Pulse Music

Justin Bieber Teams With BetterHelp To Provide Free Therapy For Fans And Crew

Justin Bieber has teamed up with BetterHelp to offer his fans up to $3 million in free therapy.

Through the partnership, his 250-person touring crew will have access to the service for 18 months, and fans who register will get one month of free therapy.

The singer told Billboard Tuesday (April 5th), "The one thing I've learned over the years is that we all go through our ups and downs and we all need help sometimes. Being able to offer access to free therapy to my fans and tour family is a real blessing, and I'm humbled to be able to do it."

Paul McCartney's Liverpool Home To Open For Budding Songwriters

Paul McCartney's younger brother, Mike "McGear" McCartney, is heading up "The Forthlin Sessions" initiative that will see budding songwriters creating new music in the McCartney family's old Liverpool home at 20 Forthlin Road.

Britain's National Trust, which owns and oversees the McCartney home, will work with Mike McCartney, Pete Paphides, and consult with the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA), in choosing the artists. The opportunity is open to "any unsigned, UK-based music artist aged over 18." "The Forthlin Sessions" will be recorded and publicized, offering vital opportunities for new musical talent to reach audiences.

According to the official press release:

"The Forthlin Sessions" will see unsigned music artists given the chance to visit, write, and perform at 20 Forthlin Road, sitting in the very same spots where around 30 of the world's most famous songs, including "Love Me Do," "I Saw Her Standing There," "Hold Me Tight," "I'll Follow The Sun," and "When I'm Sixty-Four" were written and rehearsed. It is also where Paul wrote his first-ever song, "I Lost My Little Girl."

To celebrate a year of the Beatles' anniversaries, including Sir Paul McCartney's 80th birthday in June, and the 60th anniversary of the Beatles' debut single "Love Me Do" in October, the charity will be celebrating the creativity sparked from the rooms of 20 Forthlin Road ("the birthplace of the Beatles"), by supporting a new generation of talent and bringing a place rich in popular music history, to a wider audience.

Mike McCartney told Sky News: "This house to me, is a house of hope. And I hope it will be for the young people that come through the doors. I would be in the other room learning photography, but whilst I'm doing all that I could hear guitar noises coming from this room. In there were what turned out to be two of the world's greatest songwriters, (Paul) McCartney and (John) Lennon. They were rehearsing from a school book on the floor, that's why this house is so unique."

He added: "I think it's a brilliant idea. Inviting young people to this house and giving them the opportunity of doing the same as us, coming from nothing and seeing where it takes them. . . All this is to me is a lovely little home where love came from."

Paul McCartney says that throughout the years, he's always used music as a way to celebrate his life and get him through his darker moments: "I know for me it often is a way -- that's why I say 'therapy.' Y'know, you're feeling bad, you skulk off into a corner with your guitar and you write something and somehow you seem to take yourself through it, and somehow you work through it with your music. So, I thank heaven for that."

The former-Beatle explained that for him, songwriting is an extremely personal and often therapeutic process: "One thing with me, I don't really want to have anyone hear me writing a song. And I don't like the idea, 'cause I'm going to make mistakes. I'm gonna put words in I hate and then I'm gonna realize I hate them, I'm gonna change it. It's good to go away somewhere that, pretty much, people aren't gonna hear you. It's good if it's got a little bit of an acoustic, so little cupboards and cellars, bathrooms and little areas like that are good. Yeah, I like to just go and hide, hide away."

For more info, log on to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-forthlin-sessions or @nationaltrust #TheForthlinSessions.

Flashback: The Beach Boys Record 'California Girls'

It was 57 years ago today (April 6th, 1965) that the Beach Boys began recording "California Girls." The song, which was the group's most ambitious recording up until then, featured a soaring orchestral production by the group's leader and producer Brian Wilson, alongside lyrics co-written by singer Mike Love.

Wilson wrote the music to the chorus during a dinner party in early 1965, and then enlisted the help of Los Angeles' top session players rather than use the band on the recording, as he was becoming accustomed to doing. Although the Beach Boys' vocals wouldn't be added until June 4th, on April 6th, he led the "California Girls" session at Hollywood's Western Recorders. Wilson has stated numerous times over the years that the backing track to "California Girls" is his favorite of all his Beach Boys productions.

