The Secret Policeman's Balls are a legendary series of benefit shows staged to raise funds for Amnesty International. Beginning in 1976, they have featured the cream of Britain's comedians and musicians.

The 3-DVD set celebration of the best of these events, also called The Secret Policeman's Balls, was released in North America on January 27th. Alongside comedy routines by members of Monty Python, Dudley Moore and Peter Cook, Billy Connolly, Rowan Atkinson, and others, are historic musical performances. Included on this set is Kate Bush performing "Running Up That Hill" from 1987's Third Ball, with David Gilmour on guitar, alongside other performances from the shows from the likes of Pete Townshend, Sting, Phil Collins, Bob Geldof, Peter Gabriel, and Lou Reed, and rare duets from guitar legends Eric Clapton & Jeff Beck and Mark Knopfler & Chet Atkins.

Due to the age (and budget limitations!) of some of the shows, the sound and picture quality isn't fantastic in places, but nevertheless, important recordings of these unique events. Amazon.com are offering the set at a 15% discount at present, and Amazon.ca at a 20% discount.

The UK's well-respected Mojo Magazine takes another fascinating and detailed look back in time with the publication this month of another of their specials - Mojo Classic: Led Zeppelin and the Story of 1969.

It takes a good look at the musical highlights of the year, with a particular focus on twelve months inside Led Zep, the unravelling of The Beatles, and features on the likes of King Crimson, the Rolling Stones, The Who, Jimi Hendrix and Blind Faith, amongst others. There's also an extensive feature on the key album releases that year ("69 from '69") which includes "Pigs Might Fly" author Mark Blake taking a considered look at Ummagumma, More, and the Floyd's other activities that year.

The magazine is in UK stores now, and will be available elsewhere worldwide in selected outlets as an import. Alternatively, you can order it online here for despatch to most countries around the world.

Just published in Japan by P-Vine Books/Blues Interactions, in a two volume edition, is the Japanese version of Mark Blake's excellent book about Pink Floyd, "Pigs Might Fly".

Drawing on his own interviews with all of the band members, plus almost a hundred new interviews with the group's friends, road crew, producers, designers, former housemates and university colleagues, the book is from our perspective, a superb, incredibly detailed, and essential look at the band's history. Our review, and ordering information for the English language version, here.

You can order both volumes of the book from www.Amazon.co.jp, www.HMV.co.jp, and other retailers in that country.

Many of you will recall that last year, the online charity website Buy Once Give Twice had a Gerald Scarfe hand-painted guitar celebrating Pink Floyd's The Wall up for auction. More details, and exclusive picture, here.

They've now teamed up with Nick Mason to offer the highest bidder a most unexpected opportunity: a kiss from Nick himself! The auction is to raise money for the conservation of Asian elephants, and along with the smacker from our favourite drummer, you also get a date with an elephant (kiss, no doubt, optional)...