The Latest Music News. Tour Dates Artist Updates and Digital Downloads

London Jazz Festival Dubstep Project

Robin Murray — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:13:36 +0000

London Jazz Festival is set to rock to some unfamiliar sounds later this week when dubstep gurus Appleblim, Bass Clef and Geiom collaborate with some of the country's top jazz musicians.

Forget all that stuff about goatee beards, socks 'n' sandals and The Fast Show - jazz ain't nothing but dance music. From the streets of New Orleans to the concert halls of Berlin jazz has always meant the same damn thing - an excuse to shake your troubles away.

Launching last week this year's London Jazz Festival has bagged some of the biggest names the genre has ever produced. With a headline performance from saxophone colossus Sonny Rollins the event has made waves throughout the jazz world, but now it is attempting to try something a little unexpected.

Taking place in a special area of the Southbank Centre, the unique trouble tune event brings together top jazz musicians with some epic dubstep producers.

The show moves fluidly through both genres, allowing some of the most respected brains from the dubstep community to clash with musicians from the London Improvisers Orchestra.

Appleblim helped found Skull Disco, and his DJ sets are in demand across the world. Specialising in forward thinking mixes that move between dubstep and bass heavy techno, the producer has previously collaborated with German powerhouse Basic Channel.

Also set to appear is British producer Bass Clef, who has just released his new album 'May the Bridges I Burn Light the Way'. The DJ will appear alongside a variety of musicians, having recently supported Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.

Completing the dubstep line up is producer Geiom, who will work extensively with live musicians. Fresh from the success of 'Reminissin' the producer uses distinctive Atari-driven old school hardware, mixing the intricate with minimal and melodically involved textures

With a host of other producers, musicians and artists set to appear, trouble tune takes place on November 22nd.

Them Crooked Vultures Look To New Album

Robin Murray — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:51:15 +0000

Transatlantic supergroup Them Crooked Vultures have claimed they want to work on another album together.

At first they were just a rumour. However when Them Crooked Vultures blasted their way onto the music scene with a tumultuous series of shows the band's music could be heard (almost literally) around the globe.

Formed from a partnership involving Dave Grohl, John Paul Jones and Josh Homme the band united three supreme rock talents. Recording sessions took place earlier this year with the trio showing no signs of wishing to stop.

Currently on a lengthy tour of the UK, Them Crooked Vultures released their self-titled debut album recently which has won praise from fans and critics.

Live, the group seem to be having the time of their lives and in a recent interview singer Josh Homme claimed that the band could yet work on more material.

"I felt we've only just started to pick up steam. Why would we want to stop now?" singer Josh Homme told The Sun. Bass player and Led Zeppelin exile John Paul Jones agreed claiming that the partnership could produce more material.

"We all know we have so much more in us yet," he confirmed.

Dave Grohl has of course been promoting a Foo Fighters retrospective recently, but the drummer stepped behind the stool for Them Crooked Vultures. Promising more material the former Nirvana icon claimed that "when we make our second record, it's going to be even more powerful than this one".

Meanwhile Josh Homme has demanded people like ClashMusic stop called Them Crooked Vultures a supergroup. "It's not that I hate that term," he said. "I just don't shave with it, I don't eat with it and it doesn't mean anything to me."

Stop being so super, then!

Daft Punk Tour Rumours

Robin Murray — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:27:20 +0000

Near mythic French duo Daft Punk could be set to confirm a massive arena tour next year.

Daft Punk have reached near legendary proportions in dance music. The band's blend of techno, house, disco and more turned them into chart sensations scoring hits singles across the globe.

However the band never lost their artistic integrity. Daft Punk released their seminal album 'Discovery' in 2001, influencing nearly a decade of electro house innovation.

Since 'Human After All' in 2005, though, the band have been silent. An extensive world tour saw Daft Punk use a specially programmed computer system and one of the most lavish light shows ever used by a dance act.

Captured for posterity on 'Alive 2007' the band have not released anything since then, although they are rumoured to be working on a forthcoming soundtrack.

Since the tour finished Daft Punk have been on a break, exploring other avenues apart from music. Now, however, rumours in the dance world suggest that the French group are set to break cover.

A report on Undercover lists a series of tour dates the duo will allegedly play. Starting in Paris on July 30th the as yet unconfirmed tour will then continue through Europe before reaching Britain.