The track itself was a far cry from the group's first single, 1961's "Surfin'," which only featured a double bass, an acoustic guitar, and a trash can as percussion. "California Girls" utilized drums, piano, vibes, assorted percussion, three guitars, both an electric and a double bass, three saxophones, a trumpet, and an organ, not to mention six-part harmony vocals -- all arranged by Wilson.

Shortly before his death in 2017, longtime fan Tom Petty explained that especially during his '60s heyday, Brian Wilson's musical vision in the studio was unparalleled in rock: "You really have to admire him as an artist for just having that kind of vision. 'Cause, it's y'know, anyone that makes records knows it's very hard to think that far ahead. Y'know, just to book all those guys for the session! Right? You're thinking pretty far ahead. You're really visualizing sound long before it's actually appeared if you call 19 guys down to the room."

There is some debate as to whether Wilson composed the song's signature introduction, or its main melody, during his first LSD trip earlier that year. "California Girls" was Wilson's first major production since quitting the road the previous December, after he suffered a nervous breakdown while on tour.

Beach Boys historian Jon Stebbins who authored the definitive biographies on the group's Dennis Wilson and David Marks says that while on tour, the farther Brian Wilson was away from home and the recording studio, the more miserable he became: "Brian pouted the whole time. He didn't wanna be out there. Y'know Brian was really depressed when he was out on the road, and he was basically on the phone talking to his girlfriend back home all the time. While the rest of them were out having fun."

The song marked the first vocal appearance of the group's newest member, Wilson's permanent on-stage replacement Bruce Johnston.

Mike Love told us that although the Beach Boys are frequently saluted for their progressive work on such studio albums as Pet Sounds, Smile, Sunflower, and Holland, it's their early pop hits that's remained their bread and butter: "Those are the pillars of our success. That's the basis of our popularity to today, because even if their parents hadn't met yet in the '60s, they'll still have the Beach Boys on their iPods. Groups like the Beatles and the Beach Boys -- and maybe the Motown groups -- I mean, that's some seriously great music."

Nearly 20 years later, Wilson talked about "California Girls" in a 1993 interview with Capitol Records, recalling, "Everybody was up. The whole gang was there. It became my favorite session. The intro to this song is the greatest piece of music that I've ever written. I was looking for an introduction that would be totally different to the rest of the song, but would lead into it. The song was a big record for us, but I really never liked anything but the intro."

"California Girls" was originally issued on the group's Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) album on July 5th, 1965, and was released as single on July 12th. "California Girls" eventually peaked at Number Three, kept from the Top spot by the other massive hits from the Summer of '65, Bob Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone" at Number Two, and the Beatles' Number One "Help!"

"California Girls" went on to become the Beach Boys' signature song. Starting in the early '70s, the group regularly used it as their opening number at concerts. Both Brian Wilson's band -- featuring Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin -- and the touring version of the Beach Boys featuring Mike Love and Bruce Johnston still include the song in every performance.

Nearly 20 years later, Wilson talked about "California Girls" in a 1993 interview with Capitol Records, recalling, "Everybody was up. The whole gang was there. It became my favorite session. The intro to this song is the greatest piece of music that I've ever written. I was looking for an introduction that would be totally different to the rest of the song, but would lead into it. The song was a big record for us, but I really never liked anything but the intro."

"California Girls" was originally issued on the group's Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) album on July 5th, 1965, and was released as single on July 12th. "California Girls" eventually peaked at Number Three, kept from the Top spot by the other massive hits from the Summer of '65, Bob Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone" at Number Two, and the Beatles' Number One "Help!"

"California Girls" went on to become the Beach Boys' signature song. Starting in the early '70s, the group regularly used it as their opening number at concerts. Both Brian Wilson's band -- featuring Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin -- and the touring version of the Beach Boys featuring Mike Love and Bruce Johnston still include the song in every performance.

Malt Shop Teen Idol Bobby Rydell Dead At 79

Early-1960s's pop sensation Bobby Rydell has died at the age of 79 of pneumonia, according to TMZ. Rydell, who also appeared in 1963's Bye Bye Birdie, will forever be remembered for his string of 19 Top 40 hits -- including his 1960 Top Two signature smash "Wild One" and such Top Ten favorites as "We Got Love," "Swingin' School," "Volare," "The Cha-Cha," and "Forget Him."

