Alicia Keys The Queen Picked Out My Set List!!! ... Defends 'Empire State Of Mind' Performance

Published

Alicia Keys is setting the record straight about her song choice at the Queen's Platinum Jubliee -- saying her NYC-based hit wasn't her pick -- it was the Queen's.

Alicia's been facing some backlash ever since performing "Empire State Of Mind" at Queen Elizabeth's royal ceremony on Saturday, with many thinking the song serves no purpose at an English bash ... but she says she was only giving the 96-year-old Royal what she wanted.

She posted some BTS videos from her big performance on Instagram Tuesday, showing how the whole thing went down.

The clip shows her 11-year-old son Egypt saying, "You can't refuse the Queen. It's against the law here!" She even wrote on her IG caption, "FYI: Every song was requested personally by the Queen ... Even EMPIRE!!"

Of course, fans of both Alicia and the royal family were confused when she sang her classic song about New York for the festivities overseas ... one even tweeted about the odd choice, saying "why the hell were American entertainers even invited."

Bottom line -- QE2's got a great taste for music ... don't question her!!!

Bon Jovi Bassist Alec John Such Asked Friend for Help Before Death ... Died of Natural Causes

Published

Alec John Such, the original bassist for Bon Jovi, knew something was wrong in the hours leading up to his death, asking a friend for help in the middle of the night, TMZ has learned.

It was around 2:15 AM Saturday when Alec woke up at his South Carolina home to use the bathroom. On his way back to bed, Alec called out to a friend who was staying with him, the friend helped Alec get back into bed and then left the room, when the friend came back later to check on John, he was dead ... according to Tamara Willard, Chief Deputy Coroner for Horry County.

We're told EMS was called to the scene and performed life-saving measures but couldn't revive Alec. It's believed he died of natural causes ... no accident or foul play is suspected.

As we've reported, Jon Bon Jovi announced the tragic news Sunday ... saying he was heartbroken about Such's passing. As Jon noted, Alec was largely responsible for Bon Jovi coming together in the first place and introducing everyone from the very beginning.

Alec played with the band from 1983 through 1994, including their heyday. And, of course ... he contributed to many of their big hits. He ended up leaving BJ in the '90s, but rejoined them for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

He was just 70.

Bon Jovi Original Bassist Alec John Such Dead at 70

Published | Updated

Alec John Such — the original bassist for Bon Jovi — has died.

Jon made the announcement Sunday, writing … “He was an original. As a founding member of Bon Jovi, Alec was integral to the formation of the band.”

He adds that Alec was also, by and largely responsible for Bon Jovi coming together in the first place — mentioning how he was friends with Tico Torres and Richie Sambora at the time and introduced everyone.

JBJ says the memories bring a smile to his face and a "tear to my eye." No details about the circumstances of his death were released.

As Jon noted, Alec was there since the beginning — he played with Bon Jovi from 1983 through 1994, including their heyday. He contributed to hits like "Livin' On a Prayer," "You Give Love a Bad Name," "Wanted Dead or Alive," "Bad Medicine," and "Keep the Faith," among many others.

While he departed from the band in the '90s, Such rejoined them for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

He was 70.

RIP

Metro Boomin Mother Killed by Husband Near ATL Who Kills Himself Afterward

Published | Updated

Metro Boomin is in the throes of a horrific family tragedy -- he's lost his mother at the hands of her husband, who took his own life thereafter ... TMZ has learned.

The producer -- who's cranked out hits for Future, Young Thug, Gucci Mane, Migos, Travis Scott, Drake, Kanye West and 21 Savage, just to name a few -- received the tragic news this weekend after his mother's body was discovered by cops just outside of the Atlanta area.

Sources connected to the investigation tell TMZ ... MB's mom, Leslie Joanne Wayne, appears to have been murdered by her spouse -- not Metro's father -- who then killed himself. We're told this happened Friday night, but further details are hazy.

An autopsy will be conducted for an official cause of death. Metro's rep confirms Leslie died this weekend -- adding that he and his family request privacy during this difficult time.

