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.