Music News
Music News
Mumford & Sons and Sir Elton John have called on fans to help them fight the "battle" against ticket touts.
The 'I Will Wait' hitmakers and the 68-year-old legend have blasted the practice - also known as secondary ticketing - which sees people buy up tickets for an event to resell them at a profit, and an open letter on the group's website has addressed music-goers directly asking them to join them.
The letter reads: "Many tickets on secondary sites are being sold by touts who are simply in the business of ripping off the fan by charging an extortionate amount for sold out shows ... We need your help to win this battle."
"Yes, there are some fans legitimately trying to sell on tickets to other fans because they can't make a show for whatever reason - but we believe this is a tiny percentage of the business being conducted on secondary tickets sites. We strongly urge you to use a platform like Twickets, ScarletMist and other face-value-only sites if you can't make a show and need to sell on your tickets."
And while the band - which includes Marcus Mumford, Winston Marshall, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane - recently visited the British parliament to offer their support for an investigation into Secondary Ticketing they insist they have exhausted a number of means to combat the practice over the years.
The letter continues: "Behind the scenes over the years, we have tried a lot of different ways to beat the touts including trying to get as many of the tickets as possible for a show to sell ourselves through ticket companies that we choose; we hold back tickets to put back on sale at face value nearer to the show so that fans have a second bite of the cherry at buying tickets at the right price."
Meanwhile, Sir Elton called the practice - which also takes place outside of music venues - "disgraceful" and urged fans to stay at home rather than pay an unfair charge for a gig.
Speaking to the BBC on Wednesday (16.12.15), he said: "I think it's extortionate and I think it's disgraceful. The fact that they're willing to pay that [amount] is fantastic, but I just think I'd rather they save their money and not come."
Mumford and Sons and Sir Elton John ‘battle’ touts
Mumford & Sons and Sir Elton John have called on fans to help them fight the "battle" against ticket touts.
The 'I Will Wait' hitmakers and the 68-year-old legend have blasted the practice - also known as secondary ticketing - which sees people buy up tickets for an event to resell them at a profit, and an open letter on the group's website has addressed music-goers directly asking them to join them.
The letter reads: "Many tickets on secondary sites are being sold by touts who are simply in the business of ripping off the fan by charging an extortionate amount for sold out shows ... We need your help to win this battle."
"Yes, there are some fans legitimately trying to sell on tickets to other fans because they can't make a show for whatever reason - but we believe this is a tiny percentage of the business being conducted on secondary tickets sites. We strongly urge you to use a platform like Twickets, ScarletMist and other face-value-only sites if you can't make a show and need to sell on your tickets."
And while the band - which includes Marcus Mumford, Winston Marshall, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane - recently visited the British parliament to offer their support for an investigation into Secondary Ticketing they insist they have exhausted a number of means to combat the practice over the years.
The letter continues: "Behind the scenes over the years, we have tried a lot of different ways to beat the touts including trying to get as many of the tickets as possible for a show to sell ourselves through ticket companies that we choose; we hold back tickets to put back on sale at face value nearer to the show so that fans have a second bite of the cherry at buying tickets at the right price."
Meanwhile, Sir Elton called the practice - which also takes place outside of music venues - "disgraceful" and urged fans to stay at home rather than pay an unfair charge for a gig.
Speaking to the BBC on Wednesday (16.12.15), he said: "I think it's extortionate and I think it's disgraceful. The fact that they're willing to pay that [amount] is fantastic, but I just think I'd rather they save their money and not come."
Music News
Adele is the first artist confirmed to perform at the BRIT Awards 2016.
The 'Hello' hitmaker - who made her triumphant return to the music industry this year after a four-year hiatus - will perform at the ceremony held at London's O2 Arena on February 24.
BRITs chairman Max Lousada said: "You couldn't get a bigger name in music right now. Adele is having an exceptional moment and the Brits are delighted to be a part of her history, her present and future."
It is likely to be an emotional performance for the 27-year-old singer - who is a three-time BRIT Award winner herself - as she recently teared up during her first fully live concert in four years.
