Big Ticket Deals

AP - Michael Jackson's former personal assistant told a British court Friday that a Bahraini sheik who is now suing the singer was a generous friend, eager to give Jackson money and other gifts.

AP - Top-selling Japanese music producer Tetsuya Komuro was formally charged with fraud Friday in a scandal that has tarnished the image of a star whose songs once dominated Japan's pop music scene.

AP - Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Pete Wentz are the proud parents of a baby boy, and they're celebrating with some Bronx cheer.

AP - The show-business marriage that began in a Scottish castle came to an end in a drab London courtroom Friday as Madonna and Guy Ritchie were granted a preliminary decree of divorce.

AP - When the last new Guns N' Roses album came out, there were no iPods or digital downloads. There was no "American Idol." No music blogs. No MySpace.

AP - The last time they shared a Lincoln Center stage, violinist Gil Shaham wielded the big smiles as Gustavo Dudamel made his conducting debut with the New York Philharmonic.

Reuters - They've sold millions of records, and influenced several generations of fans and musicians. So why isn't Kiss in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Reuters - If the Rolling Stones, U2 and Aerosmith can make the Hot Dance Club Play chart, why not AC/DC?

AP - Dr Pepper is making good on its promise of free soda now that the release of Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" is a reality.

AP - A case against Rod Stewart's son over a brawl at a Hollywood nightclub has been resolved.