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THE DECEMBERISTS frontman COLIN MELOY has told how his son’s battle with autism inspired a track on the band’s hit album THE KING IS DEAD.
The rocker is father to four-year-old Henry ‘Hank’ Meloy with his wife Carson Ellis, and he admits the experience of raising a child with the condition moved him to write the ballad Rise To Me and dedicate it to his little boy.
Meloy tells Britain’s Uncut magazine, "My son… is autistic. So that song is about mine and Carson’s challenges.
"Thankfully, Hank is high-functioning. He taught himself to read when he was three, and he can tell you the Greek and Roman pantheon of gods, but can’t use a door handle, and has trouble looking people in the eye - this would all be recognised by any parent with experience of autism." The Decemberists debuted at the top of the U.S. album chart this week (begs24Jan11), scoring their first number one ever with The King is Dead.

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Two men connected to the 2009 theft of folk rockers NOAH AND THE WHALE’s music equipment have been sentenced to jail for their parts in the crime.
The Five Years Time group was stunned to find all its instruments and sound equipment had been stolen from its trailer in a hotel car park in Manchester, England in September 2009, part-way through the band’s U.K. tour.
Police took two men into custody in nearby Salford after officers found the trailer and an amplifier belonging to the band the following month (Oct09).
Joseph Breeze and his nephew Harold Breeze were convicted of handling stolen goods at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court, after they were identified by witnesses as being seen putting the stolen amplifiers, guitars and cases into a van.
Neither man was reportedly involved in the actual theft.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Joseph Breeze was sentenced to four years in prison for handling stolen goods and on a separate assault charge on Friday (28Jan11), while Harold Breeze received a suspended sentence of one year, and was ordered to complete 180 hours of community service.

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Rapper NELLY has found himself at the centre of controversy following a concert in Missouri last year (10), after the promoter accused the star’s road manager of threatening his life.
The Hot In Herre star headlined the first rap gig in the resort town of Branson at The Mansion Theatre in August (10), after organiser Paul Dunn worked tirelessly to obtain the required permits.
The show was a success but Dunn claims relations with members of Nelly’s camp turned ugly when the concert wrapped and he was allegedly confronted by the hip-hop star’s road manager, Abby Cole, to hand over more money.
Dunn insists he only agreed to pay Nelly a total of $40,000 (£26,700) for the appearance, but Cole reportedly cornered him and "demanded" a further $35,000 (£23,300) in cash.
When he refused, Cole is accused of taking matters into his own hands and following the promoter to a local restaurant.
Dunn claims, "(In the restaurant parking lot, Cole) basically kidnaps one of my security guards. I thought I was going to get shot. I thought to be honest with you; I thought I was fixing to get shot." The promoter managed to escape unharmed after handing over a cheque - which he later stopped before it could be cashed.
But a representative for Nelly’s Derrty Entertainment firm has challenged Dunn’s account of events and vowed to take legal action over his allegations.
Company boss Blu Bolden sent an email to local news outlet KSPR, stating: "We expressly deny the allegations raised by Mr. Dunn and intend to pursue our claims in the appropriate venue." Dunn did not report the alleged incident to police and Cole will therefore not face criminal charges, reports YoRaps.com.

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AEROSMITH’s future is looking up - their recent recording sessions have been "really good" and productive, according to the band’s longtime collaborator MARTI FREDERIKSEN.
Earlier this month (Jan11), Steven Tyler announced he would be rejoining the group in the studio to begin work on new material following a tumultuous couple of years which saw the frontman briefly quit the group and check into rehab to conquer a recurring drug habit.
He also fell out with guitarist Joe Perry over his decision to sign up as a judge on U.S. reality show American Idol, and Tyler recently admitted he hadn’t been able to contact his pal for weeks.
Perry was absent from the line-up when the rest of Aerosmith returned to the studio last weekend (22-23Jan11) - although Frederiksen, who joined Tyler, guitarist Brad Whitford, bassist Tom Hamilton and drummer Joey Kramer for the jam sessions, insists it was due to a prior, unspecified commitment.
He tells Billboard.com Perry’s bandmates were "missing" him as they played around with new song ideas and riffs, but had managed to come up with four songs in their first three days together.
Frederiksen says, "It’s been really good, great. We’ve been playing songs, putting together riffs, having fun, laughing and working from noon to 11pm. We’re just digging in, man." The tracks are far from complete, but the musician is confident Aerosmith fans will be happy when the finished products are released: "I think we can wind up with a lot of good stuff, and they’ve got a lot of great stuff already from the past that hasn’t been finished, a whole stockpile that just needs to be produced up. I think they’ll be in pretty good shape." Aerosmith’s last album, Honkin’ on Bobo, was released in 2004.

