Coldplay takes stake in recording studio

When Coldplay eventually holes up to record its next album, the multiplatinum band will have a personal stake in its upkeep. The UK rockers reportedly took a stake in a massive recording studio in northwest London and plan to use the space as their permanent headquarters. UK-based Sun newspaper reported today that the band members have become joint owners of the building, which contains recording studios and offices. The band has made no secret of its desire for a permanent recording space like U2 has in Dublin. Earlier this year, guitarist Will Champion said, "We're trying to find somewhere we can set up and work. In all these years working together we haven't had a HQ, our own studio or anything like that. We want somewhere that we can hole up and see what happens." Coldplay has caused a stir twice this year with comments hinting that the band would go on hiatus after the huge success of its 2005 album X&Y, forcing its record company to refute the rumors.

U2 lawsuit against stylist delayed

Bono will have to wait to find out if he's going to get his pants back. The Irish High Court said today that it would decide at a later date whether a former U2 stylist would be allowed to keep souvenirs from the rock group, including a pair of Bono's trousers and his Stetson hat. The band sued former stylist Lola Cashman last year for the return of items she said had been given as presents when she worked with them in the 1980s.

Cashman was ordered to return the items, which included a Stetson hat, a pair of black trousers, and earrings Bono wore during the band's 1987 Joshua Tree tour, but she appealed and this week went to court in a bid to overturn the ruling. Bono testified last year that he would not have given Cashman the items, which he said had iconic status. Cashman, who published an unauthorized biography of the band titled Inside the Zoo With U2, had attempted unsuccessfully to sell the memorabilia at an auction in 2002.

Gorillaz to get book, EPs, DVD

Gorillaz, the electronic pop band created by Blur frontman Damon Albarn and fronted by a cast of animated characters, is flooding the market with merchandise, looking to capitalize on the multiplatinum success of the band's 2005 album, Demon Days. The group has plans to release a series of EPs, a book, and a DVD before the end of the year. Rise of the Ogres, a biography of the fictional band members created by animator Jamie Hewlett, will hit stores November 2 through Penguin Books.

In addition to the stories of the animated band members, the book also includes anecdotes and cameos by De La Soul, Ike Turner, Dennis Hopper, Madonna, and Shaun Ryder. The EPs--DARE, Dirty Harry, Feel Good Inc., and El Manana--will be released exclusively via iTunes starting October 24. Each contains live and video versions of their songs, as well as previously unreleased material. Finally, the DVD Phase Two--Slowboat to Hades will hit stores October 31 via Virgin. It includes videos, short films, and live performances.

Fabolous arraigned on weapons charges

Brooklyn rapper Fabolous, who was shot in the thigh and arrested by police on his way to the hospital early Tuesday, was arraigned late yesterday in Manhattan Criminal Court on multiple counts of illegally possessing guns. Police said they found the guns, one of which allegedly had the serial numbers filed away, when the car rushing Fabolous to a nearby hospital was pulled over after running a series of red lights in Manhattan. The 28-year-old rapper--real name John Jackson--was reportedly shot in the leg in a New York city parking lot after he and three of his friends left Justin's restaurant, which is owned by hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs.

The rapper's lawyer, Alberto Ebanks, told the Associated Press that his client "is a victim of a crime and not guilty or involved in any crime." Fabolous must return to court October 20. His manager reportedly posted his $15,000 bail in cash. Police are investigating the incident's connection to the mugging of Boston Celtics point guard Sebastian Telfair, who told cops his $50,000 chain was ripped from his neck outside Justin's on the same night.

Genesis confirm reunion without Gabriel

Veteran prog-rock-turned-pop-rock band Genesis said this week that it plans to reunite, 10 years after frontman Phil Collins left the group to pursue a solo career. Collins, 55, with guitarist Mike Rutherford, 56, and keyboardist Tony Banks, 56, will embark on a major tour next year and could begin recording new material, a spokesman told BBC News. Genesis sold more than 130 million albums during the '70s and '80s, despite losing singer Peter Gabriel in 1975. Earlier this year, Gabriel hinted that he would consider joining the group in a reunion of its original lineup, but recent reports have indicated that Gabriel was unable to make time in his schedule for a reunion.