Swine Flu Strikes Littrell

The Backstreet Boys are fresh off the heels of releasing This Is Us, but the group was temporarily sidelined due to a swine flu diagnosis for longtime member—and Christian pop star—Brian Littrell. The Backstreeters canceled appearances on CBS’ Early Show, along with the NYC Pinktober benefit at the Big Apple’s Hard Rock Café.

“We were really looking forward to spending time with our closest fans and friends in NYC and take part of Pinktober, an unbelievable and important program,” Littrell said in a statement regarding the breast cancer research benefit. “I hope we can come back soon and do everything we can to help.”

The group’s other three members—Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, and A.J. McLean—were symptom-free, but the band and crew were prescribed Tamiflu as a preventive measure. Despite the cancellations, Littrell appeared on Larry King Live with his doctor over the weekend and the group’s fall concert tour will kick off as planned October 30.

U2’s next:
Songs of Ascent

U2 has dropped a few hints about its next album, Songs of Ascent, coming sometime in 2010. In an interview with USA Today, Bono called the project “a very intimate affair. They are beautiful love songs, where the object of love is not always obvious.” Considering a) Bono’s love of the Psalms, and b) the fact that there are 15 “Psalms of Ascent,” we can guess the “object of love.” Meanwhile, in a recent issue of Rolling Stone, the band also discusses the new album, and mentions the song “Every Breaking Wave,” which was left off their recent No Line on the Horizon album but may appear on Songs of Ascent. Other songs that may (or may not) appear on the album are listed here.

Blind Boys duets on tap

Veteran gospel group Blind Boys of Alabama will turn in a Duets disc on October 27, boasting a plethora of prominent performers, including Jars of Clay, Randy Travis, Ben Harper, Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, Timothy B. Schmit (of Eagles fame), and Lou Reed.

Peterson’s Christmas tour turns ten

This holiday season marks Andrew Peterson’s tenth annual Christmas tour, which currently comes in support of Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tall Tale of the Coming of Christ.He has once again invited some famous friends along for the trip—including Brandon Heath, Jill Phillips, and Andy Gullahorn.They’ll be backed by a band of familiar session players, including Matt Slocum (Sixpence None the Richer) and Andrew Osenga (The Normals, Caedmon’s Call).

Moby speaks out against domestic violence

Electronic rocker Moby, never shy about standing up for his beliefs, is speaking out against budget cuts for domestic violence programs in California. According to Billboard, Moby grew up in an abusive household and its outraged over the decision, telling fans to make a stand on his current tour. Profits from his upcoming concerts in The Golden State will go to the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence.

Voodoo Festival includes believers

City Park in New Orleans will be lighting up with a gumbo of musical styles as the

Voodoo Music Experience hits town Halloween weekend, co-headlined by KISS, Eminem and Lenny Kravitz. But the bill also includes several outspoken Christian artists, including Mute Math, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, and Ledisi, with the promise of several local gospel, blues and jazz artists coming down the pipeline.