An Irish date in Dublin is listed, before Daft Punk allegedly head to Britain for shows in Manchester and London.

The dates will then continue with shows in the United States and Australia.

The alleged Daft Punk dates are:

July
30 Paris Le Zenith

August
1 Amsterdam Heineken Music Hall
3 Munich Allianz Arena
5 Dublin The O2
7 Nice Parc De Sports
15 New York Yankee Stadium
22 Sydney Football Stadium
28 Melbourne Olympic Park Stadium

September
3 London Wembley Arena
6 Manchester MEN Arena

Very Best Cancel ICA Show

Robin Murray — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:06:18 +0000

World music meets electro house project The Very Best have been forced to cancel an upcoming show in London.

All music is at heart dance music. Sure, afrobeat might not have a 303 blinking over it but Fela Kuti could move feet all over Africa. A new breed of acts seem to be taking interest in these uncharted waters, with European DJ team Radioclit deciding to take on board some African rhythms.

Making music with their neighbour Esau Mwamwaya - originally from Malawi - the trio formed The Very Best. A free download mixtape last year became an internet sensation, introducing new material and cheeky remixes.

Taking on Vampire Weekend at their own game, the New York group's Ezra Koenig decided to drop by when the trio were recording their debut album. Adding his sublime vocals to the new release, his appearance is just one of many highlights of the long player.

However since releasing their debut album The Very Best have been dogged by bad luck. The band attempted to play a North American tour but were prevented from fulfilling the dates due to problems with their passports.

Now an upcoming show in London's ICA has been pulled due to ongoing visa problems. The show was scheduled to take place on November 30th but has now been cancelled, with refunds available for fans.

The Very Best have not commented on the ongoing passport issues, which are believed to have affect singer Esau Mwamwaya. However the group have confirmed that they are attempting to re-arrange a tour for the opening months of 2010.

The Very Best have confirmed the following show:

November
30 London ICA

Jack White Film Premiere

Robin Murray — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:54:03 +0000

A new film starring Jack White, The Edge and Jimmy Page is set to premiere in the UK early next year.

The electric guitar is one of the 20th century's most important inventions. Utterly changing the way music is created and performed, it allowed the guitar to usurp the saxophone as the main instrument in pop.

Coming into its own in the rock era, the iconic guitar hero is one of modern music's most identifiable figures. Forthcoming film 'It Might Get Loud' follows three such guitar heroes and explores their love affair with the instrument.

Filmed last year, 'It Might Get Loud' features three very different guitarists. From his work with Led Zeppelin and beyond Jimmy Page hails from the golden era of guitar heroes, spawning countless imitators.

The Edge, meanwhile, is indebted to the post punk era. With influences ranging from Gang Of Four icon Andy Gill to blues legend BB King the Irish musician is a master of textures and tonality.

Finishing the trio is Detroit guitar slinger Jack White. Now a denizen of Nashville, the musician has evolved beyond The White Stripes to lead The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather to massive success.

Directed by Oscar winner Davis Guggenheim, the documentary shows an informal side to the trio. Having received its world premiere earlier this year the film is due to get an official release in Britain on January 8th.

Amongst the rare footage incorporated into the film are Jimmy Page's first TV performance as a skiffle fixated teenager, U2's first show and Jack White making a guitar out of old wood and some nails.

'It Might Get Loud' is set to be released on January 8th.

Interpol Prepare New Album

Robin Murray — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:24:26 +0000

Stunning New York act Interpol are set to end their silence with new material set to emerge in 2010.

A wave of acts from New York emerged in 2001 who have gone on to define the decade's music. The Strokes, of course, arrived in a blizzard of hype and delivered their debut album 'Is This It?'.

However in the long run the most critically acclaimed act to emerge from New York in that period could well be Interpol. The band's debut album 'Turn On The Bright Lights' seemed to capture the shimmering beauty of New York at midnight, all neon signs and long shadows.

Continuing to challenge themselves the band's subsequent releases - such as 2007's 'Our Love To Admire' - have seen Interpol travel beyond these beginnings. Set to return next year, band member Sam Fogarino claims in a new interview that the band's upcoming material hints at their gothic beginnings.

"The new record falls back towards the first," Sam Fogarino told Paste Magazine. "In trying to move forward, there was an unspoken realization that you can’t let go of your sonic-defining tag."

