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Sunday, March 23, 2014

Chris Brown diagnosed with bipolar disorder at rehab facility

March 1, 2014 10:48

Troubled singer also suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder

Chris Brown has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder by the rehab facility where he's receiving treatment.

According to court documents obtained by E! News, the clinic has determined that the singer suffers from both ailments, which are the causes of his history of aggression.

In a letter from the unnamed facility, they wrote: "Mr Brown will also require close supervision by his treating physician in order to ensure his bipolar mental health condition remains stable. It is not uncommon for patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Bipolar II to use substances to self-medicate their biomedical mood swings and trauma triggers.

"Mr Brown became aggressive and acted out physically due to his untreated mental health disorder, severe sleep deprivation, inappropriate self-medicating and untreated PTSD," they said.

Representatives at the rehab facility added that Brown has been "beyond exemplary" in performing his community service requirements, while Superior Court Judge James Brandlin noted that Brown "has responded well to the dual diagnosis treatment."

The singer was in court today (February 28) for a progress hearing in his 2009 assault case against Rihanna.The same day, Brown tweeted: "Never really goes the way u plan. #LIFE."

Last month, Brown was accused of beating up a man over a basketball foul. Malcolm Ausbon filed a lawsuit with the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles on February 13 claiming to have been the victim of an attack at the hands of Brown and his entourage. Ausbon described the incident as occurring during a basketball at a 24 Hour Fitness gym.

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Saturday, March 22, 2014

Spotify reveals its most streamed songs from movie soundtracks ahead of Oscars

February 28, 2014 15:45

Ed Sheeran, Pharrell and 'The Great Gatsby' soundtrack prove popular on music service

Spotify has revealed the most popular songs from movie soundtracks over the past 12 months on its music streaming service ahead of this weekend's Academy Awards.

The Oscars will take place in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and will be presented by Ellen DeGeneres with Arcade Fire, Pharrell and Karen O all in the running for the Best Original Song award.

However, only Pharrell's 'Happy' from Despicable Me 2 features on Spotify's most popular list, with Ed Sheeran's 'I See Fire', as heard on The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug proving most popular.

Further down the list are appearances from Frank Ocean, M83 and 2 Chainz and Whiz Khalifa's track 'We Own It', from the latest movie in the Fast & Furious franchise. The Great Gatsby soundtrack has also proved a hit with listeners this past year with Lana Del Rey’s 'Young And Beautiful' and Jay Z and Kanye West’s 'No Church In The Wild' appearing in the Top 10.

Top ten most streamed songs from movies in the last 12 months:

1. Ed Shearan – 'I See Fire' (The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug)
2. Pharrell Williams – 'Happy' (Despicable Me 2)
3. 2 Chainz, Wiz Khalifa – 'We Own It' (The Fast & Furious 6)
4. M83 – 'Midnight City' (Warm Bodies)
5. Lana Del Rey – 'Young and Beautiful' (The Great Gatsby)
6. Jay Z & Kanye West – 'No Church in the Wild' (The Great Gatsby)
7. Kanye West - 'Stronger' (The Hangover Pt III)
8. Frank Ocean – 'Super Rich Kids' (The Bling Ring)
9. Indina Menzel – 'Let It Go' (Frozen)
10. Kristin Bell & Indina Menzel – 'For The First Time In Forever' (Frozen)


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Friday, March 21, 2014

No Doubt's Gwen Stefani gives birth to third son

March 2, 2014 11:37

Apollo Bowie Flynn Rossdale was born on Friday (February 28)

Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale have welcomed their third son into the world.

A representative for Bush's Rossdale confirmed the news that the No Doubt singer went into labour on Friday (February 28) and gave birth to the couple's third child. It was also revealed that they have called their newborn Apollo Bowie Flynn Rossdale, reports The Associated Press.

Gavin Rossdale also tweeted the couple's fantastic news:


Apollo joins the couple's other two children, 5-year-old Zuma and 7-year-old Kingston. Gwen Stefani met Bush frontman, Gavin Rossdale, in the mid-90s and married in 2002.

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Thursday, March 20, 2014

Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman died from a toxic mix of drugs

March 1, 2014

'Capote' actor died on February 2 aged 46

Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman died from a toxic mix of heroin and other drugs, US officials have said.

