news

Eagles of Death Metal pulled from French festivals

/ James Fenney

EaglesOfDeathMetal

The Eagles of Death Metal have been removed from the line-up of two French festivals after the frontman’s controversial comments about last November’s attacks in Paris. Following the terrorist attack at the band’s performance, frontman Jesse Hughes has claimed that the attack would not have happened if the French public were allowed to carry firearms and that members of the security team at the Bataclan Concert Hall were involved with the attacks. Understandably his ridiculous claims have not been well received and have resulted in the band being removed from the line-up of both the Rock En Seine and Cabaret Vert festivals.

Changes in store for the Mercury Prize

/ James Fenney

mercury prize 2016

The Mercury Prize, which rewards the best British/Irish album of the year, celebrates it’s 25th anniversary this year. The momentous occasion brings some changes to this British music institution. Sponsored this year by Hyundai, the prize will be narrowed down to a list of 6 finalists rather than the usual 12. One of the finalists will be decided via a public poll with the rest being selected by the judging panel. A launch event will take place on 4th August with the ceremony itself taking place 15th September at the new venue of the Hammersmith Apollo. Last year’s prize was won by Benjamin Clementine for his debut album At Least For Now.

The Edge performs at The Sistine Chapel

/ James Fenney

the edge

U2 guitarist The Edge has made history by becoming the first contemporary musician to perform at the Vatican’s magnificent Sistine Chapel. He performed an acoustic set backed with an Irish choir as part of a conference on regenerative medicine and the fight against cancer. The setlist included ‘Walk On’, ‘Yahweh’ and ‘Ordinary Love’ as well as a rendition of Leonard Cohen’s ‘If It Be Your Will’.

MTV brings back Unplugged

/ James Fenney

kurt cobain

MTV bosses have decided to bring back some much needed music to their channel. It has been announced that they will be reviving their Unplugged series, the most successful show in the channel’s history. Further details have yet to be announced about what artists are due to perform. Unplugged gained notoriety after producing some of the most captivating live performances of the 90s, and in some cases of all time, from such artists as Nirvana, Eric Clapton, Pearl Jam, REM and Alice In Chains.

Prince passes away

/ James Fenney

prince

As if we haven’t lost enough wonderful people already this year, musical icon, innovator and visionary Prince has sadly died aged 57. The cause of his death has not yet been released but he was rushed to hospital last week for severe, flu-like symptoms. Prince had an unparalleled career that influenced countless people and spanned nearly 40 studio albums. His eclectic and eccentric catalogue included such massive hits as ‘When Doves Cry’, ‘Little Red Corvette’, ‘1999’, ‘Kiss’, ‘The Most Beautiful Girl in the World’ and his signature song ‘Purple Rain’. A mysterious and secretive figure he was one of the most imaginative creative forces in music combining rock, soul, funk, R&B and electronica. He had an incredible vocal range, was a peerless multi-instrumentalist and was among the best guitarists ever to walk the Earth. He has left a remarkable legacy and will be sorely missed.

Axl Rose to front AC/DC

/ James Fenney

ACDC-GNR

Following the news that AC/DC have had to postpone their ‘Rock or Bust’ world tour as Brian Johnson was at risk of complete hearing loss, the band have decided to continue with a guest vocalist. The band have issued a statement confirming rumours that they will be joined by Axl Rose, who will perform the postponed tour dates before returning to Guns N’ Roses. Many fans have been sceptical as to whether the pairing would work, but with Angus Young joining Guns N’ Roses at Coachella for a brilliant performance of ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ I think they have laid many fears to rest.

The best festival since Woodstock?

/ James Fenney

goldenvoice

Goldenvoice, the company behind Coachella festival, have revealed plans to hold another festival on the same site on October 7-9th. Although talks are still in progress, the festival is planning to host The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan on the first night, Paul McCartney and Neil Young the second night, and The Who and Roger Waters to bring the weekend to a close. The headliners are going to be paid $7 million each for their sets. Plans are still being finalised with an official announcement expected within a few weeks. Needless to say it will be a once in a lifetime experience.

Led Zeppelin sued over Stairway To Heaven

/ James Fenney

stairway to heaven

Back making headlines the claim that Led Zeppelin’s magnum opus ‘Stairway To Heaven’ was stolen from the track ‘Taurus’ by Spirit, has been taken to court. A trial is scheduled for 10th May for supposed copyright infringement. The whole debacle is an absolute farce; the family of the deceased Spirit guitarist Randy California have decided to sue over 40 years since the song’s release, despite the fact that Randy himself never sought legal action. The two songs have nothing in common besides a very basic chord progression at the very beginning, something that occurs in innumerable songs. Any court with any sense should realise that the claim is a load of rubbish.

Merle Haggard passes away

/ James Fenney

merle haggard

Country legend Merle Haggard has passed away on his 79th birthday due to complications of pneumonia. After a misspent youth landed him in prison, one of Johnny Cash’s famous sets for inmates inspired him to take up country music and turn his life around. His troubled past became an inspiration for his music and his image and he went on to pioneer the “Bakersfield Sound” whose rough around the edges approach was a big contrast to most country music at the time. His big hits such as ‘Okie from Muskogee’ and ‘The Fightin’ Side of Me’ contrasted the popular anti-Vietnam sentiments of the time and made him a household name. He had a massive impact on Country music and the whole genre is reeling from his sad loss.

SoundCloud launch streaming service

/ James Fenney

soundcloud

Music sharing site SoundCloud has announced that it will be entering the already overcrowded world of music streaming. SoundCloud Go will allow users to listen to the back catalogue of streamable songs alongside the millions of pre-existing SoundCloud exclusive songs. The fee is currently set at the industry standard of £9.99 per month, although their back catalogue will be far smaller than those of industry leaders Spotify, Tidal and Apple Music and the exclusive tracks will still be freely available to the public.