Holly to Bolly: Guns n’ Roses top the global tour takings, Liam Payne and Cheryl announce first child and more

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  AP Photo

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  Courtesy Lucasfilm

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  Antonie Robertson / The National

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  Chris Pizzello / Invision / AP

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  Courtesy of EDEN Beach Club

Fresh from a mammoth, big budget UAE show, Guns n’ Roses have been named the top grossing live act in the world.

According to stats compiled by Pollstar, the reformed rock legends bank an average of $5,004,737 (Dh18.3 million) per show, with the average ticket price set at $101.82 (Dh373). Regular tickets for the band’s controversy struck show at Dubai Autism Rocks Arena on March 3 – at which fans complained of delays of several hours getting to and from the venue – were comparatively priced at Dh400, with a reported attendance of 30,000.

The closet competition to Gn’R came from Justin Bieber – who performs at the same Dubai venue on May 6 – who grosses an average of $1,676,016 per show, with ticket priced rounded to $80.90. - The National Staff

1D’s Liam Payne and Cheryl announce first child

Former Girls Aloud star Cheryl and her partner Liam Payne of One Direction fame have announced the birth of their first child. Cheryl said on Instagram on Saturday (March 25) night that their son was born on Wednesday (March 22) and has not been named.

“Although he still doesn’t have a name he is already stealing hearts. We are all madly in love and overwhelmingly happy with our little arrival,” she said. Payne, who is now also a solo artist, said he was “incredibly happy” and posted a photo of himself with the baby.

Cheryl was known as Cheryl Cole when she was in Girls Aloud. She has also been a judge on the The X Factor, the show that Payne competed on before he was placed into One Direction. – AP

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Last Jedi ‘not changed’ due to Fisher’s death

Disney CEO Bob Iger says the upcoming Star Wars sequel has not been changed due to the death of Carrie Fisher. Fisher completed filming her role as Princess Leia in The Last Jedi before her death following a heart attack in December.

Iger said in an interview at a University of Southern California tech conference Thursday that Fisher "appears throughout" the film and her performance "remains as it was." Iger says Disney is discussing "what could be another decade and a half of Star Wars stories."

Iger’s remark came on the same day Disney ended speculation that he would retire this year by extending his contract one year to 2019. He says he and Disney’s board thought they needed more time to work on a succession plan. – AP

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Deepika Padukone to miss Cannes film fest

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone says she will not be seen stalking the red carpet of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May as she is focussed on her film project Padmavati.

There was buzz that Deepika, who has reportedly bagged an international endorsement deal with cosmetic giant L’Oreal, will represent the brand at the film jamboree. Asked about it, Deepika told the media here: “No. Right now all my energies are focused on Padmavati.”

The actress, who featured in Hollywood film xXx: Return of Xander Cage, looked very stylish as she stepped out for the HT Style Awards here on Friday night. – IANS

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Netflix re-signs with Sandler for four more films

Netflix is doubling down on Adam Sandler, with the streaming giant extending its deal with the comedian for four more feature films.

As part of a previous four-movie deal, Sandler has already produced and starred in two films for Netflix. While neither Ridiculous 6 nor The Do-Over received anything close to good reviews, Netflix announced they are the biggest film releases for the service. Sandler's next Netflix film, Sandy Wexler, debuts April 14.

Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said Sandler’s films have proven “extremely successful” with Netflix subscribers.

To date, the majority of Netflix original films have been smaller dramas or documentaries. But some of its most ambitious and priciest acquisitions are due out this year, including War Machine with Brad Pitt – which was partially shot in Abu Dhabi – and Bright with Will Smith. – AP

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Steve Aoki collaborates with Indian DJ

Indian DJ Shaan Singh has signed a collaborative deal with American electro house musician Steve Aoki for a remix of the song Don't Hold On, which features singer Louis Tomlinson. For the deal, Shaan – who was the first Indian DJ to play at Belgium's Tomorrowland festival – has signed up with the global agency David Lewis Productions.

“2017 is an exciting year for me. My management is also working to get me included on the Ultra Music Festival [in Miami] line-up this year and I hope I get to share the stage along with Steve Aoki and feature my remix live. This is all a result of the hard work I have put in over a period of seven years,” Shaan said in a statement. DJ Shaan has shared the stage with industry pioneers like Tiesto, Hardwell, Afrojack, David Guetta and Swedish House Mafia. – IANS