Ian McLagan at ACL Fest in 2006 - more photos... photo by Jeff Barringer - Staff Photographer

It's a little early for spring but try telling that to the SXSW rumor birds that started flying early this week. I am already starting to hear some neat stuff, and some of the usual stuff. Perhaps the neatest one I have heard so far sounds pretty solid based on the background info I know. Rod Stewart and The Faces are supposedly set to be headliners at next years SXSW. I know that the faces are re-uniting, I know that Ian McLagan, the Faces keyboardist, is based here in Austin. I know that Ian has been traveling back and forth to practice. And it makes a lot of sense since there are more music journalists in Austin at SXSW than any other place in the world. We'll see how this one plays out, I hope it comes true.

Other rumors, the perennial Morrisey/Smiths reunion rumor is already making the rounds, and I can tell you from past history we are liable to see Les Claypool and one of his bands. MuteMath will probably play which is a repeat SXSW performer, and there is a good chance that Slash will pop up someplace as well, though most likely as a walk on, not with a re-formed G-N-R or Velvet Revolver. The newly re-united Jane's Addiction is said to be on the SXSW rumored list, Perry Ferrell and Satellite Party played SXSW in 07. Katy Perry is said to be making a SXSW tour stop and finally Quincy Jones is rumored to be this years SXSW keynote speaker.

It will be interesting to see how the poor state of the economy will impact SXSW 2009. Hotel reservations are said to be slower than normal, and many companies are said to be scaling back their presence. Club kingsnake is planning on covering SXSW(assuming we get press credentials) but we will be sending fewer staffers to provide coverage.

Will you be going to SXSW 2009? Let us know, and if you have any juicy rumors about who will be appearing this year, I am all ears.