Jonas brother testifies at FIFA bribery trial about concert

NEW YORK — The United States trial of three former South American soccer officials charged in the FIFA corruption scandal took another odd twist on Thursday with surprise testimony by pop star Kevin Jonas about attending a Paul McCartney show in Argentina.

Prosecutors called the former member of the Jonas Brothers to bolster earlier testimony by a government cooperator that one of the defendants, Juan Angel Napout, had been bribed with pricey McCartney tickets in 2010. The defense had questioned whether the concert ever took place.

Jonas, 30, did not have personal knowledge about Napout or the bribes but confirmed the ex-Beatle had performed at River Plate Stadium two days before a Jonas Brothers show at the same venue, just as prosecutors contended.

“Any time you get to see Paul McCartney it is pretty special,” the onetime teen heartthrob told a jury in federal court in Brooklyn when asked by Assistant US Attorney Kristin Mace how he liked the show.

Asked on cross-examination to name the song McCartney opened with, Jonas responded, “We actually arrived two songs late. The traffic is kind of bad going with 85,000 people to one concert.”

According to a set list archive on McCartney’s website, the opener was “Magical Mystery Tour.”

Jonas’ appearance — unannounced until he took the witness stand and lasting perhaps three minutes — took less time than lawyers’ arguments over whether he should be there in the first place. Defense attorneys argued that calling him as a witness would create a needless spectacle. But the judge agreed with Mace’s position that it was necessary to hear from “somebody in the audience to establish one fact.”

The episode came at a trial that has seen a juror dismissed for sleeping, and defendant Manuel Burga was accused of threatening another cooperator over testimony about tens of millions in bribes paid to soccer officials. Prosecutors said Burga stared at the witness and ran his fingers across his throat in a slicing motion, prompting the judge to place further restrictions on his house arrest even though Burga’s lawyer claimed his client merely had an itch.

Napout, former president of Paraguay’s soccer federation; Burga, ex-president of Peru’s federation; and Jose Maria Marin, former president of Brazil’s federation, have pleaded not guilty to charges they participated in a vast conspiracy involving tens of millions in bribes paid in exchange for help winning lucrative commercial rights to the World Cup and other major tournaments.

The Jonas Brothers broke up in 2013. The New Jersey siblings formed the band in 2005 and built a fan base through their connection to the Disney Channel.                       /kga

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

IS claims Manchester concert bombing

CAIRO, Egypt – The Islamic State group claimed responsibility on Tuesday for a bombing in the British city of Manchester that killed 22 people, including children, at a pop concert.

The group said in a statement published on its social media channels that “one of the caliphate’s soldiers placed bombs among the crowds”, and it threatened more attacks.

The group’s self-styled news agency Amaq separately said that “an Islamic State fighter” had carried out the attack.

In an earlier statement, Amaq said it was carried out by “a security squad”.

source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

Coldplay in Manila 17 years worth the wait

MANILA — In the year 2000, the British pop-rock  band Coldplay announced its arrival in the global music scene with its critically acclaimed and bestselling debut album, “Parachutes.” But it wasn’t until last Tuesday night that Filipino fans finally got to experience the group’s music live, on local soil.

The reason for the lengthy delay? It was just that, the frontman Chris Martin jested, “the group has been rehearsing all this time.”

“Sorry for making you all wait for 17 years. Lots of people were asking why it took us a long time to visit your beautiful country,” the 40-year-old singer-songwriter said to a raucous mix of cheers and laughter. “We have been waiting, so we would have enough good songs.”


The group did arrive armed with ample great music — and then some.

Coldplay made sure to make the show worth the wait, by delivering a two-hour musical and visual spectacle at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds: Beams of colorful laser pierced through the air; pyrotechnics lit up the night sky; thick confetti rained down; and with each song, the crowd responded with deafening roars.

In the middle of it all was the man of the night, Martin, indefatigably singing, dancing and playing instruments.

