Music News
Music News
Taylor Swift was joined on stage by The Script's Danny O'Donoghue at London's O2 Arena last night (04.02.14).
The 23-year-old singer surprised fans at her third 'Red' tour gig in the city by bringing out the former 'The Voice' mentor as her surprise guest.
Taylor told the crowd: "One of my favourite things about coming to the UK is that I've discovered bands that have become some of my favourites. There's a band I first heard when I came over here ... They have a really great lead singer - it's Danny O'Donaghue from The Script!"
The pair performed a duet of the Irish band's hit song 'Breakeven' to rapturous applause, with Taylor thanking the crowd for being the "craziest yet".
The country starlet - who was supported by new boy band The Vamps - kicked off the show with her 'Red' album opener, 'State of Grace', before launching into popular title track 'Red'.
Amid costume changes and gravity-defying stage antics, Taylor powered through her best songs from her latest album, including 'I Knew You Were Trouble' and grand finale 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together', as well as a handful of old favourites like 'Mean' and 'Love Story'.
The singer also explained her fascination with the colour red, which featured prominently in the elaborate theatre-themed staging and her various sparkly get-ups.
She said: "I bet a lot of you are wondering why there's a fixation on this one colour. When I was writing my last album I came up with the idea of comparing feelings to colours and there was this one that represents all the emotions; love, hate, jealousy, passion ... If you had to pick one colour that's intense, fleeting, beautiful and sad all at once when we fall in and out of love it would be red."
Taylor's 'Red' tour continues on Monday, February 10 and Tuesday, February 11.
To coincide with her residency at The O2 Arena, the British Music Experience - which is situated inside the O2 - are showcasing select items from Taylor's wardrobe alongside photographs by Christie Goodwin in a pop-up exhibition.
Admission to 'Taylor Swift: A Photo Experience' is included within the price of a museum ticket, and costs just £4 to ticket holders for her O2 shows during the duration of her residency.
The exhibition runs until 23 March.
Taylor Swift joined by Danny O’Donoghue at O2 Arena
Taylor Swift was joined on stage by The Script's Danny O'Donoghue at London's O2 Arena last night (04.02.14).
The 23-year-old singer surprised fans at her third 'Red' tour gig in the city by bringing out the former 'The Voice' mentor as her surprise guest.
Taylor told the crowd: "One of my favourite things about coming to the UK is that I've discovered bands that have become some of my favourites. There's a band I first heard when I came over here ... They have a really great lead singer - it's Danny O'Donaghue from The Script!"
The pair performed a duet of the Irish band's hit song 'Breakeven' to rapturous applause, with Taylor thanking the crowd for being the "craziest yet".
The country starlet - who was supported by new boy band The Vamps - kicked off the show with her 'Red' album opener, 'State of Grace', before launching into popular title track 'Red'.
Amid costume changes and gravity-defying stage antics, Taylor powered through her best songs from her latest album, including 'I Knew You Were Trouble' and grand finale 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together', as well as a handful of old favourites like 'Mean' and 'Love Story'.
The singer also explained her fascination with the colour red, which featured prominently in the elaborate theatre-themed staging and her various sparkly get-ups.
She said: "I bet a lot of you are wondering why there's a fixation on this one colour. When I was writing my last album I came up with the idea of comparing feelings to colours and there was this one that represents all the emotions; love, hate, jealousy, passion ... If you had to pick one colour that's intense, fleeting, beautiful and sad all at once when we fall in and out of love it would be red."
Taylor's 'Red' tour continues on Monday, February 10 and Tuesday, February 11.
To coincide with her residency at The O2 Arena, the British Music Experience - which is situated inside the O2 - are showcasing select items from Taylor's wardrobe alongside photographs by Christie Goodwin in a pop-up exhibition.
Admission to 'Taylor Swift: A Photo Experience' is included within the price of a museum ticket, and costs just £4 to ticket holders for her O2 shows during the duration of her residency.
