Music News
Music News
The Carnabys thought Debbie Harry was a "babe" when they toured with her.
The British rockers - made up of Jack Mercer, Ben Gittins, Frankie Connolly, Mike Delizo and James Morgan - loved hanging out with the Blondie frontwoman off-stage, while supporting the legendary group on five occasions, and joked they enjoyed getting affectionate with the 69-year-old singer.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, frontman Jack said: "Debbie Harry was so nice, she was so funny. She was such a babe."
Frankie then quipped: "Yeah! She's still got it, for a 69 year old. Well, it's not a secret. She kept trying to kiss me."
But Ben put the record straight, adding: "The first time we met her, we were all like, 'She's such a big deal.' We were all waiting for the handshake. And then Frankie comes out of nowhere, and is all kiss kiss and she looked quite flustered.
"We didn't know how she was going to take it, but it was great, and we got to know her really well."
The Carnabys also admitted the star was incredibly helpful as she gifted lead singer Jack with throat spray and special tea to help his vocal chords when he was struck down with voice problems on tour in Italy.
He added: "I woke up the day of the gig in Milan, and my voice had completely gone. I couldn't even speak. I was trying to warm up in the shower and stuff, use steam and all that.
"I remember going to bed that night and having a bowl of water there to just try and get moisture into the room.
"I got to the gig and I said, 'Debbie, you've been doing this a lot longer than I have, have you got any tips?' She pulled out this drawer, and she's got hundreds of boxes of this special tea.
"She gives me two of them, and a jar of honey, and then she opens this case which is just full of hundreds of canisters of throat sprays, and gives me one of them.
"You spray it and breathe in at the same time but also if you spray it up your nose and it opens up your vocal cords. She was great."
The Carnabys' debut album 'No Money on The Moon' is out now through Hard Rock Records.
The Carnabys: Debbie Harry was a ‘babe’ on tour
The Carnabys thought Debbie Harry was a "babe" when they toured with her.
The British rockers - made up of Jack Mercer, Ben Gittins, Frankie Connolly, Mike Delizo and James Morgan - loved hanging out with the Blondie frontwoman off-stage, while supporting the legendary group on five occasions, and joked they enjoyed getting affectionate with the 69-year-old singer.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, frontman Jack said: "Debbie Harry was so nice, she was so funny. She was such a babe."
Frankie then quipped: "Yeah! She's still got it, for a 69 year old. Well, it's not a secret. She kept trying to kiss me."
But Ben put the record straight, adding: "The first time we met her, we were all like, 'She's such a big deal.' We were all waiting for the handshake. And then Frankie comes out of nowhere, and is all kiss kiss and she looked quite flustered.
"We didn't know how she was going to take it, but it was great, and we got to know her really well."
The Carnabys also admitted the star was incredibly helpful as she gifted lead singer Jack with throat spray and special tea to help his vocal chords when he was struck down with voice problems on tour in Italy.
He added: "I woke up the day of the gig in Milan, and my voice had completely gone. I couldn't even speak. I was trying to warm up in the shower and stuff, use steam and all that.
"I remember going to bed that night and having a bowl of water there to just try and get moisture into the room.
"I got to the gig and I said, 'Debbie, you've been doing this a lot longer than I have, have you got any tips?' She pulled out this drawer, and she's got hundreds of boxes of this special tea.
"She gives me two of them, and a jar of honey, and then she opens this case which is just full of hundreds of canisters of throat sprays, and gives me one of them.
"You spray it and breathe in at the same time but also if you spray it up your nose and it opens up your vocal cords. She was great."
The Carnabys' debut album 'No Money on The Moon' is out now through Hard Rock Records.
Music News
Bruce Springsteen and Chris Martin replaced Bono at a World AIDS Day (RED) Concert on Monday (01.12.14) in New York's Time Square.
U2's lead singer was unable to attend the event as he's still recovering from a recent cycling accident, but Bruce, 65, and Chris, 37, were happy to fill the void by performing some of the band's tunes alongside the other members of the group, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr. and The Edge.
