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Today’s Music News: New York City declares David Bowie Day

by Staff

January 20, 2016

Jan. 20 has officially been declared David Bowie Day in New York City. Mayor Bill de Blasio planned to read a proclamation at Wednesday night's performance of Lazarus, a piece of musical theater Bowie debuted in his last months. (Pitchfork)

Producer Mark Saunders has shared audio from a 1985 session where David Bowie sings an outtake in voices imitating Bruce Springsteen, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Neil Young, Tom Waits, and more. (Rolling Stone)

We are remembering the life and music of David Bowie in a series of features. Find the complete list here, and share your own memory of Bowie.

Life or Death, a public relations agency that formerly represented numerous prominent artists, has effectively dissolved in the wake of widespread claims that publicist Heathcliff Berru — the company's CEO until his resignation this week — committed sexual misconduct against women including Bethany Cosentino (Best Coast) and Amber Coffman (Dirty Projectors), the first to publicly accuse Berru of misconduct. The company's entire staff has now resigned, saying "there will be a new venture imminently that bears no ties to Heathcliff Berru or the Life or Death name." (Billboard)

On Feb. 15, for the first time ever, the Grammys will be aired live across all four continental U.S. time zones. Performers announced for the ceremony include AdeleKendrick LamarThe Weeknd, and Little Big Town. (Billboard)

Making the most of their reunion, LCD Soundsystem will headline Bonnaroo as well as Coachella. The just-announced Bonnaroo lineup includes Pearl Jam and Dead and Company — as well as local artist Lizzo and Bully, whose singer Alicia Bognanno originally hails from Rosemount. (Rolling Stone)

Deluxe editions don't get much more deluxe than this: the $25,000 "Weezer Experience Bundle" for the band's White Album will include a Galapagos trip with frontman Rivers Cuomo. There's some fine print, though: "You have to pay for Rivers," notes the band's online store, "as well as paying the band $25,000." Also, Consequence of Sound is not entirely sure you can get to the Galapagos on a Greyhound bus. The band have not yet responded to a request for confirmation on the details of this unique offer. The album, regardless, comes out April 1. (Hmm...)

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the formation of Fleetwood Mac's classic lineup — that is, when Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks signed on — a two-night tribute concert will be held on Feb. 9 and 10 in Los Angeles. The concert's lineup will include Mark RonsonJoanna NewsomCold War KidsDhani Harrison, and many more artists. (Rolling Stone)

Another just-announced tribute concert will honor country legend Kris Kristofferson. On March 16 in Nashville, Willie NelsonRoseanne CashEmmylou Harris, Trisha Yearwood, Eric Church, and others will take the stage, joined by Kristofferson himself, in a concert to be recorded for later release. (Billboard)

Sam Smith tweeted several times on Tuesday about seeing a friend "getting verbally abused racially in London." A number of his followers responded with reactions of surprise that Smith was so — well, surprised — to witness racism in England. (Billboard)

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This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.