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Rockers GOOD CHARLOTTE are stepping away from the spotlight and taking a hiatus from the music industry to "just have fun".
The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous hitmakers, fronted by twins Benji and Joel Madden, wrapped up a tour of Europe last month (Aug11) and have just one more gig scheduled at a music festival in Russia in October (11).
The punk stars are then planning to take some time out from their busy work schedules to just enjoy life.
Benji Madden tells RollingStone.com, "We’re stepping away from the grind of making records and touring for a minute, just to have fun and be creative like we were when we were 15." But the twins are preparing to serve up a treat for fans before they go on their career break - a free mixtape, titled Before The Fame: The Madden Brothers, will be released on 1 October (11).
And Joel Madden has alerted fans to expect some cool new sounds.
He says, "We’re already having a blast in our studio with all these new artists making music just for fun. And the mixtape’s free, they’re going to get it for free, there’s no quota we’re trying to fill, there’s no machine we’re trying to fuel, we just want to make music with new artists and god bless (record label bosses at) EMI, they let us do what we want."

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Rockers JUDAS PRIEST have assured fans their global farewell tour does not spell the end of the band - they have vowed to release a new album next year (12).
The heavy metal legends, who formed in 1969 and have sold more than 40 million albums, announced last December (10) they were planning to pack up their tour bus for good after one last jaunt around the world.
They kicked off the final Epitaph World Tour trek in Sweden in June (11) and will wrap up the live shows on 3 December (11) in Biloxi, Mississippi.
But Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford insists their decision to quit performing doesn’t mean they won’t continue recording - they plan to rock on into old age.
He tells Billboard.com, "This is not the end of Judas Priest. We’re just cutting back on these big, long treks around the world that we love to do.
"But yet we’re facing mortality; as a metal singer I’m still able to do the vast majority of things that have laid out before me… but I’d be the first to admit that I’m finding it more challenging now, and I don’t want to get into that syndrome where you end up a little bit punch-drunk and you’re not giving the performance that you want to give… We’re able to continue doing selective shows in the future and, as importantly, keep recording and making new metal records." And he reveals the band is already far along in the making of their next project.
He continues, "(We) began writing new music early on this year, before we went out on the road. We have about 12 or 14 tracks completely mapped out, four of which have been recorded and mixed and are ready to go… so the good news is that there will be a brand new Priest record next year." Judas Priest’s next release will be the band’s first with new guitarist Richie Faulkner, who was drafted in to replace departing original member K.K. Downing just days before the start of their big tour.

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Actor NEIL PATRICK HARRIS is making a return to children’s TV to voice a talented singing dolphin.
The How I Met Your Mother star will re-join the cast of the Nickelodeon network’s award-winning animated show The Penguins of Madagascar as the "sinister" Dr. Blowhole in the upcoming special, Blowhole Strikes Back.
During the hour-long kids’ programme, the actor and father of twins will also show off his musical talents and perform four original numbers.
Nickelodeon President of Animation, Brown Johnson, says, "Our viewers loved Dr. Blowhole in the first special, so we were excited to bring the character back and work with the very talented Neil Patrick Harris again.
"In this second special, he has expanded his role with unforgettable vocal performances, including a stand-out power ballad." Harris previously appeared on the show in 2010 for the episode Dr. Blowhole’s Revenge, which garnered great reviews.
Blowhole Strikes Back will air in the U.S. on 9 September (11).

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TAYLOR LAUTNER has opened up about the biggest downside to fame - he rarely gets free time to enjoy his success.
The teenage actor shot to fame playing Jacob Black in the hit Twilight movies, but admits his busy work schedule keeps him from enjoying his travels around the globe.
He tells VMAN magazine, "When I am traveling the world promoting the films, I say I am on vacation, but it’s not really true, I guess. When I go to a beautiful city I spend the whole time in a hotel room and then I am back on a plane to the next place.
"If I’m not filming, I’m promoting, and if it wasn’t Twilight, it was a different movie, so it got really busy. I hang out with my friends, family, and kind of just - I don’t even know. It’s like, when I am not filming, it seems like - I don’t even know what I do."

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Actress JANE LYNCH developed a "raging crush" on actor/director RON HOWARD as a young girl to hide the fact that she was gay.
The Glee star insists she discovered she was attracted to other females when she was just 12 years old, although it wasn’t until she turned 21 that she first ‘came out’ as a lesbian.
And Lynch admits she adopted an unlikely love for Howard after seeing him on hit 1970s sitcom Happy Days, starring as teenager Richie Cunningham.
In her upcoming memoir, Happy Accidents, she writes, "So like any good, closeted young lesbian of the seventies, I developed a raging crush on Ron Howard from Happy Days." Lynch’s efforts to conceal her true sexuality failed to convince her parents, who had an inkling she was gay before she officially broke the news to them - although her mother Eileen was still confused about the Howard link.
In an excerpt published in People magazine, she continues, "As it turned out, my mum and dad had wondered whether I was gay, but they had never talked about it with each other. They hadn’t known anyone who was gay (and out). But now they knew me, and they loved me. But my mum, bless her, still had one question that was obviously bugging her. ‘What about Ronny Howard?’"

