Music News

Rihanna has pulled out of performing at the BRIT Awards.
The 'Four Five Seconds' singer was reportedly set to take to the stage at the prestigious music awards in London tonight (25.02.15) but appears to have dropped out at the last minute after failing to show up for rehearsals earlier this week.
A source shared: "Everything was prepared for Rihanna's performance but she was a no show.
"The organisers are furious as she was one of their biggest coups."
However, in a bid to rescue the show from disaster, Kanye West has now been persuaded to perform instead and will reportedly unveil a new song with the help of an elaborate stage show and a huge team of backing dancers.
The source added to The Sun newspaper: "Kanye is just as big a star as Rihanna and is always good value at awards shows."
The news of Rihanna's cancellation hasn't upset the award show's hosts Ant & Dec, however, as they're now hoping to witness one of Kanye's famous meltdowns first hand.
Anthony McPartlin joked: "Come on, give us a Kanye moment!"
Confessing he's not brave enough to interrupt the 'Black Skinhead' rapper if he does go off on a rant, Declan Donnelly added: "As hosts, we just need to keep things moving.
"We're not going to wrestle anybody to the ground or stand in their way.
"As long as nobody dies, we should be all right."
Meanwhile, Madonna is also set to perform tonight (25.02.15) and is said to be planning an amazing show for her first appearance at the annual ceremony in twenty years.

Paloma Faith thinks she's "the most punk person in music".
The 'Only Love Can Hurt Like This' hitmaker feels dismayed with the majority of current musicians because she believes they are all too well-behaved.
She said: "Everyone's too scared to say anything. The fact that I'm considered outspoken is bizarre to me, because I think I'm probably the most punk person in music, so we're absolutely screwed."
The 33-year-old singer will compete against Lily Allen, FKA twigs, Ella Henderson and Jessie Ware this evening (25.02.15) in the British Female category at the BRIT Awards at London's O2 Arena, but explained the ceremony represents how bland musicians have become, because her favourite BRITs moment happened way back in 1996.
When asked about her highlight from any of the BRITs ceremonies, she said: "I think Jarvis Cocker when he mooned... It was like the last moment of punk in music history."
As well as talking about the annual award ceremony, Paloma - whose third record 'A Perfect Contradiction' was the fifth biggest selling album of 2014 in the UK - admitted she is hoping to start working on her next LP in between her tour dates across Europe and Australia later this year, and is keen to collaborate with 'Uptown Funk' hitmaker Mark Ronson on some tracks.
She told DigitalSpy.co.uk: "Yeah I've tried to squeeze some bits [of recording] in, that's my aim: get that rolling as soon as possible between all that touring.
"I'd love to work with Andre 3000. I'd really love to work with Mark Ronson, and Jeff Bhasker."
Paloma Faith is working with MasterCard as part of their 2015 BRITs campaign, bringing Priceless music experiences to her biggest fans. Visit pricelesssurprises.co.uk to find out how you could catch Paloma at an intimate gig later this year.

Take That performed an intimate gig for charity last night (23.02.15).
The 'These Days' trio took to the stage at London's O2 Shepherds Bush Empire for a show in aid of War Child, which saw them perform a fan-voted setlist which spanned all three decades of their career and even visited their solo careers.
The show opened with 2008 single 'Greatest Day', with the packed-out crowd singing along to every word, much to the delight of the band.
Mark Owen said: "It's a real pleasure to be invited to play here tonight. We haven't played for a while, so it's nice to perform in front of a crowd."
The stripped-back show - their first full concert without Jason Orange - saw the threesome appear casual and relaxed, joking easily with one another as they made their way through hits including 'Shine', 'Back For Good' and 'Patience'.
Gary Barlow then peered into the audience and asked, "I'm looking out there to see if there's anyone who can remember the Nineties" with a saxophonist joining them on 1992 single 'A Million Love Songs'.
Mark and Howard Donald then exited the stage to allow Gary to sing two of his solo tracks, 'Forever Love', which he performed seated at a grand piano, and the more up-tempo 'Let Me Go', after which his bandmates presented him with a glass of red wine and he declared, "I think I'm in the mood for a bit of dancing" - but not before bending to tie his shoelaces.
Howard and Mark also got their chance to take a solo turn, with the latter quipping: "It feels like we're auditioning for you" as he shouldered a guitar to sing 'Four Minute Warning'.
The 80-minute set closed with 'Never Forget' and the group urging their loyal fans - many of whom had camped overnight to secure a good spot in front of the stage - to see them on their forthcoming tour.
Gary said: "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting us. We can't wait to start our tour - please come along."
As well as their dedicated fans, a host of famous faces also turned out for the show, including Luke Evans, 'Breaking Bad' star RJ Mitte, Laura Whitmore and Leah Weller.
Take That - who were supported by Ella Henderson - join an illustrious list of acts who have previously played War Child and O2's show, including Coldplay, Muse, Ed Sheeran, Blur, The Killers, Calvin Harris and Mark Ronson.
The show raised funds for children affected by an unprecedented year of violence in war zones including Iraq, Syria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Uganda and Central African Republic.

Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran hid from the police after the Grammy Awards.
The musical pals were partying together in 'Uptown Funk' hitmaker Mark Ronson's hotel room in Los Angeles after the prestigious music awards earlier this month but were forced to halt their celebrations and hide in the bathroom when the police turned up to shut the bash down.
Ed revealed: "We ended up at a party in Mark Ronson's room and then the police shut it down."
Taylor continued: "That made us feel so cool. And then we had to hide in a bathroom. There was like 40 of us. I grabbed Ed and I was like, 'Cops are here, come with me!' I never thought I'd be the one saying that."
However, the typically well-behaved pair - who will perform separately at the BRIT Awards tomorrow evening (25.02.15) - were not the only two stars who shut themselves in the room, with approximately 40 others including 'Take Me To Church' singer Hozier doing the same.
The 24-year-old singer-songwriter - who was 2014's biggest-selling global male solo recording artist according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry - recalled: "Hozier was just standing behind a door."
Taylor added: "He's like 6ft 4, he's a tall dude, so to see him standing behind a door, it was an odd site. A lot of weird things happened that night."
And although the surreal experience was hilarious, 'Blank Space' hitmaker Taylor explained there were even weirder moments as the night progressed, including an encounter which led to her petting 25-year-old singer-songwriter The Weeknd.
She told BBC Radio 1: "I woke up with an email from The Weeknd, and he was like, 'You told me how beautiful I was for like 15 minutes straight and started to pet my hair.' It looked really cool that night and I apparently went on and on about it. I was like, 'You're so magnificent!'"

Rae Morris and Gaz Coombes have been added to the Field Day line-up.
The annual London festival has announced several new names for the 2015 event, with indie quartet Spector set to perform, as well as hip hop trio Ratking.
Tweeting about the reveal, 'Closer' singer Rae tweeted: "can't contain excitement for @fielddaylondon. so many incredible artists/acts. #FDLondon (sic)."
Producer Cashmere Cat, who produced Ariana Grande's 2014 album 'My Everything', has also been revealed as a performer at the event, just weeks after his involvement with Kanye West's new album was revealed, and has promised to play the new material at his upcoming shows.
He wrote on Twitter: "i have so many new things to play u at my shows i cant wait..brand new cashy and ari song,the new kanye record i did+a million cashy songs.. (sic)."
The latest announcement adds to the already busy line-up, with the event featuring headline performances from Canadian musician Caribou and rockers Ride.
Other acts taking to the stage during the two-day festival - which will be held in east London's Victoria Park - include Patti Smith, Django Django, FKA twigs, Shura and Todd Terje.
Tickets to Field Day 2015 are on sale now.

