Study: Rockers die young

Study: Rockers die young

LONDON — Living fast and dying young has long been part of rock ’n’ roll lore. And now there are statistics that affirm the image, according to a study released Tuesday. Researchers at Liverpool John Moores University, whose report appeared in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, studied a sample of North American and British rock and pop stars and concluded they are more than twice as likely to die a premature death as ordinary citizens of the same age. Mark Bellis, leader of the study, said his research showed the stereotype of rock stars was true — recreational drugs and alcohol-fueled parties take a toll. The report found that, between two and 25 years after the onset of fame, the risk of death was two to three times higher for music stars than for members of the general population matched for age, sex, nationality and ethnic background.

Delay for R. Kelly trial

CHICAGO — R. Kelly is going to have to wait even longer for his day in court. Five years after being charged with child pornography, the R&B star’s trial had been set to start Sept. 17. But a Cook County judge has postponed it because the lead prosecutor had a baby recently. Kelly was charged in 2002 and is accused of engaging in videotaped sex acts with an underage girl. Since his arrest, the case has been hit with numerous delays. A new date hasn’t been set. Since being charged, Kelly has had six best-selling albums and three nationwide tours.

Rocker shot dead

DALLAS — Jeffrey Carter Albrecht, a keyboard player for the band Edie Brickell & New Bohemians, was shot to death early Monday while trying to kick in the door of his girlfriend’s neighbor, police said. The neighbor, who was not immediately identified, was asleep in bed when he woke up around 4 a.m. to his wife screaming that someone was breaking into the house, according to a police report. The neighbor yelled through the door for Albrecht to leave and then fired his handgun through the door.

Today’s birthdays

Comedian-actor Bob Newhart is 78. Actress-singer Carol Lawrence is 75. Actor George Lazenby is 68. Actress Raquel Welch is 67. Movie director Werner Herzog is 65. Singer Al Stewart is 62. Singer Loudon Wainwright III is 61. Drummer Buddy Miles is 61. “Cathy” cartoonist Cathy Guisewite is 57. Actor Michael Keaton is 56. TV personality Dweezil Zappa is 38.