Bon Jovi fans received heartbreaking news the other day when it seemed that beloved frontman Jon Bon Jovi had died unexpectedly after paramedics found him in a coma.

But the rumor was was proven false when he uploaded this photo to his Facebook page. Dated December 19th, 2011, the caption informed fans, “Rest assured that Jon is alive and well! This photo was just taken.”

In Bon Jovi’s honor, look at the 9 biggest death rumors ever to hit the music world on Rolling Stone.

I’m beyond excited to be covering Kenny Chesney’s “Goin’ Coastal” tour with Zac Brown Band this Saturday at the Meadowlands! During CMA Fest this past June, ZBB brought several of their musician friends onstage including Randy Travis and Amos Lee. I’m sure Saturday will be full of surprises so follow along on Twitter and stay tuned for my review!

CMA Music Festival was a blast and has further convinced me that one day I just might have to move to Nashville. While I spent some of my time there covering Billboard’s Country Music Summit I also had time to enjoy the nightly shows at LP Field from the photo pit. Below are some of my favorite photos including Darius Rucker, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, Sara Evans, Easton Corbin and Zac Brown Band and Randy Travis. Enjoy!

I was lucky enough to be in the photo pit just as Kelly Clarkson joined Jason Aldean onstage at LP Field for their duet on “Don’t You Wanna Stay.” Stay tuned for more CMA Music Festival coverage and photos later this week!

Photo Credit: Matt Simpson

Walking into Ed Sullivan Theater Tuesday night I was quickly reminded of the Beatles. With their music blaring from the speakers and the Foo Fighters’ drum kit set up high on a platform stage, it was hard not to forget the Fab Four’s iconic first U.S. performance at Ed Sullivan Theater back in 1964.

So, when Foo Fighters came onstage in the Beatles famed get-ups —  black suits, white shirts, skinny ties and black dress shoes — I knew it was going to be a good night. You can read my review of the show on MTV and be sure to watch the Beatles perform “I Want to Hold Your Hand” below. Did Foo Fighters pull it off? Let me know!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeBm46WJOxQ&feature=related

Photo Credit: Matt Simpson

Fans went crazy Tuesday night at New York’s legendary Ed Sullivan Theater when country icon Willie Nelson made a surprise appearance with Snoop Dogg during the rapper’s ‘Live on Letterman’ performance. Willie talked of their time together in Amsterdam before the duo sang ‘Superman,’ a track Willie wrote for Snoop’s last album.

This is the second time the fast friends have collaborated. Willie is also featured on the rapper’s track, ‘My Medicine,’ which is dedicated to Willie’s late buddy Johnny Cash. Stay tuned  for my complete review and the video from their ‘Live on Letterman’ performance.

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

I’ve been listening to Mat Kearney all week, which made me revisit past articles I’ve written on him. One of my top 5 concerts of last year, here’s one of my favorite photos from his show by Wendy Hu. Mat’s in the studio working on his next album, but you can download a free track of “Virginia is for Lovers” here.

Watch the video for “Undeniable” below.

Related Links:
• Q&A with Mat Kearney
• Album Review: Mat Kearney’s “City of Black & White”
• So Long, 2009. Bring on 2010!
• Mat Kearney at Irving Plaza

Photo Credit: Monica Rozenfeld

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing April Smith and the Great Picture Show live three times this year and have walked away impressed each time. With soulful vocals combined with her captivating stage presence, April Smith’s show is one not to be missed.

Stay tuned for my review from Friday’s show and be sure to watch her latest video for “Terrible Things” below.

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

Winter is definitely here and while some of you may be less than ecstatic about seeing snow, here’s a little photo to remind you of summer and all those fun music festivals. Taken last year at All Points West (nicknamed All Points WET because of the torrential downpours every day), Wendy captivated the fans who demonstrated that a little bit of mud never hurt anyone.

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

By far one of the best concerts I’ve been to all year, NEEDTOBREATHE wowed a packed crowd November 5th at Irving Plaza in New York. In addition to performing a full band set of many of the hits off their most recent release, The Outsiders, the band neared the edge of the stage unplugged during fan favorite, “Valley of Tomorrow.” Stay tuned for a complete recap of the show soon!