Young considered quitting music

(Saturday October 31, 2009 11:26 AM)

Will Young almost gave up on his career following the release of his second album - he suffered a crisis of confidence and became a "recluse".

The 30-year-old's 2003 record Friday's Child hit the top spot and he won a string of honours on the back of the album, including a prestigious Brit Award for single Your Game.

He threw himself into 2005 follow-up Keep On - but behind the scenes, Young was struggling to cope with his celebrity status.

He says, "I was unhappy and I almost stopped. I hadn't got a grip on it - so much had changed and the business had taken over from the pleasure of singing and creating. I was a recluse.

"I was terrified - everywhere I went I got recognised. I controlled everything in my life and stayed at home. I was obsessed with work. Work was great but I wasn't enjoying it so when I was winning Brits or selling out tours I never really enjoyed it that much."

Young took a break from making music and sought therapy before coming back last year with critically-acclaimed album Let It Go - and he couldn't be happier with his fresh outlook on life.

He adds, "I had a break and had therapy. I still have therapy. I'd advocate therapy to anyone. I feel fantastic now and enjoy everything I do. Looking back on things, it was all so quick and busy and I couldn't enjoy it, but now I can. I never have a bad day's work. I love my job."

GaGa on Halloween

(Friday October 30, 2009 07:08 PM)

Lady GaGa has offered her advice to people celebrating Halloween this weekend, suggesting they wear "lots of latex".

Although she admits to having no plans to mark the occasion, the pop icon has plenty of words of encouragement to those who are.

Admitting her evening will probably end "face-down somewhere in a bar", the singer told a US radio station what her ideal attire might consist of.

"Wigs, purple shampoo and high heels", she explained ahead of the annual international celebrations.

Speaking about her own weekend, GaGa said: "So I'm pretty excited about going out and not dressing up, because I heard that a lot of people are dressing like me".

As previously reported, the deluxe version of her 2008 debut, rechristened "The Fame Monster", is released on November 23, featuring eight new songs.

Chris Brown thanks fans

(Friday October 30, 2009 06:52 PM)

Chris Brown has made his live comeback, thanking fans for sticking with him "despite my past".

On Tuesday, the maligned US R&B star played his first concert since being convicted of the February assault of ex girlfriend Rihanna.

Appearing at the East Rutherford Powerhouse venue in New Jersey, Brown debuted a number of new songs, including latest single "I Can Transform Ya".

During the gig, Brown told fans: "Despite my past and stuff like that, I appreciate all of y'all. How long we gonna do this for? We gonna do this forever!"

The appearance precedes his upcoming "Fan Appreciation" tour, which kicks-off in Houston, Texas, on November 14.

Cheryl can't swim

(Friday October 30, 2009 12:07 AM)

Cheryl Cole and husband Ashley have been turned down in their bid for an underground swimming pool at their home.

The pop star and her footballer husband applied for planning permission for the facility at their Surrey mansion.

However, Guildford Borough Council rejected the original proposal and appeal, finding it to be "disproportionate" to the property's size.

The pair had asked the authority to make an "exception" of them, as they sought privacy from the public and paparazzi.

Their legal team had insisted they were unable to use regular gyms or swimming baths because of their celebrity status.

A council spokeswoman said: "We are pleased that our original decision, which was based on policies to protect the green belt, was upheld."

Wonder sobs during Jackson tribute at Hall of Fame show

(Friday October 30, 2009 02:26 PM)

Stevie Wonder broke down in tears as he paid tribute to Michael Jackson at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary concert in New York on Thursday night.

The soul star teamed up with R&B singer John Legend to perform the King of Pop's The Way You Make Me Feel onstage at Madison Square Garden during the first of two nights in the star-studded extravaganza.

An emotional Wonder was forced to halt the track to compose himself after he began sobbing during the chorus - but he finished with the crowd's help as they chanted, "Long live Michael Jackson!"

Wonder's moving tribute wasn't the night's only highlight - Paul Simon dedicated classic Beatles' track Here Comes The Sun to the late George Harrison, and was given a standing ovation after a short set with bandmate Art Garfunkel.

