Mar 30

U2 frontman knighted
[source: NME.com] Bono became a Knight of the British Empire on Thursday March 29 in a ceremony at the Dublin home of British Ambassador David Reddaway.
The U2 frontman was honoured for his humanitarian work and services to the music industry, which included organising Live 8 with Bob Geldof in 2005.
“You have permission to call me anything you want… except Sir, all right? Lord of Lords, Your Demi-Godness – that’ll do,” Bono joked with reporters after the ceremony.
The singer was not awarded the title of Sir because he is not a British national.
Bono was accompanied by his wife, Ali, and their four children – Jordan, 17; Eve, 15; Elijah, 7; and John, 5. U2 guitarist The Edge and bassist Adam Clayton also attended.
In 2003, the singer was presented with the Legion D’Honneur by French President Jacques Chirac, while 2005 saw him win Time Person Of The Year.

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Clash Legend prepares to say goodbye
[source: NME.com] Clash legend Paul Simonon will say goodbye to London’s Hammersmith Palais this weekend.
The bassist will perform the penultimate show at the legendary venue with The Good, The Bad And The Queen on Saturday March 31. And although The Fall are due to play the next day, Simonon told NME.COM he wants to take home a souvenir.
“I was thinking I could bring an axe down and chop up a bit of the stage to take home as a memento,” he explained. “I’ve got a feeling there might be somebody on the stage the day after us, so there might be a few splinters going in a few toes. I’ll just take a couple of planks.
“I suppose it’s one of those places that, going way back in time, our parents used to go to. It seems a shame that yet another place in London is closing down for live music. It was purpose-made, while a lot of places are ex-cinemas these days and they’re not always perfect for the sound quality."
Simonon also admitted the chances of his new band playing The Clash’s 1978 single “(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais” were “highly unlikely".
"I’ve forgotten the chords!” he said.

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Michael Jackson in fresh child custody battle
[source: NME.com] A woman claiming to be the biological mother of Michael Jackson’s three children has filed legal papers against him for a third time.
Nona Paris Lola Jackson filed papers at Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday March 27, requesting visiting rights and child support. The motion also contained a schedule demonstrating how easily the arrangement could work.
She is making further demands to be given the singer’s Neverland ranch and another of his properties, though her proposals would mean he retains full custody over the children.
Lola Jackson is adamant she gave birth to ten-year-old Prince Michael, nine-year-old Paris and five-year-old Prince Michael II (also called Blanket), though Jackson’s ex-wife Deborah Rowe is named on the birth certificate as the mother of both Prince Michael and Paris, while the identity of Prince Michael II’s mother remains unknown.
But Nona insists the singer never consummated his marriage to Rowe.
“Debbie’s hospital records will prove that my kids are not hers because of DNA,” Nona said.
The court has already dismissed two previous custody attempts from the Brit.
Los Angeles Superior Court judge Robert Schnider refused to hear her motion last month on grounds that proper notification had not been given to the other parties, and that Lola Jackson had additionally failed to submit credible evidence that she gave birth to the children.
Raymone Bain, a representative for Michael Jackson, branded her actions “ludicrous”.
Court hearings have been scheduled for Wednesday May 2 and Wednesday May 30.

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Radiohead deny Starbucks rumours
[source: NME.com] Radiohead have poured hot water on suggestions they are to sign to Starbucks’ Hear Music label.
Talk of the highly improbable pairing originated on the internet after someone from the band’s management team was apparently seen meeting with representatives of the coffee giant in London.
The management company has now issued a statement denying the claim.
“Radiohead are currently in the studio working on their next record," the statement said. "They are not negotiating a new record deal with anyone, and will not even consider how to release their new music until the album is finished.
“The rumour that they are about to sign with Starbucks is totally untrue.”

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Beastie Boys announce new album
[source: NME.com] Beastie Boys will release a new album later this year.
The record, still untitled, will be the follow-up to 2004’s To The 5 Boroughs.
In a posting on www.beastieboys.com, the band also announced they will play a series of instrumental-only shows.

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Weiland’s wife blames bipolar
The wife of Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland, Mary Weiland, claims medication for bipolar disorder caused the rowdy behaviour that saw her arrested last weekend.
After an argument with the former Stone Temple Pilots singer, Mary left two luxury hotel rooms trashed and set her husband’s clothes, worth almost $10,000, on fire.
“The weekend’s difficulties were brought on by a reaction to an imbalance in medications used to treat my bipolar disorder,” his wife said in a statement. Bipolar disorder can result in episodes of extreme and unpredictable mood swings.
“Reports that we were fighting at the Graciela Hotel are untrue,” Mary said. “Scott was simply trying to help me calm down. I want to make it very clear that he did not hurt me in any way."

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Joss Stone breaks record
Introducing Joss Stone has broken records in America by debuting at number two this week on the Billboard Album Chart.
The LP is now the highest new entry by a British female artist in US chart history, selling 118,000 copies in its first week (just 11,000 behind number one act Modest Mouse).
Globally, the album has reached the top ten in more than 15 countries… except England, where a debut at number 12 followed by a swift descent to 24.
Introducing… features special guests Common and Lauryn Hill, as well as lyrics written by Stone for the first time.
“It’s the first album that is truly me,” she said. “These are my words, and this is who I am as an artist.”
Joss Stone is touring Australia next week.

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Paul Simon receives Gershwin award
Former Simon & Garfunkel singer-songwriter Paul Simon is to be honoured by the US Library Of Congress for his impressive catalogue of work.
The star will receive the first annual Gershwin Prize For Popular Song, issued at a gala event in May. The newly created honour will be given to a composer or performer whose lifetime contributions “exemplify the standard of excellence associated with [George and Ira] Gershwin”.
“I am grateful to be the recipient of the Gershwin Prize and doubly honoured to be the first,” Simon said. “I look forward to spending an evening in the company of artists I admire at the award ceremony in May. It’s a songwriter’s dream come true.”
Earlier this year, Simon’s 1986 album Graceland was among the additions to the Library’s National Recording Registry. Simon is also a member of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, both as a solo artist and a member of Simon & Garfunkel.

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Bloc Party: Oasis are overrated
Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke has branded Oasis “overrated” and says the Gallagher brothers have “made stupidity hip”.
Okereke hit back at the Manchester group after Noel Gallagher made disparaging comments about Bloc Party earlier this year, comparing the band to geeky contestants on UK TV quiz show University Challenge.
“I think Oasis are the most overrated and pernicious and of all time,” Okereke said. “They had a totally negative and dangerous impact upon the state of British music… They claim to be inspired by The Beatles but – and this saddens me – they have failed to grasp that The Beatles were about constant change and evolution.”

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Mar 28

Velvet Revolver frontman vandalises hotel
[source: NME.com] The wife of Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland has been arrested after setting the singer's clothes on fire outside their home in Toluca Lake, California.
The incident followed a fight between the couple that took place at a luxury hotel in nearby Burbank, in which they vandalised two rooms.
Mary Weiland was charged on Saturday March 24 with felony arson vandalism after police responded to a call suggesting a woman was burning clothes.
She was allegedly at the hotel with the couple's children when police arrived to question her. She went voluntarily to the police station to give a statement.
Scott Weiland later appeared at the station with his attorney to do the same, although no charges were filed against the singer.

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Franz Ferdinand enter publishing
[source: NME.com] In a throwback to the 80s, Franz Ferdinand have published a 2007 Annual for fans. The book, designed by guitarist Nick McCarthy's sister Anne, features problem pages, puzzles, stories, fact files and cut-out dolls.
It follows singer Alex Kapranos's foray into food writing and last year's Sound Bites publication.
In other news, the band are about to start work on their third album, the follow-up to 2005's You Could Have It So Much Better.

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Rage Against The Machine start rehearsing
[source: NME.com] Rage Against The Machine have broken the silence surrounding rehearsals for their reunion shows.
The band are set to play the Coachella Festival in California in late April, plus three dates at the Rock The Bells hip-hop festival in July and August.
"It sounds awesome in the room," guitarist Tom Morello said of rehearsals. "We remember how to play those songs; it's pretty much like riding a bike."
Morello also said he felt now was a good time for the band to return.
"These times, I think, demand a voice like Rage Against The Machine.
"Rage was certainly the most outspoken and radical voice in music in the 90s, and in the seven years Rage was away the country went to hell. So I think it's overdue that we're back."

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Brody Dalle announces new band
[source: NME.com] Details of The Distillers frontwoman Brody Dalle's new band have emerged.
Spinnerette will consist of Dalle, Distillers bandmate Tony Bevilacqua and Alain Johannes, who has worked with the likes of PJ Harvey and Eagles Of Death Metal.
Dalle told NME she needed to form Spinnerette because the songs would have seemed "out of context" with The Distillers.
"Spinnerette get a clean slate. I get to start over and be the new kid in town, only I ain't no kid. [The Brody Dalle in Spinnerette] is quirky and sexy and she f##ks around."
However, Dalle was quick to point out The Distillers have not broken up, despite not making an album since 2003's Coral Fang.
Spinnerette will record their debut album in Los Angeles. No release date has been set.

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Best Of V festival venue change
Promoters claim "unforeseen circumstances" have forced a change of venue for the Best Of V events in Adelaide.
The dates remain unchanged, but the shows, originally scheduled for large arenas, will now take place in smaller venues.
Tuesday April 3 sees Pixies, Jarvis Cocker, New York Dolls and Phoenix relocate to the Thebarton Theatre, while the Pet Shop Boys, Groove Armada, Gnarls Barkley and The Rapture will appear at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Wednesday April 4.
Tickets for Memorial Drive shows remain valid for the new venue on the original date, with no need to be exchanged. Refunds are available for ticket holders who are unable to attend the relocated shows.
Following their Adelaide performance, The Rapture will head to Sydney to support Phoenix at The Factory on Thursday April 5.

