• Contrary to news over the weekend, a spokesperson for the Rolling Stones said yesterday the band is not in talks with Live Nation. The actual quote, "We are not in talks with Live Nation in connection with any record deal," leaves open quite a few possibilities if taken literally -- perhaps a U2-style deal that encompasses licensing, touring and sponsorships while leaving recorded music to a major label. Maybe we shouldn't read too much into it, but there were much better ways to phrase a denial if the band is not talking to Live Nation about something. (Music Week)

• Live Nation Sweden has purchased the remaining shares of program agency Lugerinc AB (Luger) and management company Moondog Entertainment AB. (Trading Markets)

• last.fm has inked a deal with Universal Music Group to add over 12,000 full-length music videos to the site. (The Guardian)

• AEG, AMC Entertainment Inc. and The Cordish Company will reopen The Midland by AMC in Kansas City on September 9. The medium-sized venue's first group of shows will feature Melissa Etheridge, Puddle of Mudd, Journey and Vince Gill. (Press release)

• The Wal-Mart exclusives continue with a special release by country star Taylor Swift on July 15. Beautiful Eyes will be a CD/DVD package that will be displayed not only in the music section but also on a custom L.e.i. Jeans promotional display in the clothing section of stores. Earlier this year Swift signed an endorsement deal with Jones Apparel Group to be the face of the back-to-school advertising campaign for L.e.i., a Wal-Mart exclusive brand. The CD will have two exclusive songs and a number of new versions of previously released songs. The title is currently available for pre-order at the Wal-Mart website for $11.88. (Music Row)

• How the high cost of gas is affecting tours both big and small. (The Oregonian)

In the UK, the Federation of Small Businesses is seeking to relax the law that pays the Performing Rights Society for music in the workplace (such as a radio or on-hold music). (BBC News)

• The annual Bonnaroo festival was just completed in Manchester, TN. Paid attendance was 70,000, just short of the 80,000 required for a sellout. AC Productions partially made up for the unsold tickets through price discrimination -- VIP tickets ($1,169.50) were increased 33% and sold out in advance. (Billboard.biz)