Henry Diltz; ABC/Lorenzo BevilaquaDavid Crosby squabbles Chance the Rapper in a new ad for Twitter that features the hip-hop star asking fans for song requests prior to a performance.  In the commercial, the folk-rock legend tweets a message to Chance that reads, "How about any song with real instruments?" -- a cheeky nod to a note Crosby wrote on Twitter in 2015, stating, "Rap isn't music."

Toward the end of the ad, Crosby tells Chance, "I could up your game," causing both the rocker and the rapper to smile before Chance rides a bike on stage to perform.

As of Monday night, the ad has earned about 20,000 likes on Twitter.  

Crosby is a frequent Twitter user known for regularly sharing his opinions and critiques about politics, music and other topics.

Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

Any requests? Real instruments? No problem.

With @chancetherapper and Twitter, music is happening. #SeeEverySide pic.twitter.com/1MF5NtIFan

— Twitter (@Twitter) June 19, 2017

ABC/Randy HolmesWhat are the chances that two of the most acclaimed pop music composers in history would have been born just two days apart? On Sunday, Paul McCartney turned 75, and today it's Brian Wilson's turn.

The founding Beach Boys singer and songwriter wrote the music to nearly all of his band's best-known songs, from the Southern California group's early surf-rock classics to their complex, multilayered recordings of the mid-1960s and beyond.

With his impressive gift for vocal harmonies and musical arrangements, Wilson helped craft one of the most celebrated albums of all time -- The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds -- and its equally lauded follow-up single "Good Vibrations," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in December '66.

Since last year, Wilson and his solo band have been commemorating Pet Sounds' 50th anniversary on a world tour that's featured a complete performance of the acclaimed album.  The trek, which has been extended multiple times, is currently scheduled to wrap up with an October 14 concert in Costa Mesa, California.

Brian's many career achievements include induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with The Beach Boys in 1988, induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2000 and receiving the Kennedy Center Honors in 2007.

Wilson also continues to write and record new music. His latest solo album, No Pier Pressure, was released in 2015 and featured guest appearances by a wide variety of artists, including Beach Boys alumni Al Jardine, David Marks and Blondie Chaplin, as well as fun. frontman Nate Ruess; actress and indie-pop singer Zooey Deschanel; and country star Kacey Musgraves.

Last year, Wilson told ABC Radio that he was planning a new album featuring his renditions of his favorite vintage rock 'n' roll tunes, although no details have been announced about the project.

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Tim P. Whitby/Tim P. Whitby/Getty ImagesThe Who's Pete Townshend is joining his band mate Roger Daltrey in Artists for Grenfell -- the all-star group working on a charity single version of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" to benefit the victims of the horrific Grenfell Tower fire in London last week that killed dozens and left many more homeless.

Townshend tells The Daily Mirror he knew four families who lived in the tower, which is not far from the Sheppard's Bush neighborhood where he grew up.

"They're not OK," Townshend said. "A mother lost her daughter, two little girls were in comas. So I’ve been right in there helping with those families.”  Townshend said he'd written some checks, and managed to get a piano for one youngster.

"They got a piano up 10 flights and of course it's gone now, so I managed to get her a piano," he said.

Artists for Grenfell is being spearheaded by American Idol creator Simon Cowell.  Townshend said he recorded a guitar part for the single on Sunday.  "It's fantastic, I promise you you're going to love it," he said. "What they've done is so great."

Townshend is not the only rock guitar legend lending his talents to Cowell's effort. Queen guitarist Brian May, who is on tour in the U.S., recorded a part here for use on the track.  He posted a picture on Instagram of himself recording on stage in Anaheim.  "Job done!" he wrote. "Simon Cowell's team are working on the track in Sarm Studios -- close to where the Grenfell disaster happened -- and a studio where so much of our old material was recorded."

May added, "...and of course this is my neighbourhood too -- so I had to volunteer my services to help the families who are suffering so much."

Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

Courtesy of Live NationOn Friday, Styx released a new concept album titled The Mission, and tonight the veteran rockers launch a mission to rock the U.S. on a joint summer outing with REO Speedwagon and ex-Eagles guitarist Don Felder. The trek, dubbed the United We Rock Tour, kicks off in Ridgefield, Washington, and is mapped out through an August 22 concert in Holmdel, New Jersey.

Styx previously has toured multiple times with REO and Felder, and singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw tells ABC Radio that all of the musicians get along great.

"It's like summer camp with your buds," says Shaw, noting that because of their camaraderie, it's common to find the various band members hanging out with each other backstage.

Tommy also says fans can expect be treated to onstage collaborations during the trek.

"There'll probably be a little interaction, little surprises on stage," Shaw maintains. "I can't imagine not, because we all know each other's songs, so it's gonna be a fun summer."

He adds, "With us and REO…you never know when somebody's just gonna run out there and start singing along with you."

Styx keyboardist/singer Lawrence Gowan, meanwhile, points out that when his band teamed up with Felder for a their Las Vegas residency in January, they played "six or seven Eagles songs every night," so there's a chance fans will get to see similar collaborations during this tour.

Meanwhile, although Styx has just released The Mission, a sci-fi concept record about the first manned journey to Mars, Shaw tells ABC Radio that his band likely won't play that much of the album on this trek. "I think the record's gonna have to take time for people to really get out there and hear it," he explains.

Here are all the dates of the United We Rock Tour:

6/20 -- Ridgefield, WA, Sunlight Supply Amphitheatre
6/21 -- Auburn, WA, White River Amphitheatre
6/23 -- Concord, CA, Concord Pavilion
6/24 -- Los Angeles, CA, Greek Theatre
6/25 -- Paso Robles, CA, Vina Robles Amphitheatre
6/27 -- Salt Lake City, UT, USANA Amphitheatre
6/29 -- Denver, CO, Pepsi Center
7/1 -- Tinley Park, IL, Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
7/2 -- Maryland Heights, MO, Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
7/18 -- Tampa, FL, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater
7/19 -- West Palm Beach, FL, Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre
7/20 -- Jacksonville, FL, Daily's Place
7/22 -- Nashville, TN, Ascend Amphitheatre
7/23 -- Alpharetta, GA, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/25 -- Clarkston, MI, DTE Energy Music Theatre
7/27 -- Indianapolis, IN, Klipsch Music Center
7/29 -- The Woodlands, TX, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
7/30 -- Dallas, TX, Starplex Pavilion
7/31 -- Austin, TX, HEB Center at Cedar Park
8/11 -- Bethel, NY, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
8/12 -- Atlantic City, NJ, Borgata Event Center
8/13 -- Bristow, VA, Jiffy Lube Live
8/15 -- Gilford, NH, Bank of NH Pavilion
8/16 -- Wantagh, NY, Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
8/18 -- Niagara Falls, NY, Seneca Niagara Events Center*
8/19 -- Syracuse, NY, Lakeview Amphitheatre
8/20 -- Bangor, ME, Darling's Waterfront Pavilion
8/22 -- Holmdel, NJ, PNC Bank Arts Center

* = Don Felder won't appear at this show.

Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

Noam Galai/WireImageThe Queen of Pop wants the King of Amazon to help out her home state of Michigan.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos tweeted that he was looking for ideas for a "philanthropy strategy" that would help people the most in the short-term -- "at the intersection of urgent need and lasting impact."  Madonna responded that the city of Detroit would fit the bill.

Madonna was born in Bay City, Michigan and grew up in the suburbs of Detroit. In recent years, she's personally donated to a number of Detroit charities and programs, and wants Bezos to join her.

She tweeted, "@jeffbezos, you, me, the motor city. Let's go and I will show incredible opportunities for almost instant impact in one of the coolest cities in America #Detroit. Love, Madonna."

She then mentioned the Detroit Achievement Academy, Detroit's Downtown Boxing Gym and Detroit's Empowerment Plan as examples of places where Bezos could put his $84 billion dollar net worth to good use. 

