In some of the first big label news of 2008, Ryko will take over U.S. distribution for Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records. As part of the agreement, Ryko will handle both digital and physical distribution of Real World’s catalog and will re-issue many of the label’s back catalog titles with new packaging and, in some cases, with exclusive bonus material. Gabriel launched the world music-centric Real World Records in 1989.

In a statement, Ryko Distribution President Jim Cuomo said, “Joining forces with Real World is a perfect complement to the artist-driven focus we have at Ryko and will enable us to reinforce Real World’s stature as the standard-bearer in World Music. We have shared and applauded Peter’s vision over many years and are both thrilled and excited to be able to contribute to Real World’s ongoing success.”

Gabriel adds, “The music on Real World is very precious to us, so we wanted to find a great home in America. We are delighted to have all our artists welcomed and look forward to building something special together.”

“Like so many, I have a profound admiration for Peter as a musician and artist, as well as a deep respect for the innovative and influential label he started nearly two decades ago,” says John Esposito, President and CEO of WEA Corp., who oversees Warner Music Group’s U.S distribution companies, including Ryko. “Real World’s impressive catalog is a true cultural gem and we will look forward to applying the resources of Ryko and WMG to assure it is treated with the care and dedication it deserves.”

The deal will include Real World’s entire catalog and future recordings. The label’s first project under the new agreement teams Gabriel and Karl Wallinger (The Waterboys, World Party) for a project that is said to be 16 years in the making. The Big Blue Ball project began back in 1992 when Gabriel opened his doors for the week to 75 international artists from over 20 countries. The first single from the Big Blue Ball project, “Whole Thing,” features Gabriel on lead vocal and keyboards, Tim Finn (Crowded House) and Andy White (ALT) on backing vocals, Karl Wallinger and Paul Allen Nord on guitar and Francis Bebey on flute. In a decidedly modern move, the single is now exclusively available via iTunes.

After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2007, 1960s icon Stephen Stills successfully underwent surgery yesterday. "Stephen's procedure went remarkably well and he couldn't be better," the guitarist’s wife Kristen Stills said in a statement. "He will be home by noon (today), and the pain will be minimal."

According to the statement, Stills is still on track to attend Utah’s Sundance Film Festival this January to see the premiere of CSNY/Deja vu, which documents Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s 2006 Freedom of Speech tour. Stills recently issued the archival album Just Roll Tape and is expected to tour behind the project this spring.  Please read the October digital issue of Relix for a deeper look at Just Roll Tape. 

R.E.M. will emerge from semi-hibernation with the new studio album Accelerate this spring. The group’s fourteenth studio album will hit stores on April 1, 2008, shortly after R.E.M. headlines Langerado in March. The group also issued a live album last October.Accelerate was helmed by Grammy Award-winning producer Jacknife Lee and marks the group’s first studio release since 2004’s Around the Sun. The disc was recorded in Dublin and is believed to be the group’s most rock-centric recording since the departure of drummer Bill Berry. Unlike previous recording sessions, the group took a break from the studio to rehearse several tracks in front of an audience at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre this summer. The group is expected to tour Europe in the coming months.

Dave Matthews spent his formative years in South Africa, but relocated to America after his high school graduation to avoid being drafted into the army. While he has returned to South Africa from time to time, Matthews has rarely performed in the country that inspired so much of his music. But, to the surprise of many, the guitarist’s final performance in 2007 took place in Gauteng, South Africa. While on a family vacation, the singer/songwriter stopped by 94.2 FM Jacaranda, one of the most popular English speaking radio stations in South Africa, and performed a surprise, solo version of his 2003 single, “Gravedigger.” The unannounced performance marks Matthews’ first public appearance in South Africa since 1996 and first known performance in Africa since traveling with Trey Anastasio to Senegal to film a TV program for VH-1 in 2004. As of press time, Dave Matthews Band has no currently scheduled tour dates.