Music News
Music News
Blur's 'The Magic Whip' has been named the best album of 2015.
The rock band's first release in twelve years, following their successful 2003 LP 'Think Tank', has topped Amazon.co.uk's 'Best of 2015' album list, beating off competition from second placed Ibeyi's self-titled album and Kendrick Lamar's latest offering 'To Pimp a Butterfly'.
Other LPs making the top 10 included Jamie XX's 'In Colour' and Alabama Shakes' 'Sound and Colour'.
Blur have had a fantastic year including their fantastic return to the stage at the British Summer Time Festival in Hyde Park, London.
Meanwhile, the group previously insisted they never set out to become the "biggest band in the world".
Frontman Damon Albarn shared: "We never became so big and bloated that something weird happened.
"We've always maintained our relationship. I don't think we've ever really been motivated by being the biggest band in the world."
Bassist Alex James also teased about the possibility of the band heading back into the studio to work on a new album.
He said: "Oof give it a while. I'm up for it but ... That relationship we have of being able to make music together so easily, that's been there right since our first rehearsal that we wrote our first single at, is a really nice thing to be able to tap into."
Blur’s The Magic Whip named best album of 2015
Blur's 'The Magic Whip' has been named the best album of 2015.
The rock band's first release in twelve years, following their successful 2003 LP 'Think Tank', has topped Amazon.co.uk's 'Best of 2015' album list, beating off competition from second placed Ibeyi's self-titled album and Kendrick Lamar's latest offering 'To Pimp a Butterfly'.
Other LPs making the top 10 included Jamie XX's 'In Colour' and Alabama Shakes' 'Sound and Colour'.
Blur have had a fantastic year including their fantastic return to the stage at the British Summer Time Festival in Hyde Park, London.
Meanwhile, the group previously insisted they never set out to become the "biggest band in the world".
Frontman Damon Albarn shared: "We never became so big and bloated that something weird happened.
"We've always maintained our relationship. I don't think we've ever really been motivated by being the biggest band in the world."
Bassist Alex James also teased about the possibility of the band heading back into the studio to work on a new album.
He said: "Oof give it a while. I'm up for it but ... That relationship we have of being able to make music together so easily, that's been there right since our first rehearsal that we wrote our first single at, is a really nice thing to be able to tap into."
Music News
Lana Del Rey says Courtney Love is a "born performer".
The 'Born To Die' hitmaker was joined by Courtney on the 'Endless Summer' tour earlier this year and Lana was impressed with Courtney's stage presence.
She told NME magazine: "Touring with Courtney was great - we have some things in common that might not be visible from the outside. I did spend some time with her, and I still see her now and then. I think the most important thing I learned was that some people just have it when it comes to performing. She's totally entrancing, a born performer."
Lana also admitted that she sometimes finds performing "overwhelming" and is unsure when her next album will be released.
She said: "Every show is different, I'm not always overwhelmed by my show, but sometimes I am. It's not dependent on the size of the crowd, it's just how I'm doing that day... Touring for six months out of the year is so different from doing anything else; it's freeing, but there's something strange about it in the way that it's such a transient experience.
"My label, Interscope, is pretty flexible and open to my records coming out at any time, so I don't have that pressure. I'm just happy to be able to keep on making music I can stand behind. That's enough for me."
Lana Del Rey: ‘Courtney Love is a born performer’
Lana Del Rey says Courtney Love is a "born performer".
The 'Born To Die' hitmaker was joined by Courtney on the 'Endless Summer' tour earlier this year and Lana was impressed with Courtney's stage presence.
She told NME magazine: "Touring with Courtney was great - we have some things in common that might not be visible from the outside. I did spend some time with her, and I still see her now and then. I think the most important thing I learned was that some people just have it when it comes to performing. She's totally entrancing, a born performer."
Lana also admitted that she sometimes finds performing "overwhelming" and is unsure when her next album will be released.
She said: "Every show is different, I'm not always overwhelmed by my show, but sometimes I am. It's not dependent on the size of the crowd, it's just how I'm doing that day... Touring for six months out of the year is so different from doing anything else; it's freeing, but there's something strange about it in the way that it's such a transient experience.
"My label, Interscope, is pretty flexible and open to my records coming out at any time, so I don't have that pressure. I'm just happy to be able to keep on making music I can stand behind. That's enough for me."
Music News
Travis Barker says drugs ultimately "got the best" of Scott Weiland.
