Jacko Accuser Sought Cash
Jam reports: The stepfather of the boy who accused Michael Jackson of molestation testified Thursday he asked for payment for the family's participation in a video interview intended to restore Jackson's reputation. 

The so-called "rebuttal video" was meant to answer negative publicity surrounding a British TV documentary on Jackson that included the alleged victim and showed Jackson defending his practice of having young boys sleep in his bed. He said the contacts were non-sexual and "very sweet." 

In the rebuttal video, the 12-year-old boy and his family are reported to vouch for Jackson's good character. Prosecutors said the family was coerced into making the video, which has not been released. 

Thursday's questioning appeared to bolster defence contentions the accuser's family tried to "shake down" Jackson for money. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Jam also has news on Ex-Watchmen singer forms new band, Hanson MMMBop to own drummer, Rompin' Ronnie Hawkins bounces back, Sahara Hotnights gaining new fans, Shedding light on rockers Illuminati and more click here to check it out

Dimmu Kicked Off Radio
Blabbermouth reports: DIMMU BORGIR were promptly escorted from the premises after using profanity during a live radio interview Wednesday afternoon (August 18) for commercial rock radio station WMMS-FM (100.7) in Cleveland. The Norwegian black metal act were in town to promote their appearance on the main stage of Ozzfest at the Blossom Music Center in Cleveland on Thursday, August 19. 

The incident in question occurred shortly after the start of the interview with WMMS midday host, Maxwell. While responding to a question from the DJ regarding JUDAS PRIEST vocalist Rob Halford's sexuality, DIMMU BORGIR vocalist Shagrath and guitarist Silenoz stated that the controversy surrounding Halford's homosexuality is "f***ing bulls***" and that it was an honor to play on the same stage as JUDAS PRIEST. Maxwell proceeded to declare the interview over at that moment and cut to a commercial. During the commercial break, Maxwell and station management ordered the band to leave WMMS studios. After coming back from commercial, the DJ insulted DIMMU BORGIR on the air, urging Ozzfest attendees to throw rocks and other items at the stage during their set on the main stage Thursday. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Oliveri Hernia Op 
Blabbermouth reports: Former QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE and current MONDO GENERATOR bassist Nick Oliveri has posted the following message on MONDO's web site: 

"I've just been discharged from the hospital where I had surgery on a very large hernia. The doctor said I've had it for a very long time. I didn't know until recently when part of my intestines started poking through from my taint to my belly button. I want you to know that I am still coming over to Europe � to do this tour! We are doing it as a power trio: Marc Diamond on guitar, Josh 'Headly' Lamar on drums and yes, I'm back on bass and or course vocal duties." [see full story for Mondo dates]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Blabbermouth also has news on LINKIN PARK Drummer Says Playing With KORN Is 'Mind-Blowing', JUDAS PRIEST's ROB HALFORD: There Is Nothing Wrong With Saying 'Sorry', WIZARD Commence Songwriting Sessions For New Album , STORMWITCH, EVIDENCE ONE To Team Up For Special German Show, UGLY KID JOE: Unreleased Demo Track Available For Download and more click here to check it out

P2Ps Not Liable
AP reports: Grokster Ltd. and StreamCast Networks Inc. are not legally responsible for the swapping of copyright content through their file-sharing software, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday in a blow to movie studios and record labels. 

Among other things, the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the suppliers of the free peer-to-peer software, unlike Napster, were not liable for copyright infringement because they don't have central servers where computer users can access copyrighted material. [see full story for more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Snooper Bowl
MuchMusic reports: Snoop Dogg is also lending a hand to Floridians with his annual "Snooperbowl" charity football game. The rapper recently held a rally with Florida high school students to announce that this year's game would feature teams from California and Jacksonville, Florida competing - with Snoop's sons playing for the California squad. The game benefits high school athletics in Florida. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: MuchMusic also has news on MJ Wants To Speak Out , Linkin Park's Heart , Green Day In T.O., Lil Jon Fans Scammed, Western Canada Honours Its Own and more click here to check it out

New Found Glory Drop UK Fests
NME reports: NEW FOUND GLORY have pulled out of the CARLING WEEKEND: READING AND LEEDS FESTIVALS. 

