Van Tango

Natasha Hamilton has come to a definite standstill. It's not that her career has reached a dead end - she was sending out a road safety message to under-sixes as part of a government campaign. Tash, who survived a crash as a youngster, is surely the most glam lollypop lady ever. She visited 'GM:TV' [link] to talk about Total Little Learners, a campaign for road safety where she discussed why she's part of the program and her own brush with road peril when she was just 3 years old.

Keane interview with the Associated Press regarding their new album, 'Under The Iron Sea'. [keane-interview]. They talked about the different sound on their second album and being scared they're friendship couldn't survive the success they've enjoyed.

Another brief interview with the Real Radio Breakfast Show to talk about doing Live 8, attending the Grammy Awards, flying business class, and more. [link]

Keane performed at Bowery Ballroom on Friday (June 23) in New York City. [wireimage]

Somewhere Only We Know [live vid]

Intro to "The Iron Sea" -


Tilde De Paula of TV4's 'Nyhetsmorgon' in Sweden caught up with Ronan Keating last Sunday (June 25). He talked about his new album being his best, his role as an activist for charitable causes, his kids, his faults, and more. [Ronan-interview]

Cheryl Tweedy was photographed out and about on Thursday (June 22) in Baden Baden, Germany. Check out pictures from FilmMagic. [tweedy-germany]

According to Robbie Williams' dad Pete Conway, who left his mother when the singer was 2, believes he is partly to blame for his son being a commitment phobe. "Was Robbie affected by me leaving? I'm sure he was," Conway admitted. "But he's happy enough now and we're good friends. I still don't know if he'll ever settle down. It's not that he doesn't like families or kids. He just hasn't met Miss Right yet." Hmm... bachelor for life?

Robbie Williams playing soccer with some Dutch friends, including former player and Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit in Amsterdam, Holland on Friday (June 23). WENN pics -> [page1 / page2].

Kasabian - Heroes [link]. The music video for their next single 'Empire' will see the foursome depicting a WWI scenario; trenches and all that stuff.

A terrified Charlotte Church fled to a police station in Cardiff last Wednesday after being followed by stalkers in a silver car. She led her pursuers directly to the city's Canton Street Police station - for the third time in one day, after finding herself followed by the same vehicle. After diving inside the station, officers made sure the stalkers had gone before letting a stressed and flustered Church return to her car, under the watchful eye of the station inspector. Cops even let her sneak away the wrong way down a one-way street, so she could escape safely. The police later revealed Church had made two earlier visits to complain about the stalkers. Were those stalkers not satisfied about her being happy with her weight issues?

'Lost' followers.. remember the episode where they found a missing piece of the film regarding Dharma Project? Well, using that analogy, I have watched The Strokes $2 bill for some years and have only seen 5 songs performed. Now to my delight, here are 3 more songs from which were unearthed just recently.

The Strokes $2 Bill MTV Performance - Between Love And Hate (aka Ze Newie)


The Strokes $2 Bill MTV Performance - (When It Started / Is This It / New York City Cops)


Rolling Stone's Rock & Roll Daily blog has added a interesting Pete Doherty watch feature documenting the days since the Babyshambles singer's last arrest and last visit to rehab. Check it out. [Pete-Watch]

The Subways, Eagles of Death Metal, Foo Fighters, and The Strokes performed in concert on June 18th at Lancashire County Cricket Ground in Manchester, England. [Strokes/ Subways]

The Futureheads have announced details of their new single. 'Worry About It Later' will be the second single from their new album. I think 'Man Ray' should be in the album. That song is freakishly fun to hear.