The exhibition runs until 23 March.
Music News
Red Hot Chili Peppers have defended their decision not to plug in their instruments at the Super Bowl.
The band - who were joined Bruno Mars for a rendition of 'Give It Away' during the American football game on Sunday (02.02.14) - sang live but pre-recorded the rest of their set.
In a statement, bassist Flea said: "When we were asked by the NFL and Bruno to play our song 'Give It Away' at the Super Bowl, it was made clear to us that the vocals would be live, but the bass, drums and guitar would be pre-recorded.
"I understand the NFL's stance on this, given they only have a few minutes to set up the stage, there a zillion things that could go wrong and ruin the sound for the folks watching in the stadium and the TV viewers. There was not any room for argument on this, the NFL does not want to risk their show being botched by bad sound, period. (sic)"
Flea and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer were seen strumming on their electric instruments but neither were plugged in.
They joined singer Anthony Keidis and drummer Chad Smith on stage, while eagle-eyed musicians took to Twitter to tell fans they were not playing live.
Blues artist Joe Bonamassa tweeted: 'Flea ... I mean we all know, but for god's sake at least try to humor the children.'
Meanwhile, Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid posted: "That guitar is plugged into NOTHING."
Chili Peppers defend unplugged Super Bowl set
Red Hot Chili Peppers have defended their decision not to plug in their instruments at the Super Bowl.
The band - who were joined Bruno Mars for a rendition of 'Give It Away' during the American football game on Sunday (02.02.14) - sang live but pre-recorded the rest of their set.
In a statement, bassist Flea said: "When we were asked by the NFL and Bruno to play our song 'Give It Away' at the Super Bowl, it was made clear to us that the vocals would be live, but the bass, drums and guitar would be pre-recorded.
"I understand the NFL's stance on this, given they only have a few minutes to set up the stage, there a zillion things that could go wrong and ruin the sound for the folks watching in the stadium and the TV viewers. There was not any room for argument on this, the NFL does not want to risk their show being botched by bad sound, period. (sic)"
Flea and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer were seen strumming on their electric instruments but neither were plugged in.
They joined singer Anthony Keidis and drummer Chad Smith on stage, while eagle-eyed musicians took to Twitter to tell fans they were not playing live.
Blues artist Joe Bonamassa tweeted: 'Flea ... I mean we all know, but for god's sake at least try to humor the children.'
Meanwhile, Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid posted: "That guitar is plugged into NOTHING."
Music News
U2's new album was inspired by krautrockers Neu!.
The 'Vertigo' hitmakers unleashed their new single 'Invisible' during the commercials for the Super Bowl at the weekend and guitarist The Edge has revealed the band listened to a lot of German electronica which inspired them when they first started jamming in the 1970s.
He told BBC Radio 2: "For us it's been about turning to music that has inspired us in the first place, it's raw and definitely guitar driven and we've been influenced by German music of that era, the krautrock Can and Neu!, the authentic and original electronica that kick-started so many great movements around the world, still resonating in club cultures around the time that we were coming through. It was an interesting time.
"All we knew at that moment was that we couldn't repeat what had happened in the previous ten years, music had to really radically change. I guess we're all feeling like we're at that moment again. It's time for something new to kick off and hopefully we can be part of that in some way."
The band, which also features frontman Bono, bassist Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen, Jr., are adding the finishing touches to their album which will be out in coming months and they are still reliving the excitement from the Super Bowl, although The Edge didn't make it the game.
He said: "I actually went to New York, got very close to the Super Bowl but actually never made it, I ended up seeing it on TV and it was very exciting.
"To have one of the songs you've been working on for so long be out there.
"We've been working so long on this record you don't get out much, now we're out in the glare of public scrutiny and it's kind of like 'woah'."
U2 album inspired by krautrock
U2's new album was inspired by krautrockers Neu!.
