Green Day are cancelling the rest of their 2012 concert schedule and postponing the start of their 2013 arena tour. The band's bass player, Mike Dirnt, says the vocalist Billie Joe Armstrong's "well-being is our main concern" in their decision to clear the schedule until February 8. He said in a statement that Armstrong is doing well in his attempt to shake substance abuse problems that emerged publicly in September when the singer-guitarist had a profane meltdown on the stage of the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas. The Grammy-winning band also moved up the release date of Tre, the third instalment in a trilogy of albums released over a period of months. The album will be released on December 11, a month ahead of schedule. - AP
Swift to host Grammy nominations
Taylor Swift will co-host the Grammy nominations television special. The pop star will join LL Cool J as the host of the December 5 show, broadcast live on CBS from Nashville. Grammy officials also announced that the country star Luke Bryan has been added to the telecast as a performer, joining Maroon 5 as the only acts announced so far. The 55th annual Grammy Awards will be held on February 10 in Los Angeles. - AP
Anderson Cooper's talk show axed
Anderson Cooper's daytime talk show will not be renewed for a third season. Flagging viewer numbers were blamed for the effective cancellation of the syndicated show by Cooper, who also fronts a prime-time current affairs show on CNN, Anderson Cooper 360. Anderson is in its second season and its producers had relaunched the programme by broadcasting it live and revamping its format, but to no avail. "I am very proud of the work that our terrific staff has put into launching and sustaining our show for two seasons," said Cooper. "I am indebted to viewers." - AFP
Wilson's The Office spin-off scrapped
NBC earlier announced plans to produce The Farm, a spin-off of its popular series The Office, to be headlined by Rainn Wilson. But the actor said on Monday the show is no longer happening. "NBC has passed on moving forward with The Farm TV show. Had a blast making the pilot - onwards and upwards!" he posted on Twitter. New York Magazine reported the pilot for the show will air as a special episode of The Office, which is currently in its final season. - The National staff
Keibler not keen on marriage talk
The model and actress Stacy Keibler says she isn't interested in talks about marrying her partner George Clooney. Asked by The Sun if an engagement is imminent for the couple, the 33-year-old said: "That is not on my radar at all. I'm definitely the girl who doesn't talk about that kind of stuff. I'm not really interested in thinking about marriage or kids at all." - IANS