Bono: U2 are at crossroads

U2 are struggling to choose between four very different albums for their next release, singer Bono admits. And they're aware they have to be more straightforward with a new record after the relative failure of last year's offering.

No Line on the Horizon was to be followed with a companion release, Songs of Ascent – but with the comparative disappointment of the 2009 record's critical reception and sales figures, U2 have had to think again.

Bono tells Rolling Stone: "No Line on the Horizon is not very accessible, lyrically or musically. We put out a really difficult record – I have to admit that. If I was a teenager, it would be like a European movie. It's arthouse."

There are a number of options for the follow-up, he explains: "Songs of Ascent, which is the meditative work that was ment to complement No Line on the Horizon. We've also got a rock album and a club-sounding album. Then we have the Spider-Man musical stuff.

"We have to decide how we go about releasing them. Do we release them in their groups? We're not as 21st-century as we think we are. If we were we'd be putting out more new songs online and involving our audience in the choice. Instead we're sitting here arguing about them while no one else knows about them."

Last Tour For The Stones?

Are the Rolling Stones going to do a farewell world tour next year?
There are rumours – yes, again! – that the Greatest Rock ‘N’ Roll Band In The World will go out on the road next year. And this could be the last time.

A source apparently told The Sun: “They’re likely to perform in stadiums. It’s almost certainly the last full-scale world tour. The band realise that age is creeping up on them. They want to bow out on top of their game, and not short-change their fans”.

Mind you the phrase ‘almost certainly the last full scale world tour’ sounds like a bit of hedging your bets to us.

And as if on cue, Ronnie Wood has refuted this unnamed source: “We have all agreed this won’t be the last time. Everyone’s rocking.”

Slash Celebrates 43Rd Birthday

Slash Celebrates 43Rd Birthday With Top Djs

Rock star SLASH has scored celebrity DJs PERRY FARRELL and will.i.am for his double 43rd birthday celebrations in Las Vegas.

Jane's Addiction star Farrell hosted a party in the guitarist's honour at the Bare pool lounge at the Mirage resort on Wednesday night (23Jul08) and Black Eyed Peas star will.i.am was scheduled to spin records at a second Sin City party as WENN went to press on Thursday (24Jul08).

Slash was also billed to perform an acoustic set at the second party, held at Jet nightclub.

Metallica: Death Magnetic Goes Double Platinum

Metallica’s 2008 album Death Magnetic has now officially passed the two-million-sales mark in America.

Every Metallica album – studio or live – has at least reached the double-platinum landmark in the States, with 1991’s Black Album still being the biggest, having sold more than 15 million copies.

Steel Panther Confirmed For Ozzfest

Steel Panther are the latest band confirmed for the Ozzfest in London.

The LA glam raiders join a bill so far featuring headliner Ozzy, plus Korn, Skindred and the Murderdolls with more to follow.

The event happens at the O2 Arena on September 18. And the Ozzfest is set to take over the entire O2 complex, incorporating a Village Of The Damned, with tattoo artists and fairground rides among the attractions.

Aerosmith: Perry Injury Won’t Affect US Tour

Aerosmith won’t be forced to postpone or cancel any shows on their upcoming US tour after Joe Perry was injured in a road accident.

Perry’s motorbike was hit in the rear by a car when stationary at a red light in Massachusetts last week. The guitarist was subsequently treated for undisclosed injuries.

Def Leppard on new Album

Def Leppard are putting together a live album, and might include an EP of new songs.

Frontman Joe Elliott told billboard.com: “We’ve got tentative plans to do a four- or five-track EP of new songs as part of it…”Vivian [Campbell, guitar) has been in the band 17 years, so I think he deserves a shot at being on a live record”.