Born on the outskirts of Motown and raised in the shadow of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Joe has been writing about rock music since interviewing Shudder to Think's Craig Wedren for his high school newspaper -- back when bands like Shudder to Think were recording for major labels. He's written for the Cleveland Free Times, Alternative Press, the Village Voice, SuicideGirls and a variety of other online publications and blogs, some of which have not existed in years. He started with Townsquare in 2011 writing for Loudwire and Ultimate Classic Rock, and has been with Diffuser.fm since it launched in spring 2012.
Joe Robinson
Adam Sandler Reworks ‘Hallelujah’ at 12-12-12 Hurricane Sandy Concert
Comedian Adam Sandler was his typical hilarious self last night (Dec. 12) at the 12-12-12 Concert for Sandy Relief in New York City, bringing much-needed comic relief in the form of 'Sandy, Screw Ya,' a colorful reworking of the Leonard Cohen classic 'Hallelujah.' The song featured racy lyrics about the superstorm and its impact on New York City.
Trent Reznor Reveals Nine Inch Nails Hits Collection, Beats by Dre Streaming Service
Nine Inch Nails mastermind Trent Reznor is profiled in this week's issue of New Yorker magazine, and the article features two revelations. First, a NIN greatest-hits collection featuring two new, previously unreleased songs will be issued sometime in 2014, followed by a new Nails album sometime later in the year. The second revelation? Reznor's previously announced collaboration with the Interscop
The Decemberists Visit ‘The Simpsons’
The Decemberists made their previously announced visit to the town of Springfield on the Fox animated comedy 'The Simpsons' last night. The group sat in as the elementary school's new music teachers in an episode about the town becoming hipper when a couple -- played by 'Portlandia' stars Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein -- moves in from Portland with a pretentious son (comedian Patton Oswalt) i
Muse Cancel Concerts After Matt Bellamy Breaks Foot
Muse have cancelled three concerts on their European tour after frontman Matt Bellamy broke two bones in his foot. The band revealed the news yesterday (Nov. 29) after Bellamy tweeted, "Ouch! Broke my foot..." The post also featured an X-ray of his damaged foot.
Nick Oliveri To Appear On New Queens of the Stone Age Album
Former Queens of the Stone Age bassist Nick Oliveri has recorded vocals for a song that's set to appear on the band's next album, a post on his own band Mondo Generator's website reveals. Oliveri, who previously played with QOTSA from 1998 to 2004, also has rejoined Kyuss, the band he formed with Queens frontman Josh Homme in the late '80s.
Dave Grohl, Eddie Vedder Added to 12-12-12 Hurricane Sandy Relief Concert
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl and Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder are among the artists added to the lineup of the 12-12-12 Hurricane Sandy relief concert set to take place in New York City next month. The two alt-rockers and Bon Jovi join a star-studded bill that already includes Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, the Who and several other artists.
Garbage’s Shirley Manson Starts Twitter War With Fans
Garbage singer Shirley Manson hit up Twitter following her band's gig last night (Nov. 26) in Koln, Germany, to complain about the audience's "cold" reaction to the show -- and in the process started a Twitter war with some readers who began berating Manson for her complaints.
Soundgarden Perform ‘By Crooked Steps’ and ‘Been Away Too Long’ on ‘Jimmy Kimmel’
Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell strapped on the old axe during his band's performance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' last night (Nov. 27), locking into a tight groove with guitarist Kim Thayil on 'By Crooked Steps' (watch above), a deep cut from the band's recent comeback album, 'King Animal.'
Andrew W.K. Appointed Cultural Ambassador to the Middle East by U.S. Department of State
The country of Behrain best be getting ready to party with a rock star, because none other than Andrew W.K. has been named by the U.S. Department of State as a cultural ambassador to the Middle East. He is set to travel to the island nation next month to visit music venues, elementary schools and the University of Bahrain, "all while promoting partying and world peace."
Green Day Announce ‘¡Quatro!’ Documentary
What comes after '¡Uno!,' '¡Dos!' and '¡Tre!?' '¡Quatro!,' of course, although Green Day won't be following their new trilogy of albums with a fourth record. '¡Quatro!' announced today, will not be another album, but rather a documentary offering a behind-the-scenes look into the making-of '¡Uno!,' '¡Dos!' and '¡Tre!'
Beck Recording New Album
Beck certainly hasn't been resting on his laurels. He's been working on a variety of new songs and projects, and he recently contributed to the an art installation at the Hirshhorn Museum, lent a song to the 'Jeff Who Lives at Home' soundtrack, recorded another with Jack White for White's Third Man Records and even composed tunes for a video game soundtrack. But there's been little in the way of n
Jack White Honored With University College Dublin’s James Joyce Award
Jack White was honored with a James Joyce Award by the Literary and Historical Society at Ireland's University College Dublin on Tuesday during a ceremony held on campus. The White Stripes, Raconteurs and Dead Weather rocker was recognized for his outstanding contribution to and success in the world of music.