Saturday 31 July 2010

Katy Perry wants Morrissey sing at my wedding


Pop star Katy Perry and her husband Russell Brand want British singer Morrissey to sing at their wedding.
The couple want the former Smiths frontman on their big day to perform, even though the Girlfriend In A Coma singer has warned them off marriage.
The Californian Gurls singer told Q magazine: 'It's going to be a small ceremony, so I don't think we'll have a proper band I'd love to have Morrissey.
'I met him for the first time the other day and we had tea together.'
She added: 'He's Russell's mate and he is fascinating, but he was giving us a hard time over getting married.
'He swooned and sighed 'Oh left hand, third finger, don't do it'. It was just so eloquent and poetic and like one of his songs.'
But the 25 year old also admitted that she worries the famous singer might ruin their big day if he does perform.
She said: 'It would be great to have him at the ceremony, but he's not exactly entering into the spirit.
'I said, 'We can't have a Mr Misery like you messing things up.''

Friday 30 July 2010

Top U.S. Single Chart Eminem and Rihanna's Duet


On the U.S Eminem has doubled. charts for a second consecutive week his collaboration with "Umbrella" hitmaker Rihanna has held strong at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. As the rap superstar enjoys a two week reign over the Billboard 200 with his album "Recovery", his single "Love the Way You Lie" continues its strong sales to keep Katy Perry's "California Gurls" at number two. But Perry has something else to cheer her up her follow up release, "Teenage Dream", is a new entry at 20. Elsewhere on the countdown, Taio Cruz is "Dynamite" at three after swapping places with rapper B.o.B. His duet with Paramore's Hayley Williams slips to number four, while Travis McCoy's "Billionaire" rounds out the new countdown at five.

Thursday 29 July 2010

Rod Stewart, Justin Bieber, James Taylor and Carole King hot tour


Who has been on the road since May performing primarily in European venues to Rod Stewart, takes the No. 1 spot on this week's Top Tours chart. Included in the reported totals are box office results from one of the stadium dates on his itinerary, Tulloch Caledonian Stadium in Inverness, Scotland on July 17. The outdoor venue is the home stadium for the Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club. Over 19,000 fans filled the venue, generating a box office gross topping £1 million. The stadium, with permanent seating for only 7,500, hosted another major superstar in 2007 when Elton John played to 18,000 plus spectators on the stadium grounds. Other U.K. venues reported during the past week for Rod Stewart's tour include Sheffield Arena (July 20) and Liverpool's Echo Arena (July 21), both with sellout crowds of just under 10,000.Pop star Justin Bieber lands at No. 2 on the tally with $2.9 million in box office grosses reported from six dates on his My World Tour. With Sean Kingston, Jessica Jarrell and The Stunners on board as opening acts during this first leg of the tour, Bieber's top grossing venue was Oakland's Oracle Arena. Total attendance for the July 17 sold out event was 14,555 with gross ticket sales of $663,921. Included in this week's totals is a sellout at the California Mid State Fair in Paso Robles, just one of a handful of fair dates Bieber has scheduled during the summer. A crowd of 14,162 filled the fair's grandstand on July 21.With their Troubadour Reunion Tour in the books, James Taylor and Carole King chart on the Hot Tours list one more time with reports from the final two dates on the schedule. The duo performed in Oakland on July 19 in front of a sellout crowd of 9,892 at Oracle Arena, and wrapped the following evening at Anaheim's Honda Center with 12,793 in attendance. Based on the totals that have been reported to Billboard, the overall tour gross surpasses $59 million.

Wednesday 28 July 2010

Launch Teen Website Jonas Brother


The latest stars JONAS BROTHERS have become to launch their own celebrity website to offer teen friendly entertainment to fans.
Brothers Kevin, Joe and Nick have teamed up with bosses at AOL and launched Cambio.com on Tuesday (27Jul10).
The site relies heavily on content featuring the trio and other pop acts including Demi Lovato and the Wonder Girls.
A spokesperson for AOL tells Variety, "We have tons of content in development, reality and scripted. We're treating it less like an online portal and more like a network focused on teens and young adults."
Celebrity websites have become a trend in recent months. Earlier this year (10), Alicia Keys launched her female empowerment website IAAS.com (I Am A Super Woman), while hip hop mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs went live with DiddyBlog.com last month (Jun10), to promote and publish positive news.
Teri Hatcher and Gwyneth Paltrow also have their own lifestyle websites, GetHatched.com and Goop.com respectively, which offer hints and tips to readers.

