A friend of George Michael has shot down rumors that the singer is in grave condition with pneumonia. Fadi Fawaz told Britain's Daily Star that "He is improving every day. There is nothing to be concerned about. He is doing fine. We are very happy. He is doing extremely well and coming back from everything. We are very pleased."
Only one veteran artist won a prize at this years ARIA Awards, the Australian equivalent to the Grammy. Best Music DVD went to Live at River Plate by AC/DC. Album of the year was Moonfire by Boy & Bear and single was Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye featuring Kimbra.
Gregg Allman says to expect at least one more Allman Brother Band album. He told the Boston Herald "Absolutely, we have another album in us. I've had to spend a lot of time healing up from these surgeries with nothing to do but write songs. So don't listen when you hear there will never be another album. 'Never say never' is something I've learned recently."
Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue and Sixx: A.M. is already a three-time best selling author and he's putting together two more books for release. While Sixx is not letting on about subject matter, other than they will be different from the three previous, he is saying one should be out next May or June while the second is for 2013.
Scotland Yard has made it possible for Gary Glitter to once again leave England by not asking the courts to continue his travel ban; however, he remains on the sex offender's registry so he will have to ask permission to leave the country for more than three days and he may find bans on his entering many countries around the world.
Don Devito, an executive at Columbia Records who produced much of Bob Dylan's output during the 70's, passed away on Friday from prostate cancer. The two turned out Desire (1976), Street Legal (1978) and the live albums Hard Rain and At Budokan. He later worked on the Bootleg Series Volumes 1 through 3. He also worked with Billy Joel and Aerosmith, among others.
http://www.music-news.com
Quick quips: George Michael, AC/DC, Allman Brothers, Nikki Sixx, Gary Glitter, Don Devito
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
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Alicia Keys 'empowered' by charity work
Alicia Keys admits that her AIDS charity work in Africa is 'frenzied' at times.
The 31-year-old singer is the co-founder of Keep a Child Alive, a non-profit organisation that provides medical treatment to children and families afflicted by HIV and AIDS in Africa.
To commemorate World AIDS Day, which takes place this Thursday, Alicia is airing her newest documentary on the subject Keep a Child Alive With Alicia Keys.
Filming in Africa for the second time was enlightening for Alicia.
'The first [2008 documentary entitled Alicia in Africa: Journey to the Motherland] was about my experience there. This time we chose five Americans to come with me during the World Cup, so there's the juxtaposition of that frenzy and meeting the people we've been helping to get medication,' Alicia explained to People magazine.
A few years back while filming the first documentary on the topic, Alicia was pregnant with Egypt Dean, her now 13-month-old son with her husband hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz.
'I remember thinking, 'My son, who isn't even born yet, is experiencing all these things through me.' It was very empowering,' she recalled.
Egypt continues to bring great joy to Alicia and her husband.
She is elated to see her son progress.
'[Egypt]'s walking!' Alicia gushed. 'He's blowing my mind every second. [Motherhood] is the coolest.'
Keep A Child Alive With Alicia Keys airs in the US on Showtime this Thursday December 1.
http://www.music-news.com
The 31-year-old singer is the co-founder of Keep a Child Alive, a non-profit organisation that provides medical treatment to children and families afflicted by HIV and AIDS in Africa.
To commemorate World AIDS Day, which takes place this Thursday, Alicia is airing her newest documentary on the subject Keep a Child Alive With Alicia Keys.
Filming in Africa for the second time was enlightening for Alicia.
'The first [2008 documentary entitled Alicia in Africa: Journey to the Motherland] was about my experience there. This time we chose five Americans to come with me during the World Cup, so there's the juxtaposition of that frenzy and meeting the people we've been helping to get medication,' Alicia explained to People magazine.
A few years back while filming the first documentary on the topic, Alicia was pregnant with Egypt Dean, her now 13-month-old son with her husband hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz.
'I remember thinking, 'My son, who isn't even born yet, is experiencing all these things through me.' It was very empowering,' she recalled.
Egypt continues to bring great joy to Alicia and her husband.
She is elated to see her son progress.
'[Egypt]'s walking!' Alicia gushed. 'He's blowing my mind every second. [Motherhood] is the coolest.'
Keep A Child Alive With Alicia Keys airs in the US on Showtime this Thursday December 1.
http://www.music-news.com
Rihanna 'exhausted' by tour
Rihanna nearly cancelled her concert this weekend due to extreme 'exhaustion,' it has been reported.
The 23-year-old singer performed her scheduled show in Dublin on Friday despite being extremely fatigued.
Jetting around the world in her ten-month 101-date tour has taken an extreme toll on Rihanna.
'She's just a young woman who just wants to have fun, but she was feeling pretty low,' a source told British newspaper the Sun.
'It's a mix of exhaustion and stress. She's been partying hard to take her mind off things, but there are days when she wakes up and doesn't even know where she is because of the travelling. It's no wonder she is feeling down."
Rihanna found motivation to perform Friday night by discussing the matter with her mentor Beyoncé Knowles.
The Crazy In Love singer advised Rihanna to complete her remaining tour dates and to take a year off afterward.
Beyoncé relaxed for a year in 2009 for similar reasons and commiserates fully with Rihanna's difficulties.
"[Beyoncé] knows Rihanna needs downtime or she'll burn out,' the source explained.
Rihanna has 16 more dates until her Loud tour is officially complete.
Her final performance will be held in London on December 22.
http://www.music-news.com
The 23-year-old singer performed her scheduled show in Dublin on Friday despite being extremely fatigued.
Jetting around the world in her ten-month 101-date tour has taken an extreme toll on Rihanna.
'She's just a young woman who just wants to have fun, but she was feeling pretty low,' a source told British newspaper the Sun.
