73 Ozzfest Fans Arrested in Ohio Undercover Op
Blabbermouth reports: Central Ohio's WBNS TV is reporting that police went undercover Tuesday night (July 20) at Ozzfest in Columbus, OH to bust people with drugs and teens with alcohol. 

Officers say they're not trying to ruin a good time � just the opposite. 

State agents say if they don't crack down before and during the show, the aftermath can be mayhem. 

Officers made a total of 73 arrests for underage drinking and drug use. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Members of Floyd, Maiden, Eagles, Bad Co Celebrate Fender Strat 50th Birthday
Blabbermouth reports: IRON MAIDEN's Bruce Dickinson, Adrian Smith and Nicko McBrain are the latest names to be added to the Miller Strat Pack concert on Friday, September 24 at Wembley Arena, in aid of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy. It is also rumored that the IRON MAIDEN contingent will be joined by none other than the legendary BLACK SABBATH axeman Tony Iommi and SCORPIONS guitarist Matthias Jabs in an unprecedented meeting of metal titans to perform hits by SABBATH, DEEP PURPLE and, of course, IRON MAIDEN. 

Celebrating 50 years of rock 'n' roll's biggest icon, the Fender Stratocaster guitar, the MAIDEN boys will join many of the world's greatest living guitar legends in once-in-a-lifetime meeting of history's greats. Bruce, Adrian and Nicko will play alongside Stratocaster-playing heroes including David Gilmour (PINK FLOYD), Joe Walsh (THE EAGLES), Hank Marvin (THE SHADOWS), THE CRICKETS, Phil Manzanera (ROXY MUSIC), Paul Rodgers (FREE, BAD CO.), Mike Rutherford/Paul Carrack (MIKE & THE MECHANICS) and Gary Moore, with more still to be announced. The legends will also be joined on the night by Amy Winehouse and Jamie Cullum in a triumphant combination of vintage and contemporary artists. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Blabbermouth also has news on LAMB OF GOD's 'Wall Of Death': Video Footage Posted Online, GOATWHORE Sign With METAL BLADE RECORDS, DON DOKKEN Says There's A Lot Of Hypocrisy In Today's Music Scene, SOILENT GREEN To Release New Album In Early 2005, BEHEMOTH, KRISIUN, INCANTATION, RAGNAROK: More European Tour Dates Announced and more click here to check it out

Clear Channel Sues Stern?
Reuters reports: Clear Channel Communications Inc. on Wednesday plans to file suit against Howard Stern and his distributor, Infinity Broadcasting, claiming the shock jock breached his contract by airing indecent programs, a source close to the company said. 

The source said Clear Channel will file a $3 million countersuit to a $10 million lawsuit filed in federal court in Manhattan by Stern's One Twelve company and Infinity. [see full story for more details, including Howard's suit against CC] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Reuters also has news on Duke Freshmen to Receive Free iPods Mariah Carey in Publishing Pact with Universal Neville Brothers Create 'Confusion' with New Album Franz Ferdinand, the Streets Up for Mercury Prize and more click here to check it out

No NAFTA For Bands
Soul Shine reports: For a musician to tour outside his own country a great deal of paperwork � work permits, visas, etc. � is required and a lot of luck to go with it. To tour or even play one or two shows in the US requires a signed contract six to eight months in advance and as application to work in the US is required. Even with all of the proper paperwork in order is not guarantee of entry because if a customs official at the border decides he or she doesn't want someone in then no one get in. Customs officials � US and Canadian � can decide on when they don't want someone in and there is nothing to be done. 

The tighter US security has even hurt Canadian and US musicians. Bands are finding it harder to cross the border. A few months ago three times in one week bands from the US were held up and denied entry into Canada. One case involved a past criminal record, but the others were simply because the customs officials didn't like to way someone looked and assumed a band member would be using drugs while in the country. [more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Kings of Leon Go for Online Live EP
Soul Shine reports: Kings of Leon is but one of many acts who have decided to release a live EP online. The boys' performance at the Bonnaroo Music Festival has resulted in a downloadable album featuring five tracks, including a few off of their upcoming album. The EP is available in MP3 or FLAC format through www.livebonnaroo.com. 

