Madonna, Amy Winehouse, Radiohead, Coldplay - holiday news round-up

It might be the first working day of 2008 today (January 2), but the world of music has been as busy as ever over the festive break.

So, just in case you’ve had a few days away from your computer, here is NME.COM’s round-up of what’s been going on.

My Chemical Romance sent fans and bloggers into a frenzy by strongly hinting they have killed off their Black Parade alter egos.

Lily Allen broke her silence about her pregnancy by ' Ed Simons.

The Police were confirmed as having the highest earning US tour of 2007.

Amy Winehouse may have to go to Norway relating to drug charges she faced there last year.

Sugababes’ Amelle Berrabah witnessed her boyfriend being attacked by a machete-wielding assailant.

Blur's Damon Albarn [url=http://www.nme.com/news/blur/33378 ]called for the end[/url] of ’X Factor’ as the talent show's winner, Leon Jackson, yet again claimed the Christmas Number One spot.

Jay-Z is quitting his job as a record company boss.

Radiohead were accused of demanding a £10m record deal by their old label, Parlophone, though their management disputed this. The band also defended ticket prices for their 2008 UK tour.

Details about the first screening for Madonna’s directorial debut, movie 'Filth And Wisdom', was announced.

Kylie Minogue was among those honoured in the New Year’s honours list, while Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant was given a [url=http://www.nme.com/news/led-zeppelin/33380 ]special, if slightly odd award for his beard, although not by the Queen[/url]...

Coldplay’s Chris Martin was revealed as a seasonal secret plumber at a homeless charity shelter, while his band released a special download cover version of Wham!'s ’Last Christmas’ .

It was revealed that legendary rock venue CBGB's old New York location is to become a fashion boutique. Meanwhile, another famous rock location, the Salford Lads Club, where The Smiths were so iconically pictured, received a charity donation from Morrissey.

Former Radio 1 DJ Kevin Greening, Canadian jazz pianist Oscar Peterson and
Irish singer Joe Dolan all sadly passed away over the break.

Meanwhile Kasabian and
Super Furry Animals both hosted giant New Year’s Eve parties in Edinburgh and London respectively.

Finally, looking ahead to the New Year, hot new bands Vampire Weekend and Glasvegas have announced 2008 UK shows.