Music News
Music News
Tom Parker was "shocked" when Max George revealed The Wanted had split.
The group were blindsided when the singer gave an interview in the US admitting they were going their separate ways as they were all in the dark that the decision had been taken.
Tom said: "It was a shock. None of the rest of us had a clue.
"At the time it was difficult. There can be tension but we're lads. There'll be a lot of shouting, then it's over and done with."
However, the 25-year-old star admits the time was right to call it a day.
He added: "Deep down I think I knew we'd come to our sell-by date. For every manufactured boy band, there's a shelf life. We were supposed to rival 1D but no one could touch them."
And the 'Walks Like Rihanna' hitmaker is thankful they split when they did as it has meant they have all remained friends.
He said: "We'll get together for shows and having time away has been good for us all.
"I'm glad we'll still get together - we're like brothers."
Tom does miss life in The Wanted, but also admitted he was "burnt out" by the end.
He told Britain's HELLO! magazine: "My whole life has completely changed. I have to admit I do really miss being in the band, I miss touring and performing.
"But it did get completely crazy, particularly towards the end.
"I was totally burnt out. We'd go from England to LA, LA to Australia, then back to LA in the matter of a week."
Tom Parker’s split shock
Tom Parker was "shocked" when Max George revealed The Wanted had split.
The group were blindsided when the singer gave an interview in the US admitting they were going their separate ways as they were all in the dark that the decision had been taken.
Tom said: "It was a shock. None of the rest of us had a clue.
"At the time it was difficult. There can be tension but we're lads. There'll be a lot of shouting, then it's over and done with."
However, the 25-year-old star admits the time was right to call it a day.
He added: "Deep down I think I knew we'd come to our sell-by date. For every manufactured boy band, there's a shelf life. We were supposed to rival 1D but no one could touch them."
And the 'Walks Like Rihanna' hitmaker is thankful they split when they did as it has meant they have all remained friends.
He said: "We'll get together for shows and having time away has been good for us all.
"I'm glad we'll still get together - we're like brothers."
Tom does miss life in The Wanted, but also admitted he was "burnt out" by the end.
He told Britain's HELLO! magazine: "My whole life has completely changed. I have to admit I do really miss being in the band, I miss touring and performing.
"But it did get completely crazy, particularly towards the end.
"I was totally burnt out. We'd go from England to LA, LA to Australia, then back to LA in the matter of a week."
Music News
Kanye West takes "no pleasure" in award ceremonies.
The 'All Day' rapper hates events which honour musicians, despite the fact he has picked up multiple awards during his career, describing them as "diminishing returns".
He said: "Absolutely no pleasure in that side of it at all! At a certain point it's diminishing returns."
The 38-year-old star went on to admit he was "very upset" when Beck won the Best Album accolade at the Grammy Awards earlier this year as he believes Beyonce deserved the prize.
Speaking about the incident in February, he said: "Because of the blatant injustice and behind-the-scenes bulls**t that constantly happens I was very upset."
Kanye - who is set to become a dad for a second time later this year when his wife Kim Kardashian West gives birth - continued to criticise annual events such as the Grammys for trivialising the careers of hard-working artists by turning the music industry into a "game".
He ranted to Q! magazine: "It's not a game! Our careers and professions are not to be taken lightly. This is very serious, what we do, and we will be respected for it. I got the right to be upset about it."
Kanye West hates award shows
Kanye West takes "no pleasure" in award ceremonies.
The 'All Day' rapper hates events which honour musicians, despite the fact he has picked up multiple awards during his career, describing them as "diminishing returns".
He said: "Absolutely no pleasure in that side of it at all! At a certain point it's diminishing returns."
The 38-year-old star went on to admit he was "very upset" when Beck won the Best Album accolade at the Grammy Awards earlier this year as he believes Beyonce deserved the prize.
Speaking about the incident in February, he said: "Because of the blatant injustice and behind-the-scenes bulls**t that constantly happens I was very upset."
Kanye - who is set to become a dad for a second time later this year when his wife Kim Kardashian West gives birth - continued to criticise annual events such as the Grammys for trivialising the careers of hard-working artists by turning the music industry into a "game".
He ranted to Q! magazine: "It's not a game! Our careers and professions are not to be taken lightly. This is very serious, what we do, and we will be respected for it. I got the right to be upset about it."
Music News
Drake is planning to headline New Look Wireless again next year.
The 'Hold On, We're Going Home' hitmaker was top of the bill at last night's (03.07.15) festival and is hoping he can make a return to Finsbury Park, London again next year.
Speaking to the crowd of revellers, he said: "This is one of my most favourite nights ever. I just want to have so much fun.
