Billy Dukes

John Lennon’s Killer, Mark David Chapman, Denied Parole
For the seventh time since being convicted of killing John Lennon, Mark David Chapman has been denied parole. The New York Department of Corrections announced the ruling this morning, meaning the man who shot the Beatle on December 8, 1980 will serve at least two more years in jail.

Rare Beatles Album Sells For Five Figures
A rare edition of the first Beatles album to be released in the United States has just sold for slightly under $15K at auction on eBay. A private collector paid $14,999 for an “Ad-Back” copy of ‘Introducing … the Beatles’ in an auction that ended on July 12.

‘Jimi Hendrix: The Ultimate Lyric Book’ Announced
The family-operated company that controls the late Jimi Hendrix‘s music and image is releasing a 304-page hardcover book featuring photos and the handwritten lyrics from the legendary guitarist. According to the publisher Backbeat Books, the book will be released on Nov. 13.

Janis Joplin Biopic Casts Lead Role, Announces Filming Schedule
It’s taken producer Peter Newman over a decade to bring the sad final months of Janis Joplin‘s life to the big screen, but now it seems he’ll get his chance. Deadline announced that ‘Joplin,’ a film focused on the singer’s last six months, will begin filming early next year and star Tony Award winning actress Nina Arianda.

Ringo Starr Says Second Generation Reincarnation of the Beatles Won’t Happen
Three of the four sons of famous Beatles are willing to team up to honor their dads. James McCartney — son of Paul – had suggested the possibility earlier this year, adding that Sean Lennon and Dhani Harrison were fond of the idea.

Rolling Stones Update Logo for 50th Anniversary
With less than three weeks remaining until the official 50th anniversary of the Rolling Stones‘ first concert, the band has revealed a new version of their classic logo.

Joe Perry on Aerosmith: ‘I Have No Idea How it Works’
Steven Tyler and Joe Perry‘s relationship is one of rock’s great wonders, but the pair have managed to pull it together once again in time for Aerosmith to release new music and tour this summer. When asked about the oft-contentious relationship, Perry tells the Boston Herald he’s as puzzled as fans and critics.

Aerosmith Album Rumored to Include Carrie Underwood Duet
At this point it’s only a rumor that country star Carrie Underwood recently dipped into a recording studio to cut vocals for the upcoming Aerosmith album, but it’s a rumor with a little sizzle.

Kiss Hires War Veteran For Road Crew
After a two months search that included over 1900 applicants, Gene Simmons and Kiss have their hero. As part of the Hiring Our Heroes campaign, the band hired Paul Jordan, a 27-year military veteran, to work on their road crew this summer, surprising him with the news on yesterday’s ‘Today’ show.

Guns N’ Roses Deny Hiring Models to Fill Front Row
On Monday, a story in the U.K.’s Daily Record claimed Axl Rose contacted a model agency to hire 20 women to fill the front row of Friday’s Guns N’ Roses concert in Glasgow. It’s a claim the band is now denying. Guitarist Bumblefoot says if the women show up in the crowd and backstage, he’s not going to complain, but it wasn’t the band that requested them.