Vivendi Universal Games has signed a deal with Metallica [ tickets ] that will allow the company to "publish and distribute a multi-platform vehicle combat action game featuring music, voice-overs and inspiration from the band," according to a press release. Under the terms of the contract, Metallica will also "record an original song exclusively for the game along with a music video featuring elements from the interactive experience."

A trailer of the video game--which is slated for release in early 2005--will be included on Metallica's new album, "St. Anger," which hits stores on Thursday (6/5).

Tim McGraw [ tickets ] will make his acting debut in the independent film "Black Cloud," written and directed by Rick Schroder ("NYPD Blue"). Filming begins later this week in Arizona and the movie is expected to debut at the Sundance Film Festival next year.

McGraw has also announced July 18 and 19 concerts at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. Tickets go on sale on June 13 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, according to the venue.

American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken [ tickets ] has signed with RCA Records through Simon Fuller's 19 Recordings Limited imprint. Clive Davis--in consultation with Fuller--will be the executive producer of the set, which is due in September.

Aiken's debut single, which features "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "This is the Night," will hit stores on June 10.

Music producer Phil Spector [ tickets ], in his first interview since he was arrested in connection with the death of actress Lana Clarkson, told Esquire magazine that Clarkson killed herself, and "kissed the gun" before pulling the trigger.

"I have no idea why," he is quoted as saying in the magazine's July issue. "I never knew her, never even saw her before that night. I have no idea who she was or what her agenda was."

They Might Be Giants will perform a free show at the Concert Meadow in Atlanta's Stone Mountain park on Friday. More details are available at show sponsor 99X's website.