May 1

Courtney Love to auction Kurt Cobain's belongings
[source: NME.com] Courtney Love plans to sell Kurt Cobain's belongings at a Christie's auction.
"[My house] is like a mausoleum. My daughter doesn't need to inherit a giant hefty bag full of flannel shirts," Love said.
"A sweater, a guitar and the lyrics to 'Teen Spirit' – that's what my daughter gets. And the rest of it we'll just sell. We'll make a lot of money and give a bunch of it to charity."
Despite wanting to sell his clothes, Love revealed her former husband was still a big part of her life.
"I still wear his pyjamas to bed. How am I ever going to form another relationship in my lifetime wearing Kurt's pyjamas?"
Love also said her new album would be called Nobody's Daughter.
"I think the title just says it all. I'm not pouting. I'm not playing anything up. I don't have parents that I acknowledge. I'm nobody's daughter. I'm nobody's wife. I'm nobody's bitch.
"I'm nobody's daughter. I'm nobody's widow. I'm somebody's mother. Other than that, I don't identify with these other female roles I'm supposed to have."
No release date for the album has been announced.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Courtney-Love.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Nirvana.aspx


Britney cancels secret gig
[source: NME.com] Britney Spears has reportedly cancelled her live comeback gig.
She was due to appear at the House Of Blues on Wednesday May 2 on Sunset Strip in Los Angeles under the name The M+Ms, but the singer abruptly cancelled the show.
The gig was to mark her comeback following a difficult period that included the breakdown of her marriage, a stint in rehab and the infamous head-shaving incident.
The comeback show was thought to have featured songs from the singer's forthcoming fifth album, which she's been working on with Pharrell Williams, Swizz Beatz and Dr Luke.

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


Travis: video star "had to be Ben Stiller"
[source: NME.com] Travis asked Ben Stiller to be in their new video because he is the most uptight man they know.
The band needed to fill the role of a stressed-out supermarket store manager for the "Closer" promo and Stiller, a huge fan of the group, was happy to oblige.
"He is a lovely friend," bassist Douglas Payne told ITV.com, "and when we got the treatment for the video there was this part for an uptight wound-up guy.
"We just thought, 'Who do we know that is uptight and wound-up?'. So Fran [Healy, singer] emailed Ben and, sure enough, he had the day off and it was great. We all went off to LA and started shooting."
The group's new album The Boy With No Name is released on Monday May 7.

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


Paul McCartney reveals new album
[source: NME.com] Paul McCartney has revealed details of the follow-up to 2005's Chaos & Creation In The Backyard.
Memory Almost Full will contain 13 tracks and be released on Monday June 4.
Speaking about the title, McCartney said Memory Almost Full leapt to mind immediately when he was trying to sum up the record.
"It's a phrase that seemed to embrace modern life; in modern life our brains can get a bit overloaded.
"I realised I had also seen it come up on my phone a few times. When I started bouncing the idea around with some friends they nearly all got different meanings out of it, but they all said they loved it."
The album will be released on Hear Music, a joint effort between Starbucks and Concord Music Group. It will be available for purchase from the coffee outlet.
The first single is likely to be "Dance Tonight". A video for the song was filmed with White Stripes collaborator Michel Gondry, Star Wars actress Natalie Portman and The Office actor Mackenzie Crook.

Memory Almost Full tracklisting:

"Dance Tonight"
"Ever Present Past"
"See Your Sunshine"
"Only Mama Knows"
"You Tell Me"
"Mister Bellamy"
"Gratitude"
"Vintage Clothes"
"That Was Me"
"Feet In The Clouds"
"House Of Wax"
"End Of The End"
"Nod Your Head"

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


Silverchair top Frogstomp with latest LP
New Silverchair album Young Modern has officially eclipsed the success of debut album Frogstomp.
For the fourth consecutive week, the album is sitting at number one on the ARIA charts; 1995's Frogstomp claimed top spot for three weeks.
In the first month, Young Modern has sold more than 150,000 copies, which represents a rate faster than any of the band's previous releases.
Currently on tour across the country, Silverchair have also announced dates in Europe this August, including a headlining date at London's legendary Brixton Academy.

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


Faker return to the studio
Sydney five-piece Faker will fly to Los Angeles to spend two months recording the follow-up to 2005 debut Addicted Romantic.
With a new LP due in July, the band have teamed with producer Paul Fox (XTC, Sugarcubes, Grant Lee Buffalo, Texas, They Might Be Giants) and Grammy-winning mixer Mark Needham (Hot Hot Heat, My Chemical Romance, We Are Scientists).
"We're really excited about heading to LA to make the new record and make a temporary home for ourselves there," singer Nathan Hudson said.
"The four of us have been working on the new material for a while now and this will be our first record where we have all worked on the material from demoing to the finished tracks. Making the record with Paul Fox in LA will be a different and challenging experience and I know we'll come back with an exciting and unique record."

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


Original Saints line-up to reunite
Heralded as one of the first true punk bands, the original line-up of Brisbane outfit The Saints are set to reform for a one-off gig at Brisbane's Queensland Music Festival on Saturday July 14.
The occasion will mark only the second time since 1978 the "I'm Stranded" rockers – including singer-songwriters Ed Kuepper and Chris Bailey – will have played together; the band reformed for one night back in 2001 when they were inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame.
The Saints will take to the stage at Brisbane's Pig City concert, named after a book by local music journalist Andrew Stafford. Tickets for the event go on sale Saturday May 19.

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


Boy George arrested for handcuffing stranger
Having already swept the streets of New York thanks to a spot of community service, former Culture Club singer Boy George has been arrested once again.
George O'Dowd, now a DJ, was arrested by police in his flat after a 28-year-old man alleged he had been chained-up at the singer's house after agreeing to pose for photographs in exchange for money.
The man, Norwegian Auden Carlsen, said he entered Boy George's home and was grabbed from behind by two men and shackled to a wall.
"I was convinced I was going to die. George handcuffed me to a hook by the bed as they held me down," he told UK paper The Mirror.
Carlsen said he managed to wrestle his hand free and fled from the house in his underwear. Police say they are looking into the incident:
"We investigated reports of an alleged forced imprisonment and common assault made by a 28-year-old man," a spokesman revealed. "A man in his 40s was arrested in connection with the investigation."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Boy-George.aspx


Chelsea Flower Show honours Iggy Pop
Rock wildman Iggy Pop has had a garden at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show named in his honour.
The Lust For Life exhibit goes public on Tuesday May 22 and, according to The Children's Society's Richard Johnson, it will feature an arc of water that pours to the beat of Pop's 1977 song.
"Punk and petunias don't normally mix," Johnson said, "but our garden, inspired by Iggy Pop, is bringing rock'n'roll to Chelsea."
"'Lust For Life' is full of optimism, as young people should be," the 60-year-old rocker said, "but too many aren't. I'm honoured The Children's Society's garden is inspired by my music and wholeheartedly support the work they do."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Iggy-Pop.aspx


Cut Copy back on the road
With a new LP in the works and a new single – "Hearts On Fire" – out soon, local indie disco act Cut Copy are heading out on the road this month.
Following the success of debut LP Bright Like Neon Love, Dan Whitford and co. have been working on its follow-up both in Sydney and New York. Before adding the final touches, however, they're heading back out on the road for a series of shows.
Coming along for the ride with Cut Copy are Sydney rockers the Mercy Arms and electro kid wonders Riot In Belgium. Tickets are on sale now.

Tour dates:

Thursday May 17 – The Met, Brisbane
Friday May 18 – Platinum Nightclub, Gold Coast
Saturday May 19 – The Forum, Sydney
Thursday May 24 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
Friday May 25 – The Capitol, Perth
Friday June 1 – Prince Of Wales, St Kilda

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Cut-Copy.aspx

Apr 30

The Jesus And Mary Chain Team with Scarlett Johansson
[source: NME.com] Actress Scarlett Johansson briefly joined The Jesus And Mary Chain onstage as the band made their first official live appearance since 1998 at the Coachella Festival on Friday April 27.
The band took the stage just after the sun had set over the mountainous California desert. Dressed all in black, they tore through a number of classics, including "Head On" and "Some Candy Talking".
"This is unreal," frontman Jim Reid told the massive crowd.
"Are you having fun?" he asked. When the crowd responded positively, he quipped, "Well, let's see what we can do about that!"
Just when the band appeared to be winding down, Lost In Translation star Johansson took the stage dressed in a colourful paisley mini-dress. Without saying a word, she joined Reid on vocals for the chorus of "Just Like Honey".
"Wasn't that nice?" Reid asked after they finished their duet and Johansson left the stage. The band then launched into their final song, "Reverence".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jesus-And-Mary-Chain.aspx


U2 to release 1997 live show
[source: NME.com] U2 are set to release a DVD of their Mexico City show from the PopMart world tour of 1997.
The concert, which was filmed in the Foro Sol Autodromo and directed by David Mallet, was originally released on video in 1998. It's now been transferred to DVD with upgraded pictures, remastered audio and 5.1 surround sound.
As well as a single disc version, the DVD will also be available on limited edition two-disc format. The second disc will contain unreleased live audio, video material, documentaries, a PopMart tour visuals montage and DVD-ROM extras.
The bonus disc will feature extra live tracks – "Please", "Where The Streets Have No Name", "Discotheque" and "If You Wear That Velvet Dress" – recorded at the Feyenoord Stadium in Rotterdam, as well as live versions of "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me", "Mysterious Ways" and "One" from the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. It will also feature the videos for "Staring At The Sun" and "Last Night On Earth".
A release date is yet to be confirmed.