Rocker Bruce Springsteen had the crowd on their feet after inviting surprise guest Billy Joel to collaborate on a number of the Piano Man's hits, including New York State of Mind and Only The Good Die Young.

The duo then brought the five-hour event to a finish by inviting Darlene Love, John Fogerty, Jackson Browne and Peter Wolf onstage to perform Jackie Wilson's hit (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher.

The show, which also featured sets from former inductees Jeff Beck, Sting, James Taylor and Crosby, Stills and Nash, will be followed by a second show on Friday with a line-up including U2, Metallica and Aretha Franklin.

Jacko stuns box office

(Friday October 30, 2009 10:37 AM)

Michael Jackson's posthumous live film, "This Is It", made £12 million on its first day of release, according to reports.

The movie was unveiled across the globe this week, in a series of international premieres.

Capturing the final months in the life of the pop icon, as he prepared for his ill-fated comeback at the O2 Arena in London, it has been well received by critics and fans.

Speaking about the reaction, a Columbia Pictures spokesman said: "This is an amazing beginning for the film and a reaffirmation of the global appeal of Michael Jackson."

Nearly £5 million was earned from box offices in North America, while a further £1.2 million came from Britain.

The two-hour documentary, which was only initially scheduled for a two-week run in cinemas, may get an extended run, before it comes out on DVD.

Williams pulls out of MTV awards show

(Friday October 30, 2009 10:26 AM)

Robbie Williams' pop comeback has hit a stumbling block - he's been forced to pull out of performing at the Mtv European Music Awards, blaming "scheduling conflicts".

The former Take That star burst back onto the scene this month with a comeback performance on talent show The X Factor and he quickly booked up performances at the MTV European Music Awards in November and the Brit Awards next February.

But the Angels hitmaker has mysteriously pulled out of the EMAs in Berlin, Germany a week before the big event.

No further explanation has been offered for the pop star's no-show.

Zeppelin reunion off

(Friday October 30, 2009 10:26 AM)

Plans for a Led Zeppelin reunion have been abandoned, they have confirmed.

The rock legends reformed for a one-off show at the O2 Arena in London in 2007, prompting calls for a full comeback.

However, bass player John Paul Jones has now revealed that singer Robert Plant's refusal to commit has scuppered the plan.

He is also now busy with Them Crooked Vultures, the supergroup which also features Dave Grohl and Josh Homme.

"Jimmy and I rehearsed a bit with Jason Bonham and we couldn't really agree on singers and that fell by the wayside", he told the BBC.

"Then this came along and to be honest, I'm really happy", said Paul Jones of his new act.

Them Crooked Vultures release their debut single, "New Fang", on Monday.

Foos on Facebook

(Thursday October 29, 2009 07:29 PM)

Foo Fighters are to play a gig on Facebook this weekend, in advance of their new greatest hits collection.

Dave Grohl and co confirmed news of the landmark show, which will be beamed live from California, today.

The concert, which takes place at the Studio 606 complex, goes out at 2am on Saturday, October 31.

The news follows U2's landmark broadcast of this year's penultimate "360° Tour" date, from the Pasadena Rose Bowl, on Monday.

For more information, visit Facebook.com/foofighters.

Free Dead Weather

(Thursday October 29, 2009 07:03 PM)

The Dead Weather will play a free show this weekend in London, it has been announced.

Jack White's latest act, who also feature Alison Mosshart from The Kills, appear at Shoreditch Church on Saturday night.

The show coincides with Halloween and is part of this week's residency of Third Man, The White Stripes' star's label, in the venue.

Speaking about the gig, which kicks-off at 8pm, Mosshart told the NME today: "It'd be nice if you came covered in blood", before specifying that it should be fake.

Dead Weather are currently on a full UK tour, appearing at the following venues:

October 2009

23 Leeds 02 Academy
25 Bristol 02 Academy
26 Birmingham 02 Academy
29+30 London 02 Brixton Academy

Their new single, "I Cut Like A Buffalo", was released on Monday.

Lewis' elevator shock

(Thursday October 29, 2009 03:26 PM)

Pop star Leona Lewis was left shocked and upset after she was reportedly trapped in an elevator during a promotional trip to Holland.