She told the crowd: "I know I've been quiet, I just wanted to come back and surprise you. I didn't want to tell you anything because I wanted it to be a surprise. I feel like this is the start now.
"We've been planning it for months and I'm just so happy and before the show I was like, 'Oh God I want it to be over,' because I was so nervous, but I've managed to remember every moment of this show."
The BRIT Awards with MasterCard 2016 takes place at London's O2 Arena on February 24.
Adele confirmed as first BRIT Awards performer
Adele is the first artist confirmed to perform at the BRIT Awards 2016.
The 'Hello' hitmaker - who made her triumphant return to the music industry this year after a four-year hiatus - will perform at the ceremony held at London's O2 Arena on February 24.
BRITs chairman Max Lousada said: "You couldn't get a bigger name in music right now. Adele is having an exceptional moment and the Brits are delighted to be a part of her history, her present and future."
It is likely to be an emotional performance for the 27-year-old singer - who is a three-time BRIT Award winner herself - as she recently teared up during her first fully live concert in four years.
She told the crowd: "I know I've been quiet, I just wanted to come back and surprise you. I didn't want to tell you anything because I wanted it to be a surprise. I feel like this is the start now.
"We've been planning it for months and I'm just so happy and before the show I was like, 'Oh God I want it to be over,' because I was so nervous, but I've managed to remember every moment of this show."
The BRIT Awards with MasterCard 2016 takes place at London's O2 Arena on February 24.
Music News
New Order's Phil Cunningham feels "angry" towards ex-bassist Peter Hook.
The 41-year-old star has blasted Peter for his negative remarks towards the band since leaving in 2007, after he accused them of setting up a company behind his back and failing to pay him the royalties he was owed.
He said: "It saddened me a few years ago, but he's said such horrible things about Bernard [Sumner] and the rest of the band that it just makes me angry now."
Peter, 59, sued his former bandmates for "many millions of pounds" in a row over royalties last month, and Phil is disappointed by how the row has escalated over the years.
He told Loaded: "Peter phoned me a couple of years ago, because I said something in an interview that offended him. He said: 'Look, it's all getting a bit personal, this. It's ridiculous. I've got my thing, you've got yours, and it's cool. Everyone's happy.'
"But that's obviously not the case. He's not happy. He decided to leave the house, and now he's outside it, chucking bricks through the window."
Bernard, meanwhile, recently said the feud is "getting boring".
He admitted: ''It's a real shame. My heart bleeds for him. He left the band, and then he complained about leaving the band.
"But I wish him good luck and that he gets on with what he's chosen to do instead of calling me all sorts of names. He's so angry.
"If you choose to take a path in life, don't blame other people for the path you've chosen to take ... it must be getting a bit boring for people. He did leave a bad taste in my mouth.''
Phil Cunningham feels ‘angry’ towards Peter Hook
New Order's Phil Cunningham feels "angry" towards ex-bassist Peter Hook.
The 41-year-old star has blasted Peter for his negative remarks towards the band since leaving in 2007, after he accused them of setting up a company behind his back and failing to pay him the royalties he was owed.
He said: "It saddened me a few years ago, but he's said such horrible things about Bernard [Sumner] and the rest of the band that it just makes me angry now."
Peter, 59, sued his former bandmates for "many millions of pounds" in a row over royalties last month, and Phil is disappointed by how the row has escalated over the years.
He told Loaded: "Peter phoned me a couple of years ago, because I said something in an interview that offended him. He said: 'Look, it's all getting a bit personal, this. It's ridiculous. I've got my thing, you've got yours, and it's cool. Everyone's happy.'
"But that's obviously not the case. He's not happy. He decided to leave the house, and now he's outside it, chucking bricks through the window."
Bernard, meanwhile, recently said the feud is "getting boring".
He admitted: ''It's a real shame. My heart bleeds for him. He left the band, and then he complained about leaving the band.
"But I wish him good luck and that he gets on with what he's chosen to do instead of calling me all sorts of names. He's so angry.
"If you choose to take a path in life, don't blame other people for the path you've chosen to take ... it must be getting a bit boring for people. He did leave a bad taste in my mouth.''
