Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington dead in apparent suicide

Chester Bennington, the lead vocalist of rap-metal band Linkin Park, was found dead in a Southern California home Thursday, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office confirmed. He was 41.

Law enforcement officials called the L.A. County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner shortly after 9 a.m. on Thursday, reporting an apparent suicide, said department spokesman Brian Elias. The investigation into Bennington’s death is ongoing.

The news, first reported by TMZ, came just hours after Linkin Park released a music video for “Talking To Myself” off the band’s 2017 album, “One More Light.”

“Shocked and heartbroken, but it’s true,” tweeted Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda. “An official statement will come out as soon as we have one.”

Palos Verdes Estates Police confirmed that officers responded to a call about a dead body in a local residence but referred questions to the coroner’s office, which is investigating the case.

Originally from Arizona, Bennington joined the Southern California band in the late 1990s. Their 2000 release “Hybrid Theory” became a massive commercial hit, selling more than 10 million albums in the United States and even more globally. It also catapulted the band into stardom and sparked cross-genre mash-ups, such as the 2004 EP “Collision Course,” a collaboration album between the band and rapper Jay-Z.

In addition to Linkin Park, Bennington was a member of Stone Temple Pilots from 2013 to 2015, when he left to spend more time with his family and “focus solely on Linkin Park.” He was also part of a side project, Dead by Sunrise, which released the album “Out of Ashes” in 2009.

Bennington was friends with Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, who died in May in what authorities ruled as a suicide. Thursday would have been Cornell’s 53rd birthday.

“Just when I thought my heart couldn’t break anymore,” tweeted Cornell’s wife, Vicky.

Bennington and Cornell toured together. In May, Bennington sang “Hallelujah” at Cornell’s funeral.

“I’m still weeping, with sadness, as well as gratitude for having shared some very special moments with you and your beautiful family,” Bennington wrote in a tribute to Cornell shortly after his death.

On Thursday, musicians and entertainers shared their condolences about Bennington’s death.

Anoushka Shankar enthrals the audience at this musical night at Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall, Chennai

It was a rain-drenched evening, but it only provided the perfect setting for the night up ahead. The talented Anoushka Shankar held the audience in thrall, as she gave a soulful sitar performance to her fans in the city. 

Anoushka was accompanied by musicians Tom Farmer (who looked dapper in a kurta pyjama, might we add), and Manu Delago, both of whom were just as exceptional. Spotted at the do, dressed prettily in pink, was Karishma, who happily posed for the shutterbugs.

 We also spotted many expats among the audience, including Adina and Daniel and Nora and Jason, among others. The night ended on a high note, indeed!

India's first ever Palindrome song from the Movie Vinodan - doopaadoo.com

A "Palindrome" is a word that is spelt the same way from both ends. 

India's first ever #Palindrome song from the movie #Vinodan is releasing this Saturday.

PrabhuDeva Studios Presents movie #Vinodan. Chorographer, director, actor and now producer. The multi-talented Prabhudeva has explored every area of the film industry. The film features Isair Velan’s grandson Varun as the lead actor and marks his debut in #Kollywood. While Vedhika is making a comeback in Tamil films and will be the leading lady of the film.

Music director D Imman and lyricist Madhan Karky have created a novel song for the upcoming movie, Vinothan. Directed by Victor Jayaraj under the Prabhudeva Productions banner, Vinothan revolves around a man afflicted with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, commonly known as OCD. Palindrome is a word or phrase that reads the same backwards and forwards with no change in meaning. For instance, Malayalam, விகடகவி and பாப்பா . 

Madhan Karky shared “

மேகராகமே…
முதல் முறையாக தமிழில் பின்பிகளைக் கொண்டு உருவாக்கிய பாடல்.
பின்பி – #palindrome”
It will be launched on 7th January 2017 in Doo Paa Doo website.

DooPaaDoo tweeted “#India’s first ever #Palindrome song for the movie #Vinodan is releasing this 7th! Only on #Doopaadoo! #music @immancomposer @madhankarky”

Madhan Karky had found only 39 palindrome words in Tamil when he did research. It is a duet song where we can find every word in palindrome like the starting word ‘மேகராகமே’. Some English palindrome words are ‘Noon’, ‘Level’, ‘Mom’, ‘Madam’. He says if audience listens to the words keenly it would be a wow factor. He had penned the lyrics first and tuned by Imman. 

The song is a romantic number full of palindromes and is said to be a first-of-its-kind in the country. Haricharan and Shashaa Tirupati have sung this song. The song is scheduled to be released on a palindrome website, ‘டூபாடூ’  (www.doopaadoo.com) on a palindrome date (7-1-17) at a palindrome hour (7:1:17).