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


Justin Timberlake works with 50 Cent
[source: NME.com] Justin Timberlake has worked with 50 Cent on the rapper's new album.
It follows 50 Cent's unofficial remix of Timberlake's "Cry Me A River", which appeared on bootlegs but was never released officially.
The new collaboration is called "AYO Technology" and was created while Timberlake was touring with producer Timbaland.
"I flew to Florida while he was on tour with Timbaland," 50 Cent told MTV News. "Timbaland produced the beat in a studio/trailer, on the tour bus. We got the music, the first time.
"I wrote a first verse but I didn't want to finish without a chorus, so we got together the second time and finished the song in Houston."
The track features on 50 Cent's new album, Curtis, which also includes guest appearances from Mary J Blige, Eminem and Akon.
The first single will be "Straight To The Bank".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Justin-Timberlake.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/50-Cent.aspx


Mani: "I could engineer a Stone Roses reunion"
[source: NME.com] Bassist Mani has declared he is the "only person" who could make a Stone Roses reunion happen.
"John Squire [guitarist] knows how to craft a tune and Ian Brown [singer] knows how to craft a tune. I don't know if any of us are powerful without each other. The magic was the power of four," Mani said of the group who split acrimoniously in 1996.
However, Mani dashed hopes the band would take to the stage again soon.
"At the end of the day, I'm not going to lose any sleep over a reunion because those days are gone," he declared.
Mani now plays in Primal Scream and said he was happy with his current bandmates.
"It's disrespectful for [Primal Scream members] Bobby, Andrew and Duffy for people to say, 'When are the Roses reforming?'," he said. "Why bother? I'm in Primal Scream. It would be nice to do, but I've got my family now."

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


Countdown Spectacular 2 line-up revealed
Following the success of last year's event, Countdown Spectacular will return in August with some of the biggest names from the 80s.
Host of the popular TV series Molly Meldrum will present each night's entertainment, alongside Countdown voiceover guru Gavin Wood and musical guest John Paul Young.
This year's Spectacular will feature both local and international acts, including Rick Springfield, Martha Davis (The Motels), Doug Fieger (The Knack), Katrina Leskanich (Katrina & The Waves), Plastic Bertrand, Les McKeown (The Bay City Rollers), Richard Gower (Racey), David Paton (Pilot), Robin Scott (alias 'M'), Samantha Fox, Graham Bonnet, Birtles Shorrock Gobles (founding members of Little River Band), Richard Clapton, Kate Ceberano (I'm Talking), Supernaut, The Radiators, Sharon O'Neill, John Schumann (Redgum), Dave Mason (The Reels), Ignatius Jones (Jimmy & The Boys), Paul Gray (Wa Wa Nee) and Doc Neeson's Angels.
"The crowd rejoiced at being transported back to a time when pop music was fun, ridiculous and occasionally brilliant," Melbourne daily The Age wrote about last year's gig.
Tickets go on sale on Monday May 14.

Tour dates:

Saturday August 18 – Newcastle Entertainment Centre
Tuesday August 21 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Friday August 24 – Acer Arena, Sydney
Tuesday August 28 – Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart
Thursday August 30 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Sunday September 2 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Wednesday September 5 – Burswood Dome, Perth

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Rick-Springfield.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Richard-Clapton.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/John-Paul-Young.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Reels-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kate-Ceberano.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Radiators-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Redgum.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bay-City-Rollers.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Knack-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Motels-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Katrina-The-Waves.aspx


The Shins announce Oz dates
Having visited Australia three times now, Portland indie kings The Shins have developed a big love for touring Down Under. In fact, the band's new single is named after our country.
Now, 18 months after their last visit, The Shins are heading back this way in July and August to promote recent LP Wincing The Night away and new single "Australia".
They'll be joined by New Zealand act The Ruby Suns for a string of shows and will also appear at the Splendour In The Grass festival.
Tickets for The Shins' tour dates go on sale Friday May 11.

Tour dates:

Friday August 3 – Metro City, Perth
Saturday August 4 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
Tuesday August 7 – The Palace, Melbourne
Thursday August 9 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

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


Paul McCartney slides down rich list
He's one of the richest men in music but former Beatle Paul McCartney has found divorce incredibly costly.
An annual list of Britain's music millionaires has been published in UK newspaper The Sunday Times and it shows McCartney slipping down the ladder thanks to his separation from ex-wife Heather Mills.
With a fortune estimated at approximately $1.9billion, analysts claimed the singer stands to lose up to $240m from his divorce.
"After making a £100m allowance for the possible cost of his divorce from Heather Mills, Sir Paul McCartney's wealth falls this year to £725m," the newspaper said on Friday April 27.
Neither Mills nor McCartney offered comment on the article.

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


Shortlist Music Prize finalists announced
The ten artists in the running for the annual Shortlist Music Prize – a US music competition similar to the Amp Award in Australia and the Mercury Music Prize in the UK – have been disclosed.
Awarded to artists who haven't yet reached gold status on the US charts, the prize began back in 2001. This year, 61 different acts vied for a spot on the shortlist.
Now, judges such as Franz Ferdinand, Sufjan Stevens, KT Tunstall, Panic! At The Disco and Flaming Lips' frontman Wayne Coyne will select the winner, with an announcement due in May.

The ten finalists are:

Band Of Horses – Everything All The Time
Beirut – Gulag Orkestar
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy – The Letting Go
Cat Power – The Greatest
Girl Talk – Night Ripper
Hot Chip – The Warning
Joanna Newsom – Ys
Regina Spektor – Begin To Hope
Spank Rock – YoYoYoYoYo
Tom Waits – Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers And Bastards

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Hot-Chip.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Tom-Waits.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Spank-Rock.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Regina-Spektor.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Cat-Power.aspx


Klaxons head Down Under
UK music bible NME awarded Klaxons the Best New Band gong late last year, while electronic pioneers Chemical Brothers hailed the three-piece as the hottest new act in the business.
Now indie new-ravers Klaxons are set to bring their interstellar live show to our shores in August. Having spent the last 18 months building their career – they began by playing packed gigs at South London house parties – the trio recently debuted at number two on the UK charts thanks to their "cosmically epic" LP, Myths Of The Near Future.
Tickets for Klaxons' club shows (the band will also play at Byron Bay's Splendour In The Grass festival) are on sale Monday May 7.

Tour dates:

Thursday August 2 – The Forum, Sydney
Tuesday August 7 – Billboard, Melbourne
Wednesday August 8 – Capitol, Perth

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


Enrique Iglesias: I'm sick of competing with Dad
Spanish-American pop star Enrique Iglesias says he's sick of competing with his father's reputation.
Julio is the highest selling Spanish singer of all time and now Enrique has revealed life in his shadow can be difficult.
"Record companies do make you compete a bit, and they especially did that at the beginning of my career," Enrique revealed.
"I was just an 18-year-old starting out and to make me compete with my father was a bit ridiculous."
Iglesias has a new album, Insomniac, due for release on Friday June 15.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Enrique-Iglesias.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Julio-Iglesias.aspx

Apr 27

Eve arrested after accident
[source: NME.com] Eve was arrested in the early hours of Thursday Apr 26 for driving under the influence after she crashed her car on Hollywood Boulevard.
The rapper was then taken to the Los Angeles County Jail where she was released shortly after posting bail.
Eve is set to feature on Kelly Rowland's new album, which is due for release on Saturday July 7.

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


Beastie Boys name new album
[source: NME.com] Beastie Boys have revealed their new album will be called The Mix Up and will be released in June.
Mike D said the follow-up to 2004's To The 5 Boroughs will be "radically different" to its predecessor. The rockier record will instead hark to the style of the band's classic albums Check Your Head and Paul's Boutique.
"We play instruments on the whole album, as opposed to sampling. There's more rock on there," Mike D said.
"If you know us, you can trace the influences and they're not completely surprising. Someone who listens to us casually might think 'What the hell are these guys doing?'."
Mike D also talked about the band's forthcoming appearance at the London leg of the Live Earth shows, which aim to promote action to confront global climate change. Beastie Boys will perform at Wembley Stadium alongside Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Snow Patrol.
"It's come to the point where drastic measures have to be taken now," he said. "To really create a mass consciousness of what needs to be done, it's gonna take mass awareness. These huge concerts around the globe are probably one of the best means of doing so."
Asked if the group would play any new material at the event, the star said by that stage the new album's songs should already be in the set.
"But I don't know," he added. "You don't wanna do 'Jazz Odyssey' in front of a crowd of 60,000."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Beastie-Boys.aspx


Religious leader attempts to stop Sheryl Crow show
[source: NME.com] A Missouri religious leader has attempted to halt a charity performance by Sheryl Crow.
Archbishop Raymond Burke is against Crow's performance at a benefit for the Bob Costas Cancer Center at the Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center in St. Louis because the singer publicly supports stem cell research and abortion rights.
He resigned as chairman of the board for the charity Cardinal Glennon Children's Foundation after the other board members refused to cancel her performance.
According to Associate Press, broadcaster Bob Costas responded to the resignation by releasing the following statement:
"I have never applied a litmus test, Catholic or otherwise, concerning the politics or religious beliefs of any of the generous performers who have come to St. Louis to help this worthy cause, nor do I intend to."
Crow will perform as scheduled on Saturday April 28.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sheryl-Crow.aspx


Interpol reveal new album details
[source: NME.com] Interpol have revealed details of their forthcoming album.
The follow-up to 2004's Antics is called Our Love To Admire and contains 11 tracks. It is due out via Capitol on Tuesday July 10 in the US.

