Music News
Music News
David Bowie's final music video for 'Lazarus' contains hidden references about his Kabbalah beliefs.
The 'Space Oddity' singer - who died on January 10 after losing his battle with terminal liver cancer - released the video before his death and according to a source the clip had a hidden message about the religion which is a branch of Judaism.
In the video, Bowie wears a striped top that resembles the one he wore on the album cover for his 1976 LP 'Station To Station'.
The image was taken by photographer Steve Schapiro, who did a photo shoot with Bowie in the outfit using chalk to do an outline of the kabbalistic tree of life, which is a classic descriptive term for the central mystical symbol used in the Kabbalah of esoteric Judaism.
And as he wears what looks like a replica in 'Lazarus' it might mean the legendary musician could have been "exploring" his past beliefs in the lead up to his death.
A source said: "There is absolutely no doubt this is a reference to that particular time in his life. David may have been looking into and exploring certain aspects of Kabbalah towards the end.
"The fact this is the last image of him on video - and this is the outfit he was wearing - is surely significant."
However, biographer Paul Trynka thinks his message about Kabbalah was "intended" but is not the whole message.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Right around the time of 'Station to Station', David started wearing a crucifix, naming it as a treasured possession.
"David often mentioned spiritual leanings, both Christian and Buddhist, but my take is he didn't endorse one particular religion exclusively.
"My guess is he was exploring the concept of death, the end of existence, rather than looking for a last-minute salvation."
David Bowie’s final video Lazarus contains Kabbalah message
David Bowie's final music video for 'Lazarus' contains hidden references about his Kabbalah beliefs.
The 'Space Oddity' singer - who died on January 10 after losing his battle with terminal liver cancer - released the video before his death and according to a source the clip had a hidden message about the religion which is a branch of Judaism.
In the video, Bowie wears a striped top that resembles the one he wore on the album cover for his 1976 LP 'Station To Station'.
The image was taken by photographer Steve Schapiro, who did a photo shoot with Bowie in the outfit using chalk to do an outline of the kabbalistic tree of life, which is a classic descriptive term for the central mystical symbol used in the Kabbalah of esoteric Judaism.
And as he wears what looks like a replica in 'Lazarus' it might mean the legendary musician could have been "exploring" his past beliefs in the lead up to his death.
A source said: "There is absolutely no doubt this is a reference to that particular time in his life. David may have been looking into and exploring certain aspects of Kabbalah towards the end.
"The fact this is the last image of him on video - and this is the outfit he was wearing - is surely significant."
However, biographer Paul Trynka thinks his message about Kabbalah was "intended" but is not the whole message.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Right around the time of 'Station to Station', David started wearing a crucifix, naming it as a treasured possession.
"David often mentioned spiritual leanings, both Christian and Buddhist, but my take is he didn't endorse one particular religion exclusively.
"My guess is he was exploring the concept of death, the end of existence, rather than looking for a last-minute salvation."
Music News
Sir Elton John has chosen Foy Vance to support him on his 'Wonderful Crazy Tour' this summer.
The music legend is hitting the road in June in support of his new album 'Wonderful Crazy Night' - which is released on February 5 - and the Northern Irish singer/songwriter will provide support and he can't wait to perform on the same bill as Elton.
Vance said: "I'm embarrassed to admit it but the first time I heard Elton play live was when I toured with him in Australia at the end of last year. To cut a long story short, I'm looking forward to getting out on tour with him again this summer, not just for the honor of supporting a living legend but to experience his performances night after night."
Vance will open for Elton on several of shows in Lincoln, Leicester, Longleat, Liverpool, Exeter and Edinburgh.
The 'Close Hand, Full of Friends' singer achieved his big breakthrough in 2013 with the release of his album 'Joy Of Nothing', which features vocals from Ed Sheeran on the closing track 'Guiding Light'.
Vance and Sheeran have remained close and he co-wrote 'Tenerife Sea' and 'Afire Love' on the flame-haired musician's 2014 multi-platinum album 'X' and also wrote 'Make It Rain', the closing song of FX's hit drama 'Sons of Anarchy' which was performed by Sheeran.
Last November, Sheeran signed Vance to his label Gingerbread Man Records.