Also available for download are live sets from Primus, My Morning Jacket and Calexico, to name but a few. All of the bands performed at the Bonnaroo Festival in Kings of Leon's home state of Tennessee. The festival took place during the weekend of June 11th -13th. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Soul Shine also has news on The Doors Release Live DVD, Summer Ticket Sales Drop, Promoters Pay The Price, Sir Elton John Protests Anti-War Song Regulations, New Sarah Slean Album Due and more click here to check it out

MPee3.com Launched
PRNewswire (Press Release) reports: The MPee3 Corporation (http://www.MPee3.com), today announced the launch of its new search engine dedicated exclusively to MP3 music files. MPee3(TM) allows users to search and download MP3-format music files simply and efficiently, and without the legal ramifications of P2P (peer-to-peer) services like Napster or Kazaa. 

MPee3.com takes the most basic Internet service, a search engine, and applies it to MP3 (MPEG2-Layer3 Audio) files. The result is a search engine dedicated exclusively to searching MP3 files, allowing end users to locate and download MP3s quickly and efficiently. - Click Here for the Full Story 

McGrath Tribute
The PRP reports: A new compilation is being prepped in tribute to Sean McGrath of Saves The Day fame, who recently passed away due to cancer. Entitled "In Honor: A Compilation To Beat Cancer", the effort is expected to feature new and previously unreleased tracks from artists such as Thursday, Thrice, Avenged Sevenfold, Fear Before The March Of Flames, Piebald, Recover, My Chemical Romance, Funeral For A Friend and many more. The album will be released through Vagrant on September 21st and more info can be found www.inhonor.org. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: The PRP also has news on Heartache Filmed, Demowish, Schedule Variations, This Never Failed, The Chariot Is Alive, Non-Static Dates and more click here to check it out

Ozzfester Clarifies Arrest Reports
siN's metal news reports: EVERY TIME I DIE vocalist Keith Buckley checks in with the following update on the band's official website: 

"this is to clarify the rumors circulating on the world wide web concerning my (keith buckley) alleged arrest at the Ozzfest date in Virginia. while everything on the internet is usually valid and intelligent muckraking, i was NOT wearing fake boobs, but rather a "do-rag" given to me by the generous people of jagermeister. i was NOT arrested, NOT fingerprinted, NOT read my rights, NOT detained for longer than a half hour and NOT sober. i was fined for disorderly conduct but released on my own recognizance. this marks the first time in history that a member of a band has been in trouble with the law as a result of alcohol. the lesson learned? dont wear do-rags"- Click Here for the Full Story 

Unearth Miss Ozzfest Date
siN's metal news reports: UNEARTH posted an update on the bands site regarding todays OZZFEST no show. 

"Hello Cyberspace. First of all we would want to appoligize to all of you who went to the Ozzfest in Columbus Ohio to see us. We could not make it do to bus problems. First a flat tire, then the breaks went out. So needless to say it was a very exciting night. There will be a make up show. We promise..." [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: siN's metal news also has news on Lamb of God - Wall of Death - Footage online, Pigstock - Official Site Running, PERSQUAREINCH - 105.3 interview issues, Machine Head And Chimaira To Do In-Store Signing, The Crown Post Re-recorded Track Online and more click here to check it out

Placebo Hits
NME reports: PLACEBO release a Best Of compilation this autumn. 

After four albums, the androgynous punks release 'Once More With Feeling' on October 18 through Virgin. 

The collection will contain singles from the band's four albums [more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: NME also has news on Reading leg of Carling Weekend sells out, Mercury Music Prize shortlist unveiled, Big name joins V Festival bill , Exclusive � Hives UK shows revealed, Chris Martin speaks and more click here to check it out

Ozomatli Charges Dropped
MTV reports: The charges against two members of Ozomatli and their manager have been dropped in an agreement with Austin, Texas, prosecutors. The charges stemmed from the arrests of the three individuals during the South by Southwest music festival earlier this year. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Solo Corgan CD Coming Soon
MTV reports: Ex-Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan has just returned from a monthlong vacation and is currently back in the studio. In a post on his Web site www.billycorgan.com, the rocker says he's about two months away from completing his solo album, which he is co-producing with Bon Harris.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: MTV also has news on P. Diddy Announces Campaign To Make Voting 'Sexy', Nelly Joins The NBA As Charlotte Bobcats Owner, Megadeth Frontman, Filmmakers At Odds Over Metallica Doc, M. Night Shyamalan's 'The Village' � An Exclusive First Look , Original Wu-Tang Clan Lineup Reunites At Cali Hip-Hop Fest and more click here to check it out

Silly News: Partridge Family Hunt
New York Daily News reports: VH1 went looking for the Partridge Family yesterday in the Meatpacking District. 

