Music News
Music News
Metallica are to headline Glastonbury festival.
The 'Enter Sandman' hitmakers are set to be announced as topping the bill at Worthy Farm, Somerset, South West England on the second night of the iconic music event this June, The Sun newspaper reports.
The group will join Arcade Fire and Kasabian in closing a night at the festival.
Although many have expressed surprise at the decision to have a heavy metal act headline the festival, revellers don't think it matters too much who is chosen to perform on the main stage as the event offers so much choice.
Festivalgoer Philip Dore of Cardiff, Wales, said: "I'm sure there'll be the usual whinging about how they're 'not a Glastonbury act', just like when Jay-Z headlined [in 2008].
"You know what? Never mind the haters. If people don't like Metallica, there's plenty of other acts on other stages. Who on earth is going to say, 'Oh no, I'm at Glasto on Saturday night, and I don't like Metallica! I wish I'd brought a book?' "
And Pete Fellows, of London, added: "I find it bizarre that people complain about the Pyramid headliners, there are dozens of other stages."
Organiser Michael Eavis recently teased the Saturday headliner will be "one of the biggest selling bands" in the world.
He said: "We are expecting to announce the full line-up at the beginning of May and everything is now in place. We are more than happy with the calibre of the acts and the headliner on Saturday will be one of the biggest-selling bands in the world at the moment."
Meanwhile, the dairy farmer also revealed extensive work has gone into improving the much-maligned toilet facilities at the festival.
He told the Bristol Post newspaper: "The toilets are really important for people and we work really hard to get them right. I have come up with a new design which we are calling the long drop mark three. We tried them out last year and they seemed to work well so we are increasing the number of them."
Glastonbury 2014 takes place between 27 and 29 June. Tickets for the event have already sold out.
Metallica to headline Glastonbury
Metallica are to headline Glastonbury festival.
The 'Enter Sandman' hitmakers are set to be announced as topping the bill at Worthy Farm, Somerset, South West England on the second night of the iconic music event this June, The Sun newspaper reports.
The group will join Arcade Fire and Kasabian in closing a night at the festival.
Although many have expressed surprise at the decision to have a heavy metal act headline the festival, revellers don't think it matters too much who is chosen to perform on the main stage as the event offers so much choice.
Festivalgoer Philip Dore of Cardiff, Wales, said: "I'm sure there'll be the usual whinging about how they're 'not a Glastonbury act', just like when Jay-Z headlined [in 2008].
"You know what? Never mind the haters. If people don't like Metallica, there's plenty of other acts on other stages. Who on earth is going to say, 'Oh no, I'm at Glasto on Saturday night, and I don't like Metallica! I wish I'd brought a book?' "
And Pete Fellows, of London, added: "I find it bizarre that people complain about the Pyramid headliners, there are dozens of other stages."
Organiser Michael Eavis recently teased the Saturday headliner will be "one of the biggest selling bands" in the world.
He said: "We are expecting to announce the full line-up at the beginning of May and everything is now in place. We are more than happy with the calibre of the acts and the headliner on Saturday will be one of the biggest-selling bands in the world at the moment."
Meanwhile, the dairy farmer also revealed extensive work has gone into improving the much-maligned toilet facilities at the festival.
He told the Bristol Post newspaper: "The toilets are really important for people and we work really hard to get them right. I have come up with a new design which we are calling the long drop mark three. We tried them out last year and they seemed to work well so we are increasing the number of them."
Glastonbury 2014 takes place between 27 and 29 June. Tickets for the event have already sold out.
Music News
Pharrell Williams claims his hit 'Happy' was originally recorded by Cee Lo Green and his version was better.
The 'Get Lucky' hitmaker, whose released the song, which features on his new album 'G I R L', claims he gave the track to Cee Lo but the "powers that be" decided it wasn't right for him to release it.
In an interview with Howard Stern for his US radio show, Pharrell said: "[Cee Lo Green] wanted to do it .. and he did do it. He sounded amazing on it. He burns my version! But ... how do I say this diplomatically? The powers that be, at the time, did not see it fit for him. Some folks on his team just felt that the priority should be on [Cee Lo's] album at the time [2012's 'Cee Lo's Magic Moment'], so they elected not to do that song."
'Happy' found success on the soundtrack 'Despicable Me 2' before appearing on Pharrell's album and the singer insists Cee Lo wasn't bitter about it being a chart success.
He added: "There was a much bigger agenda for [Cee Lo], he had an album to put out.
