Despite the use of a slur, fans of the show happily and proudly call themselves “Gleeks.”

9. MCRmy
It’s pronounced “M-C-army” and it’s a label used by the devoted fans of the emo band My Chemical Romance. It’s one of those titles you initially mispronounced which gives the nearest member of MCRmy the opportunity to correct you in the snarkiest way possible. I bet that was done on purpose.

10. Maggots
It comes as no surprise that “maggots” is in tenth on a list of nicknames for fan bases. The term is used for supporters of Iowa’s most famous heavy metal band, Slipknot. Judging from some colorful posts on the internet it’s hard to determine if “maggots” is a welcomed epithet or a derogatory remark.

The New Year is nary a month old and even if you live under a rock there are three things you know: Tim Tebow is out of the NFL Playoffs, Mitt Romney is gaining momentum, and Van Halen is launching a huge tour of North America.

Van Halen kicks off a 45-date tour of North America beginning Feb. 18 in Louisville, Kentucky at the KFC Yum! Center. Highlights of their much-anticipated outing include stops in Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Toronto, and Los Angeles.

On March 11, Van Halen travels to Boston for a show at TD Garden. The iconic rock band will also play two shows in New York City (Feb. 28 and March 1) at Madison Square Garden.

Their jaunt, launched to support the group’s latest album, A Different Kind of Truth, concludes June 26 in New Orleans. Opening for Van Halen, on a part-time basis, will be Kool and the Gang.

No rock hut or stone teepee could keep this next tidbit from the consciousness of any self-respecting hermit. That tidbit is David Lee Roth is back with Van Halen. This means that three-fourths of the band that recorded the seminal album 1984 is together again and ready to tour. The missing fourth is bassist Michael Anthony. He’s replaced by Alex Van Halen’s son, Wolfgang.

A Diamond Dave-led Van Halen has a lot of people excited. After all, Roth and Eddie are one of the greatest frontman/lead guitarist combinations in the history of rock music.

Their place in history is undeniable but I think there’s another reason people are happy that Van Halen is back. That reason is Van Halen is happy (or at least they appear to be happy).

Especially with Roth at the helm, Van Halen is one of the few great rock bands that are known more for their smile than their sneer.

Most bands of Van Halen’s renown are serious, somber, frustrated, angry and/or depressed. Yet, when you think of Van Halen what is likely to come to mind is an exultant Roth kicking the sky or a grinning Eddie Van Halen merrily finger tapping his guitar.

Take the band’s video to their breakthrough single, “Jump.” In almost every shot Eddie is wearing a huge smile. You don’t generally think of Jimmy Page or Keith Richards as smilers.

Roth, on the other hand, is just plain comical—a jester if you will. You have his flamboyant dance moves, his interactions with the audience at Van Halen concerts, and his antics in videos like “Hot For Teacher” and “Panama.” A picture gets painted of Roth as a fairly content dude. If you closely examine the lead singers of other rock bands you eventually come to the conclusion, “what did his parents do to him?”

Now, Van Halen isn’t the only band that looks happy and appears to be enjoying themselves. There were plenty of hair bands in the 1980s that were jolly but they neither transcended the decade nor did they go to become one of the greatest rock bands of all-time.

Furthermore, Van Halen was able to be happy without losing their credibility, their edge, or their respectability. The band still had a sense of happiness in the Sammy Hagar era but not as much as when Roth was on the mic.

It goes without saying that you can’t attribute happiness, or even smiling, to other great rock bands. U2 has their moments but most of the time they’re rather serious. Coldplay is as fun-loving as the common cold and the Red Hot Chili Peppers definitely have a sense of humor but usually opt for staid posturing and solemn brooding.

We don’t even need to compare Van Halen to rock bands from the 1960s and 1970s. The biggies like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Pink Floyd, and AC/DC could be light-hearted and even funny at times but you wouldn’t mistake any of them for being happy.

Granted, most of the aforementioned bands had their roots in the blues—not a happy genre of music—but beyond that they exhibited more misery and sorrow than mirth and cheer.

This doesn’t mean the members of Van Halen have no personal problems or inner demons. All it means is when they’re performing, whether in concert or during a video, they look and act like they’re blissful.

Van Halen’s ability to appear happy makes them a novelty not a novelty act. Better yet, this talent of theirs makes Van Halen concerts a real blast.

