John Walker of ’60s pop favorites the Walker Brothers passed away at the age of 67 due to complications from liver cancer. Born John Maus, he and bandmates Scott Engel and Gary Leeds made a splash in the ‘60s thanks to their moody and dramatic songs. The band’s biggest hit was their 1965 version of the Burt Bacharach/Hal David penned “Make It Easy On Yourself” (listen above). Listen to a lesser-known B-side, the most excellent “After the Lights Go Out,” below.
- As suddenly as Baltimore club Sonar shut down last week, it has reopened. The three-room venue, one of the city’s top concert spots, closed last week due to a dispute between owners. Enough issues have been resolved so that the club is back open; some shows have been canceled or moved, but many previously scheduled shows will go on as planned.
- D.C. concert staple the HFStival continues on even as the station is off the airwaves and only on the Internet. After a complete 90s rewing version last year featuring the likes of Third Eye Blind, Everclear and Marcy Playground, this year’s lineup shifts towards ... something else, with headliners including Avett Brothers, Dr. Dog, Clutch, Flogging Molly and Gin Blossoms. The concert will be Sept. 17 at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
- Warner Music Group was sold to billionaire Len Blavatnik for $1.3 billion.
- As suddenly as Baltimore club Sonar shut down last week, it has reopened. The three-room venue, one of the city’s top concert spots, closed last week due to a dispute between owners. Enough issues have been resolved so that the club is back open; some shows have been canceled or moved, but many previously scheduled shows will go on as planned.
- Warner Music Group was sold to billionaire Len Blavatnik for $1.3 billion.
