Jessica Sierra
Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

After a legal snafu that almost landed her back behind bars, former "American Idol" finalist Jessica Sierra is on her way to a rehab facility in California again. According to Florida Assistant State Attorney Pam Bondi, the troubled singer — who was ordered to spend a year in the Pasadena Recovery Center as a result of her recent arrest on disorderly intoxication charges — had her emergency probation transfer order rejected by the California Department of Probation. That resulted in the awkward situation of Sierra, 22, being out of jail but unable to begin rehab. "She was supposed to get on a plane yesterday, but the probation department in California wouldn't accept her transfer on an expedited basis because they take up to 45 days to review requests, so we had the unfortunate situation of a pregnant addict on the streets," Bondi said. Luckily, Sierra was able to get back into court Thursday (January 10), and the judge in the case gave her permission to travel immediately with her dad to Los Angeles and get picked up by a representative from the Center, where she will be allowed to stay until the probation transfer is approved. ...

The fallout from Britney Spears' hospitalization continues, as a Maloof Productions spokesperson confirmed to MTV News that a reality show with former Spears associate Alli Sims is no longer "moving forward." Sims had hoped to do a reality show demonstrating what her daily life is like in Hollywood — including occasional appearances by her cousin, friend and former employer. A source close to the production said nothing had been taped yet, not even a pilot, and that Sims was only in the early stages of talks, with no deal yet struck with the Maloofs, who own the Sacramento Kings and Las Vegas' Palms Casino Resort, a frequent Spears haunt. But right now, the source said, "Britney needs to heal. She doesn't need another reality show." Spears last appeared in the reality program "Chaotic," which featured the early stages of her courtship with Kevin Federline. ...

Mischa Barton has spoken out about her recent arrest for DUI and drug possession. The English actress told Ryan Seacrest on his radio show Thursday morning, "Obviously, I am 100 percent responsible for my actions, and I am really disappointed in myself. I am not perfect, and I don't ever intend to do something that stupid again." The former "O.C." star, who was also arrested for driving without a valid license, added, "I usually try not to get behind the wheel." ... Despite protesting that the case was baseless, Avril Lavigne has reached a settlement with 1970s rock band the Rubinoos over claims that her hit "Girlfriend" plagiarized their 1979 single, "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend." The Canadian Press reports that a confidential settlement has been reached with the Rubinoos, who have agreed to drop their claims, but that the settlement does not necessarily indicate an admission of copyright infringement. ...

Here's one for the adults — T.I., the Shins and Daft Punk are among the artists participating in this year's installment of Playboy's Rock the Rabbit. The roster of musicians — which also includes Duran Duran, Iggy Pop and Hot Chip — will appear in the magazine's March issue and help create limited-edition T-shirt designs that will be auctioned off, with proceeds going to Rock the Vote. ... Jennifer Lopez's "Bordertown," which was widely panned by critics who caught early screenings of it, is headed straight to DVD. The film is about a reporter, played by Lopez, who investigates a series of murders of young female factory workers in Mexico. She also produced the movie, which will hit stores January 29. ... Jim Jones, Raekwon, Redman, Green Lantern and Papoose have piled onto Pete Rock's new LP, Billboard reports. The iTunes version of NY's Finest, which is due February 26, will reportedly also have a bonus track featuring Slum Village. Meanwhile, "914" — one of the B-side songs that will accompany the first single, "We Roll" (featuring Jones) — has featured guest spots by Styles P and Sheek Louch. ...

We don't normally report on hairstyles — except when the most famous black beehive in the world suddenly gets chopped and bleached. Pictures are circulating of Amy Winehouse's new 'do, which is a stark change from the style that helped make the soul singer famous. ... "High School Musical" star Ashley Tisdale is slated to make her feature-film debut in a comedy about a group of teens who defend their vacation home from an alien attack. The Hollywood Reporter reports that production on "They Came From Upstairs" will start next month in New Zealand, with a cast that also includes Robert Hoffman ("Step Up 2 the Streets"), Carter Jenkins ("Viva Laughlin") and Austin Butler ("Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide"). ...

On Thursday, MySpace announced the launch of its new MySpace Celebrity hub, which will feature pop-culture news, blogs, videos and events. Among the 300 celebrities who have profiles on the new hub are Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, "Juno" star Ellen Page, Ashton Kutcher, "The Hills" star Audrina Patridge and Hayden Panettiere. ... Radiohead are taking to the airwaves again, this time to fill in on BBC Radio 1 for host Zane Lowe while he's away on holiday, Pitchfork reports. The band, which webcast live studio performances earlier this year, will be on BBC Radio 1 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. U.K. time on January 17. ... Marilyn Manson and estranged bassist Twiggy Ramirez have made up. According to a statement from the group, Ramirez has rejoined Manson for the band's upcoming North American tour, following the split of bassist Tim Skold. ...

Unreleased tune-age from Feist, Bloc Party, Of Montreal, Deerhoof and Muse is scattered across a new charity release benefiting Energy Action Coalition, which helps support and strengthen the youth clean-energy movement in North America. The Green Owl Comp: A Benefit for the Energy Action Coalition, which consists of a CD and DVD, is due April 8. ... The Fader has an unlikely new executive editor in Chris Richards, who was previously a guitarist/singer for post-punk band Q and Not U. He previously covered music for The Washington Post. ... Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds will release their next album, Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!, on April 8, and have revealed the album's track list. The record will feature 11 songs, including "Night of the Lotus Eaters," "Lie Down Here (& Be My Girl)" and "Jesus of the Moon." ...

