Slipknot percussionist Shawn 'Clown' Crahan has urged fans to spend more time with their families after his mother died at the weekend. Since his mother's passing, the 39-year-old missed shows in Springfield and St Louis and yesterday posted a message on the band's website explaining his absence. Read more >>

Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Ean Evans has passed away after battling cancer since the end of 2008. Evans was a prolific musician, picking up the guitar at the age of 15, and beginning his career is numerous southeastern rock circuit cover groups. Read more >>

Trent Reznor has revealed that Apple have now approved the Nine Inch Nails iPhone application which had previously been rejected due to 'objectionable content'. As previously reported on Gigwise, the app which allows you to access exclusive NiN content was rejected because of material in the album, 'The Downward Spiral'. Read more >>

Graham Coxon has revealed that the Blur vs Oasis Britpop battle almost caused just jump out of a sixth-story window. Speaking about the aftermath of the 'Country House' vs 'Roll With It' chart war, Coxon admitted that he didn't feel comfortable celebrating what he called a “hollow, pointless victory”. Read more >>

M.I.A. has called upon Oprah Winfrey's help to raise awareness of the bombing of civilian camps in the singer's birth country of Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka government admitted last week that its air force have bombed a safe haven set up for refugees escaping from the bloody conflict between the army and Tamil Tigers. Read more >>

David Gilmour has announced plans to make a special appearance with Mali musicians Amadou and Mariam in London later this month. The Pink Floyd guitarist was invited to play at a secret venue with the pair in aid of Crisis on May 25. Read more >>

The Specials' reunion was brought about by an unlikely mediator - Lily Allen. The band reformed after their successful appearance at Britain's Bestival show in September - the first time the original group had played together since their 1981 split. Read more >>

Orbital have announced details of a best-of album to celebrate their 20th year in the music industry. Aptly titled 'Orbital 20', the 20-track double album features their biggest hits alongside some reworked and remixed tracks. Read more >>

Amy Winehouse has spoken for the first time about her life on the island of St Lucia. The singer, who has been an on and off visitor to the Caribbean for the last five months, said she had made “friends for life” and “been inspired by my surroundings”. Read more >>