Promethius, old boy - 8.5 is still going ahead as a free download in Q3 this year. Lightwave 9 is probably still way off.
http://www.newtek.com/lightwave/news...-n6/index.html
Quote:
July 25, 2005
NewTek is also pleased to announce the upcoming release of the 64-bit port of LightWave 3D for Windows XP Pro x64 OS, as part of the release of the version 8.5 update. LightWave's 64-bit version leverages the increased memory available with 64-bit systems plus the power of the new processors and faster RAM access to provide digital artists with a streamlined workflow that allows them greater flexibility and creative freedom. LightWave64 will also be available free to registered owners of LightWave [8] in Q3 2005.