Jay-Z to headline Glastonbury 2008

Jay-Z will headline the 2008 Glastonbury Festival, organiser Michael Eavis has confirmed.

News of the rapper's appearance brings to an end weeks of speculation about the mystery identity of the rumoured American star.

Eavis is understood to have been asked if the hip hop legend was on the bill for the event by a reporter from BBC Somerset today.

On confirming he would play the June gathering, Eavis said they hoped to "break with tradition this time and put on something totally different.

"He will appeal to the young people and under-25s for sure, so that's a big pull for them. It's not like the traditional one we do, like Radiohead, Coldplay, Muse and Oasis", he explained.

Glastonbury 2008 takes place on June 27+28+29. Official registration for the festival opened yesterday.

www.jayzonline.com

Infected Mushroom tour Australia again

Despite having without a doubt the worst tour name ever, Infected Mushroom are back with their 'Legend of the Black Shawarma Tour'. (wouldn't you all agree?).

Infected Mushroom returns to oz with a spectacular LIVE showcase of their best works including a special sneak peak into their forthcoming album due to drop later this year.

Following the sold out Vicious Delicious tour in 2007, Infected Mushroom returns next month to present an exclusive sneak peak of their new material from their upcoming album accompanied with a healthy dose of their finest showstoppers to date.

As one of the busiest touring electronic bands, Infected Mushroom continuously raises the bar with their distinct live stage show that fuses psy-trance, rock and electronics, making them one of them most sought after live acts in the world. 2007 saw Amit Duvdevani (aka Duvdev) and Erez Eisen play their biggest shows ever, whilst securing the top 10 ranks of DJ mags amid producing their new album and recently undertaking a new DVD project. With these superstars at the helm, their infection has massed into a worldwide epidemic - leaving no cure in sight, only heightened anticipation for the Infected Mushroom phenomenon.

Sat Feb 23 Brisbane, Arena

Sun Feb 24 Sydney, Home Nightclub

Tue Feb 26 Adelaide, Channel Complex

Thu Feb 28 Hobart, Syrup Nightclub

Fri Feb 29 Melbourne, Palace Theatre

Sat Mar 1 Cairns, Kangaventure

Sun Mar 2 Perth, Club Capital

Golden Plains sold out!

Golden Plains is officially sold out.

Last year’s inaugural Golden Plains proved so popular with the punters that anticipation for this year’s event was rife. Little wonder then that the festival has sold out so quickly (five weeks before the event), consider the lineup:

Featuring a two-hour, as-the-sun-goes-down set from Ween, plus Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Beirut, The Vines, Iron and Wine, Future of the Left, Buffalo Tom, Jens Lekman, The Dirtbombs, British India, Kid Koala, The Panics

March 8 – 10, Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, Meredith, Victoria

http://www.goldenplains.com.au/

The Beatles invited back to Israel

Well it's about god dam time Israel!

The Beatles have been invited to perform in Israel to celebrate the country's 60th birthday.

Israeli ambassadors have invited the band's remaining members, Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, to take part in the celebratory concert, but refuse to apologise for banning them from performing 40 years ago.

The band were scheduled to appear in 1965, but after claiming their music might corrupt the country's morals, the government refused to grant them permits.

Israeli ambassador Ron Prosor wrote in a letter to McCartney: "Israel missed a chance to learn from the most influential musicians of the decade, and the Beatles missed an opportunity to reach out to one of the most passionate audiences in the world. On our 60th anniversary, we would like to take the opportunity to offer you a second chance to play in Israel."

Prosor presented the letter to Jerry Goldman, head of 'The Beatles Story' exhibition in the group's hometown of Liverpool, and also sent a copy to McCartney and Richard Starkey, aka Ringo Starr.

Beatle John Lennon was assassinated in 1980, while George Harrison died in 2001 following his ongoing battle with cancer.

www.beatles.com