Music News
Music News
Morrissey insists he has been dropped by his record label, despite the company denying his claims.
The former Smiths frontman is adamant he has proof in an email that he was ditched by Capitol-Harvest Records, but label boss Steve Barnett has dismissed claims the organisation and the 55-year-old singer have parted company following the release of his solo album 'World Peace Is None Of Your Business'.
In a statement on fansite True To You, Morrissey wrote: "Both Morrissey and Morrissey's lawyer are in possession of email correspondence from Steve Barnett (head of Capitol-Harvest Records), and also from Steve Barnett's personal assistant, both of whom confirm that Capitol-Harvest have ended their relationship with Morrissey. No recording Agreement with Capitol-Harvest was ever signed by Morrissey, and Morrissey retains full ownership of (new album) World Peace is None Of Your Business.
"Contrary to the assured Billboard report, Capitol-Harvest have very clearly stated that they would have no interest in licensing a second album by Morrissey. (Law firm) Russells (London), who represent Morrissey, are presently concluding Morrissey's relationship with Harvest Records. Once again, Morrissey is in search of a new label."
But last week, a source told Billboard that Morrissey hadn't been dropped from his label and was halfway through his two-album deal with the company.
Morrissey insists he’s been dropped from record label
Morrissey insists he has been dropped by his record label, despite the company denying his claims.
The former Smiths frontman is adamant he has proof in an email that he was ditched by Capitol-Harvest Records, but label boss Steve Barnett has dismissed claims the organisation and the 55-year-old singer have parted company following the release of his solo album 'World Peace Is None Of Your Business'.
In a statement on fansite True To You, Morrissey wrote: "Both Morrissey and Morrissey's lawyer are in possession of email correspondence from Steve Barnett (head of Capitol-Harvest Records), and also from Steve Barnett's personal assistant, both of whom confirm that Capitol-Harvest have ended their relationship with Morrissey. No recording Agreement with Capitol-Harvest was ever signed by Morrissey, and Morrissey retains full ownership of (new album) World Peace is None Of Your Business.
"Contrary to the assured Billboard report, Capitol-Harvest have very clearly stated that they would have no interest in licensing a second album by Morrissey. (Law firm) Russells (London), who represent Morrissey, are presently concluding Morrissey's relationship with Harvest Records. Once again, Morrissey is in search of a new label."
But last week, a source told Billboard that Morrissey hadn't been dropped from his label and was halfway through his two-album deal with the company.
Music News
The Killers brought V Festival to a close in sublime style last night (17.08.14) by bringing Jimmy Carr on stage to introduce their encore.
The 'Somebody Told Me' hitmakers - who were playing the event for the fourth time - invited the comedian on stage at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex, to introduce their 2006 hit single 'When You Were Young'.
He told the crowd: "You have two options: You can call it a night, you might be fresher for work in the morning, or you could demand more?"
His first suggestion prompted boos from the audience but they were left cheering when he walked off stage with the returning band heading in the opposite direction following a short break at the end of their energetic greatest hits set.
That wasn't the Las Vegas band's only surprise of the night though as they also performed a superb cover of Iggy Azalea and Charli XCX's 'Fancy' resulting in drummer Ronnie Vannucci stepping out from behind his drum kit to pull off some suggestive dance moves while frontman Brandon Flowers sang.
But The Killers were not the only impressive act of the weekend as several other stars excelled at the festival.
Lily Allen got plenty of plaudits for her set on the main Virgin Media Stage but it was a wardrobe malfunction which stole the show as her plunging silver jumpsuit plunged a little too far leaving the bra-less star's assets on display for all to see.
Sam Smith continued his fantastic year by entertaining fans on the star-studded MTV Stage on Sunday, which also featured Rizzle Kicks, Tinie Tempah and Jason Derulo among other big names.
M People had got V Festival's Sunday off to the perfect start by rolling back the years with a greatest hits set and Train, Chic and Rudimental followed suit later in the day.