Or maybe now that he's buying the chain, Bezos should just give the entire city gift certificates to Whole Foods.

Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

RhinoWhile Brian Wilson is best known for his enduring work as The Beach Boys' main songwriter, in recent decades the music legend's focused mostly on his solo career. Wilson turned 75 today, and coinciding with that milestone comes word that a new compilation titled Playback: The Brian Wilson Anthology, featuring highlights from his solo releases, will hit stores September 22.

The 18-track collection will be available on CD, as a two-LP vinyl set, digitally and via streaming services. Playback includes tracks from most of Wilson's solo albums, spanning from his self-titled 1988 debut to 2015's No Pier Pressure. Among the tracks are "Love and Mercy," a 1988 tune that has become one of Wilson's signature songs and served as the theme to Brian's 2015 biopic of the same name. Playback also features Wilson's solo versions of "Surf's Up" and "Heroes and Villains," two Beach Boys songs that were rerecorded for the acclaimed 2004 album Brian Wilson Presents Smile.

In addition, the album includes two previously unreleased tracks -- a brand-new song Wilson wrote for the compilation called called "Run James Run" and an un-issued tune from the early '90s titled "Some Sweet Day" that Brian penned with veteran pop songwriter Andy Paley. Other highlights appearing on Playback are "The First Time" and "This Isn't Love," two in-concert performances originally featured on 2000's Live at the Roxy Theatre. Playback also boasts a 2004 tune called "Soul Searchin'," which Brian created using a vocal track by his late brother Carl, who died in 1998.

Playback also contains a booklet featuring a variety of photos of Brian, and liner notes penned by respected rock journalist David Wild.

Here's the full track list of Playback: The Brian Wilson Anthology:

"Love and Mercy"
"Surf's Up"
"Heroes and Villains"
"Melt Away"
"Let It Shine"
"Some Sweet Day"*
"Rio Grande"
"Cry"
"Lay Down Burden"
"The First Time"
"This Isn't Love"
"Soul Searchin'"
"Gettin' In over My Head"
"The Like in I Love You"
"Midnight's Another Day"
"Colors of the Wind"
"One Kind of Love"
"Run James Run"*

* = previously unreleased.

Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

Mick Rock/Wolfson EntertainmentDaryl Hall & John Oates, who currently are on tour in North America with Tears for Fears through the end of July, have just announced a series of five new headlining concerts for the fall. The shows run from a September 22 performance in Cedar Park, Texas, through a September 30 gig in Charleston, South Carolina.

All of the new dates, except for the Charleston concert, will feature up-and-coming soul rockers St. Paul & the Broken Bones as the opening act. Tickets and VIP packages for the new shows for on sale to the general public this Friday, June 23, at 10 a.m. local time. American Express Card members will be able to purchase pre-sale tickets starting Wednesday, June 21, at 10 a.m.

Hall & Oates' tour with Tears for Fears winds down with a July 28-29 stand at the Staples Center. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame duo also will appear at the 2017 Jazz Aspen Snowmass festival in Aspen, Colorado, on September 1.

Here's a full list of Hall & Oates' upcoming North American tour dates:

6/19 -- Toronto, ON, Canada, Air Canada Centre
6/21 -- Quebec City, QC, Canada, Videotron Centre
6/24 -- Boston, MA, TD Garden
6/26 -- Washington, D.C., Verizon Center
7/11 -- Dallas, TX, American Airlines Center
7/13 -- San Antonio, TX, AT&T Center
7/15 -- Denver, CO, Fiddler's Green
7/17 -- Glendale, AZ, Gila River Arena
7/19 -- San Diego, CA, Valley View Casino Center Arena
7/21 -- Las Vegas, NV, T-Mobile Arena
7/23 -- Sacramento, CA, Golden 1 Center
7/25 -- San Jose, CA, SAP Center
7/28 -- Los Angeles, CA, Staples Center
7/29 -- Los Angeles, CA, Staples Center
9/1 -- Aspen, CO, Jazz Aspen Snowmass
9/22 -- Cedar Park, TX, H-E-B Center at Cedar Park*
9/24 -- Sugarland, TX, Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land*
9/26 -- Tuscaloosa, AL, Tuscaloosa Amphitheater*
9/28 -- Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena*
9/30 -- Charleston, SC, North Charleston Coliseum**

= with Tears for Fears
* = newly added date with St. Paul & the Broken Bones opening
** = newly added date.

Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1976 (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)A lawsuit involving a recently reported Lynyrd Skynyrd biopic focusing on the tragic 1977 plane crash that claimed the life of lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and other band members is scheduled to go to trial on July 11, Deadline reports. The suit, which was filed last month by Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington, singer Johnny Van Zant and the estates of deceased band members Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and Allen Collins, is seeking to block production of the film, titled Street Survivors: The True Story of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash.

According to Deadline, the plaintiffs claim that the movie's producer, Cleopatra Films, shouldn't be allowed to make the film because they say the project violates a 1988 consent order signed by ex-Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle -- whose story provides the basis for the flick -- prohibiting him from using the group's name.

However, Cleopatra maintains that Pyle isn't directly involved in writing the film, so the consent order shouldn't affect the production, while also noting that the movie won't feature any Lynyrd Skynyrd music. The production company also says that the story of Lynyrd Skynyrd's crash is commonly known by many people.

"This lawsuit proves that Freedom of Speech in the United States of America is officially under attack by an increasingly litigious culture that breeds utter contempt for art," declares Cleopatra Films head Brian Perera, "and that should indeed worry everyone attempting to make a living in the entertainment industry today."

An ABC Radio request for comment about the Deadline report sent to attorneys for the plaintiffs went unanswered as of press time.

Street Survivors is being directed by Jared Cohn, who also wrote the film based on a story by Pyle, who was a survivor of the 1977 plane crash.

Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

MJ Kim/© MPL Communications Ltd.Paul McCartney has added a new South American concert to his One on One Tour at the end of his previously announced four-show visit to Brazil this October. The former Beatles star will play Medellin, Colombia, on October 24, marking the second time ever he will have performed in the country.

Fans registered at PaulMcCartney.com will be able to buy pre-sale tickets for the concert this Friday, June 23, starting at 8 a.m. local time. Sir Paul's first show in Colombia took place in April 2012 in the capital city of Bogota.

"The last time we played in Colombia we had a blast and I always wanted to go back," says McCartney. "I'm really excited to get there with my new show this year. Can't wait to see them all and have a rock party."

In other news, McCartney is expected to announce plans for his first Australian tour since 1993 on Wednesday morning at 3:30 a.m. ET. The News.com.au website reports that the 75-year-old rock legend will make the announcement via a Q&A session on his official Facebook page and the Facebook page of Australia promoters Frontier Touring. The Down Under trek also is expected to include a concert in New Zealand.

First up for McCartney will be a series of North American shows kicking off July 7 in Miami. Visit PaulMcCartney.com/Live to check out his full upcoming itinerary.

Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

Credit: Anna WebberNew details have been unveiled about Stephen Stills' upcoming duets album with his former girlfriend, folk legend Judy Collins, the inspiration behind the Crosby, Stills & Nash classic "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes." The record will be titled Stills & Collins, and will be released on September 22.

The album will feature new versions of songs tied into the longtime friends' shared history, as well as select cover tunes and one brand-new tune penned by Collins called "River of Gold."

Stills & Collins features a new rendition of late British folk-rocker Sandy Denny's "Who Knows Where the Time Goes," which was the first tune Stephen ever recorded with Judy, for her 1968 album of the same name.

The album also includes new versions of "Judy" and "So Begins the Task," a pair of Stills tunes that date back to a 1968 collection of demos released in 2007 under the title Just Roll Tape.  In addition, the duo recorded an updated take on "Houses," a 1975 tune that Collins wrote about her relationship with Stills.

