Canadian rock band Nickelback has become the latest act to sign an all-encompassing deal with entertainment giant Live Nation.

The partnership, reported to be worth between $50 million and $70 million, covers all areas of the band’s global music enterprises for three touring and album cycles, with an option for a fourth. It includes rights to touring, recorded music, merchandise, sponsorships, fan club, website, broadcast and other areas.

Nickelback, which has a European tour scheduled in September, is expected to book a run of Live Nation amphitheaters beginning next year. Nickelback’s 2006/2007 tour, which visited North America and Australia, sold more than 1.5 million tickets and grossed in excess of $67 million!

Since the conglomerate launched its artists division last year, it has signed Madonna, Jay-Z and Shakira to so-called “360″ deals. A less-extensive agreement with U2 reportedly is also in the works, and is expected to be completed in the coming months.

Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder has lined up the second solo headlining tour of his career, an eight-city trip kicking off mid-summer.

The veteran alt-rocker toured West Coast cities earlier this year in support of his soundtrack album for the Sean Penn-directed “Into the Wild.” Vedder kicks off the new outing on August 1st in Boston.

Penn hand-picked Vedder to create the soundtrack for last year’s “Into the Wild,” the director’s adaptation of the 1996 book of the same name by Jon Krakauer, which tells the story of college graduate Christopher McCandless’ ill-fated travels in Alaska.

Vedder won a Golden Globe earlier this year for the song “Guaranteed” from the soundtrack album, which debuted last September at #11 on the Billboard 200 album chart, selling about 39,000 copies during its first week of release.

Here’s his tour schedule as it stands right now:

August 2008
1, 2 - Boston, MA - Opera House
4, 5 - New York, NY - United Palace Theatre
7 - Newark, NJ - New Jersey Performing Arts Center
9, 10 - Montreal, Quebec - Salle Wilfrid Place
12, 13 - Toronto, Ontario - Massey Hall
16, 17 - Washington, DC - Warner Theatre
19 - Milwaukee, WI - Riverside Theatre
21, 22 - Chicago, IL - Auditorium Theatre

His west coast shows sold out in record time, so don’t delay!

Get your Eddie Vedder tickets now.

The ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson may actually be forced to play Las Vegas for an extended period of time.

Colony Capital, a private equity group, recently bought the loan on Jackson’s infamous Neverland Ranch in California for $23 million. Colony also owns the Las Vegas Hilton and is a major shareholder in the Station casino chain.

So to reclaim his ranch (which he once also said he would never return to after he was found innocent in child molestation charges in 2005), he may have to perform live to raise the capital. And the Hilton may just be such a venue. There are reports that he is residing in Pahrump, NV now, about 60 miles from the Vegas strip.

If Jackson indeed takes the stage in Las Vegas he will join a long list of big time performers who made residence in Sin City including Elton John, Cher and Bette Midler.

Jackson is reportedly looking into various repayment options for his ranch.

Singer Toni Braxton has canceled the remainder of her Flamingo Las Vegas engagement, called “Toni Braxton: Revealed” - No specific reasons for the cancellation were given, although her health may have been a factor.

Braxton had previously canceled a few shows in the engagement due to her health. She was hospitalized on April 7 after complaining of chest pains, and she has been treated in the past for pericarditis, a viral inflammation of the heart.

The popular residency, which the Flamingo touted with an enormous mural of the singer on the side of the hotel, was supposed to resume June 6 and continue through August.

A Flamingo box office spokesperson states that “All shows are canceled, and refunds will be made.”

Mere days before the Dave Matthews Band sets out on its extensive 52-date North American summer tour (which begins on May 30th), keyboardist Butch Taylor, who has toured with the band since 2001, has decided to leave the group in a sudden and unexpected move.

News of Taylor’s departure was posted on the band’s website Tuesday, where it said, “We are saddened by this sudden news, but he has our full support. He’s given so much to us and our audience through the years, and he will be missed.” No further information was given.

Although Taylor was never a formal member of the band, he was viewed as a permanent sixth member, performing on both live and studio albums since 1998.

Before the formation of DMB, Taylor played in a band called Secrets with DMB’s drummer Carter Beauford and longtime DMB friend and guest guitarist Tim Reynolds.

Over the years, Taylor has also composed many scores for television and feature films.

For the first time in 16 years, the Pittsburgh Penguins have reached the Stanley Cup Final.

For Ryan Malone, it’s been a long time coming.

The Pittsburgh native scored twice, Marian Hossa had a goal and three assists and Marc-Andre Fleury stopped all 21 shots he faced as the Pens advanced to the final round for the first time since 1992 with an emphatic 6-0 win over the Philadelphia Flyers at Mellon Arena on Sunday.

The victory was Pittsburgh’s 16th straight in the Steel City. The Penguins have not lost at Mellon Arena since Feb. 24, when they dropped a shootout decision to the San Jose Sharks.