The 'Vertigo' hitmakers unleashed their new single 'Invisible' during the commercials for the Super Bowl at the weekend and guitarist The Edge has revealed the band listened to a lot of German electronica which inspired them when they first started jamming in the 1970s.
He told BBC Radio 2: "For us it's been about turning to music that has inspired us in the first place, it's raw and definitely guitar driven and we've been influenced by German music of that era, the krautrock Can and Neu!, the authentic and original electronica that kick-started so many great movements around the world, still resonating in club cultures around the time that we were coming through. It was an interesting time.
"All we knew at that moment was that we couldn't repeat what had happened in the previous ten years, music had to really radically change. I guess we're all feeling like we're at that moment again. It's time for something new to kick off and hopefully we can be part of that in some way."
The band, which also features frontman Bono, bassist Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen, Jr., are adding the finishing touches to their album which will be out in coming months and they are still reliving the excitement from the Super Bowl, although The Edge didn't make it the game.
He said: "I actually went to New York, got very close to the Super Bowl but actually never made it, I ended up seeing it on TV and it was very exciting.
"To have one of the songs you've been working on for so long be out there.
"We've been working so long on this record you don't get out much, now we're out in the glare of public scrutiny and it's kind of like 'woah'."
Music News
Arctic Monkeys will headline this year's Reading and Leeds Festivals.
The band - which includes frontman Alex Turner, guitarist Jamie Cook, drummer Matt Helders and bassist Nick O'Malley - are returning to the event after they topped the bill in 2009 and will play on the main stage at both sites for the UK festival which is scheduled between August 22-24.
They confirmed the news on their website, writing: "Arctic Monkeys are pleased to announce they will be headlining Reading and Leeds Festival 2014."
It was previously revealed Blink 182, who headlined in 2010, will play their only UK gigs at the two venues next year.
Bassist Mark Hoppus said last year: "[The new] year will see us in the studio preparing new music, getting ready to rock the fine people of the UK."
Singer/songwriter Jake Bugg will make his debut on the main stage at the event, while dance music duo Disclosure and metal band Of Mice and Men will also play at the festival.
Indie band Metronomy, US band Warpaint with Pusha T, Royal Blood, The 1975, and rap collection I Am Legion have also been announced as part of the line-up.
Arctic Monkeys to headline Reading and Leeds Festivals
Arctic Monkeys will headline this year's Reading and Leeds Festivals.
The band - which includes frontman Alex Turner, guitarist Jamie Cook, drummer Matt Helders and bassist Nick O'Malley - are returning to the event after they topped the bill in 2009 and will play on the main stage at both sites for the UK festival which is scheduled between August 22-24.
They confirmed the news on their website, writing: "Arctic Monkeys are pleased to announce they will be headlining Reading and Leeds Festival 2014."
It was previously revealed Blink 182, who headlined in 2010, will play their only UK gigs at the two venues next year.
Bassist Mark Hoppus said last year: "[The new] year will see us in the studio preparing new music, getting ready to rock the fine people of the UK."
Singer/songwriter Jake Bugg will make his debut on the main stage at the event, while dance music duo Disclosure and metal band Of Mice and Men will also play at the festival.
Indie band Metronomy, US band Warpaint with Pusha T, Royal Blood, The 1975, and rap collection I Am Legion have also been announced as part of the line-up.
Music News
Blondie are set to receive the NME Godlike Genius Award.
The 'One Way Or Another' hitmakers will be recognised for their musical genius at the NME Awards 2014 with Austin, Texas on Wednesday, February 26.
The iconic band, fronted by Debbie Harry, have confirmed they will pick up their prize in person and perform at the event, held at the O2 Academy in Brixton, and it's the first time a female performer has won the accolade.
Blondie said: "We've always had a special relationship with the UK and this is great, it's nice to be recognised and it's an outstanding list. To be honoured so nicely, and to play music. What could be better?"