Tuesday 27 July 2010

Elton John and Justin Timberlake "American Idol" targets




"American Idol" will have to make a huge splash with his replacement a widely known commodity in the music industry. Enter: Elton John and Justin Timberlake. The two pop stars top "Idol" producer Simon Fuller's list of desired candidates, along with Harry Connick Jr., Chris Isaak and Donald Trump.
But, hell, why not have all of them? That's what would happen if it were up to Nigel Lythgoe, former producer of the U.K. version of "Idol" and recent producer of "So You Think You Can Dance?". And he might soon have the power to do so. It's being reported that Lythgoe is close to taking the reins at the U.S. "Idol," and he has stated that, if things went his way, he'd ax the entire panel for fresh blood.
Such a drastic course of action, however, may prove to be difficult. Randy Jackon will probably stay onboard with only one year left on his contract. Ellen DeGeneres, who underwhelmed critics last season, will be hard to boot with her multi year deal, which she says she will fulfill. So that leaves Paula Abdul's replacement, Kara DioGuardi, on the outside looking in. Her contract is only year-to-year, which means she's probably a goner if Lythgoe takes the "Idol" reigns.
Either way, without Cowell there to make contestants cry, "American Idol" will be much different in its 10th season.

Monday 26 July 2010

Cheryl Cole set return to X Factor


Cheryl Cole is set to return to 'X Factor' this week. Who is recovering at home the Girls Aloud beauty following her hospitalisation from Malaria has reportedly told show bosses she wants to return to filming of the reality show on Friday (30.07.10), By 'Xtra Factor' presenter Konnie Huq where she will be interviewed in her home.
A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "Cheryl loves the show and is desperate to get back to work. She's under doctors' orders to that it easy. But it's a big step that she's back on board."
The 27 year old beauty was forced to take a break from the auditions and the bootcamp stages of the show after falling ill with the tropical disease during a holiday in Tanzania with her pal Derek Hough.
Despite spending a week in intensive care, Cheryl is set to make a return to the elimination stage at the Judges Houses next month.
A friend said: "She has put all her energy into getting better and it's paid off. Simon has told her he can't wait to have her back."
Meanwhile, police were called to the hotel where the 'X Factor' hopefuls are staying after their celebrations at getting through to the bootcamp stage of the show were apparently taken too far.
Bosses on the show have had to pay out for damaged property after contestants destroyed the Premiere Inn hotel in Wembley, North West London.
An 'X Factor' spokesperson told The Sun newspaper: "We have spoken to the individuals concerned, who have apologised for their behaviour."
It has also been reported the groups have changed, with the over 25s category being replaced by the over 28s instead.

Sunday 25 July 2010

Meatloaf Fan Miley Cyrus


Miley Cyrus is very glad to sign autographs for anyone who gives her meatloaf.
The ground meat dish of the singer and actress is a huge fan, and would merrily eat it for every meal. With her boyfriend Liam Hemsworth she was currently dinning at Paty’s Restaurant in Toluca Lake, California, when she has hit by a craving for a taste of her favourite treat.
Miley seldom says no to signing things for her fans, but prefers not to be bothered when she is trying to eat. However, after the chef made her the classic dish particularly, she had no qualms about autographing some napkins when he asked.
“Miley told the waiter she wanted dinner, not eggs, even though it was a breakfast date,” a source explained. “He asked the cook who said sure, but she’d have to sign an autograph for his daughter.”
After offering her signature for the young girl, Miley designed a special present for the cook. She penned her name with a love heart and the words ‘Thank You’ on a napkin to show her appreciation.

Saturday 24 July 2010

Rihanna: Parties Night Away With Boyfriend Matt Kemp


Rihanna partied the night away with boyfriend Matt Kemp.
The 22 year old was spotted out at Hollywood club Drai's with the Major League Baseball player, Eonline.com reports.
The Russian Roulette singer and her lover were celebrating her performance earlier in the night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Rhi Rhi reportedly didn't get to the club until 1am and Matt arrived a bit later.
But the pair seemed to be having fun, hugging and dancing until then eventually leaving at 2.30am.
Another famous couple, reality star Brody Jenner and singer girlfriend Avril Lavigne were also seen at the club.

World Ticket Shop: Alicia Keys` fiance Swizz Beatz


Alicia Keys' new fiance Swizz Beatz appears to already be getting involved in her career.
The pregnant songstress has revealed that she has dumped her manager Jeff Robinson and insiders say it was Swizz who persuaded her.
'Swizz definitely played a huge part in killing him off,' an industry insider told Page Six.
Robinson had been charging the pop star a 25% commission for some time. When she was an undiscovered, he was paid even more, up to 33%, Page Six's source insists.
'She got smart and got a smart boyfriend after years of people around her telling her she was crazy to let this continue to happen,' the source added.
The official announcement states: 'Keys and Robinson have mutually and amicably agreed to pursue other opportunities. This decision will allow Alicia (and her company, AK Worldwide) more control over all aspects of her career.'

