Mark Ronson is apparently set to produce Elton John’s next album, according to Fox News. The record will appear on the Universal/Republic label in late 2009. Meanwhile, Ronson is working with Amy Winehouse on a forthcoming tribute album for legendary producer Quincy Jones, as well as on Slash’s forthcoming solo record.

The Specials’ original line-up is reforming for a UK tour next year. The legendary Coventry ska group will play eight dates around England and Scotland, beginning in Newcastle on April 22. Formed in 1977, The Specials released two albums, “The Specials” and “More Specials”, before splitting in 1981.

The Smashing Pumpkins‘ new video can be watched below. The track – “G.L.O.W.” – has been directed by Justin Coloma, known for his work with a.o. Eagles of Death Metal Рё РїСЂ. Smashing Pumpkins – “G.L.O.W.“

Rob Halford offers the song “Christmas Ride” by his project Fight, originally released by Epic Records as a promo CD single in 1994, for free download via HalfordMusic.com. Simply add it to your shopping cart, check out (no payment necessary at checkout unless you are purchasing something else) and download it from your download library.

Dutch-Mexican gothic/progressive metal band Stream of Passion have entered the studio to begin recording their sophomore album. The follow-up to the debut “Embrace the Storm” (2005) is due in early 2009 via Napalm Records. Stream of Passion – “Out in the Real World“

Atlanta, Georgia-based metal bulldozers Organ have tapped Warren Riker (a.o. Down, Crowbar, Cynic) to produce their new album for an early 2009 release. The follow-up to “Volume of Hate” (2005) is being recorded at PigPen Studio in Athens, Georgia. To hear what Organ sound like, visit myspace.com/organband.

Sepultura have offered a “X-mas gift for you guys” – a free download of the band’s “Coquinho” bossa nova, especially composed for Volkswagen’s TV that we informed you a while ago. The ad can be see below, and “Coquinho” can be downloaded HERE.

Bon Jovi, Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters and Black Eyed Peas singer will.i.am have been forced to pull out of Live Earth India following the recent attacks in Mumbai. The charity concert was scheduled to take place on December 7. Organisers have released a statement saying they are “shocked and saddened by the tragic events of […]

Al Jourgensen’s 13th Planet Records is preparing a remix CD as a follow-up to Prong;s latest studio album, “Power of the Damager”. The effort is due out by the end of the winter…

Arkaea – the new band featuring Fear Factory members Christian Olde Wolbers (guitar) and Raymond Herrera (drums) alongside Threat Signal vocalist Jon Howard and bassist Pat Kavanaugh, will make its live debut on January 15, 2009 at the Whisky a Go Go in Hollywood, California, together with God Forbid. Some two months later, on March […]