NEWS.

Bond, who performed at last Thursday's Classical Brits launch at London's Royal Albert Hall, are currently part of a double charge for Decca UK at the top of the Billboard Heatseekers chart. The band's debut album Born sits at number one on the chart for development acts this week as fellow Decca artist Russell Watson capitalises on high-profile US TV appearances by entering at number two with The Voice and 116 on the overall Billboard 200 chart. Both Bond (pictured with BPI chairman Rob Dickins) and Watson, who are also at one and two on the Billboard classical crossover chart, are lined up to perform at May 31's Classical Brits ceremony, which will also take place at the Royal Albert Hall. Watson's The Voice is one of 10 albums shortlisted in the Rover album of the year category, while he is also is nominated for the male artist award.

Mushroom/Infectious signing Ash were yesterday ...