ULTRAVOX have announced via their official website that they are to reform their classic line-up of WARREN CANN, CHRIS CROSS, BILLY CURRIE and MIDGE URE for a UK tour in April next year. Tickets go onsale on Wednesday November 12th, see GIGS for details.

ERASURE will release a new his compilation 'Total Pop! The First 40 Hits' on February 23rd. The duo will also release the album as part of a special 4-disc boxset featuring the original 'Pop!' compilation in a remastered edition alongside the new album, a live CD and a DVD of classic TV performances.

BRYAN FERRY is to reissue his 1989 concert video 'New Town' on DVD under the title 'The Bête Noire Tour'. The DVD edition, released on November 10th, will additionally include the previously unreleased 'Konixxtreffen 2002' concert which was filmed in Germany in 2002 and showcased a selection of solo and ROXY MUSIC hits. See NEWS for the full album tracklisting.

GARY NUMAN has announced four Australian shows - in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Meredith - to take place next year. See GIGS for details.

RICK ASTLEY won the public vote to take the 'Best Act Ever' award at last week's MTV Europe Music Awards.

DEPECHE MODE frontman DAVE GAHAN has recorded vocals for a new track on the debut album from up and coming band Fryars. The track is called 'Visitor' and will be a downloadable single in advance of the album release next year.

MORRISSEY has confirmed that his new album 'Years Of Refusal' will be released on February 23rd and will be preceded by a single entitled 'I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris' which will include two new non-album tracks as b-sides including 'Shame Is The Name' which features additional vocals from THE PRETENDERS' Chrissie Hynde.

PET SHOP BOYS will receive the prestigious 'Outstanding Contribution To Music Award' at next year's Brit Awards which will take place in February and will include a live set from the duo.

THE CURE are to follow their recently announced London appearance at the NME Awards on February 25th with a second London show for the magazine at the O2 Arena the next night, February 26th, when they will headline the 2009 NME 'Big Gig'.

DURAN DURAN's 'A View To A Kill' has been voted the best ever Bond theme in a recent online poll. MADONNA's 'Die Another Day'came fourteenth in the poll with SHEENA EASTON's 'For Your Eyes Only' at eighteen and A-HA's 'The Living Daylights' at nineteen.

KYLIE MINOGUE is said to be considering a return to her acting roots, and is particularly interested in playing comic roles, saying 'It's not that well known that I'm funny, but I am funny. People who know me will tell you.'

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