As well as working with Sheeran, Vance - who was born in Bangor County Down and developed his music by travelling around America in his youth - has also collaborated with Rudimental on their hit single 'Never Let You Go'.
Elton John's tour dates with Foy Vance:
10th June 2016 - Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln
11th June 2016 - Grace Road, Leicestershire County Cricket Club, Leicester
12th June 2016 - Longleat, Near Warminster, Wiltshire
14th June 2016 -Echo Arena, Liverpool
19th June 2016 - Exeter Westpoint
25th June 2016 -Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh
Foy Vance to support Elton John on Wonderful Crazy Tour
Sir Elton John has chosen Foy Vance to support him on his 'Wonderful Crazy Tour' this summer.
The music legend is hitting the road in June in support of his new album 'Wonderful Crazy Night' - which is released on February 5 - and the Northern Irish singer/songwriter will provide support and he can't wait to perform on the same bill as Elton.
Vance said: "I'm embarrassed to admit it but the first time I heard Elton play live was when I toured with him in Australia at the end of last year. To cut a long story short, I'm looking forward to getting out on tour with him again this summer, not just for the honor of supporting a living legend but to experience his performances night after night."
Vance will open for Elton on several of shows in Lincoln, Leicester, Longleat, Liverpool, Exeter and Edinburgh.
The 'Close Hand, Full of Friends' singer achieved his big breakthrough in 2013 with the release of his album 'Joy Of Nothing', which features vocals from Ed Sheeran on the closing track 'Guiding Light'.
Vance and Sheeran have remained close and he co-wrote 'Tenerife Sea' and 'Afire Love' on the flame-haired musician's 2014 multi-platinum album 'X' and also wrote 'Make It Rain', the closing song of FX's hit drama 'Sons of Anarchy' which was performed by Sheeran.
Last November, Sheeran signed Vance to his label Gingerbread Man Records.
As well as working with Sheeran, Vance - who was born in Bangor County Down and developed his music by travelling around America in his youth - has also collaborated with Rudimental on their hit single 'Never Let You Go'.
Elton John's tour dates with Foy Vance:
10th June 2016 - Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln
11th June 2016 - Grace Road, Leicestershire County Cricket Club, Leicester
12th June 2016 - Longleat, Near Warminster, Wiltshire
14th June 2016 -Echo Arena, Liverpool
19th June 2016 - Exeter Westpoint
25th June 2016 -Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh
Music News
Kanye West has changed the name of his album.
The 'Only One' hitmaker is set to release his hotly-anticipated LP but has decided to ditch the original title 'Swish' in favour of 'Waves'.
Sharing the news with his 17.6 million followers in a series of tweets, he wrote: "New album title, WAVES ... #Waves the album formally known as Swish ... I got this record n*****s can't even play before 2 am. (sic)"
Meanwhile, the 38-year-old rapper has offered his thoughts on his own album, insisting it is "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)"
Meanwhile, work has only just finished on the album as his sister-in-law Khloe Kardashian previously revealed he was finding it difficult to narrow down the track list as there were so many "genuinely terrific songs".
She said: "He has so many songs that we - I act like I'm recording them - that he can't figure out what he wants to put on his album. And they're all genuinely terrific songs."
"He is so passionate. He's like, every bit the meaning of an artist."
'Waves' - formerly known as 'Swish' - is expected to be released on February 11.
Kanye West changes album name
Kanye West has changed the name of his album.
The 'Only One' hitmaker is set to release his hotly-anticipated LP but has decided to ditch the original title 'Swish' in favour of 'Waves'.
Sharing the news with his 17.6 million followers in a series of tweets, he wrote: "New album title, WAVES ... #Waves the album formally known as Swish ... I got this record n*****s can't even play before 2 am. (sic)"
Meanwhile, the 38-year-old rapper has offered his thoughts on his own album, insisting it is "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)"
Meanwhile, work has only just finished on the album as his sister-in-law Khloe Kardashian previously revealed he was finding it difficult to narrow down the track list as there were so many "genuinely terrific songs".
She said: "He has so many songs that we - I act like I'm recording them - that he can't figure out what he wants to put on his album. And they're all genuinely terrific songs."