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Shirley Manson becomes PETA pin-up
Former Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson will appear on posters around the world next week in support of animal rights organisation PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).
Wearing a Stella McCartney evening gown, Manson is shown holding a skinned fox. Beside her, the caption reads: "Here's the rest of your fur coat".
The dramatic shot aims to show consumers that every fur coat, collar or cuff is made from living creatures who endure tremendous suffering.
"I believe very strongly in the ethical treatment of animals," the 40-year-old singer said. "A lot of my fans are very pro-animal rights and have often, when I have been wearing fake fur, said, 'Is that real?'. I have had to reassure them it's fake."
Garbage are currently on indefinite hiatus while Manson, now based in Los Angeles, records her first solo album. Jack White, Billy Corgan and Beck are all rumoured to be contributors.

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Giant Jackson robot rumoured for Vegas
Reports from the US claim Michael Jackson has signed off on a project that will see a 50-foot robotic replica of himself created to roam the Las Vegas desert.
The robot is apparently the centrepiece of an elaborate Jackson-inspired show in Vegas, according to designer Andre Van Pier.
Luckman Van Pier, his partner at the company behind the proposal, claimed blueprints have been drawn up for the show and approved by the star.
"Michael's looked at the sketches and likes them," he told the New York Daily News. "[The robot] would be in the desert sands. Laser beams would shoot out of it, so it would be the first thing people flying in would see."
After stints in Bahrain and Ireland, Jackson is now living in Las Vegas and working on a comeback album. Collaborators include Will.I.Am and 50 Cent.

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New QOTSA bassist?
LA rockers Queens Of The Stone Age have apparently hired Michael Shuman as the band's new bassist.
Numerous online sources report Shuman, formerly of Los Angeles act Wires On Fire, has accepted an offer to join the band, although there's been no official confirmation.
Former bassist Nick Oliveri was the band's last permanent bass player, until he was ousted by frontman Josh Homme in 2004. Since then, Oliveri has been concentrating on Mondo Generator, although he has expressed a desire to rejoin Queens.
Alain Johannes, multi-instrumentalist and member of Eleven, has been filling in on bass duties for QOTSA since Oliveri's departure. The new QOTSA album, Era Vulgaris, is due out in mid-June and follows 2005's Lullabies To Paralyze.

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Latest Seattle tribute to Nirvana
As the 13th anniversary of Kurt Cobain's passing (Thursday April 5) approaches, details of an unusual tribute to Nirvana's music has come to light.
Artistic Director of The Spectrum Dance Theatre Donald Byrd told the newspaper his interpretive dance production isn't meant to be a biographical study of Cobain.
"His life is just an inspirational departure point," Byrd said. "One of the things I was struck by was how many contradictions there were in the music, from the sweet and tender to the loud and angry."
Byrd cites the divorce of Cobain's parents at a young age as a key event and one that is reflected in the dance piece.
"He was shifted around and he never had a sense of security in his life after that happened."
Some of the "scrambling, reaching and clinging" movements between the dancers apparently represent Kurt and his wife, Courtney Love, as they "aim to reflect a yearning for unconditional love".
The Spectrum Dance Theatre's Nevermind act opens in Seattle on Friday April 13.

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Mar 27

Eminem in court over wife’s insults
[source: NME.com] Eminem appeared in a Michigan court on Monday March 26 to ask a judge to ban ex-wife Kim Mathers from insulting him in public. The rapper claimed it could harm the couple's daughter, Hailie.
He chose to take action after a recent bout of interviews in which Kim labelled him “uncaring” and cast aspersions on his sexual abilities.
The couple married in 1999, divorced two years later, re-married in January 2006 and separated three months later.

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Snoop Dogg speaks about visa battle
[source: NME.com] Snoop Dogg says the UK's decision to refuse him a visa feels like "a slap in the face".
The rap star is meant to be undertaking a co-headlining tour with P.Diddy this week but was denied a visa following his arrest on suspicion of violent disorder and affray at Heathrow Airport last year.
“It feels like a slap in the face if I don’t get to perform there. I think [the government] need to speak to the kids. If they say they don’t want big Snoopy Dogg there then I’ll keep it moving. Otherwise, open up and let me do what I do. I’m here to perform and give people what they want.”
Referencing the time when he was at war with his co-headliner, Snoop said: “Me and Puffy come from a background where there were a lot of differences in the hip-hop community. But now we want to go around the world and show positive examples in the UK.
“With my mic and my presence, I can reach kids the politicians can’t. I can tell them to stop the violence and killings that are currently going on in the UK.”

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Damien Rice splits from long-term vocalist
[source: NME.com] Damien Rice has split with vocalist Lisa Hannigan after a musical partnership that lasted six years.
The news will shock Rice’s legion of fans, as Hannigan had long been an integral part of Rice’s backing band, particularly during live performances.
“After much thought and discussion, Damien has decided his professional relationship with Lisa Hannigan has run its creative course," an official statement read. "As a result, Lisa will not be appearing at any of the upcoming live shows. Lisa is embarking on her own artistic endeavours and there are no plans for them to work together in the foreseeable future."

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David Bowie to curate festival
[source: NME.com] David Bowie will curate the forthcoming H&M High Line Festival in New York.
The 60-year-old has already invited his favourite band, Arcade Fire, as well as Air, The Secret Machines and comic Ricky Gervais.
“I thought it was a very cool deal to be asked to curate the Highline Festival," Bowie said. "The request was for me to choose artists and acts that I myself would go out of my way to see.”
The festival, which runs between May 9 and May 19, will take place at various venues around New York, including Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden and Irving Plaza.
Other confirmed acts include Bang On A Can, Claude Cahun, Daniel Johnston, Deerhoof, Ken Nordine, Laurie Anderson, Laurie McLeod, Legendary Stardust Cowboy, Meow Meow, Spanish Film Retrospective and The Polyphonic Spree.

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Busta Rhymes faces assault trial
[source: NME.com] A New York judge has withdrawn an offer that would have seen rapper Busta Rhymes remain free after a recent arrest for driving with a suspended license.
Rhymes (real name: Trevor Smith) was apparently prepared to accept the offer of probation and community service as penalty for two cases in which he would plead guilty to misdemeanour assault. In one incident, Rhymes is accused of beating his former driver; in another, he allegedly assaulted a fan who spat on his car after a show at Randall’s Island in August 2006.
After the offer was withdrawn, Rhymes was given a follow-up deal that would have seen him spend two years in jail and pay AU$500 for the driving charge. He rejected the offer and will go to trial instead. It is expected to start on Tuesday May 8.

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Ben Lee joins Dalai Lama in Sydney
The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet will visit Australia for two weeks in June and indie musician Ben Lee is in on the action.
The religious figure's tour will culminate in a free talk and concert in The Domain, Sydney, and will feature some high-profile friends.
Under the heading “Some Really Really Really Big News” on his MySpace blog, Lee confirmed his involvement yesterday.
“Okay, this kinda thing doesn’t happen every day,” he wrote. “I have been invited to take part in an event with the His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in Sydney on June 15. The Dalai Lama will be giving a free 90-minute talk directed towards young people in The Domain.
"Anyone who has had the opportunity to hear the Dalai Lama speak will tell you what an incredible experience it is. His ability to transcend cultures and communicate his simple message of peace to people all over the world is unparalleled.
"I’m honoured to have been asked to perform an acoustic set as part of the program for the day. If any of you get the opportunity to be there for this special event, I think it will be an extraordinary and memorable experience.” For more information on the Dalai Lama’s Australian visit, go to www.dalailama.org.au.

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Robbie Williams writes about the early years
Reports in the UK suggest pop star Robbie Williams is writing a musical about his rise to fame and showbiz lifestyle.
Based on a hidden song on his breakthrough album Life Thru A Lens, Robbie’s musical is reputed to have the working title of Hello Sir. It's believed Robbie’s role will be played by actor Jonathan Wilkes.
“This will be a lavish musical, like Billy Elliot meets Mama Mia, all about Robbie’s rise to fame,” a source told The Sunday Times.
In February, on his birthday, the 33-year-old former Take That member checked into rehab in Arizona to deal with an addiction to anti-depressants. Williams admitted to a daily intake of 36 super-strength double espresso coffees, 60 Silk Cut cigarettes and around 20 cans of energy drink Red Bull. Since leaving rehab in early March, Robbie’s been holed up in his home in Los Angeles, reportedly working on his script.

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U2’s The Edge donates guitar to auction
U2 guitarist The Edge is donating his favourite guitar to an auction for a charity he co-founded.
The Irish rocker said he felt compelled to help New Orleans after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, so created Music Rising in 2005 with record producer Bob Ezrin and Gibson chairman Henry Juszkiewicz.
The charity’s aim was to replace musical equipment lost or destroyed by devastating hurricanes that ravaged the city.
“I wanted to give something really significant that would mean a lot for me to give. The charity deserved something that I would miss.”
The Icons Of Music auction also includes a guitar formerly owned by Jimi Hendrix and an original Elvis Presley recording contract. The Edge’s instrumnet is expected to fetch between AU$60,000 and $80,000.
Meanwhile, bandmates Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen donated a bass guitar and a pair of tom-tom drums, while Bono donated a pair of Emporio Armani sunglasses.

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Ice Cube establishes scholarship
Rapper Ice Cube has teamed with McNally Smith College Of Music in St. Paul, Minnesota, to present the Ice Cube Scholarship. The award will be offered annually to one student in the music technology department.
“It has become a lifelong mission to give back to our youth and provide them with opportunities for a successful future,” the rapper said. “I am honoured to be working with such a highly respected establishment and look forward to reviewing the submissions by scholarship applicants in the coming months.”
Selected finalists will compete in the Ice Cube Challenge, where each student will be given a beat and hook-line by the rapper. They'll then be required to fill in the bassline, arrangement and lyrics. Ice Cube will personally select the winner and present them with their scholarship.

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Mar 26

Rufus Wainwright teams with Disney
[source: NME.com] Rufus Wainwright's songs will appear in new Disney film Meet The Robinsons.
The movie features Wainwright performing "Another Believer" and "Motion Waltz", while Jamie Cullum's version of "Where Is Your Heart At?" also appears.
In other news, Wainwright's new album, Release The Stars, is due on Tuesday May 15. The record saw Pet Shop Boys star Neil Tennant act as executive producer.

