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
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.
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.
Noel Gallagher Insists Oasis Would Only Reunite If He Went Broke
Oasis fans waiting patiently for the band to reunite may be waiting forever -- guitarist and chief songwriter Noel Gallagher insists that the band will only get back together if he or his brother Liam ever become totally broke. And with Noel and Liam each boasting an estimated net worth of $50 million, don't expect that to happen any time soon, if ever.
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.
Muse Named ‘Best Act in the World Today’ at Q Magazine Awards
Muse have landed the top honor at the Q magazine Awards 2012, as the British trio bested the likes of Coldplay, Lady Gaga and the Stone Roses to be named Best Act in the World Today during a ceremony held on Monday (Oct. 22) in London, England. Muse led an impressive list of Q Awards winners that also included Blur, Bobby Womack, Keane, Pulp, Johnny Marr and Killers frontman Brandon Flowers.
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Billie Joe Armstrong’s ‘Life Is In Danger,’ Says Green Day Bandmate
Any way you slice it, rehab is serious stuff. But Billie Joe Armstrong's current trip to an undisclosed facility to deal with unspecified substance abuse issues may be way more serious than it seemed, as Green Day bandmate Mike Dirnt has come out to say that Billie's "life is in danger."
Green Day Post ‘¡Dos!’ Video Trailer
A trailer for ‘¡Dos!,' the second offering in the ‘¡Uno!'-‘¡Dos!’-‘¡Tre!’ trilogy that Green Day are releasing over the course of several months, has hit the web.‘¡Dos!’ is due out Nov. 13 and follows hot on the heels of (shocker!) ‘¡Uno!,' which dropped last month. ‘¡Tre!’ follows in early 2013.