Briefly: Concert death, Beck, the Who, the Judds, Taos Solar Music Festival
UNC Charlotte student Ashley Faris, 26, of Waxhaw, N.C., was electrocuted as he walked barefoot on a wet stairway at Charlotte's Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre during a Friday night (6/6) concert by Snoop Dogg and Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Charlotte Observer reported.
Another man was shocked when he tried to help Faris. He reportedly was released from the hospital on Saturday (6/7), and is expected to make a full recovery.
"We are working with local authorities and investigators to determine how the incident took place," venue representatives said in a prepared statement. "The Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre extends heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of the individuals involved in this unfortunate incident."
Beck didn't perform as scheduled during Saturday's (6/7) Field Day Festival at New York's Giants Stadium.
"While watching Blur from the side of the stage Beck was accidentally slammed in the ribs by a local working stage hand," said a posting on Beck's website. "The festival medical crew were very concerned that there may be a broken rib, an injury that could puncture Beck's lung if he were to perform. The medics ordered immediate x-rays at a nearby hospital.
"Fortunately there was nothing broken but Beck was in considerable pain and discomfort. He tried to go back and do something acoustically but the complicated logistics of the festival made it impossible. He sends his sincere apologies to his fans and hopes that despite the weather and his absence they managed to have a fun day at the show."
The Who will release the 2-CD set "Live at the Royal Albert Hall"--the soundtrack to the 2001 DVD of the same name, with two tracks not included on the DVD--on July 22. A limited-edition bonus third CD features four tracks recorded live early in 2002, also at the Royal Albert Hall, during the late bass guitarist/vocalist John Entwistle's last show with the Who.
Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Bryan Adams, Noel Gallagher of Oasis and Paul Weller are among the special guests who appear on the disc.
Proceeds from the concert, DVD and the new CD all benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Nashville's Fan Fair 2003 concluded with a surprise reunion performance by the Judds on Sunday night (6/8). Naomi Judd joined daughter Wynonna for two songs--"Mama He's Crazy" and "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days)."
Harry Belafonte, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Michelle Shocked, William Topley, John Hiatt and the Goners, Hot Tuna, Dar Williams and the Subdudes are among the acts confirmed to appear at New Mexico's Taos Solar Music Festival.
The festival has helped to raise thousands of dollars for the New Mexico Solar Energy Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting solar energy and related sustainable practices, according to organizers. More information is available at the festival's website.
- Artist Links:
Report: The Who to play Super Bowl halftime show [November 2009]
Snoop Dogg Gallery Spotlight: Boston, MA - Nov. 1, 2009 [November 2009]
"Justin Timberlake & Friends" Gallery Spotlight: Las Vegas, NV - Oct. 17, 2009 [October 2009]
Snoop Dogg rolls out more fall dates [October 2009]
Snoop Dogg lines up fall dates in 'Wonderland' [September 2009]
Pete Townshend writing new musical, Who material [August 2009]



































