Music News
Music News
Gary Barlow has offered to sing for free at fans' birthdays.
The 45-year-old Take That singer has given his 4.2 million followers the chance to be serenaded by him for their special milestone parties, following his performances at five weddings last year.
Fans must get in touch with Gary via his Twitter account and make their case as to why he should perform at their parties.
Taking to his to his social media account on Sunday (06.03.16), he tweeted: "So 2015 was the year I sang at weddings! And what fun we had ... If you have a milestone birthday this year start your campaign now! ... 21, 30, 40, 60, 110 !!!!! I'll come and sing at your party ... Good luck everyone ! Xx (sic)"
Gary surprised newlyweds Stephen and Katie Hardy when he performed for nothing at the nuptials back in August of 2015. The happy couple had no idea he was going to make an appearance at their reception and were left "speechless" when he sang 2006 hit 'Rule The World'.
In May of the same year he again sang for another couple Anita Booth and Alex Morrissey who were watching an impersonator of the 'Back For Good' hitmaker before Gary himself took over the microphone to sing 'A Million Love Songs' at their wedding in Manchester, North West England.
Gary Barlow offers fans free birthday gigs
Gary Barlow has offered to sing for free at fans' birthdays.
The 45-year-old Take That singer has given his 4.2 million followers the chance to be serenaded by him for their special milestone parties, following his performances at five weddings last year.
Fans must get in touch with Gary via his Twitter account and make their case as to why he should perform at their parties.
Taking to his to his social media account on Sunday (06.03.16), he tweeted: "So 2015 was the year I sang at weddings! And what fun we had ... If you have a milestone birthday this year start your campaign now! ... 21, 30, 40, 60, 110 !!!!! I'll come and sing at your party ... Good luck everyone ! Xx (sic)"
Gary surprised newlyweds Stephen and Katie Hardy when he performed for nothing at the nuptials back in August of 2015. The happy couple had no idea he was going to make an appearance at their reception and were left "speechless" when he sang 2006 hit 'Rule The World'.
In May of the same year he again sang for another couple Anita Booth and Alex Morrissey who were watching an impersonator of the 'Back For Good' hitmaker before Gary himself took over the microphone to sing 'A Million Love Songs' at their wedding in Manchester, North West England.
Music News
Kelly Clarkson claims she was "blackmailed" into working with Dr. Luke.
Last month, a court ruled that Kesha must abide by her contract with Sony Music and Dr. Luke, despite her allegations that she was sexually abused by the record producer and although Kelly says she doesn't know anything about Kesha's situation, she claimed he is "not a good person".
Speaking about the producer, who she worked with on 'Since You've Been Gone' and 'Behind These Hazel Eyes', Kelly told Australia's KIIS 106.5: "I'll be honest about the guy, but I don't know that situation. He's not a good person, to me. We've clashed. He's difficult to work with, he's kind of demeaning.
"Obviously he's a talented dude but he's lied a lot. Musically it's been really hard for me because he will just lie to people and it makes the artist look bad.
"When so many artists don't like you, that says something. I only worked with him because literally I was blackmailed by my label. It was a really hard time for me.
"We have a whole crew to support...people that depend on us for their livelihood so sometimes you have to make decisions that you just have to swallow that pill."
However, Kelly added that her problems with Dr. Luke - real name Lukasz Gottwald - were strictly professional,adding: "He never did anything like that [alleged sexual assault] to me."
After Kesha's court ruling was revealed, Kelly took to Twitter to write: "Trying 2 not say anything since I can't say anything nice about a person... so this is me not talking about Dr. Luke (sic)."
Dr. Luke - whose Kemosabe Records is part of Sony-owned RCA - had denied all of Kesha's allegations.
Kelly Clarkson slams Dr Luke
Kelly Clarkson claims she was "blackmailed" into working with Dr. Luke.
Last month, a court ruled that Kesha must abide by her contract with Sony Music and Dr. Luke, despite her allegations that she was sexually abused by the record producer and although Kelly says she doesn't know anything about Kesha's situation, she claimed he is "not a good person".
