March 19, 2024

On the Radar: RIP Chris Cornell, New Muse Music, Searching for Neverland + More

Soundgarden

What’s happening with music this week? We mourn the tragic death of Chris Cornell, figure out what Muse is up to, and prepare for Lifetime’s Michael Jackson biopic. All this and more On the Radar.

Michael Jackson biopic Searching for Neverland coming May 29

Oh boy, so you ready for Lifetime’s Michael Jackson biopic? Searching for Neverland is the latest TV movie from the network. The movie is based on the book, Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in his Final Days by Jackson’s bodyguards Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard.

The film follows the King of Pop’s final years and finds him trying to balance fame with parenthood. Starring as Jackson is the “world’s best” Jackson impersonator, Navi. Navi’s been portraying the popstar for a number of years and even worked with Jackson serving as a decoy and playing at his birthday parties. So, does he bare a resemblance? At moments, yes. If you squint your eyes hard enough he does look like Jackson. Check out the trailer above.

The movie premieres on the Lifetime Network on May 29. This is one of many biopics by the network, with previous ones focusing on Brittany Murphy, Anna Nicole Smith, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, and Britney Spears. And if those are anything to go by, this movie isn’t going to be that great. The 2012 film, Liz & Dick, based on Elizabeth Taylor and starring Lindsay Lohan is notoriously bad. But if you’re looking for something campy, then make sure to set your DVRs for this event.

Chris Cornell, Soundgarden frontman and grunge icon, dies at 52

Chris Cornell, frontman best known for Soundgarden and Audioslave, has died at 52. The news first broke early last Thursday (May 18). A statement from his representative called his death “sudden and unexpected.” Cornell died shortly after playing a show with Soundgarden in Detroit.

After the performance, a bandmate reportedly found Cornell unresponsive in the bathroom of his hotel room with something around his neck. When the story first broke a cause of death was unknown. It was later revealed he died of an apparent suicide.  The news shocked both fans and fellow musicians alike. Cornell previously talked about recording a follow up to Soundgarden’s 2012 LP, King Animal. He also released a new solo song, “The New Promise,” last month.

Tons of people reacted to the news with grief and tributes to Cornell, including former bandmate Tom Morello. He wrote a heartfelt eulogy on Instagram saying “I love you, brother. Thank you for your friendship and your humor and your intellect and your singular and unmatched talent.” Read the full message here.

Chris Cornell was an extremely talented man and one of rock’s best vocalists. He graced the world with his presence and left us the gift of music people are still loving, discovering, and talking about today. He will be sorely missed by everyone.

Muse release new single ‘Dig Down’

UK rockers Muse unleashed some new music last week. The band shared the music video for their new single “Dig Down.” The clip, directed by Lance Drake, is action packed with explosions and chase scenes and stars former model and athlete Lauren Wasser. Check out the video above.

“When I was writing this song I was looking to counteract the current negativity in the world and give inspiration, optimism and hope to people to fight for the causes they believe in,” frontman Matt Bellamy said in a press release, “that as individuals we can choose to change the world if we want to.”

The band seems to have no plans for a new album; this is apparently a standalone single. You can catch them on tour this summer with 30 Seconds to Mars. They’ll also be headlining Lollapalooza on August 3.

Upcoming Shows

Catch Dreamcar, the new project featuring AFI’s Davey Havok and No Doubt members, at the Vic on May 27. Superet will be the support act. Grab your tickets here.

The Starboy himself, The Weeknd plays the Allstate Arena on May 23 in Rosemont, IL as part of his Starboy: Legend of the Fall Tour. Tickets are still on sale.

Wanna spend the night with a legend? Check out Neil Diamond celebrate 50 years of performing at the United Center on May 28. You still have a chance to grab tickets.

Hip-hop artist and activist Brother Ali hits up Chicago on his Own Light Tour… on May 24 at the Metro. Special guests include Sa-roc, Last Word, and Sol Messiah. Find tickets here.

Chicago Artist Spotlight: Chance the Rapper

Lil Chano is always doing something to win over our hearts. This time, he’s showing off his sick dance moves in a new music video. Last week, Francis and the Lights released a remix to their song “May I Have This Dance” featuring a verse from Chance. Later, the rapper shared a video for the track, which finds him showing off some dance moves.

The clip finds Chance in front of a mirror in an empty studio where he starts to glide and dance across the floor. Francis Starlite joins him later in the video where they two-step to finish off their dance routine. Think of it as a charming ode to their bromance. Check out the video above.

Chance the Rapper is one of Lollapalooza headliners. He’ll play the festival August 5. Tickets are on sale now.