"We're about to go ape s**t in this motherf***er. I'm gonna come back next year and do this all over again."
During the 28-year-old rapper's set, 'That's Not Me' hitmaker Skepta made an appearance, performing 'Shutdown'.
Earlier in the evening, fans were treated to a great set from Diplo, who also surprised the excited crowd when Major Lazer joined him on stage.
Other highlights of the night's entertainment was A$AP Rocky's set. The 'Electric Body' rapper, dressed head to toe in Adidas, performed a number of his hits in front of an American flag backdrop, ensuring the crowd was riled up for headliner Drake to take to the stage.
An impressive fireworks display after the 'Started From The Bottom' hitmaker's set made sure the second night of New Look Wireless Festival came to a memorable end.
Drake’s festival plans
Drake is planning to headline New Look Wireless again next year.
The 'Hold On, We're Going Home' hitmaker was top of the bill at last night's (03.07.15) festival and is hoping he can make a return to Finsbury Park, London again next year.
Speaking to the crowd of revellers, he said: "This is one of my most favourite nights ever. I just want to have so much fun.
"We're about to go ape s**t in this motherf***er. I'm gonna come back next year and do this all over again."
During the 28-year-old rapper's set, 'That's Not Me' hitmaker Skepta made an appearance, performing 'Shutdown'.
Earlier in the evening, fans were treated to a great set from Diplo, who also surprised the excited crowd when Major Lazer joined him on stage.
Other highlights of the night's entertainment was A$AP Rocky's set. The 'Electric Body' rapper, dressed head to toe in Adidas, performed a number of his hits in front of an American flag backdrop, ensuring the crowd was riled up for headliner Drake to take to the stage.
An impressive fireworks display after the 'Started From The Bottom' hitmaker's set made sure the second night of New Look Wireless Festival came to a memorable end.
Music News
Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson says beating cancer has been a "life enhancing" experience.
The 56-year-old rocker believes being given the all-clear of the disease in May following several weeks of chemotherapy has given him a new lease of life.
Speaking to BANG Showbiz at the O2 Silver Clef Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, he said: "Once I got through it, I just wanted to get on with life, and stop wasting time. I now have less time for people who waste my time. It's not that I'm impatient, I just think now that there are more important things to do than waste my time on people who are just wasting my time, there are more important things really. That's it really, not a great deal has changed. I didn't have any great religious experience as a result of it."
While the 'Run to the Hills' singer insisted the health scare didn't provoke a "religious experience," he admitted he is now a changed man as a result of the illness and wants to make the most of the time he has left.
He explained: "The one thing about coming back from something (an illness) where someone sits you down and tells you that you've got a 60/40 chance or survival, they didn't say that, they actually said your chances are quite good. So I went and Googled what my chances were and they were 60/40. Then when the results of the biopsy came back the chances were 80/20, I thought, 'Well that's even better.' So I thought I'd crack on and get on with it as there's only two possible outcomes, there's no point winging about it that's what it is.
"The one thing I'd like to say is that the treatment I got was astonishing, the nurses and the doctors (in the UK) were unbelievable."
Bruce Dickinson: Beating cancer is ‘life enhancing’
Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson says beating cancer has been a "life enhancing" experience.
The 56-year-old rocker believes being given the all-clear of the disease in May following several weeks of chemotherapy has given him a new lease of life.
Speaking to BANG Showbiz at the O2 Silver Clef Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, he said: "Once I got through it, I just wanted to get on with life, and stop wasting time. I now have less time for people who waste my time. It's not that I'm impatient, I just think now that there are more important things to do than waste my time on people who are just wasting my time, there are more important things really. That's it really, not a great deal has changed. I didn't have any great religious experience as a result of it."
While the 'Run to the Hills' singer insisted the health scare didn't provoke a "religious experience," he admitted he is now a changed man as a result of the illness and wants to make the most of the time he has left.
He explained: "The one thing about coming back from something (an illness) where someone sits you down and tells you that you've got a 60/40 chance or survival, they didn't say that, they actually said your chances are quite good. So I went and Googled what my chances were and they were 60/40. Then when the results of the biopsy came back the chances were 80/20, I thought, 'Well that's even better.' So I thought I'd crack on and get on with it as there's only two possible outcomes, there's no point winging about it that's what it is.
"The one thing I'd like to say is that the treatment I got was astonishing, the nurses and the doctors (in the UK) were unbelievable."
Music News
ASAP Rocky has admitted his comments about Rita Ora were "tasteless".
