![20. ‘Boy George Found Guilty Of Falsely Imprisoning Male Escort’ - In December, Boy George was found guilty of falsely imprisoning a male escort in his East London home. The former Culture Club star is alleged to have tied the escort up to a wall in his house in Shoreditch in April last year. He is still awaiting sentencing – but has been told to expect jail.]()
20. ‘Boy George Found Guilty Of Falsely Imprisoning Male Escort’ - In December, Boy George was found guilty of falsely imprisoning a male escort in his East London home. The former Culture Club star is alleged to have tied the escort up to a wall in his house in Shoreditch in April last year. He is still awaiting sentencing – but has been told to expect jail.
![19. ‘EMINEM RETURNS But with No Tour Plans’ - Eminem announced his long-awaited comeback in October. In a rare interview, the rapper said he was returning with ‘Relapse’, his first album since 2004’s ‘Encore’, in order to “remind people how I rap”. He also said he had no plans to tour the Dr Dre produced album, due early in 2009.]()
19. ‘EMINEM RETURNS But with No Tour Plans’ - Eminem announced his long-awaited comeback in October. In a rare interview, the rapper said he was returning with ‘Relapse’, his first album since 2004’s ‘Encore’, in order to “remind people how I rap”. He also said he had no plans to tour the Dr Dre produced album, due early in 2009. "I'm not saying I will or I won't but I'm not ready to tour at least at this moment right now," he told DJ Zane Lowe.
![18. 'Nas' Untitled Album Finally Gets Released' – Nas's latest album finally hit the stores in summer 2008 after being subject to huge controversy. The album was eventually released without a title after Civil Rights campaigners slammed the rapper for originally calling it 'Nigga' and later changing it to 'Nigger'.]()
18. 'Nas' Untitled Album Finally Gets Released' – Nas's latest album finally hit the stores in summer 2008 after being subject to huge controversy. The album was eventually released without a title after Civil Rights campaigners slammed the rapper for originally calling it 'Nigga' and later changing it to 'Nigger'.
![17. Judge Orders Loud Hip-Hop Fan To Endure Beethoven - Craziest story of the year alert! In October, an Illinois Judge ordered a hip-hop fan who had violated noise levels to endure 20-hours of compositions by Beethoven. Why you ask? Well the Judge wanted the punishment to show the defendant what it felt like to listen to music he didn't want to. It seems this kind of punishment was catching as well. A month later, a Judge in Colorado threatened noise violators with Barry Manilow and Barney the Dinosaur listening sessions.]()
17. Judge Orders Loud Hip-Hop Fan To Endure Beethoven - Craziest story of the year alert! In October, an Illinois Judge ordered a hip-hop fan who had violated noise levels to endure 20-hours of compositions by Beethoven. Why you ask? Well the Judge wanted the punishment to show the defendant what it felt like to listen to music he didn't want to. It seems this kind of punishment was catching as well. A month later, a Judge in Colorado threatened noise violators with Barry Manilow and Barney the Dinosaur listening sessions.
![16. ‘Suzan Tamim Murdered In Dubai’ - Lebanese star Suzanne Tamim was murdered in her apartment in Dubai in June. The singer, who shot to fame after winning a talent show in her home country in 1996, was found by police with multiple stab wounds and a mutilated face. A trial into her death is ongoing.]()
16. ‘Suzan Tamim Murdered In Dubai’ - Lebanese star Suzanne Tamim was murdered in her apartment in Dubai in June. The singer, who shot to fame after winning a talent show in her home country in 1996, was found by police with multiple stab wounds and a mutilated face. A trial into her death is ongoing.
![15. 'Lil' Wayne Sells Over One Million Albums In A Week' - For most artists, record sales continued to fall in 2008, but that wasn't the case for Lil' Wayne. In June, the rapper shifted over one million copies of his new album 'Tha Carter III' in seven days. In doing so, 'TCIII', became the first record since 2005 to sell more than a million copies in a week. Voted at number two in Gigwise's 50 Best Album of 2008, the record took Lil' Wayne into new dimensions of greatness.]()
15. 'Lil' Wayne Sells Over One Million Albums In A Week' - For most artists, record sales continued to fall in 2008, but that wasn't the case for Lil' Wayne. In June, the rapper shifted over one million copies of his new album 'Tha Carter III' in seven days. In doing so, 'TCIII', became the first record since 2005 to sell more than a million copies in a week. Voted at number two in Gigwise's 50 Best Album of 2008, the record took Lil' Wayne into new dimensions of greatness.