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Comedian MICHAEL COLYAR has accused staff onboard a recent U.S. flight of racial discrimination after he was kicked off the aircraft following a baggage dispute.
The black actor, who voiced a character in Disney’s animated The Princess and The Frog, claims a flight attendant on a United Airlines plane in Virginia asked him to move his luggage from the overhead storage bin so a Caucasian passenger could fit her bags in the compartment.
He refused the request and became embroiled in a heated exchange with the stewardess, prompting her to call in security to have him escorted off the plane, which was due to depart Dulles International Airport in Virginia.
Colyar alleges the attendant only called for back-up when he asked about filing a complaint against United Airlines, and he’s adamant there was a racial motive behind her actions.
In a post on his blog, he writes, "The flight attendant and her friend got just what they wanted, the n**ger off the plane. I’m sure they feel a great triumph in putting an uppity n**ger in his place.
"At the least I should be suing United Airlines for theft of services, public humiliation and defamation of character." United Airlines officials are looking into the August (11) incident and a representative tells TMZ.com they are working to resolve the issue with Coylar.
The spokesperson says, "As a global airline with a diverse workforce, United has zero tolerance for any type of discrimination and we take every such matter seriously. We spoke to Mr. Colyar (on) Wednesday (31Aug11) so that we can address his concerns, and committed to get back to him as we learn more from our coworkers and other customers onboard."

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TWILIGHT star ASHLEY GREENE has signed up to front a new campaign aimed at stamping out domestic violence.
Greene has become the celebrity spokesperson for U.S. beauty publication Glamour magazine’s Tell Somebody campaign.
As part of her role, the actress will work to encourage girls all over the world to speak up for themselves if they, or someone they know, are engaged in an abusive relationship.
Stepping in front of the camera to record a public service announcement, she says, "Dating violence affects all kinds of woman. Young, old, educated, powerful, rich, poor… Nearly one in four woman are physically assaulted or raped by their partners… Tell somebody." Actresses Emma Stone, Lily Collins and Zombieland’s Amber Heard have also recorded messages for the video, appearing alongside former domestic violence victims.

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Heavily pregnant SPICE GIRL MELANIE BROWN has checked into a Los Angeles hospital to give birth to her third child.
The singer-turned-TV personality recently revealed she was facing an induced labour if she hadn’t given birth naturally by Sunday (04Sep11).
In a radio interview on Australia’s Kyle and Jackie O Show, she said, "It’s coming out this week, one way or another it’s coming out this week…
"Ideally I want it to come naturally, but I’ve tried everything. And it just seems to be stuck and hibernating in there getting bigger and bigger, so it’s coming out this week for sure." And it appears Brown will get her way after all - she was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in the early hours of Thursday (01Sep11).
Brown was photographed looking in pain as she leaned on her husband Stephen Belafonte and a bodyguard, who helped to escort the star from her car to the facility.
The dash to the hospital came shortly after Brown complained about her inability to sleep.
In a series of posts on her Twitter.com blog, she wrote, "can’t sleep arrrhhhh!!!! gonna go to my kitchen and eat,that always helps!!! in LA right now it’s 413am." The child will be Brown’s first with Belafonte. The singer, also known as Mel B, is already mum to two daughters from previous relationships.

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Pop superstar MADONNA has credited her "very talented" ex-husbands SEAN PENN and GUY RITCHIE with inspiring her to pursue a career as a director.
The Like A Virgin hitmaker makes her feature film directorial debut with W.E., a royal drama documenting the scandalous relationship between Britain’s King Edward VIII and American divorcee Wallis Simpson. The monarch abdicated from his royal position in 1936 after their love affair became public.
The movie had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in Italy on Thursday (01Sep11), when Madonna was joined by her leading ladies Abbie Cornish and Andrea Riseborough to celebrate its launch.
And Madonna, who has previously had mixed reactions to her attempts as an actress, made sure to give thanks to her exes, actor/director Penn and Sherlock Holmes filmmaker Ritchie, for encouraging her to step behind the camera over the years.
Speaking at a news conference, she told reporters, "I am and was attracted to very creative people, which is why I married Sean Penn and Guy Ritchie, two very talented directors. They both encouraged me as a director and as a creative person to do what I did, and they were both very supportive." However, Madonna’s W.E. has drawn mixed reviews from Venice Film Festival critics - Britain’s Daily Telegraph reviewer admitted the biopic was "better than expected", although "not without amusing moments", while The Guardian’s writer blasted the drama as "a primped and simpering folly".
Madonna was married to Oscar winner Penn for four years from 1985 and ended her eight-year union with British director Ritchie in 2008.

