George Michael, who has pleaded guilty to driving while unfit, had several drugs in his system when he was arrested, a court heard Wednesday.
Tests showed the 43-year-old singer had taken a therapeutic quantity of an antidepressant as well as gamma-hydroxybutyrate, or GHB, Prosecutor Andrew Torrington told Brent Magistrates’ Court in London.
GHB is often called the “date-rape drug” because it leaves people groggy and powerless.
Michael, who wasn’t in court Wednesday, pleaded guilty May 8 to driving while unfit due to drugs. He said his condition was caused by “tiredness and prescribed drugs.”
The former Wham! singer, whose real name is George Panayiotou, was arrested in the early hours of Oct. 2 after police responded to complaints that a car was blocking an intersection in North London. Police said Michael was found slumped over the wheel of the car.
His lawyer, Michael Grieve, told the court a prescription sleeping drug was the most likely explanation for Michael’s condition.
Michael said in a TV interview earlier this month that he is addicted to prescription drugs and believes the world would be a better place if more people smoked marijuana.
He blamed his erratic behavior to an attention-seeking and “self-destructive” impulse brought on by the death of his mother a decade ago.
The case was adjourned until June 8 for sentencing, the day before Michael performs at Wembley Stadium as part of his European tour.
Alex James has confessed to spending over $1.9 million on champagne and cocaine during the 90s.
The Blur bassist admits he blew the fortune on drink and drug-fueled orgies with groupies during the height of the British band’s fame.
Alex revealed in his new book ‘Bit of a Blur’: “During the 90s I must have spent about $1.9 million on champagne and cocaine, and entertained more women then I can really remember.”
“One night in 1998 I was staying at the famous Copacabana Palace hotel in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and managed to get the penthouse suite. The tour manager found me a Balthazar of champagne – the biggest of bottle that one person can carry. There were lots of fans milling around the hotel, so I decided to invite the prettiest ones to come up to my room.”
“I’d calculated I’d need five for a bottle of champagne that big. After ushering them in, I collapsed on the bed and let them cover me in champagne and kisses. I stopped having sex occasionally, but only so that I could have some more drugs.”
Meanwhile, Alex recently revealed Graham Coxon could be rejoining Blur.
He said: “We’re all heading into the studio together this summer – Graham’s coming too. We’re going to see if we’ve still got it.”
Graham quit the band in 2002 during the recording of the band’s seventh studio album “Think Tank” in Marrakech, Morocco.
The reasons for his departure were believed to be a combination of his unhappiness at singer Damon Albarn’s control over the group’s musical direction and the decision to hire DJ Fatboy Slim as the record’s producer.
American Idol is, once again, a singing competition.
In the end, Jordin Sparks rose to the top of a season more crowded with stories about Antonella’s photos, Haley’s short shorts and Sanjaya’s faux-hawk than about who had the most impressive range or who was the most deserving successor to Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Hicks.
The 17-year-old Glendale, Arizona, resident, dubbed The Singer by the judges, beat out “The Entertainer,” 25-year-old Blake Lewis of Bothell, Washington, Wednesday night, becoming the sixth?and youngest?American Idol and thereby restoring the most watched show on television to its ballad-happy roots.
“I can’t thank you enough!” an emotional Sparks told the audience at Hollywood’s Kodak Theater, happy tears streaming down her face, after learning she had received the majority of a record 74 million votes.
While beat-boxing specialist Lewis had what Simon Cowell called the best performance of the night Tuesday, with an energetic reconstruction of Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name,” it was Sparks whose vocals repeatedly blew ‘em away throughout the evening, especially when it came to the new single “This Is My Now,” which won Idol’s inaugural complementary songwriting competition.
Lewis brought the crowd to its feet right off the bat Tuesday with “You Give Love a Bad Name.” Sparks, however, was perhaps still trying to shake the nerves and just kinda stood there during what could have been a rousing rendition of Christina Aguilera’s “Fighter.”
Then “This Is My Now” became Sparks’ coronation anthem and Lewis’ lament?until the runner-up inks that inevitable record deal and heads out on tour this summer with American Idols Live, of course.
Still, Sparks is the one who’s guaranteed that $1 million contract with Sony BMG’s Arista Records, and it will be her brightly smiling face looking up at you from all the magazine covers in the next few weeks.
Former ?America?s Got Talent? judge Brandy got served another lawsuit from another survivor of the fatal car crash that she was involved in. In the documents, Mallory Ham claims that Brandy ?recklessly wantonly, unlawfully, and maliciously? drove her car down the 405 in which Ham was ?severely injured? and is demanding to be paid for unspecified medical bills, pain and suffering and legal costs.