![14. ‘Britney Spears – From Psych Wards To Chart Dominance’ - When, in February, a news crew tracked Britney Spears’s journey from her home to a psychiatric ward in Los Angeles, few would have tipped the singer to make another comeback. How wrong they were. Since picking up three MTV Awards in September, Spears has dominated pop once again – and for all the right reasons. OK, she probably hasn’t sung live since 1999, but Britney’s back…bitch.]()
14. ‘Britney Spears – From Psych Wards To Chart Dominance’ - When, in February, a news crew tracked Britney Spears’s journey from her home to a psychiatric ward in Los Angeles, few would have tipped the singer to make another comeback. How wrong they were. Since picking up three MTV Awards in September, Spears has dominated pop once again – and for all the right reasons. OK, she probably hasn’t sung live since 1999, but Britney’s back…bitch.
![13. ‘Michael Jackson Does And Then Doesn’t Reunite With Jackson 5; Gets All ‘Sheiked’ Up In Court’ - For Michael Jackson, 2008 was another year of high drama – much of which centered on whether or not he would ever return to the road. On October 30th, Jackson's brother, Jermaine, said they would tour again together. On October 31st, Jackson said he wouldn’t be touring with his sibilings. A month later, Jackson was forced to settle out of court to counter allegations that he breached a recording contract with an Arab Sheikh. If that wasn’t enough, Jackson was also forced to give up Neverland, his home since 1987, in November.]()
13. ‘Michael Jackson Does And Then Doesn’t Reunite With Jackson 5; Gets All ‘Sheiked’ Up In Court’ - For Michael Jackson, 2008 was another year of high drama – much of which centered on whether or not he would ever return to the road. On October 30th, Jackson's brother, Jermaine, said they would tour again together. On October 31st, Jackson said he wouldn’t be touring with his sibilings. A month later, Jackson was forced to settle out of court to counter allegations that he breached a recording contract with an Arab Sheikh. If that wasn’t enough, Jackson was also forced to give up Neverland, his home since 1987, in November.
![12. ‘Kanye West Gets Arrested; Blogs LIKE CRAZY!!! LOL!!!’ - Kanye West was arrested twice in 2008 following rows with photographers in Los Angeles and Newcastle. Thankfully, however, he took out his real frustration on his blog which became every journalists first port of call in the morning. Gigwise’s highlight was West’s response to his Newcastle arrest, which included all of his usual CAPITAL LETTERS and DOPE exclamation marks. CHECK THAT SHIT OUT!!! LOL!!!]()
12. ‘Kanye West Gets Arrested; Blogs LIKE CRAZY!!! LOL!!!’ - Kanye West was arrested twice in 2008 following rows with photographers in Los Angeles and Newcastle. Thankfully, however, he took out his real frustration on his blog which became every journalists first port of call in the morning. Gigwise’s highlight was West’s response to his Newcastle arrest, which included all of his usual CAPITAL LETTERS and DOPE exclamation marks. CHECK THAT SHIT OUT!!! LOL!!!
![11. ‘Metallica Release ‘Death Magnetic’ - When it comes to releasing a new album, Metallica certainly know how to build fan expectation. For months leading up to ‘Death Magnetic’s’ September release, the band deluged fans with freebies and teasers that ranged from snippets of new songs to full-blown radio stations. Thankfully, after five years in the wilderness, the album more than lived up to anticipation.]()
11. ‘Metallica Release ‘Death Magnetic’ - When it comes to releasing a new album, Metallica certainly know how to build fan expectation. For months leading up to ‘Death Magnetic’s’ September release, the band deluged fans with freebies and teasers that ranged from snippets of new songs to full-blown radio stations. Thankfully, after five years in the wilderness, the album more than lived up to anticipation.