On Saturday (17.08.14), Ed Sheeran wowed the crowd with a selection of hits from his two albums and he later received a somewhat unexpected shoutout from Saturday night's headline act Justin Timberlake.
Following his performance of 'Cry Me A River', Justin told the crowd: "Brother from another red-headed mother Ed Sheeran - he's a bad motherf**ker!"
Other Saturday performers at the festival included Example, Kaiser Chiefs and Bastille.
A number of stars also made it into Virgin Media's Louder Lounge area including 'Skins' beauty Kaya Scodelario, Katherine Jenkins and The Saturdays' Vanessa White.
And when people weren't living it up in the Louder Lounge or taking in the fine selection of acts performing at the music extravaganza, some were having a fantastic time at the Lucozade Energy YES Arena.
The Killers close V Festival in style
The Killers brought V Festival to a close in sublime style last night (17.08.14) by bringing Jimmy Carr on stage to introduce their encore.
The 'Somebody Told Me' hitmakers - who were playing the event for the fourth time - invited the comedian on stage at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex, to introduce their 2006 hit single 'When You Were Young'.
He told the crowd: "You have two options: You can call it a night, you might be fresher for work in the morning, or you could demand more?"
His first suggestion prompted boos from the audience but they were left cheering when he walked off stage with the returning band heading in the opposite direction following a short break at the end of their energetic greatest hits set.
That wasn't the Las Vegas band's only surprise of the night though as they also performed a superb cover of Iggy Azalea and Charli XCX's 'Fancy' resulting in drummer Ronnie Vannucci stepping out from behind his drum kit to pull off some suggestive dance moves while frontman Brandon Flowers sang.
But The Killers were not the only impressive act of the weekend as several other stars excelled at the festival.
Lily Allen got plenty of plaudits for her set on the main Virgin Media Stage but it was a wardrobe malfunction which stole the show as her plunging silver jumpsuit plunged a little too far leaving the bra-less star's assets on display for all to see.
Sam Smith continued his fantastic year by entertaining fans on the star-studded MTV Stage on Sunday, which also featured Rizzle Kicks, Tinie Tempah and Jason Derulo among other big names.
M People had got V Festival's Sunday off to the perfect start by rolling back the years with a greatest hits set and Train, Chic and Rudimental followed suit later in the day.
On Saturday (17.08.14), Ed Sheeran wowed the crowd with a selection of hits from his two albums and he later received a somewhat unexpected shoutout from Saturday night's headline act Justin Timberlake.
Following his performance of 'Cry Me A River', Justin told the crowd: "Brother from another red-headed mother Ed Sheeran - he's a bad motherf**ker!"
Other Saturday performers at the festival included Example, Kaiser Chiefs and Bastille.
A number of stars also made it into Virgin Media's Louder Lounge area including 'Skins' beauty Kaya Scodelario, Katherine Jenkins and The Saturdays' Vanessa White.
And when people weren't living it up in the Louder Lounge or taking in the fine selection of acts performing at the music extravaganza, some were having a fantastic time at the Lucozade Energy YES Arena.
Music News
Sam Smith got a "lovely response" from the man he dedicated his album to.
The 'Stay With Me' hitmaker released his debut record 'In the Lonely Hour' in May, but the inspiration behind the songs - which came from waiting to experience reciprocal long - didn't know the full-length was about him until the singer made the revelation.
Asked if his muse was aware of his feeling, Sam said: "Not until about three months ago. I told him a week before the album came out. He'd heard the record, but didn't have a clue it was about him ... He just said, 'Are you OK?'
"It was a lovely response. The reason I told him was because it was like closure to me. When I fell in love with this guy last year, it was the third person my life I had had really strong feelings for and they'd never loved me back.
"And this album was almost a way for me to break the cycle. I will never let myself fall in love with someone again in that way ... I have to believe it because I want to fall in love with someone who loves me back."
Meanwhile, Sam blasted the idea he 'came out' as gay earlier this year, insisting he has been open about his sexuality ever since he told his mother.
