And so, another year…
The summer opens in May with a host of rumours. Fan speculation suggests that the festival season could be ruined by the swine flu epidemic, while a one off Libertines reformation leads to rumours that the seminal British group could have patched up their differences.
Elsewhere elusive White Stripes drummer Meg White tied the knot while Depeche Mode singer Dave Gahan is rushed to hospital. Fans hold their breath but the synth rock icons recover to complete a stunning world tour.
All this and more in the merry month of May!
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The continuing problem that is swine flu sparks rumours that the festival season could be thrown into chaos. Emerging from Mexico the virus swiftly spread around the world sparking fears of a new pandemic. In the UK festival organisers feared for the worst as rumours spread of the event’s schedule being wiped out. The government stockpiled medicine as frightened residents fled to the hills. In the end, however, the summer passed off relatively incident free with no event falling victim to the dreaded swine flu.
As the silent partner in The White Stripes, Meg White charmed many a male fan with her elusive charm. Hearts were broken in May as the drummer tied the knot with guitarist Fred Smith. The son of Patti Smith the marriage brought Meg White into the Detroit rock family – her husband’s father was Fred ‘Sonic’ Smith of The MC5.
Long reviled by critics, Depeche Mode nonetheless retain a ferocious following around the world. The band’s epic 80s synth rock hits form the bulk of their back catalogue, charming nations across the globe. Returning with a new album, Depeche Mode set out on their ‘Sounds Of The Universe’ tour with high hopes. However after only a few dates singer Dave Gahan was rushed to hospital suffering from extreme stomach pains. Undergoing emergency surgery the singer was later discharged following an operation to remove a cancerous growth. Back out on the road after only a few weeks recuperation, Depeche Mode showed that nothing could hold them back.
Another 80s icon suffering from poor health this year was Morrissey. The one time Smiths singer returned in 2009 with his hard hitting new album ‘Years Of Refusal’ and set out to prove his doubters wrong. However the stress took its toll on the singer’s throat with a series of cancellations. The stop-start effect would impact upon the singer’s well being, with all the problems beginning on his North American tour in May.
Manic Street Preachers are no strangers to controversy. Using their departed friend Richey Edwards lyrics for their new album, ‘Journal For Plague Lovers’ split fans who either saw it as a long awaited return to form or an exercise in grave robbing. Using cover art by the acclaimed British artist Janey Neville the band found themselves running foul of British supermarkets. The painting of a woman with a bruised face proved too much for Tesco and Asda, both of whom stocked the album in a blank sleeve.
Perhaps the single most influential British rock group of the decade, The Libertines collapsed in a messy heap back in 2004. Just two albums into a startling partnership, principal songwriters Carl Barat and Pete Doherty fell out in spectacular style. Back in May they put their differences behind them for a one off show in aid of promoter Johnny Sedassy – a London live music legend who helped found the Rhythm Factory and hosted the group’s early shows. Amid emotional scenes The Libertines emerged onstage and blasted through a few seminal tracks, with fans left wondering if a permanent re-union is on the cards.
A hip hop giant in his native United States, Jay-Z had been promoted to the top of powerhouse label Def Jam. Departing from the imprint in a multi-million dollar deal the rapper joined Live Nation and cemented his position in the upper echelons of the entertainment industry. A glorious first strike in a record breaking year, Jay-Z still had ‘The Blueprint 3’ up his sleeve.