Speaking about the producer, who she worked with on 'Since You've Been Gone' and 'Behind These Hazel Eyes', Kelly told Australia's KIIS 106.5: "I'll be honest about the guy, but I don't know that situation. He's not a good person, to me. We've clashed. He's difficult to work with, he's kind of demeaning.
"Obviously he's a talented dude but he's lied a lot. Musically it's been really hard for me because he will just lie to people and it makes the artist look bad.
"When so many artists don't like you, that says something. I only worked with him because literally I was blackmailed by my label. It was a really hard time for me.
"We have a whole crew to support...people that depend on us for their livelihood so sometimes you have to make decisions that you just have to swallow that pill."
However, Kelly added that her problems with Dr. Luke - real name Lukasz Gottwald - were strictly professional,adding: "He never did anything like that [alleged sexual assault] to me."
After Kesha's court ruling was revealed, Kelly took to Twitter to write: "Trying 2 not say anything since I can't say anything nice about a person... so this is me not talking about Dr. Luke (sic)."
Dr. Luke - whose Kemosabe Records is part of Sony-owned RCA - had denied all of Kesha's allegations.
Music News
Iggy Pop "worries constantly" about being poor.
The 68-year-old musician admits he fears blowing all his money and not having enough to get him through his old age.
He said: "What I think about is feeling I'm going to blow it. I have this picture of myself in some little old people's home with a bunch of other old geezers, and a flannel robe with holes in it, waiting for somebody.
"Even 15 years ago, my accountant was saying, 'You will never be poor, don't worry.' But I do worry. I worry constantly. It drives me nuts."
However, Iggy's collaborator Josh Homme believes the 'Passenger' hitmaker's fear is only good news for music as a whole.
Iggy said: "[Michel] Houellebecq has a great line where he says: "Money is an excellent motivator for a great piece of art."
In a joint interview, Josh added to The Guardian's Guide magazine: "As long as it encourages risk. Safety equals death. If you reach a certain status, or age, or a monetary thing, people play it safe, they lose the plot, they quit on themselves, they copy themselves. They're afraid. They say, 'I only play the blues!' I'm like, 'What, why?'"
Iggy Pop’s money worries
Iggy Pop "worries constantly" about being poor.
The 68-year-old musician admits he fears blowing all his money and not having enough to get him through his old age.
He said: "What I think about is feeling I'm going to blow it. I have this picture of myself in some little old people's home with a bunch of other old geezers, and a flannel robe with holes in it, waiting for somebody.
"Even 15 years ago, my accountant was saying, 'You will never be poor, don't worry.' But I do worry. I worry constantly. It drives me nuts."
However, Iggy's collaborator Josh Homme believes the 'Passenger' hitmaker's fear is only good news for music as a whole.
Iggy said: "[Michel] Houellebecq has a great line where he says: "Money is an excellent motivator for a great piece of art."
In a joint interview, Josh added to The Guardian's Guide magazine: "As long as it encourages risk. Safety equals death. If you reach a certain status, or age, or a monetary thing, people play it safe, they lose the plot, they quit on themselves, they copy themselves. They're afraid. They say, 'I only play the blues!' I'm like, 'What, why?'"
Music News
Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff are reminded of their "crazy" success whenever they see each other.
The hip hop pioneer and Oscar-nominated Hollywood star are the best of pals, having rose to fame as the Grammy Award winning duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince.
They're set to unite in December to go on tour, but Jeff revealed whenever they meet they share a knowing "look" of disbelief at the wonderful careers they have had.
'The Return of the Magnificent' hitmaker exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "You have no idea just the conversations that we'll have. There's times that he'll give me that look, and I know that look, I've known that look for 30 years! It's 'Can you believe this?' I don't think it will ever completely set in that this is how it's supposed to be. And I think people are really shocked that it's like that with him. You know, 'You don't ever take anything for granted... this is crazy.' "
Jeff is booked to perform at SuncéBeat festival in Croatia which is held at iconic music location The Garden, Tisno, in July.
And these days the former 'Fresh Prince of Bel Air' co-stars find it easier to catch up in exotic places than in their hometown of West Philadelphia.
