Music News
Music News
Roger Daltrey performed an acoustic set at a charity fundraiser in America last night (28.10.14).
The Who rocker co-hosted the Strowger Trust Fundraiser For Teen Cancer America in Los Angeles in aid of the charity he founded with bandmate Pete Townshend and also took the time to perform a selection of his best-known hits for guests including Sadie Frost, Cat Deeley, Matt Goss, Liberty Ross and Sam Taylor-Johnson.
Over 30 artists, including Damien Hirst, the Chapman Brothers and Antony Gormley, donated works to be auctioned on the night, while Pete Tong manned the decks.
Teen Cancer America was founded by The Who stars to improve the lives of teenagers and young adults with cancer, echoing the work they do in the UK with the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Roger, 70, has previously spoken about how the charity helps young people fighting the disease.
He said: "At a time when your body is changing, your social life is everything and you're still trying to figure out who you are, getting cancer can seem like an impossible blow to take. But thanks to Teenage Cancer Trust, thousands of teenagers are taking it, and coming out fighting."
Roger Daltrey performs at Teen Cancer fundraiser
Roger Daltrey performed an acoustic set at a charity fundraiser in America last night (28.10.14).
The Who rocker co-hosted the Strowger Trust Fundraiser For Teen Cancer America in Los Angeles in aid of the charity he founded with bandmate Pete Townshend and also took the time to perform a selection of his best-known hits for guests including Sadie Frost, Cat Deeley, Matt Goss, Liberty Ross and Sam Taylor-Johnson.
Over 30 artists, including Damien Hirst, the Chapman Brothers and Antony Gormley, donated works to be auctioned on the night, while Pete Tong manned the decks.
Teen Cancer America was founded by The Who stars to improve the lives of teenagers and young adults with cancer, echoing the work they do in the UK with the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Roger, 70, has previously spoken about how the charity helps young people fighting the disease.
He said: "At a time when your body is changing, your social life is everything and you're still trying to figure out who you are, getting cancer can seem like an impossible blow to take. But thanks to Teenage Cancer Trust, thousands of teenagers are taking it, and coming out fighting."
Music News
The Prodigy have promised their new album will be an antidote to "DJ b******s".
The 'Out of Space' hitmakers will release their as-yet untitled sixth LP in the coming months and band member Liam Howlett has proclaimed the record is full of "pure violent energy".
He told Q magazine: "Dance music across all types has become formula-based.
"It's 'Here's your drum fill, here's your build.' All that DJ b******s and tutorials on YouTube s**t. This album is totally organic. Pure violent energy."
While the album doesn't have a title yet, Liam confirmed to the publication that songs on the record include 'Beyond The Death Ray', 'Nasty Nasty', 'Get Your Fight On', 'Wall Of Death' and 'Rottweiler'.
As previously announced, the band's collaboration with Sleaford Mods, 'Ibiza', will also feature on the record.
Earlier this year, Liam promised the album will be more "violent-sounding" than the group's previous offerings.
He said: "It's more violent-sounding; it feels wilder. It's not so much old-school. It's neither guitar-based not synth-based; it's kind of a mixture.
"It doesn't feel so radio-friendly to me; it feels like its got a lot of edge."
The album is expected to be released later this year.
The Prodigy: Album is anti-DJ
The Prodigy have promised their new album will be an antidote to "DJ b******s".
The 'Out of Space' hitmakers will release their as-yet untitled sixth LP in the coming months and band member Liam Howlett has proclaimed the record is full of "pure violent energy".
He told Q magazine: "Dance music across all types has become formula-based.
"It's 'Here's your drum fill, here's your build.' All that DJ b******s and tutorials on YouTube s**t. This album is totally organic. Pure violent energy."
While the album doesn't have a title yet, Liam confirmed to the publication that songs on the record include 'Beyond The Death Ray', 'Nasty Nasty', 'Get Your Fight On', 'Wall Of Death' and 'Rottweiler'.
As previously announced, the band's collaboration with Sleaford Mods, 'Ibiza', will also feature on the record.
Earlier this year, Liam promised the album will be more "violent-sounding" than the group's previous offerings.
He said: "It's more violent-sounding; it feels wilder. It's not so much old-school. It's neither guitar-based not synth-based; it's kind of a mixture.
"It doesn't feel so radio-friendly to me; it feels like its got a lot of edge."
The album is expected to be released later this year.
Music News
AC/DC's Brian Johnson has given his support to a dementia charity.
The 'Back in Black' hitmaker - whose bandmate Malcolm Young was recently diagnosed with the disease - contacted the Sporting Memories Network in Yorkshire, North England, "out of the blue" to engage with their work.