WC Update--> Ok, after all the continous games shown daily, 8 teams are left in the competition. Germany rolled over Sweden like some practice game and will meet the Argies, who had a tough match against the Mexicans. I think that will end in a score draw. The winners of that game will meet either Italy or Ukraine. Am so freakin' glad that Guus Hiddink had to pack his bags after his team lost to the Azzurris. Nothing against the Aussies who didn't actually trouble Buffon even when they had an extra man on the field thanks to a harsh red card given to Materrazzi. But it doesn't matter as Grosso won the Italians a penalty where Totti smashed it home in the 93rd minute. So that Guus must have felt the same way as the Italians/Spanish when his Korean team of 2002 won games with some major referee blunders which denied Totti a clear penalty and disallowed a totally legitimate Spanish goal. Karma, baby. Ukraine got through the 2nd round after a 3-0 penalty shoot out win over Swiss. That game was so b-o-r-i-n-g that I think the spectators felt sleepy all the way. I tipped an Italian job over Sheva & gang. The 3rd Q-Final game showcase the third time Sven 'Bugs Bunny' will meet Phil 'Super Mario' at the same stage of a big tournament. Phil masterminded two victories over Bugsy with his Brazil WC 02 & Portugal Euro 04. With all the talk of the English going all the way, maybe they could do it as Deco & Costinha will miss the game through suspension. But that Mario guy ain't no fool and knows where to target the weak spots of the English team. Best thing is that Jose Mourinho told the press that Crouch shouldn't start as Carvalho has always kept him quiet during games at club level.. I tipped the portuguese ship to win this battle in FT. If they do, Brazil or France will be waiting for them. In the repeat of WC 98 final, the samba boys have a chance to avenge their loss back then. After breezing through a guillable Ghana team whose team tried to defend a high line ala Valencia FC but failed miserably, Brazil might need to work a bit more against the French who got through by beating Spain. That particular match was like the Oldies vs the Young Ones and after a silly elbow (or a Hen-ry dive) by Puyol, Veeeair-rah scored the decisive goal from the resulting free kick to put them 2-1. Zizou then put the icing at the 90th min, rounding off two players and scoring the 3rd. I think attacking wise, those sambas are more clinical so most probably the French will get toasted in this game.

Who's the luckier one here? Keira Knightley apparently has begged the P.o.t.C director to let her share a screen kiss with Johnny Depp. She locks lips with Captain Jack Sparrow as well as Orlando Bloom's Will Turner. Keira said she had pleaded with the movie's boss: "Come on, just give me one kiss, give me one kiss, please." And of course she said the experience had been worth the wait. "It was good," she said while giggling. "Really good." She added: "It's like, wonderful, I can have feelings for both of these very beautiful men." Keira had done a lot of physical work in the movie, but had not been injured at all thanks to an "amazing" stunt team. "I've got this brilliant stunt double - she's just sensational," she said. She talks me through everything step by step so I can do as much as I can, because I love it." Bet her stunt double won't mind taking over the smooching scenes too..

Keira arrives at LAX Airport (06/22/2006)


Keira at the Pirates of the Caribbean 2 Premiere (06/24/2006)





Is $4 million too little for Ashlee Simpson? She has turned down that huge paycheck offer to appear in Playboy. Why the need for this direction? That is because the younger Simpson wants to distance herself from big sis 'golden image' and was rumoured to consider that offer. Her publicist, Rob Shuter confirmed that Ashlee has received an offer but had promptly turned it down. The question now is, will Playboy increase their offer and if so, will Ashlee accept it? Living in the shadow...


The Raconteurs have covered the David Bowie classic 'It Ain't Easy' for their forthcoming single. The track which originally appeared on Bowie's classic 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars', appears as the b-side to new single 'Hands'. It also comes backed with fresh tracks Intimate Secretary and The Zane Rendition. The single hits the shelves on July 31. Everyone is Bowie crazy nowadays..

The Automatic has joined in the recent indie war between The Kooks vs Razorlight by backing the Brighton four piece all the way. Keyboardist Pennie revealed that they would stand firm behind the Kooks in any resulting ruckus. He told Popworld.com: "If the Kooks had a fight with Razorlight we'd definitely help them out. The Kooks would probably win because there's a big queue of people that wanna hit Johnny Borell anyway. I don't think Razorlight would mind as much 'cos their faces look pretty battered anyway." As bad as the monsters in the music video? Oh, and they also spoke badly about Sandi Thom who wished she was a punk rocker with a flower in her hair. That is a crappy song anyway so it's good someone finally said something about it.