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Snoop Dogg denied British visa
[source: NME.com] Snoop Dogg's UK tour is in doubt after he was denied a visa to enter Britain.
He was meant to play five dates with P. Diddy but his arrest last year on suspicion of violent disorder and affray at London's Heathrow Airport has come back to haunt him.
A Snoop Dogg spokesperson said the rapper is "mystified" at the decision.
"[He's] hoping the British government will reconsider this decision, especially as he has toured here before and sees the UK as the highlight of the tour.
"He has asked how he can help rectify the situation and would happily talk to – and give assurances to – the officials. Many routes are being explored to have the decision reversed."
The spokesperson added that a planned gig at Wembley Arena on Tuesday March 27 would go ahead whatever the outcome and "discussions are underway with production teams so Snoop can still be involved in the show".

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ABBA stars win court battle
[source: NME.com] ABBA stars Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus won a court battle on Friday March 23 over writing credits for one of their musicals.
The dispute pits the two men against Carl-Johan Seth, who attempted to claim main writing credit for the Kristina Fran Duvemala musical, which has been seen by more than a million people in Sweden and looks bound for Broadway.
Andersson and Ulvaeus claimed Seth's work was unusable, so they used a script by director Lars Rudolfsson and dramatist Jan Mark, according to the Associated Press. The ABBA men wrote the music and songs for the play.
Seth's lawyer, Staffan Michelson, said his client would appeal the Stockholm District Court's ruling. Michelson contends that both parties signed a license agreement before the musical's premiere in 1995, in which they agreed to equal ownership of the script.

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Scissor Sisters team with climate change charity
[source: NME.com] Scissor Sisters have teamed with Global Cool – a climate change charity – to deliver special text messages to people who join their campaign.
The special texts will be available to people who sign up for the Global Cool SMS initiative and will see participants receive two "cool" text messages a month, which will outline energy-saving tips for consumers.
Hollywood actors Sienna Miller, Josh Hartnett and Rosario Dawson are also involved in the campaign.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/globalcool.

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Sly Stone's family reunion
Sly & The Family Stone could well be the next supergroup to reform.
Singer/keyboardist Rose Stone confirmed reclusive frontman Sly is on the verge of rejoining the group.
Rose has kept the band going since her brother quit the group and is convinced Sly is about to announce an official comeback.
"I think that's more of a probability than a possibility," she told Billboard.
"My personal feeling is it's not over. It's just not over. We're on a pause as far as the original group goes, but we've expanded from where we were and we're all still very hot at doing what we do. He's doing music, and that's one of the reasons I believe we're going to be hooking up again. We'll just see what happens. Everything looks promising."

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G-Unit member under arrest
A member of New York City hip-hop outfit G-Unit has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a 14-year-old boy.
It's alleged Tony Yayo got physical with the son of Jimmy "Henchman" Rosemond, who manages fellow rapper The Game.
On Tuesday Mar 20, according to hip-hop website SOHH.com, the 14-year-old was walking down the street, on his way to the Czar Entertainment offices where he interns after school.
50 Cent, Tony Yayo and other members of the G-Unit entourage were leaving the nearby offices of their reps, Violator Management. Upon seeing the boy – who was wearing a Czar T-shirt – several members of the group allegedly pushed him against a wall and asked him why he was wearing the shirt and how old he was. After he answered, Yayo allegedly backhanded the youth and said: "I don't give a f**k how old this kid is, f**k Czar Entertainment."
Marvin "Tony Yayo" Bernard has been charged with harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. But it's not his first brush with the law. In 2004, he was jailed for six months over possession of a forged passport, just days after he had been released from prison on a one-year gun possession stint.

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Sick Puppies in the States
Sydney alt-rockers The Sick Puppies will release their debut album in the US next week.
The band have enjoyed incredible hype thanks to their homemade "Free Hugs" video for single "All The Same". The clip has been viewed more than 12 million times on YouTube, and has sparked worldwide "free hugs" campaigns in Spain, Israel, Russia, Brazil, Portugal, Canada, the UK and Japan.
Thanks to the clip's success, the Puppies are looking at masses of warm and fuzzy support for the album. The band will appear on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno and The Late Show With David Letterman to promote new single "My World".
Since touring with the Big Day Out in January, the Puppies have returned to the US to support Jet on a trip that lasts until mid-May.

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Hilltop Hoods and The Hard Road Restrung
Adelaide's Hilltop Hoods have recently returned to the studio to work on new album The Hard Road Restrung.
The disc will see their platinum-selling number one album The Hard Road re-composed, with the assistance of arranger Jamie Messenger, to incorporate the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO).
The hip-hop trio will launch The Hard Road Restrung with a one-off performance featuring the 31-piece ASO at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday May 12. The event is the only scheduled Hilltop Hoods performance in South Australia for 2007.

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Amy Winehouse makes US chart history
She's topped the charts with "Rehab" and now UK pop singer Amy Winehouse has created history.
Debut LP Back To Black entered the American charts this week at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 album list, making her the highest debuting British female artist in history.
Last week, Winehouse appeared on The Late Show With David Letterman and played sold-out shows in Los Angeles and New York.
Meanwhile, back home in the UK, Back To Black is almost triple platinum following her Best British Female win at February's Brit Awards. In Australia, the LP has sold more than 35,000 copies.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Amy-Winehouse.aspx


30 Seconds To Mars announce extra tickets
Featuring actor Jared Leto on vocals, 30 Seconds To Mars' upcoming Sydney and Melbourne shows sold out within a matter of days.
Now promoter Frontier Touring have responded to calls from hundreds of disappointed fans who missed out on tickets by moving the shows to larger venues and releasing more tickets.
In Sydney, the show originally confirmed for Luna Park's Big Top has been moved to the Hordern Pavilion (but will still take place on Friday May 4 and existing tickets remain valid). Meanwhile, 700 additional seats have also been released for the Melbourne gig at Festival Hall. Unfortunately, no extra tickets are available for the sold-out Brisbane show.
The additional tickets for both shows are on sale now.

Tour dates:

Wednesday May 2 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
Friday May 4 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
Saturday May 5 – Arena, Brisbane

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/30-Seconds-To-Mars.aspx

Mar 23

Justin Timberlake snubbed by Tennessee
[source: NME.com] A resolution to honour Justin Timberlake has been dismissed by a Tennessee senator in the singer's home state.
Timberlake was nominated to receive an honour for his "highly successful music career and his meritorious service to the state of Tennessee", but Senator Raymond Finney had his name removed from the list.
"It's not something I want my name on," Finney told Associated Press.
Reportedly, Republican senators objected to the resolution because of the nature of song titles like "SexyBack".
Of course, Timberlake was also involved with Janet Jackson's infamous "wardrobe malfunction" at the 2004 Superbowl.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Justin-Timberlake.aspx


The Darkness officially over
[source: NME.com] When frontman Justin Hawkins quit The Darkness in October 2006, the remaining members vowed to continue with bassist Richie Edwards on vocals.
But a new posting on the band's website has revealed that, while they will carry on making music together, they will no longer be called The Darkness.
"I can absolutely confirm here and now that we will not be carrying on under the name The Darkness," Edwards wrote.
"We are literally days away from announcing our new name. When this is done we will be launching our new website and we sincerely hope you guys will be paying it a visit.
"I can't wait for this album to be finished and for you all to hear it."
The band currently consists of Toby MacFarlaine, Richie Edwards, Ed Graham and Dan Hawkins.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Darkness-The.aspx


Timbaland to work with Coldplay?
[source: NME.com] Timbaland has claimed he will fly to the UK in April to meet with Coldplay to discuss working on the band's fourth album.
The super-producer told GQ he will treat the trip like a reconnaissance mission.
"I try to get into their heads, see what they're thinking about," he said. "I just try to figure out how they are feeling. And if they are feeling a certain way, I go by that. It's more about everyday life than about music."
But while Timbaland is adamant he'll be working with the band, a spokesman for the group told NME.COM they are not scheduled to work with him.
Coldplay previously announced Brian Eno would produce the follow-up to 2005's X&Y.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Coldplay.aspx

Britney Spears obtains court injunction
[source: NME.com] Britney Spears has been granted a High Court injunction that prevents the British press from printing allegations about her recent stay at a US clinic in Malibu.
Legal representatives are also trying to apply for an additional court order that would demand UK publications disclose the sources of their stories.
A statement from the star's London lawyers claimed the singer "intends to challenge false allegations that have already been published".
The statement goes on to explain that media outlets are being served the injunction "to assist them in not making the mistake of carrying out such further disclosures if approached by this person".
Britney Spears has already launched a legal challenge against a number of "false allegations".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Britney-Spears.aspx


Pet Shop Boys announce side-show
In addition to their appearance at the inaugural Australian V Festival, UK pop icons Pet Shop Boys will play at least one headlining gig when they arrive in the country next month.
The show will be held at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion on Friday April 6, with tickets on sale Monday March 26.
Neil Tennant and keyboardist Chris Lowe first topped the charts in the 80s with synth-based dance-pop tracks like "West End Girls", "Always On My Mind" and "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots Of Money)".
Their latest studio LP, Fundamental, saw them move into techno, disco and house territory.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Pet-Shop-Boys.aspx


Damon gets down to Monkey business
Blur frontman Damon Albarn will premiere his Monkey King Opera at the first Manchester International Festival in June.
Opera's a long way from "Parklife" but it should come as no surprise to fans of the 39-year-old's work. After all, he formed Gorillaz (the world's first virtual band), made a foray into world music with Mali Music, wrote film scores, launched a supergroup with The Clash's Paul Simonon, accepted a commission to write a musical for the National Theatre, and recently teamed with Brian Eno and a 50-strong gospel choir to create protest music.
For Monkey: Journey To The West, Albarn has set a text in Mandarin Chinese and scored his music for Western and Chinese instruments. The designs and animations are by Jamie Hewlett (Gorillaz designer) and the cast includes 40 Chinese circus acrobats, singers and martial arts performers.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Gorillaz.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Blur.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Brian-Eno.aspx