The 26-year-old hip hop star has conceded rapping about the singer giving him oral sex on his recent song 'Better Things' was a bad idea, but doesn't understand why anyone cares about either of their love lives.
He said: "The Rita thing was tasteless of me.
"[But] I've got to stand by it, because I did it. I said it.
"Who gives a f**k about who I'm f**king? Nobody really cares. It's fun to hear, but who really gives a f**k about who Rita Ora's f**king?"
Despite his comments, ASAP - whose real name is Rakim Mayers - insisted he is "more humble" than when he first kicked off his music career.
He explained: "Coming in I was so braggodocious: gold, b***hes, all that other s**t. Not a lot has changed.
"I'm just a little more humble. I'm here to stand out, I'm not here to s**t on people no more."
The 'Multiply' hitmaker revealed he is hoping to put the incident behind him though, and is already looking at the next thing he can do after recently releasing his second studio album 'At. Long. Last. A$AP', admitting he is eyeing up the idea of making himself a big name on Broadway.
Speaking to The Guardian newspaper about what he hopes to do next, he considered: "Maybe Broadway; get my theatrical experience in. Or I want to develop my own show, on the internet and TV. "I just want to bring back actual culture to hip-hop."
ASAP Rocky regrets Rita Ora remarks
ASAP Rocky has admitted his comments about Rita Ora were "tasteless".
The 26-year-old hip hop star has conceded rapping about the singer giving him oral sex on his recent song 'Better Things' was a bad idea, but doesn't understand why anyone cares about either of their love lives.
He said: "The Rita thing was tasteless of me.
"[But] I've got to stand by it, because I did it. I said it.
"Who gives a f**k about who I'm f**king? Nobody really cares. It's fun to hear, but who really gives a f**k about who Rita Ora's f**king?"
Despite his comments, ASAP - whose real name is Rakim Mayers - insisted he is "more humble" than when he first kicked off his music career.
He explained: "Coming in I was so braggodocious: gold, b***hes, all that other s**t. Not a lot has changed.
"I'm just a little more humble. I'm here to stand out, I'm not here to s**t on people no more."
The 'Multiply' hitmaker revealed he is hoping to put the incident behind him though, and is already looking at the next thing he can do after recently releasing his second studio album 'At. Long. Last. A$AP', admitting he is eyeing up the idea of making himself a big name on Broadway.
Speaking to The Guardian newspaper about what he hopes to do next, he considered: "Maybe Broadway; get my theatrical experience in. Or I want to develop my own show, on the internet and TV. "I just want to bring back actual culture to hip-hop."
Music News
Rita Ora didn't have time to shower before arriving at the O2 Silver Clef Awards.
The 24-year-old star jetted into London from Los Angeles for the ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel and interrupted the pre-ceremony lunch to accept the Best Female accolade before dashing off to Paris.
She said: "I don't actually know what time it is.
"I had a 40 minute delay on the plane.
"I literally haven't even showered. I'll have a shower afterwards on the plane."
Meanwhile Kasabian thanked Primal Scream during their acceptance speech at the 40th edition of the annual ceremony.
Accepting the Royal Albert Hall Best Band prize, guitarist Serge Pizzorno said: "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Primal scream for the influence they've had on our career ... I remember years ago Tom (Meighan) came to pick me up and he had this album playing called 'XTRMNTR' - and we went to band practise and we decided we had to start again."
The 34-year-old rocker continued to say the 2000 LP encouraged them to keep the album format alive as he believes they would all be working in supermarkets if it wasn't for the collection.
He added: "That's why it's important to keep the album alive, because an album can change your life. Maybe if we hadn't heard that album we could have been winning the award for best trolley pushers."
Primal Scream - fronted by Bobby Gillespie - were also present at the ceremony, which is raising money for music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins, where they picked up the Investec Icon Award, recognising their contribution to shaping the 1990s indie pop scene.
Other winners at the event included Duran Duran who won the Lifetime Achievement prize, Mark Ronson who received the American Express innovation award, James Bay who picked up the Jack Daniels' best newcomer, Jake Bugg who was named AEG Live best male, and Iron Maiden who were presented with the O2 Silver Clef award.
Rita Ora didn’t shower before O2 Silver Clef Awards
Rita Ora didn't have time to shower before arriving at the O2 Silver Clef Awards.
The 24-year-old star jetted into London from Los Angeles for the ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel and interrupted the pre-ceremony lunch to accept the Best Female accolade before dashing off to Paris.
She said: "I don't actually know what time it is.
"I had a 40 minute delay on the plane.
"I literally haven't even showered. I'll have a shower afterwards on the plane."
Meanwhile Kasabian thanked Primal Scream during their acceptance speech at the 40th edition of the annual ceremony.
