2008 in Rock News

February

• John Mellencamp became the first of many artists to accuse soon-to-be-Republican presidential nominee John McCain of using their music without authorization. McCain also issued the first of many apologies to rockers. [Full Story]

• Britney Spears' family helped orchestrate an intervention that landed her in the psychiatric ward of UCLA's hospital. Spears was released early, challenged her parents, and then landed on the first of her two Rolling Stone covers this year. [Full Story; Cover Story]

• Paramore were at the verge of breaking up, canceling a European tour because of "internal struggles." Thankfully, the band hugged it out. [Full Story]

• The Grammys came and went with a whimper. Amy Winehouse walked away with trophies for Record and Song of the Year, as well as Best New Artist (and performed via satellite), but the show was deemed a flop. [Live Blog; Backstage Report; Photo Gallery; Winners List; How to Save the Grammys]

• Dave Clark Five singer Mike Smith passed away, as did Band of Gypsys drummer Buddy Miles. [Smith Obituary; Miles Obituary]