newsmakers

newsmakers

Final album of music by Hendrix released

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

Jimi Hendrix recorded everything. More than 40 years after his death, though, the tape is finally running out.

“People, Hell & Angels,” which was released Tuesday, will be the last album of Hendrix’s unreleased studio material, according to Eddie Kramer, the engineer who recorded most of Hendrix’s music during his brief but spectacular career. That ends a four-decade run of posthumous releases by an artist whose legacy remains as vital and vibrant now as it was at the time of his death.

“Jimi utilized the studio as a rehearsal space,” Kramer said. “That’s kind of an expensive way of doing things, but thank God he did.”

The 12 tracks on “People, Hell & Angels” were recorded in 1968-69 after the Jimi Hendrix Experience disbanded. There’s a changeable roster of backing musicians, including Buddy Miles and Billy Cox, who would briefly become Hendrix’s Band of Gypsies. Stephen Stills, recently of Buffalo Springfield, even popped up on bass on one track.

Czech court clears rocker for fan’s death

PRAGUE

A court has acquitted the frontman of a U.S. heavy-metal band of causing a teenage fan’s death at a concert in the Czech Republic.

Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe was charged in December in Prague with causing bodily harm to another person with lethal consequences. Blythe was accused of pushing the 19-year-old man from the stage during a 2010 concert at Prague’s Abaton club.

The man later died of a head injury. Blythe pleaded not guilty.

Jepsen drops Scouts event over gay rights

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

Carly Rae Jepsen is canceling her performance at the Boy Scouts of America Jamboree because of the Scouts’ exclusion of gays.

Jepsen said Tuesday on Twitter that “as an artist who believes in equality for all people” she’s pulling out of the July gathering in West Virginia. The event, which takes place every four years, is expected to draw more than 45,000.

Rock band Train also warned that it won’t appear unless the organization stops barring participation by gay Scouts or adult leaders.

Hawaii Senate to vote on Steven Tyler Act

HONOLULU

The Hawaii state Senate plans to vote on a bill aimed at protecting celebrities and other public figures from unwanted media attention.

The so-called Steven Tyler Act would create a civil violation for people who take photos or videos of others’ private moments.

The Aerosmith lead singer is originally from Massachusetts but owns property in Maui. He asked Sen. Kalani English from Maui to introduce the bill after photos of Tyler and his girlfriend made news and caused family drama.

Several celebrities submitted testimony supporting the bill, including Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne and the Osborne family. But national media organizations worry the proposal could limit press freedoms.

Associated Press