He told the Guardian newspaper: "I didn't come out. I came out when I came out to my mum! No, that side of things to me is just normality.
"I find it weird when people used the expression 'coming out' like it's a massive party of relief."
Sam Smith got a ‘lovely response’ from his muse
Sam Smith got a "lovely response" from the man he dedicated his album to.
The 'Stay With Me' hitmaker released his debut record 'In the Lonely Hour' in May, but the inspiration behind the songs - which came from waiting to experience reciprocal long - didn't know the full-length was about him until the singer made the revelation.
Asked if his muse was aware of his feeling, Sam said: "Not until about three months ago. I told him a week before the album came out. He'd heard the record, but didn't have a clue it was about him ... He just said, 'Are you OK?'
"It was a lovely response. The reason I told him was because it was like closure to me. When I fell in love with this guy last year, it was the third person my life I had had really strong feelings for and they'd never loved me back.
"And this album was almost a way for me to break the cycle. I will never let myself fall in love with someone again in that way ... I have to believe it because I want to fall in love with someone who loves me back."
Meanwhile, Sam blasted the idea he 'came out' as gay earlier this year, insisting he has been open about his sexuality ever since he told his mother.
He told the Guardian newspaper: "I didn't come out. I came out when I came out to my mum! No, that side of things to me is just normality.
"I find it weird when people used the expression 'coming out' like it's a massive party of relief."
Music News
Aerosmith have resumed their tour after Joey Kramer underwent a procedure following heart complications.
The group postponed a show at California's Concord Pavilion in Concord last Wednesday (13.08.14) due to the drummer's illness, but the 64-year-old musician insists he feels "better than ever" and is raring to go on the band's 'Let Rock Rule' tour.
He said in a statement: "I'm feeling better than ever and I'll be back sitting in the best seat in the house, hitting it harder than ever for our amazing fans.
"My gratitude and thanks for all the love and support showered on me during this time."
He also tweeted: "Feelin' good, feelin' groovy, feelin' great!!! Nothin' keeps the Kramedog down. (sic)"
Joey's wife Linda took to Twitter last week to confirm the star had undergone a procedure on his heart.
She wrote: "Media blowing out of proportion The truth is Yes my husband @joeykramer is in the hospital having a procedure related to his heart (sic)"
Aerosmith have nine dates left on their US tour with Denver set to be their next stop tomorrow evening (19.08.14).
The Concord Pavilion announced the group were cancelling their show on Wednesday just hours before doors at the venue were due to open.
They wrote on their Facebook page: "Due to illness, Aerosmith has been forced to cancel tonight's performance at the Concord Pavilion in Concord, CA.
"The band regrets not being able to perform for their fans. Refunds will be available at point of purchase."
Aerosmith resume tour after Joey Kramer illness
Aerosmith have resumed their tour after Joey Kramer underwent a procedure following heart complications.
The group postponed a show at California's Concord Pavilion in Concord last Wednesday (13.08.14) due to the drummer's illness, but the 64-year-old musician insists he feels "better than ever" and is raring to go on the band's 'Let Rock Rule' tour.
He said in a statement: "I'm feeling better than ever and I'll be back sitting in the best seat in the house, hitting it harder than ever for our amazing fans.
"My gratitude and thanks for all the love and support showered on me during this time."
He also tweeted: "Feelin' good, feelin' groovy, feelin' great!!! Nothin' keeps the Kramedog down. (sic)"
Joey's wife Linda took to Twitter last week to confirm the star had undergone a procedure on his heart.
She wrote: "Media blowing out of proportion The truth is Yes my husband @joeykramer is in the hospital having a procedure related to his heart (sic)"
Aerosmith have nine dates left on their US tour with Denver set to be their next stop tomorrow evening (19.08.14).
The Concord Pavilion announced the group were cancelling their show on Wednesday just hours before doors at the venue were due to open.