"He is so passionate. He's like, every bit the meaning of an artist."
'Waves' - formerly known as 'Swish' - is expected to be released on February 11.
Music News
Sigma and The Wombats will headline Liverpool International Music Festival in July.
The dance duo - who are responsible for hits such as 'Nobody To Love' and 'Changing' - are confirmed to headline the LIMF Summer Jam 2016 bill on the Saturday evening and the 'Lets Dance to Joy Division' hitmakers will top Sunday's line-up at Europe's biggest free music festival, which is spread over three days - from July 21 to 24 in the city's Sefton Park.
London-born songstress Lianne La Havas, Kwabs, Netsky, Ms Dynamite, Maverick Sabre and Liverpool's Philharmonic Orchestra will also whet the appetite of music lovers at the festival's fourth outing.
As well as the Summer Jam bill, organisers have commissioned five off-shoot ticketed events which will celebrate music that has "redefined" popular culture and which will be held at different venues around the city.
They include a curated live show by BBC 6 Music's Gilles Peterson called 'From The Soul'; a celebration of Liverpool's counter-culture over the last 40 years with '76-16: From Eric's To Evol'; and 'House Nation' where renowned Liverpool-based DJ and Producer Yousef will explore what defines house music in four international cities.
Tickets for these cost from £10 for early-bird purchase and are available online at LIMF.
LIMF Curator, Yaw Owusu commented: "Year four is all about us shining a light on re-defining musical moments and movements... I hope that music lovers from anywhere and everywhere, of all ages and backgrounds, revel in a number of special experiences at LIMF 2016."
For more details go to www.limfestival.com
Sigma to headline LIMF in July
Sigma and The Wombats will headline Liverpool International Music Festival in July.
The dance duo - who are responsible for hits such as 'Nobody To Love' and 'Changing' - are confirmed to headline the LIMF Summer Jam 2016 bill on the Saturday evening and the 'Lets Dance to Joy Division' hitmakers will top Sunday's line-up at Europe's biggest free music festival, which is spread over three days - from July 21 to 24 in the city's Sefton Park.
London-born songstress Lianne La Havas, Kwabs, Netsky, Ms Dynamite, Maverick Sabre and Liverpool's Philharmonic Orchestra will also whet the appetite of music lovers at the festival's fourth outing.
As well as the Summer Jam bill, organisers have commissioned five off-shoot ticketed events which will celebrate music that has "redefined" popular culture and which will be held at different venues around the city.
They include a curated live show by BBC 6 Music's Gilles Peterson called 'From The Soul'; a celebration of Liverpool's counter-culture over the last 40 years with '76-16: From Eric's To Evol'; and 'House Nation' where renowned Liverpool-based DJ and Producer Yousef will explore what defines house music in four international cities.
Tickets for these cost from £10 for early-bird purchase and are available online at LIMF.
LIMF Curator, Yaw Owusu commented: "Year four is all about us shining a light on re-defining musical moments and movements... I hope that music lovers from anywhere and everywhere, of all ages and backgrounds, revel in a number of special experiences at LIMF 2016."
For more details go to www.limfestival.com
Music News
Steven Tyler will never leave Aerosmith despite his bandmate Joe Perry thinking he will.
The 67-year-old rocker has been busy working on his solo country music and recently dropped his single 'Red White, & You'.
Asked what the band's reaction to the track was, he said lead guitarist, Joe told him he thought it would signal the end of his career with the 'Crazy' hitmakers, but Steve has assured fans it isn't.
Asked if he'd heard from the lads, he said: "I have heard from Joey, he said he'd heard a few things on the internet. "
And on if he liked the song, he told Howard on 'The Howard Stern Show': "No. He said I'm quitting Aerosmith to do country, which is the dumbest thing on the planet. I would never leave Aerosmith."
Meanwhile, the veteran rocker - who is living a life of sobriety despite years of drug-taking - admitted he lost his "god given talent" to drugs.
Asked how he's managed to keep his voice in check despite heavy abuse, he said: "I was a f***ing maniac. The only way out is through. I was a humongous to die for drug addict and I still have a couple of puffs off my girlfriend's cigarette and it's like woah. But I keep it in check, I have a 12 step thing I do."