'It's a mix of exhaustion and stress. She's been partying hard to take her mind off things, but there are days when she wakes up and doesn't even know where she is because of the travelling. It's no wonder she is feeling down."
Rihanna found motivation to perform Friday night by discussing the matter with her mentor Beyoncé Knowles.
The Crazy In Love singer advised Rihanna to complete her remaining tour dates and to take a year off afterward.
Beyoncé relaxed for a year in 2009 for similar reasons and commiserates fully with Rihanna's difficulties.
"[Beyoncé] knows Rihanna needs downtime or she'll burn out,' the source explained.
Rihanna has 16 more dates until her Loud tour is officially complete.
Her final performance will be held in London on December 22.
http://www.music-news.com
Wild Beasts announce UK tour dates
Currently on a sold out UK tour, Wild Beasts are pleased to announce another set of dates for March 2012. The seven date tour will take them through the regions focussing on towns the four-piece have not played since the release of their critically acclaimed album, Smother.
Dates with ticket links are as follows:
Sun 11 Mar Warwick University
Mon 12 Mar Norwich Waterfront
Tue 13 Mar Colchester Arts Centre
Wed 14 Mar Exeter Phoenix
Thu 15 Mar Falmouth Pavillion
Fri 16 Mar Cardiff Coal Exchange
Sat 17 Mar Liverpool Masque Theatre
Tickets are on sale from tomorrow, Friday 25th November.
The Kendal four-piece play their second night at London's Shepherds Bush Empire tonight after a mesmerising sold out show last night, with Cambridge this Friday and Brighton on Saturday:
Thu 24 Nov London O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
Fri 25 Nov Cambridge Junction ' sold out
Sat 26 Nov Brighton Concorde II ' sold out
The latest single from Smother, Reach A Bit Further, is out now on limited edition coloured 12' vinyl backed with the b-sides Catherine Wheel, Smother and new track, Thankless Thing, recorded with Richard Formby at the beginning of the album sessions.
http://www.music-news.com
Dates with ticket links are as follows:
Sun 11 Mar Warwick University
Mon 12 Mar Norwich Waterfront
Tue 13 Mar Colchester Arts Centre
Wed 14 Mar Exeter Phoenix
Thu 15 Mar Falmouth Pavillion
Fri 16 Mar Cardiff Coal Exchange
Sat 17 Mar Liverpool Masque Theatre
Tickets are on sale from tomorrow, Friday 25th November.
The Kendal four-piece play their second night at London's Shepherds Bush Empire tonight after a mesmerising sold out show last night, with Cambridge this Friday and Brighton on Saturday:
Thu 24 Nov London O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
Fri 25 Nov Cambridge Junction ' sold out
Sat 26 Nov Brighton Concorde II ' sold out
The latest single from Smother, Reach A Bit Further, is out now on limited edition coloured 12' vinyl backed with the b-sides Catherine Wheel, Smother and new track, Thankless Thing, recorded with Richard Formby at the beginning of the album sessions.
http://www.music-news.com
PW to support Dappy on tour
Following on from the overwhelmingly positive response to his debut mixtape 'New Kid Off The Block' that brought you underground hits such as 'W.I.N.N.E.R' and 'Not Thinking About You', the 19-year old rising star who hails from north London, PW, aka Akheim Allen, has shown that he is certainly no passing fad and is gearing up to support no1 artist Dappy on his nationwide UK 'Rockstar' tour this December.
TOUR DATES:
09/12/11 ' NORWICH U.E.A
10/12/11 ' BIRMINGHAM HMV INSTITUTE
11/12/11 ' MANCHESTER ACADEMY 2
12/12/11 ' SHEFFIELD PLUG
13/12/11 ' LIVERPOOL O2 ACADEMY
15/12/11 ' GLASGOW O2 ABC
16/12/11 ' BRISTOL O2 ACADEMY
17/12/11 ' OXFORD O2 ACADEMY
18/12/11 ' CAMBRIDGE THE JUNCTION (OVER 14'S)
19/12/11 ' LONDON INDIGO2
http://www.music-news.com
TOUR DATES:
09/12/11 ' NORWICH U.E.A
10/12/11 ' BIRMINGHAM HMV INSTITUTE
11/12/11 ' MANCHESTER ACADEMY 2
12/12/11 ' SHEFFIELD PLUG
13/12/11 ' LIVERPOOL O2 ACADEMY
15/12/11 ' GLASGOW O2 ABC
16/12/11 ' BRISTOL O2 ACADEMY
17/12/11 ' OXFORD O2 ACADEMY
18/12/11 ' CAMBRIDGE THE JUNCTION (OVER 14'S)
19/12/11 ' LONDON INDIGO2
http://www.music-news.com
Alabama 3 launch new album & announce 2012 live dates
Musical fusionists Alabama 3 Acoustic will bring their rollicking live show to The Spiegel Saloon, Monday 12th December to launch their new album, "Shoplifting for Jesus.
The band join a host of exciting acts at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham this Christmas for 7UP's Winter Wonderland. The album which is possibly their best titled yet will be released in Ireland February 3rd 2012.
They will perform their unique blend of country acid house music at the Spiegel Saloon along with tracks from their new album. There is free admission to 7UP Winter Wonderland, and to the live music performances happening every day in the continental style Spiegel Saloon.
The full nine piece band returns to Ireland in the New Year to play Queens University Belfast (Feb 10th), The Button Factory, Dublin (Feb 11th); Cork Opera House (Feb 12th).
http://www.music-news.com
The band join a host of exciting acts at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham this Christmas for 7UP's Winter Wonderland. The album which is possibly their best titled yet will be released in Ireland February 3rd 2012.
They will perform their unique blend of country acid house music at the Spiegel Saloon along with tracks from their new album. There is free admission to 7UP Winter Wonderland, and to the live music performances happening every day in the continental style Spiegel Saloon.