The band have yet to confirm a title for their new album, which follows on from a year of solo projects such as Paul Banks' Julian Plenti alter ego.

Returning to their early sound, Sam Fogarino revealed that "there was an effort in Daniel (Kessler)'s guitar tone; he rediscovered it playing in his loft space for a year without anybody."

"The quality of that tone, played in a big room, is just beautiful. It creates an atmosphere."

Interpol are due to return next year with their fourth album.

My Chemical Romance Talk New Album

Robin Murray — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:09:08 +0000

Emo rockers My Chemical Romance have revealed that their new album is set to be influenced by groups such as The Stooges and MC5.

Far from the overnight success it was painted as, emo has deep roots in American punk. After the thrill of hardcore receded many groups found the genre stifling, and began writing about more personal topics.

As a result, the term 'emo-core' was coined. Taken from 'emotional hardcore' it basically meant punk groups who chose to sing about their ex-girlfriends rather than police oppression or how they might explode with anger at any given moment.

Hailing from Chicago, My Chemical Romance struck gold with their third album 'The Black Parade'. A lengthy concept album it drifted away from the band's punk roots with lavish production.

However on their forthcoming release the band could be set to turn up their amps again. Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine singer Gerard Way named The Stooges and The MC5 as reference points.

"We wanted to harness everything that's great about this band into shorter songs, almost protopunk, like The Stooges or the MC5," he said.

Touring the world with a lavish stage show after the success of 'The Black Parade' the singer admitted that the strain took its toll. "I thought the band was going to break up," the frontman revealed.

The first new material fans have heard is dark and paranoid new single 'Trans Am' with its lyrics: "These pigs are after me, after you".

My Chemical Romance are currently recording their fourth album with Brendan O'Brien which is due out in Spring 2010.

Steve Mason Prepares New Album

Robin Murray — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:46:16 +0000

Former Beta Band songwriter Steve Mason has confirmed plans to launch a new solo album.

Whilst they never quite achieved the commercial success they deserved, The Beta Band remain adored by their fans. Hailing from the small university town of Saint Andrews the group's bewitching blend of psych-pop turned them into cult heroes.

Name checked by Noel Gallagher as a massive influence on Oasis, the Manchester certainly learned a thing or two from tracks such as 'Dry The Rain'.

Splitting in 2002 the group's main songwriter Steve Mason carried on writing at a furious pace. Using the name King Biscuit Time the singer released several solo albums on Alan McGee's short lived experiment Poptones.

Retreating to rural Fife, Steve Mason continued releasing spectral psych-folk as Black Affair before deciding to use his own name. Still capable of producing something uniquely spell binding, the singer recently completed work on his new album.

Titled 'Boys Outside' the new album will be released on Steve Mason's own Black Melody label. As ever, the material is difficult to pin down matching a bewildering array of samples to acoustic based songwriting.

The firs track to be taken from the new album is 'All Come Down' which is due to be released as a free download on December 7th. Available from Steve Mason's official website the track is the result of an unusual collaboration.

One time Sugababes producer Richard X has taken controls for the new album, adding a pop sheen to Steve Mason's unique songwriting.

Steve Mason is set to release 'Boys Outside' in March 2010.

Arctic Monkeys Plot Fourth Album

Robin Murray — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:30:47 +0000

Sheffield indie giants Arctic Monkeys have revealed that they have discussed recording a new album - though they may take a break first.

Alex Turner is one of the hardest working men in British music. Having stormed the charts with Arctic Monkeys' opening two albums, effortlessly mixing melody with kitchen sink realism, the songwriter then took time off.

What did he do? Form a new Mercury nominated outfit, that's what. With Last Shadow Puppets now a memory Arctic Monkeys returned earlier this year with their much vaunted third album 'Humbug'.

Spawning the hit singles 'Crying Lightning' and 'Cornerstone' the band have recently undertaken a massive UK tour. Playing two nights at Wembley Stadium in London Arctic Monkeys bowled over the crowd with stunning sets drawing on the full power of their career to date.

With performances due in Glasgow and beyond over the next few days, it seems that Arctic Monkeys have got plenty of surprises up their sleeves.

Now drummer Matt Helders has revealed that that have begun talks to record their fourth album. Speaking to BBC 6Music, the musician claimed that Arctic Monkeys have already got songs in the can for their new record.

