Music News
Music News
Kanye West credits God for his new album.
The 38-year-old rapper is due to release his highly-anticipated LP later this month, which he previously proclaimed to be the best record "of all time", but he insists he didn't contribute much to it.
He said: "[The album is] a dream that can't happen without God.
"I'm only doing two percent of the work. God is doing the rest of the work."
And Kanye also gave credit to his late mother Donda West and wife Kim Kardashian West's late father Robert Kardashian - who famously helped defend O.J. Simpson when he was accused of murdering Nicole Brown Simpson - for watching over production of the record.
Speaking on Los Angeles radio station Real 92.3, he quipped of his father-in-law: "He's still doing deals for controversial black people from up in heaven."
The 'All Day' hitmaker initially titled his record 'Swish' before changing it to 'Waves' and a poll carried out on Twitter by his wife earlier this week revealed 'So Help Me God' is also potentially its name.
And Kanye said he wanted to run the poll to allow his "family" some input.
He explained: "I wanted to get people's opinions on how they felt.
"What I've really come to realise about being a celebrity is ... everybody is our family. It's family. If something bad happens, you're gonna hear about it....
"Obviously I have made a connection with people - a family-level connection that they played my music in their houses for so many years with their mothers, their friends, their kids. We love any opportunity we have to involve all of our family in the creative process."
Kanye West: God made new record
Kanye West credits God for his new album.
The 38-year-old rapper is due to release his highly-anticipated LP later this month, which he previously proclaimed to be the best record "of all time", but he insists he didn't contribute much to it.
He said: "[The album is] a dream that can't happen without God.
"I'm only doing two percent of the work. God is doing the rest of the work."
And Kanye also gave credit to his late mother Donda West and wife Kim Kardashian West's late father Robert Kardashian - who famously helped defend O.J. Simpson when he was accused of murdering Nicole Brown Simpson - for watching over production of the record.
Speaking on Los Angeles radio station Real 92.3, he quipped of his father-in-law: "He's still doing deals for controversial black people from up in heaven."
The 'All Day' hitmaker initially titled his record 'Swish' before changing it to 'Waves' and a poll carried out on Twitter by his wife earlier this week revealed 'So Help Me God' is also potentially its name.
And Kanye said he wanted to run the poll to allow his "family" some input.
He explained: "I wanted to get people's opinions on how they felt.
"What I've really come to realise about being a celebrity is ... everybody is our family. It's family. If something bad happens, you're gonna hear about it....
"Obviously I have made a connection with people - a family-level connection that they played my music in their houses for so many years with their mothers, their friends, their kids. We love any opportunity we have to involve all of our family in the creative process."
Music News
Ozzy Osbourne will make his return to the stage after a "nightmare illness" forced him to pull out of a host of gigs.
The 'Paranoid' singer and his band Black Sabbath had to cancel three shows, including a gig in Vancouver, Canada, on Wednesday (03.02.16) on their final ever tour after Ozzy was struck down with sinusitis.
The rocker's wife Sharon Osbourne has now revealed Ozzy, 67, is feeling better and will be "ready to rock" on Saturday (06.02.16) when the band resume 'The End' tour in Seattle.
Speaking on CBS chat show 'The Talk', she said: "He will be in Seattle on Saturday. He will be ready to rock."
Revealing the effect the sinusitis had on her spouse, Sharon, 63, said Ozzy felt like he had "the Pacific Ocean' inside his ear and has been struggling with his hearing.
She said: "He's doing so much better. He had sinusitis, which went to bronchitis and he said that he felt like he had the Pacific Ocean in his ear. And he couldn't hear properly. It's been a nightmare."
And Sharon also shared that Ozzy had been feeling extremely "guilty" for missing the shows and is determined to make it up to the heavy metal group's loyal fans.
She added: "To have a responsibility of performing with his band Black Sabbath, the crew, the fans, even the opening act, just sat at home like this - waiting, waiting, waiting - and he feels that huge responsibility. He feels guilty for being sick."
Ozzy Osbourne returning to stage after ‘nightmare illness’
Ozzy Osbourne will make his return to the stage after a "nightmare illness" forced him to pull out of a host of gigs.
The 'Paranoid' singer and his band Black Sabbath had to cancel three shows, including a gig in Vancouver, Canada, on Wednesday (03.02.16) on their final ever tour after Ozzy was struck down with sinusitis.
