Artists, particularly female artists from Western nations, need to think twice about booking shows in Malaysia. Avril Lavigne's August 29 concert in Kuala Lumpur at the Stadium Merdeka was canceled by the Arts, Culture and Heritage Ministry since her performance and dress "may taint the Muslim-majority country's independence day celebrations after the Islamic opposition slammed her show as being too sexy," according to the Associated Press. The show was scheduled for two days before the country's independence day celebration.

The country has what western artists feel may be repressive rules and regulations for performances. Malaysia requires all performers to wear clothes without obscene or drug-related images and be covered from the chest to the knees. They must also refrain from jumping, shouting, hugging and kissing on stage.

Avril Lavigne, who recently canceled two concerts in Phoenix, AZ and San Diego, CA, has just postponed six more shows of her North American The Best Damn Tour due to acute laryngitis. The newly postponed shows represent the final U.S. shows on this leg of her tour.

The pop-punk singer/songwriter had already performed 37 concerts on the tour, and has at least 49 shows left, including more than 30 dates in Europe. The second leg of her U.S. tour is scheduled to kick off in late July when she's slated to play several summer dates with the Jonas Brothers.

Live Nation has confirmed that the Jonas Brothers will be joining Avril Lavigne's Best Damn Tour 2008. Lavigne’s tour already has Boston-based group Boys Like Girls in the special guest slot, but Live Nation did not say what the Jonas Brothers' billing will be.

What makes this yet-to-be announced late addition to the Lavigne package so unusual is that the tour was announced on Nov. 6 and starts March 5. The Jonas Brothers, recently signed to Live Nation for two years of touring, have been out on their own headlining tour, which has been a hot ticket and selling out everywhere. The three brothers started their tour Jan. 31, with dates through March. 22. It is unknown when the trio will join Lavigne's tour.

By Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen

Following the enormous success of her third studio album and second consecutive #1 debut, “Best Damn Thing,” pop punker Avril Lavigne will kick off her 2008 Best Damn Tour on March 5 in Victoria, BC. The tour will be produced by Live Nation and feature dancers along with special guests Boys Like Girls. The first 32 North American concerts have been announced with more concerts to be revealed shortly.

"I can't wait to get back out on the road!" said Lavigne, in a press release. "I have the most fun when I am performing for the fans. I think that energy comes through in my live show."