The following message was reported by UK journalist Paul Cashmere on December 31st:

"The Official UK Chart may look dramatically different next week following modifications to the ruling to allow all download sales to be included in the chart. This means that old songs only available as a download will suddenly qualify for the chart. Songs that generate new interest because of television ad campaigns and hit movie soundtracks are expected to make their way into the chart. It means that any song dating back for the last 54 years, if available even as a download only, might find its way into the UK Top 40.

The UK market sold more than 30 million download tracks in 2006, making up about 50% of the singles market. In 2006, Gnarls Barkley's 'Crazy' became the first single ever to go to number one on downloads only."

Source The Official Charts

IRON MAIDEN's new single, 'Different World', has entered the Official UK Singles Chart at #3. 'Different World' is pulled from Iron Maiden's latest album, A Matter Of Life And Death.

Three traditional collectable formats became available from local record stores from Tuesday, December 26th:

Two-track CD – special souvenir price of £1.99 with previously unreleased live version of 'Iron Maiden'
Limited Edition 7" Picture Disc with previously unreleased live version of ‘Fear Of the Dark’

Limited Edition DVD Single with souvenir poster/07 Calendar - includes the animated video directed by Howard Greenhalgh, and the previously unreleased live version of ‘The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg’, and the new studio recording of FOCUS’ ‘Hocus Pocus’. There is also a full picture library of live photos from the tour for fans to enjoy.
All singles contain different tour photos, and live songs from A Matter Of Life And Death European Tour 2006.

Source BW&BK

The former Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, Glenn Hughes has issued the following statement:

"Firstly I want to thank all of you who have sent messages to me this last week. We are all okay and we really appreciate all your kind thoughts. We spent Christmas Eve with Chad, Nancy and Cole in Malibu and we just laughed our asses off. We were driving around in a golf cart looking for santa. I hope you all have a fabulous 2007. Once again, I want to thank my higher power for giving me one more day on this earth. I count my blessings, I surround myself with loving people and I get completely lost in my music. As you probably know I am writing all the time. It is my music that sustains me. My sobriety and the gift of music that God has given to me are the greatest gifts. I will be playing in many countries in 2007. They will be posted soon. I will see you on my journey. Please remember to love one another. Peace, brothers and sisters."

Source Glenn Hughes