The much anticipated, one-night concert was part of the Asian leg of Coldplay’s “A Head Full of Dreams” tour, which kicked off in March last year, in support of Coldplay’s seventh album of the same title. Tickets to the gig ranged from P22,500 for a coveted spot at the VIP section, to P1,800 for general admission.

Gates were scheduled to open at 5 p.m. But, as expected, fans started trickling in way earlier — not a few people were already camped at the venue’s perimeter as early as 12 noon. Among the local celebrities spotted at the concert were Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli, Maine Mendoza, Alden Richards, Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo.

Security was strict, with some 500 uniformed policemen reportedly deployed inside and outside the venue. The concert organizers had also released an extensive list of prohibited things, which included illegal substances, professional video and audio equipment, big bags, and selfie sticks.

After the show’s front act, the Australian singer-songwriter Jess Kent, sang her final number, Coldplay — also composed of guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, and drummer Will Champion — finally emerged onstage past 9 p.m.

Utilizing the venue’s three-stage setup, Coldplay dished out a packed set list of more than 20 songs, culled from the band’s early and more recent work: “Yellow” from “Parachutes”; “The Scientist” from “A Rush of Blood to the Head” (2002); “Fix You” from “X&Y” (2005); “Everglow” from “A Head Full of Dreams” (2015); and “Something Just Like This” (2017), a collaboration with the electronic dance music duo The Chainsmokers.

Martin likewise dedicated the song “Ink” from the album “Ghost Stories,” to the cancer-stricken avid fan, Ken Valiant Santiago, whom he visited earlier that day at the hospital.

“We’re so happy to be here. It’s such a thrill and honor, and so I want to thank everyone for being so welcoming and kind to us, and making us feel so amazing,” related Martin, who whipped up an impromptu song dedicated to Manila — some of whose lines went: “The crowd’s such a thrilla’ / No filla’”

Toward the end of the show, which was mounted by MMI Live, Martin vowed to return to the country someday. And hopefully, for the fans, it doesn’t take them another 17 years.  SFM

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Justin Bieber drops mic, walks out at UK gig

This year is indeed an “annoying” time for Justin Bieber and his “Beliebers.”

Bieber stormed out of the stage in a Sunday concert in Manchester, England, after asking fans to “shut up” and not scream during gaps in his songs.

“I appreciate all the support, I appreciate the love, I appreciate the kind things. But the screaming in these breaks has got to stop. Please, and thank you,” the “Sorry” singer, 22, warned his vivacious audience, according to BBC.

“I don’t think it’s necessary when I’m trying to say something and you guys are screaming,” he concluded with an epic mic drop, which was filmed by several Beliebers.

As expected, his mid-concert tantrum didn’t stop the cheerful crowd’s screaming, which was replaced with emphatic boos later on.

 

 The moment @justinbieber dropped-mic and stormed offstage in #Manchester pic.twitter.com/xAY0GQUMRV

 

— Capital Liverpool (@capliverpool) October 24, 2016

Justin bieber Manchester the mic was dropped pic.twitter.com/WRx89ySCLp

 — cara marie (@caramhx) October 23, 2016

After several minutes, Bieber resumed his gig and explained his actions. “I feel like I wanna connect with you. The point of the no screaming thing is that when I’m looking at you in the eyes you know that we’re actually having a moment and having a connection,” he elaborated.

Realizing that he could not simmer down his English fans, he went through with his concert. “We’re just going to do the music. Obviously, Manchester just can’t handle it, so let’s do the music.”

Bieber has been exhibiting lukewarm relations with his global fanbase during his “Purpose” world tour this year. In his recent show in Birmingham and during the first night in Manchester, he pleaded with the audiences to stay silent and listen to him. Also, he received backlash from his fans due to his vulgar words, chiefly when he hit Norwegian fans with his “You suck” comment.  Gianna Francesca Catolico/rga

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Jay Z, Serena Williams, Kendrick Lamar help Beyoncé wrap up tour

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — Beyoncé wrapped up her “Formation World Tour” with onstage assists from Jay Z, Kendrick Lamar and Serena Williams, while Hugh Jackman, Tyler Perry and Frank Ocean watched from the crowd.