The charity uses sporting tales to engage older people, in particular men, who suffer from depression and dementia by involving them in groups that improve their physical and mental wellbeing and Brian shared a number of tales about his upbringing in Gateshead, including a story about being unable to afford to attend Newcastle United soccer matches so walking miles with his father to watch Gateshead instead.
He recalled: "I never forget me Dad would take us to the place where Hughie Gallacher threw himself in front of a train. 'He was the greatest footballer that ever lived, son.'
"He was very reverential about that. Hughie played in the Newcastle side that won the title in 1927 and he was God-like to my father. But Gateshead was the place we went to because it was cheap. I got it for a ha'penny."
The small charity, which focuses on treatment of the disease, was thrilled to get the boost from Brian because some of its work is in jeopardy due to a lack of funding.
Director Tony Jameson-Allen told the Northern Echo newspaper: "It's an absolutely amazing boost for a charity run by two people to receive a phone call from the singer of a group that has sold more than 200 million records worldwide.
"The cost of dementia nationally is estimated at being £26bn a year and that figure will double by 2030, so I'm urging healthcare commissioners to give cost-effective Sporting Memories a real crack at making this work."
Brian Johnson supports dementia charity
AC/DC's Brian Johnson has given his support to a dementia charity.
The 'Back in Black' hitmaker - whose bandmate Malcolm Young was recently diagnosed with the disease - contacted the Sporting Memories Network in Yorkshire, North England, "out of the blue" to engage with their work.
The charity uses sporting tales to engage older people, in particular men, who suffer from depression and dementia by involving them in groups that improve their physical and mental wellbeing and Brian shared a number of tales about his upbringing in Gateshead, including a story about being unable to afford to attend Newcastle United soccer matches so walking miles with his father to watch Gateshead instead.
He recalled: "I never forget me Dad would take us to the place where Hughie Gallacher threw himself in front of a train. 'He was the greatest footballer that ever lived, son.'
"He was very reverential about that. Hughie played in the Newcastle side that won the title in 1927 and he was God-like to my father. But Gateshead was the place we went to because it was cheap. I got it for a ha'penny."
The small charity, which focuses on treatment of the disease, was thrilled to get the boost from Brian because some of its work is in jeopardy due to a lack of funding.
Director Tony Jameson-Allen told the Northern Echo newspaper: "It's an absolutely amazing boost for a charity run by two people to receive a phone call from the singer of a group that has sold more than 200 million records worldwide.
"The cost of dementia nationally is estimated at being £26bn a year and that figure will double by 2030, so I'm urging healthcare commissioners to give cost-effective Sporting Memories a real crack at making this work."
Music News
Jimmy Page "seriously intends" to be playing live in 2015.
The former Led Zeppelin guitarist has confirmed rumours he is going to perform next year and says he is looking forward to getting back on stage after spending months re-mastering his former band's albums for special edition releases.
Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, he said: "I seriously intend to be seen playing, to have a document of what I'm doing. I've been doing a lot of stuff, archiving everything on my behalf, on Led Zeppelin's behalf. That needed to be done. I enjoy playing live. I like sending people surprises as well."
However, Page is not revealing any details of the set list he intends to play because he wants fans to be surprised at the concerts.
He explained: "I've got a game plan. I'm not going to tell anybody anything. I don't want to give people ideas, where they end up going later, 'Oh, I thought he was going to do this.' I prefer to just get people by the jugular - when I'm ready."
The 70-year-old musician has admitted in the past he'd like to reform Led Zeppelin again but singer Robert Plant doesn't want to do any more reunion shows, instead choosing to concentrate on his solo career.
Page is tired of answering questions about the possibility the rock group could play again, admitting: "It's painful, isn't it?"
Speaking about his public sparring with Plant, 66, about their former band, he added: "It's all right for sound bites. But I can't be bothered any more. I'm not interested in all that silliness. I don't think it's fun."
Jimmy Page: I will play live next year
Jimmy Page "seriously intends" to be playing live in 2015.
The former Led Zeppelin guitarist has confirmed rumours he is going to perform next year and says he is looking forward to getting back on stage after spending months re-mastering his former band's albums for special edition releases.
Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, he said: "I seriously intend to be seen playing, to have a document of what I'm doing. I've been doing a lot of stuff, archiving everything on my behalf, on Led Zeppelin's behalf. That needed to be done. I enjoy playing live. I like sending people surprises as well."
However, Page is not revealing any details of the set list he intends to play because he wants fans to be surprised at the concerts.
