The Polar Music Prize is one of the most prestigious and unique music prizes in the world, crossing over musical boundaries and awarded to individuals, groups and institutions in recognition of exceptional achievements. Given by the Royal Swedish Academy of Music, it is the music world's equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize.

The joint 2008 winners have today been formally revealed at the Stockholm Concert Hall - American soprano Renée Fleming and Pink Floyd!

In revealing Pink Floyd, the organisers said that the band win the award "for their monumental contribution over the decades to the fusion of art and music in the development of popular culture. Through extensive sonic experimentation they captured the mood and spirit of a whole generation in their reflections and attitudes..."

Issue 1053 (US edition) of Rolling Stone magazine (appearing on news-stands now) tracks the story of perhaps the most famous prop in the history of rock & roll: Pink Floyd's inflatable pig.

From the hog's humble beginnings on the cover of Floyd's 1977 album Animals to its recent unpiloted escape from Coachella, the creature has become a pop-culture icon (it even merited a reference on an episode of The Simpsons).

Roger Waters shares the tales behind the pig, from its origins in the late Seventies to its future plans. RollingStone.com has an extended version of the interview, which can be seen here...

There's the rare opportunity to buy a classic Fender Stratocaster that was bought, owned, customised and played by David Gilmour, in an auction this month. The Icons Of Music II Auction takes place at the Hard Rock Cafe on Broadway in New York, on May 31st at 9:30am EDT. More details here.

The guitar [left] is a Vintage '57 reissue, with serial number V010612, a cream finish, 3-ply pick guard, David Gilmour guitar pick and guitar strings. After David bought it, it was fitted with a short tremolo arm and later with a set of EMG SA pickups and SPC/EXG tone boost circuits. It is one of six vintage Strats purchased in the mid eighties by David and was customised and set up to his personal specifications. This guitar is known as Cream no.2 - played on occasion and mainly used as a backup for Cream no.1. It was taken on the Pink Floyd 'AMLOR' tours of 1987-89, Knebworth 1990, and 'The Division Bell' tour of 1994.

The estimate for the instrument is a very modest $4000 to $6000. With such a significant "previous owner" we're sure that a guitar of such pedigree and quality will sell for a lot more than this...

The Cambridge art and mental health charity, Escape Artists, backed by Syd Barrett's sister Rosemary Breen as a tribute to her brother, has been the target of thieves who have stolen £17,000 of music equipment. The theft from the charity's van is a major setback for them as they prepare for The City Wakes - a celebration of Syd's music - which will be performed in Cambridge from October 22nd to November 2nd.

Rosemary made a plea in the Cambridge News: "It's dreadful. It was such a shock. Everything was going so well for the charity. This is a huge setback. If anyone out there can help we would be very pleased. If anyone has got guitars, PA equipment or instruments they can donate it would be fantastic. The City Wakes concert is going to be so exciting, but we need help."

To help the charity replace the stolen equipment call Matthew Taylor on 0207-655-0909 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . For more information visit their website at www.escapeartists.co.uk. To read the Cambridge News story in full, click here.