The singer has been touring Europe to promote her upcoming second album, Echo, but the trip was marred by a technical error which left her stuck in a cramped space with a group of over-excited fans for nearly half an hour, according to newspaper The Sun.

Lewis is still recovering from an incident at a book signing in London earlier this month, when she was punched in the head by a member of the public - and the elevator hitch this weekend tested her nerves once again.

A source tells The Sun, "It gave her a shock after the terrible incident at the book signing. But the alarm was raised and she was freed after 20 minutes."

Robbie fleeing UK?

(Thursday October 29, 2009 01:38 PM)

Robbie Williams is planning to sell his multi-million pound retreat in the UK countryside and return to LA, it has been claimed.

The singer recently made his much heralded comeback to British shores after some years in Hollywood.

However, he and girlfriend Ayda Field are already said to have grown tired of the weather and are looking to go back.

Compton Bassett House, his 18th century, £8.5million Wiltshire estate, complete with a helicopter hangar, is now said to be up for sale.

"Robbie is desperate to get things moving quickly rather than hang around just to get a bit more money.

"Being settled back in the States quickly with Ayda is more important to him. He's already got a few people interested in the mansion", said a source.

He is said to have lowered the asking price for the estate, which he bought in February, by £1 million.

"Reality Killed The Video Star", Robbie's new album, is out on November 9.

Michael Jackson Dead

(Friday June 26, 2009 10:35 AM)

Michael Jackson died last night after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest.

Medics found the singer unconscious at his home in the Bel Air area of Los Angeles.

He was taken to UCLA Medical Centre but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at 2.26pm Pacific Time (10.26pm BST).

The star was 50.

Jackson’s death has rocked the music world over which, for a while, he undoubtedly ruled, enjoying unprecedented and still unmatched success with “Thriller”, which remains the biggest selling album of all time.

The singer had planned to return this summer, but the 50 ‘farewell concerts’ arranged to take place at London’s O2 Arena, starting in July, have now been cancelled.

Spears' massive security bill

(Sunday May 17, 2009 09:25 AM)

Britney Spears refuses to take any risks when it comes to her safety - she's splashed out almost £300,000 on security.

Court documents filed on Friday by Spears' attorneys show the singer paid £298,422 to make sure she was well protected between March and December last year.

The Toxic hitmaker parted with £417,000 to pay ex-husband Kevin Federline's lawyers - and also handed Federline £119,212 in child support payments for their two children Sean Preston, three, and two-year-old Jayden James.

Spears also paid out £32,925 on household repairs and maintenance, according to the documents published on TMZ.com.

Danger Mouse's banned album leaks online

(Sunday May 17, 2009 12:25 AM)

Hitmaker Danger Mouse's new album has been leaked online two months before it was set for release.

The Gnarls Barkley star's celebrity-laden disc, Dark Night of The Soul, was set to hit stores and websites in July (09) but bosses at EMI Music pulled the plug on the project over a contractual issue.

And now the album, which features guest spots from Julian Casablancas, Iggy Pop, Frank Black and filmmaker David Lynch, has appeared on various websites, including America's revered National Public Radio's.

The Libertines perform surprise show

(Sunday May 17, 2009 09:25 AM)

The Libertines reunited for a surprise gig in the early hours of Saturday, playing their first concert since they split five years ago.

Pete Doherty and his current group Babyshambles played a late-night show in east London on Friday night.

And Doherty shocked fans by welcoming former bandmates Carl Barat and Gary Powell on stage for a five-song set, their first performance together since the cult band parted ways in 2004.

The Libertines split after Doherty was booted out following a series of bust-ups with Barat over the troubled star's drug use.

Timberlake hit with lawsuit

(Sunday May 17, 2009 08:25 AM)

Justin Timberlake is facing legal action from an ex-employee who has filed a sexual discrimination lawsuit against two of the managers at his New York restaurant.

In papers filed on Thursday at Manhattan Supreme Court, Alison McDaniel, a former manager at Southern Hospitality, accuses Timberlake's business partners Eytan Sugarman and Ronnie Kaplan of "vile and discriminatory conduct".

