DON HENLEY, TED NUGENT, STEVEN TYLER: Calls to have them blacklisted
UltraViolet, a women's advocacy group, is calling for Don Henley, Ted Nugent, Steven Tyler and others to be removed from Spotify.
In a letter to CEO Daniel Ek, Executive Director Shaunna Thomas writes:
"Thank you for taking the important first step of removing infamous abusers R. Kelly and XXXTentacion from your official playlists. Your action demonstrates that Spotify is following the lead of black women who demanded that these two men, who have sexually and physically abused women for years, not be promoted and celebrated. On behalf of our one million members, UltraViolet applauds and supports this choice.
"Yet as you know, these two men are not the only abusers on your platform. We implore you to take a deeper look at the artists you promote. Every time a famous individual continues to be glorified despite allegations of abuse, we wrongly perpetuate silence by showing survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence that there will be no consequences for abuse. That has a cultural effect far beyond one individual artist.
"While nowhere near a comprehensive list, here are several abusers or groups of abusers who continue to profit from your promotion:
- Chris Brown
- The Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Nelly
- Eminem
- Don Henley
- Steven Tyler
- Tekashi 6ix9ine
- Ted Nugent
We publish this as an open letter because we hope other platforms like iTunes, Google Play Music and Pandora will continue to follow your lead. Thank you again for your thoughtful consideration."
PATTI SMITH: Close call with fire
Patti Smith had a close call last Friday during Eric Burdon's show at the City Winery in New York, which was his 77th birthday.
As she brought out a cake, Patti's hair brushed across the candles and caught fire. Burdon immediately jumped into action, grabbed the strands of hair and put it out with his bare hands without many noticing what had happened.
KEITH RICHARDS: Trump has to go
Keith Richards, whose primary residence is in Connecticut, has not been a fan of Donald Trump since 1989 -- when The Rolling Stones performed in Atlantic City, New Jersey and when Trump ran a few casinos there.
Keith Richards recalls first not liking Donald Trump back in 1989 during The Rolling Stones Steel Wheels tour:
“When we got to Atlantic City, [it said] Donald Trump Presents… The Rolling Stones [was written] in miniature. We never have much to do with promoters usually, but this one got me. That was the last time I got angry — I pulled out my trusty blade, stuck it in the table and said: 'You've got to get rid of this man', you know. Now America has to get rid of him. Don't say I didn't warn you."
Fast forward 25-plus years later, and Trump once again got under Keith and the Stones' skin when he played “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” at campaign rallies.
The Stones start their European tour Thursday night in Dublin, Ireland.