He explained: "I've got a game plan. I'm not going to tell anybody anything. I don't want to give people ideas, where they end up going later, 'Oh, I thought he was going to do this.' I prefer to just get people by the jugular - when I'm ready."
The 70-year-old musician has admitted in the past he'd like to reform Led Zeppelin again but singer Robert Plant doesn't want to do any more reunion shows, instead choosing to concentrate on his solo career.
Page is tired of answering questions about the possibility the rock group could play again, admitting: "It's painful, isn't it?"
Speaking about his public sparring with Plant, 66, about their former band, he added: "It's all right for sound bites. But I can't be bothered any more. I'm not interested in all that silliness. I don't think it's fun."
Music News
Eric Clapton has shared a musical tribute to Jack Bruce.
The 'Wonderful Tonight' hitmaker was left devastated when his friend and former Cream bandmate passed away on Saturday (25.10.14) and has now posted a touching musical piece on his Facebook page alongside a black and white photograph of the bassist.
The two-and-a-half minute-long instrumental ballad, entitled 'For Jack', features the 69-year-old musician strumming an acoustic guitar and harmonising in places.
The posting comes after Eric hailed Jack a "great inspiration".
He wrote on his Facebook page: "He was a great musician and composer, and a tremendous inspiration to me."
The guitarist's website also shared a lengthy history of the bassist's musical career.
And Cream's drummer Ginger Baker described Jack, 71, as a "fine man".
He said via his fan club: "I am very sad to learn of the loss of a fine man, Jack Bruce... My thoughts & wishes are with his family at this difficult time."
Jack passed away at his home in Suffolk, East Anglia, surrounded by his close friends and family.
His relatives announced the devastating news on his official Facebook page, by writing: "It is with great sadness that we, Jack's family, announce the passing of our beloved Jack: husband, father, grandad, and all-round legend.
"The world of music will be a poorer place without him, but he lives on in his music and forever in our hearts."
Eric Clapton shares Jack Bruce tribute
Eric Clapton has shared a musical tribute to Jack Bruce.
The 'Wonderful Tonight' hitmaker was left devastated when his friend and former Cream bandmate passed away on Saturday (25.10.14) and has now posted a touching musical piece on his Facebook page alongside a black and white photograph of the bassist.
The two-and-a-half minute-long instrumental ballad, entitled 'For Jack', features the 69-year-old musician strumming an acoustic guitar and harmonising in places.
The posting comes after Eric hailed Jack a "great inspiration".
He wrote on his Facebook page: "He was a great musician and composer, and a tremendous inspiration to me."
The guitarist's website also shared a lengthy history of the bassist's musical career.
And Cream's drummer Ginger Baker described Jack, 71, as a "fine man".
He said via his fan club: "I am very sad to learn of the loss of a fine man, Jack Bruce... My thoughts & wishes are with his family at this difficult time."
Jack passed away at his home in Suffolk, East Anglia, surrounded by his close friends and family.
His relatives announced the devastating news on his official Facebook page, by writing: "It is with great sadness that we, Jack's family, announce the passing of our beloved Jack: husband, father, grandad, and all-round legend.
"The world of music will be a poorer place without him, but he lives on in his music and forever in our hearts."
Music News
Roger Taylor is keen to record a Queen album with Adam Lambert.
The group - whose singer Freddie Mercury died in 1991 - are preparing for another tour with the former 'American Idol' singer and after finishing the run of gigs in Europe, the 65-year-old drummer is keen to make new music with the star because he works so well with them.
He said: "I think it would be a very interesting experiment. It would be nice to just go in and see what came out. I don't know if it would be an album or anything, but I think it's too good a marriage to just let it go at touring. I'm sure we'll do something. His voice is so extraordinary, and it's a beautiful instrument. I think it would be nice.
"I guess we better come up with some material. We've sort of mentioned it, yeah, but not in a serious way. I think we'll probably get this tour over with and maybe come up while we're touring, 'Do you want to go in and try to write something?' "
Before they can bring out any new material, the band will release 'Queen Forever', a new compilation which includes three unreleased tracks, including 'There Must Be More to Life Than This', Freddie's duet with the late Michael Jackson but Roger has revealed the pair worked on another track that they were unable to include for legal reasons.
He told Billboard: "It was really something the record company wanted and we did have these three tracks that have never been heard, so we tried to put together an interesting collection.
"Obviously with different companies involved, it's quite complicated.
"We seemed to resolve something and we have permission to release this one track, but it was not the easiest [negotiations]. And I think, what a shame - Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson, two great talents, neither of them is with us anymore."
Queen to record album with Adam Lambert
Roger Taylor is keen to record a Queen album with Adam Lambert.
