• U2 have followed in Madonna’s footsteps to reiterate the thought that the money is no longer in record sales, but in merchandise and gigs by signing a 12 year deal with Live Nation. Not a 360 deal, like Madonna’s, but close to it, Live Nation will manage U2’s tours and work with the band on their official website. The financial details of this deal however have not been disclosed.
  • Groove Armada have left Sony BMG and have now signed for Bacardi’s musical arm. The drinks manufacturers will manage the bands touring and releases, and the band will manage a newly acquired drinking problem.
  • The award for Longevity-in-Music-to-the-Point-of-Worrying-Productivity goes to REM who are about to release their 14th studio album, Accelerate, at the end of March. Points go to anyone who can name all fourteen. Paul Smith, our radio guru, managed 13 – in chronological order I hasten to add! – so can anyone else go one better.
  • In other news that I’ve found slightly disturbing Yoko Ono has reportedly been in talks with a clothing company from the states discussing a range of John Lennon ties, as well as nightwear and, rather oddly, boxershorts. Also, Kurt Cobain has endorsed (how, I don’t know) the trainers that he ‘chose’ to die in.

...amazingtunes.com