Friday 23 July 2010

Stereophonics: Back Stuart Cable Memorial Single


Global Music are releasing the Official Stuart Cable Memorial Single, “Former Mining Town” by Killing For Company on July 25. Stuart Cable, the original Stereophonics drummer, died last month.
His former bandmate Stereophonics, Kelly Jones, is among many lending their support to the single. Jones said: “Myself, Richard and the boys would like everyone to join us in supporting Killing For Company’s charity single, ‘Former Mining Town.’ Stuart was our lifelong friend and brother; he will be sadly missed. Let’s give him and his boys a final shout, and also to Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity we have supported for 10 years with Roger Daltrey. Thank you. Long live rock ’n’ roll.”

Thursday 22 July 2010

Lady GaGa demands to celebrity favourite drink on UK tour


Lady GaGa has demanded to have crateloads of her favourite tipple follow her around on tour in the UK.
But rather than getting plastered every night, we hear she's joined a celeb craze for diet drink Neuro Trim.
The newly thin Kelly Osbourne, Kate Hudson and Cindy Crawford have already been snapped, bottle in hand.
Not that they want to lose weight... We're told: "All these sexy American women have been knocking it back.
"It apparently contains a magical Japanese ingredient which curbs the appetite. GaGa is a convert.
"Her rider is just this Neuro stuff, teabags and fresh veg." We'd rather have burgers and beer!

Tuesday 20 July 2010

Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts is new TV show judge


Nicola Roberts is following in Girls Aloud bandmate Cheryl Cole's footsteps by turning TV judge.
The singer will appear as a guest panellist on Britain's Next Top Model on Living next week.
Meanwhile, Cole has been forced to miss some of her judging duties on The X Factor as she fights her way back to health after being struck with malaria.
Roberts will appear alongside presenter Elle Macpherson to mentor the modelling hopefuls.
She will be seen guiding them through a photo shoot for children's charity Beatbullying.
Roberts tells the contestants: "The most important thing is that you're able to put as much emotion into your photograph as possible, because I think that the photographs will actually help thousands of young people in the UK."
The wannabes take part in a demanding shoot demonstrating the effects that bullying can have.
Roberts will then sit on the panel to determine who will leave the competition.
Like Cole, Roberts already has first hand experience of being a reality show contestant, having hit the big time by winning a place in Girls Aloud on Popstars: The Rivals. Since then she has launched her own cosmetics line.
Britain's Next Top Model sees 14 hopefuls battling it out to earn a contract with top agency Models 1.

Saturday 17 July 2010

U2, AC/DC, Beyonce are top music earners


U2, AC/DC and Beyonce Knowles topped Forbes's list of the world's richest musicians, raking in a combined $333 million in the past 12 months.
U2's 360 Tour pushed the Irish band over the top, bringing the group $130 million from June 2009 to June 2010. AC/DC, also on tour during that time period, netted $115 million, and Beyonce scored $88 million, Forbes said.
Beyonce's husband, rapper Jay-Z, appeared at No. 6 on the list with $63 million. Other top earners were Bruce Springsteen ($70 million), Britney Spears ($64 million), Lady Gaga ($62 million) and Madonna ($58 million).
"It's definitely time to take a break, to recharge my batteries," Beyonce told USA Today. "I'd like to take about six months and not go into the studio. I just need to live life, to be inspired by things again."

World Ticket Shop: Michael Jackson Has A SECRET 18 Year Old Son?


Michael Jackson allegedly has a secret 18 year old son that lives with Michael's mother Katherine Jackson. Sources close to the Jackson family have revealed that Michael Jackson apparently had a fling with an unknown woman producing Donte Williams Jackson. Alejandra Oaziaza, who has four children with Michael's brothers Randy and Jermaine, cared for the secret child for most of his life. The claims allege that Donte is the product of Michael Jackson's 1990 Las Vegas fling with an unknown woman. Sources say that Donte was close to Michael. "Michael was very close to Donte. We're not even sure if Donte knows who his parents are...He's one of the nicest kids you could possibly meet."Do you think that this kid is REALLY Michael Jackson's son?

