David Byrne Announces Release Date For Imelda Marcos Concept Album
Dec 14, 2009
David Byrne has set a late February release date for his next album, Here Lies Love, a bizarre collaboration with Fatboy Slim and a raft of guest singers about the life of Imelda Marcos and Estrella Cumpas, the women that raised her.
The 2CD package through Todomundo / Nonesuch will include 22 songs, a DVD with videos for six of the tracks and a 100 page book about the strange project. The release date will be February 23.
Those appearing on the album include Florence and the Machine's Florence Welch as well as St Vincent, Roisin Murphy, Steve Earle and Cindi Lauper.
Byrne says: "The story I am interested in is about asking what drives a powerful personwhat makes them tick? How do they make and then remake themselves? I thought to myself, wouldn't it be great ifas this piece would be principally composed of clubby dance musicone could experience it in a club setting? Could one bring a 'story' and a kind of theater to the disco? Was that possible? If so, wouldn't that be amazing!"
For a full track list click here.
Kings Of Leon's Only By The Night Tops iTunes 2009 Download Chart
Dec 10, 2009
King's of Leon's Only By The Night was the top selling album on iTunes in the US in 2009, according to end of year figures from the download service.
The album by the often controversial rockers beat among others Twilight Saga:New Moon soundtrack and Lady Gaga's The Fame.
In iTunes end of year singles figures The Black Eyed Peas secured top spot with 'Boom Boom Pow'. Kings of Leon also made the singles top ten list, with 'Use Somebody' scraping in at 10th.
Here's the top ten downloaded albums list from iTunes in full.
1.Kings Of Leon Only By The Night
2. Various The Twilight Saga: New Moon soundtrack
3. Lady Gaga The Fame
4. Taylor Swift Fearless
5. Dave Matthews Band Big Whiskey And The GrooGrux King
6. Michael Jackson The Essential Michael Jackson
7. The Fray The Fray
8. Jay-Z The Blueprint 3
9. Eminem Relapse
10. The Black Eyed Peas The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies)
And here's iTunes best selling singles of 2009.
1. The Black Eyed Peas "Boom Boom Pow"
2. Flo Rida "Right Round"
3. Lady Gaga "Poker Face"
4. The Black Eyed Peas "I Gotta Feeling"
5. The All-American Rejects "Gives You Hell"
6. Lady Gaga "Just Dance"
7. Miley Cyrus "Party In The U.S.A."
8. Miley Cyrus "The Climb"
9. T.I. featuring Justin Timberlake "Dead And Gone"
10. Kings Of Leon "Use Somebody"
See Also: Neonfiller's Top Ten Indie/Alt Music Albums of 2009
The Leisure Society Among UK Contingent At Netherlands Mega-Festival
Dec 8, 2009
The Leisure Society and Los Campesinos are among 200 acts confirmed for the excellently titled EuroSonic Noorderslag festival, taking place in the Netherlands next month.
Being staged over three days (14-16 January) the festival takes place across the city of Groningen.
Among the handful of UK acts confirmed for the European wide line-up are Beth Jeans Houghton, Chapel Club, We Were Promised Jetpacks, Everything Everything, Ellie Goulding, Glamour of the Kill as well as Ivor Novello nominated The Leisure Society and Los Campesinos.
More information can be found here.
Here's a complete list of confirmed artists so far, which include at least 50 artists from the Netherlands.
Eurosonic confirmed artists - Thur 14th & Fri 15th January:
Adam Tenstra (sw)
Adiam Dymott (se)
Agent Fresco (is)
And So I Watch You From Afar (ie)
Annie (no)
Audrey Horne (no)
Bernhoft (no)
Beth Jeans Houghton (uk)
CALLmeKAT (dk)
Calibro 35 (it)
Catpeople (es)
Chapel Club (uk)
Choir of Young Believers (dk)
Clara Clara (fr)
Customs (be)
Daniel Norgren (sw)
De Läb (lu)
Deolinda (pt)
donkeyboy (no)
Ellie Goulding (uk)
Everything Everything (uk)
Fagget Fairys (dk)
FM Belfast (ic)
Frittenbude (de)
Glamour of the Kill (uk)
Gösta Berlings Saga (se)
Imelda May (ie)
Isbells (be)
I Was A King (no)
Izia (fr)
Jasper Erkens (be)
Jesse (fi)
Joensuu 1685 (fi)
Keep of Kalessin (no)
Kilians (de)
Kill The Dandies! (cz)
Kirtana Rasa (es)
Kreisky (au)
Lee Everton (ch)
Long Distance Calling (de)
Los Campesinos (uk)
Lucy Love (dk)
Major Parkinson (no)
Mari Boine (no)
Maria Timm (dk)
Maskinen (sw)
Mazgani (pt)
MeNeO (es)
Monolithic (no)
MVSC (be)
Name The Pet (se)
Negrita (it)
Nive Nielsen & The Deer Children (gl)
Óriás (hu)
Orka (fo)
Pegasus (ch)
Pony the Pirate (no)
Pony Pony Run Run (fr)
Post War Years (uk)
Robin Tom Rink (de)
Rockettothesky (no)
Schlachthofbronx (de)
Shining (no)
Serena Maneesh (no)
Sometree (de)
Soma (fr)
Sivert Höyem (no)
Sliimy (fr)
Stevans (ch)
Svjata Vatra (ee)
The Chapman Family (uk)
The Hickey Underworld (be)
The Leisure Society (uk)
The Low Frequency in Stereo (no)
The Megaphonic Thrift (no)
Turzi (fr)
Ungdomskulen (no)
VUK (fi)
Wardruna (no)
Wareika (de)
We Were Promised Jetpacks (uk)
Wickeda (bg)
Young Guns (uk)
Noorderslag confirmed artists - Sat 16th January;
Aux Raus Deluxe (nl)
Awkward I (nl)
Benjamin Herman (nl)
Daily Bread (nl)
Destine (nl)
De Staat (nl)
DeWolff (nl)
Flinke Namen (nl)
Go Back To The Zoo (nl)
Juju & Jordasch (nl)
Knalpot (nl)
Knobsticker (nl)
Kraantje Pappie (nl)
Laura Jansen (nl)
Mdungu (nl)
Moke (nl)
Moss (nl)
Promo (live) & Guests (nl)
Rigby (nl)
The Mad Trist (nl)
Tim Knol (nl)
Typhoon feat. New Cool Collective (nl)
Valerius (nl)
Waylon (nl)
Zwart Licht (nl)
U2 To Headline Glastonbury 2010
Nov 23, 2009
U2 have been confirmed as headliners for next years Glastonbury Festival.
A short statement on the festival's website says: "We're very pleased to confirm that U2 will headline the Pyramid Stage on Friday night at Glastonbury 2010."
Organiser Michael Eavis added : "The 26-year-old rumour has finally come true. At last, the biggest band in the world are going to play the best festival in the world! Nothing could be better for our 40th anniversary party."
Nov 23, 2009
An unprecedented 21 acts have been named in one go for the forthcoming Pavement curated ATP festival at Minehead next May.
Among those joining the 1990s's indie legends will be Broken Social Scene, Mission of Burma, Calexico and The Walkmen. Among those already announced are The Fall and Faust. The event, which takes place from 14 May 2010 to 16 May 2010, Butlin's Holiday Centre, Minehead, UK, has now sold out.
Here's the complete list of those added.
BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE
MISSION OF BURMA
CALEXICO
THE RAINCOATS
THE FIERY FURNACES
THE WALKMEN
OMAR SOULEYMAN + SUBLIME FREQUENCIES
ATLAS SOUND
GRAILS
THE DRONES
SACCHARINE TRUST
THE CLEAN
WOODEN SHJIPS
SIC ALPS
PIERCED ARROWS
SPIRAL STAIRS
BLITZEN TRAPPER
THE 3DS
MARBLE VALLEY
THE AUTHORITIES
WILDBIRDS AND PEACEDRUMS
Former Hefner Frontman Attacked and Robbed
Nov 19, 2009
Neonfiller is wishing former Hefner frontman Darren Hayman a speedy recovery after he was assaulted and robbed following a gig in Nottingham at the weekend.
The singer's skull was fractured during the attack, according to Darren's wife Helen who has been updating his fans on the situation via his Twitter page.
She said: "The full story is, that he was attacked and mugged whilst parking the car after Nottingham's show.
"Nothing to do with the gig, just wrong place at the wrong time. He was discharged from hospital last night (November 16) and is now safely back in London. There should be no long lasting damage, but he does have a linear fracture in his skull (this is the best kind apparently!) which will keep him fairly quiet for six weeks or so.
"He also has a head wound, a bit of bruising and a very nasty headache. However, they have prescribed a terrifying amount of painkillers to deal with this."
Since Hefner split in 2002 Hayman has gone on to forge a critically acclaimed solo career, which includes one of this year's best albums Pram Town.
Strokes Debut Named Album Of The Decade
Nov 17, 2009
The Strokes debut Is This It has been named as the best album of the decade, according to UK music magazine NME.
In a list that was dominated by guitar rock, other notable names were The Libertines, with their debut Up The Bracket, and Radiohead, with In Rainbows.
This is just the latest recognition for 2001's Is This It, which was widely praised at the time and clearly remains a firm favourite among the record producers and label executives that voted in the poll.
The Strokes' frontman Julian Casablancas said of the poll: "It's totally crazy! I thought it was great when I heard.
"But does it mean it's a good musical decade or a bad musical decade? I don't know, I'm such a bad judge of my own stuff.
"Recording the album was fun. It was stressing, it was exciting. I don't want to get carried away, but I'm pretty damn psyched with myself,"
Here's the top ten in full.
1. The Strokes - Is This It
2. The Libertines - Up The Bracket
3. Primal Scream - XTRMNTR
4. Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
5. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Fever To Tell
6. PJ Harvey - Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
7. Arcade Fire - Funeral
8. Interpol - Turn On The Bright Lights
9. The Streets - Original Pirate Material
10. Radiohead - In Rainbows
NME Editor Krissi Murison added: "This is the definitive word on the greatest albums of the 00s - as voted for by everyone who helped make music brilliant this decade." The full Top 50 albums list will be published this week by the NME.
Wilco Among First End Of The Road Festival Confirmations
Nov 16, 2009
Wilco and The Mountain Goats are among the first acts to be confirmed for next year's End of the Road Festival in the UK.
The event, which has a strong indie-folk leaning, takes place from 10th to 12th September 2010 at The Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset.
Wilco will be one of the headliners. Others confirmed for the event include The Low Anthem, AA Bondy, Diane Cluck with Anders Griffen and Canada's The Wilderness of Manitoba.
Festival organisers have also announced they have increased their workshops programme at the event. This may or may not please fans of light-engineering, the only profession that should be allowed to use the word workshop in our opinion.
Tickets are now on sale. For more information visit here.
