2002 - The Year In Music

As another year passes us by, it is time to take a look back at all the exciting music news that took place in 2002. As our country slowly regains its footing after the terrorist attacks in 2001, the music industry is slowly getting back to normal. Fewer patriotic songs are being released and most artists are returning to their familiar style of music. Country music enjoyed a resurgence in popularity and the new Americana format seems to be growing by leaps and bounds. As is always the case, the music world is one of constant change and this year was no exception. However, it is comforting to know that some things never change. Michael Jackson once again proved that he is a total freak.

Let's get the bad news out of the way first. Texas legend Waylon Jennings passed away on Feb. 13 after a long battle with diabetes. Waylon was a hero of mine for several decades. His music kept me company from my high school days well into my 40's. Me and 'Ol Waylon, we sure had a good time back in the 70's. Timothy White, longtime editor for Billboard Magazine, passed away of a heart attack at age fifty. White was a major inspiration to many young journalist dreaming of a career in the music business. I was a huge fan of his work and will truly miss his writing.

It is common knowledge that Paul McCartney and John Lennon wrote some of the best songs in rock music. He and Lennon agreed nearly forty years ago that all of their songs would be credited to "Lennon/McCartney," but when Paul released his new Back in the USA album, he credited the songs to "Paul McCartney and John Lennon." Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, was not amused but other than calling Paul "petty," she decided not to sue. If John were alive today, I doubt he would be bothered by Paul's action. Somehow I think Lennon was above such childlike behavior.

This was the year that Justin Timberlake left N'Sync and Britney Spears. Then he dressed like Elton John to star in Elton's "This Train Don't Stop Here Anymore" video. For an encore, look for Justin to shave his head and challenge Stone Cold Steve Austin to a celebrity boxing match. Ex-Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach was arrested for drug possession and for making terrorist threats. After being released on bail, the charges were dropped. Soon after his run in with the law, he was given the lead role in the Broadway play, "Jesus Christ Superstar." Can someone explain how this could happen?

The long running feud between Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, the surviving members of Nirvana, and Kurt Cobain's widow, Courtney Love, was finally settled. After the dust cleared, a single disc "Greatest Hits" CD was released containing "You Know You're Right," the final song recorded by the band. Wouldn't Courtney and Michael Jackson make a great couple? Another couple that decided to kiss and make up was Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth. Since both singers were fired from Van Halen, they have publicly expressed a hatred for each other. Somehow they managed to get along well enough to survive a very profitable summer tour. Isn't it nice how money can make even the worst of enemies get along?

American Idol captured the heart of music lovers around the world. We all knew from the start that Kelly would win. After all, it's common knowledge that white men should never wear Afros. Someone forgot to tell Justin. We lost bassist John Entwistle, a founding member of The Who, to a cocaine induced heart attack. His death came on the eve of the band's summer tour. After posting a farewell note on their website, the remaining members, Roger Daltry and Pete Townshend, decided to continue with the tour. Isn't it nice how money can make even the saddest of times so much easier to handle.

When singer Ryan Adams was playing a gig at the famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, a fan yelled out a request for "Summer of '69." Unfortunately, it's Bryan Adams, not Ryan, that sings "Summer of '69." Well, it seems that Ryan got so angry; he demanded the house lights be turned on. He found the heckler, refunded his $30 ticket price and refused to play until the young man was escorted out of the building. The Ryman's manager found the embarrassed fan, informed him he could stay and let him keep the money.

George Harrison, the quiet Beatle, passed away after his long fight with cancer, in Nov. 2001. In Nov. of this year his final album, Brainwashed, was released. Friend Jeff Lynne and George's son Dhani put the finishing touches on the album, using meticulous notes left behind by Harrison. Warren Zevon informed the world of his impending death from cancer during an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman. He spoke with humor and candor, before performing for what may well be the last time of his life.

Johnny Cash released his fourth album for Rick Rubin's American Music label. Titled The Man Comes Around, it featured Cash doing a wide variety of cover tunes including a few new original ones written for the project. Though his health continues to be an obstacle, the man in black continues to record his music. On the other hand, Guns 'N Roses decided to cancel their tour after just a few weeks on the road. It seems that one of the members was feeling ill. Maybe the youngsters can learn a thing or two from the old-timers.

The Rolling Stones put out a 2 CD hits package that contained four new songs. They hit the road to promote 40 Licks and the word from their camp says this may be the last world tour they do. Bruce Springsteen reunited the E Street Band and released The Rising, his take on America after the terrorist attacks. It was a powerful statement and gets my vote for album of the year. Bruce took the band on the road and proved every night that they are still the best rock and roll band in the business.

These are only a few of the things that happened in music this year. It is a constant changing world that never ceases to amaze me. Artists fall in and out of favor as often as most people change underwear. Have a safe and happy New Year. In a few days it will be 2003 and we get to start all over again.