THE MUSIC’S OVER: Is Variety--the so-called bible...

THE MUSIC’S OVER: Is Variety--the so-called bible of the entertainment business--abandoning the music industry?

Gone, as of July 2, are the trade journal’s highly respected L.A.-based music editor Bruce Haring and New York-based music writer Kevin Zimmerman, both of whom were informed that their positions are being eliminated, fueling rumors that the publication would no longer cover music or music business news. (Zimmerman had also been a regular contributor to Weekly Variety.)

Daily Variety vice president and editorial director Peter Bart refused to comment when contacted by Pop Eye, but insiders contend that Bart has openly stated the paper is “out of the music business.” Free-lance writers who have covered music for Variety--both Daily and Weekly--though, say that they’ve been led to believe that the trade will continue to carry some concert reviews and music news.