Scott Asheton, the drummer for the influential American punk rock band The Stooges, died on Saturday of a heart attack. He was 64. The band’s leader Iggy Pop posted on Facebook that he’s “never heard anyone play the drums with more meaning than Scott Asheton”. The Stooges’ raw sound helped inspire the first generation of punk musicians, influencing the likes of Patti Smith, the Ramones and Sid Vicious. Asheton’s daughter, Leanna, said her father “was as cool as they came. His wisdom guides us on”.
Asian Oscars to be held next week
The 8th Asian Film Awards (AFA) will be held for the first time in Macau on March 27. The AFA's list of nominees features stellar names such as the acclaimed directors Wong Kar-wai and Tsai Ming-liang, as well as the actress Zhang Ziyi. The film awards spans 73 nominations and 26 films from 13 countries. The jury includes the actor Donnie Yen and the filmmaker Peter Chan. – The National staff
Kanye pleads no contest in battery case
Kanye West pleaded no contest Monday to misdemeanour battery against a photographer at Los Angeles International Airport in a special plea in which he maintains his innocence. West entered the plea through his attorney and did not attend the court hearing. He was sentenced to two years of probation, 24 anger management therapy sessions and 250 hours of community service. The rapper did not reach a civil settlement with the paparazzo, and his plea cannot be used against him in a civil lawsuit. West was charged with misdemeanour counts of battery and grand theft after an altercation at LAX with the photographer Daniel Ramos in July 2013. Ramos claimed West punched him in an unprovoked attack and wrestled his camera to the ground during the scuffle. — AP