La Roux and Little Boots To Duet With 80s Synth Legends
Nov 13, 2009
La Roux and Little Boots are to perform duets with Heaven 17 and Gary Numan as part of a radio celebration of the influence of 1980s synth pop on modern music.
The collaboration will be part of BBC 6 Music Live's series, in which Numan will duet with Little Boots on 7 Dec. Meanwhile Heaven 17 will perform together with La Roux on 26 Jan, 2010.
The sessions will take place at the Maida Vale Studios, London, and will be broadcast on 6 Music at 7.00pm on Friday 11 December and Friday 29 January respectively.
Little Boots said: "I've been a fan of Gary Numan for what feels like such a long time. His album The Pleasure Principle is one of my absolute favourites so to have the opportunity to play a special session with him for 6 Music blows my mind.
"At the rehearsal, I was so excited to meet him. It was so interesting talking to him and actually playing together - wow! He played Wembley when he was 21 - such an inspiration. It's going to be amazing!"
Gary Numan added: "I've heard Little Boots and I think she's really good so, when I was offered the chance to work with her, I thought it was a great idea."
Heaven 17's keyboardist Martyn Ware was similarly happy. He said: "Heaven 17 have always maintained an open mind and collaborative attitude towards new musical ideas, and when the opportunity to work with La Roux came up, we jumped at the chance.
"We really like their attitude towards pop writing, and we're also fans of Elly's voice - we're sure that our writing and performance experience combined with La Roux's youthful energy and talent will create a unique and exciting collaboration."
Nov 5, 2009.
U2's concert to mark the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall has caused a storm after concert organisers built a wall around the venue.
In an act of supreme irony the organisers have erected a two-metre barrier around the Brandenburg gate venue to keep out those without tickets.
While for any other concert such a move would be sensible, for a concert to mark the breaking down of barriers the move is an own goal par excellence.
Frank Henkel, a local politician, told the BBC, "It's a shame that a barrier has been set up. It's stopping many Berliners from hearing the concert."
The show is part of the MTV Europe Music awards, which takes place in the German city tonight (Nov 5).
Around 10,000 people, who won the tickets as part of an online give-away will attend. However, police expect as many as 100,000 to descend on the city in an attempt to see the band.
Mr Henkel added: "It would have been so much better if as many Berliners as possible could have taken part. We don't know who's responsible for this, whether it's U2 or MTV. "
The BBC quotes one of a number of angry fans. "It's completely ridiculous that they are blocking the view," said Louis-Pierre Boily, a Canadian fan who traveled to Berlin without a ticket. "I thought it's a free show, but MTV probably wants people to watch it on TV to get their ratings up," he added.
See Also:Top Ten Bizarre Music Award Moments
Feist and Rural Alberta Advantage Join 2010 Vancouver Olympic Line-Up
Oct 28, 2009
Leslie Feist and Rural Alberta Advantage are to play at next year's Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
The acts are the latest to be confirmed to take part in the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, which starts on Jan 22.
Others confirmed include Stars, City and Colour, Hard Rubber Orchestra, DJ Kid Koala and electro-funk act Chromeo.
Also at the event Steve Earle will be paying tribute to songwriter Townes Van Zandt. A tribute to Neil Young will also take place, featuring Broken Social Scene, Joan as Policewoman, Ron Sexsmith, and Iron and Wine.
Olympic organizers have scheduled more than 130 theatre, dance and performing arts events during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
See Also: Review - Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometown
Canadian Folk Musician Killed In Coyote Attack
Oct 28, 2009
A rising star of the Canadian folk music scene has been attacked and killed by coyotes in the Eastern part of the country.
Singer-songwriter Taylor Mitchell, 19, had been strongly tipped for stardom after receiving a Canadian Folk Music Award nomination in the youth category earlier this year.
Her manager Lisa Weitz told the AP news agency: "Words can't begin to express the sadness and tragedy of losing such a sweet, compassionate, vibrant, and phenomenally talented young woman. She just turned 19 two months ago, and was so excited about the future."
Mitchell died in hospital following the attack in which she sustained multiple bite wounds, while she was hiking in Cape Breton park, Nova Scotia. Rangers at the scene shot one coyote and were this week searching for the other. Such attacks on humans are rare, said the park's authorities.
Cocker Claims Pulp Glasto Comments Were Taken Out Of Context
Oct 27, 2009
Jarvis Cocker has scotched rumours that Pulp will reunite to play Glastonbury 2010.
Just days after reports emerged that the Brit pop band would play the event Cocker has said his comments were taken out of context.
He told Planet Sound: ""I can categorically tell Teletext that Pulp have no plans to get back together.
"Someone asked me if I fancied playing at the 40th anniversary of Glastonbury, I said yes, they twisted that into a 'Pulp reform' story. It's not true."
He insisted that any future Glastonbury performance would be as a solo artist.
Cocker Hints At Pulp Reunion For Glastonbury 2010
Oct 26, 2009
Pulp could reform next year to play the Glastonbury Festival, according to former lead singer Jarvis Cocker.
In an interview with UK newspaper the People he said: "Glastonbury means an awful lot to me, I would love to play there again. We've talked about it, there we go, there'll be a band reunion."
The band, which was one of the leading indie acts of the Britpop era, split in 2002. Among their standout albums during their late-1990s heyday was Different Class, which won the Mercury Prize in 1996. Pulp headlined the Glastonbury festival in 1995 and if the reunion rumours are true they would hope to follow the likes of fellow Britpop band Blur, who successfully reunited and headlined Glastonbury this year.
Others in the frame to appear at the next Glastonbury Festival, which marks its 40th anniversary next year, are Robert Plant, Morrissey, U2, Radiohead and The Rolling Stones.
Organiser Michael Eavis has hinted that a major soul legend or RnB artist who is performing at next summer's Michael Jackson tribute could be asked to headline.
See Also: Glastonbury 2010 Sells Out in One Day.
Pavement Update: Third London Date Added
Oct 23, 2009
Pavement will play a third London show next May as part of their reunion tour, after unprecedented demand.
Just days after concert organisers ATP announced that a second London date had been added they have now revealed that Pavement will play at the Brixton Academy for a third night next May.The new date is 13 May, 2010 and has been added as just a handful of tickets were available - as of 4pm today (Friday Oct 23) - for the 11 May and 12 May concerts at the same venue.
The line-up of Mark Ibold, Scott "Spiral Stairs" Kannberg, Stephen Malkmus, Bob Nastanovich and Steve West will also be curating and performing at the recently announced and now sold out ATP Festival Weekend 2 on May 14th - 16th.
ATP, which is organising the London shows, has announced the first acts at the Pavement ATP Festival Weekend. Joining the line up are The Fall, Faust, Quasi, Endless Boogie and the Enablers.
Pavement Announce Second London Date
Oct 21, 2009
Pavement are to play a second London show next May as part of their reunion tour.
As well as the previously announced show on Tuesday 11th May at the Brixton Academy they will also play Wednesday 12th May at the same venue.
The line-up of Mark Ibold, Scott "Spiral Stairs" Kannberg, Stephen Malkmus, Bob Nastanovich and Steve West will also be curating and performing at the recently announced and now sold out ATP Festival Weekend 2 on May 14th - 16th.
ATP, which is organising the London shows, has announced the first acts at the Pavement ATP Festival Weekend. Joining the line up are The Fall, Faust, Quasi, Endless Boogie and the Enablers.
The Fall will come as no surprise as the Manchester band is often cited as a key influence on Pavement.
The Leisure Society To Play Special End Of Year Gig
Oct 18, 2009
The Leisure Society have announced an end of year gig at St.Giles In The Fields Church in London and have details of some special events taking place on the night.
As well as being accompanied by an all-girl choir they will give fans the opportunity to join them on stage. They will be publishing the chords for the song 'A Matter of Time' on their website (http://theleisuresociety.co.uk/) and inviting the audience to learn the chords, bring a ukulele to the gig and join them onstage.
Above is a clip of their concert at London's Union Chapel where they were joined by a ukulele army made up of fellow Willkommen collective musicians for the song.
The gig takes place on the 25th November and further details of the gig can be found at their MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/theleisuresociety.
Neon Filler met the band after their recent in-store performance at Brighton's Resident Records. The full interview, along with a review of the deluxe reissue of their debut album, will be on the site this week.
Blur Scoops Four UK Festival Award Nominations
Oct 15, 2009
Blur are leading the nominations for this year's UK Festival Awards.
They are the only act to be nominated twice in the Best headliner category, for their shows at Glastonbury and T in the Park.
Blur's Tender is nominated in the Anthem Of The Summer award and lead singer Damon Albarn has received a nomination in the male Festival Fitty Of The Year award.
Florence and the Machine and Lady Gaga are also among the leading contenders, with both receiving three nominations in the Best Breakthrough Act, Anthem Of The Summer and female Festival Fitty categories.
Others up for awards include Friendly Fires and The Killers. The winners will be named at an award ceremony at London's IndigO2 on November 19.
To cast your votes go to www.festivalawards.com.
Cartoon of Ian Curtis To Be Auctioned
Oct 14, 2009
A cartoon portrait of Joy Division's Ian Curtis by Oasis and Arctic Monkeys artist Pete McKee is to be auctioned for charity, as part of an exhibition focusing on the music of Manchester.
Called Great Moments in Manchester Music, the show features McKee's work and includes portraits of Ian Brown, Johnny Marr as well as the late Ian Curtis.
McKee, whose artwork has been used by Oasis and Arctic Monkeys, explains that the Curtis piece is called "I C Café" and features the Joy Division frontman sitting in a café looking at an old women.
McKee, told BBC 6 Music: "It's light hearted in some respects, but the actual painting itself can be quite melancholy. The I C Cafe one of those examples, where I have a person in a moment of reflection, posing for thought."
The show takes place across Manchester. in Oddest in Chorlton until 5 Nov , followed by 5-7 November at Odd in the Northern Quarter and from 7 December to 14 January at Odder, Oxford Road.
For more information about the blind auction, click here.
For more Pete McKee images click here.
Charlotte Gainsbourg and Beck Post Trailer And Free Download For Forthcoming Album IRM
Oct 9, 2009
Charlotte Gainsbourg has posted a teaser trailer for her forthcoming Beck produced album IRM on YouTube.
The Album will be released on 25 January next year and in advance a free download of the title track has also been made available on www.charlottegainsbourg.com .Gainsbourg said of the first recording session with Beck: "We started with 'Master's Hands', which has a sort of African beat and then we did 'In The End', which is very melodic and much quieter. 'Heaven Can Wait' followed, which is a much more classic pop song. So in that same session we went in three different directions".
Beck added: "I pulled a bunch of songs out. And then I wrote a few, with her in mind, but when we spent time together they changed because I got more of a feeling of where she wanted to go. We got in the studio and I could see all the possibilities."
