U2 scores three big names for openers

U2 has picked up some heavy-hitting openers for the third leg of the Elevation Tour. No Doubt, Garbage and Stereophonics will each take a turn at opening for the Irish rockers as they wrap up their North American tour.

Manson goes to court for assault

Brian Warner, better known as Marilyn Manson, pleaded not guilty on Friday for an episode that occurred during an Ozzfest performance in July.

Manson allegedly spit on a security guard, then rubbed his crotch on the guard’s head.

The shock rocker had two counts against him – engaging in sexual contact with another person using force or coercion and misdemeanor assault and battery.

Manson was released on $25,000 bond.

Dre and Timbaland to make album

Rap sensations Dr. Dre and Timbaland have a new collaboration in the works. The two announced Thursday that they are planning an album titled “Chairmen of the Boards.” The album will feature members of Aftermath, Dre’s music label, and Beat Club, Timbaland’s label.

The rappers wouldn’t disclose any other details about the upcoming album. No release date has been set.

Dre to give $1 million donation

In other news, Dr. Dre plans to donate $1 million to the victims’ relief fund in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Other artists have joined forces to create an all-star cover of Sister Sledge’s smash “We Are Family.” The new interpretation of the 1979 hit will feature Steven Tyler, Britney Spears, Busta Ryhmes, N’Sync, Run-D.M.C., and celebs Joan Rivers, Macaulay Culkin and Kevin Bacon.

The idea was hatched by disco hero Niles Rodgers.

Jermaine Dupree and Bono have also gathered a flock of musicians like Destiny’s Child, P. Diddy, Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera and Nelly.

Proceeds from the star-studded single were originally intended for AIDS research in Africa; now half of the profits are allocated for victims’ relief funds in New York City.

BSB’s Kevin sorry for comments

At a recent concert, Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson apologized for comments he previously made regarding the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

On the TV station MuchMusic, Richardson said, “I just think [the United States] are a little bit of an arrogant nation, and maybe this is a little bit of a humbling experience. It raises questions in my mind, what has our government done to provoke this action, that we don’t know about?”

Richardson later said he was sorry if his comments offended anyone and that he let his emotions get the best of him.

“My thoughts were incomplete, and I didn’t intend for them to come across as insensitive,” he said.

– news gathered from sonicnet.com and mtvnews.com