The rocker's wife Sharon Osbourne has now revealed Ozzy, 67, is feeling better and will be "ready to rock" on Saturday (06.02.16) when the band resume 'The End' tour in Seattle.
Speaking on CBS chat show 'The Talk', she said: "He will be in Seattle on Saturday. He will be ready to rock."
Revealing the effect the sinusitis had on her spouse, Sharon, 63, said Ozzy felt like he had "the Pacific Ocean' inside his ear and has been struggling with his hearing.
She said: "He's doing so much better. He had sinusitis, which went to bronchitis and he said that he felt like he had the Pacific Ocean in his ear. And he couldn't hear properly. It's been a nightmare."
And Sharon also shared that Ozzy had been feeling extremely "guilty" for missing the shows and is determined to make it up to the heavy metal group's loyal fans.
She added: "To have a responsibility of performing with his band Black Sabbath, the crew, the fans, even the opening act, just sat at home like this - waiting, waiting, waiting - and he feels that huge responsibility. He feels guilty for being sick."
Music News
Lady Gaga will be honoured for her commitment to music education.
The 'Til It Happens To You' hitmaker will receive the Jane Ortner Artist Award at the 2016 Jane Ortner Education Award Luncheon on April 4 in recognition of the "strong educational foundation" she promotes through her music.
Executive director of the Grammy Museum Bob Santelli said: "The enormous impact Lady Gaga has had on artists and fans began with a strong educational foundation.
"Her career trajectory, marked by extraordinary talent and creativity, is one of the most inspiring stories in music."
Meanwhile, the 29-year-old singer has been handed another honour by the Grammy Foundation as she has been asked to perform an "experimental tribute" to the late David Bowie at the award ceremony later this month.
Ken Ehrlich, executive producer of the Grammy Awards, said: "We had already booked Lady Gaga on this year's show, but when David passed - almost in a single moment - we knew we had to change direction. We immediately spoke and agreed that she should be the one to honour David. She's perfect for it."
The tribute will be directed by Nile Rodgers, who was responsible for producing Bowie's 1983 album 'Let's Dance' and was close friends with the late star, who tragically passed away in January after a battle with cancer.
Lady Gaga to be honoured for inspiring career
Lady Gaga will be honoured for her commitment to music education.
The 'Til It Happens To You' hitmaker will receive the Jane Ortner Artist Award at the 2016 Jane Ortner Education Award Luncheon on April 4 in recognition of the "strong educational foundation" she promotes through her music.
Executive director of the Grammy Museum Bob Santelli said: "The enormous impact Lady Gaga has had on artists and fans began with a strong educational foundation.
"Her career trajectory, marked by extraordinary talent and creativity, is one of the most inspiring stories in music."
Meanwhile, the 29-year-old singer has been handed another honour by the Grammy Foundation as she has been asked to perform an "experimental tribute" to the late David Bowie at the award ceremony later this month.
Ken Ehrlich, executive producer of the Grammy Awards, said: "We had already booked Lady Gaga on this year's show, but when David passed - almost in a single moment - we knew we had to change direction. We immediately spoke and agreed that she should be the one to honour David. She's perfect for it."
The tribute will be directed by Nile Rodgers, who was responsible for producing Bowie's 1983 album 'Let's Dance' and was close friends with the late star, who tragically passed away in January after a battle with cancer.
Music News
Dave Grohl knew he wanted to be lead singer of the Foo Fighters the day after Kurt Cobain died.
The Nirvana drummer recalled having a "revelation" and admitted "everything changed" when he learned his bandmate had committed suicide in April 1994 and saw it as a sign to move forward with his own career.
The 47-year-old rocker believed it was his chance to try out something new and within months of Kurt's death, he formed Foo Fighters, with bassist Nate Mendel and drummer William Goldsmith, both formerly of Sunny Day Real Estate, as well as Nirvana touring guitarist Pat Smear.
Speaking with photographer Sam Jones on his 'Off Camera' YouTube series, Dave recalled: "When Kurt died, I woke up the next day and thought, 'I'm lucky to be alive'. So much that still, to this day, I feel that every morning when I wake up, because it's so strange to think that person was just here and now they're gone. And I'm still here? And maybe tomorrow I could be gone as well?
