Iggy Pop Named Ambassador for Record Store Day 2012

Iggy Pop has agreed to take on the role of official ambassador for Record Store Day 2012. Set to take place on April 21, Record Store Day celebrates the virtues of independent record store establishments, and is marked by special shows and one-day sales events.

In a prepared statement, Pop said, “I got my name, my musical education and my personality all from working at a record store during my tender years. Small indie shops have always been a mix of theater and laboratory. In the ’50s and ’60s the teen kids used to gather after school at these places to listen free to the latest singles and see if they liked the beat. You could buy the disc you liked for 79 cents and if you were lucky meet a chick. Clerks in these places became managers (like Brian Epstein), label heads (Jac Holzman) and Faces on album covers (like me).”

To read Pop’s statement in its entirety, visit the official Record Store Day website.

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Noel Gallagher Named ‘Godlike Genius’

Former Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher will be given the Godlike Genius Award at the 2012 NME Awards. The leader of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will be celebrated at the ceremony on February 29 at London’s O2 Academy Brixton, according to NME.

In response to the accolade, the guitarist/songwriter/vocalist said: “I would like to thank NME for bestowing upon me such a great accolade. I have dreamt of this moment since I was 43 years old. I accept that I am now a genius, just like God.”

Gallagher joins pretty amazing musical company. Previous winners of the Godlike Genius Award include 2011 honoree Dave Grohl, as well as The Clash, Paul Weller, The Cure and Joy Division.

“For the best part of two decades, the voice of one man has dominated the pages of NME more than any other. That man is Noel Gallagher,” NME editor Krissi Murison said. “Opinionated, intelligent, passionate and always hilarious – Noel walks and talks it better than any other musician out there, and it’s just one of the reasons why the British public loves him so dearly.”

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Bruce Springsteen Named SXSW Keynote Speaker

Bruce Springsteen will give the keynote address at the 2012 South by Southwest Festival in Austin, TX, according to Stereogum. The Boss will speak at the Austin Convention Center on March 15. Former keynote speakers include Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Robert Plant, Smokey Robinson and Bob Geldof.

Next year is shaping up to be a big one for Springsteen. He’s already announced that he’ll be taking the E Street Band out on tour in North America and Europe for the first time since the death of saxophone player Clarence Clemons. U.K. dates in June and July are already confirmed. He also is finishing work on a new album with the E Streeters.

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ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons Named Texas State Musician

The Texas Commission on the Arts has revealed that ZZ Top guitarist and rock legend Billy Gibbons has been named the Texas State Musician for 2012 by the Texas State Legislature. The honor includes a one-year term. Singer-songwriter Lyle Lovett is the Texas State Musician for 2011, according to a press release. The legislature also named poet laureates, two-dimensional artists and three-dimensional artists for 2011 and 2012.

“To say we’re proud to be named Texas State Musician for 2012 would be a complete understatement,” Gibbons said in the release. “To be so honored along with our good friend Lyle Lovett makes this recognition that much sweeter, and a tip of the hat to 2012 Texas State Three-Dimensional Artist Bill FitzGibbons.  And, we promise to forward all mail sent our way that might be intended for him.”

More information on each inductee can be found at www.arts.state.tx.us/stateartist.

“For years, Texan artists have inspired people across our state and nation to share in their unique experiences and expand their creative horizons,” said State Representative Ryan Guillen, Chairman of the House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism. “It’s important that the residents of our state recognize these individuals for their invaluable artistic contributions which have enhanced the lives of so many.”

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