Angels rookie pitcher Adenhart killed in car crash

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart was among three people killed in a crash in Fullerton, California, early Thursday, according to the team and a hospital spokesman.
Adenhart, 22, from Silver Spring, Maryland, died at UC Irvine Medical Center, according to spokesman John Murray.
"The Angels family has suffered a tremendous loss today," Tony Reagins, the team's general manager, said in a written statement. "We are deeply saddened and shocked by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick's family, friends, loved ones and fans."
One person was arrested in connection with the three-vehicle accident occurred about 12:23 a.m. Thursday in Fullerton, south of Los Angeles. Witnesses say a red minivan ran a red light and struck two vehicles at a Fullerton intersection, police Lt. Craig Brower told CNN.
One of the vehicles, a gray Mitsubishi, slammed into a power pole, Brower said. Two of its passengers were dead at the scene, he said. The other two were transported to UC Irvine Medical Center.
Murray said Adenhart underwent surgery and died at the hospital, but did not know if he died during or after the procedure. Brower said the remaining passenger was in critical condition.
The Angels said the two dead at the scene included the female driver of the Mitsubishi and another male. No other members of the Angels organization were involved, the team said.
Adenhart reportedly was "in bad condition at the scene," team spokesman Tim Mead told reporters, and there wasn't much that could be done for him at the hospital. He died "mid- to late morning," Mead said.
A passenger in the minivan was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, Brower said. The third vehicle sustained minor damage, and its driver was unhurt, he said. Police did not identify any of the dead.
The minivan's driver fled the scene and was later arrested, Brower said. Andrew Thomas Gallo, 22, of Riverside will face charges of manslaughter, felony driving under the influence and hit-and-run, he said.
Footage from the scene showed the minivan with a smashed front end and the Mitsubishi, which was heavily damaged. Debris littered the intersection where the crash took place, and it was cordoned off with yellow police tape.
The Angels' game Thursday night with the Oakland A's was postponed at the direction of Bud Selig, commissioner of Major League Baseball. No information was released as to when the game would be played.
"Major League Baseball is in mourning today upon the news of this tragedy that has taken Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart and two others," Selig said in a statement. "Nick was just 22 years of age, with a wonderful life and career ahead of him. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my sincere sympathy to the families and friends of all three victims and to the entire Angels' organization. I send my deepest condolences to Nick's parents, Jim and Janet. The hearts of everyone in baseball are with them at this most difficult time."
The Angels quoted Adenhart's family in the team statement, saying they "expresses sincere gratitude for all the help the Angels have provided.
"He lived his dream and was blessed to be part of an organization comprised of such warm, caring and compassionate people," Adenhart's parents said in the Angels statement. "The Angels were his extended family. Thanks to all of Nick's loyal supporters and fans throughout his career. He will always be in everyone's hearts forever."
Funeral and memorial arrangements were pending, the team said.
MLBPA Executive Director Donald Fehr issued the following statement.: "We were shaken and deeply saddened when we learned about the terrible accident that claimed the lives of Nick Adenhart and others. Just hours before the accident, Nick demonstrated his passion for baseball and his prospects for a very bright future when he pitched six scoreless innings for the Angels. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick's family, his teammates, the Angels organization and his many friends and fans; it is very painful to lose a son, a teammate and a friend under these circumstances, and we also extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the other victims of the crash."
Adenhart pitched in a game against the Oakland A's Wednesday night in Anaheim, California, making what was characterized as a "brilliant effort" despite the Angels' 6-4 loss, according to Major League Baseball's Web site, MLB.com.
In his fourth major league start, Adenhart pitched a scoreless six innings, allowing seven hits, three walks and five strikeouts.
"I thought he pitched a terrific game," manager Mike Scioscia told MLB.com after the game and before the crash took place. "He gave us a chance to win. He has better tools out there now. He pitched ahead a lot and was able to get back in counts and put guys away."
"It felt good to work out of some jams early," Adenhart told MLB.com. "My curveball was really working for me, and then my change came on later when I felt I needed it."
Jim Adenhart had flown out from Baltimore, Maryland, and was at Wednesday night's game to watch his son's start, his first of the season, Mead said. He remained in California Thursday, and Janet Adenhart was expected to fly out later in the day.
The Angels drafted Adenhart in the 14th round of the June 2004 draft, according to the team statement. He was in his fifth professional season and made the Angels Opening Day Roster for the first time.
"Adenhart earned his spot in the Angels rotation via a spring training in which he recorded a 3-0 record and a 3.12 ERA over the course of six starts," the team statement said. "During that span, he struck out 18 while allowing only five base on balls."
Adenhart made his major league debut May 1, 2008, against Oakland, the team said. At the time, he was the youngest active-roster pitcher in the majors.
Adenhart was a 2004 graduate of Williamsport High School in Williamsport, Maryland. His baseball coach there, Rod Steiner, told CNN affiliate WHAG, "After watching last night, as well as he pitched ... things seemed to be going so smooth. This is the last thing that you ever imagine."
He remembered Adenhart as a hard worker who knew he wanted to be a major-league pitcher while still in high school, and worked hard to achieve that goal, despite a setback when he had to undergo shoulder surgery.
He said area residents who didn't even know Adenhart followed his career and cheered him on. "He touched a lot of lives."
Adenhart was a member of the 2006 Olympic Qualifying Team that traveled to Cuba and qualified the United States for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. He started one game for Team USA, earning a no-decision and striking out six batters in an 8-7 win over Brazil.
"You're never prepared for this kind of news," USA Baseball Executive CEO Paul Seiler said. "We, like the entire the baseball community, mourn the loss of someone so young who was in the prime of his life. Our thoughts go out to his family, his teammates and the entire Angels organization."
Davey Johnson, who managed the 2006 Olympic Qualifying Team, fondly remembered his time with Adenhart.
"One of the highlights of managing for USA Baseball is the opportunity to work with bright, young players who are eager to learn the game. Nick embodied all of those attributes. He was a joy to manage in Cuba and was a key contributor to our success there. This is such a tragedy -- his career was just getting started."