Some of late Godfather of Soul James Brown's personal possessions are being appraised for auction to help pay some of the state taxes owed by his estate. The Associated Press reports that attorneys would not say exactly what items are on the block, or how much the estate owes in taxes, but some reports said the rights to some of Brown's songs could be among the items up for bid.

1.9.08

Jennifer Lopez says she was pretty sure people had put two and two together about her pregnancy before she formally announced it. "I was on tour with a bubble gut!" the singer/actress recently told Harper's Bazaar for its February cover story. Lopez, who has a new fragrance on the way, also glowed about husband Marc Anthony, saying, "He made me realize you can be an artist, and have credibility and success, without your life being on public display 24 hours a day." The issue hits stands Tuesday. ...

A parole hearing for Michael Derderian — co-owner of the Station nightclub in Rhode Island, where a fire during a Great White concert claimed the lives of 100 people in February 2003 — was held Wednesday evening (January 9), according to The Associated Press, but a decision won't be handed down until January 16. Relatives of some of the victims reportedly challenged Derderian's possible parole at the hearing, calling him a greedy businessman who put money before safety. "Michael Derderian violated a sacred code of ethics by not providing a safe haven for his patrons. In addition, he has shown absolutely no remorse," said William C. Bonardi, who lost his son in the fire, according to AP. Derderian became parole-eligible after serving 16 months of his four-year prison sentence. The fire was sparked by the show's onstage pyrotechnics, which ignited the venue's flammable soundproofing foam. In September 2006, Derderian and his brother, Jeffrey, pleaded no contest to involuntary-manslaughter charges. Jeffrey Derderian was sentenced to 500 hours of community service and was spared time behind bars. Daniel Biechele, Great White's tour manager and the man who set off the pyrotechnics, was granted parole from his four-year sentence in September and will be released in two months. The parole board plans to meet privately with Derderian in prison before handing down the decision. ...

Prodigy's prison term on a charge of gun possession has been pushed back to allow doctors time to produce records documenting the Mobb Deep rapper's sickle cell anemia, according to New York's Daily News. The MC (real name: Albert Johnson) was supposed to start a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence, for which he was indicted in October, on Wednesday, but a New York judge said doctors need more time to gather medical records, Daily News reports. The judge will reportedly talk to state officials about assigning Prodigy to a prison where he would be able to get easy access to medical treatment for sickle cell anemia, which is an incurable blood disorder that can lead to stroke and organ damage. Earlier this month, Prodigy announced plans to issue his second solo album while behind bars. H.N.I.C. Part 2 is due in March. ...

Radiohead will tour North America soon — we just don't know when. All we do know is where. The band's publicist released a list of the cities Radiohead will hit on their tour, but they've yet to issue the stretch's dates or any venue information. The trek will make stops in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Seattle, Philadelphia and San Francisco, among other cities. ... Christina Aguilera will release "Back to Basics - Live and Down Under," a 90-minute DVD chronicling her world tour's stops in Sydney, Australia, in July. The February 5 effort will feature 18 live cuts, including "Ain't No Other Man," "Come on Over Baby (All I Want Is You)" and, of course, "What a Girl Wants." The DVD will also boast interviews with Christina's dancers, husband Jordan Bratman and Christina herself. ...

Justin Timberlake, Johnny Depp and Katherine Heigl came away with People's Choice Awards on Tuesday in a pre-taped program hosted by Queen Latifah. JT nabbed three trophies, while Jack Sparrow earned the Favorite Male Movie Star prize and the "Grey's Anatomy" actress landed the Favorite Female TV Star honor. As for the show itself, it absolutely tanked — 5.3 million fewer viewers tuned in this year than last. ... T-Pain, former Pretty Ricky singer Pleasure, Jazze Pha and Mannie Fresh have lent their skills to Dem Franchize Boyz's second effort, Da Point of No Return. The disc drops March 25 and is preceded by its first single, the wackily titled "Talkin' Out Da Side of Ya Neck!" ...

Kanye West posted a still image of the next video from Graduation, "Flashing Lights," on his blog Tuesday. In the post, 'Ye didn't give many details about the video, though he did write that he recently returned from Denmark, where he met with the director, whom he didn't name. ... Chicago MCs Lupe Fiasco and Rhymefest debated the merits of Democratic presidential hopeful Illinois Senator Barack Obama online recently. In an interview with SOHH.com, Fiasco expressed his dismay over the voting system and revealed that he wasn't going to vote in the upcoming election. If he did, however, he said he would punch his ballet for New York Senator Hillary Clinton. "Obama doesn't really impress me like that," Lupe said. 'Fest countered that his colleague was being irresponsible with his comments. He posted on his MySpace blog that the skateboarding rapper should be a bit more informed when speaking publicly about elections. "Please, do not let your arrogance be the fuel for your ignorance," Rhymefest wrote. ...

