Billboard Bits: Run Dmc, Yoko Ono, Can

Run DMC's Jam Master Jay may be gone, but if Eagle Rock Entertainment can help it, he won't yet be forgotten.

On April 3, Eagle Records and Eagle Eye Media will release "Run DMC Live at Montreux 2001" on DVD and as an album. The set features performances of classic DMC songs like "Walk This Way," "Down With King," and "Peter Piper."

The Queens, NY rap group originally comprised Joseph Simmons (Run), Darryl McDaniels (DMC) and the late Jason Mizell (Jay), who was murdered just months after the Montreux concert.

-- Mariel Concepcion, N.Y.

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The entire back catalog of experimental rock troupe Can will be released to digital retailers for the first time ever on March 13. The 14 albums, including the group's 1969 debut and the newly remaster/restored "I Want More" EP will be released via Mute Records imprint the Grey Area.

The German group disbanded around the release of their self-titled album, released in 1979. The four core members briefly reunited to release 1989's "Rite Time."

-- Katie Hasty, N.Y.

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Artists like the Pet Shop Boys, Basement Jaxx and Felix Da House all leant a hand crafting "Open the Box," a remix compilation of the songs of Yoko Ono. The 14-track album include mixes of the singer/songwriter's tracks like "Hell in Paradise," "Give Peace a Chance," three takes on "Walking on Thin Ice" and the album's title track, to be released via Astralwerks on April 24.

Other contributors include Bimbo Jones, Orange Factory, Danny Tenaglia, DJ Dan, Peter Rauhofer and Superchumbo.

"Open the Box" is a companion effort to Ono's most recent studio set, "Yes, I'm a Witch," released last month. The set bowed at No. 11 on the Top Electronica Albums tally.

-- Katie Hasty, N.Y.