[Updated: 6:46 P.M.]
NEWS:
- GUNS N’ ROSES Kick Off ‘Chinese Democracy’ Tour
Welcome to the Jungle, Winnipeg! Axl is in fine form. [SPIN]
- BILLY CORGAN Records Music with JESSICA SIMPSON
The couple’s love affair just took an artistic turn. [People]
- INCUBUS‘ DJ Obtains Restraining Order Against Former Bandmate
Chris Kilmore claims ex-Incubus DJ Gavin Koppell is threatening to kill him. [Exclaim.ca]
- COLDPLAY Sued for Plagiarism… Again
A self-described “unknown” songwriter alleges that Chris Martin and Co. stole “Clocks,” “Yellow,” and more. [TMZ]
- RIHANNA Speaks Out on CHRIS BROWN
“I feel like this happened to me so I could be a voice for young girls,” singer says in new issue of W mag. [MTV]
- KEANE Collaborate with K’NAAN on New EP
Night Train is due for a May release and will also feature Japanese Baile Funk MC Tigarah. [GigWise]
- Album Updates: LCD SOUNDSYSTEM, ELBOW
The two bands give updates on their upcoming releases. [SPIN]
- KANYE WEST, DIDDY Plead for Haiti Aid
Celebs ask Twitter followers to donate money to relief efforts after an earthquake devastates Haiti. [SOHH.com]
- PEREZ HILTON Launches Boy Band Competition
Perez and American Idol creator Simon Fuller seek “The Boy Band for the Next Generation” via online contest. [MTV]
- DEWEY TUCKER, Bass Player for LAURYN HILL, Murdered
The musician was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head in Oakland, CA, on Tuesday night. [All Hip Hop]
- BECK Pays Tribute to JAY REATARD
Boho rocker posts the deceased Memphis, TN, rocker’s cover of his tune “Gamma Ray” online.[Beck]
- PIXIES Mourn JAY REATARD
Reatard’s recent tour mates “express condolences to the friends and family of Jay Reatard, on his sudden passing.”[Facebook]
- JAY-Z on EMINEM, Meeting OBAMA
Hova calls meeting President “mind-blowing,” remember Em wearing bullet-proof vest in studio in new issue of Interview. [MTV]
- ROB ZOMBIE to Direct Episode of ‘CSI : MIAMI’
The episode is slated to air March 1. [AP]
- Soul Legend TEDDY PENDERGRASS Dead at 59
Singer passed in Philadelphia on Wednesday following a battle with colon cancer. [ABC News]
- LLOYD BANKS Released by Canadian Immigration, Returns to U.S.
G-Unit MC charged with criminal confinement, aggravated assault, and robbery after altercation with concert promoter in Ontario. [MTV]
- JAY REATARD Dead at 29
The garage-punk rocker passes in his sleep at home in Memphis, TN. [SPIN]
- WYCLEF JEAN Travels to Earthquake Ravaged Haiti
Haitian-born musician take to Twitter to request a “state of emergency,” rushes to deliver aid. [Gigwise]
- VAMPIRE WEEKEND Kick Off Tour in L.A.
The Ivy Leaguers air tracks from their cosmopolitan new album at sold out show. [SPIN]
- KE$HA Topples SUSAN BOYLE, Hits No. 1 on Charts
Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and Alicia Keys also appear in the Top 10. [Billboard]
- JOANNA NEWSOM Announces New Album
The freak-folk queen’s third full length, “Have One On Me,” drops Feb. 23. [Spunk]
- STROKES Work Out Internal Problems, Begin Recording New Album
“Everyone is working as a group… Which is amazing,” says Julian Casablancas. “But that’s only happening now.”[NyMag]
- M.I.A. Releases New Song and Video
But is the electro jam off the Sri Lanka-born star’s upcoming album? [SPIN]
- LLOYD BANKS Released from Jail, Detained by Canadian Immigration
G-Unit member expected to be released later this week for role in alleged assault and robbery. [MTV]
MP3s & VIDEOS:
- WATCH: AIR‘s Mysterious New Video
French duo’s latest clip is a dramatic film noir. [SPIN]
- WATCH: New MUSE Video. ‘Resistance’
Get a taste of the rockers’ gargantuan live show in this just-released clip! [SPIN]
- WATCH: FANFARLO Play Acoustic at SPIN HQ
The hottest new band from the U.K. play four songs — including a gorgeous ditty about Armageddon! [SPIN]
- LISTEN: New DUM DUM GIRLS Track!
The lo-fi punk group re-record “Jail La La” for their Sub Pop debut, I Will Be, out March 30.[Gorilla Vs. Bear]