2005

Music icons Bob Geldof and Bono are among U.K. bookmakers’ tips to win the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday (Oct. 7), alongside more orthodox candidates like campaigners against nuclear arms and a peace broker for Indonesia.

Experts are divided about whether the secretive five-member committee would dare to broaden the scope of the $1.3 million award in 2005 to honor Geldof or the U2 lead singer, who have campaigned for years to ease hunger and poverty in Africa.

To read more visit billboard.com.

Following last weekend

Rumors about a full-blown Fugees reunion have been coming and going for years, but it looks as though it could be for real this time.

The group recently dropped its first single in more than eight years, “Take It Easy,” and has booked a European tour with plans for a new album release this winter.

If all goes according to plan, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras will perform their first full concert together since 1997 November 30 at Vienna, Austria’s Stadthalle.

Right now, the iinerary has them traveling through Finland, France, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and the U.K. with shows booked for three weeks.

The last scheduled gig is December 20 at Hallenstadion Zurich in Switzerland, but there has been no official word on the tour, so it’s not clear if the itinerary is complete.

The group shocked fans by appearing unannounced at the Dave Chappelle Block Party in summer 2004. All was quiet again until they performed at the BET Awards this past June, and subsequently released “Take It Easy.”

Although a title for the group’s new album has not been made public, the disc is reportedly set for a December 27 release.

There’s been no word of any U.S. tour plans.

The Bravery are heading out on a headline tour in support of their self titled debut album including dates with openers (International) Noise Conspiracy and also VHS or BETA. Then the band is off to hit the road with Depeche Mode on select dates of their upcoming US winter tour.

Please visit the Bravery’s website to watch the new “Unconditional” video.

Tour Dates –

Oct 2 – Sauget, IL (St. Louis, MO) – Pop’s – W/ International Noise Conspiracy
Oct 3 – Kansas City, MO – Beaumont Club – W/ International Noise Conspiracy
Oct 4 – Chicago, IL – Vic Theater – W/ International Noise Conspiracy
Oct 5 – Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre – W/ International Noise Conspiracy
Oct 6 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave – W/ International Noise Conspiracy
Oct 8 – Northfield, MN – St. Olaff College – W/ International Noise Conspiracy
Oct 9 – Decorah, IA – Luther College – W/ International Noise Conspiracy
Oct 11 – Toronto, ON – Kool Haus – W/ International Noise Conspiracy
Oct 12 – Montreal, QC Le Spectrum – W/ International Noise Conspiracy
Oct 13 – Boston, MA – Avalon – W/ International Noise Conspiracy
Oct 15 – Las Vegas, NV – Pepsi Smash
Oct 16 – Los Angeles, CA – Avalon
Oct 17 – Phoenix, AZ – Marquee
Oct 19 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre Of Living Arts – W/ International Noise Conspiracy
Oct 20 – New York, NY – Roseland Ballroom – W/ International Noise Conspiracy
Oct 21 – Baltimore, MD – Sonar – W/ International Noise Conspiracy
Oct 22 – Norfolk, VA – The Norva – W/ VHS or Beta
Oct 23 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle – W/ VHS or Beta
Oct 25 – Columbia, SC – Headliners Live – W/ VHS or Beta
Oct 26 – Nashville, TN – Exit In – W/ VHS or Beta
Oct 27 – Birmingham, AL – Zydeco – W/ VHS or Beta
Oct 29 – Memphis, TN – Voodoo Festival
Oct 31 – Tallahassee, FL – The Moon
Nov 4 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues

Opening for DEPECHE MODE:
Nov 2 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Bank Atlantic Center
Nov 3 – St Pete, FL – St Pete Times Forum
Nov 5 – Duluth, GA – The Arena at Gwinnett Center
Nov 7 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Nov 8 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
Nov 9 – San Antonio, TX – SBC Center
Nov 11- Denver, CO – Magness Arena
Nov 12 – Salt Lake City, UT – E Center
Dec 3 – Atlantic City, NJ – Borgata
Dec 4 – Montreal, QUE – Bell Centre
Dec 7 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Dec 9 – Washington, D.C. – Patriot Center