The Killers shrug off band rift rumours

THE KILLERS have denied that there is a feud between two members of the band

Frontman Brandon Flowers said there is no rift between himself and drummer Ronnie Vannucci.

The singer had sparked speculation of discontent between them earlier this year when he admitted he had fantasies about beating up Vannucci on stage.

Speaking to NME, he said: "It's not true. I mean tensions come and go but at the moment everybody's being pretty nice to each other.

"We disagree about everything from what a single is going to be, to how many days off we are gonna have per week. We go through all that stuff.

"The band is a democracy and in a perfect world you'd have the same four answers. But the fact is, we don't."

Vannucci added: "There is a happy, homey feel in the band lately. I can confirm there have been no fights."

Red Hot Chili Peppers deny split

The rockers announced a year-long hiatus last year, and have now decided to extend it by a further six months.

But they insisted they weren't splitting up, just taking a much-needed break.

Speaking to Q magazine, drummer Chad Smith said: "We're not playing right now, but we played a lot before. It was time to take a little break and live your life."

Smith is currently recording with new 'supergroup' Chickenfoot, made up of Joe Satriani and Van Halen's Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony.

The four-piece, who release their self-titled LP on June 8, will perform at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire on June 25 and at a number of summer festivals.

Meanwhile, Chili Peppers bassist Flea has signed up to study music at a California university

AC/DC ticket fraud to be investigated

POLICE have started a probe into an alleged ticket scam after hundreds of AC/DC fans were turned away from a concert this weekend.

Fans who arrived at the legendary's rock band's gig in Birmingham on Saturday to collect their tickets were turned away after being told they had been conned by counterfeiters.

Others who already had tickets were being turned away after they were scanned at the entrance of the LG Arena at the NEC and found to be fakes.

Many of those who had legitimate tickets missed the first hour of the show as massive queues formed outside the venue.

Police arrested two men at the scene on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud. An investigation into the internet arm of the deception is ongoing.


A spokeswoman for the NEC Group said: "West Midlands Police are now investigating this matter. Regrettably the tickets in question were fraudulent so we had no choice but to refuse these fans entry."

Last night a spokesman for West Midlands police said: Two men, aged 41 and 32, were arrested at the NEC LG Arena on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud.

They both continue to help police with their inquiries.

Ozzy says Ozzfest will be back in 2010

Ozzy Osbourne told Revolver TV in a brief interview backstage at the first annual Epiphone Revolver Golden Gods Awards in Los Angeles that Ozzfest will be back in a big way next year after taking 2009 off. Ozzy also confirmed that he recently made a guest appearance on the upcoming solo album from Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash, as he explained to Revolver TV reporter Full Metal Jackie: "Unfortunately this year we're not doing an Ozzfest, but next year we're gonna do a major one because I decided to take some time off. I'm currently recording a new album, I'm halfway through, and I've been doing some work with Slash, collaborating for his solo album."

Ozzy was given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Gods, which were held on April 7th in downtown L.A.

The singer has been rumored to make an appearance on Slash's solo album, which will feature different vocalists on each song.

Ozzy hopes to release his latest studio effort sometime before the end of 2009.

Ozzfest was downgraded to a one-day "destination festival" in Dallas, Texas last summer after more than a decade as a traveling metal and hard rock package.

Ringo's drum skin to be auctioned

Ringo Starr's drum skin is expected to fetch £100,000 at auction.

The musical accessory, which bears The Beatles logo, was given to a Pink Floyd fan at London s famous Abbey Road Studios by the band's road manager Mal Evans.

Now it is the star attraction at the Rock n Roll Art and Soul Fame Bureau auction, to be held in London next Tuesday (28.04.09).

Fame Bureau Managing Director Ted Owen said: "The enduring fascination with The Beatles will forever pass between music fans and down through generations."

The drum skin is not the only Beatles memorabilia on sale.

The incredibly rare Beatles Cavern Poster, which advertised their first live show at Liverpool s Cavern Club is expected to fetch between £10,000 and £12,000.

The famous pink dress Madonna wore in her 1985 Material Girl video is also up for grabs along with the white faux fur stole complimented by a set of pink satin opera gloves.

The ensemble, which also comes with two rhinestone cuffs and a rhinestone bracelet, has a guide price of £80,000.

One of the most iconic rock memorabilia pieces on auction is the 1956 Gibson Les Paul Standard guitar. The first ever Sunburst finish Gibson guitar is expected to go for £75,000.

Tom Jones to receive Hitmaker award at Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Tom Jones will be this year's recipient of the Howie Richmond Hitmaker Award at the 2009 Songwriters Hall of Fame 40th Anniversary Awards, it has been announced.

The Welsh singer will receive the award on June 18 at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, and was chosen as the recipient due to his "exceptional staying power and accomplishments, along with his unique artistry."

Previous Hitmaker Award recipients include Clive Davis, Garth Brooks, Chuck Berry, Whitney Houston, Michael Bolton, Gloria Estefan and Diana Ross.

Inductees at this year's Songwriter Hall Of Fame Awards include Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora; Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati of The Young Rascals; Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway; Crosby, Stills & Nash; Galt MacDermot, James Rado and Gerome Ragni; and Stephen Schwartz.

The Towering Song this year is 'Moon River' and the Towering Performance Award will be presented to Andy Williams.

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