Leslie raised Boomin and his 3 siblings in St. Louis. Word is, she was one of the first people to notice her son's musical talents ... and encouraged him to pursue his passion through adolescence and early adulthood. She'd even drive him from STL to Atlanta so he could collaborate with artists he was connecting with, all in hopes of getting his career started.

She and her boy were incredibly close -- even when Metro achieved international stardom, she was always at the forefront of his mind.

RIP

Johnny Depp Mobbed by Fans After Manchester Concert

Published | Updated

Johnny Depp was in Beatles territory Saturday night -- both in geography and reception -- as fans mobbed him in Manchester following his latest concert.

Johnny performed again with Jeff Beck at the Manchester 02 Apollo. Of course, fans inside went wild, cheering their approval over his stunning courtroom victory against Amber Heard.

Outside the venue, Johnny was mobbed. Fans were shouting, screaming their support as they tried to get a coveted selfie or even a John Hancock from the "Sleepy Hollow'" star.

One thing's for sure ... Johnny was loving it, as he interacted with fans in a very loud shirt!

He was wearing a bracelet that said it all ... "INNOCENT."

060422_johnny_depp_kal 6/3/22
HERO'S WELCOME!

Johnny's been in the UK for a week now. As you know, he missed the verdict, although he certainly celebrated and continues to celebrate his win.

It's interesting ... Johnny has said the jury gave him his life back, and a big part of his life has been music. In fact, when Johnny came to Hollywood, his goal was to become a rock star, not an actor. He kinda fell into the acting thing.

TMZ has prepared a documentary on the Depp/Heard relationship, the trial and their futures ... which will air on Fox Network Tuesday at 9 PM ET. It's Called Depp vs. Heard: From Love to Hate."

Queen's Jubilee Elton, Diana, Alicia Perform at Splashy Concert ... What's the deal with "Empire State of Mind?"

Published

Queen Elizabeth's Jubilee celebration was epic Saturday night ... with the likes of Elton John, Diana Ross, Alicia Keys, Duran Duran and other awesome acts.

Queen E wasn't there for the festivities ... seems like she's been struggling since the first day, missing most events.

Nevertheless, Buckingham Palace was rocking during the Platinum Party, which celebrates the UK's offerings to fashion, sports, music and the environment.

There was also a skit with Paddington the Bear!!!

BTW ... Harry and Meghan were nowhere to be seen. They say they're spending the day celebrating Lilibet's first birthday, but that doesn't make a whole lot of sense to miss an event like this if they flew to England for all the festivities. Besides, it was at night so you'd think the kid would be asleep.

Queen -- with Adam Lambert fronting -- performed "We Are the Champions." It was inspiring enough for William, Kate and the kids to waive the Union Jack flags.

Elton performed a pre-recorded, "Your Song," and the crowd loved it. He wasn't able to be there in person because he's touring, but people loved it nonetheless.

The only weird thing ... Alicia Keys sang "Empire State of Mind" ... maybe a little too American for the Queen's Jubilee. The crowd was less confused when she sang "Superwoman" and "Girl on Fire."

And then there's Diana Ross, who said, "I have had the honor of meeting The Queen many times throughout my life, including when I was with my family." She went on ... "Her Majesty has and continues to be such an incredible inspiration to so many across the world. I was absolutely delighted to receive an invitation to perform on such a momentous and historic occasion." And then she performed a few songs, ending with "Ain't No Mountain High Enough."

The staging was also spectacular. Great evening!

Camila Cabello Orange You Glad I Wore a 2-Piece??? Steamin' on Italian Coast

Published | Updated

Camila Cabello is doing her European vacation right -- the sun's out, as are her buns ... and she couldn't look any better in that combo.

The singer's been in Italy these past several days, enjoying a little R&R off of the Amalfi Coast with what seems to be her family. During a boat ride this past week, she busted out a bright orange 2-piece bikini and showed off her rockin' bod while on the high seas.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Of course, she's stunning ... and it's good to see she's totally comfortable in her own skin -- this after she opened up about being self-conscious at times with paps crawling around.