They wrote on their Facebook page: "Due to illness, Aerosmith has been forced to cancel tonight's performance at the Concord Pavilion in Concord, CA.
"The band regrets not being able to perform for their fans. Refunds will be available at point of purchase."
Music News
Taylor Swift can "barely function" because she is excited about touring.
The 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' hitmaker recently took a break from her music career to shoot her debut movie role in 'The Giver' and though she enjoyed the experience, she can't wait to get back on the road.
She told Us Weekly magazine: "I would never say I'd never do another movie, but then again, I know I'm going to be touring for the next two years pretty soon, and I'm so excited about that I can barely function."
The 24-year-old singer admitted she was in awe of her 'Giver' co-stars Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep, but was too jetlagged to be
intimidated by them.
She said: "To be honest, I was so jet-lagged that my entire time on set slipped away and the days would fade into each other. But the numerous breaks in between takes were the best. Jeff and I held jam sessions in his dressing room with his drums, guitars and keyboard. We'd play, then everybody joined in whether they knew the song or not."
But she added: "Even getting to meet Jeff Bridges is a crazy thought to me. And actually getting in the scene with him was so far above and beyond what I could expect for what's essentially my first role in a major movie."
Taylor Swift’s tour excitement
Taylor Swift can "barely function" because she is excited about touring.
The 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' hitmaker recently took a break from her music career to shoot her debut movie role in 'The Giver' and though she enjoyed the experience, she can't wait to get back on the road.
She told Us Weekly magazine: "I would never say I'd never do another movie, but then again, I know I'm going to be touring for the next two years pretty soon, and I'm so excited about that I can barely function."
The 24-year-old singer admitted she was in awe of her 'Giver' co-stars Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep, but was too jetlagged to be
intimidated by them.
She said: "To be honest, I was so jet-lagged that my entire time on set slipped away and the days would fade into each other. But the numerous breaks in between takes were the best. Jeff and I held jam sessions in his dressing room with his drums, guitars and keyboard. We'd play, then everybody joined in whether they knew the song or not."
But she added: "Even getting to meet Jeff Bridges is a crazy thought to me. And actually getting in the scene with him was so far above and beyond what I could expect for what's essentially my first role in a major movie."
Music News
James Arthur was "unprepared" for the music industry.
The 26-year-old singer - who shot to fame after winning 'The X Factor' in 2012 - was recently dropped from record label Syco following a string of controversies but he insists he is not going to dwell on his "mistakes".
He admitted: "When you know who you really are, you can definitely be more yourself. I was unprepared for the music industry.
"I've made mistakes but I'm really not going to dwell on that anymore. I'm looking to give people new music whether they want it or not, and it will be the best music I'll ever create."
The 'Impossible' hitmaker has been battling anxiety and depression but says he is now "very happy" and in a "great place" to make music again.
Speaking to heat Radio at the Virgin Media V Festival, he added: "I'm in a great place to make music and be an artist and public figure again. It's been the biggest fight of my life - I've come up against it with anxiety and depression but I'm come out of it and on the other side, and I'm good...I'm really really happy.
"I didn't know the magnitude of that disease until it really set in for me, and people who have it don't early know how to talk about it, or feel afraid to talk about it.
"And as soon as I did, it changed completely. I opened up to a few people and I'm now very happy with the person I am today.
"I think people expect me to be really controversial and that guy that was on Twitter when I was being early negative. I'm not that person anymore....I don't think I'd be very entertaining."
James Arthur wasn’t prepared for fame
James Arthur was "unprepared" for the music industry.
The 26-year-old singer - who shot to fame after winning 'The X Factor' in 2012 - was recently dropped from record label Syco following a string of controversies but he insists he is not going to dwell on his "mistakes".
He admitted: "When you know who you really are, you can definitely be more yourself. I was unprepared for the music industry.
"I've made mistakes but I'm really not going to dwell on that anymore. I'm looking to give people new music whether they want it or not, and it will be the best music I'll ever create."