The suit states, "One or more of Southern Hospitality's owners and/or executive managers bullied, degraded, harassed and ultimately discharged McDaniel... because of her gender. In at least one instance, defendants Sugarman and Kaplan viewed... pornography while in a locked room with McDaniel and made fun of her when she began crying."

McDaniel claims she was fired from the eaterie after writing to bosses to complain of harassment.

The lawsuit names Timberlake as an owner and defendant but does not state he was directly involved in any of the alleged incidents.

A representative for the restaurant says, "We will vigorously defend any allegations of wrongdoing or improper behaviour."

Green Day debated quitting music

(Sunday May 17, 2009 08:25 AM)

Rockers Green Day were so disappointed with the reception to their album Warning they considered splitting up.

The American Idiot hitmakers released five critically acclaimed discs in the 1990s before coming back with their sixth album in 2000.

But Warning only reached number four on the U.S. Billboard chart and, despite being a hit with critics, wasn't received well by the buying public.

And the band were so deflated after the release, they questioned whether they would continue making music, according to singer Billie Jo Armstrong.

He tells the Daily Star, "Back then we had to question ourselves deeper than we ever had, investigate how we felt about each other, how we got on each other's nerves.

"We had to step it up about 10 notches. The interesting thing about that time was we were playing live shows better than we ever had before. But we never had a monumental record."

Eminem wrestled with Simpson / Romo mockery

(Saturday May 16, 2009 12:25 AM)

Rapper Eminem felt uncomfortable poking fun at Jessica Simpson in his video for We Made You - because he is a big fan of the singer's boyfriend, American footballer Tony Romo.

The controversial hip-hop star mocks Simpson's recent weight gain in the promo, hiring a plump look-a-like to portray her as she eats a hamburger and gyrates with a Romo doppelganger.

But sports-mad Eminem admits he had reservations over the skit, stating, "Tony Romo is one of my favourite quarterbacks, so I felt kinda conflicted doing the Jessica thing."

Star-studded Danger Mouse album scrapped

(Saturday May 16, 2009 10:25 AM)

Superproducer Danger Mouse has been forced to scrap his upcoming collaboration album following a legal dispute with his record company.

The Gnarls Barkley star - real name Brian Burton - teamed up with rockers Sparklehorse and legendary filmmaker David Lynch to produce a 13-track album, featuring contributions from Iggy Pop, The Strokes' Julian Casablancas, The Flaming Lips, and The Pixies.

The CD was to be accompanied by a photography book created by Lynch.

But now the record, titled Dark Night Of The Soul, will not be released, following a legal spat with record label EMI.

Although Burton has refused to comment on the nature of the dispute, he has shown his fury over the decision by going ahead with plans, but replacing the record with a blank disc carrying the label "For Legal Reasons, enclosed CD-R contains no music. Use it as you will."

A spokesperson for the star tells NME, "Danger Mouse remains hugely proud of Dark Night Of The Soul and hopes that people lucky enough to hear the music, by whatever means, are as excited by it as he is."

Hudson nearly quit music after family tragedy

(Saturday May 16, 2009 08:25 AM)

Jennifer Hudson almost turned her back on her singing career altogether after the murders of her mother, brother and nephew last October, according to her close pal Fantasia Barrino.

Hudson's mum Darnell Donerson and her brother Jason were found shot dead at their home in Chicago, Illinois on 24 October. The singer/actress' seven-year-old nephew, Julian King - son of sister Julia - was also killed. His body was found in an abandoned car three days later.

The Grammy winner went into hiding after the tragedy, and was so distraught by her loss, she nearly quit music.

Barrino tells Essence magazine, "What happened to her was such a tragic thing. I remember her telling me that she didn't even feel like singing. (She had) a hot song (Spotlight) and a fresh video but none of that really mattered."

Hudson returned to the limelight in February - and Barrino is delighted to see her friend in good spirits once again.

She adds: "I know she can't forget about what happened, but a lot of people were praying for her and it worked. She's up now; she's up. She's moving. I'm just happy she's back on the mic."