Why is India low on international concerts?

A lot is being made out of the cancelled Bryan Adams concert in Delhi. However, this is not the first time that a live music concert by an international star has been cancelled in India.

From Ricky Martin to Shakira, every time a popular global icon performs in India, there's turbulence. If it's not dubious promoters, marching protestors are sure to play spoil sport, leaving the artistes flummoxed and our name tarnished in the global music industry.

Although India has traditionally not been a hotspot in Asia's rock music circuit, in the past few years, musicians such as Beyonce, Shakira, Akon and Roger Waters, the former lead singer of Pink Floyd, and acts such as Deep Purple, Air Supply, Scorpions, Megadeth and Boyzone have performed in the country. But if we were to compare the number of gigs held at other Asian cities like Singapore, Malaysia, Tokyo and Shanghai, the concerts in our cities are infrequent and far too less.

Why is India low on live concerts? A big deterrent is the lack of great venues. According to Vijay Nair, who runs Only Much Louder, a company which has been promoting live music in the country, every major European and American city has a minimum 50 standing venues where any performer can just plug in and play. In India, there's not a single such venue. When Elton John came in 2002 to Bangalore, he had an entourage of a 30-member crew with loads of hi-tech gear and his grand piano.

Industry grapevine has it that globally, Indian promoters, barring a few respectable ones, have a bad name among musicians and agents. "They do not take India seriously because we are known for bringing aged icons, who play here as a stop-gap arrangement. Getting an icon to exclusively play here is very difficult."

Sabbas Joseph, director of Wizcraft, recollects the time he brought Michael Jackson to Mumbai. He says, "The challenges we remin bog - gling, the logistics, security, licenses and red tape left u s drained. Anevent like this need smassive manpower and funds . And one can only succeed withthor - ough profess i o n a l - ism."
If Joseph today prefers to steer clear of live music concerts and concentrate more on other events, red tape is to be blamed. "More than three months of groundwork is required for an event with 40,000-50,000 capacity. Even then, the authorities have the might to pull the plug at the final minute," he says. In 1996, when Venkat Vardhan, MD, DNA Networks got Yanni to India play in the backdrop of the Taj Mahal, he had to face a set of challenges that would have any promoter bite the dust. More than a decade later, things haven't changed much for Vardhan.

"There are too many deterrents — nods multiple government authorities, lack of infrastructure, security threats, and most important, lowpriced tickets," says Vardhan. John Simidian, executive producer of F1 Rocks, who has been promoting metal gigs across the world at Grand Prix events is in talks with Metallica, Black Eyed Peas and Beyonce to perform in Delhi during India's first ever F1 race. "After several big cities across the globe, I'm ready to take up the challenge of staging a world class act in Delhi."

For live concerts, the profits depend largely on ticket sales. Say, a Rolling Stone gig would cost roughly 2.5 million dollars. In that case, the promoter would depend largely on ticket sales for profits, which come only when tickets are priced at 5,000 onwards. Vardhan elaborates, "In the West, a ticket for an A-list star is priced at 100 dollar onwards. Our tickets for international acts range from 1,500 - 2,000, which hardly cover costs. To top it all, there's heavy taxation and even artistes are not spared." Promoters say that corporate sponsorship is essential to organise major shows in India. Siddharth Menon, events manager at Rock Street Journal (RSJ), says, "India is a brilliant market in terms of music. Today, there are takers of blues, jazz, orchestra... heavy metal bands have almost godly status here. International bands are willing to slash prices to come and play here, but the government does not openly support such endeavours."

According to the Indian Music Industry (IMA), Bollywood music covers 71 per cent while devotional music covers 21 per cent of the Indian music market. For other music, people prefer to borrow a CD or download music rather than buy it. RSJ's Menon says a main criterion for a top star to perform in a particular country is to go by his/her number of record sales. "When Meshuggah, a popular metal band from Sweden, were invited to perform at RSJ's Great Indian Rock Fest, they promptly checked their record sales here and were quite dismayed," says Menon.

From jazz to ballet, the emerging global Indian has a taste for all the good things in life. But tragedy is that he's not willing to pay to get a fine taste of global culture. Explaining the
mentality, Ahir Bhairab

Barthakur, Indian correspondent of Billboard, says, "There is no dearth of starcrazed fans here. From flying down to a particular city to watch their idol perform and losing jobs in the process to shelling out a month's salary for premium seats, music fans here are just like any in the rest of the world. But as we grow, we seem to be turning more inwards. The global Indian is more aware of the finer nuances of culture, yet he'd spend more for a Bollywood night than, say, an Elton John performance." Does it call us a musically challenged state? Take note.

