Jacko Imprisoned Boy?
AP reports: Michael Jackson imprisoned a child and his family at his ranch and forced them to make a videotape absolving him of molestation claims after a television documentary linked the pop star to an obsession with young boys, a prosecutor said Tuesday. 

Deputy District Attorney Gordon said Tuesday the family had become virtual prisoners, forbidden to leave Neverland Ranch, and were forced by Jackson to make the tape. He said the family escaped once but was "cajoled back." He did not elaborate. 

Defense attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. derided the entire prosecution case as "absurd on its face" and demanded dismissal of all charges. 

The allegations came at a hearing in which Judge Rodney Melville granted a defense request to postpone the scheduled Sept. 13 trial. He set a new date of Jan. 31, 2005.  [see full story for a lot more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Idol Suit: Cowell Vs. Fuller
Ananova reports: Pop promoter Simon Fuller is reportedly heading for a court showdown with bosses at former business partner Simon Cowell's record company BMG. 

The Mirror says the record company is trying to stop Fuller's company 19 signing a deal with Universal for American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino and runner-up Diana DeGarmo. 

BMG owns the rights to distribute singles and albums from winners of the Pop Idol show. 

BMG has issued a writ ordering 19 to give it access to the artists. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Ananova also has news on Black Sabbath 'ditch anti-Bush images', Doherty to appear at Wolfman show, The Thrills announce UK tour, Weller give fans bonus tracks on new single, Katie Melua announces UK tour and more click here to check it out

Good News: Less Seacrest
[in related news]E! reports: On-Air with Ryan Seacrest is on its way...out. 

The celeb gabfest hosted by the American Idol frontman has lost its tenuous grip on the airwaves, with producer Twentieth Television announcing Tuesday that On Air is going off the air for good. The final show airs Sept. 17. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Love Gets Rehab
Reuters reports: Making her first public appearance since being hospitalized as a fugitive two weeks ago, rocker Courtney Love was sentenced on Tuesday to mandatory drug treatment in one of four criminal cases against her. 

Judge Patricia Schnegg ordered Love to enroll in a court-approved rehabilitation program for the duration of an 18-month probation, during which the performer must submit to random drug tests and engage in substance abuse counseling. [see full story for more, including some words from Courtney]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Ozzy Merch King
Hollywood Reporter reports: Ozzy Osbourne has hit $50 million in merchandise sales -- a record for a heavy metal performer, according to merchandising and licensing company Signatures Network. 

During the past decade, the British rocker amassed $35 million from selling merchandise at concerts like his Ozzfest roadshow and $15 million at retail. Among the best-selling products are black Osbourne T-shirts, slippers and action figures. [see full story for more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Slash Mistakes
Blabbermouth reports: Former GUNS N' ROSES and current VELVET REVOLVER guitarist Slash recently spoke to the U.K.'s Observer about a number of topics, including money, sex and drugs. Several excerpts from the article follow: 

"One of the biggest mistakes I apparently ever made was giving up the name GUNS N' ROSES. But I couldn't care less. [Singer] Axl [Rose] is doing exactly what I assumed he would do with it, which is run it into the ground. 

"Never watch 'Spinal Tap' before you go on stage either. I had a guitar that had the knobs go to 11, and Axl said, 'Is that what you're going to use tonight?' I said, 'Yeah!' And he had a fit. He went crazy. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Nightwish Major Deal
Blabbermouth reports: Finland's NIGHTWISH are in final negotiations with an as-yet-undisclosed major label for the North American release of the band's latest album, "Once". A U.S. release date for the CD has yet to be announced. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Blabbermouth also has news on METALLICA Schedule Book-Signing Session, DRACONIAN Name New Album, DOHENY Added To SOULSHINE MUSIC FESTIVAL, Return To Recording Studio, RELEVANT FEW Confirmed For Sweden's UPPSALA BLOODBAD II Festival, SCORPIONS, DREAM MAKER Perform Live In Barcelona: Photos Available and more click here to check it out

Helmet Single
The PRP reports: Helmet will be launching their first single "See You Dead" at radio on August 10th. The groups new album "Size Matters" will see a September 14th release date via Interscope. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Jimmy Eat World Futures
The PRP reports: Jimmy Eat World have set "Futures" as the title to their new album which will see an October 19th release date through Interscope. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: The PRP also has news on The Alliance Grows, Delaysis, Korn Make A Cameo?, Waiting For The Radio , Out Of Eternity , Burning Logic, All Else Drowns, Radio Disappears and more click here to check it out