Demi Moore has been talking babies and plastic surgery recently. Despite being 43, Demi is still considering having a baby. "I still might.. Geena Davis had her first when she was 46. I'm not saying I will but I don't rule out anything in my life. I view my life as being able to have and do everything and anything." The mother of three also hasn't ruled out further cosmetic surgery. "I have no problems with enhancing one's looks or fixing something that's changed. I don't see me getting oodles of stuff done, but for some things it's a godsend," she says. "After three kids, gravity takes its toll and everything heads south, so it's an option." Hmm.. I thought she had some reconstruction on her thighs not long ago in fear of Ashton leaving her?



Songs That Saved Your Life
A new book is about to be released within the next months, that may arise the interest of Morrissey fans. Simon Goddard is about to release the 3rd Edition of his Songs That Saved Your Life. Again, it is a revised one and not just a reprint. I don't know what he has found out since the last edition that another one is needed, but the 2nd Edition of that book was really worth to buy that book again. For those of you, who do not have this book, it's highly recommended. Out in the UK on 1st July 2006.


Eminem has been battling a severe bout of depression. The rapper fell ill after Proof's incident and later on got divorced from wife Kim for the second time. Spokesman Dennis Dennehy said he was getting better with the help of anti-depressants. The split from his wife came after a remarriage that lasted just 82 days. Dennehy said: "Obviously he's grieving. He is depressed as anyone would be if they lost someone that close. But Eminem had said he was taking some time off before this happened. This is his downtime." Hope Mr Slim gets less shady soon.

Goldfrapp is in the running for next 007 theme song! According to JamesBond-fr.com, Eon Prods. is closing in on who they want to record the theme song for the next James Bond movie, Casino Royale. The site reports that Goldfrapp will record the tune. Another Bond site claims confirmation of the band's signing is "close." There would be at least something nice about the movie after all.

"If Mike Skinner and Lady Sovereign had a child who was obsessed with reggae her name would be Lily Allen." - Gurj

Xtina - Entertainment Weekly Scans


-- The Like = Michelle Branch + Melissa Auf Der Maur? --

This band has quality. Vids -> [ June Gloom / What I Say and What I Mean ]


A more matured 'Killers' sound? According to bass player Mark Stroermer, The Las Vegans outfit are currently in London putting the finishing touches to the follow up to 'Hot Fuss'. Stoermer told BBC 6 Music: "It sounds different. It sounds like we've grown up a little bit as musicians, songwriters and as people. Overall it's still pop songs by a rock band, which is what we liked about ourselves before and I think other people did too. It sounds different, but it still sounds like us." Among the tracks currently under consideration for the long player are 'Have You Seen The Lights?' and 'Bling'. Stoermer added: "It's going really well - we're really excited about it and ready to get out and play these new songs." Mooted new tracks include 'The River Is Wild', 'For Reasons Unknown' and 'Peace of Mind'. At the moment the following songs are in the running for the record: Why Do I Keep Counting? / Bones / When You Were Young / Uncle Johnny Took Cocaine / Sam's Town / Read My Mind / Bling. We shall see whether the critics will smile or sulk like they mean it..

Julian Casablancas Interview in Denmark vid (152 MB) [link]

New Oasis Myspace A/C -> [Soulandallrocknroll]

Behind the sleeves with Oasis's Be Here Now:


Found a cool Muse site -> [museandamuse]

G-Unit rapper Lloyd Banks is hungry for attention and he has a new album on the way that just might secure it for him. Banks' second LP, Rotten Apple, was originally slated for a July 18 release by G-Unit/Interscope. That date has now been pushed back until later in the summer. Yeah!!! Lloyd Banks - My House [win / real]. This is a fantastic song feat 50 Cent. Putcha, putcha, putcha hands up!

My nephew's rock performance at his school band competition (the guitarist on singer's right). He won the best guitarist award!




Lindsay Lohan has lunch with friends at Da Silvano in NYC



Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban married in at an evening ceremony last night. Dressed in white with a veil and carrying a bouquet of white roses, Nicole travelled from her estate in Sydney to the church with her father in a cream-coloured limousine. The car had to slow down to get through the crowds of fans outside the estate and Nicole waved and smiled at the well-wishers. Police had to clear a path for her car to travel to the church in the Manly Bay area of Sydney. The church, extended for the ceremony with a marquee, was heavily guarded by security to keep out unwanted observers and so it was only when the church bells rang out 90 minutes after Nicole entered, that those on the outside knew that the ceremony had finished.