Kanye West Launching Energy Drink, Cologne

Rapper Kanye West is expanding his empire into branded beverages and fragrances.West will have his own energy drink through a collaboration with GURU Beverages Inc., a maker and distributor of organic and natural drinks. West will be involved in the entire development process of a new beverage "inspired by his own personal artistic vision," the company announced yesterday (April 8). The new drink is expected to launch later this year. As part of the deal, West is now an equity partner in the company."I express myself through music, fashion, art and design and that's why I am excited to collaborate with GURU; because the brand values what I value, and I can put what inspires me into this new product," West said in a statement. West is also part of a deal that will see branded perfumes and colognes from Jay-Z, Rihanna, and West himself. Parlux Fragrances, Inc., announced Tuesday (April 7) that it has signed an agreement with Iconic Fragrances LLC, Jay-Z's own licensing company. The agreement allows for royalties, profit sharing, and stock options for West and the others.

Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder Announces Solo Tour

Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder will tour selected Eastern and Southern U.S. cities in June, the band announced on its website today (April 8). Vedder's new 14-date solo trek starts June 8 in Albany, N.Y. and hits intimate venues in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Nashville, Memphis and Atlanta before wrapping up with a trio of Hawaii dates June 29 - July 2.Liam Finn, who was also the opening act on Vedder's inaugural solo tour last year in support of the "Into The Wild" soundtrack, will open for Vedder on the entire run of new dates.A presale for current Pearl Jam fanclub members runs through April 10 at 5pm Pacific at PearlJam.com.The Pearl Jam frontman recently performed alongside Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr at the David Lynch Foundation benefit "Change Begins Within" at New York's Radio City Music Hall on April 4. Vedder is also on the bill for folk icon Pete Seeger's 90th Birthday Concert at New York's Madison Square Garden on May 3.
June 8: Albany, N.Y. (Palace Theatre)June 9: Albany, N.Y. (Palace Theatre)*June 11: Philadelphia (Tower Theatre)June 12: Philadelphia (Tower Theatre)June 14: Baltimore (Lyric Opera House)June 15: Baltimore (Lyric Opera House)June 18: Nashville, Tenn. (Ryman Auditorium)June 20: Memphis, Tenn. (Orpheum)June 21: Memphis, Tenn. (Orpheum)*June 23: Atlanta (Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center)June 24: Atlanta (Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center)*June 29: Maui, HI (Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theatre)July 1: Honolulu (Hawaii Theatre)July 2: Honolulu (Hawaii Theatre)* indicates the "unconfirmed, possible 'rollover'" date.