The full nine piece band returns to Ireland in the New Year to play Queens University Belfast (Feb 10th), The Button Factory, Dublin (Feb 11th); Cork Opera House (Feb 12th).
http://www.music-news.com
Professor Green 'Never Be A Right Time' video
Professor Green firmly established himself as one of the UK's most exciting new talents around when his debut album 'Alive Till I'm Dead' crashed into the charts at #2.
Since certified double-Gold, the album launched four hit singles with 'I Need You Tonight', 'Just Be Good To Green', 'Monster' and 'Jungle' amassing over 500,000 sales and gaining Green 1.4 million Facebook friends.
On the live side, after selling out his current November and December dates, Professor Green will also embark on his biggest tour to date next April culminating with a show at London's O2 Academy Brixton on Saturday May 5th 2012.
April
Mon 23rd Glasgow, O2 Academy 0844 499 9990
Tues 24th Leicester, O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Weds 25th Plymouth, Pavilions 0845 146 1460
Fri 27th Leeds, O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Sat 28th Blackpool, Empress Ballroom 0844 811 0051
Sun 29th Wolverhampton, Civic Hall 0870 320 7000
Mon 30th Southend, Cliff Pavilion 01702 351 135
May
Weds 2nd Reading, Rivermead 0118 960 6060
Thurs 3rd Cardiff, Uni Great Hall 0292 048 8020
Sat 5th London, O2 Brixton Academy 0844 477 2000
Professor Green's November and December dates are sold out with a limited number of tickets still available for London Brixton Electric.
November
Sun 27 Liverpool University Mountford Hall
Mon 28 Glasgow Barrowland
Tue 29 Edinburgh Playhouse
December
Thu 01 Newcastle O2 Academy
Fri 02 Manchester Academy
Sat 03 Preston 53 Degrees
Mon 05 Sheffield O2 Academy
Tue 06 Leamington Spa Assembly
Wed 07 Nottingham Rock City
Fri 09 Birmingham O2 Academy
Sat 10 Lincoln Engine Shed
Sun 11 Norwich UEA
Tue 13 Bournemouth O2 Academy
Wed 14 Bristol O2 Academy
Thu 15 London Brixton Electric 020 7403 3331 *new show added*
Rizzle Kicks have been added as special guests on all shows from Nov 27th until Dec 14th.
http://www.music-news.com
Since certified double-Gold, the album launched four hit singles with 'I Need You Tonight', 'Just Be Good To Green', 'Monster' and 'Jungle' amassing over 500,000 sales and gaining Green 1.4 million Facebook friends.
On the live side, after selling out his current November and December dates, Professor Green will also embark on his biggest tour to date next April culminating with a show at London's O2 Academy Brixton on Saturday May 5th 2012.
April
Mon 23rd Glasgow, O2 Academy 0844 499 9990
Tues 24th Leicester, O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Weds 25th Plymouth, Pavilions 0845 146 1460
Fri 27th Leeds, O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Sat 28th Blackpool, Empress Ballroom 0844 811 0051
Sun 29th Wolverhampton, Civic Hall 0870 320 7000
Mon 30th Southend, Cliff Pavilion 01702 351 135
May
Weds 2nd Reading, Rivermead 0118 960 6060
Thurs 3rd Cardiff, Uni Great Hall 0292 048 8020
Sat 5th London, O2 Brixton Academy 0844 477 2000
Professor Green's November and December dates are sold out with a limited number of tickets still available for London Brixton Electric.
November
Sun 27 Liverpool University Mountford Hall
Mon 28 Glasgow Barrowland
Tue 29 Edinburgh Playhouse
December
Thu 01 Newcastle O2 Academy
Fri 02 Manchester Academy
Sat 03 Preston 53 Degrees
Mon 05 Sheffield O2 Academy
Tue 06 Leamington Spa Assembly
Wed 07 Nottingham Rock City
Fri 09 Birmingham O2 Academy
Sat 10 Lincoln Engine Shed
Sun 11 Norwich UEA
Tue 13 Bournemouth O2 Academy
Wed 14 Bristol O2 Academy
Thu 15 London Brixton Electric 020 7403 3331 *new show added*
Rizzle Kicks have been added as special guests on all shows from Nov 27th until Dec 14th.
http://www.music-news.com
More acts announced for December Sessions at The O2
December Sessions is a brand new and unique Christmas programme delivering a totally free music and entertainment experience which gives music fans of all ages the opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow over the course of 20 days at the world's most popular music venue.
Running from December 3rd until 22nd 2011, each night will see five bands take to a specially constructed stage in London Piazza at The O2. With a potential audience of thousands ' more than 4,000 capacity in the London Piazza and a further 15,000 possible in the thoroughfare ' December Sessions at The O2 gives these new acts a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity to play to a huge audience at London's most celebrated entertainment venue.
Acts already announced to play included:
- Nikki Garnett, hailing from Manchester and described as a Winehouse meets Lily Allen;
- The Sea and I, (Hoosiers frontman) Irwin Sparkes' new project;
- London based trio Belakiss (whose bassist Tatia is Ringo Starr's granddaughter);
- Treetop Flyers, who recently won the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition;
- Son Of Jack who are fresh from touring and recording with Chrissie Hynde;
Music Radar & Last FM
December Sessions has teamed up with Music Radar and Last.fm, who each have their own programmed night during December to showcase the pick of their most popular bands. Last.fm Presents is coming to the O2 on 14th December where they will be curating a line up based on acts racing up their Hype Charts, the fastest rising artists in the UK today. MusicRadar are hosting a night on the 12th December and have worked with their partners at Live and Unsigned to select the best bands from this year's competition. The December Sessions is a great showcase for new talent and the MusicRadar night will see performances from five exciting new acts.