"We're already talking about when we can record again, but I still enjoy being on tour as well," he said.

He added: "It's good to have time to work stuff out, then at least you can start doing the quality control before and actually record what you think is decent, rather than recording hundreds of songs to then find out you only like 10 of them."

Arctic Monkeys new single 'Cornerstone' is out now.

Muse Confirm Extra Wembley Show

Robin Murray — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:13:39 +0000

Teignmouth trio Muse have confirmed a second live show at London's Wembley stadium.

After almost a decade of producing superbly overblown rock, Muse stand on the brink of conquering the planet. Taking time off to record their new album, 'The Resistance' has pummelled charts across the globe.

The band's highest charting effort in the United States so far, with a stunning live show the group are widely tipped to smash open the American market.

Recently completing a short UK tour, the band rolled out the hits to ecstatic fans. With a beating pop heart lying beneath their prog bombast Muse are becoming irresistible to millions of music fans.

Confirming a pair of huge stadium dates for September 2010, Muse have now added an extra show at Wembley Stadium. The home of English football, the stadium was the scene of the band's biggest triumph to date.

Captured on the live DVD 'HAARP' the band's 2007 show at the stadium thrilled thousands of fans. Their biggest show to date, Muse seemed at ease in the gloriously overblown surroundings.

Now Muse are set to return for a pair of shows in 2010. "We never thought we'd ever be big enough to play it when we were kids," bassist Chris Wolstenholme told NME.

"It was an honour to play it last time, they were probably our best shows, so it was a no brainer to go back."

Muse have confirmed the following shows:

September
4 Lancashire County Cricket Ground
10 London Wembley Stadium
11 London Wembley Stadium

Click here to buy tickets to Muse!

Aerosmith Admit Tyler Drug Fears

Robin Murray — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:37:22 +0000

American rock icons Aerosmith have admitted that singer Steven Tyler could have a drug problem.

Aerosmith are one of the longest lasting success stories in American music. First emerging with a tough brand of boogie in the mid 70s, the band were afforded a career boost when Run DMC took hold of their track 'Walk This Way'.

Re-emerging with the smash hit 'I Don't Want To Miss A Thing' the band are still rock icons. However recently there has been much confusion over their future, with singer Steven Tyler behaving erratically.

The frontman fell offstage during a show in the United States earlier this year, forcing the postponement of an entire tour. Since then, the band have had little contact with Tyler and in a new interview guitarist Brad Whitford admitted the singer may have ongoing drug issues.

"This guy has a tremendous history of drug abuse, and you have to be suspicious that this is something that is probably going on with him," he told Rock Radio.

"I think that's got to be a part of this irrational behavior. People in recovery and stuff, if you're really doing it, it takes a lot of work."

"Historically or statistically, the majority of people in that situation don't make it. I have a feeling we might be looking at, you know, someone who's just really struggling very badly with this."

Steven Tyler recently emerged onstage in New York to jam with guitarist Joe Perry at a solo show. Telling the crowd he was "the rainbow" the singer seemed on good spirits, blasting through 'Walk This Way'.

Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer told Rock Radio that the band could potentially carry on without Steven Tyler. "You know, getting someone else is one of the questions," he explained "We all know that there's really no way to replace Steven, but we want to continue touring together."

"We even have a 40-year anniversary coming up and it's a milestone. We want to be able to celebrate it together and there's millions of fans out there that are dedicated to us."

Girls Plot 2010 UK Tour

Robin Murray — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:23:35 +0000

Californian rockers Girls have confirmed plans for a seven date UK tour in the opening weeks of 2010.

Breaking through this year, Girls are one of the most outrageous acts on the planet. Lead singer Christopher Owens is a former member of the Children Of God cult, and seems eager to go back on his former teachings.

The singer leads a ramshackle collective of musicians whose alt rock is seemingly without boundaries. Capable of leaping from genre to genre without ever looking back, Girls seem to relish their freedom.

Recent single 'Lust For Life' is a good example. Recruiting a close friend for the video, the controversial promo was banned from almost every website and TV show going.

Featuring their friend being 'pleasured' by his boyfriend, Girls seemed non-plussed by the subsequent controversy. With their debut album set to feature high on those inevitable end of year lists, the band have begun to make plans for 2010.

The San Francisco group have confirmed a series of tour dates for the opening weeks of next year. Girls are due to launch the tour in Brighton on February 22nd, before taking off around the country.