The group - whose singer Freddie Mercury died in 1991 - are preparing for another tour with the former 'American Idol' singer and after finishing the run of gigs in Europe, the 65-year-old drummer is keen to make new music with the star because he works so well with them.
He said: "I think it would be a very interesting experiment. It would be nice to just go in and see what came out. I don't know if it would be an album or anything, but I think it's too good a marriage to just let it go at touring. I'm sure we'll do something. His voice is so extraordinary, and it's a beautiful instrument. I think it would be nice.
"I guess we better come up with some material. We've sort of mentioned it, yeah, but not in a serious way. I think we'll probably get this tour over with and maybe come up while we're touring, 'Do you want to go in and try to write something?' "
Before they can bring out any new material, the band will release 'Queen Forever', a new compilation which includes three unreleased tracks, including 'There Must Be More to Life Than This', Freddie's duet with the late Michael Jackson but Roger has revealed the pair worked on another track that they were unable to include for legal reasons.
He told Billboard: "It was really something the record company wanted and we did have these three tracks that have never been heard, so we tried to put together an interesting collection.
"Obviously with different companies involved, it's quite complicated.
"We seemed to resolve something and we have permission to release this one track, but it was not the easiest [negotiations]. And I think, what a shame - Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson, two great talents, neither of them is with us anymore."
Music News
Liam Gallagher will perform with The Who Band next month.
The 'Live Forever' hitmaker will make his first appearance since he announced his group Beady Eye had split at the special Teenage Cancer Trust charity gig at London's Shepherds Bush Empire on November 11.
A string of stars including Manic Street Preachers' James Dean Bradfield, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, Wilko Johnson, Tom Odell, Rizzle Kicks, Amy Macdonald, Geddy Lee of Rush, Brody Dalle, The Strypes, Andy Burrows and Ricky Wilson will join forces with the band to perform their favourite track from The Who's extensive back catalogue.
The Who Band includes Simon Townshend, Pino Palladino, Billy Nicholls, Frank Simes, Loren Gold, John Coury and Zak Starkey, who played with Liam in Oasis.
Tickets for An Evening Of Who Music In Aid Of Teenage Cancer Trust go on sale on Friday (31.10.14).
Liam announced on Saturday (25.10.14) that Beady Eye were going their separate ways.
He tweeted: "Beady Eye are no longer. Thanks for all your support. LGx (sic)."
Beady Eye formed in 2009 after Liam, Gem Archer, Andy Bell and Chris Sharrock decided they still wanted to make music together following the split of Oasis earlier that year when the singer's brother Noel acrimoniously quit the group in August 2009. .
Liam Gallagher to perform with Who Band
Liam Gallagher will perform with The Who Band next month.
The 'Live Forever' hitmaker will make his first appearance since he announced his group Beady Eye had split at the special Teenage Cancer Trust charity gig at London's Shepherds Bush Empire on November 11.
A string of stars including Manic Street Preachers' James Dean Bradfield, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, Wilko Johnson, Tom Odell, Rizzle Kicks, Amy Macdonald, Geddy Lee of Rush, Brody Dalle, The Strypes, Andy Burrows and Ricky Wilson will join forces with the band to perform their favourite track from The Who's extensive back catalogue.
The Who Band includes Simon Townshend, Pino Palladino, Billy Nicholls, Frank Simes, Loren Gold, John Coury and Zak Starkey, who played with Liam in Oasis.
Tickets for An Evening Of Who Music In Aid Of Teenage Cancer Trust go on sale on Friday (31.10.14).
Liam announced on Saturday (25.10.14) that Beady Eye were going their separate ways.
He tweeted: "Beady Eye are no longer. Thanks for all your support. LGx (sic)."
Beady Eye formed in 2009 after Liam, Gem Archer, Andy Bell and Chris Sharrock decided they still wanted to make music together following the split of Oasis earlier that year when the singer's brother Noel acrimoniously quit the group in August 2009. .
Music News
Pet Shop Boys' 'Always On My Mind' has been named the best-ever cover version.
The duo's 1987 version of the Elvis Presley 1972 hit single has topped a BBC Music Vote to be named the top cover version of all time, beating Johnny Cash's cover of Nine Inch Nails' 'Hurt' and The Stranglers' take on Dionne Warwick's 'Walk On By' into second and third place respectively.
BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music's head of music Jeff Smith said: "The Pet Shop Boys have an enviable catalogue of hits and there have been lots of great versions of this classic song.
"Whittling down the long list for the vote was tough but it's great to see that this track still resonates with people today."