Photography Exhibition & 'Silentgig'
As well as the live music, there's plenty more on offer at December Sessions including a photography exhibition by world famous live music photographer Carsten Windhorst. He has created a one-off 'photowall' of more than 80 live images as well as 25 portrait shots of some of his most famous pictures. A 'Silentgig' ' presented by Sennheiser ' involving an audio, visual and sensory stimulation designed to give a truly unique and interactive event experience will also take place on one of the nights. The Silentgig will allow individuals to choose their own listening level and mix for the performance by the act they're seeing, delivering the audio via headphones with virtually no external sound.
The British Music Experience
One of London's iconic red double-decker Routemaster buses has been transformed into a moving museum by The British Music Experience, Britain's museum of popular music based at The O2 'those attending December Sessions can hop on board and get a snapshot of Britain's wonderfully eclectic music history and take a turn on the bus' very own custom band set up. Plus you can pick up a pair of the very latest Festival Spectacles, based on the original Seventies design with a donation from each pair sold going to the Sightsavers charity.
December Sessions at The O2 is proudly supported by Gibson, Best Buy, Sennheiser and Last FM.
http://www.music-news.com
Running from December 3rd until 22nd 2011, each night will see five bands take to a specially constructed stage in London Piazza at The O2. With a potential audience of thousands ' more than 4,000 capacity in the London Piazza and a further 15,000 possible in the thoroughfare ' December Sessions at The O2 gives these new acts a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity to play to a huge audience at London's most celebrated entertainment venue.
Acts already announced to play included:
- Nikki Garnett, hailing from Manchester and described as a Winehouse meets Lily Allen;
- The Sea and I, (Hoosiers frontman) Irwin Sparkes' new project;
- London based trio Belakiss (whose bassist Tatia is Ringo Starr's granddaughter);
- Treetop Flyers, who recently won the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition;
- Son Of Jack who are fresh from touring and recording with Chrissie Hynde;
Music Radar & Last FM
December Sessions has teamed up with Music Radar and Last.fm, who each have their own programmed night during December to showcase the pick of their most popular bands. Last.fm Presents is coming to the O2 on 14th December where they will be curating a line up based on acts racing up their Hype Charts, the fastest rising artists in the UK today. MusicRadar are hosting a night on the 12th December and have worked with their partners at Live and Unsigned to select the best bands from this year's competition. The December Sessions is a great showcase for new talent and the MusicRadar night will see performances from five exciting new acts.
Photography Exhibition & 'Silentgig'
As well as the live music, there's plenty more on offer at December Sessions including a photography exhibition by world famous live music photographer Carsten Windhorst. He has created a one-off 'photowall' of more than 80 live images as well as 25 portrait shots of some of his most famous pictures. A 'Silentgig' ' presented by Sennheiser ' involving an audio, visual and sensory stimulation designed to give a truly unique and interactive event experience will also take place on one of the nights. The Silentgig will allow individuals to choose their own listening level and mix for the performance by the act they're seeing, delivering the audio via headphones with virtually no external sound.
The British Music Experience
One of London's iconic red double-decker Routemaster buses has been transformed into a moving museum by The British Music Experience, Britain's museum of popular music based at The O2 'those attending December Sessions can hop on board and get a snapshot of Britain's wonderfully eclectic music history and take a turn on the bus' very own custom band set up. Plus you can pick up a pair of the very latest Festival Spectacles, based on the original Seventies design with a donation from each pair sold going to the Sightsavers charity.
December Sessions at The O2 is proudly supported by Gibson, Best Buy, Sennheiser and Last FM.
http://www.music-news.com
Chase & Status join one of the hot spots of Manchester nightlife
First established in 2002, electronic music promoters Metropolis will be celebrating their 10th year of events in 2012, with the launch of a brand new residency at one of the hot spots of Manchester nightlife.
Best known for their ground breaking and genre defying worldwide music events, Metropolis will mark their decade of success with the launch of a fresh new club night at Manchester's Sankeys.
Kicking off on New Years Day, Metropolis will be hosting an all-nighter at the venue and the event will be the first in a series of it's kind.
The all-new club nights will see a return to more regular Metropolis shows in the promoter's hometown and will be hosting some of the biggest names in bass music.
The main headliners for the launch show are one of the leading names in electronic music today and true Metropolis favourites, Chase & Status, who will spinning a DJ set covering drum and bass, dubstep, and anything in between.
Chase & Status will be joined by Shy FX, one of the original pioneers of the Jungle and Drum & Bass scenes, and now a leader in the bass music revolution with his imprint Digital Soundboy
DJ Redlight, who's forthcoming smash "Get Out of My Head" is released on MTA Records in January, will also be joining the new year's day revelry.
Also confirmed for the show are Metropolis residents North Base, Mak & Citizen, and the show will be hosted by MC Stamina, Dread and Tonn Piper.
Metropolis director and owner Mark Newton said 'we're excited to be hosting events at the venue which is regarded as one of the best in the country and the line-up for New Years Day is set to be incredible. We're really excited to be bringing some new and distinctive bass fueled nights to the highly acclaimed venue in Manchester.'
The event, which takes place on Sunday 1stJanuary, gets going at11pm and will continue right through until 7am on Monday 2nd. Earlybird tickets are currently on sale at £18.50 while standard price tickets fall at £22.50.
Full line up:
http://www.music-news.com
Best known for their ground breaking and genre defying worldwide music events, Metropolis will mark their decade of success with the launch of a fresh new club night at Manchester's Sankeys.
Kicking off on New Years Day, Metropolis will be hosting an all-nighter at the venue and the event will be the first in a series of it's kind.
The all-new club nights will see a return to more regular Metropolis shows in the promoter's hometown and will be hosting some of the biggest names in bass music.