Bono underlined the importance of the event - which also featured performances from hip-hop superstar Kanye West and Carrie Underwood - explaining: "This year is a World Aids Day like no other. Today, 13 million people have access to life-saving treatment, up from 300,000 just over 10 years ago. Americans don't know the role they've played in this fight. Tonight's event is to inform them and thank them."
The 54-year-old rock star injured himself when he tried to avoid another cyclist in New York's Central Park.
Bono needed to have three metal plates and 18 screws to help heal injuries suffered to his upper arm, which was shattered in six places.
However, he is expected to make a full recovery following intensive therapy.
Bruce Springsteen and Chris Martin replace Bono at World AIDS Day concert
Bruce Springsteen and Chris Martin replaced Bono at a World AIDS Day (RED) Concert on Monday (01.12.14) in New York's Time Square.
U2's lead singer was unable to attend the event as he's still recovering from a recent cycling accident, but Bruce, 65, and Chris, 37, were happy to fill the void by performing some of the band's tunes alongside the other members of the group, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr. and The Edge.
Bono underlined the importance of the event - which also featured performances from hip-hop superstar Kanye West and Carrie Underwood - explaining: "This year is a World Aids Day like no other. Today, 13 million people have access to life-saving treatment, up from 300,000 just over 10 years ago. Americans don't know the role they've played in this fight. Tonight's event is to inform them and thank them."
The 54-year-old rock star injured himself when he tried to avoid another cyclist in New York's Central Park.
Bono needed to have three metal plates and 18 screws to help heal injuries suffered to his upper arm, which was shattered in six places.
However, he is expected to make a full recovery following intensive therapy.
Music News
Biffy Clyro will have a "year off" in 2015.
The rock trio faced a packed schedule in 2014 with headline sets at T In The Park and Isle of Wight Festival, so are planning on taking some time out next year so people don't get sick of hearing them.
Bass player James Johnston said: "I think we'll have a quiet one ... We don't like to be in people's faces too much. The last thing we want is for people to get bored of us, so you could almost call it a year off."
Although the 'Biblical' hitmakers plan on withdrawing from the limelight for a while, James revealed they have commenced work on their seventh studio album - the follow-up to 2013 double album 'Opposites' - but don't want to release anything that is less than "perfect."
Speaking about the record, he said: "It's coming along; we're not in any massive rush at all - we don't want anything that's not perfect. We're working hard, we've got too many songs, which is great!
"We'll see where we're at, and then we'll go and record early summer next year. There's a large batch of songs."
The talented musician - who is in the award-winning band with his twin brother Ben Johnston, and pal Simon Neil - is now hoping to head to an "exotic" location for the album's recording, as the band prefer to get away from their native Scotland to make their music.
Talking to NME, he added: "It's going to be somewhere exotic, I think!
"We always like to get away from Scotland to record - we try and go somewhere different from here, with sunshine and a bit a of warmth. We'll see what happens."
Biffy Clyro to take break in 2015
Biffy Clyro will have a "year off" in 2015.
The rock trio faced a packed schedule in 2014 with headline sets at T In The Park and Isle of Wight Festival, so are planning on taking some time out next year so people don't get sick of hearing them.
Bass player James Johnston said: "I think we'll have a quiet one ... We don't like to be in people's faces too much. The last thing we want is for people to get bored of us, so you could almost call it a year off."
Although the 'Biblical' hitmakers plan on withdrawing from the limelight for a while, James revealed they have commenced work on their seventh studio album - the follow-up to 2013 double album 'Opposites' - but don't want to release anything that is less than "perfect."
Speaking about the record, he said: "It's coming along; we're not in any massive rush at all - we don't want anything that's not perfect. We're working hard, we've got too many songs, which is great!
"We'll see where we're at, and then we'll go and record early summer next year. There's a large batch of songs."
The talented musician - who is in the award-winning band with his twin brother Ben Johnston, and pal Simon Neil - is now hoping to head to an "exotic" location for the album's recording, as the band prefer to get away from their native Scotland to make their music.
