Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder Reunited

It’s been 30 years since Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder crafted ‘Ebony and Ivory.’ The musical iconoclasts are back. Macca and Wonder recorded ‘Only Our Hearts,’ one of two originals on McCartney’s forthcoming album of  standards. The disc, ‘Kisses on The Bottom,’ drops February 7. Don’t be surprised if McCartney makes a surprise appearance during the Grammys and tours later in the year.

Bruce Is Coming Back To South Philly

The Boss is returning to Philadelphia. Bruce Springsteen will return March 28 and 29 for dates at the Wells Fargo Center. He will be backed by his E Street Band. However, there is no word who will replace the late saxophonist Clarence Clemons. Springsteen will showcase tracks from his forthcoming album, “Wrecking Ball,’ which drops March 6. No word yet on ticket sales but get ready.

Etta James Has Passed Away

Etta James, one of the truly great singers of the last half-century, has passed away at 73, due to leukemia.  James is perhaps best known for her incredible rendition of ‘At Last,’ which is a staple at weddings. James powerful set of pipes and charisma will make it difficult to forget her.

The Chili Peppers Are Coming To Philly

Tickets for the Red Hot Chili Peppers May 11 date at the Wells Fargo Center will go on sale January 27. The band’s tour was supposed to start next week but it’s been held back due to a foot injury vocalist Anthony Kiedis suffered. Expect tickets to go quickly since the band’s base has burgeoned, courtesy of a new generation of Chili Pepper fans latching on to the group.

Johnny Otis Is No Longer With Us

Johnny Otis, the Godfather of rhythm and blues, passed away. The man who gave us the funky ‘Willie and the Hand Jive,’ was a dynamic, innovative and charismatic performer. Another original has passed on.

Guess Who? It’s Burton Cummings

Burton Cummings feels like a kid again when he sings and plays his vintage Guess Who material. “I think the audience feels the same way,” Cummings said while calling from his Los Angeles home. “The songs are like a time machine. They take you back. It doesn’t matter how much you’ve grown or aged, you’re back to where you were many years ago. They have that quality about them.” Such Guess Who classics as ‘American Woman,’ These Eyes’ and ‘Laughin’ hit the American charts. The Guess Who tunes not only struck a chord with fans but the songs were so different. The Canadian band had no problem going from big riff-rockers to ballads to gritty, rootsy numbers. “I think that we came up with such different stuff because each of us listened to very different music,” Cummings said. “Our background worked for us.” It worked for ten years. In 1975, Cummings tired of guitarist Randy Bachman’s embrace of Mormonism. The Guess Who, which were superstars in Canada and enjoyed a loyal fan base in America, splintered. “We had a good run and it was time to go solo,” Cummings said. “It was the right move.” Cummings, who will perform Wednesday at the Keswick Theater, recorded a number of solo albums and in 2000 he and Bachman reunited with original drummer Garry Peterson. “That was fun,” Cummings said. “We had a blast but it was time to do other things.” Cummings recorded an album with Bachman. They released a pair of albums as Bachman-Cummings but now Cummings is back as a solo artist. Expect him to render songs from every phase of his career. “You’ll hear a lot of Guess Who,” Cummings said. “The thing is that you’ll hear it like it was on the record. Nothing drives me as crazy as when recording artists revamp the hits live. That’s something I’m not crazy about. You’re so lucky to have hits. Why not stay true to them? The hits have given me a great life.” Cummings is an icon in Canada. The Burton Cummings Theater stands in his hometown of Winnipeg. He was named an officer of the Order of Canada. “That’s like being knighted,” Cummings said. “That’s an incredible honor. I enjoy all of the acknowledgements but the best thing is that I can still go out and play the songs. When I step out on the stage, that’s when the fun begins.”

Thomas Dolby Blinds Fans Again

Thomas Dolby is back with a strong new album, ‘ A Map Of The Floating City,’ which dropped in 2011. Dolby will perform at South By Southwest in Austin in March. He will deliver new tunes and old favorites, such as ‘Blinded Me With Science’ March 24 at World Cafe Live

Chili Peppers Delay Tour

The Red Hot Chili Peppers will delay their 2012 tour, which was slated to kick off in just over a week. There isn’t a Philly date yet but that is probably pushed back due to a foot injury suffered by vocalist Anthony Kiedis, who will undergo surgery.

Captain Richards

Keith Richards has been referred to as a rock n’ roll pirate. Now the legendary Rolling Stones guitarist looks like one. Richards is sporting an eye patch after undergoing eye surgery. Richards, who no longer needs glasses, may or may not be preparing for a 50th anniversary tour with his Rolling Stones. Rumor has it that the iconic band will reunite for a mega-tour.

The Return Of Van Halen

Van Halen will return to the Wells Fargo Center March 24 in support of its first album in 28 years. The Van Halen family and David Lee Roth will support ‘A Different Kind of Truth’ with a mega tour. Tickets go on sale January 14. Expectations are high since Eddie Van Halen is reportedly in good health and on excellent terms with Roth.