Link-O-Rama …

Promoters may hate them, but the proliferation of third-party ticket sellers online gives concert fans one tool they didn’t have until now – the ability to comparison shop for the best price – Telegraph U.K.

What’s new with Tim McGraw? How about a children’s book the country star co-authored that is scheduled to hit stores tomorrow – Associated Press

Are 14 – to – 24-year-olds listening to radio more than their iPods? Or are they just listening to radio while their iPod batteries recharge? – Advertising Age

Dallas Symphony Orchestra showcases tasty music written by Hannibal Lecter Anthony Hopkins that probably goes well with a nice chianti – Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Andrew Lloyd-Webber to compose Britain’s entry for Eurovision Song Contest – The Times Online U.K.

Getting up-to-speed on John Hiatt – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Dates, Dates & More Dates …

Metallica gets down to business and starts hammering out its 2009 Euro schedule. Today’s update includes stops in Sweden, France, Austria, Finland, Norway, Spain, Italy and Denmark. Sample data shows the band playing two nights in Stockholm – March 5 & 6 – at Stockholm Globe Arena, two nights in Paris – April 1 & 2 – at Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, two nights in Helsinki – June 14 & 16 – at Hartwall Arena and three nights in Copenhagen – July 20, 22 & 23 – at the Forum. Single stops include Merksem, Belgium, on March 7, Vienna, Austria, on May 14, Oslo, Norway, on June 17, Rome on June 24 and Madrid on July 13.

Not only was he a founding member of Squeeze, and not only does he host one of the best music TV shows on the planet, but Jools Holland also likes to step out with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. New U.K. dates for the band include December 4 in Cheffield at Sheffield City Hall, December 12 & 13 in Glasgow, Scotland, at the S.E.C.C. and December 21 in Bournemouth at Bournemouth International Centre.

The Hot Club Of Cowtown updates today with new stops in Texas and Oregon. In Texas the band plays Austin on December 6th at Momo’s and then returns January 2 for a gig at Austin’s Central Market Café. The new Oregon dates are for Portland – January 9 & 10 – at the Oregon Convention Center.

And Y & T updates today with a few new 2009 dates for California – March 20 in San Juan Capistrano at the Coach House and March 21 in Redondo Beach at Brixton. The band also adds April 17, 2009 in West Springfield, Virginia, at Jaxx.

During the past couple of hours we also updated the schedules for The Waybacks, The Game, Vampire Weekend, The Game, The Elms, The Commodores, The Elms, Pete Murray, Ohgr, Liza Minnelli, Gretchen Peters, Guy Forsyth, Gallagher, Egypt Central, Disturbed, Chuck Berry, Carolyn Wonderland and Dan Stevens.

But that was only the first half of a marvelous Monday in the concert data biz. Don’t miss Your Latest Update, coming up around 3 pm (PDT) on Pollstar.com!