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![]() ![]() BEYONCE SETTLES $100 MILLION VIDEOGAME LAWSUIT In legal papers Gate Five said that Beyonce's decision to back out was "a bad faith breach of contract so callous that, on what appeared to be a whim, she destroyed Gate Five's business and drove 70 people into unemployment, the week before Christmas". It added that a key funder had already pulled out of the venture prior to her departure on the grounds that she was "too erratic to do business with". Beyonce's lawyers argued that she was within her rights to terminate the deal when the company failed to raise an agreed $5 million in funding. But Gate Five argued that it had actually been on the verge of raising $19.2 million in investment, until the singer scared of that investor, and that fact removed her right to back out of the deal. There were also allegations Beyonce bailed when a better offer came in from a rival developer (so not because of fundraising issues), though that wasn't proven. All of which would have made this case rather fun had it got to court. But it won't. The two sides have now reached a settlement, terms of which are confidential. ![]() ![]() "IT CREATES AN INHERENT CONFLICT OF INTEREST": JACKSONS V AEG UPDATE As much previously reported, the Jackson family wants AEG to be held liable for the death of Michael Jackson four years ago, because it paid Murray, the doctor convicted of involuntary manslaughter for causing the late king of pop's demise through negligent treatment. The Jacksons say that AEG hired and then mismanaged Murray, putting pressure on the doc that led to him employing dangerous treatments. AEG counters that Jackson chose and managed Murray, it just agreeing to advance monies to pay him. David Berman, a former entertainment lawyer and Capitol Records exec who these days specialises in giving expert testimonies in music business related lawsuits, was testifying at the request (and expense) of the Jackson family. He said that, despite AEG insisting Jackson himself hired and controlled Murray, the live giant acted as if the doctor was in its employ. It negotiated the medic's terms and contract directly, it submitted the paperwork required for Murray to work in the UK during the 'This Is It' London residency, and of course there's that email, where AEG Live co-CEO Paul Gongaware wrote: "We want to remind [Murray] that it is AEG, not MJ, who is paying his salary. We want him to understand what is expected of him". And while the actual contract between AEG, Murray and Jackson had yet to be signed when the singer died (the doctor had signed on the dotted line, but the singer and promoter had not), Berman said that there was a valid oral agreement between the three parties, adding that in the music industry it was common for written contracts to follow late in the day, after the work outlined in a contract is already well underway. As for AEG hiring Murray - if you buy the argument that's what happened - Berman continued, according to CNN: "I have never heard of it being done, and indeed, it is my understanding up until this case, AEG had never done it. It creates an inherent conflict of interest on the part of the physician. The physician has dual obligations to the patient and the entity that is engaging them and who is paying his compensation. That, in of itself, is a conflict. [And] it's a more egregious conflict in the circumstances in this case". Berman then returned to Murray's financial woes, which, the Jacksons argue, made the doctor more susceptible to breaking medical codes in order to please his paymaster. Berman noted that AEG's Randy Phillips, in an email trying to reassure a panicked 'This Is It' director Kenny Ortega, noted - incorrectly on all counts as it turned out - "this doctor is extremely successful (we check everyone out) and does not need this gig so he is totally unbiased and ethical". That statement, Berman argued, shows that Phillips was aware that if Murray did in fact "need this gig", such a position could hinder his ethics. And, Berman continued, AEG should have made it their business to know that Murray desperately needed the Jackson gig to avoid financial oblivion. Not least because the doc initially asked for a $5 million fee for his work on 'This Is It'. "That is a pretty bizarre amount", Berman argued, and so high a figure it should have raised suspicions