BENNINGTON'S STALKER JAILED ( News of 2008)

A woman accused of stalking rocker CHESTER BENNINGTON has been sentenced to two years in jail for harassing the LINKIN PARK frontman and his wife TALINDA BENTLEY. Former laboratory worker Devon Townsend pleaded guilty to using government computers at her former workplace Sandia National Laboratories' technology and manufacturing group to access the rocker's email account from January to November 2006. Townsend also hacked into a cellphone firm's website to illegally obtain Bennington's phone number, which she used to threaten former Playboy model Bentley. Townsend appeared at an Albuquerque, New Mexico court for sentencing on Wednesday (20Feb08) and was ordered to turn herself in to a Phoenix, Arizona jail within 60 days to begin serving her prison term. She is also expected to undergo mental health treatment while behind bars.

BENNINGTON DENIES VELVET REVOLVER ROLE (Old Rumour)

LINKIN PARK singer CHESTER BENNIGTON has denied he is to take over from SCOTT WEILAND as the frontman of VELVET REVOLVER.
The 32-year-old rocker was rumoured to be joining the band shortly after Weiland was dismissed in March (08) following a series of spats with his bandmates.
But Bennington insists speculation surrounding his possible move to Velvet Revolver was all the result of a misunderstanding - and he currently has no intention to leave Linkin Park.
He tells Kerrang magazine, "I'm friends with all the guys in Velvet Revolver and have played with all of them before. I'm friends with Scott too.
"I think the rumour that I was going to join Velvet Revolver started because (guitarist) Slash asked me if I'd come play a show with them in Vegas right around the time that Scott left the band.
"Timing-wise, it didn't work out for me, though. Maybe people assumed that invitation meant I was joining the band."
But Bennington admits that under other circumstances, he might be tempted to take on the job.
He adds, "If I wasn't in Linkin Park anymore and I didn't know Scott, though, I'd say yes. Who wouldn't? The music is great and it would be a really cool opportunity." has denied he is to take over from SCOTT WEILAND as the frontman of VELVET REVOLVER.
The 32-year-old rocker was rumoured to be joining the band shortly after Weiland was dismissed in March (08) following a series of spats with his bandmates.
But Bennington insists speculation surrounding his possible move to Velvet Revolver was all the result of a misunderstanding - and he currently has no intention to leave Linkin Park.
He tells Kerrang magazine, "I'm friends with all the guys in Velvet Revolver and have played with all of them before. I'm friends with Scott too.
"I think the rumour that I was going to join Velvet Revolver started because (guitarist) Slash asked me if I'd come play a show with them in Vegas right around the time that Scott left the band.
"Timing-wise, it didn't work out for me, though. Maybe people assumed that invitation meant I was joining the band."
But Bennington admits that under other circumstances, he might be tempted to take on the job.
He adds, "If I wasn't in Linkin Park anymore and I didn't know Scott, though, I'd say yes. Who wouldn't? The music is great and it would be a really cool opportunity."

LINKIN PARK TAKE OVER FROM THE WHO FOR CSI EPISODE

Rockers LINKIN PARK are to end THE WHO's stranglehold on hit TV series CSI after producers agreed to name an episode after their new single.
The group's new track, Leave Out All The Rest, will feature prominently in an upcoming episode with the same name.
It'll be the first time music from any group other than The Who has featured so prominently in any of the three existing CSI programmes.

STARS TO COMPETE FOR TATTOO PRIZE

(Greenday in Pic)

GREEN DAY, METALLICA and LINKIN PARK lead the list of tattooed rockers up for the Best Band/Artist honour at the first Inked True Colors Awards.
The rockers will compete for the top prize at the event, which will be held on 3 October (09) at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.
They'll be up against Rise Against, Eminem, Slayer, Lil Wayne, Gallows, Fall Out Boy and Good Charlotte.
Meanwhile, the nominees for Favourite Tattooed Artist are Rihanna, Pink, Travis Barker, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Megan Fox, among others.

Mike Shinoda: Glorious Excess (Dies)

Mike will host his upcoming solo exhibition, Glorious Excess (Dies), at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles beginning August 29.

Following his highly-successful 2008 show, Glorious Excess (Born), Mike returns to the Museum to unveil his latest collection of paintings and digital works. Larger, broader, and more sensational than before, Glorious Excess (Dies) is the next chapter in his series exploring society’s obsession with celebrity culture, consumer addiction, and fascination with excess.

Open to the public, the reception for Glorious Excess (Dies) will take place on Saturday, August 29 from 8 to 10pm with Mike in attendance, and the show will be on view until October 4, 2009.