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.

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 […]

Swiss industrial metallers Samael have decided to call their new album “Above”. Here’s what the band had to say about the record: “We feel now it is the right time to remind the people where we come from and that’s exactly what “Above” will do. It is like an enhanced version of our three or […]

Kingdom Come have just finished work on a new album. The as-yet-untitled follo-up to “Ain’t Crying for the Moon” (2006) is due out in February.

Times of Grace, featuring Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz and former Killswitch Engage/current Seemless frontman Jesse Leach, are in the studio working on their debut album which they expect to release next year.