Cat Stevens re-records ‘Peace Train’ for kids
Cat Stevens has broken his 25-year recording silence.
The former pop star, who is now known as Yusuf Islam after converting to Islam, re-recorded his 1971 hit, “Peace Train,” in Johannesburg, South Africa, studios to raise money for children affected by the war in Iraq.
The new “Peace Train” will appear on “Hope,” an album produced to help children in war-torn countries. Also appearing on the album are David Bowie, Paul McCartney and George Michael.
“As a member of humanity and as a Muslim, this is my contribution to the call for a peaceful solution to the dangerous path some world leaders today seem to be taking,” Islam said Monday on his Web site.
“Hope” will be released April 21.
Queen Latifah sued for stealing script
A New York lawyer filed a $15 million suit Friday against Queen Latifah and other producers involved in the making of “Bringing Down the House.”
The lawyer, Marie Flaherty, claims the flick rips off “Amoral Dilemma,” a screenplay she wrote several years ago. Flaherty says attorney George Tobia Jr. agreed to represent her as she tried to sell her screenplay in 1999.
A few months later, however, Flaherty alleges Tobia told her that he and screenwriter Jason Filardi had sold another script — “Jailbabe.com,” which eventually became “Bringing Down the House.”
Flaherty’s lawsuit names Tobia, Filardi, Queen Latifah (whose real name is Dana Owens), Hyde Park Entertainment and Walt Disney Co. (the flick’s production companies) as defendants.
Metallica changes tune, gives fans free DVD
Metallica has announced it will be doing something out of character: giving its followers something for free.
The band’s new album, “St. Anger,” is due June 10 and will include a free DVD. The disc will feature live versions of all 11 songs on the record.
“And don’t worry, the CD will be regularly priced,” a message on the band’s Web site assures. “We just wanna throw in some free (stuff) for you guys.”
Letterman returns to ‘The Late Show’
After a five-week absence from “The Late Show,” David Letterman returns after a bout with shingles, an infection of the nerve roots.
Since Feb. 26 the CBS show has had a series of hosts substituting for the star, but Letterman returned to the show Monday night in good health.
Madonna withdraws violent anti-war video
Madonna has withdrawn her newest video, “American Life,” from television out of respect for the troops in Iraq.
Madonna says the video, which depicts the singer in military camouflage gear on a fashion runway, was filmed before the war began.
“Due to the volatile state of the world and out of sensitivity and respect to the armed forces, who I support and pray for, I do not want to risk offending anyone who might misinterpret the meaning of this video,” Madonna said on her Web site Monday.
Warner Bros. will release her new album, also called “American Life,” April 22.
— Compiled from news sources
April 03, 2003