The band were due to appear on the main stage of this month's event, on a bill that also includes Green Day and 50 Cent. 

However, the band will now not come to the UK for the shows. NME.COM understands it is because they have been offered the opportunity to take part in the MTV Awards in the US. [more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: NME also has news on Big names line up for MTV Video Music Awards , Top acts set to give exclusive backstage performances at this year's V Festival, Napster and Virgin Radio team up to launch online music chart, Death In Vegas back with new album and new outlook, Hear the new Libertines album! and more click here to check it out

U2 Release Date
MTV reports: U2's still-untitled new album now has a release date. 

The Irish rockers will release their 11th studio album, produced by Steve Lillywhite, on November 23, while the first single, "Vertigo," will hit radio on September 24. A video will be released in October. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: MTV also has news on Jay-Z And R. Kelly To Tour Together This Fall , J-Kwon Shows His Soft Side By Reminiscing About His Two Baby Mamas, JoJo To Tour With Olympic Gymnasts, Outkast To Perform; Mase, Shaq, Amy Lee, Others To Present At VMAs, R. Kelly Album Preview: Dancing, Loving, Turning To The Lord and more click here to check it out

Nightwish Release Date
IAYM reports: Roadrunner have set an October 05th release date for the upcoming North American issue of Nightwish's latest effort "Once".- Click Here for the Full Story 

Deftones Gets Evil
IAYM reports: Deftones frontman Chino Moreno recently commented on the group's forthcoming new album, which they will be hitting the studio to record in November alongside producer Bob Ezrin (Jane's Addiction, Pink Floyd, 30 Seconds To Mars). He had the following to say on the intended direction of the effort: 

"It's far more aggressive than, you know, our last few records, I'd say. I think we kinda just went in this time and just started writing, and obviously, all the stuff that came out was just way aggressive. That's what kind of made it fun. It was weird being out in Malibu, which is like a sunny place, a happy place, and we just started making some straight evil music." [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: IAYM also has news on The Revolution Smile Tour Dates, Domeshots Update , The Blood Brothers: "Crimes" Online , Malevolent Creation: "Conquering South America" , Morbid Angel Part Ways with Earache, Cannibal Corpse/Napalm Death Tour Dates and more click here to check it out

Brian Wilson Showtime
AP reports: "Smile," the Brian Wilson album that was famously unheard by the public for nearly 40 years, will be the subject of a Showtime documentary. 

"Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of Smile" is in production and will debut Oct. 5 on Showtime, the channel announced this week. 

The film will include interviews with Wilson, the Beach Boys' creative genius, and footage of February's triumphant "Smile" debut concert in London. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Epitaph Sued
Reuters reports: Mississippi blues label Fat Possum Records and its owner Matthew Johnson have sued former joint-venture partner Epitaph Records, alleging that Epitaph hatched "a malicious plot ... to financially destroy Johnson and Fat Possum." 

The suit, filed Tuesday in California Superior Court in L.A., charges Epitaph with breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, interference with contractual relations and a host of other abuses. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Mars Volta Mute in Nov?
The PRP reports: According to the bands publicist, The Mars Volta are now in fact eyeing an as-yet unannounced November release date for their upcoming new album "Frances The Mute". - Click Here for the Full Story 

Helmet Support
The PRP reports: Helmet look to have tapped Instruction and Totimoshi as openers on select dates for their upcoming fall trek. Instruction will reportedly be opening on stops from September 17th through to October 06th. A full schedule for the support acts on the tour is expected to be announced shortly. Helmet's new album "Size Matters" will arrive in stores through Interscope on September 14th.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Flaw Universal Part Ways
The PRP reports: Flaw look to have in fact parted ways with their label Universal, but on their own accord after being unhappy with the latter's performance behind their latest effort. The group are currently in negotiations with interested labels for a new home. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: The PRP also has news on New Tones Launched , Sample For Us The Foxes, Holt Slithers Away, Mars Muted, Online Crimes, Under Strong Chariots, Mexicans In The Gold Room and more click here to check it out

Mooney Suzuki Major Label Debut
Aversion reports: The Mooney Suzuki will get into the major-label game next month with the release of its Columbia Records debut. 