This is the fourth lawsuit that Brandy is facing since the crash. If you remember, it?s actually that crash that caused her to lose her spot as a judge on ?America?s Got Talent?.
It makes me wonder. Had it not been a somewhat successful star behind the wheel of that car, would people that ultimately survived still be dwelling?
This Aussie beauty has taken the world by storm with her hit music and has battled breast cancer to continue her singing carrier. Once a person has gone through a major life threatening disease like cancer, it teaches the value of life and shows
the person that there are others too suffering and need help. Kylie Minogue has performed two of her hits for guests at a charity event in France, raising ?200,000 for each song. 200,000 pounds is a hell lot of money and we just hope that the money is used for the benefit of those who really need this kind of help. The pop star, 38, sang The Locomotion and Can’t
Get You Out of My Head. Mischa Barton, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn attended the dinner and auction, which was hosted by actress Sharon Stone, to raise money to fight Aids. The annual event, which coincides with Cannes Film Festival, is organized by the American Federation for Aids Research (Amfar). There is a lot that we can do to help the world get rid of ADIS. The only thing that is required is self belief that we can make a change. The auction included luxury items such as
designer luggage, crystal jeweled shoes and a one-on-one tennis lesson from Monica Seles.
Recently married Amy Winehouse was caught by paparazzi while balancing a Starbucks coffee cup in one hand and a hair octopus-like rat?s nest on her head. She seemed to be unfazed by the photographers that are now all out to take her pictures. Maybe she?s thinking about that hubby of hers.
Speaking of her hubby, did you know that he never signed a pre-nup? He vehemently refused to sign one and chances are he won?t sign a post-nup either. Gold digger anyone?
Anyway, Amy needs to watch out. Whether it?s her hubby stealing everything from under her or what her hair looks like, the paps will eat her up!
One more thing? do her eyes always have to have that thick of an eye shadow thing?
Paula Abdul has broken her nose and there is a lighter side to the incident. Paula Abdul is currently a sitting judge for the hit reality show ?American Idol?. The incident took place while she was trying to save herself from stepping over her Chihuahua. She has a sore nose but is doing fine and will in all probability appear on American Idol. Just look at what all parts of the body she has hurt just in an attempt to falling or tripping over her dog, she tore cartilage on her nose, fractured her toe, bruised her arm and chest all for the love of her ?little chubby Tulip?. I have never heard such an incident take place before where a celebrity has risked one self just to make sure that they do not harm their loved pets. And just look the mishaps has made it to the newspapers. The dog was not hurt at all. Should we say ?bravo? to Paula Abdul!
Jordin Sparks came out as the winner of the American Idol title for this season. Given that Melinda Dolittle was out and it was Blake Lewis she was up against, there wasn?t any question really.
I will agree with Simon that Blake could be the best performer but he seriously lacked vocals. But not so much that he would be like Sanjaya. Anyway, Jordin, although needing some brushing up on her performances were on point with her vocals. So it?s really a shoe in especially considering that it?s a singing competition.
I?m not taking away from Blake?s talent but he should stick to hip hop. Maybe he could try rapping. He could be the nice version of Eminem. Or he could beat box. Or DJ. Eh.
Gossip?s single (?Standing In The Way Of Control?) was the most played single for two weeks in Radio One and now another one called ?Listen Up? is set to probably do the same thing.
The band is back in UK now to arrange the needed details for different festivals held this summer. They will headline the John Peel stage at Glastonbury and will also play in Reading and Leeds.
If you plan to see Gossip live you have to attend these festivals:
24 June Glastonbury – Festival
25-June Norwich – UEA
8-July Glasgow – T in the Park
9-July Liverpool – Carling Academy
11-July Nottingham – Rock City
13-July Barcelona – Summercase Festival
14-July Valencia – Summercase Festival
The Horrors is set to launch another single on the 18th of June. The first one, ?Gloves?, was a hit and the new one, ?She Is The New Thing? is also taken from the band?s critically acclaimed debut album called ?Strange House?, released on Loog on the 5th of March. Ever since the debut The Horrors started gaining more and more fans each month and this new single is sure to have a boost in this part of their artist lives.
If you want to catch The Horrors perform live you will have the whole month of June at your disposal as the band still has a lot of shows planned on their world tour. The remaining dates are:
04th New York, US Luna Lounge
05th New York, US The Filimore
07th Boston, US Paradise Rock Club
08th Washington, US Rock n Roll Hotel
09th Philadelphia, US North Star Bar
10th Montreal, Canada Petit Campus
11th Toronto, Canada The Mod Club
12th Cleveland Heights, US Grog Shop
14th Chicago, US The Abbey
So much emphasis is placed each year on who wins the coveted “American Idol” title that it’s sometimes hard to recall that a few of the biggest stars in the recent “Idol” universe were sent home either well before the finale or on the last night.