The punk group from New York City are celebrating their 40th anniversary with a two-disc release, 'Blondie 4(0) Ever', comprising a greatest hits album and a new record, 'Ghosts of Download', in May 2014.
NME's Editor Mike Williams said: "As they celebrate their 40th anniversary, there could be no other band more worthy of being honoured as NME's Godlike Genius 2014 than Blondie. They re-wrote the rulebook in the late 70s by dragging punk rock to the top of the charts, and their classic songs still sounds as fresh as ever today.
"Everyone from Iggy Pop, Lily Allen, Lady Gaga and Julian Casablancas have looked to Debbie Harry for inspiration - she's the most iconic frontwoman rock'n'roll has ever produced. It goes without saying that NME is hugely proud, not to mention extremely excited, to be honouring her and Blondie with our most coveted award in 2014."
Previous winners include The Clash, Paul Weller, The Cure, Manic Street Preachers, New Order & Joy Division, Dave Grohl, Noel Gallagher and last year's champion Johnny Marr.
Blondie to receive NME Godlike Genius Award
Blondie are set to receive the NME Godlike Genius Award.
The 'One Way Or Another' hitmakers will be recognised for their musical genius at the NME Awards 2014 with Austin, Texas on Wednesday, February 26.
The iconic band, fronted by Debbie Harry, have confirmed they will pick up their prize in person and perform at the event, held at the O2 Academy in Brixton, and it's the first time a female performer has won the accolade.
Blondie said: "We've always had a special relationship with the UK and this is great, it's nice to be recognised and it's an outstanding list. To be honoured so nicely, and to play music. What could be better?"
The punk group from New York City are celebrating their 40th anniversary with a two-disc release, 'Blondie 4(0) Ever', comprising a greatest hits album and a new record, 'Ghosts of Download', in May 2014.
NME's Editor Mike Williams said: "As they celebrate their 40th anniversary, there could be no other band more worthy of being honoured as NME's Godlike Genius 2014 than Blondie. They re-wrote the rulebook in the late 70s by dragging punk rock to the top of the charts, and their classic songs still sounds as fresh as ever today.
"Everyone from Iggy Pop, Lily Allen, Lady Gaga and Julian Casablancas have looked to Debbie Harry for inspiration - she's the most iconic frontwoman rock'n'roll has ever produced. It goes without saying that NME is hugely proud, not to mention extremely excited, to be honouring her and Blondie with our most coveted award in 2014."
Previous winners include The Clash, Paul Weller, The Cure, Manic Street Preachers, New Order & Joy Division, Dave Grohl, Noel Gallagher and last year's champion Johnny Marr.
Music News
Bono thinks U2 are becoming irrelevant.
The 'Invisible' rocker admitted that it has become harder for his band to remain significant in the music industry as they grow older, because the personal experiences they depict in their songs may no longer connect with a mainstream audience.
Speaking during an interview on BBC Radio 1, frontman Bono told Zane Lowe: "We're on the verge of irrelevance. You have to make stuff relevant to you and where you're at, make an honest account of what you're going through. If that's relevant to other people, great. But we don't know."
The singer also spoke about the inspiration behind the band's as-yet-untitled 13th studio album, which he claims harks back to when the group - including The Edge, 52, Adam Clayton, 53, and Larry Mullen, Jr., 52, - first got together in 1976.
Bono, 53, explained: "We went back to why we wanted to be in a band in the first place. We were listening to the Ramones and Kraftwerk - you can hear both on 'Invisible'. It opened up a whole valve for me writing, it was like a damburst of sorts. "
Bono says the record won't be finished for another two months, but once it's complete the group are looking forward to playing the new tracks in smaller venues.
He explained: "For this album, we're going to start indoors. We'd like to play the O2 [arena]. Sometimes it's nice to play intimate things like that."
Bono: ‘U2 are becoming irrelevant’
Bono thinks U2 are becoming irrelevant.
