The gigs don't work: Verve guitarist Nick McCabe has pulled out of the band's live dates for the rest of the year, leaving the Wigan band down to a foursome for their Slane gig on August 29th. Rumours that Ginger Spice is to take his place are unconfirmed.

Get 'em while they're young: EMI UK are looking for fresh young talent to form a new boy band, but don't bother applying if you're 14 or over. These days, if you've passed puberty, you're past it.

Jerry was there: The Further Festival Tour, featuring the remaining members of The Grateful Dead, plus old rockers Hot Tuna, is selling like hotcakes across America. Go figure.