More Top Stories: Alicia Keys, Pearl Jam, M.I.A.
Alicia Keys rounded up Sade and Jay-Z to perform at her annual Keep a Child Alive Black Ball concert in New York. The show, which takes place at Hammerstein Ballroom on September 30th, raises money for kids with AIDS/HIV in Africa and India. [Keep a Child Alive]
Pearl Jam’s video for “Amongst the Waves” is now up for sale on iTunes with proceeds going to benefit Conservational International’s Marine Programs. The clip originally arrived on June 30th when the band launched their new Oceans website, which provides fans with factoids about ocean health and conservation efforts. [Oceans]
M.I.A., backed by an army of look-alikes, delivered an electric performance of her single “Born Free” on the Late Show With David Letterman last night. The Sri Lankan MC, who samples Suicide on the track, was joined by the punk band’s Martin Rev on keyboards and the Boredoms’ Butchy Fuego on drums. [YouTube]
To mark the 25th anniversary of Live Aid, organizers Bob Geldof and music promoter Harvey Goldsmith will be the subject of a TV movie, When Harvey Met Bob, which is set to air in the fall. Geldof will be played by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows actor Domhnall Gleeson in a movie producers describe as “humorous, warm, tension-filled and ultimately deeply moving.” [New York Times]
California assemblyman Mike Davis says he will propose a bill to turn Michael Jackson’s 2,500-acre Neverland Ranch, which is currently co-owned by a California private equity firm and the Jackson estate, into a state park. Davis says he will consider proposing the resolution after lawmakers return from August recess. [Yahoo!]
British post-punk icons Gang of Four will release their seventh album Content on October 4th. A deluxe vinyl edition will come bundled with photos, ceramic tiles and, the NME reports, vials of the band members’ blood. [NME]
Dweezil Zappa has nabbed a top roster of hard-rockers for his new album What the Hell Was I Thinking?. The guitarist’s new disc — which does not have a release date — will feature guest spots from Eddie Van Halen, Brian May, Angus and Malcolm Young and Yngwie Malmsteen. [Huffington Post]