Among the covers on Stills & Collins are renditions of Bob Dylan's "Girl from the North Country," Leonard Cohen's "Everybody Knows" and The Traveling Wilburys' "Handle with Care." The album also features a version of the Stills-penned Buffalo Springfield song "Questions."

You can pre-order Stills & Collins now at PledgeMusic.com.

As previously reported, Stills and Collins will embark on a U.S. tour kicking off with a July 26 performance at the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Illinois. The trek recently was extended through a November 4 show in Brooks, California.

Here are all of the duo's confirmed tour dates:

7/26 -- Highland Park, IL, Ravinia Festival
7/28 -- Cleveland Heights, OH, Cain Park
7/30 -- Overland, KS, JCCC Carlsen Center
8/1 -- Denver, CO, Denver Botanic Gardens
8/2 -- Arvada, CO, Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities
8/3 -- Steamboat Springs, CO, Strings Music Pavilion
8/5 -- Salina, KS, Stiefel Theatre
8/7 -- Meridian, MS, MSU - Riley Center for the Performing Arts
8/9 -- Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Symphony Hall
8/11 -- Alexandria, VA, Birchmere
8/12 -- Alexandria, VA, Birchmere
8/14 -- Ridgefield, CT, Ridgefield Playhouse
8/16 -- Red Bank, NJ, Count Basie Theatre
8/17 -- New Haven, CT, College Street Music Hall
8/18 -- Greensburg, PA, The Palace Theatre
8/20 -- Lowell, MA, Boarding House Park
8/21 -- Great Barrington, MA, Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
8/23 -- Morristown, NJ, Mayo Performing Arts Center
8/25 -- Glenside, PA, Keswick Theatre
8/26 -- Westbury, NY, NYCB Theatre at Westbury
8/28 -- Vestal, NY, Anderson Center for the Performing Arts
9/1 -- Beverly Hills, CA, Saban Theatre
9/3 -- Indio, CA, Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino
9/6 -- San Diego, CA, Humphreys Concerts by the Sea
9/8 -- Jacksonville, OR, Britt Pavilion
9/9 -- Stateline, NV, MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa
9/30 -- Torrington, CT, Warner Theater
10/1 -- Newport News, VA, Ferguson Performing Arts Center
10/2 -- Huntington, WV, Keith Albee Performing Arts Center
10/4 -- Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University
10/5 -- Charlottesville, VA, Sprint Pavilion
10/7 -- Cranston, RI, Rhode Island Center for the Performing Arts
10/8 -- Albany, NY, The Egg Center
10/11 -- Lancaster, PA, American Music Theater
10/12 -- Tarrytown, NY, Tarrytown Music Hall
10/13 -- Englewood, NJ, Bergen Performing Arts Center
10/17 -- Godfrey, IL, Olin Theater
10/21 -- Las Vegas, NV, Smith Center
10/22 -- Tucson, AZ, Fox Theater
10/25 -- San Juan Capistrano, CA, The Coach House
10/26 -- San Juan Capistrano, CA, The Coach House
10/28 -- Santa Barbara, CA, Arlington Theater
11/2 -- Visalia, CA, Fox Theater
11/4 -- Brooks, CA, Cacher Creek Casino

Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

Paul Morigi/Getty ImagesIt's not every day you get a personal shout-out on stage from one of the world's greatest rock bands.  But these were special circumstances.

Bono offered good wishes to Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise during U2's show Tuesday night in Landover, MD.  Scalise is recovering from being shot a week ago today in Alexandria, VA, while practicing for a congressional baseball game.

In video posted to Scalise's official Twitter, Bono tells the crowd: "You been through some troubling days here with the shooting in Alexandria.  We are so grateful that Congressman Scalise and his comrades made it through, so grateful. We hold him up as love holds us all up.”

The video's captioned, "Thanks Bono and @U2."

Thanks Bono & @U2. - #TeamScalise pic.twitter.com/7Eaaa0aeis

— Rep. Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) June 21, 2017

Scalise, the House majority whip, was shot in the hip and suffered additional internal injuries.  At last word he was listed in serious condition, but on the mend after undergoing several surgeries.

Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

Credit: Andrew MacphersonThis past January, Joe Walsh played a six-show engagement at the House of Blues Las Vegas.  Now the longtime Eagles guitarist plans to return to the Sin City venue for three more performances this fall. The newly announced dates are scheduled for September 27, 29 and 30.

Tickets for the shows go on sale to the general public this Friday, June 23, at 10 a.m. PT. Pre-sale tickets are available for Citi Card members now, while Walsh fan club members will be able to purchase tickets beginning this Wednesday, June 21, at 10 a.m. Visit JoeWalsh.com for more details.

Fans coming out to Walsh's Las Vegas concerts can expect to see the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and his touring band playing memorable songs from his solo career, as well as from The Eagles and his former group, The James Gang.

Prior to his Vegas engagement, Walsh will play with the Eagles at The Classic West and The Classic East events, respectively, on July 15 in Los Angeles and July 29 in New York City. Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers also will perform at the festival.

Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

Artists for GrenfellTo raise funds for the relief effort following the deadly fire last week that destroyed Grenfell Tower in West London, Simon Cowell has gathered together more than 50 artists, including The Who's Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend and Queen's Brian May, to record a version of Simon and Garfunkel's classic "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

The single, recorded at a studio just half a mile from the building, is out now. You can buy it at the usual digital outlets, and also donate directly at ArtistsforGrenfell.com. All donations made at that website will be used by The London Community Foundation to help those in need.

Among the other artists who participated: Nile Rodgers, Geri "Ginger Spice" Halliwell, Robbie Williams, Jessie J, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson of One Direction, Leona Lewis, James Blunt, Emeli Sande, James Arthur, Rita Ora, Dan Smith of Bastille, Nathan Sykes, Dua Lipa and many, many more. A choir of local residents also joined in.

Speaking to the British paper The Mirror, Cowell said, "I felt how everyone felt when they saw the news. I was angry, upset, thinking what the hell do you do?...Do you donate some money? And I was thinking, well maybe we could do a little more than that and that's how the record came about."

As for why he chose "Bridge Over Troubled Water,"  Cowell explained that he had just 12 hours to decide on a song, and that one had appropriate lyrics.

When you listen to the single, you may not be able to recognize the singers' voices, especially those who are huge in the U.K. but not that well-known in the U.S. Here's a rundown of who sings what:

Stormzy: Introductory rap
Robbie Williams: "When you're weary..."
James Blunt: "Feeling small..."
Rita Ora: "When tears are in…"
Craig David: "…your eyes..."
Dan Smith of Bastille: "I will dry them all."
Liam Payne: "I'm on your side..."
Emeli Sande: "When times get rough..."
Kelly Jones of Stereophonics: "And friends just can't be found..."
Paloma Faith: "Like a bridge over troubled water..."
Louis Tomlinson: "...I will lay me down."
Labrinth: "Like a bridge over troubled water..."
Jorja Smith: "...I will lay me down."
WSTERN: brief rap
Leona Lewis: "When you're down and out..."
Jessie J: "When you’re on the street..."
James Arthur: "When evening falls so hard..."
Roger Daltrey: "I will comfort you."
Ella Eyre: "I'll take your part..."
Anne Marie and Ella Henderson: "When darkness comes..."
Louisa Johnson: "And pain is all around."
All voices led by Robbie Williams: "Like a bridge over water..."
James Arthur ad-lib: "I will lay me down."
Choirs: "Like a bridge over troubled water..."
Rita Ora: "I will lay me down."

Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

MJ Kim/MPL Communications Ltd.As expected, Paul McCartney announced early this morning that he'll bring his One on One Tour to Australia and New Zealand this year. The five-date trek kicks off December 2 in Perth, Australia, and will wind down December 16 with a show in Auckland, New Zealand.

The outing will mark McCartney's first visit Down Under since his 1993 New World Tour. Sir Paul made the big announcement early Wednesday morning via a live Facebook video Q&A with Australian actor Tim Minchin.