The Pens needed little time to break the scoreless tie, as Malone notched his first goal of the game at 2:30 of the opening period. Just 12 seconds after Mike Knuble was whistled for hooking, Malone redirected a feed from Sidney Crosby past Flyers goalie Martin Biron as the Pens took a 1-0 lead.

Evgeni Malkin put Pittsburgh up by a pair just over seven minutes later with his first goal since Game 1 of this series. After Malone was able to seize control of the pick from Flyers defenseman Derian Hatcher, he fed Malkin for the easy tap-in.

“This is what you play hockey for,” Malone said. “I think everybody dreamt about it as a hockey player. To get a chance now to battle for the best prize there is, it’s going to be fun. I think we’re all excited to get going.”

Hossa extended Pittsburgh’s lead with his ninth goal of the playoffs 8:24 into the second period. With the teams at even strength, Hossa took a pass from the corner by Crosby and one-timed a laser past Biron to make it 3-0.

Hard to believe that it was only three months ago when the soon-to-be free agent was skating for a struggling Atlanta squad.

“Sometimes, it takes time to adjust, and it took me a little bit,” Hossa said. “Right now, I feel like I’m at home. I’m just happy to be here.”

Malone tallied his second goal of the game less than four minutes later via the power play. Fourteen seconds after Jeff Carter went off for tripping, Malone parked himself in front of the net and redirected Sergei Gonchar’s wrist shot from the point past Biron as the Pens went up, 4-0. Jordan Staal sent the Flyers reeling towards the dressing room when he made it a five-goal game with just under a minute to play in the second.

“We got a great start and we didn’t let our foot off the gas,” said Crosby, who had two assists and was a plus-2. “We made sure that we kept coming. Everyone contributed and everyone bought into what we had to do. It’s a great game for us.”

The Penguins held the Flyers to eight shots in the third period and took a 6-0 lead at 4:03, when Pascal Dupuis – who arrived in the same deal as Hossa – redirected the latter’s shot past Biron for his second goal of the playoffs.

Philadelphia finished 0-for-4 on the power play and experienced a tremendous amount of difficulty generating quality chances against Fleury, who improved to 12-2 this postseason.

“I don’t think you can put too much weight into one game,” Flyers coach John Stevens said. “I think we’re going to look at our season as a whole, have a really good evaluation of the things we did well and the areas we need to get better. And this one game to me is going to have very little to do with that overall evaluation.”

Mike Richards – who had seven goals and seven assists this postseason and is one of the team’s leaders despite his young age (23), was proud of the way his team performed in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Philadelphia finished with the worst record in the NHL a season ago.

“Through all the adversity and the highs and lows, it’s great to see that we can get through some of the adversity we had thrown our way,” Richards said. “I had one of the funnest years I had, just being around the guys. I wouldn’t trade it. I’m extremely happy with the team.”

Just as Malone is happy with his. Sixteen years after watching his favorite team win its second straight Stanley Cup, Malone is now playing a huge role in the chase for that elusive third championship.

Malone remembers playing for the 2003-04 Penguins, who finished in the Atlantic Division basement with a record of 23-47-12. Dick Tarnstrom was the team’s leading scorer with 52 points.

How times have changed.

“Four years ago where we were … the fans have been patient,” Malone said. “We realize we have a tough test in front of us still. Our goal wasn’t to get here – our goal was to get the whole thing done. So far, so good.”

Madonna’s world tour to support her latest #1 album, Hard Candy, will reach North American shores this fall. She will launch her Sticky & Sweet Tour in late August with a month-long European jaunt, and then kick off the US/Canadian leg on October 3rd in East Rutherford, NJ. Madonna’s current schedule has her performing at 17 North American arenas and stadiums through late November, including a two-night stand at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

Raven-Symoné’s ambitious 55-city Pajama Party Tour has been postponed “due to unforeseen circumstances,” according to a press release. “Raven-Symoné apologizes to her fans for any inconvenience this may have caused and ticket refunds will be available from the original point of purchase.”

I predicted something like this months ago! No offense to fans of hers, but she’s not exactly relevant today - Just ask any 7-year old, if you need further proof. Raven’s management probably saw the massive amount of money that tween acts like Hannah Montana, The Jonas Brothers, Naked Brothers Band, and others were bringing in, and decided to jump on the bandwagon.

Unfortunately, touring without proper preparation can lead to disaster - Just last year, we saw Kelly Clarkson face similar challenges, when she decided to tour venues that were entirely too big for her. After months of lackluster ticket sales, they regrouped, and instead toured smaller venues better suited to her audience.

It’s too soon to tell what Raven plans to do, but based on the fact that refunds are being issued, I’d venture to guess that she’s calling off the tour completely.

Eagles Tickets are available for purchase now!

We are pleased to announce the 2008 Dave Matthews Band summer tour dates! DMB will be hitting the road in late May for a full summer tour which includes a return to Canada as well as a few places where DMB hasn’t performed in several years. In addition, DMB will also be adding a few new stops to this summer’s tour! Below you will find a list of all confirmed dates, including information on the host of talented support acts that will be accompanying DMB on the road.

