Led Zeppelin Reunion?

After years of speculation, a Led Zeppelin reunion may soon be more than a dream. Surviving members, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones, along with Jason Bonham, son of the band's deceased drummer John Bonham, are reportedly getting together for a memorial show in honor of Ahmet Ertegun, founder of Atlantic Records. If all goes well with the one-off performance, an entire tour may be in the works.

If Led Zeppelin does reunite for a full-fledged tour, it will be hands-down the hottest ticket of the year. These hard-rock pioneers have always been on the list of "bands you wish you could see before you die but too bad you'll never get too." Well now you just might need to move them over to the list of "bands you have to see even if the closest show is 500 miles away."

Although these type of rumors pop up every couple of years, this one is different in that there is at least one show committed to, which makes kick starting a tour just a little easier. After all, as long as their rehearsing, they might as well keep rehearsing their way around the world.

Internet Radio Day Of Silence

Today thousands of internet radio stations have joined in a "Day Of Silence" to protest increased royalty rates that threaten to drive interenet radio broadcasters out of business. The new rates, effective July 15th, will raise royalty costs more than 250% and eliminate the ability for small web stations to pay royalties as a percentage of total revenue.

The looming rate hike not only threatens to close most internet radio stations, but the remaining broadcasters will become more commercialized in an effort to bear higher costs. On the surface, the increased rates appear to benefit artists. But, if few stations survive, then artists will ultimately recieve less airplay, defeating the purpose entirely.

Today's internet radio provides fans with choice and provides artists with opportunity. But the internet radio of tomorrow may end up sounding a lot like... well, regular old radio. And who wants that?

To learn more more and find out what you can do, click on the link below.

SaveNetRadio.org

The White Stripes - Icky Thump

The White Stripes are back with a rockin' new joint. The band's newest release, Icky Thump, is loud, fun, and addictive. In the first seconds of the opening track, it's apparent that this album is here to rock. But rock's not all you'll find. Jack and Meg take you on little trip to Espana with "Conquest," while "St. Andrew" is a Medieval Scottish folk jig melting into a hit of acid. The band's sound is fuller but The White Stripes' brand of bare-bones rock & roll is still at the core of it all. Standout songs include "Icky Thump," "Rag And Bone" and "I'm Slowly Turning Into You." Grab it below on iTunes (with a bonus track) or amazon.com.

You can catch The Stripes rockin' the house at Berkeley's Greek Theatre on September 21st. (Why does The Greek Theatre get all the good shows? Because it's the best damn venue around!) Tickets are on sale at www.ticketmaster.com.

The White Stripes - Icky Thump

Radiohead, Nearly There

This past week, Radiohead informally announced that the band's long-awaited seventh album is near completion. The following was posted by guitarist Ed O'Brien on www.radiohead.com/deadairspace:

"Yes I know its been a while ..... but we've been working on this album for a while ...... BUT WE ARE NEARLY THERE ....."

Radiohead have been at work on the album off and on for the past two years. The band took a brief break from the recording process last year to tour in support of frontman Thom Yorke's solo album, as well as road test some of the new tunes. Judging by those performances, it seems Radiohead have moved into yet another exciting new direction. Look for the album sometime before the end of 2007. (We hope!)

Beastie Boys Are Back (In Berkeley)

New York's Finest are back with a brand new album and a tour to match. The Beastie Boys forthcoming project, The Mix-Up, will be a strictly instrumental number, e.g. 1996's The In Sound From Way Out! Look out for it June 26 or pre-order below from amazon.com.

You can catch the Boys live at Berkeley's Greek Theatre on Saturday, August 25. (Yes, that's the day after Wilco's performance at the same spot.) Tickets go on sale this Sunday, the 17th, at 10:00AM.

Wilco In Berkeley

Wilco has just rolled out their West Coast Tour Dates. Among them is a stop at Berkeley's Greek Theatre on Friday, August 24th. General Admission tickets go on sale Sunday, June 17 at 10:00 AM.

For those who have not yet heard Wilco's latest album, Sky Blue Sky, it is definitely worth a listen (or ten). Jeff Tweedy & Co. have peeled away the sonic layers of their traditional soundscape to reveal graceful songwriting and beautiful melodies. Certainly one of the top albums of the year, thus far. Check it out below on iTunes or amazon.com.

Wilco - Sky Blue Sky

In The Beginning...

Finally, it’s here! Airbag Radio has arrived. What is Airbag Radio? Airbag Radio is a blog dedicated to music. Here you will soon find album reviews, music news, concert updates and anything else worth making note of. What makes Airbag Radio different? No Bullshit. We at Airbag Radio aren’t here to force our own musical taste upon you. We aren’t here to cultivate an image of elite coolness. We are here to simply share our thoughts and engage in discussion because, just like you, we love music. Thank you for your visit. Check back regularly for new postings.