A spokeswoman for the New York City medical examiner stated Hoffman died from a mix of heroin, cocaine, amphetamines and benzodiazepines, which are psychoactive drugs such as Librium that work as muscle relaxants.

The death was ruled an accident. Police had been investigating his death as a suspected drug overdose. Law enforcement officials have said Hoffman was found on February 2 with a needle in his arm, and tests found heroin in samples from at least 50 packets in his Manhattan apartment. The 46-year-old star of 'Capote' and 'The Master' said in interviews last year that he had sought treatment for a heroin problem after 23 years of sobriety.

The actor, who won an Oscar for his leading role in Capote and garnered critical acclaim throughout his career for turns in films such as The Master, Magnolia and Almost Famous, was found by emergency services in his New York home.

A statement released by Hoffman's family the day after his death described the loss as "tragic and sudden". They said: "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone."

In a career which included roles in over 60 films, he won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in the biopic of writer Truman Capote's life, and also picked up three Best Supporting Actor nominations for roles in 'The Master', 'Charlie Wilson's War' and 'Doubt'.

In addition to his roles in independent films, including 'Synecdoche, New York' and 'Boogie Nights', Hoffman also starred in a number of Hollywood blockbusters such as 'Mission Impossible 3'. His most recent role was in 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire'. There is expected to be a tribute to him at the Academy Awards tomorrow evening (March 2).

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Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Kings Of Leon unveil 'Temple' video - watch

February 28, 2014 19:04

The video was partly shot on Super 8 in their hometown Nashville

Kings Of Leon have unveiled the video for their song 'Temple', taken from last year's 'Mechanical Bull' LP.

Click above to watch the video, which was partly shot on Super 8 in their hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. It also features their wives and children. Meanwhile, Kings Of Leon will be playing a run of UK shows this summer, which sees them visiting Newcastle, Sheffield, Manchester, Glasgow and Milton Keynes.

Kings Of Leon have also been announced as the Sunday night headliners of Isle of Wight festival. The band will take to the Main Stage on June 15, joining already announced acts Red Hot Chili Peppers and Bify Clyro at the top of the bill.

Kings Of Leon will play:

Newcastle St James' Park (May 31)
Sheffield Motorpoint Arena (June 17)
Manchester Phones 4U Arena (18)
Glasgow SSE Hydro Arena (20)
Milton Keynes Bowl (22)

Isle Of Wight Festival runs from June 12-15 in Seaclose Park. For more information visit Isleofwightfestival.com. Biffy Clyro will headline the main stage on Friday (June 13), while Red Hot Chili Peppers will play Saturday (June 14). It is the band's first UK festival appearance since 2007 and will be their only UK show of 2014.

To check the availability of Kings Of Leon tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/TICKETS now, or call 0844 858 6765.

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Tuesday, March 18, 2014

'Fantastic Four' reboot will be 'nothing like the originals' says Matthew Vaughn

March 1, 2014

Producer keen to distance remake from two existing films

Matthew Vaughn claims the Fantastic Four reboot he's working on will be nothing like the original.

The 2005 film starred Jessica Alba, Ioan Gruffudd, Chris Evans and Michael Chiklis as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, Reed Richards/Mr Fantastic, Johnny Storm/The Human Torch and Ben Grimm/The Thing respectively. As in the comic books, which began in 1961, they gained superpowers after exposure to cosmic rays during a scientific mission in outer space. The cast returned for 2007 sequel Rise Of The Silver Surfer, which saw Doug Jones join the cast as the titular herald of Galactus. The films were widely panned by critics upon release, although they did perform relatively well at the box office.

In light of Marvel's recent successes with Avengers Assemble and the Thor and Captain America series, and the forthcoming Guardians Of The Galaxy, they are seen as old-fashioned and not in keeping with the rest of the Marvel film universe.

In an interview with Empire discussing the reboot, due in cinemas on June 19, 2015, Vaughn said: "It's a total reboot that's for sure. It's got nothing to with the other bloody ones. It's not a stretchy guy and a guy running around in rock that looks like it's made of polystyrene. And it's not a comedy."

The new film will star Kate Mara, Miles Teller, Michael B Jordan and Jamie Bell in the roles of the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch, Mr Fantastic and the Thing. Vaughn's production credits include Kick-Ass, which he also directed, and Kick-Ass 2, while as a director, he was in charge of X-Men: First Class.

