Who’d have thought that a rehash of an ’80s prison drama show would be a huge hit in a medium that is already saturated with remakes and pastiche? But that’s just what drama Wentworth – the new show inspired by successful series Prisoner – has done.

Recent ratings reveal that Wentworth has become the most watched non-sports program in Australian television subscription history.

The release of timeshift viewing data for the first week of May shows the debut episode of Wentworth ranks as the highest rated episode of any series ever on Foxtel, with the episode attracting a cumulative average audience of over 630,000 viewers across the week.

It’s never too late to get hooked: this week’s episode of Wentworth (premiering Wednesday 22 May on SoHo) will be the fourth in the ten-episode season.

Fresh after news that Justin Timberlake will be releasing Part Two of his very successful The 20/20 Experience LP in September, comes the announcement from Live Nation that the well-heeled dude will be touring Australia.

No dates have been announced yet but we’re guessing some time mid-next year since his 20/20 Experience World Tour only kicks off in Canada in October this year.

We promise we’ll reveal dates as soon as we know.

Wally de Backer, aka Gotye, has sent a personal letter to the Minister of Communications, Stephen Conroy, urging him to commit to adequate funding for digital community radio services as part of next week’s Federal Budget.

Currently there is a $1.4 million per annum shortfall in funding, which could mean many community stations get switched off.

In his letter, Gotye came across as very humble indeed, despite having sold over 10 million albums worldwide, saying “Australian community radio has been instrumental in my recent international success; without the support and encouragement of community stations when I started self- releasing my music, I would not have been able to develop my career.”

Since having her memoir, The Vogue Factor, published in March this year, ex-Vogue Australia editor Kirstie Clements has caught the attention of one of the world’s highest rating TV talkshows, The View.

Co-hosted by Whoopie Goldberg and Barbara Walters, tomorrow’s program will feature Clements as a guest where, no doubt, she will be quizzed about one element of her autobiography in particular – her opinion on the drastic measures models often take to remain ‘catwalk thin’.

In recent weeks Clements has appeared on Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, NBC’s Today and CNN, and the talkshow requests continue to flow in.

Says Clements, “I am so thrilled to be invited to appear on The View. Barbara Walters is a personal idol of mine, and the show is such an important touch point for women all over the world.”

Clements’ memoir takes a good, hard look at the volatility of the fashion industry. She was unceremoniously sacked after 13 years in the Vogue Australia editor’s chair but doesn’t seem to have any issue with dishing the dirt. To see what else she may reveal, tune in to The View tomorrow, 9am EST, on Channel Nine.  

The Vogue Factor is published through Melbourne University Publishing.

The remaining members of the Beastie Boys have signed on with Random House Publishing to write their own memoir.

Mike D and Ad-Rock have said this won’t be a traditional band autobiography but rather – quote – “a pastiche of voices, images, irreverent humour and pop-cultural reference points” which we think sounds all very postmodern university graduate rather than bad-boy rapper.

A title for the memoir has yet to be confirmed, but Cream suggests something like ‘No Sleep Till Deadline’.

She brought fabulous YOU into this wonderful world and so we think she deserves special attention. No matter how big or small your budget is this MOTHER’S DAY, here are some nifty gift ideas – from $9.95 knick-knacks to three-figure household accessories to beauty products to boot. 

↑ WHAT IT IS: Set of pop/rock coasters. DESCRIPTION: Though she may be discreet about her age, we’re guessing your Mum was born any time from 1970 backwards so she likely grew up listening to anything from Madonna to the Beatles. If so, she might just dig these cool coasters, each comes in a set of four depicting a particular artist’s more famous album covers. PERSONALITY TRAIT: Loves her retro music. COST: $9.95 for set of four. AVAILABLE FROM: pickaposta via eBay.

↑ WHAT IT IS: Vinyl Record 3-Tier Cake Stand. DESCRIPTION: A fabulous conversation piece, this cake stand is for the hipper hostess of high tea parties. Made from real vinyl records, it’s guaranteed to add a little rock and roll to her next soiree. PERSONALITY TRAIT: She knows who The Ramones are. COST: $39.00. AVAILABLE FROM: www.vinylcuts.com.au. 