The 'Impossible' hitmaker has been battling anxiety and depression but says he is now "very happy" and in a "great place" to make music again.
Speaking to heat Radio at the Virgin Media V Festival, he added: "I'm in a great place to make music and be an artist and public figure again. It's been the biggest fight of my life - I've come up against it with anxiety and depression but I'm come out of it and on the other side, and I'm good...I'm really really happy.
"I didn't know the magnitude of that disease until it really set in for me, and people who have it don't early know how to talk about it, or feel afraid to talk about it.
"And as soon as I did, it changed completely. I opened up to a few people and I'm now very happy with the person I am today.
"I think people expect me to be really controversial and that guy that was on Twitter when I was being early negative. I'm not that person anymore....I don't think I'd be very entertaining."
Music News
Manic Street Preachers were forced to cancel their performance at the Virgin Media V Festival last night (16.08.14).
The Welsh trio had been due to perform on the MTV stage at the Chelmsford leg of the event, but scrapped the show after getting stuck in Budapest following their appearance at the Sziget festival on Friday (15.08.14).
They announced on their twitter page: "With huge regret, Manic Street Preachers announce the cancellation of their scheduled V Festival show in Chelmsford today (August 16th)...
"After 5 hours on runway at Budapest Airport following Sziget Festival last night, MSP were informed the BA plane they were on would not fly
"The band made every endeavour to get back to the UK in time to play. The band apologise to their fans at V Chelmsford for the cancellation.(sic)"
Bassist Nicky Wire later issued a personal apology to fans after arriving back in the UK following the "worst travel day" in their career.
He wrote: "After 18hrs of travelling+waiting we arrive in birmingham hotel-worst travel day in 22yrs of the band-deepest apologies we tried everything
"So sorry to cancel show at chelmsford-totally GUTTED-xxx (sic)"
The 'Walk Me to the Bridge' hitmakers' performance at the Staffordshire leg of the festival will go ahead today (17.08.14).
Manic Street Preachers cancel V appearance
Manic Street Preachers were forced to cancel their performance at the Virgin Media V Festival last night (16.08.14).
The Welsh trio had been due to perform on the MTV stage at the Chelmsford leg of the event, but scrapped the show after getting stuck in Budapest following their appearance at the Sziget festival on Friday (15.08.14).
They announced on their twitter page: "With huge regret, Manic Street Preachers announce the cancellation of their scheduled V Festival show in Chelmsford today (August 16th)...
"After 5 hours on runway at Budapest Airport following Sziget Festival last night, MSP were informed the BA plane they were on would not fly
"The band made every endeavour to get back to the UK in time to play. The band apologise to their fans at V Chelmsford for the cancellation.(sic)"
Bassist Nicky Wire later issued a personal apology to fans after arriving back in the UK following the "worst travel day" in their career.
He wrote: "After 18hrs of travelling+waiting we arrive in birmingham hotel-worst travel day in 22yrs of the band-deepest apologies we tried everything
"So sorry to cancel show at chelmsford-totally GUTTED-xxx (sic)"
The 'Walk Me to the Bridge' hitmakers' performance at the Staffordshire leg of the festival will go ahead today (17.08.14).
Music News
Justin Timberlake posed for selfies with a fan during his headline show at the Virgin Media V Festival last night (16.08.14).
The 'Mirrors' hitmaker was stunned here were "so f***ing many" people gathered at the main stage in Chelmsford's Hylands Park to watch him perform, and after seeing one audience member holding a sign explaining it was their birthday and they wanted a selfie with him, the former N*Sync star was happy to oblige.
Justin - who donned a pork-pie hat and Tom Ford suit for his appearance - thrilled fans with a set which included his classic hits 'Cry Me A River', 'SexyBack' and 'Take Back the Night', as well a snippet of his Jay-Z collaboration 'Holy Grail' and a cover of the Jacksons' 'Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)'.