The 'Invisible' rocker admitted that it has become harder for his band to remain significant in the music industry as they grow older, because the personal experiences they depict in their songs may no longer connect with a mainstream audience.
Speaking during an interview on BBC Radio 1, frontman Bono told Zane Lowe: "We're on the verge of irrelevance. You have to make stuff relevant to you and where you're at, make an honest account of what you're going through. If that's relevant to other people, great. But we don't know."
The singer also spoke about the inspiration behind the band's as-yet-untitled 13th studio album, which he claims harks back to when the group - including The Edge, 52, Adam Clayton, 53, and Larry Mullen, Jr., 52, - first got together in 1976.
Bono, 53, explained: "We went back to why we wanted to be in a band in the first place. We were listening to the Ramones and Kraftwerk - you can hear both on 'Invisible'. It opened up a whole valve for me writing, it was like a damburst of sorts. "
Bono says the record won't be finished for another two months, but once it's complete the group are looking forward to playing the new tracks in smaller venues.
He explained: "For this album, we're going to start indoors. We'd like to play the O2 [arena]. Sometimes it's nice to play intimate things like that."
Music News
Pharrell Williams will perform an intimate gig in London.
The 'Happy' singer says he is looking forward to getting "up close and personal" with his fans when he performs his biggest hits for a small audience before treating one lucky fan to a special surprise.
The venue is yet to be announced, with dates for the gig expected to be revealed in the coming weeks, but Pharrell 40, says he excited at the prospect of performing.
He said: "My fans are so important to me, so I'm excited to get up close and personal and thank them for all their support with a priceless experience."
The producer and singer is the latest star set to perform intimate gigs as part of Mastercard's Priceless campaign, which saw Laura Mvula perform at London's Kensington Roof Gardens last month, while Kylie Minogue is set to host a special gig in March.
The news comes after Pharrell was announced as a performer at the BRIT Awards 2014 which kicks off on February 19.
He will join Katy Perry and the Arctic Monkeys to take to the stage at London's O2 arena for the annual ceremony.
Pharrell Williams at intimate London gig
Pharrell Williams will perform an intimate gig in London.
The 'Happy' singer says he is looking forward to getting "up close and personal" with his fans when he performs his biggest hits for a small audience before treating one lucky fan to a special surprise.
The venue is yet to be announced, with dates for the gig expected to be revealed in the coming weeks, but Pharrell 40, says he excited at the prospect of performing.
He said: "My fans are so important to me, so I'm excited to get up close and personal and thank them for all their support with a priceless experience."
The producer and singer is the latest star set to perform intimate gigs as part of Mastercard's Priceless campaign, which saw Laura Mvula perform at London's Kensington Roof Gardens last month, while Kylie Minogue is set to host a special gig in March.
The news comes after Pharrell was announced as a performer at the BRIT Awards 2014 which kicks off on February 19.
He will join Katy Perry and the Arctic Monkeys to take to the stage at London's O2 arena for the annual ceremony.
Music News
Wiley has scrapped his new album after spending $42,000 on recording sessions.
The East London-rapper has revealed he isn't happy following the completion of his ninth studio album 'Snakes and Ladders' and took to Twitter on Monday (03.02.14) to tell fans he plans to start the project from scratch.
Wiley wrote: "I am gonna scrap snakes and ladders and start again cos I ain't happy with it ... Needs to be epic or else there is no point. (sic)
"Start from scratch ... I very rarely do this that's why I am gonna try it. (sic)"
The album was set to feature collaborations with fellow Grime stars - Lethal Bizzle, Devlin and US rapper Cam'ron - but fans hoping Wiley would unveil the unwanted tracks for free will be left disappointed as he claims they cost him too much money to give away.
He added: "I ain't leaking s**t either ... not this time I'm 42 thousand dollars in ....NOLEAKS LOL (sic)"
The news comes after the 'Holiday' rapper reportedly refused to refund the £15,000 fee he had been paid to perform at Cumbria's Cockrock festival last July, which he played for only 15 minutes before being booed off stage.