You might recall ... CC revealed she has, in the past, been overly concerned with other people's views and comments on her body -- adopting their way of thinking instead of just accepting herself as she was. Since then, she's done a 180 ... and wears whatever she likes.

Well, for what it's worth ... we like what she's wearing too, because she's quite radiant here.

Camila's been enjoying the single life lately -- this after splitting with Shawn Mendes -- and has been busy with her own career. She just opened the UEFA Champions League Final last week (to much fanfare, good and bad) and seems to be cooking up new music as well.

Priscilla Presley Elvis Ban in Vegas Chapels ... It Wasn't My Idea!!!

Published

Priscilla Presley, the ex-wife of Elvis, says she wasn't in on any convos leading up to the recent booting of impersonators from Las Vegas wedding chapels ... in fact, it's all news to her.

We got Priscilla in WeHo as she was leaving The Ivy, and she made it as clear as she could -- "That has nothing to do with me."

PP actually looked pretty shook up (sorry, had to do it) when our photog told her what was going on, like she was unaware of the corporate decision.

As we've been reporting ... Authentic Brands Group, which handles all licensing of Elvis' likeness and merchandise, fired off cease and desist letters to Las Vegas wedding chapels last month -- warning them about unauthorized uses of "The King."

Luckily, it seems Priscilla and Elvis impersonators -- who are understandably stressed -- might not have much to worry about. ABG released a follow-up statement Friday, calling the entire thing a miscommunication.

They apologized their talks with "a small number of Las Vegas-based chapels" caused concern, and say they are actively working with them to make sure Elvis' name, image and likeness are keeping up with his legacy.

Good. No more suspicious minds at ABG, we hope.

Elvis Pulls Outta Vegas Wedding Chapels!!! Licensing Co. Clamps Down

Published | Updated

Sorry, impulsive lovebirds -- looking at you Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker -- you're gonna have to help falling in love without Elvis Presley, because corporate is blocking those famous Las Vegas chapels from using his image.

In a move that's gotta have the Vegas wedding biz all shaken up ... Authentic Brands Group is playing the Scrooge, if you will, of love. The company, which handles all licensing for the Elvis estate, fired off cease and desist letters last month to all Vegas chapels.

Make no mistake, quickie nuptials are big money makers for Sin City -- generating about $2 billion each year -- and city officials say "The King" plays a role in a significant number of those ceremonies.

Just ask the newlywed Mr. and Mrs. Barker ... who threw their own Elvis-themed "wedding" back in April. Yes, it turned out they did it just for the pics -- a sort of dry run for their actual wedding(s) -- and the camp of it all, but you get the point. Who doesn't love Elvis-hosted love???

The answer is, apparently, Authentic Brands Group ... which basically said it's now or never for the chapels to knock off all unauthorized use of "Presley's name, likeness, voice image, and other elements" of The King's persona because all of that stuff is trademarked.

If you're wondering ... any Elvis-themed stage productions are still in the clear -- live performances with impersonators are protected under Nevada's right of publicity law.

But, for now, the wedding chapels are more like heartbreak hotels for Elvis-loving couples.

BTS Hit White House Press Briefing Talk Anti-Asian Hate

Published | Updated

The biggest band in the world is inside one of the most famous residences ... all in the name of stopping anti-Asian hate.

The K-pop supergroup addressed members of the media during Tuesday's White House press briefing Tuesday to put a spotlight on the troubling rise of anti-Asian hate crimes and the importance of Asian inclusion and diversity.

During the briefing, BTS thanked President Biden for the chance to speak on the issues and for reminding them how important their voice can be as artists. May 31 marks the last day of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander heritage month.

The group was also scheduled to have a closed meeting with President Biden in the Oval Office to discuss hate crimes targeting Asians in the U.S. -- which also comes on the heels of Biden's first trip to Asia as President.

As you know, President Biden has been outspoken about addressing the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes since the start of the pandemic. Last year, he signed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law.