at AEG HQ. The £150,000 a month agreed on was still "an exorbitant amount, more than any other person on the tour was paid; [and] even more of a red flag since AEG was aware of another doctor who was willing to take the job for $40,000 a month. It's indicative of something out of whack". Responding to Berman's testimony, AEG's lawyers, of course, will be keen to throw the usual doubt that is thrown on any paid witness, while also stressing that Berman's experience is more in the record industry than the live sector. The case continues. -------------------------------------------------- FORMER WARNER INTERN SUES FOR UNPAID WAGES According to The Wrap, Justin Henry says he worked at the label for no wage between October 2007 and May 2008 in violation of New York employment laws. He also suggests that the practice of not paying interns had not always been company policy at Atlantic, and only began in June 2007. The lawsuit claims minimum wage for all hours worked, plus overtime, interest, unspecified damages and costs. He states that in his role tasks included answering telephones, photocopying and collecting lunch for permanent staff, which Henry and his lawyers argue constitutes a job under New York employment law and doesn't fit the regulations for classifying staff as unpaid interns. The lawsuit estimates that over 100 others could be due back pay under the class action and is calling for more former interns to come forward. Unpaid internships have been an issue in the UK in recent years of course, especially in the creative and communication industries where such intern roles are commonplace. If a company appoints an unpaid intern to do what is arguably a job, they are likely breaking Britain's minimum wage laws. back to top BLIGE SUED OVER CANCELLED SHOW Vision's lawsuit says that Blige had been booked to perform in Dallas, Texas last December, but pulled out with just days to spare. The legal papers allege that the cancellation was caused when a last minute opportunity came up for the singer to perform at one of the Rolling Stones' big shows in New York on the day before the scheduled Dallas show. Either way, Vision says it paid Blige a $145,000 deposit which is yet to be returned. The lawsuit seeks repayment of the advance and damages. -------------------------------------------------- TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS CANCEL LIVE ACTIVITY, TAKING CIVIL ACTION AFTER TOOTS HIT BY BOTTLE Toots et al's attorney Michael R Shaprio adds: "Toots and his management team share with me the view that we should only sue those who we know to have responsibility for this vicious attack. At this moment in time, the bottle thrower, Mr Lewis unquestionably falls in that category and thus the $21 million civil action against him". -------------------------------------------------- JUSTIN BIEBER CLEARED OF HIT AND RUN The singer was leaving LA comedy club the Laugh Factory with rapper Lil B on Monday night, when his car was surrounded by photographers. As a video posted by TMZ shows, he motioned for them to move, and then drove off, apparently clipping one of them as he did so, though he did not stop.r Police later interviewed Bieber about the incident and cleared him of any misconduct, saying that the popstar had been unaware that he'd hit anyone and anyway the photographer in question was not injured. CLASSIC BRITS ANNOUNCED The two co-chairmen of The Classic BRIT Awards committee, Decca Records President Dickon Stainer and Avie Records Director Barry McCann, said in perfect unison: "We are delighted that the Classic BRIT Awards is so established in the award season calendar and is stronger than it has ever been before. Developing a show that sits comfortably into the ITV format has not only increased viewers, but also subsequent sales of the performers and winners featured on each show". For an insight into what that ITV-friendly show is like, here's Paul Morley's no holds barred review of last year's event for classical website Sinfini. BRITNEY SPEARS TALKS "REALLY DIFFERENT" NEW LP Teasing via Ryan Seacrest's radio show earlier this week, Spears said that she and her creative aide Will.i.am were in the "early stages" still, adding: "Will has a lot of really interesting different tracks that I've listened to that are really cool that I haven't actually written on yet, but there's a lot of guitar and I think people will