Print-friendly Version

Return to the full version

Briefly: Elton John says he's recorded his last album

plus: My VH1 Music Awards. Wilco signs. The making of "Transformer." Shaba Ranks in the studio. Clear Channel Entertainment grows.

* * *

At his Friday night (11/30) concert in Manchester, N.H., Elton John told the audience that his latest album, October's "Songs from the West Coast" (Universal), will be his last, according to published reports

"It's the last record that I ever make,'' he said, according to the Associated Press. "I'm fed up with it. I like playing to you guys but I hate the record industry. I've made 40 albums and its about time for me to get out."

* * *

Dave Matthews Band took home three awards, topping the field at the second annual My VH1 Music Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sunday (12/2).

The award winners--as well as the categories and nominees--were determined by fan votes on the VH1.com website. Voting on the categories opened in September, and the polls remained open until the winners were announced.

The winners:

* * *

Wilco, which exited Reprise Records after the label balked at releasing its new album "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot," has signed a deal with Nonesuch Records, Billboard.com reported.

Click here to read a review of a recent Wilco show.

* * *

The making of Lou Reed's 1972 album "Transformer" (RCA) is chronicled in a "Classic Albums" VHS/DVD documentary from Eagle Eye Media and Pioneer Entertainment that hits stores on Tuesday (12/4).

* * *

Two-time Grammy Award winner Shabba Ranks is in the studio working on his 18th album, the reggae-rapper's first in five years. The as-yet-untitled album is expected to hit stores in early 2002.

* * *

Clear Channel Entertainment, the world's top concert promoter, has acquired Italy's two leading concert promotions businesses, Milano Concerti and Trident Agency.