Fatboy Slim – the original superstar DJ – is returning to the UAE for an intimate club appearance next month. The "big beat" pioneer will perform at Pacha Ibiza Dubai on December 18. The alias of producer Norman Cook, Fatboy Slim was one of the biggest dance music acts of the 1990s, scoring seven UK top-10 singles, including four from 1998's best-selling album You've Come A Long Way, Baby. Cook performed a chaotic gig at Dubai's Barasti in 2009 – reportedly his last concert before entering rehab for alcoholism. He returned for a triumphant, sober show at Sandance in 2012. Tickets for the significantly smaller Pacha gig cost Dh250. Call 04 567 0000 or email reservations@pacha.ae. – The National staff
Ex-Guns ‘n’ Roses guitarist axes UAE concerts
Former Guns 'n' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke has cancelled two gigs in the UAE, blaming recent events in Europe. He was set to perform at Dubai's The Music Room and Abu Dhabi's Exchange on December 10 and 11 respectively. Three UK dates have also been axed. In a message posted on his official website, he wrote: "I'm sorry to inform everybody, but our UAE/UK tour is cancelled. This is a very difficult time to tour in Europe, with all the added security at the airports and holiday travel. Many flights are being randomly cancelled and rescheduled. It will be nearly impossible for us to keep our tour itinerary." Clarke also promised a return to Europe in March, but made no mention of "make up" dates in the UAE. Clarke joined Guns 'n' Roses in 1991, following the departure of founding rhythm player Izzy Stradlin. He released his first solo album in 1994. – The National staff
Hindi version of Pitbull's Dale on Priyanka's mind
Bollywood actress-singer Priyanka Chopra has sent "much love" from India to American rapper Pitbull – and says she's keen to sing on his new album in Hindi. They previously collaborated on the 2013 song Exotic. Congrats @priyankachopra on all the success #MissWorld #MrWorldwide #Exotic #Dale," Pitbull shared on Instagram along with a photograph featuring the two. Priyanka replied, saying: "Thank you @pitbull! #Chalo! Hindi for #dale! Hope you been well. Much love." The actress has been experiencing a "tiring" workload. "OK, these one-day trans-Atlantic trips might be my lifestyle but Dayam! They are tiring. Still 12 hours to go for Montreal," she tweeted on Sunday. – IANS
Gods of Egypt filmmakers apologise for casting choices
Director Alex Proyas has apologised for casting mostly white actors in his upcoming film Gods of Egypt. The filmmaker and studio Lionsgate issued statements on Friday acknowledging the controversy sparked by the release of the film's first trailer two weeks ago, featuring a cast led by Scottish actor Gerard Butler and Danish star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. Australian director Proyas, who was born in Egypt, said it was clear that their casting choices should have been more diverse. Lionsgate said they are deeply committed to making films that reflect the diversity of their audiences and pledged to do better. "We recognise that it is our responsibility to help ensure that casting decisions reflect the diversity and culture of the time periods portrayed," the studio said. Gods of Egypt also stars actor Chadwick Boseman, an African-American, and actress Elodie Yung, who is French-Cambodian. It is due to be released in February. – AP
Sinead O’Connor in suicide scare
Troubled Irish singer Sinead O'Connor appeared to have attempted suicide on Sunday, after a post on her Facebook page said she had taken an overdose. The post, the authenticity of which could not immediately be verified, expressed hurt that O'Connor had been cut off from her family by "a horrific set of betrayals". "I have taken an overdose," the post added. "There is no other way to get respect. I am not at home, I'm at a hotel, somewhere in Ireland, under another name. If I wasn't posting this, my kids and family wouldn't even find out. I could have been dead here for weeks already and they'd never have known." A spokesman for the Irish police said O'Connor had been "located safe". Media reports said she was receiving medical treatment. This year, the singer cancelled concerts because her son was suffering from a "life-threatening medical condition". – AFP