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Veteran entertainer JIMMY BUFFETT has assured fans he is on the mend after a nasty stage fall in Australia, showing off his injuries in a video message online.
The Margaritaville singer was briefly rendered unconscious after tumbling off the stage and hitting his head on a metal ledge at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney on Wednesday (26Jan11).
He underwent treatment at a local hospital and was discharged late on Thursday (27Jan11).
As a result of the incident, Buffett was forced to scrap his gig at the Auckland Viaduct on Te Wero Island on Saturday (29Jan11) - but he has apologised to his New Zealand devotees and vowed to return to make it up to them in the near future.
In a short video posted on his website, Buffett shows off the bandages on his right arm and his head, and says, "Hi everybody, it’s Jimmy from Sydney on the other side of the fall. I just want to check in with everybody and say thank you very much for all your hopes and things.
"I was basically overwhelmed that so many people were concerned about my wellbeing. I’m on the mend. Unfortunately we can’t do the show in Auckland, I’m just not quite up to it, as you can tell, but we will be back for all my fans in Kiwi land don’t worry.
"We’ve had such a wonderful time in Australia, we were so looking forward to Auckland, not only the show, but I was gonna go fishing and surfing, but now I gotta go home and heal up." And Buffett used the opportunity to brush off "over-exaggerated" reports he had died in the scary incident, insisting he will be back.
He adds, "Again, to everyone out there who was kind enough and thoughtful enough to send a note worrying about me, it’s kinda like when Mark Twain was reported dead one time and he was still very much alive. The reports of my death were grossly over-exaggerated. I didn’t get that close (to death) but in a way it’s kinda nice to know that that many people care about me.
"I really am humbled and sincerely thank everyone out there for their kind words. I’m gonna be fine, and am gonna be back to work in April… The show goes on."

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Veteran actress KATHY BATES had to "fight" for her role on hit U.S. TV series HARRY’S LAW - because it was originally written for a man.
The actress made her debut in the legal drama as tough-talking lawyer Harriet Korn earlier this month (17Jan11), after winning over casting bosses with her talents.
But she admits she faced another challenge to convince network executives at NBC and creator David E. Kelley to keep the title the same once she was on board and not change it to the more feminine Harriet’s Law.
She says, "It actually was written for a man… They sent me the script; it had ‘Harry’ on it… This guy who was really grumpy, hated other people. I loved the character! I thought it was perfect for me, don’t change a thing. And so I had to fight for the name Harry. I want the name Harry."

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SUSAN SARANDON was disappointed when she wasn’t asked to do the Time Warp again in the GLEE episode which paid tribute to THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW.
The cult 1975 movie became the focus of a recent installment of the hit musical show, with the cast re-enacting the songs and dance moves from the film that helped launch Sarandon ’s career.
The Hollywood veteran had been rumoured to have been offered a cameo appearance in the tribute episode, but she insists Glee bosses never approached her.
She tells E! Online, "What I saw I thought was so fabulous. I thought it was so moving… They (people) kept asking if I was going to be on the episode… (But) nobody spoke to me about doing anything on the show."

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Author TERRY MCMILLAN has backtracked over her criticism of WILL and JADA PINKETT SMITH’s parenting skills, after taking to Twitter.com to attack the Hollywood couple for "exploiting" their kids.
The Waiting to Exhale writer recently expressed her disturbance that the couple’s children Jaden, 12, and Willow, 10, are on the fast-track to fame after signing up for a series of high-profile movie and music projects.
She also worried about the kids displaying "an arrogance in their demeanour and behavior".
McMillan wrote: "The Smith children already act like child stars… I find it incredibly sad. It feels like the Smith children are being pimped and exploited. Or, they’re already hungry for fame. What about 4th grade?" But her comments fast became a talking point on the microblogging site, prompting McMillan to remove the postings soon afterwards.
She wrote: "Twitter is not the best forum to express some things. I didn’t know folks would take my opinion so personally." Jaden has already starred in a remake of The Karate Kid and signed on for M. Night Shyamalan movie One Thousand A.E., while Whip My Hair hitmaker Willow was this week (begs24Jan11) announced as the star of an upcoming musical remake of Annie, co-produced by her parents and rap mogul Jay-Z.
The Smiths had yet to comment on the controversy as WENN went to press.

