AND NOW HERE’S THE NEWS: What’s wrong...

AND NOW HERE’S THE NEWS: What’s wrong with W. Axl Rose? The lead singer and enfant terrible of Guns ‘N Roses, one of the hottest metal-circus acts in rock this year, collapsed before a Valentine’s Day show in Phoenix, forcing the band to cancel the date. The band subsequently bowed out of the much-coveted opening act slot on the David Lee Roth tour, prompting speculation that Rose is either seriously ill or perhaps had suffered a breakdown. A spokeswoman for Geffen Records said Rose had been sick, but “it was not drugs or a deadly disease. We don’t know exactly what--his management company says they’re still waiting for test results.” Our bet is that Axl isn’t that sick, especially since he was already spotted at a couple of late-night watering holes last week. . . . Speaking of Rose, he’s supposed to make a guest appearance on the raucous sound track to “Decline of Western Civilization II: The Metal Years,” which is due out from Capitol Records next month (the movie’s slated for early May). Rose joins Alice Cooper on a new version of “Under My Wheels.” The album also features songs by Motorhead, Megadeth, Lizzie Borden, Metal Church, Armored Saint and Faster Pussycat. . . . And speaking of live--the Coconut Teaszer hosts a benefit Tuesday night for the L.A. Free Clinic. Admission is $5 (though larger donations will be gratefully accepted)--performers will include Bonnie Bramlett, Phil Seymour, Angela Bowie, Marcy Levy, the Drunks and assorted guests.