Atlantic Records has announced the forthcoming release of a new album by Yusuf Islam (the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens). The album is slated for release in November, and features the first pop product from Stevens/Islam since 1978. Islam's first LP, "Matthew and Son" was release in late 1966, making the new album a fortieth anniversary release of sorts.

Neil Young will not be appearing at Canada's Juno Awards ceremony in Winnipeg on April 3rd because he's recovering from brain surgery. Reuters reports that Young, who lived in Winnipeg in his youth, consulted with physicians after experiencing "visual field disturbances". An MRI revealed an aneurysm, which prompted brain surgery (after a week spent recording in Nashville). The surgery was a success, and Young is expected to recover fully.

Roxy Music fans were overjoyed when the band re-united for concert tours in 2001 and 2003, after a hiatus lasting nearly twenty years. Now the band has announced that they'll be playing at the Isle of Wight Festival on June 11th, 2005. The festival, which was originally held in 1968, lasted 3 years until it also had a long vacation, re-emerging in 2002. Legendary live shows by The Who and Jimi Hendrix were recorded during festival appearances.

In other Roxy Music news, there have been reports that the band is in the studio, working on their follow-up to 1982's Avalon. The 2001 and 2003 tours showed an energetic, vital band, and some new material from them would be very welcome.

Queen fans have had 13 years to deal with the death of Freddie Mercury and the fact that the remaining members had no desire to go on without them. They're in for a pleasant surprise, as Queen guitarist Brian May has announced on his website that Queen will reform and tour in early 2005. Apparently May recently played onstage with Paul Rodgers (formerly of Free, Bad Company and The Firm), and they both had such a great time that they've decided to tour together. Queen drummer Roger Taylor will be involved, but there has not been any confirmation as to whether John Deacon will be joining his former bandmates.