A contrite Imus is back on the air

Don Imus returned to radio yesterday with two black cast members, a list of high-powered guests - and a pledge that he had learned his lesson from his racist and sexist insult of the Rutgers women's basketball team.

In an apologetic monologue before a live audience, Imus invoked his recovery from drug and alcohol addiction in describing his road to recovery of sorts from his firing eight months ago. Just like his stumble into addiction in the 1980s, Imus had hit rock bottom again after calling the Rutgers team "nappy-headed hos."

"I analogize it to being an alcoholic and a drug addict, which I also am. If you get into recovery, as I am for 20-some years now, you have the opportunity to be a better person, to have a better life than you ordinarily would have had. And that's true in this situation," he said.

Shortly after the start of the program (broadcast locally on 96.9 WTKK-FM), Imus introduced his new cast, including two black comedians, Karith Foster and Tony Powell. Also returning was Bernard McGuirk, the producer who instigated the Rutgers comment and was fired as well.

Imus, known for his high-profile guests, returned with presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin and senators Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.), both presidential hopefuls.

Those who had led the criticism of Imus were muted in their remarks over his return. The Rev. Al Sharpton, one of the strongest voices calling for his firing, said Imus had a right to make a living and could return to radio.

"Imus was fired. The move to hold people accountable was won," Sharpton said. "Whether he can, in the course of time, redeem himself, time will tell." (AP)

Led Zeppelin will play its first US show since July 24, 1977, this June at the Bonnaroo festival in Manchester, Tenn., according to an e-mail published in industry commentator Bob Lefsetz's newsletter. The report also says Metallica will headline the event. A Bonnaroo spokesperson had no comment on the e-mail. A Led Zeppelin spokesperson could not be reached. (Billboard.com)

The Spice Girls kicked off their reunion tour in Vancouver Sunday night, the first time all five members of the group have performed together in almost 10 years. When they took to the stage, the quintet sparkled in gold and bronze outfits by Italian designer Roberto Cavalli. They opened with their signature song, "Spice Up Your Life," followed by "Stop" and "Say You'll Be There." (AP)

Britney Spears rang in her 26th birthday Sunday surrounded by friends and swag. With pals Alli Sims and Sam Lufit, Spears arrived at the Scandinavian Style Mansion where Sharon Stone was hosting a party. Spears reportedly received $30,000 in fur coats, a $10,000 ring, and $4,000 in Barito sunglasses. (msnbc.com)

Scott Weiland has been arrested for driving under the influence. The Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver singer was driving on an LA highway on Nov. 21 when he crashed his car. According to the police report, Weiland failed sobriety tests and refused to take a blood or urine test. He will be back in court on Dec. 13. (TMZ)

Knock it off
'"The movie] paints the women as shrews, as humorless and uptight, and it paints the men as goofy, fun-loving guys.'" Katherine Heigl, knocking "Knocked Up" to Vanity Fair for being "a little sexist."