Silverstein — who count only vegetarians among their ranks — have been named Best Animal-Friendly Band in peta2's second annual Libby Awards. Scary Kids Scaring Kids, who have previously teamed with peta2; Rise Against; record labels Victory and Epitaph; and the Vans Warped Tour were also recognized for their various furry efforts. ... A pair of Pantera fans are trying to get a life-size statue commemorating late guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott erected in Texas. The Dime Statue in Dallas Foundation has already pulled in more than a grand for the project — go here for more info. ...

PJ Harvey just put out a new studio LP, White Chalk, in October, but that's not stopping the chanteuse from slapping together another one for release this year. She is reconvening with English multi-instrumentalist and songwriter John Parish for a yet-untitled effort that will be the follow-up to their joint 1996 disc, Dance Hall at Louse Point. Harvey has also sketched out five performances in Australia and New Zealand in February, as well as a March 9 show in Rome. ... Broken Social Scene have broken out their plans for a globe-trotting trek that will take them from New Zealand to Australia, Japan, Singapore and, finally, England. In the latter country, the crafty Canucks will play May 16 at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival that is being curated by Explosions in the Sky. ...

Yellowcard have been enlisted to perform for U.S. soldiers stationed in the Persian Gulf. The rockers' first-ever tour with the United Service Organizations also sees them signing autographs and hanging out with the troops. "This tour isn't just a treat for them but also for us," frontman Ryan Key said in a press release. ... Less Than Jake want to make sure you haven't forgotten about some of their early releases. The ska-punk band — which has full control and ownership of its back catalog — has formed its own label, Sleep It Off, and plans to re-release a bunch of titles March 18: two albums (1995's Pezcore and 1996's Losers, Kings, and Things We Don't Understand), a rarities comp (2002's Goodbye White & Blue) and a DVD (2004's "The People's History of Less Than Jake"). ... Punk band Anti-Flag have set an April 1 release date for their next album, The Bright Lights of America. The album was helmed by producer Tony Visconti (T. Rex, David Bowie), and it marks Visconti's first foray into punk production. ...

Martin Scorsese's Rolling Stones concert flick finally has a name and new release date. "Shine a Light," which had previously been due in late August, will now roll into theaters April 4. ... Forty years ago, Johnny Cash made music history at Folsom Prison. Now, an upcoming tribute hailing the late icon has received the death penalty. Less than 48 hours after promoters announced plans to honor the Man in Black's legacy with a concert marking his Folsom anniversary, the show has been scrapped. Citing security and recording-rights concerns, officials at the California prison shot down the idea Monday night. The event had planned to feature several members of the backing band from 1968's At Folsom Prison, regarded by some as the greatest live album ever recorded.

• Jessica Sierra
• Amy Winehouse
• Avril Lavigne
• The Rubinoos
• Ashley Tisdale

The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island
Photo: Doug McFadd/ Getty Images

The two brothers who owned and operated the Rhode Island nightclub where a fire killed 100 concertgoers in 2003 were sentenced Friday (September 29) — but only one will serve time behind bars.

According to The Associated Press, relatives of the victims killed in the Station nightclub fire responded with outrage and berated Judge Francis Darigan when he sentenced Michael Derderian to serve four years in minimum-security prison; Jeffrey was spared any hard time.

The sentences were the result of plea bargains announced last week (see "Station Club Owners Accept Plea Deal In Great White Concert Fire Case"). The Derderians pleaded no contest to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter for their roles in the blaze that was sparked by onstage pyrotechnics during a performance by Great White. The pyrotechnics ignited highly flammable soundproofing foam, and the fire spread quickly. Great White guitarist Ty Longley was among those who perished in the fire (see "Guitarist Ty Longley Among 97 Dead In Great White Club Fire").

Darigan refused to reconsider the plea bargains, AP reports, adding that they'd help to circumvent a long and emotional trial. But the victims' relatives told the wire service they were angered by both sentences.

"Lady Justice in Rhode Island is blind, but she's also deaf," Jay McLaughlin, the brother-in-law of victims Sandy and Michael Hoogasian, testified. Before he was sentenced, Jeffrey Derderian's face was covered in tears as he expressed regret for the heartache he helped cause, according to AP.

"The fire moved so fast. I was scared. I wish I did a better job," he was quoted as saying. "There are many days that I wish I didn't make it out of that building, because if I didn't, maybe some of these families would feel better. I know you would have liked it if I died too."

Michael Derderian was also remorseful for what happened inside his club, saying, "We will do everything we can so that every question can be answered — so that all the facts, not just some of them, come out." All along, the Derderians have claimed they were unaware the soundproofing foam was flammable.

"If I had known now what that foam was, we definitely would have done things differently," Michael said. "We would have never ever put our patrons, our employees, our families and our friends at risk."

The Derderians and Great White's former tour manager, Daniel Biechele, were indicted December 9, 2003, on 200 counts each of involuntary manslaughter — two counts for each person who died in the Station fire (see "Great White Manager, Club Owners Hit With Criminal Charges"). Biechele was sentenced to four years in prison in May (see "Great White Tour Manager Gets Four Years For Role In Blaze").