![10. ‘Sir Paul McCartney Divorces Heather Mills’ - After failing to keep their divorce private, Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills were forced to settle in public in March. While Sir Paul was praised for presenting a dignified case, Ms Mills was slammed by the Judge overseeing the case for giving]()
10. ‘Sir Paul McCartney Divorces Heather Mills’ - After failing to keep their divorce private, Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills were forced to settle in public in March. While Sir Paul was praised for presenting a dignified case, Ms Mills was slammed by the Judge overseeing the case for giving "inconsistent and inaccurate" evidence. (Still, she walked away with £24.3million all the same.)
![9. ‘Travis Barker And DJ AM Escape Plane Crash’ - In September, former Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker and his musical partner DJ AM escaped a plane crash in North Carolina which killed four people. Both men were badly burned after their Learjet careered off a runway during take off. Those killed included Barker’s assistant, Chris Baker, and bodyguard, Charles Still, as well as the aircraft's two pilots. Barker has since filed a lawsuit seeking compensation from the companies linked to the plane.]()
9. ‘Travis Barker And DJ AM Escape Plane Crash’ - In September, former Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker and his musical partner DJ AM escaped a plane crash in North Carolina which killed four people. Both men were badly burned after their Learjet careered off a runway during take off. Those killed included Barker’s assistant, Chris Baker, and bodyguard, Charles Still, as well as the aircraft's two pilots. Barker has since filed a lawsuit seeking compensation from the companies linked to the plane.
![8. ‘Musicians Push Barack Obama Into The White House’ - Barack Obama was voted into the White House in November following a whirlwind campaign which saw music become political again. Everyone from Jay-Z to Bruce Springsteen and Kanye West to Billy Joel endorsed Obama’s message of “change” by staging fundraisers and wowing fans at special campaign concerts. Spare a thought for poor old John McCain, though. Except for the odd pledge of support from a country singer, the Republican continued to irk musicians by playing their songs without permission.]()
8. ‘Musicians Push Barack Obama Into The White House’ - Barack Obama was voted into the White House in November following a whirlwind campaign which saw music become political again. Everyone from Jay-Z to Bruce Springsteen and Kanye West to Billy Joel endorsed Obama’s message of “change” by staging fundraisers and wowing fans at special campaign concerts. Spare a thought for poor old John McCain, though. Except for the odd pledge of support from a country singer, the Republican continued to irk musicians by playing their songs without permission.
![7. ‘Noel Gallagher Attacked Onstage In Canada’ - Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher was attacked on stage as the band headlined the Virgin Festival in Toronto in September. The guitarist suffered a fractured rib and ligament damage after falling heavily onto his monitor speakers, while the video of the incident became a YouTube must watch. If anything, just for his brother’s – Liam’s – rather gutless response. A 47-year-old man is facing assault charges in connection with the incident.]()
7. ‘Noel Gallagher Attacked Onstage In Canada’ - Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher was attacked on stage as the band headlined the Virgin Festival in Toronto in September. The guitarist suffered a fractured rib and ligament damage after falling heavily onto his monitor speakers, while the video of the incident became a YouTube must watch. If anything, just for his brother’s – Liam’s – rather gutless response. A 47-year-old man is facing assault charges in connection with the incident.
![6. 'Courtney Love: Kurt Cobain’s Ashes Were Never Stolen' - Gigwise exclusively revealed in October that Kurt Cobain’s ashes were never stolen from his widow Courtney Love. Earlier in 2008, a tabloid newspaper claimed the ashes had been taken from Love’s LA home. However, her publicist, Alan Nierob, told Gigwise that Cobain's remains “were never taken” and said the story had been “erroneously reported”. Mr Nierob responded after a German artist claimed she would smoke Cobain's ashes as part of an exhibition at Berlin's Wagner + Partner gallery.]()
6. 'Courtney Love: Kurt Cobain’s Ashes Were Never Stolen' - Gigwise exclusively revealed in October that Kurt Cobain’s ashes were never stolen from his widow Courtney Love. Earlier in 2008, a tabloid newspaper claimed the ashes had been taken from Love’s LA home. However, her publicist, Alan Nierob, told Gigwise that Cobain's remains “were never taken” and said the story had been “erroneously reported”. Mr Nierob responded after a German artist claimed she would smoke Cobain's ashes as part of an exhibition at Berlin's Wagner + Partner gallery.