All We Are want to work with Outkast.
The 'Keep Me Alive' trio - comprising Guro Gikling, Rich O'Flynn and Luís Santos - are big fans of the 'Hey Ya group and would love the chance to record a single with the 'Hey Ya' hitmakers.
They said: "It would be pretty banging to do a collab with Outkast."
The group, who formed at university in Liverpool, have been expanding their fan base thanks to a recent tour with London Grammar but have ruled taking part in a reality TV show or contest to boost their success further.
Asked if they would go on a TV show, They told BANG Showbiz: "No, never have watched them. None of us actually own TVs. We just like playing, hanging out and drinking cans."
One way they have been engaging with more fans is performing at the Aloft Liverpool hotel as part of their Spotlight Series and they have really enjoyed the experience.
They said: "It has been great to be able to use the space there and they're lovely to work with."
All We Are teamed up with Aloft Liverpool as part of the Live at Aloft Hotels - Spotlight Series. For more information, visit http://aloftspotlightseries.com/liverpool.

Ed Sheeran will perform 'Bloodstream' at the BRIT Awards.
The 24-year-old musician will sing at the annual ceremony tomorrow (25.02.15) and has accidentally revealed he will perform his new single.
After playing the track on BBC Radio 1 this morning (24.02.15), host Nick Grimshaw asked Ed what he would be performing, to which he replied: "That! Yeah. Oh I probably shouldn't say that because it's meant to be a [secret]."
The singer-songwriter's latest track is a collaboration with drum and bass quartet Rudimental, and although he denied he would be singing with a band, he teased his performance may surprise viewers.
He continued: "It's a song that I've never played on TV before. And to be fair, the way I'm doing it, no-one's seen me do that, it's not with a band ... it's going to be good."
Meanwhile, the star - who is up for four awards at the BRITs - was in his hometown of Ipswich on Monday (23.02.15) filming the video for the song along with a group of school children.
Later in the day he tweeted: "Bloodstream video coming soon (sic)."
Other performers set to grace the stage at the BRIT Awards at London's O2 Arena include Taylor Swift, Madonna, Sam Smith, George Ezra, Take That, Royal Blood and Paloma Faith.

Jessie J will headline Henley Festival.
The 'Bang Bang' hitmaker will open the annual event on Wednesday July 8 when she performs on the festival's floating stage on the River Thames, with other confirmed artists including 65-year-old singer-songwriter Lionel Richie, Grammy Award winner Gregory Porter and 'Green Garden' singer Laura Mvula.
Speaking about the event, Jessie said: "So excited to be headlining the opening night of the Henley Festival this year and performing alongside the likes of Lionel Richie!"
The series of black-tie evenings - which are being held in partnership with BMW - will also host comedy, theatre, fine-dining and art between July 8 and 12.
During the opening night featuring Jessie J, TV personality Mark Watson will be performing stand-up comedy in The Salon Late, while other attractions throughout the festival include comedy from Adam Kay, Abandoman, The Horne Section, Adam Hills and 'The Only Way is Downton'.
Other acts set to feature at the Oxfordshire celebration include world music pioneers Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes and Tonino Baliardo, while organisers have teased a "very special guest" who is yet to be announced for the closing evening on Sunday 12 July.
Tickets for the series of events are available now with prices starting at £35 from www.henley-festival.co.uk

Ne-Yo's mum is his "biggest influence".
The 32-year-old singer has praised his mother for being his "hero" because although she has had a difficult life she still has a positive attitude.
He admitted: "My mum was and still is the biggest influence on me, she's my absolute hero. As far as I'm concerned, she's the strongest person on the planet. She's really been through the wringer, from not being appreciated to guys who weren't there for her. She's been through a lot and came out on the other side."
The 'Let Me Love You' hitmaker - who recently released his sixth studio album 'Non-Fiction' - continued to praise his mum by explaining it was her musical taste which first made him want to sing.
He continued: "I used to hate my singing voice because I didn't sound like Teddy Pendergrass or the O'Jays, the guys my mum used to love listening to. I wanted to sound like the guys she liked but I couldn't, so she introduced me to Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder and said: 'Listen to what they do and you'll be more comfortable in what you do.' That's pretty much why I'm here."
However, the R 'n' B musician added Sammy Davis Jr. was his musical hero as a youngster because it made him feel "cool to be black".
He told Metro newspaper: "I loved what he stood for and the Rat Pack era. It really meant something to me and I wanted to be him in high school. He was one of my heroes and made it cool to be black."