The former Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver frontman - who battled addiction throughout his life - was found dead from cardiac arrest on his tour bus last week and Blink 182 drummer Travis called his death and addiction issues "sad".
He told Billboard magazine: "I think it's just ultimately what drugs do when they get the best of somebody. It's sad.
"Oh my gosh, his contributions to music were amazing. I saw a video of him recently, he sounded great and he looked fine. But you never know what demons anyone is fighting."
Travis also opened up about his own addictions, revealing it was only after surviving a plane crash in 2008 that he managed to get sober.
He said: "Myself, I was addicted to drugs for a long time and the only way I was able to stop doing drugs was being in a plane crash and having morphine for four months when I didn't want it. That's what it took for me to get sober.
"Whatever you're masking when you're doing drugs gets more severe the more you mask it. Everyday you're doing it more and more and you're never facing what you're running from -- whatever that is. The masking gets to be so dangerous. It is excessive. It's unfortunate.
"It's sad. For me, I'm a good example - I had to go through it and experience it and it's possible to still be a bona fide rock star and not be a drug addict. You can get through it. Find other things to get addicted to, like boxing or music, what got you in the business in the first place. Having children was a constant reminder for me to get my s**t together."
Travis Barker: ‘Drugs got the best of Scott Weiland’
Travis Barker says drugs ultimately "got the best" of Scott Weiland.
The former Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver frontman - who battled addiction throughout his life - was found dead from cardiac arrest on his tour bus last week and Blink 182 drummer Travis called his death and addiction issues "sad".
He told Billboard magazine: "I think it's just ultimately what drugs do when they get the best of somebody. It's sad.
"Oh my gosh, his contributions to music were amazing. I saw a video of him recently, he sounded great and he looked fine. But you never know what demons anyone is fighting."
Travis also opened up about his own addictions, revealing it was only after surviving a plane crash in 2008 that he managed to get sober.
He said: "Myself, I was addicted to drugs for a long time and the only way I was able to stop doing drugs was being in a plane crash and having morphine for four months when I didn't want it. That's what it took for me to get sober.
"Whatever you're masking when you're doing drugs gets more severe the more you mask it. Everyday you're doing it more and more and you're never facing what you're running from -- whatever that is. The masking gets to be so dangerous. It is excessive. It's unfortunate.
"It's sad. For me, I'm a good example - I had to go through it and experience it and it's possible to still be a bona fide rock star and not be a drug addict. You can get through it. Find other things to get addicted to, like boxing or music, what got you in the business in the first place. Having children was a constant reminder for me to get my s**t together."
Music News
Nicki Minaj has promised to release a new mixtape.
The 'Anaconda' hitmaker's last freebie was 2009's 'Beam Me Up Scotty' and now, six years on, Nicki feels it's the right time to make songs that will set an "example for female rappers" who want to top the charts.
She revealed: "I'll definitely drop a mixtape. I have to. Well, I want to touch a couple of beats that I wasn't on.
"I could have bodied a lot of the records that came out in the last year. But the main thing is, I have to set an example for female rappers. I'm at the top of that food chain, and it's important to lead by example."
And the brunette beauty also thinks it's important young stars remember the importance of releasing mixtapes, because once a hit single is out of the charts you are "no longer hot".
She told Billboard: "And because I came into the game doing mixtapes, I want to make sure women do not forget the importance of that grind, that walk up to the top.
"You can't get there with a song. Because once that song is no longer hot, you're no longer hot. It's important that you are bigger than your music. Some fans are going to f**k with me for the rest of my life because they know where I came from. Fans know my struggle. How hungry I was. That I was not settling, I was not giving up. I was on everybody's beat. I was ruthless."
Nicki Minaj to ‘drop’ new mixtape
Nicki Minaj has promised to release a new mixtape.
The 'Anaconda' hitmaker's last freebie was 2009's 'Beam Me Up Scotty' and now, six years on, Nicki feels it's the right time to make songs that will set an "example for female rappers" who want to top the charts.
She revealed: "I'll definitely drop a mixtape. I have to. Well, I want to touch a couple of beats that I wasn't on.
"I could have bodied a lot of the records that came out in the last year. But the main thing is, I have to set an example for female rappers. I'm at the top of that food chain, and it's important to lead by example."
And the brunette beauty also thinks it's important young stars remember the importance of releasing mixtapes, because once a hit single is out of the charts you are "no longer hot".