(hed)tracks
Digital Noise reports: The tentative track listing for (hed)p.e.'s upcoming new album "Raise Hell", has been revealed and songs that are set to be included are as follows: Born To Ride-Foreplay Intro | Represent Yourself | The Truth | Wake Up | War | Stepping Stone | Voices | The Box | C.B.C. | Raise Hell | American Beauty | Rain | Day Dream | Caught-Up | Girlfriend [more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Clutch Plan Live CD
Digital Noise reports: [Clutch] ill be recording their July 30th and July 31st shows at The Machine Shop in Flint MI for an upcoming live release. No other information is currently available. [see full story for news on the band's new video] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Digital Noise also has news on Lamb Of God Shoot Video for "Laid to Rest", New Papa Roach Single #1 Most Added Track at Rock Radio, New Helmet Single to Impact Radio in August, Machine Head to Perform "Burning Red" in its Entirety, Kingdom Of Snakes EP Track Listing Revealed and more click here to check it out

Jagertour Unearthed?
siN's metal news reports: Strong rumors are indicating that UNEARTH will be on this falls Jagermeister Tour that already features SLAYER and KILLSWITCH ENGAGE. More info as we hear it. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Iced Earth Hits
siN's metal news reports: Century Media is proud to bring ICED EARTH fans the first-ever �Greatest Hits' collection from one of the scene's leading metal acts. This double CD compilation contains 23 tracks featuring over two hours of remastered material spanning the band's Century Media career. 

The CD hits shelves August 10th. [see full story for a lot more details]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: siN's metal news also has news on Machine Head - Set to play ALL of ''Burn My Eyes'' live, Kingdom of Snakes - Mixing Complete - Mastering underway, Earache is proud to announce its newest signing: Adema, Shortie - Tracking / Vocals - All finished KORN - Going the 80's route - Cameo cover and more click here to check it out

BOC READ
ElectricBasement reports: Super scribe MARTIN POPOFF has issued yet another book examining the hard rock and metal universe. This time around it is the mighty BLUE OYSTER CULT entitled Blue Oyster Cult - Secrets Revealed! 

(Press Release) This 200-page book is not a biography as such, but a biography of the band's albums, a canon of work Martin calls one of the finest in rock, and truly superlative on the lyrical front. Indeed, Martin, in radio, print and TV interviews, has consistently called the band's lyrics the best in the business, tied with those of Captain Beefheart and Pye Dubois (Max Webster, Kim Mitchell). [see full story for more - plus a listing of new metal releases this week] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Rolling Rehab
ArrowFM reports: Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood has checked back into a rehab for alcohol abuse after falling off the wagon. Sources say that he checked into the Priory in London in an effort to conquer his addition to booze. Wood's decision came after an incident in which he crawled under a table at a restaurant and pretended to bite people's ankles. Hmmm. Sure he wasn't just hungry? This is the third time Ronnie, 57, has sought treatment for his condition in four years. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Macca Memoir 
ArrowFM reports: Sir Paul McCartney will release a memoir focusing on his experiences on his recent tours. Each One Believing: On Stage, Off Stage and Backstage will hit stores in September. The 208-page book features never-before-seen photographs, McCartney's personal reflections on being on the road and much, much more.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: ArrowFM also has news on KISS Plans To Release A DVD, Neighbor Tries To Block AC/DC Lane, Allman Brothers & Skynyrd Hit The Road, U2 Plans On Early Release, Billy Gibbons Jams With Some Queens and more click here to check it out

Scarlet Bassless
IAYM reports: Scarlet recently parted ways with their bass player Chris Hagan and are currently seeking a replacement. As a result, the band have been forced to drop off their upcoming UK trek supporting .hopesfall. and Nora. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Hatebreed Slayer Slipknot
IAYM reports: Hatebreed have been added as support to the upcoming European tour featuring Slayer and Slipknot, between September 20th and October 24th. The band are also expected to schedule a few stops in between those shows, dates and venues will be confirmed shortly.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: IAYM also has news on A Perfect Murder/Love Is Red U.S. tour, Eastpak Resistance Tour (Europe), Kingdom Of Snakes: new EP complete, Caliban: "The Opposite From Within" update, Aereogramme sign with Undergroove, The Blood Brothers: "Crimes" and more click here to check it out

Franz Invasion
liveDaily reports: Glasgow's Franz Ferdinand crosses the pond later this year to support its self-titled debut with a round of North American concerts. 

