2005

Among the efforts to save landmark New York punk venue CBGB is a collection of limited-edition treats from Gotham candy store Chocolate Bar. The confectioner is introducing the $25 CBGBs Punk Rock Box, a 16-piece truffle collection that includes a postage-paid petition to save CBGB, a steel logo keychain and a collection of CBGB stickers.

For the budget-minded yet concerned punk, there are $3 CBGB Retro Bars wrapped in a limited-edition CBGB keepsake package that includes the postage-paid petition. Both items will be available in May, but can be pre-ordered through the store’s Web site or by calling 800-481-2462. All proceeds will benefit the club’s campaign to keep its doors open.

CBGB owner Hilly Kristal is embroiled in a dispute with the non-profit Bowery Residents’ Committee, which owns the club’s East Village building and operates a homeless shelter above it. In addition to back rent, Kristal’s negotiations with the BRC to extend his lease past its August expiration have stalled over the subject of a substantial rent increase.

Source billboard.com.

Oasis, Nine Inch Nails, Slipknot, Weezer and the Black Crowes are among the acts confirmed for Japan’s Summer Sonic festival, to be held Aug. 13-14 in Tokyo and Osaka. Kasabian, the Roots, the Arcade Fire, Teenage Fanclub, TV On The Radio, Ian Brown and Louis XIV will also perform, as will famed U.K. rock act the La’s, which will be making its first live appearance since 1991.

The lineup is rounded out by Yellowcard, Boy, the Departure, Hal, HIM, Little Barrie, the Little Flames, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Mew and Rooster. Tickets are on sale now.

Source billboard.com.

Music Midtown, one of the nation

Audioslave have begun lining up a spring North American tour. The supergroup

Oasis will extend its short summer North American run with Jet into a full tour in September and October, with up-and-coming British rock act Kasabian in tow. The only show confirmed at deadline is Sept. 25 at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Houston, Texas; tickets go on sale March 26.

Besides six previously announced summer shows beginning June 17 in Toronto, Oasis and Jet will also play Sept. 12 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, minus Kasabian.

As previously reported, Oasis will release its new album, “Don’t Believe the Truth,” on May 30 internationally via Big Brother and the following day in North America via Epic.

Source billboard.com.