Tamil Movie Chennai 28 II Innings partners with TrendLoud for innovative FB promotion

When you think Facebook, you think likes, shares and comments. What if Facebook became synonymous with driving audiences to the theaters? The pulse of social media has made it mandatory for every brand and product to own the digital space and that’s precisely what Chennai 28 II Innings has achieved in just one week.

Chennai 600028 was a cult movie based on India’s most favorite sport – Cricket, which took the cine landscape by storm.  Also, it is the first franchise to make the sequel to the original story. The highlight of Chennai 28 II Innings is that it takes advantage of engaging their fans and meeting their high expectations even before the release of the movie.

Chennai 28 II Innings has become the first South Indian movie to let fans get their DPs framed on Facebook by associating with TrendLoud, a digital media company that believes in collaborating with platforms instead of using them as a vehicle. The campaign began last week of November and so far, social media numbers suggest that 16 Million people have been reached;  60,000 people have framed their DP in support of the movie  and the movie official page likes have increased to 5 lacs. Director and producer Mr.Venkat Prabhu , Composer Mr.Yuvan Shan and the cast are also engaging in a LIVE Meet & Greet with fans at Facebook HQ, Hyderabad on December 1st, 4 pm .

Venkat Prabhu says that “Social media decides whether the movie is a hit or a miss. We want to connect with the audience personally from the beginning. Thanks to TrendLoud who came out with their out-of-  -the- box thinking and made it happen in the most craziest way.

Mr. Chidambaram, the CEO of TrendLoud shares “What usually takes a 45 day arc in social media has been accomplished in a week and this has been possible because of having Facebook as a partner rather than just a promotional tool. And also, the cast and crew of the movie are extremely active on social media and savvy at using its many features.”

Elaborating on this, we come to understand that instead of investing money on unscrupulous or inorganic means, one can get associated with digital marketing companies like TrendLoud who can take promotions to the next level.

ABBA Tribute Band performance at Phoenix Marketcity, Chennai

ABBA Tribute Band performance at Phoenix Marketcity, Velachery in Chennai

At ABBA Gold’s tribute concert, it rained music throughout the evening

 

Waterloo may have spelt defeat for the French Army but Swedish Band ABBA’s ‘Waterloo’ catapulted them into the limelight, winning the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest and launching them as a band whose notes linger around the world. And though it has been over forty years since the young, vibrant quartet met their Waterloo, their music continues to be played, adapted and listened to, spurring the formation of numerous tribute bands all over the world.

“The music of ABBA is timeless — catchy, pretty, pop songs that tell a story and can be sung along to,” says Karen Graham (Agnetha) of ABBA Gold, an International ABBA Tribute Band that performed at Phoenix Market City on Sunday. “Everyone knows at least one ABBA song. From toddlers to grandmothers, they all know the words and love singing along with us when we perform,” she says. Mark Stratton, the drummer who goes by the stage name Thor (“after the Norse God of Thunder, it has nothing to do with ABBA”) adds, “The songs are timeless and cross-generational. People of all ages enjoy it and have lots of fun — it is a testament to how good the songs are.”

And the reaction that the performance garnered was certainly a testament to ABBA’s popularity. Despite the rains that sent people scuttling for cover in the middle of the programme, no one left the venue, choosing instead to huddle under umbrellas or simply stand in the rain, dancing and singing along with the band.

Although ABBA Gold was formed 20 years ago, and they have performed over 2,200 shows to over 2 million audiences, this is their first performance in India. Talking about the genesis of the band, Karen says, “I started with singing in church and then I continued. After singing for a while, I decided to form a tribute band. I conducted auditions for 6-8 months for my ‘Benny, Anni-Frid and Bjorn’ and rehearsed for a year before we actually went out there,” she says adding, “I am a perfectionist and ensure that we practise till we get everything right — the dance routines, the vocals, even the costumes are as close to the real ABBA as possible. We even studied the Swedish accents to get the tone right. I knew I wanted to be the best ABBA tribute band and I think we are. We’ve been really lucky to have made it and be able to tour the world and sing these songs, but I also think we’ve earned the right to sing them,” she says.

Kellie Jayne Vallance (Anni-Frid), says that she doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t listening to ABBA’s songs, “I’ve been with the band for eight years and I’ve loved every moment of it,” she says, adding that though this is their first time in India, they hope to be back soon.

