John Oates Will Open For the Avett Brothers

John Oates will open for the Avett Brothers for a couple of shows.  That's right: Oates will be the opener.  He says that's a strange thing but he thinks it's amazing.  He says the Avett Brothers are big fans of Hall and Oates.  Why is he doing this?  According to him, because  he has "a great opportunity to reach a new set of people."  Oates has just released an album of blues and roots music called "Mississippi Mile."  He calls it starting "part three"" of his life.

Def Leppard Are Feeling Confident

For the first time, you can go to iTunes and find a Def Leppard song.  THeir first digital release is "Undefeated," which will appear on their upcoming album, "Mirrorball."  Singer Joe Elliot says he couldn't have written "Undefeated" if the band had not taken a break.  He says he wrote that song for artistic satisfaction, not for an album with a looming deadline.  The rest of Def Leppard had the same idea, because his bandmates came up with two songs that they recorded: "It's All About Believin"' and "Kings of the World."  Elliott says their new songs all have confident titles and they must have been "feeling a little chipper that particular day."  "Mirrorball" comes out June 7.

K.K. Downing Explains His Judas Priest Departure

Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing syas his departure from the band is not about his health, but about his relationships.  The band announced Downing won't be part of their final world tour.  Downing has issued a statement saying health-wise he's fine, but he adds, "There has been an ongoing breakdown in working relationships between myself, elements of the band, and the band's management for some time."  He says he'd rather step down from the tour than "tour with negative sentiments."  Still, he says fans should still support Judas Priest and the shows are ones not to be missed.

Foo Fighters Hit Number One

The Foo Fighters have their first number-one album.  Their "Wasting Light" album has sold 235,000 copies its first week.  It also debuts at number one in 11 other countries.  It pushes last week's number one, "21"by Adele, down to Second.

Homes-Injured Wildlife

What to do when you find injured animals in your yard?  Joanne Dreeben may be able to help.  She's a wildlife rehabilitor in Yonkers, New York.  Her neighbors find baby squirrels in their attics, grounded song birds, and young pigeons and sparrows on their property.  She also gets calls about rabbits nicked by lawnmowers, sparows clawed by a cat, and assorted calls about deer, foxes and racoons.  Dreeben says many people don't know who to call when they find hobbled or mauled animals and can't help the creatures themselves.  She says there are differences in how to handle a baby chick versus a frothing racoon.  SHe has been nursing wild animals back to health for 30 years.

TV On The Radio Bassist Gerard Smith Dies

TV On The Radio bassist Gerard Smith has died of lung cancer.  The band says Smith died Wednesday Morning, a little over a month after they announced he was battling cancer.  He was 36.  A month ago, the band said Smith had great medical care and was seeing dramatic results. TV On The Radio say the will miss their "beloved friend and bandmate."  The band has called off concerts through Tuesday.

Fair Alcohol Sales

The Ohio State Fair will be dry no more.  Visitors will be able to sip on wine beer this summer for the first time since the 1880s.  Ohio-produced beer, and wine made with at least 90% Ohio-grown grapes, will be available during adult concerts.  Officials say the goal is to give new opportunities to Ohio breweries and wineries.