Accepting the Royal Albert Hall Best Band prize, guitarist Serge Pizzorno said: "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Primal scream for the influence they've had on our career ... I remember years ago Tom (Meighan) came to pick me up and he had this album playing called 'XTRMNTR' - and we went to band practise and we decided we had to start again."
The 34-year-old rocker continued to say the 2000 LP encouraged them to keep the album format alive as he believes they would all be working in supermarkets if it wasn't for the collection.
He added: "That's why it's important to keep the album alive, because an album can change your life. Maybe if we hadn't heard that album we could have been winning the award for best trolley pushers."
Primal Scream - fronted by Bobby Gillespie - were also present at the ceremony, which is raising money for music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins, where they picked up the Investec Icon Award, recognising their contribution to shaping the 1990s indie pop scene.
Other winners at the event included Duran Duran who won the Lifetime Achievement prize, Mark Ronson who received the American Express innovation award, James Bay who picked up the Jack Daniels' best newcomer, Jake Bugg who was named AEG Live best male, and Iron Maiden who were presented with the O2 Silver Clef award.
Music News
Meghan Trainor has been diagnosed with a haemorrhage on her vocal cords.
The 'Lips Are Movin' singer has been struck down with the painful issue which has thrown the future of her 'MTrainTour' string of dates into uncertainty as she has been banned from speaking or singing in an attempt to recover.
In a post on Instagram, she revealed: "I don't want anyone worrying but I have had a haemorrage on my vocal cords. Right now the doctors want me on complete vocal rest until they are healed so I have to postpone my first two shows in Atlantic City and Connecticut. I promise that I will make it up to my Megatronz. (sic)"
In the emotional post, the 21-year-old star - who has postponed this evening's show in Atlantic City, New Jersey (03.07.15) and tomorrow's performance in Uncasville, Connecticut (04.07.15) - explained she's feeling devastated about her illness because she hates letting down her fans.
She continued: "I have never missed a tour date before so this is killing me. I love you all very much and want to get healed quickly so I can show you this amazing tour we've been working on. I am truly sorry to everyone who has bought tickets and made travel plans. I hate this. (sic)"
The blonde beauty is now seeking medical help following the haemorrhage - which is something singers Sam Smith and Jess Glynne have also suffered from this year - revealing she has jetted to New York to get advice.
She wrote: "I'm in New York now seeing another doctor. So frustrated but cant make any noise. At least I got my brother @ryan.trainor to make me smile. And my fans supporting me thank you for your kind words (sic)."
Meghan Trainor suffers vocal cord hemorrhage
Meghan Trainor has been diagnosed with a haemorrhage on her vocal cords.
The 'Lips Are Movin' singer has been struck down with the painful issue which has thrown the future of her 'MTrainTour' string of dates into uncertainty as she has been banned from speaking or singing in an attempt to recover.
In a post on Instagram, she revealed: "I don't want anyone worrying but I have had a haemorrage on my vocal cords. Right now the doctors want me on complete vocal rest until they are healed so I have to postpone my first two shows in Atlantic City and Connecticut. I promise that I will make it up to my Megatronz. (sic)"
In the emotional post, the 21-year-old star - who has postponed this evening's show in Atlantic City, New Jersey (03.07.15) and tomorrow's performance in Uncasville, Connecticut (04.07.15) - explained she's feeling devastated about her illness because she hates letting down her fans.
She continued: "I have never missed a tour date before so this is killing me. I love you all very much and want to get healed quickly so I can show you this amazing tour we've been working on. I am truly sorry to everyone who has bought tickets and made travel plans. I hate this. (sic)"
The blonde beauty is now seeking medical help following the haemorrhage - which is something singers Sam Smith and Jess Glynne have also suffered from this year - revealing she has jetted to New York to get advice.
She wrote: "I'm in New York now seeing another doctor. So frustrated but cant make any noise. At least I got my brother @ryan.trainor to make me smile. And my fans supporting me thank you for your kind words (sic)."
Music News
Sir Mick Jagger's daughter borrows his clothes.
The 71-year-old rocker, who has daughters Karis, 44, Jade, 43, Lizzie, 31, Georgia May, 23 and sons James, 29, Gabriel, 17 and Lucas, 16, has revealed his kids are a fan of his classic outfits, with one of his children stealing a pair of purple trousers he famously wore for shows at The Roundhouse in Camden, London in 1971.
Speaking about the Rolling Stones gigs, he recalled: "I remember both of these shows. The Roundhouse was pretty ramshackle.
