Saturday, November 10, 2012


Andrew Bird

Camden Roundhouse


A few years ago I came across Andrew Bird by chance as I flicked over the TV to watch Radiohead perform on Sky's From the Basement sessions, and was immediately fascinated by his one-man band approach to creating music. He'd start by laying down a violin melody and loop it, whilst patching in other layers of violin (plucked or bowed), guitar and even whistling; then sewing into the mix a vocal with a quirky lyric, leaving me caught up in the weave. I promised myself that I'd catch him play live as soon as possible, and tonight was my chance. A few years later than planned, mind, but at last I got to see him do his thing.

Based in Chicago and eleven albums in to his solo career, Bird has been playing the violin since he was 4. He's explored a variety of genres - from classical and jazz, to Hungarian Gypsy music, to country blues. All of which influences his indie, folky, Americana styled pop songs (if you'd excuse the pigeon holing). Recently, his popularity is beginning to spread and he's commanding a bigger audience. 

Tonight he's accompanied by a band - bass, guitar and drums. But he's in control of his violin and glockenspiel (and of course, that wonderful whistle) looping and layering the heart of each of the songs they perform together. Behind him, a giant pair of rotating horns spin (the sort that give a Hammond its characteristic sound but many times the size!), augmenting the ethereal violin. 

The set was a mix of old and new and there was an obvious contrast between both the guitar based indie songs and the more folky recent album Break it Yourself. So much so, that I actually wished he'd do away with the band all together as he was most beguiling working his magic alone. He is seemingly effortless on the violin and has a good ear for bringing together a hybrid of styles and textures. It is always a little difficult to pick up the lyrical nuances when everything is live and loud, but there is a humorous edge to much of what he sings about.

Bird has recently released another eight track album, Hands of Glory. A companion to his previous album and inspired by 'old-time' live sets, recorded by his band playing acoustic, gathered around a single microphone. During tonight's set, they broke off and did the same, huddled around a mic with double bass, acoustic guitar and Bird on his violin, performing re-workings of recent tunes and covers by the likes of The Carter Family and others. Not as magical as when he patches in those loops and layers, but he delivers each rendition with integrity.

Andrew Bird is a musical talent with a sure and solid back catalogue. Considering the quality of his recent albums I think the best is still yet to come.

Adele slams weight critics


Adele has fired back at her weight critics.
The 24-year-old singer has been subjected to ridicule about her size since she catapulted to fame in 2008.
Chanel Creative Director Karl Lagerfeld even commented on her size 14-16 shape.
He later apologised for calling her 'a little too fat'.
But Adele says she has finally learned to ignore the hurtful remarks.
'I read a comment on YouTube that I thought would upset me - 'Test pilot for pies' - but I've always been fine with it,' she says.
The Grammy-winner opens up about the issue in her new book Adele: The Biography.
She insists she has no plans to appease her critics by going on a diet, unless she has good reason.
'I would only lose weight if it affected my health or sex life, which it doesn't,' she muses.
Adele welcomed her first child, a boy, on October 19 with boyfriend Simon Konecki.
Her biography was released this week.

Courteeners announce release of new album and single


Courteeners will release their new album 'ANNA' on 4th February which will be preceded by new single 'Lose Control' on 28th January, both released through V2.

It has been two years since Courteeners last album 'Falcon', which charted at #6 and followed the bands #4 debut album 'St. Jude'. The band have been working hard at Manchester's Hertz Studios with producer Joe Cross (Hurts) and songwriter and frontman Liam Fray says, 'ANNA is a new chapter sonically for Courteeners. Our music, like our minds, has evolved and expanded. We have re-arrived - Welcome to the rave'.

Having already previewed new tracks live at this year's T in the Park and Leeds/Reading Festivals, the band will release the first introduction to the album with new single 'Lose Control' on 28th February. 

'Lose Control' opens with an addictive hook followed by Liam's distinctive vocals which then catapult into a huge chorus of drums and melody. It the perfect introduction to the new sound of the bands third album and you can listen to a teaser of the track below ' Courteeners Lose Control.



Full tracklisting for the album is below '

1. Are You In Love With A Notion?
2. Lose Control
3. Van Der Graaff
4. Push Yourself
5. When You Want Something You Can't Have
6. Welcome To The Rave
7. Save Rosemary In Time
8. Sharks Are Circling
9. Marquee
10. Money
11. Here Come The Young Men

Courteeners will be performing new tracks from the album at two special gigs this December, returning to Manchester's MEN Arena for a headline homecoming show and performing as part of XFM's Winter Wonderland at Brixton Academy. Full dates are as follows '

Dec 7th Manchester MEN Arena
Dec 17th London Brixton Academy (XFM Winter Wonderland)

Bombay Bicycle Club to play for torture victims


Bombay Bicycle Club have today announced they will be performing at Camden's KOKO on December 22nd as part of 'Freedom from Torture Presents...' ' a festival of music taking place throughout December in support of survivors of torture. 

The band will be supported by Trophy Wife and Dan Croll to show their support for human rights and Freedom from Torture's work in caring for survivors of torture and organised violence who have sought refuge in the UK.

Their headline performance is the climax of a series of concerts the charity is organising in London and Manchester around International Human Rights Day on December 10th. 

The show is 16+ and tickets can be purchased here

Jack Steadman, Bombay Bicycle Club lead singer said: 'We are really pleased to be part of this festival to support victims of torture and raise awareness of Freedom from Torture's incredible work.' 