At the end of his performance, the singer thanked the other artists on the bill, which had included Kaiser Chiefs, Example and Bastille, and made a special mention of Ed Sheeran, who had performed directly before him, as he hailed him his "brother from a redheaded mother, a baaad motherf****r".
The festival continues today (17.08.14) in both Chelmsford and Stafford, with The Killers topping the bill in Essex and Justin leading the line-up at the Weston Park site.
Justin Timberlake poses with fan during gig
Justin Timberlake posed for selfies with a fan during his headline show at the Virgin Media V Festival last night (16.08.14).
The 'Mirrors' hitmaker was stunned here were "so f***ing many" people gathered at the main stage in Chelmsford's Hylands Park to watch him perform, and after seeing one audience member holding a sign explaining it was their birthday and they wanted a selfie with him, the former N*Sync star was happy to oblige.
Justin - who donned a pork-pie hat and Tom Ford suit for his appearance - thrilled fans with a set which included his classic hits 'Cry Me A River', 'SexyBack' and 'Take Back the Night', as well a snippet of his Jay-Z collaboration 'Holy Grail' and a cover of the Jacksons' 'Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)'.
At the end of his performance, the singer thanked the other artists on the bill, which had included Kaiser Chiefs, Example and Bastille, and made a special mention of Ed Sheeran, who had performed directly before him, as he hailed him his "brother from a redheaded mother, a baaad motherf****r".
The festival continues today (17.08.14) in both Chelmsford and Stafford, with The Killers topping the bill in Essex and Justin leading the line-up at the Weston Park site.
Music News
One Direction like to watch a film together after a show.
The 'Best Song Ever' hitmakers are currently in the middle of their stadium world tour 'Where We Are', but they admit they find it hard to sleep after they've been jumping around on stage all evening, so they try to unwind with a movie.
Liam Payne said: "It's quite hard to sleep afterwards, so we usually have a late night and sleep together."
Louis Tomlinson added: "And maybe watch a film."
The hunky five-piece - also consisting of Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik - have a ritual before they go on stage as well, which involves them huddling together and gearing themselves us for the buzzing crowd.
Niall explained: "We do this huddle where we all put our hands together and say something, but we change it up with every continent we go to. For South America it's been 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight'. "
Liam added: "We are quite strange."
Meanwhile, the 'Little Things' stars - who shot to fame on 'The X Factor' in 2010 - believe performing in a stadium gives off a different "vibe" to singing in front of an arena audience and they find it more daunting.
Liam said: "We've played at arenas before, but never any stadiums, so it's very different this year when we walk out and it's open air. It has a festival vibe."
Harry added to Top of the Pops magazine: "When you're doing these big stadiums, you're so conscious that if you stand still for more than a few seconds, you think, 'This stage is so big and I'm so small ... so I look really bad.' "
One Direction bond over movies
One Direction like to watch a film together after a show.
The 'Best Song Ever' hitmakers are currently in the middle of their stadium world tour 'Where We Are', but they admit they find it hard to sleep after they've been jumping around on stage all evening, so they try to unwind with a movie.
Liam Payne said: "It's quite hard to sleep afterwards, so we usually have a late night and sleep together."
Louis Tomlinson added: "And maybe watch a film."
The hunky five-piece - also consisting of Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik - have a ritual before they go on stage as well, which involves them huddling together and gearing themselves us for the buzzing crowd.
Niall explained: "We do this huddle where we all put our hands together and say something, but we change it up with every continent we go to. For South America it's been 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight'. "
Liam added: "We are quite strange."
Meanwhile, the 'Little Things' stars - who shot to fame on 'The X Factor' in 2010 - believe performing in a stadium gives off a different "vibe" to singing in front of an arena audience and they find it more daunting.
Liam said: "We've played at arenas before, but never any stadiums, so it's very different this year when we walk out and it's open air. It has a festival vibe."
Harry added to Top of the Pops magazine: "When you're doing these big stadiums, you're so conscious that if you stand still for more than a few seconds, you think, 'This stage is so big and I'm so small ... so I look really bad.' "