Slideshow of the wedding [link]
Video report [link]

Some pics from the ceremony:

Nicole Kidman today began her new life as the wife of Keith Urban after the couple exchanged vows in a tearful, candlelit ceremony overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The newlyweds kept a low-profile today, emerging only to have lunch with family at a luxury waterfront hotel. They are expected to jet off for their honeymoon later today or early tomorrow, with local media tipping Fiji and Tahiti as the most likely destinations. Several reports have suggested the pair have spent up to 250,000 Australian dollars to hire out Fiji's exclusive Wakaya Club Resort for a week. The ultra exclusive island resort is a preferred destination for superstars seeking to avoid the prying eyes of paparazzi and celebrity gawkers.

Young celeb pics. Aren't they cute?

















Damn true!








(How Indie Are You?)



Are you tired of copy & paste URLs to download a video? Now it's even easier! VideoDownloader Firefox Extension (link) add a small icon on the status bar at the bottom of your firefox window, and a toolbar button. Just click that and download the video you are watching! What is it? Video Downloader allows you to download videos (to your computer) directly (and easily) from most video sites.

The star-studded guest list of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's wedding has been revealed. The hotly anticipated nuptials, taking place this weekend, are set to be attended by a host of A-list celebrities. Long time pal Naomi Watts, close friend Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and Moulin Rouge director Baz Luhrman are all expected to be present. Urban's country music star friend Kenny Chesney is also believed to be making an appearance, as well as his ex-wife, Renee Zellweger - another close friend of Nicole. M.I boy is not expected to attend whereas their adopted children - Isabella and Connor - will be present to witness their mum tie the knot. After the ceremony, the newlyweds are said to heading Fiji for their honeymoon.

Nicole Kidman will sing with Ewan McGregor at her wedding. The pair starred in Moulin Rouge together and Nicole - who is reportedly marrying country singer Keith Urban on Sunday - wants to perform 'Come What May' with the Scot at her wedding reception. Ewan was also asked to wear a kilt for the performance! Meanwhile, Bette Midler has laughed off reports she will be the wedding singer, despite admitting she has been invited. Now that is a big relief. Nicole had her hen party at her sister's Sydney home last night. Must have been an enjoyable event before the big day.

More details on Nicole's wedding! [link]

Christina Aguilera is out with the video to her new single 'Ain't No Other Man', from the upcoming album 'Back To Basics', due out August 15th. Watch it -> [hi / lo] / [video file]

50 Cent was on hand for a press conference [wireimage] on Wednesday (June 14) at Karaiskaki Stadium in Athens, Greece.

Liam Gallagher was photographed picking his nose [wenn] when leaving his local off-licence in London, England on Wednesday (June 14).

The Zutons performed in concert [filmmagic] at Hammersmith Apollo on Friday (June 16) in London, England.

Jewel has turned her back on Hollywood because she was spending too much time making movies. The Alaskan fell into acting and enjoyed acclaim for a handful of performances, including her portrayal of a US Civil War widow in Ang Lee's Ride With The Devil, but she has decided that a movie career is not for her. She says: "I love acting, but I started spending all my rare days off on auditions and getting movies put together. I thought, 'What the hell am I doing? I'm not enjoying my life.' I didn't want to be more famous." What a pity. And some others get too much screen time when they don't really deserve it.

Pete Doherty wants to record a solo album this summer. He will work with Jake Fior who revealed to NME magazine: "Yes, I'm doing this record, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions." One track rumoured to be going on the album is 'Darksome Sea' - which is believed to be about Doherty's turbulent relationship with Katy. The lyrics read: "I'll take the blame, I'll bear the shame, I wish I held you." That sounds cheesy. Might as well be called 'La Belle Et La Bete 2'.

