Times Square Gossip

**** THE GLORIOUS CORNER By: G. H. Harding **** Peter Max A COMEDY TWEAK --- A few columns back we noted that Gotham-PR pasha David Salidor had exited his post as celebrity-booker for XM’s Brett Winterble’s XM radio show. In a rather lengthy exit interview over lunch, we explored some of the difficulties he had and what actually happened: Says Salidor, "Right from the beginning there were some serious issues with Sirius/XM, who employed their own booking people. I don't know if it was a case of stepping on the wrong toes or what, but there were some serious communication issues there. I tried to handle it as best I could … and, think I succeeded." He also added that some of the interviews he was able to secure (80’s icon Ted Nugent, actor Richard Belzer; Steve Van Zandt; and, artist Peter Max stand out) were truly sensational. "When Brett got Nugent to reveal his slaughter of 455 hogs with his machine gun for Bill Maher … it was a g...

George Michael Former Wham icon George Michael is igniting more gossip that he's split from longtime boyfriend Kenny Goss, after he was spotted kissing a mystery man while on vacation in Australia. The star spoke out to deny any speculation of a breakup from Goss late last year, following media reports the couple had parted over the star's very promiscuous behavior. Michael quashed the rumors by saying he would be spending Christmas with Goss and his family. He was photographed kissing a mystery man in the sea near Sydney on Monday. A source told British newspaper The Sun , "George went cruising on Sydney Harbor with some of his new-found male friends. He chartered a cruiser on Monday and took the guys exploring in the private coves. He has been in great spirits after some good reviews. He has been loving it Down Under. Photo By: Sara De Boer/Retna

Former Wham singer George Michael is slamming gossip that he has split from his partner of 13 years, Kenny Goss, and is insisting they are still very much an item. The pop star had reportedly broken up with Goss back in December, after the art gallery owner grew tired of Michael’s run-ins with police for drug use and very promiscuous behaviour. According to Britain’s Daily Mirror newspaper , Goss finally walked away from the relationship weeks after the singer was arrested in a men’s toilet block on London’s Hampstead Heath, a very popular gay cruising ground. But George is refuting the rumors, and is claiming they are only currently apart because Goss is preparing an exhibition in Dallas, Texas. A spokesperson for the star says, "There is no truth in the matter at all. Kenny has been away in Dallas where he owns a gallery but is scheduled to return home this Friday. They are planning a lovely weekend together." Photo By: Sara De Boer/Retna

Pop singing star George Michael has fled the U.K. in a bid to avoid the media following his weekend drug bust.The superstar was arrested by police in the Hampstead Heath area of north London, close to his home in Highgate, on Friday. He was found to be in possession of class A and class C drugs - cocaine and marijuana - and was released with a caution. Michael apologized to his fans for his actions in a statement released on Sunday, and is now trying to stay out of the spotlight by flying out of the country this morning. George Michael is reported to have boarded a jet operated by the exclusive London store Harrods at a private airfield with his partner Kenny Goss. No word yet as to where George is going to hide out.

Former Wham Singing star George Michael has been arrested after police caught him in possession of drugs once again.The singing star was detained on Friday in the Hampstead Heath area of north London, close to his home in Highgate. George was questioned at a nearby police station and later released with a caution for possessing class A and class C drugs - cocaine and marijuana. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police says, "We can confirm a 45-year-old man was arrested in the Hampstead heath area on the 19th of September on suspicion of possessing drugs."He was taken to a North London police station where he received a caution and was released with no further action. "The caution was for the possession of class A and class C drugs, cocaine and cannabis." Michael was previously arrested in October 2006 in London, when cops found him slumped over the wheel of his car. And last May he was handed a two-year driving ban after pleading guilty to driving while unfit throu...

Former WHAM star George Michael was very relieved to be caught propositioning a cop in a Los Angeles California restroom, because it forced him to finally reveal that he was gay.Ten years on from his infamous 1998 arrest, the singer admits his recklessness was deliberate. He was charged with lewd conduct, pleaded no contest and was ordered to pay a fine and complete community service. He explains, "It was a very eventful and bizarrely dark period for me that I thought was going to go on forever. It was a huge relief and it took me about a year to admit to myself that I had done it, deliberately."The truth is, cruising has gone on for as long as there have been men trying to hide their sexuality."

