Adam Lambert's 'Whole Lotta Love': The Story Behind The Cover
Glam rocker tackled the legendary 1970 Led Zeppelin song for 'American Idol' rock night.
By Gil Kaufman
Adam Lambert performs "Whole Lotta Love" on "American Idol" on Tuesday
Photo: R. Mickshaw/Getty Images/ Fox
Imagine a freight train speeding toward you at midnight. Or a rockslide barreling down a hill as you try to outrace it. That's the feeling of the ominous, chugging Jimmy Page riff that kicks off Led Zeppelin's 1970 Stonehenge of rock, "Whole Lotta Love." And that's before singer Robert Plant leans into one of the nastiest, ecstatic rock screams this side of the Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again."
That's the song Adam Lambert chose to sing on "American Idol" rock night Tuesday (May 5), and, needless to say, it was a challenge that the eyeliner-loving Los Angeles stage veteran was more than up for, hitting a series of high notes and rock screams that would have made Plant proud. It was a risky maneuver that paid off for Lambert, who chose a tune that came in at #75 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in 2004.
The legendary British rock act recorded the tribute to Chicago blues icon Willie Dixon during their second U.S. tour after working it out in their live show, including it on their 1969 classic album Led Zeppelin II. Like many of the songs Zeppelin performed early in their career, "Love" was a blues standard turned on its head with a heavy dose of crunching psychedelic guitar and thundering drums, courtesy of late drummer John Bonham. The song was based on a 1962 tune by another blues forefather, Muddy Waters, called "You Need Love," which was penned by Dixon.
For Zeppelin's version, Plant customized the lyrics by adding some lyrical quotes from a few other songs Dixon wrote for Howlin' Wolf, "Back Door Man" and "Shake For Me," nailing the tricky vocal in a single take. It was also inspired by 1966's "You Need Loving" from the British rock group the Small Faces, for whom Zeppelin had great affection, but they also did not credit Dixon for his part in writing the original lyrics. The song became Zeppelin's first U.S. single and their only U.S. top 10 hit. Though their manager would not let them release singles in the U.K. because he thought it cannibalized album sales, the song was finally released as the band's only British single in 1997.
Dixon sued Zeppelin over the song in 1985, claiming it borrowed too heavily from his "You Need Love," and Zeppelin reached an agreement with him, with Dixon using the money he received to set up a program that provided musical instruments for schools. A cornerstone of heavy rock, the tune -- which was the theme song for the long-running British countdown show "Top of the Pops" in the 1970s and '80s -- has been covered by dozens of artists over the years, from Tina Turner and Ben Harper to Prince, Slash, Leona Lewis, Train's Pat Monahan, the London Symphony Orchestra and Jane's Addiction.
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
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Lawmakers elect Thailand?s first female PM
Thailand?s Members of Parliament have elected Yingluck Shinawatra as prime minister, making the 44-year-old sister of ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra the country's first female leader.
In the Friday morning vote, Yingluck received 296 "yes" votes and three "no" votes, while 197 MPs abstained.
Before Yingluck can officially assume the title, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej must endorse her in a separate ceremony, which media reports say is expected to take place in the next few days.
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Amy Winehouse Remembered By Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, More
'RIP Amy Winehouse. May she finally find peace,' Perry writes. 'I am genuinely heartbroken about this,' Rihanna tweets.
By Jason Kaufman, with reporting by Kara Klenk
Amy Winehouse
Photo: Carlos Alvarez/ Getty Images
As news spread that 27-year-old Amy Winehouse was dead, stars immediately tweeted their shocked reactions and remorse over the lost talent.
Katy Perry, who touches down in Boise, Idaho, this weekend as part of her California Dreams Tour, tweeted her condolences, writing, "RIP Amy Winehouse. May she finally find peace."