Van Halen’s 2012 Tour Itinerary
>>Feb. 18 – Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center
>>Feb. 20 – Auburn Hills, MI @ The Palace of Auburn Hills
>>Feb. 22 – Indianapolis, IN @ Bankers Life Fieldhouse
>>Feb. 24 – Chicago, IL @ United Center
>>Feb. 28 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden Arena
>>March 1 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden Arena
>>March 3 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
>>March 5 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
>>March 9 – Buffalo, NY @ First Niagara Center
>>March 11 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden
>>March 15 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
>>March 17 – Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
>>March 21 – Kanata, ON @ Scotiabank Place
>>March 24 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Boardwalk Hall
>>March 28 – Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
>>March 30 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Consol Energy Center
>>April 1 – Rosemont, IL @ Allstate Arena
>>April 10 – Sunrise, FL @ BankAtlantic Center
>>April 12 – Tampa, FL @ Tampa Bay Times Forum
>>April 14 – Orlando, FL @ Amway Center
>>April 16 – Jacksonville, FL @ Veterans Memorial Arena
>>April 19 – Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena
>>April 21 – Greensboro, NC @ Greensboro Coliseum Complex
>>April 25 – Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Arena
>>April 27 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
>>May 1 – Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center
>>May 5 – Tacoma, WA @ Tacoma Dome
>>May 7 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
>>May 9 – Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome
>>May 11 – Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place
>>May 17 – Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre
>>May 19 – Saint Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
>>May 22 – Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
>>May 24 – Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center
>>May 27 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
>>June 1 – Los Angeles, CA @ Staples Center
>>June 3 – Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena
>>June 5 – San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion at San Jose
>>June 12 – Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center
>>June 14 – San Diego, CA @ Viejas Arena
>>June 16 – Phoenix, AZ @ U.S. Airways Center
>>June 20 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
>>June 22 – San Antonio, TX @ AT&T Center
>>June 24 – Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
>>June 26 – New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Arena

When Drake announced that he was launching a tour of North America in 2012 many of his fans wanted to know who was going to open for him. After all, most of the Young Money stable is busy with other projects.

For example, Drake’s “Club Paradise Tour” kicks off on the exact same day as Nicki Minaj releases her second album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. That day is of course Feb. 14, 2012.

To make sure each Drake concert starts on the right foot, Dizzy has tapped rappers Kendrick Lamar and A$AP Rocky for his openers.

Kendrick Lamar, who used to go by the stage name “K. Dot,” released his first digital album, Section.80 in 2011. His first studio work is set to hit store shelves sometime next year.

A$AP Rocky, who recently signed a lucrative recording contract with Sony/RCA, released a mixtape called LiveLoveA$AP back in October. While A$AP has no studio album to promote, the Harlem-based rapper is currently enjoying the success of his first single, “Peso.”

Drake selected the two up-and-coming rappers because he’s a big fan of their work. He even went so far as to say he “loves” their music. Basically, he’s listening to Lamar and A$AP Rocky and he wants his fans to do the same.

Drake’s 17-date trek begins in Miami, Florida at the Bank United Center. It ends on March 11 in San Diego, California at the Viejas Arena. Highlights of his cross-country trek include New Orleans, Arlington, and Los Angeles.

Dizzy’s itinerary is listed below and you’ll notice that most of the venues are relatively intimate. Record executives wanted Drake to perform in large arenas but the Canadian would have none it. He wants his longtime fans—the ones that have been with him from the beginning—to experience his live music up close and personal.

Drake is selling concert tickets to support his sophomore effect, Take Care. The album debuted at number one and features contributions from Lil Wayne, Rihanna, Minaj, and Andre 3000.

Before launching his world tour, Drake will delight fans in Las Vegas, Nevada. Look for the “Best I Ever had” singer at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel for a special New Year’s Day concert.

After his North America dates are through, Drake has a slew of shows planned for Europe. His first performance in the New World is set for March 24 in Dublin and his last is scheduled for April 25 in Nottingham. Drake is also planning concerts in London, Paris, Berlin, and Stockholm.
 