Others involved include regular Beck collaborators Joey Waronker and James Gadson on drums, Brian LeBarton on keyboards, David Ralicke on trumpet and Beck's father, David Campbell, for string arrangements.
Pavement To Curate ATP Minehead Next May
Oct 7, 2009
Pavement are to curate the All Tommorrow's Parties' festival at Butlins Minehead, UK, next May, organisers have announced.
The legendary US band, which recently reformed for a series of dates, will curate the event, which takes places on the weekend of May 14th-16th in 2010.
According to the ATP website, "after years of speculation, arguably the most important American band of the Nineties is returning to the stage with the line-up of Mark Ibold, Scott "Spiral Stairs" Kannberg, Stephen Malkmus, Bob Nastanovich and Steve West reuniting for dates around the world in 2010 including curating and performing at ATP Weekend 2 on May 14th - 16th."
Tickets are priced at £160pp for room only and £170pp for self catering and go on sale this Friday 9th October.
Details of the act curating the May 7-9 ATP weekend event at the same venue will be announced next week.
See Also: Review: ATP Minehead, May 2009, curated by The Breeders
Glastonbury 2010 Sells Out In A Day
Oct 5, 2009
Glastonbury 2010 has sold out in just one day, organisers have revealed.
The tickets went on sale on October 4 and by the evening organisers announced that, "Tickets for Glastonbury 2010 went on sale at 9am this morning (Sunday 4th October) and the festival's 40th anniversary is now sold out."
Key factors are thought to be that next year's event will mark the festival's 40th anniversary. Stellar sets from Blur and Bruce Springsteen this year have also clearly impressed the festival going public.
The sell out comes in spite of a £10 price hike to £185 a ticket. Despite the sell out there is still a chance of getting a ticket, should any of those that bought them on October 4 decide to cancel their order. Registration to be in with a chance of getting one of these tickets will open on the festival's website on October 12.
This speed at which the tickets sold comes in stark contrast to the 2008 festival, which controversially included Jay-Z among the headliners. Tickets for this event were still being sold right up until the first day.
Musicians Agree Plan To Squeeze Illegal Music Downloaders' Broadband Speed
Sept 25, 2009
Musicians including Lily Allen and Radiohead's Ed O'Brien have ended their public spat about illegal file sharers and agreed a plan to "squeeze" the bandwidth of persistent offenders.
At a heated debate last night (Fri) around 100 musicians agreed to a plan that illegal file sharers should be sent two warning letters before restricting their broadband speed.
Those gathered, who also included Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, Billy Bragg and George Michael, overwhelming backed the plan and rejected calls by the UK government to suspend the accounts of file sharers.
O'Brien told the BBC after the meeting that, "in the meeting, we didn't always agree but we came to an agreement that we thought was good for everyone." He added that the meeting was "quite emotional" and "a little heated at times".
A statement issued by the musicians added that squeezing the bandwidth would, "render sharing of media files impractical while leaving basic e-mail and web access functional."
The meeting was staged after a row between musicians about how to deal with file sharers. Allen had wanted a crackdown, but lobbying group the Featured Artists' Coalition, which includes O'Brien, had argued that cutting file sharers off from the internet would be unworkable and turn music fans against the music industry.
Allen's appearance at the meeting had come as a surprise as earlier in the day she said she would not attend after receiving abuse for her stance against the file sharers.
O'Brien told the BBC that Allen was "extremely brave" for turning up.
Jackson Tribute Acts To Be Approached To Headline Glastonbury 2010
Sept 17,2009
Glastonbury Festival organiser Michael Eavis has hinted that some of the biggest names in RnB and soul performing at June 2010's Michael Jackson tribute in London will be among those approached to headline the next Glastonbury Festival.
In an interview on the Glastonbury Festival website Eavis was on the whole cagey about next year's headline choices but did say: " I see they're moving the Michael Jackson tribute concert to Wembley Stadium in June next year, so there'll be a lot of artists around for that, hopefully.
"I'm speaking to agents, and so are Emily (his daughter), Nick Dewey and Martin Elbourne. We've all got our own contacts within the industry, you see. So, the four of us are at it all the time.
Earlier this month Jermaine Jackson announced that the Michael Jackson Tribute concert, which was due to take place in Vienna on September 26, will be put back to June 2010 and relocated to Wembley Stadium.
Among those rumoured to be appearing are Stevie Wonder, Maroon 5, R. Kelly, Mary J Blige and Chris Brown.
During the interview Eavis also defended a price hike in tickets and parking charges at Glastonbury 2010. Car parking at the 2010 event will now cost £15 and tickets will cost £185, plus around £10 in postage and booking costs.
Eavis said: "The girls doing the budgeting are so thorough and so clever, and they said, 'look, the minimum rise we can get away with is ten quid more'. It is a shame, because I really wanted to hold the price."
Tickets will go on sale on October 4, via http://www.seetickets.com and through a dedicated phone line, 0844 412 4635.
Radiohead Drummer Selway Is 'Recording Solo Album'
Sept 16, 2009.
Radiohead's drummer Phil Selway is reportedly recording a solo album.
According to a number of media outlets, including UK newspaper The Guardian, the drummer is rumoured to be working with members of Wilco on the collaboration.
The Guardian is reporting that he is recording the album at Radiohead's Oxfordshire studio, but was unable to offer any details about the label, album name or release date.
It is understood that those working on the project include Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche and the band's multi-instrumentalist Pat Sansone. Singer Lisa Germano and bassist Sebastain Steinberg are also rumoured to be involved.
All appeared on Neil Finn's Seven Worlds Collide charity album, called The Sun Came Out, with Selway, who sung his own track 'Ties That Bind Us' on the double CD. Selway's first solo singing performance was a concert in Aukland, New Zealand, earlier this year showcasing Finn's album (see clip).
If confirmed, Selway will become the third member of Radiohead to release solo material, following singer Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood.
Speech Debelle Is Surprise Winner of 2009 Mercury Award
Sept 9, 2009
Speech Debelle is the surprise winner of the 2009 Mercury Music Awards.
The London rapper's Speech Therapy album beat off stiff competition from bookies favourite Lungs by Florence and the Machine.
The announcement was made live on BBC2 just minutes after journalist Miranda Sawyer had dismissed Speech Debelle's chances because her album was "old-fashioned".
She suggested the album was too reminiscient of the Acid-Jazz scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, typified by bands such as Galliano, to win the award. Instead she thought Florence and the Machine would win the prize.
Mercury judge Jude Rogers said: " It has a joy and vitality and passion about it."
Debelle said of her victory: "If you believe in something and you think you can do it, you can. I feel so good, it feels better than I imagined.
"There's a lot of music that sounds the same, all day on the radio. Hopefully people will hear this album and realise they don't have to make music that sounds the same - they can make music that sounds good."
Debelle scoops a £20,000 prize in addition to an expected boost in sales. The album did not even make the UK album chart when it was released in June. Before last night it had sold just 3,000 copies.
She is the first female winner of the award since 2002, when Ms Dynamite won. Last year's award, which is handed out for musical merit rather than popularity, was won by Elbow.
See Also: Neonfiller blog: Mercury Nominees
Reading '09: Faith No More Cover Theme to Eastenders
Sept 2, 2009.
Faith No More endeared themselves to the UK crowd at this year's Reading Festival with one of rock music's most unusual covers - their take on the theme tune to BBC1 Soap Opera Eastenders.
During the middle of their headline performance at the festival's NME/ Radio One stage, just after their rendition of 'Malpractice', they launched into the UK soap's theme tune, which was once recorded by Eastenders actress Anita Dobson as 'Anyone Can Fall In Love'.
The track was not their only cover. They also opened with a cover of 'Midnight Cowboy', featuring singer Mike Patton playing a melodica.
The Eastenders theme has become a staple part of their reunion set, having also been played at gigs in Dublin and Paris.
Here's Faith No More's complete set list from Reading:
'Midnight Cowboy'
'From Out Of Nowhere'
'Be Aggressive'
'Caffeine'
'Evidence'
'Surprise! You're Dead'
'Last Cup Of Sorrow'
'Malpractice'
'Eastenders Theme'
'Easy'
'Midlife Crisis'
'Epic'
'I Started A Joke'
'Gentle Art Of Making Enemies'
'King For A Day'
'Ashes To Ashes'
'Just A Man'
'RV'
'Land Of Sunshine'
See Also: Neonfiller.com's top ten covers
by Joe Lepper
Reading '09: Kings of Leon Have Temper Tantrum
Aug 29, 2009
Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill has had another temper tantrum on stage, this time during the band's headline set at the Reading Festival (Aug 28).
Just a month after Followill had a tizzy-fit on stage at the T in the Park Festival he has once again lashed out.
As with T in the Park he ended the band's angry set by smashing his guitar. The set at Reading had already been marred by poor sound quality.
Despite starting the gig on a high note with some good banter with the crowd, the cold night and an overlong, downbeat set with muffled sound changed the atmosphere for the worse.
Earlier he said to the crowd: "I know I say this every night, and I don't want anyone to think I have a problem, but I want to get drunk and party."
However, he later ranted at festival goers, saying: "I know some of you are sick and tired of the Kings of Leon but we have worked really fucking hard to get here. "
During the set the band played a mix of songs from its debut album 'Youth And Young Manhood', together with newer crowd-pleasers such as 'Sex On Fire' and 'Use Somebody'.
Despite a series of prestigious festival headline sets, this has not been a summer the Followills will care to remember.
As well as the T in the Park incident drummer Nathan Followill accused the American music buying public of having poor taste, earlier this summer.
The drummer said that the US is too obsessed with "hip-hop or kiddy pop" and praised music fans in Britain and Europe for their musical taste.
By Nicola Collenette
Organiser Of Failed Beachdown Festival Says He Is 'A Dead Man' Walking
August 27, 2009
The organiser of the failed Beachdown Festival has described himself as, "a dead man walking" after calling off the event this week.
The event, which was due to take place on the Sussex Downs, near Brighton, UK and feature The Zutons and Grace Jones, was cancelled just days before it was due to take place this bank holiday weekend.
Organiser Joe Pidgeon told local newspaper The Argus that the cancellation had left him in financial ruin and his family home would have to be sold. The decision to cancel was taken by Pidgeon and his two co-directors after a number of suppliers wanted payment up front.
He said: "Everything changed two weeks ago when three big corporate suppliers, including a staging supplier and a sound system supplier, asked for 100% of their money up front. The bank simply wouldn't lend us the money in this current economic climate.
"We have all put an immense amount of emotional and financial investment into this. We are just three men from Brighton who really wanted this to work.
"The most frustrating thing for me is if we'd been able to do it, we would have had a quarter of a million pounds straight away from sponsorship and things. It was purely a cash flow issue."
Despite the experience Pidgeon has not ruled out organising another event, adding that he wanted to "say sorry" to the fans that have missed out, many of whom fear they may never see a refund.
