Billboard- TOP STORIES Jay-Z, Timberlake to Headline U.K.'s Wireless Concerts

TOP STORIES   Jay-Z, Timberlake to Headline U.K.'s Wireless Concerts Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake will headline this summer's Wireless festival at the Olympic Park here, concert promoter Live Nation said Tuesday. Sony Music, BandMerch Ink Retail Partnership Sony Music Entertainment has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with BandMerch, the merchandising division of promoter AEG Live, to expand and develop Sony’s merchandising programs in the North American retail market in conjunction with the Thread Shop, Sony’s merchandising arm. The joint venture will be announced later today at the MAGIC merchandising show in Las Vegas. Built for Show: 17 New and Renovated Venues To Watch The strength of the live music industry can be measured in many ways, from the year-end reports of talent buyers and sellers, to the keen interest in the proposed sale of AEG Live, to the rapid sellouts of one's favorite act at the local concert venue. To add to those indicators, Billboard offers another way to judge the bullish outlook for the live business: the millions of dollars being invested in the buildings to host events. Staples Center to Go All Vegetarian for Morrissey Show All vendors at the March 1 show are mandated to ban "flesh as food" by the singer, a long-time animal activist. At his request, McDonald's won't open, either. Thomas Dolby's Second Directorial Effort Garners Fest Awards, Tour Planned Thirty years passed between Thomas Dolby directing a video for his hit “She Blinded Me With Science” and his first proper film, "The Invisible Lighthouse." The film has won two awards at the Los Angeles DIY Film Festival. His next step? Take it on the road. Mexican Singer Vicente Fernandez Prepares To Take The Stage For His Final Shows and Tour Mexican ranchera star Vicente Fernandez is returning to complete 8 U.S. shows that in October were canceled after announcing that he had a small lump on his liver which required major medical attention. Talent Manager Gerald Harrington Jr. Dies He worked at APA, Industry Entertainment and Brillstein-Grey and guided the careers of such stars as Nicolas Cage and Sylvester Stallone and the band Big Audio Dynamite. Jennifer Hudson, Kristin Chenoweth Added to Music Mix at Oscars Oscar host Seth MacFarlane and Kristin Chenoweth will perform a special closing number, and past winners Jennifer Hudson, Russell Crowe and Catherine Zeta-Jones will join an all-star tribute to recent movie musicals at this Sunday's Academy Awards. Blink-182’s Barker Won’t Fly, Misses Australia Tour Travis Barker won’t be taking his seat behind the drumkit for Blink-182’s upcoming Australia tour. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Billboard International Talent & Touring Guide Find more than 30,000 listings on venues, agents and managers, artists, sound and lighting services, instrument rentals, security services, merchandisers, and any service or supplier you’ll need when going on tour. The premier global reference guide for anyone who books, promotes or manages talent. Call 800-562-2706 (U.S.) or 818-487-4582 to order now or order online here.