George Michael Singing star George Michael has applied to the North London council asking for permission to redesign his beautiful garden.The former Wham singer, owns a luxurious home in Finchley and wants to change the layout of the huge outdoor area. But the plans are so drastic he has to seek an order from his local authority to give him the go-ahead. According to the proposal, George is hoping to remove a veranda from his back yard, because it blocks out too much sunlight to the breakfast room at the back of the house.The singer will have to wait for planning permission to be granted by Barnet council before he can go ahead with the work. Photo By: Michael Malfer/face to face/Retna

George Michael Pop singer George Michael stunned his fans who caught his first concert in 17 years on Tuesday, by going commando onstage. Eagle-eyed gig goers who caught the Faith singer’s San Diego, California show were treated to one thrill Michael hadn’t accounted for.One devotee tells Eonline.com, "You could tell he wasn’t wearing underwear.It (his penis) was flopping all over the place."

Former Wham star George Michael and his partner Kenny Goss are displaying their contemporary art collection in a Texas gallery. The Goss-Michael Foundation's exhibition, in the couple's gallery in Dallas, Texas, is currently showcasing edgy pieces by British artist Damien Hirst, including his work "Saint Sebastian, Exquisite Pain," featuring a black calf whose body has been pierced with dozens of arrows.Goss says, "We want to expose the Dallas art community to work that they've quite potentially never seen if they weren't able to travel, these works that in some ways may be a little controversial for one thing, a little strong."But let's face it, art a lot of times is about sex, love, death, loss."Native Texan Goss, who has been with the singer for 12 years, says the gallery enables the pair to share a portion of Britain's art scene with a U.S. audience: "It works great for us. We live in Britain almost all the time. We have a hous...

Former Wham singer George Michael's new autobiography won't shock his longtime partner Kenny Goss, because he already knows all the star's deepest secrets.The Pop singer signed a deal with publishers Harper Collins earlier this month, and the book is expected to contain in-depth accounts of Michael's life, including his controversial arrest in 1998 when he was caught engaging in a lewd sex act in a Beverly Hills public toilet and his recent marijuana possession troubles. But Goss insists he isn't worried about reading every lurid detail of Michael's life, as none of the issues covered will come as a surprise. He says, "It should be a very interesting book because George is a very honest person. Anyway, I'm not expecting to read anything I don't know already." Michael's autobiography is expected to be released in August.

George Michael helped homeless people write songs about poverty while serving his community service.The 'Careless Whisper singer - who was sentenced to 100 hours service in June for being unfit for driving through tiredness and taking prescription drugs - gave residents a masterclass in songwriting during his time at London's St Mungo's homeless hostel last Monday. One resident at the Euston shelter, Andrew Gilmour, told Britain's Daily Express newspaper: "When he arrived, nobody knew who he was. He was in a baseball cap, shirt and trainers and spoke to anyone and everyone and didn't act special."He was dressed down more than me. But then he helped people write songs, some about poverty, some about people in hostels."Andrew believes the 44-year-old star's visit had a positive effect on all the residents.He said: "I thought it was a really good thing because he's keeping drug addicts and alcoholics off the street. They're going to him...

George Michael is serving his community service potting plants.The 'Careless Whisper' singer, who was sentenced to 100 hours in June for being unfit for driving through tiredness and taking prescription drugs, is working as a gardener alongside drug addicts and alcoholics at a London homeless hostel.Michael, who kept a low profile wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap, revealed he is "enjoying" the task.He said: "I'm just like everyone else. If you do something stupid you have to pay the price. I've been doing some gardening and it's great. I've really enjoyed it. It's going well. I'll do whatever they want me to do. I'm looking forward to helping out and I don't want any special treatment."The singer, who spent three hours sorting and planting seeds yesterday, impressed hostel residents who say he was friendly and a hard worker.William Bowie revealed to Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "Most of us are addicts or ex-ad...

George Michael is scared of what he will find out ! George Michael is too scared to take an HIV test.The 'Fast Love' singer hasn't been tested for the virus for at least three years because he fears the results could come back positive.The revelations feature in a BBC2 TV documentary 'Stephen Fry - HIV and Me' by Michael's friend, comedian and actor Stephen Fry.The program's producer, Ross Wilson, said: "George says he does not believe in tests."He says he finds the wait for results too harrowing and that he hasn't had a test since at least 2004 due to his fears it might be positive."The former Wham! star was arrested for "engaging in a lewd act" with an undercover police officer in a Beverley Hills public toilet in April 1998,and admits to enjoying "sexual freedom" despite being in a long-term relationship with boyfriend Kenny Goss. Michael celebrated his 44th birthday on Monday and received a unique present from Geri...