Violinist Joshua Bell wins coveted award
Joshua Bell will receive AU$92,000 as this year's winner of the Avery Fisher Prize.
The dashing violinist from Indiana, who has won three Grammy awards, made his professional debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra aged 14. Five years later, he received an Avery Fisher Career Grant for promising American classical performers.
The new prize, which Bell will receive in April, honours outstanding achievement in his career.
"It's nice getting awards when you least expect it," Bell revealed, "because it's not an award you audition for or even know if you're nominated for. So it's a very nice surprise… the prize money is nice, of course, but it's the honour that's worth even more than that. To be recognised at the level of the people who have won that prize is special and it's nice to be part of that group."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Joshua-Bell.aspx


Bill Wyman exhibits classic Rolling Stones photos
Former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman will exhibit his photography in Los Angeles.
Wyman played bass in the Stones from the group's formation (back in 1962) until he voluntarily left in 1993.
With unrivalled access to the band and other esteemed celebrities such as John Lennon, Elton John and The Who, Wyman captured many iconic figures both on and off stage.
Now, a selection of his work will fill the walls of the Morrison Hotel Gallery in Hollywood for an exhibit titled Wyman Shoots, which opens next week.
Wyman told the LA Times his subjects didn't always take his photography seriously.
"Oh yeah," he laughed. "It was, 'Tell him to put that away', or, 'Oh Bill, come off it'. Mick [Jagger] was always like that. The others didn't really mind. Charlie [Watts] least of all. Charlie was naturally posing. Looks like it was set up, but never was. He's so photogenic."
And though Wyman was very respectful of his colleagues' privacy, he caught some revealing moments.
"There's one [shot] of Mick reading a Bible that he might not like," he said. "I call it 'Mick Looking For Loopholes', which I nicked off W.C. Fields."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Rolling-Stones-The.aspx


Dan Kelly takes leave of Alpha Males
Melbourne singer-songwriter Dan Kelly has parted ways with The Alpha Males.
"Myself and the fabulous Alpha Males will be parting ways for a good while," Kelly revealed in a statement.
"I'm going to do a solo album next and head overseas and they're all off doing other groovy and happening stuff for the rest of the year. We will probably play together again – think of them as Crazy Horse without the record sales – but not for a good stretch. There is no drama, we all still love each other. It's actually quite sickening."
Their latest album, Drowning In The Fountain Of Youth, put the group firmly at the forefront of Australian indie music, winning critical and popular acclaim both here and overseas. Named album of 2006 by Melbourne-based Inpress magazine, the single "Drunk On Election Night" was also hand-picked by Neil Young to be included in his Living With War Songs Of The Times on his website.
When requesting clearance from their manager, Young said he wanted to post the song because "it's f**king perfect".
The band will play a farewell show at the Northcote Social Club in Melbourne on Thursday April 12.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Dan-Kelly-And-The-Alpha-Males.aspx

Mar 22

Madness to re-record classic hit with Sway
[source: NME.com] Madness will record a new version of "Baggy Trousers" with hip-hop producer Sway.
Renamed "Baggy Jeans", the track has a lot to live up to; the original went to number three back in 1980.
"It is not often you get to rework a legendary song with the original writers," Sway told NME.COM.
"Madness have been brilliant. Creating a totally modern version of a classic is phenomenal."
Sway admits he was cautious about tinkering with such a famous song, but was impressed with the risks Madness were prepared to take.
"It was brave of the band to be so creative and change a song that sits so proudly in British music history."
The new version, Sway said, will be "a huge smash" when it's released later this year.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Madness.aspx


Britney Spears leaves rehab
[source: NME.com] Britney Spears has completed her rehab programme at Promises Malibu Treatment Center.
The singer checked into the facility on Wednesday February 21 after exhibiting increasingly erratic behaviour. A week prior to her admission, Spears spent less than a day at Eric Clapton's Crossroads rehab in Antigua. She then returned to Los Angeles where she tearfully shaved her head, went to Promises on Tuesday February 20, left the next morning but returned later that day.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Britney-Spears.aspx


Producer issues apology to Christina and Joss
[source: NME.com] Producer Dallas Austin has apologised to Christina Aguilera and Joss Stone for making lewd comments about them.
Footage of Austin suggesting the singers slept with producers in exchange for songs was posted on YouTube.com, although it was later removed.
"My statement about Christina Aguilera and Joss Stone was a reaction to an incident I care not to discuss in any forum," Austin said in a statement released on Tuesday. "While I may have felt justified, I do owe an apology to Christina, Joss and their families.
"The comments I made… were purely an act of retaliation and not of malice or cruel intent. I sincerely apologise as this is not in my character."
Meanwhile, Aguilera's representative, Cindy Guagenti, said the singer would not comment on "such ridiculous statements" and confirmed she is exploring legal options. Stone has yet to respond.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Christina-Aguilera.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Joss-Stone.aspx


Avril Lavigne: big in Japan
Skater girl Avril Lavigne is set to star in a Manga-style comic book called Make 5 Wishes.
In the stories, Avril comes to the rescue of a shy teen and helps the girl overcome her personal demons.
The project will undoubtedly broaden Lavigne's fan base in Asia. Her last single, "Girlfriend", was also aimed at a worldwide audience. In addition to the English version, she recorded the chorus in Spanish, French, Mandarin, German, Portuguese, Japanese and Italian. The song debuted at number one on Japan's international and domestic charts, so the comic comes at an opportune time.
The weekly stories will soon be available as two-minute clips that can be viewed online or downloaded to mobile phones, and will feature otherwise unavailable Lavigne songs.
Lavigne's new album, The Best Damn Thing, is due for release on Tuesday April 17.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Avril-Lavigne.aspx


Jurassic 5 call it a day
The Gold Coast Bulletin scored a scoop recently when Jurassic 5 rapper Soup revealed the group would disband after their Australian tour.
"I don't want to sit here and fake it," Soup said. "We're not seeing eye to eye right now. People see us as a harmonising, loving group, but that's far from the truth."
The five-piece hip-hop group formed in Los Angeles back in 1992 and are renowned for their old-school hip-hop sound and positive lyrics.
In between producing four Jurassic 5 albums, the members have all worked on numerous side-projects with other artists. Soup claimed each member's desire to work on solo projects is at the core of the split.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jurassic-5.aspx


James Blunt starts work on new LP
James Blunt has started recording the follow-up to multi-million selling album Back To Bedlam.
In a recent interview with MTV, the singer claimed the new material is much edgier.
"I'm recording with my band, who have toured with me for two years, so they know the new songs and they give a bit of grit and edge that perhaps wasn't there when I was doing it on my own."
Blunt also revealed he's had no trouble with writers' block.
"I'm pretty efficient in the way I write," he said. "If it's not a good song, I'll stop writing halfway through and say it's not good. So if I finish the song, normally it means it should be close enough to be getting on an album."
Blunt's debut album was released in 2004 and has sold 11 million copies worldwide. It's not a bad feat for someone who claims the only music he heard growing up was "Happy Birthday" and "Silent Night".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/James-Blunt.aspx


Bay City Rollers get day in court
Members of Bay City Rollers – a Scottish teenybopper band who briefly enjoyed worldwide stardom in the 70s – sued their former record label this week, seeking millions of dollars in unpaid royalties.
According to the suit against Arista Records, filed in the US District Court in New York, the Rollers sold at least 70 million albums worldwide but, in more than 25 years, received only one royalty payment (of approximately AU$254,000).
The band inspired a wave of "Rollermania" around the world. The fame never translated into much financial success for the band, however, because of low royalty rates.
The lawsuit claims Arista executives have repeatedly promised to pay royalties but did not know who to pay. The suit says the ploy was a "pretext intended to deprive [the band] of the royalties to which they are entitled".
The money would certainly come in handy: former frontman Les McKeown tours small venues with a group dubbed Les McKeown's Legendary Bay City Rollers, while drummer Derek Longmuir is a nurse. Another former member works as a plumber.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bay-City-Rollers.aspx


Return of the Dinosaur
Indie rock icons Dinosaur Jr will release a reunion album on Tuesday May 1 and follow it with a headlining tour.
The new album will be the first from the original members in 19 years.
Dinosaur Jr first gained notoriety after the release of You're Living All Over Me back in 1987. But original bassist Lou Barlow was sent packing in 1989, although he went on to find success in Sebadoh.
At the time, Barlow was scathing in his contempt for Dinosaur Jr frontman J. Mascis. He wrote songs about his frustrations and referred to the band as "Dino-Bore Jr".
The power trio's unlikely reunion will see them play 27 dates across America after the release of the new album. Barlow is also touring with his own reunited act, Sebadoh.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Dinosaur-Jr.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sebadoh.aspx

Mar 21

Marilyn Manson recruits fans for new video
[source: NME.com] Marilyn Manson is looking for fans to star in a new music film.
In a posting on MySpace, Californian photographer Tyler Shield asked fans to volunteer for a music video/short film that the singer will both direct and star in.
Meanwhile, Marilyn Manson will hold an exhibition of his latest paintings in Fort Myers, Florida, from Monday April 2 to Tuesday April 17. The singer has previously exhibited work in both Los Angeles and Europe.
New album Eat Me, Drink Me will be released sometime in the spring and followed by a world tour, according to www.mansonusa.com.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Marilyn-Manson.aspx


Kid Rock prepares to sue
[source: NME.com] Kid Rock is planning to sue the woman who told police he pushed her into a snowbank.
As previously reported, the singer will not face charges after being accused of assaulting a woman outside his home. The rapper was cleared after prosecutors said there was insufficient evidence to make a case.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kid-Rock-Sian-Jones.aspx


Led Zeppelin guitarist to testify against bootlegger
[source: NME.com] Led Zeppelin's former guitarist Jimmy Page will testify against a bootlegger in Scotland.
Robert Langley was arrested in Glasgow in 2005 with what police claimed was more than AU$50,000 worth of pirated CDs. Among these were Led Zeppelin shows that have never been released, including one at Knebworth from August 1979. Other items included unreleased material from The Beatles and Bob Dylan.
Page has already been to Glasgow to identify the Led Zeppelin tapes for investigators from the British Phonographic Institute. The guitarist will reportedly testify when the trial is held in the city's Sheriff Court.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jimmy-Page.aspx