For the contestants this year it was clear that taking part in American Idol is some kind of a chance to start a career as singers and have their own album and songs.
Though Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are certified superstars, given the relatively modest success of the second albums from Ruben Studdard and Fantasia Barrino, and the solid but buzzless debut from last year’s winner, Taylor Hicks, it begs the question: Does it really matter anymore who wins “Idol”?
Last year, Ace Young went out in the new Sanjaya memorial spot, which he said was the perfect time for him. “When I was on the show, I realized that after I got off I received so much press I really don’t think anyone in the world would have known who I was”, said Young, who is finishing work on his S-Curve Records (Joss Stone) debut, due in the fall. “Everybody knows my name, and I don’t think they would have if I’d stayed another week.”
In the beginning of the show only the winners were those who had the chance to have their own album and became famous. But now even those who didn?t make it to the finals have this chance and sometimes some of them become even more popular.
Elliott Yamin has seen firsthand that third place is not a bad spot to land. Last year’s second runner-up just had a guest spot on “Idol” last week and is riding high with strong sales of his self-titled debut album. “The exposure the show gives you creates so many opportunities”, said Yamin, who had nothing but praise for the “Idol” producers for helping him jump start his career. “But I don’t think you have to win to be successful, especially if you can prove your real talent on the show. I’m glad I could get in a position I am today and to do it independently. I had more creative freedom to do it my way.”
So it looks like it?s not so important to win but to take part in the show and show the people that you really have? very good qualities and you can become a very good singer. Everything else depends on luck and of course hard work and one thing you should remember- never stop trying you can?t be sure when you will receive your chance.
Singer George Michael said he may quit Britain to escape the relentless media attention on his troubled private life.
He admitted to a dependency on prescription drugs, called marijuana much less harmful than alcohol and said he had developed a “very-self destructive” streak since the death of his mother a decade ago.
“I have started thinking for the first time in my life that actually I shouldn’t be living here”, Michael told ITV talk show host Michael Parkinson in a show being broadcast on Saturday.
Reflecting on the intense media coverage he has received, he said “I have got to think seriously about whether or not my love for my country is keeping me somewhere which is not good for me you know.”
Earlier this month, Michael said he felt “very ashamed” as he pleaded guilty to driving while unfit due to drugs after police found him slumped at the wheel of his car in London.
The singer, who has yet to be sentenced, blamed his behavior on a mixture of tiredness and prescription medicine.
“Yes, it involves prescribed drugs and it involves a dependency on them”, Michael told Parkinson.
Michael blamed his behavior on the death of his mother Lesley in 1997, saying: “I know I have a very self-destructive tendency since my mother died, I have got to be honest.”
He angered mental health charities last year by smoking a cannabis joint during a television interview and saying “This stuff keeps me sane and happy.”
Unrepentant, he told Parkinson “We could sit here with any number of policemen and doctors and they would all tell you if everybody who had a dependence on alcohol changed their mind and had a dependence on weed, the world would be a much easier place to live in.”
In latest news, the Counting Crows will tour minor-league baseball stadiums this year with Live and Collective Soul. Another band that will join in some shows will be Third Eye Blind. The tour is set to start in Wilmington on July 22 and should have the first representation in Fargo on September 2. Counting Crows front man Adam Duritz declared:
?I grew up in a college town and I’ve always loved those kinds of places. That’s why Counting Crows has always done so many tours outside the big cities. I’m definitely a city boy myself. Hell, I live in New York City. But this is a big country and, as much as I love a city, too many bands forget that there’s a hell of a lot of America out there that’s not New York or Chicago or L.A.”
Counting Crows is currently at work on a new album with the last one released way back in 2002 (?Hard Candy?). No release date has been announced.
Pop star Madonna has written a new track to be performed at London’s Live Earth concert in July. Hey You was inspired by the climate change campaign and can be downloaded from Microsoft’s Live Earth website. Nine Live Earth shows will take place around the world on 7 July in an attempt to highlight global warming. This is a great way for star to show their support for such global causes. Madonna though does not have a track record of supporting for causes often, therefore the move shall help raise her profile as a person who is willing to perform and use her status for such ?green? causes. The singer will perform the track at the Wembley Stadium concert. James Blunt, Genesis and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are also set to perform. MSN is donating 25 cents (13p) for each of the first million downloads to the Alliance for Climate Protection. Madonna is an icon and has a world wide following that crosses millions of fans. The London show will be broadcast live on BBC television and radio and shown in 120 countries. The concerts aim to set a “green example” for other music events by using measures such as eco-friendly electricity, sustainable lighting and carbon-neutral travel.