• Great White

Photo: Doug McFadd/ Getty Images

The two brothers who owned the Rhode Island nightclub where 100 people died after a pyrotechnics stunt went awry during a 2003 Great White concert will plead no contest to charges of involuntary manslaughter.

The plea was announced Wednesday in a letter to victims' families by Rhode Island's attorney general, according to The New York Times and it spares Station nightclub co-owner Jeffrey Derderian, 39, from serving any prison time for his role in the deadly fire, one of the worst in the state's history (see "Great White Fire Claims 100th Life").

While Jeffrey will be sentenced to three years of probation and 500 hours of community service, brother Michael Derderian will be sentenced to serve four years in a minimum-security prison and three years probation. According to the Providence Journal, Michael will also have an 11-year suspended sentence, which he might have to serve if he gets into trouble while on probation.

The plea deal — which is an admission of guilt, but not the same as a guilty plea — came as jury selection was beginning for the trial of Michael Derderian, and it resolves all criminal charges that stemmed from the tragic fire (see "Great White Manager, Club Owners Hit With Criminal Charges").

In February, Daniel Biechele, Great White's tour manager and the man who set off the pyro, pleaded guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to four years in prison (see "Great White Tour Manager Gets Four Years For Role In Blaze"). Michael Derderian's sentence is identical to that of Biechele.

In his letter to the families of the victims, attorney general Patrick Lynch expressed strong reservations about the plea deal, writing, "I want each of you to understand that as attorney general, I have not agreed to this disposition, and I will continue to strongly voice my objection," the Journal reported. "Despite their desire to admit to the charges against them, I was unwilling to recommend or agree to the sentences that I have been advised the court will impose. Most significantly, I strongly disagree with the court's intention to sentence Jeffrey Derderian to less than jail."

According to Michael Derderian's lawyer, it was Lynch's office that originally proposed the sentences, and later tried to take them off the table after the brothers agreed. A spokesperson for Lynch denied the attorney's account, the Providence Journal reported. Prosecutors had been trying to convince the Derderians to cop a plea for more than a year, which the brothers refused to do until last week, insisting that they wanted a trial so that they could explain what happened the night of the fire. Michael Derderian's lawyer said the pair changed their minds on September 11, out of a desire to spare the families of the victims the trauma of having to relive that night.

The deal didn't sit well with many of the relatives of those killed and the 200 people injured in the fire, several of whom told The New York Times, that they planned to attend the September 29 sentencing. "As far as I'm concerned, these guys are getting away with murder," said Charles Sweet, who lost his son Shawn, 28, and Shawn's girlfriend, Laura Gillette. "I really thought that these two guys would be facing some serious jail time. I mean, they had 440 people inside that club, and the capacity was 300. My wife and I are devastated."

Like many of the family members, Anna Gruttadauria — whose daughter Pam, 33, died after being hospitalized for two and a half months after the fire — wanted to see the Derderians, especially Michael, 45, face trial. "I think it's awful," she said. "I just wanted to see his face. I just wanted to see him go through something the way we did with our daughter. After four years he'll be walking free. My daughter is six feet under. I'll never see her face again."

Jeffrey Derderian received the lighter sentence because — while he was in the West Warwick, Rhode Island, club the night of the fire — authorities said Michael Derderian played a greater role in buying and installing the highly flammable sound-insulating foam around the stage that almost instantly ignited when the band's pyrotechnics began. According to the Journal, even though Michael — who was more involved in running the club — was not there on the night of the fire, he agreed to go to prison to spare his brother, who is the father of two young children.

• Great White

Mariah Carey arrives at the 2006 BMI Urban Music Awards on Wednesday
Photo: William D. Bird/ Getty Images

Mariah Carey, Babyface, L.A. Reid and Kanye West were all winners at the sixth annual Urban Awards held Wednesday at New York's Roseland Ballroom. The awards show, hosted by performing-rights organization BMI, honored Carey with its two top awards, Song of the Year ("We Belong Together") and Songwriter of the Year, which she shared with Miami producers Bigg D and Jim Jonsin (Trick Daddy, Pretty Ricky). L.A. Reid and writing partner Babyface were given a lifetime achievement BMI Icons award, while Kanye scooped up Producer of the Year honors for the second year in a row and Jazze Pha's "1, 2 Step" for Ciara took the BMI Urban Ringtone Award. ...

(Check out photos from the 2006 BMI Urban Music Awards red carpet.)

The surviving members of the Beatles have sued EMI and Capitol Records claiming the record companies cheated them out of millions of dollars. According to BBC News, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison are seeking $25 million in damages against the companies, which they claimed had falsely listed Beatles albums as destroyed or damaged but then secretly sold them. A judge in New York's State Supreme Court denied EMI's request last week for the claim — filed in December — to be thrown out over lack of evidence. The group is also looking to reclaim rights to all its master tapes. ...

Lawyers for Great White tour manager Daniel Biechele filed a motion in Superior Court this week seeking a reduction in his four-year prison sentence in connection with the Station nightclub fire that killed 100 people in February 2003. According to The Providence Journal, Biechele's lawyer said his client is not seeking a hearing on his motion at this time, but that the request was filed to beat a deadline to preserve Biechele's right to seek a reduced sentence if circumstances in the case change. The club's co-owners are awaiting trial and if they receive shorter sentences or are acquitted, that could prompt Biechele to seek a reduction. In February, Biechele, 29, pleaded guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter, one for each of the people who died in the fire set off by stage pyrotechnics Biechele lit inside the club. ...

