Hollywood
Duran Duran’s new album ‘Paper Gods’ to release in September
MUMBAI: Multi-platinum superstars Duran Duran’s new studio album titled Paper Gods is all set to release in the US on 18 September and in the rest of the world on 11 September.
Paper Gods features special guests Janelle Monáe (on the first single Pressure Off), CHIC co-founder Nile Rodgers (also on Pressure Off), former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante (on What Are The Chances, Butterfly Girl, The Universe Alone, and Northern Lights), Canadian Juno-Award winning singer Kiesza (on Last Night in the City), British singer/songwriter/producer Mr Hudson (on Paper Gods), Mew vocalist Jonas Bjerre (on Change The Skyline), violinist Davidé Rossi (on Face For Today and Pressure Off), and actress Lindsay Lohan, who provides a spoken-word vocal on Danceophobia.
Duran Duran have placed 14 singles in the top 10 of the UK singles chart and 21 in the Billboard Hot 100, and sold more than 70 million records till date.
Hollywood
David Zaslav could net up to $887m as Warner Bros Discovery sells up
Media mogul strikes gold as Paramount Skydance deal triggers massive windfall
NEW YORK: While the average office worker might hope for a nice clock and a round of applause upon leaving, David Zaslav is looking at a slightly more substantial parting gift. The chief executive officer of Warner Bros Discovery is positioned to receive a windfall of up to $887 million following the company’s blockbuster $110 billion sale to Paramount Skydance.
In a twist of corporate fate that feels scripted for the big screen, the deal marks the finale of a high-stakes bidding war. It comes after Netflix, once the frontrunner, decided to exit stage left and abandon its pursuit of the HBO Max parent company.
While most people receive a standard final paycheck, the filing released on Monday suggests Zaslav’s exit package is built a little differently. If the deal closes as expected in the third quarter of 2026, the numbers break down like this:
The cash out: A severance package of $34.2 million, covering his salary and bonuses.
The equity: $115.8 million in vested shares he already owns.
The future fortune: A massive $517.2 million in unvested share awards, essentially “future stock” that turns into real money the moment the ink dries on the merger.
Perhaps the most eye-catching figure is the $335 million earmarked for tax reimbursements. However, this particular pot of gold has an expiration date.
The company noted that these reimbursements are tied to specific tax-code rules that significantly decline as time passes. If the deal hits a snag and drags into 2027, that tax payout drops to zero. With hundreds of millions on the line, the chief executive officer likely has every incentive to ensure the closing process moves at double-speed.