Playing a show in Lancaster Library, it is not known if the book worms of Lancaster are aware of what awaits them. A no holds barred rock show, Girls honed their skills amidst the no boundaries world of Californian rock 'n' roll.

Girls are set to play the following shows:

February
22 Brighton Audio
25 Southampton Talking Heads
26 Lancaster Library
27 Glasgow Stereo

March
1 Dublin Whelans
2 Manchester Deaf Institute
3 Birmingham Hare & Hounds

Click here to buy tickets to Girls!

Rod Stewart 2010 UK Tour

Robin Murray — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:04:35 +0000

Iconic rock singer Rod Stewart has confirmed a series of UK dates for next year, with tickets available shortly.

Rod Stewart might be the housewives' favourite right now, but back in the late 60s and early 70s the singer was the epitome of street cool. Over a series of solo albums the singer blended blues, R&B, soul and country to craft something instantly addictive.

Joining up with The Faces, the frontman became one of the most iconic figures in British rock music. Scaling the charts with perennial wedding favourite 'Maggie May' Rod Stewart then took off under his own name.

Albums such as 'Atlantic Crossing' may have sold by the bucketload, but the sight of Rod Stewart clad in spandex left many grown men with tears in their eyes.

Still performing to huge crowds across the globe, recently Rod Stewart returned to his roots with an album of vintage soul covers. Proving he can still cut it with the best of them, the singer recently performed a lengthy American tour.

Returning to the UK next year, Rod Stewart is set to put any potential Faces re-union on hold in order to fulfil these dates. With 'Soulbook' already a Top Ten success in the UK, demand for tickets will be huge.

Kicking off in Dublin on May 11th, the singer will then move to the UK with a series of shows across the country. English by birth but Scottish by parentage, Rod Stewart has rather conspicuously left Scotland off his schedule.

Could there be more dates left to announce?

Rod Stewart has confirmed the following shows:

May
11 Dublin The O2
15 Belfast Odyssey
18 Newcastle Metro Arena
20 Nottingham Arena
22 Birmingham NIA
26 Manchester MEN
29 London O2

Morrissey Throws Fan Out Of Hamburg Show

Robin Murray — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:50:04 +0000

Mancunian minister of misery Morrissey has thrown a fan out of a show in Hamburg.

Morrissey is not a man to be trifled with. Sure, he may appear to be a shrinking violet but the singer has a track record of taking action where it is required.

Take a recent show in Liverpool for example. Emerging onstage Morrissey managed to get through just one and a half tracks before being hit on the head by a drinks container. Dropping the mic Morrissey walked offstage and did not return.

Since then, the singer has moved onto the continental leg of his European tour. The singer has travelled to Germany, where he was performing in Hamburg on Tuesday (November 17th).

Playing the CCH 1 venue, Morrissey attempted to make a joke about "Hamburgers" when an audience member shouted at him. Clearly not in the mood to be messed around with, the singer had the fan thrown out.

Fan shots of the incident have already appeared on YouTube, showing that when Morrissey explains that "Hamburgers" should be called "Hamburgists" the audience member shouts "fuck you" at him.

Immediately spotting the culprit the singer speaks to him through the microphone. "Go. We don't need you, we don't need you," he says while gesturing at the ticket holder.

"And you can fuck yourself," he adds.

Several of Morrissey's aides then escort the fan to the door, with Morrissey's band mates also pointing out the culprit. After the incident the singer thanked his aides for intervening, before blasting into The Smiths' classic track 'Ask'.

The Beatles Re-Unite On New Album

Robin Murray — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:35:12 +0000

Fans of The Beatles have been left stunned by news that Ringo Starr has recruited Sir Paul McCartney for his forthcoming album.

The Beatles split in 1970, but since then the various members have re-united for a number of projects. Drummer Ringo Starr has historically been the centre of any re-union, with one of his solo albums featuring each of the Fab Four - but sadly not at the same time.

The remaining members of The Beatles have not worked together on a project since the famed singles 'Free As A Bird' and 'True Love'. Sadly, since those tracks were released the band have lost George Harrison to cancer.

The two surviving members of the band have hooked up to make music together. Ringo Starr has been working on his new album for some time, and when Sir Paul McCartney heard the tracks he couldn't wait to get involved.