↑ WHAT IT IS: Michel Design Works Peacock Teatowel. DESCRIPTION: She can never have enough tea towels so why not make a statement with some of them? Featuring bold, natural-history prints, there’s nothing demure or shy about Michel Design Works designs. Teatowel made of natural woven cotton so it’s as practical as it is impressive. PERSONALITY TRAIT: Likes to make a statement; may even be a little on the flamboyant side. COST: $14.95. AVAILABLE FROM: Stockist enquiries 1300 555 150 or visit www.villamondo.com.

↑ WHAT IT IS: Davis & Waddell Chicken Egg Basket. DESCRIPTION: Made of wire, this sturdy chook-shaped basket is just the thing to keep eggy-weggs safe and sound. A kooky  addition to any kitchen. PERSONALITY TRAIT: A little quirky. COST: $14.99. AVAILABLE FROM: Phone (03) 9474 1300 or visit www.davisandwaddell.com.au.

↑ WHAT IT IS: Oxfam Retro Teapot and Cup Set. DESCRIPTION: This fun retro yellow and blue ceramic teapot was made by artisans for the Craftlink organisation in Vietnam especially for Oxfam Shop – that passionate supporter of fair trade, empowering disadvantaged communities by paying them fair and stable prices for their work. Looks great and you’ll feel real good about the cause! PERSONALITY TRAIT: Worldly and practical. COST: $32.95. AVAILABLE FROM: Enquiries 1800 088 455 or visit www.oxfamshop.org.au.

↑ WHAT IT IS: Eau De Parfum Lemoncello. DESCRIPTION: A stunning fragrance the melds Meyer Lemon and other citrus notes with Lily of the Valley. Lavender and Neroli sit atop a base of Ambergris. With 18-20% fragrance concentration, the scent is long-lasting. PERSONALITY TRAIT: She loves to deconstruct classic things. COST: $49.95. AVAILABLE FROM: Enquiries (03) 9703 1000 or visit  www.everydayluxuries.com.au.

↑ WHAT IT IS: KitchenAid Artisan Deluxe Hand Blender. DESCRIPTION: This hand blender is perfectly weighted with a rubber hand stick grip helping her power through blending, shredding, mincing, chopping, whipping, frothing, puréeing and more. PERSONALITY TRAIT: Loves to cook but refrains from being a slave in the kitchen. COST: $249.00. AVAILABLE FROM: Enquiries (02) 4902 6500 or visit  www.kitchenaid.com.au.  

↑ WHAT IT IS: Nespresso Pixie with Aeroccino. DESCRIPTION: Nespresso has refined its much-loved Pixie machine by introducing a sleek, stainless steel panelled option. Robust and industrial looking, it’d suit the most modern of kitchens. PERSONALITY TRAIT: Likes her style like she craves her caffeine. COST: $399.00. AVAILABLE FROM: Nespresso boutiques and select appliance retailers; phone 1800 623 033 for stockists or visit www.nespresso.com.

↑ WHAT IT IS: Lush ‘Don’t Knock It Till You’ve Tried It’ gift pack. DESCRIPTION: Tropical-themed beauty treats from one of Australia’s most popular concept outlets, a cool reusable tin ‘lunch box’ packed with bathing goodies including Each Peach Massage Bar, Blackberry Bath Bomb and Karma Komba Shampoo Bar. PERSONALITY TRAIT: She’s quirky with a sense of humour while liking to maintain a good beauty regime. COST: $59.95. AVAILABLE FROM: Lush stores nationally. Phone 1300 587 428 for store info or visit www.lush.com.au.

↑ WHAT IT IS: Eurovision Song Contest Dress-Up Sticker Book. DESCRIPTION: Yes, you did read correctly. Courtesy of SBS comes this camp sticker book celebrating everybody’s favourite naff-naff talent quest, the Eurovision Song Contest. The book contains over 120 reusable stickers that can be mixed and matched across 16 sticker pages on male and female ‘contestants’. From ABBA-like ensembles to Gaga-esque creations, there’s hours of fun to be had. PERSONALITY TRAIT: Too much time on her hands. COST: $19.95. AVAILABLE FROM: Published through Hardie Grant Books, available at bookstores and select newsagencies or visit www.hardiegrant.com.au for more information.