And Hudson credits her faith in God with helping to pull her through her tough times - and encouraging her to go back to her music roots: "The thing that keeps me going is knowing that God is in control. It's like, if He placed me here then I must be prepared.

"When you're in a room full of people who love you, all that energy in the room comes to you. The feeling just takes over. Music is who I am."

West shrugs off saucy Madonna snap

(Friday May 15, 2009 07:35 AM)

Kanye West has laughed off rumours he enjoyed an intimate tryst with Madonna - after the pop superstar was snapped pinching his girlfriend's behind at a celebrity bash.

Model Amber Rose posted the saucy pictures on her personal Twitter page, showing the Material Girl star getting cheeky by placing her hand on the beauty's bottom.

The snap was taken at the recent Costume Institute Gala in New York, and other photographs show Madonna, West and Rose posing for fun group shots with Justin Timberlake and his partner Jessica Biel.

But after internet gossips circulated rumours the picture proved the trio shared much more than a risque photograph, West has taken to his blog to set the record straight.

He writes, "Yo nothing happened between Amber, Madonna and I. We just took a picture at a party. No big deal, just clearing the air on that one."

Eminem has "Relapse"

(Thursday March 05, 2009 05:07 PM)

Eminem will release his new album, "Relapse", in May, he has announced.

The news comes after months of speculation about the long-awaited follow-up to 2004's "Encore".

The rapper today also revealed plans to issue a follow-up to the first record later in 2009, entitled "Relapse 2".

Confirming the news in a statement, Eminem said: "A lot of people were expecting 'Relapse' to drop last year.

"I was one of them. Then Dre and I went back in the studio in September for a few days, and that turned into six months.

"We were on such a roll; we wound up with a ton of new music produced by Dre. Putting out 'Relapse 2' will let everyone get all of the best stuff."

"Relapse" is due to come out on May 17 and will be preceded by a currently untitled single.

Tina Turner hits UK

(Thursday March 05, 2009 01:28 PM)

Tina Turner's live comeback has landed in the UK, after the singer continued her world tour with shows in London.

The pop legend played the second date of five at the O2 Arena on Wednesday night, running through a greatest hits set.

The 69-year-old announced plans to return to the stage last year, embarking on the "Tina!: The 50th Anniversary Tour" last October.

Running through a two-hour set, featuring 21 songs, Turner treated fans to a host of classics, alongside covers of tracks by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

According to the NME, the set-list was as follows:

"Typical Male"
"River Deep-Mountain High"
"What You Get Is What You See"
"Better Be Good To Me"
"Acid Queen"
"What's Love Got To Do With It"
"Private Dancer"
"We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)"
"Help!"
"Undercover Agent"
"Let's Stay Together"
"I Can't Stand The Rain"
"Jumping Jack Flash"
'It's Only Rock 'n' Roll"
"GoldenEye"
"Addicted To Love"
"The Best"
"Proud Mary"
"Nutbush City Limits"
"Be Tender With Me Baby"

Tina Turner's world tour concludes in Antwerp, Belgium, on April 30.

U2 club show

(Wednesday March 04, 2009 07:01 PM)

U2 are to play a club show in America next week, according to reports.

Bono and co released their new album, "No Line On The Horizon", on Monday and are currently working as David Letterman's backing band on his US chat show.

They are expected to appear for an intimate, one-off show in Boston, at an unknown venue, on March 11 with gigs also rumoured in Los Angeles and Chicago.

The band have also revealed plans for another new album, which will act as a companion record to their latest work.

Titled "Songs Of Ascent" and headed by a single called "Every Breaking Wave", the latest collection is described by the group's singer as a "heartbreaker, a meditative, reflective piece but not indulgent".

U2 have yet to confirm any official details about the follow-up to "No Line On The Horizon" or announce plans to play shows in the UK or Europe.

Rihanna: Brown u-turn?

(Wednesday March 04, 2009 01:27 PM)

Rihanna has decided not to press charges against Chris Brown following their reported altercation last month, according to reports.

The singer and her boyfriend are said to have been reunited following the incident, which is alleged to have left her with serious facial injuries.