Our Love To Admire tracklisting:

"Pioneer To The Falls"
"No I In Threesome"
"The Scale"
"The Heinrich Manoeuvre"
"Mammoth"
"Pace Is The Trick"
"All Fired Up"
"Rest My Chemistry"
"Who Do You Think"
"Wrecking Ball"
"The Lighthouse"

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


Dave Grohl reveals new Foo Fighters LP details
Having already spent six weeks in the studio, US rockers Foo Fighters are gearing up for the release of their sixth album this winter.
Frontman Dave Grohl says he can't wait to unleash the band's new songs.
"Life is great. We've been in the studio for the past month-and-a-half and we've got about another month to go," he told UK radio station XFM.
"We've been recording with our friend Gil Norton [Pixies' classic Doolittle] – he worked on our second record, he's a good guy and he makes amazing albums. So we're making a really big powerful record, which I'm very excited about and I cannot wait to finish."
Grohl said fans should expect to hear some new sounds on the upcoming longplayer.
"The album we're making sounds like a Foo Fighters album but its definitely moving in a few different directions. Its cool, man. I love it."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Foo-Fighters.aspx


Triple J name first J Award nominees for 2007
National youth broadcaster Triple J has unveiled the first nominees for their annual J Award (Australian album of the year).
Two solo artists head the field, with esteemed indie act John Butler nominated for fourth album First National. Butler is currently overseas promoting the record in the US before returning to Australia for a national tour in July.
The second contender is Sydney troubadour Josh Pyke and his gorgeous longplayer Memories And Dust.
"It's really great to be nominated for the J Award," Pyke said, "particularly since Triple J is the main reason I got a leg-up as a musician."
More nominees will be revealed over the coming months.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/John-Butler-Trio.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Josh-Pyke.aspx


Snoop Dogg banned from Oz?
He's one of hip-hop's top performers but Snoop Dogg's reputation for causing trouble may have finally caught up with him.
He's due to appear at the MTV Australia Video Music Awards this Sunday but has been refused entry into the country by immigration officials. The rapper recently pled no contest to guns and drugs charges in the UK.
"He doesn't seem the sort of bloke we want in this country," Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews said. "This man has been a member of a Los Angeles gang – and is still associated with it, apparently – that's been involved in murder, robberies and drug dealing in the LA area."
"We respect the process, but it's not over yet," managing director of MTV Networks Australia Dave Sibley said.
"We're hopeful that when people tune in to MTV at 7pm on Sunday they'll see Snoop Dogg on the red carpet."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Snoop-Dogg.aspx


Dallas Crane head on tour
Labelled the best live band in the country by You Am I frontman Tim Rogers, Melbourne four-piece Dallas Crane are set to prove their skills on the God Damn Pride national tour in June.
The band recently returned from America (where they played the prestigious South By Southwest festival), England and Japan and will be playing tracks from latest longplayer Factory Girls, including new single "God Damn Pride", which is available for purchase on Saturday May 19.
Joining Dallas Crane on the road are Melbourne buddies 67 Special, who have a new single, "Killer Bees", out now. Tickets are on sale now.

Tour dates:

Friday June 1 – Republic Bar, Hobart
Saturday June 2 – Republic Bar, Hobart
Sunday June 3 – James Hotel, Launceston
Thursday June 7 – The Zoo, Brisbane
Friday June 8 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
Saturday June 9 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
Sunday June 10 – Hi Fi Bar, Melbourne
Thursday June 14 – Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
Friday June 15 – Korova Lounge, Ballarat
Saturday June 16 – National Hotel, Geelong
Thursday June 21 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
Friday June 22 – 3 Bears Bar, Dunsborough
Saturday June 23 – Rosemount, Perth
Sunday June 24 – Mojo's Bar, Fremantle

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Dallas-Crane.aspx


Xzibit heads Down Under
Fans of MTV's motor makeover program Pimp My Ride can rev their engines with the announcement of an Australian tour by host and hip-hopper Xzibit.
With more than six million album sales to his name, Xzibit – known to his folks as Alvin Nathaniel Joiner IV – last visited our shores back in December 2005.
He's heading to Australia in support of his latest album, Full Circle, out now through the Illusive Sounds label. Joining Xzibit onstage will be legendary hip-hop artist Defari, an original member of Tha Alkaholiks.
Tickets go on sale Thursday May 3.

Tour dates:

Thursday June 21 – St James Theatre, Auckland
Friday June 22 – The Big Top, Luna Park, Sydney
Saturday June 23 – The Arena, Brisbane
Tuesday June 26 – Capitol, Perth
Friday June 29 – The Metro, Melbourne
Saturday June 30 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide

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


Silverchair take home MTV's Video Vanguard Award
It's another trophy on the shelf for former Newcastle trio Silverchair, who've been announced as winners of the 2007 MTV Australia Video Vanguard Award.
The Video Vanguard Award recognises "musicians who have had a profound effect on the MTV culture and have proven to be inspirational to the millions of MTV viewers". It's the first time the gong has been handed out in Australia, but in the US artists such as R.E.M., The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Michael Jackson and Red Hot Chili Peppers have all been awarded the trophy.
"It feels a bit weird to be getting kind of a 'lifetime achievement' award at 27 but we're happy to take it," Silverchair bass player Chris Joannou said.
"We always used to hate making videos so they should really be giving this award to all those poor directors we've worked with over the years. But MTV have offered the gong to us, so of course we're happy to step in now and take all the credit for their hard work!"

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


Guns N' Roses sell out
Australian fans of 80s Los Angeles rockers Guns N' Roses have proven the long wait for Chinese Democracy – Axl Rose's multi-million dollar album in waiting – isn't a deterrent when it comes to catching their favourite band in action.
The band's recently announced Australian tour received a boost yesterday when the Sydney and Melbourne shows sold out within 30 minutes.
A second Melbourne gig is now on sale (for Saturday June 16), while an additional Sydney show (Sunday June 24) is also available.
Despite having recently cancelled dates in South Africa due to an injury to bassist Tommy Stinson, promoter Paul Dainty said the band will be fit and healthy by the time they hit Australia.
"I've had a medical certificate from the doctor. He will be fine," Dainty told Undercover. "There was a concern at one stage but he will definitely be okay by the time the Australian tour rolls around".

Tour dates:

Sunday June 10 – Burswood Dome, Perth
Wednesday June 13 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Friday June 15 (sold out) – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Saturday June 16 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Wednesday June 20 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Saturday June 23 (sold out) – Acer Arena, Sydney
Sunday June 24 – Acer Arena, Sydney

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Guns-N-Roses.aspx

Apr 26

Coldplay star donates to charity auction
[source: NME.com] A coat worn by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin will go under the hammer to help raise funds for Oxfam's Darfur and Chad appeal.
The singer joins the likes of Corinne Bailey Rae, Sir Elton John, actress Sienna Miller and artist Tracy Emin, who are all contributing various items to the cause.
Martin is putting forward a black Dolce & Gabbana jacket, while Sir Elton is donating a Donatella Versace suit he wore to his White Tie & Tiara Ball in 2000. Corinne Bailey Rae is donating the red dress she wore in the video for 2006 hit single "Put Your Records On".
The ten-day eBay auction aims to raise AU$1.2 million.
"Try to imagine living in a tiny shelter made out of straw, dry branches and plastic sheeting, with the sun baking down on you at 45 degrees," Sir Elton said.
"Right now there are two million people living in camps in Darfur and on the border with Chad. Oxfam is helping 500,000 people by providing basic sanitation and clean drinking water but to reach more people they need our help."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Coldplay.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Corinne-Bailey-Rae.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Elton-John.aspx


Smiths guitarist writes Crowded House track
[source: NME.com] Johnny Marr has helped write a song for the new Crowded House album.
The former Smiths guitarist co-wrote "Even A Child" with frontman Neil Finn for the band's first album in 14 years.
Marr, who has recently been working with Modest Mouse, also features on first single "Don't Stop Now", which is due out on Monday June 25.
Elsewhere, Dixie Chicks have contributed "Silent House", a song co-written with Finn, which appears on their own album, Taking The Long Way.
Crowded House's 14-song LP, entitled Time On Earth, was recorded with Kings Of Leon producer Ethan Johns in Auckland, New Zealand, and will be released on Monday July 2.

Time On Earth tracklisting:

"Nobody Wants To"
"Don't Stop Now"
"She Called Up"
"Say That Again"
"Pour Le Monde"
"Even A Child"
"Heaven That I'm Making"
"Silent House"
"English Trees"
"Walked Her Way Down"
"Transit Lounge"
"You Are The One To Make Me Cry"
"A Sigh"
"People Are Like Suns"

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Crowded-House.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Smiths-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Modest-Mouse.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Dixie-Chicks.aspx


Willie Nelson escapes jail for drug charge
[source: NME.com] Willie Nelson has escaped a custodial sentence after being charged with drug possession last September in Louisiana.
Nelson and his tour manager, David Anderson, were each fined AU$1230 and put on probation for six months on Tuesday April 24 after pleading guilty to a misdemeanour count of marijuana possession.
Nelson and Anderson were issued citations last September, along with Willie's sister Bobbie and two drivers. State troopers said they found marijuana and hallucinogenic mushrooms on Nelson's tour bus after pulling it over on Interstate 10. As part of the plea agreement, all charges were dropped against Bobbie Nelson.
St. Martin Parish Assistant District Attorney Chester Cedars said he dismissed the citations against the two drivers because there was no indication they "had anything to do with the contraband".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Willie-Nelson.aspx


Franz cover LCD Soundsystem on single
[source: NME.com] Franz Ferdinand and John Cale will cover LCD Soundsystem on two different versions of the New York outfit's forthcoming single, "All My Friends".
The single will be released as two 7" singles on Monday 21 May. The first version will feature a cover of the song by Franz Ferdinand, as well as LCD Soundsystem's rendition of Joy Division's "No Love Lost". The second version will feature Velvet Underground man John Cale's cover of "All My Friends".
"All My Friends" will also be released as a CD single, which includes the song's video and a track by Franz Ferdinand titled "Freak Out/Starry Eyes".
Last but not least, a 12" version will be released on Monday May 28, which features the Franz Ferdinand cover as well as "Freak Out/Starry Eyes".

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


Former Cranberries singer to visit Oz
Former Cranberries singer Dolores O'Riordan will touch down in Australia next month to promote debut solo LP Are You Listening?.
Due for release on Saturday May 19, the album marks a return to form for the "Zombie" singer, whose spent her time away from the spotlight raising three children.
The Cranberries disbanded in 2002 after selling more than 40 million albums. Now O'Riordan is heading to Sydney for a flying visit on Thursday May 24, where she'll talk to local press about the release.
"My time after The Cranberries was a clean slate – no pressure and no contracts," Dolores said. "It was the first time in my life I was a free agent. I had no inhibitions, which is how I felt when I first started out. That's all visible here."
The first single from Are You Listening? is "Ordinary Day".

