Friday, April 26, 2024

Damon Albarn says Blur’s Coachella performance is ‘probably our last gig’

Damon Albarn announced that Blur were "probably" playing their "last gig" as the band performed at Coachella last weekend.

Normani to release debut solo album Dopamine this June

Normani has released '1:59' with Gunna and confirmed her debut solo album, 'Dopamine', is out on June 14. The...

Eminem announces new album and declares ‘The Death of Slim Shady’

Eminem is set to return with the album 'The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)' this summer. The...

Evanescence’s Amy Lee isn’t Linkin Park’s new singer, but is open to a ‘part-time’ gig

Evanescence frontwoman Amy Lee has denied she is Linkin Park's new singer - but would be up for a "part-time" gig with...

Florence Welch hints at surprise Eras Tour appearance

Florence Welch hinted she could pop up at one of Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tour' shows in London. The Florence...

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Duchess Catherine knocks back whisky


Britain's Duchess Catherine and Prince William knocked back whisky on their visit to Scotland today (29.05.14).
The royal couple carried out their first official engagement since returning from their tour of Australia and New Zealand a month ago as they arrived at the Famous Grouse Distillery, where they were handed a strong shot of Scotland's beloved national drink.
The Royal Correspondent for the Daily Mail newspaper, Rebecca English, wrote on Twitter: "Kate enjoyed several sips of the hard stuff including a 57.8 percent proof whisky that left her eyes watering. 'That's...errr..delicious."
Catherine - known as Kate Middleton before she married into the Royal Family - later had some gin as she and William arrived at Forteviot Fete, near Perth, and according to the Daily Express newspaper, she said: "I'd better not drink too much because of all the whisky I've had at Glenturret."
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were created Earl and Countess of Strathearn when they wed in 2011 and this was their first visit to the area since.
The last time the pair visited Scotland was in April last year when they joined the Prince of Wales at Dumfries House in East Ayrshire to open a new outdoor centre.

Jimmy Page became Sherlock Holmes to find Led Zeppelin live recording


Jimmy Page became "Sherlock Holmes" to find a bootleg live recording of Led Zeppelin.
The guitarist has been busy remastering the rock band's first three albums - 'Led Zeppelin', 'Led Zeppelin II' and 'Led Zeppelin III' - and compiling companion discs to each LP which contain previously unheard material.
Jimmy had a problem creating a companion disc for their debut 1969 LP 'Led Zeppelin' because there was very little leftover from the sessions but during a trip to Japan to check what illegal recordings of the band are available he was played a live show which was perfect to release.
In an interview on UK radio station Planet Rock - which will air on June 1 - the rocker revealed: "When it came to sort of piecing all of this together through all of the albums there wasn't anything left over from 'Led Zeppelin I' where you could make a proper companion disk to it; there just wasn't because of the nature of how it was recorded and there wasn't that much that went to waste ... So the first album we didn't have anything ... So it sort of dictated the fact that it had to be a live recording and it just so happened that in my Sherlock Holmes disguise going into bootleg shops in Japan ... on the search for studio things that had been stolen and got out. So I heard this (gig), and what it was was this live show and I thought, 'Yeah, I know what that's about, it's got to be early year 69, mid 69,' but I didn't know what it was. It turned out that it was from Paris and that it had been recorded by French radio and that's it. That logged in my mind and then when we didn't have anything that would adequately cover the first album that's the thing I called in."
Jimmy can remember playing the show with his bandmates - bassist John Paul Jones, singer Robert Plant and late drummer John Bonham - and recalls it being a special concert because the fans were so wild.
Speaking about the concert, he said: "I remember the audience being so enthusiastic ... The fans know it's one of those really, really special gigs and all of the French musical aristocracy had played there; like Johnny Hallyday and Sacha Distel. The audience were absolutely fantastic. It shows a real raw energy just coming from us and the audience."
Led Zeppelin are taking over Planet Rock for the entire month of June to celebrate their three remastered albums which will each be played in their entirety, while 100 different Led Zepp songs will be aired across the station's programming over the month.
The reissued 'Led Zeppelin', 'Led Zeppelin II' and 'Led Zeppelin III' LPs are released on June 3.

