As expected, the Rolling Stones performed a surprise club gig in Los Angeles on Saturday night (April 27th). The gig, which took place in the Echo Park section of town at the venue Echoplex, had fans scrambling for tickets to the show. Hundreds of Stones die-hards lined up at the El Ray Theatre in the Miracle Mile section of town for the chance to buy a single $20 ticket. Pollstar reported that there were heavy regulations imposed on the lucky few: "Buyers were limited to one ticket, and they were required to pay with cash, show a government-issued ID, wear a wristband with their name on it and be photographed. Their names were verified at the venue, which has a capacity of about 700."

Mick Jagger greeted the crowd following the band's second number, "Respectable," by joking: "Welcome to Echo Park, a neighborhood that's always coming up -- and I'm glad you're here to welcome an up-and-coming band."

Keith Richards is surprised at how easily the Stones were able to start firing on all cylinders once they regrouped in December for the first shows of their 50th And Counting dates: "It's very high energy and very enthusiastic. It's almost like, 'Hey! We got gig!' Y'know, I mean . . . and everybody's really up for it. I'm amazed how the band has moved just straight into the slot. I thought it would be a little rusty and cranky to start with, but everybody was up from day one. So, I'm really looking forward to this, man."

The Rolling Stones officially kick off their 2013 50 And Counting Tour on Friday, May 3rd at L.A.'s Staples Center.

The Rolling Stones' set list at L.A.'s Echoplex on Saturday, April 27th:

"You Got Me Rocking"
"Respectable"
"She's So Cold"
"Live With Me"
"Street Fighting Man"
"That's How Strong My Love Is"
"Little Queenie"
"Just My Imagination"
"Miss You"
"Love In Vain" - with Mick Taylor
"Midnight Rambler" - with Mick Taylor
"Start Me Up"
Encore:
"Brown Sugar"
"Jumpin' Jack Flash"

The Rolling Stones tour dates (subject to change):
May 3 - Los Angeles - Staples Center
May 5 - Oakland, CA - Oracle Arena
May 8 - San Jose, CA - HP Pavilion
May 11 - Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand Garden Arena
May 15, 18 - Anaheim, CA - Honda Center
May 20 - Los Angeles - Staples Center
May 25 - Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre
May 28, 31 - Chicago, IL - United Center
June 3 - Chicago, IL - United Center
June 6 - Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre
June 9 - Montreal, QC - Bell Centre
June 12, 14 - Boston, MA - TD North Garden
June 14 - Boston, MA - TD North Garden
June 18, 21 - Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center
June 29 - Pilton, England - Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm
July 6, 13 - London, England - Hyde Park

Rumor has it that Kanye West is set to move to Paris permanently. According to Perezhilton, reports say Kim Kardashian will not give birth in France -- but she plans to live in Paris with Kanye for six months after she gives birth.

An insider said, "Kanye has his heart set on it. And when Kanye wants something, Kanye gets it. Period. He's obsessed with moving to Paris. Kim's mother Kris Jenner is adamant that it's a terrible idea. She's worried. The baby will be born at Cedars Sinai hospital in Los Angeles where her niece and nephew were born. Kim loves Paris but would never give birth to her first child away from her family."

The source continued, "She met with doctors in Paris so she could set up for the child's first six months. She has agreed to spend the first six months in Paris with Kanye and their child.''

KANYE DOESN'T WANT 'SNL' TO BASH KIM IN SKITS

Meanwhile, RadarOnline has reported that Kanye West does not want SNL writers to bash Kim in any skits during his appearance on the show next month. A NBC source said, "Kanye as musical guest is a great get for SNL, but of course the writers want to push the envelope and take advantage of it with a Kim Kardashian skit. They have to tread lightly because Kanye hasn't been happy with all the flack Kim's been getting about her pregnancy weight gain."

The source continued, "The writers are pushing real hard for an over-the-top skit and the producers are there to reel them right back in if they go too far. Normally the writers have free reign and just go for it, but there has to be some boundaries when your musical guest is Kanye and he's super sensitive about the constant Kim bashing."