Paul Weller to release Dragonfly EP


Paul Weller finishes off an amazing 2012, which saw him land a Number 1 album with "Sonik Kicks", with the release of the "Dragonfly" EP on December 17th. The EP is a collection of hidden gems brought together for the first time from the critically acclaimed Sonik Kicks album recording sessions.

The digital version will be accompanied on December 17th by a strictly limited numbered edition of 3000 vinyl copies of the Dragonfly EP. The beautiful artwork has been specially commissioned by none other than one of Britain's greatest artists Sir Peter Blake ' the first time he has collaborated with Weller since he designed the iconic Stanley Road album sleeve in 1995. 

'DRAGONFLY' Special limited edition vinyl EP with exclusive artwork by Sir Peter Blake, available December 17th 2012

This EP will be exclusively available from www.paulweller.com.

Having just recently finished playing a few live shows in the US and Japan, Paul will be performing at an intimate invited audience / competition winner only show at Abbey Road studios on November 9th. He will also be heading up the annual Crisis benefit show at the Hammersmith Apollo on the 19th December with guest Miles Kane and special guest Emile Sande.

Justin Bieber 'flirts with models'


Justin Bieber was reportedly 'hitting on' models at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
The 18-year-old performed at the catwalk extravaganza on Wednesday night and apparently couldn't keep his hands off the gorgeous Angels.
The teenage heartthrob is currently dating fellow popstar Selena Gomez, but according to the New York Post it didn't stop him getting friendly with the girls.
'He was hitting on the girls all day,' a source told the newspaper.
'He was asking for their numbers.'
The luxury underwear brand's annual bash saw Angels such as Karlie Kloss, Alessandra Ambrosio and Doutzen Kroes hit the catwalk at Lexington Avenue Armory in New York City.
Justin joined the festivities by gearing up the crowd with his performance, which included his latest hit Beauty and a Beat.
Later the party moved to the capital city's Avenue nightclub, where the teenage heartthrob was spotted at a table with his entourage and gorgeous Angel Miranda Kerr.
Just like the young singer, most of the Victoria's Secret models are taken and attended the runway show with their significant others.
Justin did seem to strike up a friendship with British model Cara Delevingne, who tweeted a picture of the two of them together at the show.
The catwalk show will be aired on December 4 by American channel CBS.

Obama win provokes musicians on Twitter


With social media making it so easy for celebrities to share their immediate thoughts with their fans (and the world at large), many used their Facebook and Twitter accounts to share their thoughts concerning the U.S. election yesterday.

The most surprising of all, however, was Bob Dylan, who took to his Facebook page for the very first time yesterday to clarify comments that he'd made during a concert in Wisconsin the day before.


Here's pretty close to what I said last night in Madison. I said from the stage that we had to play better than good tonight, that the president was here today and he's a hard act to follow. Also, that we're not fooled by the media and we think it's going to be a landslide. That's pretty much all of it.

- Bob Dylan


Despite the page being created in 2007 and having amassed over 4 million fans in the meantime, this was Dylan's first entry and has so far gathered almost 31,000 'likes' and over 2,600 comments.

At the other end of the spectrum, Ahmir Khalib Thompson, better known as Questlove, is one of the more prolific (and popular) members of the so-called Twitterverse, when he's not DJing, producing, or drumming for hip-hop neo soul band The Roots. His profile on Twitter boasts a photo of him with President Obama and he's naturally been a staunch supporter of his campaign from the beginning. Though, when all was said and done yesterday, his response was simple.


word to big bird. #Obama2012

Whether it was a home video of an elated Sheila E jumping, fully clothed, into her pool, incomprehensible tweets from Lady Gaga, or inspiring words from Janelle Monáe, the musical corner of the interwebs seemed overall to be pleased with seeing Obama return to the White House for a second term.

But not all musos were happy with the outcome.

63 year old rocker Ted Nugent sent out a stream of tweets yesterday, in which he referred to Obama supporters as 'pimps whores & welfare brats', 'subhuman varmints' and 'soulless supporters'.


Goodluk America u just voted for economic & spiritual suicide. Soulless fools

Back in April, Nugent announced that if Obama won a second term in office, he'd be 'dead or in jail' by that time next year.

It's probably for the best then that Ted doesn't stumble across Henry Rollins' latest blog entry at LA Weekly, where he announces, 'The American People Kicked Your Ass, Republicans.'

His lengthy post started off by saying that he wasn't one to gloat, but was rather just relieved, believing that the American people are better off for what happened.

But then, it wouldn't be a Henry Rollins entry without a bit of a rant.


Republicans, these are your people: gay hating, vagina fearing phonies with their strange idea of rape who double down on dumb at every given opportunity. Well, at least you've got Clint Eastwood, Meatloaf and some Nascar-driving dipshits to keep you company. I know 1865 was hard to walk off but come on, y'all, stop embarrassing yourselves!

So from the delighted to the disgusted, the music world spoke at length last night (mostly 140 characters at a time), but whichever side they came down on, opinions were strong, loud and proud ' there seemed to be very little in the way of middle ground.

Unless, of course, if you count Paul Kelly, who's just announced an Australian tour next year with Neil Finn, who addressed the President directly from his Facebook page, complete with a cheeky little promotion.


To Barack Obama '
Congrats, Barry, on your fine election win. When the dust settles you may like to kick back with Spring and Fall. It's out today in the US. PK


And with that, it's time to get back to the music.