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


Regurgitator sell "Band In A Bubble' to Canada, US and UK
Regurgitator have taken their Band In A Bubble concept to the rest of the world.
In 2004, the band spent 21 days recording their Mish Mash LP in a makeshift "bubble" in Federation Square, Melbourne. The process was filmed by music station Channel [V] and watched by the public 24/7.
Now, together with manager Paul Curtis, the band have licensed the concept to international television companies.
In New York, Cartel will undertake their very own bubble project, teaming with Dr Pepper and MTV. Meanwhile, in London, UK company Initial will also produce a similar show around a yet-to-be-named English artist.
"This is huge for us," Cartel frontman Will Pugh said.
"Making an album is a very personal and emotional experience, and in the past we've never wanted anyone around when writing or recording. But given that this is probably the biggest opportunity we'll ever have to show the world what we're made of, we can't wait to invite the fans into both the studio and our lives."
Meanwhile, Regurgitator are set to head to Rio de Janeiro in June to record album number six… with no cameras in sight.

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


Keith Richards loses mother
Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards is in mourning after his 91-year-old mother, Doris, passed away on Saturday April 21 at her home.
It was Doris who bought Keith his first guitar, for his 15th birthday.
Richards' father, Bert, died in 2002.

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


Spinal Tap to reform
Spoof rockers Spinal Tap are set to reform to aid the fight against global warming.
Guitarist Nigel Tufnel, singer David St. Hubbins and bassist Derek Smalls will hit the stage at London's Wembley Arena on Saturday July 7 as part of the Live Earth extravaganza.
Of course, Spinal Tap are actually a fake band, created by actors Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer, who starred in the hit mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap. Directed by Rob Reiner, the film became a cult classic upon its release in 1984.
Yesterday, Reiner revealed the band would perform alongside some of music's biggest names at the Live Earth concert.
"They're not that environmentally conscious, but they've heard of global warming," he said. "Nigel thought it was just because he was wearing too much clothing, that if he just took his jacket off it would be cooler."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Spinal-Tap.aspx


Amy Winehouse to marry
Controversial UK pop star Amy Winehouse is engaged to boyfriend Blake Fielder-Civil.
"I'm a very lucky girl to have found someone I love so much," Winehouse, 23, told UK newspaper The Sun. "I hope to be with him for the rest of my life. We haven't set a date yet or anything like that."
The pair first dated two-and-a-half years ago but were only reunited four weeks ago when Winehouse dumped then-boyfriend Alex Claire to be with Fielder-Civil once again.
"He proposed at home a few days ago and I took a day to finally agree," she said. "Obviously we are both young and it is frightening. But it is the right thing to do. That is why I agreed."

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


Sheryl Crow offers toilet ettiquette
Having recently argued with White House Deputy Chief Of Staff Karl Rove over environmental policy at a black tie fundraiser in Washington, singer Sheryl Crow has now offered students advice on how to save resources.
In a recent tour of 11 schools and colleges situated in America's worst polluting cities, the singer told students to use less loo paper.
"Now, I don't want to rob any law-abiding American of his or her God-given rights," Crow offered, "but I think we are an industrious enough people that we can make it work with only one square per restroom visit."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sheryl-Crow.aspx

Apr 24

Iggy Pop celebrates 60th birthday
[source: NME.com] Iggy Pop celebrated his 60th birthday at a Stooges gig.
The singer was surprised by birthday celebrations during a show at San Francisco's Warfield Theatre when, towards the end of the 80-minute set, the crowd sang "Happy Birthday". Balloons bearing Pop's image dropped from the ceiling and he muttered his thanks before continuing.
During "No Fun", Iggy invited fans to jump onstage and sing along with him.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Iggy-Pop.aspx


UNKLE team with Queens Of The Stone Age
[source: NME.com] UNKLE have teamed with Queens Of The Stone Age's Josh Homme for new album War Stories.
Homme makes a guest vocal appearance on "Hold My Hand", a track from the album due out on Monday July 9.
But the QOTSA singer is just one of many collaborators: The Duke Spirit, Autolux, Massive Attack's 3D and Ian Astbury from The Cult also appear.
UNKLE frontman James Lavelle makes his vocal debut on the album, singing alongside Homme on "Hold My Hand" and Richard File on "Morning Rage".

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


Bassist leaves My Chemical Romance
[source: NME.com] My Chemical Romance have been forced to find a temporary replacement bassist while Mikey Way takes leave to spend time with his new wife.
Mikey was married on Thursday March 8 to Alicia Simmons at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. Way's brother and My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard served as best man.
Writing on the band's official website, www.mychemicalromance.com, Gerard said: "The band have decided to give Mikey and his wife a much needed break from the road, so they can start a life and have a proper honeymoon and do all the things a newlywed couple should do.
"I'm very proud to announce my brother's recent marriage. Watching him grow up into a man and finding love makes me the happiest brother alive. I know this is upsetting news, as it is for us, but we will continue to tour with a temporary replacement until he has situated himself in his new life."
There was no mention of how long the bassist would be away from My Chemical Romance or the identity of the replacement.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/My-Chemical-Romance.aspx


Scissor Sisters to release new single
[source: NME.com] Scissor Sisters will release new single "Kiss You Off" on Monday May 28.
The song's video will be directed by Robert Hales, the man responsible for the Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" promo.
Speaking about the video, singer Ana Matronic, who takes lead vocals on the song, said: "I think it's one of the most polished and professional looking things we've ever done; it was so much fun to do. We hope you like it."
The video can be seen at www.scissorsisters.com.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Scissor-Sisters.aspx



Human Nature "in the round"
Human Nature will embark on an ambitious national arena tour during June to perform hits from ARIA-winning album Dancing In The Street: The Songs Of Motown II.
The five-piece have teamed with Dein Perry, the creator of hit stage show Tap Dogs, to deliver a performance singer Andrew Tierney has described as "an unforgettable experience".
"This is by far the biggest tour we've ever done," Tiernay said. "With the incredible reaction to our two Motown records, we felt the show needed to be as fantastic and uplifting as the music, so we decided to do arenas throughout the country, performing the whole concert 'in the round'...
"For us, it's [Dein's] amazing talent as a director and his clever ideas that we're drawing on to help take our live concert to a level we've never been before."
Tickets for the shows go on sale Friday May 11.

Tour dates:

Friday June 22 - Perth Challenge Stadium
Wednesday June 27 - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Friday June 29 - Rob Laver Arena, Melbourne
Thursday July 5 - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Saturday July 7 - Sydney Entertainment Centre

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Human-Nature.aspx


R.I.P. Lobby Loyde
Following a lengthy battle with cancer, Australian rock legend Lobby Loyde passed away on Saturday April 21.
"More than anyone else, Lobby helped create the Australian guitar sound - long before Angus Young or Billy Thorpe or The Angels or Rose Tattoo," good mate Angry Anderson said back in 2006 when Loyde's cancer battle first became public.
"Lobby inspired Australian bands to step forward and play as loud and aggressively as they could. People are still trying to copy it today."
Having influenced everyone from Kurt Cobain to AC/DC and Henry Rollins, Loyde performed in bands such as the Stilettos, The Impacts (aka The Purple Hearts), The Aztecs and The Coloured Balls. He also produced records for some of Australia's most rocking bands, including X, The Sunnyboys and Painters & Dockers.
"The man who fathered the Aussie rock guitar sound has moved on," Anderson said yesterday, "but the sound remains."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lobby-Loyde.aspx


Freestylers head to Oz
Freestylers won over Australian dance fans at festivals such as Field Day and have sold more than 400,000 LPs worldwide.
The brainchild of Aston Harvey and Matt Cantor, the group have produced a unique mix of hip-hop, dance hall, electro, soul, breakbeat and drum'n'bass since 1996.
Now, complete with a 13-piece live band, Freestylers are heading back to Australia and New Zealand for a June tour.

Tour dates:

Friday June 1 - Academy, Canberra
Saturday June 2 - Family, Brisbane
Sunday June 3 - Sounds On Sunday, Sydney
Tuesday June 5 - Subculture, Queenstown (NZ)
Thursday June 7 - Phat Club, Nelson (NZ)
Friday June 8 - Asta, Auckland (NZ)
Saturday June 9 - Base Bar, Christchurch (NZ)
Sunday June 10 - Platinum Nightclub, Gold Coast
Wednesday June 13 - Halo, Hobart
Friday June 15 - The Prince, Melbourne
Saturday June 16 - Ambar, Perth

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


Silverchair And Powderfinger to join forces?
Two of Australia's most successful bands are expected to announce what would be one of the biggest domestic tours in years.
With combined sales of more than ten million records, and 30 ARIAs between them, Powderfinger and Silverchair are the undisputed kings of modern Australian rock.
Now, with Silverchair's fifth album, Young Modern, breaking records upon its release earlier this month and a new LP from the Brisbane rockers due in June, word within the industry is that the bands will team for a historic set of shows.
Intriguingly, a new company was formed seven weeks ago, with all the members from both bands acting as directors.
Management for both bands are refusing to confirm or deny the tour rumours.

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


Gorillaz' grizzly end?
English cartoon four-piece Gorillaz have admitted their days in the studio are numbered.
According to co-creator Damon Albarn, the band are looking towards the big screen for their next challenge.
"We're trying to make a film next, starting in September, hopefully," the former Blur frontman said. "It will be [accompanied by] a film score. There won't be another pop record."
It's understood Monty Python filmmaker Terry Gilliam is involved.
Gorillaz - Noodle, Murdoc, 2D and Russel - first appeared in 2001 with their self-titled debut, which sold more than six million copies.

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


Hanson set to re-capture debut
Hanson will re-record debut album Middle Of Nowhere a decade after it was first released.
"For a few years now we have had the idea to record acoustic albums to go along with each studio record," brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zach Hanson revealed yesterday on their website.
The trio will record an acoustic set of their debut LP at a fans-only gig on Saturday May 5 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which will then be available for fans to download.
"Since this is the tenth anniversary of Middle Of Nowhere, we felt recording an acoustic album was the right way to recognise what awesome fans all of you have been."