↑ WHAT IT IS: Clarins beauty products. DESCRIPTION: A favourite for beauty editors the world over, Clarins provide trusted and established products such as the Beauty Flash Balm (middle), and new offerings like the Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate (left) and BB Skin Perfecting Cream (right). PERSONALITY TRAIT: She’s tried a lot of cosmetic products in her life and now only wants the tried, tested and trusted. The Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate, for example, is the culmination of 27 years of plant science expertise combining ingredients of green tea (for the prevention of lines and wrinkles), green banana (for firmness and elasticity), kiwi (for suppleness and tone) and survixyl (oxygenation). COST: $90.00 for Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate, $60.00 for 50ml tube of Beauty Flash Balm, $50 for the BB Cream. AVAILABLE FROM: Leading department stores, select pharmacies and retail specialists, and online at www.adorebeauty.com.au.

↑ WHAT IT IS: Clinique Repairwear Laser Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream. DESCRIPTION: A correcting cream that addresses the entire eye area, resulting in a more refreshed youthful appearance. It helps protect against environmental aggressors, visibly improving the appearance of lines, wrinkles and overall texture, while strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier. PERSONALITY TRAIT: The Mum who doesn’t mind the hint the years are going by but who knows a little help from a classic name in cosmetics doesn’t hurt. COST: $55.00 for a 15ml tube. AVAILABLE FROM: Clinique counters nationwide and at www.clinique.com.au.

↑ WHAT IT IS: Pelactiv Cleansing Duo Pack. DESCRIPTION: Created by Australian skin therapists in conjunction with biochemists, Pelactiv deliver a complete professional skincare and retail range tailored to suit all skin types and conditions. This handy duo pack includes gentle foaming cleanser and essential clarifying toner, both containing the purest of Australian native plant extracts including aloe vera, green tea and citrus oils. PERSONALITY TRAIT: She appreciates beauty products packed with natural goodness. COST: $49.00. AVAILABLE FROM: Quality beauty outlets and select pharmacies. Also visit www.pelactiv.com.au.

↑ WHAT IT IS: Moroccanoil Hydration Pack. DESCRIPTION: A beautifully packaged collection of quality Moroccanoil haircare products including hydrating shampoo, hydration conditioner, styling cream, hydrating mask, and Moroccanoil Treatment. Plus a fabulous recyclable beauty bag. PERSONALITY TRAIT: Conscientious, consistent and takes great care in her appearance. COST: $52.25. AVAILABLE FROM: Stocksts available at www.moroccanoil.com.

↑ WHAT IT IS: Bottega Veneta fragrance. DESCRIPTION: A fragrance inspired by the Venetian countryside, its scent is redolant of hay, earth, forest and flowers. An improvement on the original Bottega Veneta fragrance – if that was possible – with the addition of gardenia within its heart notes. PERSONALITY TRAIT: She’s bold, classic and stylish. COST: Eau de toilette 30ml $95.00, 50ml $135.00, 75ml $165.00. AVAILABLE FROM: David Jones and Bottega Veneta stores. For stockists phone 1800 812 663.

↑ WHAT IT IS: Curtis & Clarke Pomander Diffuser. DESCRIPTION: With notes of sweet orange blended with warming cloves and cinnamon creates an alluring aroma. Contained in a classic cut blottle, as decorative as it is pragmatic. PERSONALITY TRAIT: Appreciates good scents and good sense. COST: $48.95. AVAILABLE FROM: www.pacificaskincare.co.nz.

↑ WHAT IT IS: Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur. DESCRIPTION: Liqueur made from Sicilian grown blood oranges. Versatile as a base spirit, modifying sweetener, or as the star ingredient in a winter cocktail. PERSONALITY TRAIT: She’s bold enough to try new liqueurs and clever enough to appreciate the purest of essential ingredients. COST: $70.00. AVAILABLE FROM: Select liquor stores nationally; for stocksits phone (02) 9402 5100.