Alicia Keys: I don't need to know lyrics


Alicia Keys says it 'doesn't matter' she can't understand the lyrics of her favourite song.
The 31-year-old has captured the hearts of people worldwide with her soulful voice and meaningful lyrics.
The star favours tracks by musical duo Amadou & Mariam from Mali, despite not being able to understand the songs they sing in their native French language.
'[Sabali by Amadou & Mariam] reminds me of travelling to Paris for work and then going back home to Harlem,' she revealed to Company magazine.
'Only certain songs make you feel almost lost in time. I wish I knew what they were saying, but I know it doesn't really matter because I can still feel it.'
The gorgeous singer married recording artist Swizz Beatz in 2010 and together they have two-year-old son Egypt.
Alicia feels sentimental when she hears We All Try by Frank Ocean because it reminds her of special time spent with her beau.
'This song reminds me of my first wedding anniversary,' she divulged.
'We were driving a vintage Corvette and blasting out this song. The lyrics always move me ' the sentiment that we're all trying to do our best always fills me with hope. And it's so true.'
Alicia has been busy working on her own music, with the release of new album Girl on Fire scheduled for the end of this month.

UK Musc Video Awards winners announced


Last night (8th November) the 5th annual UK Music Video Awards were held in London's Leicester Square at the legendary Empire Cinema, where a throng of British filmmakers assembled to celebrate creative excellence in British music videos. 

British artists who scooped awards at the event include Plan B, Alt-J, Spiritualized, Will Young, Kasabian, One Direction and M.I.A. ' whose video for Bad Girls, directed by Romain Gavras, picked up The Video of the Year award as well as Best Pop Video and Best Styling in a Video. Romain Gavras also picked up the prestigious Best Director award. 

Daniel Wolfe picked up the Best UK Dance Video award for the second year running for The Shoes Time To Dance video, which also picked up the Best Editing in a Video award, and saw its producer, Lee Groombridge honoured with the Best Producer award.

Other winners include Kasabian for the commercial for Velociraptor directed by JJ Stereo's John Paveley. In the category for Best Live Music Coverage, the accolades were shared by two huge music films: Adam Smith's Don't Think about the Chemical Brothers incredible live performance at Japan's Fuji Rocks festival, and Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace's epic multi-camera coverage of LCD Soundsystem's final gig at Madison Square Gardens, Shut Up And Play The Hits. 


THE WINNERS:

Best Pop Video ' UK in association with 4Music
M.I.A. ' Bad Girls
Director: Romain Gavras
Producer: Khalid Tahhar
Prod co: Iconoclast
Commissioner: Michelle Ann for Interscope

Best Dance Video ' UK in association with Rudeye Dance Agency
The Shoes ' Time to Dance
Director: Daniel Wolfe
Producers: Lee Groombridge & Dougal Meese
Prod co: Somesuch & Co
Commissioner: Pierre Le Ny for Green United Music

Best Urban Video ' UK in association with East End Studios
Plan B ' Ill Manors
Director: Yann Demange
Producer: Ben Sullivan
Prod co: Rokkit
Commissioner: Dan Curwin for Atlantic Records

Best Indie/Rock Video ' UK in association with Music Week
Spiritualized ' Hey Jane
Director: AG Rojas
Producer: Anna Rau
Prod co: Caviar/Somesuch & Co
Commissioner: Juliette Larthe for Double Six/Domino Records

Best Alternative Video ' UK
Alt-J ' Breezeblocks 
Director: Ellis Bahl
Producer: Jessica Birmingham
Prod co: Project Fathom
Commissioner: Connie Meade for Infectious Music

Best Pop Video - International
Lana Del Rey ' Born To Die
Director: Yoann Lemoine
Producer: Emmanual Reye
Prod co: Iconoclast
Commissioner: Emily Tedrake for Polydor

Best Dance Video ' International 
Duck Sauce ' Big Bad Wolf 
Director: Keith Schofield
Producer: Natasha Tan
Prod co: Somesuch & Co
Commissioner: Duck Sauce 

Best Urban Video ' International
Frank Ocean - Novacane
Director: Nabil
Producer: Kathleen Heffernan
Prod co: A+
Commissioner: Frank Ocean 

Best Indie/Rock Video ' International
The Shins ' Simple Song
Director: Daniels
Producer: Jonathan Wang
Prod co: Prettybird US
Commissioner: Saul Levitz for Columbia US

Best Alternative Video ' International
The Hickey Underworld ' The Frog
Director: Joe Vanhoutteghem 
Producer: Nele Carlier
Prod co: Czar.be
Commissioner: PIAS

Best Pop Video ' Budget
Rent Boys ' Shoot The Shot
Director: Zac Ella
Producer: Posy Dixon
Prod co: B A D Productions
Commissioner: Andrew Swaine for German Bite

Best Dance Video ' Budget
Todd Terje ' Inspector Norse
Director: Kristoffer Borgli 
Producer: Kristoffer Borgli
Prod co: FRIEND
Commissioner: Todd Terje

Best Urban Video ' Budget
Noisses ft RTKAL, Lady Leshurr & Foreign Beggars ' Run Your Mouth
Director: Drew Cox
Producer: Lucy Barber
Production co: Slanted Eyes & Lullabys
Commissioner: Ollywood for Black Butter Records 