The rekindling of their relationship has thrown the police investigation into doubt, after she decided against giving evidence.

Detectives are thought to still have a case and are due to submit a file to the Los Angeles County District Attorney later this week.

A police source explained: "Rihanna says she doesn't want to testify against him. She has had a change of heart and doesn't want the case to proceed.

Britney returns in comeback concert

(Wednesday March 04, 2009 12:53 AM)

Britney Spears has returned to the stage for the start of her first concert tour in five years.

The troubled pop star began her Circus tour in New Orleans, where her fans queued for hours ahead of the doors opening for the comeback gig.

The pop princess - who will perform across the US and Canada for three months before finishing in London in June - opened the show with the song Circus.

She then went into Piece Of Me, which she performed largely from a cage, part of the elaborate, stage backdrops.

Dressed as a sexy ringmaster and directing a cast including jugglers, acrobats and martial arts dancers, Britney was cheered by the crowd as she performed some of her biggest hits, from the recent Womaniser to Baby One More Time.

But the 27-year-old did not interact much with the crowd - uttering only: "Thank you, New Orleans" at the end of the nearly two-hour show.

No Doubt donate music to concert goers

(Wednesday March 04, 2009 10:25 AM)

Newly reformed rockers No Doubt have pledged to donate their entire back catalogue of music to fans who buy a ticket to their upcoming summer tour.

The Don't Speak hitmakers reunited last year and are set to hit the road for a massive North American tour.

And Gwen Stefani's band have announced that all fans who purchase a top price ticket for one of the gigs will be given access to all of their music online for free.

A statement from the group reads, "Since the band is heading back to the road, we wanted to find a cool way to get people listening to our music and stoke them with a great deal at the same time."

The tour will kick off in Atlantic City, New Jersey on 2 May.

Cyrus defends bond with father

(Saturday February 21, 2009 01:33 PM)

Miley Cyrus says she is bothered by people who think there is something wrong with the bond between her and her father, singer Billy Ray Cyrus.

"The media has said some stuff about my dad and me being too close and too cuddly for a father and a daughter," the 16-year-old actress-singer writes in Miles To Go, a new memoir. "For me and my dad it's not weird at all."

Cyrus's memoir, written with Hilary Liftin, will be published next month by Disney-Hyperion Books.

She does not mention directly last year's photoshoot for Vanity Fair, when she is shown reclining against her father, his arm around her shoulder, both of them sombre and bare-armed - an image many found suggestive.

But she does write that she loves her father (who co-stars on her Hannah Montana TV show), is not afraid to show it, and "we don't let other people tell us what expressions we're supposed to have on our faces when we take a picture together!".

Acknowledging that fame inevitably attracts criticism, she writes of being hurt by comments posted about her on the internet and concludes that some people are "so full of anger, hatred and bitterness".

Referring to the media, she regrets that people make profits off her troubles, and wishes they instead would profit from her "achievements".

Ex-Nine Inch Nails rocker offers fans bizarre 'meet-and-greet' deals

(Saturday February 21, 2009 12:35 AM)

Former Nine Inch Nails drummer Josh Freese is bidding to cash in on his time in the band - by offering fans the chance to pay to hang out with him.

Freese, who quit the group late last year to spend more time with his family, has created 11 bizarre meet-and-greet packages ranging in price from £5 to £53,000.

For £5 fans get a digital download of his new solo album Since 1972; for £35 they get the album, a T-shirt and a five-minute phone call from Freese; and £350 buys the lucky fan a dinner date with the star.

Freese will wash the car or clean the laundry of anyone willing to hand over £700; and a £7,000 contribution lands a double date; a day at Disneyland and Freese's Volvo car.

For £52,500 Freese will write a five song EP about the bidders life, work as their personal assistant for a month; and invite them to "take 'shrooms (magic mushrooms) and cruise Hollywood in Danny (Carey) from (rock band) Tool's Lamborghini".

Fans with deep pockets can check out the deals in full on Freese's website.

Pet Shop Ballet

(Friday February 20, 2009 05:59 PM)

Pet Shop Boys are working on a ballet which will be unveiled in London in 2011, the pop act have revealed.