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

Apr 23

Bob Dylan renews DJ Gig
[source: NME.com] Bob Dylan has announced he has renewed his contract with XM radio and will return in September to host several episodes of his award-winning radio programme.
The folk legend just wrapped up his first season hosting US satellite radio show Theme Time Radio Hour, which showcases Dylan's eclectic musical tastes and sees him conduct live interviews. On the show, he's played everything from Tom Waits to Stravinsky.
To commemorate the show's first anniversary, XM radio will air a Theme Time Radio Hour marathon, beginning Saturday May 26.
In other news, a series of signed Bob Dylan portraits by renowned photographer Don Hunstein are being auctioned through Icon-Collectibles.com.

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


Arctic Monkeys play first homecoming show
[source: NME.com] Arctic Monkeys played an intimate homecoming show to a joyous crowd at the Sheffield Leadmill on Saturday April 21.
The band previewed tracks from forthcoming album Favourite Worst Nightmare (out today) to a sold-out crowd that included fellow Steel City hero Richard Hawley.
The set included a mix of older favourites such as "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor", "From The Ritz To The Rubble" and "When The Sun Goes Down", and new songs like "Do Me A Favour", "Old Yellow Bricks" and "Brianstorm".
Singer Alex Turner remained quiet between songs, speaking only to thank the crowd towards the end of the gig.

Arctic Monkeys set list:

"If You Found This It's Probably Too Late"
"Brianstorm"
"Still Take You Home"
"Dancing Shoes"
"From The Ritz To The Rubble"
"Balaclava"
"I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor"
"Teddy Picker"
"Do Me A Favour"
"Mardy Bum"
"Fake Tales Of San Francisco"
"This House Is A Circus"
"Old Yellow Bricks"
"If You Were There, Beware"
"View From The Afternoon"
"You Probably Couldn't See For The Lights But You Were Looking Straight At Me"
"When The Sun Goes Down"
"Leave Before The Lights Come On"
"A Certain Romance"


Lily Allen tour announced
Exhaustion may have prompted Lilly Allen to cancel a US tour recently, but the "Smile" singer has confirmed she's still coming to Australia in July.
Having visited Australia's east coast as part of the Big Day Out back in January, Allen is set to head to our shores again for Byron Bay's Splendour In The Grass event.
Allen will perform tracks off hit LP Alright Still at shows in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth in addition to her festival appearance. Joining Lily on the road is Melbourne-based rapper Macromantics, who released debut longplayer Moments In Movement last year.
Tickets go on sale Monday April 30.

Tour dates:

Tuesday July 31 – Metropolis, Fremantle
Thursday August 2 – Prince Of Wales, Melbourne
Friday August 3 – Metro, Sydney
Saturday August 4 – Splendour In The Grass, Byron Bay

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


Jimmy Barnes: "Drugs almost killed me"
He's one of Oz rock's most infamous partiers, and now Jimmy Barnes has revealed how cocaine almost killed him.
Fresh from recent heart surgery and with a new box-set – 50 – due for release this week, Barnes has spoken about his out-of-control drug use, which spiralled in 2000 when he was recording his Love And Fear LP.
"My drug addiction and alcoholism were completely out of hand," Barnes admits on the bonus disc of his new release.
"I was starting to feel the worse for wear. I couldn't face the world so I tended to hide in the studio. That helped me write some really great songs, but it also alienated me from people a lot and that comes through on the record."
Barnes's drug problems are now firmly in the past after the singer kicked his habit two years ago.
"I'm a lot healthier, spiritually and emotionally," Barnes said of his current state of mind. "A lot of the best songs are written in pain, but you have to be able to access that pain without actually living it."

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


Kylie Minogue to star in Doctor Who?
Fans of cult sci-fi series Doctor Who could be in for a real treat this year, with the news that pop diva Kylie Minogue may star in an upcoming episode of the hit series.
Based on the adventures of an English time traveller, Doctor Who originally ran from 1963 to 1989, before being re-invented in 2005.
Now, Minogue is reportedly set to star in the 2007 Christmas special, alongside the latest Doctor, actor David Tennant.
"The Doctor Who team are delighted they've got someone as sexy and high profile as Kylie," a BBC insider has allegedly revealed.

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


John Williamson to divorce
The man behind "True Blue" – Australian country singer-songwriter John Williamson – issued a brief statement to the media on Friday April 20 announcing the end of his marriage.
"It is with regret and great sadness that John Williamson and his wife, Mary Kay, have announced their separation after 35 years of marriage," the statement from Williamson's record label, EMI Music, read.
"They would ask that their privacy be respected at this most difficult time and, as such, no further comment will be given."
Williamson has released 32 albums and lives in Sydney. The couple have two daughters, including Ami, who also makes music.

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


Neil Young's wife records solo debut
Neil Young's wife, Pegi, will release her self-titled debut album on Tuesday June 12.
Having toured for years as a backing singer for her husband, Pegi will now take the spotlight with an album she recorded at their ranch in California.
But while she admits she didn't plan on having her husband play on the record, he does make more than the odd appearance.
"Leading up to it, I put the band together and we just sort of avoided discussing whether Neil was going to play on it or not," Pegi told Billboard magazine. "He dropped by the first day and just kind of listened. The next day, the guys at the studio had wisely created a little space for him, should he want to participate at all. And then he just ended up playing on everything, all the way through."
Young's debut will feature original tracks and covers from the likes of Spooner Oldham, Den Penn and Will Jennings.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Neil-Young.aspx


Whitney and Bobby: It's over
Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown's marriage will officially end tomorrow.
Having battled addictions to drug and alcohol since their union back in July 1992, the couple's marriage has always been on shaky ground.
A Californian judge finalised the divorce proceedings last week, with court papers stating neither singer will receive any spousal support. There's also no "community property" to be divided between the two. Houston recently won legal custody of their daughter, Bobbie Kristina, with Brown being granted a "reasonable right of visitation".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bobby-Brown.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Whitney-Houston.aspx

Apr 20

New Order in new collaboration
[source: NME.com] New Order frontman Bernard Sumner will collaborate with a young theatre company for people with learning difficulties.
The Bernard Sumner/So Many Words collaboration will produce a theatre work entitled Shimmer, which will be performed by The Studio Theatre in Salford, Greater Manchester, on Tuesday May 15.
So Many Words is based at Oakwood Youth Club, Salford, and funded by Arts Council NorthWest.
Shimmer uses original music to explore characters, relationships and fantasy, and will take on themes from Chinese folklore, animals and nature.
The news was posted on fan site www.worldinmotion.net.

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

U2 pair sign on for Spider-Man musical
[source: NME.com] U2’s Bono and The Edge have signed on to write music for forthcoming Broadway musical Spider-Man.
The singer and guitarist will team with director Julie Taymor to pen songs for the musical, which is based on the popular Marvel Comics hero.
Bono and The Edge are not the only rockers to provide a soundtrack for the webbed crusader. The Killers, Flaming Lips, Snow Patrol and Yeah Yeah Yeahs are among the bands contributing to the soundtrack for the forthcoming Spider-Man 3 film.
And it won't be U2’s first foray into the comic book world either. In 1995, they contributed “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me” to the Batman Forever soundtrack, while The Edge recorded the theme music to animated series The Batman.

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


Ian Brown pens song for magician
[source: NME.com] Ian Brown has penned a song about his magician pal Dynamo.
Brown met the Bradford trickster a year ago and was so impressed by his act he was inspired to write lyrics about him straight away.
The pair have since become friends and Brown debuted the song, entitled “The Magic Man”, at a showcase for Dynamo’s Concrete Playground DVD before Christmas.
Speaking about the track, Dynamo, whose real name is Steven Frayne, told The Sun: “I was properly delighted when he told me he was writing a song about me. I opened a gig for him at the Manchester Evening News Arena in front of 14,000 screaming fans.”

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Ian-Brown.aspx


Sigur Ros book to be published in June
[source: NME.com] A book following Sigur Ros through their native Iceland on the last leg of the 2006 Takk world tour is set for publication.
In A Frozen Sea: A Year With Sigur Ros features imagery from fans and interviews and observations of the band's free tour of Iceland, when they played everywhere from Reykjavik to small towns in the Icelandic countryside, setting up stages as they went.
Five thousand limited edition vinyl album collections will also be made available, containing In A Frozen Sea: A Year With Sigur Ros, as well as several Sigur Ros vinyl LPs, including Agaetis Byrjun, ( ), Takk and Smaskifa.
In a Frozen Sea: A Year With Sigur Ros will be available to order from Friday June 1 from selected stores.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sigur-Ros.aspx


Notorious B.I.G.’s family sues LA
[source: NME.com] Notorious B.I.G.’s family has filed a wrongful death suit against the city of Los Angeles for the second time.
The suit seeks unspecified damages on behalf of the rapper’s mother, wife and two children, and alleges the city’s police officers killed him ten years ago.
Notorious B.I.G. (real name: Christopher Wallace) was gunned down in 1997 as he was leaving a party at a Los Angeles museum.
The suit contends that former LA police officers Rafael Perez and Nino Durden conspired to murder the rapper and that the police department played a role in covering it up. Both officers were involved in the infamous Los Angeles Police Department’s Rampart Division anti-gang scandal.
Perez has denied any involvement in the murder, while no statement has been obtained from Durden.
The initial suit filed by the family of the New York rapper – also known as Biggie Smalls – ended in a mistrial in 2005 after it was discovered a police detective concealed relevant information linking Perez and another officer to the murder.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Notorious-B-I-G-The.aspx