"It was a profound revelation I had the day after he died and it changed everything. It honestly changed so much of my life that I felt the most important thing was just appreciating being alive, good day or bad day. But after Kurt died, I really felt that way, like, 'Okay, I'm gonna try this. What do I have to lose? I'm gonna start this band and then I'm gonna be the singer.'"
Dave Grohl wanted to be a singer the day after Kurt Cobain’s death
Dave Grohl knew he wanted to be lead singer of the Foo Fighters the day after Kurt Cobain died.
The Nirvana drummer recalled having a "revelation" and admitted "everything changed" when he learned his bandmate had committed suicide in April 1994 and saw it as a sign to move forward with his own career.
The 47-year-old rocker believed it was his chance to try out something new and within months of Kurt's death, he formed Foo Fighters, with bassist Nate Mendel and drummer William Goldsmith, both formerly of Sunny Day Real Estate, as well as Nirvana touring guitarist Pat Smear.
Speaking with photographer Sam Jones on his 'Off Camera' YouTube series, Dave recalled: "When Kurt died, I woke up the next day and thought, 'I'm lucky to be alive'. So much that still, to this day, I feel that every morning when I wake up, because it's so strange to think that person was just here and now they're gone. And I'm still here? And maybe tomorrow I could be gone as well?
"It was a profound revelation I had the day after he died and it changed everything. It honestly changed so much of my life that I felt the most important thing was just appreciating being alive, good day or bad day. But after Kurt died, I really felt that way, like, 'Okay, I'm gonna try this. What do I have to lose? I'm gonna start this band and then I'm gonna be the singer.'"
Music News
Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White has died.
The 74-year-old star died in his sleep in Los Angeles last night (03.02.16) following a long battle with Parkinson's disease and his family have appealed for privacy as they come to terms with his loss.
His brother, Verdine White, who was also a member of the band, said: "My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep.
"While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected as we start what will be a very difficult and life changing transition in our lives. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes."
The 'Boogie Wonderland' hitmaker was diagnosed with the neurological condition in 1992 and had to stop touring in 1994 because of his battle with the disease, though he remained active in the music business and retained executive control of the group.
In addition to his work with Earth, Wind & Fire - whose most successful period began in 1975 with the release of their LP 'That's The Way of The World' and continued throughout the decade - Maurice also worked as a producer for the likes of Cher and Barbra Streisand, and he also co-wrote and co-produced the Emotions' number one single 'Best of My Love'.
In 2000, the nine-piece band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Maurice was individually inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010.
Maurice White dies
Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White has died.
The 74-year-old star died in his sleep in Los Angeles last night (03.02.16) following a long battle with Parkinson's disease and his family have appealed for privacy as they come to terms with his loss.
His brother, Verdine White, who was also a member of the band, said: "My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep.
"While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected as we start what will be a very difficult and life changing transition in our lives. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes."
The 'Boogie Wonderland' hitmaker was diagnosed with the neurological condition in 1992 and had to stop touring in 1994 because of his battle with the disease, though he remained active in the music business and retained executive control of the group.
In addition to his work with Earth, Wind & Fire - whose most successful period began in 1975 with the release of their LP 'That's The Way of The World' and continued throughout the decade - Maurice also worked as a producer for the likes of Cher and Barbra Streisand, and he also co-wrote and co-produced the Emotions' number one single 'Best of My Love'.
In 2000, the nine-piece band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Maurice was individually inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010.
Music News
Kanye West's new album still doesn't have a name.
The 'Bound 2' hitmaker is expected to release his highly-anticipated new LP later this month and though he initially revealed the record was called 'Swish', he then announced he was changing it to 'Waves' - and now he's admitted he doesn't actually know what it will be called.
Speaking to Los Angeles' Real 92.3 radio station earlier today (04.02.16), he said: "We don't have a name yet. I wanted to get people's opinions on how they felt."
The 38-year-old star also shared some details on the tone of the album, admitting it has a "gospel" sound but with his own twist.
He said: "This is a gospel album with a lot of cursing on it."
Kanye's admission about the title came after his wife Kim Kardashian West ran a Twitter poll on the title.
Tagging Kanye in a post, she wrote: "Which album title do you like best? Swish, Waves or So Help Me God? (sic)"
Whatever the album is called, Kanye has already declared it "the best album of all time".
Taking to the micro blogging site, he wrote: "This is not album of the year. This is album of the life ...