Fans attending DMB shows this summer will be the first to hear the latest material from Dave Matthews Band as the band debuts songs from their forthcoming record. DMB is currently in the studio with Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance, Alanis Morrisette) working on the yet-to-be-titled album! Guitarist and long time friend Tim Reynolds is playing on the album, marking his first recording with DMB since 1998’s Before These Crowded Streets.

2008 SUMMER TOUR DATES

with State Radio
Fri / May 30 / Post-Gazette Pavilion / Burgettstown, PA
Sat / May 31 / Post-Gazette Pavilion / Burgettstown, PA
Tue / Jun 3 / Susquehanna Bank Center / Camden, NJ
Wed / Jun 4 / Susquehanna Bank Center / Camden, NJ

with Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
Fri / Jun 6 / Toyota Park / Bridgeview, IL (VIP Packages Available)

with The Black Crowes
Sat / Jun 7 / Busch Stadium / St. Louis, MO (VIP Packages Available)

with Paolo Nutini
Mon / Jun 9 / DTE Energy Music Theatre / Clarkston, MI
Tue / Jun 10 / Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain / Scranton, PA
Fri / Jun 13 / New England Dodge Music Center / Hartford, CT
Sat / Jun 14 / New England Dodge Music Center / Hartford, CT

with Paolo Nutini
Tue / Jun 17 / Six Flags Darien Lake - Performing Arts Center / Darien Center, NY
Wed / Jun 18 / Molson Amphitheatre / Toronto, Ontario

with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Fri / Jun 20 / Saratoga Performing Arts Center / Saratoga Springs, NY
Sat / Jun 21 / Saratoga Performing Arts Center / Saratoga Springs, NY
Tue / Jun 24 / Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts / Mansfield, MA

With Michael Franti and Spearhead
Wed / Jun 25 / Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts / Mansfield, MA

with Black Crowes
Fri / Jun 27 / Hersheypark Stadium / Hershey, PA

with Michael Franti and Spearhead
Sat / Jun 28 / Nissan Pavilion at Stoneridge / Bristow, VA

with Michael Franti and Spearhead
Tue / Jul 1 / Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre / Charlotte, NC
Wed / Jul 2 / Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek/ Raleigh, NC

with Old Crow Medicine Show
Fri / Jul 4 / Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park / Charleston, SC

with Gomez
Mon / Jul 7 / Lakewood Amphitheatre / Atlanta, GA
Wed / Jul 9 / Ford Amphitheatre / Tampa, FL
Fri / Jul 11 / Cruzan Amphitheatre / West Palm Beach, FL
Sat / Jul 12 / Cruzan Amphitheatre / West Palm Beach, FL

with Ingrid Michaelson
Tue / Jul 22 / Qwest Center / Omaha, NE
Fri / Jul 25 / Verizon Wireless Music Center / Noblesville, IN
Sat / Jul 26 / Verizon Wireless Music Center / Noblesville, IN
Tue / Jul 29 / Crew Stadium / Columbus, OH (VIP Packages Available)
Wed / Jul 30 / Blossom Music Center / Cuyahoga Falls, OH

with Willie Nelson
Fri / Aug 1 / Louisville Slugger Field / Louisville, KY
Sat / Aug 2 / AutoZone Park / Memphis, TN

with TR3
Tue / Aug 5 / Riverbend Music Center / Cincinnati, OH
Thu / Aug 7 / Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater / Virginia Beach, VA

with The Black Crowes
Sat / Aug 9 / Alpine Valley Music Theatre / East Troy, WI
Sun / Aug 10 / Alpine Valley Music Theatre / East Troy, WI

with Eli Young Band
Wed / Aug 13 / AT&T Bricktown Ballpark / Oklahoma City, OK
Fri / Aug 15 / The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion / The Woodlands, TX
Sat / Aug 16 / Superpages.com Center / Dallas, TX

with TBD
Tue / Aug 19 / Staples Center / Los Angeles, CA
Wed / Aug 20 / Staples Center / Los Angeles, CA

with Robert Earl Keen
Fri / Aug 22 / Coors Amphitheatre / Chula Vista, CA
Sat / Aug 23 / Cricket Wireless Pavilion / Phoenix, AZ
Mon / Aug 25 / Raley Field / West Sacramento, CA
Wed / Aug 27 / USANA Amphitheatre / West Valley City, UT

with O.A.R.
Fri / Aug 29 / Gorge Amphitheatre / George, WA
Sat / Aug 30 / Gorge Amphitheatre / George, WA
Sun / Aug 31 / Gorge Amphitheatre / George, WA

with Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
Fri / Sep 5 / University of CA, Berkeley Greek Theatre / Berkeley, CA
Sat / Sep 6 / University of CA, Berkeley Greek Theatre / Berkeley, CA
Sun / Sep 7 University of CA, Berkeley Greek Theatre / Berkeley, CA

Dave Matthews Band tickets will be available for purchase shortly. If you don’t see tickets for the show you wish to attend, let us know, and we’ll notify you when those DMB tickets are available!