Neil Tennant revealed news of the project this week, just days after the duo were awarding the Outstanding Contribution award at The BRITS.

The currently untitled production will feature "electronics and strings" and has been inspired by a Hans Christian Andersen tale.

"It's quite a big project. There's a lot of music to write but we've written half an hour of it and we've done a bit of a workshop with them", Tennant told the BBC.

"It's got a story, it's like a Tchaikovsky ballet in that it's based on a story by Hans Christian Andersen but we've got the choreographer sorted out now.

"We're going to be working on that across the year but we're touring so we probably won't get it really finished until the end of next year", he explained.

As previously reported, Pet Shop Boys play a pair of live shows in Manchester and London this summer.

Meet Metallica!

(Friday February 20, 2009 05:40 PM)

Metallica fans in the UK are to get the chance to go onstage with the band in a new competition.

The rock titans kick-off the latest leg of their "Death Magnetic" world tour with a show in Nottingham later this month.

Today they announced plans to offer unprecedented, VIP access to the band for two couples.

The competition winners will meet the band backstage, enter the auditorium with them and watch the opening two songs from the side of the stage.

To enter, fans must visit the Metallica mini-site accessed with their copy of "Death Magnetic".

They play the following dates:

February 2009

25 Nottingham Trent FM Arena
26 Manchester Evening News Arena
28 Sheffield Arena

March

02+28 London O2 Arena
03 Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
25 Birmingham LG Arena
26 Glasgow SECC

Robbie sends Jade flowers?

(Friday February 20, 2009 03:05 PM)

It seems Robbie Williams has sent flowers to Jade Goody.

A delivery man who brought an enormous bunch of pink flowers to Jade's Essex home said they had been sent by a famous male singer.

He refused to confirm the identity of the sender but began singing Robbie's hit Angels when asked who they were from.

Jade extended the hand of friendship to the media again when she sent out trays of tea and coffee to the press pack camped outside her house. The cancer-stricken celebrity, who has lived in the public eye since appearing on Big Brother in 2002, asked friends to give out the hot drinks because she was worried reporters might be cold.

Jade's friend, Kevin Adams, told reporters she wanted to bring the drinks herself but was too tired.

Manson for Download

(Friday February 20, 2009 12:49 AM)

Marilyn Manson will play the Download Festival this summer, organisers have announced.

The controversial rocker is the latest name to be added to the bill for the event, alongside ZZ Top and Killswitch Engage.

The line-up already includes Slipknot, The Prodigy, Motley Crue, Korn, Limp Bizkit and Whitesnake.

Def Leppard, Trivium, Dragonforce, Devil Driver and Pendulum and also set to appear, while Anvil are rumoured guests.

Download 2009 takes place at Donington Park on June 12-14.

Imbruglia works with Martin

(Friday February 20, 2009 10:49 AM)

Natalie Imbruglia and Chris Martin have been recording together for her new album, according to reports.

The Aussie pop star and former "Neighbours" actress was pictured in London this week, after presenting an award at The BRITS.

She was also in attendance at Coldplay's exclusive War Child concert at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire.

A UK tabloid claims the singer has been working on material with the band's singer for release later this year.

Imbruglia's last album, "Counting Down The Days", came out in 2005.

Followill's female fan gets a soaking from girlfriend

(Friday February 20, 2009 10:25 AM)

Kings Of Leon rocker Jared Followill's girlfriend allegedly caused trouble backstage at the Brit Awards - after she allegedly soaked a girl the star was flirting with.

The family band, brothers Caleb, Nathan and Jared, along with cousin Matthew, were celebrating their double-victory at the ceremony at London's Earl's Court on Wednesday; they walked away with trophies for Best International Group and International Album for Only By The Night.

And bassist Jared got carried away after the group's storming performance - by getting cosy with a rival act's female backing singer.

According to the Daily Mirror newspaper, the rocker's girlfriend didn't approve of her man's new admirer, and caused a furore by throwing her drink over the stunned girl.

A source tells the publication, "Jared's girlfriend was not happy. She went ballistic and the next minute more than 20 people had all piled into the bust-up.