Sex Pistols artist announces exhibition
[source: NME.com] Jamie Reid, the artist who designed the cover of the Sex Pistols' "God Save The Queen", has announced details of a career-spanning exhibition.
Reid was at art college with Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren and soon began designing sleeves and posters for the punks.
His doctored image of the Queen, with a safety pin through her lips and swastikas in her eyes, became an iconic symbol of punk. The image was used on the cover of the Sex Pistols' 1977 single, which was released to coincide with the Queen's Golden Jubilee.
The exhibition - "May Day May Day" - will take place in London at The Aquarium L-13 on 63 Farringdon Road. It opens on Tuesday May 1 and runs until Saturday June 9.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sex-Pistols.aspx


Angus Young named top rock icon
Last August, UK music magazine Kerrang! presented AC/DC's diminutive guitarist Angus Young with a Kerrang! Legend award.
Now Young has beaten out stiff competition to be named top rock icon by the metal mag. Other nominees included Nirvana's Kurt Cobain, Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, Pantera's Dimebag, Judas Priest's Rob Halford, Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl and Evanescence's Amy Lee.
Angus Young has been the hard-riffing lead guitarist of AC/DC since they formed in 1973. After trying other costumes like Spiderman, Zorro and gorilla suits, his sister suggested a school uniform. It soon became his trademark, along with his wild stage antics and moves like "the spasm".
Another honour was recently bestowed on Young when Maxim magazine ranked him (at 5ft 2in) number one on their list of the 25 Greatest Short Dudes Of All Time, ahead of Napoleon Bonaparte and Yoda.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Ac-Dc.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Nirvana.aspx
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http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Pantera.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Judas-Priest.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Evanescence.aspx


Colorado gets Rocky Mountain High
The late John Denver's tribute to his beloved Colorado, "Rocky Mountain High", has been recognised as the state's second official song. The first, "Where The Columbines Grow", was adopted in 1915.
Speaking about the song's newfound status, Colorado State Senator Bob Hagedorn denied it was about drug use. He told The New York Times a "high" involved the release of endorphins in the brain.
"We could be talking about guys who've been fishing all day!" he argued.
Denver was born Henry John Deutschendorf but changed his name in 1969, choosing his new surname as a tribute to his favourite city. Denver was one of the biggest selling artists of the 70s, recording and releasing some 300 songs in his lifetime, about half of which he had written.
In 1972, Denver scored his first top ten album with Rocky Mountain High, while its title track reached the top ten in 1973. He was named the state's poet laureate in 1974 and lived in Aspen until his death in a plane crash in 1997.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/John-Denver.aspx


The Magic Numbers added to Southern Roots
Tasmania's Southern Roots festival, which already promises to be the biggest musical event ever staged in Hobart, just got bigger with the announcement that The Magic Numbers have been added to the bill.
The festival has been able to pilfer the best acts appearing at a range of mainland events over Easter, including the V Festival, The Great Escape and the Byron Bay Blues & Roots Festival.
In a major coup, Southern Roots secured massively influential US rockers Pixies to headline the inaugural event. The Magic Numbers - a highlight of the 2006 Big Day Out - also join Wolfmother, Gomez, The Lemonheads, Pnau, Xavier Rudd, Tex & Tim, Toni Collette & The Finish, Ben Kweller and The Vines for the gig.
Southern Roots, with its all-star line-up and intimate setting (tickets are limited to 14,000), may well prove the pick of the bunch over Easter.
It takes place on Saturday April 7 at the Royal Hobart Showgrounds, Glenorchy.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Magic-Numbers-The.aspx
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http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Gomez.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lemonheads-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Wolfmother.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Pnau.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Vines-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Ben-Kweller.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Tnt-Tim-Rogers-Tex-Perkins.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Xavier-Rudd.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Toni-Collette-The-Finish.aspx


Prince performance splits Americans
TV watchdogs in America have received bizarre complaints about Prince's performance at last month's Super Bowl.
Official protests received by the Federal Communications Commission included one from a man who claimed the performance left him with erectile dysfunction. Another woman feared Prince's 15-minute performance would turn her son gay.
Prince's gig included a guitar solo during the "Purple Rain" segment of his medley, in which his shadow was projected onto a large, flowing beige sheet. As the 48-year-old star let rip, the silhouette cast by his figure and his guitar - shaped like the singer's symbol - had phallic connotations for some viewers.
Consumer complaints aside, the majority of the media loved it. AP Entertainment Writer Douglas J. Rowe described the performance as "one of the best Super Bowl half-time shows... ever".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Prince.aspx


Billy Bragg says guitars kill time
English songwriter Billy Bragg has launched a new initiative that aims to provide musical equipment to inmates serving time in Her Majesty's prisons.
Jail Guitar Door takes its name from the B-side of The Clash's 1978 single "Clash City Rockers" and was inspired by the fifth anniversary of Clash frontman Joe Strummer's death.
Avowing that hearing The Clash as a 19-year-old changed his life, Bragg was looking for a project that "underscored the transformative power of music".
Previous projects in other prisons have relied on borrowing guitars from staff members that have to be taken home again after the session, depriving inmates of the chance to take instruments back to their cells.
Bragg, however, has provided guitars to inmates that have been customised with slogans such as "Strummer", "Clash City Rockers", "Stay Free" and "this machine kills time".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Billy-Bragg.aspx

Mar 20

Green Day cover John Lennon
Green Day will contribute “Working Class Hero” to Instant Karma, a John Lennon tribute album due out on Wednesday June 20.
All proceeds from the album will go to Amnesty International’s campaign to end genocide in the Darfur region. The album will also feature contributions from The Cure, Black Eyed Peas, Jack Johnson and Willie Nelson.
Green Day are also set to feature in the forthcoming Simpsons film, which hits big screens in the US on Friday July 27.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/John-Lennon.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Green-Day.aspx


Jeff Buckley’s death marked with new compilation
The tenth anniversary of Jeff Buckley's death will be marked by a new compilation.
The singer, drowned, aged 30, on May 29, 1997, in Memphis, Tennessee, while working on his second album.
Following debut album Grace and the posthumous release of his second record’s demos, Sketches For My Sweetheart The Drunk, a collection of studio work is being released on Monday May 28

So Real: Songs From Jeff Buckley's tracklisting:

“Last Goodbye”
“Lover You Should Have Come Over”
“Forget Her”
“Eternal Life”
“Dream Brother” (alternative take)
“The Sky Is A Landfill"
"Everybody Here Wants You”
“So Real” (acoustic live performance)
“Mojo Pin” (live)
“Vancouver”
“Je N’en Connais Pas La Fin”
“Grace”
“Hallelujah”
“I Know It’s Over”

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jeff-Buckley.aspx


Bob Dylan set for DVD re-release
Iconic Bob Dylan documentary Don’t Look Back will be re-released on Friday April 20.
Re-titled Don’t Look Back: ‘65 Tour Deluxe Edition, the collection will include an entire disc of previously unseen footage.
Among the extras is a new film, 65 Revisited, which features 20 hours of material from director D.A. Pennebaker’s archive. There's also a re-print of the 1968 companion book that contains notes and a complete transcript of the film. A flipbook is also included that replicates the “Subterranean Homesick Blues” cue card video.
Originally released in 1968, Pennebaker’s classic rock film charted the folk-singer’s legendary 1965 UK tour, the year before he went electric.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bob-Dylan.aspx


Antony & The Johnsons tell fans to stop illegal downloads
Antony Hegarty from Antony & the Johnsons has pleaded with fans to stop illegally downloading his music.
The singer posted his complaint on Just One Star, a fan site dedicated to his music.
“Now, I have one favour to ask you," Hegarty wrote. "Please stop recording my concerts and trading them. It makes me feel terrible.
“I feel like the thing I have to offer an audience is the live experience. But for them to record my concerts sort of feels like I am being stolen from. It’s kind of like inviting people over for dinner and before they leave they go into your fridge and clear you out, take everything you have on their way out the door.”
The singer went on to say pirating had affected progress on his new album, the follow-up to 2005’s I Am A Bird Now.
“This year I was hoping to develop ideas for the new album at some live concerts, but at this rate I am feeling discouraged because of the bootlegging,” he explained. “So do me a favour… be my fan and my friend and don’t record my shows.”

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Antony-And-The-Johnsons.aspx


Ryan Adams to guest on new Minnie Driver album
Ryan Adams is one of many musicians who will feature on Minnie Driver’s second album, Sea Stories.
Liz Phair, Adams’ backing band The Cardinals and Foo Fighters keyboardist Rami Jaffee will also appear.
Sea Stories is the follow-up to Driver’s 2004 debut Everything I’ve Got In My Pocket.
Meanwhile, Adams will release his new album, Easy Tiger, on Monday June 4. The singer also features on Jesse Malin’s Glitter In The Gutter, which was released yesterday.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Minnie-Driver.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Ryan-Adams.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Liz-Phair.aspx


Silverchair make history with “Straight Lines”
With new album Young Modern less than two weeks away, Silverchair have become only the third band in Australian history to land three consecutive number one singles.
Released digitally three weeks ago, the CD version of the band’s latest single, the album's title track, debuted at the top of the ARIA charts this week. It remains at the top of ARIA’s digital chart for the fourth week running.
The only other Australian acts to have scored three consecutive number one hits are The Seekers and The Easybeats.
Meanwhile, Silverchair will play a number of dates in support of the new album before heading to the US and UK in mid-May.
Tickets for the shows go on sale at 12pm on Monday April 2.