be surprised with this album. It's going to be really different". Spears is also set next week to start sharing ideas for the new long-player with another William, Mr Orbit, and is tentatively adamant that the new LP will have its release "by the end of the year". I can't wait. Anyway, and ahead of its release on 28 Jul, this is 'Ooh La La'. ![]() ![]() BILL CALLAHAN DETAILS 'SENSUAL' NEW DISC Tracklisting: The Sing -------------------------------------------------- CHER'S NEW LP GIVEN TITLE, RELEASE DATE The true facts so far are that a) It'll carry eleven tracks and b) may feature her and Lady Gaga's track 'The Greatest Thing' - which isn't technically a fact, give the 'may'. As we, she and it advance ever nearer its release date (24 Sep), her new single 'Woman's World' is available right this instant. -------------------------------------------------- MACHINEDRUM MAPS NEW LP, VAPOR CITY This is its 'abstractly-spelt' tracklisting, and one of the tracks it lists, first district-signifier 'Eyesdontlie': Gunshotta PLAN B, ED SHEERAN, TINIE TEMPAH AND EMELI SANDE PLAYING STEPHEN LAWRENCE CHARITY GALA Explaining that cause and the show's significance, Stephen's mother Doreen Lawrence says: "Our aim is to build hope for the future. Justice For Stephen is about all of us, every one of us, in society having justice. I want young people to feel inspired, be confident and have hope in their own future. We work every day to empower youth and we're so proud that the music industry is joining us in reaching out to change the lives of young people". Emeli Sandé adds: "I was quite young when the tragedy happened, and coming from a mixed race family it was a big issue we spoke about, had a big impact on my family. All the work Doreen has done feels very empowering. It shows that changes can be made if you're brave enough to stand up". Info on and tickets to 'Unity: A Concert For Stephen Lawrence' are available via ------------------------------------------------- JIMMY EAT WORLD ANNOUNCE ACADEMY TOUR Or at least, that's (essentially) what the band's Jim Adkins means when he says: "We are excited to start playing shows in the UK again. Some of the best crowds anywhere! We have put a lot of work into making our new album 'Damage' and can't wait to play the new songs for you guys!". Shows as follows: 5 Sep: Birmingham, Academy ------------------------------------------------- AUSTRA ANNOUNCE MORE UK SHOWS Play 'Olympia' track 'Fire' via Beatport as you scan the dates: 21 Nov: Glasgow, CCA ------------------------------------------------- TEMPLES ANNOUNCE TOUR DATES And they are: 3 Oct: Guildford, Boileroom Temples' new single, 'Colours To Life', is released on 24 Jun. And here it is. FESTIVAL LINE-UP UPDATE: T IN THE PARK, TUSK, UNSOUND AND MORE Well, to start with a meaningless bee-based metaphor, a hive of activity is all abuzz at Europe's leading hip hop beach festival, Fresh Island; where one can take in the likes of Snoop Lion nee Dogg, A$AP Rocky, Iggy Azalea and new headliners KRS-One. Not only that, Scotland's T In The Park is also big in the artist additions game today, with Slam Tent DJs Rudimental, East Everything, Claude Von Stroke and Ben Martin all signing on to join T headliners Mumford & Sons, Rihanna and The Killers. I've said it once and I'll say it again, what a triple bill. And with that, it's on to news of extra additions at Newcastle alt-fest Tusk, cool Croatian quantity Unknown, and niche Polish happening Unsound. FRESH ISLAND FESTIVAL, Zrce Beach, Pag, Croatia, 10-13 Jul: Snoop Dogg/Lion, A$AP Rocky, KRS-One, Iggy Azaela, DJ Tony Touch, Statik Selektah, Art Of Frresh, Bad Copy, J-Ro, Nefew, Matt White, DJ MK, DJ Katch, DJ Phat Phillie, Bizzo Bodega, Female DJ Takeover, DJ Pfung 500, DJ Yascepeda, DJ FRX, So What Soundsystem, DJ K'Pow, Rough Rap Rave Crew, DJ Shorty P, DJ Cesar, DJ Kidcut, DJ Soulclap, DJ Oli Doboli, DJ Odie, DJ Laki & DJ Rokam, DJ Costa, R&B Confusion DJs. www.fresh-island.org T IN THE PARK, Balado, Scotland, 12-14 Jul: Rudimental, Eats Everything, Harri & Domenic, Auntie Flo, Marquis Hawkes, Ben Martin, Mia Dora, Vitamins, Wonka, Hostage, DJ Bertie, Roman Nose, Claude Von Stroke, Far Too Loud, DJ Die & MC Inja, Chopstick Dubplate, RackNRuin, DJ Wardy, NAPT, Vitamins, Jinx In Dub, Flash Mob, Lords Of Lightning, Anderson McGinty Webster Ward & Fisher, Hacktivist, Sienna, MMX, Moya, Dolomite Minor. www.tinthepark.com