According to a source close to Rattle And Hum film director and band confidant Phil Joanou, U2 are presently recording a totally new studio album set for a 1999 release. The album is said to be a total departure from previous work, not unlike the reinvention that U2 underwent between Rattle And Hum and Achtung Baby.

A fan has won a $2.7 million lawsuit against rapper M.C. Hammer and several security guards for injuries he suffered at one of the performer's concerts 8 years ago. In his suit, Mr. Sneed claimed he was attacked by security at a Hammer concert in Syracuse in 1990 after coming to the defense of a child he witnessed being shoved by one of the guards.

Sinead O'Connor joins a collection of artists including Annie Lennox and Iggy Pop on The Avengers soundtrack. It was officially on Tuesday that O'Connor has signed a worldwide, exclusive longterm recording contract with Atlantic. Her current EP, Gospel Oak, is scheduled to be reissued by the label. She should have her Atlantic debut album out in 1999. Sinead can also be seen on this year's Lilith tour.

A new compilation called The Very Best Of The Human League gets released in 4 days. Great timing when they are on tour with Culture Club and Howard Jones (also with a new album due out.) The new compilation includes most of the hits from the original best of and hits: "Don't You Want Me" Snap Remix, "Heart Like A Wheel," "Tell Me When," "Stay With Me Tonight," "One Man In My Heart" and the movie theme "Together In Electric Dreams" (by Philip Oakey and Giorgio Moroder.)

MGM isn't the only company that wants to build in Detroit. Michael Jackson has announced that he and business partner Don Barden have plans for a multi-million dollar resort (currently dubbed the Majestic Kingdom) which would include a hotel, casino, nightclubs and restaurants in addition to a Michael Jackson Thriller Theme Park.

INXS is moving on. Tim Farriss announced that the band is going on possibly under a different moniker and possibly as the Farriss Brothers. Upon mention of hiring a new lead singer he stated, "There could never be a replacement for Michael." Farriss also confirmed that invites have been issued to performers close to Hutchence including: U2, David Bowie, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Nick Cave, Iggy Pop and Tom Jones to perform at a large benefit concert (for Paula Yates and their daughter Tiger) to be staged late this year or early next year in the U.S. or Britain. The show would see the artists sing their favorite INXS songs. A more regional production featuring some of Australia's biggest rock stars is also planned for Hutchence's homeland.