Beyonce turns to Posh for new tour’s dresses

London, Apr 29 (ANI): Guess whose door Beyonce Knowles knocked when she wanted to Spice up her stage gear— it was none other than pop-star-turned designer, Victoria Beckham.

Beyonce was so impressed by Posh’s latest clothing collection that she personally contacted her to work on designs for her gigs in the States this winter.

“Beyonce is a big fan of Victoria”s work, and was given a couple of samples from the new collection – including some sunglasses which she has been wearing at any given opportunity,” the Mirror quoted a source as saying.

“Victoria was flattered and has agreed, in principle, to suggest some designs.

“While Beyonce already has the sunnies and a few dresses, it is Victoria”s more elegant full-length designs that she particularly loves as they are a real departure from her usual glitzy stage costumes.

“This collaboration could be the start of something big,” the source added. (ANI)

Noel Gallagher to become dad for third time

London, March 26 (ANI): British rocker Noel Gallagher and his girlfriend, Sara Macdonald, are expecting their second child together.

Gallagher, former member of the band Oasis, also has a daughter from a previous marriage.

According to the Sun, a three-month scan confirmed the pregnancy, and Gallagher is ‘thrilled to bits’.

Gallagher also has a son, Donovan, with MacDonald, who was born in 2007.

“Noel and Sara are over the moon. They”re so happy that Donovan will have a little partner in crime to play with. Their family is complete… Noel has been up to his eyes rehearsing for gigs recently and Sara has had her hands full because the family are moving house in London. The news has given them both something to smile about,” the Daily Star quoted a source as telling the publication. (ANI)

Robbie Williams locking horns with management over tour plans

London, March 22 (ANI): Robbie Williams and his management firm are at odds over plans for a tour at the end of 2010 – while the singer has not made up his mind if he wants to hit the road, bosses are already working out the details of the proposed tour, it has emerged.

Williams, 36, is being asked to promote his latest record Reality Killed the Video Star starting in November, but he has not given a nod to the idea as yet.

“Tempers are fraying because Robbie is non-commital at the moment,” the Sun quoted an insider, as saying.

The source added: “He”s made no secret that he doesn”t want to tour this time round but his management firm, IE Management, are keen to get him out after such a successful comeback.

“He is beginning to come round to the idea but is still unsure.

“People are becoming restless.”

During his last tour in 2006 Williams was struggling with drug addiction and had to cancel a series of gigs.

And he still seems to be unsure if people will watch him perform.

Last week Williams was asking fans at a show organised by Heart radio as part of Heart Love Music Live: “Who wants to see me on tour? I might do one later this year.

“Would any of you come and see me? If I do do it, I won”t be on drugs this time.” (ANI)

Katy Perry calls Simon Cowell “honest a**hole”

Washington, Sept 2 (ANI): Singer Katy Perry has called Simon Cowell an “honest a**hole”.

The 24-year-old star is set to appear on American Idol as a guest judge and imitate Cowell’s brand of tough love.

“I might become a little bit of a buddy with Simon, because whenever I watch that show, as much as he’s an a**hole, he’s a very truthful, honest a**hole,” Contactmusic quoted her as saying.

“I’m not there to build them up. It’s weird, because I don’t want to break their hearts, but everyone knows someone who’s been doing karaoke and doing little gigs here and there, and nobody has told them that they can’t sing on pitch for, like, 15 years?

“And you’re like, ‘Someone needs to say something.’ And, unfortunately, I might be that gal, to tell you the truth. I always have been,” she added. (ANI)

Now, Amy Winehouse wants to do her own gigs

London, Aug 24 (ANI): Singer Amy Winehouse has said that she is set to make a comeback and perform her own gigs.

The troubled star made the announcement after sharing the stage with her idols ‘The Specials’ recently.

“It’s great to be back. I absolutely loved it out there. The fans and the atmosphere were great. It wasn’t planned at all. I just went out and did it,” the Sun quoted her as saying.

The ‘Back to Black’ singer added that she is ready for her own gigs.

She said: “I want to do my own gigs now.”

Meanwhile, Specials star Roddy Radiator was all praise for the singer.