In later years, he often toured with fellow Philly icons Fabian and Frankie Avalon as "The Golden Boys Of Bandstand." Rydell, who was born Robert Louis Ridarelli on April 26th, 1942 in Philadelphia, is survived by a son and a daughter. He was saluted in the musical Grease, with its high school -- Rydell High -- named in his honor

Not too long ago, we asked Bobby Rydell when he knew that music would be his calling in life: "I guess it was from the downbeat, to tell you the truth. Honestly, this has never been a job for me. Y'know it's a lot of fun to get up onstage and do what you do and try to please an audience. So if it ever becomes a job, I think that's when I would, y'know, think about it, get second thoughts, and y'know, hang it up."

Britney Spears Confirms She's Writing A Memoir

Britney Spears has confirmed that she is writing a memoir.

The "Toxic" singer wrote in a now-deleted Instagram post Monday (April 4th), "Well I'm writing a book at the moment and it's actually healing and therapeutic... it's also hard bringing up past events in my life. I've never been able to express openly!!! I can only imagine that I do sound childish but I was extremely young with those events took place."

Her post makes it sound like the memoir will be pretty juicy by adding, "I'm not the type of person to bring up UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS well because it's just NOT RESPECTFUL … but come on LET'S ACTUALLY TALK ABOUT IT!"

Spears did not mention a release date for the book or whether it had been picked up by a publisher, but previous reports state that she has sold the title to Simon and Schuster for $15 million.

Selena Gomez Says Staying Off The Internet Improved Her Mental Health

Selena Gomez says that staying off the internet has improved her mental health.

While celebrating the launch of her new platform, Wondermind, during an appearance on Good Moring America Monday (April 4th), the singer said, "I haven't been on the Internet in 4-and-a-half years. It has changed my life completely. I am happier, I am more present, I connect more with people. I understand how powerful the Internet is, and in so many ways it's done the best things for the world. But for me, I get to my news that is actually important I get through people in my life."

Though she is the second most followed woman on Instagram, she revealed previously that her assistants post on her behalf.

Shawn Mendes Adds 13 Dates To 'Wonder The World Tour'

Shawn Mendes has announced 13 additional Wonder: The World Tour shows in the US & Canada, with 86 arena dates announced so far spanning across North America, the UK & Europe.

The new dates include stops the singer's hometown of Toronto, new shows in San Diego, and St. Louis, as well as a second stop in Brooklyn.

Mendes will be joined in North America by supporting acts Dermot Kennedy and Tate McRae.

The Doobie Brothers Expand Tour Through The Fall

The Doobie Brothers have just tagged a dozen new cities on to their upcoming itinerary, stretching the band's 50th anniversary shows with Michael McDonald through the fall. The new autumn dates kick off on September 2nd in Pelham, Alabama at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre and run through October 12th when the band hits Nashville, Tennessee's Bridgestone Arena.

We asked guitarist Tom Johnston if incorporating Michael McDonald's material into the band's repertoire took some extra elbow-grease for the group: "Well, it always needs to be rehearsed, (whether) if Mike's here or not. We always rehearse a lot before going out. Mike brings another facet musically to the show, which is frankly, I think, kinda cool. He brings some depth -- a little more depth -- I should say, and it goes in a different direction. So, what you do is you place those songs accordingly through the set and mix it up with the other songs and then people get, as I said, the full aspect of what the band has done over the years."

Set for publication on May 10th is Long Train Runnin' - Our Story, written by Doobies co-founders Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons with Chris Epting.

UPDATED: The Doobie Brothers tour dates (subject to change):

May 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 25, 27, 28 - Las Vegas, NV - Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood
June 2 - West Palm Beach, FL - Coral Sky Amphitheatre
June 3 - Tampa, FL - MidFlorida - Credit Union Amphitheatre
June 5 - Jacksonville, FL - Daily's Place
June 7 - Alpharetta, GA - Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
June 8 - Charlotte, NCP - NC Music Pavilion
June 10 - Bristow, VA - Jiffy Lube Live
June 11 - Raleigh, NC - Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
June 13 - Virginia Beach, VA - Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
June 14 - Holmdel, NJ PNC - Bank Arts Center
June 16 - Saratoga Springs, NY - Saratoga Performing Arts Center
June 18 - Darien Center, NY - Darien Lake Amphitheatre
June 19 - Syracuse, NY - St. Joseph's Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
June 21 - Wantagh, NY - Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
June 23 - Camden, NJ - BB&T Pavilion
June 25 - Mansfield, MA - Xfinity Center
June 16 - Gilford, NH - Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
June 19 - Toronto, ON - Budweiser Stage
June 30 - London, ON - Budweiser Gardens
July 4 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
July 6 - Toledo, OH - Toledo Zoo Amphitheater
July 7 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center
July 9 - Burgettstown, PA - S&T Bank Music Park
July 10 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena
July 12 - Cuyahoga Falls, OH - Blossom Music Center
July 14 - Noblesville, IN - Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
September 2 - Pelham, AL - Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
September 11 - Bridgeport, CT - Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
September 14 - Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre
September 23 - Puyallup, WA - Washington State Fair
September 24 - Portland, OR - Theater of the Clouds
September 27 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheatre
September 29 - Sacramento, CA - Hard Rock Live
September 30 - San Diego, CA - Cal Coast Credit Union Amphitheatre
October 2 - Los Angeles, CA - YouTube Theatre
October 4 - Phoenix, AZ - Arizona Federal Theatre
October 7 - Dallas, TX - Majestic Theatre
October 12 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena

Foo Fighters Grammy Sweep Underscores Band Tragedy

The Foo Fighters' Grammy sweep on Sunday night (April 3rd) only underscores the tragedy of Taylor Hawkins' recent death. Hawkins died on March 25th at age 50 after suffering an alleged drug overdose in Columbia, forcing the band to scrap all scheduled performances -- including the band's performance in Las Vegas at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, which aired live on CBS.

The Foos swept all the categories they were nominated in snagging the Best Rock Performance Grammy for "Making A Fire," Best Rock Song for "Waiting On A War" and Best Rock Album for Medicine At Midnight. The new awards bring the Foos' total Grammy tally up to 15.

For fans, Taylor Hawkins death marked the end of an era that featured such high profile band and Dave Grohl activities as the pair of 2021 docuseries From Cradle To Stage and Dave Grohl's What Drives Us, Grohl's memoir The Storyteller - Tales Of Life And Music, the 30th anniversary of Nirvana's Nevermind -- and its accompanying box set, Foo Fighters' 10th studio album, the Top Three Medicine At Midnight, their 2021 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by none other than Paul McCartney, and most recently the release of the band's first movie, the horror-comedy, Studio 666 -- along with Dave Grohl's accompanying fictional band recording Dream Widow.

Not too long ago, Dave Grohl told us a while back that he's always amazed at the recognition: "When you get nominated for, like, Album Of The Year, it's almost, like, a fluke. It's like, 'Really? Just us? Our little band?' y'know? So it's amazing, it's a good feeling. It still feels weird, y'know, because we still feel like we're in the basement studio in Virginia."

Kanye West Pulls Out Of Coachella

Kanye West has pulled out of Coachella. According to TMZ, there is no word on exactly why Ye has decided not to perform but sources told Variety the rapper hasn't rehearsed or prepared for the show. Meanwhile, reports say that The Weeknd may be taking Kanye's place as headliner.

Since Kanye is not performing, Travis Scott also won't be appearing. As previously reported, Scott was set to headline the show but was pulled after the Astroworld festival tragedy. Kanye West took his place and vowed to bring Scott to the stage to perform with him.

Coachella is taking place later this month in Indio, CA.

Madonna's Appearance In TikTok Video Shocks Followers

People can't stop talking about the way Madonna looked in a TikTok video shared Sunday (April 3rd).

The "Material Girl" her blonde hair in pigtail braids while she looked into her camera with a frozen forehead, plumped up cheekbones and puffy lips. Startled coommenters asked, "what has she done to herself?

Dr. Steve Fallek told OK! That he believes the singer has had too much Botox in her forehead, too much filler in her cheeks and too much of a buccal fat pad reduction to narrow her face. He also added that her lips are "out of proportion and too big for her." and her upper eyelids "should be fixed" because they have dropped.

The Weeknd Is Considering A Name Change

The Weeknd is considering changing his name.

He wrote on Twitter Sunday (April 3th) that he is considering "pulling a YE" and legally changing his name from Abel Tesfaye to just ABEL.

He explained, "no last name. Like Madonna or Cher or Prince. I don't know it seems like a lot."

The Weeknd, straight off a Grammy win for best melodic rap performance for his feature on Kanye West's song "Hurricane," will debut his latest music video, "Out of Time" on Tuesday (April 5th) at 6a.m. PT.

