Welcome back to Making Noise, your regular look at hot topics, buzzy tidbits and music news that’s raising the volume and going viral on social media and in music lover circles.
Her Heart–for Metal–Goes On!
One of music's biggest balladeers is a metalhead. Fan footage from Metallica’s November 5th Sphere residency, caught none other than Celene Dion air-bass strumming like Robert Trujillo during the band’s “Kirk and Rob Doodle” jam with guitarist Kirk Hammett— and we love to see it. She’s said she warms up to AC/DC’s “Thunderstuck” before shows and became a Metallica fan thanks to her son Eddy, who was at the show with his mom and twin brother. Now the big question is: Will she give us a hard rocking album like Dolly Parton did? And while we’re asking questions, when the hell is that Mariah Carey rock album finally coming? She provided a hint recently! As the holidays approach, it's all we want from her for Christmas.
Here U2 Come Again
Speaking of Ms. Parton—as we covered here last month, Dolly's contribution to U2’s latest album ended up being her final recorded performance. Now, Bono has shared that he had “no idea” she was ill. The track “Torn” closes out the-soon-to-be-released Carnaval de Luz, and came together after Bono sent the country legend bagpipes for her birthday. She listened to the band’s demos, but ended up offering them a song she’d been working on. U2 re-arranged it with Snow Patrol’s Jonny McDaid, giving it a focus on political divisions splitting families (so timely)! Since her death, many have questioned DP’s politics, but it’s become pretty clear based on this collab and her sister’s posts during the midterm elections where she stood. It's too bad she didn't live to see the blue wave of love wash over the country this week. Carnaval is due out next week, November 13.
Motley Crude
In this week’s not so ‘feelgood,’ not so ‘alright’ Motley Crue news… TMZ is reporting that Vince Neil’s longtime girlfriend was arrested in Tennessee on suspicion of domestic assault against him. She was booked at the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office in Franklin, released the next day after posting a $5,000 bond and will appear in court on December 3. Neil’s representatives had not commented at the time of the report, but we’re surely not the first female to be triggered by the news, thinking about all the DV in the band’s history, going back to The Dirt book and even depicted in the Netflix series based on the depraved bio. Hopefully, everyone involved is getting the professional help they need related to these issues.
Le Freak C’est Fake?
Nile Rodgers has been getting some flack for using AI to make his latest video for his new version of “The Christmas Song.” After fans questioned the choice, the Chic legend has fired back. sharing that his team created the mood boards and storyboards, directed the process, and “painstakingly created every second” on screen. He also argued for AI’s use as a creative tool and compared today’s skepticism as hypocritical, adding that past resistance to drum machines, synthesizers, and Auto-Tune was similar. If one of the most-emulated guitarists in music sees positives here, we are listening, because let's face it, even before AI, there was technology that allowed people to copy other people’s art out there. It's just faster now. Regulation is key and clearly the country is not down with data centers. In any case, the debate rages and we’ll keep reporting on how music figures we respect are weighing in.
Grammys Noms Presenter List is Stacked
The 2027 Grammy nominations presentation is set for Monday, November 16, with Olivia Dean, Kehlani, Pharrell Williams, David Guetta, Herbie Hancock, Juanes, YUNGBLUD, Ziggy Marley, and more among the presenters. The full nominee list is scheduled to appear at 9 a.m. ET, following the morning presentation, which fans can watch on Grammy.com, YouTube, and Good Morning America. The FYC campaigns have been everywhere, but did you know about the strict guidelines? Artists can't use official Grammy trademarks, the gramophone logo, or statuette imagery; they can't provide gifts, meals, alcohol, or hospitality meant to sway votes; and they can't reference specific ballot numbers, category entry IDs, chart numbers, streaming counts, sales figures, or RIAA certifications. Advertising is still a big part of record label efforts, but it comes down to what Music Academy voters like. So who are you hoping to see recognized?