Ed Sheeran ‘learned a lot’ from Taylor Swift


Ed Sheeran says he has "learned a lot" from Taylor Swift.
The 'A Team' singer has paid tribute to his friend Taylor - who he has record with and supported on tour - and admits she helped him massively when he first went to America to crack the US market.
In an interview with Zane Lowe for upcoming MTV Music show 'Soundchain', he said: "She owns the US pop scene. She knows how to do it. In England I was a commercially successful artist, but coming into the US as an alternative artist playing shows with Snow Patrol. She not only opened the door into the pop world but showed me how to do it."
Ed, 23, has spent a lot of time with Taylor, 24, at her house and has revealed the 'I Knew You Were Trouble' hitmaker is a great cook and especially skilled at baking.
He said: "I did a session in a Phoenix hotel room then flew to LA to record it. Brought in an idea for song then we finished it. Next time I went to her house and she cooked an apple pie. She cooks really good s**t, man. Then she gets out this little Taylor guitar and she's like I've had this idea for this song..."
Ed - whose latest track 'Sing' has a modern pop sound - also admitted he was often teased for his diverse taste in music when he was growing up.
The musician said: "In primary school I had Slipknot records and Limp Bizkit, Soil, Tool, I was like Proper 'Kerrang!' Kid and then as soon as I got to secondary school my record collection started off with Guns N' Roses and then I bought 'Justified' in 2002 and everyone thought I was bit odd for that. All the girls loved (Justin) Timberlake but if you're a guy and someone's just come out of 'N Sync when you're 11..."
'Relentless Ultra Presents Soundchain' will feature interviews with several massive music acts, including Kasabian, Queens of the Stone Age and Nas, and will air on MTV Music from July 6 at 9.30pm.

Jess Glynne’s low-key celebration


Jess Glynne celebrated her first number one single with a "cup of tea".
The 24-year-old singer was overjoyed when 'Rather Be', her collaboration with Clean Bandit, topped the UK charts in January, buy because she wasn't feeling too well, she marked her triumph in low-key fashion.
She said: "When 'Rather Be' went to number one, I was in LA and I wasn't very well, so I celebrated with a cup of tea and some medicine!"
Following her work with Clean Bandit and a subsequent chart-topping track, 'My Love', with DJ Route 94, Jess is now focusing on her own material but insists she isn't feeling pressured for her solo efforts to match the success of her collaborations.
She told BANG Showbiz: "I don't feel any pressure, I'm just working hard to give people what I believe is the best of me as the solo artist I was originally signed for."
In July, the 'Right Here' singer will take to the stage in London for the Summer Series at Somerset House with American Express and can't wait to get on stage.
She said: "I haven't been lucky enough to go to the Summer Series yet, and feel so priceless to be a part of it this year for the 10th anniversary."
Jess is part of the stellar line-up for this year's Summer Series at Somerset House with American Express from 10 - 20 July, just one example of the enriched entertainment experiences available to Cardmembers. To buy Summer Series tickets visit: www.somersethouse.org.uk



Home and Away’s Alf not ready to retire


'Home & Away' legend Ray Meagher has no plans to retire from playing Alf Stewart.
The 69-year-old actor has been in the soap since the first episode aired in 1988, but he feels that time has flown by and he still hasn't tired of his famous role.
He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "It hasn't felt like 27 years, although when you get up in the morning and shave, it does look like 27 years then."
Ray is the longest serving cast member of the Australian soap - which airs on Channel 5 in the UK - and has become a national treasure in his native Australia, as well as recognised whenever he visits the UK.
Quizzed about his longevity, he said: "It's wonderful, you don't set out to achieve that, but it is really nice. All I have tried to do for all my time on the show is play him as honestly as I possibly can."
The soap star also revealed that his veteran status on 'Home & Away' allows him some perks, such as being given free rein to change Alf's dialogue when he is handed his scripts.
He explained: "You're stuck with storylines but you're not stuck with the words that come out of your mouth. The rate we make the programme, no one can write accurately for every character so I only change what would suit Alf to say.
"A lot of expressions that I have remembered from my earlier days round the bush, or from playing rugby and hearing expressions that you really like - they get thrown in."
'Home & Away' airs weekdays at 1.15pm and 6pm on Channel 5.

