You may remember a recent ridiculous court ruling in which Jammie Thomas-Rasset was ordered to pay the RIAA $1.92 million for illegally downloading 24 songs. 

Richard Marx, a sappy hitsmaster of the '90s, was one of the artists whose music was cited in the case. He's commented on the situation, saying he's "ashamed" to be associated with the fine.

"As a longtime professional songwriter, I have always objected to the practice of illegal downloading of music. I have also always, however, been sympathetic to the average music fan, who has been consistently financially abused by the greedy actions of major labels," Marx said. "These labels, until recently, were responsible for the distribution of the majority of recorded music, and instead of nurturing the industry and doing their best to provide the highest quality of music to the fans, they predominantly chose to ream the consumer and fill their pockets."

He continued, "So now we have a ‘judgment' in a case of illegal downloading, and it seems to me, especially in these extremely volatile economic times, that holding Ms. Thomas-Rasset accountable for the continuing daily actions of hundreds of thousands of people is, at best, misguided and at worst, farcical. Her accountability itself is not in question, but this show of force posing as judicial come-uppance is clearly abusive. Ms. Thomas Rasset, I think you got a raw deal, and I'm ashamed to have my name associated with this issue."

Moby has also spoken out against the ruling.

He said, "What utter nonsense. This is how the record companies want to protect themselves? Suing suburban moms for listening to music? Charging $80,000 per song? Punishing people for listening to music is exactly the wrong way to protect the music business...I'm so sorry that any music fan anywhere is ever made to feel bad for making the effort to listen to music. The RIAA needs to be disbanded."

In a bizarre, Twilight-Zone style scene, Perez Hilton has filed suit against Black Eyed Peas road manager Polo Molina for battery and infliction of emotional distress. This, from a guy who's made his entire career off the emotional distress of hundreds of others. It's what he lives to do. Molina allegedly punched Hilton in the eye following the MuchMusic Video Awards Sunday. More on that (with pics!) here.

The official statement:

"Perez Hilton was assaulted by the Band's road manager because he would not agree to stop writing about the Black Eyed Peas on his website Perezhiton.com. Perez Hilton files this lawsuit to protect his freedom of speech and seeks legal redress against those who have physically assaulted him because they do not like his review of their album. Whether you love Perez or hate him, he is entitled to his freedom of speech without fear of physical violence. This lawsuit will make the statement that violence is never the answer. His First Amendment rights will be vigorously protected." 

Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington told NME.com that he considers Muse to be the best live band in the world. Let's stop there and call a hefty bag of bullshit. Ok, moving on, Bennington has claimed that Linkin Park will take over the title when they headline the Sonisphere festival on August 1st. 

"They're one of the best - if not the best - live performing bands in the world at the moment," he said about Muse, adding "We need to fucking kick some ass."

The singer also singled out Metallica – who headline the second day of Sonisphere on August 2 – as popularity-contest rivals, saying: "I think those kind of bands elevate you as a player. You either need to shoot up and show up or you need to put your tail between your legs and hope you get through it." Did he just say shoot up?

Sonisphere will take place at Knebworth and also feature Nine Inch Nails, Bullet For My Valentine, Machine Head and Mastodon. Bennington said that the Knebworth's iconic status makes him feel that the gig is very important for Linkin Park. 

"There are definitely shows that either make or break you. And I do think [Sonisphere] could be one of those shows," he revealed. "I know that it's [Knebworth] a legendary venue where legendary acts have played, from Zeppelin to Queen and many, many more. To perform there means you better show up with your kickass pants on."

Linkin Park is also currently recording a new album with producer Rick Rubin. 

Brandon Flowers and Ronnie Vanucci of the Killers have revealed plans to record a covers album before the end of the year. 

"It's something that we've always talked about doing and we're still talking about," Flowers told NME in a recent interveiw. "It's difficult for each of us to pick songs that represent us as individuals. I mean, I have a lot of personalities myself! I've gone through everything from Neil Diamond to The Cars."

Vanucci listed "Genesis, Tom Waits, a little Cyndi Lauper, Iggy Pop" as his preferred choices for the album, adding that he's also been "messing around with a couple of Fleet Foxes songs" recently.

The band plans to work on the new album while on their current tour, beause they have recording equipment with them.