The main headliners for the launch show are one of the leading names in electronic music today and true Metropolis favourites, Chase & Status, who will spinning a DJ set covering drum and bass, dubstep, and anything in between.
Chase & Status will be joined by Shy FX, one of the original pioneers of the Jungle and Drum & Bass scenes, and now a leader in the bass music revolution with his imprint Digital Soundboy
DJ Redlight, who's forthcoming smash "Get Out of My Head" is released on MTA Records in January, will also be joining the new year's day revelry.
Also confirmed for the show are Metropolis residents North Base, Mak & Citizen, and the show will be hosted by MC Stamina, Dread and Tonn Piper.
Metropolis director and owner Mark Newton said 'we're excited to be hosting events at the venue which is regarded as one of the best in the country and the line-up for New Years Day is set to be incredible. We're really excited to be bringing some new and distinctive bass fueled nights to the highly acclaimed venue in Manchester.'
The event, which takes place on Sunday 1stJanuary, gets going at11pm and will continue right through until 7am on Monday 2nd. Earlybird tickets are currently on sale at £18.50 while standard price tickets fall at £22.50.
Full line up:
http://www.music-news.com
Ghostpoet and The D.O.T.'s video for RizLab project takes shape
Preparations for Ghostpoet & The D.O.T.'s ambitious experimental music video for RizLab project are gathering pace. Next week, Ghostpoet, Mike Skinner and Rob Harvey's collaboration 'Trouble' will be shot and broadcast live in one take in what will be the world's first live-streamed, interactive music video.
Right now fans can email in their suggestions for what they'd like to see in the video to rizlab.events@exposure.net. The best will be put into a shortlist to be used in the video, then on the night, online viewers of the FACTmag live stream will be presented with a series of A or B options from which to choose. Throughout the performance, viewers will click on the option they would like to see and the most popular will be immediately implemented in real-time.
Also performing at the shoot will be former Ghostpoet remixers, and two of the most talented producers in electronic music in 2011, xxxy and dBridge.
As well as streaming the tracks, a brand new video of Ghostpoet & The D.O.T. undergoing a health and safety interview ahead of the video shoot can also be viewed at rizlab.co.uk/projects.
http://www.music-news.com
Right now fans can email in their suggestions for what they'd like to see in the video to rizlab.events@exposure.net. The best will be put into a shortlist to be used in the video, then on the night, online viewers of the FACTmag live stream will be presented with a series of A or B options from which to choose. Throughout the performance, viewers will click on the option they would like to see and the most popular will be immediately implemented in real-time.
Also performing at the shoot will be former Ghostpoet remixers, and two of the most talented producers in electronic music in 2011, xxxy and dBridge.
As well as streaming the tracks, a brand new video of Ghostpoet & The D.O.T. undergoing a health and safety interview ahead of the video shoot can also be viewed at rizlab.co.uk/projects.
http://www.music-news.com
The Flaming Lips to spend New Year with Yoko Ono
As Wayne Coyne Tweeted, THE FLAMING LIPS have announced that they will perform two shows to celebrate the New Year at the Bricktown Events Center in Oklahoma City on December 31st and January 1, 2012.
The band promises to pull out all the stops with MORE of everything! More confetti, more balloons, massive volume, and maximum weirdness for its NEW YEAR'S FREAKOUT 5, which also features very special guests YOKO ONO PLASTIC ONO BAND. Tickets go on sale today, Friday Nov 25th, and are priced at $100 per night or available at a special package price of $150 for both nights.
Expect exclusive merch to be available for this event only. Plus Gummy Fetuses (containing a USB drive featuring three new songs: "Enthusiasm For Life Defeats Existential Fear Part 2," "Steven's Moonbow," and "Squishy Glass"), Gummy Skulls (Exclusive LA Edition) which houses a USB drive that contains "The Soft Bulletin: Live La Fantastique de Institution 2011," a complete live concert recording of THE SOFT BULLETIN. Once these are gone, they are gone for good. Also on sale will be the mesmerizing light illusion toy The Strobo Trip, which also include a USB drive with three exclusive recordings: "Butterfly, How Long It Takes To Die," "Found A Star On The Ground," -- the 6 hour long song that will blow your mind way beyond the third bardo - plus "Evil Minds," are all on sale at the Flaming Lips Webstore.
Also recently released is "7 Skies H3" - yes, the 24-hour long song! This comes in a real genuine human skull artfully decorated with chrome and "7 Skies H3" on a hard drive inside the skull. Cost: $5,000, however these are completely sold out but you can hear the song at http://flaminglipstwentyfourhoursong.com/
The LIPS have also announced a holiday performance to take place on Dec 27th at The Belly Up in Aspen, CO. Be sure to keep an eye on www.flaminglips.com and www.twitter.com/waynecoyne for all things LIPS as new and exciting news is just around the corner.
http://www.music-news.com
The band promises to pull out all the stops with MORE of everything! More confetti, more balloons, massive volume, and maximum weirdness for its NEW YEAR'S FREAKOUT 5, which also features very special guests YOKO ONO PLASTIC ONO BAND. Tickets go on sale today, Friday Nov 25th, and are priced at $100 per night or available at a special package price of $150 for both nights.
Expect exclusive merch to be available for this event only. Plus Gummy Fetuses (containing a USB drive featuring three new songs: "Enthusiasm For Life Defeats Existential Fear Part 2," "Steven's Moonbow," and "Squishy Glass"), Gummy Skulls (Exclusive LA Edition) which houses a USB drive that contains "The Soft Bulletin: Live La Fantastique de Institution 2011," a complete live concert recording of THE SOFT BULLETIN. Once these are gone, they are gone for good. Also on sale will be the mesmerizing light illusion toy The Strobo Trip, which also include a USB drive with three exclusive recordings: "Butterfly, How Long It Takes To Die," "Found A Star On The Ground," -- the 6 hour long song that will blow your mind way beyond the third bardo - plus "Evil Minds," are all on sale at the Flaming Lips Webstore.
