Classic Rock round-up

Bruce Springsteen has contributed to the liner notes to the new Raspberries live album, called Live On Sunset Strip. Springsteen wrote in part, "...they are THE great underrated power pop masters. Their best records are as fun and sound as fresh today as when they were released. Soaring choruses, Beach Boys harmonies over crunchy Who guitars, lyrics simultaneously innocent, lascivious, and all about sex, sex, sex continue to make an unbeatable combination."

The Raspberries Live On Sunset Strip, which is the band's first new collection in 33 years, will be released on July 31st.

Jackson Browne recently performed a sunrise concert in Masada, Israel with Israeli guitarist/singer David Broz for an upcoming PBS special. The one-hour special, which also featured an appearance by Shawn Colvin, will air sometime in December.

Mark Knopfler's next solo album, Kill To Get Crimson, hits U.S. stores on September 18th. According to his website, he may play some live shows in support of the 12-track set. In related news, he's re-recorded Dire Straits' Brothers In Arms for release as a charity download to benefit the South Atlantic Medal Association, which represents veterans of the 1980's Falkland Islands war.

The curiously named Punkin Pie, a supposed friend of Lana Clarkson, was called to the stand on Monday (July 16th) by the defense in the Phil Spector murder trial. She testified that two weeks before Clarkson was found shot to death at Spector's mansion, she was snubbed by director Michael Bay at a party and she sobbed, "I hate this town and I don't want to be here anymore." The defense attempted to portray this as a suicidal comment, inferring that "here" meant Earth, not Hollywood as they spin the case as a suicide, rather than a murder. Although Punkin Pie has been described as ditzy, she also seemed a trustworthy and sincere witness.

Original Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley is part of the Dunkin' Donuts campaign, America Runs On Dunkin', which is directed by actor/screenwriter/director/producer Zach Braff. The spot features Frehley awkwardly attempting to do everyday tasks, while regular folks due the same tasks with ease. "By casting the celebrity in a role that pokes fun at their public persona, we are taking a unique approach with these ads," said Robert Rodriguez, Dunkin' Donuts brand president. "The celebrities have been great sports in allowing themselves to be portrayed this way, so therefore we can highlight the everyday women and men who keep this country running as celebrities in their own right." Frehley promotes Dunkin' Donuts Iced Tea, supermodel Naomi Campbell promotes Dunkin' Donuts Iced Latte, and other celebrity spots will debut later this year.

Poison singer Bret Michaels' new reality series, Rock of Love With Bret Michaels, has been a huge ratings hit for VH1. In the show, 20 women compete for his affection by passing various challenges. Winners of the challenges get to live the rock and roll life with him, while others will get booted out of his VIP world. At the end of the 10-part "Celebreality" series, one super rocker chick will win the ultimate all-access pass when she becomes Bret's girl.
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