Drake’s 2012 “The Club Paradise Tour” Itinerary
>>Feb. 14 – Drake visits Miami, FL and the Bank United Center
>>Feb. 15 – Drake visits Gainesville, FL and the Stephen C. O’Connell Center
>>Feb. 17 – Drake visits Nashville, TN and the Bridgestone Arena
>>Feb. 18 – Drake visits Columbus, OH and the Schottenstein Center
>>Feb. 21 – Drake visits Columbia, SC and the Colonial Life Arena
>>Feb. 22 – Drake visits Lexington, KY and the Rupp Arena
>>Feb. 24 – Drake visits Tallahassee, FL and the Leon County Civic Center
>>Feb. 25 – Drake visits New Orleans, LA and the UNO Lakefront Arena
>>Feb. 27 – Drake visits Austin, TX and the Frank Erwin Center
>>Feb. 28 – Drake visits Oklahoma City, OK and the Chesapeake Energy Arena
>>March 1 – Drake visits Kansas City, MO and the Sprint Center
>>March 2 – Drake visits Arlington, TX and the College Park Center
>>March 4 – Drake visits Tucson, AZ and the Tucson Arena
>>March 5 – Drake visits Los Angeles, CA and the Galen Center
>>March 8 – Drake visits Fresno, CA and the Save Mart Center
>>March 10 – Drake visits San Jose, CA and the Event Center
>>March 11 – Drake visits San Diego, CA and the Viejas Arena

For smiles and giggles, I once compiled a playlist of all the number one songs of the 1960s. It was a musical exercise made possible by the internet and iTunes; hitherto it would have been an exercise in juggling compact discs (or cassette tapes).

In listening to the 230-plus song playlist there were a couple of things I noticed. First and foremost, being a number one song doesn’t necessarily make you a good song (“Moody River,” “Harper Valley PTA,” “In the Year 2525 (Exordium and Terminus)”).

The second thing I notice was how dull the number one songs were until the arrival of two bands. Obviously, one of those bands is The Beatles but the second might surprise you. It’s the Beach Boys.

While they failed to reach the legendary status of the Fab Four, The Beach Boys did make it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band released a bevy of hit songs in the 1960s including “Good Vibrations,” ”I Get Around” and “California Girls.” They defined the West Coast beach sound and more than solidified themselves as 1960s musical icons.

The Beach Boys released a lot of music through the years but they never matched their creative output of the 1960s. From the 1980s onward, the band was embroiled in legal battles and cheesy reunion shows. They did release their best-selling single, “Kokomo,” in 1988.

In 2012, the relics of your grandfather’s record collection are jumping off the vinyl and coming to a venue near you.

That’s right, the Beach Boys have announced plans for a 50-date tour to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

[Insert your joke about old musicians touring here].

The three original members of the group—Brian Wilson (69), Mike Love (70), and Al Jardine (69)—along with two longtime members—Bruce Johnston (63) and David Marks(69)—are reuniting for a world tour and a new album. The first Beach Boys concert on the schedule is set for April 27 at the renowned New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Before laying your hands on some primo Beach Boys tickets, you can always watch them at the Grammy Awards on Feb. 12. They are scheduled to make an appearance and from what I can tell it’s going to be a big production number featuring a lot of current bands so as to make the California geezers relevant to a younger audience.

I’m not a huge fan of the Beach Boys but I’ve always appreciated their contribution to popular music. As the years have gone by I’ve enjoyed their music more and more. Perhaps the best summation of their place in rock and roll history is this: “The Beatles transcend the 1960s, the Beach Boys do not.”

Red Hot Chili Peppers: “I’m With You Tour” Launches Jan. 20

The Red Hot Chili Peppers just confirmed five more dates for their upcoming “I’m With You Tour.”

Slowly confirming tour stops has been the band’s modus operandi. Of course their U.S. fans don’t care. They’re riding high on the recent announcement that the Red Hot Chili Peppers are entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Not to mention that next year, Chili Pepper concert tickets will be ripped for the first time since 2007 and their “Stadium Acradium Tour.”

The pioneering rock-funk quartet launches the U.S. leg of their world tour Jan. 20 in Sunrise, Florida. The outing wraps March 16 in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Highlights of their itinerary, at least for now, include Red Hot Chili Peppers in Orlando, Florida on Jan. 21; Red Hot Chili Peppers in San Antonio, Texas on March 6; and Red Hot Chili Peppers in Dallas, Texas on March 9.

The band just verified stops in Oakland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Glendale, and Denver. The Red Hot Chili Peppers show in Los Angeles is scheduled for Feb. 26 at the Staples Center. The Red Hot Chili Peppers concert in San Diego is planned for Feb. 29 at the Valley View Casino Center.

