Madonna Shines in Paris despite Tensions

Madonna performs during a show. AFP file photo
Madonna performs during a show. AFP file photo
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Madonna Shines in Paris despite Tensions

Madonna performs during a show. AFP file photo
Madonna performs during a show. AFP file photo

Madonna’s shows in Paris have made a remarkable success despite the global headlines, political tensions and protests against antisemitism in several French cities. The US legendary singer has four scheduled concerts in the French capital that started on Sunday, at the Accor Arena.

Madonna’s fans were impatiently anticipating her after the health complications that sent her to the intensive care unit three months ago. The malaise urged her to cancel several concerts in North America during the summer, while keeping her European “Celebration Tour”, which kicked off in London last month.

But despite the high demand on tickets and the wide publicity, a Le Monde critic slammed Madonna in an article titled “Madonna's Paris Show: From Celebration to Boredom” on Sunday. The boredom was probably caused by the one hour and forty minutes delay of the concert, reportedly due to technical problems. Ticket prices ranged between 194 and 386 euros.

During the concert, Madonna sang a selection of her most popular songs, but didn’t perform any from her new album.



Pearl Jam Drummer Matt Cameron Says He’s Leaving the Band After Nearly 30 Years

Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)
Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)
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Pearl Jam Drummer Matt Cameron Says He’s Leaving the Band After Nearly 30 Years

Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)
Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)

Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron said Monday that he’s leaving the band after nearly 30 years.

The 62-year-old Cameron announced his departure in a social media post.

“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,” Cameron said. “Much love and respect to Jeff, Ed, Mike and Stone for inviting me into the band in 1998 and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, filled with friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter.”

Cameron didn't give a reason for his departure.

“Matt Cameron has been a singular and true powerhouse of a musician and drummer. He has propelled the last 27 years of Pearl Jam live shows and studio recordings. It was a deeply important chapter for our group and we wish him well always,” Pearl Jam members said in a statement posted to the band's social media accounts.

They made no mention of a replacement.

Cameron, who played drums for Soundgarden for more than a decade before joining Pearl Jam, was not a founding member of the band and didn't play drums for the early albums that made them rock superstars.

But he provided some much-needed stability at the drum kit after the band had gone through four others since its inception. He first joined in 1998 as a temporary replacement for Jack Irons, playing on a long tour before making his studio debut with the group on 2000's “Binaural.”

He just finished a yearlong tour with the band in support of its 12th studio album, “Dark Matter.”

Cameron was born and raised in San Diego before moving to Seattle shortly before its music scene became a global phenomenon. He played in proto-grunge band Skin Yard before joining Soundgarden. He did double duty with Pearl Jam and a reunited Soundgarden from 2010 to 2017.