"So happy to be finished with the best album of all time (sic)"
Kanye West hasn’t named album
Kanye West's new album still doesn't have a name.
The 'Bound 2' hitmaker is expected to release his highly-anticipated new LP later this month and though he initially revealed the record was called 'Swish', he then announced he was changing it to 'Waves' - and now he's admitted he doesn't actually know what it will be called.
Speaking to Los Angeles' Real 92.3 radio station earlier today (04.02.16), he said: "We don't have a name yet. I wanted to get people's opinions on how they felt."
The 38-year-old star also shared some details on the tone of the album, admitting it has a "gospel" sound but with his own twist.
He said: "This is a gospel album with a lot of cursing on it."
Kanye's admission about the title came after his wife Kim Kardashian West ran a Twitter poll on the title.
Tagging Kanye in a post, she wrote: "Which album title do you like best? Swish, Waves or So Help Me God? (sic)"
Whatever the album is called, Kanye has already declared it "the best album of all time".
Taking to the micro blogging site, he wrote: "This is not album of the year. This is album of the life ...
"So happy to be finished with the best album of all time (sic)"
Music News
Black Sabbath have postponed a third show due to Ozzy Osbourne's illness.
The 'Paranoid' hitmakers were due to perform in Vancouver on Wednesday night (03.02.16) but they pulled the gig due to the severity of Ozzy's sinusitis.
The veteran rockers have released a statement on their Facebook page and promised to inform fans when the show will be rescheduled.
They wrote: "Due to continued severe sinusitis, Ozzy Osbourne will be unable to perform with Black Sabbath as scheduled. The Vancouver performance has been postponed. Details regarding the rescheduled date will be announced as soon as it is available. Please hold on to your tickets until further details are available."
The Canadian show is the third gig the heavy metal group have had to cancel, after pulling their Edmonton and Calgary dates at the end of January.
The band are on their final tour, entitled 'The End Tour', which is set to end in Phoenix, USA, on September 21.
The band are also set to headline Download festival in June.
The 'Crazy Train' rockers have put together a final record to be sold as a limited-edition at the concerts.
The LP includes four unheard studio tracks, 'Season Of The Dead', 'Cry All Night', 'Take Me Home' and 'Isolated Man', leftover from their 2013 reunion album '13'.
Black Sabbath postpone Vancouver gig
Black Sabbath have postponed a third show due to Ozzy Osbourne's illness.
The 'Paranoid' hitmakers were due to perform in Vancouver on Wednesday night (03.02.16) but they pulled the gig due to the severity of Ozzy's sinusitis.
The veteran rockers have released a statement on their Facebook page and promised to inform fans when the show will be rescheduled.
They wrote: "Due to continued severe sinusitis, Ozzy Osbourne will be unable to perform with Black Sabbath as scheduled. The Vancouver performance has been postponed. Details regarding the rescheduled date will be announced as soon as it is available. Please hold on to your tickets until further details are available."
The Canadian show is the third gig the heavy metal group have had to cancel, after pulling their Edmonton and Calgary dates at the end of January.
The band are on their final tour, entitled 'The End Tour', which is set to end in Phoenix, USA, on September 21.
The band are also set to headline Download festival in June.
The 'Crazy Train' rockers have put together a final record to be sold as a limited-edition at the concerts.
The LP includes four unheard studio tracks, 'Season Of The Dead', 'Cry All Night', 'Take Me Home' and 'Isolated Man', leftover from their 2013 reunion album '13'.
Music News
Rebecca Ferguson, Blake and DJ Judge Jules will perform at the British Heart Foundation's Roll Out the Red fundraising ball .
The trio will line-up at star-studded bash at London's Savoy Hotel on February 11 to raise money for the charity's life-saving heart research.
Former 'X Factor' finalist Rebecca will headline the evening's entertainment, followed by the classical, all-male singing quartet Blake and a performance from DUO, featuring British Opera star Emily Estelle and award-winning pianist Marina Lieberman.
International DJ Judge Jules will close the event.
Rebecca said of her headline slot: "I'm thrilled to be performing at the Roll Out the Red ball this year and supporting the BHF's life saving work.
"It's fantastic to be a part of this unforgettable night as every pound raised will bring us one step closer to beating heart disease."
Stephen Bowman, lead singer of Blake, added: "We are absolutely delighted to be supporting Roll Out the Red and performing on the night.