Weekend Beachdown tickets cost £90 and day tickets went from £30. Traders had to pay upwards of £1,000 for a pitch.
Fans are still furious about the last minute cancellation. Writing on the Beachdown Festival's Facebook page today Jessica Barclay said: "I feel for the guy i really do but it is a shame that he didn't use the article to say sorry to us! (and by saying sorry I don't mean organising something else next year!)."
Natasha 'LadyT' Hasthorpe added: "Went to Beachdown office in Brighton where I bought my ticket from to find out how to get my money back, and the office is empty and no forwarding info left."
Offset Festival Offers Discount To Frustrated Beachdown Ticket-holders
August 26, 2009
Organisers of September's Offset Festival, near Redbridge, are offering discount tickets to those who have been left out of pocket by the cancellation of the Beachdown Festival.
The organisers are offering cut-price, full weekend tickets to Beachdown ticket holders, who were left furious when the Brighton based event was cancelled today (Aug 26) just days before it was due to take place.
The Offset Festival takes place the following week on September 5-6 at Hainault Forest Country Park, Redbridge.
Tickets for the event for Beachdown ticketholders will cost £35 for the weekend, or £45 with camping. The usual ticket price is £45 for the weekend and £55 including camping.
Although only a £10 discount it is perhaps the only welcome news many Beachdown ticketholders have received today. Those who bought directly from Beachdown are fearful that they may not get a refund.
A statement from Offest Festival organisers said, "As a fellow independent festival, it's always sad to see something like this happen, as we know exactly how much work Beachdown have put into their event. We want to try and ease the disappointment of ticket holders by offering an entrance discount to our festival, which takes place a week after Beachdown would have done."
Offset Festival have increased their capacity in order to offer the discount. The event features two main stages and five smaller stages featuring more than 200 acts.
The line-up includes The Horrors, Metronomy, The Slits, A Certain Ratio, Architects, Rolo Tomassi, The Futureheads, Good Shoes, Kap Bambino, Hatcham Social, The Ghost of a Thousand, Damo Suzuki, Dananananaykroyd, Die! Die! Die!, S.C.U.M, The Chapman Family, Kasms and Tim Burgess.
More information here http://offsetfestival.co.uk/
Fans Furious Over Beachdown Festival Cancellation
August 26, 2009
The Beachdown festival, scheduled to happen over the August bank holiday weekend, has been cancelled due to financial difficulties.
The festival, which takes place in the South Downs outside of Brighton, was only in its second year. The organisers have blamed the current economic climate and a lack of support from the banks for the collapse of the festival. The event was to have featured Grace Jones and The Zutons among others.
The statement, issued on their website just days before the event was due to take place, reads: "It is with immense personal regret that the Directors of Beachdown Festival have been advised that they must announce that due to slower than forecast ticket-sales and lack of support at a critical time from our bank and certain suppliers that despite being so so close to being able to deliver Beachdown Festival we are unable to do so."
Ticket holders are furious about the cancellation, with many fearing they will not get a refund.
Commenting on the Beachdown Festival's Facebook page ticket holder Dan Maitland said: "I was (un)lucky enough to buy tickets through a friend, directly from their offices 1 week ago. Thought hey, no booking fee, great news..... Today there are no staff there....almost certainly wont get a penny back. Just to rub sallt into the wounds, ...they also sold a friend a parking ticket (Again directly from their offices) yesterday.......now that just seems downright dishonest."
Another disgruntled ticket holder Jo Go said: "I have every sympathy with the organisers but also would like to be reassured that I will get my money back. What Beachdown said on it's website today is nonsense "We ask all ticket-holders to get information from the outlet that you pur...chased the ticket from in the first instance." I went in to Rounder Records in Brighton just now, where I purchased 5 tickets on a switch card and was told by the staff that they are not refunding anything yet until they receive instruction from Beachdown."
To read the full statement visit http://www.beachdownfestival.com/
V Festival Organisers Put 'Early Bird' 2010 Tickets On Sale
August 24, 2009
V festival organisers are to put a limited amount of 'early bird' tickets for the 2010 festival on sale from tomorrow (Tues, August 25).
Tickets will be available at 2009 prices, of £132.50 for a weekend pass and £152.50 for a weekend pass with camping. The early bird tickets will be limited to four per person.
Festival director Simon Moran said: "We really want to give fans the chance to buy tickets for next year's festival at this year's prices, as it means they can be first in the queue for next year's festival and save a few quid in the process. V Festival has a great history of brilliant line-ups and next year will be no exception. We're looking forward to it already."
The offer comes despite the first acts of the 2010 line up not being announced until at least early next year.
The line up at this year's festival, which took place at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, and Weston Park, Staffordshire included Snow Patrol, Elbow and Dizzee Rascal.
For more information about the early bird ticket offer visit http://www.vfestival.com/tickets.
First Act For Glastonbury 2010 To Be Named At Charity Gig Next Month
August 14, 2009
The first act for Glastonbury 2010 is to be named at a charity gig being staged next month at the festival site.
The event, called Pilton Party and headlined by Florence and The Machine and Dizzee Rascal, will also feature the final of the Rockstar 09 battle of the bands competition.
The top three bands from the heats will battle it out at the event for the prize of playing at the 2010 Glastonbury Festival and having the honour of being the first confirmed act for the event. The winners also win the chance to record at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios.
Last year's winners Major Major, from Liverpool, have posted a round up of their experience playing at the 2009 Glastonbury Festival on their myspace site.
Funds raised at the Pilton Party, which takes place at Worthy Farm from 5pm on Friday 4th September, will go towards the running costs of the Pilton Parish Hall, the Pilton Working Men's Club and Pilton Playing Fields Association.
Strokes frontman Casablancas considers "Disney-style" tour for debut album
August 13, 2009
Strokes singer Julian Casablancas is considering staging "Disney-style" gigs as part of a forthcoming tour to mark the launch of his first solo album.
In an interview with NME Casablancas said: "Ideally, I'm going to try to put on some over-the-top, amazing, Disney shows. You know how they have some amazing rides where you feel like you're in a weird world, like the Epcot Centre or something?
"I'm not thinking of the big Goofy costume but I was thinking of how those rides make you feel with lots of set changes and stuff. But that might not happen and we'll do straight shows, I haven't quite figured it out yet, it's the next thing to do.
"I'm in the process of figuring out what kind of show it's going to be. It's like anything, it's starting out probably a little bit too ambitious so we've got to figure out what we can and can't do and that will dictate how much touring happens."
The tour is expected in Britain and the US in October as part of the promotional push for his debut Phrazes For the Young, which is due for release in September.
Magic Band Join ATP 10th Anniversary Line-Up
August 11, 2009.
Captain Beefheart's reformed the Magic Band have been added to the line up of All Tomorrow's Parties 10th anniversary festival, which takes place Friday 11 to Sunday 13th December at Butlins, Minehead, UK.
The band are a favourite of ATP having played at its Camber Sands, UK, festival in 2003. They were also a favourite of the late John Peel, who was left speechless on his show after playing a live recording of part of their ATP set.
Others that have been added to the line-up include: Lightning Bolt, Mum, OM, Porn (The Men Of) and Tall Firs. In addition Sunn 0))) will now play two sets at the event. One show will be of the 'GrimmRobe Demos, and the other performing new work from their 'Monoliths & Dimensions' album.
Those already confirmed at the event include: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Modest Mouse, The Breeders, Explosions in the Sky, Battles, Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks, Dirty Three, Tortoise, Shellac, Melvins, Mudhoney, J Mascis and the Fog, The For Carnation, Papa M, Deerhoof, The Drones, Sleepy Sun, Bardo Pond, F*ck Buttons, APSE, and Alexander Tucker and Decomposed Orchestra.
More are expected to be added to the line up over the coming months.
See Also - Festival Review: Breeders Curated ATP, May, 2009.
by Joe Lepper
Wild Beasts Added To Summer Sundae Line-Up
Aug 5, 2009
Wild Beasts have been added to the Summer Sundae Weekender line-up to replace Dananananaykroyd, whose drummer broke his arm during a crowd diving accident.
This is the second year running that Wild Beasts have performed at the event, which takes place from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th August at De Montfort Hall, Leicester, UK.
They will perform on the Friday night at the Rising Stage before Mum and join a line up that includes Friday's mainstage headliner The Streets, Saturday's headliner The Charlatans and Sunday's main acts The Zutons and Bon Iver.
Others appearing at the event, which features 100 acts and six stages, include First Aid Kit, Future of the Left and Frank Turner.
Drummer John Baillie Junior's accident happened late last month (July) at a gig in Sydney. A Summer Sundae Weekender statement said: "So yes, Dananananaykroyd now cannot play due to injuries sustained whilst in Australia. But never fear - Wild Beasts are here! And they will melt your minds with their brilliance."
Wild Beasts latest album Two Dancers was released last month and features the single 'Hooting & Howling'.
Tickets are still on sale, as of August 5. Weekend tickets are on sale priced at £102 for an adult ticket or £109 for an adult ticket with camping, there are less than 500 of these available. An adult and child combination ticket is priced at £136, an adult and child with camping is priced at £143, and an adult with two children s is priced at £170, with an additional £7 for camping.
A Friday adult day ticket is priced at £37, adult Saturday or Sunday day tickets are priced at £42. An adult + child ticket is priced at £49 (Fri) or £57 (Sat/Sun), there is also an adult + 2 children ticket which is priced at £61 for Friday or £72 for each of the other days.
by Joe Lepper
Online Band Management Site Launched
5 Aug, 2009
Indie musician Wil Padley, who plays bass with The Domino State, has launched an online band manager tool for unsigned and self-managed bands.
Called Band Central, the site aims to help bands to organise and promote themselves better online.
Padley said: "BandCentral gives bands a private, personalised, multi log-in Band HUB that enables them to keep everything associated with a band (communication, money, gig info, music files etc) in one central, instantly accessible place."
BandCentral features include:
· Communication Board so bands can do away with tedious multi-thread emails
· Band Calendar & To-Do lists with integrated SMS/ Email alerts
· 5GB File Storage (music, artwork, videos, contracts etc..)
· Gigs, Setlist and Guestlist Manager
· Band Finance manager to track all incomings, outgoings and IOUs
· Social network tools to post gigs & status updates direct to MySpace, Twitter & facebook
· Promotional band tools (Fan SMS/Email alerts, fan database & collector widgets)
· Music Industry Directory
UK based Domino State have supported Coldplay and recently toured with M83.
Arctic Monkeys Release Limited Edition 7" Through Oxfam
Aug 4, 2009.
Arctic Monkeys are to release a limited edition 7" vinyl version of their new single 'Crying Lightning' through Oxfam's charity shop chain.
Although the 700-strong charity shop chain is well known for stocking second hand records this is the first time in its 25 year history it has stocked a new release.
