Get up-close and personal with Kevin Rowland and Mark E. Smith in Manchester at Close Up

Here's an interesting concept - a chat show without a TV camera. At least, that's what Close Up seems to be pitching.

The brainchild of writer/DJ and all-round good egg Dave Haslam, Close Up takes place at Manchester's Green Room, promising the opportunity to get up close and personal with musicians, poets,artists and actors discussing their life and work; all in-conversation with Mr Haslam.

Eric Clapton plugs T-Mobile myTouch 3G Fender Edition mobile phone

Want a mobile phone that looks a bit like an electric guitar? T-Mobile has just the thing with its myTouch 3G Fender Edition mobile phone. Oh yes - Eric Clapton is plugging it too.

The T-Mobile myTouch 3G is the US variation of the HTC Magic (in the UK), a Google Android phone offering up everything from high-speed connectivity and desktop-like web browsing through to sat nav and a 3.2-megapixel camera. But this limited edition also adds that Fender branding, a glossy wood look, a Fender case, docking station and pre-loaded Slowhand bits and pieces, including Layla and Wonderful Tonight plus a guitar-themed app for frustrated rock stars. Exciting eh? Ok, maybe not.

US-only so far, so if you're a fan and happen to be in the US anytime soon, you'll need to head to a nearby T-Mobile dealer. Here's Eric showing it off.

T-Mobile mytouch website

Via Switched On Set

The Sonics headline Le Beat Bespoke 6 in London

Le Beat Bespoke started off as a 60s underground event, but the next one (LBB 6), taking place this Easter, seems to be going for a wider 'retro' vibe. Saying that, we can't argue with the headliners - The Sonics.

The dates for your diary are 1st - 4th April 2010, with The Sonics headlining for a second time, joined by a Feargal Sharkey-free Undertones, James Hunter and The Polecats - the latter being a fifties throwback act briefly famous in the eighties. If you get our drift. All of those names will be supported by a selection of new underground bands, some as-yet unannounced turns, a variety of vintage club nights and a vintage market.

The venue is The Venue (229 Great Portland Street, in the west end of London) and tickets are now for sale for variable prices, depending on whether you got a weekend pass or specific days.

New Untouchables website

Suede reform - Bernard Butler nowhere to be seen

Ahhh, Suede - split up a few years back after a farewell tour and no one was all that bothered. Not that we have anything against the band, but it as obvious that Suede had just run its course. Well, now the band is back - for one night only and without Bernard Butler.

Suede is reforming with the line-up of Brett Anderson, bassist Mat Osman, drummer Simon Gilbert, guitarist Richard Oakes and keyboard player Neil Codling - the folk that gave us 1996's 'Coming Up' and 1999's 'Head Music'.

The gig will be part of a forthcoming gig series for the Teenage Cancer Trust charity, with a date still to be finalised. Will Bernard turn up for a walk-on part? Probably not - those Duffy albums don't produce themselves you know.

Suede website

Rat Scabies - Grailhunter

Who needs Tony Robinson when you can get the Damned's drummer for your historical research? Yes, you heard right, this is Rat Scabies - Grailhunter.

Newly-released online, this is a three-minute taster film, with our hero off in search of the Holy Grail and 'other oddities along the way'. Check it out now and if you're a TV exec, get it commissioned - it's got to be preferable to anther series of Freaky Eaters or Snog, Marry, Avoid.