The source added, "They've come up with a win-win scenario where Kim actually gets a cameo at the end of the skit. That would probably make everyone in Kanye's camp - and especially Kim - very happy."

Kanye will perform at SNL on the May 18th finale.

All weekend long, celebs and fans of George Jones have been tweeting and reacting to the death of the legendary singer on Friday (April 26th).

Carrie Underwood posted a picture of herself with "the possum" on twitter writing, "Happy memory of me and George. You may have left us, but your music and your legacy never will."

Brad Paisley wrote, "My friend, the greatest singer of all time, has passed. To those who knew him,our lives were full. To those of you who don't: discover him now."

Vince Gill wrote, "There aren't words in our language to describe the depth of his greatness. I'll miss my kind and generous friend."

Alan Jackson released a statement, saying, "Well, heaven better get ready for some great country music. While George was known for his wild and crazy days, I've known him for 25 years as a friend. He had grown into a real good man. Of course, he will always be the greatest singer and interpreter of real country music - there'll never be another. Like the song says, 'You know this old world is full of singers, but just a few are chosen to tear your heart out when they sing. Imagine life without them...Who's gonna fill their shoes.'"

Dolly Parton issued a statement saying, "My heart is absolutely broken. George Jones was my all time favorite singer and one of my favorite people in the world. My heart goes out to Nancy and all his family and friends."

Merle Haggard sad, "The world has lost the greatest country singer of all time. Amen."

Hank Williams Jr. said, "Today is a sad day in Country music. We have lost another piece of history. George Jones was not only a good singer, but was a good friend. He will be missed by many."

Randy Travis said, "I am very thankful I got to know George, he's one of the greatest singers that ever lived. I actually loved the man and really enjoyed the time I got to spend with he and Nancy."

Kenny Rogers said, "George Jones will always be one of the most amazing singers who ever lived. He was a true Country Music legend who made music very personal to the listener - I think more than anyone else. He will be dearly missed, but always remembered."

Barbara Mandrell said, "I believe if you ask any singer who was the greatest country music singer of all time, they would say 'George Jones'. He was without question and by far the BEST! I first met and worked with him when I was 13 years old; I am so very grateful that he was my friend."

Travis Tritt said, "I am just devastated by the news that George Jones has passed away! The music world has lost one of the most original and innovative talents that the world has ever known. I feel such a personal loss of not only one of the greatest vocal influences of my life, but also I've lost a dear friend. Visits with George have always been full of joy and laughter. Every time I would see him, George would always greet me with a funny story or a joke! His legacy will put his name at the top of the most influential artists in history, right along with Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. His voice will be influencing singers 100 years from now and beyond! I'm reminded of the lyrics that Waylon wrote in the tune 'It's Alright.' 'If we all sang like we wanted to, we'd all sound like George Jones!'"

Toby Keith tweeted, "George Jones has passed. Damn. Thought he'd live forever. Let's break out his catalogue and play it all day Godspeed possum and family."

Little Big Town tweeted, "There will never be another George Jones. You are and always will be country music. Rest in peace. #GeorgeJones"
Clay Aiken tweeted, "Sad to hear of the passing of the great George Jones, Soundtrack to much of my childhood. We'll lay a wreath upon his door. Rest in peace."

Rob Thomas tweeted, "R.I.P. to a true country/american legend, George Jones. thanx for the music."

Billy Ray Cyrus tweeted, "I'm stunned and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend George Jones.The very definition of a legend. Thoughts and prayers"

The Band Perry tweeted, "Country music and the world lost a true legend today... Mr. Jones, you will be greatly missed."

Hillary Scott tweeted, "Saddened by the passing of George Jones. Sending prayers up for his wife and family. Country Music will never be the same."

LeAnn Rimes Cibrian tweeted, "So sad we lost "the possum" today. R.I.P George Jones and know we didn't stop loving you today. You will live on forever in our hearts."