Talking to NME, he added: "It's going to be somewhere exotic, I think!
"We always like to get away from Scotland to record - we try and go somewhere different from here, with sunshine and a bit a of warmth. We'll see what happens."
Music News
Saint Raymond, Years and Years and George the Poet are amongst acts on the MTV Brand New 2015 shortlist.
The artists have been picked by MTV as the most promising acts for the next 12 months, with other names on the shortlist including Becky Hill, Krept and Konan, James Bay, Melissa Steel, Nothing But Thieves, Sinead Harnett, and Sunset Sons.
Talking at the launch event at London nightclub DSTRKT on Monday (01.12.14), 19-year-old singer Saint Raymond praised his pal Ed Sheeran for inviting him to open the shows on his 'X Tour', and for the 23-year-old star's invaluable advice which helped him move forward with his career.
He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "One of his big tips for me while I was on this tour was to go out and meet people after the shows and spend time with fans. I think because the way it is now, people buy into you as a person, not just an artist, so I think it's important that you go out and meet people and really get to know them, so you're not just a musician. That's one big piece of advice Ed gave me."
He also explained the 'Thinking Out Loud' singer said he should write songs all the time, because some of his biggest hits have been tracks he wrote when he thought his album was finished.
Talking of his debut record, he said: "I like to say it's done, but I'm scared of saying that. I think I'm just going to carry on writing just in case, you never know. I remember talking to Ed about it and he said he wrote one of his best songs a week before the album went to the press, so I'm always wary of saying it's done."
Public voting to crown the winner of the MTV Brand New 2015 in association with Emporio Armani Diamonds title is now open. The act with the highest number of votes will be announced on January 30 2015.
MTV Brand New 2015 shortlist revealed
Saint Raymond, Years and Years and George the Poet are amongst acts on the MTV Brand New 2015 shortlist.
The artists have been picked by MTV as the most promising acts for the next 12 months, with other names on the shortlist including Becky Hill, Krept and Konan, James Bay, Melissa Steel, Nothing But Thieves, Sinead Harnett, and Sunset Sons.
Talking at the launch event at London nightclub DSTRKT on Monday (01.12.14), 19-year-old singer Saint Raymond praised his pal Ed Sheeran for inviting him to open the shows on his 'X Tour', and for the 23-year-old star's invaluable advice which helped him move forward with his career.
He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "One of his big tips for me while I was on this tour was to go out and meet people after the shows and spend time with fans. I think because the way it is now, people buy into you as a person, not just an artist, so I think it's important that you go out and meet people and really get to know them, so you're not just a musician. That's one big piece of advice Ed gave me."
He also explained the 'Thinking Out Loud' singer said he should write songs all the time, because some of his biggest hits have been tracks he wrote when he thought his album was finished.
Talking of his debut record, he said: "I like to say it's done, but I'm scared of saying that. I think I'm just going to carry on writing just in case, you never know. I remember talking to Ed about it and he said he wrote one of his best songs a week before the album went to the press, so I'm always wary of saying it's done."
Public voting to crown the winner of the MTV Brand New 2015 in association with Emporio Armani Diamonds title is now open. The act with the highest number of votes will be announced on January 30 2015.
Music News
Gary Barlow has compared Take That's chart battle with Robbie Williams to the feud between Blur and Oasis.
The 43-year-old singer-songwriter has spoken out following the news his band Take That's first album since the departure of both Jason Orange and previously Robbie, 'III', will go up against their bandmates surprise new record 'Under the Radar'.
Referring to the famous Britpop battle between Damon Albarn's Blur and Liam and Noel Gallagher's Oasis, Gary said: "It's like Blur versus Oasis all over again."
However, the former 'X Factor' judge revealed Robbie - who first left Take That in 1995 before rejoining in 2010 and quitting again in 2012 - had told him and his remaining bandmates Mark Owen and Howard Donald about his new album, but failed to mention it would be released on the same day as theirs.