Nicki Minaj, who is also on the road as part of Britney Spears' Femme Fatale jaunt, took to Twitter and expressed disbelief at the news of Winehouse's passing. "Please tell me Amy Winehouse didn't die," wrote the Young Money MC, who's set to hit the stage in Florida on Saturday (July 23). "Is this some sick joke?"
"I am genuinely heartbroken about this," wrote Rihanna, who continued to express her shock over multiple tweets. "Dear God have mercy!!! I am SICK about this right now!" In another, she wrote "U made a MAJAH impression on this industry and throughout the world, in such a short space of time...too short!"
Usher reflected on Winehouse, who he had known: "I'm so sad to hear the horrible news of Amy Winehouse's death. I'm so happy I knew you Amy...Rest Well. Gone Too Soon...we'll miss you!!""
Frequent tweeter Kim Kardashian used her 140 characters to send prayers: "I just heard the news that Amy Winehouse passed away. What a true talent. I pray she's in a better place & at peace."
Meanwhile, Ryan Seacrest showed Winehouse's impact on the music industry, singling out both Lady Gaga and Adele as those who had been influenced. "Sad to lose Amy Winehouse - incred talent. Both @LadyGaga & @OfficialAdele say Amy paved way for them."
Dr. Drew focused on the singer's well-documented struggles with addiction. "SO sad, another lost to addiction. A reminder this is often a fatal condition. Recovery is possible, but sadly not for Amy Winehouse."
Winehouse's American record label, Universal Republic, said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of such a gifted musician, artist and performer. Our prayers go out to Amy's family, friends and fans at this difficult time."
Many More Stars Are Reacting. Check Back To See Who Else Has Weighed In:
Leann Rimes: "RIP Amy Winehouse. So sad to see such a talent gone and her life end in tragedy. This makes me terribly sad."
Khloe Kardashian: "Wow! I just heard about Amy Winehouse passing away! Wow! So sad :( what an amazing talent"
Ashton Kutcher: "Rip amy winehouse"
Big Boi: "Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and now Amy Winehouse. All died aged 27. RIP to you all."
Kelly Osbourne: "i cant even breath right my now im crying so hard i just lost 1 of my best friends. i love you forever Amy & will never forget the real you!"
Rick Ross: "Wanted to collab w/ Amy Winehouse...r.i.p...smoking 1 in your memoryyy!!"
Janelle Monae: "heart is heavy. My heart goes out 2 Amy Winehouse's family, loved ones. Praying for their strength during this time."
Ricky Martin: "I just found out. I feel pain. I feel anger. Rest beautiful girl rest. You are free!"
Cee Lo: "Is it true about amy?"
Victoria Justice: "I'm so sad about the #amywinehouse news I heard this morning. She was 1 of my favorite artists. What a sad story, she was such a talent..."
Randy Jackson: "Wow what a tragic loss today in the music world, Amy Winehouse such a talent. She will be missed"
Kreayshawn: "I said she was a TIMELESS artist and a real artist because of her struggle. I'm so upset I love her! RIP Amy Winehouse"
What Was Your Favorite Winehouse Song? Pay Tribute To Her Talents On Facebook
Share your memories of Amy Winehouse in the comments below.
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Michael Jackson Family Announces Tribute Concert
Lineup for October show in Cardiff, Wales, will be revealed August 3.
By Gil Kaufman
Siblings LaToya, Tito, Jackie and Marlon Jackson after announcing 'Michael Forever,' in Beverly Hills July 25, 2011.
Photo: AFP/Getty Images
Michael Jackson's family has announced a tribute concert to the late King of Pop that is slated to take place on October 8 in Cardiff, Wales. The four-hour show at the 75,000-capacity Millennium Stadium will be broadcast via satellite on pay-per-view and into movie theaters with a cast of big-name performers whose identities have not yet been revealed.
At the Beverly Hills press conference on Monday revealing the details of the "Michael Forever" show, Jackson family matriarch Katherine was joined by sons Tito, Jackie and Marlon and daughter LaToya; siblings Jermaine, Randy, Janet and estranged husband Joe were not in attendance.