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Former CHIPS star LARRY WILCOX has been sentenced to three years probation for securities fraud.
The former TV cop, who starred alongside Erik Estrada in the 1970s U.S. TV series, pleaded guilty to securities fraud conspiracy back in November (10).
The Securities and Exchange Commission accused the actor of being involved in a bogus company created to generate fake stock sales.
The organisers of the scheme were caught in a sting operation conducted by America’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Wilcox, 63, was handed his punishment during a court hearing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Friday (28Jan11), when federal judge ordered him to complete 500 hours of community service.
He faced a maximum of five years in prison for the crime.

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KIM CATTRALL has taken aim at RICKY GERVAIS for making a "cheap" joke about the SEX AND THE CITY cast at the recent Golden Globes, branding the gag upsetting and ageist.
The British funnyman caused controversy during his hosting duties at the awards show by poking fun at the star-studded audience in a number of barbed jibes.
His performance provoked outrage from a number of celebrities, as well as event organisers, who labelled the jokes "totally unacceptable".
Gervais ridiculed the stars of Sex and the City 2 during the show by making fun of a publicity poster for the movie, telling the audience, "I was sure the Golden Globe for special effects would go to the team that airbrushed that poster. Girls, we know how old you are. I saw one of you in an episode of (1960s TV show) Bonanza." But Cattrall failed to find the funny side, admitting the remarks about the actresses’ ages upset her.
She tells Extra, "Ageism is out there and I fight it every day in my own way… So, I think that’s kind of a cheap joke… Maybe some people feel that needs to be out there. I don’t particularly think so."

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SIR ELTON JOHN has been forced to apologise after swearing during a live radio broadcast in the U.K. on Friday (28Jan11).
The Rocket Man hitmaker turned the air blue during an interview on the BBC’s Radio 2 after host Chris Evans told him that British musician Jools Holland likes to start his day by playing the piano.
Sir Elton sighed and remarked, "Oh f**king hell." The singer immediately said sorry for his foul-mouthed slip-up, telling listeners, "Sorry about that. I was just exasperated with that. I can’t think of anything worse than getting up and playing the piano. It’s what I do (for a living). I do play over 100 shows a year, and I make records.
"I’m very, very sorry for that awful word that I said. Jools, why do you do that?" A spokesperson for the BBC says in a statement, "Both Sir Elton and Chris apologised many times on this morning’s live Chris Evans Breakfast Show for the language used by Sir Elton. The BBC apologises if any offence was caused."

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British singer LILY ALLEN has spoken of her shock after a magazine cover showing SIR ELTON JOHN with his partner and baby son was covered up in an American supermarket.
Bosses at an Arkansas grocery store placed a plastic "Family Shield" over last week’s (begs17Jan11) Us Weekly, which featured the Rocket Man and David Furnish with their little boy, Zachary.
A spokesperson for the Harps shop claimed the couple’s family photo was hidden after it sparked complaints from offended shoppers.
The move has prompted outrage from gay rights campaigners, and Allen has taken to her Twitter.com page to express her dismay.
Allen posts a link to an article about the issue, before writing: "Speechless about that Elton thing." The two singers famously fell out while appearing onstage at a London awards show in 2008 when Sir Elton criticised Allen for being tipsy and drinking onstage.
She later took aim at the veteran star in her Who’d Have Known music video, which sees an Elton lookalike kidnapped and forced to declare his love for her.

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JAMES BLUNT’s mother has defended her son against the criticism he receives because of his privileged background, insisting the singer does not deserve such "harsh" treatment.
The You’re Beautiful hitmaker is often ridiculed because of his posh accent and expensive school education, and his mother, Jane Blount, was prompted to speak out after she heard record producer Pete Waterman denounce the British music industry as "snobbish" in a recent radio interview.
Waterman did not mention Blunt specifically, but he pointed out that many of today’s stars, including Lily Allen, Florence Welch and Coldplay’s Chris Martin, all attended upmarket schools.
Blount contacted BBC Radio 4’s Today programme via email and staunchly defended her son, insisting artists should be judged on their talents - not their backgrounds.
The email reads, "I was most interested to hear Pete Waterman’s thoughts on public school rock stars. His attitude is reflected by most of the critics in the U.K. My son James Blunt, who is hugely appreciated worldwide, receives harsh criticism here and we have, rather sadly, been aware that it is because of his background.
"We are relieved that on the whole James’ fan base take no notice of the critics."

