Editor's Note: First Notes is a weekly update of recent, cool happenings in the world of music.
* Rob Zombie will be at Barnes & Noble at the Arboretum, 3327 Pineville-Matthews Road, on Saturday, May 3, at noon to sign copies of his book, The Lords of Salem. Tickets for the signing are first come, first served starting at 9 a.m.
* Jay Z and Beyonce have announced their first-ever co-headlining tour together, but, relax, there is no scheduled concert in Charlotte.
* Rodney Bryce, better known as DJ E-Z Rock, has died at age 46. Bryce was instrumental in the creation of Rob Base's 1988's track "It Takes Two."
* Judas Priest announced its first album since 2008 and first without founding member/guitarist KK Downing. The band's 17th studio album, Redeemer of Souls, is due out on July 14, 2014.
* Darius Rucker will be at the Uptown Amphitheatre on Oct. 3. Tickets go on sale on Friday, May 2.