Arch MUSIC NEWS for 8/9/12

Madonna‘s concert stop in Russia is on high alert. The U.S. Embassy is asking Americans attending tonight’s show in St. Petersburg to remain vigilant in the wake of a terroristic threat. The U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg has received information regarding a threat of physical violence against spectators. A post on the Embassy website says Russian authorities are on the case and taking appropriate measures to increase security. In the meantime, though, U.S. citizens are reminded “to remain vigilant regarding their personal security and to be aware of their surroundings at all time, especially in crowded areas.”

Elton John wants the world to know he doesn’t avoid paying taxes. Elton is suing the London “Times” over a pair of articles he claims leads readers to believe he’s a tax dodger.  The suit adds that the “Times” “deliberately ignored the defamatory impact” of the articles, which have caused Elton “personal distress and embarrassment” as well as “severe damage to his reputation.”  John is said to be particularly concerned that the articles will affect his ability to raise money for charity. He’s seeking undisclosed damages from the paper.

Surviving members of The Monkees are teaming up to go on the road. Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, and Michael Nesmith have a dozen dates scheduled for the fall – their first outing in 15 years to include Nesmith, and their first without singer Davy Jones. Davy died of a heart attack back in February. Shows will include a tribute to the late singer.  The concerts will highlight the album “Headquarters.” The 1967 release was The Monkees’ third album, but the first studio project in which the four band members made a significant contribution.

A day of celebration is now a somber anniversary for family, friends and fans of Whitney Houston. Today marks what would have been the singer’s 49th birthday. It comes just six months after Houston’s sudden death on February 11th, a moment that would dominate headlines for weeks afterwards.  Next week, fans will get to see Houston in her final film role in “Sparkle” with Jordin Sparks. She had just wrapped work on the movie three months before her death.

After penning the official track for the Olympics, Muse has confirmed that they also will perform the song, “Survival,” at the closing ceremony.  A Symphony of British Music: Music For The Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, an album containing music performed on the final night, will be released digitally on August 12. The lineup for the closing ceremony is being kept a secret, with only Muse, Ed Sheeran and George Michael confirming that they will perform at the event.

P!nk revealed that Eminem duets with her on her new album, The Truth About Love, which comes out September 18. Em appears on an “alternative club banger” track dubbed “Here Comes the Weekend.”

Beyoncé and Jay-Z are the world’s highest-paid celebrity couple, according to a new list from Forbes. This year, Beyoncé raked in about $40 million while Jay earned about $38 million. The #2 couple on the list is New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his supermodel wife Gisele Bundchen, followed by David and Victoria Beckham at #3, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at #4 and Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith at #5.