Recommendations of the Editorial team
Madonna has a concert for the tenants of a legendary New York building where she rehearsed at the beginning of her career. paid one month’s rent.
Tenants of the New York Music Building in midtown Manhattan were informed via email that Madonna and credit card company Bilt would cover “up to $1,999.99 of the May rent” for each rehearsal space tenant. “The money was provided solely because Madonna wanted to support the musicians in the building where she got her start,” the property manager wrote.
“This is an incredible gesture of support,” drummer, producer and music building tenant Gabe Kirchheimer tells ROLLING STONE. “This building has been a musical incubator for decades, and about 100 bands rehearse here every week. Musicians face enormous challenges in New York. Making rent is often not easy, and we are truly grateful for it. The neighborhood has been through some crazy phases, and it can be difficult to attract customers in the current industry climate – but we are still here making music.”
Gratitude and meaning
DJ Boy Wonda added: “I literally went from boy to man in this industry while here at the legendary Music Building. Knowing all the classic stories and knowing that Madonna started here – I can’t express enough how grateful I am that this place is still here, serving the best in music at a time when opportunities for musicians are limited. There aren’t many places left in New York for talent to express their creativity – that’s why it’s so important. That Madonna and Bilt Coming together to cover tenants’ rent is a much-needed lifeline for many who want to keep the industry afloat – especially in today’s economic climate.”
In a statement to People, Madonna wrote: “Every day artists come to New York with a dream and usually not much else. As much as I struggled when I arrived here with nothing, I look back on this time in my life very fondly. The creativity, the diversity and the community of artists supporting each other while having the freedom to experiment is something I wouldn’t have experienced anywhere else.”
In addition to paying rent, Madonna and Bilt have lined up a series of events surrounding the release of their upcoming album “Confessions II,” including listening parties in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, as well as the Material Girl’s appearance on Bilt’s monthly game show “Rent Free.” “Confessions II” will be released on July 3rd.
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Why does Campino think that sometimes it’s good to just keep your mouth shut? Why does he sometimes feel like a drinks delivery man? He provides the answer in our cover story about the Toten Hosen’s big farewell, exclusively in issue 06/26. And that’s not all: the magazine includes the world exclusive 7-inch single “Always just loved” – on which Sven Regener from Element of Crime also contributed. You can easily order the ROLLING STONE edition here.