"When I was told some of the names of the artists performing, I knew it would be fit for a king. If my son was here today he would feel the same way, and so I'd like to say thank you very much for helping to keep my son's legacy alive," Katherine Jackson said of Michael, who died in June 2009 of a heart attack caused by a prescription drug overdose.
According to Wales Online, the show will feature artists Jackson admired and will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the start of his solo career.
"I will be there along with as many members of my family that can make it," Katherine said. "It is intended to be the biggest and best concert in the world for many years to come." LaToya added, "This event is far, far overdue. He was an entertainer who I feel no one can ever stand up to or hold a candle to as far as his talent is concerned. This tribute will be something spectacular and I know that he would approve."
One of the show's producers said that despite taking place in a large stadium, the event will have a more intimate atmosphere with the building's roof closed. Proceeds from the show will benefit three charities Jackson supported: the Prince's Trust, AIDS Project Los Angeles and a cancer charity. The show's lineup will be announced on August 3.
As with many things related to MJ's legacy, there was controversy, as brothers Randy and Jermaine said they thought the timing of the show was inappropriate. In a statement, the two said, "While we wholeheartedly support the spirit of a tribute that honors our brother, we find it impossible to support an event that is due to take place during the criminal trial surrounding Michael's death. As everyone knows, those proceedings commence September 20."
That date is when Jackson's former doctor, Conrad Murray, is slated to go on trial for manslaughter charges in the singer's death.
Jermaine attempted to put on a tribute concert to his late brother in September 2009, but the show fell apart after many of the top acts were unable to commit to the event.
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Justin Bieber Recalls Sean Kingston's Jet-Ski Accident
On 'MTV First: Sean Kingston,' Bieber remembers his concern about 'Eenie Meenie' collaborator's condition.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Matt Elias
Sean Kingston's friends were quick to rally around him after he was critically injured in a jet-ski accident over Memorial Day weekend. Fans worried about the singer, who suffered a number of injuries including a broken jaw, a fractured wrist and water in his lungs.
When his friend Justin Bieber heard the news of his pal's accident, he quickly wanted to see what he could do to help him out. The two had toured together on Bieber's 2010 headlining tour and appeared on several tracks together, including "Eenie Meenie."
"The first thing I heard was that Sean Kingston got into an accident and I was wondering what it was," Bieber told MTV News in an interview that aired Tuesday night during "MTV First: Sean Kingston." In the special, Kingston recounted the accident, which occurred when he was going about 35 mph, miscalculated how high the tide had risen and collided with a bridge.
"I had no clue, and finally my manager called me and he told me the info and they told me they were going to run it on TMZ and all this stuff," Bieber recalled. "And I didn't really know what to do."
Bieber was nowhere near Miami, where the accident occurred, and scrambled to get all the facts. "I was in Texas at the time, and I was just like, 'Do I need to go see him? What's going on?' " he continued. "And they were like, 'No, he's stable right now; he's fine. And we'll keep you updated.' And they kept updating me. I'm so glad that he's all right now."
What most of the world didn't know until Sean's sit-down with MTV News was that Kingston's injuries were much worse than originally thought. "They were gonna send me home, but then I had felt a pain in my left chest, and I told my mom," Kingston said. That's when doctors discovered the singer had blood in his chest and a torn aorta that required multiple surgeries.
During the special, Bieber promised that he knew he and Kingston, whom he recently visited at his Miami home, had more fun in store for the future.
In a message to his pal, Bieber said, "What's up, Sean? I'm glad you're doing well. I had fun hanging out with you in Miami, and there's plenty more memories to come."
Share your messages to Sean Kingston in the comments below!
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A ?Naked? Night Out
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/Tp98vqKcnas/
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Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy in 'Tower Heist' Trailer (Video)
The Universal action-comedy also stars Gabourey Sidibe, Casey Affleck, Michael Pena, Matthew Broderick and Tea Leoni. Brett Ratner directed.
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