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Music News: Southwest Airlines adds live concerts to in-flight amenities

Devin Dawson performs on a Southwest Airlines flight.
Devin Dawson performs on a Southwest Airlines flight.Southwest Airlines

by Jay Gabler

October 26, 2017

Southwest Airlines has finalized an agreement with Warner Music Nashville that will expand the airline's series of pop-up in-air concerts. Southwest has been hosting in-air shows occasionally since 2011, and Billboard reports that the series "has only grown in popularity over the past six years, as Southwest passengers hope that their flight will be one of the lucky ones to feature a sure-to-go-viral performance."

To celebrate the announcement, Devin Dawson played a show for passengers heading from Nashville to Philadelphia. Past performers on Southwest flights include Valerie June and the Strumbellas.

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Dylan guitar goes up for auction

An acoustic guitar formerly owned and played by Bob Dylan is expected to fetch over $300,000 when it goes up for auction on November 11. Dylan played the 1963 Martin D-28 on his Rolling Thunder Revue, and at George Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh. The current seller is Larry Cragg, a guitar repairman who bought the instrument from Dylan in 1977, paying $500. Cragg says the instrument has been untouched and carefully preserved for the past 40 years. (Billboard)

U2 to release Third Man 7" for RSDBF

U2 have announced a limited-edition 12" vinyl single of their new song "The Blackout," to be released through Third Man Records for Record Store Day Black Friday on Nov. 24. "Copies pressed on black vinyl will be available at independent record stores participating in RSD Black Friday, while colored vinyl versions will be available only at Third Man's stores in Nashville and Detroit" as well as in two TBA retailers in the U.K., reports Rolling Stone. The song appears on the band's forthcoming album Songs of Experience (Dec. 1).

Fats Domino's family releases statement

Fats Domino’s children have released a statement about the life and legacy of their father, who died on Wednesday at age 89. "We are all touched by the outpouring of love and tribute for our father. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by those he loved and those who loved him. His music reached across all boundaries and carried him to all corners of the world," they write. "We thank you for allowing us to grieve privately during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements are pending." (Billboard)

Tori Amos makes statement on Terry Richardson

Tori Amos says she would never have participated in a recent photo shoot with Terry Richardson if she had been aware of allegations of sexual abuse against the photographer. As Pitchfork notes, Richardson "has a long history of working with musicians. He's photographed or directed music videos for Beyoncé, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Sky Ferreira, and more. He has long faced allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment, and assault. Earlier this week, it was reported that Richardson was banned from working with Condé Nast publications."

New clip shows Gord Downie recording final album

Gord Downie’s estate has shared a poignant clip of the late Tragically Hip frontman recording his posthumous album, Introduce Yerself. The album, which comes out this Friday, Oct. 27, is a double LP recorded in 2016 and 2017, co-written and co-produced with Kevin Drew. (Rolling Stone)