Stones seek audit of royalties

London — The Rolling Stones failed to force an audit of the books of Decca Music Group, which they say may not have paid them all the royalties from their “40 Licks” greatest hits album.

The dispute centers on royalties from the album, which includes ’60s hits such as “Paint It Black” and “Sympathy for the Devil,” the rights to which are still owned by Decca.

Band members say they’re entitled to 80 percent of the royalties from the Decca tracks on the album — which could run into millions of dollars — and say an audit would disclose how much they should be paid.

A High Court judge ruled Friday that in terms of a 1976 agreement among Decca and the surviving members of the band — Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts — disputes about royalties must be referred to arbitration rather than the courts.

The Stones were given permission to appeal the High Court’s decision.

Maher’s ex seeks $9 million

Los Angeles — Bill Maher is being sued by a woman who claims he shook her at a party and welched on promises to marry her and buy her a home in Beverly Hills.

Nancy “Coco” Johnsen, a former model and flight attendant, is seeking $9 million and other unspecified damages, according to the action filed Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court. It accuses the political comic of fraud, battery and assault.

Johnsen claims she fell in love with the HBO “Real Time” host during a 17-month relationship that began in January 2003.

She left his home and ended the relationship in May, Johnsen said.

Army won’t change for prince

London — Prince Harry will receive no royal treatment when he joins the British army next year, the commander of his military college said.

The 20-year-old prince will begin studies at the prestigious academy in January.

Students face a grueling schedule in their first weeks. They are expected to rise early, polish their own shoes and do their own ironing.

Major Gen. Andrew Ritchie, the academy commandant, said Thursday the young royal should expect to be treated the same as all other soldiers.

“You will meet some fierce sergeants who will maintain that philosophy. Everyone will have to prove themselves here,” he said.

The prince will be known as Mr. Wales or Officer Cadet Wales.