This is the topless image of Avril Lavigne on the June 2007 cover of Blender magazine. In her interview, she dishes on her marriage, happiness and drinking. She may be married but that doesn?t mean she can?t have fun by getting drunk. Parental advisory though, she curses a lot!
And although the censoring caption on the cover says she?s hot, taking a look inside proves otherwise. She was pictured as someone that encourages a lot of drinking, smoking and just plain showing everything off. If not for a jacket, this shoot could be mistaken for a Playboy photo op.
Her interview does nothing to save whatever dignity she has. Plain and simple, she?s painted as the stupid girl that does all these things to get noticed. Or maybe that?s how she really is. Remember that time when she said she doesn?t like Britney? Well, she sure as heck is starting to act like her. Make up your mind Avril!
Paul McCartney’s entire solo catalog will appear on-line for the first time as part of a “comprehensive re-launch” of the Beatles legend’s repertoire, his former record company, EMI Music announced.
EMI Music also confirmed its Parlophone label has retained the McCartney catalog, terms for which were not disclosed. Through the planned reissue campaign, albums from McCartney and his group, Wings, will be made available across all digital platforms and in physical formats.
The project will cover the singer/songwriter’s post-Beatles legacy, from his first album “McCartney” (1970), to his most recent studio album “Chaos and Creation in the Backyard” (2005), which earned three Grammy Award nominations and worldwide sales in excess of 1 million copies.
“Our digital campaign will be DRM-free,” explains an EMI spokesperson, adding that more details will follow shortly.
The news follows McCartney’s recent revelation to Billboard that a deal to finally make the Beatles catalog available for sale on-line is “virtually settled.”
McCartney left EMI earlier this year to sign with Hear Music, the label formed by Starbucks Entertainment and Concord Music Group. His new studio album, “Memory Almost Full,” arrives June 4 internationally and a day later in North America
.
Pete Doherty is set to sell blood paintings for up to ?50,000 each.
The Babyshambles frontman – who used his own blood to create the collection – wants to show supermodel lover Kate Moss he is back on track following his reported arrest on suspicion of drug possession earlier this month.
Pete?s artwork, which features self-portraits and a bloodstained crucifixion scene, goes on sale at London?s trendy Bankrobber gallery.
There are 14 main items, including four canvasses that are expected to make ?50,000. The smaller pieces could fetch up to ?20,000, while the prints are priced at ?1,000.
The troubled rocker?s artwork has angered anti-drug campaigners who have accused him of “glamorising” his heroin addiction.
A spokesman for drug rehab service Narconon said: “Families who have lost loved ones to heroin will be upset. It glamorises drug use.”
Pete?s former Libertines bandmate Carl Barat has spoken of his concern for the 28-year-old and has begged him to give up drugs before it is too late.
He said: “I don?t think he will ever change. I love Pete like a brother and I am working with him again. But he could end up dead in a few years if he doesn?t sort himself out.”
Pete?s problems with drugs are a big trouble for his relationship with model Kate Moss, who recently said she wants to have a child with him but I am not so sure she still has such an ambition. So for Pete is really important to solve this problem.
He?s an activist first, or is he a rock star first?? I get confused, but I do know that Bono is yapping again about how stingy the industrialized nations of the world are being with aid to Africa.? I?m sure it?s true, I?m just so tired of being talked at by a Irishman who so badly wants to be American.? The global summit countries of the G8 summit are his target now, and they have promised to double aid to Africa by 2010, something Bono says they aren?t doing.
“It’s a trend at this point but we have made such a fuss about it and now they know that the world is interested in the minutia of how these promises are being kept,” he said.? At this point in the game, I don?t see countries changing their minds because of one whining rock star.? Sorry Bono, but this isn?t a fight you can win.
For ten years the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus has been bringing dreams to life for the youth of America. A state-of-the-art multimedia studio packed in a bus, it’s a vehicle for opening the minds of aspiring young musicians. “Swing open the door, step inside, take three short steps into the main cabin and look around,” writes Mark Garvey in “Come Together: The Official John Lennon Educational Tour Bus Guide to Music and Video,” a recently published history of the bus by Garvey and Yoko Ono Lennon.
It?s a 45-foot long recording and multimedia studio, conceived by David Sonenburg and Brian Rothschild.? Kids interested in learning about music can come here to be taught by some of the industry?s greats, including Tim McGraw and Wyclef Jean.? What a great way to bring the world alive for children.
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