Billboard Bits serves up the best bite-sized nuggets of music news and gossip.
Psychedelic Legend Sly Stone Revealed To Be Homeless
Sly Stone, ringleader of rock-funk fusion act Sly and the Family Stone is reportedly homeless, living out of a van parked in Los Angeles' rough Crenshaw neighborhood. Just four years ago, the singer of hits such as "Everyday People" was living in a Napa Valley Mansion, though years of drug abuse, personal turmoil and poor business decisions (he sold his music publishing rights to Michael Jackson back in 1984) have clearly taken their toll. Although he hasn't performed in several years, the 68-year old continues to record music on a laptop inside his van. (New York Post)
Melissa Etheridge, Ex Tangled in Custody Battle
Since splitting in April 2010, singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge and nine-year partner Tammy Lynn Michaels have engaged in a messy legal tug-of-war. According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, the two women are battling over child support, visitation rights, and custody of their 4-year old twins, fathered by an anonymous sperm donor. Additionally, Etheridge is claiming their vows were technically non-binding, which would deny Michaels significant financial compensation. (TMZ, Rolling Stone)
Antoine Dodson Arrested for Skipping Court After Blasting Music
Antoine Dodson, the man who coined the phrase "Hide Ya Kids, Hide Ya Wife" via his wildly popular Auto-Tune the News clip, was arrested Saturday (Sept. 24) after violating the noise ordinance in Huntsville, A.L. Police said Dodson was blasting his music at 6:20 p.m., was subsequently stopped, and it was discovered that there was a warrant out for his arrest for failing to appear in court for pot possession back in April. He was released on $516 bail. (The Wrap)
Justin Bieber Taking Dating Tips From Adam Sandler
We've heard of private screenings, but this is a new one. After selling out the Staples Center for the third time, Justin Bieber was awarded with a night to himself in the L.A. arena for free. Inspired by a scene in Adam Sandler film "Mr. Deeds," Bieber treated his girlfriend Selena Gomez to a private showing of the 1997 classic "Titanic" following a Demi Lovato concert at the nearby Nokia Theatre. (TMZ)
Arcade Fire's Win Butler Stars in Charity Basketball Team
A recent charity basketball game held in Montreal's Molson Stadium gym pitted a team dubbed "Jocks" (featuring local college players) against "Pops," featuring Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler and Vampire Weekend drummer Chris Tomson. With Butler leading the way on the court and Arcade Fire frontwoman Regine Chassagne pumping up the crowd on keyboards, The Pops won easily. Who says indie rockers don't like gym class? (Rolling Stone)
(Reporting by Chris Payne, Maggie Doherty)
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