He said:”I did a double take. I thought I was dreaming it.Amazing respect to Amy.She a great girl. So very talented. She just needs the right man looking after her.” (ANI)

MJ death probe: Police raid his regular Beverly Hills pharmacy

London, Aug 22 (ANI): Cops have raided a pharmacy in Beverly Hills, where Michael Jackson was a regular, searching for any evidence of “improper dispensing of controlled substances”.

Jackson is believed to have received Demerol from Mickey Fine pharmacy, reports The Sun.

Dr Arnold Klein and other doctors who attended to Jackson also used the store frequently.

Meanwhile, a court has ruled that a case against the king of pop over a family reunion will still go on.

AllGood Entertainment had filed the lawsuit worth 24 million pounds but the company will have to sue Jackson’s estate now.

The firm claims he had agreed not to do any gigs before next July’s show – and broke the deal by planning 50 concerts at London’s 02. The trial is set for October 2010.

Meanwhile, Jackson’s burial has been postponed five days so that his family can “get things in order”. (ANI)

Britney ‘to add new dance routines to her ‘Circus’ tour’

New Delhi, July 14(ANI): Britney Spears plans to add new dance routines to her ‘Circus’ tour to ensure that she doesn’t get bored and her fans find something new in her every performance.

The singer, who is currently in Europe for the gigs, revealed that she will make certain changes in her future performances, reports the China Daily.

She told ‘Entertainment Tonight’: “We have a song called ‘Mannequin’ that we’re adding to the show, which I’m really, really excited about, so it should be interesting. We have to update the show or it gets really boring.

“We’ve changed up a couple of numbers in the show, so that’s going to make it a lot more fun for me and the dancers. It’ll be cool.”

The ‘Womanizer’ singer presently touring in Paris said that she loves the place.

“It’s going really well so far, I’m having a lot of fun. I’m very excited to be in Paris. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to so far. It’s very cool.”

Spears mentioned that the improvisation in her shows would continue in her upcoming North America shows after she completes the gigs in Europe. (ANI)

Lady Gaga has gone ‘penniless’

Washington, July 10 (ANI): Lady Gaga has claimed that she has gone bankrupt four times, and is left with no cash because of the humongous cost of her gigs.

Although the ‘Poker Face’ singer is a worldwide sensation, she is completely penniless because her elaborate stage shows and costumes cost so much.

“I’ve gone bankrupt about four times now. My manager wants to shoot me!” Contactmusic quoted her as saying.

“Every dollar I earn goes on the show. Now we’re finally getting to a place where it’s not bankruptcy.

“Then again, with another tour coming up soon I’ll probably be homeless again,” she added. (ANI)

MJ was high on painkillers while announcing O2 Arena shows in March

London, July 9 (ANI): A new tell-all book suggests that late King of Pop Michael Jackson was high on painkillers while announcing his 50 gigs at London’s O2 Arena this March.

Entitled ‘Unmasked: The Final Years of Michael Jackson’, the book has been written by journalist Ian Halperin, who has spent years researching the late King of Pop and getting close to his inner circle of confidantes.

The author writes that Jackson had taken far too many drugs before taking the stage at a London press conference to announce his 50-date This Is It comeback tour.

“He did a huge round of painkillers and injections before he arrived. He was 90 minutes late and blamed his tardiness on traffic. It was a complete fabrication,” the Daily Express quoted an insider, who has read Halperin’s new book, as having told In Touch magazine.

While recent media reports suggested that Jackson died from a cardiac arrest brought on by an accidental overdose of prescription medication, Halperin writes in the book that late singer’s drug habit was extreme.

The writer even suggests friends and business associates were forbidden from talking to Jackson about his drug use.

“Nobody dared bring it (drug use) up to him. It was taboo,” the source said. (ANI)

Eerie pictures show Michael Jackson rehearsing on stage for London comeback gigs just 48 hours before he died

These are the last pictures of Michael Jackson on stage, taken just two days before he died.

The images of the singer hard at work rehearsing for upcoming tour This Is It give a glimpse of what was in store for fans at his planned gigs in London’s 02.

Jackson was due to begin the first of 50 dates at the arena on July 13, but died on Thursday after being rushed to hospital in Los Angeles.