Also recently released is "7 Skies H3" - yes, the 24-hour long song! This comes in a real genuine human skull artfully decorated with chrome and "7 Skies H3" on a hard drive inside the skull. Cost: $5,000, however these are completely sold out but you can hear the song at http://flaminglipstwentyfourhoursong.com/
The LIPS have also announced a holiday performance to take place on Dec 27th at The Belly Up in Aspen, CO. Be sure to keep an eye on www.flaminglips.com and www.twitter.com/waynecoyne for all things LIPS as new and exciting news is just around the corner.
http://www.music-news.com
X Factor Guilty Pleasures week review
Guilty pleasures and heroes week on The X Factor. We all have them, so when the editor asked for mine I shamed myself with my confession to loving Rick Astley along with Batman. Oh, not that type of hero! Whoops!!
Last week we said farewell to Craig Colton. A truly likeable lad with a exceptional voice but his luck ran out. It's getting so close now. The good just have to keep getting better to make sure they rise above the rest. Hopefully we will hear more from him in the future. Good luck Craig.
This week, we were treated to two songs each from the remaining five contestants. Guilty pleasures followed by their heroes.
First up however, was the bonus surprise contestant, Mr Dermot O'Leary, who danced rather than sang his guilty pleasure.
Onto the serious stuff and girl band Little Mix were first up. Bit of a shaky start but they finished the song strongly.
Their second song was brilliant and I would be stunned if Little Mix did not make the Final. During their performance the note I wrote on my pad was 'Finalists'
Midas Act Janet Devlin was up next, and sadly it did not go at all well. The song choice was not good, made worse by Janet forgetting her words and she looking very uncomfortable throughout the song. Janet has her unique style, and when she sings to this style, she is the most outstanding and unique artist out there. Feedback from the judges wasn't great.
Her Heroes song was much much better, this time she sung a song she both liked herself and that matched her style. Only time will tell if Janet has done enough to stay for another week. I will be keeping everything crossed.
Now if Misha B can get the public on board, then she is set for a great career. Her vocal during her first song was world class and she is always consistently good. My wife is a big fan of hers.
Saying that though her second track was not as good and the curse of the bottom two could be beckoning again if she doesn't get the support.
Marcus Collins entertained us again during his guilty pleasure song but it is all getting a bit repetitive with him. For the first time this series I got bored watching him. Sorry mate.
The judges did their best to try and persuade us that his second song was better but we all must have been listening to a different version at home. His voice was off key at times and the song didn't work for him. I do still expect Marcus to be in the Final though and he does have the like ability factor with that cheeky grin.
Last up was Amelia Lily who did a 'smashing' version of China in Your Hands, and Gary it certainly wasn't shouty.
Her second track was not as good but I think Amelia still had a lot to offer and her first song more than made up for this offering.
The results show tonight is going to be hard to call.
Before I go I just want to congratulate the X Factor team, the finalists, JLS and One Direction for the brilliant charity track 'Wishing on a star'. If you have a spare pound please download the song as every penny is going to the 'Together For Short Lives' children's charity.
Right now where did I leave my Rick Astley CD?
http://www.music-news.com
Last week we said farewell to Craig Colton. A truly likeable lad with a exceptional voice but his luck ran out. It's getting so close now. The good just have to keep getting better to make sure they rise above the rest. Hopefully we will hear more from him in the future. Good luck Craig.
This week, we were treated to two songs each from the remaining five contestants. Guilty pleasures followed by their heroes.
First up however, was the bonus surprise contestant, Mr Dermot O'Leary, who danced rather than sang his guilty pleasure.
Onto the serious stuff and girl band Little Mix were first up. Bit of a shaky start but they finished the song strongly.
Their second song was brilliant and I would be stunned if Little Mix did not make the Final. During their performance the note I wrote on my pad was 'Finalists'
Midas Act Janet Devlin was up next, and sadly it did not go at all well. The song choice was not good, made worse by Janet forgetting her words and she looking very uncomfortable throughout the song. Janet has her unique style, and when she sings to this style, she is the most outstanding and unique artist out there. Feedback from the judges wasn't great.
Her Heroes song was much much better, this time she sung a song she both liked herself and that matched her style. Only time will tell if Janet has done enough to stay for another week. I will be keeping everything crossed.
Now if Misha B can get the public on board, then she is set for a great career. Her vocal during her first song was world class and she is always consistently good. My wife is a big fan of hers.
Saying that though her second track was not as good and the curse of the bottom two could be beckoning again if she doesn't get the support.
Marcus Collins entertained us again during his guilty pleasure song but it is all getting a bit repetitive with him. For the first time this series I got bored watching him. Sorry mate.
The judges did their best to try and persuade us that his second song was better but we all must have been listening to a different version at home. His voice was off key at times and the song didn't work for him. I do still expect Marcus to be in the Final though and he does have the like ability factor with that cheeky grin.
Last up was Amelia Lily who did a 'smashing' version of China in Your Hands, and Gary it certainly wasn't shouty.
Her second track was not as good but I think Amelia still had a lot to offer and her first song more than made up for this offering.
The results show tonight is going to be hard to call.
Before I go I just want to congratulate the X Factor team, the finalists, JLS and One Direction for the brilliant charity track 'Wishing on a star'. If you have a spare pound please download the song as every penny is going to the 'Together For Short Lives' children's charity.