↑ WHAT IT IS: Quality reading material. DESCRIPTION: Get Mum a riveting book to sink her teeth into. Our picks of the month: Petit Mort by Beatrice Hitchman (set in the glamorous but noiresque world or French cinema in the early 1900s), Ripples On A Pond by Joy Dettman (more period drama – this time in the ’70s, set in an Aussie country town with dark secrets), and The Deliverance Of Evil by Roberto Costantini (a psychological thriller about a killer on the loose in Italy). PERSONALITY TRAIT: Loves reading deeply… COST: Petit Mort $27.99 published through Allen & Unwin, Ripples On A Pond $29.99 published through Macmillan, The Deliverance Of Evil $22.99 published through Quercus. AVAILABLE FROM: Quality bookstores and book e-tailers.

↑ WHAT IT IS: Donation to the United Nations Refugee Agency, UNHCR. DESCRIPTION: Give your Mum a gift that helps refugee mothers around the world by making a tax deductible donation to the United Nations Refugee Agency, UNHCR. From as little as $26, a mother’s day gift package will buy a few simple items that can help save lives. Choose the amount and item you wish to donate and your Mum will receive her UNHCR Mother’s Day gift card via email or for you to print and post, telling her of your donation to refugee mothers. PERSONALITY TRAIT: A charitable woman. COST: Donations start at $26 which will provide kits to 10 refugee mothers to give birth in a clean environment. Kits contain baby wrap, soap and plastic sheeting. AVAILABLE FROM: www.unrefugees.org.au/mothersday.

Australian rock icon Chrissy Amphlett has died today, age 53, after a two-year battle with cancer. The singer, formerly the frontwoman with The Divinyls, was surrounded by family and friends at her New York home when she passed. The exact cause of her death has not been announced, although Amphlett was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007, and breast cancer in 2010.

In 2011, the artist said she was in remission from the latter.

As well as being one of Australia’s best-known and loved singer-songwriters, Amphlett was also an actor on the stage and screen, even starring alongside Russell Crowe in the musical Blood Brothers in 1988, and was originally cast to play Judy Garland in the original touring production of The Boy From Oz.

Tributes from industry and fans are already flowing through online social networks Twitter and Facebook.

Musicians in the 1980s appeared to have two goals. The first: to stand out and be noticed amid a sea of poseurs – be it through big, big hair and brilliant ‘concept’ videos. The second: to simply deliver catchy pop music.

Kim Wilde and Nik Kershaw each came good on both these fronts. The big, big hair was there alright; and the arty “looking out a dirty old window” video clips. But beneath the aesthetic, there was an aching to make quality pop songs.

While the musical styles of Wilde and Kershaw were rather different – she moving from big electro-pop in the early ’80s (Kids In America, Chequered Love) to dance in the latter half of the decade (her infectious cover of The Supremes’ Keep Me Hanging On); him making intelligent synth-pop akin to other thinking man’s pop pin-up Howard Jones, somehow organisers have decided that the two should tour Australia together in October. And we like the idea of that.

To put Wilde’s career in perspective, she has sold over 10 million albums and 20 million singles and is the most charted British female artist of her generation. To put Kershaw under an appropriate light, Elton John once called him “one of the best songwriters of a generation” and he has enjoyed many Top 10 hits internationally from Wouldn’t It Be Good through The Riddle to Don Quixote.

As an added bonus, Nik will also be part of Kim’s backing band along with Kim’s brother, Ricky Wilde, and his daughter, Scarlett Wilde, on backing vocals.

Now, the hair might not be as big as it used to be, but the songs are ever-so brilliant. Enjoy what’s set to be a fabulous Eighties flashback at one of the venues below. Tickets are on sale now.  

