PET SHOP BOYS have competed eight new songs for their as yet untitled and unscheduled new album. In the meantime the duo have prepared a double CD compilation for the 'Back To Mine' series showcasing their favourite 'after hours' tracks - the release will feature one CD of tracks from NEIL TENNANT and one CD from CHRIS LOWE. PSB's have also given a new track 'Baby' to Swedish pop act Alcazar who will release it later this year.

VISAGE are to release a new album this year, with original frontman STEVE STRANGE fronting a new band consisting of members of UK electro-breakbeat band Sieze. The new Visage are currently working on new songs and reinterpretations of Visage classics and hope to tour extensively later in the year.

NIK KERSHAW, HUGH CORNWELL, JUDIE TZUKE, GARY CHRISTIAN and JAKI GRAHAM are among artists on the bill for a special concert to raise funds for Tsunami and Sudan relief at London's Bush Hall on March 15th.

BOY GEORGE will be promoting the publication of his new biography 'Straight' with a performance and signing session at London's Virgin Megastore on March 19th. In addition to signing books George will perform some of the songs that are available on the CD that accompanies initial quantities of 'Straight'

BROS' forthcoming DVD will now be released on March 14th and will feature twelve videos and a live concert from the band's 'Push' tour as well as additional documentary footage, interviews and photos.

MORRISSEY will release his live CD 'Live At Earls Court' on March 21st, followed by a live DVD 'Who Put The M In Manchester?' on March 27th.

ABC will release 'The Look Of Love', a deluxe 3 disc featuring two CD's and a DVD. The CDs will feature 'Look Of Love - The Very Best of ABC' and a disc of rare 12" mixes. The DVD, 'Absolutely ABC' will feature 14 promotional videos.

NENA will release a new album 'Willst Du Mit Mir Gehn' in Germany on March 21st preceded by a single 'Liebe Ist' on February 28th. The album will feature twenty-two tracks across two CDs.

BANANARAMA have finished work on their new album and will be announcing details of the album and a new single very soon!

EURYTHMICS singer ANNIE LENNOX and former POLICE frontman STING are among the guests appearing on the new album from HERBIE HANCOCK. The currently untitled album will be released in September.

SAMANTHA FOX will release a hits collection on February 28th via BMG in advance of an album of new material tentatively scheduled for later in the year.

GEORGE MICHAEL has announced that he is to retire from public view, although he will continue to make music... possibly writing for other people.