Music News

JERUSALEM - An upcoming concert by Paul McCartney has revived memories of the 1960s, when an Israeli official supposedly called off a Beatles concert for fear it would corrupt the nation's youth.

Los Angeles (E! Online) - This just hasn't been the Barenaked Ladies' year. First, cofounder Steven Page gets busted for drugs. Now this.

CLEVELAND (Billboard) - After spending the last year or so working with guitarist John 5, the former Marilyn Manson band member who now plays with Rob Zombie, Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd is close to finishing its next studio album.

SYDNEY, Australia - The immigration department said Wednesday it was conducting a character assessment of Snoop Dogg, including his criminal history, as Australia considers whether to grant the rapper a visa for a concert tour later this year.

Los Angeles (E! Online) - Looks like Avril Lavigne can prove she's "The Best Damn Thing" in Kuala Lumpur after all.

DETROIT (Billboard) - It's been six years since Jackson Browne released an album of new material, but the veteran singer-songwriter hardly feels that he has made himself scarce in the interim.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Disappointed Neil Diamond fans will get a refund after attending a concert at Ohio State University in which the 67-year-old singer's voice sounded raspy.

Los Angeles (E! Online) - It seems Chris Robinson likes to be his own opening act. Literally, as it turns out. The Black Crowes frontman revealed himself to be a multitalented multitasker. While rocking the stage at the Jackson Hole Music Festival this week, Kate Hudson's ex-hubby also showed off his bartender flair, according to Page Six.

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Irish-British alternative rock band My Bloody Valentine released its two full-length albums, "Isn't Anything" and "Loveless," digitally Tuesday (August 26). The sets previously had been only partially available online.

NEW YORK - It was only her first day as an "American Idol" judge, but already Kara DioGuardi seemed part of the dysfunctional family.

Los Angeles (E! Online) - Yeah, we know it looks like the Jonas Brothers are opening a dry-cleaning business. Especially coming on the heels of last week's suit giveaway at Madame Tussauds.

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Rock band Fall Out Boy's fifth album, "Folie a Deux," will hit shelves November 4, the same day as the U.S. presidential election.

LOS ANGELES - Nicollette Sheridan and Michael Bolton have ended their engagement.

Los Angeles (E! Online) -   • With the California Supreme Court declining to light their fire (or hear their appeal), the Doors' keyboardist Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger will have to fork over more than $5 million in damages to drummer John Densmore and the heirs of Jim Morrison for touring as "The Doors of the 21st Century" in 2002 without permission.

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - After undergoing renovations for more than a year, the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles will open its doors October 15 with a concert by Jay-Z. The rapper will be backed by a 12-piece band.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Marty Stuart thinks there's room on TV for the style of country music he remembers from "The Porter Wagoner Show," "Flatt & Scruggs" and, of course, "Hee Haw." So Stuart decided to create his own show.

Los Angeles (E! Online) - Da Brat has just been given one helluva spanking.

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - Music by Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, the Doors, Janis Joplin and Deep Purple, among others, will be performed live by the Mystic Orchestra as part of "Flashback -- the Classic Rock Experience."

STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf on Tuesday presented the 2008 Polar Music Prize to American soprano Renee Fleming and Pink Floyd band members Nick Mason and Roger Waters for their contributions to popular music and opera.

Los Angeles (E! Online) - Dido is back!

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - While millions around the world spent Sunday watching the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, 7,000 fans lucky enough to score a ticket to Radiohead's show at the Hollywood Bowl witnessed not only a band at the top of its game but also an act that at times seemed to be the best on the planet.

NEW YORK - Gerard Mortier says his application to run the Bayreuth Festival in Germany will not change his plans to run the New York City Opera starting with the 2009-10 season.

Los Angeles (E! Online) - Melanie Chisholm has tapped her girl power, finally confirming reports that she has a little Spice in the oven with an assist from partner Thomas Starr.

DETROIT (Billboard) - Texas rock band ZZ Top is gearing up for its next album -- its first with high-profile producer Rick Rubin.

LOS ANGELES - Britney Spears won't perform on this year's MTV Video Music Awards, according to her manager.

Los Angeles (E! Online) - He's baaack.

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Soul singer John Legend will debut a new song, "If You're Out There," at Monday night's (August 25) opening session of the Democratic National Convention at Denver's Pepsi Center.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Kenny Rogers is proud of his 50-year career, but he can't help but hope that the best is yet to come.

Los Angeles (E! Online) - Love, angel, music, baby No. 2.

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Peter Buck of R.E.M., "SNL" star Amy Poehler and novelist Jonathan Lethem are among the curators of a limited-edition series of CDs that will mark the 20th anniversary of North Carolina independent label Merge Records.