Rascal Flatts On Track To Score No. 1 On Billboard 200

Rascal Flatts' new album "Unstoppable" looks like it'll live up to its name, as it's on course to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart next week. Industry prognosticators project the Lyric Street set will sell over 300,000 copies in its first week, and suggest that number could grow even higher.If it does open at No. 1, it will be the fourth chart-topper for the band -- the most of any country group. They are currently tied for the most with the Dixie Chicks.Unsurprisingly, "Unstoppable" leads the Nielsen SoundScan Building chart that was released on April 8, which reflected unweighted sales through the close of business on Tuesday, April 7.Billboard estimates the seven merchants who report to Nielsen SoundScan's Building chart -- Trans World Entertainment, Best Buy, iTunes, Starbucks, Borders, Target and Anderson Merchandisers -- comprise about 60% of all U.S. album sales.Rascal Flatts' last studio album, 2007's "Still Feels Good," opened at No. 1 with 547,000 and has sold 2.2 million in the U.S.
Other albums looking good for a top 10 debut on next week's Billboard 200 chart include Jadakiss' "Last Kiss" (Ruff Ryders/D-Block/Def Jam) and Jason Aldean's "Wide Open" (Broken Bow). Also, watch for Walt Disney's "Hannah Montana: the Movie" soundtrack to post a big gain next week, as the film bows in U.S. theaters on Friday, April 10. The Easter holiday, which falls on Sunday, April 12, will also likely be a sales driver for the set.Nielsen SoundScan's sales tracking week, as reflected in the official Billboard 200 chart, runs from Monday through Sunday of each week. The newest Billboard 200 chart, released today (April 8) -- where Keith Urban's "Defying Gravity" debuted at No. 1 with 172,000 -- reflected the week that ended on Sunday, April 5.

Fall Out Boy Takes 50 Cent On Tour

It was 50 Cent's proposal to play some shows with Fall Out Boy this month. But he didn't have to ask twice."He came up with the idea, and we were like, 'Yeah. Totally. Yeah. Why not?," frontman Patrick Stump tells Billboard.com. "He had been talking for awhile about doing something together. We definitely like hip-hop a lot, and I think a lot of people know that at this point. We've toured with Paul Wall. We've had Lil Wayne on our record. I worked with Gym Class Heroes extensively. So I think it works."But Stump acknowledges that hasn't been a universal sentiment."We've encountered a little bit of negative feelings about it," he says, "but I think that you should challenge your audience a little bit. And I think the reality is that, OK, if you don't like 50 Cent, if you're that stuck-up that you're going to stand there and hate him actively, then go to the concession stand during (his set). Go get a T-shirt or go to the bathroom if that's how you feel. Otherwise, challenge yourself."I'm excited to see how it goes because it will certainly add something to the tour in a different way that I think is worth seeing. I think it should be interesting."
The rapper -- whose new album, "Before I Self Destruct," is due in June -- is playing five shows with Fall Out Boy, starting April 14 at the Fillmore in Denver. Both acts are also playing at this weekend's Bamboozle Left festival in Irvine, Calif. Stump says there are no plans yet to collaborate on stage, but he doesn't rule it out, either."We haven't really talked about it," Stump says, "but I think a tour kind of has a life of its own. On the first day it's just like summer camp -- you're really awkward. But by the last day you have your group of friends and you've figured yourself out, so who knows? It may happen. I could just as easily see him and Cobra Starship hanging out, so we'll see."Fall Out Boy kicks off its Believers Never Die Part Deux tour today (April 3) in Mesa, Ariz. Other opening acts on the tour include Metro Station, All Time Low and Hey Monday.

