GEORGE MICHAEL will release a version of 'Feeling Good', taken from the musical 'The Roar Of The Greasepaint, The Smell Of The Crowd' and famously recorded by Nina Simone, as a free download single on Christmas day in addition to releasing an official, commercial Christmas single...

NIK KERSHAW has been added to the bill of the forthcoming 'Days For Heroes' charity gig which will take place at Kent Showground on September 21st. The event, which features a diverse selection of music, will be headlined by McFly and is to also include performances from Jocelyn Brown, Diamond Girlz and The Queen's Division Big Band.

THE CURE have finally announced the title for their forthcoming thirteenth studio album. The album is to be called '4:13 Dream' and is currently scheduled for release on October 13th...

MORTEN HARKET is to appear at Norway's forthcoming Peace Summit event which will take place in Stavanger between September 10th and 12th. The A-HA singer will be performing a selection of Western interpretations of music from Morocco, Mexico and Palestine.

IAN MCNABB will publish 'Merseybeast', a memoir of his years in music, from fronting THE ICICLE WORKS to his current solo work, on October 3rd. The book will be promoted by a series of acoustic sets and signing sessions around publication.

JANET JACKSON is to launch her own line of lingerie under the 'Pleasure Principle' label in the US in November.

ANNIE LENNOX's forthcoming hits compilation has been delayed until next year following surgery on her back which will prevent her from promoting the record until she has fully recovered.

JOHNNY MARR, formerly guitarist for THE SMITHS and ELECTRONIC, has joined Wakefield act The Cribs as a full-time member.

BRONSKI BEAT's STEVE BRONSKI has collaborated with German artist Marlonski on a pop-poem entitled 'Dragon Fly'.

With thanks to www.remembertheeighties.com:??"The eighties... up to date!"