Right now where did I leave my Rick Astley CD?
http://www.music-news.com
American Anthems II 3 x CD
American Anthems II is three CD set to follow up the original collection from last year. Again the set picks up classic tracks from American artists, spanning 3 decades of music. There are some great forgotten tracks on here – Sixpence None the Richer for one, although bizarrely Janet performed this on X-Factor the same week the set came out!! Other ‘lsot’ tracks for me include Mr Mister’s ‘Kyrie’ (better than Broken Wings), Billy Joel’s environmental hit ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ and Rick Springfield’s’ ‘Human Touch’; all take me right back to No Limits with Jonathan King, Lisa Maxwell and Jenny Powell.
This collection also encompasses some more recent acts such as The Killers, Train and Kid Rock, with all three fitting into the set seamlessly. Finally, great to see Prince on here; doesn't appear on many compilation CDs.
Excellent volume 2.
Disc 1
1. Africa - Toto
2. We Don't Need Another Hero - Tina Turner
3. Gimme All Your Lovin' - ZZ Top
4. Here I Go Again - Whitesnake
5. We Didn't Start the Fire - Billy Joel
6. Everywhere - Fleetwood Mac
7. I Can't Go for That (No Can Do) - Hall & Oates
8. Burning Heart - Survivor
9. Unskinny Bop - Poison
10. Girl Can't Help It - Journey
11. When I See You Smile - Bad English
12. Lido Shuffle - Boz Scaggs
13. What I Am - Edie Brickell
14. When I'm Alone - Lissie
15. I Don't Want to Be - Gavin DeGraw
16. Kiss Me - Sixpence None the Richer
17. The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite - R.E.M.
18. All Summer Long - Kid Rock
19. All These Things That I've Done – The Killers
Disc 2
1. Can't Fight This Feeling - REO Speedwagon
2. Waiting for a Girl like You - Foreigner
3. You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon
4. Stuck with You - Huey Lewis & the News
5. Long Train Running – The Doobie Brothers
6. Abracadabra - Steve Miller Band
7. You're So Vain - Carly Simon
8. Hey, Soul Sister - Train
9. Kyrie - Mr. Mister
10. Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper
11. Take This Heart - Richard Marx
12. Walking in Memphis - Marc Cohn
14. One of Us - Joan Osborne
15. Babe - Styx
16. Lullaby - Shawn Mullins
17. Little Miss Can't Be Wrong - Spin Doctors
18. More than Words - Extreme
19. If You Leave Me Now - Chicago
Disc 3
1. If I Could Turn Back Time - Cher
2. Rebel Yell - Billy Idol
3. Californian Girls - David Lee Roth
4. Crazy Crazy Nights - Kiss
5. Leave a Light On - Belinda Carlisle
6. Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now - Starship
7. Two out of Three Ain't Bad - Meat Loaf
8. I Drove All Night - Roy Orbison
9. These Dreams - Heart
10. Gloria - Laura Branigan
11. Playing with the Boys - Kenny Loggins
12. Mighty Wings - Cheap Trick
13. Human Touch - Rick Springfield
14. Sailing - Christopher Cross
15. Hitch a Ride - Boston
16. Carry On Wayward Son - Kansas
17. Make You Feel My Love - Bob Dylan
18. Make It with You - Bread
19. A Horse with No Name - America
20. Purple Rain - Prince
http://www.music-news.com
This collection also encompasses some more recent acts such as The Killers, Train and Kid Rock, with all three fitting into the set seamlessly. Finally, great to see Prince on here; doesn't appear on many compilation CDs.
Excellent volume 2.
Disc 1
1. Africa - Toto
2. We Don't Need Another Hero - Tina Turner
3. Gimme All Your Lovin' - ZZ Top
4. Here I Go Again - Whitesnake
5. We Didn't Start the Fire - Billy Joel
6. Everywhere - Fleetwood Mac
7. I Can't Go for That (No Can Do) - Hall & Oates
8. Burning Heart - Survivor
9. Unskinny Bop - Poison
10. Girl Can't Help It - Journey
11. When I See You Smile - Bad English
12. Lido Shuffle - Boz Scaggs
13. What I Am - Edie Brickell
14. When I'm Alone - Lissie
15. I Don't Want to Be - Gavin DeGraw
16. Kiss Me - Sixpence None the Richer
17. The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite - R.E.M.
18. All Summer Long - Kid Rock
19. All These Things That I've Done – The Killers
Disc 2
1. Can't Fight This Feeling - REO Speedwagon
2. Waiting for a Girl like You - Foreigner
3. You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon
4. Stuck with You - Huey Lewis & the News
5. Long Train Running – The Doobie Brothers
6. Abracadabra - Steve Miller Band
7. You're So Vain - Carly Simon
8. Hey, Soul Sister - Train
9. Kyrie - Mr. Mister
10. Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper
11. Take This Heart - Richard Marx
12. Walking in Memphis - Marc Cohn
14. One of Us - Joan Osborne
15. Babe - Styx
16. Lullaby - Shawn Mullins
17. Little Miss Can't Be Wrong - Spin Doctors
18. More than Words - Extreme
19. If You Leave Me Now - Chicago
Disc 3
1. If I Could Turn Back Time - Cher
2. Rebel Yell - Billy Idol
3. Californian Girls - David Lee Roth
4. Crazy Crazy Nights - Kiss
5. Leave a Light On - Belinda Carlisle
6. Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now - Starship
7. Two out of Three Ain't Bad - Meat Loaf
8. I Drove All Night - Roy Orbison
9. These Dreams - Heart
10. Gloria - Laura Branigan
11. Playing with the Boys - Kenny Loggins
12. Mighty Wings - Cheap Trick
13. Human Touch - Rick Springfield
14. Sailing - Christopher Cross
15. Hitch a Ride - Boston
16. Carry On Wayward Son - Kansas
17. Make You Feel My Love - Bob Dylan
18. Make It with You - Bread
19. A Horse with No Name - America
20. Purple Rain - Prince
http://www.music-news.com
Unseen Michael Jackson Footage Flops at Auction
Unseen footage from a stop on Michael Jackson's Dangerous tour in 1993 failed to sell at an auction in England on Saturday. The film, shot from the stage at a concert in Argentina by Jackson's production crew, was rejected by the singer. The only copy of the footage was presented as a gift to Jackson's driver, who put it up for auction at the Fame Bureau auction house in London.