The pop star performed Friday night at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, singing and dancing to songs from her six solo albums, including her latest effort, “Lemonade.”

Jay Z earned loud roars when he joined his wife for “Drunk In Love,” while Lamar matched some of Beyoncé’s dance moves in a pool of water during “Freedom.” Williams, who appears in the music video for “Sorry,” brought the clip to life by twerking onstage while Beyoncé sang the song.

Beyoncé originally was supposed to perform at MetLife last month, but postponed the show to rest her voice.

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Lifehouse band member leaves message for Maine Mendoza

Maine Mendoza is an avid fan of the band Lifehouse, even expressing surprise when she found out that the band was in town for a concert.


Proving that she's a bonafide fan, she even listed down her favorite tunes from the rock band in response to a query from a follower.

Eat Bulaga's Yaya Dub received a treat on Thursday when Lifehouse bass player Bryce Soderberg left a message inviting her to their show.

Unfortunately, Maine wasn't available for the night.

Perhaps next time, Bryce? —JST, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Pop icon Madonna announces dates for 'Rebel Heart' tour

Madonna will begin an international tour to promote her new album "Rebel Heart" with a concert at the American Airlines Arena in Miami in August, her promoters, Live Nation, said on Monday.

The Aug. 29 show will kick-start the North American leg of the tour that will include appearances in New York, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Vancouver and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The 56-year-old pop star will begin the European and British segment of the tour with a concert in Cologne, Germany on Nov. 4 followed by dates in London, Paris, Barcelona and other cities.

Concerts in Australia and Asia will be announced at a later date, according to Madonna's website.

Last week the Grammy-winning singer took a tumble on stage while singing "Living for Love," a single from the album, during a performance at the British music industry's annual Brit Awards.

She fell backward down a few stairs when a flowing cape that was part of her matador costume failed to loosen. The singer regained her composure and continued the performance.

During a taping of "The Jonathan Ross" show that will air on March 14 on Britain's ITV network, Madonna said the fall was not a publicity stunt. She added that she had suffered a bit of whiplash and had hit her head.

Last December early demo tracks from "Rebel Heart," Madonna's 13th studio album, were leaked ahead of its release next week. An Israeli man was arrested on suspicion of hacking into the computers of Madonna and other singers.

Madonna responded to the hacking by releasing six tracks from the album for purchase on iTunes in December.-- Reuters

Justin Bieber concert in Portugal canceled

LONDON - Canadian singer Justin Bieber has canceled one of two planned concerts in Portugal this week, the venue in Lisbon said on its website on Monday.

A source close to the singer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the cancellation was not linked to Bieber's collapse on-stage in London last week, which forced the teen sensation to take a 20-minute break for oxygen and later to visit a hospital.

"Due to unforeseen circumstances, Justin Bieber was forced to cancel the second performance in Portugal, March 12," a statement said on the website of the Pavilhao Atlantico.

"The Canadian singer is eager to play for the Portuguese fans on March 11," it added. Ticket holders for the canceled gig were entitled to a refund if they claimed it within a month.

The Bieber source did not give a reason for the cancellation, but local media in Portugal reported that tickets sales for the March 12 gig, which was added to his itinerary in February, were lower than organizers had hoped.

Bieber described his visit to London as a "rough week."

As well as the collapse, the 19-year-old was caught on film in an expletive-filled altercation with a photographer, showed up nearly two hours late for a show leading to widespread anger and was labelled a "pop brat" by a leading tabloid.

Discovered on YouTube in 2008, Bieber has built an online following of tens of millions of fans and is one of the pop world's biggest stars. In February, he became the youngest artist to land five chart-topping albums in the key U.S. market. — Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com