Tour dates:

Friday April 27 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
Tuesday May 1 – Metro Nightclub, Melbourne
Friday May 4 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide (all-ages)
Sunday May 6 – Metropolis, Fremantle
Wednesday May 9 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (all-ages)
Saturday May 12 – Groovin The Moo Festival, Maitland

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Silverchair.aspx


Oasis drummer paid $847,000 to quit
Losing your drummer isn’t easy… and, if you're Manchester outfit Oasis, not cheap either.
Newly released financial records indicate the band forked over AU$2.4 million dollars over the past decade to change drummers.
UK newspaper The Sun has gained access to the statements of Oasis’ touring company, Definitely Maybe, which also show the group made a loss of more than AU$2million back in 1995.
Former drummer Alan White received AU$847,000 after being sacked in 2004. Singer Liam Gallagher claimed his dismissal was because he'd been "hanging out with his bird in Spain”.
Meanwhile, original drummer Tony Carroll took home AU$1,339,000 after threatening to sue the group for more than AU$44 million when he was ousted.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Oasis.aspx


Pixies announce side-shows
Boston outfit Pixies have added two club shows to their Australian tour schedule, which previously consisted solely of appearances at the inaugural V Festivals in Sydney and the Gold Coast.
Pixies reformed in 2004 after an 11-year hiatus but have yet to play on Australian shores since the reunion.
In the late 80s and early 90s they were one of the most influential rock acts in the world thanks to tracks like "Here Comes Your Man", "Gigantic" and "Monkey Gone To Heaven".
Tickets for the club shows go on sale Friday March 23 via the usual outlets.

New dates:

Wednesday March 28 – The Palace, Melbourne
Friday March 30 – Big Top, Luna Park, Sydney

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Pixies.aspx


Bloc Party tour sold out
East London quartet Bloc Party sold out shows at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion and Melbourne's Festival Hall in less than 30 minutes this week.
With new album A Weekend In The City storming up the charts, the group's popularity was never in doubt, but even these frenzied ticket sales would have surprised some.
It's bad news for fans who missed out, as the shows are the only headline performances the band will undertake while in the country. However, Bloc Party will also appear at this year’s Splendour In The Grass festival, which takes place in Byron Bay on Saturday August 4 and Sunday August 5. Tickets for the festival have not yet been released.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bloc-Party.aspx


Spice Girl reunion not happening
Former Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm (Sporty) has denied the group will reunite this year for a special charity gig to mark the tenth anniversary of Princess Diana's death.
American Idol judge Simon Cowell recently suggested Chisholm was the only Spice Girl not interested in a comeback.
“[She thinks] her solo career is bigger than the band, which is just not the case,” Cowell, the group's former manager, said.
But Chisholm is adamant the decision isn't down to her.
“I’m painted as the villain who doesn’t want us to reunite,” Chisholm argued. “But I’m not the only one. We have been much criticised so why face it all again? Life has moved on for all of us and we are looking to the future.”

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Melanie-C.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Spice-Girls.aspx


East Coast Blues & Roots festival unveil final line-up
Organisers of Byron Bay's annual five-day East Coast Blues & Roots Festival have unveiled the final additions to their Easter line-up.
Additions to the already huge bill include soul singer Joss Stone, fellow Brits The Magic Numbers, Sydney folk-pop act Old Man River, local blues rockers The Fumes, Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience and Dallas Frasca.
Local Byron Bay bands Kurtis, The Element, The Re-Mains, Sara Tindley & The Kingfishers, Juzzie Smith, Will Conner, Tanzi, Dennis Wilson, and Slim Pickens & Dr Baz will also appear.
The new names join an array of national and international artists, including Ben Harper, Wolfmother, Kev Carmody, Missy Higgins, John Mayer, Ozomatli, Ben Kweller, Bo Diddley, Bonnie Raitt and The Roots.
The festival runs from Thursday April 5 to Monday April 8 and tickets are on sale now. For more info, visit www.bluesfest.com.au.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Joss-Stone.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Magic-Numbers-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Fumes-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kev-Carmody.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Old-Man-River.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Wolfmother.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Ben-Harper.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Ben-Kweller.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bo-Diddley.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bonnie-Raitt.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Missy-Higgins.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/John-Mayer.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Ozomatli.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Roots-The.aspx

Mar 19

The Walkmen frontman arrested at SXSW
[source: NME.com] The lead singer of The Walkmen was arrested at South by Southwest on Thursday March 15.
Hamilton Leithauser was taken into custody and kept in the Travis County Jail following an incident at the Crown Plaza Austin Hotel.
"I got arrested and spent 12 hours in a jail cell," Leithauser told NME.COM. "It was a real treat!"
Although a little fuzzy on the details, Leithauser insisted it was a "misunderstanding" on the hotel's part, but admitted he had been drinking before the incident occurred.
Leithauser was released the following day, just in time to play several gigs with his band at SXSW.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Walkmen-The.aspx


Kid Rock escapes assault charge
[source: NME.com] Kid Rock will not face charges after being accused of assaulting a woman outside his home.
Prosecutors said there was not enough evidence to charge the singer.
"The reports are fraught with differing eyewitness accounts and without substantiating injuries there exists insufficient evidence to support a charge," Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca said in a statement.
Kid Rock's lawyer, Michael Novak, said the singer now planned to sue the woman for filing a false police report.
"These allegations were taken very seriously by Kid Rock and he's not going to walk away," Novak said.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kid-Rock-Sian-Jones.aspx


Lily Allen bored with her music
[source: NME.com] Lily Allen has admitted she's sick of singing songs from her debut album.
The singer, who is currently touring the US, said she is in two minds over whether to stay in the States or head home and write a second album.
"Life is weird at the moment," she wrote on her MySpace blog. "Is it really important to break America? If it is, I have to write my life off for the next nine months, playing the same gig, answering the same questions to different journalists and such. It's either that or I could go home, sit on my boyfriend's sofa for a bit, then write a new album. What d'you reckon?
"As much as I love driving across America and doing the same thing every night, I'm bored slightly. It's the songs. Since January I've toured Japan, New Zealand and Australia, I've done a European tour, gone to Paris Fashion Week, done a UK tour and now I'm on a US tour that goes on until May. I don't know what to do."
Alright, Still recently entered the top 20 of the Billboard chart.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lily-Allen.aspx


Starsailor begin work on new album
[source: NME.com] Starsailor have started recording demos for the follow-up to 2005's On The Outside.
Posting on their MySpace blog, frontman James Walsh said the band recently completed another three songs.
"The one everyone is raving about is called 'Lights Out' or 'Tell Me It's Not Over' (we haven't decided yet)," he revealed.
"It's got a massive drum beat reminiscent of Doves and U2. Another couple of these and we will have a truly great album."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Starsailor.aspx


Nirvana drummer announces new band
[source: NME.com] Former Nirvana drummer Chad Channing has announced details of his new band, Before Cars.
Channing, who drummed on Nirvana's 1989 debut Bleach, takes lead vocals and plays rhythm guitar with the band.
The outfit's first single, "Old Chair", is available through Flotation Records and is limited to 500 copies.
"I am planning on recording more songs this spring with Jack Endino [who produced Bleach] and then we'll be able to put together a full CD to release," Channing said.
"[We're] just going to take things one day at a time and see what happens. I love making this music and I'm really happy people love hearing it. It's the music I've always wanted to play."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Nirvana.aspx


Miles Davies biopic in the works
[source: NME.com] Don Cheadle is set to star in and direct a film charting the life of jazz legend Miles Davies.
Cheadle starred in Crash and Oceans 11, and was Oscar-nominated for Best Actor in 2005 for his role in Hotel Rwanda.
The film will be written by Stephen J Rivele and Chris Wilkinson, who wrote the 1995 biopic Nixon.
Variety magazine claims Cheadle has secured the music rights to the jazz legend's catalogue.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Miles-Davis.aspx


The Polyphonic Spree reveal all about new album
[source: NME.com] More than a year after revealing the title of their third album, Texan pop collective The Polyphonic Spree have confirmed a tracklisting, a new label and an approximate release date for The Fragile Army.
Tim DeLaughter and his compatriots will return in June, decked out in black combat wear, with the follow-up to 2004's Together We're Heavy, which was recorded in several locations across the US, including Steve Albini's Electrical Audio studios in Chicago.
"We have entered a new phase in our musical contribution," the band said in a statement.
"This recording was extremely challenging for us. When we listen back it feels like a diary more than anything else. It's painful and beautiful all at once, kinda like life."

The Fragile Army tracklisting:

Section 21 ["Together We're Heavy']
Section 22 ["Running Away"]
Section 23 ["Get Up And Go"]
Section 24 ["The Fragile Army"]
Section 25 ["Younger Yesterday"]
Section 26 ["We Crawl"]
Section 27 ["Oh I Feel Fine"]
Section 28 ["Guaranteed Nightlite"]
Section 29 ["Light To Follow"]
Section 30 ["Watch Us Explode (Justify)"]
Section 31 ["Overblow Your Nest"]
Section 32 ["The Championship"]

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Polyphonic-Spree-The.aspx


Heather Mills: "I will always love Paul"
Heather Millls says she's been vilified by the media and received death threats from the public since her marriage to former Beatle Paul McCartney broke down in May 2006.
"There is a huge agenda behind trying to destroy me and put me down," the 39-year-old animal rights campaigner told the BBC.
"I'm not a publicity seeker… I haven't gone around promoting things to finance my own pockets. But there are huge powers that create these things for reasons of their own."
Mills also admitted she would always love Paul.
"He was the father of my child and I'll always have strong feelings for him," she said.
Meanwhile, police in the village of Hove confirmed they have been dealing with a "disproportionate" number of phone calls from Mills.
"We are duty-bound to respond, but clearly people who make lots of calls to the police run the risk of being treated as the little boy who cried wolf," Chief Superintendent Kevin Moore said. He revealed Mills had made four emergency calls in a 24-hour period.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Paul-Mccartney.aspx


U2 head to the big screen
Irish supergroup U2 are heading back to the big screen to star in a new 3D movie.
The 90-minute film will be drawn from footage shot at several concerts in South America late last year and is expected to screen in special cinemas around the world, including the IMAX in Darling Harbour, Sydney.
Distributors attending the yearly ShoWest convention in Las Vegas last week were treated to footage of a performance of the band's hit "Sunday Bloody Sunday", with producers claiming it's the first film shot, edited and exhibited entirely in 3D.
U2's last foray into the world of cinema was their 1988 documentary, Rattle And Hum.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/U2.aspx