Alive and Amplified hits stores Aug. 24 from the imprint. [more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Converge Delay
Aversion reports: Converge's latest's release date has been bumped back a couple more weeks. 

The band's Epitaph Records debut, You Fail Me will hit stores Sept. 21. The label originally scheduled the release for Sept. 7. [see full story for tracklisting] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Aversion also has news on Morrissey Announces Tour, Hip DJs Remix Depeche Mode, Yo La Tengo Hates Bush, Too, Strike Anywhere Prepares Rarities, Death By Stereo Starts New Album and more click here to check it out

Jason Mraz Live CD/DVD
NMC reports: In less than a week, the new Jason Mraz release, "Tonight, Not Again � Jason Mraz Live at the Eagles Ballroom," hits stores. The CD/DVD package drops Tuesday, August 24, and features Mraz in a full-length concert recorded last October in Milwaukee. 

"Tonight, Not Again � Jason Mraz Live at the Eagles Ballroom" contains bonus footage and several previously unreleased songs, including an acoustic cover of the Elton John classic, "Rocket Man." [more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

The Killers on The O.C.
NMC reports: Last week, alternative band The Killers taped an appearance for the FOX television show, "The O.C." The Las Vegas band performed the songs, "Mr. Brightside" and "Smile Like You Mean It." The Killers' "O.C." episode is set to air December 2 on FOX.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: NMC also has news on Los Lonely Boys Join Willie Nelson, Maroon 5 Xbox Live Challenge, Yellowcard Announce New Tour Dates, Preview Mase's New Album, Young Buck Update and more click here to check it out

Morrissey Fall Tour
liveDaily reports: Originally due to tour the U.S. on the bill of this year's Lollapalooza outing--which was canceled before it got off the ground--Morrissey will cross the pond this fall for a round of stateside concerts. 

So far, the singer has penciled in three September stops--including a performance at Southern California radio station KROQ's annual Inland Invasion festival--and October performances in Philadelphia, New York City and Chicago. The Philly and Big Apple stops are both scheduled to be two-night stands. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: liveDaily also has news on Jimmy Buffett locks in October venues, sets on-sale dates, R. Kelly, Jay-Z to team for fall tour, Edwin McCain tours through the end of the year, Vote for Change schedule tweaked, ticket info announced, Briefly: Beastie Boys, Ashlee Simpson, SoulFest Atlanta, country voters and more click here to check it out

Marillion Set New Release
press release reports: Twenty-one years after the release of their first album Script For A Jester's Tear, MARILLION prepare release of their thirteenth studio album, Marbles. Set for US release on October 5, 2004, Marbles is packed full of atmospheric and stirring songs. Intense, deep-seated and musically rewarding, the CD had a pan-European release May 3 via their own label Intact Records, with international distribution and licensing handled by Absolute worldwide. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Malevolent Creation and Hateplow Live Albums
press release reports: Arctic Music Group today confirms September 21 as the US release date for anticipated live and special collection albums from Malevolent Creation and Hateplow. Each album follows new or recently reissued recordings and expect to find high interest from fans. 

It was over ten years ago that the metal world first lay witness to the now genre-shaping The Ten Commandments by then little known band Malevolent Creation. Eight albums later, Malevolent Creation have sold hundreds of thousands of records across their catalog, toured consistantly round the world and with each and every move, kept their dedication and musical quality in tact. They are a fitting champion for the extreme music fan. The hour-plus Conquering South America was recorded during the band's 2001 tour of Brazil and masterfully engineered by Jean-Francois Dagenais (Kataklysm, Misery Index). It is an album that fans have long requested - and now have been delivered. 

Hateplow's Mosh Pit Murder features lives recordings captured on the band's 2000 tour with SOD/Stormtroopers of Death. The 16-song recording also includes selections from the band's highly sought after 1996 featuring the band's original line up of Phil Fasciana, Rob Barrett, Kyle Symons, Larry Hawke and Tim Scott. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Orbital Final Album
press release reports: After 15 years working together as Orbital, Paul and Phil Hartnoll have announced that their forthcoming LP the Blue Album will be their last. 

