– The Killers have announced a full-fledged tour for 2009, starting right here in Denver on January 17th. From the list of dates, it looks like they are playing some mid-sized venues. I suppose when you’re trying to gauge the support for a tour before a new album is released, you have to hedge your bets a bit (Kelly Clarkson’s ill-fated first attempt at a tour supporting “My October” comes to mind). There are only 14 dates scheduled at the moment, but here’s hoping that they’ll have the support built in to add more dates and increase the size of venues that they can visit.
– Condolences go out to Jennifer Hudson, who has already lost her mother and brother, on the apparent murder of her nephew Julian. Details continue to trickle out of Chicago, but the current speculation is that the prime suspect is William Balfour, who is the ex of Julian’s mom, Julia. Julia is also Jennifer’s sister. Here’s to a quick resolution of what has to be a painful situation that I can’t even begin to imagine.
– I think it’s safe to say that the holiday music season has kicked off, with some powerhouse releases coming out tomorrow. Besides P!nk, keep an eye out for new discs from John Legend (which I feel like I’ve heard from all of the “singles” that have been released), Ryan Adams, Snow Patrol, Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts (Greatest Hits), The Cure, Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc Party, the Quantum of Solace soundtrack, and (finally) the U.S. version of Lady GaGa’s “The Fame”. You U.K. pop fans should also be trembling in anticipation over the release of The Saturdays’ debut release “Chasing Lights”. (I feel like I’m being chased by “Chasing” these days!) I am listening to the Saturdays as I type this, and I am just blown away. Review to come, but wow. Talk about exceeding expectations!
– Gotta love this report that Madonna’s in meltdown mode over her divorce from Guy Ritchie. Among the more interesting details is that she’s had her assistant gather up any possessions that she may have received from Guy so that she can bury them. There goes the Mistress’s reputation for being a cool customer if this is true! No wonder she’s been taking shots of liquor onstage! (Dan? Yuri? Anything to add?)
Stumble It!
Pop Music Notes 
Well, if Madonna is in full meltdown mode, it certainly didn’t show at the concert last night. I have never seen her smile and be engaged with the audience more than I was last night.
I’ll be doing a full review of the concert, but it might be a day or two in the coming.
Why is so much good music crammed into the last month or two of the year? Can’t people spread it out? are they scared that their albums will only be bought as last minute stocking fillers? It’s ace to get so much new stuff but a little annoying – where is the time to enjoy it all!!!
Ooo, I’d love to see the Killers live. If only they’d play somewhere that wasn’t too many hours away from me…
I’m really enjoying a good number of the songs on the Saturdays album, too–I think I’ve mentioned my love of “Lies” and “Chasing Lights” in just about every comment I’ve made about it somewhere!
Ditto to what Dan said! You’d never in a million years know that Madge was having any problems based on her performance Sunday. I did see the shots imbibed during the “gypsy” segment but that sorta was the party-vibe and so I didn’t think too much of it. There were certainly no “winehouse” moments with bottles onstage or any of that foolishness. Madonna was nothing but class, and it was one of the best shows I’ve seen–ever.
Dan, I guess I’m glad to hear that. I’ve actually never seen her live, so I tend to not really respond to the “what Madonna will show up” conversations that occur around her tours.
Paul, it’s those evil retailers, trying to make sure that stockings are stuffed with the latest CDs. Having done the retail thing years ago, I can honestly say that, from a revenue standpoint, it IS the most wonderful time of the year.
PG, come on out to Denver! I’ll be your date.
Yuri, forgive me. The combination of bottles and Madonna onstage creates a visual that I really can’t share on a family-oriented blog.