Best Indie/Rock Video ' Budget
When Saints Go Machine ' Parix 
Director: Daniel Kragh-Jacobsen 
Producer: Thor Brammer Jacobsen
Prod co: Spoiled Productions
Commissioner: Jan-Erik Stig for EMI Records Denmark

Best Alternative Video ' Budget
The Death Set ' They Come To Get Us 
Director: Guillaume Panariello 
Producer: Guillaume Panariello & Julie Fabre
Prod co: Supergoober
Commissioner: The Death Set

Best Art Direction & Design in a Video
Justice ' New Lands
Art Director: Roger Bellés
Director: Canada
Producers: Oscar Romagosa for Canada, Arthur Cantin for Partizan
Prod co: Partizan
Record co: Ed Banger/Because Music

Best Styling in a Video
M.I.A. ' Bad Girls
Stylist: Hannah Edwards
Director: Romain Gavras
Producer: Khalid Tahhar
Prod co: Iconoclast
Record co: Interscope / XL Recordings

Best Choreography in a Video
Will Young ' Losing Myself 
Choreographer: Aletta Collins
Director: Henry Scholfield
Producer: Louise Gagen
Prod co: Partizan
Record co: Sony Music

Best Cinematography in A Video, in association with Panalux
Feist ' The Bad In Each Other
DoP: Kasper Tuxen
Director: Martin de Thurah
Producer: Dom Thomas
Prod co: A+
Record co: Polydor

Best Telecine in a Video
Temper Trap ' Trembling Hands
TK: James Tillett at Moving Picture Co
Director: Tom Haines
Producer: Tiernan Hanby
Prod co: Colonel Blimp
Record co: Infectious Music

Best Animation in a Video
Fleet Foxes ' The Shrine/An Argument
Animation: Sean Pecknold & Britta Johnson
Director: Sean Pecknold
Producer: Aaron Ball
Prod co: Grandchildren
Record co: Sub Pop

Best Editing in a Video, in association with Vanderquest
The Shoes ' Time To Dance
Editor: Tom Lindsay
Director: Daniel Wolfe
Producer: Lee Groombridge & Dougal Meese
Prod co: Somesuch & Co
Record co: Green United Music

Best Visual Effects in a Video
Woodkid ' Run Boy Run
VFX: One More Productions
Director: Yoann Lemoine
Producer: Roman Pichon
Prod co: Iconoclast / HSI 
Record co: Green United Music

The Innovation Award 
ALB ' Golden Chains
Director: Johnatan Broda
Prod co: BBDO / CARNIBIRD / ACNE
Commissioner: ALB
Record co: Green United Music

Best Live Music Coverage
Joint winner:
Chemical Brothers - Don't Think
Director: Adam Smith
Prod co: Black Dog Films
Commissioner: Stefan Demetriou
Record co: EMI 

Joint winner:
LCD Soundsystem ' Shut Up And Play The Hits
Director: Dylan Southern & Will Lovelace (AKA thirtytwo)
Prod co: Pulse Films
Commissioner: Keith Wood & Eddy Moretti
Record co: DFA

Best Music Ad ' TV or Online
Kasabian - Velociraptor
Director: John Pavely
Prod co: JJ Stereo
Commissioner: Ian Dutt
Record co: Sony Columbia Records


Best Producer, in association with Rushes
Lee Groombridge

Best Commissioner
John Moule

Best New Director, in association with Locomotion
AG Rojas 

Best Director, in association with Promo News 
Romain Gavras

The People's Choice Award, in association with VEVO
One Direction ' Live While We're Young
Director: Vaughan Arnell 
Producer: Astrid Edwards & James Chad
Prod co: Rokkit
Commissioner: Mike O'Keefe for Syco / Sony Music 

Video of the Year 
M.I.A . ' Bad Girls
Director: Romain Gavras
Producer: Khalid Tahhar
Prod co: Iconoclast
Commissioner: Michelle Ann for Interscope

The Outstanding Contribution Award 
David Knight

The Icon Award
Jamie Thraves

Power Of Love odds slashed for festive top spot


After announcing on Thursday that she would be singing The Power Of Love for the John Lewis Christmas single, William Hill offered odds of 25/1 that Gabrielle Aplin would score the Christmas Number One single. 

A rush of bets on the Somerset songstress has seen her come in to 14/1 in the last 24 hours and she sits in fourth in the betting behind the Hillsborough Charity single (4/6), X-Factor (11/8) and One Direction (8/1).

'The last two years have seen massive gambles on the John Lewis singles and this year's punt appears to have started in earnest already,' said William Hill spokesman Joe Crilly. 'With six weeks to go, the race for the festive top slot has begun!'

Christmas number one single: 4/6 Hillsborough Charity single; 11/8 X-Factor; 8/1 One Direction; 14/1 Gabrielle Aplin; 14/1 The Choir; 16/1 Girls Aloud; 20/1 Rihanna; 25/1 Adele; 25/1 Cheryl Cole; 25/1 JLS; 25/1 Robbie Williams; 25/1 Take That; 33/1 BAR

Lily Allen 'creative during pregnancy'


Lily Allen is apparently feeling very 'creative' during her pregnancy.
The British singer is currently expecting another child after giving birth to her daughter Ethel in November last year. After taking a break from her music career, Lily is working on a new album. It has been reported that the prospect of expanding her family has been a source of inspiration for her.
"She's is working hard to finish her new album... she's found being pregnant has helped her song-writing,' a source told the latest edition of British magazine Closer. 'Combined with her love for Ethel, the creative juices were flowing."
The 27-year-old star is married to property developer Sam Cooper and the pair can't wait to welcome another child.
According to insiders, they have been joking about how a newborn baby will affect their lives.
"Lily is excited about the new arrival, but she's saying it's hit her that when the new baby comes, they'll also be coping with a one year old, so she reckons it's going to be mayhem!' a source revealed. 'But when pals ask them how they'll cope, they look at each other and laugh and say: 'We have no idea!' They've joked that they'll be waving goodbye to their 'old friend sleep' very soon."
Lily is expected to give birth in a matter of weeks.

