Van Halen [ tickets ] has "amicably" parted ways with Warner Bros. Records, the label that has housed the band since its eponymous 1978 debut, according to a label spokesman.

Pearl Jam's annual holiday single, which has been shipped to members of the group's fan club since 1991, didn't make it to fans in time for the holiday this year. The vinyl single was mailed to members last week, after what the band's Rumor Pit website described as an artwork-related delay.

This year's single includes a live cover of John Lennon's "Gimme Some Truth," a cover of the Ramones' "I Just Wanna Have Something to Do" performed solo by bassist Jeff Ament, and live renditions of "Indifference" and the new song "Lost Soldier."

According to the Rumor Pit, the band will begin work on a new album in February.

Though he was originally on the bill, Elton John will not appear at the Recording Artists Coalition concert on Feb. 26 in Los Angeles, according to his official website. The Eagles, Billy Joel, Stevie Nicks and Sheryl Crow remain on the bill.

A new benefit show for the coalition has been set for Jan. 25 at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles. Beck, Eddie Vedder and Social Distortion's Mike Ness are on the bill.

Metallica's James Hetfield and his wife, Francesca, announced the birth of a daughter, Marcella Francesca, on Thursday (1/17