
R&B trio Destiny's Child has finally released a statement regarding their long-reported plans to disband following their current tour.
"As a group, we've been blessed with success and the greatest fans in the world," the statement read. "We have been working together as Destiny's Child since we were 9, and touring together since we were 14. After a lot of discussion and some deep soul searching, we realized that our current tour has given us the opportunity to leave Destiny's Child on a high note, united in our friendship and filled with an overwhelming gratitude for our music, our fans, and each other. After all these wonderful years working together, we realized that now is the time to pursue our personal goals and solo efforts in earnest. This is a time of natural growth for all of us. No matter what happens, we will always love each other as friends and sisters and will always support each other as artists. We want to thank all of our fans for their incredible love and support and hope to see you all again as we continue fulfilling our destinies."
The group opens the North American leg of its farewell tour on July 9, and is expected to play its last show in Vancouver on Sept. 10.
Eminem is set to perform a rare club show July 9 at the new House of Blues in Atlantic City, NJ. Tickets go on sale to the general public Saturday (6/18). House of Blues is also planning a pre-sale; details are available at the HOB website.
Queen Elizabeth named British bluesman John Mayall an officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) last Friday (6/10). His 57th album, John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers' "Road Dogs," is due in stores Tuesday (6/14).
Ellis Hooks will release his sophomore album, "Godson of Soul," on Aug. 9. The set, which was recorded in Nashville, features contributions from Steve Cropper (who co-wrote “Was it Something I Said?” with Hooks and producer Jon Tiven); Memphis Horns trumpeter Wayne Jackson; drummer Chester Thompson; and country artist Marty Brown.