Beyoncé and Des’ree in legal stoush
Two of the biggest names in r&b are embroiled in a legal battle.
Fans of the Baz Luhrmann film Romeo & Juliet might remember the song “Kissing You”, which featured on the movie’s soundtrack. Yesterday, a lawsuit was filed in Manhattan by Des’ree, the song’s co-writer, against former Destiny Child singer Beyoncé Knowles.
Des’ree, a UK singer who had a huge hit in 1998 with “Life”, is claiming Beyoncé never obtained written clearance to use the song, yet chose to record her own version, titled “Still In Love (Kissing You)”, on her latest LP, Play.
Des’ree is now seeking AU$180,000 in damages and is demanding the song, video and album stop being distributed. The case will be heard in court in the upcoming weeks.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Beyonce.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Desree.aspx


Blur bassist hints at reunion
Rumours of a Blur reunion have strengthened after the band's former bassist, Alex James, seemed to hint at such a move in his regular column in UK newspaper The Independent.
This week’s piece focused on the recent move by ex-drummer Dave Rowntree into local UK politics.
“I’m pleased Blur’s drummer has stepped into the political arena,” James wrote. “We still get sent each other’s media coverage and a heavy package arrived last week… He’ll make an excellent politician, trust me. It’s good that everyone seems to have found their own niche outside of Blur and, ironically, Dave’s second coming as a politician is more likely to reunite us than anything. We’d all grown to resent the fact that we needed each other and, now that we no longer seem to, we can face each other again…”

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


2007 Jack Awards stars revealed
Some of the biggest names in Australian music will head to Sydney's Luna Park on Tuesday May 15 for the 2007 Jack Awards.
Now in its fourth year, the Jack Awards are designed to recognise excellence in Australia’s live music scene, with gongs handed out for categories such as Best Guitarist, Best Drummer and Best Live Venue.
Performers on the night include Howling Bells, Beasts Of Bourbon, You Am I, Mercy Arms and Airborne, with more acts to be announced.
Meanwhile, Rose Tattoo frontman Angry Anderson has been appointed Musical Director of the All Star Jam. This year the public will also be able to attend the awards, with tickets going on sale from Tuesday April 24. Visit www.thejackawards.com for more info.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/You-Am-I.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Rose-Tattoo.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Howling-Bells.aspx


New Johnny Cash compilation
A new Johnny Cash album is due in stores on Monday May 21.
The Legend Of Johnny Cash Vol. II focuses on the country icon’s career from 1956 to 2003 and includes 20 songs, including collaborations with wife June Carter, Bob Dylan, Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams Jr.

The Legend Of Johnny Cash Vol. II tracklisting:

“There You Go”
“Home Of The Blues”
“Ballad Of A Teenage Queen”
“The Ways Of A Woman In Love”
“I Still Miss Someone”
“Don’t Take Your Guns To Town”
“The Long Black Veil”
“The Ballad Of Ira Hayes”
“It Ain’t Me Babe” (with June Carter)
“Girl From The North Country” (with Bob Dylan)
“Daddy Sang Bass”
“Flesh And Blood”
“The Night Hank Williams Came To Town”
“That Old Wheel” (with Hank Williams Jr)
“The Beast In Me”
“Unchained”
“I Won’t Back Down”
“I Hung My Head”
“Bird On A Wire (Live With Orchestra)”
“In The Sweet By And By”

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Johnny-Cash.aspx


Sharon Osbourne blasts Queens Of The Stone Age
Sharon Osbourne has hit back at Queens Of The Stone Age frontman Josh Homme after the singer said he hated Ozzfest.
The festival, which Sharon Osbourne was involved with for many years, came under fire from Homme recently when he said it "treated bands like sh*t".
Sharon has retorted by calling the QOTSA star a “liar” and saying she hopes he "gets syphilis and dies".
“I hope his di*k falls off so his mother can eat it," Osbourne said.

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


Something With Numbers hit the road
Central Coast act Something With Numbers are about to hit the road on the back of new single “Goodbye Mickey Finn”.
The pop-punk five-will begin a massive 37-date tour next week before frontman Jake Grigg joins music station Channel [V] as a co-host on new programme The Rock Room.
The band claim this tour, which sees them joined by Melbourne outfit The Inches and Newcastle rockers The Lazys, will be the last chance to catch Something With Numbers for several months.

Tour dates:

Thursday April 26 – Barwon Club, Geelong
Friday April 27 – Peninsula Lounge, Mornington
Saturday April 28 – The Espy, Gershwin Room, Melbourne
Thursday May 3 – ANU Bar, Canberra
Friday May 4 – Fitzroy Hotel, Windsor
Saturday May 5 – The Gaelic Club, Sydney

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Something-With-Numbers.aspx

Apr 19

Serbian activists oppose Rolling Stones gig
[source: NME.com] Animal rights protesters in Belgrade are opposing plans to hold The Rolling Stones' concert at the city's Hippodrome, saying it will cause immense distress to the 300 horses housed there.
ORCA, Serbia's largest animal protection society, are lobbying to have the show moved to another venue, as loud noise and vibration are proven to be a major source of upset for animals.
Plans are afoot to sedate horses that may panic during the concert but that solution has enraged the animal lovers. Moving the horses to another location would also cause distress to the animals.
If ORCA fails to convince organisers to move the gig to another venue, they plan to contact the band with their concerns.
The show, which would be The Rolling Stones' first appearance in Serbia, is set to take place on Saturday July 14. Two previous shows planned for the country were cancelled.

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


Ben Lee lines up celebrity guests on new album
[source: NME.com] Australian singer-songwriter Ben Lee has enlisted the help of his celebrity friends for new album Ripe, currently being recorded in Los Angeles.
Good Charlotte's Benji Madden co-wrote a song called "Love", while actress Mandy Moore duets with Lee on the 50s-influenced "Birds And Bees". Members of LA rockers Rooney also appear.
Ripe is the follow-up to 2005's Awake Is the New Asleep and is being recorded at the same studio as the new Smashing Pumpkins album, which Lee describes as "exceptional".
"I went to the Smashing Pumpkins album-wrap party and heard their awesome newie," Lee wrote on his website. "Seriously, it's the heaviest and most intense thing they have ever done. It's really exceptional. It sounds like the world needs a record like that right now."
Ripe is due to be released in September.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Ben-Lee.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Good-Charlotte.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Mandy-Moore.aspx


Klaxons begin second album
[source: NME.com] Klaxons, currently on tour in the US, claim they have started writing new material for the follow-up to this year's debut LP Myths Of The Near Future.
"We've written the opener of the next album," singer Simon Taylor said. "We're thinking of making a prog album – like a huge, tribal prog album.
"We've all been listening to bands in England like Caravan, so we're definitely going to make a prog album."

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


Radiohead post new song clip
[source: NME.com] Radiohead have posted a short sample of new song "15 Step" on www.radiohead.co.uk.
It can be heard when you click on the "HODIAU DIREKTION" banner on the official site. Meanwhile, the lyrics can be read at www.teaseweb.com.
The band premiered the track on the first date of their 2006 tour at KB Hallen in Copenhagen and it featured regularly on their 2006 jaunt.
A live MP3 of the track can be found at www.finefinemusic.com.

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


Australian Live Earth line-up revealed
In an interview this week, surfer-turned-singer Jack Johnson revealed some of the names who will appear at Sydney's Live Earth event on Saturday July 7.
In a move initiated by Al Glore, seven cities across the globe will stage huge concerts on the same day to help raise awareness of global warming.
Jack Johnson said he will perform in Sydney alongside local artists Silverchair, John Butler Trio, Wolfmother, Crowded House and a reunited Midnight Oil.
"New York and Australia are about the same distance for me," Johnson revealed yesterday, when asked about both shows. "But Australia's waves are a lot better, so that made the decision easy."
Despite Johnson's claims, organisers of the local Live Earth concert have been quick to state no acts have been 100 per cent confirmed.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jack-Johnson.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Silverchair.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Wolfmother.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Crowded-House.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Midnight-Oil.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/John-Butler-Trio.aspx


Arcade Fire singer undergoes operation
Montreal-based outfit Arcade Fire were forced to cancel a series of dates in Europe this month after singer Win Butler required urgent surgery on his sinuses.
The band will resume touring duties in America next week after it was revealed Butler's recovery from the intense bronchial infection was complete.
"I just wanted to let you all know that the surgery was successful and I am recovering nicely," Butler said. "Thank you for all of your thoughts and emails… It has been a blessing in disguise to be forced to stay home and read (pick up Cormac Mccarthy's The Road if you are feeling like a little post apocalypse… don't let the Oprah Book Club sticker scare you away)."
Butler also let it slip that, together with bandmate Regine Chassagne, he's currently working on new songs.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Arcade-Fire.aspx


Evermore head out on the road
New Zealand-via-Sydney sibling trio Evermore promise to "grab people's attention and leave them with something to think about" when they embark on a series of shows in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane in June.
The three Hume brothers – Peter, Jon and Dann – toured across the country with the Big Day Out back in January and will do the same in June when they're joined by UK songsmith Aqualung and Brisbane chanteuse Kate Miller-Heidke.
Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday April 27.

Tour dates:

Friday June 8 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
Sunday June 10 – Metro City, Perth
Thursday June 14 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
Friday June 15 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Saturday June 16 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane
Sunday June 17 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Evermore.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Aqualung.aspx


Mark Ronson releases solo debut
You mightn't know his name, but fans of Christina Aguilera, Robbie Williams, Ghostface Killah, Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse or Rhymefest will have inadvertently heard the hot production skills of UK-based DJ Mark Ronson.
Now, on Saturday May 5, Ronson will deliver his own album, Version. Ronson has taken 12 classic tracks (including songs by The Supremes and The Smiths) and reworked them with the help of Robbie Williams, Lily Allen and Australia's own Daniel Merriweather.
Robbie Williams takes on The Charlatans' "Only One I Know", while Lily Allen gives the Kaiser Chiefs a spin with "Oh My God". Ronson is set to visit Australia for a promo tour this winter.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Mark-Ronson.aspx


Madonna says David's dad is "part of the family"
While visiting local welfare projects she's helped fund in Malawi, pop icon Madonna has met with the father of her new son, David Banda.
The singer arrived in the country on Monday April 16 and has been spending time at the Mchinji orphanage where she first spotted her son.
Together with her husband, director Guy Ritchie, the singer was accused of using her status to bypass local adoption laws when she took baby David back to London in October 2006.
According to British newspaper The Sun, Madonna had a tearful reunion with David's father and told him she was "proud to be a mother to his son".
The official adoption process should be completed by mid-2007.