The top five was rounded out by Jimi Hendrix's version of Bob Dylan's 'All Along the Watchtower' and Jeff Buckley's cover of 'Hallelujah', which was originally recorded by Leonard Cohen.
The public voted for their favourite track from a top 50 compiled by BBC producers and DJs including Simon Mayo, Steve Lamacq, Fearne Cotton and Trevor Nelson.
BBC Music's Top 10 Cover Versions of All Time:
1. Pet Shop Boys - 'Always On My Mind'
2. Johnny Cash - 'Hurt'
3. The Stranglers - 'Walk On By'
4. Jimi Hendrix - 'All Along The Watchtower'
5. Jeff Buckley - 'Hallelujah'
6. Soft Cell - 'Tainted Love'
7. Joe Cocker - 'With A Little Help From My Friends'
8. Sinead O'Connor - 'Nothing Compares 2 U'
9. Muse - 'Feeling Good'
10. Whitney Houston - 'I Will Always Love You'
Pet Shop Boys had top cover version
Pet Shop Boys' 'Always On My Mind' has been named the best-ever cover version.
The duo's 1987 version of the Elvis Presley 1972 hit single has topped a BBC Music Vote to be named the top cover version of all time, beating Johnny Cash's cover of Nine Inch Nails' 'Hurt' and The Stranglers' take on Dionne Warwick's 'Walk On By' into second and third place respectively.
BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music's head of music Jeff Smith said: "The Pet Shop Boys have an enviable catalogue of hits and there have been lots of great versions of this classic song.
"Whittling down the long list for the vote was tough but it's great to see that this track still resonates with people today."
The top five was rounded out by Jimi Hendrix's version of Bob Dylan's 'All Along the Watchtower' and Jeff Buckley's cover of 'Hallelujah', which was originally recorded by Leonard Cohen.
The public voted for their favourite track from a top 50 compiled by BBC producers and DJs including Simon Mayo, Steve Lamacq, Fearne Cotton and Trevor Nelson.
BBC Music's Top 10 Cover Versions of All Time:
1. Pet Shop Boys - 'Always On My Mind'
2. Johnny Cash - 'Hurt'
3. The Stranglers - 'Walk On By'
4. Jimi Hendrix - 'All Along The Watchtower'
5. Jeff Buckley - 'Hallelujah'
6. Soft Cell - 'Tainted Love'
7. Joe Cocker - 'With A Little Help From My Friends'
8. Sinead O'Connor - 'Nothing Compares 2 U'
9. Muse - 'Feeling Good'
10. Whitney Houston - 'I Will Always Love You'
Music News
Mumford & Sons are working with a dance producer on new music.
The 'I Will Wait' crooners are known for their passionate folk-inspired sound, but that could all change now that the four-piece are working with producer James Ford, who has produced the last four Arctic Monkeys albums and is also known as half of dance duo Simian Mobile Disco.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "His work with Arctic Monkeys is much more rock-sounding than anything Mumfords have done."
The band - fronted by Marcus Mumford, who is married to 'The Great Gatsby' actress Carey Mulligan - released their second studio album 'Babel' in 2012 to rave reviews, but the quartet are now rumoured to be changing their trademark sound in a bid to shock their fans.
Speaking about James' production style, the source added: "But he also has his dance music and pop records on his CV so the music they make together could be very surprising."
Back in July, it was reported that the group had started work on their new album, with a source suggesting that it would be out in 2015.
The source said previously: "Very early work and sessions have begun quietly on album number three. They haven't announced anything officially because they don't want to be under lots of pressure.
"At this point, it's still more likely the album will be released at some point next year - unless things move very quickly."
Mumford and Sons working with dance producer
Mumford & Sons are working with a dance producer on new music.
The 'I Will Wait' crooners are known for their passionate folk-inspired sound, but that could all change now that the four-piece are working with producer James Ford, who has produced the last four Arctic Monkeys albums and is also known as half of dance duo Simian Mobile Disco.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "His work with Arctic Monkeys is much more rock-sounding than anything Mumfords have done."
The band - fronted by Marcus Mumford, who is married to 'The Great Gatsby' actress Carey Mulligan - released their second studio album 'Babel' in 2012 to rave reviews, but the quartet are now rumoured to be changing their trademark sound in a bid to shock their fans.
Speaking about James' production style, the source added: "But he also has his dance music and pop records on his CV so the music they make together could be very surprising."
Back in July, it was reported that the group had started work on their new album, with a source suggesting that it would be out in 2015.
The source said previously: "Very early work and sessions have begun quietly on album number three. They haven't announced anything officially because they don't want to be under lots of pressure.
"At this point, it's still more likely the album will be released at some point next year - unless things move very quickly."