Billboard Bits serves up the best bite-sized nuggets of music news and gossip.
Nirvana Bassist to Perform ‘Nevermind’ for Album’s 20th Anniversary
Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic is planning a Seattle tribute concert on September 20 to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Nirvana’s “Nevermind.” According to local radio station 107.7 The End, Novoselic is slated to perform the album in its entirety alongside bands like the Fastbacks, the Long Winters, Visqueen, Campire OK, Valis and more, though likely not Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, who is slated for a Cleveland Foo Fighters show. ( 107.7 The End via Spin)
Taylor Swift’s ‘Haunted’ To Be Featured in ‘True Blood’
HBO’s sexy vampire smash “True Blood” is eschewing its gritty rock and blues heavy soundtrack for some Taylor Swift. Next week’s episode will feature “Haunted,” from Swift’s r “Speak Now.” In an interview with Rolling Stone, the show’s music supervisor Gary Calamar confirmed the song will be used “in a racy, sexy scene.” RS also notes that the Swift camp wasn’t going to allow the show to use the track until Swift herself stepped in and voiced her support. ( Rolling Stone)
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Josh Groban to Play Ed Helms’ Brother on ‘The Office‘
Josh Groban will be guest-starring on season 8 of “The Office” as the brother of Ed Helms’ character, Andy Bernard. Andy (a.k.a. “the ‘Nard Dawg’) has been known to annoy his co-workers with his spontaneous song breaks, so a Bernard Family jam band certainly seems like a possibility. Groban has previously appeared on “Ally McBeal” and more recently, “Glee.” ( Deadline)
Judy Garland-Inspired Musical To Have Broadway Debut
A production of Peter Quilter’s musical drama “End of the Rainbow” is expected to open on Broadway in the spring of 2012, according to the show’s producers. The show, which premiered in Sydney and played in London, focuses on Judy Garland’s final months before her death in 1969. Tracie Bennett, who played Judy Garland throughout the London show, will continue to play the star on Broadway. ( NY Times)
Phish Fans Will Have to Enjoy The Band Sans Fountains
As a cautionary measure in preparation for Phish’s upcoming three-day show at Colorado’s Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City officials will shut off the city hall’s two water features that flank the municipal center, according to Mayor Paul Natale. As the Denver Post reports, Natale insists that the move is not a personal attack on Phish fans– “It’s not because we think Phish followers are not the best of people,” Natale said. “But we just want to avoid a challenge that may or may not come up. We are more concerned about what may be placed in the fountains.” (Denver Post)
(Reporting by Alec Bojalad, Jon Blistein, Carly Wolkoff)