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

Apr 18

Former Stones bassist launches metal detector
[source: NME.com] Former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman has launched his own metal detector.
The Bill Wyman Signature Detector is a lightweight and adjustable implement and comes with a free informational DVD, according to the press release. Wyman, who quit the band in 1993, issued a statement explaining why he had decided to lend his name to the device.
"Metal-detecting is not just for anoraks or eccentrics; it's probably the best and the most enjoyable way of learning about our history," he said. "On any garden, country field, footpath, woodlands, beach or moorland you can find a huge variety of historical objects, all easily located with this high quality metal detector.
"I hope with this new detector more people take up the adventure and delight in personally discovering our nation's history."
More information can be found at www.billwymandetector.co.uk.

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


Johnny Cash house to be preserved
[source: NME.com] Bee Gees singer Barry Gibb has vowed to protect the foundations of the legendary Tennessee home of the late Johnny Cash.
The lakeside residence was the site on which Cash wrote many of his songs and lived with wife June from 1968 until their deaths in 2003.
Gibb bought the house in 2006 and was renovating the site when the exterior caught fire last week. Investigators are yet to release a report on the cause of the fire.
In a statement, Gibb said he and his wife would build a property near the original.
"Linda and I have decided to build our own home on the higher ground surrounding the Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash home.
"The original foundations shall be kept intact and preserved for the people of Hendersonville and the people of Nashville."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Johnny-Cash.aspx


Sum 41 name new album
[source: NME.com] Sum 41 will release Underclass Hero on Monday July 23.
The self-produced effort was recorded in Los Angeles at Ocean Way and is the band's first new material since the departure of guitarist Dave Baksh.
The band completed the follow-up to 2004's Chuck earlier this year and are currently looking for a new guitarist.

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


Stephen Malkmus begins work on album
[source: NME.com] Stephen Malkmus has begun recording the follow-up to 2005's Face The Truth.
Posting on Stephenmalkmus.com, the former Pavement frontman said he hopes to be finished in late June.
"Apparently, the songs are so big that [record label] Matador is pushing for an early 2008 release. The world needs preparation, preparation, preparation!"
Malkmus's band, The Jicks, now include former Sleater-Kinney drummer Janet Weiss and will join him at the UK's Green Man festival on Wednesday August 15.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Stephen-Malkmus.aspx


Splendour In The Grass line-up announced
Bloc Party, Arctic Monkeys and Kaiser Chiefs will all appear at this year's Splendour In The Grass festival.
The annual Byron Bay event announced the first instalment of bands for what promises to be a memorable weekend (Saturday August 4 and Sunday August 5).
The "big three" are joined by Hot Chip, Lily Allen, Klaxons, The Shins and The Hold Steady, while Australian acts Powderfinger, The Cat Empire, Dirty Three and Airborne will also appear. Tickets go on sale Monday May 14, with further acts still to be announced.

Saturday: Powderfinger, Kaiser Chiefs, Lily Allen, Sarah Blasko, Tilly & The Wall, Hot Chip, Sara Tindley, The Hold Steady, The Cat Empire.

Sunday: Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party, Hilltop Hoods, Klaxons, The Shins, The Dirty Three, Expatriate, Josh Pyke, Airbourne, The Ride.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Arctic-Monkeys.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bloc-Party.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Hilltop-Hoods.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Hold-Steady-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Powderfinger.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sarah-Blasko.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Shins-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Klaxons.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kaiser-Chiefs.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Cat-Empire-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Josh-Pyke.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Expatriate.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lily-Allen.aspx


Police close in on Run DMC killer
An investigation into the murder of hip-hop pioneer Jam Master Jay – a member of seminal trio Run DMC – has seen US federal prosecutors reveal the identity of a second armed gunman.
Court papers in Washington this week named Ronald "Tenad" Washington – a suspect in a 1995 murder of a close friend of slain rapper Tupac Shakur – as the accomplice in Jay's death. The family of Jay, whose real name was Jason Mizell, have welcomed the development.
"We're relieved there's some information coming out, although we understand that it's not the full story," family spokeswoman Fern Yates said. Washington has denied any involvement. Jay was shot on October 30, 2002, at the trio's 24/7 recording studio in New York City.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Run-Dmc.aspx


Britney fires manager
Fresh-outta-rehab pop princess Britney Spears has reportedly fired her manager, Larry Rudolph.
According to the influential Page Six column in yesterday's New York Post, Spears partially blames Rudolph for her recent troubles. She claims he introduced her to blonde heiress Paris Hilton late last year.
The split will cost the singer dearly. Spears signed a multi-year deal with Rudolph just after she announced her separation from ex-husband Kevin Federline. The singer has also re-hired former publicist Sloane Zelnik in an attempt to stem the negative media tide.

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


Bryan Ferry apologises for Nazi slur
Former Roxy Music frontman Bryan Ferry has been forced to apologise for comments he made last month in German newspaper Welt Am Sonntag. "The way the Nazis staged themselves and presented themselves, my Lord!" Ferry said. "I'm talking about the films of Leni Riefenstahl. And the buildings of Albert Speer and the mass marches and the flags… just fantastic, really beautiful."
Ferry was slammed by Jewish leaders in Britain and was forced to issue the following statement yesterday.
"I apologise unreservedly for any offence caused by my comments on Nazi iconography, which were solely made from an art history perspective. I, like every right-minded individual, find the Nazi regime, and all it stood for, evil and abhorrent."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bryan-Ferry.aspx


Something For Kate deny split
Melbourne-based trio Something For Kate have been forced to deny rumours of a split following the announcement that singer/guitarist Paul Dempsey has started work on a solo album.
In a post on the band's website, Dempsey denied the rumours and insisted the band were still very much together.
"Let me state right now that no one is splitting from anything," Dempsey said. "I've been talking about doing a record by myself for years and after five SFK albums in a row it seems like the right time to take a step to the left and do something different for a while."
It won't be Dempsey's first solo project: fans will recall the hard-to-find 1998 LP An Empty Flight, which Dempsey released under the Scared Of Horses moniker.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Something-For-Kate.aspx


Backstreet Boys and *NSync manager wanted by FBi
The man behind two of the biggest boy-bands of the 90s – Backstreet Boys and *Nsync – is on the run from the FBI.
Lou Pearlman is accused of swindling 1400 people out of hundreds of millions of dollars in a pyramid scheme. It's alleged he was part of a syndicate that sold hundreds of senior citizens "false securities" – billed as "employee investment savings accounts" – through his company, Trans Continental Airlines.
Currently managing pop band US5, Pearlman hasn't been seen since an appearance at a Berlin awards show back in February, and now the federal police want talk to him.
The company has allegedly scammed more than AU$164 million from its victims.
Florida lawyer Robert Persante, who's representing eight people who lost their life savings in the scheme, said Pearlman would charm his clients with his showbiz connections.
"He even gave some people paraphernalia from the boy bands."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Backstreet-Boys.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Nsync.aspx

Apr 17

Guns N' Roses to reunite?
[source: NME.com] Slash has admitted he wants his band Velvet Revolver to stop playing songs by Guns N' Roses and Stone Temple Pilots, and would instead like the two groups to reunite.
Slash also announced to Chilean magazine Rock & Pop that he intends to drop Guns N' Roses and Stone Temple Pilots songs from the setlist later this year.
The former Gunners' guitarist, who left in 1996, said reunions of both bands are a possibility.
"I'm not saying never," he explained. "You know, I was saying it would be a good idea to get, just for a couple of shows, the original STP and the original Guns N' Roses to do a couple of shows for the fun of it."
Meanwhile, Velvet Revolver's US tour begins on Friday May 4, though second album Libertad has had its release pushed back until late June.
The first single from the LP will be called "She Builds Quick Machines".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Guns-N-Roses.aspx


Radiohead reissue rare EP
[source: NME.com] Radiohead are set to reissue their rare EP Com Lag (2+2=5).
The EP was originally released in Japan and Australia in 2004 but will be reissued in the UK on Monday April 16 and the US on Wednesday May 8.

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


Gavin Rossdale announces solo album
[source: NME.com] Former Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale is due to begin work on his first solo album.
The star is set to work with Lostprophets producer Bob Rock on the record.
"We"ll do half the record in LA and the other half in Hawaii, where he [Rock] lives on the north shore," the singer wrote on his official website. "So I'm pretty excited about that."
Rossdale also said he had written the theme song for Drive, a TV show on the Fox network.
Bush's last album was 2001's Golden State. Rossdale then formed Institute, who released their sole album Distort Yourself in 2005.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bush.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Institute.aspx


Carl Barat reveals secret behind Pete reunion
[source: NME.com] Carl Barat has revealed how his reunion with former Libertines bandmate Pete Doherty happened last Thursday April 12.
The pair played on the same stage together for the first time since 2004 at Doherty's London Hackney Empire show.
Seaking to NME.COM, Barat explained he and Doherty began plotting the link-up when they met at this year's Shockwaves NME Awards, more than a month before the show.
"We started talking at the NME Awards and we talked and chatted about doing something at some point," Barat explained, adding that they deliberately kept the reunion low-key.
"We didn't want to mouth off and create a circus around it," he said "I missed the songs and Peter's important to me."

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


James Blunt: not a criminal
UK singer-songwriter James Blunt has escaped criminal charges following an incident at a Los Angeles party in February. Blunt allegedly drove over a partygoer's foot while leaving a Bel Air function, although a spokesman for the Los Angeles attorney's office, Frank Mateljan, said the accident did not warrant further investigation at this stage.
"After review of the information provided," Mateljan said, "we've decided not to file charges at this time."
Blunt was attending a party on Saturday February 24 when, according to his publicist, he was "swarmed by paparazzi". He then tried to "navigate his car through all the people", which is when the accident occurred.