Music News
Fall Out Boy think they could be banned from 'Saturday Night Live' after Pete Wentz put his foot through the set's walls.
The 'Uma Thurman' hitmakers last played the American TV comedy sketch show in 2013 and Pete doesn't think they will be invited back after his embarrassing mishap.
Pete, 36, recalled: "I think I put my foot through the wall at 'SNL' and they're like, 'Those are made out of papier mache ... We have not been invited back since."
Frontman Patrick, 31, added: "The whole set almost fell over."
And Patrick said the band - who formed in Chicago in 2001 and also includes drummer Andy Hurley and guitarist Joe Trohman - would put on wild displays at their gigs in the early days but admitted they "didn't know any better".
He told Billboard magazine: "When we were younger, we just didn't know anything, we didn't know what we weren't supposed to do, so we'd jump off rafters and break things and that was always a hard act to follow and it was all just because we didn't know any better. We were too dumb to know any better."
Fall Out Boy banned from Saturday Night Live?
Fall Out Boy think they could be banned from 'Saturday Night Live' after Pete Wentz put his foot through the set's walls.
The 'Uma Thurman' hitmakers last played the American TV comedy sketch show in 2013 and Pete doesn't think they will be invited back after his embarrassing mishap.
Pete, 36, recalled: "I think I put my foot through the wall at 'SNL' and they're like, 'Those are made out of papier mache ... We have not been invited back since."
Frontman Patrick, 31, added: "The whole set almost fell over."
And Patrick said the band - who formed in Chicago in 2001 and also includes drummer Andy Hurley and guitarist Joe Trohman - would put on wild displays at their gigs in the early days but admitted they "didn't know any better".
He told Billboard magazine: "When we were younger, we just didn't know anything, we didn't know what we weren't supposed to do, so we'd jump off rafters and break things and that was always a hard act to follow and it was all just because we didn't know any better. We were too dumb to know any better."
Music News
Eagles of Death Metal have rescheduled their 'Nos Amis Tour' and announced they will play Reading and Leeds festival next August.
The US rock band were forced to abandon their tour last month when 89 people were brutally killed at their concert at the Bataclan theatre during a series of terrorist attacks that rocked Paris, but they will now finish the run of concerts.
Fans who were at the Bataclan show on November 13 will be entitled to a free ticket for the rescheduled Paris date at the Olympia Theatre on February 16 and should contact their original ticket supplier between January 5 and January 20 to claim their ticket.
However, the venue will not be open again in time for the band's return on this tour.
In addition, fans who previously bought tickets for the remaining European dates will have a pre-sale window beginning Thursday (17.12.15) to re-purchase their refunded tickets.
EODM co-founder and frontman Jesse Hughes says: "The people of Paris have always been incredible to us, and our feeling of love towards this beautiful city and its people has been reinforced a million times over this past month. Hearing the stories of the survivors, the injured and those who have lost loved ones has been overwhelming. Not returning to finish our set was never an option. We look forward to coming back in February and continuing our mission to bring rock 'n' roll to the world."
Meanwhile, the 'Miss Alissa' rockers also announced on Wednesday that they will return to the UK to play Reading and Leeds festival on the weekend of August 26- 28.
The 'Nos Amis Tour' dates are as follows:
February 2016
13 - Debaser Media - Stockholm, Sweden
14 - Sentrum Scene - Oslo, Norway
16 - Olympia - Paris, France
18 - Tonhalle - Munich, Germany
19 - Tvornica Kulture - Zagreb, Croatia
20 - Akvarium - Budapest, Hungry
22 - Arena - Vienna, Austria
23 - Komplex - Zurich, Switzerland
24 - Le Splendid - Lille, France
25 - Forest Club - Brussels, Belgium
27 - New Age - Treviso, Italy
28 - 10100 - Turin, Italy
29 - Orion, Rome
March 2016
02 - La Paloma - Nimes, France
03 - Apolo - Barcelona, Spain
04 - Joy Eslava - Madrid, Spain
05 - Coliseum - Lisbon, Portugal
August 2016
09 - Mega Club - Katowice, Poland
11 - Amager Bio - Copenhagen, Denmark
15 - Aladin - Bremen, Germany
16 - Live Music Hall - Cologne, Germany
Eagles of Death Metal announce new tour dates
Eagles of Death Metal have rescheduled their 'Nos Amis Tour' and announced they will play Reading and Leeds festival next August.