In a statement the jovial drummer said: "I played him this track and Paul said, 'Give me the headphones. Give me a pair of cans.'"

"He went to the mic and he just invented that part where he follows on my vocal. That was all Paul McCartney, and there could be nothing better. He's a genius."

The pair have worked together recently. Ringo Starr and Sir Paul McCartney appeared together onstage to promote the recent Rock Band game, while the two also played together earlier this year at a benefit concert in Radio City Music Hall.

Due for release next year, Ringo Starr's album will be preceded by the single 'Walk With Me'. In addition to this the drummer has also recruited Sir Paul McCartney for the track 'Peace Dream' playing bass guitar.

Ringo Starr is set to release 'Y Not' on January 12th.

Vashti Bunyan UK Tour Dates

Robin Murray — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:23:06 +0000

Returning legend of British folk music Vashti Bunyan has confirmed a series of British tour dates.

Vashti Bunyan was, for almost three decades, lost to the world of music. Born in London, the aspiring singer entered Oxford University in the early 60s in order to study fine art. Expelled for failing to turn up to classes, the singer instead spent her days dreaming and writing her own pastoral visions of folk music.

Beginning to make a name for herself, Vashti Bunyan was discovered by Andrew Loog Oldham who attempted to craft a pop direction for the singer. Clearly uncomfortable with this, the relationship ended when Bunyan ran away to a commune founded by fellow folk type Donovan.

Crafting her own unique brand of folk derived songwriting, Vashti Bunyan finally entered a recording studio in 1969 to work on her debut album. Released as 'Just Another Diamond Day' the album received warm reviews but did not become the success she hoped for.

Retreating to a life in rural Ireland, 'Just Another Diamond Day' took on a life of its own. A cult classic it found a new audience with the rise of wyrd folk types such as Devendra Banhart with the title track even being used on a television advert.

Discovered living on a remote farm, Vashti Bunyan re-entered the music industry with 'Lookaftering' in 2005. Picking up almost exactly where she left off, the singer proved that she could still craft a bewitching blend of British folk.

Currently working on new material, Vashti Bunyan is set to take part in a series of concert in January titled 'Way To Blue' - a tribute to Nick Drake. After this the singer will travel to Japan for a number of concerts before returning to Britain in April.

Vashti Bunyan will play:

January
20 Glasgow Celtic Connections
21 Brighton Dome
22 London Barbican
23 Warwick Arts Centre

April
8 Bristol St Georges
9 Leeds Howard Assembly Room
10 Brighton St Georges Church
11 London Union Chapel

May
2 Manchester RNCM Concert Hall
4 Bracknell South Hill Park Arts Centre

Chuck Berry Tour Postponed

Robin Murray — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:06:28 +0000

Fans of rock 'n' roll pioneer Chuck Berry have been left disappointed after his upcoming tour was cancelled.

Chuck Berry emerged from the R&B clubs of the mid 50s with a vital new strain of black music. Stripping the blues down to its bare essentials and revving up the tempo, the guitarist unwittingly invented rock 'n' roll.

A string of stunning classic tracks followed, peppering the set list of virtually every British rock group. Check out the first few Beatles albums - Chuck Berry almost gets as many credits as Lennon & McCartney.

Still going strong, Chuck Berry remains an engaging performer. Sure, those old hands aren't as nimble as they were but when he cranks out the hits and duckwalks across the stage fans are transported back to his peak.

However an upcoming tour has been plagued by difficulties. Due to play a series of dates across the UK later this year, Chuck Berry has been forced to call off the upcoming tour due to problems with the promoters.

Earlier this week a date in London was called off due to promoters being ill-prepared for tackling two dates in the capital. Now it seems as if the entire tour has fallen victim to the rigours of promoting live music.

A statement from promoters cited: "a lack of lead-in time to prepare the marketing and advertising for what promises to be a great rock ‘n’ roll tour."

"Ticket holders have been advised to keep hold of their tickets as they will be valid for the March dates."

Chuck Berry is set to return to the UK in March 2010.

The Who's Roger Daltrey To Pen Autobiography

Robin Murray — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:09:55 +0000

Iconic rock singer Roger Daltrey has claimed he could be set to write an autobiography looking back over his time in The Who and beyond.

A sheet metal worker from Shepherd's Bush, Roger Daltrey cut an unlikely figure to become a rock icon. Recruited to The Who, his snappy dress sense and stunning vocals soon made him a star amongst the capital's Mods.

