Heather Mills has reportedly asked Sir Richard Branson, head of the Virgin group of companies, to allow her to move to Necker Island, Sir Richard’s private island in the British Virgin Islands.  Mills claims that it is the only way that she can escape the ‘hate mobs’ that are said to be making her life hell in Britain since her divorce from Sir Paul McCartney .  A source says,

“It would be the dream move for her - she wants to get out of the spotlight for a while. She wants to spend a year there to rest and rebuild her life. She’s been in touch with Sir Richard and she is confident he will allow her to live there for a while.”

Necker Island is a ultra-private, ultra-pricey  Carribean resort with accomodations for only 28 people. The resort features two private beaches, pools, tennis courts, a personal chef and a range of water sports.

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Sir Paul McCartney and Yoko Ono are reportedly ‘furious’ about claims made in a new book about John Lennon.  In ‘John Lennon: The Life’, author Philip Norman alludes to the idea that John Lennon had sexual fantasies about his mother, Julia.  The author also writes that Lennon wanted a gay relationship with his songwriting partner and bandmate Sir Paul.  Both Yoko and Paul reportedly contributed interviews to the biography.  They are said to be extremely upset about the book and reportedly are both withdrawing their endorsement.  The author, Philip Norman has written previous books on The Beatles.

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The Edge says that U2 are still working on songs for their eagerly awaited but delayed next album.  The album was rumored to be released on Nov. 14, but has been pushed back to ‘early 2009′.  The postponement coincidentally came after some new tracks had been leaked onto the internet by a fan.  The Edge says,

“We’re still writing and we’re trying to take it to the next level.  Its taking a while, but I’m told there’s no short cut to greatness!”

Bono spoke of the delay on the band’s website, explaining that the band had been coming up with lots of good material and didn’t want to stop yet.

Sounds like the new album will be worth the wait!

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The Who’s Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey are among the 2008 Kennedy Center honorees.  The 31st annual ceremony will take place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts In Washington, D.C. on Dec. 6 and will be shown the next night on CBS.  The center’s board of trustees selects the honorees, who are recognized for their “lifetime contributions to the performing arts, whether in dance, music, theater, opera, motion pictures or television”.  The other 2008 recipients are Barbra Streisand, Morgan Freeman, Twyla Tharp, and George Jones.

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It seems that Elton John had planned to ask Lily Allen to tour with him and duet on a song.  That has changed since their onstage war of words at the GQ Men of the Year awards.  Elton was disgusted by Miss Allen’s drunken behavior at the ceremony and let her know in no uncertain terms in front of the audience.  Miss Allen hurled insults back at Sir Elton and the whole thing was reportedly very embarrassing.  Sir Elton said,

“I was thinking about asking her to tour with me and maybe even do a duet.  Obviously that won’t be happening now.”

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David Bowie’s album ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust’ tops the list of the ‘100 Greatest, Gayest Albums of All Time’, as compiled in an Out Magazine poll.  Bowie’s masterpiece album from 1972 was described as ‘liberating and uplifting’.  I totally agree.  It’s one of my all-time faves as well.  Others on the list include albums by Cyndi Lauper, the B-52’s, Queen, Eurythmics, Prince, Nirvana, and The Beatles.  It’s an interesting read.  Go here to see the entire list.

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The Annual ‘GQ Men of the Year Awards’ ceremony held in London was marred by some very unclassy behavior by the two presenters, British pop singer Lily Allen and Sir Elton John.  Miss Allen was enjoying her champagne , both onstage and off, as the pair handed out awards, until she started to slur her words, ad-lib, and swear. The war of words went like this:

It was Ms. Allen’s turn to announce, “And now, the most important part of the night…”, when Elton piped in with,

“What, are you going to have another drink?”

Ms. Allen, not missing a beat, came back with,

” F*** off, Elton, I’m 40 years younger than you and I have my whole life ahead of me”.

A ticked-off Elton replied,

” I could still snort you under the table.”

Ms. Allen:

“F*** off, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Ms. Allen was reportedly pouring herself champagne from a bottle she had hidden behind the stage set, swigging it down between awards.

For more on the GQ Awards, go here.

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I’m very excited to report that Kate Winslet has been chosen to play Julia Lennon in the upcoming film ‘Nowhere Boy’, based on the early life of the late Beatles legend John Lennon.  The movie focuses on John’s teen years, beginning around the time of the formation of The Quarrymen.  Oscar-nominated actress Emily Watson has been mentioned as a possibility to play John’s Aunt Mimi, Julia’s step-sister, who raised John.  No names have been considered yet to play Paul McCartney, George Harrison, or Ringo Starr.  I’m keeping tabs on news of this movie and sincerely hope that it will show the world the genius of John Lennon.

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Pink Floyd members Roger Waters and Nick Mason have been awarded the 2008 Swedish Polar Music Prize.  The musicians, along with American opera singer Renee Fleming, received their prizes from Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf at a ceremony in Stockholm on Tuesday.  Pink Floyd won for their ‘contribution to the development of popular culture’.  The Polar Music Prize is annually split between pop and classical artists and is Sweden’s most prestigious music award.

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Apparently, Sir Elton John is ready to forget his accusation of Madonna’s lip-synching at her live performances. Elton showed up at Madonna’s ‘Sticky and Sweet’ tour concert in Paris on Tuesday with his partner David Furnish.  The pair were reportedly photographed cheering on Madonna from the stands.  Sounds like Elton is over his hissy fit from four years ago.  At a music awards show back then, Elton made unflattering remarks about Madonna being nominated for Best Live Act, questioning the authenticity of her live singing.  I wonder if the Rocket Man went backstage to say hello to Madge.

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