Ralph Anthony Raison (Benny) says, “It was a whirlwind tour — we did three back-to-back shows here — in Bombay, Bangalore and then Chennai. I haven’t seen as much of the country as I wanted to; we just saw a lot of airports,” he laughs. “But we are in talks and will probably come back early next year, hopefully for a longer time,” he adds.

“I really enjoyed performing in India,” says Tobias Scott Boyle (Bjorn), “It was an interesting experience; I didn’t realize how popular ABBA is here.”

While unanimously they may all love ABBA, their favourite ABBA songs differ. ‘Dancing Queen’ is Karen’s favourite, ‘Lay All Your Love on Me’, is Kellie’s and Mark’s, ‘Mamma Mia’ is Toby’s and Ralph swears by ‘Thank you for the Music’.

“Their music evolved with the band and tells the story of their lives. That is why it is so special,” smiles Karen.

6 Stunning All-Girl Indian Bands That Effortlessly Kick Ass!

Many don’t know but all-girl bands are on the rise in India. It’s hard to handpick from a trend that’s imploding with talent, but here’s our compilation of 6 of the best all-girl bands that are taking the nation by storm. 

1. Minute of Decay

A pop-rock band by genre, Minute of Decay is a band that was formed by three sisters in the latter half 2011. Their belief that the unavoidable fate of man is what leads him to places is something that devised their band name. Hailing from Manipur, the band currently resides in Delhi and draws inspirations from classic rock like Led Zeppelin and Simon and Garfunkel, funk rock and a few lessons from their parents. Buy the debut EP Finding Betsy HERE.

2. The Vinyl Records

Catering to the post-punk vibe of sounds, The Vinyl Records are a four-member band that hail from Arunachal Pradesh but are currently residing in New Delhi. The band, which was formed by Banu, Minam and Mithy, have performed at the Ziro Festival of Music, NH7 Weekender, Go MAD and many other festivals. You can buy their debut EP Whims HERE. Watch the music video for their single “Ready Set Go” HERE.

3. Color Chaos

A relatively new and silent band on the national gig circuit, Color Chaos’ acoustic fusion is one to watch out for. Although the local folks of Chennai would’ve definitely spotted this band’s busking sessions and live performances. Watch them do an acoustic cover of the Alanis Morissette single “Hand In My Pocket” from their initial days HERE.

4. Tetseo Sisters

Another all-sister collective, Tetseo Sisters (even the name says so) is a four-member band from Kohima, Nagaland that adapts and interprets powerful Chakhesang tribal music that they’ve inherited. Dressed in their traditional Naga attire, the band aims to maintain and uphold the folk heritage of Nagaland in the form of their breathtaking music. Listen to their single “Jingle Bells”HERE. 

5. Afflatus

Formed in 2004, this four-member outfit hails from Shillong and believes in divine inspiration for their music. Drawing a lot of inspiration from Gospel music, the band outlines its traditional beliefs with sounds of smooth alt rock riffs. Listen their single “Testimony” HERE.

6. Genesis of Pink

Sikkim’s all-girl band Genesis of Pink is one that believes in versatility of music that’s born out of creativity. Accompanied by a dance crew, this band spells jaunty pop-punk rock in every note. Listen to their single “Who Are You” HERE.

MICHAEL JACKSON 'LIVED IN FILTH AND URINATED ON THE FLOOR', CLAIM MAIDS

Staff at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch have spoken out about the bizarre behaviour of the King Of The Pop in his home - claiming that he 'lived in filth' and 'urinated on the floor. 

Two anonymous former maids at the complex have given a new interview to the New York Post, where they describe the Thriller star as "the dirtiest, most unsanitary person in Hollywood".

"Michael sometimes ran around where the animals were, and he’d track... Poop throughout the house and think nothing of it," said anonymous maid No.1. "Then, if you said something, he’d threaten to make doo-doo snowballs and throw it at you."

A second maid recalled an instance after TV host Oprah visited the house in 1993, adding: "He literally peed on the floor of the entryway, right where you saw Oprah walk in. It was surreal. He just stood there, unzipped his trousers and watered the floor."

Another maid then said that the King Of Pop's behaviour began to turn after he was first publicly accused of child molestation by Jordan Chandler, 13, the same year.

"His whole life changed after 1993 when he had to pay that boy off," they said. "I’m telling you, he was the dirtiest, most unsanitary person in Hollywood."

Meanwhile, new allegations of sexual abuse against children have been made against the late Jackson. James Safechuck, 36, claims that Jackson abused him when he was 10-years-old, when he was working with the singer on a Pepsi advert.

Below: How Michael Jackson's legacy has been trashed since his death