MUSIC ROUNDUP: NOW WITH 25% MORE CLOWNS
Insane Clown Posse fans also proved to be insane at a concert in Kentucky when promoters cancelled ICP's performance mid-show because of a bomb threat. Violence between fans and security quickly ensued, resulting in the arrest of five people, including one juvenile, on charges of disorderly conduct, criminal littering and second-degree rioting. As bottles, coins and other debris were hurled toward the stage, police and venue security tried to evacuate the venue, allegedly resorting to physical force that may have included the use of pepper spray on some in the crowd. Local police said they previously used such actions to keep Kentucky Derby losers in line.
TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT, WHAT YOU REALLY, REALLY WANT
Despite claims made by Sporty Spice (Melanie Chisholm) that she was going to leave the Spice Girls to pursue her solo career (hitsdailydouble.com, 3/9), her record label and Spicy cohorts contend the group has not broken up. "Mel C has not left the Spice Girls and the Spice Girls have not split up," group spokesperson Alan Edwards told Reuters News Service, contradicting statements made by Chisholm the day before. Band members Mel B, Victoria and Emma were said to be "perplexed, shocked and bemused" by Sporty's statements. Scary Spice Mel B said: "As far as I know we haven't split up." In a radio interview, Baby Spice Emma Bunton added, "I don't think Mel C meant to say it. She has been working very hard and was probably very tired." Spice-departing pioneer Geri Halliwell's career, meanwhile, says "go for it" in a way words never could.
IT'S DARK AND FULL OF CRIMINALS
After serving 11 days of a 15-day sentence for a variety of driving and drug charges, incarcerated rap star DMX exited New York's Erie County Correctional Facility Friday (3/9) on crutches. The rapper hobbled out of the facility using the walking aids, which were provided Wednesday (3/7), following an alleged assault by guards. DMX's attorney, Mark Mahoney, told reporters the rapper's injuries occurred when guards threw the rapper to the ground during a cell inspection. Mahoney added that it's unfair to blame the hip-hop star for Steven Seagal's previous films.
BUD SCOPPA SNUBBED YET AGAIN
Keith Richards, Bono, members of the Foo Fighters and Moby will be among the presenters at the 16th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction dinner March 19 at New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Moby will induct Steely Dan; Foos Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins will present the surviving members of Queen with their honor; Richards will recognize "sideman" James Burton, who was Elvis Presley's and Rick Nelson's guitarist; and Bono will salute Chris Blackwell, the founder of U2's former label, Island Records. Other 2001 honorees include Aerosmith, Paul Simon, Ritchie Valens and Michael Jackson, whom NSYNC will induct, as previously announced. In a related item, it was announced that enough of Jackson is new to make him eligible for multiple inductions.