The band are also encouraging people to take their old records to Oxfam shops to help them raise more money.
The single is set to be released on 17 August a week before Humbug's release on 24 August. Neonfiller will be publishing its review nearer the time.
Online Daters Use Kings of Leon For Wooing
July 30, 2009
Kings of Leon's 2008 single 'Sex On Fire' has been surprisingly ranked alongside the likes of Marvin Gaye's 'Let's Get It On', in a list of the most romantic songs among online daters.
According to latest research by online dating firm eHarmony.co.uk 'Sex On Fire' is now the third place most popular choice of track among users of its online mixtape service to woo partners.
The latest figures show that 'Let's Get It On' is still the most popular track used through the service, with 'Sex on Fire' sandwiched between Al Green's 'Let's Stay Together' in second, and Eric Clapton's 'Wonderful Tonight' in fourth.
Others in the top ten include 'I Will Always Love You', by Whitney Houston, 'Hello, I Love You' by The Doors and Jack Johnson's 'Better Together'.
The rest of the top ten is dominated by rock acts and includes the likes of Guns N' Roses 'November Rain' and 'Iris' by the Goo Goo Dolls.
eHarmony.co.uk spokesperson Helen Melluish said: "Receiving a mixtape of songs from a loved one can be as special today as it was 15 years ago.
"It's already interesting to see which tracks are the most popular inclusions; some of the best-selling artists of all time such as The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey and Elvis don't even make it into the top ten at the moment."
Ironically Kings of Leon have not been a band associated with love in recent weeks. At this month's T in the Park festival singer Caleb Followill had a public temper tantrum over the sound quality and smashed his guitar. Also recently drummer Nathan Followill waged war on the US music buying public by insulting their music taste.
Top ten in full
Let's Get It On - Marvin Gaye
Let's Stay Together - Al Green
Sex On Fire - Kings Of Leon
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
Hello, I Love You - The Doors
November Rain - Guns N' Roses
Better Together - Jack Johnson
Somebody To Love - Queen
Iris - Goo Goo Dolls
By Joe Lepper
The Get Up Kids Apologise For Inspiring Fall Out Boy and Inventing Emo
July 29, 2009
Recently reformed US pop punk-sters The Get Up Kids have apologised for inventing the most recent wave of Emo bands.
The band that formed in 1995, broke up in 2005 and reunited last year, are also particularly apologetic for being one of the main influences for Emo pin up stars Fall Out Boy.
Drowned in Sound reports that at a recent reunion gig guitarist James Suptic looked at the audience of eye-liner wearing, flicky-haired fey punks and said: "If this is the world we helped create then I apologise."
He told the website that: "Honestly, I don't often think about the state of emo. We played the Bamboozle fests this year and we felt really out of place. I could name maybe three bands we played with.
"It was just a sea of neon shirts to us ... the punk scene we came out of and the punk scene now are completely different. It's like glam rock now."
Commenting on Fall Out Boys' well publicised admiration for The Get Up Kids, Suptic added: "If a band gets huge and they say we inspired them - great. The problem is most of them aren't very good. What does that say about us? I don't know. Maybe we sucked."
Saint Etienne Line Up For Moseley Folk Festival But Bert Jansch Cancels Due To Illness
July 28, 2009
Indie-pop legends Saint Etienne and The Pastels are among the acts lining up for the Moseley Folk Festival (September 4-6), however folk legend Bert Jansch has been forced to pull out due to illness.
Saint Etienne will be playing on the Friday night at the event, which also includes newer folk acts such as Vetiver, as well as traditional folk stalwarts such as Martin Carthy and Jethro Tull.
According to a statement by festival organisers: "We really feel this is our strongest yet with a balanced and diverse mix of all the best in traditional, contemporary and psychedelic folk music."
In relation to Bert Jansch's illness, the statement added: "It is with great sadness that we must tell you that Bert has recently been diagnosed with an unexpected illness, for which he is now undergoing treatment.
"It is unlikely that he will be appearing at this year's Moseley folk festival. However there is still a very slight chance, if he is feeling better, that he will play, but at this stage this is looking very unlikely. Our thoughts are with Bert and his family."
Bert Jansch's official website has confirmed that Jansch has also cancelled his North American tour as well as other UK dates. "Bert is very sorry to be missing the tour, and apologises to all the fans who were hoping to see him. He is looking forward to rescheduling as soon as possible."
For a full Moseley Festival line up and further details click here.
Arctic Monkeys Wage War On The Ting Tings
July 27, 2009
The Arctic Monkeys have waged a war of words with The Ting Tings, saying that the Ivor Novello Awards for songwriting had been "cheapened" after the Manchester duo won a gong this year.
As part of the publicity drive ahead of their forthcoming third album Humbug, Arctic Monkey's drummer Matt Helders has told Q magazine: "The Ivor Novello Awards used to feel like the most meaningful ones but I think they've been cheapened.
"I don't want to be horrible to The Ting Tings but they won it and it's supposed to be for songwriting. There's a lot better songwriting ability out there."
This latest bout of handbags follows an official cessation of hostilities with Take That.
Singer Alex Turner, 23, had called them "bastards" at the 2006 Q Awards, but in the interview with Q, he said: "I've met Mark Owen a couple of times since and he's the nicest man in the world. I was badly behaved - he understood. We needed something to say. Cantankerous youngsters getting overexcited.
"They went away and wrote Shine. That was the biggest 'F*** you' imaginable."
After turning his venom on The Ting Tings, Helders, who co-curated the recent Sheffield Tramlines festival, has even said of Take That: "I want to be friends with Gary Barlow. I've seen him on telly and he seems a right laugh. Next year I'd like to see Helders and Barlow take Everest," in reference to the Take That singer's recent charity walk exploits.
Michael Jackson's Hair To Be Turned Into Diamonds
July 27, 2009.
A lock of Michael Jackson's charred hair recovered at the scene of his disastrous 1984 Pepsi commercial, in which the king of pop was injured by a pyrotechnic fault, is to be turned into commemorative diamonds.
In a statement issued by the Chicago based firm LifeGem, which specialises in converting the carbon in hair into diamonds, the hair was scooped up at the scene of the Pepsi shoot by executive producer Ralph Cohen and has since been preserved by collector John Reznikoff.
The statement says that Cohen was one of the first to help Jackson at the scene and is seen on video footage of the event throwing his jacket over Jackson's head, to extinguish the flames. He also appeared to have time to pick up a lock of the singer's charred hair during the chaos.
"The provenance and authenticity of this lock of hair is impeccable, including the highly publicised video showing the original owner of the hair using his Armani jacket to extinguish Jackson's hair, said John Reznikoff. "This jacket was included with the purchase of the hair."
A portion will remain in Reznikoff's collection. Another portion is being used by LifeGem to create a small number of certified, high quality diamonds as a tribute to Jackson's life.
Back in 2007 LifeGem & Reznikoff collaborated to successfully create diamonds from Beethoven's hair.
"We specialize in creating diamonds from locks of hair. Our plan is to give people an opportunity to own a diamond made from Michael Jackson's DNA," said Dean VandenBiesen founder of LifeGem. "We are currently evaluating Jackson's hair sample to determine how many diamonds can be created. This will be a limited collection and we anticipate great interest."
by Joe Lepper
Kasabian's Meighan Brands US Music Fans 'Deluded'
July 24, 2009
Tom Meighan, lead singer with Mercury music prize nominee Kasabian, has branded American music fans "deluded" and said they are 30 years behind the UK musically.
He told UK radio station XFM that, "You have to be U2 or Coldplay to get radio play. Americans are deluded, not all of them. They think they're ahead, but musically they're not. They're 30 years behind."
His outburst comes just days after the band's third album, West Pauper Ryder Lunatic was nominated for a Mercury music prize and a month after it topped the UK album charts.
But despite the acclaim in the UK Kasabian have struggled to break the US, where the album made a pathetic 126 in the US Billboard chart. His latest outburst is unlikely to win many more fans.
Meighan's comments come just weeks after Kings of Leon's drummer Nathan Followill also accused the American music buying public of having poor taste.
The drummer said that the US is too obsessed with "hip-hop or kiddy pop" and praised music fans in Britain and Europe for their musical taste.
Arctic Monkey's Helders Curates Sheffield Tramlines Festival
July 24, 2009
The Arctic Monkey's Matt Helders, Toddla T and Reverend and the Makers' Jon McClure are among the curators of Sheffield's largest ever city wide music festival, taking place this weekend (July 24-26).
The Sheffield Tramlines Festival is being staged at venues across the city as part of the Sheffield Music City festival, which began last week, and features among others Little Boots and the Noisettes.
Apart from the main stage on Devonshire Green the event comprises free gigs and DJ sessions taking place in bars and pubs including The Bowery and Frog and Parrot.
Playing the main stage on the Saturday night are Little Boots, the Noisettes, Girls Can't Catch and MPHO, meanwhile Reverend and the Makers headline Sunday night at the main stage.
For the free events, organisers stress that entry to see the 150 or so bands playing at the 25 venues taking part will be on a first come first served basis.
Free events include a Matt Helders hosted night at DQ, which will include a performance by Book Club.
Free tickets will be available from 10.30am on the Saturday and 1pm on the Sunday from a kiosk on the green.
The event is split into several colour coded circuits:
Purple - The Main Stage: Devonshire Green.
Orange - Bar Scene: The Showroom, Bar 23, Common Room, Ruby Lounge, Dogma.
Purple - Outdoors: Peace Gardens, Millennium Square, Barker's Pool, The Moor.
Grey - Threads: DQ, Frog and Parrot, The Bowery, The Washington, Green Room, Jacks Records.
Green - Fringe: Upstairs at DQ, Penelopes, The Grapes, The Earl, Interval.
Pink - Adventures in the Beetroot Field versus Drowned in Sound: The Harley, Corporation, Bungalows and Bears, The Stockroom, The Shakespeare, The Cremorne.
Brown - Acoustic: Old House, Rude Shipyard, Olive, Ceilidh at the Dog and Partridge.
For more information visit www.tramlines.org.
by Joe Lepper
MGMT To Appear On Jay-Z's Blueprint 3
July 23, 2009
MGMT are among the guests to appear on Jay-Z's new album, The Blueprint 3.
The Brooklyn duo,who penned one of the best songs of last year 'Time To Pretend' will also be joined by Rihanna on the album, which is scheduled for release on Sept 11.
Jay-Z, who controversially headlined the Glastonbury festival last year, said the album was finished last November but has been reworked since then to ensure it better reflects, "the current state of music".
He added: "The Blueprint 3 is a diverse and "mature" album. If you're a 30-year-old rapper still trying to make music like you're 15, then you're making it narrow."
"At my age, I can't relate to a 15-year-old. I deal with mature and relevant topics for my age group."
The Blueprint 3's first official single, Run This Town, features cameos by Kanye West and Rihanna and is set to be released this week.
Ian Brown Says Michael Jackson's Thriller Is The Inspiration For New Album
July 22, 2009.
Former Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown has said his forthcoming album has been inspired by Michael Jackson, but insists it is more coincidence than cash-in.
In an interview with NME.com, Brown denies he is cashing in on the death of Jackson and insists that "Thriller was our blueprint" for the new album, which is called My Way and is due for release on 28 September, from the outset.
Brown added that the album's style was conceived long before Jackson's death. "We mastered it on the day that Jackson died. I'm taking that as a good omen," he said.
While some will question Brown's intentions of linking his new release with Jackson's death he does have history in paying tribute to the king of pop, after covering 'Thriller' and 'Billie Jean' for his 2005 compilation.
by Joe Lepper
Bookies Favourite Florence and The Machine Bags Mercury Nomination
July 21, 2009.
Florence and The Machine, Friendly Fires and La Roux are among the hopefuls vying for this year's Mercury Prize.
Others among the 12 who have nabbed one of the coveted shortlist places are Kasabian, Bat for Lashes, Lisa Hannigan, The Invisible, Led Bib, Sweet Billy Pilgrim and Speech Debelle and Glasvegas.
Among the suprises when the nominations were read out today (July 21) at London's Hospital Club were omissions of Lily Allen, Little Boots, Doves and White Lies.
From Neon Filler's perspective it was also disappointing not to see Lesiure Society make it on to the shortlist.
The award is one of the most prestigious in British and Irish music with the award going to the best album from the two countries over the last 12 months. Of those nominated seven are debut releases, including bookmakers joint favourite Lungs, by Florence and the Machine.
Tim Elsenburg from Sweet Billy Pilgrim said of the band's nomination: "I was at work, fitting a toilet seat in Farnham, when I heard about the nomination.
"We are very proud that our record - grown in my shed - has made such a good impression on the judges, and to be associated with the Mercury is a massive honour," he added.
MERCURY PRIZE ODDS in full
· Kasabian - 5/1
· Florence and the Machine - 5/1
· Bat For Lashes - 6/1
· Glasvegas - 6/1
· La Roux - 6/1
· Lisa Hannigan - 8/1
· Speech Debelle - 8/1
· The Horrors - 8/1
· Friendly Fires - 8/1
· The Invisible - 10/1
· Sweet Billy Pilgrim - 10/1
· Led Bib - 10/1
Source: William Hill
by Joe Lepper
Florence and the Machine and Lily Allen Are Favourites For Mercury Music Prize
July 17, 2009
Lily Allen and Florence and the Machine have emerged as the bookmakers' favourites to scoop this year's Mercury Music Prize, one of the UK's most prestigious music awards.
Allen's second album It's Not Me and Florence and the Machine's Lungs are UK bookies' favourites to not only win one of the 12 nomination places when they are announced next Tuesday ( July 21), but also to win the prize.
So far with bookmakers Ladbrokes Florence and the Machine has the edge with odds of 4-1, although Allen is not far behind with odds of 9-2.
Ladbrokes odds on Allen dropped dramatically from 50-1 to 5-1 after a rush of bets over the week. Robin Hutchison, from Ladbrokes, told UK newspaper The Daily Star, the firm might have to close the book on the Mercury music prize.
He said: "We are staring down the barrel of a huge payout, which could cost the industry thousands. If we get our fingers burnt we may have to pull the plug on novelty bets of this sort."
Others in the running for a nomination are La Roux, Bat for Lashes, Doves, Bloc Party, Willkommen Records' Leisure Society and The Brakes.
The Mercury Prize for 'Albums of the Year' will be revealed at11.30amonTuesday 21July 2009. The announcement will be made by presenter and broadcaster Lauren Laverne and will take place at The Hospital Club in Covent Garden, London.
The judging panel, which is made up of journalists, musicians and music producers, is based solely on the music rather than commercial success. The 2008 award was won by Elbow's Seldom Seen Kid.
The Prize's chair of judges, SimonFrith said: "It's been an intriguing year for UK music and we once again saw a rise in the number of albums entered for the Mercury Prize.
"One of the continuing developments is the blurring of genres, with musicians clearly being influenced by a wide-range of sources".
The overall winner of the 2009 prize will be decided and announced on Tuesday 8 September, 2009.
By Joe Lepper
Kings of Leon Furious Over T in the Park Sound Quality
13 July, 2009
Kings of Leon have courted controversy once again after guitarist Caleb Followill had a tizzy-fit on stage at the T in the Park festival and threatened to pull out of another festival at the weekend.
According to Irish broadcaster RTE and UK newspaper The Sun Followill was furious about the sound quality at the T in the Park festival in Scotland, which was cited as the cause of him smashing his guitar at the end of the set at the weekend.
The band then reportedly threatened to pull out of the Oxegen festival in Ireland the next day. After they calmed down they did travel to Ireland and performed at the event.
The Sun quotes a source saying: "He (Followill) smashed up his guitar at the end of the group's T in the Park set, throwing the broken frame of the instrument into the crowd.
He was livid about the sound and took out his anger on stage without considering the consequences.
"His guitar is now ruined. The crowd were oblivious to the sound difficulties but the Kings want every show to be perfect. When they came off stage, tempers flared... It was really nasty before their tour manager stepped in. They were even threatening to pull out of Oxegen."
This latest outburst comes just days after Kings of Leon's drummer Nathan Followill accused the American music buying public of having poor taste.
The drummer said that the US is too obsessed with "hip-hop or kiddy pop" and praised music fans in Britain and Europe for their musical taste.
See Also - Kings of Leon: Big babies or rock stars?
Kings of Leon Slam America For Poor Music Taste
July 10, 2009
Kings of Leon's drummer Nathan Followill has accused the American music buying public of having poor taste.
The drummer said that the US is too obsessed with "hip-hop or kiddy pop" and praised music fans in Britain and Europe for their musical taste.
Followill is quoted, by among others music-news.com, as saying, "Most music gets ignored in the States unless it's hip-hop or Hannah Montana or Disney music like the Jonas Brothers. Kiddy pop or hip-hop, that's pretty much what America is.
"You may turn on the radio and you hear maybe one out of 10 songs that you'd consider decent.
"The U.K. is more open to all kinds of music. The fans are just insane in the U.K. - they are music lovers. You have kids going to shows to see the bands, not going to a show to be seen there."
Modest Mouse Joins ATP 10th Anniversary Line-Up
July 8, 2009
The Ten Years Of ATP festival will take place at Butlins Resort in Minehead from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th December, 2009 and features previous festival curators and ATP recording artists and favourites.
The three acts join a line up that already includes Explosions in the Sky, Battles, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks and Dirty Three.
Others on the bill include Shellac, Melvins, Mudhoney and Deerhoof.
The Breeders performance is the band's second within a year for ATP, after curating one of two ATP festivals taking place at the same venue in May (see our review here.)
Tickets are priced at £160 per person for room only accommodation and £170 per person for self-catering. For more information go to http://www.atpfestival.com.
by Joe Lepper
Jack White Defends Online Subscription Costs
July 6, 2009.
Jack White's record label Third Man Records has defended the launch of its online subscription service, which charges fans up to £12.25 ($20) a month for exclusive merchandise and music from the likes of White Stripes, Dead Weather and Raconteurs.
The service is called the Vault and offers a two-tier membership scheme. For £4.25 ($7) a month you get the "premium membership" service including the chance to snap up pre-sale concert tickets and access to exclusive video streams, chat rooms and pay per view live concerts.
For £12.25 ($20) a month fans get the "platinum membership" service, which includes the premium membership goodies as well as exclusive subscription only releases each quarter, including a 12" LP, 7" single and t-shirt.
In releasing details of the service Third Man Records has also issued a robust defence for the cost of the subscriptions.
In a statement the label says: "There is plenty of archived never before seen and heard footage, photos and music on our vault.
"If you knew what we had lying around here, you'd crap your pants. Our goal is to keep the vault fresh with new content enough so that your pants are always full of crap."
The statement adds that additional footage will be released through the chat rooms to give the service, "spontaneity."
by Joe Lepper
Moss Begs Lily Allen For Music Career Help
July 2, 2009.
Supermodel Kate Kate Moss is turning to Lily Allen as part of her plan to launch a music career.
According to UK magazine Closer Moss has begged Allen to include her on her next album.
The pair are said to have been close for much of the year and even holidayed together in the south of France recently.
This is the latest attempt by Moss to launch a music career and comes after her boyfriend Jamie Hince, from The Kills, ruled out recording with her.
Moss appeared on the Lemonheads' recent cover versions album Varshons. However her lead vocal role on the band's cover of 'Dirty Robot' failed to impress critics.
She has also previously performed live with ex-boyfriend Pete Doherty and made an appearance in the White Stripes 2003 video 'I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself'.
See Also: The Lemonheads- Varshons review , Blog - Lily Allen Should Shun Glossies
by Joe Lepper
Viewers Slam BBC For Too Much Michael Jackson Coverage
July 2, 2009
The BBC has been criticised for focusing too much attention on Michael Jackson's death in its news coverage.
The UK broadcaster has received around 750 complaints from viewers saying enough is enough regarding its Jackson coverage.
BBC newsroom head Mary Hockaday has defended the coverage saying that Jackson was a globally known star.
News specials were also aired on both BBC1 and BBC2 on the Friday night.
Writing on the BBC News website's editor's blog Hockaday said: "We've had a number of complaints about our coverage, the main charge being that we simply did too much: that his death didn't justify the prominence and scale of our reporting through Friday and into the weekend.
"The story was certainly very prominent, with extensive reporting on our domestic and global news channels and it was the lead story on our television and radio bulletins and on the web. But this wasn't to the exclusion of other important stories domestically and internationally. Friday was also the third day of our special coverage on television and our website from Pakistan and Afghanistan."
"Some stories divide audiences, and clearly there are those who aren't interested in Michael Jackson. But we have to try to serve a whole range of readers, listeners and viewers - and undoubtedly a great many of you were extremely interested."
See Also: Glastonbury pays tribute to Jackson , Blog - MJ fans need perspective
by Joe Lepper
Blur To Release Live Double CD of Hyde Park Gig
June 30, 2009
Blur is to release live albums of its shows at London's Hyde Park, which take place on July 2 and 3.
Each of the performances, which are part of the Essex band's reunion tour that included a headline set at the Glastonbury Festival, will be available as both a double CD or via MP3.
These latest live albums follow the recently released double CD, best of compilation Midlife: A Beginner's Guide to Blur.
The first show as part of the Blur reunion tour was on June 13 at the East Anglian Railway Museum, Colchester, England, which is on the site of the band's first ever live show in 1988. The gig was the first live show in nine years.