"The lads had been tucking into the free booze and things got a bit lairy (loud). They are known for having fiery relationships with their girlfriends and with each other. It wasn't surprising there was a bit of scrap (fight)."

Kylie has fun at the Brits

(Wednesday February 18, 2009 08:44 PM)

The Brit Awards has kicked off with Kylie Minogue and Gavin And Stacey stars James Corden and Mathew Horne at the helm.

The cream of the music world gathered at London's Earls Court to see U2 opened the show with new single Get On Your Boots.

Kylie, wearing a flowing white dress, then performed a comedy dance routine to her hit Can't Get You Out Of My Head with co-hosts James and Mat as her backing dancers in tight-fitting red dresses.

There was early success for Duffy, who picked up the award for British Female Solo Artist. Accepting the gong, the 24-year-old Welsh soul singer said: "It is a real honour to be here - it is a treat."

Rihanna "appalled" by Brown

(Wednesday February 18, 2009 06:24 PM)

Rihanna is reportedly "appalled" by Chris Brown's statement expressing his sorrow at the alleged fracas between the pair earlier this month.

An anonymous friend of the singer has spoken to the media about the incident and his comments to the press this week.

In an interview with The Chicago Sun-Times, the unknown source said the "Umbrella" singer was incredulous at the latest comments from her boyfriend.

"All of us, including Rihanna, don't understand how he can say he's sorry on the one hand, but still does not admit any guilt", commented the friend.

"He should have expressed more contrition", she said of Brown, who is currently under investigation following his arrest in Los Angeles on February 8.

Black Eyed comeback

(Wednesday February 18, 2009 06:23 PM)

The Black Eyed Peas are to release a new album this summer called "The E.N.D.", they have announced.

Band leader will.i.am revealed news of their first record since 2005's "Monkey Business" this week.

Standing for "The Energy Never Dies", it follows his recent political anthem for Barack Obama, "Yes We Can".

Describing the new material, will.i.am said it consisted of "a lot of dance stuff, real melodic, electronic, soulful. We call it, like, electric static funk, something like that."

"The E.N.D." is due for release on June 9.

Killers take T

(Wednesday February 18, 2009 02:55 PM)

The Killers will headline T In The Park this summer, it has been announced.

The Las Vegas rockers are the latest band to be added to the line-up for the four-day Scottish bash.

As previously reported, Blur, Kings Of Leon and Snow Patrol are the other acts who will top the bill.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Razorlight and Elbow are also scheduled to appear at T In The park, which tales place on July 9-12.

Coldplay to hand out free album

(Wednesday February 18, 2009 01:30 PM)

Coldplay are planning a treat for their loyal fans - the band will give away an exclusive new album free of charge.

The Yellow hitmakers' latest record - Viva La Vida Or Death and All His Friends - was the world's best-selling album in 2008.

And frontman Chris Martin is keen to reward the group's fans for their support - by handing out a free live album to people who attend their shows this summer.

He tells The Sun newspaper, “What we want to do is try to give away a live album for free. We’re playing a lot of shows in the summer and I think what we would like to do is - bearing in mind the recession we are in - record the live album then give it as a gift. We are just trying to work out how to do that.

“It’s obviously a bit tricky in terms of record contracts and things but it would be great. It’s a way of saying thank you. It’s a tough economy and people are paying a lot of money for tickets.

"We are trying to work out a way that, when you hand your ticket in at the door, you get given the recording. It would be such a cool thing to do. We just feel really grateful at the moment for all the support we get from our fans.”

U2 album launch's midnight opening

(Wednesday February 18, 2009 11:57 AM)

U2 fans are expected to begin queueing outside Irish music stores to be the first to get their hands on the band's long-awaited new album.

HMV said it was opening two outlets in Dublin and Galway at midnight because of overwhelming interest in the world launch of No Line On The Horizon.

It is the first studio release from the rockers in almost five years and goes on sale in their native Ireland three days before it hits UK shelves on March 2.

The album will be released in five different formats, including CD, LP vinyl and three limited edition versions which will be accompanied by a companion film Linear.