Amy Winehouse says that new album due by 2011




Amy Winhouse Grammy Award winning singer, who has made headlines more for her drug battles, rocky relationships and legal woes than for her acclaimed music, has vowed that her much awaited next album is just months away.
"The album will be six months at the most," she told the U.K.'s Metro news daily on Tuesday night, while attending the London premiere of the film Psychosis, by her new boyfriend, writer director Reg Traviss.
"It's going to be very much the same as my second album, where there's a lot of jukebox stuff and songs that are just jukebox, really … I just can't wait to have new songs on stage."
Winehouse's second album, 2006's retro styled Back in Black, was an international sensation that garnered the singer a raft of awards, including a hefty five trophies at the 2008 Grammy Awards (for best new artist, best pop vocal album and record of the year, song of the year and best solo female vocal performance for the infectious single Rehab).
She turned in her Grammy performance via satellite from London, after her U.S. visa request was denied.
Even as her star was rising with the release of Back in Black, her personal life was spiralling into chaos with erratic behaviour, multiple stints at drug rehabilitation clinics, shambolic performances, assault lawsuits and a turbulent, short lived marriage.
Surprise guest
The singer's declaration of a forthcoming new release is dramatically different from the most current update from her producer, Mark Ronson, who also produced Back in Black.
The British hitmaker told reporters that Winehouse "hasn't begun working on her next record yet" following a performance at London's 100 Club last week to launch his new band, The Business Intl.
"When she's got 10 songs, we'll go down to the studio together," he said.
Winehouse, who had turned up as a surprise guest at Ronson's gig, joined him onstage for Valerie, the track she sang on his previous album Versions.
However, the performance was rocky, with Winehouse appearing to forget the lyrics. She later said that she had been unsure which version of the song they were to be performing.
Island, her record label, had said last fall that a new record would be forthcoming in 2010.

Friday 16 July 2010

Battle For UK Number One Eminem and Rihanna


Eminem and Rihanna's duet is looking good for the top spot in the UK's Official Singles Chart. 'Love The Way You Lie' has sold a few thousand more than B.o.B's new track 'Airplanes'.The track which features on Eminem's album 'Recovery' hasn't yet got a music video but has already done actually well in the States having taken the number two spot on the US Billboard Hot 100. We reckon that Eminem's album will also be number one after an epic performance (even though he was said to have mimed) at the UK's T in the Park...

Wednesday 14 July 2010

Glee episode confirmed To Britney Spears


Britney Spears is set to get the Glee treatment with a tribute episode dedicated to her greatest hits. Series creator Ryan Murphy has confirmed that a homage to the pop princess is in the works, along the lines of the Madonna and Lady Gaga episodes that featured in season one of the hit musical show. And rather fittingly, Glee's very own Brittany, played by Heather Morris, will take centre stage for the special. Speaking to TVGuide.com, Murphy revealed that Morris will sing two Spears numbers and added, 'Heather's really got a terrific voice.'As for Ms Spears herself, there is no word as yet as to whether Britney will take a starring role, although she's already proclaimed herself to be a self confessed Gleek, tweeting, 'I love Glee, the cast is so talented.'

Bryan Ferry Announced, Radiohead And Primal Scream Members To Guest Solo Album


Members of both Radiohead and Primal Scream will be helping him out on his upcoming solo album Bryan Ferry has announced, Olympia. Joining Ferry will be Jonny Greenwood from Radiohead and Mani from Primal Scream. Best known as Roxy Music's lead vocalist, Ferry will now get together with a handful of other artists, including the Scissor Sisters, Groove Armada, Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, Nile Rodgers and Marcus Miller. The album marks the first time since 1973 that Ferry will reunite with members of Roxy Music. He will team up with guitarist Phil Manzanera, saxophonist Andy Mackay and Brian Eno.Olympia is scheduled to be released on October 25, while the first single, "You Can Dance," is slated to drop on August 9. A video shoot for the song is planned at Wilton's Music Hall before the album debuts.