Katy Perry gave Obama 'lucky panties'


Katy Perry apparently believes US President Barack Obama won the election thanks to her 'lucky panties'.
Obama achieved a second term in office this week, having beaten competitor Mitt Romney.
Katy presented the politician with a pair of novelty Y-fronts with his face on them shortly before his victory.
'She was delighted when she got to hand him a pair at a political rally just before he won,' a source told British newspaper The Sun.
'Katy's been saying he won because of the lucky panties.'
The 28-year-old star picked up the unusual underwear from British firm Twisted Twee after spotting it while on a trip to Hampstead, London.
Katy was so delighted with her find that she splashed out £200 on a dozen of the funny pairs of underwear.
The Teenage Dream singer has been showing her support for the Democratic Party throughout the lead up to the election.
Katy's political ideologies were even reflected in her fashion sense last month when she performed at a rally for Obama in a dress designed to look like a ballot paper.
The star belted out five of her hits at the concert and urged Americans to get their votes in early.

Harry Styles: Tattoos hurt


Harry Styles has admitted getting his new tattoo hurt.
The One Direction heartthrob had an image of two large swallows inked on his chest this week.
Whereas the 18-year-old already has several pieces of body art, it seems he hasn't got used to the feeling of the needle.
"I did get some new tattoos!" he confirmed to Us Weekly.
"I got two swallows on my chest. I like that kind of style of tattoos, like the old sailor kind of tattoos. They symbolise travelling, and we travel a lot! It hurt... Anyone who says tattoos don't hurt is a liar!"
The British band - which consists of Harry, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne and Niall Horan - have certainly been busy globetrotting recently, to promote new album Take Me Home.
Harry had the new ink done the day before the group's performance on the US X Factor's results show last night.
The boys travelled all the way to Los Angeles to belt out their hit Live While We're Young and latest track Little Things, which was penned by Harry's musician friend Ed Sheeran.
Whereas it looked like the band had a great time on stage, they were a little disappointed they couldn't hit the town to celebrate their performance.
In their home country of England the legal drinking age is 18, whereas in America the boys are all below the minimum age of 21.
"We're not old enough to go out over here," the teenage heartthrob complained.
"It's either that we stay out of trouble or we get in more trouble than we would!"
Take Me Home is scheduled for release later this month.

Chris Brown and Rihanna 'working on friendship'


Chris Brown believes he and Rihanna are 'always going to be best of friends.'
Rihanna and Chris split after he assaulted her in 2009.
The pair fuelled rumours of reconciliation after he broke up with girlfriend Karrueche Tran last month.
Chris denies that he dumped Karrueche to rekindle his romance with Rihanna.
"No [we're not together]. And that's just quick, a quick answer,' he revealed to Los Angeles radio station Power 106 Friday.
"With [calling it quits with Karrueche] it's just me being honest with myself. Me and [Rihanna] have history and me and her are definitely always going to be best of friends. And we're working on our friendship now.'
Chris is committed to full self-expression.
He admits that he has feelings for both women.
"As far as our personal life, I think people just got to give it a chance - or not even give it a chance, shut the hell up is basically what it is," he said.
"I'm not trying to rush into anything, put any rings on anybody's finger or lie to anybody. I just rather be completely honest, express my feelings."
Rihanna's new album Unapologetic will feature a duet with Chris entitled Nobodies Business (sic).

Travis Barker 'scared to death of flying'


Travis Barker is preparing to board an airplane for the first time in nearly half a decade.
The Blink 182 musician survived a plane crash with his friend DJ AM in 2008 that left four people dead. DJ AM, who is Nicole Richie's ex-boyfriend, died soon after the incident from a drug overdose allegedly brought on by survivor's guilt.
Travis has avoided travelling through air since the incident, but he's nearly ready to face his fear.
"I'm scared to death of flying," Travis revealed in the latest episode of MTV2's series The Dub Magazine Project. 
"The goal is to be stress free, so I think in February will be the first time I fly in four years."
Travis embarked on a 3000-mile cross-country journey from the east coast to California after the crash.
He simply couldn't muster the courage fly in the wake of the trauma
"When DJ AM passed away, I was in New York, and I found out that morning, and I left that day so I could get home to be home for his funeral," he said. 
"I did that straight with no stops.