"At this stage it has not sold," said a spokesman for the auctioneers. "We are still talking to people, but online it did not sell." In a statement, the auction house speculated the failure to find a buyer could be rooted in the fact that the film cannot be used for commercial purposes. Given the restriction, one would need to be a very serious and wealthy fan to require more than the ample footage from the tour that can be viewed for free on YouTube.
http://www.rollingstone.com
"At this stage it has not sold," said a spokesman for the auctioneers. "We are still talking to people, but online it did not sell." In a statement, the auction house speculated the failure to find a buyer could be rooted in the fact that the film cannot be used for commercial purposes. Given the restriction, one would need to be a very serious and wealthy fan to require more than the ample footage from the tour that can be viewed for free on YouTube.
http://www.rollingstone.com
Lily Allen Has a Baby Girl
British pop star Lily Allen has given birth to her first child, a daughter. Allen, whose breakthrough 2006 single, "Smile," helped sell more than two million copies of her debut album, suffered two miscarriages before the birth of her newborn, which she has yet to name.
Allen, 26, is married to 32-year-old British businessman Sam Cooper, whom she has called "the love of my life."
http://www.rollingstone.com
Allen, 26, is married to 32-year-old British businessman Sam Cooper, whom she has called "the love of my life."
http://www.rollingstone.com
The Arctic Monkeys have announced that their next single to be released will be 'Black Treacle'
The band will release 'Black Treacle', taken from their latest album 'Suck It And See', on January 23.
'Suck It And See' is the fourth track to be taken from the album; which includes singles 'Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair' and 'The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala'.
Meanwhile, the Arctic Monkeys are currently without a record label for their next album.
The Sheffield band's contract with independent label Domino Records recently expired after their latest album 'Suck It And See'
http://www.gigwise.com
'Suck It And See' is the fourth track to be taken from the album; which includes singles 'Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair' and 'The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala'.
Meanwhile, the Arctic Monkeys are currently without a record label for their next album.
The Sheffield band's contract with independent label Domino Records recently expired after their latest album 'Suck It And See'
http://www.gigwise.com
Gorillaz Celebrate 10th Anniversary With Spotify Page
Formed by Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett back in 2001, the virtual band have released four studio albums and collaborated with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Dangermouse, Bobby Womack Little Dragon, Shaun Ryder and Lou Reed.
The Singles Collection: 2001-2011 was released today (November 28) and to celebrate Gorillaz and Spotify are giving usees of the site five weeks of exclusive and interactive content.
The exclusive content includes a three-part radio programme hosted by Gorillaz characters, covering the band's history and unseen live concerts.
The Singles Collection: 2001-2011' is available on CD, DVD and vinyl.
The tracklisting for 'The Singles Collection: 2001-2011' is:
'Tomorrow Comes Today'
'Clint Eastwood'
'19-2000'
'Rock The House'
'Feel Good Inc'
'DARE'
'Dirty Harry'
'Kids With Guns'
'El Manana'
'Stylo'
'Superfast Jellyfish'
'On Melancholy Hill'
'Doncamatic'
'Clint Eastwood' (Ed Case & Sweetie Irie Refix)
'19-2000' (Soulchild Remix)
http://www.gigwise.com
The Singles Collection: 2001-2011 was released today (November 28) and to celebrate Gorillaz and Spotify are giving usees of the site five weeks of exclusive and interactive content.
The exclusive content includes a three-part radio programme hosted by Gorillaz characters, covering the band's history and unseen live concerts.
The Singles Collection: 2001-2011' is available on CD, DVD and vinyl.
The tracklisting for 'The Singles Collection: 2001-2011' is:
'Tomorrow Comes Today'
'Clint Eastwood'
'19-2000'
'Rock The House'
'Feel Good Inc'
'DARE'
'Dirty Harry'
'Kids With Guns'
'El Manana'
'Stylo'
'Superfast Jellyfish'
'On Melancholy Hill'
'Doncamatic'
'Clint Eastwood' (Ed Case & Sweetie Irie Refix)
'19-2000' (Soulchild Remix)
http://www.gigwise.com
David Bowie has denied reports that he's given permission for his songs to be used in the new 'Heroes' musical
Reports emerged yesterday (November 27) that the singer had granted permission to allow his music to be used in the stage show, which was reported to get its world premiere next March in London.
But, according to Bowie's official spokesman, this is incorrect and neither the singer nor his management are in negotiation for his songs to be used in a musical.
The statement reads: "Neither the David Bowie Organisation, nor its co-publishers EMI Music and Chrysalis, has issued a license for this performance at the O2. There are no negotiations pending for a long running musical featuring the music of Mr. Bowie".
The singer has not released a new album since 2003's 'Reality' and last performed live in 2006, despite calls from his fans to make a comeback.
http://www.gigwise.com
But, according to Bowie's official spokesman, this is incorrect and neither the singer nor his management are in negotiation for his songs to be used in a musical.
The statement reads: "Neither the David Bowie Organisation, nor its co-publishers EMI Music and Chrysalis, has issued a license for this performance at the O2. There are no negotiations pending for a long running musical featuring the music of Mr. Bowie".
The singer has not released a new album since 2003's 'Reality' and last performed live in 2006, despite calls from his fans to make a comeback.
http://www.gigwise.com