.

Day in Pop Report for 09/06/2011


Michael Jackson Tribute Tour- Madonna Working On New Album- George Straight Scores Again- Salvatore Licitra RIP- Amy Winehouse- more
(Reuters) Producer David Gest, Tito Jackson and others close to Michael Jackson on Monday unveiled a singing and spoken-word tribute tour to the late King of Pop. "A Jackson Named Michael: Remembering a Legend," kicks off in the United Kingdom in March 2012 more

(BBC) Madonna has revealed that she plans to release her 12th studio album in "spring 2012". Speaking in Venice, where the movie she directed W.E was being premiered, the singer said she had already done "a little bit of work" on the album. more

(Billboard) George Strait climbs closer to Eddy Arnold's record for most top 10s in the 67-year history of Billboard's Country Songs chart, as "Here for a Good Time" rises 11-9. The song is Strait's 84th top 10 on the tally more

(BBC) Italian tenor Salvatore Licitra - seen by many as the heir to Luciano Pavarotti - dies in Sicily from road accident injuries, aged 43 more

(NME) Amy Winehouse's fortune was worth just over �2 million when she died. Although the late singer made The Sunday Times Rich List in 2008 with an estimated fortune of �10 million, the accounts for two companies she owned that were published yesterday suggested her financial value had decreased in the last several years. more

(BBC) An Australian stuntman who was left with brain damage when a car chase went wrong while filming The Hangover Part II is suing Warner Bros film studios. more

(FMQB) Last Wednesday night, Justin Timberlake showcased the new group from his Tennman Record label, FreeSol, to fans at his Southern Hospitality barbecue restaurant in New York. "I would describe their sound as a fusion of rock, hip-hop, rhythm and blues, and soul. It's Memphis," Timberlake, a Tennessee native, told Rolling Stone. more

(NME) Britney Spears' producer Dr. Luke has dropped a defamation lawsuit against The Bellamy Brothers after they withdrew their allegation that he had copied their work. more

More on Michael Jackson - Michael Jackson CDs, vinyl and rarities -

Kim Kardashian Sex Tape For Free?
(TMZ) With the possibility looming that the Kim Kardashian sex tape could be shelved for good, a porn website has come forward with a plan to do the exact opposite � they want to buy the rights to the tape and put it online � for free!!!

As TMZ first reported, a mystery buyer has approached Vivid Entertainment (which owns the rights to the tape) in an effort to buy it and remove it completely from the market.

But now Pornhub.com, which bills itself as the largest adult website on the planet, wants in on the action. In a letter to Vivid head man Steven Hirsch, the site says they are willing to offer $5 million for the tape ... considerably less than the $30 million Hirsch is asking for.

The site -- which is 100% free -- says they "respectfully disagree" with Hirsch's value of the tape, stating they feel the DVD market is "dying" and online is where it's at.

No word yet on whether Hirsch would consider the offer. more on this story

More on Kardashian - Kardashian CDs, vinyl and rarities

Controversial Glee Black Eye Photo Against, Not For Domestic Violence
(TMZ) It seems ironic ... but the brutal photo of "Glee" star Heather Morris sporting a fake black eye will be auctioned off soon ... and all of the proceeds will go towards a domestic violence charity ... TMZ has learned.

The photo ignited a major controversy when it was released on the Internet a few days ago -- with some critics saying it glamorizes violence against women.

But Tyler Shields, the photog behind the shot, tells us that was NOT the intention -- and he's sorry it came off that way.

Shields says ... to make up for the controversy, he'll be auctioning off the photo, starting at $100k, and will donate every single cent he makes to a top domestic violence charity.

Forgiven?? more on this story

More on Glee - Glee CDs, vinyl and rarities -

Il Divo Rework Chris Isaak and Roy Orbison Classics for New Album
Il Divo have set an November 8th release date for their new SYCO/Columbia album, Wicked Game.

Il Divo will perform "Wicked Game," their dramatic reworking of the Chris Isaak classic, on September 7th on the semi-finals of America's Got Talent.

The new album is produced by Per Magnusson and David Krueger with additional production from Richard 'Biff' Stannard. In addition to the title track, other highlights include an emotionally beautiful rendering of Roy Orbison's "Crying" and a heavenly version of Samuel Barber's "Adagio For Strings." more on this story

More on Il Divo - Il Divo CDs, vinyl and rarities -

Grey's Anatomy Star Victim of Identity Theft
(TMZ) The I.R.S. has been all over Sandra Oh's ass for failing to pay taxes for a hotel job she held in 2009 -- problem is, Sandra Oh's a friggin' actress ... and SOMEONE WAS USING HER IDENTITY!!!

The "Grey's Anatomy" star rolled into an LAPD station Friday afternoon ... to report that some mystery person had been using her social security number.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... cops don't believe the scumbag was trying to pose as Sandra, but merely jacked her SS# so the person could get a job.

We're told cops are currently looking into the matter. We called Oh for comment -- hopefully the right Oh -- but so far, no word back. more on this story

More on Grey's Anatomy

Master P Movie Peeps Wanna Get Paid
(TMZ) A bunch of people who worked for Master P on his 2003 movie "Uncle P" claim the former rap mogul wasn't bout it, bout it when it came to pay day -- and now they want their cash ... more than $240k!!