Bruce Springsteen Taps 1993 'Other Band' Show For New Vault Release

Bruce Springsteen has just issued Waldbühne, Berlin Germany, May 14, 1993, the latest official bootleg of his ongoing monthly archive series. The show, which is only the fourth set culled from his 1992/1993 tour behind Human Touch and Lucky Town featuring "The Other Band," opens with a four-song acoustic set before the full band kicks in.

Among the highlights are an acoustic rendition of the Louvin Brothers' hard luck spiritual "Satan's Jeweled Crown," and a run-through of the then-yet-unreleased "This Hard Land," along with electric takes on Jimmy Cliff's "Many Rivers To Cross," John Fogerty's "Who'll Stop The Rain" and "Rockin' All Over The World." Deep cuts include "Adam Raised A Cain," "Souls Of The Departed," and "Downbound Train."

Upon hitting the road with the solo band in 1992, Bruce Springsteen explained why he went over four years between releasing 1987's Tunnel Of Love collection and the double shot 1992 albums: "One of the reasons I had a long time off between records was because it was the only way that I could really reflect on what was happening on me outside of my work life. (And) have a chance to experience and come up with something new that I'd have to bring to an audience. I think the two most important relationships are the relationship with my son and my wife and my close friends and then the relationship that I've worked for over for 20 years with my audience. So, (I'm) tryin' to find a way to do both as (laughs) best as possible."

The tracklisting to Bruce Springsteen's 'Berlin - 5/13/93' is:

"Darkness On The Edge Of Town," "Adam Raised A Cain," "Satan's Jeweled Crown," "This Hard Land," "Better Days," "Lucky Town," "Atlantic City," "57 Channels (And Nothin' On)," "Badlands," "Many Rivers To Cross," "My Hometown," "Leap Of Faith," "Man's Job," "Roll Of The Dice," "Downbound Train," "Because The Night," "Brilliant Disguise," "Human Touch," "The River," "Who'll Stop The Rain?," "Souls Of The Departed," "Born In The U.S.A.," "Light Of Day," "Hungry Heart," "Glory Days," "Across The Borderline," "Born To Run," "My Beautiful Reward," "Working On The Highway," "Rockin' All Over The World," and "Bobby Jean."

George Harrison's Widow Calls Grammy Win 'Bittersweet'

George Harrison's widow Olivia Harrison says receiving the Grammy on behalf of her husband's work is still bittersweet, Olivia and the couple's son, Dhani Harrison, served as executive producers on the All Things Must Pass: 50th Anniversary Edition, which won the Grammy Award on Sunday night (April 3rd) for Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package.

Olivia chatted with Grammy.com and spoke about George being saluted for his life's work: "It's always bittersweet when George is recognized -- but it's wonderful. This last project, because it was lockdown and we were at home and we had our bubble, that we put it together, really, at home. Y'know, we had time. Every little detail -- all the textures. Dhani really drove the project. It was his idea. Y'know, I thought it was ambitious. So, y'know, I had a role. I curated the book, Dhani was really supervising all the elements and, y'know, it was recognized and that's, that's really nice."

Lindsey Buckingham Feels Split With Fleetwood Mac Was Unwarranted

Lindsey Buckingham is still confused over his 2018 firing from Fleetwood Mac. Buckingham, who kicks off his North American dates tonight (April 5th) in San Francisco, spoke to Record Collector, and discussed the band, which now features his replacements -- Mike Campbell from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Crowed House leader Neil Finn.

Buckingham admitted, "I never saw any of the shows, so I can't really comment on it fairly, but having looked at the setlist I thought some of the material ran a little broad. There was a lot of Peter Green stuff in there, which is fine when you consider his importance to the band's history, but, you've got (Tom Petty's) 'Free Fallin'' and (Crowded House's) 'Don't Dream It's Over,' which might be considered a little, y'know, off-the-radar."

Buckingham believes the perceived slight Stevie Nicks feels he threw her at Fleetwood Mac's 2018 MusiCares tribute was small potatoes in the grand scheme of the band's long and storied history: "The only thing I would say in general is that what led to that state of affairs was nothing I'd call particularly important. Compared to what we've gone through in the past and were able to rise above during the 43 years of my life I spent with the band, it was a relatively easy hurdle to negotiate."

Buckingham, who in the recent past revealed he would be open to mending fences and rejoining the Mac, went on to say, "I just felt that a lot of what Fleetwood Mac was -- and is -- has to do with the five of us surviving, rising above the smaller problems to keep our eye on the big picture. I felt that was a good part of our legacy, and I didn't think getting Mike and Neil in the band was the best solution to whatever conflicts there were. I actually think it's damaged the legacy, and that's what really bothers me."