Pete has also signed a book deal to publish his diaries. There will be 20 volumes of poems, drawings, lyrics and personal reflections in one hardback book. He was supposed to attend the publishing launch in his favourite pub to do a poetry reading - but failed to turn up. Ian Preece, editor of Orion Books, explained that the singer would not be coming. "It's probably because Holland v Argentina is on. That's rock'n'roll" he said. Which was a freakin' boring match as both have already qualified.. Orion have bought the world rights to those journals. They will chart Pete's rise to fame from 1999 to the present day.The launch was held at The Boogaloo pub, North London. Preece said: "The diaries stretch right back to Pete's early years. They are full of poems, lyrics, thoughts, artwork and photos. Some of it is very funny, some it is pretty dark. All of it is incredibly readable. It is intimate and honest stuff and a complete antidote to a lot of what you might have read about him." The journals will be published in March 2007. I want to know what he thinks about the success of DPT so hopefully that piece of info is also included.

Rachel Stevens is in the running to play the love interest in the next Pink Panther movie. There will be two sequels, and the movies will see Steve Martin reprising his role as detective Inspector Clouseau. Her last screen time was a role in Deuce Bigalow 2.

Here is Rachel leaving Bentley's in London (6/19/06)


The Kooks - B-sides and New Songs [link]

O2 Wireless Festival review with pics [dienacht / jenny]. From what I know, The Strokes were not really up to par with DPT & The Raconteurs while upcoming band The Young Knives are well received. O2 Vids -> [Steady As She Goes / Reptilia]

The Strokes - You Only Live Once [video file]



AOL Sessions features Keane performing Atlantic, Nothing In My Way, A Bad Dream, Is It Any Wonder amongst others. Watch the performances, and an interview here [Keane AOL].

Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner spoke with Australia's Time Off mag about the hype the band enjoyed for their 'Fever To Tell' and how things have quieted down for 'Show Your Bones'. "While we were going through it, it was completely surreal," Zinner laughed. "I realize now that it's kind of like a cycle. Every year there's, like, four new bands that go through the cycle - they're just thrown right into it and kind of blown up to these mega-hyped proportions, often completely irrelative to how good they are. It's a strange thing. I think we have a little more perspective on it now; maybe it started off as being someone who was genuinely really excited about it, and then that was met with skepticism and that skepticism was either defended or criticized in turn. It's kind of like a chain reaction that happens outside of the people who are making the music." Read more.. (link)


Though it is hard to believe, Katharine Mcphee has had problems with bulimia for five years. She finally conquered the nightmare by enrolling with the Eating Disorder Centre of California after winning a place on A.Idol. She says, "When I made it onto American Idol, I knew that food - my eating disorder - was the one thing holding me back. I knew I had put off going to a treatment centre long enough - I'd been struggling with bulimia since I was 17. Growing up in Los Angeles and spending all those years in dance class, I'd been conscious of body image at a young age, and I went through phases of exercising compulsively and starving myself." Of getting treatment for her illness, she says, "That's why I say American Idol saved my life, because if I hadn't auditioned I don't think I would have gotten a handle on food." If that's the case, there are several big names out there whom Kat could recommend joining the show. I believe nobody wants to see real-life 'pirates of the caribbean' skeletons in skirts and high fashion clothings which are prevalent these days.


Another amazing news is that Evangeline Lilly doesn't like to see herself on the mirror at home. So she had all the mirrors covered up! Apparently Lilly is paranoid about how she looks since starring in Lost; becoming extremely self-conscious over her appearance and constantly finds flaws with her body. Speaking to Reveal mag: "I've never felt so stressed or conscious of how I look. If you walk into my bathroom, the mirror is covered by a sarong. I just want to forget what I look like when I get home." Lilly once "kicked up a real fuss" when show bosses asked her to shoot a semi-nude scene in the first episode of the series. She was so adamant she wouldn't strip for the cameras she demanded the script be re-written. Which was changed for her to be in tank top. Her 'Eisoptrophobia' (fear of seeing oneself in a mirror) is not uncommon though. But at least she looks healthy and not losing normal weight.


Love this article! *Up With Grups* -> He owns eleven pairs of sneakers, hasn't worn anything but jeans in a year, and won't shut up about the latest Death Cab for Cutie CD. But he is no kid. He is among the ascendant breed of grown-up who has redefined adulthood as we once knew it and killed off the generation gap... (more)