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MARC ANTHONY has shut down rumours his marriage to JENNIFER LOPEZ broke down because he was unfaithful, although he can understand why gossips are trying to "peg" their split on something sensational.
The Hollywood couple stunned fans in July (11) when it announced the end of its seven-year marriage and reports swirled suggesting Lopez called time on the relationship because she could no longer tolerate Anthony’s allegedly womanising ways.
But the salsa singer is adamant there was no one else involved in their separation - even though he knows that’s hard for tabloid writers to believe.
In a candid new interview with U.S. news show Nightline, he says, "It was a flight attendant, it was the pilot - I heard it was this guy sitting next to me in a rehab in Houston. I’ve heard it (affair rumours) all.
"People are trying to peg it on things because it was so shocking. It was like, it must have been something… It wasn’t something sensationalistic (sic)." And Anthony is glad he and Lopez have maintained an amicable relationship - because remaining friends makes it easier to co-parent their three-year-old twins, daughter Emme and son Max.
He continues, "I think anybody will tell you how I supported her, from day one. I’m really, really happy for her… We’re going to be in each other’s lives for many, many, many years, and I’m glad that our friendship is that strong… What would make it difficult is if we didn’t get along.
"Being Puerto Rican, born and raised on the streets of New York, you go, ‘Wow, you’re still friends with your ex, man? Really? That’s weird.’ I don’t play that." The full interview is due to air on Thursday night (01Sep11).

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Hip-hop superproducer PHARRELL WILLIAMS is to backpack through Japan for boot brand Palladium’s upcoming advertising campaign.
The N.E.R.D. frontman will trek through the Asian country wearing the label’s footwear, and shoot a short film called Tokyo Rising, which will then be used for the company’s print, online and TV commercials this autumn (11).
The documentary will follow the famed music producer on his journey as he explores the city’s cultural landmarks and interviews locals about their resiliency and clean-up efforts following the nation’s massive earthquake and tsunami, which killed nearly 30,000 people in March (11).
Palladium’s Vice President of Marketing, Barney Waters, says, "Palladium’s core message is about urban exploring and putting your boots on to find out what’s beyond the tourist guidebook.
"Tokyo is one of the great cities of the world and we felt there was a whole layer of the city’s story that wasn’t being told in the aftermath of the natural disaster of 3/11. We wanted to go back and see for ourselves how the young creative class was dealing with the aftermath, and what their vision was for the vibrant future of Tokyo." And hitmaker Williams can’t wait to set out on the adventure: "I find great inspiration in Tokyo from the people. To me, the way that the Japanese people regard life and culture is completely unmatched. Tokyo is my second home and I jumped at the chance to come back and reconnect with friends during the exploration."

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British pop star LEONA LEWIS has called on government officials in Namibia to help put an end to seal hunting in the African nation.
Recent reports have suggested there has been an increase in the vicious practice across the country and the Bleeding Love hitmaker was devastated to learn about the excessive killings.
The staunch animal rights campaigner has now released a statement urging the nation’s government ministers to investigate the matter, noting that the cruelty-free seal-watching industry is actually more profitable for Namibian economy.
She says, "No price would ever be high enough to justify the killing of these harmless animals. This country has so much natural beauty to offer tourists, why allow this brutal practice to tarnish its reputation forever?" This isn’t the first time Lewis has used her star power to raise awareness about animal cruelty - last year (10) the vegetarian and World Society for the Protection of Animals spokesperson visited a sanctuary in Romania, which houses abused bears.

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British comedian DAVID WALLIAMS has credited his gruelling swimming regime with keeping him "on an even keel" by preventing him from partying to excess.
The Little Britain comic is preparing to swim the length of England’s River Thames next week (beg05Sep11) to raise money for charity.
The funnyman admits his training has been punishing, telling London’s ES Magazine, "I was hit by rowing boat oars, attacked by swans and got covered in insect bites from all the bugs that live in the weeds. It was also very, very cold." But Walliams insists exercise has saved him from going wild, recalling the Little Britain: Live comedy tour which coincided with training for his swim across the English Channel in 2006.
He adds, "Many people in my position - comedians or musicians - might have taken advantage of the situation, going out after each show and getting drunk and high, trying to s**g anything that moved.
"Instead I’d go back to the hotel, have some herbal tea, go to bed, get up, swim for three or four hours, have lunch and do another live show. It put me on an even keel."