And on whether he's confident he'll never take substances again, he said: "No. That I don't. I keep myself honest with I'm just a hit record away. It's so hard to survive in this world, in American everywhere and people want a little release. I don't blame people for getting high. I took it to the wall and I've got a talent , a god given talent. I got so stoned I lost it all."
Steven Tyler: I’m not leaving Aerosmith for country music
Steven Tyler will never leave Aerosmith despite his bandmate Joe Perry thinking he will.
The 67-year-old rocker has been busy working on his solo country music and recently dropped his single 'Red White, & You'.
Asked what the band's reaction to the track was, he said lead guitarist, Joe told him he thought it would signal the end of his career with the 'Crazy' hitmakers, but Steve has assured fans it isn't.
Asked if he'd heard from the lads, he said: "I have heard from Joey, he said he'd heard a few things on the internet. "
And on if he liked the song, he told Howard on 'The Howard Stern Show': "No. He said I'm quitting Aerosmith to do country, which is the dumbest thing on the planet. I would never leave Aerosmith."
Meanwhile, the veteran rocker - who is living a life of sobriety despite years of drug-taking - admitted he lost his "god given talent" to drugs.
Asked how he's managed to keep his voice in check despite heavy abuse, he said: "I was a f***ing maniac. The only way out is through. I was a humongous to die for drug addict and I still have a couple of puffs off my girlfriend's cigarette and it's like woah. But I keep it in check, I have a 12 step thing I do."
And on whether he's confident he'll never take substances again, he said: "No. That I don't. I keep myself honest with I'm just a hit record away. It's so hard to survive in this world, in American everywhere and people want a little release. I don't blame people for getting high. I took it to the wall and I've got a talent , a god given talent. I got so stoned I lost it all."
Music News
The Chemical Brothers will headline this year's South West Four festival in London.
The electronic duo - composed of Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons - are thrilled to headline the intimate music event held on Clapham Common on Bank Holiday Sunday 28 August.
In a statement, they said: "We're both delighted to be playing at SW4 in London in the summertime. It has been a long time, too long. See you there!"
The special set will mark their first outdoor performance in their home city in over half a decade.
The electro pioneers join already announced acts including, Berlin-based duo Walter Merziger and Arno Kammermeier aka Booka Shade, Hunter/Game, techno star Joseph Capriati and popping their South West Four cherry is Recondite [Live] .
The festival gig follows a fantastic 2015 for the 'Block Rocking Beats' hitmakers, who stole the stage at Glastonbury, Bestival and Creamfields and will now hit SW4 as a summer exclusive for the festival.
Many more acts are yet to be announced for the event held on the weekend of the 27 to the 28 August.
Weekend pre-sale tickets go on sale Wednesday, 27 January at 9am available from southwestfour.com
The Chemical Brothers headline London’s South West Four
The Chemical Brothers will headline this year's South West Four festival in London.
The electronic duo - composed of Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons - are thrilled to headline the intimate music event held on Clapham Common on Bank Holiday Sunday 28 August.
In a statement, they said: "We're both delighted to be playing at SW4 in London in the summertime. It has been a long time, too long. See you there!"
The special set will mark their first outdoor performance in their home city in over half a decade.
The electro pioneers join already announced acts including, Berlin-based duo Walter Merziger and Arno Kammermeier aka Booka Shade, Hunter/Game, techno star Joseph Capriati and popping their South West Four cherry is Recondite [Live] .
The festival gig follows a fantastic 2015 for the 'Block Rocking Beats' hitmakers, who stole the stage at Glastonbury, Bestival and Creamfields and will now hit SW4 as a summer exclusive for the festival.
Many more acts are yet to be announced for the event held on the weekend of the 27 to the 28 August.
Weekend pre-sale tickets go on sale Wednesday, 27 January at 9am available from southwestfour.com
Music News
Iggy Pop and Josh Homme were inspired to make music from their shared interests in "[their] sex life, furniture and German trivia".
The rockers - who teamed up with Arctic Monkeys' Matt Helders for the secret LP titled 'Post Pop Depression' -had a bizarre bonding session where they talked about their ideas for the album.