If you register at PaulMcCartney.com, you'll be able to buy pre-sale tickets for the Australian and New Zealand concerts starting this Tuesday, June 27.

"We've been waiting to get back to Australia and New Zealand for years and now it's finally happening," says McCartney in a statement. "It is very exciting. I'm really looking forward to the concerts as we've always had such a brilliant time whenever we've been before so we know we are in for a treat. Can't wait to see you and all rock out together."

Here are all of Sir Paul's Down Under tour dates:

12/2 -- Perth, Australia, nib Stadium
12/5 -- Melbourne, Australia, AAMI Park
12/9 -- Brisbane, Australia, Suncorp Stadium
12/11 -- Sydney, Australia, Qudos Bank Arena
12/16 -- Auckland, New Zealand, Mt. Smart Stadium

Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

Credit: Norman Jean RoyJon Bon Jovi was presented with the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation's 2017 Service to America Leadership Award at the organization's Celebration of Service to America Awards gala, held Tuesday in Washington, D.C.

The New Jersey rocker received the prestigious honor for his efforts aiding homeless, hungry and poverty-stricken people, including his work as chairman of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation.

In accepting the award, Bon Jovi discussed his philosophy behind his charitable work.

"There is a misconception that homelessness is a choice. I have yet to meet a homeless person who strived to achieve that," the singer said. "We must all work together to remove the labels 'Us and Them.' Inspiration and hope mixed with a little perspiration can change a life forever."

A video message from President Barack Obama played during the event, congratulating Bon Jovi on his award.

"I wish I could be there with all of you to help honor someone who's become a great friend of mine, Jon Bon Jovi," Obama says in the clip. "When you meet Jon and [his wife] Dorothea and talk to them for a while, one thing you're struck by is how sincere they are about the idea that in this country success means more than just fame or fortune, success means having the ability to reach back and pull others up along with you."

Also during the gala, a video presentation narrated by Gayle King saluting Jon and profiling the JBJ Soul Foundation's various initiatives was screened. The short film features testimonials from New Jersey Senator Corey Booker, celebrity chef Mario Batali and others.

Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

Credit: Peter OuSteven Van Zandt has been named an Ambassador to Ronald McDonald House as part of a new partnership between the longtime E Street Band guitarist and the charity.

The honor was announced at the New York chapter of Ronald McDonald House's Heroes Volunteer Event, held on Tuesday in the Big Apple.  During the fundraiser, which benefits the charity's volunteer programs, Little Steven and Ronald McDonald House New York president and CEO Ruth Browne both signed a guitar.

In his new role, Van Zandt will promote Ronald McDonald House's charitable work, while serving as a mentor For children suffering from cancer who receive aid from the organization.  Ronald McDonald House provides free places to stay for families with children who are being treated at nearby hospitals and medical facilities.

In addition, Little Steven will organize and take part in a variety of musical-related events and activities this year for children being supported by Ronald McDonald House.

"I believe that being part of a band is special and that music can sometimes have healing powers," says Van Zandt. "Through my partnership with the House, I am hoping that I can share this power and love for music with the people that need it most."

Last month, Little Steven released his first new solo album in 18 years, Soulfire. He currently is on a European tour in support of the record with his backing band The Disciples of Soul.

Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

DualtoneChuck Berry, who died in March at age 90, released his final studio album, Chuck, earlier this month. The rock 'n' roll pioneer's son Charles Berry Jr., who contributed some guitar work to the new record, reveals that his dad "heard everything" on the album and gave the project his OK prior to his death.

"He had final approval on everything," Berry Jr. tells ABC Radio, adding that even when his dad was ailing, he still was able to convey how he felt about a track through his reactions. "His toes [would be] tapping and he's keeping time to it, smile on his face," Berry Jr. recalls. "He didn't have to say a word to know, 'Oh yeah, he wants that on there.'"