Dierks Bentley tweeted, "man....heartbroken"

Charlie Daniels tweeted, "Rest in peace George Jones There will never be another one like you and we'll miss you a bunch Buddy."

Blake Shelton tweeted, "Really REALLY bad news. We've lost a country music legend. And I've lost a hero and a friend. Goodbye George Jones... "

Martina McBride tweeted, "So sad to hear about George Jones . His voice and music will be with us forever. Thoughts go out to all his family, friends and fans."

John Rich tweeted, "Every serious country artist in the past 30 years has some #georgejones dna in their blood and music. My God. We've lost our Elvis."

Tim McGraw tweeted, "Gone ...... George Jones .....man he was country music"

Faith Hill tweeted, "We lost one of the best voices God created this morning. Our hearts are saddened to hear that George Jones has passed away...Our thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and all of the family."

Jason Aldean tweeted, "So sad to hear abt the passing of George Jones. Country music has lost one of our pioneers & legendary icons. You will never be forgotten."

Kix Brooks tweeted, "Possum, angels got a serious lead singer today - God bless Nancy his loving wife - what a guy- what a voice - that was one hell of a show!"

Loretta Lynn said, "It's a sad day for country music and a great loss for those of us who knew him. I was blessed to call George my friend. He was one of the best country singers there ever was. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Nancy, and all of his family. It's a sad, sad day."

Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts said, ""He was the greatest country vocalist that ever lived! Through the years we have all tried to emulate the passion in his voice, but no one can fill his shoes."

Kenny Chesney said, "He had a voice that was the truth, raw and unfiltered. You cant get any realer, any more tortured or any more alive. No one can do what George Jones does, and that's why 50 years later, he still stands out as one of the greatest singers in any genre of all time. We were great friends, but it was really more like a father/son relationship. He even showed up in Lexington, Kentucky two years ago to surprise me onstage for my birthday... all the way from Nashville, to surprise me and sing 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' with me, which will be one of the greatest memories of my life. When I was just staring out, and I was picked to open the George Jones/Tammy Wynette Reunion Tour, I thought I'd made it... Then one night, George asked me if I was heading home because he and Nancy had a plane, and they'd take me. I remember sitting there on that jet, thinking, 'This can't be happening...' because he was George Jones, and I was some kid from nowhere...' I'm sure he knew, but he was generous to kids chasing the dream, and I never forgot it."

George Strait told us: "The most special memory was when he gave me my medallion at the Hall of Fame ceremony. He actually was the one that did the actual induction, and what a special night that was, but we're just gonna miss George so much. This came as a total shock to me. I didn't even know that George was in the hospital. To the whole music industry it's just gonna be a big void not having George out there, but we've got his music, and that music will live forever. I mean, he did a lot of crazy things in his career and no matter how crazy he got everybody still loved him because that's just the kind of guy that George was, and we're just all gonna miss him. It's a sad day for the music business, for sure."

Luke Bryan told an Indianapolis radio station: "You know, I was very sad to hear that, but when you think of wow, what an amazing life he lived. From all his ups and downs, I mean, hey, that's what life is. He lived the ultimate country song, I believe. Nobody's ever had a more recognizable voice and a more recognizable style. When you consider he is the artist on the greatest song that country music has ever known, I mean what better way to be an artist than to know that, 'Hey, I had the best song that's ever been.' You know, I got to meet he and Nancy and they were just amazing people. You know, he toured his whole life, even right up to the end, and, heck, he had tickets sold when he passed away, and I think he was just a special person and (I'm) certainly sad to see him go. For years, my CD player in my truck held four or five George Jones greatest hits and gosh, you know, 'Whose Gonna Fill Their Shoes' and recordings like that are just amazing stuff and he'll certainly be missed."