Gibson Guitar has hooked up with Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong to create the Gibson Billie Joe Armstrong Signature model guitar, which will be available beginning in September for around $2,100. The design is based on Armstrong's beloved 1950s model Gibson Les Paul Jr. guitar. It will come in three colors (vintage sunburst, classic white and ebony) with a custom hard-shell case with leopard-print interior and Green Day's signature "Shock Guy" logo on the exterior. ... Audioslave's Tom Morello will be throwing out the first pitch at Chicago's Wrigley Field on Sunday as his favorite team, the Chicago Cubs, take on the San Francisco Giants. ...

Frances Bean Cobain comes from serious rock stock, but is the daughter of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love considering a music career of her own? "Not really," she told the U.K. edition of Elle in its September issue. "I'd much rather act and I really like photography." Cobain said she'd love to be a film director, explaining that she'd rather be in control than be in front of a camera — "I'm a bit of a bossy-boots." On the subject of footwear, the 14-year-old admits a passion for shoes, explaining that she's already collected 137 pairs. "I counted them, which is pathetic. ... And I've got over 200 pairs of jeans and at least 50 designer handbags." ...

Rancid's Tim Armstrong has been working on material that he'll be releasing in the form of a solo album titled A Poet's Life. He's even shot a video for the disc's first single, "Hold On." There's no firm release date yet for the LP, but Armstrong said in an online post that it should surface before year's end — but not in the conventional manner. He wants to release the songs one track at a time, online, free of charge. He also wrote that Rancid's seventh studio offering will be released next year, and that the band will begin writing songs for it in December. "In the upcoming years, I hope to make another Transplants album," he wrote. "I love recording with those guys." ... TV on the Radio are including three new tracks to their upcoming album, Return To Cookie Mountain, including "Snakes and Martyrs," "Things You Can Do" and an El-P remix of Cookie's "Hours." You'll have to fast-forward through 14 tracks of silence and one "ambient audio" track to hear the songs. Cookie Mountain is due September 12. ...

This year's Farm Aid concert just got way eclectic. In addition to previously announced sets from founders Neil Young, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and board member Dave Matthews, the September 30 concert at the Tweeter Center will feature reggae legends Steel Pulse, polka star Jimmy Sturr, pedal-steel guitarist Robert Randolph and rock pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis, as well as Los Lonely Boys, Arlo Guthrie, Gov't Mule, Steve Earle and Allison Moorer, Shelby Lynne and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, according to the event's Web site. ... Actor Glenn Ford, who racked up screen credits in nearly 100 films over his 50-year career — but is perhaps best known to younger audiences as Clark Kent's Earth father in 1978's "Superman" — died Wednesday at age 90.

08.30.2006

Jessica Simpson, who posed recently in one of her red wigs for the cover of Maxim, is launching the next part of her hair-products line in more than 10,000 salons across the U.S. this week. HairDo, which Simpson's stylist Ken Paves created with the singer, is a series of clip-in hair extensions that combine human hair with fiber replication. She's already tested out the new product on red carpets and at other much-photographed events. "They've all pretty much got written up before," Simpson said of the many looks she's sported on her head. "It's good for an artist to try and change it up, but it's also good for an everyday person to walk in and have people turn their heads, too, like, 'Did you get a haircut?!' I love that, and this doesn't take long to do at all. It's within minutes, literally." ...

Nick Lachey is built like a football player, but it's basketball he's got his eye on. No, he's not following in Master P's footsteps and trying out for the NBA. He's teamed up with buddy A.J. DiScala as part of an investment group that is behind a new American Basketball Association team in Los Angeles called the Hollywood Fame. According to the ABA, the Fame will launch its inaugural season in November, playing at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. Among the other celebrity owners are actors Geoff Stults ("7th Heaven") and Stacy Keibler ("Dancing With the Stars"), former NBA player John Salley and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller. ...

Pink is tackling Joan Jett for football fans, redoing Jett's "I Hate Myself for Loving You" as the theme to "NBC Sunday Night Football." The reworked song — titled "Waiting All Day for Sunday Night" — begins, "All right Sunday night where are you?/ Just kicking back from the things that you do/ You want the big game, we want it too." Pink, a self-described "huge football fan," is excited to have a part in the NFL coverage. "This is something so different for me," she said in a statement. "It's like hearing yourself on the radio for the first time." The tune will debut September 10 during the show's first broadcast. An alternate version, "Waiting All Year for Opening Night," will air September 7 as the 2006 NFL season kicks off with the Pittsburgh Steelers hosting the Miami Dolphins. ...