The Chuck album features appearances from a select few guest musicians -- roots-rock singer Nathaniel Rateliff, Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello and acclaimed blues-rock guitarist Gary Clark Jr. Berry Jr. says it was his dad's label, Dualtone, that pushed to have some guest artists on the record, something his father initially wasn't interested in, although he eventually agreed under the condition that he had final say about what was included.

Morello and Rateliff both featured on the track "Big Boys." Berry Jr. says that Tom took Chuck's guitar part and "then interpreted what [he] did and put his own spin on it. And it [was] beautiful." Charles notes that Nathaniel "did an excellent job" with the vocal part he added to the track.

Clark Jr., meanwhile, lent his guitar talents to the album's lead track, "Wonderful Woman," which also features guitar work from three generations of Berrys -- Chuck, Charles Jr. and Chuck Berry III. "'Wonderful Woman' is just nonstop electric guitar heaven for anybody who likes to hear electric guitar," gushes Charles.

Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

Paul Morigi/Getty ImagesU2 will be performing at this year's 13th annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert, at which the band's bass player, Adam Clayton, is being honored.

While we already knew Clayton would be receiving the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award at the event, in recognition of his support of the MusiCares MAP Fund, as well as his general dedication to helping people with addiction issues. Now it's been announced that the whole band will show up to play a set at the fundraiser.

The show takes place at the 2,100-seat PlayStation Theater in New York on June 26.

It is a fundraiser, so tickets are pricey, with "VIP Living Room Sets" that seat 10 going for $15,000 and VIP floor seats selling for $1,500.  But there is upper balcony seating available at a more affordable $500, and balcony seating is available through AXS.com for $75 per person.

But it's all for a good cause. All proceeds raised by the event will go toward the MusiCares MAP Fund, which provides members of the music community with addiction recovery resources.

As previously reported, The Lumineers, who are opening for U2 on the band's Joshua Tree tour, also will perform.  Additional performers include soul singer Macy Gray, among others.

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Credit: Nels IsraelsonAfter lining up an August 13 benefit show in Chicago for the Veterans for Peace organization, Jackson Browne has scheduled a new charity gig three days earlier in Detroit.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's August 10 concert at the historic Redford Theatre will raise money to support the venue, as well as a community redevelopment initiative to create a district in the city focused on the arts and entertainment.

Tickets for the show will go on sale to the general public this Friday, June 23, at 10 a.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com and at the theater's box office.

Net proceeds from the event will go toward the venue, the Old Redford Re-Development Group and Echopark Guitars, which are all part of the redevelopment project. Browne's involvement stems from his friendship with custom-guitar maker Gabriel Currie, owner of Echopark Guitars, who is moving his factory from Los Angeles to Detroit.

"Gabriel…told me about the renovation of the Redford Theatre. At the heart of this project is a strong belief in community, and the power of art to motivate and inspire," explains Jackson. "Let us have live music, and theater, and dance! And let us engage youth on the highest possible level."

Check out Browne's full tour itinerary at JacksonBrowne.com.

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Artists for GrenfellThe star-studded version of Simon and Garfunkel's classic "Bridge over Troubled Water" organized by Simon Cowell to raise funds for those affected by the deadly Grenfell Tower fire in London last week was released Wednesday, and now you can watch the official video for the single on YouTube.

As previously reported, The Who's Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend are among the many artists that contributed to the track.  Both rock legends appear in the clip -- Daltrey is seen two minutes, 27 seconds into the video singing the line, "I will comfort you," while Townshend is shown strumming an acoustic guitar a few seconds later.

More than 50 stars lent their talents to the song, including are Queen guitarist Brian May, Nile Rodgers, Geri "Ginger Spice" Halliwell, Robbie Williams, Jessie J, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson of One Direction, Leona Lewis, James Blunt, Emeli Sande, and Rita Ora, although not all appear in the clip.

The video also features images of the burnt-out tower and sidewalk memorials to the people who lost their lives in the blaze.

The single can be purchased as a digital download at all the usual online music sellers, and also is available via major streaming services. In addition, you also can donate directly to the cause at ArtistsforGrenfell.com. All donations will be used by The London Community Foundation to help those in need.

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