2014 was one of the craziest years in music, and mxdwn was here to bring you all of the biggest stories. From huge reunions like the Andre 3000 and Big Boi’s Outkast Tour, to huge breakdowns like Creed’s frontman Scott Stapp who announced he was homeless then immediately announced his new crowdfunded album, 2014 had you on the edge of your seats. Here are mxdwn’s 10 biggest stories of the year.
#10: Faith No More Return With “Motherfucker”
Following a seventeen year hiatus from the studio, Faith No More emerged once again, performing and releasing their first single “Motherfucker”, off their upcoming album set for February 2015 release. Read more.
#9. The New Basement Tapes Are Born
After Bob Dylan’s publisher unearthed a series of lyrics Dylan had written in 1967, supergroup was formed to record these works of art by way of a T Bone Burnett assembled ensemble which included Elvis Costello, Jim James, Taylor Goldsmith, Marcus Mumford, Rhiannon Giddens and Johnny Depp. The outcome was Lost On The River: The New Basement Tapes. Read more.
#8. The Unicorns Reunite
Originally rolling on the scene in 2000, and then abruptly splitting up in 2004, the Canadian indie band, The Unicorns announced their reunion followed by 5 shows opening for Arcade Fire, tour and the reissue of 2003’s Who Will Cut Your Hair When We’re Gone. Read more.
#7. U2 Uploads Their New Album To Every iTunes Account
In a never before attempted publicity stunt, U2 released their latest album Songs Of Innocence by giving it away free via iTunes download. The only problem was their generosity may have backfired, causing U2 frontman Bono, to apologize for uploading it to every iTunes account whether the account holder wanted it or not. Read more.
#6. Slowdive Reunite
Another big reunion happened in 2014 in the form of the British shogaze pioneers, Slowdive, who after announcing they were reuniting for the first time since 1995 in January, were already playing shows in London by May. Read more.
#5. SXSW Experiences Tragedy
Although SXSW Festivals saw many of the best acts to date on their 2014 rosters, much of the festival’s success was over shadowed by the tragic car accident that occurred at the Austin, TX festival in March, leaving four dead and dozens injured. The families of those who died are now in the process of suing organizers of the festival. Read more.
#4. AC/DC’s Phil Rudd And As I Lay Dying’s Tim Lambesis Are Accused Of Plotting Murders
In two totally unrelated cases, rock stars were accused this year of plotting murders. Phil Rudd, longtime drummer of the iconic Australian rock band AC/DC, was charged with plotting murder, later to be dropped and changed to the lesser charge of threatening. While in other death plot news, after As I Lay Dying’s Tim Lambesis attempted to hire an undercover cop to kill his wife, he was eventually sentenced to six years in prison. Read more on Phil Rudd and Tim Lambesis.
#3. Sleater-Kinney Reunite
After first announcing they would be releasing a new song along with their career spanning vinyl boxset, Sleater-Kinney officially reunited after disbanding in 2006. They followed this news with tour, a new song, and a date for their first album release in 10 years. Read more.
#2. GWAR’s Dave Brockie Dies Suddenly
In March of 2014, fans of the widely beloved theatrical metal band, GWAR, were saddened by the news that longtime singer Dave Brockie also known as Oderus Urungus had died of a heroin overdose. Following this news the band went on tour in honor of their fallen comrade, adding Michael Bishop aka Blothar as lead singer and introducing Kim Dylla as Vulvatron, the first female member since backup singer Slymenstra Hymen left in 2000. Read more.
#1. Billboard Counts Online Streaming On The Charts
Catching up with the fact that it was 2014, Billboard’s 200 albums chart began acknowledging streaming music sales. Now including such services as Spotify, Beats Music, Rdio, Rhapsody and Google Play, these download numbers will now account for album sales. Read more.
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