"It's not his fault - he was totally down with it .. He was one of the most gracious people about it when 'Happy' came out."
Pharrell Williams: Happy was for Cee Lo Green
Pharrell Williams claims his hit 'Happy' was originally recorded by Cee Lo Green and his version was better.
The 'Get Lucky' hitmaker, whose released the song, which features on his new album 'G I R L', claims he gave the track to Cee Lo but the "powers that be" decided it wasn't right for him to release it.
In an interview with Howard Stern for his US radio show, Pharrell said: "[Cee Lo Green] wanted to do it .. and he did do it. He sounded amazing on it. He burns my version! But ... how do I say this diplomatically? The powers that be, at the time, did not see it fit for him. Some folks on his team just felt that the priority should be on [Cee Lo's] album at the time [2012's 'Cee Lo's Magic Moment'], so they elected not to do that song."
'Happy' found success on the soundtrack 'Despicable Me 2' before appearing on Pharrell's album and the singer insists Cee Lo wasn't bitter about it being a chart success.
He added: "There was a much bigger agenda for [Cee Lo], he had an album to put out.
"It's not his fault - he was totally down with it .. He was one of the most gracious people about it when 'Happy' came out."
Music News
Wilko Johnson has cancelled shows to have radical cancer surgery.
The former Dr Feelgood guitarist has had a major operation in an attempt to treat his pancreatic cancer, after he was given 10 months to live when he rejected chemotherapy, and has had to cancel 14 shows in May and July.
A source told the BBC: "Doctors are hopeful that following the surgery the prognosis for Wilko will be positive."
The 66-year-old musician defied the doctors' predictions and he has now had his "football-sized" tumour removed as well as his pancreas, spleen and part of his stomach.
He had 14 gigs scheduled which have been scrapped to allow him time to recover from the operation.
A representative said: "Dr Feelgood legend Wilko Johnson has today reluctantly had to cancel all of his public engagements.
"Wilko, currently riding high in the UK album chart with the Roger Daltrey collaboration 'Going Back Home', has sought further advice about his pancreatic cancer and as a result has undergone a medical procedure that will see him out of action for the foreseeable future."
The star gave an interview to Tony Parsons for GQ magazine before the operation and spoke of his friend's shock at how he was still alive.
He said: "A friend of mine - who is both a photographer and a cancer doctor - became curious as to why I wasn't dead. And why I wasn't even sick."
Wilko Johnson has major cancer surgery
Wilko Johnson has cancelled shows to have radical cancer surgery.
The former Dr Feelgood guitarist has had a major operation in an attempt to treat his pancreatic cancer, after he was given 10 months to live when he rejected chemotherapy, and has had to cancel 14 shows in May and July.
A source told the BBC: "Doctors are hopeful that following the surgery the prognosis for Wilko will be positive."
The 66-year-old musician defied the doctors' predictions and he has now had his "football-sized" tumour removed as well as his pancreas, spleen and part of his stomach.
He had 14 gigs scheduled which have been scrapped to allow him time to recover from the operation.
A representative said: "Dr Feelgood legend Wilko Johnson has today reluctantly had to cancel all of his public engagements.
"Wilko, currently riding high in the UK album chart with the Roger Daltrey collaboration 'Going Back Home', has sought further advice about his pancreatic cancer and as a result has undergone a medical procedure that will see him out of action for the foreseeable future."
The star gave an interview to Tony Parsons for GQ magazine before the operation and spoke of his friend's shock at how he was still alive.
He said: "A friend of mine - who is both a photographer and a cancer doctor - became curious as to why I wasn't dead. And why I wasn't even sick."
Music News
Kurt Cobain called wife Courtney Love a "bitch with zits" in a note which was found in his wallet after he committed suicide.
The handwritten message, which has been released by Seattle police 20 years after the Nirvana singer's death, mocks their marriage vows.
It reads: "Do you Kurt Cobain take Courtney Michelle Love to be your lawful shredded wife. Even when she's a bitch with zits and siphoning all yr money for doping and whoring.' (sic)"
The note was published by CBS and was discovered by police in his wallet following his suicide in 1994.
It is not known if Kurt's comments are sincere or sarcastic but in his official suicide note, the rocker refers to Courtney as "a goddess of a wife who sweats with ambition and empathy".
He calls on his widow, with whom he has 21-year-old daughter Frances Bean, to "please keep going" and to look after their daughter, telling her "Frances and Courtney, I'll be at your alter [sic] ... [Frances's] life ... will be so much happier without me."
