NEWS David Bowie reportedly missed out on a leading role in the Lord Of The Rings films due his portrayal of Jareth the goblin king in Labyrinth. Although discussions took place before their own involvement, screenwriters Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh sa

As this issue went to press the Stairway To Heaven plagiarism case was set to reopen, with America’s Court Of Appeal ruling that an initial trial which saw Led Zeppelin cleared of copying a segment of the song Taurus, written by Spirit band member Randy Wolfe (better known as Randy California), was deemed “erroneous and prejudicial”. More details next month.

Eric Clapton (pictured) has confirmed three nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall on May 13, 15 and 16. They will be his only UK shows in 2019. Perry Farrell releases a new solo album in 2019 via BMG Records. The former Jane’s Addiction frontman is working with producer Tony Visconti (Bowie, T.Rex) as part of an immersive project known as Kind Heaven.

A special charity tribute show to Chas Hodges takes place at Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London on December 17. Along with Hodges’s Chas & Dave partner Dave Peacock, guests will include Albert Lee, Ralph McTell, Jackie Lynton and comedian Matt Lucas.