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Monday, March 17, 2014

The Vaccines heading to a farm to work on third album

February 28, 2014 18:51

Bassist Arni Arnason said the group are off to 'a farm or a barn' for their new LP sessions

The Vaccines' bassist Arni Arnason has said that the band are heading to a "a farm or a barn... somewhere in England" in a couple of weeks, to work on their third album.

Arnason has said that the follow-up to 2012's 'Come Of Age' is currently in the works, commenting: "The Vaccines are currently sort of just in writing mode, we're sort of hooking up in a couple of weeks to sort of lock ourselves in a... I don't know... a farm or a barn or a something, somewhere in England. I don't know any details, I'll just show up where I'm told to be, when I'm told to be there so we'll be doing that soon and writing and just enjoying."

He made the comments whilst co-hosting XFM's Communion show, which will be broadcast this Sunday (March 2) at 10pm.

At the end of last year, The Vaccines frontman Justin Young said that the band won't be releasing their third album any time soon. Young explained to XFM that the band had already started writing the follow-up to 2012's 'Come Of Age', but in a "solitary manner". He commented: "We've always written in quite a solitary manner so we've actually already started writing the next record. I kind of feel by admitting that people are going to expect it sooner than perhaps we're ready to put it out."

He added: "We're not set on releasing it any time soon. When we feel like we've made the best record we're capable of making, which is hopefully sooner rather than later, then we'll put it out and we're halfway to doing that really."

The band's last release, the 'Melody Calling' EP, was recorded during the band's US sessions in March 2013 at Eldorado Studios in Burbank, Los Angeles, with producers John Hill (Rihanna, MIA, Santigold) and Rich Costey (Muse, Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys).


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Sunday, March 16, 2014

Neil Young and Crazy Horse to play Liverpool show

February 28, 2014 20:13

The band cancelled a gig in the city in 2013 because of an injury

Neil Young will play Liverpool's Echo Arena on July 13 with his band Crazy Horse.

Last year's Liverpool date was cancelled after guitarist Frank 'Poncho' Sampedro injured himself, however a new show will now take place this summer, following Neil Young and Crazy Horse's huge outdoor show at London's Hyde Park on Saturday July 12. In London they'll be joined at Barclaycard British Summer Time by special guests The National, Tom Odell, Caitlin Rose, Phosphorescent and Flyte.

Meanwhile, Neil Young's next album will be released on the Third Man Records label owned by Jack White. Young has said that the record will be released in March and the record is described as: "An unheard collection of rediscovered songs from the past recorded on ancient electro mechanical technology captures and unleashes the essence of something that could have been gone forever…".

Young previously told Rolling Stone that recording the album was "one of the lowest-tech experiences I've ever had". A prospective tracklist of the album features Bob Dylan's 'Blowin' In The Wind', Tim Hardin's 'Reason To Believe', Gordon Lightfoot's 'Early Morning Rain' and Ivory Joe Hunter's 'Since I Met You Baby' as well as 'Needle Of Death', originally by the late Bert Jansch.

Neil Young is also set to release a brand new memoir this autumn. The book follows 2012's Waging Heavy Peace and will interweave stories about the artist's love of cars with recollections from his life. Publishers Blue Rider have called the book an "eclectic amalgam".

Neil Young and Crazy Horse will play

London Hyde Park (July 12)
Liverpool Echo Arena (13)

To check the availability of Neil Young tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/TICKETS now, or call 0844 858 6765

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Saturday, March 15, 2014

Liam Gallagher tells fans not to buy 'Definitely Maybe' reissue

March 1, 2014 11:40

Former Oasis singer also commented on split from management company and brother Noel

Liam Gallagher has urged Oasis fans not to buy the forthcoming reissue of the band's debut album 'Definitely Maybe'.

Writing on Twitter on Friday [Feb 28] evening, he said: "HOW CAN YOU REMASTER SOMETHING THATS ALREADY BEING MASTERED.DONT BUY INTO IT.LET IT BE LG X"

It was announced on Wednesday (February 26) that the album would be reissued to mark its 20th anniversary in May, and will include rare and unreleased recordings. The reissue is the first in the new Chasing The Sun series from Big Brother Recordings, with Oasis's follow-up albums 'What's The Story (Morning Glory)?' and 'Be Here Now' to be reissued later in the year.