Kylie Minogue heads home
Kylie Minogue has surprised Australian media by making a secret trip home to visit her family in Melbourne.
Newly single following her recent split with French actor Oliver Martinez, Minogue flew in to Melbourne late last week, landing in the early morning to avoid paparazzi.
The singer was touted to appear at the Australian Grand Prix yesterday, but her spokesman is keeping quiet on the reasons for the visit. Minogue was last in the county for the final dates of her Showgirl Homecoming tour, back in December.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kylie-Minogue.aspx


Belt Up, Madge…
Madonna has followed in the footsteps of Britney Spears after being caught driving a car without first restraining her child.
The pop star recently relocated to Los Angeles from London with her husband, director Guy Ritchie, and her three children – daughter Lourdes, son Rocco, and newly adopted son David. Photographers snapped Madonna driving while carrying 17-month-old David on her lap.
The singer escaped a fine, however, as LA police cannot charge a driver unless they're present at the scene and witness the crime themselves.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Madonna.aspx


Elton John banned from the Caribbean?
Local church leaders in Tobago are attempting to block Sir Elton John's visit to the island on the grounds he's gay.
John is due to headline the Plymouth Jazz Festival but the Archdeacon of Trinidad & Tobago, Philip Isaac, claimed the singer's lifestyle fails to meet guidelines outlined in the Bible and his visit could tempt locals into exploring homosexuality for themselves.
While nobody has yet been stopped from entering the country because of their sexuality, it is possible for officials to bar homosexuals from gaining entry if they choose to.
"The artist is one of God's children and while his lifestyle is questionable he needs to be ministered unto," Issac said. "His visit to the island can open the country to be tempted towards pursuing his lifestyle."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Elton-John.aspx


Joss Stone in studio shocker
Nineteen-year-old British singer Joss Stone has been accused of sleeping her way to the top by renowned music producer Dallas Austin.
Austin, who's worked with the likes of Pink, Madonna and Michael Jackson, said Stone slept with her collaborators in order to gain special treatment when making her latest LP, Introducing Joss Stone.
"You go in the studio and girls like Joss are just trying to get as much attention as they can from the producer," Austin told rowdy.tv.
"The girls in studios and producers are known to have relationships. [Producer] Novel rang me every five minutes, saying she was the most wonderful girl in the world. I said, 'Don't fall for that sh*t!'. If you want to do that kind of sh*t then keep it in its place."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Joss-Stone.aspx

Mar 16

Queens Of The Stone Age preview new album
[source: NME.com] Nine tracks from the new Queens Of The Stone Age album were previewed at an exclusive listening party in Texas this week.
Era Vulgaris ("common era" or "age without God"), the band's fifth studio album, includes "Make It Witchu" from The Desert Sessions, but with Josh Homme replacing Mark Lanegan on vocals.
The songs previewed were "Turning On The Screw", "Sick Sick Sick", "Into The Hollow", "Battery Acid", "River In The Road", "Suture Up Your Future", "3s And 7s", "I'm Designer" and "Make It Witchu".
The album is due to be released in June.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Queens-Of-The-Stone-Age.aspx


Joe Strummer biopic set for cinema release
[source: NME.com] A biopic about the life of The Clash frontman Joe Strummer will hit UK cinemas on Friday May 18.
Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten contains new footage of the singer and his legendary band, taken from studio sessions, archive and early childhood footage and interviews with the likes of Martin Scorsese, Bono, Red Hot Chili Peppers and bandmate Mick Jones.
The biopic, directed by Julien Temple (The Great Rock 'N' Roll Swindle) is ingeniously narrated using old audio recordings of Strummer.
The film's soundtrack will be released on Monday May 14 and includes unreleased songs by The Clash, as well as material from Strummer's other projects. There's also a smattering of the music that influenced him, including reggae, rock and roll and world music.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Joe-Strummer.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Clash-The.aspx


Sum 41 complete album
[source: NME.com] Sum 41 have completed the follow-up to 2004's Chuck.
The self-produced effort was recorded in Los Angeles at Ocean Way and represents the first new material since the departure of guitarist Dave Baksh.
A post on the band's MySpace blog from frontman Deryk Whibley reads: "We have finished our new album. We still don't have a name for it yet though. It will be coming out this summer."
Whibley also revealed they would be holding auditions to find a replacement for Baksh.
"We have no idea how long this will take so I can't really tell you when we will be back on tour. If all goes well we should be back playing shows in mid-April. We will keep you all updated here as frequently as possible. Thanks for all your support, and I can't wait for you to hear this album."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sum-41.aspx


Kid Rock accused of assault
[source: NME.com] Kid Rock has been accused of assaulting a woman outside his home.
A 28-year-old woman claimed the singer invited her and another man to his home to listen to music after meeting them at a bar in Clarkston earlier this month.
She said the group were listening to music but when she decided to go home Kid Rock became angry. The woman claimed he grabbed her by the neck twice when she was outside before pushing her toward her car, causing her to fall into a snow bank.
Kid Rock disputed this version of events and claimed the woman told him she would fabricate an assault charge after he had asked her to leave when she became obnoxious and abusive.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kid-Rock-Sian-Jones.aspx


Take That hit out at musical
Take That have distanced themselves from the Never Forget musical that will hit UK stages later this year.
Created by the same team behind cult British TV show Shameless, the stage production tells the tale of a fictional Take That tribute band.
Yesterday, the group were quick to make it clear they don't support the musical.
"The band would like to state categorically that this production is being undertaken with neither their involvement nor their endorsement," a statement read. "They wish their fans and the general public to know that this production is absolutely and 100 per cent nothing to do with Take That."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Take-That.aspx


Annie Lennox puts finishing touches on fourth LP
Former Eurythmics singer Annie Lennox has almost completed her first album in four years.
The woman behind classics like "Would I Lie To You" and "Missionary Man" has been holed up in Los Angeles for the last three months, recording the album at a house owned by former bandmate Dave Stewart.
"It's a very intense record," producer Glen Ballard said. "It's very personal to her. We spent a lot of time making sure the music was the way she wanted it."
The new album will be released in the latter part of 2007.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Annie-Lennox.aspx


Stevie Wonder sued by employee
Soul legend Steve Wonder is being sued by an unhappy employee of Los Angeles radio station KJLH, which he owns.
Reginald Thomas Jr has asked for AU$4.3million in damages after he was fired days after making allegations about the singer to his superiors.
Thomas told his boss at the station that Stevie Wonder had inappropriately telephoned one of the sales associates late at night on her cellular phone.
In his suit, he alleged the boss replied: "You never know who [Wonder's] f###ing around here. It's a lawsuit waiting to happen."
Wonder is yet to respond to the claim and his spokesman declined to comment.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Stevie-Wonder.aspx


Fergie: too drunk to travel
Black Eyed Peas frontwoman Fergie was refused access to a Virgin Atlantic flight from Los Angeles to London yesterday after being labelled too drunk to travel.
Travelling with bandmates Will.I.Am, Apl.De.Ap and Taboo, the plane was delayed for an hour while the singer's luggage was removed. The plane then flew to the UK without her.
An onlooker at the airport told a British newspaper the singer was "falling all over the place and had to be supported".
"She was in no state to fly," the source said. "But when she was prevented from boarding she couldn't believe it. She was drunkenly ranting at staff but could barely string a sentence together. It was very embarrassing."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Black-Eyed-Peas.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Fergie.aspx


Anthony Callea outing leads to dismissal
A breakfast show producer at Sydney radio station The Edge 96.1 has been fired following the accidental outing of Australian Idol star Anthony Callea by traffic reporter Vic Larusso last week.
Twenty-year-old Alisson Longhurst, known to listeners as Ali The Intern, wasn't part of the on-air discussion but has been dismissed after allegedly forwarding a copy of the broadcast to Sydney media outlets.
A station source said the young producer has been made a scapegoat.
"Nothing's happened to Larusso and poor Ali gets the sack," they told The Daily Telegraph.
"It's all pretty rough and a lot of people in here are understandably [upset]."
Callea has refused to comment on the incident.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Anthony-Callea.aspx

Mar 15

Christina Aguilera to appear on CSI
[source: NME.com] Despite limited acting experience, singer Christina Aguilera will appear in US crime show CSI: New York.
The show's executive producer said the 26-year-old was a big fan of the show.
"We're excited to have her," Anthony Zuiker said. "The episode will probably explore the topic of battered women."
The singer has previously campaigned against domestic violence after revealing her father physically abused her mother.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Christina-Aguilera.aspx


Interpol reveal details about new album
[source: NME.com] Interpol have almost completed their long-awaited new album.
The follow-up to 2004's Antics will be the group's first with major label Capitol and their first with producer Rich Costey, who has previously worked with Muse.
Guitarist Daniel Kessler told NME the album is more "expressive" than its predecessors.
"We had keyboards on from the start, which we've never done before," he said. "It's like a fifth member. There's a lot more texture and interesting sounds. There's definitely progression and growth."
Kessler explained the band would name the record once all the work was complete and dismissed rumours it will be called Moderation.
"Moderation? Really? That sounds terrible!" Kessler said.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Interpol.aspx


Michael Jackson in Beatles rights threat
[source: NME.com] Michael Jackson is facing the prospect of losing his Beatles back catalogue.
The singer, who snapped up the rights after outbidding Paul McCartney in 1985, could be forced to relinquish his ownership by May 31, 2008, after allegedly running up huge debts.
The move comes after Jackson sold part of his ownership to Sony last year with an option to buy his entire stake at a later date.
It is believed he may also have to pay AU$317 million for expenses the company have incurred since taking over the partnership.
But under his current deal, Jackson is still expected to get an annual advance of AU$8.21 million and AU$2.46 million under another clause.
He bought the coveted publishing rights for AU$66 million in 1985. They are now thought to be worth AU$696 million.
The 4000-song catalogue contains more than 200 Beatles tunes.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Michael-Jackson.aspx