Gary told The Sun newspaper: "I only found out about that on Sunday (30.11.14).
"It's funny, because we have obviously spent a lot of time in the studio with Rob.
"About two years ago he said, 'I've got all these songs and I don't know what to do with them so I'm going to put them on an album one day'.
"So it's not a surprise he's doing it, but it is a surprise it's out this week.
"He played us most of them and there are some cracking songs because whatever Rob writes is good."
Meanwhile, the 'These Days' hitmaker claims both Robbie and Jason will be returning to the band in the future.
He said: "Take That is five people. Exactly when they come back is up to them. That will keep it interesting."
Gary Barlow: Take That and Robbie like Blur and Oasis
Gary Barlow has compared Take That's chart battle with Robbie Williams to the feud between Blur and Oasis.
The 43-year-old singer-songwriter has spoken out following the news his band Take That's first album since the departure of both Jason Orange and previously Robbie, 'III', will go up against their bandmates surprise new record 'Under the Radar'.
Referring to the famous Britpop battle between Damon Albarn's Blur and Liam and Noel Gallagher's Oasis, Gary said: "It's like Blur versus Oasis all over again."
However, the former 'X Factor' judge revealed Robbie - who first left Take That in 1995 before rejoining in 2010 and quitting again in 2012 - had told him and his remaining bandmates Mark Owen and Howard Donald about his new album, but failed to mention it would be released on the same day as theirs.
Gary told The Sun newspaper: "I only found out about that on Sunday (30.11.14).
"It's funny, because we have obviously spent a lot of time in the studio with Rob.
"About two years ago he said, 'I've got all these songs and I don't know what to do with them so I'm going to put them on an album one day'.
"So it's not a surprise he's doing it, but it is a surprise it's out this week.
"He played us most of them and there are some cracking songs because whatever Rob writes is good."
Meanwhile, the 'These Days' hitmaker claims both Robbie and Jason will be returning to the band in the future.
He said: "Take That is five people. Exactly when they come back is up to them. That will keep it interesting."
Music News
Kasabian think they "deserve" their success.
The 'Eez-Eh' rockers have had a triumphant year which saw them headline the famous Glastonbury festival and play a homecoming gig in Leicester to 50,000 fans and think they are worthy of their achievements because they work so hard.
Frontman Tom Meighan said: "Glastonbury was unbelievable, because we deserved that. We're proud pioneers.
"And there was Leicester as well. We deserve everything we f***ing get.
"We've worked so hard, me and my best friend [guitarist Serge Pizzorno] here, since we were f***ing babies, when we were 17 and we gave our lives to rock 'n' roll. Not many people can say that can they?"
Both Tom and Serge believe their strong bond is the key to the group's success.
Tom said: "I love this guy. He's Pete Townshend. He runs the band. Without him... he's the controller, the leader. He has to keep me in check."
Serge added to Q magazine:" Tom's my other half. Without Tom, I am simply just a man. With Tom, I can do anything. I am a superhero.
"I like to think, romantically, we'll go together, in a blaze of glory. It'll be like a last shoot out."
Kasabian ‘deserve’ success
Kasabian think they "deserve" their success.
The 'Eez-Eh' rockers have had a triumphant year which saw them headline the famous Glastonbury festival and play a homecoming gig in Leicester to 50,000 fans and think they are worthy of their achievements because they work so hard.
Frontman Tom Meighan said: "Glastonbury was unbelievable, because we deserved that. We're proud pioneers.
"And there was Leicester as well. We deserve everything we f***ing get.
"We've worked so hard, me and my best friend [guitarist Serge Pizzorno] here, since we were f***ing babies, when we were 17 and we gave our lives to rock 'n' roll. Not many people can say that can they?"
Both Tom and Serge believe their strong bond is the key to the group's success.
Tom said: "I love this guy. He's Pete Townshend. He runs the band. Without him... he's the controller, the leader. He has to keep me in check."