Gallagher also used his Twitter to address the issue regarding he and the rest of Beady Eye parting company with his management company Quest and manager Scott Rodger, and took the time to have a dig at older brother Noel who, prior to joining Oasis was a roadie with Inspiral Carpets. Liam said: "IT'LL BE ME AS IN LG THAT THROWS IN THE TOWEL NOT SOME ROADIE FROM THE 80s X"

In a statement given to NME regarding the split, Rodger, who also represents Arcade Fire and Paul McCartney, said: "Beady Eye are one of the last great British rock bands. It has been a pleasure to have worked with them on this album campaign. They are in complete control of their future as a band with many exciting new projects on the horizon. We've just about reached the end of the 'BE' album cycle and it's the right time for the band to make a change. Our paths will cross again in the future I'm sure. I wish them continued success in everything they do."

The 20th anniversary edition of 'Definitely Maybe' will be available as a standard CD and digital download of the original album, a three-disc Special Edition version including the rare recordings and demos, a 12" vinyl LP featuring all the bonus CD content as a free download, and a Deluxe Box Set which features the LP and the CDs. It has also been revealed that the band will re-issue their single 'Supersonic' as a 12" vinyl to coincide with this year's Record Store Day on April 19.

For a special report on the 'Definitely Maybe' reissue and a behind-the-scenes account of the making of the album, pick up the new issue of NME, which is on newsstands from today (February 26) and available digitally.


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Friday, March 14, 2014

Beady Eye part ways with manager Scott Rodger

February 28, 2014 16:58

Liam Gallagher and co will no longer work with Quest Management boss

Beady Eye have parted ways with their manager, it has been confirmed.

The band, fronted by Liam Gallagher and featuring former Oasis members Gem Archer and Andy Bell, were managed by Scott Rodger, who also works with Arcade Fire and Paul McCartney, for the duration of their 'BE' campaign. However, their working relationship has come to an end following the end of the contract signed by both parties.

Paying tribute to the band in a statement given to NME, Rodger says: "Beady Eye are one of the last great British rock bands. It has been a pleasure to have worked with them on this album campaign. They are in complete control of their future as a band with many exciting new projects on the horizon. We've just about reached the end of the 'BE' album cycle and it's the right time for the band to make a change. Our paths will cross again in the future I'm sure. I wish them continued success in everything they do."

Beady Eye released their second album 'BE' in June, 2013. Their debut album 'Different Gear, Still Speeding' was released in 2011.

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Thursday, March 13, 2014

Noel Gallagher auctions signed 'High Flying Birds' gold disc for Sport Relief

February 28, 2014 19:30

The money raised will go to Russell Brand's Give It Up fund

Noel Gallagher is auctioning off a signed 'High Flying Birds' gold disc for Sport Relief.

'Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' was the former Oasis man's first solo album and was released in 2011. The gold disc will be signed by Gallagher with a personal message for the auction's winner. The auction is taking place on behalf of the Give It Up fund, which was founded by Russell Brand in order to help develop abstinence based community support for people following drug and alcohol treatment. The Give It Up fund is backed by the Sport Relief campaign.

The auction comes to an end on March 2. For more information, visit eBay.

Meanwhile, Noel Gallagher is currently recording a new album which has the spirit of Oasis' debut album, according to Gallagher's long-term associate Mark Coyle. Coyle, who co-produced Oasis' debut album 'Definitely Maybe', told NME he heard demos for Gallagher's new album earlier this month following recording sessions Gallagher made in New York.

"Noel's new album is fucking great," said Coyle."It reminds me in some respects of the spirit of 'Definitely Maybe', because it's so obviously exciting. That boy is from a different planet, and even the fans won't believe how utterly amazing it is."

Coyle talks about the 20th anniversary edition of 'Definitely Maybe' in the new issue of NME, which is on newsstands now and available digitally. He spent six months going through demos and live recordings for the extra tracks on the anniversary release's Special Edition.

This week it was announced that Oasis's classic 1994 debut album 'Definitely Maybe' will be reissued to mark its 20th anniversary in May.

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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Sky Ferreira song 'Rancid Girl' leaks online - listen

February 28, 2014 19:50

Her debut album 'Night Time, My Time' comes out in the UK on March 17

An offcut from Sky Ferreira's debut album has leaked online.