So far, the group has locked in a handful of September stops in the U.S. and Canada, as well as a lone October date in Toronto. [see full story for more including dates]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Interpol Set Release
liveDaily reports: Interpol is set to release a new album titled "Antics" on Sept. 28. The band is touring this summer with The Cure's Curiosa festival.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: liveDaily also has news on MTV hands Jay-Z's '99 Problems' six VMA nominations, New round of shows on tap for Wilco, Melissa Etheridge sets more concert dates, readies live DVD, Billy Idol plots concerts as work continues on new album Briefly: Incubus, C-Murder, Ja Rule, Charlie Zaa and more click here to check it out

Har Mar Libertine
Xfm reports: Portly lothario Har Mar Superstar stepped into the shoes of the exiled Pete Doherty last night at club Infinity for an unlikely performance of �Don't Look Back Into The Sun' as an honory Libertine. 

Last night Har Mar Superstar, friend to the stars and even bigger friend of womankind in general, and Charlatans singer Tim Burgess joined The Libertines on stage at Dirty Pretty Things at club Infinity for a storming rendition of �Don't Look Back Into The Sun'. [see full story for more including a link to a video for the performance] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Cooper Temple Bass
Xfm reports: In the wake of bassplayer Didz's temporary departure to concentrate on his recently-born child, The Cooper Temple Clause have announced that a close friend of the band will take over bass duties as his replacement. 

As the band begin their stateside jaunt as part of The Cure's touring �Curiosa' festival, they have confirmed that TCTC producer Dan Austin has replaced Didz Hammond for the time being. [see full story for more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Dio Vs Dios
Xfm reports: Californian psychedelic rockers Dios have been forced to change their name by a classic rock legend who believes that the similarity would cause confusion among audiences. 

Apparently four long haired stoners from California could easily be mistaken for an aging five-piece playing 80s metal that wouldn't sound out of place on the Spinal Tap soundtrack. Well in the opinion of the one-time Black Sabbath singer and general all round dark lord of rock, Ronnie James Dio, this may just be true. 

Dio recently slapped Dios with a cease-and-desist order forcing the band to change their name to Dios Malos. "It's pretty retarded," Dios' bassist J.P. Cabellaro commented to Rolling Stone. "It seemed like a joke at first." [see full story for more. But for once the snide comments were not ours.] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Xfm also has news on R.E.M. Announce New Single, Graham Coxon Learns To Fly, Leeds Festival Sells Out In Record Time, X-clusive: The Thrills Return To London And Tour UK, Libertines Reunite At Gallery Opening and more click here to check it out

Papa Roach Radio Hit
press release reports: Looks like radio couldn't wait to come to Papa. Geffen band Papa Roach is back in a big way as "Getting Away With Murder," the debut single from their upcoming CD, hits #1 most added at Active Rock radio and #2 at Alternative radio. The achievement is all the more impressive is that the track was already in the Top-20 at Active Rock before the official add date. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Chat With Megadeth
press release reports: To celebrate the release of their re-mastered catalog July 27th, Megadeth is launching a contest for 25 lucky winners to gain entrance to an exclusive chat room with Dave Mustaine. Sponsored by EMI, Abrasive Rock, and Fan2Fan the contest asks Megadeth fans to submit their thoughts on why these albums are so meaningful and memorable. On August 18th, the fans with the best answers will be sent the information for a secret chat room where Dave Mustaine will answer all their questions. By allowing only the 25 most dedicated fans into the chat, the winners will experience an event that is unforgettable. [see full story for more info]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Curiosa Kickoff
press release reports: Floridians braved the heat to see the kick off of the Curiosa Festival 2004 in West Palm Beach on Saturday, July 24th and in Tampa on Sunday, July 25th. Music fans from all over the state gathered to hear The Cure perform a set that included such classics as "Fascination Street," "Just Like Heaven," "In Between Days" and new songs such as "The End Of The World," the current single off their new self-titled set which was released on I Am/Geffen Records on June 29th and debuted at # 7 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. 