The NEXT Partridge Family, that is. 

Of course, it's for a reality show. "In Search of the Partridge Family" begins Sept. 5. 

Nearly 500 people thought themselves Partridge-worthy and ready to step into the oh-so-'70s shoes of Shirley, Keith, Laurie and Danny. [In related news, Bravo will begin casting soon for their reality show based on the Brady Bunch (not really). See the full story for more on this new show] - Click Here for the Full Story 

The Velvet Teen Release Soph Effort
Pitchfork reports: What do you get if you combine a G4 laptop, a reasonable facsimile of Thom Yorke's winsome falsetto, and a successful battle against brain cancer? Okay, actually, you'd better let us answer this for you: It's The Velvet Teen, the Santa Rosa band who're just about ready to deliver their second album and first headlining tour. Elysium comes out July 20th on Slowdance Records, and showcases the band's transition from straight-up rock to slow-building orch-rock in a manner reminiscent of former tourmates Death Cab for Cutie. [see full story for more details on the disc, tracklist, and tour dates]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Pitchfork also has news on The Decemberists enter studio to record next album, ready unreleased songs for EP, Superchunk, Portastatic ready new material, Múm compose score for independent film, Guided by Voices reveal dates for final tour, ready Bee Thousand: Director's Cut and more click here to check it out

Indies May Fight Sony BMG Merge
AP reports: Independent record companies threatened on Tuesday to go to court to challenge Sony and Bertelsmann's creation of the world's second largest music company after failing to convince European Union antitrust regulators to block the deal. [see full story for a lot more details] - Click Here for the Full Story 

New MTV Boss
CBS News reports: Viacom on Tuesday promoted Judy McGrath to be the top executive of its MTV Networks unit, signifying the media company's desire to maintain management continuity at a key subsidiary. 

McGrath, who was president of the pioneering music-video outlet, has been at MTV from its earliest days on cable television and helped the company build a powerful brand name, Viacom officials said. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Dems Drop The Dead
ArrowFM reports: According to the New York Time, thanks to Whoopi Goldberg, the Dead have been dropped from a post-nomination party at next week's Democratic Convention in Boston. Seems as if the Dems are playing it safe after Whoopi made some pretty controversial comments at the John Kerry-John Edwards benefit concert in New York City. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Ex-GNR Bio
ArrowFM reports: Former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler will release a new autobiography chronicling his life from age 12 to the present. The kicker is the book will not contain trash talk about his former GN'R band mates. According to Adler's posting on a fan site, "I didn't [talk] s*** in it, because when you talk s***, you look like s*** yourself." Good policy, Steven. Unfortunately, nobody's going to read it now. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: ArrowFM also has news on Elton Gets Huffy And Skips Party, Nugent For Senator?, Elton Remembers His Last Day With Ray, Salute to the Blues on CD and Theaters, Fifth Time's A Charm For Phil Collins! and more click here to check it out

Gwar Rocktober Release
IAYM reports: GWAR are eyeing an October 26th release date through DRT Entertainment for their as-yet-untitled new album, which is currently being recorded in Richmond, Virginia at the Wreckroom Studios. The effort is being produced by Glen Robinson (GWAR). [Gwar fans be sure to checkout the full story link for info on some reissues]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Mushroomhead Insane Clowns
IAYM reports: Mushroomhead have now been added to the bill for the upcoming Insane Clown Posse tour, which also features Mack 10 and Anybody Killa. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Chariot Debut
IAYM reports: The Chariot (who feature former Norma Jean frontman Josh Scogin amongst their membership), have selected "Everything Is Alive, Everything Is Breathing, Nothing Is Dead And Nothing Is Bleeding" as the title to their forthcoming debut album, which is expected out via Solid State on November 16th. The band will be entering the studio in mid-late August in order to begin recording the effort. [see full story for more related news]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: IAYM also has news on Killswitch Engage/From Autumn To Ashes/EIghteen Visions/36 Crazyfists: more dates, Paulson DVD appearance / new tour dates, Soulfly/Ill Nino/Crisis/Twelve Tribes tour, Static-X: new tracks, tour dates, 3 Inches Of Blood: "Advance And Vanquish", A Perfect Circle updates and more click here to check it out

Asia Return with 'Silent Nation'
liveDaily reports: Asia plans to release a new studio album titled "Silent Nation" on Aug. 31, which is its first release for InsideOut Records. The label describes the 10-song set as "a conscious return to the melody-rich, hard-rock style of Asia's early albums, particularly 1982's self-titled blockbuster and the 1983 follow-up 'Alpha.'" - Click Here for the Full Story 

DMB Benefit Show
liveDaily reports: Dave Matthews Band has announced plans for a free, Sept. 12 benefit concert at the Polo Fields in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. 