The song 'Rancid Girl', was co-written by Jon Brion, Cass McCombs and Blake Mills, reports Pitchfork. Click below to listen to the track. Speaking about the leak yesterday (February 27) on Twitter, she wrote: "Leaks usually bother me but I actually like 'Rancid Girl' so that's...cool?"

Sky Ferreira was recently forced to temporarily pull her support slot with Miley Cyrus after falling on stage and injuring her leg. The singer fell during her performance in Anaheim, California, on February 21, and was hospitalised afterward, needing 60 stitches in her leg. She injured herself during the first song of her set, but did manage to finish her performance before being taken away in an ambulance.

The singer, whose debut album 'Night Time, My Time' is officially released in the UK on March 17, will play a one-off show at London's Oslo on March 10.

To check the availability of Sky Ferreira tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/TICKETS now, or call 0844 858 6765

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Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Lily Allen concerned Kanye West will call her out over 'Sheezus'

March 1, 2014 15:01

Singer named album as an homage to rapper but is now worried he'll see it as a diss

Lily Allen is worried Kanye West will call her out on the title of her forthcoming album 'Sheezus'.

The singer, who won Best Solo Artist at last week's NME Awards With Austin, Texas, named her third album as an homage to the rapper, who released his album 'Yeezus' last year.

However, in an interview with Australian radio station Nova, she admitted she's now "terrified" he'll think it's a diss rather than a tribute. "It's totally not a diss," she said. "I love Kanye, I think he's brilliant." She also praised him for speaking his mind all the time, "whether what he's saying is ridiculous or not".

When collecting her award for Best Solo Artist last week, Allen said: "This is kind of dumb because David Bowie is in the same category and Jake Bugg so this goes to you guys, not me." She was later seen leaving the awards' aftershow party at London club Sketch having broken the middle finger off her award.

Allen released two singles last year, a cover of Keane's 'Somewhere Only We Know', which featured on a TV advert, and 'Hard Out Here'. She recently followed it up with 'Air Balloon' but still hasn't announced when her third album, her first since 2009's 'It's Not Me, It's You'.


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Monday, March 10, 2014

Karen O to perform with Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig at tonight's Oscars

March 2, 2014 11:09

Yeah Yeah Yeahs singer will play her Oscar-nominated track 'The Moon Song' from the Spike Jonze-directed film 'Her'

Karen O is set to perform with Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig at the Oscars tonight (March 2).

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs singer was spotted rehearsing her Oscar-nominated track 'The Moon Song', which featured in the Spike Jonze-directed Her, with Koenig on an acoustic guitar last night, according to Billboard.

A different version of the song to the one which featured in the movie was recently released. The alternative version featured Koenig on vocals and can be streamed below.

Meanwhile, Karen O recently spoke about her Oscar nomination for the first time. She is joined on the list of nominees for this year's Oscars by fellow musical acts U2 and Pharrell Williams.

Speaking about the nomination, Karen O said: "Holy smokes. I had zero clue! To say this was unexpected is an understatement." She added: "It's wild because 'The Moon Song' was written and recorded in the most humble of circumstances; at my dining room table, a few paces away from the couch [where] I read the script for 'Her' for the first time."


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Sunday, March 9, 2014

Bruce Springsteen covers Lorde's 'Royals' at New Zealand concert - watch

March 1, 2014 17:58

The Boss takes on 17-year-old star's hit, calls himself 'King B'

Bruce Springsteen covered Lorde's 'Royals' during a concert in New Zealand.

The Boss was performing at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on Saturday (March 1), home of the Vodafone Warriors and Auckland Football Federation, when he broke into the song, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar and harmonica. You can watch fan-filmed footage of the performance below.

It was a largely faithful cover, although he did tweak a few of the original lyrics and refer to himself at "King B" in the chorus. Naturally, being Lorde's home country, there was an ecstatic response from the crowd when they realised what he was playing.

She's not the first artist from Down Under to be honoured by Springsteen in this way. While touring Australia last month, he covered a number of songs by Aussie artists including 'Highway To Hell' AC/DC, for which he brought on stage Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, 'Stayin' Alive' by The Bee Gees, 'Friday On My Mind' by The Easybeats and INXS' 'Don't Change'. Last year, he covered 'Just Like Fire Would' by Australian band The Saints, a studio version of which features on his most-recent album, 'High Hopes'.

