Pop star Rihanna, 21, was recently spotted on the beach in Punta Mita, Mexico. Online photos were reportedly taken the weekend of her 21st birthday, February 20. Rihanna had been staying in her native Barbados following an alleged assault by her boyfriend, R&B star Chris Brown. He's scheduled to be arraigned on March 5, but Los Angeles district attorney spokeswoman Jane Robison told E! News the appearance "may not happen." She added, "We don't have the evidence yet. If [detectives] determine they need more time they'll set a new date for him to come into court. He only has to come back if and when we file charges." On February 27, People.com reported that the couple had reunited. Brown called Rihanna on her 21st birthday one week ago. "He called to wish her happy birthday," a source told the magazine. "They've reached out to each other. It's been mutual." "They're together again. They care for each other," says the source. The on-again couple are currently spending time together at one of Sean "Diddy" Combs' homes, on Miami Beach's Star Island. Adds the source: "While Chris is reflective and saddened about what happened, he is really happy to be with the woman he loves."
U2 to Perform on David Letterman Show
On March 3, Interscope Records will release U2's new album. No Line on the Horizon will be available in five different formats, a standard CD, double vinyl edition and three limited editions that include a digi-pack release with a booklet, poster and download of a film by Anton Corbijn film that features U2 music; a magazine version with a paperback book and the film download; and a box set that comes with a hardcover book, posters and a DVD of the Corbijn film. In other news, U2 will perform five nights in a row on this week's Late Show with David Letterman show (March 2-6).
Swift Still Tops Billboard Album Chart
Taylor Swift's latest album, Fearless, spends its 10th non-consecutive week at Number One on the Billboard 200 (week ending March 7). The last artist to achieve that was Santana, who spent a total of weeks at the top in 1999 and 2000 with his Grammy-winning album, Supernatural. Taylor Swift will support Fearless on her first headlining tour, which begins on April 23.
Barenaked Ladies Loses Lead Singer
Barenaked Ladies lead singer Steven Page has left the band to pursue a solo career. An announcement on the group's web site says, "Jim Creeggan, Kevin Hearn, Ed Robertson and Tyler Stewart will continue recording and touring together as Barenaked Ladies. Steven Page will pursue solo projects including theatrical opportunities while the band enters the studio in April 2009, and hits the road in the fall." Page wrote, "These guys are my brothers. We've grown up together over the past 20 years. I love them and wish them all the best in the future." Page was arrested in July 2008 for cocaine possession and was given six months probation.
New Band, Tainted Windows Includes Hanson Keyboardist
Singer and keyboardist Taylor Hanson of the sibling trio Hanson is performing in the new band Tinted Windows. The group also includes former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha; Adam Schlesinger, who played with Fountains Of Wayne and Ivy; and Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos. Tinted Windows' debut album will be out on April 21.
New Album Releases March 3
"Invaders Must Die" - The Prodigy
"Lucky One" - Raul Malo
"Middle Cyclone" - Neko Case
"Midnight At The Movies" - Justin Townes Earl
"Written In Chalk" - Buddy and Julie Miller
Awards Presentations/Winners
Christian singer-songwriter Chris Tomlin leads the list of nominees for the Gospel Music Association's 2009 Dove Awards. His seven nods include Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year for "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)." Natalie Grant, newcomer Francesca Battistelli, Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith and Mary Mary are among the other artists who received multiple nominations. This year, fans will be able to vote for Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year. Awards in 43 categories will be handed out on April 23 at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House.
Look Who's Going on Tour!
On March 1, Fleetwood Mac embarked on a 44-date North American tour that begins in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Drummer Mick Fleetwood told Billboard.com, "This is the first time we've gone on the road without a [new] album. This is truly a new experience for Fleetwood Mac to go out and play songs that we believe and hope people are going to be familiar with and love." The tour is scheduled to wrap up in San Diego, California on May 31.
Elton John and Billy Joel begin their fourth "Face 2 Face" tour on March 2 in Jacksonville, Florida. They'll play duets at the start of each show, then perform solo sets with their own bands before reuniting for encores. Elton and Billy launched their first "Face 2 Face" outing in 1994. They got together again in 1998 for a co-headlining tour of Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Elton and Billy performed their last "Face 2 Face" tour in 2003. The new tour will take them to 25 North Americans cities through August 1.
On March 3, Britney Spears will kick off a North American tour in support of her latest album Circus. The much-anticipated "Circus Starring Britney Spears" shows start in New Orleans, Louisiana and end on May 2 in Uncasville, Connecticut. After a month's rest, Britney will head to Europe for nine concerts. She'll perform eight shows at London's O2 Arena between June 3 and June 14. Spears will wrap up her European concerts on June 17 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
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