Tuesday 13 July 2010

Reportedly Planning Jay Z To Launch JLS In The US


The rap superstar – who is one of the co-founders of label Roc-A-Fella Records – heard the band’s track ‘The Club Is Alive’ while hosting a World Cup party backstage at Dublin's Oxegen festival, at the weekend with his crew and was so impressed he has vowed to make the group a success in America. An insider told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “He was heard telling pals how much he digs JLS’ sound and how it reminded him of a modern day Boys II Men and Jodeci. JLS’ song was playing backstage a lot over the weekend and he got excited about them.“He knows good talent when he hears it, and is not beating around the bush on getting things kick started with them Stateside.” Jay-Z who has previously collaborated with the likes of Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey and wife Beyonce Knowles - is not the only high profile star who could be helping JLS on their way to Stateside success.The group Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes, Jonathan ‘JB’ Gill and Oritse Williams are reportedly also enlisting the help of master magician David Blaine in the hope of incorporating illusions into their upcoming UK arena tour and future concerts.A source revealed to the Daily Star newspaper: “These guys are chatting to David Blaine to see if he can work with them on coming up with some ideas for the production of their arena tour. They want to incorporate some illusions into their show and are keen for him to come up with the creative work on it as they’re huge fans of his.“As it’s their first arena tour, JLS want to go all out and make it special for their fans.”

World Ticket Shop: U2 announces rescheduled dates for US tour


The U2 summer concerts that were postponed after Bono's back surgery have been rescheduled for the spring and summer of 2011.
The band was supposed to start the second U.S. leg of their "360" tour on June 3 in Salt Lake City, but Bono had to undergo emergency surgery in May.
Live Nation announced Tuesday that the rescheduled tour will start May 21 in Denver and run through July 23, 2011, in Minneapolis.
U2 Manager Paul McGuinness thanked fans for their patience, saying: "The band wants to get back to where they belong, surrounded by their audience."
The band starts their European tour Aug. 6 in Turin, Italy.

Sunday 11 July 2010

World Ticket Shop: Katy Perry Denies Criticizing Miley Cyrus


Katy Perry has denied she slammed Miley Cyrus.
Last week it was claimed the Hot N Cold singer was overheard comparing the Hannah Montana actress to Britney Spears, as well as criticizing the sexier outfits Cyrus has been wearing as she promotes her latest album, Can't Be Tamed.
But Katy insists she has never had a bad word to say towards the teen megastar, telling her Twitter followers: "Rumor control: I never said about my girl Miley. I love that ho.
"Mags should stop pitting girls against each other. We all can co exist!"
Miley was praised and defended by both Dolly Parton and Kelis this month, who said people should stop criticizing the 17 year old.

Rihanna, Alicia Keys: Seek help for cancer patient Tavarez


Singers Rihanna and Alicia Keys are calling on fans to register as bone marrow donors to help 11 year old actress Shannon Tavarez find a match in her battle with cancer.
The actress in the musical who played the young Nala on stage, The Lion King, was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in April and is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant to survive, reports aceshowbiz.com.
Her emotional cancer fight has struck a chord with the two singers, and Keys paid a visit to Tavarez at Schneider Children's Hospital to help lift the girl's spirits.
Alicia Keys admits she has been touched by Tavarez's story and is urging fans to sign up as potential donors, so the child and others like her can "grow up to live their dreams".
Alicia Keys, "For her, the sky is the limit, but now she's fighting for her life".
Rihanna has also asked her fans to help the cause before it's too late.
Rihanna said, "Tavarez should be performing on Broadway, but is confined to her bed, fighting for her life. She needs to find a bone marrow donor to survive. I urge all my fans to register (as donors). It's the most beautiful thing someone could do, to give the gift of life".
Tavarez is recently receiving daily chemotherapy treatment at the Long Island medical centre in New York as she awaits a bone marrow transplant.

Saturday 10 July 2010

Beyonce Filming ads is tough


Beyonce Knowles listened to her own music to "get in the mood" while filming her new TV commercial.
The singer 28 year old has created her own shade of lipstick, Beyonce Red, for L'Oréal's Infalliable Stars Never Fail Lipcolour.
She currently filmed a sexy television advertisement for the product, which showed her preparing to go onstage at one of her concerts.
In April the commercial was filmed over two days at New York's Neil Simon Theatre and Beyoncé listened to music constantly to set the scene.
"I had them play a little bit of Sade, a bit of my husband Jay-Z and a little bit of Beyonce," she laughed to Us Weekly magazine. "I filmed my movie Dreamgirls in a similar theatre so I had déjà vu. I relived one of the best moments of my life."
Beyonce is pleased with the way the finished ad looks, but admits she found filming it far more challenging than she expected. She is so used to being super serious before going onstage that is was hard to laugh and smile, although having her hair and make-up done helped.
She said, "It's difficult playing myself at work having fun. I'm usually so serious! I had my chandelier earrings and my mane of course".