The performance in Auckland was only Springsteen's second-ever show in the country, and his first there in 11 years. He plays one more show in the country before returning to the US, where he'll perform a five-week run of shows.

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Saturday, March 8, 2014

'Anchorman' director Adam McKay rules out second sequel

March 1, 2014

'Anchorman 3' is definitely not going to happen

Adam McKay says 'Anchorman 3' is definitely not going to happen.

The director, who helmed both 2004's 'Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy' and the recent long-awaited sequel 'Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues' said he thinks we've seen the last of the fine-suited newsreader and his friends.

"It's done," said McKay in an interview with Empire. "I think that’s it. It was great to do it and it was so fun to work with those guys again, but I think that’s it for Ron Burgundy. That’s the last sequel we’re gonna do. There's nothing more fun to me than new characters and a new world... No Anchorman 3."

Adding that the chance of revisiting the franchise in 10 years' time as they had done with the second film, McKay reiterated his stance. "I'm going to say definitely no. I’ll actually say it in this case."

His statement contradicts Will Ferrell's when speaking to RadioTimes.com last year. Asked if there would be a sequel, the star said "We gotta make 14. Honestly, if the Mayor Of Showbiz came and knocked on our doors and said, 'You guys, all you get to work on for the next 20 years is 12 additional Anchorman movies', we probably would all go, 'Okay'."

Earlier this year it was reported Anchorman 2 had surpassed the $100million (£60million) mark at the US box office, meaning it had surpassed the original film by around $20million.

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Friday, March 7, 2014

UK Eurovision entry to be an unknown artist

March 2, 2014 13:38

The act has been chosen in conjunction with BBC Introducing...

This year's UK Eurovision entry will be an unknown artist, it has been announced.

The BBC will reveal the United Kingdom entry into this year's contest, which will take place at the B&W Hallerne in Denmark on May 10, tomorrow night (March 3). The artist has been selected in conjunction with BBC Introducing.

The official BBC Eurovision Twitter, tweeted:


Guy Freeman, the executive producer for BBC Eurovision, explained the selection process. He said: "It’s clear there’s a disconnect between what kind of songs and artists are now winning Eurovision, versus the stereotype that many people – including much of the music industry - still hold in their minds. Yes, novelty songs and acts do still turn up in the show, provide great entertainment and make good press – but they don’t tend to win.

"So, early on in plans for 2014, we took the view that we needed a bespoke, contemporary song, written specifically to suit the conditions of the competition – rather than trying to get lucky with a pre-existing track from an artist."

He added: "In trying to practice that art, we all listened to a great many potential songs and looked at footage of a great many artists performing live. Nothing was quite right until we looked at a resource right under our nose: BBC Introducing. This is the gateway for undiscovered and unsigned music makers to upload their best tracks and get them heard and featured by the BBC. Some of the artists who’ve received BBC Introducing support at the start of their careers include Florence And The Machine, Ed Sheeran, Rizzle Kicks and Jake Bugg."

The UK's 2014 Eurovision entry will be announced on Monday (March 3) via the BBC red button.


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Thursday, March 6, 2014

Miley Cyrus denies 'Bangerz' tour is racist and exploitative

March 1, 2014 14:02

Singer defends use of black dancers and little people

Miley Cyrus has defended her 'Bangerz' tour against accusations of racism and exploitation.

The tour has come under fire for its sexually suggestive dance routines, one of which sees her simulate oral sex on a lookalike of former US President Bill Clinton, her use of black dancers and the adoption of twerking, which prompted of distasteful cultural appropriation levelled at the singer. Finally, Cyrus has also been accused of exploiting little people for having a number among her backing dancers.

In an interview with MSNBC's Ronan Farrow, who also profiled her for W magazine, she said: "It's really funny how serious people take it. And they're like, 'You're racist'. And I'm like, 'Really?' We're like a bunch of kids dancing around in, like, bears, but we don't do choreography. They're just like dancing, doing these cute moves and they're awesome dancers like just on their own. It's not me telling them how to be. We're making them feel sexual and beautiful.

Speaking more specifically about one of the dancers, she added: "We're all about lifting her up and making her feel so sexy all the time, and having her dance - she's actually an awesome dancer."