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SEAN ‘DIDDY’ COMBS has blamed his hectic work schedule and the "temptations" of the showbiz lifestyle for ruining his relationships and leaving him single at the age of 41.
The hip-hop mogul has five children with different women, including three kids with on/off girlfriend Kim Porter, but he’s currently without a long term partner.
Combs admits he has a lot of regrets over his past behaviour because his romances haven’t lasted.
He tells Britain’s The Sun, "I’m a workaholic and it’s cost me relationships. There have been times when I’ve been selfish and then also falling for temptation. Just being out there and having a lot of candy in my face and having a sweet tooth. I definitely have some regrets.
"It could have worked out with certain women but it wasn’t supposed to be like that. That must be for the better because it’s brought me to here now." The rapper still hopes he will one day find true love and settle down, adding, "If the right person is out there for me… well, if she’s ready, I’m ready."

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MILEY CYRUS took to the stage for an unlikely collaboration this week (beg24Jan11) - she rocked out with JEREMY PIVEN at the wrap party for her new movie SO UNDERCOVER.
The teenager stars alongside the Entourage actor in the new movie, opposite Kelly Osbourne, and movie bosses threw a celebration for the cast when the cameras stopped rolling.
Cyrus and her castmates danced to a live band at the party, until the singer/actress decided to take the stage herself with Piven on drums for a performance of I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.
The Hannah Montana star revealed her stage partner in a video message posted on YouTube.com, telling fans, "I can’t believe how quick it’s gone. We had a really good time. We actually just had a wrap party… They let me and Jeremy Piven (get up on stage)… (he’s) in this movie, and so he got up on the drums and we played I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll." However, filming hasn’t yet finished for Cyrus - she has to return to the set to shoot extra scenes.

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BACKSTREET BOYS star A.J. MCLEAN is "doing very well" in rehab and he’s scheduled to be released in a week’s time, according to his bandmate BRIAN LITTRELL.
The 33-year-old singer has battled substance abuse issues for many years and after two stints in clinics in the early 2000s, he sought help again earlier this month (Jan11).
McLean enrolled in a program "for personal reasons" and his pal Littrell has revealed the pop star is recovering well and has just a week of treatment left.
Littrell says, "He’s good… Just talked to him last night… He’s got one more week, he’s been there three weeks. He’s doing very, very well. Sounded very excited… He’s working on bettering himself so he can better all of us…"

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STAR TREK writer/producer BRANNON BRAGA regrets leaving gay characters out of the sci-fi franchise, insisting it was "a shame" the futuristic show failed to incorporate a wider range of sexualities.
The screenwriter admits his creative team often contemplated introducing an openly gay character to a Star Trek film or TV series, but they repeatedly decided against the idea.
And Braga regrets failing to explore that final frontier.
He tells AfterElton.com, "It was a shame for a lot of us that… I’m talking about the (TV shows) Next Generation, Deep Space Nine and there was a constant back and forth about well, how do we portray the spectrum of sexuality? "There were people who felt very strongly that we should be showing casually, you know, just two guys together in the background in (starship lounge) Ten Forward.
"At the time the decision was made not to do that and I think those same people would make a different decision now because I think, you know, that was 1989… I have no doubt that those same creative players wouldn’t feel so hesitant to have, you know, have been squeamish about a decision like that."

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KELSEY GRAMMER is refusing to let his ugly divorce battle stop him making plans with his new bride-to-be - he’s organising a road trip across America for the couple’s honeymoon.
The Frasier star split from his wife Camille last summer (10) and the former couple is currently locked in a legal battle as Grammer attempts to officially end his marriage so he can wed his British fiancee, Kayte Walsh, next month (Feb11).
He is still hoping he will be able to exchange vows with Walsh in the coming weeks, despite the ongoing legal issues, and he is already making plans for their honeymoon.
Grammer says, "It’s a road trip across country. Kayte’s from England and she has a great love for America and she wants to see some of the things that actually I haven’t seen… We’re going to go to Mount Rushmore, Yosemite, Santa Fe, and take in Las Vegas… We’re really looking forward to it."

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