'70s pop star jumps back on the 'Peace Train'
Yusuf Islam, formerly known as pop singer Cat Stevens, has recorded two songs to express his opposition to a U.S.-led war on Iraq.
One song is a rerecording of his '70s hit "Peace Train." The other, "Angel of War," re-works his melancholy love song "Lady D'Arbanville."
"As a member of humanity and as a Muslim, this is my contribution to the call for a peaceful solution to the dangerous path some world leaders today seem to be taking," he said in a statement posted on his Web site.
Islam, who was born Stephen Georgiou, took Cat Stevens as a stage name and had a string of hits in the early 1970s. He abandoned his music career in 1977 and changed his name after being convinced by orthodox Muslim teachers that his lifestyle was forbidden by Islamic law.
Pacino to go on Broadway for role in Wilde play
Al Pacino, who appeared off-Broadway last fall, will appear on Broadway this spring.
The actor will play King Herod in Oscar Wilde's "Salome," opening April 30 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.
Marisa Tomei will portray the title character, best known for her dance of the seven veils.
Other Hollywood luminaries in the cast include Dianne Wiest and David Strathairn. Estelle Parsons will direct. Preview performances begin April 12, and the production closes June 7.
Pacino, 62, appeared off-Broadway last October, starring in "The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui," Bertolt Brecht's tale of a Chicago gangster.
Madonna contemplates hip-hop crossover
After branching out into electronica, Madonna looks set to make a foray into yet another musical genre -- the world of hip-hop, Hello! magazine reports.
Madonna reportedly had a long chat with the Missy Elliot about her burgeoning crossover plans, and has gone back to the recording studio to put together a remixed version of her upcoming single "American Life."
Says one source: "Madge is obsessed with Eminem and Missy Elliott and wanted to do something in the rap world and get some street cred."
-- From wire reports
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