She told Billboard: "And because I came into the game doing mixtapes, I want to make sure women do not forget the importance of that grind, that walk up to the top.
"You can't get there with a song. Because once that song is no longer hot, you're no longer hot. It's important that you are bigger than your music. Some fans are going to f**k with me for the rest of my life because they know where I came from. Fans know my struggle. How hungry I was. That I was not settling, I was not giving up. I was on everybody's beat. I was ruthless."
Music News
Status Quo have ditched alcohol and drugs for carrot sticks and coconut water.
The 'Rockin' All Over the World' hitmakers have partied hard - as true rock stars do - throughout their career which has spanned six decades, but now they are veterans in their 60s, frontman Francis Rossi and guitarist Rick Parfitt are totally sober and drug free.
Francis Rossi, 66, said: "I love Horlicks, though I try not to have it too much - anything that tastes that good can't be good for you.
"When I came off stage last night I had hummus and carrot sticks with celery and coconut water."
The iconic British rock group also admitted their drug-taking got to the stage where they would be taking illegal substances while performing.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Years ago it would have been tequila. Then we'd sit in the room drinking, playing cards and taking coke. It got to the point when we were doing drugs on stage too."
However, one thing that hasn't changed is the band's popularity and Rick is still amazed by their continuing chart success with last year's 'Acoustic: Stripped Bare' - their 31st LP release - charting at number five on the UK album chart.
Rick, 67, added: "After six decades it's amazing for the albums to still be going gold and getting into the top 20.
"It's quite a feat and one I'd never have believed if they had told me that all those years ago."
Status Quo swap booze for coconut water
Status Quo have ditched alcohol and drugs for carrot sticks and coconut water.
The 'Rockin' All Over the World' hitmakers have partied hard - as true rock stars do - throughout their career which has spanned six decades, but now they are veterans in their 60s, frontman Francis Rossi and guitarist Rick Parfitt are totally sober and drug free.
Francis Rossi, 66, said: "I love Horlicks, though I try not to have it too much - anything that tastes that good can't be good for you.
"When I came off stage last night I had hummus and carrot sticks with celery and coconut water."
The iconic British rock group also admitted their drug-taking got to the stage where they would be taking illegal substances while performing.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Years ago it would have been tequila. Then we'd sit in the room drinking, playing cards and taking coke. It got to the point when we were doing drugs on stage too."
However, one thing that hasn't changed is the band's popularity and Rick is still amazed by their continuing chart success with last year's 'Acoustic: Stripped Bare' - their 31st LP release - charting at number five on the UK album chart.
Rick, 67, added: "After six decades it's amazing for the albums to still be going gold and getting into the top 20.
"It's quite a feat and one I'd never have believed if they had told me that all those years ago."
Music News
Ellie Goulding is writing songs with Niall Horan.
The 'On My Mind' hitmaker is close pals with the One Direction star and says there is nothing quite like working with a friend because her "best songs" are the ones produced with her mates.
On working with the 22-year-old pop heartthrob, she said: "He's a good friend of mine and it goes without saying that writing a song with someone you are friends with and someone you get on with, you can't really replace that with anything. I write the best songs with someone I feel truly comfortable with. So, definitely I think it will be a laugh."
And Niall is not the only male pop star Ellie is a fond of, the 'Love Me Like You Do' singer also revealed she is a big fan of Justin Bieber's new album 'Purpose' and respects him for reinventing himself after his past troubles.
She told The Daily Star newspaper: "I love it ['Purpose']. He's really excelled with this album.
"For me it 's really innovative new pop. It's different, It's just new and I salute him for that.
"I think it's a great thing to reinvent yourself and I know he went through some troubles. To come back with something as fresh as that, I think it's really cool."
Ellie Goulding’s writing songs with Niall Horan
Ellie Goulding is writing songs with Niall Horan.
The 'On My Mind' hitmaker is close pals with the One Direction star and says there is nothing quite like working with a friend because her "best songs" are the ones produced with her mates.
On working with the 22-year-old pop heartthrob, she said: "He's a good friend of mine and it goes without saying that writing a song with someone you are friends with and someone you get on with, you can't really replace that with anything. I write the best songs with someone I feel truly comfortable with. So, definitely I think it will be a laugh."
And Niall is not the only male pop star Ellie is a fond of, the 'Love Me Like You Do' singer also revealed she is a big fan of Justin Bieber's new album 'Purpose' and respects him for reinventing himself after his past troubles.