Writing about the Chili Peppers made Land of Punt hungry. Well, as hungry as a Web site can get. It also got us thinking about bands named after food (and only food). Below, is our list of the top ten bands named after victuals. Red Hot Chili Peppers fans will be happy to learn that their band came in second. To find out who came in number one keep reading…

10. Black Eyed Peas
We’ll be honest. We made this list and put the Black Eyed Peas at number ten just to illustrate their awfulness. They can’t even beat out Bread, The Cranberries, or Vanilla Fudge. As bad as BEP are, they know how to sell records. They’re at 31 million and counting.

9. Bread
In the 1970s, Bread charted 13 songs on the Billboard Hot 100. Unfortunately, they were all adult contemporary pabulum like “Make It With You,” “If” and “Baby I’m-a Want You.” Sadly, three of the five original members of Bread are no longer with us. They’ve gone to the big AM station in the sky.

8. The Cranberries
The Cranberries are an Irish outfit fronted by Dolores O’Riordan who is married to the former tour manager of a little group called Duran Duran. The Cranberries’ debut album, Everybody Else is Doing, So Why Can’t We?, sold more than five million copies in the United States.

7. Vanilla Fudge
Vanilla Fudge’s first big hit was the 1968 reissue of “You Keep Me Hangin’ On.” The band’s last big hit was 1968′s “You Keep Me Hangin’ On.” In 1966, Vanilla Fudge was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame. Enough said!

6. Cracker
This may shock you but Cracker has released ten studio albums since breaking on to the scene in 1992 with Kerosene Hat. Their one big hit, from the aforementioned opus, is “Low.” The video for that song featured Sandra Bernhardt. And no, their opening act isn’t Cheese.

5. Cake
Cake is one of those bands you either love or hate. If you like frontman John McCrea’s straightforward vocals (that border on talking) and a lot of trumpet with your alternative rock you’re probably a big Cake fan. We love the name of their second album, Fashion Nugget.

4. Korn
Korn never would have made our list had their kept their original name, L.A.P.D. The heavy metal band from Bakersfield, California released their first album in 1994. Since then Korn has won two Grammy awards and sent two albums to the top of the Billboard 200.

3. The Jam
The Jam was headed by Paul Weller. He’s virtually unknown in the U.S. but a national treasure in the U.K. During their run from 1977 to 1982, The Jam had 18 straight Top 40 singles. Granted, it was the Top 40 in the U.K., but still. Their music was a mix of mod, new wave, and punk.

2. Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have gone through a few drummers and guitarists over the years but the band’s two constants have been bassist Flea and frontman Anthony Kiedis. The Peppers released their first studio opus in 1984 and their tenth in 2011. All total, they’ve sold more than 70 million albums.

1. Cream
You can’t go wrong with any band that includes Eric Clapton. You especially can’t go wrong if that band also includes Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. Cream only released four albums, all in the 1960s, but their influence is still being felt. They were popular music’s first successful supergroup and their Wheels of Fire album was the first double-LP to be certified platinum.

Hugh Jackman is a throwback.

He’s one of the few modern day stars that could had made it 40, 50, even 60 years ago.

The guy can do it all: sing, dance, act, and sell tickets (either movie or Broadway tickets). His acting made him a household name but his voice is by far his greatest aptitude. He’s best known for playing a gruff superhero (Wolverine) but won a Tony Award for portraying singer-songwriter Peter Allen (The Boy from Oz). Best of all, his immense talents come wrapped in a countenance and physique perfectly designed for a leading man of the stage and screen.

In the 21st century, when performers use computers to sing on tune, and special effects to mask their inability to emote, Jackman is an anachronism. He’s an updated version of the Hollywood stars of old. In other words, he actually has talent.

Over the summer, Jackman delighted audience with his performance in the family-friendly, box office hit, Reel Steel. Currently, the 43-year-old Australian superstar is selling Hugh Jackman Broadway tickets to his 10-week run at the Broadhurst Theatre on the Great White Way.

Called “Hugh Jackman, Back on Broadway,” the star culls materials from classic musicals like Oklahoma, Guys and Dolls, Carousel, and The Boy From Oz. The show also includes a rousing tribute to the musical The Music Man replete with a rap.

The three-time host of the Tony Awards also laces up the dancing shoes. In fact, there are several numbers showcasing the actor’s hoofing skills. As you would expect, Jackman is a fantastic dancer.

