Live News: Big-name bands like Take That and Oasis are leading a boom in gig ticket sales, with UK stadium shows selling in record time despite the credit crunch. Take That sold 700,000 tickets for their 2009 tour, a week after 500,000 tickets to see Oasis were snapped up in six hours. AC/DC, Metallica and The Killers have also sold out UK shows in recent weeks. But while massive stars thrive, there are fears that a recession could hit tours by small and middle-ranking acts. Stuart Galbraith, who runs promotion company Kilimanjaro Live, said: "If you're AC/DC, Take That, Oasis or Metallica then it's very, very good . . . But the real killing field area will be mid-range, where I think we're going to see some very, very severe issues."
Glastonbury Latest: Michael Eavis has said this year's Glastonbury Festival was his favourite, but for the first time in recent history the event did not make money. He said a rise in fuel prices and general costs meant there was no margin for investment in next year's event. Despite that, organisers said they still managed to give £1m to charity.
No Reunion News: Michael Jackson has denied that he is to take part in a Jackson 5 reunion tour. In a statement, the 50-year-old said he had "no plans to record or tour" with his siblings. The statement came a day after elder brother Jermaine said Michael was on board with the project. Rumours of a reunion have circulated for years with Jermaine suggesting similar things before, in 2003 and again last year. "My brothers and sisters have my full love and support, and we've certainly shared many great experiences, but at this time I have no plans to record or tour with them," he said. "I am now in the studio developing new and exciting projects that I look forward to sharing with my fans in concert soon."
BRIT Award News: Pioneering dance duo the Pet Shop Boys will be presented with an outstanding contribution to music award at next year's BRITs, it has been announced. Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, known for such hits as West End Girls and It's a Sin, will collect their honour at Earls Court in London on 18 February. Ged Doherty, the chairman of the BRITs committee, called them "one of the most influential groups of the modern era." Previous recipients include U2, David Bowie, the Eurythmics and Sting. Last year's award went to former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney.
Talking of Macca: The Beatles' songs are to feature in a video game for the first time. The band's music will appear in an untitled game by creators of the Rock Band series, MTV Games and Harmonix. The game, which was produced with input from Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, is due to be released sometime next year. "The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of The Beatles and their music," said McCartney.
Farewell Songbird: Yma Sumac, the soprano known as the Peruvian songbird for her vast vocal range, has died at the age of 86. Famed for her modern versions of South American folk music, Sumac died in Los Angeles, where she had lived for 60 years, an aide said. Yma Sumac stunned audiences with her soaring, warbling voice which spanned more than four octaves.
(Jim Evans)
