Lollapalooza canceled; 'Space' sinks 'Titanic'

The rumors are now officially true - for the first time in the past seven years, there will be no Lollapalooza tour this summer. Following recent speculation about the ability of the mega-alterna-festival's organizers to package a decent tour in time for this summer, Lollapalooza co-founder Ted Gardner finally revealed, "There won't be a tour." As of this past Thursday evening, Lollapalooza spokespersons had not even announced any bands or routing for the tour, which normally begins in June. Marilyn Manson, Green Day and Garbage had all declined offers to headline the tour due to prior commitments. Although Gardner expressed regret that the tour would not be happening this year, he said that "It's a good idea, because we weren't prepared and didn't have a

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Dave Navarro (center) has left the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

solid enough bill together."

Luscious Jackson keyboardist Vivian Trimble announced this past Friday that she is leaving the all-female band due to the rigors of touring. Luscious Jackson's remaining members - founders Gabby Glaser (guitar, vocals) and Jill Cunniff (vocals, bass), plus drummer Kate Schellenbach - plan to continue without Trimble, and are also expected to start recording the follow-up to 1996's "Fever In Fever Out" in the near future. Trimble has revealed that she is pursuing a slew of other musical projects, including two albums with Dusty Trails involving ex-Breeder Josephine Wiggs, as well as a collaboration with John Spencer Blues Explosion drummer Russell Simins.

Dave Navarro has officially left the Red Hot Chili Peppers. In a Warner Brothers press release, the former Jane's Addiction guitarist announced he was leaving the band, and that he did not intend on touring with either the Chili Peppers or Jane's Addiction this summer. In the release, Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis said, "This is a completely mutual parting based on creative differences. We had fun and I love the guy." Navarro will most likely use his extra free time to record material with his new band Spread, which also features Chili Pepper drummer Chad Smith. Navarro said, "I will miss the band very much. I know in my heart that the friendships we've established will remain forever eternal." Navarro was the Chilis' eighth guitarist; founding member Hillel Slovek died of a heroin overdose in 1988, and since then the rotation has featured Blackbyrd McKnight, John Frusciante, Arik Marshall and Jesse Tobias, among others.

Film/Television

After 15 weeks, "Titanic" has finally sunk. Well, kind of. The behemoth has topped the box office for nearly four months now, but this weekend, "Lost in Space," the remake of the '60s sci-fi TV show, took over the top spot. It pulled $20.5 million in its first week, breaking the April-opening record formerly held by "Indecent Proposal." But don't cry for James Cameron and the "Titanic" cast. Smashing records, it has now grossed more than a half-billion dollars domestic, and recently topped $1.2-billion worldwide.

When looking for actors to play the the lead in the movie adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom of the Opera," one might think that the creator would look to Hollywood's more distinguished milieu. But currently, Webber is scouring the ranks of pop culture to fill the position. The project has been in the works since 1991. John Travolta, of "Grease" fame, was thinking of taking the role, but leading the pack as of right now is Antonio Banderas. Isn't it silly, though, to think that Travolta and Banderas have the acting skill matched with the necessary vocal range to tackle the daunting role? Heck, why not just go and cast Madonna as Evita, or something like that!

The Peabody Awards for broad cast and cable excellence were awarded last week. Among the winners was ABC's "Ellen," for the now-famous "Puppy Episode," in which Ellen DeGeneres made her long-anticipated coming out. Unfortunately, the sitcom has experienced a drop in popularity, recently having been temporarily replaced by the sure-to-be-classic "Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place." DeGeneres reports that this year's finale may be the show's last episode. The network is still considering whether or not to renew the comedy.

- Compiled by Daily Film Editor Joshua Pederson and Daily Music Editor Brian Cohen. The Associated Press and Entertainment Weekly contributed to this report.

04-09-98