James Taylor tells us exclusively about George recording his song "Bartender's Blues" for his 1978 album of the same name: "I had written the song as a tribute to him and with him in mind because he's maybe after Hank Williams the greatest . . . He's a real . . . He really invented something, George Jones did, and as far as I'm concerned, he's a real innovator and one of the most remarkable American singers ever. You hear it all over the place, you hear his influence, and he's just had a huge influence on me, so I'm really gonna miss George Jones, but, you know, he recorded so much, he recorded so much material that he's still with us."

And finally, Keith Urban tweeted, "If I'm blessed enough to make it there, I look forward to you giving me the grand tour. Rest in peace George Jones!!!!!" He then shared a musical tribute to the late legend by singing "He Stopped Loving Her Today."

Grateful Dead co-founder and guitarist Bob Weir collapsed on Thursday night (April 25th) during a performance at Port Chester, New York's Capitol Theatre. Weir and Dead bassist Phil Lesh were performing with their side band, Furthur, when during the Dead classic, "Unbroken Chain, the 65-year-old Weir appeared uneasy on his feet, slumped over, and collapsed. The band soldiered on as roadies attended to Weir, who eventually completed the song while sitting down.

The band finished the show without Weir, wrapping things up with "Stella Blue," and "China Cat Sunflower/I Know You Rider," before encoring with "Built To Last." Phil Lesh told the concerned crowd that Weir had pulled a shoulder muscle earlier in the day while working out at the gym. The concert marked the final night of a nine-show run at the Capitol Theatre -- with Rolling Stone reporting that newly revamped venue's lobby bar was named in honor of Jerry Garcia. Furthur performed two nights later, on Saturday, April 27th, at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall without incident.

Bob Weir told us that he still feels as passionate about performing the Dead's material today as he did when he was on the road with Jerry Garcia: "I love these tunes. I mean, I love 'em as deeply as I love anything. There was a while that I couldn't even play 'em 'cause I couldn't, y'know, I couldn't -- emotionally, I wasn't ready for it. And then I got lonesome enough for 'em, and then, y'know, every time we'd bring out a new one of those old chestnuts, y'know, I'd get plenty misty -- and I still do."

Furthur -- featuring Bob Weir and Phil Lesh -- tour dates (subject to change):
May 9 - Napa, CA - BottleRock Napa Valley Napa Valley Exposition
July 11 - Brooklyn, NY - Barclays Center
July 12 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center
July 14 - Cooperstown, NY - Doubleday Field
July 16 - Gilford, NH - Meadowbrook
July 17, 18 - Boston, MA - Bank Of America Pavilion
July 19 - Canandaigua, NY - Constellation Brands - Marvin Sands PAC (CMAC)
July 20 - Thornville, OH - All Good Music Festival & Campout at Legend Valley
September 19, 20, 21, 22 - Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre
September 25 - Eugene, OR - Cuthbert Amphitheater
September 27, 28, 29 - Berkeley, CA - Greek Theatre
October 1, 2 - Las Vegas, NV - Pearl Concert Theater
October 4, 5, 6 - Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theatre

Chris Brown's dad Clinton Brown is not too happy that his son chose to get back with Rihanna. In an interview with The New York Daily News, Clinton, 48, said, "I personally really didn't want him and Rihanna back together. You have to have a balance in a relationship. You have to have someone who is spontaneous and whimsical but you also have to have someone who is grounded and logical."

Clinton fears that Chris and Rihanna's relationship with end badly, but he understands why Chris is so attracted to RiRi, saying, "She's beautiful, she's exotic, she's successful. Sometimes you just need that person who will listen to you without judging, who knows what it feels like. If he talks to someone who's not in the business they may not understand."

Clinton named another singer that he thought would have been perfect for his son, saying, "I personally liked Jordin Sparks. She's a wholesome young lady, very pretty." Clinton also had nice words to say about Chris' ex Karrueche Tran, saying, "I liked her a lot. They seemed to get on terrifically. Whenever she was around me, the quiet, meek, accommodating, respectful image is what she portrayed."