Simon Cowell: 1D's success an inspiration


Simon Cowell believes One Direction sets 'good examples' for aspirant musicians.
The music mogul signed the British boy band to his record label after they performed on the UK version of X Factor. 
Unfortunately One Direction didn't win that 2010 TV talent competition, but Simon still saw their potential.
One Direction is now one of the biggest music acts in the world and Simon is inspired by their success.
"It just proves the point that you can enter one of these shows, and even though you didn''t win, you can have a big career afterwards," Simon told MTV News. 
"I think they''re good examples for the other contestants, you know what the show can do for people."
One Direction performed their new tune Live While We're Young on the American version of X Factor Thursday night.
The group, which is comprised of Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan, had a blast performing for judges Simon, L.A. Reid, Britney Spears, Demi Lovato and fans.
"It was so nice to come here, perform two songs," Liam said. 
"We had a great time, so we''re really happy."
One Direction's new album Take Me Home is released next week.

Rush to be inducted on Guitar Center RockWalk


The Guitar Center has announced that Rush will be the next inductee to their RockWalk. The walk, at their Sunset Boulevard store in Hollywood, honors artists who "have made a significant impact and lasting contribution to the growth and evolution of Rock 'n' Roll, Blues and R&B. 

The invite only ceremony on November 20 will unveil their hand prints, signatures and faces along other inductees such as Eric Clapton, George Martin, Jimmy Page, Johnny Cash, AC/DC and many more. 

"We are very pleased to have been chosen by our peers and fellow musicians for induction in Guitar Center's Rock Walk," said Rush's Geddy Lee. "It is an honor to have our names added to this illustrious list of great and highly talented musicians."

"Not only is Rush extraordinary as a band, but each member is incredibly talented in their own right," said Dave Weiderman, Chairman of Guitar Center's RockWalk. "With nearly thirty years together, this group has consistently delivered skilled musicianship, experimental-drive and stylistically diverse rock to music fans worldwide. In short ' Rush is long-deserving of being honored by Guitar Center's RockWalk."

On December 18, Mercury Records will release a deluxe edition of the group's fourth studio album 2112. While an official announcement has not been made, leaks by various people involved say that the 1976 album will be formatted much like the rereleases of Moving Pictures, A Farewell to Kings, Fly By Night and Signals with Amazon listing three separate releases, CD plus Audio DVD with 5.1 Mix, CD Plus Audio Blu-Ray and CD Plus Audio Blu-Ray Super Deluxe Edition (nothing is known about what makes it "Super Deluxe" at this time). 

Khloé Kardashian: Live TV is nerve-wracking


Khloé Kardashian is getting 'more comfortable' in her role as host of X Factor.
The reality star is a presenter alongside veteran master of ceremonies Mario Lopez on Simon Cowell's US TV talent show.
Khloé feels that she is improving and is not shaking in her boots as much as she did during her first day on the job.
"Yes I did feel more comfortable this week," Khloé told okmagazine.com.
"I felt like I was able to watch my footage from last week and just better myself and see what I wanted to tweak on.'
Khloé is mainly unsettled by the fact that audiences can see and hear whatever she does instantly.
Presenting live is a difficult task for the star, but she is now beginning to overcome her fears.
"I wasn''t as nervous because I knew what was coming but it''s live TV so I think that''s always going to be a challenge,' she said.
X Factor with judges Simon, Demi Lovato, Britney Spears and L.A. Reid is now on the air in America.

Levine 'very close' with Aguilera


Adam Levine appreciates his friendship with Christina Aguilera.
The musicians served as mentors on TV talent show The Voice for three seasons, before Christina announced she would depart.
At one point during filming, Adam and Christina were feuding.
Those arguments are far in the past and Adam respects the Lotus singer.
He has even defended Christina against critics who have bullied her about her size.
'Yeah, I mean listen; the Christina thing was what it was. There were some squabbles and things like that but we're fine now.Very, very, very close,' he revealed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
'Yeah, just leave her alone. I mean, come on. It's a very basic thing. She should be left alone. No one should bother or haggle her about her weight or anything that she does or says. So, that's it. That's how I feel about that.'
Shakira and Usher replace Cee Lo Green and Christina on season four and original judge Blake Shelton remains.
Adam loves his new colleagues.
'Amazing, [Shakira's] so sweet,' Adam said.
'The only thing, Shakira and Blake have a hard time because they don't understand each other's language. Even though Blake is speaking English surprisingly enough. He just kind of says, what are you talking about? What are you even saying? I don't even know. So, they just don't understand the accents that they have. It's funny.'
The Voice's fourth season airs next spring.

Adam Lambert joins Divas Dance Party to celebrate legends


VH1's beloved, popular franchise 'VH1 Divas' is throwing the hottest dance party of 2012 LIVE on Sunday, December 16 at 9PM/8c with Grammy Award-nominated host Adam Lambert. 

This year's show will celebrate the dance-inducing music that is the vibrant soundtrack to every major blowout bash, unforgettable party and night out on the town. VH1 is bringing together Ciara, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland, Jordin Sparks and more to be announced, to pay homage to the greatest divas of dance music history.

'This is going to be one hell of a party! We are extremely thrilled to have the extraordinarily talented Adam Lambert as our 2012 VH1 Divas host, says Lee Rolontz, EVP, Original Music Production & Development, VH1 and VH1 Classic. 'The world has truly been inspired by dance music and what better way for VH1 to pay tribute than by honoring legends Whitney Houston and Donna Summer through song and dance.'

"I'm so thrilled to be hosting VH1 Divas this year," said Adam Lambert. "I have a feeling it's going to be the most fabulous concert of the year! And LIVE!! Get ready for some amazing performances, killer fashion and fierce divas!"