Jackman is backed by an 18-piece orchestra and six dancing show girls. The production includes very few special effects. That was a wise move. Jackman doesn’t need theatre magic to dazzle the audience. All he needs is a microphone and a simple tune.

Be prepared for one or two corny jokes. Jackman has a few groaners sprinkled throughout his program but the actor is so suave and charming that he pulls them off. I love bad jokes so this wouldn’t bother me one iota.

Jackman’s powerhouse of a show is currently one of the hottest tickets in town. It’s right up there with The Book of Mormon tickets and War Horse tickets. It’s breaking box office records at the Broadhurst and is sold out every weekend of its two-and-half-month run.

When you go, make sure you scan the theatre. Many of the reviews I’ve read about Jackman’s “Back on Broadway” mention tons of celebrities in the audience.

Il Divo Launches North American Leg of 2012 World Tour On May 18

Everyone’s favorite all-male, pop-opera, international quartet, Il Divo, has announced plans for an epic world tour in 2012. The brainchild of Simon Cowell, Il Divo will visit six continents next year with a rather long stint in North America.

The foursome’s first performance in the New World is set for May 18 in Windsor, Ontario at the Colosseum. The highly anticipated trek wraps Aug. 19 at the Wells Fargo Theatre in Denver, Colorado. Their itinerary includes more than a dozen Il Divo concerts in the Great White North.

Highlights of Il Divo’s Canadian Itinerary
>>May 19 – Il Divo tickets for Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
>>May 22 – Il Divo tickets for Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
>>July 25 – Il Divo tickets for Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
>>July 27 – Il Divo tickets for Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome
>>July 31 – Il Divo tickets for Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre

The quartet is selling Il Divo concert tickets to support their sixth studio album, Wicked Game. The oeuvre features songs made famous by Roy Orbison, Sarah Brightman, the musical Evita, and of course, Chris Iasaak (his song is the title track).

Il Divo is comprised of Frenchman Sebastien Izambard, Spaniard Carlos Marin, Swiss singer Urs Buhler, and American David Miller. The international composition of Il Divo inspired Land of Punt to create a list of our favorite bands with multi-national lineups. We couldn’t think of any as diverse as Il Divo, but then again Il Divo wasn’t formed organically.
 
AC/DC
Okay, stay with us here. Malcolm and Angus Young were born in Scotland and immigrated to Australia when they were very young (sorry for the pun). Drummer Phil Rudd was born in Australia but currently lives in New Zealand. Bassist Cliff Williams and singer Brian Johnson are both British. That’s quite a lot of diversity from a band known for three chords. AC/DC is one of the world’s best selling rock bands. Their 1980 release, Back in Black, is the second highest selling album of all-time.

Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young
David Crosby is from Los Angeles. Stephen Stills is from Dallas. Graham Nash is British and Neil Young is Canadian. This also means that Crosby, Stills, and Nash are a multinational band. CSN formed in 1968 and released one album before adding Young. The result was the band’s best selling and most famous work, Déjà Vu. CSNY were great in concert and on vinyl but they could never really get along. Some of their most famous songs include “Teach Your Children,” “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” and “Southern Cross.”

Fleetwood Mac
The band’s current lineup features Englishmen Mick Fleetwood and John McVie and Americans Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. Former famous members are Great Britain’s Christine McVie and Dave Mason and America’s Bob Welch. Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 album Rumors is one of the greatest of all-time. It stayed on the top of the charts for more than 30 weeks and has sold in excess of 40 million copies worldwide.

Journey
The current lineup of Journey is comprised of four Americans—Neal Schon, Ross Valory, Jonathan Cain, and Dean Castronovo—and one Filipino—Arnel Pineda. The latter is not the only non-American to ever be an official member of Journey. The band’s drummer in the late 1970s was British subject Aynsley Dunbar. Going back to Pineda, the crooner was a very successful musician in his native Philippines before joining Journey in 2007. The current lineup has released two studio albums and extensively toured the world.

The Monkees
Like Il Divo, The Monkees are a fabricated band. Their lineup contained three Americans—Micky Dolenz Michael Newsmith, and Peter Tork—and one Brit—Davy Jones. Designed to compete with The Beatles, The Monkees began their rock and roll career as nothing more than actors but fought long and hard to wrestle creative control away from their corporate overlords. The Monkees never came close to rivaling the Beatles, either artistically or commercially, but they are the “Fab Four” of bubblegum music.