However, one of Miley's former backing dancers, Hollis Jane – who was spanked by the star on stage at the MTV Video Music Awards last year – previously said she felt used by the singer, at the time writing: "I was a bear in Miley Cyrus' VMA performance and it was my first time doing anything like that... anything where I was being used because of my height, not because of my talent. And I will be the first one to tell you that standing on that stage, in that costume was one of the most degrading things I felt like I could ever do.''

She has since clarified the remark, saying she doesn't blame Cyrus, but that "little people need to stop being seen, in my opinion, in the media as jokes."

Last month, while supporting Cyrus in Anaheim, California, Sky Ferreira injured her leg and required 60 stitches meaning she has had to temporarily pull out of the tour but recovered enough to rejoin her a few days later for shows in Los Angeles, Oakland and San Jose.

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Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Drenge perform 'Bloodsports' at NME Awards with Austin, Texas – watch

February 28, 2014 15:13

Best New Band winners perform song from their debut album at O2 Academy Brixton

Drenge performed their single 'Bloodsports' at the NME Awards with Austin, Texas on Wednesday night (February 26). Scroll up to watch now.

The two-piece, brothers Eoin and Rory Loveless, were named Best New Band supported by Mossimo at the awards ceremony. They beat off competition from Swim Deep, Chvrches and Jagwar Ma, among others.

Other big winners at this week's ceremony included Blondie, Damon Albarn and Lily Allen. Performances came from The Horrors and Drenge plus Metronomy, who opened the show by performing 'Love Letters', from their forthcoming album of the same name, with MKS. Belle & Sebastian played 'I Want The World To Stop' and 'The Boy With The Arab Strap'.

Arctic Monkeys dominated the NME Awards 2014 with Austin, Texas, however, picking up five awards including Best British Band, Best Live Band and Best Album for 'AM'.

To watch a video interview of Drenge performing 'Bloodsports' at the NME Awards 2014 with Austin, Texas, click above.


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Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Damon Albarn makes full live debut at BBC 6 Music Festival

March 1, 2014 10:22

Blur and Gorillaz star performed career-spanning set at inaugural event in Manchester

Damon Albarn made his live solo debut last night (February 28) at the inaugural BBC 6 Music Festival in Manchester – with a career-spanning set that included songs from Blur, Gorillaz and The Good, The Bad & The Queen.

Headlining the Friday night of the two-day event at the Victoria Warehouse, the singer-songwriter thanked the station "for being brave enough to put on a band who have never played a gig before."

He took to Stage One at 9.35pm, and was joined by his new backing band, The Heavy Seas – comprising guitarist Seye, drummer Pauli The PSM, bassist Jeff Wootton and keyboard player Mike Smith – to air material from his forthcoming solo record 'Everyday Robots', due for release on April 28.

Clad in a burgundy leather jacket, he began with the album's title track and ran through nine new songs, alternating between piano and guitar and including 'Heavy Seas Of Love', his forthcoming duet with Brian Eno. The performance was also broadcast live on 6 Music. "This is our first ever gig and it’s quite nerve-wracking to not only be playing your first gig but playing it live on the radio as well," he told the audience, before grinning coyly: "But I suppose I should be used to it by now."

Fresh from picking up the NME Award For Innovation at the NME Awards 2014 with Austin Texas on Wednesday, the gig was very much about looking forward. However, in addition to previewing the new record, Damon paid tribute to his time in Gorillaz (with the songs 'Tomorrow Comes Today', 'On Melancholy Hill', and 'El MaƱana') and rock supergroup The Good, The Bad & The Queen ('Kingdom Of Doom'). He also unleashed a rare Blur track – ‘All Your Life’, the B-side to the group’s 1997 single ‘Beetlebum’. “I don’t recall ever playing it before so I thought it would be okay to play it,” he said. At the end of his hour-long set, he thanked the crowd “for your patience”, adding “Sorry it was a bit rough around the edges but that’s the way it is.”

On stage two, The Horrors were faced with the unenviable task of going up against Damon. “It’s a shame we’re performing at the same time because I actually really want to watch him,” guitarist Joshua Hayward told NME. Opening with ‘Mirror’s Image’ and culminating with ‘Moving Further Away’, they only performed one track from their forthcoming fourth album, ‘Luminous’ – the new single ‘I See You’

“This festival slot is like the last chapter in a book,” Joshua added. “The next time we’ll be playing loads of songs off our new record and this is like putting to bed a fair few years of touring.”

