MTV News Round-Up 23/08/2004

*** V Festival went ahead this weekend, with performances from the likes of The Strokes, Dido, N.E.R.D, Massive Attack, Kelis and The Pixies. The festival, which took place in Chelmsford and Staffordshire, proved popular with many first-time V performers and got lucky in the sunshine stakes.

*** In contrast, Reading Festival is likely to be a very wet affair, weather forecasters have warned. "So far this month we have had 10 times as much rain as this time last year and it looks like more is coming," said a spokesperson. "It is essential festivalgoers bring sufficient changes of clothes, wet weather gear and camping gear to stay dry."

*** Pete Doherty was attacked in London over the weekend, according to a posting on his Babyshambles website. He says that an Irish man approached him and his friend as they walked down the street and threatened to stick a knife in his neck. While crossing a road to get away, Pete was hit by a slow moving car, then received a number of kicks from the man before managing to escape in a passing car.

*** Goldfrapp have pulled out of this weekend's Creamfields due to exhaustion. They also cancelled their appearance at last week's Puklepop festival in Belgium. "We are very sorry to have to cancel the shows in Belgium and Liverpool," said Alison Goldfrapp, "due to exhaustion the doctor has advised me to rest for at least four weeks."

*** Katie Melua was forced to evacuate a plane in Athens over the weekend due to a fire. The vocalist, who was in the Greek capital to perform for Great Britain team at the Olympics, was a bit shaken by the incident. "She was slightly shaken but she's a tough cookie," said a spokesperson, " so she took it in her stride."

DL