Lady Gaga Headlines KIIS Jingle Ball In Los Angeles

When we talk about holiday celebrations we usually mean some kind of party that references Christmas, New Year’s, or the like. You know the kind: office Christmas parties, Yule Tide get-togethers, Hanukkah happenings, and those crazy, hangover-inducing New Year’s Eve parties. We sometimes forget that the end of the year is not only an occasion to celebrate the holidays but also a great excuse just to party.

That’s where Clear Channel’s Jingle Ball comes in. The annual live music event has a holiday-sounding name but it’s more “ball” than “jingle.” I mean with artists like Pitbull, LMFAO, and Gym Class Heroes on the bill it’s probably wise not to expect a Bing Crosby-like Christmas special.

This year, KIIS Jingle Ball welcomes Lady Gaga, David Guetta, and Big Time Rush to Los Angeles. The event is scheduled to go down Dec. 3 at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live. Also on the marquee are Flo Rida, Sean Paul, Taio Cruz, and Gym Glass Heroes.

The first Jingle Ball was held in 2000 and was produced by KIIS-FM in Los Angeles. Over the years, fans with Jingle Ball tickets have seen artists like Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, and Britney Spears. The event has become so popular that it’s been appropriated by other Clear Channel radio stations. In 2011, Jingle Ball concerts are being produced in New York, Philadelphia, and South Florida.

To keep track of all the Jingle Ball concerts, Land of Punt has compiled a list of the ten scheduled for 2011. Hopefully, you can add one of these day-long concerts to your calendar of holiday events.


107.9 The End – Jingle Ball Sacramento
Dec. 1 @ Power Balance Pavilion
http://kdnd.radiotown.com/JingleBall2011

Lineup
Breathe Carolina
Cobra Starship
Gym Class Heroes
JoJo
Selena Gomez


KISS Jingle Ball Los Angeles
Dec. 3 @ Nokia Theatre Live
http://www.kiisfm.com/pages/events/jingleball11/site/?tabs=1

Lineup
Big Time Rush
David Guetta
Gym Class Heroes
Flo Rida
Karmin
Lady Gaga
Sean Paul
Taio Cruz


103 KDWB’s Jingle Ball Minneapolis
Dec. 4 @ Target Center
http://www.kdwb.com/pages/JingleBall2011

Lineup
Big Time Rush
Cobra Starship
Foster The People
Gym Class Heroes
Hot Chelle Rae
Jason Derulo
Kelly Clarkson


Q102 Jingle Ball Philadelphia
Dec. 7 @ Wells Fargo Center
http://www.q102.com/pages/events/jingleball11

Lineup
Andy Grammer
Avil Lavigne
Big Time Rush
Cobra Starship
David Guetta
Demi Lovatto
Flo Rida
Gym Class Heroes
Hot Chelle Rae
Joe Jonas
JoJo
Karmin
Kelly Clarkson
LMFAO


KISS 108 FM Jingle Ball Lowell
Dec. 8 @ Tsongas Arena
http://www.kiss108.com/pages/JB2011/site

Lineup
Cobra Starship
Demi Lovatto
Joe Jonas
Kelly Clarkson
LMFAO
Pitbull


Dave & Jimmy’s Jingle Ball Columbus
Dec. 8 @ Lifestyles Communities Pavilion
http://www.wnci.com/pages/contest/jingleball20115

Lineup
Colbie Caillat
Foster The People
Jason Derulo
Matt Nathanson
Taio Cruz


Z100′s Jingle Ball 2011 New York City
Dec. 9 @ Madison Square Garden
http://www.z100.com/pages/events/jingleball11

Lineup
David Guetta
Demi Lovatto
Foster The People
Gym Class Heroes
Hot Chelle Rae
Karmin
Kelly Clarkson
Lady Gaga
LMFAO
Pitbull


Y100′s Jingle Ball Sunrise
Dec. 10 @ Bank Atlantic Center
http://www.y100.com/pages/JingleBall2011

Lineup
Avil Lavigne
Cobra Starship
Cody Simpson
David Guetta
Demi Lovato
Foster the People
Gym Class Heroes
Karmin
Kelly Clarkson
LMFAO
Pitbull
The Script


93.3 FLZ’s Jingle Ball 2011 in Tampa
Dec. 11 @ St. Pete Times Forum
http://www.jingleballtampabay.com/pages/2011

Lineup
Big Time Rush
Cobra Starhip
David Guetta
Demi Lovato
Jason Derulo
Karmin
Pitbull
The Script


Jingle Ball 2011 Hershey
Dec. 12 @ Giant Center
http://www.fm97.com/pages/jingleball.html
http://www.993kissfm.com/pages/jingleball.html

Lineup
Andy Grammer
Big Time Rush
Joe Jonas
JoJo
Patrick Stump
Sean Paul


Thanks to Tiggerlane for the photo.