Blur's Glastonbury headlining set has received wide critical acclaim for injecting some pop into a mainstage line up that was dominated by stadium rockers such as Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young. The set's highlights included an extended version of 'Tender' and 'Song 2.'
Glastonbury: Tributes Set To Be Paid To Jackson
June 26, 2009
Tributes are set to be paid to Michael Jackson throughout the Glastonbury Festival this weekend, according to organiser Emily Eavis.
Writing on Glastonbury's twitter page Eavis said: ""So sad to hear the news about. MJ. There will be tributes all over the site all weekend. A truly great artist. Emily."
Her comments were made just hours after it emerged that Jackson had died last night in Los Angeles of a heart attack.
Teenage Australian singer Gabriella Cilmi became the first artist to pay tribute to Michael Jackson on the Pyramid Stage at the festival.
She was greeted with applause after slipping in a few lines from Jackson's Billie Jean into her single Sweet About Me during her performance today (June 26).
A number of artists at the festival with links to Jackson are alsoexpected to pay tribute. Saturday night's headliner Bruce Springsteen sang with Jackson on the 'We Are The World' charity record. Others at Glastonbury who worked with Jackson include Q-Tip, who headlines the Jazz World stage tonight.
It is not known if Jarvis Cocker, who famously mooned at Michael Jackson during a Brits performance and is headlining the John Peel stage on Saturday night, will make mention of the prince of pop's passing.
Meanwhile the festival site, at Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset, was last night struck by one of the worst downpours of rain seen in the west country this year. The rain continued to fall today (Fri), but is expected to clear on Saturday.
By Joe Lepper
Glastonbury: Traffic Nightmare For Festival Goers
June 25, 2009
Traffic problems heading into the Glastonbury site on Wednesday (June 23) were the worst in years.
A number of incidents on the roads in Somerset yesterday conspired to make the journey for many festival goers a misery.
One listener on Steve Lamacq's Radio 2 show last night texted in to say he had travelled just five miles in three hours on the roads leading up to the festival site at Worthy Farm, Pilton.
Among the problems included a deer running loose on the site, which meant the gate opened half an hour later. This led to a build up of traffic on the A39 for much of the morning in the Street and Glastonbury area.
An accident on the M4 during the day further compounded the problem. Eye witnesses in Glastonbury and Street said that many festival goers caught in traffic were sitting by the roadside staging impromptu parties.
It is estimated that around 60,000 of the 137,000 people expected turned up on Wednesday. Further problems on the roads are expected today (thurs).
There were also a small number of arrests yesterday at the site, for drug offences and possessing offensive weapons.
Rain is still forecast for Friday and Saturday, but the area should brighten up on Sunday.
by Joe Lepper
Glastonbury: Latest Weather Predictions
June 24, 2009
Glastonbury festival goers are being urged to pack their wellies for the 2009 event, which kicks off on June 25.
Latest weather forecast from the Met Office shows that there is a good chance of rain on Thursday night and throughout Friday during the festival.
There was further grim news for Saturday, which is set to feature rain showers.
Good news for Sunday though. The rain is set to clear.
Despite the rain, temperatures will be fairly high over Thursday to Saturday at between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius and peaking at 24 degrees Celsius on Sunday.
Our correspondent in the Glastonbury area says that traffic on the A39 heading towards the festival site at Pilton was already at a standstill on Wednesday (June 24) morning.
Top tip for those without wellies, Sainsbury's at Street, Somerset, A39 was well stocked as of Tuesday (June 23), when our correspondent last looked.
For latest Glastonbury weather reports click here.
by Joe Lepper
Glastonbury: Headline Selection Secrets Revealed
June 23, 2009
Glastonbury Festival organisers Emily and Michael Eavis say picking headliners for the legendary festival is a mixture of chaos and finding artists prepared to play on the cheap.
With fees being offered at roughly a tenth of big artists' usual live rate Michael Eavis told the BBC that, "the bottom line is that we take what's on offer, really."
Instead they look to woo big names by stressing the festival's place in music history, its ability to increase album and merchandise sales and raise a star's profile.
Radiohead, Kings of Leon and 2008's controversial choice Jay-Z have all benefited following their classic performances over the years.
Michael and his daughter Emily also revealed to the BBC that Jay-Z was only chosen after Radiohead opted against playing that year. Emily told the BBC that Jay-Z was her idea and was eventually booked only after battling an agent's attempt to book Kanye West instead.
A good track record of live performances, particularly at Glastonbury also rockets a band to headline status, revealed Emily.
She said that King of Leon, who headlined last year on Friday night, had "impressed" her after working their way up the bill over a number of years.
"We just make a judgement on what we see and what we hear really," Michael added.
The Glastonbury Festival 2009, which takes place in Somerset, UK, kicks off Thursday June 25. Headliners on the pyramid stage are Blur, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen.
By Joe Lepper
Neon Filler's Festival 2009 Guide
Fleet Foxes Singer Pecknold Supports Illegal Music Sharing
June 12, 2009
The Fleet Foxes singer Robin Pecknold says illegal music downloading has benefited the music scene.
Speaking after receiving the award for best live act at the Mojo Awards, London, this week, Pecknold said that illegal file sharing had helped shape his musical knowledge.
Sharing through the orginal Napster in the late 1990s helped Pecknold get hold of "hundreds" of classic albums, he says.
He told BBC News, "That was how I discovered almost everything when I was a teenager - my dad brought home a modem.
"That was how I was exposed to almost all of the music that I love to this day, and still that's the easiest way to find really obscure stuff."
He added that because of his illegal downloading track record he has no objections to fans downloading his music through file sharing sites.
" I've downloaded hundreds and hundreds of records - why would I care if somebody downloads ours? That's such a petty thing to care about," he added.
Among the albums Pecknold discovered through the original Napster and other sources were Brian Wilson's Smile and The Zombies' Odessey and Oracle.
by Joe Lepper
Indie Tracks Festival Update
June 3, 2009
Further details of Indie Tracks, one of the UK's oddest music festivals, have been announced.
The festival is based on five stages at the unusual venue of the Midland Railway, Butterley, Derbyshire, and will be headlined by Camera Obscura, Emmy the Great and Au Revoir Simone.
Latest news from the festival organisers is that former Pipettes singer Rose Elinor Dougall will be added to a line up, that also includes Butcher Boy, The Manhatten Love Suicides and Help Stamp Out Loneliness.
A full schedule for the event, which takes place between July 24 and 26, has also been released on the festival's website.
Veteran indie-popsters BMX Bandits and Frank and Walters will also be appearing at the event, which is now in its third year and was headlined by The Wedding Present and Los Campesinos last year.
At this year's event Madrid based Elefant Records will host a stage as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, with acts including La Casa Azul, Cola Jet Set, Cooper and Tender Trap set to play.
As well as the chance to see some obscure new bands and others from yesteryear those attending will get access to attractions at the railway including a farm and museum as well as unlimited rides on the steam railway.
Weekend tickets cost £55, day tickets cost £30 and both are available to buy from Ticketweb or by calling the railway direct on 01773 747 674.
See Also: Neon Filler's 2009 Festival Guide
by Joe Lepper
Former Wilco member Jay Bennett dies
May 28, 2009
Former Wilco multi-instrumentalist Jay Bennett, who acrimoniously left the band after the recording of their 2002 breakthrough album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, has died at the age of 45.
Bennett had been with the band for seven years before his relationship with Wilco front man Jeff Tweedy broke down.
The split and the recording of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot were documented in the film I Am Trying To Break Your Heart, directed by Sam Jones.
At the time of his death Bennett was involved in a lawsuit against Tweedy for alleged non-compensation for his appearance in the film and other "unpaid royalties" from his work with the band.
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot remains the bands most successful album, selling 590,000 copies to date.
In a statement Tweedy said the band was "deeply saddened" by Bennett's death, the cause of which is unknown pending an autopsy.
He said: "We will miss Jay as we remember him, as a truly unique and gifted human being and one who made welcome and significant contributions to the band's songs and evolution. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends in this very difficult time."
Wilco are currently touring in Spain ahead of next month's release of their seventh studio album Wilco (The Album). This will be their first album release for two years and has already attracted controversy after being leaked on the internet.
Early reports are that the album showcases a mix of styles, from alternative country to Velvet Underground inspired rock. The album also features a duet between Tweedy and Leslie Fiest.
By Dorian Rogers
Faith No More's Patton Teams Up With Comic Legend Moore
May 22, 2009
Faith No More frontman Mike Patton is to team up with legendary comic book writer Alan Moore.
Patton is among a number of artists understood to be involved with the score for a forthcoming two-hour audio book by Moore.
The semi-autoiographical book by Moore will be released next year on UK indie label Lex Records.
Other musicians collaborating on the project are understood to be Justin Broadric, formerly of industrial metal band Godflesh.
This will be a busy year for Patton after it emerged that Faith No More are to reform and play a string of dates.
It is understood that original guitarest Jim Marton, who quit in 1993, will not be returning as part of the tour.
Faith No More leapt to fame in 1987 with the single 'We Care A Lot'. Among their classic albums are 1989's 'The Real Thing' and 1991's 'Angel Dust.' The reunion this year comes 11 years after they split up.
Moore is a legend among comic and graphic novel fans, with his writing credits including Watchmen, From Hell and V for Vendetta.
by Joe Lepper
Maccabees and Camera Obscura Join T in the Park Line Up
May 11, 2009
Scotland's Camera Obscura and the Maccabees are among the latest acts to be confirmed for this year's T in the Park festival.
Fresh from the release of their critically acclaimed fourth album My Maudlin Career, Camera Obscura will be performing on the Friday night at the event, that takes place at Balado, Kinross-Shire, Scotland, from July 10 to 12.
The Maccabees, who have just released their second album Wall Of Arms, will also be performing on the Friday night.
In addition indie-folksters Mumford & Sons have been added and will open the King Tut's Wah Wah Tent at T in the Park on Saturday 11 July.
They join a line up that already includes Kings of Leon, the Killers, Franz Ferdinand, Blur and Nine Inch Nails as well as Crystal Castles, Edwyn Collins and the Hours.
The Slam Tent line up has now been completed, with the addition of Joris Voorn, Ben Sims and Funk D'Void.
by Joe Lepper
See Also: Neon Filler's 2009 Festival Guide
Bilbao BBK launches Cut Price Ticket Promotion
May 5, 2009
Organisers of Spain's Bilbao BBK Live festival, featuring Jane's Addiction, Depeche Mode and Kaiser Chiefs, are running a special promotion where the first 1,000 UK festival goers can get tickets for a cut price £40.
The first 1,000 tickets for the three-day event, which takes place between July 9 and 11, will be at the discounted price of £40, a significant reduction on the standard three day pass which usually costs £126.
The full line up so far confirmed also includes The Ting Tings, Placebo, Editors, Basement Jaxx, Supergrass and The Gaslight Anthem. Baby Shambeles and Primal Scream are also scheduled to play.