Jim Parsons was prepared for fame


Jim Parsons was prepared for fame when he joined 'The Big Bang Theory'.
The 41-year-old star plays socially awkward scientist Sheldon Cooper in the hit US sitcom and he feels being in his thirties when the show started helped keep him grounded, despite his newfound fame and millions.
He explained: "I was 33 when I started the show and I'd never done anything in the public eye before. But I do feel I had a decent handle on who I was when all the s**t hit the fan, in the best of ways.
"I had other friends who were working so I knew enough to know I'd probably sign a five-year contract and earning an amount of money I'd never seen before.
"I don't remember how much but it didn't matter - anything would have been impressive to me."
Jim has earned several awards for his role as Sheldon, including three Best Actor prizes at the Emmys, but the humble star thinks the character's success is down to the show's writers.
He told the Metro newspaper: "The show's creators and writers created a character that's unique to television and I'm taking no credit for that. I don't even think about [awards] or I wouldn't be able to play it properly. Sheldon has something broken about him, which I think endears him to a lot of people."

Dancing granny Paddy Jones withdraws from BGT


Salsa dancing granny Paddy Jones has been forced to withdraw from 'Britain's Got Talent'.
The 79-year-old dancer - who wowed judges with her daring routine with dance partner Nico Espinosa - will not take part in Saturday's (31.05.14) live semi-final due to injury.
A 'BGT' spokesperson said: "After seeking medical advice, Paddy will not be able to perform in the semi-final. Unfortunately because of this Paddy and Nico have had to withdraw from the competition."
Paddy and Nico appeared in the first episode of the latest series of the ITV talent competition and impressed judge Amanda Holden enough to press the Golden Buzzer, which assured the salsa dancing act a place in the live shows.
It's believed Paddy injured her ribs after taking a fall in rehearsals.
Amanda is "devastated" the duo won't be able to continue on in the competition.
She said: "Ever since I first saw Paddy dance I fell in love with her. I was so looking forward to her and Nico wowing us with another amazing routine in the semi-finals and I really think she could have won the whole show.
"The most important thing though is that she makes a speedy recovery and gets back to living life to the full."

Anthony Mackie eyeing Jesse Owens biopic


Anthony Mackie wants to star as Olympian Jesse Owens in a new biopic.
The 35-year-old actor "badly wants to play" the athlete who was known for sprinting and his ability to excel during the long jump, reports Deadline.com.
Owens won four gold medal performances at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, and infuriated Adolf Hitler by doing so as the dictator was hoping German athletes would dominate the games with victories and therefore let him show the world a resurgent Nazi Germany.
Mackie reunited with 'We Are Marshall' writer Jamie Linden, and they're teaming up to produce the film which was scripted by George Olson.
The sportsman's - who died in Arizona, on March 31, 1980, surrounded by his family - life was previously detailed in 1984 'The Jesse Owens Story', where Dorian Harewood played the athlete and the drama won a 1985 Primetime Emmy Award.
Meanwhile, Mackie recently hit the big screen in 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' alongside an A-List cast which includes Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Sebastian Stan.