Thursday 8 July 2010

Miley Cyrus: Miley Cyrus doing Britney Spears


Miley Cyrus doing Britney Spears. Katy Perry says Miley Cyrus is heading the Britney Spears. When Miley Cyrus performing at the Much Music Video Awards in Toronto, she said “Oh my God, poor girl. She’s Britney Spears all over again. It’s happening right before our eyes.” So maybe Miley also will have her head shaved like Britney?
Report says, while backstage at the 2010 MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto last month, Perry had some catty comments for the sexed up Cyrus’ new, more adult look, according to Life & Style . She also commented “”She’s definitely headed the Britney route. It’s worse. Look at those outfits. It’s bad.”
So what is up with Katy Perry? Katy Perry and Russell Brand marrying if the rumors are true or maybe the couple has been secretly married. The couple who got engaged while holidaying in India in December just under three months after they started dating have had same tattoo Anuugacchati Pravaha, a Sanskrit phrase which means “go with the flow” etched onto the inside of their right arms.

Tuesday 6 July 2010

Belsonic Festival: Kasabian, Stereophonics, Paulo Nutini


Kasabian, Stereophonics, Paulo Nutini & More Big Names Added To Belsonic Festival Line-Up & Tickets.

Veteran welsh rockers Stereophonics, Kasabian, Paolo Nutini, 2 Many DJs, David Guetta and Florence & The Machine have been unveiled as the newest acts to join the star studded line up featuring at this year’s Belfast Belsonic Festival. These newly announced acts will join the likes of previously announced Paul Weller, Biffy Clyro and Lost Prophets at one of the largest outdoor music events ever to hit Northern Ireland. The event takes place at Belfast’s city centre Custom House Square this August. Receiving a massive amount of demand for tickets to see the 2010 line up, the four additional shows announced today will form part of the eight night party at the event that has been a huge success every year.Pat Convery, Belfast Lord Mayor, had this to say about the forthcoming festivities: "Belsonic is a fantastic festival for the city -- bringing together international and local musicians to produce really exciting events in the unforgettable surroundings of Custom House Square.”Mr Mayor continued. "Today's announcement of the further acts is fantastic news for local music fans -- and there's no doubt that this programme will help to attract even more visitors to come and enjoy Belfast's welcome”.The Belsonic list of headliners now looks something like this:
17th August – Kasabian
18th August – Paulo Nutini
19th – Florence & The Machine
20th – Stereophonics
26th – 2ManyDJs
27th – Paul Weller
28th – Biffy Clyro
29th – David Guetta
Promoter Alan Simms commented on the ambition of this year’s Belsonic when compared to the previous events. "It's almost quadrupled in size, so it's actually quite exciting for us," he said. “The crowd will vary: there's stuff for older audiences like the Stereophonics and Paul Weller, as well as pop acts like David Guetta and Florence”.The support for the big names are yet to be announced however an array of local bands are set to appear on the bill during the second week of music. Previous headliners featured at the Belsonic event include Dizzee Rascal, The Zutons, The Flaming Lips and Duke Special. Belsonic Festival takes place between August 17th and August 29th at Custom House Square in Belfast City Centre.
August 2010
17th Kasabian
18th Paulo Nutini
19th Florence & The Machine
20th Stereophonics
26th 2ManyDJs Live, Soulwax & Major Lazer
27th Paul Weller, The Courteeners
28th Biffy Clyro, Lost Prophets, Twin Atlantic
29th David Guetta, Japanese Sun
Tickets are onsale now, priced from £31.50 for all dates.