For more information about the £40 promotion - see here.
by Joe Lepper
'Do You Realise' To Become The Official Rock Song Of Oklahoma
April 24, 2009
The Flaming Lips anthem 'Do You Realise' is set to become the official rock song of Oklahoma.
The song was selected as the official song by a public vote but was then rejected by the Oklahoma house of representatives. One representative stating "the band has a reputation for using obscene language" and another noting "one of the band members wore a red T-shirt with a yellow sickle and hammer on it when the Flaming Lips came last month to the Capitol".
However, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry has overruled the house and will sign an executive order on April 28th making the song official.
Governor Henry said, "For more than 20 years, Oklahoma's own Flaming Lips have produced creative, fun and provocative rock music. The music of the Flaming Lips has earned Grammys, glowing critical acclaim and fans all over the world. A truly iconic rock 'n' roll band, they are proud ambassadors of their home state. They were clearly the people's choice, and I intend to honor that vote."
By Dorian Rogers
Crystal Castles Join T In the Park Line Up
April 8, 2009
Crystal Castles, Little Boots and Regina Spektor are among a raft of acts that have been added to the T in the Park line up.
Others confirmed to play at the weekend festival are Edwyn Collins, Twin Atlantic, Frank Turner, The Virgins, Fight Like Apes and The Hours, who will all play the King Tut's Wah Wah Tent.
In addition Daniel Merriweather, who is best known for his vocal on producer Mark Ronson's Smith's cover 'Stop Me', will play the King Tut's Wah Wah Tent on Sunday.
They join a bill that also includes Kings of Leon, the Killers, Frank Ferdinand, Nine Inch Nails, Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs and Blur.
According to the official T in the Park website all camping passes at the event have now sold out but there are still a small number of weekend and day passes available.
The event takes place at Balado, Kinross-Shire, Scotland, from July 10 to 12.
by Joe Lepper
See Also - Neon Filler's 2009 Festival Guide
Reading and Leeds Festivals Sell Out
The 2009 Reading and Leeds festivals have sold out in 24 hours for the seventh year running. All weekend tickets have been sold with only a handful of day tickets left available for the Leeds event.
This continues a strong year so far for festivals, despite the current economic crisis. Glastonbury has also completely sold out and tickets for other festivals are selling strongly.
The Reading and Leeds festivals take place between August 28th and 30th. The bill features Radiohead, The Arctic Monkeys and Kings of Leon as headliners. The Prodigy, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Bloc Party are also set to appear.
See Also - Neon Filler's 2009 Festival Guide
March 2, 2009
The Chinese government has pulled the plug on Oasis' forthcoming concerts in Beijing and Shanghai due to Noel Gallagher's support of the Free Tibet movement.
A statement from the band's publicists said they were disappointed with the decision and hoped the Chinese government would reconsider.
It is understood that the ban was put in place after Chineses government officials were made aware of Noel Gallagher's performance at a Free Tibet benefit in 1997.
The decision will not affect the rest of the band's south-east Asian tour.
Oasis, which last week picked up the NME's award for best British band, are the latest in a long line of acts to fall foul of the Chinese government. Jay-Z was banned in 2006 due to his liberal use of swearing and Britney Spears was only allowed in play five years ago if she ensured her costumes were less revealing.
by Joe Lepper
See Also: Neon Filler Blog: Isn't It About Time To Forget About Oasis
February 25, 2009
After more than 10 years away Faith No More are set to reunite and play a European tour. The news was released in a very low key way at the bottom of a press release about singer Mike Patton's latest recordings, a soundtrack for the film Crank 2: High Voltage.
Original guitarist, Jim Martin, who left the in 1993 due to tensions with the rest of the band, is unlikely to return for the reunion.
Faith No More gathered a cult following with the release of the single 'We Care A Lot' in 1987. With the departure of original vocalist Chuck Mosley (one of a string of singers that included Courtney Love) and the arrival of Mike Patton the band made their crossover in 1989 with the album The Real Thing. This was followed in 1991 by their masterpiece Angel Dust.
The band split after releasing seven albums in 1998.
Details of the forthcoming tour have not yet been announced.
By Dorian Rogers
February 20, 2009
Trip-hop legend Tricky is among the latest acts to be added to the Breeders curated All Tomorrow's Parties line up.
Taking place at Butlins, Minehead, from May 15 to 17, Tricky will be joined by other latest recruits Brighton band Blood Red Shoes, New York's J-Zone and Boston rapper Mr Lif.
Tricky shot to fame in the early 1990s performing on Massive Attack's Blue Lines and his 1995 debut Maxinquaye received huge critical acclaim.
Others on the Breeder's curated bill include the Breeders themselves, Throwing Muses, Teenage Fanclub, Foals, CSS and Bon Iver.
All Tomorrow's Parties The Fans Strike Back event will also take place at Butlins, Minehead, on May 8-10. Confirmed acts at this event, which is co-curated by ticket holders and ATP include Devo and M83.
According to the All Tomorrow's Parties website approaches are now being made to Neurosis, Jesu, Wolves in the Throne Room, M. Ward, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone and Lords.
by Joe Lepper
Thom Yorke Being Lined Up For Terminator Soundtrack
February 11th, 2009
Terminator Salvation director McG is considering bringing in Radiohead's Thom Yorke for the movie's soundtrack.
Speaking at New York Comic Con this month the director told the audience that he was interested in bringing in Gustavo Santaolalla, whose scores have included Brokeback Mountain and Babel, together with Yorke.
He told the convention that, "we talked about Gustavo getting with Thom Yorke from Radiohead, which I thought would be a very interesting combination."
It is not yet clear whether Yorke's potential involvement will be just for the soundtrack or for the score of the film itself or whether an official approach has been made.
The rumour will surely be a welcome piece of publicity for this latest in the Terminator series following the furore surrounding Christian Bale's four letter rant at a passing director of photography.
Meanwhile a release date for the soundtrack of the forthcoming Watchmen film has been announced. The album, which features a version of Bob Dylan's 'Desolation Row' by My Chemical Romance, will be released on March 3.
The album will not contain any songs by Smashing Pumpkins, despite their track 'The Beginning is the End is the Beginning' being used in trailers for the film. A faster version, 'The End Is the Beginning Is the End', was previously used on the Batman and Robin soundtrack.
by Joe Lepper
Cramps Frontman Lux Interior Dies
February 5, 2009
Lux Interior, the enigmatic lead singer of rockabilly punk legends The Cramps has died.
Interior who suffered from a heart condition died in Glendale, California, according to an official statement from his media representatives.
He was one of punk's great showmen and formed The Cramps with his wife Kristy 'Poison Ivy' at the start of the punk movement in New York in 1976.
The official statement says: "Lux has been an inspiration and influence to millions of artists and fans around the world. He and wife Poison Ivy's contributions with The Cramps have had an immeasurable impact on modern music.
"He was a fearless frontman who transformed every stage he stepped on into a place of passion, abandon, and true freedom. He is a rare icon who will be missed dearly."
by Joe Lepper
Glastonbury Festival - A Sell Out For 2009
February 3, 2009
Tickets for Glastonbury Festival 2009 have now officially sold out, according to organiser Emily Eavis.
This was the first year that festival goers were given the chance to pay a deposit for early tickets and all tickets are now sold after the deadline of making full payment closed on February 1.
A limited number of cancelled tickets will be resold in April, offering some slim hope to those wanting to attend who missed out on buying a ticket early on.
This year's sell out is a far cry from last year's event, which struggled to attract similar interest early on and courted controversy with the booking of Jay-Z.
On the festival's website Eavis said: "We're chuffed to bits that we've managed to sell so many tickets so far ahead, especially when you look at the weather outside.
"Thanks to everyone for keeping the faith; it's certainly shaping up to be another vintage year for Glastonbury Festival, with a brilliant line up to be unveiled in June."
Those wanting to pick up a cancelled ticket need to have gone through the festival's anti-tout registration process. These tickets will be made available from 9am, April 5 from www.seetickets.com/g2009.
To register upload your details and photo at www.glastonburyregistration.co.uk
by Joe Lepper
Folk guitar legend John Martyn dies
January 29, 2009
Folk and blues guitar legend John Martyn has died at the age of 60, just weeks after being appointed an OBE in the New Years Honours.
The news of this death was released through a statement on his website that simply said: "With heavy heart and an unbearable sense of loss we must announce that John died this morning."
He was one of the leading lights of the London folk scene in the 1960s and was one of the UK's most influential artists. Among those to cite him as an influence are Portishead and U2.
His albums include his 1968 debut London Conversation and Solid Air in 1973. The title track of Solid Air was a tribute to fellow folk singer and friend Nick Drake.
In an interview with the Scotland on Sunday in 2000, to accompany the release of his Glasgow Walker album, he explained why despite critical acclaim he shunned the celebrity lifestyle.
"Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't mind a yacht, a mansion, maid servants. But I don't care enough. I just love to play, to perform. The adulation. Let's be honest--I'm 53 years old. What could I spend it all on anyway?"
by Joe Lepper
Oasis head NME Award nominations
January 28, 2009
Oasis have managed the rare feat of being nominated in both the worst and best band categories for the 2009 NME awards.
The band, who were nominated in seven categories, clearly continue to divide opinion, with the jury out as to whether they are a spent force or still have more to offer.
Other nominations for the Gallagher brothers' band include best live band, best album and best British band. If successful in any of the categories this will be the first year they have won an award since 2006, when they scooped the best video gong.
Among others vying for the coveted best British band prize are Radiohead, Bloc Party,
Muse and last year's winners The Last Shadow Puppets.
Coldplay have been nominated for worst album for Viva La Vida (Or Death And All His Friends), perhaps in a bid to avert criticism in recent years that the NME's awards have become mainstream.
This year's outstanding contribution to music award will go to The Cure. Previous recipients have included Manic Street Preachers and Primal Scream.
The winners will be announced at the Brixton Academy, London, on February 25.
by Joe Lepper
January 26, 2009
French musician Yann Tiersen, who shot to fame with his film scores for Amelie and Goodbye Lenin, is among the latest acts to be added to the Breeders curated All Tommorow's Parties line-up.
As well as his film scores Tiersen has produced a number of critically acclaimed solo albums, featuring collaborations with artists such as Stuart Staples and Liz Fraser.
Tiersen joins a line up that already includes Deerhunter, Foals, Throwing Muses and Teenage Fanclub. Others confirmed include Belgium's Styrofoam, Brazil's CSS and veterans Gang of Four and Shellac.
The event takes place at Butlins, Minehead, Somerset from May 15-17.
All Tommorrow's Parties has also booked the same holiday camp on May 8-10 for its Fans Strike Back festival. Confirmed acts at this event, which is co-curated by ticket holders and ATP itself include Devo, Shearwater, Beirut and M83.
by Joe Lepper