AFI fans who would like to give their cell phones a goth makeover should head on over to the band's Web site, where they'll find a dozen ringtones — one for each track off Decemberunderground, the rockers' latest LP. ... Expect John Legend to bring the sexy back in the video for his new single, "Save Room." Director Bryan Barber — who helmed "Idlewild" and Christina Aguilera's "Ain't No Other Man" — told MTV News that they shot the clip recently in New York. "It's very fun," Barber said. "John wanted to be sexier, so it's him and a few of his lady friends hanging out, and it's much more sexy than you'd think." Barber's also developing a new script with Outkast's Andre 3000 and Big Boi called "Fun Facts," but he's keeping that under wraps for now. "Andre made me promise not to tell," he said, "but it's kind of bizarre, a little bit of everything in there." Barber said he also recently shot a Pepsi commercial with Pharrell. ...

Mike Jones began shooting his debut movie, "American Dream," this week in Houston. The film, directed by Derrick Dixon ("The Dirty Third"), chronicles Jones' real-life rise to fame as an aspiring rapper from the streets. ... RZA announced the addition of a new member to the Wu-Tang Clan on Wednesday (August 30), a rapper named Cilvaringz. Wu-Tang watchers might know the newcomer from the Ghostface Killah single "Guerrilla Hood," which Cilvaringz produced; he also appeared on RZA's last two solo efforts, Digital Bullet and Birth of a Prince. RZA is helping produce Cilvaringz's debut, along with Method Man, GZA, Raekwon, Ghostface and Masta Killa. The album, titled I, is due in January. ... Kevin Federline started up his own record label to release his debut album, Playing With Fire, and now the new rapper has a distribution deal to help it along. K-Fed just signed on with Sony BMG for the North American release of the album, now due October 31. Federline is also set to perform on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" on September 6. ... Konvicted, Akon's follow-up to Trouble, is due December 12. The first single, "Smack That," features Eminem, while Snoop Dogg and Styles P also appear on the album. ...

N.O.R.E., whose reggaetón album N.O.R.E. y la Familia ... Ya Tú Sabe is due September 12, will hit the road beginning September 14 in San Francisco for a tour that wraps up September 30 in Atlanta. Fat Joe and Daddy Yankee are among the album's guests. ... Duran Duran and Daft Punk will co-headline the Bang! Music Festival, and Common is also joining the ranks of previously announced performers Gnarls Barkley, Modest Mouse and Tiësto. Thievery Corporation, Roger Sanchez and Kinky have also been added to the November 11 Miami fest lineup. ... Papa Roach are giving fans a chance to preview The Paramour Sessions before its September 12 release. The band has scheduled listening parties in 10 cities, and those who attend can enter a contest to win a trip to Los Angeles to see the Roach's Halloween gig. Listening parties will be held September 5 in Chicago; September 6 in Dallas; September 7 in Philadelphia and Seattle; September 8 in Morristown, New Jersey, and Allston, Massachusetts; September 9 in Orlando, Florida, and Mount Clemens, Michigan; and September 11 in West Hollywood, California, and San Francisco. ...

Dinosaur Jr.'s trailer was robbed Tuesday while parked outside a hotel in Long Island, New York. The band is asking anyone with information to call (303) 998-0001. In other Dinosaur Jr. news, Lou Barlow recently revealed the original lineup is recording its first new record in 18 years. ... The Polyphonic Spree are set to release their digital EP, Wait, on Tuesday. Tracks include two tunes from The Fragile Army, due in 2007, and covers of Nirvana's "Lithium," the Psychedelic Furs' "Love My Way" (both produced by Jon Brion) and Tripping Daisy's "Sonic Bloom." ... The revitalized Lemonheads will be supporting their comeback self-titled album, due September 26, with a tour kicking off November 18 in Santa Ana, California. The North American jaunt will carry them through December 16, when they land in their Boston hometown. ... Apparently O.A.R.'s summer-tour regiment isn't enough to satisfy the college-friendly band. Fourteen more dates have been added to their schedule, beginning with a Friday-Sunday stint supporting Dave Matthews Band at the Gorge in George, Washington. After that, O.A.R. will rest until October 12, when they play Grand Rapids, Michigan, kicking off a run that winds down October 27 in Minneapolis. The band is still touring in support of last year's Stories of a Stranger.

• Ciara, Mariah And Rihanna At The 2006 BMI Urban Music Awards

• Mariah Carey
• Kanye West
• The Beatles
• Great White
• Green Day

Daniel Biechele is comforted by his lawyer Thomas Briody during victim testimony on Tuesday
Photo: Getty Images

A judge in Rhode Island sentenced former Great White tour manager Daniel Biechele to four years in prison on Wednesday (May 10) for his role in a February 2003 nightclub fire that killed 100 people.

Biechele — who on February 7 pleaded guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter as part of a plea deal (see "Former Great White Manager Expected To Plead Guilty To Involuntary Manslaughter") — tearfully apologized to the victims of the fire, then stood in silence as Superior Court Judge Francis Darigan Jr. sentenced him to 15 years in prison. Darigan suspended 11 years of the sentence, explaining that he believed Biechele had already suffered for his act.

"The greatest sentence that can be imposed upon you has been imposed upon you by yourself," Darigan told Biechele, according to The Associated Press.

Prosecutors had urged the judge to sentence Biechele to 10 years in prison after he admitted to lighting a pyrotechnic display during Great White's first song at the Station club. The pyrotechnics ignited flammable soundproof lining in the ceiling and walls of the venue, creating a roaring inferno that killed 100 as panicked concertgoers filled the exits (see "Great White Fire Claims 100th Life").