Damien Hirst's diamond skull George Michael is considering paying $100 million for artist Damien Hirst's diamond-encrusted skull.The skull, which cost $24 million to make, boasts 8,601 diamonds and is the world's most expensive piece of contemporary art. Last week, Michael and his partner Kenny Goss enjoyed a private viewing of the macabre creation, entitled 'Love of God'.Their spokesman said: "They looked at the piece as a possible addition to their collection."Michael, 43, is a long-time fan and collector of Hirst's work and already has a private art collection thought to be worth $200 million. His collection includes several bizarre works such as Hirst's 'Saint Sebastian, Exquisite Pain' featuring the body of a black calf pierced by dozens of arrows and tied to a steel post.The 'Fastlove' singer earned millions from his 53-date tour last year and enjoys treating himself to new artwork. It was reported he spent $40 million on pi...

British singer GEORGE MICHAEL has branded other men "jealous" of his carefree lifestyle - and insists its the reason why the press hate him.The star is due to be sentenced on June 8th after pleading guilty last month to driving while unfit due to drug use, following an incident in London last year. But Michael believes he is disliked by his fellow men because of his hedonistic lifestyle. He says, "I think at the end of it all I represent something profoundly different for society."I have grown up surrounded by people who think that sex, drugs and rock n’ roll is compatible with a working life while being married with children. During the 1980s, my generation and the one after me, found that was impossible."Me, I don’t want any children, I don’t want responsibility. I am gay, I smoke weed and I do exactly what I want in my life because of my talent. I represent an ideal which others have had to let go and they blame me for that. Especially men." The singer...

British pop star GEORGE MICHAEL was forced to scrap a concert in the Czech Republic on Saturday when a vehicle carrying vital stage equipment crashed.The former Wham! star was due to wow fans in Prague but the collision meant his stage could not be built on time.Concert promoter Petr Novak says, "Unfortunately a large part of the special podium remained trapped in the truck and it was not possible to replace it." The vehicle careered off the road in Romania but no further details of either the accident or when the gig will be rescheduled have been given.

The famed piano where John Lennon wrote 'Imagine' British pop star GEORGE MICHAEL has made a £1.45 million ($2.9 million) donation to the Virginia Tech University massacre victims - in the shape of a piano that once belonged to JOHN LENNON. Michael bought the piano - on which the former Beatle composed his hit song Imagine - for £1.45 million a few years back, and hopes his gift will help to promote peace at the campus, where 33 people died after student Seung-Hui Cho went on a killing spree in April. His spokesman confirmed the delivery of the piano and added, "George’s deepest wish is to imagine a world of peace, a world without violence."

George Michael has spent $40 million on art this month.The 'Fastlove' singer snapped up works by controversial artist Damien Hirst - adding to his private collection which is now worth a reputed $160 million. A source told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "George is hugely into his art. He made a lot of money from his 53-date tour last year and he thought this would be a good way to invest it."He's chosen pieces by Damien, photographer David LaChappelle and Tracey Emin. They wouldn't be to everyone's taste but they're hugely collectible and are certain to go up in value."The 43-year-old star will keep some of his prize collection in storage,while a selection of the works will go on display at his partner Kenny Goss Texas gallery. Earlier this month, the singer pleaded guilty to charges of driving while unfit through drugs dating last October.George embarked on his European '25 Live Stadium Tour 2007' last week.

British pop star GEORGE MICHAEL is getting his life back on track with a starring role in an American comedy/drama TV show.The singer pleaded guilty on Tuesday to driving while unfit due to drug use. Police found him slumped at the wheel of his car in London last October. However, the optimistic 43-year-old is confident he can turn his life around with a stint on American TV. He says, "I’m going to have the most phenomenal year - even though there are people who’d like me to experience a tough time."There’s an American tour planned and I’m starring in a big US comedy drama called Ellie Stone with Johnny Lee Miller."The writers want to name each episode after my songs."

George Michael commands big bucks for private shows ! British pop star GEORGE MICHAEL has laughed off accusations his private fees are extortionate, comparing himself to English folk hero Robin Hood.The medieval outlaw famously robbed the rich to provide for the poor and Michael is adamant his staggering $3 million (£1.5 million) price for private shows is also for a greater good.He says, "My starting price is $3 million and it will probably go up when I stop touring. I can be a bit Robin Hood about people wanting to see me play live privately."What I would like to do is release my music for free, then I won’t have to interact with an increasingly hostile media."