Orbital have crafted some of the most innovative yet accessible electronic music since their inception in 1989 while at the same time retaining great respect for their live work due to their extraordinary shows around the globe which pay as much attention to the live mixing of visuals and choice of imagery, as to the live sound itself. Perhaps, though, one of their greatest achievements is their longevity which is firmly based on a sound that is recognizably their own, coupled with a will to proceed at their own pace and on their own terms with little regard to the industry machinations that surround them or the musical fads and trends that come and go. 

The brothers extra�mural interests have all informed the character of The Blue Album, the bands seventh, which evolved gradually over the course of 2003 with the band free from record company expectations and schedules for the first time since their career began. "If anything," says Paul "It's closer in character to our first album than our later ones, if only because we made it in our own time and for ourselves." [click full story for more, from the press release this CD actually was just released... so you can get it now!]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Josh Todd New Dates
press release reports: JOSH TODD has added more tour dates to their on-going U.S. trek in support of their "You Made Me" album, which is out now through a partnership between TODD Entertainment, LLC. and XSRecords. They'll be playing a bunch of shows with Tesla, a show with Orgy, and they'll be making an appearance at the 3rd annual "Locobazooka" festival in Fitchburg, MA on September 26. 

8/27 - Long Beach, CA - The Vault (with Orgy)
9/5 - Lauderhill, FL - Hot Dogs
9/11 - South Park, CO - South Park Music Festival
9/16 - Atlanta, GA - Coca Cola Roxy Theatre (with Tesla)
9/17 - Myrtle Beach, SC - House of Blues (with Tesla) 
9/19 - Washington, DC - Nations (with Tesla)
9/20 - Allentown, PA - Crocodile Rock Café (with Tesla)
9/24 - Hampton Beach, NH - HB Casino Ballroom (with Tesla)
9/25 - Clifton Park, NY - Northern Lights (with Tesla)
9/26 - Fitchburg, MA - Fitchburg Airport (Locobazooka)
10/1 - Dewey Beach, DE - Dewey Beach Music Conference
10/2 - Philadelphia, PA - Grape Street Philadelphia
- Click Here for the Full Story 

Freak Show 2004
[It's Friday, time for Chuck DiMaria to give us his 2 cents. This week Chuck takes up the topic of the King of Pop and his current troubles.] 

Once upon a time, there was something known as a Freak Show. Travelling carnivals and circuses would have their bearded ladies, midgets, giants and any other abnormality you could sell a ticket for. If it was something that made you gasp and stare, it was on the menu. 

Well, we really don't have Freak Shows anymore. At least we don't call them that; it wouldn't be politically correct. 

But that's ok. You can still get your fill of human oddities and mutated DNA by flipping on the six o'clock news. 

It's called The Michael Jackson Molestation Trial. 

Here's the condensed version: a multi-millionaire pop star is being charged with child molestation. Now, on paper that sounds pretty simple: You got the plaintiff, the defendant, you state your case and then wait to see what a jury of your peers has to say. 

And now here's the problem: Ain't no way M.J. is getting convicted. 

Even if he did it, I sincerely doubt he's going to ever serve time. Write a check, perhaps, but nothing by way of incarceration. 

I'm not here to try and convict Michael Jackson. That's up to the lawyers and the judge and jury. What I am going to say is what the hell were you thinking, Mike? 

Now in this great nation of ours, we have this little saying: Innocent until proven guilty. And I believe in that whole-heartedly because it's one of the many things that makes this a great nation. 

However, there are some people out there who are just begging for a conviction. And you can only hammer so many nails into your own coffin until they have no choice but to bury you. 

For example, what the hell is a grown man doing hosting pre-teen sleepovers at his estate? Explain this to me, and use small words because I really want to understand this. 

I have enough trouble trying to convince my credit card companies that I'm good for an increase. How did some guy actually sell a multitude of parental units on this idea? 

First of all, the person in question has other allegations of child molestation in his past. Now, guilty or innocent, that should give most people pause for thought. (Or at least one would think.) 

However, there seemed to still be slumber parties galore at Neverland Ranch, even after said allegations were made and a check was sent to the offending little cherub. 

[that's 1 cent, click the full story link to get the other cent.] - Click Here for the Full Story