Monday 5 July 2010

Pearl Jam get the crowd's arms aloft




With the later 4pm start time, at Hard Rock Calling 2010 Friday's act seemed to enjoy a pre enthused crowd, and none benefited more than opener Robert Francis. A young, relative unknown who's ripped shirt, seemly favourite red trousers and unshaved appearance betrayed (not to mention his jealousy instilling youth) his startling ability to take the whole event in his stride. He's a cracking guitar player and for a crowd eagerly awaiting The Gaslight Anthem, guitars and volume get the weekend off to an agreeable start.
It then falls to the latter to pick up where Francis left off, and with a new album out, it's predictable that The Gaslight Anthem kick off with the eponymous track 'American Slang'. Yep, sounds like them, but it's 'The '59 Sound' that begins to garner the cheers. Anyone in attendance last year can forget another appearance from the Boss, and to prove they can go it alone, Gaslight weave in and out of current recordings, from either American Slang or The '59 Sound. They put in a solid performance, and the sound is spot on, however, it's very much a 'by the way the album's out now' show.
Next up come The Hives, currently promoted to a main stage slot and the 10ft high letters announcing their presence are dwarfed by the incomparably gargantuan character that is frontman Howlin' Pelle Almqvist. Sporting matching sailors outfits (boy scouts maybe? You tell me), The Hives attempt to come good on their promise of a "forty minute orgasm". Perhaps the clearest indication that concentration is as much on Almqvist as the music is the detail that there is a man whos sole purpose is to untangle the perpetual motion machine that is Almqvist's microphone lead from pretty much any object on the stage. Nothing is safe, television cameras, security guards and guitarists are in the line of fire, but he's an old hand, and the show carries on smoothly and chaotically at once. 'Hate to Say I Told You So' is just what the crowd, now on the medium side of rare, need to wake up from the unrelenting sunshine.With a quick trip through the water spray for me it's time for Ben Harper & Relentless7 to get going, starting up with a rousing rendition of 'Better Way', which translates brilliantly into a sprawling arena filler. Bass and bongos go down well with the sinking sun and then the real treat begins. It appears there is an extra microphone stand and for those aware of previous efforts, it's almost unsurprising when Eddie Vedder makes his entrance. People immediately go bananas, everywhere. It's not one of Harper's though, nor Eddie's. The pair give 'Under Pressure' their absolute all, to riotous approval. Relentless 7 offer a great accompaniment to Harper's fantastic musicianship and for just a second it is easy to forget the urban surroundings of Hard Rock Calling.
With a half hour gap before Pearl Jam it was time for some food. Yes it's expensive, but it's London, and it's a festival (sort of); the unrelenting flurry of company logos and slogans (the ludicrously garish Jaegermeister van being of particular note) inform you of the commercial nature of the event from the off. That's life however, and I required sustenance. Upon collecting my second mortgage inducing burger I turn around to a sea of bodies. People have appeared from no where to see the headliners, and seeing the proliferation of Pearl Jam tour t-shirts (one or two Mother Love Bone shirts too), it's clear who most people are here to see.It's of particular note that Hyde Park is rather flat, so many people in attendance do not actually see the band, but when the vast majority of the audience join in with Vedder for 'Given to Fly', the experience extends beyond the boundaries of the enormous main stage. People are dancing from the furthest reaches to the closest barrier and 'Corduroy' and 'Even Flow' et al are sure fire hits, so new song 'Of the Earth' seems slightly out of place; no one singing here. The stop start nature of the song has some a little unsure how to react, but cheers and whoops thunder out regardless before the band launch into 'State of Love and Trust', deservedly placed onto the remastered Ten, which has people back up to speed. 'Better Man', sung predominantly by the attendees to begin, brings people floating back to Earth.
Despite the well natured atmosphere, Vedder speaks several times about the need to look out for each other. The horrors of Roskilde, have clearly taken their toll on him, and at one point he mentions the terrible event which occurred ten years ago. At one point he successfully orchestrates the entire crowd to take three steps back, a request that is obligingly met; everyone understands. The band depart, but with an encore guaranteed, no one moves.Ben Harper returns the earlier gesture by featuring on 'Red Mosquito' which is followed by 'Black', sung by almost every person in the arena, and so the addition of 'Porch' is a deft touch to bring those most affected by those last few lines back from the brink of their despair. No such slowdown for encore two with career spanning tracks: 'Go', 'The Fixer', 'Alive' and 'Yellow Ledbetter' surging through the masses. The crowd waits for more, but that’s it, "The Queen's had a long day" announces Vedder, and with that, Friday is over.

World Ticket Shop: Belsonic announces Kasabian, Florence and Paolo Nutini


Kasabian, Paolo Nutini and Florence and the Machine are to headline as part of eight days of concerts in Belfast next month, it has been been announced.
In the city centre Belsonic at Custom House Square will also feature veteran Welsh rockers Stereophonics.
The acts will join previously announced headliners 2manydjs, Paul Weller, Biffy Clyro and David Guetta.
Cost for the tickets concerts £27.50 and will go on sale on Wednesday.
Promoter Alan Simms said this year's event was more ambitious than in the previous two years.
"It's almost quadrupled in size, so it's actually quite exciting for us," he said.
"The crowd will vary: there's stuff for older audiences like the Stereophonics and Paul Weller, as well as pop acts like David Guetta and Florence.
"Hopefully we'll get a good range of people, because we do need to sell a lot of tickets."
Mr Simms said the success of previous years made it easier to attract big names.
"Once you have a tried and tested event, you can show bands' representatives a list of people you've had previously and there's more faith in the event," he said.
Lord Mayor of Belfast Pat Convery said the announcement was "fantastic news for local music fans".
He said, "Belsonic is a fantastic festival for the city, bringing together international and local musicians to produce actually exciting events in the unforgettable surroundings of Custom House Square".
Mr Convery said he hoped the concert would attract tourists.
Support acts for the latest concerts have not yet been announced, but a number of local bands are on the bill in the second week, including General Fiasco, Cashier No 9 and Japanese Popstars.
Previous Belsonic headliners include Dizzee Rascal, the Zutons, the Flaming Lips and Duke Special.