Not long before his sudden firing in 2018, Lindsey Buckingham, who met Stevie Nicks in high school back in 1967, told us that his romantic relationship with the iconic singer during the first half of the 1970's not only informed all of their music at the time, but continues to influence their relationship today -- despite the ex-couple long moving on with their lives and forming new relationships: "There's a thread you can trace between when Stevie and I joined (in 1975) and the present, I mean that is certainly it. Even backtracking to, y'know, having known Stevie since high school. I mean, all the things leading up to that and all the things that have happened since then. . . And it's a bit ironic, and a bit miraculous that after all this time, the more vulnerable parts of the two of us are still adjusting and still evolving around each other in ways that speak of there being a significance to each other, musically."

Flashback: The Beach Boys Release 'Help Me, Rhonda' Single

It was 57 years ago today (April 5th, 1965) that the Beach Boys released "Help Me, Rhonda" as a single. The song was first tracked on January 8th under the title "Help Me, Ronda," but was not considered a strong enough contender for the group's new single, losing out to their cover of Bobby Freeman's 1958 Top Ten hit "Do You Wanna Dance" as their first single of 1965. The original version of "Help Me, Ronda" was released on the group's Today! album on March 8th, 1965.

As with many of the Beach Boys' early singles, "Help Me, Rhonda" was written and produced by Brian Wilson, with lyrics by the group's frontman, Mike Love. The song was guitarist Al Jardine's first shot at a lead vocal on one of their singles. Brian Wilson decided to re-record the song after hearing that his good friend and former songwriting partner Gary Usher was planning to record his own version of it.

On the afternoon of February 24th, the Beach Boys laid down the song's backing track at Western Recorders in Hollywood with the help of bassist Carole Kaye, pianist Larry Knetchel and guitarist Glen Campbell, who was then touring with the group, having replaced Wilson on the road the previous December.

All five group members -- Wilson, Love, Jardine, and Dennis and Carl Wilson -- were present at the vocal session that night. Things turned ugly when the Wilson's father, Murry, who had been fired from managing the group the previous year, crashed the session and attempted to coach their singing. A tape survives among collectors showing an obviously inebriated Murry Wilson urging his sons to "Loosen up, be happy," then demanding "If you've got any guts, let's hear it!" Things come to a head when Murry, who interrupts take after take, remarks that, "You have to fight for success. . . Success never comes from phony singing." After several hours, Murry eventually left the group alone to complete the track.

Mike Love says that the hit-making team of he and Brian Wilson would often begin with Wilson only needing help with parts of songs before flowing into a full on collaboration: "I remember so many instances where Brian and I would get together and do some songs. He would be stuck for lyrics and I'd come up with a concept or lyrics. . . So that's what works, is Brian Wilson and Mike Love together."

Al Jardine recalled the recording session for the song -- and more importantly being entrusted with carrying the lead spot on the band's latest single: "Oh, I was delighted. I was honored. But the pressure (laughs), the pressure on me was enormous! Everybody in the band -- everybody was there listening. But I was honored. I was really thrilled to have that opportunity."

"Help Me, Rhonda" entered the Billboard Hot 100 at Number 80. On May 29th it knocked the Beatles' "Ticket To Ride" from Number One and topped the charts for two weeks. On July 5th the song was featured on the group's second album of 1965, Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!).

Although Al Jardine sang the lead on the single and usually sang the song in concert, over the years both Carl and Dennis Wilson temporally took over lead vocals on the song, with Dennis always leaving his drums to play the grand piano.

Red Hot Chili Peppers News Roundup

On Thursday (March 31st), Red Hot Chili Peppers were awarded the 2,717th star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame -- the day before they released their new album, Unlimited Love. The band's star sits in the second row at 6212 Hollywood Boulevard, adjacent to the Amoeba Records location on the south side of the street. People.com reported bassist Flea said at the star's unveiling, "I know this street inside out, and this street knows me. And whenever we've traveled around the world, this street has always been a part of me. I'm really grateful that now we can be a part of it."

Frontman Anthony Kiedis licked the star and saluted his bandmates: "To me, this is not a story of individuals. I love Chad (Smith), I love Flea, I love John (Frusciante), greatly. They are amazingly talented. Something happens when we come together which is much greater than the individual parts. The sum total of our parts is that we were able to find something that we love doing and communicate with the entire world."

Drummer Chad Smith made a point of thanking all the previous members of the Chili Peppers who contributed to the band's journey and offered a loving shout-out to late Foo Fighters drummer, Taylor Hawkins.

Joining the band and saluting them during the honors were one-time producer and friend George Clinton, actor Woody Harellson, and musician Bob Forrest. That night, Clinton appeared with the band at their album release party at L.A.'s Fonda Theater and took the stage with them during "Give It Away." Chad Smith's drumhead featured the outline of a bird with the word "Taylor" printed within its body saluting Taylor Hawkins.

On Friday night (April 1st) as part of the clever late night wars' "April Fool's" joke -- rival hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon switched shows -- and networks -- with both presenting performances from the Chili Peppers. The band played "These Are The Ways" on ABC's Live With Jimmy Kimmel and "Black Summer" on NBC's The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon. Both programs featured drumheads saluting Taylor Hawkins with the Fallon show spotlighting the Chili Peppers' logo with the word "Taylor" printed inside.

Flea told us that playing in the band and being creative are two things he can't live without: "Playing in the Red Hot Chili Peppers and playing bass is a very animal, comfortable, instinctual, intense thing for me and a huge part of who I am. Every time I am involved in any creative process, it always deepens me as a person, just widens my palette of colors to paint with, y'know, and I'm always loving doing it. I like being creative, it's when I'm happy."

Red Hot Chili Peppers kick off their 2022 tour dates on June 4th Seville, Spain at Estadio La Cartuja De Sevilla.

Ariana Grande Skips The Grammys At The Last Minute

Hours before the 2022 Grammy Awards aired Sunday (April 3rd) night, Ariana Grande announced that she would not be attending the ceremony in Las Vegas.

The singer, who was nominated for multiple awards, shared her "positions memories" and wrote, "have a beautiful time, i am celebrating all of you there today!"

Grande was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance for Positions. Olivia Rodrigo won both awards.

Halsey Walked The Grammy Red Carpet Days After Having Surgery

Halsey attended the 2022 Grammys just day after having surgery for endometriosis.

The singer wrote on Instagram Saturday (April 2nd), "The last time I attended the Grammys was in 2017 and it was 3 days after I had my first Endometriosis surgery. I walked the carpet with my stitches still in. As luck would have it, I'm attending tomorrow for the first time in years and I had surgery again (you guessed it) 3 days ago."

Halsey was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album for If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power. St. Vincent took home the prize for Daddy's Home.

Miley Cyrus Contracts Covid-19 On Tour

Miley Cyrus had to back out of Steven Tyler's Grammy watch party at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on Sunday (April 3rd) because she contracted Covid-19 while on the road.

The singer, who was supposed to perform at the charity event, tweeted Friday (April 1st), "Traveling around the world, playin for 100,000 people a night & meeting hundreds of fans a day, the chances of getting Covid are pretty high. I have Covid now but it was definitely worth it."

She added in a second tweet, "Unfortunately because of this I'm missing out on Janie's Fund which sucks because it's a charity that's super important to me & my friend Steven Tyler. I am feeling fine so don't worry about me! Sorry Steven! We'll have to ‘Walk This Way' another time!"

Janie's Fund was created with Tyler in partnership with Youth Villages to bring hope and healing to girls who have suffered the trauma of abuse and neglect.

Paul McCartney News

GOOD SAMARITAN IN ST. BARTS

Paul McCartney was caught while in helpful citizen mode while on vacation in St. Barts. The former-Beatle jumped into action during a fender bender between a quad bike and a white Kia car. The Daily Mail reported "Macca," wife Nancy Shevell, and her adult son, Arlen Blakeman, witnessed the accident and rushed to help the bike driver regain his composure. (The Daily Mail)

AWARD-WINNING SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

In celebration of Paul McCartney snagging Granny noms for Best Rock Album for McCartney III and Best Rock Song for "Find My Way," PaulMcCartney.com's monthly spotify playlist for April spotlights some of the rock legend's many award-winning tracks.

The playlist's announcement reads:

Whether it's the BAFTA's, the Grammy's, the Emmy's or the Brits, we love checking out the red-carpet looks and cheering on our favorites in music, movies and more -- (here's) a blockbuster playlist full of Paul's nominated and award-winning songs.