Aerosmith To Tour With ZZ Top, New Album Delayed

Health issues and touring commitments have combined to postpone Aerosmith's next album, according to guitarist Joe Perry.Perry tells Billboard.com that the record sessions -- for the group's first album since 2004's "Honkin' on Bobo" and first of all-original material since 2001's "Just Push Play," were delayed when he had to have surgery earlier this year to clear out an infection in his knee replacement. Then, last month, singer Steven Tyler came down with pneumonia, after which the veteran Boston rockers "realized there wasn't any chance of getting it finished before we hit the road for the summer. So basically we had to push (the album) back, and when the band gets off the road, that's when we'll pick up the Aerosmith record."Aerosmith's tour, the group's first since 2007, starts in June with ZZ Top. Perry says about 40 dates are set so far for North America, with South America, Europe and Japan also under consideration. The itinerary should be announced soon.Perry -- who was in Cleveland to attend Saturday's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony and perform the Yard Birds' "Train Kept A Rollin'" with Metallica, Ron Wood and inductee Jeff Beck -- says Aerosmith has "probably two or three (songs) that could be mixed right now, maybe even more. But there's a long way between two or three and doing the 12 or 14 that you have to have to do a whole project." He says what's been done so far at his home studio with producer Brendan O'Brien "sounds like 'Rocks'" and hews closer to the rougher sound of "Honkin' on Bobo" than the more polished production of "Just Push Play." "It's everybody in the room with a producer cracking the whip," Perry notes, "laying the tracks down and getting a good take without having to (edit) too much."
The silver lining in the Aerosmith delay, Perry adds, is that he's been able to go "full blast" on his next solo album, the follow-up to 2005's Grammy-nominated "Joe Perry." He has 10-12 songs ready -- three of which, including a cover, he played for Billboard.com -- which he'll record with "an A-list producer I can't name, but will very soon." David Hull from the Joe Perry Project is playing on some tracks, along with Ben Tileston, who plays drums with two of Perry's sons in TAB the Band. He's also considering using other players and possibly guest vocalists."I have a big chunk of time before the tour, so I'm gonna try to get the solo record done as soon as I can," Perry says. "Chances are you're gonna be hearing that before you hear an Aerosmith record...'cause I expect the Aerosmith tour, God willing. to continue through the fall."

Metallica, Run-DMC Inducted Into Rock Hall Of Fame

Metallica shoved the mosh pit into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.Heavy metal's heaviest hitters, whose menacing, monstrous sound has banged heads around the globe for decades, were inducted into rock's shrine on Saturday night, capping a star-studded ceremony that felt much more like a concert than an awards show.For the first time, the no-holds-barred show, back in Cleveland following a 12-year holdover in New York's Waldorf-Astoria ballroom, was open to the public.And nearly 5,000 fans partied in the balconies inside renovated Public Auditorium as 1,200 VIPs dined below at tables costing as much $50,000 each.Many of the came to pay homage to Metallica, which earned top billing in an eclectic 2009 class that included rap pioneers Run-DMC, virtuoso guitarist Jeff Beck, soul singer Bobby Womack and rhythm and blues vocal group Little Anthony and the Imperials.
Metallica's members have survived some of the dark themes — death, destruction and desolation — that threads through its music, and their induction was a chance to celebrate their legacy as perhaps the hardest band to ever walk the earth. The event also served as a reunion as bassist Jason Newsted, who left the group in 2001, joined his former bandmates on stage for seering versions of "Master of Puppets" and "Enter Sandman.""Whatever the intangibles elements are that make a band the best, Metallica has them," said Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, who delivered a heartfelt speech in presenting the band. He recalled being on tour and hearing Metallica on the radio for the first time."My mind was blown. It wasn't punk rock. It wasn't heavy metal. It just stood by itself," he said. "I didn't know what it was, but I knew it was a mighty thing."In accepting their awards, Metallica's members were joined by Ray Burton, the father of original bassist Cliff Burton, who died tragically in 1986 when the band's tour bus skidded off an icy road in Sweden."Dream big and dare to fail, because this is living proof that it is possible to make a dream come true," said frontman-guitaristr James Hetfield, who then rattled off a long list of hard-rocking bands he feels deserve induction."Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy, Rush, Kiss, Ted Nugent, Iron Maiden, Motorhead. We'd like to invite them through the door," said Hetfield, who concluded his remarks by wrapping Ulrich in a bear hug.The evening ended with a jam for the ages as Metallica, Beck, Jimmy Page, Aerosmith's Joe Tyler and Flea brought the house down with a performance of the Yardbirds' "Train Kept A Rollin."A guitar virtuoso, Beck, who was previously inducted in 1992 with the Yardbirds, was put in for his solo work. Although best known for his rock accomplishments, Beck's career has wandered a fretboard of genres ranging from blues to jazz to electronica."Jeff's style is totally unorthodox to the way anyone was taught," said Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, who presented his longtime friend. "He keeps getting better and better and better."Beck, wearing all white, was joined on stage by Page, a fellow guitar god, who played bass during a searing rendition of Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song."With two turntables and a microphone, Run-DMC broke down the barriers between rock and rap. With sparse, stripped-down lyrics above pounding beats, the trio of Joseph "DJ Run" Simmons, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels and Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell changed rap in the 1980s by taking the realities of the streets to the suburbs.

Phish To Play Fenway Park

The Green Monster is getting scaly.Phish announced a May 31 concert at Fenway Park on Monday, one of a handful of shows the Vermont-based jamband added to its summer tour.The home of the Boston Red Sox has only recently been used as a concert venue, first by Bruce Springsteen in 2003. Jimmy Buffett, the Rolling Stones and the Police followed suit at the world's oldest baseball park.The Phish foursome reunited last month in Hampton, Va., after nearly five years off.

Simon And Garfunkel Confirm Reunion Tour

Simon and Garfunkel have crossed their personal bridge over troubled water and will reunite for a rare concert tour, kicking off in New Zealand and Australia.Veteran Australian promoter Michael Chugg has confirmed the music industry's worst kept secret with the news that Paul Simon and his long-time running mate Art Garfunkel will return to the stage for a string of Australasian dates mid-year.However, fans of the hit-making singers and songwriters will have to sit tight on international dates, which so far have yet to be announced.The enduring duo will first visit New Zealand for a June 13 concert at Auckland's Vector Arena, before traveling west for seven shows in Australia, beginning June 17 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and concluding July 2 at the Burswood Dome in Perth. It will mark the pair's first Australasian visit since their 1983 Summer Evening Tour."It's been 25 years since they've been here and I'd put money on the table this will likely be the last time for us with these two legends together," comments Chugg, executive chairman of Sydney-based Chugg Entertainment. "This is probably a twice in a lifetime chance, but the last time you'll get to take it I'd say."
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General tickets go on sale April 17 in Australia via Ticketek, and through Ticketmaster in New Zealand. A special Visa Entertainment pre-sale for all shows began today at 12 noon local time and runs until 5pm this Wednesday.Speculation on a reunion tour has ramped up since the partnership played a surprise reunion gig Feb. 13 at New York's Beacon Theatre, which was hosting its first event after a seven-month renovation by Madison Square Garden Entertainment.The pair performed "The Sound of Silence," "The Boxer" and "Old Friends" during the encore, in what was understood to be just their third appearance together since concluding a 2004 U.S. and European reunion run, entitled Old Friends In Concert Tour.

Chris Brown Pleads Not Guilty

Chris Brown pleaded not guilty Monday to threatening and assaulting his girlfriend, fellow music star Rihanna.The 19-year-old R&B singer entered his plea, speaking in a soft voice, while standing alongside his lawyer, Mark Geragos. His mother sat in the first row, red-eyed.Within moments of the hearing, a lawyer for Rihanna said the singer was hoping a plea deal could be reached before the case goes to trial. "She would be pleased if this was over quickly," attorney Donald Etra said. He reiterated that Rihanna would testify if required.Brown was charged in March by Los Angeles County prosecutors with felony assault likely to cause great bodily injury and making criminal threats. He was arrested nearly a month earlier after police said he was involved in an early morning altercation with a woman who identified the "Run It!" singer as her attacker.Court records list Brown's victim as "Robyn F." Rihanna's real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty.
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Etra represented the 21-year-old "Umbrella" singer at Monday's arraignment, but did not speak during the five-minute hearing. He said afterward that that the singer is in "fine spirits" and spending time with her family in Barbados.Etra said Brown's plea was "totally expected."If convicted, Brown could be sentenced to probation or nearly five years in prison.Neither side has publicly addressed Brown and Rihanna's relationship since the incident.But there has been discernible fallout and backlash since Brown's arrest.Neither singer performed at the Grammy Awards hours after the alleged beating, and both were also no-shows for the Kids' Choice Awards show March 28.Sponsors have stopped using Brown, some radio stations have stopped playing his music and some broadcasters have even started playing an anti-Chris Brown song created by the little-known dance group Smoke Jumpers.Brown left the courthouse with his mother, two bodyguards and an entourage. On his way out, he had to walk through a phalanx of cameras. He was picked up by a car in front of the courthouse.Geragos offered no comment and quickly left the courthouse with his client.