Hard-Fi and The Rakes guest on Groove Armada album
[source: NME.com] Hard-Fi's Richard Archer and The Rakes singer Alan Donohoe both feature on the new Groove Armada album.
Soundboy Rock will be released on Monday May 7 and preceded by "Get Down" (featuring Stush) a week earlier.
The album also features former Sugababes singer Mutya, as well as Rhymefest, Angie Stone and soul legend Candi Staton.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Hard-Fi.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Rakes-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Groove-Armada-Feat-Gramma-Funk.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Angie-Stone.aspx



Boston singer committed suicide
New Hampshire police have confirmed Brad Delp's death was a suicide.
The 55-year-old former singer of 70s arena rockers Boston died from carbon monoxide poisoning after running a tube from his car's exhaust pipe into his bedroom. Delp's body was found on Friday March 9.
Boston scored hits across the globe with tracks like "More Than A Feeling" and "Peace Of Mind". More recently, Delp had been playing in a tribute band called Beatle Juice.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Boston.aspx


Roger Daltrey cancels Who concert
Nine thousand fans of legendary UK rockers The Who were left with long faces last night after lead singer Roger Daltrey walked offstage during the band's first song.
Despite a reputation for moodiness, it wasn't a temper tantrum that forced the early finish in Tampa, Florida.
With Daltrey offstage after his walk-off, outspoken songwriter/guitarist Pete Townshend addressed the crowd and revealed his bandmate was ill with bronchitis.
"I just talked to Roger and he can barely speak," Townshend said. "I tried to get him to come out here, but he's really, really sick."
A few minutes later, Townshend elicited cheers when he revealed the gig would be rescheduled for Sunday March 25. The band are currently touring for their most recent release, 2006's Endless Wire.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Who-The.aspx


Take That musical
Bob Dylan, Queen and ABBA have all done it, and now newly reformed Manchester boy-band Take That have turned their story into a stage musical.
Writers of cult TV show Shameless have been given the task of transferring the ballads and pop hits to the stage.
The musical will be called Never Forget and will feature songs like "Pray", "Relight My Fire" and "Back For Good".
"We are the biggest fans of Take That's music," Shameless producer Tristan Baker told the BBC, "and we are so excited about the wonderful opportunity to create a new musical based on the fantastic catalogue of their work."
Never Forget will tour the UK in August.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Take-That.aspx


Dave Matthews band postpones tour
American stadium rockers The Dave Matthews Band have postponed their April tour of Australia due to "unforseen circumstances".
The band were set to hit our shores next month but promoter Michael Coppel revealed they will now arrive a month later, with the tour beginning on Tuesday May 1.
April's tickets will be valid for the postponed shows. Alternatively, fans can obtain refunds from the point of purchase.
The Dave Matthews Band have sold more than 30 million albums to date and have a new LP due out later this year.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Dave-Matthews.aspx

Mar 14

Fall Out Boy give away their own blood
[source: NME.com] Fall Out Boy are giving US fans the chance to win their own blood.
Recalling Pete Doherty's plasma paintings, the band are set to use their own fluids in a series of promotional posters that will be given away to fans.
Bassist Pete Wentz said the band will hold a number of competitions to determine the winners.
"My brother is going to make 45 prints based on images from our record. Each will be hand-numbered and individually made. In addition, all prints will have a mixture of each member of the band's blood in them," Wentz confirmed.
Wentz said the prints would serve to shed some light on the much-needed support for blood drives.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Fall-Out-Boy.aspx


R.E.M. reunite with Bill Berry
[source: NME.com] Former R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry rejoined the band as they were inducted into the US Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame on Monday March 12.
Berry, who left the group in 1997, teamed with Michael Stipe, Mike Mills and Peter Buck to play three songs at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
They performed "Begin The Begin", "Gardening At Night" and "Man On The Moon" (which featured Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder on backing vocals).
Meanwhile, there was no reunion for rockers Van Halen; only estranged frontman Sammy Hagar and former bassist Michael Anthony turned up to the ceremony.
Both Hagar and Anthony were left out of plans for a reunion tour later this year, although it's currently on hold as guitarist Eddie Van Halen recovers in rehab.
Patti Smith, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five and The Ronettes were also inducted into the hall of fame, Smith by Rage Against The Machine's Zack De La Rocha, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five by Jay-Z, and The Ronettes by Keith Richards.
Tributes were also paid to James Brown and Atlantic Records executive Ahmet Ertegun (a founder of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame), who both died in December. Soul legend Aretha Franklin performed the first million-seller she made with Ertegun, "I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/R-E-M.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Aretha-Franklin.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Van-Halen.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Patti-Smith.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Grandmaster-Flash-Melle-Mel-The-Furious-Five.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Ronettes-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Rage-Against-The-Machine.aspx


The Rolling Stones and Cream play fantasy camp
[source: NME.com] UK fans will get the chance to jam with the likes of The Rolling Stones, Cream and Procul Harum when the Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp opens in May.
The event, which takes place at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London, will see "campers" transformed from budding amateur musicians to rock stars.
On Tuesday May 29, campers will also have the opportunity to perform at the birthplace of The Beatles, The Cavern Club in Liverpool.
Among the rock legends taking part are former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman, Jack Bruce (Cream), Gary Brooker (Procol Harum) and Spencer Davis.
Previous camp counsellor and rock legend Roger Daltrey (The Who) endorsed the events wholeheartedly.
"I feel quite passionate about anything that encourages people in music. It's great seeing people having fun, even though they're all of differing abilities! They all rise to the occasion – it's fantastic!"
In the US, KISS singer Paul Stanley will appear at the New York camp, which runs from Friday August 31 to Monday September 3.
Stanley will perform at BB King's Blues Club in the final battle of the bands competition, playing classic KISS hits with the campers. Joining him will be Ted Nugent, Scott Ian of Anthrax and Mountain.
Tickets are on sale now at www.rockandrollfantasycamp.com.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Rolling-Stones-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Cream.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Procol-Harum.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Who-The.aspx


Kylie Minogue denies leaked track
Aussie pop princess Kylie Minogue has denied reports suggesting a track leaked on the internet is a new recording.
Newspapers in the UK claimed "Excuse My French" was an attack on the singer's ex-boyfriend, French actor Oliver Martinez, but Minogue's management refuted the reports.
"Kylie.com would like to set the record straight regarding a track attributed to Kylie entitled 'Excuse My French'," the statement read. "Kylie is not singing on the track and she has never recorded a song by that name. She is currently in the studio recording tracks for her tenth studio album, hopefully to be released later this year."
Minogue broke up with Martinez in January after nearly four years together.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kylie-Minogue.aspx


The Flaming Lips tackle Broadway
Eccentric and eclectic psych-rockers The Flaming Lips are in talks with Broadway producer Des McAnuff about a musical based on 2002's Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots.
McAnuff is the man responsible for taking shows like Jersey Boys and The Who's Tommy to the stage.
"We're putting together a Broadway version of Yoshimi," Coyne told US Rolling Stone recently.
"As much as I love the more intense experience of being at a rock show, this could be great!"
The Lips are still working on their feature film, Christmas On Mars, and were honoured by their home city back in December when a downtown alley was named after the band.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Flaming-Lips-The.aspx


New Order's new outfit
New Order bassist Peter Hook has formed a new band called Freebase.
The 51-year-old is currently working on a debut album with the outfit and has called on a number of stars to lend a hand.
Vocals on Freebase songs will be handled by the likes of Tim Burgess (The Charlatans), Bobby Gillespie (Primal Scream) and Liam Gallagher (Oasis). Meanwhile, band members include Andy Rourke (the former bassist of The Smiths), and Mani (bassist with Primal Scream and Stone Roses).

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/New-Order.aspx


Bulimic Britney?
The ongoing saga of pop singer Britney Spears has stepped up a notch, with new reports suggesting she has confessed to suffering from bulimia.
According to "inside sources", Spears apparently told doctors at the Promises rehab facility in Malibu that she's suffered from the disorder since she was 16.
"She'd pig out on junk food – chips, candy, Coke, cookies and ice cream – and then feel so guilty that she'd make herself throw it up," a source revealed.
"The only thing that stopped her from throwing up her food was when she got pregnant the first time. But as soon as she delivered her son Sean Preston, she was back throwing up again to lose the baby weight."
Meanwhile, Spears' latest ex, model Isaac Cohen, has confessed he was shocked when the singer admitted herself to the facility.
"I was definitely surprised that she went into rehab," Cohen said. "I didn't feel it had to come to that. But, you know, if that's what it takes and if that's what she needs…"

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Britney-Spears.aspx


Lily Allen not smiling over ban
Outspoken British pop star Lily Allen is at is again, this time berating UK TV censors for banning the video for "Smile".
Bosses for MTV in the UK have agreed to stop showing the song's video during after-school hours, as it contains "profanity".
Allen, however, is having none of it.
"They said, 'We don't want kids to grow up too quickly'. But then you have Paris Hilton and the Pussycat Dolls taking their clothes off and gyrating up against womanising, a##hole men, and that's acceptable. You're thinking your kids are gonna grow up quicker because they heard the word f##k than from thinking they should be shoving their t##s in people's faces?"

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lily-Allen.aspx


Franz Ferdinand return to the studio
Scottish sensations Franz Ferdinand are back in the studio working on their third album, the follow-up to 2005's You Could Have It So Much Better.
In an interview on Scottish radio last weekend, singer Alex Kapranos and guitarist Nick McCarthy revealed the new songs sound quite different from the band's previous work.
"Nick and I are writing some more tunes," Kapranos said. "We've got a wee place in Glasgow where we're doing some new songs. It's a wee bit different from the last stuff but it's still very danceable. That's the main thing: it's always pop. Franz Ferdinand has always been pop."
The band are also currently working on a soundtrack for Hallam Foe, a film by local director David Mackenzie, which stars Billy Elliott dancer/actor Jamie Bell.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Franz-Ferdinand.aspx