However there was always much more to Roger Daltrey than R&B. Interested in alternative lifestyles, he soon grew his hair and embraced the counter culture.

Famously performing at Woodstock whilst laced with LSD, the singer led The Who to stadium stardom in the United States before becoming an actor. Rightly hailed for his role in crime drama 'McVicar' the singer then escaped from film work by becoming a farmer.

Speaking to Rock Radio, the singer claimed he now wants to tell his own story. "I'm thinking about a biography now," he revealed. "It's probably time. Just the story of my life and the things I've done, you know, it's kind of interesting.

"And when I look at the juxtapositions of things – you know, like being the singer in The Who to being a fish farmer, and being a film star to being a beef farmer, there's all these swings and roundabouts in my life that are so juxtaposed."

Recalling his years on the road with The Who, Roger Daltrey said: "They were interesting times. And it wasn't all fun, but there was an awful lot of fun. The only trouble is, the people usually want the salacious crap and I don't know if I'm prepared to dig that, you know?".

Currently promoting his new solo tour 'Use It Or Lose It' Roger Daltrey also joked about the possibility of The Who making a much rumoured appearance at the Superbowl half time show.

The Who are currently working on a new album.

Beck Posts New Track

Robin Murray — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:52:57 +0000

American songwriter Beck has posted a new track on his website, which could infuriate Fiery Furnaces.

It's one of the most unlikely indie rock rows ClashMusic have come across. Sure, not everyone is a fan of Radiohead with some music fans failing to swoon for their melancholic mixture of rock and electronica.

But Fiery Furnaces just seem to hate the Oxford giants. Recent interviews have seen singer Matthew Friedberger take aim at the band, labelling them "bogus" for releasing a recent download.

A tribute to Britain's last First World War veteran, the Brooklyn singer instead though 'Harry Patch' was indebted to an American composer. Lambasting Radiohead for using Harry Partch as a reference point, the singer went on to criticise Beck for good measure.

In a jokey statement Fiery Furnaces claimed that: "Matt would have much preferred to insult Beck but he is too afraid of Scientologists".

Now Beck has uploaded a new song to his official site which coincidentally pays tribute to Harry Partch. A renowned composer Partch helped introduce serial elements into modern classical music.

Uploaded yesterday (November 18th) the song 'Harry Partch' is a fitting tribute to the legendary composer. A statement on Beck's website reads:

"It's a tribute to the composer and his desire to make the body and music unified into what he termed 'Corporeality'... (The song) employs Partch's 43-tone scale, which expands conventional tonality into a broader variation of frequencies and resonances."

Listen to the track HERE!

Of course, Beck has been busy of late launching his 'Record Club'. A series of unique cover versions, the singer recently covered 'The Velvet Underground & Nico' in its entirety.

ATP Unveil Names For Matt Groening Bash

Robin Murray — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:33:31 +0000

The first names have been unveiled for the upcoming Matt Groening instalment of All Tomorrow's Parties.

Set to celebrate its tenth anniversary next month, All Tomorrow's Parties is now an institution. Hosting regular events around the world its home is still in Minehead, where the chalets will resonate to a host of acts next year.

As you may well know, reformed American alt rockers Pavement are set to curate an event next year. However the band are set to be followed by one of the most important figures in modern entertainment - Simpsons inventor Matt Groening.

Sure, he might be best known for dreaming up the adventures of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and little Maggie but Matt Groening is a committed music fan. Previously, The Simpsons have played host to appearances from U2, Coldplay, Smashing Pumpkins and the remaining members of The Beatles.

Now Matt Groening is set to curate an event in Minehead next year. The animator has previously worked with ATP to host an American event, but now intends to get the party started in the Butlins chalets.

The first names for May's festival have been confirmed already, with Japanese noise merchants Boredoms set to play a very special nine drummer set. Re-creating early classic 'Boadrum' the band will be joined by a varied cast.

Post-punk cult heroes The Raincoats are set to play, alongside fellow primordial riot grrl Viv Albertine - formerly of The Slits.

Also confirmed for the bill are Toumani Diabate, Anni Rossi and many more. Tickets for this event are available now, but fans should beware - briefs are running out at a fast rate.

Matt Groening's ATP event is set to take place between May 7th - 9th.