Live Nation under fire, Walk of Fame Inductees announced, and more

These are your Weekend Notes for June 20, 2020.

An internal memo reveals Live Nation is demanding some major changes for artists it promotes in 2021 and beyond. The memo claims the pandemic has “changed the dynamics of the music industry.” It says the world is in “unprecedented times” and the company and its artists must “adequately account for the shift in market demand, the exponential rise of certain costs and the overall increase of uncertainty that materially affects our mission.”

The memo says that artists’ guarantees — money paid to an artist before performing — will be cut by 20%. Additionally, artists will be required to have insurance. These new guidelines have many accusing Live Nation acting out of corporate greed.

The Judds and Kelly Clarkson top the list of artists receiving stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2021. The announcement was made via a live stream on the Walk of Fame’s Facebook page. Check out The Music Universe dot com for the complete lists of artists in the Walk of Fame class of 2021.

Speaking of Kelly Clarkson, the singer and talk show host shocked fans late last week with news of a divorce. Clarkson filed for divorce from her husband of seven years, Brandon Blackstock. Blackstock is the stepson of country queen Reba McEntire, and also manages Clarkson. In an interview, Clarkson cited the pressures of their professional relationship as the reason for their romantic split.

Motley Crue and Def Leppard have shared their rescheduled tour dates. The 31 date trek with special guests Poison along with Joan Jett & The Blackhearts will now kick off June 19, 2021 in Nashville and wraps September 12th in San Diego.

And finally, an update on a story we brought you last week. After Lady Antebellum changed their name to Lady A due to racial sensitivity, a black blues singer, also named Lady A spoke out. The two Lady A’s met and had a quote “transparent, honest, and authentic conversation” about how to move forward. No word yet on what agreement — if any — has been reached. We will keep you updated.

Also be sure to check out The Music Universe Podcast. Our guest this week is Tracy Byrd.

Matt Bailey
Matt Bailey

Matt Bailey is a media producer currently located in Washington, DC. He has worked as a writer, producer, and host in a variety of mediums including television news, podcasting, daytime television, and live entertainment. He joined The Music Universe in 2016. Since then, Bailey has traveled across the country to review hundreds of concerts and interview some of music's biggest hitmakers. Bailey truly believes in the unifying power of experiencing live music. To reach him, please email matt@themusicuniverse.com.