James McAvoy: Frankenstein isn’t true to Mary Shelley’s novel


James McAvoy says the 'Frankenstein' movie isn't true to the narrative in Mary Shelley's novel.
The 35-year-old actor, who plays Doctor Frankenstein in the forthcoming film, claims it explores the themes outlined in the book but insists there are a number of differences in the plot itself.
He told CraveOnline.com: "It's faithful to the essence of what she was writing and it's faithful to the themes of obsession and transgression and crossing moral and ethical boundaries and stuff, and whether man can become the creator and all that. Definitely all about the same things, but narrative-wise it's different."
McAvoy stars opposite Daniel Radcliffe and previously revealed the titular monster isn't at the centre of the film.
He previously said: "It's set in the period but it's not really the existential kind of monster's [story], it's more about the relationship between Doctor Frankenstein, who I play, and Igor who Dan [Daniel Radcliffe] plays. The character of Igor isn't in Mary Shelley's book, you know what I mean?"

Eliza Doolittle happy for Benji and Cameron


Eliza Doolittle is happy for ex-boyfriend Benji Madden and his new girlfriend Cameron Diaz.
The 'Big When I Was Little' hitmaker, who was in a relationship with the Good Charlotte rocker between 2011 and 2012, is still on good terms with the musician and is pleased he has found love with the Hollywood actress.
Asked if she knew about their blossoming relationship, Eliza exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "I didn't know that, I don't Google for it.
"Benj is a friend, I only have positive vibes for him!"
The guitarist only stated dating the Hollywood actress a few weeks ago after being introduced to her via his twin brother Joel Madden's wife Nicole Richie, but he is reportedly already completely smitten with her.
Meanwhile, Eliza, 26, has also moved on and is now dating Jack Leslau, the son of property tycoon Nick Leslau.
Talking about her new beau, she said: "[It's going] great. We've been loving for a little while now."
Eliza, who is the face of Malibu's new Best Summer Ever campaign, insists she's learnt a lot about her past relationships and having her heart broken when she was younger.
She said: "The thing I've learnt most since then though is to live and love in the moment. What will be will be. If it lasts for a lifetime then great and if it last for 10 years then great and if it lasts a few months then great. The only thing that holds true happiness is that moment when you're in it. Nothing can be controlled."
To watch Malibu's Best Summer Ever video, visit www.youtube.com/MalibuRum and visit www.MalibuBestSummerEver.co.uk for more information.

The Vamps slam One Direction


The Vamps' James McVey has blasted One Direction.
The guitarist hit out at Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson over leaked video footage of them apparently smoking and discussing marijuana in Peru last month, suggesting their actions could "ruin" their careers and condemned them for disregarding authority.
James tweeted: "Just seen something that sucks. Hate seeing people ruin their careers.
"To clarify, I love one direction... Just.not a fan off undermining authority.
"It's not that that frustrated me, it was how Louis was talking about the police... Went to a country and acted like that.
"It doesn't matter who you are or how old you are, if you're a guest in a country you should respect the residents. 🙂 (sic)"
James later apologised to fans who he had "upset" with his remarks.
He said: "Sorry if I upset people today, that was in absolute no way my intention. I love ya'll . Forever and always xxxxx (sic)".
One Direction - who have begun the UK leg of their world tour - have yet to comment on the contents of the leaked video but their representatives are currently investigating how the private footage - which was filmed by Louis - was made public.

Malin Akerman buys house for hair stylist


Malin Akerman has bought a house for her hair stylist.
The 'Rock of Ages' actress rewarded her hairdresser and close friend Maranda Widlund by forking out $811,000 to help her buy a luxury cottage in Los Angeles' Los Feliz neighborhood.
The generous 35-year-old star - who split from Roberto Zincone, the father of her 13-month-old son Sebastian, last November after six years of marriage - will have a 27 per cent interest in the two bedroom, one bathroom property, according to TMZ.
Meanwhile, Maranda and her husband will own the remaining 73 per cent and be responsible for paying the mortgage.
Malin is rumoured to be dating 'Rizzoli & Isles' actor Colin Egglesfield after the pair were seen enjoying a romantic dinner date at Sugarfish Sushi in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, in April.
Although her romance with the 41-year-old star is still new, the Swedish-born beauty is reported to be smitten with him.
A source said: "They're taking it slow. She thinks he's almost too hot for her."
Another insider added: "They're getting to know each other. They're taking it slow."