![5. ‘Robert Plant: 'I Won't Tour Or Record With Led Zeppelin'’ - Hearts sank in September when Robert Plant finally broke his silence on the future of Led Zeppelin. After nine months of questions following the band’s reunion show in 2007, Plant finally said he was tired of the “frustrating and ridiculous” speculation, and insisted that he “will not be touring or recording with Led Zeppelin”. What does the future hold? Well, according to bassist John Paul Jones, a Led Zeppelin reunion minus Plant. Steven Tyler’s been in the studio with them already. Oh dear.]()
5. ‘Robert Plant: 'I Won't Tour Or Record With Led Zeppelin'’ - Hearts sank in September when Robert Plant finally broke his silence on the future of Led Zeppelin. After nine months of questions following the band’s reunion show in 2007, Plant finally said he was tired of the “frustrating and ridiculous” speculation, and insisted that he “will not be touring or recording with Led Zeppelin”. What does the future hold? Well, according to bassist John Paul Jones, a Led Zeppelin reunion minus Plant. Steven Tyler’s been in the studio with them already. Oh dear.
![4. ‘The Fall and Fall of Amy Winehouse’ - Unlike 2007, Amy Winehouse achieved little in 2008 apart from tabloid domination. How? Well, the combination of wild nights out in Camden, endless trips to hospital, an arrest, cancelled gigs and relationship troubles have turned her into the most tragic figure in music since, er, Pete Doherty last year.]()
4. ‘The Fall and Fall of Amy Winehouse’ - Unlike 2007, Amy Winehouse achieved little in 2008 apart from tabloid domination. How? Well, the combination of wild nights out in Camden, endless trips to hospital, an arrest, cancelled gigs and relationship troubles have turned her into the most tragic figure in music since, er, Pete Doherty last year.
![3. ‘Guns N’ Roses FINALLY Release ‘Chinese Democracy’’ - After fifteen years, Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Chinese Democracy’ finally arrived in 2008. OK, so the group’s only remaining member Axl Rose didn’t exactly arrive with it, but it was still a landmark release - if only for the citizens of America, who were all entitled to a free can of Dr Pepper. How did it sound? Well, save for a few reminders of Rose’s impressive vocal range, it sounded very 1993 – probably the year when much of it was first conceived.]()
3. ‘Guns N’ Roses FINALLY Release ‘Chinese Democracy’’ - After fifteen years, Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Chinese Democracy’ finally arrived in 2008. OK, so the group’s only remaining member Axl Rose didn’t exactly arrive with it, but it was still a landmark release - if only for the citizens of America, who were all entitled to a free can of Dr Pepper. How did it sound? Well, save for a few reminders of Rose’s impressive vocal range, it sounded very 1993 – probably the year when much of it was first conceived.
![2. ‘Blur Reunite’ - After months – years, even – of quashing fans hopes, all four members of Blur finally answered the question ‘Will you ever get back together?’ in December 2008 with the answer: “Yes.” With the prospect of new material, the band’s proposed concerts in London’s Hyde Park next July sold out in hours. And with Oasis back on the road next summer, it could be the mid-90s all over again.]()
2. ‘Blur Reunite’ - After months – years, even – of quashing fans hopes, all four members of Blur finally answered the question ‘Will you ever get back together?’ in December 2008 with the answer: “Yes.” With the prospect of new material, the band’s proposed concerts in London’s Hyde Park next July sold out in hours. And with Oasis back on the road next summer, it could be the mid-90s all over again.
![1. ‘Jay-Z Headlines Glastonbury 2008’ - Oasis’ Noel Gallagher might have thought it was “wrong”, but Jay-Z at Glastonbury proved to be an inspired move – both for the rapper at the festival. For months it was all anyone could talk about. But when Jay-Z finally emerged on stage at Worthy Farm in June he treated to responsibility like any other show – albeit with a fantastic mock cover of Oasis’ ‘Wonderwall’.]()
1. ‘Jay-Z Headlines Glastonbury 2008’ - Oasis’ Noel Gallagher might have thought it was “wrong”, but Jay-Z at Glastonbury proved to be an inspired move – both for the rapper at the festival. For months it was all anyone could talk about. But when Jay-Z finally emerged on stage at Worthy Farm in June he treated to responsibility like any other show – albeit with a fantastic mock cover of Oasis’ ‘Wonderwall’.
