newsmakers

newsmakers

Apple releases tool to remove free U2 album

NEW YORK

Some iPhone users are not happy that U2’s new album, “Songs of Innocence,” was automatically added to their iTunes music library, free of charge. In response, Apple is releasing a special tool that lets people remove the album from their collections.

U2 played at an Apple event last week that included the unveiling of the iPhone maker’s new smartwatch and updated iPhone models. In a surprise move, the Irish rock band performed at the event and put out its 11-song release.

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that the new album would be given to the company’s 500 million iTunes users. The release showed up in users’ iTunes music libraries. ITunes users took to Twitter to complain and ask how to remove it.

Though it already was possible to delete the album, Apple’s tool makes it possible in one step.

Clooney to receive Cecil B. DeMille Award

LOS ANGELES

George Clooney is sure to take home a trophy at next year’s Golden Globe Awards.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced Monday that the 53-year-old entertainer and activist will receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the ceremony Jan. 11, 2015.

The award is presented annually to an individual who’s made “an incredible impact on the world of entertainment.”

Association president Theo Kingma cited Clooney’s achievements on both sides of the camera and his humanitarian efforts around the world.

Clooney has won two Oscars and four Golden Globes. He’s also been recognized for his efforts to bring attention to atrocities in Darfur and for producing the “Help Haiti Now” telethon to raise money after the devastating earthquake there in 2010.

Kiss raises $1 million for military museum

LAKE OSWEGO, Ore.

The band Kiss shed the makeup and pulled out acoustic guitars to raise money for the renovation of the Oregon Military Museum.

The Oregonian reports the $2,500-a-ticket gala Sunday night in Lake Oswego raised more than $1 million.

The museum is named for the father of lead guitarist Tommy Thayer. He is Brig. Gen. James B. Thayer, now 93, a World War II hero who liberated a Nazi death camp.

The museum is at the Oregon National Guard’s Camp Withycombe in Clackamas. The renovation is expected to cost $15 million, and half has been raised.

Bob Crewe, ‘Walk Like a Man’ writer, dies

NEW YORK

Bob Crewe, co-writer of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and many other pop hits, died last week. He was 83.

Crewe’s brother, Dan Crewe, said Monday in an email that the producer, songwriter and “Jersey Boys” lyricist died Thursday in Scarborough, Maine. The cause of death was unavailable.

Crewe co-wrote a number of memorable but minor hits, including Freddy Cannon’s “Tallahassee Lassie” before helping put together The Four Seasons and meeting future collaborator Bob Gaudio. Songs written by the two helped The Four Seasons define an era in music with radio hits such as “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Rag Doll” and “Ronnie” that not only resonated at the time, but also continue to pop up in film, television and as historic markers for the baby boomer generation.

Associated Press