- Arcade Fire’s follow-up to Neon Bible is on schedule for a May 2010 release, Billboard writes. Markus Dravs, who served as an engineer on Neon, will produce the band’s third full-length LP. The Canadian rockers have also reportedly been offered headlining spots on a few North American festivals.
- A rehearsal recording of Radiohead’s “15 Step” Grammy collaboration with the University of Southern California’s Trojan Marching Band will be released on a double-CD called Trojan Legacy, Pitchfork reports. The album will only be available at the USC Bookstore and its website.
- It’s hard to take a man who pretends he has swine flu at his word, but Marilyn Manson tells Metal Hammer that Interscope Records has released him from his contract following this year’s The High End of Low. The rocker says that that being a free agent means fans might see a new album sooner. Manson also revealed that he’s back with actress Evan Rachel Wood after a high-profile breakup.
- Stevie Wonder has been appointed a U.N. Messenger of Peace with a special focus on people with disabilities, Reuters reports. Wonder is “a true inspiration to young people all over the world about what can be achieved despite any physical limitations,” U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.
Article Source: Rolling Stone : Rock and Roll Daily