Johnny Depp Night 2 With Jeff Beck at Royal Albert Hall Seems Unbothered As He Awaits Jury Verdict

Published | Updated
053122_johnny_depp_guitar_kal 5/30/22
JOHNNY AND JEFF JAM OUT

Johnny Depp now has something in common with The Beatles -- they have both played the famed Royal Albert Hall in England.

Johnny hit the stage Monday for the second night in a row with Jeff Beck ... this, as he awaits a verdict in his defamation lawsuit against Amber Heard.

Beck and Johnny have a years-long connection. In introducing his bud, Beck said, "He came knocking on my dressing room door about five years ago and we haven't stopped laughing since."

They repeated the songs they sang together the night before in Sheffield ... John Lennon's "Isolation," Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing," Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On," and The Beatles' "A Day In The Life."

As for whether the crowd loved it ... well, there were several standing O's.

It's not clear yet, but it's almost certain Johnny winged his way back to the U.S., where he can be near as a jury in Virginia decides who wins and who loses. The implications are huge and could determine if Johnny and/or Amber will have a career in the aftermath.

Johnny Depp What, Me Worry?!? Rocks Out at Jeff Beck Concert

Published | Updated

Johnny Depp is not sitting at home anxiously waiting for the jury to decide his fate ... he's rocking out in England, and one of the songs has a title at the heart of the trial.

Johnny hit the stage with Jeff Beck in Sheffield England Sunday. Beck's touring the U.K. and Johnny made a surprise appearance, and the crowd went wild.

Depp joined Beck for their 2020 collab, "Isolation." But, the ironic moment ... they covered Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On." Slap a question mark on the title, and that's precisely what the jury is deciding.

They also performed Hendrix's "Little Wing."

There's a buzz Johnny might perform Monday and Tuesday night with Beck at the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London, but a Tuesday performance seems improbable. The jury is deliberating that day and could reach a verdict, and given the drama and Johnny's commitment to the trial, it's almost certain he wants to be in position in case there's a decision.

Depp died his hair for the performance ... it's much lighter than how he appeared in court.

As he testified, he came to Hollywood expecting to be a musician, which is his passion. He formed an epic band back in 2015, the Hollywood Vampires, with Alice Cooper and they frequently played at the Rainbow Bar & Grill on the Sunset Strip.

Jury deliberations start again Tuesday.

Master P Daughter Tytyana Dead at 29

Published | Updated

Master P is mourning the death of his daughter, Tytyana Miller.

The 52-year-old rapper took to social media Sunday night to announce his 29-year-old daughter had passed away.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

"Our family is dealing with an overwhelming grief for the loss of my daughter Tytyana," Master P wrote on Instagram. "We respectfully request some privacy so that our family can grieve. We appreciate all of the prayers love and support."

He continued ... "Mental illness & substance abuse is a real issue that we can't be afraid to talk about. With God, we will get through this. #MyAngel."

Master P's son, and Tytyana's older brother, Romeo Miller also took to Instagram to mourn her death.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

"Our family is dealing with an overwhelming grief for the loss of my little sister Tytyana. We respectfully request some privacy so that our family can grieve."

He went on ... "We appreciate all of the prayers, love, and support, and although this is sad times, I'm forever grateful for the memories I did have with my amazing sister. Love on your loved ones, life is short. The silver lining, I know she's in a way better place and finally at peace and free. God Bless. - RM"

The cause of death has not been revealed.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... paramedics got an emergency call around 2:30 AM Saturday and responded to a home in the San Fernando Valley. It appears she was pronounced dead on scene -- she was not taken to a hospital.

Tytyana is one of MP's middle children -- she's also one of 4 daughters.

She's been featured on the family's reality show, "Growing Up Hip Hop," and her struggles with substance abuse have been well-documented ... including a dramatic moment where Romeo and P were encouraging her to enter rehab.

As for Tytyana, she had pursued an acting career, and appeared in "A Mother's Choice."

Tytyana was 29.

RIP

Bob Dylan Lyrics For 2 Iconic Songs Up For $ale

Published

Two pieces of music history are hitting the open market ... the lyric sheets to a pair of Bob Dylan's most famous tracks ... and they're gonna cost six or seven figures!!!