TUSK FESTIVAL, Star & Shadow, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 11-13 Oct: Endon, Dawson-Davies: Hen Ogledd, Control Unit, Basic House. www.tuskfestival.com UNKNOWN, Rovinj, Croatia, 10-14 Sep: Maceo Plex, Oneman, John Talabot, London Grammar, Dutch Uncles. www.unknowncroatia.com UNSOUND, Krakow, Poland, 13-20 Oct: Andy Stott & Demdike Stare, DJ Qu, DJ Richard, Earth, Fire!, Forest Swords, Galcher Lustwerk, Helena Hauff, Stara Rzeka, Innode, Jenny Hval, Karenn (Blawan & Pariah), King Midas Sound, Oren Ambarchi & Sinfonietta Cracovia, Pearson Sound, Pete Swanson, Pharmakon, Regis, Porter Ricks, Robert Henke, Robert Piotrowicz, Robert Rich, RP Boo, Stara Rzeka, Stefan Wesołowski, Stellar Om Source, The Mulholland Free Clinic (Move D, Juju & Jordash, Jonah Sharp), Tropic Of Cancer, Young Male. unsound.pl/en INVESTOR PUTS MORE PRESSURE ON SONY FOR A PART SALE OF ENTERTAINMENT As previously reported, while Sony Corp chiefs have in the past denied speculation that they were considering selling some or all of their film, music and telly assets, to free up funds to help speed up the revival of the flagging Sony electronics business, this time round the company's board has said it is considering Loeb's proposals. In the latest letter, Loeb adds that there are other benefits to the idea of floating the Sony Entertainment company, other than raising quick cash, in that it would force that side of the business to be more transparent to investors, being directly listed on a stock exchange, rather than sitting under its parent company. According to the Wall Street Journal, Loeb says the Sony entertainment business lacks the "discipline and accountability" of some of its rivals, adding: "In light of this track record, it seems difficult to argue that entertainment would not be strengthened by the transparency that comes with public reporting, an active media analyst community evaluating financial performance regularly and an expert board with strongly aligned incentives". Responding to the latest letter, Sony Corp said in a statement: "Sony welcomes investment in the company. We are focused on creating shareholder value by executing on our plan to revitalise and grow the electronics business, while further strengthening the entertainment and financial service businesses which generate stable profit. As President and CEO Kazuo Hirai has said repeatedly, the entertainment businesses are important contributors to Sony's growth. We look forward to continuing constructive dialog with our shareholders as we pursue our strategy". Although Loeb's proposals for a part-sale of the Sony Entertainment business are being considered in a way previous suggestions of the same have not, insiders say some other key investors in Japan oppose the plan, seeing it as short-termist. ![]() ![]() VKONTAKTE BEGINS REMOVING MUSIC FILES As previously reported, both Russian and international music companies have accused vKontakte of facilitating copyright infringement by enabling and encouraging users to share, stream and download music files posted without the permission of rights owners. The social networking firm wheeled out the "it's not us, it's our pesky users" line, but lost in court last year when Russian music firms SBA Publishing and SBA Productions sued. The social networking site has also been on the radar of the International Federation Of The Phonographic Industry which has likely been putting pressure on the firm to start behaving in the copyright domain, citing last year's court ruling. Though Music Ally points out that new anti-piracy measures in Russia may also have played a role in vKontakte seemingly beginning takedown efforts. How effective those takedowns are, and what impact it has on vKontakte's userbase, remains to be seen. ANDREW WK TO ATTEMPT DRUM SOLO RECORD Already a record holder (for the most mentions of the word "party" in one song), WK told The Hollywood Reporter that he's confident of success, saying that he intend to be "over-prepared" for his stint behind the drumkit. He'll also be spurred on by a number of "the greatest drummers in the world", who will drop in and play along during the challenge. If you're already willing Andrew WK to throw in the towel as quickly as possible, just remember that a drum solo is often the only thing holding back a bass solo. |
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