Quick Takes: Costello, Springsteen, Aerosmith, Prince, Rupert Hine, Bono, Adam Lambert

Elvis Costello has released a surprise new single, called “No Flag.” The track, which features Costello on all the instruments, was recorded back on February 16th just outside of Helsinki, Finland. Costello explained the change in environment for the new production, saying, “I wanted to go somewhere nobody knew me. So, this is 'The Helsinki Sound.'” (ElvisCostello.com)
In deference to the volatile situation going on all over the country, Bruce Springsteen announced he would wait until next week to release his monthly archival live set. The soundboard recordings usually drop on the first Friday of the month, but due to “the events of the week and the vital on-going national dialogue” it's now been pushed to Friday, June 12th. (Backstreets.com)
Although there are no North American dates to be announced, Aerosmith has just rolled out a string of rescheduled European dates for 2021. All the overseas shows have been filled in — with only their Monchengladbach, Germany concert being scrapped.
- RESCHEDULED: Aerosmith 2021 European tour dates (subject to change):
  May 29 – Moscow, Russia – VTB Arena
  June 2 – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion
  June 5 – Madrid, Spain – Wanda Stadium
  June 8 – Lisbon, Portugal – Altice Arena
  June 11 – Milan, Italy – iDays Festival
  June 14 – Paris, France – Accorhotels Arena
  June 17 – Middelfart, Denmark – Rock Under the Bridge
  June 20 – Dessel, Belgium – Graspop Metal Meeting
  June 23 – London, England – The O2
  June 29 – Manchester, England – Manchester Arena
  July 5 – Krakow, Poland – Tauron Arena
  July 8 – Prague, Czech Republic – O2 Arena
  July 12 – Budapest, Hungary – Puskas Stadium
  July 15 – Vienna, Austria – Stadthalle
In honor of what would've been his 62nd birthday on June 7th, the Prince estate posted a note from his personal archives on his official Instagram page. The message reads: “Prince dedicated his life to speaking out against injustice, advocating for black excellence, and spreading the message of 'Love 4 One Another.' In this note that he kept in his personal archives, he wrote a message that still resonates today. 'Nothing more ugly in the whole wide world than INTOLERANCE (between) Black, white, red, yellow, boy or girl. INTOLERANCE.' #Love4OneAnother #Prince”
Famed British record producer Rupert Hine died on June 4th at age 72. Over the course of his career, Hine was behind the boards for such classic recordings by Rush — co-producing their 1989 Presto collection, co-producing Tina Turner's 1984 Grammy-winning Private Dancer and its 1986 followup, Break Every Rule. In 1989 Hine produced Stevie Nicks' The Other Side Of The Mirror album and co-wrote three songs for the set.
Hine will also be remembered for his classic work with Howard Jones, the Fixx, Saga, Genesis co-founder Anthony Phillips, the Waterboys, Bob Geldof, and many others. (Billboard)
Bono took time out to appear on YouTube’s “Dear Class of 2020” special. Rolling Stone posted: “The four-hour celebration advertised an appearance by Finneas & Co, and the singer/producer delivered a 'remix' of U2’s 2000 hit with a roster that included Coldplay‘s Chris Martin, Camila Cabello, Ty Dolla $ign, Tove Lo, Khalid, Leon Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Ben Platt and Noah Cyrus.” (Rolling Stone)
Queen frontman Adam Lambert had some choice words for Donald Trump, posting on Twitter: “I watched the Trump press conference today. . . I have NO idea what he was Rambling about! He can't even string together a sentence. It's literally incoherent, fragmented nonsense. I wish I could even decipher what bulls*** he's trying to sell!”
The American Idol finalist posted later: “I watched the press conference because I wanted to see if he would even try to act presidential amidst the chaos. Nope. Political views are one thing. Xenophobia and racism are not things I tolerate.” (Blabbermouth)