She told The Daily Star newspaper: "I love it ['Purpose']. He's really excelled with this album.
"For me it 's really innovative new pop. It's different, It's just new and I salute him for that.
"I think it's a great thing to reinvent yourself and I know he went through some troubles. To come back with something as fresh as that, I think it's really cool."
Music News
Muse is set to headline Glastonbury 2016.
The British rockers - consisting of Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard - have reportedly signed a deal to join the Foo Fighters and Coldplay on stage at the five-day festival in Somerset, England, next year.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Muse are a Glastonbury no-brainer for a headline booking.
"They know what it takes to put on a huge show and there's no bigger stage than the Pyramid.
"Matt and the boys have a huge back catalogue that will be brilliant for a Saturday night set.
"This year's line-up is as rock and roll as the Eavises [festival organisers Michael Eavis and daughter Emily] could have hoped for. They were keen to book the headliners early and they've done exactly that."
This won't be the first time the 'Feeling Good' hitmakers will rock out at Glastonbury as they have also played the famous Pyramid Stage twice before - in 2004 and 2010.
Meanwhile, next year's festival will be record-breaking for Coldplay - made up of Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion - as their performance on the Sunday night will make them the first ever act to headline more than three times at the popular music extravaganza.
The 'A Sky Full of Stars' rockers previously appeared at Glastonbury in 2002, 2005 and 2011, and headlining in 2016 will see them take over from Van Morrison, The Cure and Elvis Costello, who have played the festival three times.
Muse to headline Glastonbury?
Muse is set to headline Glastonbury 2016.
The British rockers - consisting of Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard - have reportedly signed a deal to join the Foo Fighters and Coldplay on stage at the five-day festival in Somerset, England, next year.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Muse are a Glastonbury no-brainer for a headline booking.
"They know what it takes to put on a huge show and there's no bigger stage than the Pyramid.
"Matt and the boys have a huge back catalogue that will be brilliant for a Saturday night set.
"This year's line-up is as rock and roll as the Eavises [festival organisers Michael Eavis and daughter Emily] could have hoped for. They were keen to book the headliners early and they've done exactly that."
This won't be the first time the 'Feeling Good' hitmakers will rock out at Glastonbury as they have also played the famous Pyramid Stage twice before - in 2004 and 2010.
Meanwhile, next year's festival will be record-breaking for Coldplay - made up of Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion - as their performance on the Sunday night will make them the first ever act to headline more than three times at the popular music extravaganza.
The 'A Sky Full of Stars' rockers previously appeared at Glastonbury in 2002, 2005 and 2011, and headlining in 2016 will see them take over from Van Morrison, The Cure and Elvis Costello, who have played the festival three times.
Music News
The Osmonds defied Led Zepplin's manager and the "rock press" when they duetted on stage.
The American band - which originally included Donny, Marie, Jimmy, Merrill, Jay, Alan and Wayne - say their pop group's clean image meant they weren't supposed to be friends with the 'Black Dog' rockers but, after they bumped into each other at a gig in London, they got on so well that Robert Plant invited them on stage to sing on their hit 'Stairway To Heaven'.
Jay Osmond, 60, exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "I remember we went in a day early because we were using Led Zepplin's sound equipment. And so we went in to watch them and those guys were so fun and cool.
"We went back stage and played frisbee with their kids and then they invited us to come up and play with them on 'Stair Way To Heaven'. And I'll never forget, The Osmonds and Led Zepplin on the same stage.
"It was just amazing; I am still amazed to this day."
Jimmy quipped: "The manager didn't want it to happen you know."
Despite their success the band - originally consisting of Donny, Marie, Jimmy, Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay - they said they "didn't fit the mould".
Jimmy, 52, shared: "Even though we'd had tonnes of number one hits. Still because we were this family, we were Christians, we just didn't fit in the mould. We still sold a hundred million records but still the rock press would never give us a break. But it actually worked to our benefit over the years."
But the trio - who play the 'Andy Williams Christmas Spectacular starring The Osmonds' at the O2 on December 16 - don't hold a grudge and still hang out with the likes of Robert Plan.
Merrill, 62, joked: "I literally learned that I have no enemies, because I've gotten so old I've outlived them all."
The Osmonds: We shouldn’t have been friends with Led Zepplin
The Osmonds defied Led Zepplin's manager and the "rock press" when they duetted on stage.