The Cure has put together a stunning lineup for the highly anticipated Curiosa Festival 2004. The main stage hosts The Cure, Interpol, The Rapture and Mogwai on all dates. A second stage is also part of the festivities showcasing the talent of Thursday, Muse, Cursive, Melissa Auf Der Maur, The Cooper Temple Clause, Head Automatica and Scarling. Second stage performers will vary per market throughout the tour. [see full story for dates and the second stage lineup]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Yellowcard VMA
press release reports: Yellowcard is confirmed to perform at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards, which will air live from Miami on Sunday, August 29th at 8pm ET/PT. 

Additionally, the band was nominated for two VMA's for the Marc Webb-directed video for hit title track "Ocean Avenue" -- "Best New Artist in a Video" and "MTV2 Award." [see full story link to check out the video]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Sugarcult Warped Fuse
press release reports: Sugarcult will be appearing on Fuse's Warped Wednesdays this week (July 28). 

Tune-in to Warped Wednesdays every Wednesday all summer on Fuse, when the airwaves will be overtaken by the hottest bands on this year's Vans Warped Tour. Bands like Blink 182, New Found Glory, Story of the Year, Sugarcult and more will host blocks of their favorite music videos from 11:00 am � 3:00 pm EST, and will provide updates from life on the road. Later in the day, tune-in to Fuse's live daily studio telecast between 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm EST for a final fix of tour updates, news, exclusive interviews from the road, and much more. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Double Z'nuff
Day in Rock reports: [Here is one of the Top stories from one year ago today in the Day in Rock.] It was a surreal night at the Viper Room in Hollywood on Monday, where fans got to see two different Enuff Z'nuff's perform. 

The current incarnation of Enuff Z'nuff featuring original bassist Chip Z'nuff, drummer Ricky Parent (joined in 1992) and lead guitarist turned lead vocalist John Monaco (joined in 1996) was set to play to the sold out crowd. 

The Viper Room was the last scheduled gig on the band's current tour. The band had just completed over 40 dates on the Metal Sludge tour as a trio. Lead vocalist and the group's chief songwriter Donnie Vie decided for personal reasons to not join the band on the outing. 

With the band playing in Donnie's new backyard (he moved to L.A. from Chicago a little over a year ago) he wanted to pull a special surprise with the fans and the band. He got together with original guitarist Derek Frigo and original drummer Vik Fox and they planned to attend the show and hopefully jump up on stage for an encore with the band. Since they hadn't played together on the same stage in over a decade they thought it would have been something special for the fans. And with original members discussing a one or two off reunion tour to coincide with the release of a greatest hits package later this year, they thought a surprise jam at the Viper Room would be the perfect way to kick start a reunion. 

The only problem, Donnie Vie was bared from the building. It's not clear who gave the order; it appeared to come from the promoter who wanted to avoid a possible scene. John, Chip and Ricky went on as planned and performed a 45 minute set in front of the cheering fans. Meanwhile, Donnie Vie was stuck outside hearing the band perform the songs he had written. 

Once members of the Viper Room's Monday night headlining house band Metal Shop heard what happened, they intervened and got Donnie into the venue. A few songs into their set after inviting Jani Lane and Billy Morris from Warrant up on the stage to jam "Cherry Pie", Metal Shop surprised the crowd by announcing another appearance from Enuff Z'nuff, except this time it was with the original members Donnie Vie, Vik Fox and Derek Frigo. They only performed one number, their 1989 hit single "New Thing," but Donnie, Derek and Vik were all smiles as they hit the stage together for the first time since 1992 and the audience loved it. 

Its unclear where this will lead Enuff Z'nuff, whether a full blown reunion including Chip Z'nuff will be in the making or not, or perhaps Donnie, Derek and Vik might put together a reunion project. Regardless of what happens, one thing is sure the die hard Enuff Z'nuff fans who were at the Viper Room got to witness one of their dreams come true. And the magic was still there. [This repost comes on sad note with the passing of Derek Frigo a couple months ago. Derek and Vikki will be on the new CD and there were plans for a full reunion tour. There are rumors that Donnie, Chip & Vikki will be touring a guest guitarist- the two names mentioned as possibly joining are C.C. DeVille and Paul Gilbert but there is no confirmation - see the full story link to read the full report from a year ago] - Click Here for the Full Story