To tie in with the release of the much acclaimed Metallic Spheres album, by The Orb Featuring David Gilmour, an official app has been developed and released on Apple's iTunes store in the US and the equivalent UK store.

The app, which is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad (on iOS 3.1.3 or later), is described thus: "Using original sounds from David Gilmour and The Orb, tapping the various visual objects on your screen will create a unique soundscape every time you listen. The visualisation and ambient tracks blend with your creative touches". Sounds intriguing...

Reviews for the app are mixed, but it is priced at 59p (UK) and 99c (US) so won't break the bank. Our thanks to Martijn Kluizenaar for the info.

UPDATED WITH ADDITIONAL INTERVIEW INFORMATION
Further to our recent exclusives regarding Gerald Scarfe's "The Making of Pink Floyd: The Wall", including the set of three special video interviews with Gerald, for Brain Damage, we have some special details of interviews and other appearances to tie in with the publication today (in the UK) of the book itself.

"The Making of Pink Floyd: The Wall" is the authorized, definitive book about the project and includes new commentaries from the surviving members of Pink Floyd: Roger Waters, David Gilmour and Nick Mason, together with the director of the film, Sir Alan Parker. Roger Waters has written the foreword. The album imagery, stage performances and film were created in close collaboration with Gerald Scarfe, and his massive archive includes original storyboards, animation cells, concept drawings, models and other three-dimensional material together with photographs of the creation and staging of the live performances and the filming of The Wall.

Just published is the latest issue - number 17 - of the Pink Floyd fanzine "Heyou" run by our friends over at the Italian website of the same name.

The 52-page magazine in Italian and English includes plenty of news from the last three months or so, a big feature on Syd Barrett's activities in 1970, and a detailed look at the opening show of Roger's Wall tour. There's an interesting interview with our good friend Werner Haider, who runs the Pulse & Spirit website, a look at the Hoping Foundation reunion concert on July 10th, and a chat with Craig Bailey, host of the Floydian Slip radio show. Finally, there's a detailed look at the newly released Introduction to Syd Barrett, along with the Syd back catalogue reissues, and a general news wrap-up.

More details can be found at www.heyou.it, where you can get individual copies, and subscription enquiries (four issues costing 20 euros within Europe, and 30 euros outside Europe) should go to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it - make sure you mention Brain Damage when you write!

Our hearty congratulations to Jon Carin, who today celebrates his 46th birthday (Thursday, October 21st).

The talented multi-instrumentalist has been a key part of the Pink Floyd operation since 1985, and more recently toured with David Gilmour (on his On An Island tour), and Roger Waters (on his Dark Side Of The Moon tour). He is currently a key member of Roger's band for the 110-date Wall tour of North America and Europe, playing keyboards and more during the show, which has wowed sell-out crowds in the US and Canada.

For those who might have missed it, or want another chance to read it, check out our extensive and exclusive interview with Jon from August 2007. It's full of fascinating insights into his life and work with various top musicians, including (of course) David, Roger, and Pink Floyd!

With the current lull in activity from the above, Jon has been keeping himself busy, and recently with GE Smith (who is also on The Wall tour, of course) produced an album for GE's wife. Taylor Barton. More details, and track samples, from Amazon or iTunes.

Have a great day, Jon - and many happy returns!