MTV News Round-Up 06/08/2004
*** The Darkness have pulled out of this weekend's Summersonic Festival in Japan, due to Justin Hawkins being diagnosed with gastroenteritis. An official statement reads: "Justin has been diagnosed with a bout of gastroenteritis and it has been recommended by his consultant to take at least one week to rest and recuperate before recommencing his busy work schedule."
*** A British backpacker is missing in Australia after last being seen at an Ash gig at Sydneys Metro Theatre on July 29. Sean Kennedys parents have flown from Northampton to Australia to search for their son. Ashs management said on their website:"Both the band and I are deeply shocked by the news that he disappeared from our concert... Our thoughts are with Sean's family and friends."
*** Nellys forthcoming double album set, 'Sweat' and 'Suit', features a duet with Christina Aguilera. The track, 'Tilt 'Cha Head Back' samples the beat to 'Superfly' and is set to be released as a single later this year. The albums also include collaborations with Mobb Deep and country singer Tim McGraw, plus the return of rapper Mase on the track 'In My Life'.
*** Anyone who thought that Beyonce's reunion with Destinys Child would be half-hearted can rest easy. The trio has announced auditions for male dancers for touring, TV appearances and music videos. Auditions will be held in New York, LA, Atlanta, Chicago and Houston in coming weeks. Destinys Child choreographer Frank Gatson said: "Dancers have a destiny... If they are really talented, we will find them."
*** London's first outdoor reggae music festival will take place in Victoria Park in east London on September 5. Marcia Griffiths, Sizzla Kalonji, Freddie McGregor, Barrington Levy, Vybz Kartel, Gregory Isaacs and The Mighty Diamonds are confirmed to appear at 'Reggae In The Park', with more acts to come. If the event is a success, there are plans to replicate it in Paris, Amsterdam and Stockholm.
*** Franz Ferdinand have been fined $200 for trying to take an orange into New Zealand. "They're very particular about taking any kind of foodstuffs across the borders and things," said singer Alex Kapranos, "They didn't give a damn about the hard drugs, it was the fact that we were smuggling an orange into the country. No citrus fruits!"
'DL'