The highly-respected, Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera, whom many of you would also have enjoyed as part of David Gilmour's touring band on his 2006 tour (and subsequent CD/DVD releases), enjoys a thriving solo career. Some of you may have heard his wonderful 2004 album, 6PM, partly on the strength of David guesting on it.

Today (November 10th) Phil releases not just one, but two new albums - "Firebird V11", an absorbing collection of new songs, and "The Music 1972 - 2008", a 2CD and 1DVD set, chock full of good stuff looking back over his impressive back catalogue.

On September 8th, we told you about the UK Blu-ray release of The Miller Strat Pack concert, which took place on 24th September 2004, and featured David Gilmour, Phil Manzanera, and other top musicians at London's Wembley Arena. The concert - shot in high definition, and edited and mixed into full surround sound in David Gilmour's home studio, Astoria, by David himself and Andy Jackson - benefited the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy charity. The concert alone raised £175,000 (around US$330,000), and this was swelled with the release of the DVD (reviewed here).

The good news is that the stunning show is also getting a US release on Blu-ray to go with the UK version. Already a great DVD, the high-definition Blu-ray version should be even better, with previously unseen material that had to be cut to fit onto the original DVD, being added as bonus features. These have been announced as including rehearsal footage of Hank Marvin and David Gilmour, an interview with David, along with more Strat Pack interviews and behind the scenes footage.

The UK edition appears in stores on November 17th, and Amazon.co.uk are offering it as a pre-order for despatch upon release, at a very tempting 45% off normal retail price... The UK edition is also available as an import from Amazon Germany, and Amazon France.

The North American edition arrives on December 9th, and you can save at least 30% on normal retail price by using our special links at Amazon US/International, or Amazon Canada.

Fresh from his exhibition (and charity auction) as part of the City Wakes Syd Barrett tribute festival in Cambridge, Pink Floyd cover artist extraordinaire Storm Thorgerson is keeping himself very busy with the run-up to the end of 2008, what with his new book, "For The Love Of Vinyl", his limited Genesis Publications box set, and jaunts to Amsterdam, in The Netherlands, AND Sydney, Australia all still to come!

First, Amsterdam. Storm will be attending the 'Covers by Artists' meeting there on November 15th, where the graphic design of albums and CDs is being discussed and analysed by Storm and other artists such as Anton Corbijn and Peter Saville. More details (in Dutch) here.

Turning to the Southern Hemisphere, and Sydney's Global Gallery in the Paddington district is the latest host for the wonderful Taken By Storm exhibition. This touring retrospective of his work takes in many of his Floyd images, along with other work for artists such as Led Zeppelin, The Mars Volta, Paul McCartney and The Cranberries. Running from December 3rd - 21st, there may be the chance to meet Storm himself on one of the days. And that's something you won't want to miss!

The UK's Multiple Sclerosis Society is the beneficiary of a special night of comedy being held at the 20th Century Theatre, in London's Notting Hill area. The evening, "Notting Good Taste" takes place on November 13th from 8pm, and hosted by none other than Guy Pratt, who has impressed audiences in the UK and Australia with his hilarious stand-up show, chock full of anecdotes from his many years on the road and in the studio with Pink Floyd, David Gilmour, Bryan Ferry, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and many others. Other stand-up comedians taking part include Adam Hills, Miles Jupp, Geoff Boyz and Watson & Oliver.

The 20th Century Theatre is found in Westbourne Grove, W11, and tickets, very reasonably priced at £15 each, include a free cocktail and raffle ticket.