Jeff recalled: "I was just wrapping up my Asian tour in January and my last date was in Malaysia. I landed there and got a text, 'Are you in Malaysia?' And I was kind of like, 'Why would he ask me if I was in Malaysia?' But I said 'Yeah man, I've just landed' and he replied 'I'm in the airport'."
The 'Summertime' hitmakers then enjoyed a completely random reunion.
He continued: "I'm just like, 'Wait a minute, how in the world, how random, is it for us to be in Malaysia at the same time?' So he was like, 'Where you at?' and I told him the baggage claim. And he said 'I'm sending someone to come and get you.' He had just landed and he was over there for some business meetings, and had just landed too, and asked someone what's going on tonight, and she looked it up and said, 'You're not gonna believe it, your partner is here.' "
Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff reminded of ‘crazy’ careers
Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff are reminded of their "crazy" success whenever they see each other.
The hip hop pioneer and Oscar-nominated Hollywood star are the best of pals, having rose to fame as the Grammy Award winning duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince.
They're set to unite in December to go on tour, but Jeff revealed whenever they meet they share a knowing "look" of disbelief at the wonderful careers they have had.
'The Return of the Magnificent' hitmaker exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "You have no idea just the conversations that we'll have. There's times that he'll give me that look, and I know that look, I've known that look for 30 years! It's 'Can you believe this?' I don't think it will ever completely set in that this is how it's supposed to be. And I think people are really shocked that it's like that with him. You know, 'You don't ever take anything for granted... this is crazy.' "
Jeff is booked to perform at SuncéBeat festival in Croatia which is held at iconic music location The Garden, Tisno, in July.
And these days the former 'Fresh Prince of Bel Air' co-stars find it easier to catch up in exotic places than in their hometown of West Philadelphia.
Jeff recalled: "I was just wrapping up my Asian tour in January and my last date was in Malaysia. I landed there and got a text, 'Are you in Malaysia?' And I was kind of like, 'Why would he ask me if I was in Malaysia?' But I said 'Yeah man, I've just landed' and he replied 'I'm in the airport'."
The 'Summertime' hitmakers then enjoyed a completely random reunion.
He continued: "I'm just like, 'Wait a minute, how in the world, how random, is it for us to be in Malaysia at the same time?' So he was like, 'Where you at?' and I told him the baggage claim. And he said 'I'm sending someone to come and get you.' He had just landed and he was over there for some business meetings, and had just landed too, and asked someone what's going on tonight, and she looked it up and said, 'You're not gonna believe it, your partner is here.' "
Music News
Simon Cowell says the new Fifth Harmony album is "amazing".
The music mogul - who formed the group on America's 'The X Factor' in 2012 - is excited about the upcoming release of their second album and revealed they are his "big focus" this year.
Simon told E! News: "From America this year, our big focus in the States this year is Fifth Harmony, and they've got a killer album coming out, the album's amazing."
The girl band - Normani Kordei, Camila Cabello, Lauren Jauregui, Ally Brooke and Dinah Jane Hansen - only released their debut LP 'Reflection' last year but Camila has already admitted that she believes they will eventually split.
Asked whether she expects the group to break up in the future, she said: "Honestly, I think we all do. We'd be lying if we all said this is a picture-perfect thing, like we all completely agreed on the album track list and what the sound and the music video treatment would be like, which usually happens in bands who grew up together. But for manufactured bands, it's harder."
But the brunette beauty insists she still gets along well with her bandmates and they have no plans to part ways soon.
She said: "The cool part is that we allow one another to do our own thing within this thing. I think it's healthy because if not, personally, I would go insane."
Simon Cowell praises Fifth Harmony’s ‘killer’ new album
Simon Cowell says the new Fifth Harmony album is "amazing".
The music mogul - who formed the group on America's 'The X Factor' in 2012 - is excited about the upcoming release of their second album and revealed they are his "big focus" this year.
Simon told E! News: "From America this year, our big focus in the States this year is Fifth Harmony, and they've got a killer album coming out, the album's amazing."