This summer, Wrigley Field in Chicago will host Roger Waters and a special stadium version of “The Wall Live.” After months of speculation, the bassist for Pink Floyd finally announced that he’ll play the legendary baseball stadium on June 8 as part of the 2012 North American leg of his historic world tour.

In the middle of next year, Roger Waters tickets will be collected in several major U.S. markets. Fans should look for Roger Waters in Houston on May 1, Roger Waters in Los Angeles on May 19, and Roger Waters in Atlanta on June 13.

Prior to this monumental and state-of-the-art undertaking, The Wall had only been played live 31 times—30 during the band’s 1980-1981 tour and once in 1990 to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The seminal concept album of the same name was released by Pink Floyd in late 1979. Waters not only conceived the idea, but wrote and composed—either individually or with a partner—all of The Wall’s music and lyrics.

To get fans even more excited than they already are for Roger Waters to come to Phoenix on May 15, or for Roger Waters to come to Philadelphia on July 14, Land of Punt looks at five of the greatest concept albums of all-time. If these classics aren’t in your music collection then you need to log onto iTunes ASAP.

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)
The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is not the first concept album ever released but it is the most famous. The ironic thing about this 1967 cultural landmark is it’s barely a concept album. If you remove reprise from the second side and separate “With A Little Help From My Friends” from the title track you’re left with a fairly random collection of great songs (granted, the greatest collection of songs in the history of humanity). While every one of the tracks on Sgt. Pepper’s is a classic, none were released as singles.

The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust And The Spider From Mars (1972)
David Bowie picked the name “Ziggy” because it was the only Christian name he could think of that started with the letter “Z” and because it sounded like “Iggy” (as in Iggy Pop). The “Stardust” part came from the novelty act “Legendary Stardust Cowboy,” inventor of a genre of music known as pyschobilly. The persona of “Ziggy Stardust” was inspired by Vince Taylor, a rocker from the late 1950′s and early 1960′s who had his career cut short by drug abuse and mental illness. We can only guess where Bowie got the “Wham Bam thank You Ma’am” part from one of the album’s better-known songs, “Suffragette City.”

Tommy (1969)
This concept album from The Who is widely referred to as the very first “rock opera.” When it was released in the spring of 1969 it was “just” a concept album. Only later was it turned into a proper musical, both on the silver screen and on Broadway. Tommy was composed by Pete Townshend and his epic story of a deaf, dumb, and blind pinball wizard, who eventually attains spiritual enlightenment, was inspired by the works of Indian mystic, Meher Baba.

The Wall (1979)
Pink Floyd’s 1979 concept album owes its existence to a glob of saliva, to be precise, the spittle of Roger Waters. During a show in Montreal, in July of 1977, Waters spat on some extremely rude fans. He soon discovered that he wasn’t the only member of the band that was frustrated with some of the patrons attending Pink Floyd’s mammoth stadium concerts. Basically, Floyd was starting to feel isolated from their fans. Waters used the spitting incident, as well as his feeling of detachment, to create The Wall. Later, producer Bob Ezrin assisted in refining the Wall’s story while keeping the peace between Waters and Dave Gilmour.

American Idiot (2004)
Green Day’s concept album has its roots in a project called Cigarettes and Valentines. The master tapes for that album were stolen and instead of re-recording the songs the band decided to start over. While working on new material, Mike Dirnt sneaked into the studio and recorded a 30-second song. Enjoying his idea, while also hoping to best him, the other two band members began making their own half-minute ditties. Eventually, Green Day put together all the snippets and created the “Homecoming” suite that’s found near the end of American Idiot. Inspired by The Who, Jesus Christ Superstar, and West Side Story, the band developed a concept album around a character Billie Joe Armstrong had created named “Jesus of Suburbia.”

The Cure: Seven Concerts Planned For London, New York, Los Angeles

Talk about a variation on a theme.