Sunday 4 July 2010

2010 BET Awards Jay-Z, Beyonce, Rihanna, Chris Brown


Jay-Z, Beyonce, Rihanna, and particularly Chris Brown were the center of numerous rumors following the 2010 BET Awards. The show Chris Brown stole and has been the topic of conversation since the the 2010 BET Awards honored Prince and Michael Jackson on Sunday (June 27th). Chris Brown's electrifying, emotional Michael Jackson tribute performance has received just as much praise and respect as it has criticism. Rumor after rumor has surfaced about Chris Brown's emotional breakdown. First people said he faked it and was only acting, it was rumored that R&B singer Lloyd "told" Brown to cry on stage for sympathy, and rumors even spread of Brown's bodyguard giving him eye watering eye drops before the performance. Stephen Hill, the executive producer for the BET Awards, has come forward to publicly dispel all the rumors.Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Rihanna were only caught up in the rumors because of Chris Brown's performance. When Brown broke down during Michael Jackson's "Man In The Mirror", the whole world relived the Rihanna incident which cost Brown his Michael Jackson tribute at the BET Awards in 2009 just after Jackson passed unexpectedly. Rumors spread that Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Rihanna were all scheduled to perform at the 2010 BET Awards but backed out when they learned of Chris Brown's tribute. BET's Stephen Hill cleared up the rumors in a recent interview. "They missed the awards, because…we have this conversation almost every year. And, some years we are actually fortunate when Jay-Z and Beyonce are in the house and other times, they go on vacation. But I can absolutely say without reservation that there was no conversation at all around, 'If Chris Brown’s coming, I’m not coming.' That’s just false." There you have it. That clears Jay-Z & Beyonce.......but WHAT ABOUT RIHANNA?I know you are dying to tell me what you think about this ongoing drama, so leave us a comment in the section below.

Saturday 3 July 2010

World Ticket Shop: Hard Rock Calling, Stevie Wonder is still jammin' at 60


While many music lovers were at another festival (that shall remain nameless) in the countryside over the weekend, city slickers looking for a less rustic experience headed to London’s Hyde Park for Hard Rock Calling.
With each of the three days showcasing very change genres of music, up to 50,000 fans crowded into the mini village full of music, food, and booze for the sunny weekend.
Among the variety of acts headlining the gigs were Pearl Jam, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney - all stories in their respective areas.

Headlining the first day on Friday evening were alternative rockers Pearl Jam, whose frontman Eddie Vedder kicks off proceeding by swigging from a bottle of red wine.
After playing some of their newer tracks, the pair responded to calls from die hard fans to belt out the classics.
The up for it crowd even responded to Vedder's asking them to take some steps back to relieve the crowd pressure - 10 years since the tragic incident at Roskilde festival in Denmark when nine people died in front of the stage due to crowding.
While Given to fly, Why go, Once, Black, Go were received rapturously by the fans, some fans left disappointed they didn't play Jeremy or Rear View Mirror.

Friday 2 July 2010

Klitschko makes David Haye bide his time


At the earliest to fight Vladimir Klitschko David Haye will have to wait until next year after the Ukrainian announced yesterday that he will defend his IBF world heavyweight title against Russian challenger Alexander Povetkin in September.
Klitschko holds the IBF, WBO and IBO belts and had previously claimed he was keen to take on Haye, the WBA champion, in a highly anticipated title unification bout. "I am very glad that we have won the bid and will promote the fight," said the Ukrainian.
Povetkin, 30, is the undefeated IBF No 1 challenge. Since turning professional after winning Olympic gold in Athens in 2004, his win loss record stands at 19-0 with 14 knockouts, while Klitschko has 54 wins and three defeats with 28 knockouts. Klitschko's team outbid Povetkin's promoters for the right to host the fight, with the winning bid worth over £5m.
The venue and the date will be announced by the Klitschko Management Group in the next three weeks, he added. The 55,000 seat Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt is being considered to stage the fight.
The deal means Haye may have to look to Klitschko's brother and WBC champion Vitali for a unification fight this year, although there have been reports that there is an agreement for Haye to fight fellow Briton and current European champion Audley Harrison before the end of the year.