Like Damon, Kelis used her appearance as a way of road-testing new material, describing it as “my first time really performing everything that’s new live”. Dressed in a gold lame, she resembled Diana Ross – which suited the Stax-soul and brass-funk of tracks from her imminent, Dave Sitek-produced sixth album, ‘Food’. Bookending her set by singing Nina Simone’s ‘Feeling Good’, and accompanied by a full horn section, she also served up revised versions of ‘Milkshake’ and ‘Acapella’.

Other bands who performed included Haim, Metronomy and Drenge. All 8,500 tickets to the festival sold out within minutes of their release last month. It concludes tonight (March 1) with headline sets from The National and James Blake.

Damon Albarn played:

'Everyday Robots'
'Hostiles'
'Lonely Press Play'
'Tomorrow Comes Today'
'The Selfish Giant'
'You And Me'
'On Melancholy Hill'
'Hollow Ponds'
'Photographs (You Are Taking Now)'
'Kingdom Of Doom'
'All Your Life'
'Mr Tembo'
'El Manana'
'Heavy Seas Of Love'


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Monday, March 3, 2014

Pharrell's single 'Happy' sells over a million copies in the UK

March 1, 2014 16:47

Singer becomes second artist ever after The Beatles to achieve three million-sellers

Pharrell Williams' single 'Happy' has sold over one million copies in the UK.

The singer's latest track marks his third million-seller in eight months following the success of Robin Thicke collaboration 'Blurred Lines' and Daft Punk duet 'Get Lucky' last year. The feat makes Williams the second act in history after The Beatles to be part of the main line-up of an act to achieve more than two million-selling singles in the UK.

Industry magazine Music Week also reports that 'Happy' is on course to return to number one tomorrow (March 2), as it's around 14,000 copies ahead of its nearest rival, Sam Smith's 'Money On My Mind'.

'Happy' also topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart earlier this week, and come a few days before the release of Pharreell's new album 'G I R L', which will be available from Monday (March 3). The album includes collaborations with Justin Timberlake, Daft Punk, Miley Cyrus and Alicia Keys.

Last week, Pharrell revealed his new collaboration with Daft Punk, entitled 'Gust Of Wind', which you can listen to below. Williams, who previously worked with the French pair on the hugely successful 'Get Lucky' from 'Random Access Memories'. The singer has previously described 'Gust Of Wind' as his "favourite song" on the LP. Click here to read NME's detailed track-by-track of the album.

The tracklist is as follows:
'Marilyn Monroe'
'Brand New' Featuring Justin Timberlake
'Hunter'
'Gush'
'Happy'
'Come Get It Babe' Featuring Miley Cyrus
'Gust Of Wind' Featuring Daft Punk
'Lost Queen'
'Freq'
'I Know Who You Are' Featuring Alicia Keys
'It Girl'


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Sunday, March 2, 2014

Prince to leave the UK, as US chat show appearance is announced

February 28, 2014 14:54

Singer will appear on 'The Arsenio Hall' show on March 5

Prince will end his stay in the UK to return to America to appear on US chat show The Arsenio Hall Show next week.

The singer and guitarist has staged a number of impromptu live appearances in the UK throughout February, appearing in both London and Manchester. However, it has announced that Prince will appear on US TV next week, chatting and performing on The Arsenio Hall Show on March 5.

As previously reported on NME.COM, Prince played a two-and-a-half-hour set at Manchester’s Academy on Friday night (February 21) – wowing fans with a setlist comprising of new material as well as a wealth of classic hits from his back catalogue. Scroll up to watch 'Let's Go Crazy' now.

The gig came as part of Prince's whistlestop visit to the UK, which previously had only involved gigs in London. However, there was a smattering of dissent in the ranks following Prince's visit up north with fans taking to Twitter afterwards to complain when a second surprise performance was cancelled within hours of being announced.

Unlike the London dates of his Hit And Run Tour, tickets for the gig were sold online in advance, and disappeared within seconds. The remainder were made available on the door when it opened at 7.30pm – with diehard fans queuing from 10pm the day before to get in.

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