It’s certainly nothing new for a band to play an entire album during a concert. The practice has been going on for years now. However, a band playing three albums in their entirety, all on the same stage, during one concert, is quite novel.

This November, The Cure is launching a three-city world tour in which they will play the first three studio albums of their legendary discography live.

Dubbed “Reflections,” the highly anticipated mini-trek begins Nov. 15 in London at the Royal Albert Hall.

The Cure will then rip tickets in Los Angeles during a three-night stand at the Pantages Theatre Nov. 21-23. After that, The Cure tickets will be collected in New York City at the historic Beacon Theatre Nov. 25-27.

For each of the seven concerts The Cure will play albums Three Imaginary Boys (1979), Seventeen Seconds (1980), and Faith (1981) in their entirety (not one per night but ALL THREE DURING THE SAME SHOW). To close the evening, the band will come out for an encore in which they’ll perform hits from every stage of their career. Between albums the band will take a 15-minute break but just a quick five before the encore.

Throughout the evening, legendary frontman Robert Smith, bassist Simon Gallup, and drummer Jason Cooper will be joined by former members Laurence Tolhurst and Roger O’Donnell.

Earlier in 2011, The Cure performed “Reflections” twice at a festival in Sydney, Australia. The forthcoming tour is likely the last time fans will be able to buy The Cure tickets to this unique and memorable experience. According to their Web site, these will be the show’s “final” performances.

The Cure is one of alternative music’s leading pioneers as well as one of Britain’s greatest bands. Their enduring sound is hallmarked by somber instrumentations, melancholy melodies, and superb songwriting. Since breaking onto the music scene in the late 1970s, The Cure has inspired millions of fans, musicians, and songwriters. Their most successful album to date is 1989’s Disintegration. The opus reached number 12 on the Billboard 200 and produced the hit singles “Lovesong,” “Lullaby,” Pictures of You,” and “Fascination Street.”

Three Imaginary Boys
1979
Producer: Chris Perry

Robert Smith’s distaste for the majority of this album inspired him to keep creative control of The Cure’s music to himself. Nonetheless, playing Three Imaginary Boys is a great way for The Cure to start their upcoming string of shows. Americans may have a fonder memory of this opus since their version includes several classic Cure songs like “Jumping Someone Else’s Train,” “Boys Don’t Cry,” and “Killing an Arab.”

Side One
1. “10.15 Saturday Night”"
2. “Accuracy”
3. “Grinding Halt”
4. “Another Day”
5. “Object”
6. “Subway Song”

Side Two
1. “Foxy Lady”
2. “Meathook”
3. “So What”
4. “Fire in Cairo”
5. “It’s Not You”
6. “Three Imaginary Boys”
7. “Untitled” (hidden track a.k.a. “The Weedy Burton”)

Seventeen Seconds
1980
Producers: Robert Smith, Mike Hedges

It will take the band around 40 minutes to play Seventeen Seconds. That’s not much longer than it took to record the album. Problems with the purse strings forced Smith and company to bang out this classic LP out in seven very long days. Besides being the first great Cure album, Seventeen Seconds is also the first of the band’s “Dark Trilogy,” the first to feature Simon Gallup, and the only LP made with former member Matthieu Hartley.

Side One
1. “A Reflection”(Instrumental)
2. “Play for Today”
3. “Secrets”
4. “In Your House”
5. “Three”(Mostly instrumental)

Side Two
1. “The Final Sound”(Instrumental)
2. “A Forest”
3. “M”
4. “At Night”
5. “Seventeen Seconds”

Faith
1981
Producers: The Cure, Mike Hedges

Faith is vintage Cure. The album contains a song dedicated to former Joy Division singer Ian Curtis, two tracks inspired by the gothic novels of Mervyn Peak, and the soundtrack to a film by Ric Gallup (Simon’s brother). It should be noted that the soundtrack—which is 28 minutes long—was only included on a special “long play cassette.” When The Cure toured in 1981, they screened Ric’s film, “Carnage Visors” (also the name of the song), instead of using the services of an opening band. Legend has it that the film has been lost and only Smith, Gallup and Tolhurst have copies.

Side One
1. “The Holy Hour”
2. “Primary”
3. “Other Voices”
4. “All Cats Are Grey” ‘

Side Two
1. “The Funeral Party”
2. “Doubt”
3. “The Drowning Man”
4. “Faith”

Thanks to Mick Orlosky for the photo.