"It felt like it just had the roof sealed and was very cold. It wasn't a real funky gig but nice, though.
"I've still got the thin, purple, very fashionable velvet trousers I wore. My daughter's borrowed them permanently."
Live recordings of the performances feature on the newly re-issued edition of 'Sticky Fingers', which is the album Mick credits with saving the band as they tried to rescue themselves from a financial struggle after they parted with their record label.
He explained to The Sun newspaper: "We had all these financial and legal problems. 'Sticky Fingers' was really the beginning of trying to get out of those.
"There was light at the end of the tunnel but getting rid of Allen Klein and getting out of the Decca contract was dragging on for an eternity. We didn't have any money, we were all broke, so it was difficult.
"I mean, it looks like you've got lots of money, but we wouldn't have been able to carry on in any proper way because we weren't getting anything from anywhere. It was a complete disastrous mess."
Sir Mick Jagger lends clothes to kids
Sir Mick Jagger's daughter borrows his clothes.
The 71-year-old rocker, who has daughters Karis, 44, Jade, 43, Lizzie, 31, Georgia May, 23 and sons James, 29, Gabriel, 17 and Lucas, 16, has revealed his kids are a fan of his classic outfits, with one of his children stealing a pair of purple trousers he famously wore for shows at The Roundhouse in Camden, London in 1971.
Speaking about the Rolling Stones gigs, he recalled: "I remember both of these shows. The Roundhouse was pretty ramshackle.
"It felt like it just had the roof sealed and was very cold. It wasn't a real funky gig but nice, though.
"I've still got the thin, purple, very fashionable velvet trousers I wore. My daughter's borrowed them permanently."
Live recordings of the performances feature on the newly re-issued edition of 'Sticky Fingers', which is the album Mick credits with saving the band as they tried to rescue themselves from a financial struggle after they parted with their record label.
He explained to The Sun newspaper: "We had all these financial and legal problems. 'Sticky Fingers' was really the beginning of trying to get out of those.
"There was light at the end of the tunnel but getting rid of Allen Klein and getting out of the Decca contract was dragging on for an eternity. We didn't have any money, we were all broke, so it was difficult.
"I mean, it looks like you've got lots of money, but we wouldn't have been able to carry on in any proper way because we weren't getting anything from anywhere. It was a complete disastrous mess."
Music News
Arctic Monkeys have won the Best Live Act award at the O2 Silver Clef Awards.
The 'Snap Out of It' rockers won a public vote to be awarded the title - sponsored by Live Nation and Ticketmaster - beating off stiff competition from stars including Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran, Kate Bush and Foo Fighters.
Speaking about their win, the band said: "Thanks to everyone who voted for us and helped us win this year's Nordoff Robbins Best Live Act Award at the O2 Silver Clefs.
"It's a real honour to be chosen. Congratulations to Nordoff Robbins on their 40th birthday and for all the incredible work they do using music therapy to help people."
The full shortlist for the award included 15 acts which performed in the UK between March 2014 and March 2015, with the general public voting on the winners for the past month.
Previous winners of the award include Justin Timberlake who won in 2014, One Direction in 2013, McFly in 2012 and Sir Paul McCartney 2011.
The ceremony - which is now in its 40th year - raises money for music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins, and will take place in London today (03.07.15).
Other winners set to be presented with their awards today include Duran Duran, Rita Ora, Kasabian, Mark Ronson, Iron Maiden, Primal Scream, James Bay and Jake Bugg.
Arctic Monkeys win 02 Silver Clef award
Arctic Monkeys have won the Best Live Act award at the O2 Silver Clef Awards.
The 'Snap Out of It' rockers won a public vote to be awarded the title - sponsored by Live Nation and Ticketmaster - beating off stiff competition from stars including Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran, Kate Bush and Foo Fighters.
Speaking about their win, the band said: "Thanks to everyone who voted for us and helped us win this year's Nordoff Robbins Best Live Act Award at the O2 Silver Clefs.
"It's a real honour to be chosen. Congratulations to Nordoff Robbins on their 40th birthday and for all the incredible work they do using music therapy to help people."
The full shortlist for the award included 15 acts which performed in the UK between March 2014 and March 2015, with the general public voting on the winners for the past month.
Previous winners of the award include Justin Timberlake who won in 2014, One Direction in 2013, McFly in 2012 and Sir Paul McCartney 2011.
The ceremony - which is now in its 40th year - raises money for music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins, and will take place in London today (03.07.15).
Other winners set to be presented with their awards today include Duran Duran, Rita Ora, Kasabian, Mark Ronson, Iron Maiden, Primal Scream, James Bay and Jake Bugg.