Janet Cancels More Shows, Halford Trademarks Metal God, more

More touring problems for Janet Jackson . She has had to cancel a series of five shows in Japan, blaming the current downturn in the economy. That's after scrapping the European part of the tour and postponing a number of North American shows due to a bout with vertigo.

They are hoping to announce new dates sometime in March.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest has trademarked the title Metal God for use on computer games, video games and game controllers for computer games. Speculation is that a Guitar Hero/Rock Band type game may be on the way.

AC/DC will be performing the theme for Wrestlemania XXV, set for April 5.

Paul McCartney will perform (with the Foo Fighter's Dave Grohl) at the February 8 Grammy Awards. At this point, McCartney is the only veteran artist on the performers list.

In addition, Paul will perform with Eddie Vedder, Sheryl Crow, Donovan , Paul Horn and Moby for the David Lynch Foundation on April 4 at Radio City Music Hall.

Ronnie Wood has parted ways from his current business manager, his stepson Jamie, who is supporting his mother in their divorce proceedings.

According to a source, "There's been a split in the family and Jamie is standing by his mother. Ronnie is recording an album in the States and Jamie had to be in constant contact with him for work. It proved too much. Jamie was not sacked, nor did Jo demand that he resign but he made the decision for the family."

For those hoping for the Faith No More reunion at Coachella, it's not going to happen. Only Mike Patton from the group will be appearing with beatboxer Rahzel.

It has not been a good week for past saxophone players from the Ray Charles Band . Last Tuesday, saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman passed away and now saxophonist and former band leader Leroy Cooper has died at the age of 80. He passed away on January 15 at his home in Orlando, Florida.

Cooper was with the Charles band in the 60's and 70's with some of his better known solos in the songs In the Heat of the Night and America the Beautiful . He also played with Dr. John, Joe Cocker and Lightnin' Hopkins and is on Lowell Fulson 's classic Reconsider Baby . Towards the end of his career, he spent twenty years as the band leader at Walt Disney World.

It's easy to put together a list of the x greatest of something. It's much harder to put together such a list and write a multi-paragraph critique to say why it is great. For fans of Motown, PopMatters' list of their 25 favorite Motown records is great reading.