Putting on a thriller: Michael Jackso strikes a familiar pose as he practises his routine in the Staples Centre, LA,  for the This Is It comeback concerts

Putting on a thriller: Michael Jackso strikes a familiar pose as he practises his routine in the Staples Centre, LA,  for the This Is It comeback concerts

Eerie pictures show Michael Jackson rehearsing on stage for London comeback gigs just 48 hours before he died

Eerie pictures show Michael Jackson rehearsing on stage for London comeback gigs just 48 hours before he died

In one of the newly-emerged images, taken on Tuesday at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, the singer points towards the audience as backing dancers perform in front of a huge This Is It banner.

Despite looking frail, the star strikes a familiar pose and appears to be in full flow during the rehearsal.

In another photo, he smiles broadly, microphone in hand, dressed in a long shimmering mac over a top and trousers.

Man in the mac: Microphone in hand, the singer appears to be enjoying himself as he rehearses

Man in the mac: Microphone in hand, the singer appears to be enjoying himself as he rehearses

More than 800,000 tickets costing up to £1,000 had been sold for the concerts at London’s O2 arena which were hailed as the most ‘expensive and technically advanced’ live shows ever.

The concerts, which were due to start in two weeks’ time, had been expected to be the highest grossing pop production of all time.

Hundreds of thousands of fans who bought tickets for the cancelled gigs have been told they will be entitled to a refund.

ON DVD, THE FINAL PERFORMANCE

Footage from Jackson’s final rehearsals is already being compiled for a DVD and album.

The star is believed to have been filmed running through his songs and dance routines the day before he died.

In the groove: Footage of star rehearsing could be released on DVD although it's unclear who owns the rights

In the groove: Footage of star rehearsing could be released on DVD although it’s unclear who owns the rights

It is expected that when released this could become one of the star’s biggest selling works.

It is understood filming took place last Wednesday during Jackson’s rehearsals at the Los Angeles Staples Centre for the 50-date This Is It tour.

It remains unclear who has official ownership of the footage. A spokesman for concert promoter AEG
declined to comment. It is expected that the star’s estate will make more money in the next year from his music than he did in the last decade of his life.

The king of pop’s family will release a series of posthumous albums, starting this Christmas. It is understood Jackson wrote a number of songs for his three children, which were not to be released until after his death.

There are also songs left over from his last album, Invincible, released in 2001.

A tribute show is planned for September with Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and Barbra Streisand said to be in talks to appear.

Source By – http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1196369/New-pictures-Michael-Jackson-hard-work-rehearsing-just-days-died.html

Jacko’s sensational O2 rehearsal video shows him in good form

London, Jul 3 (ANI): Late King of Pop Michael Jackson’s final rehearsal video for his O2 gigs shows that he was in a very highly energetic form.

Jacko could be seen doing a sensational routine, leaping across the stage as he performed his hit ‘They Don’t Care About Us’.

“I watched in awe. From what I saw, Michael was back – and in real style,” the Sun quoted photographer Kevin Mazur, 48, who watched the final show, as saying.

“He was amazing, happy and energetic. He performed virtually non-stop for two hours and ran through about a dozen greatest hits. He stopped just a couple of times to tweak arrangements and work on moves with dancers.

“Every track he sang sounded terrific. I honestly could not wait to see the show,” the photographer added.

Mazur also said that Jackson seemed excited about his London residency, and even checked out props backstage in LA.

“He loved going through all the props and was excited about performing Thriller with these zombie puppets,” he said.

“I’m very sad people won’t be able to see it,” he added. (ANI)

Jacksons to take over London shows?

London, July 1 (ANI): The boss of the firm promoting Michael Jackson’s 50 London shows has opened the door to the possibility of former Jackson 5 members reforming for gigs at the O2 venue.

Randy Phillips, president of AEG Live, said that he would like the King of Pop’s family members to take his place as a tribute to the late singer.

“The world needs to see it,” the Sun quoted Phillips as saying.

“It could be done as a tribute – with the family, with the brothers performing, some sisters, and the stars that were influenced by him,” Phillips added.

Phillips also indicated that the gigs could feature footage of the singer rehearsing in LA. (ANI)

Jacko looked picture of health two days before death

London, Jun 30 (ANI): King of Pop Michael Jackson is said to have been in incredible form just two days before his death.

Jacko was pictured strutting about the stage rehearsing his moves for his gigs at London’s O2, which was to start next month.

In a picture taken during rehearsals, the late singer could be seen performing a high-energy routine with a ‘This Is It’ lighting display flashing at the back.