"The devastation wrought by the conduct of the defendant is unparalleled in our state's history," prosecutor Randall White said, according to the AP. "The suffering is endless, and the extent and depth of the pain is bottomless."

But Biechele's attorney Thomas Briody argued his client deserved leniency. "I ask you to consider this: Dan Biechele is the only man in this tragedy to stand up and say, 'I did something wrong,' " Briody said, according to the AP. "He's the only man to say, 'I apologize.' "

It was a pointed reference to the owners of the Station club, Jeffrey and Michael Derderian, who are accused of installing the soundproofing and have each pleaded not guilty to 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter — two counts for each individual killed as a result of the blaze (see "Great White Manager, Club Owners Hit With Criminal Charges").

Michael Derderian's trial has been set for July 31; his brother is still without a trial date.

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Michael Jackson
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Michael Jackson is demanding GQ pull its May issue, now on stands, after the magazine chose to run a series of photos depicting a Jackson impersonator, The Associated Press reported Friday (May 5). The May issue article "Where's Michael?" is accompanied with photos featuring the impersonator at various locations in Bahrain, where the singer now lives. A Jackson representative released a statement Friday saying the singer is "furious" with the spoof and is also demanding an apology from the magazine. ...

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Great White's Jack Russell
Photo: Robert Mora/Getty Images

A number of new defendants were named in an amended civil lawsuit filed Wednesday by survivors and relatives of those killed in the Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, Rhode Island, nearly three years ago. The February 20, 2003, blaze — which started when onstage pyrotechnics set off during a Great White performance ignited soundproofing foam on the club's walls — claimed the lives of 100 people and left 200 others injured.

According to The Associated Press, the revised suit names individual members of Great White, claiming bassist David Felice, drummer Eric Powers, guitarist Mark Kendall and lead singer Jack Russell helped arrange the pyrotechnics display but never sought the required permit. Russell was the sole member of the group to be included in the original suit, which was filed in July 2004 (see "Major New Lawsuit Filed Against Great White, Others For Fatal Club Fire"). The updated complaint replaces the original lawsuit, and comes mere days before a three-year deadline for claims stemming from the Station tragedy.

The amended suit, which seeks unspecified monetary damages, restores the state of Rhode Island as a defendant (a federal judge dropped the state from the civil action last year), and introduced claims that the state is responsible for the "egregious negligence" of West Warwick's fire inspector Denis Larocque, the AP reports. Plaintiffs' lawyers allege that the fire inspector failed to cite the club for installing the flammable foam around the stage and as a buffer lining the walls.

West Warwick building official Stephen Murray has also been added to the suit's list of defendants. He's accused of failing to properly inspect the Station and enforce occupancy restrictions and exit requirements.

Aram DerManouelian, the president of American Foam, has been named in the revised complaint, accused of discouraging his employees from informing potential buyers about the hazards the foam might pose (see "Judge Upholds Manslaughter Charges In Great White Fire Case"). Several companies that produce and sell some of the foam and insulation that was present inside the club at the time of the fire (including Home Depot) were named, along with insurance companies accused of failing to rigorously inspect the Station edifice for the flammable foam.

Nearly four dozen defendants were listed in the original filing, including the club's owners, Jeffrey and Michael Derderian, Great White's former tour manager, Daniel Biechele, and American Foam Corporation. The Derderians still face 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter, stemming from the fatal inferno. Late last month, Biechele, who'd been facing the same criminal charges, pleaded guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter as part of a deal that will see him serve no more than 10 years behind bars (see "Former Great White Manager Expected To Plead Guilty To Involuntary Manslaughter").

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Former Great White manager Daniel Biechele
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Former Great White manager Daniel Biechele is expected to plead guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter on February 7 as part of a plea deal that'll see him serving no more than 10 years behind bars for his role in a deadly 2003 club fire.

The deal was announced Tuesday afternoon (January 31) by Superior Court Judge Francis Darigan, according to The Boston Globe.

Before the plea agreement, Biechele was facing 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter stemming from his alleged role in the deaths of 100 people who died in the February 2003 inferno that consumed the Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island (see "Great White Fire Claims 100th Life"). The fire — the fourth-deadliest nightclub blaze in the country's history — was ignited when Great White's onstage pyrotechnics lit the flammable soundproofing foam that lined the club's walls.

Great White guitarist Ty Longley was among those who died. More than 200 people suffered fire-related injuries. Biechele had originally pleaded not guilty to the 200 counts, as have Station owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian. All three men were charged with two counts for each of the 100 people killed — one count for alleged criminal negligence, and the other for allegedly committing the underlying offenses that led to the deaths and the unsafe conditions that fueled the fire (see "Great White Manager, Club Owners Hit With Criminal Charges").

The Derderians were accused of violating fire codes by using non-flame-resistant soundproofing foam. Biechele was alleged to have set off pyrotechnics without obtaining a permit. Biechele maintains he had been given permission to use pyrotechnics, a claim the Derderians have challenged. Lawyers for Biechele could not be reached for comment.

