G uns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose has signed a 20-year, multimillion-dollar music-publishing deal with Sanctuary Group that covers the band's back catalogue, despite the fact that he faces a lawsuit filed by former band mates Slash and Duff McKagan over who controls rights to those songs. McKagan's lawyer, Glen Miskel, reportedly expressed surprise when told of the deal, saying Rose was trying to transfer copyright interests in songs that "are not owned by Mr. Rose." Sanctuary Group CEO (and Guns N' Roses manager) Merck Mercuriadis had no comment beyond announcement of the deal, which has been valued at about $19 million . . .
Great White singer Jack Russell is refusing to cooperate with lawyers involved in a civil lawsuit stemming from the 2003 Rhode Island nightclub fire, started by the group's pyrotechnics display, that led to the deaths of 100 people, including the group's guitarist, Ty Longley. Russell's lawyer says the singer is avoiding depositions because he doesn't want to open himself up to criminal prosecution. The band, which has not been criminally charged, is named in several lawsuits filed on behalf of victims and survivors of the fire. . .
Coldplay, Nine Inch Nails and a reunited Gang of Four will headline this year's Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, which takes place April 30-May 1 in Indio, Calif. Other acts on the bill include Keane, Snow Patrol, Rilo Kiley, the Arcade Fire and Spoon. Tickets for the event go on sale Saturday through Ticketmaster.
-- Compiled by K. Wilcox
from Web and wire reports
