MTV News Round-Up 08/03/2004

*** Jay-Z is to headline a London show in aid of The Prince's Trust. The rap star, who released his supposed farewell album 'The Black Album' last year, will join the likes of Alicia Keys, Lemar, Dizzee Rascal and Jamelia on the bill at the Prince's Trust Urban Music Festival. The event takes place at London's Earl's Court in May.

*** John Digweed has been added to the line-up at the Renaissance Wild event in Shugborough Hall. The DJ will join Sasha on the decks at the country gathering which also boasts the likes of Scissor Sisters, Audio Bullys, Derrick Carter and Yousef on the bill, as well as a DJ set from Neneh Cherry. Renaissance Wild takes place on May 1.

*** Franz Ferdinand have pulled out of a gig scheduled for tonight (March 8) in Paris, due to frontman Alex Kapranos falling ill. The Scottish band were to support Belle And Sebastian at the Paris Grand Rex. A spokesperson for the band said: "Alex Kapranos has been suffering from a really bad throat so the group have made the decision not to travel to France."

*** There was almost a riot at a Jessica Simpson signing in Boston last week, it has emerged, after thousands more fans than expected turned up to meet the pop vocalist. It was thought around 1000 would turn up at the Wal mart signing in Danvers, so when 5000 descended on the supermarket, chaos ensued. Three teens were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and another was charged with assault and battery.

*** The Libertines will headline an anti-racism gig in London next week. Love Music Hate Racism, taking place at the Astoria on March 16, will see The Libertines on the bill alongside The Buzzcocks, Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster, Miss Black America and The Others. Tickets for the gig are 12.50.

*** Kings Of Leon are the latest addition to this year's T In The Park line-up. The hairy-faced outfit will join the likes of David Bowie, The Darkness, N.E.R.D, The Strokes, Chemical Brothers, Muse, Franz Ferdinand and Scissor Sisters at the festival, taking place at Balado, Kinross near Glasgow on July 10 and 11.

DL