He added that he met Rihanna "years ago" and that she was "was very respectful and polite as well."

RIHANNA GETS CHRIS A MILLION DOLLAR BDAY GIFT

In related news, according to Naughty But Nice Rob, Rihanna has bought Chris Brown a limited edition 2009 Mercedes Benz SLR Stirling Moss -- which costs $1 milion. A source said, "Rihanna has spent more than a million dollars on his main gift - a custom-made car. She's had his initials put on the red leather seats." Chris turns 24 on May 5th.

RIHANNA FOLLOWS DRAKE ON INSTAGRAM

Rihanna reportedly started following Chris Brown's enemy Drake -- who goes under the name champagne papi, on Instagram. She also liked a pic of he and his mom on the social networking site.

Harry Styles is reportedly dating Kimberly Stewart -- who is 14 years older than him. According to EOnline.com, the mother of one is reportedly really happy dating the teen.

A source said, "They were introduced by a mutual friend who set them up. Kim is very strong willed, she goes for what she wants and Harry appreciates that. It is a very new thing and we'll see where it goes. She is exactly his type."

Stewart has a daughter with Benicio del Toro.

Journey has a total of 11 North American dates on the books for this summer -- including a just-added show for July 24th in Windsor, Ontario. Next month then band is hitting the road for a six-week European jaunt, and return home to kick off the summer shows on July 20th in Minot, North Dakota. The tour will also take in stops in London, Ontario; Hershey, Pennsylvania; Lampe, Montana; Springfield and Highland Park, Illinois and Las Vegas, before wrapping on September 1st in Snowmass, Colorado.

2013 marks the 30th anniversary of Journey's Frontiers album. The album, which hit Number Two and featured the band's classic Top 10 single "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)," now features several bonus tracks -- including the non-album Top 10 single, "Only The Young" -- which went on to be featured on the soundtrack to 1985's Vision Quest.

Keyboardist Jonathan Cain told us that he's glad that Frontiers has been restored to its full glory in the years since its release: "It's kind neat to see Frontiers out there, also in its entirety. The album is now put back together exactly like we made it. Y'know, we don't have to worry about the time restrictions, so Frontiers (now) has 'Only The Young' on it, it has 'Ask The Lonely' (laughs) on it -- y'know, the two songs that we pulled. I didn't pull, but the band had decided to pull. So, when you listen to Frontiers now, it's the way we actually recorded it, and it's quite a great record with those two songs that were originally supposed to be in it, y'know?

Journey North American tour dates (subject to change):
July 20 - Minot, ND - North Dakota State Fair Center Grandstand
July 24 - Windsor, ON - Caesars Windsor "The Colosseum"
July 26 - London, ON - Rock The Park Festival at Harris Park
August 1 - Hershey, Pennsylvania - Hersheypark Stadium (with Rascal Flatts)
August 16 - Lampe, MO - Black Oak Mountain Amphitheater
August 18 - Springfield, IL - Illinois State Fair Grandstand
August 20, 21 - Highland Park, IL - Ravinia Festival At Ravinia Park
August 28, 29 - Las Vegas, NV - Pearl Concert Theater
September 1 - Snowmass, CO - Jazz Aspen Snowmass at Snowmass Town Park

Paramore singer Hayley Williams has told M: Music & Musicians magazine in a new interview that although the band did not decide to become a trio, they have chosen to stay that way for the foreseeable future. Williams explained, "We've come to love the idea of the band being just the three of us. It's not something we would have wished upon ourselves, or forced into being, but it seems to work. After two years of living it out, it just feels right."

Williams added that altering the lineup of the band helped them branch off into new musical directions, saying, "There was an excuse to change a bit and we wanted to take advantage of that. I'm so happy we did."

Founding guitarist Josh Farro and his brother, drummer Zac Farro, left Paramore in December 2010 under less than amicable circumstances.

The current lineup includes Williams, bassist Jeremy Davis and guitarist Taylor York, with the band using keyboardist Jon Howard, guitarist Justin York and drummer Ilan Rubin on tour.

