In the week that British forces had to suffer a performance by Geri Halliwell, pop's war on mediocrity has claimed another victim. After the demise of Catatonia, Five and Elastica, latest to fall on their swords are Savage Garden. Better still, things had got so bad that Daniel Jones only heard the news when he read an interview with partner Darren Hayes in a newspaper.

The war on mediocrity has already seen the demise of Catatonia, Elastica and Five. Latest to fall on their swords, we hear, are Savage Garden. Daniel Jones said: "Bands like Eurythmics, sobbed Jones, have had separate careers within a band and we thought we could go along similar lines to that." Not so true, mad or deep anymore, clearly. Meanwhile, Ocean Colour Scenes, Gene, Embrace and The Divine Comedy have suffered the ultimate pop insult. The fearsome young indie stars have been made to play gigs that take place, not only in Wales, but in the name of Radio 2.

And it's been a sore week for Stevie Wonder, who is faced with a lawsuit from an ex-girlfriend on grounds that include giving her herpes. At least you can count on Destiny's Child to show a little dignity and & record a Christmas album.

It's true the girls have announced plans for 8 Days Of Christmas. Kelly, Beyonce and Michelle will perform Frosty the Snowman, White Christmas, Santa Claus is coming to town and Little Drummer Boy.

Take heart that P Diddy still knows how to make an imp of himself. Sean has now hired a butler called Fonsworth. You know how Sinatra had a butler he drank with him, he hung out with him, but he was still a butler? said Puffy, possibly trying not to laugh, ''Fonsworth knows what I need. He's like my assistant, almost my sidekick, but not in a demeaning way.

Tweet