Reuters Entertainment News Summary
Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.
Ne-Yo wants to let the music speak for itself in new album 'Self Explanatory'
U.S. R&B singer Ne-Yo is letting his music speak for itself with the release of his eighth studio album "Self Explanatory," which came out last week. The three-time Grammy winner said making music at this point in his career is easier and comes with less pressure.
WWE chief Vince McMahon to retire amid probe into misconduct claims
World Wrestling Entertainment Inc's Vince McMahon said on Friday he would retire as the company's chief executive and chairman, about a month after stepping back from those roles due to an investigation into his alleged misconduct. McMahon, 76, was being investigated by the board for agreements to pay $12 million over the past 16 years to suppress allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity, the Wall Street Journal had previously reported. https://on.wsj.com/3PtSOdb
Pat Benatar won't perform 'Hit Me with Your Best Shot' anymore
U.S. singer Pat Benatar will no longer perform her song "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" at live shows out of respect for American families affected by mass shootings. In an interview with USA Today on Thursday, Benatar said her view of the song's lyrics, which include the words "fire away," have changed.
Global brands are taking note of Africa's music and talent
Global media and music brands are racing to claim a stake in Africa's music market as internet and smartphone penetration popularize artists and genres far beyond Africa's borders. Companies are taking note of global interest, with Universal Music Group launching Virgin Music Africa Label & Artist Services in June for independent African labels and artists. The service will digitise out-of-print music catalogues to tap into the growing market for the sounds and chart-toppers of the continent.
A different Middle-earth is explored in Amazon's 'Lord of the Rings' series
The creators of Amazon.com Inc's "Lord of the Rings" unveiled the most extensive look yet at the series on Friday at the annual San Diego Comic-Con convention, promising an entirely different immersion into the fantasy world of Middle-earth. The expensive series, subtitled "The Rings of Power," takes place 4,000 years before the events in the blockbuster movie adaptations of writer J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved books. The time period is known as the Second Age.
Chris Pine touts 'Dungeons & Dragons' film as Comic-Con returns
Actor Chris Pine said he had never immersed himself in the popular role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons until a few years ago when he was asked about starring in a movie about the fantasy world of swords and sorcery. Now, he's a convert. Speaking to thousands of fans in a convention hall at San Diego Comic-Con, Pine said he hoped the Paramount Pictures big-screen imagining of the game, due in theaters next March, would help "spread the gospel of D & D." It's a game, he said, that everyone should play in high school.