Paramore landed the first Number One debut of its career on the Billboard album chart two weeks ago as the band's self-titled fourth studio album sold 106,000 copies in its first week of release to enter at the top of the list.

Paramore is currently on a headlining North American tour that brings the band to Phoenix on Monday night (April 29th).

President Obama joked about Jay-Z and Beyonce's controversial trip to Cuba earlier this month at the White House Correspondents' dinner this past weekend. The president's entrance music was DJ Khaled's "All I Do Is Win." He asked the audience, "How do you like my new entrance music?"

Later, during his speech, the President said about Jay-Z, "Some things are beyond my control. For example, this whole controversy about Jay-Z going to Cuba. It's unbelievable. I've got 99 problems and now Jay-Z's one!"

JAY-Z TO SIGN LEBRON JAMES TO ROC NATION SPORTS?

In other news, rumor has it that Jay-Z will be signing his friend LeBron James to Roc Nation Sports. ESPN reporter Bill Simmons says about the possible deal, "Jay-Z's starting a sports agency, doing it through CAA. Who's the closest to Jay-Z? LeBron James. What do they have every year at All-Star Weekend? The Two Kings party. Why would you launch your agency if you're Jay-Z and the name you announce is Robinson Cano?"

He continued, "... With LeBron going there, now you have Two Kings global, I think that's how this all plans out. I have no inside information whatsoever, the whole thing just feels fishy to me."

Taylor Swift has added another home -- well, in this case, mansion -- to her growing list of properties. TMZ reports the superstar plunked down $17 million in cash for the Harkness House in Rhode Island. Taylor and her parents toured the eight-bedroom, 11,000-square-foot mansion earlier this month

The original asking price on the 5.23-acre waterfront home was around $20 million.

Harkness House comes with 700 feet of shoreline overlooking Block Island and Montauk Point, a Pebble Tec outdoor pool and a pool house/fitness center.

Taylor is in the midst of her sold-out Red tour, which plays at Detroit's Ford Field on Saturday (May 4th).

Justin Bieber reportedly beats up a paparazzi in a sequence featured in his upcoming movie, Justin Bieber: Believe. The films director, John Chu talked about how Justin deals with the shutterbugs.

He said, "The song "She Don't Like the Lights," plays in the background. The song itself is about someone who he's dating who doesn't like the lights - it just evolved from there. We thought it'd be fun to have a secret service team - a special-ops unit - going after him with cameras. I understand where the paparazzi is coming from and where he's coming from. It's a hard place to be: in the middle."

It was 45 years ago today (April 29th, 1968) that the counter-culture musical Hair opened at Broadway's Biltmore Theatre. Hair, which had run off-Broadway the previous year, was unlike any other mainstream show, featuring a story line using humor, music and sexuality to celebrate and raise understanding of the problems facing the 1960s baby-boomer generation.

The show, which was created by actors James Rado and Gerome Ragni, centered around a tribe of Central Park hippies, led by a character named Claude -- played by Rado -- who is eventually is shipped off to Vietnam.

The show was directed by Tom O'Horgan with music by Galt MacDermot. Several of the songs from the play's soundtrack became hits for other artists, including Oliver's "Good Morning Starshine," which peaked at Number Three in 1969, and the Fifth Dimension's medley of "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In," which topped the charts for six weeks in the Spring of 1969.

Among the actors who got their start during Hair's Broadway run were Diane Keaton, Melba Moore, Nell Carter, and Keith Carradine.

Hair eventually closed on July 1st, 1972, after 1,742 performances. It was nominated for two Tony Awards in 1969, for Best Musical Play and Best Director of a Musical Play, but lost in both categories.

There was an unsuccessful revival of the show in October 1977, which closed after 43 performances.

A movie version of Hair was released in 1979. It continues to run in independent theaters around the world.

Hair's 2009 Broadway revival won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical.