Month: February 2024

Categories
Pop Daypop

Elton John to release book in celebration of his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour’

Elton John performs live at Van Andel Arena on the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour; GRAND RAPIDS^ MICHIGAN / USA - October 15^ 2018

Elton John is celebrating his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour’ with a new book that will arrive this fall.  ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road: Memories of My Life on Tour’ will be released on September 24. Elton’s ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour’ kicked off on September 8, 2018, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and featured a total of 330 concerts before it wrapped up on July 8, 2023, in Stockholm, Sweden.

According to a statement, ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road: Memories of My Life on Tour’ will offer readers “an epic visual journey” documenting the the tour and will also will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at various aspects of the trek, including John’s Gucci-designed wardrobe, the detailed stage design, and the celebrities who attended the shows. Among the memorabilia featured in the book are posters, sketches, and postcards from John’s personal archives. In addition, the book will highlight memorable moments on tour including the last U.S. concerts at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in November 2022, and Elton’s performance at the U.K.’s Glastonbury Festival in June 2023. The book also includes a foreword written by John’s husband and manager, David Furnish, who was the creative director of the tour.

John said of the book on his socials: “I am incredibly excited to announce my new book, “Farewell Yellow Brick Road: Memories of My Life On Tour”, which goes behind the scenes on my final tour, from Allentown, PA, to Stockholm, Sweden and everywhere in between. It’s been a beautiful journey creating this book and remembering the people and places that shaped an incredible chapter in my life. As well as the stories and memories, not just from this tour but from throughout my career, I’ve included unreleased photography and memorabilia that I hope give you never-before-seen insights of my life on the road. I can’t wait to share it with you all on 24 September. Rocket Club members and those buying through my official store will receive their copy two weeks early, so head to store.eltonjohn.com to pre-order your copy now.”

Farewell Yellow Brick Road: Memories of My Life on Tour can be pre-ordered now at the link: here.

Editorial credit: Tony Norkus / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Rock Daypop

Elton John to release book in celebration of his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour’

Elton John performs live at Van Andel Arena on the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour; GRAND RAPIDS^ MICHIGAN / USA - October 15^ 2018

Elton John is celebrating his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour’ with a new book that will arrive this fall.  ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road: Memories of My Life on Tour’ will be released on September 24. Elton’s ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour’ kicked off on September 8, 2018, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and featured a total of 330 concerts before it wrapped up on July 8, 2023, in Stockholm, Sweden.

According to a statement, ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road: Memories of My Life on Tour’ will offer readers “an epic visual journey” documenting the the tour and will also will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at various aspects of the trek, including John’s Gucci-designed wardrobe, the detailed stage design, and the celebrities who attended the shows. Among the memorabilia featured in the book are posters, sketches, and postcards from John’s personal archives. In addition, the book will highlight memorable moments on tour including the last U.S. concerts at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in November 2022, and Elton’s performance at the U.K.’s Glastonbury Festival in June 2023. The book also includes a foreword written by John’s husband and manager, David Furnish, who was the creative director of the tour.

John said of the book on his socials: “I am incredibly excited to announce my new book, “Farewell Yellow Brick Road: Memories of My Life On Tour”, which goes behind the scenes on my final tour, from Allentown, PA, to Stockholm, Sweden and everywhere in between. It’s been a beautiful journey creating this book and remembering the people and places that shaped an incredible chapter in my life. As well as the stories and memories, not just from this tour but from throughout my career, I’ve included unreleased photography and memorabilia that I hope give you never-before-seen insights of my life on the road. I can’t wait to share it with you all on 24 September. Rocket Club members and those buying through my official store will receive their copy two weeks early, so head to store.eltonjohn.com to pre-order your copy now.”

Farewell Yellow Brick Road: Memories of My Life on Tour can be pre-ordered now at the link: here.

Editorial credit: Tony Norkus / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Elton John to release book in celebration of his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour’

Elton John performs live at Van Andel Arena on the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour; GRAND RAPIDS^ MICHIGAN / USA - October 15^ 2018

Elton John is celebrating his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour’ with a new book that will arrive this fall.  ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road: Memories of My Life on Tour’ will be released on September 24. Elton’s ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour’ kicked off on September 8, 2018, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and featured a total of 330 concerts before it wrapped up on July 8, 2023, in Stockholm, Sweden.

According to a statement, ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road: Memories of My Life on Tour’ will offer readers “an epic visual journey” documenting the the tour and will also will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at various aspects of the trek, including John’s Gucci-designed wardrobe, the detailed stage design, and the celebrities who attended the shows. Among the memorabilia featured in the book are posters, sketches, and postcards from John’s personal archives. In addition, the book will highlight memorable moments on tour including the last U.S. concerts at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in November 2022, and Elton’s performance at the U.K.’s Glastonbury Festival in June 2023. The book also includes a foreword written by John’s husband and manager, David Furnish, who was the creative director of the tour.

