Michael Jackson and late Queen singer Freddie Mercury recorded some songs together after they became friends in the 80s, says Queen's Brian May writing on his blog this week.

Mercury and Jackson became "close enough to record a couple of tracks together at Michael’s house, tracks which have never seen the light of day," explained May.

He also attributes their US No.1 hit in 1980 to Jackson; "It was Michael who heard "Another One Bites The Dust" when he came to see us on The Game tour and told us we were mad if we didn’t release it as a single."

May has also paid tribute to the superstar pop singer, who died last week (June 25), saying: "I think the world is a more colourful place thanks to Michael's work ... he was a truly wonderful performer at his peak. I think he qualifies as a great artist; he devoted his whole body and soul to his art.

I only hope he passed away in happiness, in great hopes and anticipation of his glorious comeback tour. RIP Michael"

Source UNCUT

The band Madness looks set to headline an open-air concert planned near Carisbrooke Castle next month but the event is being opposed by English Heritage.

The band, performing as part of their 30th anniversary tour, will top the bill at the Summer Madness concert at Froglands Farm, Carisbrooke, on August 30. The event is expected to attract 10,000 revellers, with parking for up to 2,500 cars. Other bands have yet to be announced. Island-based live music promoter John Curd said: "The Island is becoming known as the festival isle and we want to add to that."

A licensing application to stage the concert is currently under consideration. English Heritage, which owns Carisbrooke Castle, had initially supported promoters but then withdrew the use of its car park and coach drop-off point. Steve Alexander, English Heritage’s acting head of visitor operations for the Island, said: "We’re concerned about access, security and risk to the castle, along with the potential high level of traffic and congestion."

Tickets go on sale today (Friday) and are available from www.seetickets.com or call 0871 2200260.

Source County Press online

My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James is to release an EP of George Harrison covers he recorded in the days following the Beatles legend's death in 2001.

Tracks on the six-track EP - called 'Tribute To' - include The Beatles' 'Long, Long, Long' and Harrison's first solo Number One, 'My Sweet Lord'.

Released on August 4, the album will available on CD and in a limited edition vinyl edition. James is releasing it under the name Yim Yames.

A digital release of the album is available to purchase and download from YimYames.com from July 7.

Writing in the liner notes for the EP, James said that Harrison's songs were "a prime example of the healing power of music".

Meanwhile, a free download of 'Behind That Locked Door' is available from YimYames.com now.

'Tribute To''s tracklisting is:

'Long Long Long'
'Behind That Locked Door'
'Love You To'
'My Sweet Lord'
'Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)'
'All Things Must Pass'

A portion of the proceeds from the EP are being given to Woodstock Farm Animal Santuary (WFAS), and fans who order the vinyl package also receive a T-shirt and brochure from the WFAS.

.Source NME

ABBA man Benny Andersson has denied rumours that the band are to reform.

"No-one's asked us and if they did we wouldn't say yes," he said during an interview on Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, which can be viewed for a limited time on the BBC iPlayer.

Anderson was responding to a report in The Sun, which claimed Abba are set to regroup and take over the 50 gigs the late Michael Jackson was due to play at the London O2 Arena this summer.

However, the co-songwriter of hits such as 'Waterloo' and 'Mamma Mia' has confirmed he is to take part in a tribute gig featuring some of the Swedish pop band's biggest hits, according to BBC News.

Thank You For The Music... A Celebration Of The Music Of Abba will take place in Hyde Park on September 13.

Bjorn Ulvaeus will also appear at the BBC Radio 2 event, with ticket details and guest vocalists to be announced at a later date.

"This must be the greatest honour that can be bestowed on any songwriter," the duo said.

Source NME

Bob Dylan has made a guest appearance on the new Beastie Boys album.

According to the trio, the legend was sampled on 'Hot Sauce Committee Pt 2' after talking about the band on his radio show.

"He played one of our songs and was talking about us," Ad-Rock told Drowned In Sound. "He's a big fan."

The Beastie Boys new album will be released on September 15.

Source NME

New Order's Bernard Sumner has announced details of his new band Bad Lieutenant's debut album.

Formed in 2007 alongside former Marion man (and New Order guitarist) Phil Cunningham and newcomer Jake Evans, Bad Lieutenant release 'Never Cry Another Tear' on October 5.

Evans is the group's lead vocalist, and Sumner was quick to praise the Macclesfield-born musician in a statement.

"We've worked hard on it [the album] and I'm proud of it. It's also important because it gives people the chance to hear a gifted new singer and guitar player who I think's really talented," he said.

The band spent a year writing, recording and mixing the album on the outskirts of Manchester, calling on some famous friends to help out - including Blur's Alex James and New Order/Joy Division drummer Stephen Morris.

Debut single 'Sink Or Swim' is scheduled for release on September 21.

The band are also expected to tour, with Morris and bassist Tom Chapman completing the live line-up.

Source NME