KIM WILDE & NIK KERSHAW TOUR DATES 

Wednesday 16 October

Tivoli, Brisbane

www.ticketek.com

Thursday 17 October                                                 

Chelsea Heights, Mornington, Victoria

www.ticketmaster.com.au

Friday 18 October

The Palais, Melbourne

www.ticketmaster.com.au

Saturday 19 October                                                  

Enmore Theatre, Sydney

www.ticketek.com

Sunday 20 October                          

Astor Theatre, Perth

www.showticketing.com.au

It’s been a long time coming. Way too long, we think. But finally, electronic heroes Empire Of The Sun return with their second album, Ice On The Dune, due for release in June this year. Cover art has been revealed, above, as has the tracklisting, so here we go:

‘ICE ON THE DUNE’ Track listing:
1. Lux
2. DNA
3. Alive
4. Concert Pitch
5. Ice On The Dune
6. Awakening
7. I’ll Be Around
8. Old Flavours
9. Celebrate
10. Surround  Sound
11. Disarm
12. Keep A Watch

Once again the dynamic duo of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore have delved into their psyches to imagine a future less apocalyptic and more with a ‘restoration of peace to the world’. That said, it’s a fantasy once again packed with glorious psychedelia and kooky multiculture, and one sure to inject Youtube and Instagram with some much needed colour.

Since the success of Empire Of The Sun’s debut album, Walking On A Dream, Steele has gone on to record with hip-hop maestro, Jay Z, while Littlemore rejoined with a Pnau pal to record with Elton John. And them’s some big names to have on your CV, doncha know!

They also managed to land no less than eight ARIA awards (including Album of The Year), two Brit nominations (including Best International Album), and have chalked up over 40 million Youtube views for their official videos alone.

To get a sneak peek of the twisted mastery of it all, you can view the trailer here, entitled Discovery. While the clip kicks off with rustic themes, its brief shiny ending is a sure sign EOTS are back in a major bright way.

The guys have also announced a batch of US tour dates, with a Sydney gig (as part of the Vivid Festival) smack in the middle of it all. Excitement!
 

Ice On The Dune is set for release in June 2013.

US Tour Dates with a stint in Sydney information as follows:

Electric Daisy Carnival New York
Saturday, 18 May 2013
http://electricdaisycarnival.com/NewYork/

Electric Daisy Carnival Chicago
24 May 2013
http://electricdaisycarnival.com/Chicago/

Sasquatch Festival Seattle, Washington State
Saturday, 25 May 2013
http://www.sasquatchfestival.com/

Vivid Live Sydney
Thursday, 30 & 31May 2013
http://vividlive.sydneyoperahouse.com/empire-of-the-sun/

Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas
Saturday, 22nd June 2013
http://electricdaisycarnival.com/LasVegas/

Rockansas Festival Kansas City, MO
Friday, 28th June 2013
http://www.kanrocksas.com/

Electric Forest Rothbury, MI
Saturday, 29th June 2013
http://electricforestfestival.com/

Milwaukee Summerfest Milwaukee
Tuesday, 2nd July 2013
http://summerfest.com

Wilderness Festival London (Headline Performance)
Friday, 9th August 2013
http://www.wildernessfestival.com/

Sziget Festival Budapest
Sunday,11th August 2013
http://www.sziget.hu

Made In America Fest Philadelphia
Saturday, 31st August 2013
http://www.madeinamericafest.com/

Grammy award winning, multi-platinum and ARIA number one artist Bruno Mars – who has achieved worldwide sales of eight million albums and an astonishing 58 million single sales to date – will be touring Australia in 2014.

The Hawaiian-born Mars stepped into the spotlight in 2010, featured on hit singles by McCoy (Billionaire) and B.o.B. (Nothin’ On You) before branching out on his own to make it B.I.G.

During the Oz leg of Mars’ ’Moonshine Jungle Tour’ we can expect the man to perform all his hits including Locked Out of Heaven, The Lazy Song, When I Was Your Man, and of course the number ones Just The Way You Are and Grenade.

My Live Nation members can be among the first to secure tickets during the member pre-sale beginning 9am Monday 15 April. Sign up at www.livenation.com.au and then sit pretty for the boy to hit town (lots of time to get your hair all long and coiffed like Bruno’s, then).

Dates and venues for Bruno Mars’ Australian tour are:

 Perth Arena, Friday 28 February, 2014

Melbourne Rod Laver Arena, Tuesday 4 March, 2014

Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena - Wednesday 5 March, 2014

Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Friday 7 March, 2014

Sydney Allphones Arena, Monday 10 March, 2014

Tickets on sale now.

For complete tour and ticket information, visit: www.brunomars.com & www.livenation.com.au.