The plea bargain comes nearly two months after Darigan's refusal to dismiss manslaughter charges against the Derderians and Biechele (see "Judge Upholds Manslaughter Charges In Great White Fire Case"). In October, lawyers for the defendants asked Darigan to dismiss half the counts in the indictment, and a month later they charged that the prosecution had withheld case-critical evidence.

In early December, a U.S. District Court Judge turned down a defense motion to dismiss a massive negligence case against the town of West Warwick, which was filed by more than 250 people who were either injured in the fire or lost family members to the blaze. Longley's girlfriend, who was pregnant at the time of his death, was among the plaintiffs.

Relatives of some of the victims were incensed by Tuesday's news.

"My daughter's life is worth more than a plea bargain," Diane Mattera told the Globe, referring to her late 29-year-old daughter, Tammy. "For the 100 victims, and for all the ones that are burnt and scarred and everything else, they deserve much more than this — not a plea bargain. This is absolutely wrong."

"It's hard today," Rosanna Fontaine, who lost her 22-year-old son, Mark, told the paper. "I don't think we hold out much hope that anyone really is going to be held accountable."

The plea deal could impact the case still pending against the Derderians, according to former prosecutor David Frank. He said in an interview with the Globe that this week's development could make it easier for the Derderians' attorneys to lay all the blame on Biechele.

"His lawyer isn't there to sort of present his side of the story or present his spin," Frank said. "So it really allows the Derderians to put whatever blame or whatever responsibility they think is appropriate on this manager."

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Scene of the Station nightclub fire
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Superior Court Judge Francis J. Darigan Jr. refused on Monday to dismiss manslaughter charges against the owners of the Station nightclub in Rhode Island where 100 people died in a 2003 fire during a Great White show. Darigan also refused to dismiss any charges against former Great White tour manager Daniel Biechele.

According to The Associated Press, the decision means that prosecutors can proceed with their case against the three, who have pleaded not guilty to 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the fire started by by onstage pyrotechnics that ignited flammable soundproofing foam around the stage at the West Warwick, Rhode Island, club (see "Guitarist Ty Longley Among 97 Dead In Great White Club Fire").

In October, lawyers for the three had asked Darigan to dismiss half the counts in the indictment. Last month they expanded that request, accusing prosecutors of withholding evidence that they believe helps their case (see "Club Owners Allege Prosecutors Withheld Evidence In Probe Of Fatal Concert Fire").

Prosecutors allege that Station owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian violated the fire code by using non-flame-resistant foam and that Biechele set off pyrotechnics without obtaining a permit. But defense lawyers have argued that those are misdemeanors and are not a basis for a manslaughter conviction. In trying to gain a dismissal on the charges last month, the club owners' lawyer presented a fax from the salesman that sold them the foam, in which he said the American Foam Corp. did not warn customers about the dangers of the product; the company denied the salesman's claims. The judge ruled that the fax — which the salesman originally sent to prosecutors anonymously and which was not presented as evidence to the grand jury — did not significantly help the defense's case.

According to the AP, the club owners have also claimed that fire officials failed to tell them that their foam violated state fire codes, but Darigan determined that prior notice is not a factor in the charges. The judge ruled that misdemeanor manslaughter is not a crime of "specific intent," which is why the club owners were not charged with murder, which requires a clear intention to harm the victims.

The move comes after last week's ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Ronald Lagueux, who refused to dismiss a massive negligence case against the town of West Warwick filed by more than 250 people who were injured or lost family members in the February 2003 blaze, including the girlfriend of late Great White guitarist Ty Longley (see "Lawsuit Against Rhode Island Town Over Deadly Club Fire Can Proceed, Judge Rules").

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Great White's Jack Russell
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The lawsuits over the Great White fire that left 100 dead and more than 200 injured almost three years ago at a Rhode Island nightclub aren't over yet.

A federal judge has refused to dismiss a massive negligence case against the town of West Warwick, which was filed by more than 250 people who were injured or lost family members in the February 2003 blaze, including the girlfriend of late Great White guitarist Ty Longley (see "Major New Lawsuit Filed Against Great White, Others For Fatal Club Fire").

In his ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Ronald Lagueux granted a motion to dismiss the state of Rhode Island from liability in the case, declaring the state immune, but said that he would not do the same for the town of West Warwick, since the fire could have been the fault of local officials. West Warwick fire inspector Denis Larocque, town finance director Malcolm Moore and police officer Anthony Bettencourt, who was assigned to work at the Station on the night of the fire (and later received a Medal of Valor for saving people from the fire), allegedly failed to enforce fire-safety regulations at the Station, and those inactions could have resulted in an "increased possibility of fire and increased hazard to the general public." The allegations, if proven, "are sufficient to support a finding of proximate cause."

Lagueux found that the local officials could have allowed the club to become overcrowded, could have failed to inspect the building for safety violations, could have failed to enforce regulations governing the use of fireworks and could have failed to enforce a myriad of fire-safety laws and standards. While those actions would not necessarily cause the blaze itself, since there were "negligent and criminal acts of others" that contributed to the situation, it doesn't mean that the town isn't also liable, the judge wrote in his ruling, since the actions of others didn't break a "causal chain," but were instead "the natural and probable consequence" of the town's negligence and "could have reasonably been anticipated."

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