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The Justice Department opened an antitrust investigation of the online music business, focusing on two new joint ventures backed by five major record labels, the Wall Street Journal reported in its online edition on Monday. The probe, which is in a preliminary stage, is looking into possible anti-competitive problems posed by the joint ventures, lawyers close to the case said Friday, according to the report. The government is also expected to examine the major record companies’ use of copyright rules and licensing practices to control online distribution of their music, according to these people, the report said. The rival joint… Read more »

The U.S. Justice Department has launched an antitrust investigation into two online music services, both scheduled to launch this fall, that are backed by the world’s largest record companies. According to two senior executives in the record industry, federal investigators notified the record labels that they intend to examine possible anti-competitive aspects of the digital music ventures created by the music industry’s big five: Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music, EMI Group and BMG. The Justice Department does not comment on ongoing investigations. The two online services under investigation, MusicNet and pressplay, are the record industry’s best effort… Read more »

Picture this: A kind of “MTV Unplugged” on The Travel Channel. Then you have an idea of what to expect from “Music In High Places,” airing 10 p.m. EDT Friday on MTV. This week’s outing offers an unusual and entertaining acoustic performance by the Deftones, a band whose ear-shattering, in-your-face music won a best metal Grammy this year. “This is a group that really played into the philosophy of ‘Music In High Places,”‘ said the show’s executive producer, Parvene Michaels. That philosophy was to take the Deftones out of their concert venues, unplug their electrical guitars, microphones and amplifiers and… Read more »

Ex-Beatle George Harrison has admitted that he expects to die soon from cancer, the group’s former producer was quoted on Sunday as saying. The 58-year-old musician has been treated for a brain tumor at a clinic in Switzerland, having already undergone an operation for lung cancer earlier this year. The Mail on Sunday said Harrison had told his friend and former producer George Martin, dubbed the “fifth Beatle,” that he does not have long to live. Martin told the newspaper: “He is taking it easy and hoping that the thing will go away. He has an indomitable spirit but he… Read more »

Wet Seal has signed on Epic Records recording artist 3LW to showcase the retailer’s “BeDazzle Your Denim” mega-promotion, held at Wet Seal stores nationwide starting August 1. The contest rewards the craftiest Wet Seal girl with a trip for two to Honolulu, Hawaii to see 3LW on the closing night of MTV’s TRL (Total Request Live) Tour on September 21, 2001. To enter, contestants must embellish a pair of Wet Seal Blue Asphalt jeans – which can be jeweled, studded, painted, pinned, patched, ripped, dyed, drawn on or otherwise decorated! – and submit a photograph of the finished jeans in… Read more »

Nearly a week into his stay at a live-in rehab center, Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean is learning how to surrender, addiction experts say. “The first thing you have to do is give up – you have to say, ‘This thing is bigger than I am,’” said Buddy Arnold, president of the Musicians’ Assistance Program, an organization that helps musicians get clean. “You’re being asked to give up your best friend, your coping tool that works all the time.” McLean entered an undisclosed rehab facility on Sunday to deal with alcohol abuse, depression and anxiety, according to his Backstreet bandmates. The… Read more »

Public Enemy will take the next step into the digital music age by posting re-recorded versions of songs, such as “Public Enemy #1,” “Arizona” and “Shut ‘Em Down” on rapper Chuck D.’s new Web site/record label SlamJamz.com and asking fans to write new music for the tracks. A longtime, outspoken proponent of online platforms and technology such as Napster and MP3s, Chuck D. says the technology developed in recent years has made it possible for artists to work in new ways. “I think we’re living in interactive times, and technology has made it more accessible to create more creators,” he… Read more »

Vans, Inc. (NASDAQ: VANS – news) today announced that it has executed agreements to acquire 70% of the VANS Warped Tour(TM) in a two-step transaction with LAUNCH Media, Inc. and the original founders of the Tour. The transaction is subject to certain conditions prior to closing. Under the terms of the new agreement, LAUNCH will operate the Tour this year and will retain the exclusive rights to sell sponsorship for the 2002 and 2003 Tours. The Company stated that it expects the acquisition to be accretive to earnings upon gaining control of the Tour in the summer of 2002.* Gary… Read more »

MSN ®, the exclusive online sponsor of Janet Jackson’s “All for You World Tour 2001” concert tour, is connecting Jackson with her fans around the world like never before. From exclusive online interviews and behind-the-scenes video footage to the opportunity to meet Jackson in person, fans will have the ultimate window into the four-time Grammy Award winner’s world during one of the most highly anticipated tours of the year. Beginning today, fans can access all this exclusive content at http://music.msn.com/. “The Internet is a great way for me to stay in touch with my fans,” said Jackson, “and to deliver… Read more »

Duet – a joint venture between music giants Vivendi Universal and Sony Corp – has quietly been lining up new leadership and negotiating with potential partners, including Microsoft Corp., sources close to the venture said Friday. Although rival online music service MusicNet stole the spotlight this week by striking a licensing deal with song-swap company Napster, Duet is expected to announce the appointment of Andy Schuon to head the year-old venture, a move that could come as early as next week, the sources said. Vivendi Universaland Sony Corpboth declined to comment on the expected appointment or on whether they are… Read more »