The folks over at Moments In Time are selling Bob's original handwritten lyrics to his 1965 hits "Like a Rolling Stone" and "Mr. Tambourine Man."

The lyric sheet for 'Rolling Stone' carries a price tag of $1,375,000 ... while the words to 'Tambourine Man' are going to cost $425,000. So ya gotta have some pretty deep pockets.

Bob scribbled the lyrics on parchment ... and you can see a few of his original edits ... plus some cool doodles. Looks like he was feeling the song titles. FYI ... "Rolling Stone" magazine named 'Rolling Stone' the song as the single greatest song of all time. In 2021, the mag downgraded 'Rolling Stone' to #4, with "Respect" getting the top spot.

While both songs dropped way back in '65, they were featured on two different albums. 'Rolling Stone' was on "Highway 61 Revisited," while 'Tambourine Man' was on "Bringing It All Back Home."

We're told Bob's camp sold the lyric sheets to a collector over a decade ago ... and now they're going up for sale to the public ... or at least to those with enough funds to afford Bob's art.

Paul McCartney Showing Support for Johnny Depp??? Plays Clip of Him at Concert

Published | Updated

Paul McCartney either took a position in the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard saga -- possibly a pro-JD one -- OR ... he's just playing a tune/music video that happens to feature the guy.

Macca performed in Orlando Saturday at the Camping World Stadium -- just one of his many stops on the 'Got Back' tour he's on right now -- and at one point in the show ... he started performing his track "My Valentine," the visual treatment for which has a Depp cameo.

Check out this video, obtained by TMZ, showing PMC crooning on the piano, while an interesting image pops up on the jumbo screens flanking the stage -- it's Johnny strumming the guitar, opposite Natalie Portman ... who's also featured in Paul's 2012 music video.

We're told that when Johnny first showed up in front of everyone ... the whole stadium lost it and cheered. Paul didn't say anything to address it -- he just carried on playing -- but we're told there's no doubt the feeling in the room was that he'd done it on purpose.

There've been reports Paul has actually been using this song and visual treatment throughout his tour this year ... which just happened to coincide with the trial. Word is ... Paul has actually used this visual treatment on stage in tours past, so it could much ado about nothing.

Still, on the face of it... it would appear he deliberately chose to have this on his set list now, and to have Depp cameo. And if that's true, you could certainly argue he's Team Johnny.

Not to go too far down this rabbit hole here -- BUT ... some online have also made some interesting comparisons between Johnny's sitch and Paul's own once upon a time. For those who remember, he went through a nasty divorce with Heather Mills ... who accused him at the time of some pretty awful stuff, which kinda echoes what JD's been accused of himself.

Anyway, this is just one more very public vote of confidence for Johnny -- or so it seems.

NRA Benefit Concert The Show Will Not Go On ... Country Music Star Says

Published | Updated

The National Rifle Association is scrapping its benefit concert in Texas ... with performers dropping out left and right, the show will NOT go on.

Country music star Jacob Bryant was the only remaining act for the NRA concert in Houston, which was scheduled for the organization's annual conference, and he announced Friday the show has been axed.

Jacob made the announcement on Twitter as he was being pressured on social media to join the ranks of other performers who dropped out in the wake of this week's tragic mass shooting at a Texas elementary school.

As we reported ... the first domino was "American Pie" singer Don McLean, who decided the day after the Uvalde school shooting, which claimed the lives of 19 students and 2 teachers, he would not perform on the NRA stage. Don said it would be disrespectful to perform.

Next, "Broken Lady" singer Larry Gatlin pulled out Thursday, saying he could not perform at an NRA event in good conscious, saying he supports the 2nd amendment but wants background checks for gun purchases.

Jacob was the last man standing after T. Graham Brown, Lee Greenwood and Larry Stewart followed suit ... and it appears the hammer came down Thursday, though there has yet to be official word from the NRA.

The Uvalde shooting happened about 280 miles away from the NRA's convention, which is now also the site of mass protests.