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Director DAVID PRESSMAN has passed away at the age of 97.
He died of natural causes in New York City on Monday (29Aug11), according to Variety.com.
Pressman took charge of long-running U.S. soap opera One Life to Live for nearly three decades, garnering himself three Daytime Emmy Awards.
He also directed beloved actress Grace Kelly in the original TV version of The Swan and went on to guest-direct a number of popular shows, including The Defenders, The Nurses and N.Y.P.D., with Al Pacino.
Pressman was born in Tiblisi, Georgia, and studied acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. He then became an original member of the Actors Studio and founded the acting department at the prestigious Boston University in Massachusetts.
Before setting his sights on TV, Pressman also worked on a variety of Big Apple plays, including Broadway’s Tony Award-winning The Disenchanted.
He retired from the entertainment business at the age of 85.
He is survived by his wife Sasha, and three sons Gregory, Eugene and Michael, an executive producer on the hit TV series Blue Bloods.

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Actress SHANNEN DOHERTY is heading back to school to pursue a college degree in liberal arts.
The former Beverly Hills, 90210, star has signed up to front an advertising campaign for online organisation Education Connection and, as part of her new role as company spokesperson, she’s furthering her own learning and encouraging fans to follow her lead.
In the promotional video, she says, "I’ve played the girl-next-door and the girl-not-so-next-door. I’ve produced, I’ve directed, but now I’m doing something I’ve always wanted to do for me - I’m on my way to getting my college degree.
"I logged onto Education Connection, the free service that showed me hundreds of schools and degrees so I could pick the right one. Now I’m actually getting my degree in liberal arts - online! But you can get yours in business, in culinary arts, in nursing, in criminal justice, even a degree in technology.
"For my schedule, Education Connection showed me online has the most flexibility. I can study on the set, while travelling - anywhere, anytime. So do something smart for your future. Let Education Connection help you find the right program for free."

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Hollywood veteran STELLAN SKARSGARD has been forced to turn down the opportunity to feature alongside his actor son Alexander on his hit TV show TRUE BLOOD - because the THOR star is too busy.
Stellan, 60, admits he is a big fan of the popular vampire series and of Alexander Skarsgard’s starring role, but his hectic filming schedule has put his blood sucking dreams on hold.
He tells Eonline.com, "I don’t have the time. I think it’s very well done and he (Alexander)’s great in it." But the Swedish patriarch refuses to take any credit for his son’s acting abilities, insisting it’s all Alexander’s hard work.
He says, "I don’t give him any advice at all, because for my kids, from the age of 16 their lives are their responsibility. If he had the feeling that it was thanks to me that he had any of his success, it would just be half a success. He owes everything to himself."

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GLEE star KEVIN MCHALE has thrown his support behind a suicide prevention campaign aimed at troubled teens.
The actor, who plays wheelchair-bound Artie Abrams on the hit TV show, has joined forces with officials at The Trevor Project to launch their Talk To Me campaign during America’s Suicide Prevention Week, which begins on Sunday (04Sep11).
The new empowerment initiative encourages youths to step up and verbally offer their support to those thinking about taking their own life.
In a public service announcement for the organisation, McHale channels his on-screen character and says, "Talk to me. It’s what you say to someone to let them know you’re there. Talk to me. Just three simple words. But saying them out loud can help save a life.
"During National Suicide Prevention Week join me, Kevin McHale, and the Trevor Project for Talk To Me, a campaign for conversation… If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call the Trevor Line… it’s free and confidential and there’s always someone to talk to."

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SHIA LABEOUF has struck up a close friendship with MARILYN MANSON after directing the shock rocker’s latest music video.
The Transformers star is a longtime Manson fan and now counts him as one of his dearest pals after shooting the promo for his single, Born Villain.
LaBeouf tells MTV.com, "I love Marilyn. Manson is like a brother to me now. He’s a real sweet dude, a real close friend…
"Marilyn Manson to me is an indelible figure. He’s a big deal to me, and in my childhood, I don’t know of a scarier figure in art. He, in my teenage years, was the scariest thing in the world, so part of me has always been intrigued." But the actor has warned his fans they may not be impressed by the adult promo, which features graphic imagery.
He adds, "There are fans of mine who aren’t fans of Manson’s and vice versa; that’s why I think our collaboration is interesting. I don’t really see it on paper. I don’t see fans of mine who went to see Holes when they were 12 loving this. I don’t think my audience is the only thing I should exercise my artistic muscle for. I don’t necessarily always do things for the audience; this is one of those."

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