Sep 6

Opera legend Luciano Pavarotti dies
Luciano Pavarotti has died in his home after suffering from kidney failure.
The 71-year-old's health deteriorated rapidly over the last week, with the tenor spending his last day unconscious, surrounded by family and friends in Modena, Italy.
The son of a baker and cigar factory worker, Pavarotti began singing with his father at the age of nine during the family's visits to church. He went on to become the world's most recognisable opera singer and, in 1998, received the Grammy Legend Award, an honour that's been bestowed just 15 times.
In recent years, Pavarotti has battled numerous illnesses and underwent surgery in New York City for pancreatic cancer in June 2006.
Pavarotti was taken to hospital last month suffering from a severe fever but, following two weeks of medical tests, was sent home on Saturday 25 August. He is survived by his four daughters.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Luciano-Pavarotti-Gianandrea-Gavazzeni-Orchestra-Of-The-Royal-Opera-House-Covent-Garden.aspx


Bjork readies live session album
[source: NME.com] Bjork will release a live session album that was recently recorded at London's Olympic Studios.
In a posting on her website, the Icelandic chanteuse revealed her current live band recorded the session "a few weeks ago".
A release date has not been confirmed but is expected to be announced shortly, along with the official album title.

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


Busta Rhymes trial postponed until November
[source: NME.com] Busta Rhymes' trial has been postponed until November because lawyers on both sides claim they are not ready to go to court.
The rapper arrived at yesterday's hearing in Manhattan only to be told he will now face the court on Wednesday 7 November on charges of beating up a fan, kicking a former employee and multiple driving offences, including drink driving.
Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor Smith, previously rejected a plea deal that would have seen him go to jail for a year.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Busta-Rhymes.aspx


Natalie Imbruglia to duet with Bono?
Former Neighbours starlet and current Mrs Daniel Johns, Natalie Imbruglia, is hoping to join U2 frontman Bono into the studio.
According to 32-year-old Imbruglia (who recently released best-of collection Glorious: The Singles 1997-2007), the "Beautiful Day" singer is one of the best frontmen in the world.
"I certainly wouldn't say no if Bono called me and said, 'Hey, love, do you wanna do a song?'," Imbruglia revealed.
"He's a modern day saint. He used his celebrity in a very responsible way and managed to stay cool. I love U2's 'Pride' – I wish I'd written that."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Natalie-Imbruglia.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/U2.aspx


From reality TV to your bookstore…
Australian Idol fans should keep their eyes peeled for two new releases, although neither are musical.
2006 winner Damien Leith is about to become a published author, with his novel, One More Time, being unveiled on Monday 1 October. The story tells the tale of Irish traveller Sean.
"Sean is in Nepal on a trek through some of the most beautiful and dangerous country in the world," the book's blurb reads. "His path takes him to the spectacular Annapurna Mountains and deep into territory held by Maoist guerrillas challenging the Nepalese government."
Meanwhile, Leith's fellow contestant, Dean Geyer, has also put pen to paper, with Dean Geyer Up Close scheduled for release in November. It's "an intimate look into his life, his friends and family" and also contains "fun facts about his faves and raves, and his whirlwind road to superstardom".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Damien-Leith.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Dean-Geyer.aspx


Adoption is fine, says Madge's publicist
Madonna's publicist has been forced to confirm the adoption of David Banda is still going ahead, despite the recent staff changes of Malawi's child welfare services.
Director Penston Kilembe was meant to travel to London this week to determine whether Madonna and husband Guy Richie are suitable parents for Banda. However, Kilembe was sacked, prompting rumours the adoption was about to go belly up.
"The plans to finalise the adoption of Madonna and Guy Ritchie's son, David, are proceeding as outlined when the Malawian government granted them their interim adoption," publicist Liz Rosenberg said.
"All appropriate legal requirements are being followed, including a home visit. Madonna and her entire family look forward to being granted the final adoption early next year."

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


Custom Kings hit the road
Melbourne outfit Custom Kings are about to deliver their debut album, At Sea, after two critically acclaimed EPs.
The band teamed with producer Stephen Schram (Art of Fighting, Ground Components) to record the album, which is scheduled for release on Saturday 6 October.
To celebrate, Custom Kings will hit the road later this month. Tickets are on sale now.

Tour dates:

Sunday 21 September – Northern Star Hotel, Newcastle
Saturday 22 September – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
Friday 26 September – Oxford Tavern, Wollongong
Saturday 27 September – Beach Rd Hotel, Bondi
Saturday 29 September – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
Saturday 13 October – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Monday 19 October – The Loft, Warrnambool
Saturday 20 October – Jive, Adelaide
Thursday 25 October – Council Club, Wangarratta
Friday 26 October – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
Thursday 1 November – The Troubadour, Brisbane
Friday 2 November – Miami Tavern, Shark Bar, Gold Coast
Saturday 3 November – Electric Ave Festival, Sunshine Coast

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Custom-Kings.aspx


New LP for Dashboard Confessional
The original emo kid, Chris Carrabba, is back with another Dashboard Confessional record.
The Shade Of Poison Trees was recorded over ten days with producer Don Gilmore (who's also worked with the likes of Pearl Jam and Linkin Park) and is said to mark a return to form for the 32-year-old.
Carrabba was recently asked about his return to the Dashboard sound of old – when asked why he revisited his earlier stylings, he simply declared: "I never really left."
The Shade Of Poison Trees hits stores on Saturday 29 September.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Dashboard-Confessional.aspx