“Michael was in better form than for years,” the Sun quoted a source, who had watched the Thriller hit maker’s final rehearsal in LA, as saying.

“He was preparing for what would have been an absolutely incredible show.

“He was laughing and joking with his dancers. He seemed to have so much energy – it’s hard to believe that 48 hours later he was dead,” the source said.

Even photographer Kevin Mazur, who had taken the shots, was impressed by the moves.

“When he hit the stage I was thrilled that the magical Michael Jackson was back,” he added. (ANI)

Jacko wanted to perform O2 gigs for his kids, says friend

London, June 30(ANI): Michael Jackson’s friend Mark Lester has said that one of the reasons the icon had planned to perform ‘This Is It’ concerts was that he wanted his children to see him live on stage.

“He wanted his children to see daddy do what daddy does best, ” The Scotsman quoted him as saying.

He added: “The kids had never seen Michael performing live. This was their opportunity to see him.

“They had watched him on DVDs and on television, but they had never watched him doing his stuff live.

“He wanted that very much for his children to see, and of course for all the fans and everybody else, but the main motivation behind it was for them to see their daddy.”

Mark also said that the three children – Michael Joseph Jackson Junior, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince “Blanket” Michael Jackson II- meant “everything” to the singer.

Lester also dismissed gossips that the icon was under too much strain to do the shows and would not have been able to finish them.

He said: “Michael wouldn’t have taken it on if he had any doubt that he couldn’t have done it.

“He was a perfectionist and if he couldn’t have done it to how he wanted to do it, he wouldn’t have taken it on.”

The former Oliver! child actor also said that he had met Jackson for the last time in March.

“We saw him in March and spent the weekend together – he was fit and healthy, we had fish and chips, his favourite meal whenever he comes to London,” he said. (ANI)

Janet Jackson ‘to fill in bro Michael’s shoes for O2 gigs’

London, June 30 (ANI): If sources are to be believed, Janet Jackson will be filling in the shoes of her late brother and icon Michael in some of the O2 gigs he was supposed perform.Janet has been sounded out about fronting some of the shows,” The Sun quoted a source as saying.

“A number of discussions have taken place and things are looking hopeful,” the source added.

Also, the legend’s brothers may be roped in to support the Black Cat singer at the O2 gigs, an insider said: “Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon have been approached as well, with the idea that they would perform as the backing band.”

Promoters of the concert AEG Live, who are in a threat of facing huge losses after Jacko’s death, are now planning to recreate him digitally.

The source said: “A highly technical version of MJ as a silhouette performing on stage has been discussed.

“It is possible to create an impression that Michael is actually there, giving fans a place to mourn and celebrate his music.”

Meanwhile, the King Of Pop’s close pal Mark Lester has revealed that Jackson had decided to do the hectic O2 gigs so that his two kids- Prince Michael and Paris- could see him perform live on stage.

“He wanted his children to see Daddy do what Daddy does best,” he said.

He added: “They are being well looked after. It’s a very difficult time and children grieve in different ways, but they are fine.” (ANI)

Jacko wanted to play only 10 gigs in UK, says former nanny

Washington, June 29 (ANI): Late King of Pop Michael Jackson’s former nanny has confirmed that he wanted to stage only 10 shows in London, but he failed to read the contract properly.

The ‘Thriller’ hitmaker passed away at a rented Los Angeles home just two weeks before he was due to start his 50 02 Arena shows in London.

However, Grace Rwaramba, who worked for the star for 17 years, says that Jackson only wanted to play 10 concerts in London, but he signed up for 50 because he didn’t check the paperwork thoroughly.

“Fifty performances! I told him, ‘What are you doing?’ He said, ‘I signed only for 10.’ He didn’t know what he was signing. He never does!” Contactmusic quoted her as saying. (ANI)

Neverland ‘to be turned into theme park, shrine to Jacko’

London, June 28 (ANI): Neverland, the fantasy home that almost destroyed Michael Jackson, is to be turned into a theme park and shrine to the singer, it has emerged.

The 80million-pound, 2,800-acre ranch, now owned by Capital Colony LLC, could be opened for public as early as next year, reports The Daily Express.