'VH1 Divas' will bring together some of today's hottest recording artists to pay tribute to some of the most original and beloved dance divas. In the spirit of celebration and appreciation, VH1 Divas will feature a joyous tribute to two divas we lost this past year, whose voices always lead us straight to the dance floor, Whitney Houston and Donna Summer.

As in previous years, this edition of 'VH1 Divas' will benefit the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping music education alive in American public schools. To date, VH1 Save The Music has provided more than $49.5 million in new musical instruments to 1,850 public schools in more than 128 school districts around the country, impacting the lives of over 2.1 million children. 

VH1.com will be offering a complete second screen experience on desktop and mobile, streaming LIVE from the red carpet and backstage so fans don't miss a moment of the action. VH1.com will also host a live Twitter Tracker to keep tabs on the up-to-the-minute social media action around the show, and the show will be prominently featured in VH1's Co-Star application. 

Deep Purple limited edition signed booksto be published


On April 6th 1974 Deep Purple appeared on stage at the California Jam festival at the Ontario Speedway in California. 

Taking top billing at the all-day event, and with great weather, Deep Purple and the other bands drew a crowd of around 165,000 people. It became the largest single-day paid attendance in U.S. rock concert history.

This astonishing concert is now the subject of a new documentary book, Deep Purple at the California Jam, published in December 2012 by Rufus Stone Limited Editions. 

Collecting together hundreds of black and white and colour images from a number of photographers who had all area access to the concert (and rehearsals), the large 12" by 12" format presentation allows these images to shine. Many of the photographs have never been seen before and have been fully restored and colour corrected.

The book is available in three editions, from the astonishing Signature Edition, personally signed by Jon Lord, David Coverdale, Glenn Hughes and Ian Paice to a Vinyl edition and the book on it's own. The total run is just 1000 copies worldwide making this a true collectors presentation, whatever the format. A contribution from the sale of the Signature Edition will be made to Jon Lord's chosen. Jon Lord signed the book just three weeks before he passed away in July 2012.

A preview of he book can be found at www.rslimitededitions.com.

Jon Lord signed the book in June this year, just 3 weeks before he passed away and since then the pages have been on a trip around the world collecting the signatures of David Coverdale, Glenn Hughes and Ian Paice making this book a publishing event that cannot be repeated.

The Signature Edition £300 350 copies

This premium edition is numbered and individually signed by the great Jon Lord in June 2012. Subsequently it has also been signed by David Coverdale, Glenn Hughes and Ian Paice. The 288 page hand-bound coffee table book is bound in Purple recycled leather with a silver foil emboss to the front. Printed on 170gsm artpaper, the pages will be gilt edged and hand stitched. The book comes in a recycled leather slipcase and is presented in a beautiful leather style clamshell box with inlaid colour graphic. Alongside this is a heavyweight double vinyl album of the live recording from the concert, together with reproduction back stage passes, poster and certificate of production.

The Vinyl Edition £200 150 copies

Presented in slipcase together with the vinyl recordings this edition of the book is the same book without the gilt edging to the pages. Individually numbered with a certificate of production. 

The Standard Edition £120 500 copies

The book on its own and quarter bound with a photographic cover and supplied in a card slipcase. Individually numbered.

Madonna's MDNA goes gold in US


The RIAA has released their list of gold and platinum awards given out during October and the only release by a veteran artist to receive certification was Madonna.

The singer's MDNA has finally gone gold, meaning that it has sold 500,000 copies in the U.S. since its March release (actual total is 512,000).

This could end up as the smallest selling studio album of her career. Every one of her studio albums went platinum until 2003's American Life which, to date, has sold just almost 700,000 copies. Hard Candy (2008) is her second least selling album at 744,000, meaning that MDNA would need to score a huge uptick in sales to get out of the basement.

Madonna's sales:

1.Like a Virgin (1984) - 10 million
2.True Blue (1986) - 7 million
3.Immaculate Collection (1990) - 6 million
4.Madonna (1983) - 5 million
5.Like a Prayer (1989) - 5 million
6.Ray of Light (1998) - 3.9 million
7.I'm Breathless (1990) - 3.2 million
8.Music (2000) - 2.9 million
9.Bedtime Stories (1994) - 2.3 million
10.Something to Remember (1995) - 2.1 million
11.Evita (1996) - 2 million
12.Erotica (1992) - 1.9 million
13.Confessions on a Dance Floor - 1.7 million
14.GHV2 (2001) - 1.4 million
15.You Can Dance (1987) - 1.3 million
16.Confessions Tour (2007)- 1.2 million
17.Who's That Girl Soundtrack (1987) - 1 million
18.Hard Candy (2008) - 0.74 million
19.American Life (2003) - 0.68 million
20.MDNA (2012) - .5 million
21.Celebration (2009) - .3 million
22.Remixed and Revisited (2003) - .1 million

Elton John 'expecting second surrogate child'


Elton John and David Furnish are expecting their second child together, according to reports.
The couple are believed to be using the same surrogate who gave birth to their son Zachary, who will turn two next month.
According to UK newspaper The Sun, the mother is due to give birth early next year.
'They are over the moon,' a source told the publication.
The baby's mother was reportedly recruited via a surrogate parenting facility in Encino, California.
Her identity has not been revealled, although she is said to be 'like a sister' to the couple.
A spokesperson for the singer was not available for comment at press time.
Elton, 65, and David, 50, entered into a civil partnership in 2005.
The couple welcomed Zachary on December 25, 2010.
Elton has spoken openly about his desire to give their son a sibling.
'We definitely will have another one. At what stage we don't know, but we definitely will. I don't want him to be an only child,' he told the UK's Radio Times in August.