Wiley scraps new album which cost $42k to make
Wiley has scrapped his new album after spending $42,000 on recording sessions.
The East London-rapper has revealed he isn't happy following the completion of his ninth studio album 'Snakes and Ladders' and took to Twitter on Monday (03.02.14) to tell fans he plans to start the project from scratch.
Wiley wrote: "I am gonna scrap snakes and ladders and start again cos I ain't happy with it ... Needs to be epic or else there is no point. (sic)
"Start from scratch ... I very rarely do this that's why I am gonna try it. (sic)"
The album was set to feature collaborations with fellow Grime stars - Lethal Bizzle, Devlin and US rapper Cam'ron - but fans hoping Wiley would unveil the unwanted tracks for free will be left disappointed as he claims they cost him too much money to give away.
He added: "I ain't leaking s**t either ... not this time I'm 42 thousand dollars in ....NOLEAKS LOL (sic)"
The news comes after the 'Holiday' rapper reportedly refused to refund the £15,000 fee he had been paid to perform at Cumbria's Cockrock festival last July, which he played for only 15 minutes before being booed off stage.
Music News
Nick Jonas has been hired as the musical and creative director of Demi Lovato's tour.
The former Jonas Brothers singer, who parted ways with the band four months ago, shares the same manager as the 'Let It Go' hitmaker and was thrilled to be offered the position ahead of her 'Neon Lights' tour, which kicks off on February 9 in Vancouver.
He told Rolling Stone: "I'm overseeing video content, wardrobe, lighting and staging. And then I'm extending into the musical side of things, which includes creating the arrangements for the songs.
"I'm building what Demi wanted, which is a show without stops and starts."
The 21-year-old performer, who was previously in a band with his brothers Kevin, 26, and Joe, 24, and has been close friends with Demi, 21, for a number of years.
He continued: "I was immediately excited when I was offered the position. The relationship that Demi and I had over eight years really gives me the insight into how to best communicate with her and her team."
The tour will feature tracks from all four of Demi's studio albums, including 2008's 'Don't Forget', and Nick has been in rehearsals with the band for the past two weeks.
He said: "The biggest challenge has been just trying to rethink some of the music and see how we could compliment it with lights and video."
The singer is also focusing on his own material and says he has "a lot of things in the pipeline".
He added: "I'm waiting to release some news about my music and my next steps. It isn't quite locked in yet, but I have started making some music and now it's all about lining up the pieces."
Nick Jonas working on Demi Lovato’s tour
Nick Jonas has been hired as the musical and creative director of Demi Lovato's tour.
The former Jonas Brothers singer, who parted ways with the band four months ago, shares the same manager as the 'Let It Go' hitmaker and was thrilled to be offered the position ahead of her 'Neon Lights' tour, which kicks off on February 9 in Vancouver.
He told Rolling Stone: "I'm overseeing video content, wardrobe, lighting and staging. And then I'm extending into the musical side of things, which includes creating the arrangements for the songs.
"I'm building what Demi wanted, which is a show without stops and starts."
The 21-year-old performer, who was previously in a band with his brothers Kevin, 26, and Joe, 24, and has been close friends with Demi, 21, for a number of years.
He continued: "I was immediately excited when I was offered the position. The relationship that Demi and I had over eight years really gives me the insight into how to best communicate with her and her team."
The tour will feature tracks from all four of Demi's studio albums, including 2008's 'Don't Forget', and Nick has been in rehearsals with the band for the past two weeks.
He said: "The biggest challenge has been just trying to rethink some of the music and see how we could compliment it with lights and video."
The singer is also focusing on his own material and says he has "a lot of things in the pipeline".
He added: "I'm waiting to release some news about my music and my next steps. It isn't quite locked in yet, but I have started making some music and now it's all about lining up the pieces."