Chief executive Tom Barrack, 61, who became a friend of Jackson after the star signed over the title deed in May, 2008, became instrumental in bringing about the King of Pop’s planned 50 comeback gigs at London’s O2 Arena.

A spokesman for Barrack said: “He is at a loss for words. Michael’s death is an absolute tragedy.”

Sources at Capital said Neverland will only be sold to a private buyer who will keep Michael Jackson’s name alive.

However, one insider added: “It may not be sold at all. Tom might simply seek backers or partners to re-open it as a tourist attraction bearing Michael’s name.”

The legend, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 50, bought the property in 1988 and it became a fantasy land where the singer took guests on the rides and served them ice-cream and popcorn in a personal playground where he entertained hundreds of needy children over the years. (ANI)

Company that persuaded Jacko for 50 ‘farewell’ gigs faces £300M liability

London, June 26 (ANI): King of pop Michael Jackson’s death has brought AEG Live, the entertainment company that persuaded him to sign up for 50 “farewell” concerts at the O2 arena, under a liability of 300 million pounds.

According to reports, AEG Live had agreed to “self-insure” Jackson’s shows after most insurance companies expressed doubt whether the frail singer would be able to complete the residency.

A report published in Reinsurance magazine, which found that there was low demand in the London insurance market for the policy to cover all dates promoted by AEG Live, reckons that the liability could be around 300 million pounds.

The first 10 gigs are believed to have been placed on the London insurance market at a value of 80 million pounds, reports Times Online.

The report further reveals that rather than lowering expectations for the shows, the company kept saying that Jackson would present the most spectacular live show seen on an indoor stage.

Jackson’s death may have serious implications for Seatwave, the company that traded in about 10,000 Jackson tickets on the secondary market, in partnership with the O2 arena, often for a price far above face value.

A message placed on the company’s website read: “We at Seatwave are saddened by Michael Jackson’s death. Our condolences go to his family and we appreciate the great legacy he has left us.”

Meanwhile, AEG Live has announced on its official website that fans who could not make the dates rescheduled after the opening dates had been cancelled would get a full refund.

That promise will now be honoured for one million customers.

Ticketmaster, which also sold Jackson tickets, is also said to have a policy to refund the face value of the ticket as well as the booking fee. (ANI)

Company that persuaded Jacko for 50 ‘farewell’ gigs faces £300M liability

London, June 26 (ANI): King of pop Michael Jackson’s death has brought AEG Live, the entertainment company that persuaded him to sign up for 50 “farewell” concerts at the O2 arena, under a liability of 300 million pounds.

According to reports, AEG Live had agreed to “self-insure” Jackson’s shows after most insurance companies expressed doubt whether the frail singer would be able to complete the residency.

A report published in Reinsurance magazine, which found that there was low demand in the London insurance market for the policy to cover all dates promoted by AEG Live, reckons that the liability could be around 300 million pounds.

The first 10 gigs are believed to have been placed on the London insurance market at a value of 80 million pounds, reports Times Online.

The report further reveals that rather than lowering expectations for the shows, the company kept saying that Jackson would present the most spectacular live show seen on an indoor stage.

Jackson’s death may have serious implications for Seatwave, the company that traded in about 10,000 Jackson tickets on the secondary market, in partnership with the O2 arena, often for a price far above face value.

A message placed on the company’s website read: “We at Seatwave are saddened by Michael Jackson’s death. Our condolences go to his family and we appreciate the great legacy he has left us.”

Meanwhile, AEG Live has announced on its official website that fans who could not make the dates rescheduled after the opening dates had been cancelled would get a full refund.

That promise will now be honoured for one million customers.

Ticketmaster, which also sold Jackson tickets, is also said to have a policy to refund the face value of the ticket as well as the booking fee. (ANI)

Sick Morrissey axes final two concerts of UK tour

London, May 30 (ANI): Brit rocker Morrissey has axed the final two concerts of his UK tour due to continuing ill health.

The former Smiths frontman has been trying to recover from a throat condition for months and had previously delayed his opening gigs in the US.

The 50-year-old had further scrapped a series of UK dates throughout May, reports the Daily Express.

And, the singer has now been ordered by medics to dump his London shows slated for May 29 and 30, along with gigs in France on 1 and 2 June.

Organizers have asked disappointed fans to keep their tickets, assuring them that the axed dates would be rescheduled. (ANI)