Gibb's widow: I listen to his songs every day


Robin Gibb's grieving widow listens to his music every day.
The Bee Gees singer died in May after a battle with liver cancer. He was 62.
His wife Dwina still lives in their Thame, Oxfordshire home, now a shrine to her late husband of 32 years.
'In the evenings we spent a lot of time talking, and I miss that,' she told UK newspaper The Mirror.
The 59-year-old matriarch has over 100 framed photos of the singer. She still makes him tea every morning.
But she recognises it's a rare gift to always be able to hear his voice.
'While most people may have an old answerphone message of their loved one's voice if they're lucky, I can watch Robin's old videos, and turn on the radio and listen to him singing,' she acknowledged.
'He may not be here physically but his voice remains everywhere. I take enormous comfort from that.'
Dwina is also taking solace in planning a star-studded memorial concert for Robin, who was working on a classic piece called Titanic Requiem at the time of his death.
It's a song she says she will cherish forever.
'It feels like something divine to me. I'm going to listen to his voice every day for the rest of my life,' she said.

Squeeze to offer new track Tommy as free download


When Squeeze tour the UK this autumn they will be debuting a clutch of new songs, the first new material from the band in 14 years. 

Lead track 'Tommy' once again sees Squeeze on fine form and reaffirms the genius of Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook's writing partnership. Tommy will be available digitally as a free download via Squeeze's website from December 10th and prior to that as a live recording on at their Pop Up Shop tour. Scroll down to stream it now.

The winning formula of Chris' lyrics combined with Glenn's melodies and production is evident on 'Tommy'. Chris says: "It's taken a long time to get ourselves back to the writing table, mainly because we've been touring in the UK and in the States. 

I have been writing lyrics and then sending them over to Glenn who puts the music to them and adds additional lyrics and ideas.' Glenn adds: 'When recording the track we were working on changes to the song and sitting down together discussing where the changes should be made and were in complete agreement about them which is something new for our relationship.'

This new tour and the new songs will remind fans just why Squeeze have left such an indelible impression on the UK's music scene and why they continue to be relevant today.

Pop Up Shop 2012 UK Tour plus special guest Paul Heaton

Fri 16 Nov Guildford G Live 0844 7701 797
Sat 17 Nov Cambridge Corn Exchange 01223 357 851
Mon 19 Nov Bristol Colston Hall 0117 922 3686
Tue 20 Nov Plymouth Pavilions 0845 146 1460
Wed 21 Nov Brighton Dome 01273 709 709
Fri 23 Nov Bournemouth O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Sat 24 Nov Reading Hexagon 0118 960 6060
Mon 26 Nov Cardiff St David's Hall 029 2087 8444
Tue 27 Nov Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall 0844 871 7627
Wed 28 Nov Southend Cliff Pavilion 01702 351 135
Fri 30 Nov Birmingham Symphony Hall 0121 780 3333

Sat 01 Dec Manchester O2 Apollo 0844 477 7677
Sun 02 Dec Sheffield O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Tue 04 Dec Leeds O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Wed 05 Dec Nottingham Royal Concert Hall 0115 989 5555
Sat 08 Dec Newcastle City Hall 0191 277 8030
Sun 09 Dec Glasgow O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Mon 10 Dec Liverpool Philharmonic Hall 0151 709 3789
Wed 12 Dec London HMV Forum 0844 847 2405
Thu 13 Dec London O2 Shepherds Bush Empire 0844 477 2000
Fri 14 Dec London Indigo O2 0844 477 2000
Sun 16 Dec Norwich UEA 01603 508 050



Radiohead play first Aussie show see setlist


Radiohead performed in Brisbane last night. It was the first show on their Australian tour.

The Brisbane show featured seven songs not played in Auckland last week. They were 'The Daily Mail', 'You And Whose Army', 'Climbing Up the Walls', 'Staircase', 'Street Spirit', '15 Step' and 'Everything In The Right Place'.

The Brisbane setlist was:

Lotus Flower (from The King Of Limbs, 2011)
Bloom (from The King Of Limbs, 2011)
Airbag (from OK Computer, 1997)
The Daily Mail (single, 2011)
Myxomatosis (from Hail To The Thief, 2003)
The Gloaming (from Hail To The Thief, 2003)
Separator (from The King Of Limbs, 2011)
Reckoner (from In Rainbows, 2007)
You And Whose Army (from Amnesiac, 2001)
Climbing Up The Walls (from OK Computer, 1997)
Nude (from In Rainbows, 2007)
Staircase (single, 2011)
There There (from Hail To The Thief, 2003)
The National Anthem (from Kid A, 2000)
Feral (from The King Of Limbs, 2011)
Bodysnatchers (from In Rainbows, 2007)

Give Up The Ghost (from The King Of Limbs, 2011)
Pyramid Song (from Amnesiac, 2001)
Morning Mr Magpie (from The King Of Limbs, 2011)
Paranoid Android (from OK Computer, 1997)
Street Spirit (from The Bends, 1995)

15 Step (from In Rainbows, 2007)
Everything In The Right Place (from Kid A, 2000)

Remaining Australian Radiohead dates for Chugg Entertainment are:

November 12 and 13, Sydney, Entertainment Centre
November 16 and 17, Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena