New Star Wars film confirms shooting has begun

May 17, 2014

Production company Bad Robot tweeted a picture of a clapperboard with the #dayone hashtag

Shooting has begun on the new Star Wars film, it has been confirmed.

The film's production company Bad Robot tweeted a picture of a clapperboard with the #dayone hashtag, which you can see below. Sand on the clapperboard seems to suggest that scenes are being shot in Abu Dhabi, where it is thought Luke Skywalker's home planet of Tatooine is being rebuilt.

The seventh installment of the much loved franchise will also shoot at London's Pinewood studios ahead of a December 2015 release. Original stars Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill will return for the film. Disney recently suggested they will release at least three Star Wars spin-off films in the next 10 years in addition to the three they have already committed to making.

Oscar Isaac recently said that director JJ Abrams' approach to making the next instalment in the series of much loved films is "refreshing". The actor recently joined fellow newcomers Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson and Andy Serkis in the cast for Star Wars: Epsiode VII and spoke to Digital Spy about his enthusiasm for his currently unconfirmed character.

"There was about a month where I already knew that I'd been cast, before the announcement, so it was tough to keep it under wraps," Isaac said. "But you know, secrets can be fun. I was a huge Star Wars fan growing up – my family collects the toys, and we had Star Wars parties where everyone would dress up as their favourite character."

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Moscow security department bans parade to honour Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst

May 16, 2014 21:04

An application for The Conchita Wurst March of Bearded Women and Men was rejected

Russian officials have banned a parade set to honour Eurovision winner, Austrian drag act Conchita Wurst.

The application for the Conchita Wurst March of Bearded Women and Men was denied by Moscow's security department, reports The Guardian. It was hoped that the parade would take place on May 27, to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the legalisation of homosexuality in Russia.

Billboard writes that a spokesperson for the security department said that the application for the march was rejected because of "concerns it would provoke clashes between gays and their opponents."

Conchita Wurst previously said that she hoped her Eurovision victory would help to spread a message of tolerance and respect around Europe. Wurst, real name Tom Neuwirth, was crowned winner of the 59th annual Eurovision Song Contest earlier this month. In Vienna she told reporters that the victory was not just personal, "but a victory for those people who believe in a future that can function without discrimination and is based on tolerance and respect".

The singer won the competition in Denmark capital Copenhagen with the song 'Rise Like a Phoenix', collecting 290 points. The Netherlands finished second with 238 points, with Sweden in third place with 218 points. After being crowned winner at the ceremony, Wurst shouted: "We are unity and we are unstoppable".

In Vienna, she explained: "That was obviously meant for certain politicians whom we all know". Asked if she was talking about Vladimir Putin, whose anti-gay laws in Russia have come under fierce criticism, Wurst said "among others".

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Action Bronson confirms new album will be called 'Mr Wonderful'

May 16, 2014 20:00

The rapper is currently on tour in the UK

Rapper Action Bronson has confirmed the name of the album he is currently working on as 'Mr Wonderful'.

It will follow a number of mixtapes and last year's 'Saaab Stories' EP. He revealed the news of his solo major label debut on Twitter, writing:

MY ALBUM BEEN NAMED. THE ONLY THING TO DESCRIBE ME.. MR. WONDERFUL. THATS BEEN ME SINCE I STEPPED IN THIS BULLSHIT.

— #MR.WONDERFUL (@ActionBronson) May 15, 2014

Speaking about the album to NME, he commented: "The album is sounding incredible. The whole album is a standout. I don't care about individual songs, I'm trying to make a complete, classic project. I just do my music uninfluenced by anybody else, or current trends, and it comes together at the end. Nothing needs to have a fucking theme all the time. This is just rap. I'm not trying to make people think I'm some sort of scientific wizard or inspirational poet. Fuck that! It's just happy, funny, rugged, rough rap."

Action Bronson is mid-way through a UK tour, playing Birmingham Institute tonight (May 16) and London Forum tomorrow (May 17). Speaking to NME about the tour, he commented: "People should expect the unexpected. My UK tour is going to be exciting. You can see high-flying acrobats, all kinds of dangerous stunts, just straight up real rapping and entertainment for the whole family".

Meanwhile, the rapper is starring in a new online series titled Fuck, That's Delicious. The heavyweight rapper previously had a career as a gourmet chef in New York, and the series will chronicle his culinary experiences on his world tour on Munchies, a subsidiary of VICE.

"The food show allows me to share my passion," Bronson told NME. "Both my mother and grandmother were cooks, so I learned it from them. I like to cook to Spanish and Latin music. If you're in the kitchen, you have to listen to rhythms, so I'd suggest bands like El Gran Combo De Puerto Rico and, if you like piano, Larry Harlow and Eddie Palmieri."

To check the availability of Action Bronson tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/TICKETS now, or call 0871 230 1094.

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The Strokes to headline FYF Fest in Los Angeles

May 17, 2014 9:40

Haim, Phoenix, Future Islands, Interpol and Death Grips will also play on August 23-24

The Strokes are set to headline this summer's FYF Fest in Los Angeles.

Also topping the bill at the two day event in Downtown LA are Phoenix, with Interpol, Slowdive, Haim, Blood Orange, Grimes, Future Islands, Death Grips, Darkside, Jamie xx, Earl Sweatshirt, Against Me, Real Estate, Mac Demarco and Four Tet also on the bill. In addition there will be separate performances from The Strokes' Albert Hammond Jr and Julian Casablancas and The Voidz.

The event takes place August 23-24 at LA Sports Arena and Exposition Park and tickets go on sale May 22 and 12pm (PT). For more information on the festival, visit FYFFest.com.

Meanwhile, The Strokes have announced plans for a show on May 31 at the 1,800 capacity Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York. The show will act as a warm up gig for the band's headline set at the Governors Ball festival on Randall's Island in New York City, which takes place June 6-8. Port Chester is roughly 25 miles from New York City.

Albert Hammond Jr recently said that The Strokes will release a new album before they properly tour again. The guitarist told Gigwise:

"I know that when The Strokes tour again, it will be because we put something out – even though we didn't tour the last one. Doing a few festivals before you put something out is kind of gearing up the big machine, it just kind of helps everyone get ready, mentally, financially and it brings you back to your audience. You can see the audience's reaction to your music and you just 'feel' again."

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Sum 41's Deryck Whibley: 'If I have one drink the docs say I will die'

May 18, 2014 11:26

The rock musician has spent the past month in hospital following an alcohol induced collapse

Sum 41's Deryck Whibley has revealed the extent of his life-threatening alcoholism, saying that doctors have said if he has one drink, he will die.

Writing at Deryckwhibley.net in a post entitled Rock Bottom, the frontman apologised to fans for being "m.i.a" for the past month, explaining that he had been in hospital after falling unconscious due to his heavy drinking. Whibley revealed that his liver and kidneys had collapsed.

"I've been very sick in the hospital for a month and was pretty sick for a few weeks leading up to my trip to the hospital. The reason I got so sick is from all the hard boozing I've been doing over the years. It finally caught up to me. I was drinking hard every day," he wrote, explaining that his fiancee rushed him to hospital after his collapse and he was put in an intensive care unit. "I finally realized I can't drink anymore," he wrote. "If I have one drink the doc's say I will die. I'm not preaching or anything but just always drink responsibly."

However, he has said that the incident has inspired him to write new music. "Anyway I have my passion and inspiration back for writing music," said the former husband of Avril Lavigne. "I already have a few song ideas for new songs. Soon it will be time to start making an album and getting back to touring again."

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Lily Allen plays cupid in promotional ice cream film - watch

May 17, 2014 11:50

The film is also narrated by the 'Sheezus' singer

Lily Allen plays a cupid in a new promotional film for ice cream.

The short film by Cornetto is narrated by the pop singer and also sees her playing a matchmaking doctor. Click above to watch the film about a love story between a tennis player and the lines umpire she knocks out during a match.

Lily Allen recently said that Kanye West is amused by the fact she named her new album 'Sheezus'. Allen marked her return to the pop music world with the release of the album earlier this month. The album features the singles 'Hard Out Here', 'Air Balloon' and 'Our Time' and its name is a play on the title of Kanye West's 2013 album, 'Yeezus'.

Earlier this year Allen expressed worry that Kanye West might react negatively to her referencing his work. However, Allen recently met with the rapper and his fiancée, Kim Kardashian at the Met Gala in New York and was relieved to discover that he was happy with the name. "I'm a really big fan of Kanye's so it was a little nod to him," she said during an appearance on The Today Show. "He hadn't heard it, it came out the day after, but he thought it was funny. And Kim said, 'I'm the real Sheezus.'"

Meanwhile, Allen also revealed recently that she turned down a cameo appearance in popular fantasy show, Game Of Thrones when she was asked to play the sister of Theon, who is played by her real life brother, Alfie Allen. She backed out when she realised that the storyline involved incest and would involve her filming sex scenes with her sibling.

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Jack White unveils new song 'Just One Drink' - listen

May 16, 2014 18:03

The track comes from the former White Stripes man's second solo album 'Lazaretto'

Jack White has unveiled a new song, 'Just One Drink'.

Click here to listen to the track via Rolling Stone. The song comes from the former White Stripes man's new album, 'Lazaretto', which comes out on June 9 and also features the previously released 'High Ball Stepper' and the album's title track. Scroll down for a full tracklisting.

A special vinyl 'Ultra' version of 'Lazaretto' will be available. The 180 gram release will feature two vinyl-only hidden tracks, which will be situated under the labels on the record, with one playing at 78 rpm and one at 45 rpm, making the release a three speed album. The mix of the album will also be different from the digital and CD release and have a different running order.

Jack White will play a one-off UK show this summer. He will appear at London's Eventim Apollo on July 5. This is White's second scheduled appearance in the UK this summer and will come after he plays Glastonbury Festival in June.

The 'Lazaretto' tracklisting is:

'Three Women'
'Lazaretto'
'Temporary Ground'
'Would You Fight For My Love?'
'High Ball Stepper'
'Just One Drink'
'Alone In My Home'
'Entitlement'
'That Black Bat Licorice'
'I Think I Found The Culprit'
'Want And Able'

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

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St Vincent performs 'Digital Witness' and 'Birth In Reverse' on 'Saturday Night Live'

May 18, 2014 10:59

Annie Clark played two tracks from her 'St Vincent' album on the comedy show

St Vincent performed 'Digital Witness' and 'Birth In Reverse' on Saturday Night Live last night (May 18).

Scroll down to watch the musician running through both tracks on the US comedy sketch show, which was hosted by Andy Samberg.

[HD] St. Vincent - Digital Witness - SNL 5-17-14 by IdolxMuzic

[HD] St. Vincent - Birth In Reverse - SNL 5-17-14 by IdolxMuzic

St Vincent will tour the UK in August, after rescheduling a run of dates that were meant to take place this month. The shows follow the February release of St Vincent's eponymous new album, which was recorded in Dallas, Texas with Dap-Kings drummer Homer Steinweiss, McKenzie Smith of Midlake and producer John Congleton.

St Vincent will play:

Cambridge Junction (August 19)
Leeds Met University (20)
Bristol O2 Academy (21)
Glasgow O2 ABC (26)
Gateshead The Sage (27)
Liverpool O2 Academy (28)

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

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Paul Simon and wife Edie Brickell appear in court for disorderly conduct case

May 17, 2014 15:28

The pair appeared briefly at the Superior Court in Norwalk, Connecticut

Paul Simon and his wife, the singer Edie Brickell, have appeared in court over their current disorderly conduct case.

Following the pair's arrest last month after an argument, they appeared briefly at the Superior Court in Norwalk, Connecticut yesterday (May 16) and held hands during the hearing, according to a report by Billboard.

They requested that cameras be banned from the courtroom, but Judge William Wenzel declined, stating: "Everyone who comes into this court is presumed innocent and our general policy is to allow open media access so I am overruling that request."

The next hearing is set for June 17. According to a police report about the incident which took place on April 26, Brickell said that Simon had shoved her during an argument and she had slapped him back. Simon was reported to have a cut on his ear and Brickell a bruise on her wrist.

After their arrest Brickell shared a joint song called 'Like To Get To Know You' on SoundCloud, which features Simon on backing vocals. "I'd like to get to know you again," sing the pair on the song. During their first appearance in court last month Simon told the judge that it was a rare argument that led to their arrests. Simon said: "Both of us are fine together. We had an argument and it's fairly atypical of us; neither of us has any fear or any reason to feel threatened and I don't feel I need to be protected."

Brickell said in a statement: "I got my feelings hurt, and I picked a fight with my husband. The police called it disorderly. Thank God it's orderly now." Police arrived at the singers' New Canaan home after receiving a 911 call from the property. Police discovered what they believed was a case of domestic violence upon their arrival. Simon and Brickell both said they did not feel threatened by the other following the arrest.

Brickell, who fronted Edie Brickell & New Bohemians, is Simon's third wife. The couple were married in 1992 and have three children.

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James to release first album in six years next month

May 18, 2014 12:01

'La Petite Mort' will be supported by a to-be-announced arena tour

James are set to release their first album in six years next month.

'La Petite Mort' is set for release on June 2 and was produced by Max Dingel (The Killers, Muse). It follows the band's 10th studio album 'Hey Ma', which was released in 2008, and 2010's EPs 'The Night Before' and 'The Morning After'. 'La Petite Mort' was written by the band's frontman Tim Booth after the deaths of his mother and best friend. See the album's artwork above.

The album will feature the single 'Moving On' and 'Frozen Britain', both of which can be heard below. The record will be released by BMG Chrysalis and Cooking Vinyl. It will be supported by a sold out Summer in the City gig at Manchester's Castlefield Bowl on July 11 with special guests Starsailor, and a set at Camp Bestival on August 1. The band are also due to announce a UK arena tour.

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

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Michael Jackson scores 10th UK Number One album with posthumous release

May 18, 2014 18:53

The Black Keys make do with Number Two in Official Albums Chart for 'Turn Blue'

Michael Jackson has scored his 10th Official Albums Chart Number One album this evening (May 18) with posthumous release 'Xscape'.

The album includes eight unreleased songs worked on by contemporary artists and producers, including Timbaland and Stargate. The album is the project of executive producer LA Reid, who was granted unlimited access to four decades' worth of Jackson's vocal material.

Close behind, The Black Keys have had their highest ever charting UK album with 'Turn Blue' in at Number Two. Other new entries in the Top 40 include Foxes' debut album 'Glorious', which is in at Number Five and Blondie's 'Blondie 4(0)-Ever' collection - which is a greatest hits and their new album 'Ghosts Of Download' combined - at Number 16. Swans have had their highest charting UK album with 'To Be Kind' at Number 38.

Meanwhile, in the Official Singles Chart, Rita Ora has taken the Number One spot with 'I Will Never Let You Down', her fourth chart topping track. "I've just found out I'm Number One with 'I Will Never Let You Down' and it's amazing!" said the singer. "It's crazy that it's the fourth one! I'm honoured. As you can see, I have no words! I can't believe it… I'm just so happy that my fans are so supportive because this is a special, personal song for me." The track was written by Ora's boyfriend Calvin Harris, and is the ninth Number One that the producer and DJ has been involved with. Ora added: "He's had such an incredible career in his own right. It was such a clear, easy song to do. There was nobody else involved other than me and Calvin. It all happened really naturally."

Eurovision Song Contest winner, Austrian drag act Conchita Wurst had this week's second highest new entry, with 'Rise Like A Phoenix' coming at Number 17.

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Kanye West and Kim Kardashian to marry next week in Florence

May 16, 2014 18:33

The pair have hired a 16th century Italian villa for their nuptials

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian are set to marry next week in Florence.

The pair will get hitched at Belvedere Fort, which is a 16th century villa, on May 24. It was rented for 300,000 euros (£244,000), reports BBC Newsbeat.

James Franco recently claimed that Kanye West invited him and Seth Rogen to perform their parody of his song 'Bound 2' at his upcoming wedding. The actors filmed a spoof version of West's video for the song, which featured the rapper and his fiancée riding a motorbike through the desert while locked in a passionate embrace. The spoof version saw Franco and Rogen kissing and went viral.

Speaking on ABC's The View, Franco revealed that he and Rogen had received the offer from the couple ahead of their wedding, when it was previously thought that the pair would be wed in France: "Kim loved the video, and we didn't hear back from Kanye, so we kind of felt like, 'He's not bashing us, but he probably hates it but he's not going to say anything.' But then two weeks ago, we got a call from Kanye. Seth and I were on the phone," said Franco. "We thought he was just going to let us have it. But he loved it! He wanted us to perform it live the night before his wedding at Versailles."

However, attendees at the wedding are unlikely to see the live action version of the spoof video: "It would have been awesome for about 20 seconds, but then there would be Seth with his shirt off in front all the Kardashians," admitted Franco.

Earlier this year it was reported that West had cancelled an Australian tour in order to finish work on his new album, the follow up to 2013's 'Yeezus'.

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Kanye West and Kim Kardashian's wedding will 'absolutely' take place in Versailles, not Italy

May 18, 2014 10:49

New reports dismiss recent suggestions that the pair will wed in a 16th century villa in Florence

New reports have said that Kanye West and Kim Kardashian's wedding will 'absolutely' take place at the Palace of Versailles in France and not Florence in Italy, as was recently suggested.

It was previously reported that the pair would be getting hitched at 16th century villa Belvedere Fort on May 24 by BBC Newsbeat, however, US gossip site TMZ has nixed those suggestions, stating that the pair will wed in lavish Versailles, following a week of parties around France.

James Franco recently claimed that Kanye West invited him and Seth Rogen to perform their parody of his song 'Bound 2' at his upcoming wedding. The actors filmed a spoof version of West's video for the song, which featured the rapper and his fiancée riding a motorbike through the desert while locked in a passionate embrace. The spoof version saw Franco and Rogen kissing and went viral.

Speaking on ABC's The View, Franco revealed that he and Rogen had received the offer from the couple ahead of their wedding, where he also confirmed that the nuptials would be held in Versailles: "Kim loved the video, and we didn't hear back from Kanye, so we kind of felt like, 'He's not bashing us, but he probably hates it but he's not going to say anything.' But then two weeks ago, we got a call from Kanye. Seth and I were on the phone," said Franco. "We thought he was just going to let us have it. But he loved it! He wanted us to perform it live the night before his wedding at Versailles."

Earlier this year it was reported that West had cancelled an Australian tour in order to finish work on his new album, the follow up to 2013's 'Yeezus'.

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Paul McCartney postpones Tokyo gig due to illness

May 17, 2014 16:13

The former Beatles man has come down with a virus

Paul McCartney has postponed a gig set for tonight in Tokyo.

The former Beatles man pulled the show due to illness, breaking the news to fans via his Facebook page, explaining that he had come down with a virus and was told by doctors not to perform this evening (May 17). He adds that the show at the city's National Stadium will be postponed until Monday (May 19). The message read:

Thank you for such a beautiful and warm welcome to your country. I've unfortunately had to postpone tonight’s show in Tokyo. I came down with a virus on Friday and following a visit from doctors, I've been told not to perform tonight. I am very sorry to all my fans as I was greatly looking forward to the concert, but the situation is out of my hands. Along with the doctors, I'm doing all I can to ensure I will be better for tomorrow night's show and the rest of my time in Japan. We are planning to replay this show on Monday. I really hope you can make it. Love, Paul

Meanwhile, McCartney recently teamed up with a robot in the video for his new song, 'Appreciate'. Click below to watch the Andre Chocron-directed promo, which sees the singer alongside a robot called Newman, who is on patrol in a museum full of humans.

Speaking about the video, McCartney commented: "I woke up one morning with an image in my head of me standing with a large robot. I thought it might be something that could be used for the cover of my album 'New' but instead the idea turned out to be for my music video for 'Appreciate'. Together with the people who had done the puppetry for the worldwide hit War Horse we developed the robot who became Newman." Newman was designed by Mervyn Millar and Ed Dimbleby for Significant Object Ltd. puppetry company.

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