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, several members of the crew sued P back in 2005 and WON -- but P never forked over the dough.

Now, the class has taken their case to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in L.A. -- hoping they can finally squeeze some cash out of the man who was once reported to be worth $600 million.

The class wants the court to push P into bankruptcy so that an independent trustee will be appointed to oversee P's assets ... and maybe then, they would be able to collect. more on this story

More on Master P - Master P CDs, vinyl and rarities -

Tony Lucca Under The Influence
Rock Ridge has set a September 27th release date for Tony Lucca's new covers album, Under The Influence.

A 10-song compilation of tunes by artists that influenced Lucca as a musician and songwriter, the album was produced by Mike Vizcarra (Brian Wright, Ladies Gun Club, Truth & Salvage Co.).

Says Lucca of his latest musical undertaking: "Under The Influence was originally going to be called Wish List, consisting of songs I wish I had written. These, of course, would have been songs I've spent the last 20 or so years learning and playing for people. However, when it came time to make the record, I realized that what I could stand to benefit from more would be something a bit less conventional, maybe say, a little less predictable. After some great discussions with my producer Mike Vizcarra and our friend Brian Wright, we decided to dig a little deeper, come up with a set of songs that might pay a greater 'homage,' songs that could possibly reflect a deeper sense of well, influence." more on this story

More on Tony Lucca - Tony Lucca CDs, vinyl and rarities -

Kurt Angle Passed Breathalyzer Test?
(TMZ) Kurt Angle apparently believes he's been FRAMED in connection with his drunk driving arrest Sunday morning ... this according to sources connected with the famous wrestler.

As TMZ first reported, Angle was popped in Virginia after he was allegedly seen driving erratically on I-66. But Angle's lawyer tells TMZ ... his client passed a breathalyzer test. The lawyer tells us, "We understand Kurt will be entering a plea of not guilty in response to any infractions and/or offenses."

Sources connected with Kurt tell TMZ ... cops are just trying to make an example of him. The cops are mum, saying the case will be tried in court.

FYI ... someone who is not legally drunk (i.e., someone who passes a breathalyzer test) can still be arrested for driving under the influence if drugs or alcohol -- even minimal amounts -- impair the driver's ability to navigate the road. more on this story

More on Kurt Angle

Mobb Deep Go RED
Mobb Deep have inked a deal with RED Distribution (a division of Sony Music Entertainment) for their imprint Infamous Records.

Under the new deal, Mobb Deep's Prodigy and Havoc will release their self-titled ninth album along with upcoming solo projects and music from a new class of emerging artists and established acts.

The New York based label will be run and managed by Mobb Deep, which has appeared on records totaling more than 40 million in sales, with the assistance of executives and industry veterans with more than two decades of experience working the major label system. more on this story

More on Mobb Deep - Mobb Deep CDs, vinyl and rarities -

That's So Raven Star DUI Arrest With Pregnant Girlfriend In The Car
(TMZ) "That's So Raven" actor Orlando Brown was so drunk at the time of his DUI arrest last month, his blood alcohol level was more than TWICE the legal limit ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ.

We're told Brown's B.A.C. was measured at .17 during the August 12 arrest -- more than double the limit in California, which is .08.

23-year-old Brown -- whose pregnant girlfriend was a passenger in the car during the arrest -- has been charged with 2 counts of DUI and could spend several months in jail if convicted.

TMZ broke the story, Brown was originally pulled over for driving without a license plate just a short distance from his L.A. home -- when cops noticed the smell of alcohol and arrested him.

He's due back in court later this month. more on this story

More on That's So Raven

Craig Ferguson Anthrax Scare 911 Call Posted Online
(TMZ) Security at Craig Ferguson's "Late Late Show" didn't take any chances during last month's anthrax scare -- telling the 911 operator they immediately quarantined everyone who had contact with the white powder as soon as they could.

TMZ obtained a copy of the 911 call -- made by a very cool, calm and collected security guard who wasn't one of the five people exposed to the powder.

As we previously reported, a deranged fan put the powder in an envelope and mailed it to CBS Television City in L.A, along with a threatening letter -- but an investigation proved the powder was nothing more than cornmeal.

So far, no arrests have been made. more on this story

More on Craig Ferguson

Deal or No Deal Model Vs Stalker
(TMZ) Claudia Jordan is terrified for her life after months of super-creepy run-ins with a man who claims he "loves her" -- and after his latest threatening phone call she's turning to police.

The actress and former "Deal or No Deal" model filed a stalking report with the L.A. County Sheriff's Department this week.

Claudia tells TMZ the man started showing up outside events she was hosting last November -- and then sent letters with frightening messages like, "How can you not want me?" She says he also wrote that he was attracted by "the aroma of [Claudia's] blood."
Claudia says the final straw was a recent voice mail in which he angrily says, "Since you won't come and talk to me on a real level. You wanna go f**kin' snitch to police."

The message continues, "Write me a check for $25,000 and I'll leave you the f**k alone. You playing with the wrong ni**er." more on this story

More on Deal or No Deal



Click here to read today's full Day in Rock report

tell a friend about this article

know of a news item we should cover?

antiMUSIC News featured on RockNews.info and Yahoo News

.


...end




advertisement