Donations are not required, but the group is encouraging fans to make a donation of $25, $50 or $100 when they request tickets. Proceeds will benefit Bay Area community charities that address "issues of homelessness among single adults, youth and families, pediatric AIDS and other terminal childhood maladies, Bay Area park improvement and music education resources." [see full story for more details including ticket info. It may be a free show, but you'll still need a ticket. ] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: liveDaily also has news on American Idol, P. Diddy, Live Review: Modest Mouse at the Wiltern LG, Los Angeles, Monster Magnet launches U.S. tour later this summer, Live Review: The Magnetic Fields at The Wilshire Ebell Theatre, Los Angeles, Third Day sets up busy touring schedule, plans DVD taping and more click here to check it out

Streets Denies Nicking
Xfm reports: The Streets a.k.a. Mike Skinner has hit back at the claims of plagiarism explaining he hasn't nicked the strings from 'Dry Your Eyes' from anyone. Following tabloid reports in which songwriter Michael Gagliano claimed Skinner had used his score without his permission, Skinner has told The Sun he took the strings for his track from a samples CD free for use by artists. 

"The strings were taken from a CD which provides royalty-free samples for artists," His management told the paper." [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Mercury Prize Shortlist
Xfm reports: The shortlist of twelve artists in the running for the prestigious 2004 Nationwide Mercury Music Prize was announced at ceremony in London this morning (July 20) with Franz Ferdinand, The Streets, Basement Jaxx and Keane all up for the coveted prize. 

As expected Xfm favourites Belle And Sebastian (�Dear Catastrophe Waitress'), Franz Ferdinand (�Franz Ferdinand'), The Streets (�A Grand Don't Come For Free'), Keane (�Hopes & Fears') and Snow Patrol ('Final Straw') all got nominations. 

Elsewhere, Jamelia ('Thank You'), Amy Winehouse (�Frank'), The Zutons (�Who Killed The Zutons'), Joss Stone (�The Soul Sessions'), Robert Wyatt (�Cuckooland'), Basement Jaxx (�Kish Kash') and Ty (�Upwards') were all honoured. [see the full story link for the lowdown on the Mercury Prize.] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Xfm also has news on X-clusive: Sons And Daughters Talk Love, New York Dolls To Release DVD, The Return Of Ryan Adams, The Hives Announce UK Shows, Libertine Doherty Goes It Alone With Solo Tour and more click here to check it out

Shatner Rocks!
press release reports: William Shatner's much anticipated album Has Been, in stores October 5, 2004. 

Guest performers include Aimee Mann, Joe Jackson, Brad Paisley, Henry Rollins, Adrian Belew and more! 

More than 35 years after the release of his debut solo album, William Shatner teams up with Ben Folds to create Has Been, a surprisingly pop-driven, lyrically potent collection of songs written by the duo. With the exception of "Trying," co-written by Folds and novelist Nick Hornby (High Fidelity, About A Boy), "Real" by Brad Paisley, and Pulp's "Common People," Shatner proves to be a witty and self-deprecating poet, while Folds' talent for crafting the perfect pop melody has never been more evident. [see the full story link to hear a fun sample from the CD, a little track called "Common People"] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Gene Simmons Lecture on DVD
press release reports: Simmons Audio Visual/New Millennium/Sanctuary Records Group is proud to announce the DVD & CD release of GENE SIMMONS' SPEAKING IN TONGUES, on August 10, 2004. 

SPEAKING IN TONGUES chronicles GENE SIMMONS' first ever, no holds barred "lecture tour" of Australia, shocking and tantalizing his audiences by speaking his mind on his favorite topics - Money, Success, Fame, KISS & of course - Women! Other highlights from SPEAKING IN TONGUES include a fascinating in-depth look at one of rock 'n roll's most legendary icon's private life including his home, his family and his various business dealings. Additionally, the DVD & CD includes for the first time anywhere, over ten unheard and never-before-released Gene Simmons songs from the seventies through the nineties. - Click Here for the Full Story