On working together, Iggy told Matt Wilkinson in a forthcoming Beats 1 Radio interview: "About half way through, we had a conversation about what we wanted to do. We didn't want to take anyone's money, we didn't want a record [label] person up our ass - we were willing to use our own funds."
Josh added: "It was a diverse layout of interests."
And Iggy revealed the things that turned them both on were, "Sex life, furniture and German trivia".
Meanwhile, the 68-year-old rocker said the band - which also includes Dean Fertita, from Queens of the Stone Age, and the Dead Weather, on guitars and keyboards - "sound really bloody good" live.
The record, which was made over a year ago between Josh's two studios in Los Angeles, Joshua Tree and Pink Duck in Los Angeles, is expected to be released in March.
Iggy Pop: Post Pop Depression is inspired by sex, furniture and German trivia
Iggy Pop and Josh Homme were inspired to make music from their shared interests in "[their] sex life, furniture and German trivia".
The rockers - who teamed up with Arctic Monkeys' Matt Helders for the secret LP titled 'Post Pop Depression' -had a bizarre bonding session where they talked about their ideas for the album.
On working together, Iggy told Matt Wilkinson in a forthcoming Beats 1 Radio interview: "About half way through, we had a conversation about what we wanted to do. We didn't want to take anyone's money, we didn't want a record [label] person up our ass - we were willing to use our own funds."
Josh added: "It was a diverse layout of interests."
And Iggy revealed the things that turned them both on were, "Sex life, furniture and German trivia".
Meanwhile, the 68-year-old rocker said the band - which also includes Dean Fertita, from Queens of the Stone Age, and the Dead Weather, on guitars and keyboards - "sound really bloody good" live.
The record, which was made over a year ago between Josh's two studios in Los Angeles, Joshua Tree and Pink Duck in Los Angeles, is expected to be released in March.
Music News
Nickelback have called out Kanye West for saying his album is "the best album of all time".
The 'Rockstar' group took a light-hearted swipe at the 'All Day' hitmaker when announcing they are working on new music, joking it can't possibly compete with the rapper's upcoming LP 'Swish'.
Writing on their Twitter page on Monday (25.01.16), the rockers wrote: "Good news: we're working on new music. Bad news for us: @kanyewest 'Swish' will be the best album of all time. #SWISH #Kanye (sic)"
Nickelback were referring to Kanye's tweet on Monday (25.01.16) in which he shared his album was complete and boasted it was the "best" record ever made.
He wrote: "So happy to be finished with the best album of all time (sic)."
Nickelback are working on a follow-up to 2014's 'No Fixed Address'.
The rock group have also announced plans to reschedule last year's tour dates after frontman Chad Kroeger underwent vocal cord surgery in August, forcing them to axe their shows around the globe.
In a video statement posted on Billboard, guitarist Ryan Peake said: "Hey Guys it's Ryan from Nickelback. Just to let you know we are firing things up and probably early 2016 we will try and get things back on track again. Chad's healing well and we hope to see you guys later next year."
Nickelback call out Kanye West on his ‘best album of all time’
Nickelback have called out Kanye West for saying his album is "the best album of all time".
The 'Rockstar' group took a light-hearted swipe at the 'All Day' hitmaker when announcing they are working on new music, joking it can't possibly compete with the rapper's upcoming LP 'Swish'.
Writing on their Twitter page on Monday (25.01.16), the rockers wrote: "Good news: we're working on new music. Bad news for us: @kanyewest 'Swish' will be the best album of all time. #SWISH #Kanye (sic)"
Nickelback were referring to Kanye's tweet on Monday (25.01.16) in which he shared his album was complete and boasted it was the "best" record ever made.
He wrote: "So happy to be finished with the best album of all time (sic)."
Nickelback are working on a follow-up to 2014's 'No Fixed Address'.
The rock group have also announced plans to reschedule last year's tour dates after frontman Chad Kroeger underwent vocal cord surgery in August, forcing them to axe their shows around the globe.
In a video statement posted on Billboard, guitarist Ryan Peake said: "Hey Guys it's Ryan from Nickelback. Just to let you know we are firing things up and probably early 2016 we will try and get things back on track again. Chad's healing well and we hope to see you guys later next year."