The American band - which originally included Donny, Marie, Jimmy, Merrill, Jay, Alan and Wayne - say their pop group's clean image meant they weren't supposed to be friends with the 'Black Dog' rockers but, after they bumped into each other at a gig in London, they got on so well that Robert Plant invited them on stage to sing on their hit 'Stairway To Heaven'.
Jay Osmond, 60, exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "I remember we went in a day early because we were using Led Zepplin's sound equipment. And so we went in to watch them and those guys were so fun and cool.
"We went back stage and played frisbee with their kids and then they invited us to come up and play with them on 'Stair Way To Heaven'. And I'll never forget, The Osmonds and Led Zepplin on the same stage.
"It was just amazing; I am still amazed to this day."
Jimmy quipped: "The manager didn't want it to happen you know."
Despite their success the band - originally consisting of Donny, Marie, Jimmy, Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay - they said they "didn't fit the mould".
Jimmy, 52, shared: "Even though we'd had tonnes of number one hits. Still because we were this family, we were Christians, we just didn't fit in the mould. We still sold a hundred million records but still the rock press would never give us a break. But it actually worked to our benefit over the years."
But the trio - who play the 'Andy Williams Christmas Spectacular starring The Osmonds' at the O2 on December 16 - don't hold a grudge and still hang out with the likes of Robert Plan.
Merrill, 62, joked: "I literally learned that I have no enemies, because I've gotten so old I've outlived them all."
Music News
Adele won British Artist of the Year and Live Performance of the Year at tonight's (10.12.15) BBC Music Awards at the Genting Arena in Birmingham.
The 27-year-old star - who released her third studio album '25' last month after a three-year hiatus - was the big winner on the night, claiming two of the most coveted prizes.
The London-born singer couldn't attend the star-studded ceremony in person, but sent a message of thanks.
She said: "Sorry I'm not there, I'm absolutely gutted but thanks so much for my award.
"Thank you so, so much. I hope you're all having a wonderful night."
Meanwhile, American superstar Taylor Swift was crowned International Artist of the Year, and she also sent a video message to her fans from Australia, where she's currently touring.
She said: "I wish I could be with you right now but I'm on tour in Australia. Thank you so much for this BBC Music Award for International Artist of the Year.
"It was an amazing highlight of the year for me getting to play Big Weekend in Norwich. You guys have been so supportive and wonderful. Thank you so much, it's amazing."
Elsewhere, the Song of the Year gong went to Hozier for his hit 'Take Me to Church', while Jack Garratt was named BBC Introducing Artist of the Year.
Other guests in attendance included One Direction and rock legend Rod Stewart, who performed his hit single 'Sailing'.
BBC Music Awards winners:
International Artist of the Year:
Taylor Swift
BBC Live Performance of the Year:
Adele
Song of the Year:
'Take Me to Church', Hozier
BBC Introducing Artist of the Year:
Jack Garratt
British Artist of the Year:
Adele
Adele enjoys double success at BBC Music Awards
Adele won British Artist of the Year and Live Performance of the Year at tonight's (10.12.15) BBC Music Awards at the Genting Arena in Birmingham.
The 27-year-old star - who released her third studio album '25' last month after a three-year hiatus - was the big winner on the night, claiming two of the most coveted prizes.
The London-born singer couldn't attend the star-studded ceremony in person, but sent a message of thanks.
She said: "Sorry I'm not there, I'm absolutely gutted but thanks so much for my award.
"Thank you so, so much. I hope you're all having a wonderful night."
Meanwhile, American superstar Taylor Swift was crowned International Artist of the Year, and she also sent a video message to her fans from Australia, where she's currently touring.
She said: "I wish I could be with you right now but I'm on tour in Australia. Thank you so much for this BBC Music Award for International Artist of the Year.
"It was an amazing highlight of the year for me getting to play Big Weekend in Norwich. You guys have been so supportive and wonderful. Thank you so much, it's amazing."
Elsewhere, the Song of the Year gong went to Hozier for his hit 'Take Me to Church', while Jack Garratt was named BBC Introducing Artist of the Year.
Other guests in attendance included One Direction and rock legend Rod Stewart, who performed his hit single 'Sailing'.
BBC Music Awards winners:
International Artist of the Year:
Taylor Swift
BBC Live Performance of the Year:
Adele
Song of the Year:
'Take Me to Church', Hozier
BBC Introducing Artist of the Year:
Jack Garratt
British Artist of the Year:
Adele