John said of the book on his socials: “I am incredibly excited to announce my new book, “Farewell Yellow Brick Road: Memories of My Life On Tour”, which goes behind the scenes on my final tour, from Allentown, PA, to Stockholm, Sweden and everywhere in between. It’s been a beautiful journey creating this book and remembering the people and places that shaped an incredible chapter in my life. As well as the stories and memories, not just from this tour but from throughout my career, I’ve included unreleased photography and memorabilia that I hope give you never-before-seen insights of my life on the road. I can’t wait to share it with you all on 24 September. Rocket Club members and those buying through my official store will receive their copy two weeks early, so head to store.eltonjohn.com to pre-order your copy now.”

Farewell Yellow Brick Road: Memories of My Life on Tour can be pre-ordered now at the link: here.

Editorial credit: Tony Norkus / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Taylor Swift reveals tracklist for new album ‘The Tortured Poets Department’

Taylor Swift at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas^ USA on May 1^ 2019.

Taylor Swift has revealed the tracklist for her upcoming album, The Tortured Poets Department. The album will include 16 new songs, with features from Post Malone and Florence + the Machine, along with a 17th bonus track titled “The Manuscript.”  You can see the full tracklist via Swift’s social media: here.

Details of the album comes days after Swift had announced she would be releasing The Tortured Poets Department during the Grammy Awards on Sunday night. After winning the Grammy for best pop vocal album for her 10th album, ‘Midnights,’ Swift said during her acceptance speech: “This is my 13th Grammy … I want to say thank you to the members of the Recording Academy for voting this way, but I know that the way that the Recording Academy voted is a direct reflection of the passion of the fans. So I want to say ‘thank you’ to the fans by telling you a secret that I’ve been keeping from you for the last two years — which is that my brand new album comes out April 19.” Later in the evening, Midnights went on to also win Album of the Year, making Swift the first person to win that award four times.

The Tortured Poets Department will be released on April 19; to preorder, head here.

ttps://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-tortured-poets-department-tracklist-post-malone-florence-machine-1235599805/

Editorial credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Taylor Swift reveals tracklist for new album ‘The Tortured Poets Department’

Taylor Swift at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas^ USA on May 1^ 2019.

Taylor Swift has revealed the tracklist for her upcoming album, The Tortured Poets Department. The album will include 16 new songs, with features from Post Malone and Florence + the Machine, along with a 17th bonus track titled “The Manuscript.”  You can see the full tracklist via Swift’s social media: here.

Details of the album comes days after Swift had announced she would be releasing The Tortured Poets Department during the Grammy Awards on Sunday night. After winning the Grammy for best pop vocal album for her 10th album, ‘Midnights,’ Swift said during her acceptance speech: “This is my 13th Grammy … I want to say thank you to the members of the Recording Academy for voting this way, but I know that the way that the Recording Academy voted is a direct reflection of the passion of the fans. So I want to say ‘thank you’ to the fans by telling you a secret that I’ve been keeping from you for the last two years — which is that my brand new album comes out April 19.” Later in the evening, Midnights went on to also win Album of the Year, making Swift the first person to win that award four times.

The Tortured Poets Department will be released on April 19; to preorder, head here.

ttps://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-tortured-poets-department-tracklist-post-malone-florence-machine-1235599805/

Editorial credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Toby Keith dies at age 62 after battle with stomach cancer

Toby Keith at the 2016 American Country Countdown Awards held at the Forum in Inglewood^ USA on May 1^ 2016.

Country singer Toby Keith died on Monday at the age of 62 after a battle with stomach cancer.A statement posted to Keith’s website and social media on Tuesday morning read: “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”

Keith was perhaps best known for his 1993 breakout hit song, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” which was played 3 million times on radio stations and became the most played country song of the 1990s. Among his other 20 No. 1 Billboard hits were “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “As Good As I Once Was,” “My List” and “Beer for My Horses,” a duet with Willie Nelson. His 2002 song, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” showcased his patriotism following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Among his many achievement were being awarded ‘Male Vocalist of the Year’ and ‘Album of the Year’ at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2001; Keith would go on to win ‘Entertainer of the Year’ in 2003 and 2004. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015.

Keith announced his cancer diagnosis in June 2022. Ahead of receiving the Country Icon Award at the People’s Choice Country Awards last year, Keith spoke of the “roller coaster” experience of going through cancer treatment: “You get good days and, you know, you’re up and down, up and down. It’s always zero to 60 and 60 to zero but I feel good today.” The singer continued to record and perform through his illness, appearing live over three nights in Las Vegas in December. According to his official website, Keith sang many of his 32 No. 1 hits and 42 Top 10 hits. He released his final album, “Peso in My Pocket,” in 2021.