Serge added to Q magazine:" Tom's my other half. Without Tom, I am simply just a man. With Tom, I can do anything. I am a superhero.
"I like to think, romantically, we'll go together, in a blaze of glory. It'll be like a last shoot out."
Music News
Fleetwood Mac will headline Isle of Wight Festival 2015.
The five-piece band - featuring Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks - will perform a worldwide 2015 festival exclusive when they close the four-day event on Sunday 14 June.
The multi-Grammy award winners said: "We've always wanted to come to the UK to play The Isle of Wight Festival, and so we are delighted that in 2015, we are finally making it happen! So many of our fellow artists and friends have played at this historic event over the years, and we can't wait to see all of our fans on the island next summer."
Forming in 1967, the 'Go Your Own Way' hitmakers released 17 studio albums during their extensive career, with original member Christine McVie rejoining the band in January for a world tour.
Festival organiser John Giddings admitted he has been chasing the iconic band for several years in an attempt to persuade them to appear at the annual music event.
He said: "It's no secret that Fleetwood Mac have been on my wishlist for The Isle of Wight Festival for some time now, so I'm very pleased and extremely proud to have them headline next year's event. With Christine now back in the band too, it is going to be a momentous occasion, a moment in music history."
In 2014, headline performances came from Kings of Leon, Biffy Clyro and Red Hot Chili Peppers, with Rudimental, Calvin Harris and The 1975 also featuring on the line-up.
The Isle Of Wight Festival 2015 will take place on June 11-14 at Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight. Tickets are on sale 9.00am Friday December 5 from www.isleofwightfestival.com.
Fleetwood Mac to headline Isle of Wight Festival
Fleetwood Mac will headline Isle of Wight Festival 2015.
The five-piece band - featuring Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks - will perform a worldwide 2015 festival exclusive when they close the four-day event on Sunday 14 June.
The multi-Grammy award winners said: "We've always wanted to come to the UK to play The Isle of Wight Festival, and so we are delighted that in 2015, we are finally making it happen! So many of our fellow artists and friends have played at this historic event over the years, and we can't wait to see all of our fans on the island next summer."
Forming in 1967, the 'Go Your Own Way' hitmakers released 17 studio albums during their extensive career, with original member Christine McVie rejoining the band in January for a world tour.
Festival organiser John Giddings admitted he has been chasing the iconic band for several years in an attempt to persuade them to appear at the annual music event.
He said: "It's no secret that Fleetwood Mac have been on my wishlist for The Isle of Wight Festival for some time now, so I'm very pleased and extremely proud to have them headline next year's event. With Christine now back in the band too, it is going to be a momentous occasion, a moment in music history."
In 2014, headline performances came from Kings of Leon, Biffy Clyro and Red Hot Chili Peppers, with Rudimental, Calvin Harris and The 1975 also featuring on the line-up.
The Isle Of Wight Festival 2015 will take place on June 11-14 at Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight. Tickets are on sale 9.00am Friday December 5 from www.isleofwightfestival.com.
Music News
Queen + Adam Lambert will perform in London on New Year's Eve (31.12.14).
The 'We Will Rock You' hitmakers are thrilled to be presenting some of their most famous hits at a special show close to Big Ben, both before and after the iconic clock strikes midnight to signal the turning of the year.
Roger Taylor said: "I never imagined we would be around to usher in the year of 2015, what a thrill! We promise you a great night."
Brian May added: "OK - Let's Rock into 2015!"
And Adam has promised the group - whose original frontman Freddie Mercury died in 1991 - will "kick off" the new year "in style".
He said: "Words can't describe how excited I am, we are going to kick off 2015 in style!"
'Queen + Adam Lambert Rock Big Ben Live' will broadcast live on BBC One in the UK and will take place in the build-up to midnight, before continuing after the famous fireworks display along the River Thames.
Charlotte Moore, Controller of BBC One, said: "BBC One will be kicking off 2015 in spectacular style with an exclusive live concert from rock legends Queen and Adam Lambert, I hope you join us for a night to remember!"
