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David Gilmour returns to Pompeii

/ James Fenney
david gilmour pompeii

Source: Sarah M Lee via Instagram

Pink Floyd legend David Gilmour has returned to the ruins of Pompeii to play two shows as part of his world tour. In 1972 Pink Floyd recorded their cult concert film of the band playing to an empty amphitheatre in amongst the roman ruins, now over 40 years on Gilmour is returning to perform there in front of an audience making it technically the first ever rock concert in the city. He performed his solo material alongside reworkings of Pink Floyd classics. However ‘Echoes’, a track that was the cornerstone of the original Live at Pompeii, was notably absent from the setlist, apparently due to the fact that it was too difficult to perform without the contributions of the late Rick Wright.

Apple patents technology to disable cameras

/ James Fenney

phones-concert

A patent has recently been granted to Apple for new technology that allows iPhones to have their cameras disabled via infrared sensors. The action has been taken in an effort to stop concert goers taking photos and videos. Although some people are in favour of curbing the use of phones at concerts, the general consensus is that it is a heavy-handed approach and even that it is breach of the public’s rights. There is plenty of antisocial behaviour at concerts of which use of phones is one of least irritating. There are also fears about the possible misuse of the new technology as a form of censorship, such as during protests.

Glastonbury 2016

/ James Fenney

glastonbury logo

This year’s Glastonbury seemed doomed to fail. With traffic chaos, some of the worst mud in the festival’s history and even BBC coverage being affected by the EU referendum broadcasts it would have been an easy bet to back it being an utter shambles. Instead the world’s greatest festival managed to pull it off and maintain high spirits on the farm and accomplish record breaking viewing figures. Here’s a brief roundup of the best of what BBC iPlayer’s “Glastontelly” has to offer. Continue reading →

Vicious attack in Turkish record store

/ James Fenney

radiohead band

The Velvet IndieGround, a record store in Istanbul, was attacked while customers were taking part in a worldwide listening party of Radiohead’s new album A Moon Shaped Pool. A mob of around men armed with pipes and glass bottles attacked customers as they were drinking alcohol during Ramadan. Following this petty act of barbarism the band have issued a statement: “Our hearts go out to those attacked tonight at Velvet IndieGround in Istanbul. We hope that someday we will be able to look back on such acts of violent intolerance as things of the ancient past. For now, we can only offer our fans in Istanbul our love and support.” It is still unclear precisely how many people were injured.

The Voice star killed at Florida concert

/ James Fenney

christina grimmie

YouTube star and former finalist on the US version of The Voice Christina Grimmie was killed following a performance in Orlando, Florida. Grimmie was shot by a gunman whilst she was signing autographs and later died of her wounds in hospital. The armed attacker apparently travelled to Orlando solely to commit the crime and died from a self inflicted gunshot wound after being heroically tackled by the singer’s brother. The ordeal has come as a horrible shock to the many fans of the talented young singer and our thoughts are with her friends and family at this terrible time.

ABBA reunite for first performance in 30 years

/ James Fenney

abba reunion

The four members of ABBA, Agnetha Falkstog, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstadon, performed live together for the first time in over 30 years. The impromptu rendition of their 1980 hit ‘Me and I’ took place at a private gala celebrating the group’s 50th anniversary. Following their refusal to perform together for their 2010 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame many fans believed that the four of them would never perform together again. Footage of the performance hasn’t yet surfaced.

 

Surfer Blood guitarist Thomas Fekete passes away

/ James Fenney

thomas fekete

Thomas Fekete, co-founder of American indie rock band Surfer Blood, is sadly the latest name added to 2016’s ever growing list of departed musicians. Fekete passed away after a year long battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. He was aged just 27, and was the second addition to the infamous ’27 club’ this year following the tragic Viola Beach crash in February. Fekete remained in high spirits despite surgeries and chemotherapy, and even carried on making music with the proceeds going towards medical expenses. He lead a promising career which was cut short far too soon, and he will be dearly missed by friends, family and fans alike.

London’s new immersive music experience

/ James Fenney

Trespass

Trespass (in association with Mahogany) was conceived by Lowri Gerrard of Universal Music, Ben Spetsiotis of IAM New Music and Joshua Sanger of Barn On The Farm Festival fame as a kind of music equivalent to secret cinema. Fans were treated to 4 unique and intimate performances from secret acts at a secret location over the course of the May bank holiday weekend. The acts (which turned out to be Amber Run, Martin Luke Brown, Lyra and Prose) performed sets in specially customised rooms designed to provide an interactive experience for fans as though they were part of a music video. The whole concept is captivatingly unique and the secrecy and intimacy imparticular have caught the public’s interest. It will certainly be interesting to see how the event grows and develops in the future.

Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2016

/ James Fenney

radio-1-big-weekend-exeter

Now in it’s thirteenth year, the BBC’s very own music festival this year took to Powderham Castle in Exeter to showcase the best of British as well as some of the hottest acts from across the globe. Joining the headliners Mumford & Sons and Coldplay were a few Belwood favourites including Catfish & the Bottlemen, Jack Garratt and reigning best band Wolf Alice. The weekend also included a dazzling set from aussie psychedelics Tame Impala, new music from indie folk hero Jake Bugg and a blistering performance from Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro. Naturally there a always a few questionable acts, and the “In new music we trust” stage consisted almost entirely of established artists, but overall the weekend was a rousing success. Full performances from across the weekend are available on iplayer.

The Strokes announce new EP

/ James Fenney

the strokes

The New York indie rockers have announced a new 4 track EP entitled Future Present Past due for release on June 3rd. It’s the first new music from the band since 2013’s Comedown Machine. Frontman Julian Casablancas premiered the first track ‘Oblivious’ on his new monthly radio show. The rest of the EP consists of track entitled ‘Drag Queen’ and ‘Threat of Joy’, as well as a remix of ‘Oblivious’ by the band’s drummer Fab Moretti. It will be the band’s first release on Casablancas’ Cult Records label and a new album is rumoured to be on the way.