The US rock band were forced to abandon their tour last month when 89 people were brutally killed at their concert at the Bataclan theatre during a series of terrorist attacks that rocked Paris, but they will now finish the run of concerts.
Fans who were at the Bataclan show on November 13 will be entitled to a free ticket for the rescheduled Paris date at the Olympia Theatre on February 16 and should contact their original ticket supplier between January 5 and January 20 to claim their ticket.
However, the venue will not be open again in time for the band's return on this tour.
In addition, fans who previously bought tickets for the remaining European dates will have a pre-sale window beginning Thursday (17.12.15) to re-purchase their refunded tickets.
EODM co-founder and frontman Jesse Hughes says: "The people of Paris have always been incredible to us, and our feeling of love towards this beautiful city and its people has been reinforced a million times over this past month. Hearing the stories of the survivors, the injured and those who have lost loved ones has been overwhelming. Not returning to finish our set was never an option. We look forward to coming back in February and continuing our mission to bring rock 'n' roll to the world."
Meanwhile, the 'Miss Alissa' rockers also announced on Wednesday that they will return to the UK to play Reading and Leeds festival on the weekend of August 26- 28.
The 'Nos Amis Tour' dates are as follows:
February 2016
13 - Debaser Media - Stockholm, Sweden
14 - Sentrum Scene - Oslo, Norway
16 - Olympia - Paris, France
18 - Tonhalle - Munich, Germany
19 - Tvornica Kulture - Zagreb, Croatia
20 - Akvarium - Budapest, Hungry
22 - Arena - Vienna, Austria
23 - Komplex - Zurich, Switzerland
24 - Le Splendid - Lille, France
25 - Forest Club - Brussels, Belgium
27 - New Age - Treviso, Italy
28 - 10100 - Turin, Italy
29 - Orion, Rome
March 2016
02 - La Paloma - Nimes, France
03 - Apolo - Barcelona, Spain
04 - Joy Eslava - Madrid, Spain
05 - Coliseum - Lisbon, Portugal
August 2016
09 - Mega Club - Katowice, Poland
11 - Amager Bio - Copenhagen, Denmark
15 - Aladin - Bremen, Germany
16 - Live Music Hall - Cologne, Germany
Music News
Madonna has issued a statement after she blasted fans who walked out of her Manchester show on Monday night (14.12.15).
The incident occurred when the 57-year-old superstar was booed by disgruntled music goers at the 'Rebel Heart Tour' concert - after she was an hour late arriving on stage and went over time by 40 minutes due to a "corrupt video file".
Rather than appease fans, the singer - who was frustrated at the setback - dished out a foul-mouthed rant to the 21,000 crowd, during which she said: "The video crashed. We had no video and we had to wait until we could reboot ... All you bitches who keep complaining about it can shut the f*** up!"
But the Queen of Pop took to Facebook to explain the matter fully and say she was "so sorry" to disappoint fans, after she was forced to cut three songs from the set list.
She wrote: "FACTS: its good to have them before you jump to conclusions! The entire video for my show crashed as I arrived for sound check. The back up file was corrupt. We had no choice but to reboot and pray for a good outcome. The video lights 75% of my show. We can't play in the dark. We were rebooted and ready by 9:30 even though we planned to go on earlier. I had to make cuts in show before show started. 'Dress You Up' was one of them and my third guitar song. This still brought us past the 11:00 curfew! (sic)"
She continued: "But we went on and the venue was kind enough to extend till 11:39! It was there choice not mine to end the show! Always want to finish. So we all missed the last three songs! And I'm sorry about that. And I thank all my Rebel Heart fans for understanding! We did our best! And we still had to pay a fine! That life. PS you still got to see an amazing show. And only missed 12 minutes!! The #?rebelhearttour? goes on (sic)".