"The British Heart Foundation is such a fantastic charity and we are so pleased to be helping their fight against coronary heart disease, the UK's single biggest killer."
The glitzy do will be hosted by newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky and will include a welcome speech by BHF Ambassador Pippa Middleton.
Last year's event featured VIP guests including Pippa, Michelle Keegan and Oliver Proudlock.
Find out more info at: www.bhf.org.uk/rollout
Rebecca Ferguson to headline British Heart Foundation ball
Rebecca Ferguson, Blake and DJ Judge Jules will perform at the British Heart Foundation's Roll Out the Red fundraising ball .
The trio will line-up at star-studded bash at London's Savoy Hotel on February 11 to raise money for the charity's life-saving heart research.
Former 'X Factor' finalist Rebecca will headline the evening's entertainment, followed by the classical, all-male singing quartet Blake and a performance from DUO, featuring British Opera star Emily Estelle and award-winning pianist Marina Lieberman.
International DJ Judge Jules will close the event.
Rebecca said of her headline slot: "I'm thrilled to be performing at the Roll Out the Red ball this year and supporting the BHF's life saving work.
"It's fantastic to be a part of this unforgettable night as every pound raised will bring us one step closer to beating heart disease."
Stephen Bowman, lead singer of Blake, added: "We are absolutely delighted to be supporting Roll Out the Red and performing on the night.
"The British Heart Foundation is such a fantastic charity and we are so pleased to be helping their fight against coronary heart disease, the UK's single biggest killer."
The glitzy do will be hosted by newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky and will include a welcome speech by BHF Ambassador Pippa Middleton.
Last year's event featured VIP guests including Pippa, Michelle Keegan and Oliver Proudlock.
Find out more info at: www.bhf.org.uk/rollout
Music News
Rihanna's 'ANTI' tour rider is full of calorific treats and alcohol.
The 27-year-old R&B superstar will have an endless supply of Cheetos, processed noodles, vodka, Oreo biscuits and both red and white wine for her forthcoming world tour, which kicks off in San Diego on February 26.
During the 'FourFiveSeconds' hitmaker's interview on the 'Ellen DeGeneres Show' on Thursday (04.02.16), Ellen read out the calorific rider.
She listed: "Regular Cheetos, hot Cheetos, Golden Grahams cereal, Oreo's, Cuppa Noodles, red and white wine, vodka, soda and garlic olives."
The US chat show host then asked the singer: "How much do you consume?"
Rihanna replied: "I will definitely take it with me. I just like to be prepared you never know where you are going to be."
The Bajan beauty admitted she has a particular pencahnt for both hot and original variations of cheesy snack Cheetos.
She added: "I don't eat the Oreos that much. I haven't eaten Golden Grahams in about two years. Hot Cheetos definitely happening. Regular Cheetos when I am tired of hot Cheetos. Crunchy ones always."
The star also admitted she would "love" to go on tour with her 'Work' collaborator Drake.
She said: "He's not touring with me. Maybe next time. I'd love to go on tour with Drake that has to happen."
Rihanna’s junk food tour rider
Rihanna's 'ANTI' tour rider is full of calorific treats and alcohol.
The 27-year-old R&B superstar will have an endless supply of Cheetos, processed noodles, vodka, Oreo biscuits and both red and white wine for her forthcoming world tour, which kicks off in San Diego on February 26.
During the 'FourFiveSeconds' hitmaker's interview on the 'Ellen DeGeneres Show' on Thursday (04.02.16), Ellen read out the calorific rider.
She listed: "Regular Cheetos, hot Cheetos, Golden Grahams cereal, Oreo's, Cuppa Noodles, red and white wine, vodka, soda and garlic olives."
The US chat show host then asked the singer: "How much do you consume?"
Rihanna replied: "I will definitely take it with me. I just like to be prepared you never know where you are going to be."
The Bajan beauty admitted she has a particular pencahnt for both hot and original variations of cheesy snack Cheetos.
She added: "I don't eat the Oreos that much. I haven't eaten Golden Grahams in about two years. Hot Cheetos definitely happening. Regular Cheetos when I am tired of hot Cheetos. Crunchy ones always."
The star also admitted she would "love" to go on tour with her 'Work' collaborator Drake.
She said: "He's not touring with me. Maybe next time. I'd love to go on tour with Drake that has to happen."