The girl band - Normani Kordei, Camila Cabello, Lauren Jauregui, Ally Brooke and Dinah Jane Hansen - only released their debut LP 'Reflection' last year but Camila has already admitted that she believes they will eventually split.
Asked whether she expects the group to break up in the future, she said: "Honestly, I think we all do. We'd be lying if we all said this is a picture-perfect thing, like we all completely agreed on the album track list and what the sound and the music video treatment would be like, which usually happens in bands who grew up together. But for manufactured bands, it's harder."
But the brunette beauty insists she still gets along well with her bandmates and they have no plans to part ways soon.
She said: "The cool part is that we allow one another to do our own thing within this thing. I think it's healthy because if not, personally, I would go insane."
Music News
Will Smith is planning to go on tour with DJ Jazzy Jeff in December.
The pair rose to fame in their formative years as the Grammy Award winning act DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - enjoying huge success with hits 'Summertime' and 'Parents Just Don't Understand' - and are set to get back on the road later this year.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, Jazzy Jeff revealed: "Will is filming something now that I think he is going to be filming for a few months. So it's supposed to be in December. All of this, is based on scheduling."
The hip-hop pioneer spends his time jet-setting across the globe spinning decks at festivals and shows, and is booked to perform at SuncéBeat in Croatia at iconic music location The Garden, Tisno, in July.
And the 'Boom! Shake The Room' hitmaker admits his nomad lifestyle and the fact he's still immersed in music has attracted his old friend - who went on to become one of Hollywood's most successful movie stars - back to his first love.
He said: "We talk about how it was, and how different things are now, and how more accessible we are to the world. And he watches me a lot, circling the globe. It rouses his curiosity."
Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff to reunite in December
Will Smith is planning to go on tour with DJ Jazzy Jeff in December.
The pair rose to fame in their formative years as the Grammy Award winning act DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - enjoying huge success with hits 'Summertime' and 'Parents Just Don't Understand' - and are set to get back on the road later this year.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, Jazzy Jeff revealed: "Will is filming something now that I think he is going to be filming for a few months. So it's supposed to be in December. All of this, is based on scheduling."
The hip-hop pioneer spends his time jet-setting across the globe spinning decks at festivals and shows, and is booked to perform at SuncéBeat in Croatia at iconic music location The Garden, Tisno, in July.
And the 'Boom! Shake The Room' hitmaker admits his nomad lifestyle and the fact he's still immersed in music has attracted his old friend - who went on to become one of Hollywood's most successful movie stars - back to his first love.
He said: "We talk about how it was, and how different things are now, and how more accessible we are to the world. And he watches me a lot, circling the globe. It rouses his curiosity."
Music News
Berry Gordy insists Michael Jackson would still be alive if he hadn't left Motown.
The 86-year-old producer signed the late star's family group, The Jackson 5, to his label in 1969 and launched the King of Pop's solo career two years later, but they all, with the exception of Jermaine Jackson, left to sign with Epic Records in 1975, a decision the legendary songwriter insists was down to their father and manager, Joe Jackson's desire for "power and money".
Asked if Michael - who died of acute Propofol intoxication in 2009 while preparing for a 50-date London residency - would still be alive if he had remained with Motown, Berry said: "Of course, but it wasn't Michael who wanted to leave.
"It was his father. They wanted power and money.
"I always worried about Michael."
Berry - who has eight children from three marriages - and his family used to enjoy sports games with the Jacksons, and on one occasion the producer was very impressed by one particularly "amazing" player - but failed to realise the boy was his own stepson.
He recalled to Britain's GQ magazine: "Michael was the catcher for his family team.
"Every time Michael would miss the ball, this other kid would come over and scoop it up. He was amazing!
"I went up to this kid and said it was a family game. He said, 'Do you know Ray Singleton?' I said of course I know her, she was my wife from Detroit. And he said, 'Well, I'm her son.' And I said, 'Oh you're my son too!' "
Berry Gordy: Michael Jackson would still be alive on Motown
Berry Gordy insists Michael Jackson would still be alive if he hadn't left Motown.