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


Courtney Love denies surgery rumours
Former Hole frontwoman Courtney Love has denied her drastic weight loss is down to gastric bypass surgery.
"I couldn't get that surgery if I begged for it!" Love wrote on her website.
Instead, Love cited Oprah Winfrey as her inspiration, even though the talk-show host has since revealed she used a diet supplement called Optifast to accelerate her weight loss (and then put the weight back on when she stopped taking the formula).
Reports in the New York Post last week attributed Love's weight loss to a dramatic operation, claiming she was overheard boasting to friends about the procedure.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Courtney-Love.aspx


Hilary Duff says Joel's okay
After rewriting numerous album tracks thanks to a sudden break-up with long-time boyfriend Joel Madden (of Californian pop-punkers Good Charlotte), 19-year-old pop singer Hilary Duff says she's still on good terms with her ex.
"People thought we were an unlikely couple, but we really weren't that different," Duff revealed yesterday. "After two months, I didn't even see his tattoos anymore, because that's not who he is. He gave me a sense of confidence and independence I didn't have before."
Madden split with Duff back in November 2006 and is now dating socialite Nicole Richie. Duff admits she speaks to Madden regularly and exchanges emails.
It's unclear if Madden will accompany Ritchie to Australia for next week's MTV Australia Video Music Awards.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Hilary-Duff.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Good-Charlotte.aspx


Tim Rogers hits the road… again
With a new solo album in the works, You Am I frontman Tim Rogers will head across the country on his own for May and June's Gentleman's Agreement tour.
Having just returned from the USA, where YAI supported the likes of Sebadoh and played to hundreds of fans at the South By Southwest festival, Rogers is currently putting the finishing touches to a concept album called The Luxury Of Hysteria.
67 Special's Louis Macklin will join Rogers on the road to provide piano accompaniment to both old and new tracks. Tickets go on sale Friday April April 20.

Tour dates:

Thursday May 17 – The National, Geelong
Friday May 18 – Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne
Saturday May 19 – Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne
Sunday May 20 – Republic Bar, Hobart
Thursday May 24 – The Basement, Sydney
Thursday May 31 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
Friday June 1 – Norfolk Basement Lounge, Fremantle
Saturday June 2 – Indie Bar, Scarborough
Sunday June 3 – Gnarabar, Margaret River
Thursday June 7 – Brisbane Jazz Club

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Tim-Rogers.aspx


Beck artwork to sell online
Los Angeles-based music aficionado Beck has teamed with online gallery Product Of God in order to sell 200 limited edition prints, all personally signed by the "Devil's Haircut" singer.
Beck's most recent LP, 2006's The Information, was sold in stores complete with a series of stickers (created by London team Big Active) and a blank piece of paper. The aim was to encourage fans to create their own artwork.
Now, starting Tuesday May 1, limited editions of the makeshift cover artwork – over 100 stickers combined, with each print personally signed by Beck – will go on sale. With a price tag of AU$300, the artworks will increase in price as they sell, so get in fast to secure one cheap!

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


Eskimo Joe take on America
They've already topped the charts here in Australia and now Fremantle-based trio Eskimo Joe are taking on the USA.
In August, the band's hit album Black Fingernails, Red Wine will be released on the Rykodisc label, home to such diverse artists as Frank Zappa and the Meat Puppets. It's quite an achievement for the band, whose LP is still in the top 30 some 44 weeks since its release. The record has sold more than 200,000 copies and won four ARIA awards.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Eskimo-Joe.aspx

Apr 16

Madonna explains reason for Malawi trip
[source: NME.com] Madonna has denied her visit to Malawi this weekend was to arrange adoption of a second child from the country.
Instead, the 48 year-old insisted the main purpose of her trip was to see the work of a charity she supports.
Madonna sparked a huge controversy when she adopted one-year-old David Banda from an orphanage in Malawi last year. She was accused by adoption groups of using her celebrity status to bypass laws about foreigners adopting from Malawi.
Speaking before Madonna set off for the country, her spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg told the BBC she would be "overseeing the building of a children's healthcare centre".
David is living with Madonna and her family in London, after the pop icon was granted an interim custody order. Under the court order, David can live with the singer for 18 months, during which time his progress will be reviewed by Malawi officials.

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


Flaming Lips DVD gets July release date
[source: NME.com] Flaming Lips will release UFOs At The Zoo: The Legendary Concert In Oklahoma City on Tuesday July 10.
Filmed last September at The Zoo Amphitheater in their home city, the performance features a typically over-the-top stage show, including a giant UFO-shaped lighting rig, hundreds of stage props and effects and, of course, Wayne Coyne crowd surfing in a giant bubble.
In addition to the performance, the DVD features interviews, backstage access and a ringtone application in which fans can make and buy their own ringtones.

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


Phish frontman pleads guilty in drug case
[source: NME.com] Former Phish frontman Trey Anastasio pleaded guilty on Friday April 13 to a felony drug charge in New York.
Anastasio was able to avoid jail time by entering a plea agreement that dropped more serious charges in favour of an intensive drug programme.
The programme requires Anastasio to make weekly court appearances for 12 to 15 months in addition to performing community service. He will also be required to undergo periodic drug testing.
The 42-year-old guitarist admitted he was in possession of Vicodin, Percocet, heroin and Xanax when he was pulled over by New York police on Friday December 15.
If Anastasio successfully completes the programme, he will receive five years' probation. If he does not, he may go to prison for up to three years. He will not be sentenced until he completes the programme.
Anastasio issued a written statement shortly after the arrest, apologising for his behaviour and for "any embarrassment I have caused my friends, family and fans".

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


Green Day frontman becomes homeless volunteer
[source: NME.com] Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong has become a volunteer for homeless charity Habitat For Humanity in New Orleans.
Armstrong has been posting updates of his work on the band's official website, www.greenday.net.
On Thursday April 12 he wrote: "Today we worked on the upper ninth ward. I had to do some upside-down hammering technique but we managed to get the job done. We felt a great sense of accomplishment when we finished."
Green Day collaborated with U2 last year on "The Saints Are Coming" to raise funds for Music Rising, an organisation that replaces instruments musicians lost in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

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


Christine Aguilera brings Back To Basics Down Under
With a hot album featuring hit singles like "Candyman" and "Ain't No Other Man", US pop singer Christine Aguilera has announced a special visit to Australia in July.
The singer's Back To Basics spectacular will head to Oz for three weeks, which means 500,000 kilograms of production, a 25-piece band and 130 tour costumes. Described by the LA Times as a "pageant that whirls through the realms of Vegas showgirls, fan dancers, sideshow tassel-twirlers, dominatrixes and burlesque queens", Aguilera's show will feature three distinct "scenes".
With more than 25 million albums to her name, this is one show not to be missed. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday May 2.

Tour dates:

Wednesday July 11 - Vector Arena, Auckland
Saturday July 14 - Burswood Dome, Perth
Tuesday July 17 - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Friday July 20 - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Tuesday July 24 - Acer Arena, Sydney
Friday July 27 - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

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


"Tiny Bubbles" singer Don Ho dies
One of Hawaii's most infamous singers, Don Ho, passed away last weekend, aged 76.
Most famous for cult hit "Tiny Bubbles", Ho - known in music circles as the "king of Waikiki" - had a history of heart problems and died at a Honolulu medical centre from undisclosed health problems.
Having enjoyed regular performances in Las Vegas hotels over the previous two decades, in recent weeks Ho had been making a twice-weekly appearance in a local Honolulu club. Ho visited Thailand in 2005 for a heart operation.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Don-Ho.aspx


New outfit for ex-Beta Band members
Fans of Edinburgh outfit The Beta Band can get excited about The Aliens, a new outfit featuring former Beta samplist/keyboardist John Maclean and drummer Robin Jones.
The pair have teamed with long-time pal Gordon Anderson and will release debut LP Astronomy For Dogs in June.
Both Maclean and Jones were founding members of folky trip-hoppers The Beta Band, which disbanded in 2004.
"[The Aliens] basically started during the World Cup last year and we finally mastered the album in October," Jones said.
"[The new material is] quite pure. All of the arrangements were much more upbeat; there's not a lot of darkness. I've always been aware that [Gordon] has this amazing cache of songs. He missed out on The Beta Band, so it's like a second chance for him."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Beta-Band-The.aspx


No dirt on Kylie, says Jason
Aussie soap star/singer/pantomime performer Jason Donovan has spoken out about rumours he'll dish the dirt on former paramour Kylie Minogue in his upcoming biography.
The 38 year-old actor recently launched new tracks on his MySpace page and is in the middle of a UK tour. According to Donovan, he's yet to even start the book, to be published by Harper Collins.
"A newspaper quoted a Harper Collins executive as saying: 'the chapters on Kylie are salacious; wait until you read it'. That's an absolute lie!" Donovan said.
"I haven't even written it yet. This is the story of my life, and it will include what's relevant. If you're looking for sordid details on Kylie, there are books already out there!"

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Julian Lennon sells stake in father's songs
In a deal announced on Friday April 13, Julian Lennon sold a large financial portion of the publishing royalties he earns from his father's Beatles catalogue.
The deal will see New York business Primary Wave Music Publishing earn a significant cut of all Beatles songs co-written by Lennon's father, but not his solo work.
"I felt it was the appropriate time to take on a partner for both my interest in my father's legendary music and for my future music endeavours," the 44-year-old Lennon said in a statement.
Together with Paul McCartney, John Lennon wrote many of the biggest songs in popular music, including tracks like "Hey Jude", "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and "All You Need Is Love".
The son of John and his first wife, Cynthia, Julian has released five albums of his own, the most recent 1998's Photograph Smile. Lennon doesn't own the publishing rights to all Beatles' songs, however; they're co-owned between Sony/ATV Music Publishing and Michael Jackson.
In 2006, Courtney Love sold 25 per cent of Kurt Cobain's catalogue to Primary Wave.

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