Buzz Briefs: Michael Jackson, Jon Bon Jovi

"Thriller" Director Sues Michael Jackson

"Thriller" may be headed to Broadway, but first Michael Jackson's song and groundbreaking music video may be headed to court.

John Landis, the acclaimed director who co-wrote the video and shot "Thriller," is suing Jackson, claiming the pop star has failed to pay him royalties for the project for the past four years.

Landis' Levitsky Productions Inc. sued Jackson for unspecified damages in Santa Monica on Jan. 21, days before a Broadway producer announced he had bought the rights to adapt "Thriller" for the stage.

The lawsuit claims Landis is owed 50 percent of profits from "Thriller" projects and alleges Jackson continues to license rights to video games, toys and comic books based on the 14-minute music video and a documentary.

Philadelphia Soul Ex-Manager Sues Bon Jovi, Others

The former sales manager for the Philadelphia Soul arena football team is suing club owner Jon Bon Jovi and his partners for nearly $125,000 he says he's owed.

Joseph Krause of Jenkintown alleges that rock singer Bon Jovi and other team officials told employees they would receive two weeks of severance pay. The Arena Football League is canceling the 2009 season as it creates a better business model for tough economic times.

Krause says he is owed commissions of more than $83,000 for the 2008 season and more than $41,000 for the canceled 2009 season.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Keyboardist Billy Powell Dies

Billy Powell, a keyboardist for the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, has died at his northeast Florida home. He was 56.

Orange Park Police Lt. Mark Cornett says Powell called for an ambulance about 12:55 a.m. Wednesday, saying he was having trouble breathing. Rescue crews tried to resuscitate him, but he was pronounced dead about an hour after his call.

Cornett says no foul play is suspected and an autopsy will not be performed.

He says Powell missed a Tuesday appointment with his doctor for a cardiac evaluation. A heart attack is suspected.

Powell was one of two surviving band members who were with the group before a 1977 plane crash in Mississippi that killed three of its members.

Springsteen, E Street Band Return To St. Paul

The Boss is coming back to St. Paul.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform at Xcel Energy Center on May 11.

Springsteen kicks off a world tour on April 1 in San Jose, Calif., to support his new CD, "Working on a Dream."

It's Springsteen's seventh time performing at Xcel - third with the E Street Band.

Tickets cost $67 or $97 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday.

Paul McCartney Set For "Colbert Report" Visit

The Comedy Central TV channel says Paul McCartney is going to drop in on Stephen Colbert.

McCartney will be a guest on Wednesday's "The Colbert Report," talking up his latest album, "Electric Arguments." The work represents a collaboration between the former Beatle and producer-musician Youth, and was released under the band name the Fireman.

"The Colbert Report" airs at 11:30 p.m. EST weeknights.

Kelly Rowland Splits From Beyonce's Manager Dad

Singer Kelly Rowland says she will always be a part of Beyonce's family, but she no longer will be managed by the superstar's father.

Rowland and Matthew Knowles announced Wednesday that he is bowing out as her manager. He has guided her career since she was kid, when he put her in Destiny's Child along with Beyonce. He even helped raise her.

Both Rowland and Knowles - who still manages daughter Beyonce - called the split amicable. Both say they will always be family.

Rowland has sold millions of records as part of Destiny's Child, but her solo career hasn't matched that success.

Rowland - who turns 27 next month - did not say who her new manager will be.