Due to the technical difficulties, the show also ended abruptly with no encore.
Madonna issues statement after gig delay
Madonna has issued a statement after she blasted fans who walked out of her Manchester show on Monday night (14.12.15).
The incident occurred when the 57-year-old superstar was booed by disgruntled music goers at the 'Rebel Heart Tour' concert - after she was an hour late arriving on stage and went over time by 40 minutes due to a "corrupt video file".
Rather than appease fans, the singer - who was frustrated at the setback - dished out a foul-mouthed rant to the 21,000 crowd, during which she said: "The video crashed. We had no video and we had to wait until we could reboot ... All you bitches who keep complaining about it can shut the f*** up!"
But the Queen of Pop took to Facebook to explain the matter fully and say she was "so sorry" to disappoint fans, after she was forced to cut three songs from the set list.
She wrote: "FACTS: its good to have them before you jump to conclusions! The entire video for my show crashed as I arrived for sound check. The back up file was corrupt. We had no choice but to reboot and pray for a good outcome. The video lights 75% of my show. We can't play in the dark. We were rebooted and ready by 9:30 even though we planned to go on earlier. I had to make cuts in show before show started. 'Dress You Up' was one of them and my third guitar song. This still brought us past the 11:00 curfew! (sic)"
She continued: "But we went on and the venue was kind enough to extend till 11:39! It was there choice not mine to end the show! Always want to finish. So we all missed the last three songs! And I'm sorry about that. And I thank all my Rebel Heart fans for understanding! We did our best! And we still had to pay a fine! That life. PS you still got to see an amazing show. And only missed 12 minutes!! The #?rebelhearttour? goes on (sic)".
Due to the technical difficulties, the show also ended abruptly with no encore.
Music News
Nicki Minaj has upset fans and a charity after announcing she will play a concert in Angola.
The 33-year-old rapper is due to headline a Christmas festival in the capital of Luanda on Saturday (19.12.15), titled Show Unitel Boas Festas.
But Angola's government has been accused of oppression, intimidation and imprisoning supporters of democracy, and the Human Rights Foundation has written to the the 'Anaconda' singer to ask her to cancel her performance.
Thor Halvorssen, head of the non-governmental organisation, recently wrote in a letter to the star: "Ms. Minaj, you are well known for being involved with charities such as the Get Schooled Foundation, which helps motivate young people to graduate from high school and succeed in college. If you move forward with this performance for the dictator and his family, you will be in league with the people stealing educational resources and opportunity from young Angolans."
Halvorssen also highlighted the case of Angolan hip hop artist Luaty Beirao, who was arrested in June after attending a meeting that discussed democracy in the country.
And since Angola's President Jose Eduardo dos Santos has been accused of corruption in the past, fans have rallied together and protested against the singer's decision to accept the country's invitation to play.
One wrote via her official Facebook page: "Dear Nicki Minaj, could you please postpone your visit to Luanda until democracy is born in Angola?"
Fans and charity protest against Nicki Minaj show in Angola
Nicki Minaj has upset fans and a charity after announcing she will play a concert in Angola.
The 33-year-old rapper is due to headline a Christmas festival in the capital of Luanda on Saturday (19.12.15), titled Show Unitel Boas Festas.
But Angola's government has been accused of oppression, intimidation and imprisoning supporters of democracy, and the Human Rights Foundation has written to the the 'Anaconda' singer to ask her to cancel her performance.
Thor Halvorssen, head of the non-governmental organisation, recently wrote in a letter to the star: "Ms. Minaj, you are well known for being involved with charities such as the Get Schooled Foundation, which helps motivate young people to graduate from high school and succeed in college. If you move forward with this performance for the dictator and his family, you will be in league with the people stealing educational resources and opportunity from young Angolans."
Halvorssen also highlighted the case of Angolan hip hop artist Luaty Beirao, who was arrested in June after attending a meeting that discussed democracy in the country.
And since Angola's President Jose Eduardo dos Santos has been accused of corruption in the past, fans have rallied together and protested against the singer's decision to accept the country's invitation to play.
One wrote via her official Facebook page: "Dear Nicki Minaj, could you please postpone your visit to Luanda until democracy is born in Angola?"
Music News
Example has invested a six-figure sum in UK Tech Startup WantMyBet.
The 33-year-old rapper - real name Elliot Gleave - has joined a long list of celebrities including Ashton Kutcher, Madonna and U2's Bono who have added startups to their business portfolios.
Talking about the new venture, Example said: "It's a really exciting time in the UK for new enterprises and entrepreneurs. I've been keeping my eyes out for new emerging companies and WantMyBet was one that grabbed my attention. Combining the social element with betting is a very interesting space that I can see doing very well."
The company helps bettors placing stakes on football games by revealing statistics and success rates of each tipster, helping them separate the 'cash cows' from the 'stinkers'.
And Example admitted it was the perfect partnership as he is a "massive" football fan and would use the site himself.
He added: "WantMyBet is a genuinely innovative platform that I think will change the way people place their football bets. Being a massive football fan I'd definitely get on this site to find tips for the weekend."
Bettors can sign up to the service at www.wantmybet.com
Example invests six-figure sum in UK Tech Startup
Example has invested a six-figure sum in UK Tech Startup WantMyBet.
The 33-year-old rapper - real name Elliot Gleave - has joined a long list of celebrities including Ashton Kutcher, Madonna and U2's Bono who have added startups to their business portfolios.
Talking about the new venture, Example said: "It's a really exciting time in the UK for new enterprises and entrepreneurs. I've been keeping my eyes out for new emerging companies and WantMyBet was one that grabbed my attention. Combining the social element with betting is a very interesting space that I can see doing very well."
The company helps bettors placing stakes on football games by revealing statistics and success rates of each tipster, helping them separate the 'cash cows' from the 'stinkers'.
And Example admitted it was the perfect partnership as he is a "massive" football fan and would use the site himself.
He added: "WantMyBet is a genuinely innovative platform that I think will change the way people place their football bets. Being a massive football fan I'd definitely get on this site to find tips for the weekend."
Bettors can sign up to the service at www.wantmybet.com
Music News
Adele cried during her first full live concert in four years at New York's Radio City Hall.
The 27-year-old singing superstar was performing as a part of an hour-long live special aired on American TV channel NBC on Monday (12.14.15), and a tear-jerking rendition of her latest song 'When We Were Young' prompted the teary-eyed star to give an emotional speech.
Addressing the crowd, she said: "I know I've been quiet, I just wanted to come back and surprise you. I didn't want to tell you anything because I wanted it to be a surprise. I feel like this is the start now."
The 'Hello' hitmaker - who released her comeback LP '25' last month - said she was "happy" to get the show over with because she was "so nervous" about performing after so long.
She blubbered: "We've been planning it for months and I'm just so happy and before the show I was like, 'Oh God I want it to be over,' because I was so nervous, but I've managed to remember every moment of this show."
According to The Sun, newspaper Adele - who has just added 56 dates in the US to her 2016 world tour - was seen leaving the stage as the credits for the show rolled and broke down in the arms of a friend.
Adele delivers emotional speech at comeback concert
Adele cried during her first full live concert in four years at New York's Radio City Hall.
The 27-year-old singing superstar was performing as a part of an hour-long live special aired on American TV channel NBC on Monday (12.14.15), and a tear-jerking rendition of her latest song 'When We Were Young' prompted the teary-eyed star to give an emotional speech.
Addressing the crowd, she said: "I know I've been quiet, I just wanted to come back and surprise you. I didn't want to tell you anything because I wanted it to be a surprise. I feel like this is the start now."
The 'Hello' hitmaker - who released her comeback LP '25' last month - said she was "happy" to get the show over with because she was "so nervous" about performing after so long.
She blubbered: "We've been planning it for months and I'm just so happy and before the show I was like, 'Oh God I want it to be over,' because I was so nervous, but I've managed to remember every moment of this show."
According to The Sun, newspaper Adele - who has just added 56 dates in the US to her 2016 world tour - was seen leaving the stage as the credits for the show rolled and broke down in the arms of a friend.