music

100 years of Frank Sinatra

/ James Fenney

frank sinatra

Yesterday marked what would have been the 100th birthday of Ol’ Blue Eyes himself. Sinatra was one of the best selling and most influential artists of all time, and has performed some of the most famous songs ever written including ‘Come Fly With Me’, ‘New York New York’, ‘My Way’ and ‘Fly Me to the Moon’. As well as having sold over 150 million albums, he was also a key actor of the time and one of the central members of the ‘Rat Pack’. Sinatra has had a lasting impact that is matched only by The Beatles and Elvis Presley, and will continue to inspire for many years to come.

Spotlight!: Yak

/ James Fenney
yak

Photo by Laura Allard-Fleischl

We all have a wild and unhinged side to us. A demented inner child that longs to break things and colour outside the lines. Few bands appeal to that part the way that Yak do. The music is simple yet intense; cymbal shattering beats, gut-punching punk guitar, tortured psychedelic organ and vocals that have flashes of Ian Curtis. The artwork looks like a doodle salvaged from a mental hospital and half their gigs end with the instruments in pieces. This London band haven’t lost the plot, there never was a plot. They attack their music with reckless abandon and I for one look forward to joining them on their wild ride.

Fans of Joy Division, Television, Jack White, St Vincent and Sonic Youth keep your eyes peeled as Yak are one to watch…

BBC Music Awards 2015

/ James Fenney

bbc music awards

The second annual BBC Music Awards took place at the Genting Arena in Birmingham. Adele was the night’s big winner, picking up both British artist of the year and live performance of the year. Taylor Swift scooped up the prize for best international artist. It was a great night for Belwood favourites as Jack Garratt won the BBC Introducing award and Hozier won the public vote for song of the year for ‘Take Me To Church’. They both delivered stellar performances alongside the rest of the night’s line up which included James Bay, Stereophonics, Jess Glynne, Years & Years and Rod Stewart.

Neil Peart retires from music

/ James Fenney

neilpeart7

Considered by most to be the world’s greatest drummer, Rush’s Neil Peart has announced his retirement saying “it does not pain me to realize that, like all athletes, there comes a time to take yourself out of the game”. Rush recently completed their 40th anniversary tour. Whilst the band were reluctant at the time to call it a farewell tour, given this latest development it seems they have called it a day. Peart suffers from tendonitis and can no longer continue with the physical demands of the lengthy, intricate drum solos that made him famous. It also gives him more time with his family as the band have been touring nearly nonstop for the past few years.  It is the end of an era and a fond farewell to one of history’s greatest musicians.

Scott Weiland passes away

/ James Fenney

scott weiland

The former lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots and rock supergroup Velvet Revolver has died. Scott Weiland was found dead in his tour bus aged 48. He is said to have died in his sleep. Although no official cause of death has been announced, Weiland had a history of drug abuse and a member of his backing band the Wildabouts was arrested for cocaine possession. With hits such as ‘Plush’, ‘Vasoline’ and ‘Interstate Love Song’, Weiland was a talented but troubled soul who helped influence the next generation of rock bands in the US.

Red Hot Chili Peppers to headline Reading and Leeds

/ James Fenney

rhcp

The twin festivals of Reading and Leeds have unveiled their first line-up announcement for 2016. It included Slaves, the Courteeners and the 1975 as well as headliners Red Hot Chili Peppers. RHCP last topped the bill in 2007. Their set may well include new music as the band have been busy recording their 11th album, their first in 4 years, which is supposedly “very different and unique”. It will be the second album without guitarist John Frusciante. The band is a strong booking and it will be interesting to see what other headliners are in store.