A recent re-investigation into the suicide of the 27-year-old singer, who shot himself, did not uncover any new evidence that changed the initial findings.
The investigation found Kurt, who was found dead on April 8 1994 with a shotgun wound to his head, had committed suicide three days before he was discovered, on April 5, at his home on Lake Washington Boulevard.
Kurt Cobain called Courtney bitch with zits in note
Kurt Cobain called wife Courtney Love a "bitch with zits" in a note which was found in his wallet after he committed suicide.
The handwritten message, which has been released by Seattle police 20 years after the Nirvana singer's death, mocks their marriage vows.
It reads: "Do you Kurt Cobain take Courtney Michelle Love to be your lawful shredded wife. Even when she's a bitch with zits and siphoning all yr money for doping and whoring.' (sic)"
The note was published by CBS and was discovered by police in his wallet following his suicide in 1994.
It is not known if Kurt's comments are sincere or sarcastic but in his official suicide note, the rocker refers to Courtney as "a goddess of a wife who sweats with ambition and empathy".
He calls on his widow, with whom he has 21-year-old daughter Frances Bean, to "please keep going" and to look after their daughter, telling her "Frances and Courtney, I'll be at your alter [sic] ... [Frances's] life ... will be so much happier without me."
A recent re-investigation into the suicide of the 27-year-old singer, who shot himself, did not uncover any new evidence that changed the initial findings.
The investigation found Kurt, who was found dead on April 8 1994 with a shotgun wound to his head, had committed suicide three days before he was discovered, on April 5, at his home on Lake Washington Boulevard.
Music News
Prince has announced his first UK arena shows in seven years.
The 'Raspberry Beret' hitmaker, who has played a number of gigs in London and Manchester as part of his 'Hit and Run' tour this year, is heading back to the UK in May for four dates with his band 3RDEYEGIRL.
The shows in Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds are his first regional arena dates since 1995 and his first big gigs since his sold-out residency at The O2 in London in 2007.
It will be the first time Prince has ever performed in Leeds and is also the first time Prince has headlined a show in Birmingham and Glasgow in 19 years.
His Manchester gig follows two nights at the city's Academy in February.
Tickets go on sale Friday, May 2 at 12pm and are priced from £65 plus booking fees, available at gigsandtours.com, ticketmaster.co.uk and by calling 0844 811 0051 and 0844 826 2826.
Prince's arena dates..
May 15 - Birmingham LG Arena
May 16 - Manchester Phones 4u Arena
May 22 - Glasgow The SSE Hydro
May 23 - Leeds First Direct Arena
Prince to play first UK arena dates in seven years
Prince has announced his first UK arena shows in seven years.
The 'Raspberry Beret' hitmaker, who has played a number of gigs in London and Manchester as part of his 'Hit and Run' tour this year, is heading back to the UK in May for four dates with his band 3RDEYEGIRL.
The shows in Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds are his first regional arena dates since 1995 and his first big gigs since his sold-out residency at The O2 in London in 2007.
It will be the first time Prince has ever performed in Leeds and is also the first time Prince has headlined a show in Birmingham and Glasgow in 19 years.
His Manchester gig follows two nights at the city's Academy in February.
Tickets go on sale Friday, May 2 at 12pm and are priced from £65 plus booking fees, available at gigsandtours.com, ticketmaster.co.uk and by calling 0844 811 0051 and 0844 826 2826.
Prince's arena dates..
May 15 - Birmingham LG Arena
May 16 - Manchester Phones 4u Arena
May 22 - Glasgow The SSE Hydro
May 23 - Leeds First Direct Arena
Music News
Former members of Lostprophets have started a new band together.
The remaining musicians - Lee Gaze, Mike Lewis, Stuart Richardson, Jamie Oliver and Luke Johnson - are working on a new project with former Thursday frontman Jeff Rickly following the conviction of frontman Ian Watkins on child sex charges.
Jeff told Radio Cardiff: "I think if ever there was a group of people that needed a second chance, it's those guys - and they're going to take full advantage of it.
"People don't really think of what happens to the other members. That took away their life. What happened is just devastating for them."
Although Jeff hasn't spoken about joining the musicians himself, he is working with them via his label, Collect Records.
He continued: "It's been my honour to work with them on their new band from a label perspective. People are not going to know what hit them when the new band comes out. "It's like everything I grew up on - a little bit of New Order, a little bit of Joy Division, little bit of The Cure. It's just so forward-thinking."
Meanwhile, Ian, who was given a 29-year jail sentence in December after pleading guilty to 13 sexual offences, including the attempted rape of a baby, has applied for permission to appeal against the length of his jail term.
Lostprophets members start new band
Former members of Lostprophets have started a new band together.
The remaining musicians - Lee Gaze, Mike Lewis, Stuart Richardson, Jamie Oliver and Luke Johnson - are working on a new project with former Thursday frontman Jeff Rickly following the conviction of frontman Ian Watkins on child sex charges.
Jeff told Radio Cardiff: "I think if ever there was a group of people that needed a second chance, it's those guys - and they're going to take full advantage of it.
"People don't really think of what happens to the other members. That took away their life. What happened is just devastating for them."
Although Jeff hasn't spoken about joining the musicians himself, he is working with them via his label, Collect Records.
He continued: "It's been my honour to work with them on their new band from a label perspective. People are not going to know what hit them when the new band comes out. "It's like everything I grew up on - a little bit of New Order, a little bit of Joy Division, little bit of The Cure. It's just so forward-thinking."
Meanwhile, Ian, who was given a 29-year jail sentence in December after pleading guilty to 13 sexual offences, including the attempted rape of a baby, has applied for permission to appeal against the length of his jail term.
Music News
McBusted don't think other supergroups would be able to fake the chemistry they have.
The group, made up of Mcfly's Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter and Harry Judd and Busted members James Bourne and Matt Willis, have heard other boy bands are planning to follow suit and join forces but don't think they'll be as successful as McBusted.
Singer Tom told the Daily Star newspaper: "I heard Boyzone and Westlife are rumoured to be doing something similar to us.
"The thing is, I'm not sure if it would work as well for other bands.
"Good luck to anyone wanting to form a supergroup, but it probably won't be as easy and natural as it was for us.
"McFly and Busted go way back. I was in Busted for a while before McFly, plus Harry and Charlie [Simpson, from Busted] went to school together and I went to school with Matt.
"James has written most of McFly's hits. So the lines between the two bands have always been blurred. For us to merge seemed the natural thing to do."
McBusted have kicked off their 34-date arena tour but Tom, 28, admits it hasn't been very rock and roll behind the scenes.
He said: "I think we've all been too busy crapping our pants about the show to be honest.
"But there'll be plenty of time for backstage antics and pranking from now on.
"We're such good mates and touring together is so fun."
The band will play their biggest gig so far on July 6 when they headline Barclaycard British Summer Time at London's Hyde Park.
They will be joined by Backstreet Boys, The Vamps, Scouting For Girls and Lawson.
McBusted: No band could fake our chemistry
McBusted don't think other supergroups would be able to fake the chemistry they have.
The group, made up of Mcfly's Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter and Harry Judd and Busted members James Bourne and Matt Willis, have heard other boy bands are planning to follow suit and join forces but don't think they'll be as successful as McBusted.
Singer Tom told the Daily Star newspaper: "I heard Boyzone and Westlife are rumoured to be doing something similar to us.
"The thing is, I'm not sure if it would work as well for other bands.
"Good luck to anyone wanting to form a supergroup, but it probably won't be as easy and natural as it was for us.
"McFly and Busted go way back. I was in Busted for a while before McFly, plus Harry and Charlie [Simpson, from Busted] went to school together and I went to school with Matt.
"James has written most of McFly's hits. So the lines between the two bands have always been blurred. For us to merge seemed the natural thing to do."
McBusted have kicked off their 34-date arena tour but Tom, 28, admits it hasn't been very rock and roll behind the scenes.
He said: "I think we've all been too busy crapping our pants about the show to be honest.
"But there'll be plenty of time for backstage antics and pranking from now on.
"We're such good mates and touring together is so fun."
The band will play their biggest gig so far on July 6 when they headline Barclaycard British Summer Time at London's Hyde Park.
They will be joined by Backstreet Boys, The Vamps, Scouting For Girls and Lawson.
Music News
Mariah Carey's children will feature on her next album.
The '#Beautiful' singer - who has two-year-old twins Monroe and Morocco with husband Nick Cannon - has revealed her children sang on her track 'Supernatural', which will be included on the upcoming record.
Mariah told Wonderland magazine: "There's a song on the record called 'Supernatural' that I haven't talked to the media about before - it features Roc and Roe.
"Especially Monroe - that's her song. She opens the song, actually. It was something along the lines of 'Goo goo goooo.'"
Mariah has become famed for her eight octave vocal range, and it now looks as though her daughter Morocco is following in her footsteps, as she revealed the tot has a strong voice.
The 44-year-old pop star added: "For a two and a half year old, she was a steady vibrato."
Meanwhile, Mariah's record label have denied reports she is planning to put a surprise album online after Beyonce's released her album digitally without any marketing or advertising in December last year.
Def Jam's Executive Vice President, Darrale Jones, said: "Mariah will announce the date and title in advance of the on-sale date."
The label executive also confirmed the album is due for release next month.
Mariah Carey’s children will feature on album
Mariah Carey's children will feature on her next album.
The '#Beautiful' singer - who has two-year-old twins Monroe and Morocco with husband Nick Cannon - has revealed her children sang on her track 'Supernatural', which will be included on the upcoming record.
Mariah told Wonderland magazine: "There's a song on the record called 'Supernatural' that I haven't talked to the media about before - it features Roc and Roe.
"Especially Monroe - that's her song. She opens the song, actually. It was something along the lines of 'Goo goo goooo.'"
Mariah has become famed for her eight octave vocal range, and it now looks as though her daughter Morocco is following in her footsteps, as she revealed the tot has a strong voice.
The 44-year-old pop star added: "For a two and a half year old, she was a steady vibrato."
Meanwhile, Mariah's record label have denied reports she is planning to put a surprise album online after Beyonce's released her album digitally without any marketing or advertising in December last year.
Def Jam's Executive Vice President, Darrale Jones, said: "Mariah will announce the date and title in advance of the on-sale date."
The label executive also confirmed the album is due for release next month.
Music News
Robbie Williams is not returning to Take That.
The 'Angels' hitmaker - who first quit the band in 1995, a year before they split, but returned in 2010 for their 'Progress' album and tour - won't be joining Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Jason Orange and Howard Donald when they next go out on the road because he wants to spend more time with his family.
Robbie - who announced earlier this week his wife Ayda Field is pregnant with their second child - said: "Logistically I can't do it. I have the tour and I'm going to be a dad again."
However, the 40-year-old star - whose 'Swing Both Ways' tour started in Austria on Monday (28.04.14) - insists it doesn't mean his time with the 'Flood' singers is over for good.
He added to The Sun newspaper: "It doesn't mean to say I won't join in along the way. Whatever happens, I am absolutely going to be in Take That -- I love being in Take That.
"After [my] tour wraps, I'm going to go away for a year or two."
Gary previously admitted Robbie - who also has a 20-month-old daughter, Teddy Rose, with Ayda - had been given a deadline to decide whether to return to Take That.
He said: "We need to know what we are doing by the end of May.
"The thing is with Robbie is that he is a family man, so whether he will be in the final line-up I'm not sure.
However, he also admitted the 'Candy' hitmaker would have some involvement with their new album regardless of his decision to tour or not.
He added: "If he's not back in the band, he'll write on the record and we will work with him on his next record."
Robbie Williams not returning to Take That
Robbie Williams is not returning to Take That.
The 'Angels' hitmaker - who first quit the band in 1995, a year before they split, but returned in 2010 for their 'Progress' album and tour - won't be joining Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Jason Orange and Howard Donald when they next go out on the road because he wants to spend more time with his family.
Robbie - who announced earlier this week his wife Ayda Field is pregnant with their second child - said: "Logistically I can't do it. I have the tour and I'm going to be a dad again."
However, the 40-year-old star - whose 'Swing Both Ways' tour started in Austria on Monday (28.04.14) - insists it doesn't mean his time with the 'Flood' singers is over for good.
He added to The Sun newspaper: "It doesn't mean to say I won't join in along the way. Whatever happens, I am absolutely going to be in Take That -- I love being in Take That.
"After [my] tour wraps, I'm going to go away for a year or two."
Gary previously admitted Robbie - who also has a 20-month-old daughter, Teddy Rose, with Ayda - had been given a deadline to decide whether to return to Take That.
He said: "We need to know what we are doing by the end of May.
"The thing is with Robbie is that he is a family man, so whether he will be in the final line-up I'm not sure.
However, he also admitted the 'Candy' hitmaker would have some involvement with their new album regardless of his decision to tour or not.
He added: "If he's not back in the band, he'll write on the record and we will work with him on his next record."