Toby Keith is survived by his wife, Tricia, three children and four grandchildren.

Editorial credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

Categories
News Daypop

Snap, Inc., parent company of Snapchat, to layoff 10% of global workforce

Sign at the New York Stock Exchange marking the Initial Public Offering of Snapchat's parent company^ Snap Inc. in New York City. March 2^ 2017

Social media company Snap Inc. (SNAP) announced on Monday that it will lay off 10% of its global workforce, or around 500 employees, in part to “promote in-person collaboration.” The company announced several rounds of layoffs since 2022, most recently in November when it laid off a small number of product employees. A Snap spokesperson said, “we are reorganizing our team to reduce hierarchy and promote in-person collaboration. We are focused on supporting our departing team members.”

In an SEC filing, Snap said, “We announced a plan to reduce our global headcount by approximately 10% of our global full-time employees. In order to best position our business to execute on our highest priorities, and to ensure we have the capacity to invest incrementally to support our growth over time, we have made the difficult decision to restructure our team.”

According to a regulatory filing, the company currently estimates to incur pre-tax charges in the range of $55 million to $75 million as a result of the layoffs, primarily consisting of severance and related costs, and other charges, of which $45 million to $55 million are expected to be future cash expenditures. The majority of these costs are expected to be incurred during the first quarter of 2024.

Snap Inc.’s shares fell nearly 3% in morning trading; stock remains below its debut price and well off its 2021 high of around $83.

Editorial credit: Christopher Penler / Shutterstock.com

Categories
News Daypop

Buckingham Palace announces King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer

King Charles III on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following the Coronation at Westminster Abbey on May 6^ 2023 in London^ England

Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement on Monday, February 5 that King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer. The 75-year-old Charles recently underwent a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate last month.

A statement from the Palace posted to social media read as follows: “During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. * His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. * The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible * His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”

The palace did not offer further details on the type of cancer that King Charles was diagnosed with, nor did they share what stage the cancer is. The King was last seen publicly attending church on Sunday with Queen Camilla at St. Mary Magdalene Church near Sandringham, marking the monarch’s first outing since leaving the hospital on Jan. 29 following a three-day stay after his prostate procedure. King Charles returned to London from Sandringham on Monday to commence treatment as an out-patient.

Editorial credit: Muhammad Aamir Sumsum / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. signs 11-year deal worth $288.7 million with Kansas City Royals

logo/crown of MLB team Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium^ home of the Royals. July 14^ 2023.

The Kansas City Royals announced that shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. has agreed to a massive 11-year contract extension, worth at least $288.7 million – making it by far the largest contract in franchise history, surpassing Salvador Perez’s four-year, $82 million contract.  The franchise posted on X: “The present, the future, and the largest contract in franchise history.” Witt’s contract includes a $7.7 million signing bonus and opt outs after Years 7, 8, 9, and 10, with a three-year club option that could push the total value to 14 years and $377.7 million.

The 23-year-old Witt re-tweeted the Royals announcement of his record-breaking contract, sharing on X: “I am incredibly grateful to the Sherman family and the Royals front office for believing in me, and I promise to do everything in my power to help bring championship baseball back to Kansas City! Let’s go!!”

Royals chairman John Sherman said in a statement: “We are extraordinarily proud to announce an historic deal with a very special player. Like our fans, I’m thrilled that this ensures Bobby will compete in a Royals uniform for many years to come. Bobby makes us better, and I’m grateful for his commitment to our fans, our city, and our team.”. GM J.J. Picollo said in a statement: “From the day we drafted him we felt confident Bobby would become one of our game’s brightest stars and biggest talents. These last two seasons have been confirmation of that talent, and proof that he’s an even better teammate. We know he wants to win here for our fans as much as we do.”

Kansas City went 56-106 last season, tying the 2005 team for the most losses in franchise history. The Royals have not had a winning season nor been to the postseason since winning the 2015 World Series.

Editorial credit: Logan Bush / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

Philadelphia 76ers center Joe Embiid to undergo knee surgery, out indefinitely

Philadelphia 76ers - American professional basketball team - logo

The Philadelphia 76ers announced that center Joel Embiid will have surgery on his injured left knee and will be out indefinitely, with the team sharing that Embiid will undergo a “corrective procedure this week” to address the issue in his lateral meniscus. An update on Embiid’s status will be provided after the operation, potentially detailing his timeline for return.

Embiid scored a career-high 70 points in the 76ers Jan. 22 win over the San Antonio Spurs, and was injured two games later, leaving in the fourth quarter of the 76ers’ 119-107 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday in San Francisco.

The reigning NBA MVP, Embiid has averaged a league/career-high 35.3 points per game through 34 starts this season, with 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. The center also led the NBA in scoring in 2021 and 2022.

Editorial credit: DanGui / Shutterstock.com