Tickets for the special show go on sale tomorrow (02.12.14).
Queen announce New Year’s Eve gig
Queen + Adam Lambert will perform in London on New Year's Eve (31.12.14).
The 'We Will Rock You' hitmakers are thrilled to be presenting some of their most famous hits at a special show close to Big Ben, both before and after the iconic clock strikes midnight to signal the turning of the year.
Roger Taylor said: "I never imagined we would be around to usher in the year of 2015, what a thrill! We promise you a great night."
Brian May added: "OK - Let's Rock into 2015!"
And Adam has promised the group - whose original frontman Freddie Mercury died in 1991 - will "kick off" the new year "in style".
He said: "Words can't describe how excited I am, we are going to kick off 2015 in style!"
'Queen + Adam Lambert Rock Big Ben Live' will broadcast live on BBC One in the UK and will take place in the build-up to midnight, before continuing after the famous fireworks display along the River Thames.
Charlotte Moore, Controller of BBC One, said: "BBC One will be kicking off 2015 in spectacular style with an exclusive live concert from rock legends Queen and Adam Lambert, I hope you join us for a night to remember!"
Tickets for the special show go on sale tomorrow (02.12.14).
Music News
Nile Rodgers is restoring some "lost" CHIC recordings.
The 62-year-old musician was given a number of boxes of tapes he feared were lost forever four years ago, and now he has beaten cancer, he is working hard on recording and reworking the material.
He revealed: "I physically lost our recordings when the studio we'd worked in for years was sold. This felt worse than death...
"In June 20, 2010, a number of boxes showed up at my house filled with tapes I'd thought were lost forever.
"I felt my original CHIC band had one more chance to live. A few months later I was stricken with extremely severe cancer and I said, 'Before I die I'm going to do so much music that CHIC won't ever be lost again.'
"In the last four years I've done more concerts and records than any period of my life. I'm currently cancer free and started to work on the lost CHIC tapes, which includes: analog multi-tracks, two-tracks, cassettes and hand-written scores and lyrics."
And the 'Le Freak' star is thrilled with one particular track which has "everybody" - including former backing vocalist Luther Vandross - on the recording.
He added on his blog: "Thirty-five years ago the original CHIC Organization LTD commercially and spiritually died. The last original surviving members, along with some of my current band mates, performed a vocal session on a song that was a CHIC Organization out-take, one of the rare few that exists. The session was perfect.
"The track has everybody from the 1st CHIC recording session on it, even Luther Vandross. There was more love in that room than I've felt in a long time.
"Maybe, There 'Is' Life After Death?(sic)"
Nile Rodgers restoring CHIC recordings
Nile Rodgers is restoring some "lost" CHIC recordings.
The 62-year-old musician was given a number of boxes of tapes he feared were lost forever four years ago, and now he has beaten cancer, he is working hard on recording and reworking the material.
He revealed: "I physically lost our recordings when the studio we'd worked in for years was sold. This felt worse than death...
"In June 20, 2010, a number of boxes showed up at my house filled with tapes I'd thought were lost forever.
"I felt my original CHIC band had one more chance to live. A few months later I was stricken with extremely severe cancer and I said, 'Before I die I'm going to do so much music that CHIC won't ever be lost again.'
"In the last four years I've done more concerts and records than any period of my life. I'm currently cancer free and started to work on the lost CHIC tapes, which includes: analog multi-tracks, two-tracks, cassettes and hand-written scores and lyrics."
And the 'Le Freak' star is thrilled with one particular track which has "everybody" - including former backing vocalist Luther Vandross - on the recording.
He added on his blog: "Thirty-five years ago the original CHIC Organization LTD commercially and spiritually died. The last original surviving members, along with some of my current band mates, performed a vocal session on a song that was a CHIC Organization out-take, one of the rare few that exists. The session was perfect.
"The track has everybody from the 1st CHIC recording session on it, even Luther Vandross. There was more love in that room than I've felt in a long time.
"Maybe, There 'Is' Life After Death?(sic)"