The BPI and Brit Awards chief executive Geoff Taylor said that Sir Elton had "achieved such a level of artistic creativity and originality, critical acclaim, global recognition and popular success" that he deserved to be recognised as a "true icon of our cultural life". Sir Elton has sold more than 250 million records globally. Proceeds from the show will go to the Brit Trust and the Royal Academy of Music, where Sir Elton trained.
Family Affair - The son of T Rex frontman, Marc Bolan, is suing a UK music publisher for $2m (£1.3m), alleging the company has violated copyright laws. Rolan Seymour Feld filed a court case in Los Angeles against Westminster Music Limited, claiming he is the sole owner of the rocker's hits including Get It On and Jeepster.
He alleges the company did not renew its contract to use Bolan's songs. Bolan, whose real name was Mark Feld, died in a car accident in 1977. In the court documents, Feld, who was a toddler when his father died, claimed Bolan transferred copyright to Westminster for one year in a document signed in October 1968.
Shows Off - Morrissey has apologised to fans after cancelling the remainder of his South American tour due to a "lack of funding". The former Smiths frontman had postponed 14 dates earlier this month after suffering from food poisoning. Poor health has forced the singer to axe almost all of his tour dates this year, including his North American leg. Writing on the fan site True To You, Morrissey said it had been a year of "too many disappointments", adding, "I am informed today that the projected tour of South America is snuffed out, thus euthanised - due, I'm reliably advised, to lack of funding."
Punk Icon - John Lydon is to receive a special award for his contribution to music from music rights organisation BMI. The punk musician, also known by his former stage name Johnny Rotten, will be presented with the Icon Award at the industry bash in October. The award is given to songwriters who have had "an indelible influence on generations of music makers". Previous recipients include Ray Davies, Van Morrison and Bryan Ferry. "John Lydon is a true icon whose influence on music, fashion and art has been felt around the world," said Del Bryant, the president of BMI.
(Jim Evans)
