MTV News Round-up 19/05/2004

*** Slipknot have announced a gig at London's Astoria, the venue where they played their first UK show in 1999. The gig will take place on May 24, the day their album, 'Vol.3: (The Subliminal Verses) ' hits the stores. Tickets will go on sale at the downloadfestival.co.uk website on May 19.

*** Black Sabbath have confirmed they will reform to headline the upcoming Ozzfest tour of the US, kicking off on July 10. Original members Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi (guitar) and Geezer Butler (bass) will be joined by drummer Mike Bordin, who fills in for founding member Bill Ward. This marks the fourth time - the first since 2001 - Sabbath will top the Ozzfest bill.

*** Britney left last night's Berlin concert in tears, according to tabloid reports, and was spotted with mascara streaked down her face as she was driven back to Hotel InterConti. She is mid-way through the European leg of her Onyx Hotel tour and has been criticised for miming most of her show. The South East Asian leg of the tour has already been cancelled.

*** In other Britney news, the star is auctioning off 'the ultimate Britney experience' for charity. Bidding starts at $5,000 for two VIP tickets to an upcoming gig, a meet-and-greet with Britney, plus a two-night stay in the Onyx Hotel and other extras. Proceeds from the auction will go to The Britney Spears Foundation.

*** Morrissey cancelled a Radio One live session after learning he was expected to perform the gig in front of 12 competition winners. The shy singer said he was "under the impression that he would perform privately" for the set on the John Peel show. Instead, a pre-recorded session will air on Zane Lowe's show.

*** Lee Ryan from Blue has been linked with Caprice after the pair was spotted out together after meeting at a London club last month. The notorious party boy is 15 years younger than model Caprice.

CL