From Oscar-nominated 'Live And Let Die,' Grammy-winning 'Band On The Run' to Linda McCartney's 'Seaside Woman,' which won the Palme d'Or For Best Short Film Cannes Film Festival. This month's playlist is a trophy case full of musical gems.

Paul McCartney's "Award-winning" Spotify playlist for April 2022:

"Live And Let Die" - 1973
"Find My Way" - 2020
"No More Lonely Nights" - 1984
"Band On The Run" - 1973
"Helter Skelter (Live At Citi Field, NYC)" - 2009
"Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey" - 1971
"Fine Line" - 2005
"Seaside Woman" - 1977
"Eleanor Rigby" -
The Beatles, 1966
"Winter Bird/When Winter Comes" - 2020
"My Valentine" - 2012
"Let It Be" -
The Beatles, 1970

In 1967, a year after the Beatles released "Eleanor Rigby," Paul McCartney earned his first solo Grammy award, when the song snagged the prize for Best Contemporary (R&R) Vocal Performance, Male Or Female. McCartney recalled "Eleanor Rigby" as being a milestone for him: "'Round about the time of writing 'Eleanor Rigby,' I was looking at the age of 30 and thinking 'what am I going to be doing then?' -- as we all were. And having just written 'Eleanor. . . ' and worked with George (Martin) on this, kind of, quasi-classical backup (track) -- instead of electric guitars for the first time in my life, I quite liked it. I like the tone, I liked the dynamics of classical instruments; they're not just on one level. And I did look at the age of 30, thinking 'Yeah, that's what I could do. I could come more into the serious side of music rather than just pop hits, pop hit. But that never really happened. I just still was intrigued with pop hit and three-minute folk song."

The Rolling Stones' 60th Anniversary Celebrated On BBC TV

Coming to England's BBC TV this summer is the four-part docuseries, My Life As A Rolling Stone. The specials, produced in conjunction with the band in celebration of its 60th anniversary, will feature an hour-long look each on Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, and the late-Charlie Watts. Neither former members Bill Wyman or Mick Taylor will be given their own spotlight docs.

The Guardian reported the films set to air on BBC 2, feature, "unseen footage and exclusive stories from Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood interwoven with new and archive interviews and performance,' while the Watts film is told through his bandmates and peers. Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Steven Tyler, Chrissie Hynde, Slash, and PP Arnold are among those who have contributed to the films."

Mick Jagger explained that a lot of times in rock, people tend to romanticize the relationships between bandmembers: "I don't feel like a family, it's like a. . . The great difference is that people confuse families and gangs. A gang is a rather immature group, whereas a family is rather mature group. And you have to make the transference from being in a gang to being in a family. The gang never likes the fact that you have a family -- and vice versa; the family never likes the fact that you have a gang. It's hard in life to have to balance that. But definitely, the Rolling Stones is not a family -- it's a gang."

The Rolling Stones' 14-stadium European run kicks off on June 1st in Madrid, Spain and plays through July 31st in Stockholm, Sweden.

Camila Cabello Says The Paparazzi Make It Impossible To Relax

Camila Cabello opened up on Instagram Saturday (April 2nd), explaining that she can't enjoy going to the beach because paparazzi turn the day into "a whole photoshoot."

The singer wrote, "I held my core so tight my abs hurt and didn't breathe and barely smiled and was so self conscious of where the paps were the whole time i couldn't let go and relax and do what we're meant to do when we go out into nature."

Several famous women, including Lily Collins, Kesha and Bella Thorne, seemed to understand her plight with Paris Hilton chiming in to say, "This made me cry. Thank you for writing this, so important for people to hear. You are beautiful inside and out."

Cardi B Deletes Twitter After Being Dragged For Not Attending The Grammys

Cardi B deleted her Twitter last night (April 3rd) after fans dragged her for not attending the Grammys. She tweeted, . "I'm deleting my Twitter On God I hate this f*ckin dumba** fan base." She continued, "You got the slow dumbasses dragging my kids all cause y'all thought I was going to the Grammys and I didn't the f*ck?"

She added, "When the f*ck I hinted I was going ? just f*vkin stupid I can't I needs to protect myself."

Prior to deleting her Twitter, one fan wrote,"I bet yo son wouldnt like for you to be on your ass while teasing us fans and not ever dropping music." Cardi replied, but later deleted, "I hope your moms die." When another person tweeted that her kids are autistic, she replied, "None of my kids are autistic… don't project wat u got on my kids the f*ck."