QTheMusic.com

Wednesday, 16 May

Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward will not join Ozzy Osbourne and co for any of this year's reunion shows, he has announced. Apologising to fans he wrote: "I know in my heart I couldn't have done these concerts by agreeing the terms suggested. I made a solemn vow after the last European and Ozzfest concerts that I would never again enter into what was, in my opinion, a totally unsatisfactory contract. I have to stand for something, and as painful as it is, I'm doing it."
Billward.com

However The Rolling Stones will be playing this year, well according to Ronnie Wood (again). "I am keeping October/November free, that's what I've been told. I'm just awaiting more information," he explained, adding that the band have been rehearsing recently.
Thesun.co.uk

Want to know why Manchester City won the league? Apparently it was all down to an idle boast from Manchester United fan Mani who when previously denying the band would ever play together again declared City would win the league (or European Cup, there's some debate) before the band ever took to the stage again. We're sure he'd like to thank his wife for reminding all his United mates of this fact via Twitter earlier this week.
NME.com

A shot of The Beatles crossing Abbey Road's zebra crossing the 'wrong' way (ie opposite to the album cover), is up for auction.
Guardian.co.uk

Check out The Black Keys El Camino tour in this photo gallery.
Spin.com

Tom Cruise serenaded Def Leppard with their own songs while filming the movie version of Rock Of Ages. "It went pretty well," explained the actor of his turn. "The lead singer, Joe Elliott, points at me and goes, Fuck you! Fuck you! Then I saw big smiles on their faces, and I realized I'd gotten their stamp."
Vulture.com

If you like the smell of charred hair then this is the auction for you. A locket of follicles that were partially destroyed when Michael Jackson caught on fire while filming a Pepsi advert in the 80s are been auctioned off. The hair survived after getting stuck to the jacket used to put the singer out... Tasteful.
Pfcauctions.com

Joy Formidable have finished recording their second album. The trio held sessions for their record in a cabin in Maine and on a bus while driving across the US. A release date is TBC.
Thejoyformidable.com

Watch the video for Florence + The Machine's new song Breath Of Life which features in new film, Snow White And The Huntsman.

Florence + The Machine - Breath Of Life on MUZU.TV.

Passion Pit have announced the tracklisting for their second album, Gossamer, which is released on 23 July.
Beatsperminute.com

Little Boots previews her second album, the follow-up to 2009's Hands, and speaks about collaborations with Simian Mobile Disco and Hercules And Love Affair that will feature.
Qthemusic.com

Ahead of the release of their new album Heaven on 28 May, The Walkmen have placed a new, non album track online.

Jay-Z says he his pro gay marriage and has backed President Obama's stance on the issue. "I've always thought of it as something that was still holding the country back," he declared. "What people do in their own homes is their business and you can choose to love whoever you love. That's their business. It's no different than discriminating against blacks. It's discrimination, plain and simple."

Lady Gaga has been forced to cancel a show in Indonesian capital Jakarta after been denied a permit to play. The date was subject to protests by Islamic leaders and conservative politicians who criticised everything from Gaga's clothes to her dance moves.
Rollingstone.com

Listen to a new song from Yeasayer, Wait For The Summer, which was sent out to fans on their mailing list (via Pitchfork.com).

Why are so many bands currently reuniting? Having done it himself, Marion's Julian Phillips asks what motivates musicians to have another go in a guest colum.
Qthemusic.com

Apparently Jessie J made a loss of nearly £20,000 according to documents released by Companies House. See the music industry really is in crisis.
Thesun.co.uk

Animal Collective have said they felt like they were a "garage band" while making their new album Centipede HZ (out 3 September). "We got a little practice space in this barn on Josh [Dibb, aka Deakin]'s mom's property and it was basically like being a garage band again," the band's Brian Weitz told Zane Lowe. "This one we wrote more as a rock band in a room and we wanted to record it that way as well."
bbc.co.uk/radio1/ZaneLowe

Talking of Animal Collective, they're today's Track Of The Day with new, stand alone track Gotham
That's it for today. More Hot List tomorrow at noon.

12:00 PM | 16/05/2012