Short Takes: Judas Priest, Gene Simmons, Dire Straits, Cher, Sting

Rob Halford has told Billboard that there will be a new Judas Priest album next year. The band is currently out on their "farewell" tour, but work has already begun on the new LP. Halford and Glenn Tipton "began writing new music early on this year, before we went out on the road. We have about 12 or 14 tracks completely mapped out, four of which have been recorded and mixed and are ready to go... so the good news is that there will be a brand new Priest record next year."

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Well, you don't have to wait for the premier of Gene Simmons' Family Jewels to know whether Shannon Tweed said yes to his marriage proposal. TMZ has obtained a copy of their wedding invitation, set for October 1.

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The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council has reversed their decision on the Dire Straits song Money For Nothing, saying it was once again acceptable for play on the country's radio stations. Back in January, the decision was made that it was not acceptable because of three uses of the slur "faggot"; however, they have reversed their stance, saying "There may be circumstances in which even words designating unacceptably negative portrayal may be acceptable because of their contextual usage. The ad hoc National Panel finds this is one such occasion."

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VH1 will broadcast the special The Concert For New York: Ten Years Later on Sunday, September 11 from 4 to 10 PM. Hosted by Edward Burns, the commercial-free program will revisit the concert that was held after the 9/11 attacks with performances by Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, the Who, Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, Elton John, Jay-Z and more.

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Cher took to Twitter to defend her son, Chaz Bono, for becoming a contestant on Dancing With the Stars. Jokes and criticism followed the announcement which caused Cher to write

Chaz is Being Viciously Attacked on Blogs & Message boards about being on DWTS! This is Still America right? It takes guts 2 do it.

I support him no matter what he chooses 2do! God! will there always be haters! It took COURAGE 2 do dwts ! TG Chaz has an Unlimited supply

Can u guys check out sites & give him your support ? BTW ...Mothers don't stop Getting angry with stupid bigots who fk with their children !

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Sting will be performing a special concert on October 1 at New York's Beacon Theater to celebrate his 60th birthday with proceeds going to the Robin Hood Foundation which fights poverty in New York. Joining him during the show will be Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Lady Gaga, Herbie Hancock and Will.I.Am.