The 86-year-old producer signed the late star's family group, The Jackson 5, to his label in 1969 and launched the King of Pop's solo career two years later, but they all, with the exception of Jermaine Jackson, left to sign with Epic Records in 1975, a decision the legendary songwriter insists was down to their father and manager, Joe Jackson's desire for "power and money".
Asked if Michael - who died of acute Propofol intoxication in 2009 while preparing for a 50-date London residency - would still be alive if he had remained with Motown, Berry said: "Of course, but it wasn't Michael who wanted to leave.
"It was his father. They wanted power and money.
"I always worried about Michael."
Berry - who has eight children from three marriages - and his family used to enjoy sports games with the Jacksons, and on one occasion the producer was very impressed by one particularly "amazing" player - but failed to realise the boy was his own stepson.
He recalled to Britain's GQ magazine: "Michael was the catcher for his family team.
"Every time Michael would miss the ball, this other kid would come over and scoop it up. He was amazing!
"I went up to this kid and said it was a family game. He said, 'Do you know Ray Singleton?' I said of course I know her, she was my wife from Detroit. And he said, 'Well, I'm her son.' And I said, 'Oh you're my son too!' "
Music News
Union J have vowed to still remain friends with George Shelley even though he is now out of the group.
George's bandmates Josh Cuthbert, J.J. Hamblett and Jaymi Hemsley decided to carry on as a three-piece without George as he apparently lacked commitment to the group since appearing on reality TV show 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' last year.
Josh gave him an "ultimatum" in an email to either commit to a future with the 'Carry You' hitmakers or go it alone with George choosing the latter.
Despite his departure, Jaymi has now gone on Twitter to wish George all the best in his future endeavours and assure fans the foursome will always remain friends.
Writing on his personal account on Friday (04.03.16), he tweeted: "I can certainly say this decision has not come from any bad feeling, jealousy or anything else of that nature. I will always support and be George's friend and so happy he is being amazing and slaying what he's doing! Just a very sad day that has been blown out of proportion! (sic)"
The 26-year-old star also revealed the remaining members "mutually agreed" to continue as a trio until they find a suitable replacement for George, who they are all very "proud" of.
Jaymi continued: "George has decided he could no longer continue in Union J because he is pursue individual projects! I wanted it to come from my hand that I am very proud of George, the person he is and everything he has so far and will continue to achieve. He will always be my brother! Of course I am utterly heartbroken that we are no longer a four and I am going to miss him beyond belief, but mutually we agreed that we would like to continue in Union J, which George totally supported, and it wouldn't be fair for all the band members not to have the same goal at the minute. (sic)"
Josh also made a post on his own personal Twitter handle to tell his followers that he is fully supportive of George and also promised that Union J will have new music coming soon.
He added to his Twitter account: "I'll always love him and see him as a friend ... Now it's time to get into the studio and give you some new music. (sic)"
Also tweeting on the situation, JJ wrote: "I want to wish George the best of luck on the future, and will miss him! Although George decided he no longer wanted to be a part of Union Js Journey, as a 3 we feel we are just getting started and Owe it to all you guys to continue and Want to Continue, I promise you of this!!
"We have got some very exciting things coming your way in the next few weeks which I am sure you will be delighted with ... Thanks for all your kind support and this is the reason you are The BEST FANS in the world. We love you guys (sic)"
Union J: We’re still friends with George Shelley
Union J have vowed to still remain friends with George Shelley even though he is now out of the group.
George's bandmates Josh Cuthbert, J.J. Hamblett and Jaymi Hemsley decided to carry on as a three-piece without George as he apparently lacked commitment to the group since appearing on reality TV show 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' last year.
Josh gave him an "ultimatum" in an email to either commit to a future with the 'Carry You' hitmakers or go it alone with George choosing the latter.
Despite his departure, Jaymi has now gone on Twitter to wish George all the best in his future endeavours and assure fans the foursome will always remain friends.
