Welcome to Making Noise, your weekly 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.
SHAPE OF EWW
The biggest story in the music world concerns a complex political issue, but for many online it’s also about music taste. Ed Sheeran vs. Macklemore, has played out like a bromance gone bad on social media, and the drama’s been hard to resist, especially after P!nk got involved. But beyond Israel and Palestine and where one might stand, the whole thing has been fascinating to follow, especially as comment sections turn into bouts about which respective artist’s music sucks more. In the end, Mack's not the hack (anymore), as supporting artists like Finneas took his side and left the tour.
The latest? The show that was sure to be Sheeran’s most controversial as he continues with new musicians —Gillette Stadium, owned by Robert Kraft, the guy who banned Mack after his Palestine speech (and tried to rally his rich buddies against him too)—isn't even happening. According to TMZ, the shows are canceled due to a huge storm set to bear down on the region this weekend. In related news, Macklemore announced his own “Free Palestine Tour" to begin October 26 in Dublin, followed by Paris and London at the end of the month. Additional US dates should be announced soon.
RIGHT NOW
Speaking of beefs, things are getting ugly between Alex Van Halen and Sammy Hagar. AVH called Sammy “a complete idiot" in a recent interview (he also didn’t mention his former singer by name once in his recent memoir Brothers: An Intimate Account of Brotherhood and Rock Music). Hagar just fired back during an interview with Eddie Trunk at Sirius, suggesting that the conflict arose from his success with the Cabo Wabo tequila brand, adding that Alex is resentful that he and Michael Anthony are still touring and playing VH songs, while the drummer can no longer cut it live. Ouch.
HELLO DOLLY
Today is officially National Dolly Parton Day, and events will be held across the country in honor of the beloved country queen. See a full list across the country here. Just in time for 9/25 ("9 to 5"), U2 announced their 16th studio album, Carnaval de Luz (scheduled for release on November 13) this week. It'll feature Dolly’s final vocal performance before her death. Called “Torn,” it’s a duet between Bono and Parton featuring pedal steel guitar by longtime U2 collaborator Daniel Lanois.
TROPHY TIME
The irony of an awards show celebrating an artform that it no longer showcases or supports hasn’t stopped MTV from presenting the VMAs. But it might actually be worth watching this year. Taylor Swift will unveil the video for her new single, “Patient Zero,” available today as part of a new deluxe version of her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore, which has four new songs. The video features Dakota Johnson (who is dating MGK –or Role Model—since breaking up with Coldplay’s Chris Martin depending on the tabloid and the day). Swift is nominated for 11 Moonman statues this year.
Taking place at the Peacock Theater in Downtown L.A. (marking a return after nine years in NYC) this Sunday, the show will also feature Madonna in her first appearance on the VMA stage in 23 years. She’ll open the show and after the producer’s Variety interview promising “special guests,’ we're manifesting a recreation of Madge’s infamous wedding cake kissing moment with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera– but replaced by Sabrina Carpenter and Charli xcx. Either way, we're looking forward to tributes to Dolly, George Michael and Nirvana. Snoop Dogg will host. The VMAs air on CBS television stations and MTV beginning at 4:30 p.m. PT. this Sunday, Sept. 27. The show will also stream on Paramount+.
