It Was 25 Years Ago - On Christmas Day 1990, Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Robert Cailliau (in collaboration with CERN) communicated between a web browser and a webserver for the first time - thus the world's first website went live.
Honours List - The music world is represented in the New Year's honours by Damon Albarn and Goldie, who received an OBE and an MBE respectively. The former shot to fame with Blur in the early 1990s but has enjoyed success since as both a solo artist and a member of cartoon collective Gorillaz. The latter is a former graffiti artist whose pioneering role in the field of jungle and drum and bass saw him named as a New Elizabethan by Radio 4 in 2012. The musician, who is also recognised for his charity work, said his MBE made him "look back at everything [and] all these people that influenced my life as a kid growing up in a really bad environment".
Off The Road - Janet Jackson has postponed her current tour for health reasons. "Please pray for me, my family and our entire company during this difficult time," the 49-year-old asked fans. She said she would not be giving any details of her health condition. Jackson began her tour last August in Vancouver and had dates across the US, Canada and Europe scheduled until next June.
Weather Report - York's Grand Opera House is beginning a clean-up operation after severe flooding forced the venue to shut its doors over the lucrative Christmas period. Flood waters, which peaked on 27 December 27, reached a foot deep in parts of the central York theatre, meaning seven performances of the venue's pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, had to be cancelled.
Busted - A thief who stole comedian Bill Bailey's tour bus from outside a gig in Liverpool has been jailed. Francis Whittaker, 35, took the bus from outside the city's Philharmonic Hall, where Bailey performed in October as part of a tour. Liverpool Crown Court heard the vehicle contained merchandise worth £2,400 and the comedian's personal belongings. Whittaker was jailed for two years after pleading guilty to burglary and two charges of vehicle theft.
Farewell - Motorhead frontman Lemmy died aged 70, two days after learning, on Boxing Day, he had cancer. The band said on its Facebook page, "Our mighty, noble friend Lemmy has passed away after a short battle with an extremely aggressive cancer." A big fan of Jack Daniels, in recent years the hard-living Lemmy reportedly switched to vodka and orange because, he said, it was healthier.
John Bradbury, multi-instrumentalist and drummer with The Specials, has died aged 62. In a statement on Twitter, The Specials said: "It is with deep regret that we say goodbye to our great friend, the world's greatest drummer, our beloved Brad. RIP."
Natalie Cole, whose hit songs included the duet Unforgettable with her father Nat King Cole, has died aged 65. The singer had recently cancelled a series of performances, including one on New Year's Eve. "Natalie fought a fierce, courageous battle, dying how she lived... with dignity, strength and honour. Our beloved mother and sister will be greatly missed and remain unforgettable in our hearts forever,'' said a statement from her son Robert Yancy, and sisters, Timolin and Casey Cole.
Robert Stigwood, who managed Cream and the Bee Gees before produc