Writing on his personal account on Friday (04.03.16), he tweeted: "I can certainly say this decision has not come from any bad feeling, jealousy or anything else of that nature. I will always support and be George's friend and so happy he is being amazing and slaying what he's doing! Just a very sad day that has been blown out of proportion! (sic)"
The 26-year-old star also revealed the remaining members "mutually agreed" to continue as a trio until they find a suitable replacement for George, who they are all very "proud" of.
Jaymi continued: "George has decided he could no longer continue in Union J because he is pursue individual projects! I wanted it to come from my hand that I am very proud of George, the person he is and everything he has so far and will continue to achieve. He will always be my brother! Of course I am utterly heartbroken that we are no longer a four and I am going to miss him beyond belief, but mutually we agreed that we would like to continue in Union J, which George totally supported, and it wouldn't be fair for all the band members not to have the same goal at the minute. (sic)"
Josh also made a post on his own personal Twitter handle to tell his followers that he is fully supportive of George and also promised that Union J will have new music coming soon.
He added to his Twitter account: "I'll always love him and see him as a friend ... Now it's time to get into the studio and give you some new music. (sic)"
Also tweeting on the situation, JJ wrote: "I want to wish George the best of luck on the future, and will miss him! Although George decided he no longer wanted to be a part of Union Js Journey, as a 3 we feel we are just getting started and Owe it to all you guys to continue and Want to Continue, I promise you of this!!
"We have got some very exciting things coming your way in the next few weeks which I am sure you will be delighted with ... Thanks for all your kind support and this is the reason you are The BEST FANS in the world. We love you guys (sic)"
Music News
James Morrison has slammed 'The X Factor' for ripping the "individuality" out of music.
The 'Broken Strings' singer has hit out at the talent show, claiming the format manufactures pop acts that all sound the same and says the show - headed up by music mogul Simon Cowell - doesn't reach out to artists with enough enthusiasm.
Speaking to Key 103's Mike and Brooke from the Breakfast show, he said: "They just all sound like everyone else ... they just strip the individuality from people ... I just think that's the thing that's wrong about it. If they embraced the artist and really, totally, fully embraced what they're about ... I mean the guys who are a bit overweight end up slim as hell by the end."
The 31-year-old singer/songwriter - who returned with his fourth studio album 'Higher Than Here' last October - thinks people are losing faith in pop music because of TV talent shows.
He said: "I don't think it's the right way to go about getting your music out there ... it's all about the winning of the competition. I don't think people are as impressed by music as they used to be because of programmes like that that strip away all the layers of what it takes to make a song or put music together."
And the hunky tunesmith thinks the world would be a better place without the entertainment programme.
He added: "It is a bit of a shortcut but at the same time ... if it doesn't come on again, it's not going to bother me ... I'm sure it wouldn't do the music industry any harm if it stopped showing on telly. I don't think it's the right platform but it's an entertainment show."
James Morrison blasts X Factor’s identikit pop stars
James Morrison has slammed 'The X Factor' for ripping the "individuality" out of music.
The 'Broken Strings' singer has hit out at the talent show, claiming the format manufactures pop acts that all sound the same and says the show - headed up by music mogul Simon Cowell - doesn't reach out to artists with enough enthusiasm.
Speaking to Key 103's Mike and Brooke from the Breakfast show, he said: "They just all sound like everyone else ... they just strip the individuality from people ... I just think that's the thing that's wrong about it. If they embraced the artist and really, totally, fully embraced what they're about ... I mean the guys who are a bit overweight end up slim as hell by the end."
The 31-year-old singer/songwriter - who returned with his fourth studio album 'Higher Than Here' last October - thinks people are losing faith in pop music because of TV talent shows.
He said: "I don't think it's the right way to go about getting your music out there ... it's all about the winning of the competition. I don't think people are as impressed by music as they used to be because of programmes like that that strip away all the layers of what it takes to make a song or put music together."
And the hunky tunesmith thinks the world would be a better place without the entertainment programme.
He added: "It is a bit of a shortcut but at the same time ... if it doesn't come on again, it's not going to bother me ... I'm sure it wouldn't do the music industry any harm if it stopped showing on telly. I don't think it's the right platform but it's an entertainment show."