Cindy Choek

Kendrick Lamar responds to security guard crying at his show: “That’s how you want everyone to receive your music”

Kendrick Lamar has responded to footage of a security guard being brought to tears during one of his recent performances. READ MORE: Kendrick Lamar live at Glastonbury 2022: thought-provoking rapper takes the Pyramid Stage In a clip that was shared on TikTok and has since gone viral, the security guard can be seen wiping tears away while Lamar performs his ‘DAMN.’ cut ‘Love’ at a show in Houston, Texas. The guard can then be seen rapping along to the lyric, “I’m like an exit away.” During a local TV interview, the guard, whose name is Devyn Sanford, later explained what he went through. “I woke up the next day and it was everywhere,” Sanford said. “I’m still taking it all in right now. […] I debated about whether to buy tickets or work the show and I decided to work it and it was still just as impactful to me.” Advertisement “It brought me back to when the song first came out. I was going through a tumultuous time in my life at that point,” Sanford continued. “The words, the crowd around me, everyone was screaming and reaching for Kendrick and crying and I kind of like absorbed everybody’s emotions. I… Read More →

27JULNews

Bruce Springsteen’s manager responds to criticism about ticket prices

Bruce Springsteen’s manager Jon Landau has released a statement following criticism about the musician’s recent ticket prices. READ MORE: Bruce Springsteen – ‘Letter To You’ review: a powerful synthesis of past and present Last week, when tickets for Springsteen’s 2023 world tour dates went on sale, fans were asked to pay up to $5000 (£4152) for some tickets. The site’s “dynamic pricing” model allows Ticketmaster to charge more for tickets when they first go on sale. The system responds to demand and so increases or decreases prices in line with what “scalpers” – a person who re-sells a ticket for profit – would sell them for, keeping the money in-house for the seller and artist. Advertisement The system also sees increase with demand for certain “platinum tickets”, which are placed throughout each venue. Now, Springsteen’s manager has responded to the backlash to the prices. In a statement to The New York Times he said: “In pricing tickets for this tour, we looked carefully at what our peers have been doing. We chose prices that are lower than some and on par with others.” He continued: “Regardless of the commentary about a modest number of tickets costing $1,000 (£828) or more, our… Read More →

27JULNews

Leftfield announce first album in seven years, share new single ‘Pulse’

Leftfield have shared details of their forthcoming album ‘This Is What We Do’, as well as a music video for new single ‘Pulse’ – watch it below. The announcement marks the first new music from the London electronic outfit since 2015’s ‘Alternative Light Source’. Recorded with long-time studio and mix engineer Adam Wren, the new album will feature guest contributions from Fontaines D.C. frontman Grian Chatten, author and poet Lemn Sissay, and more. According to a press release, the album will explore “themes around love, acceptance, diversity and healing,” particularly in the wake of both the coronavirus pandemic and Neil Barnes – who has led the project since the band’s initial split in 2002, when he and band member Paul Daley decided to pursue separate projects – addressing his “own drive to heal childhood trauma as a backdrop.” 'Pulse' The 1st single taken from the forthcoming new Leftfield album 'This Is What We Do'.Listen to Pulse: https://t.co/50oPZ9f1uAPre-order the album: https://t.co/5fzV8o8pRy #electronicmusic pic.twitter.com/Xu0ZAlJm3d — Leftfield (@Leftfield) July 27, 2022 Advertisement Speaking of the hi-octane new song, Barnes explained: “I wanted ‘Pulse’ to be the first statement from the new album. It felt strong. Dance floor. Human. Positive. And I love the… Read More →

27JULNews

Nova Twins on their Mercury Prize nod: “This is great for the scene”

Nova Twins have spoken to NME about representing rock on this year’s Mercury Prize shortlist – as well as their recent praise from Elton John and what the future might hold. Watch our interview with the band above READ MORE: Mercury Prize 2022: why each nominee deserves to take home the coveted award The rock duo were speaking to NME from the London launch event for the prize yesterday (Wednesday July 27), where their acclaimed second album ‘Supernova’ was named as one of the Albums Of The Year alongside records by the likes of Sam Fender, Yard Act, Harry Styles, Little Simz, Self Esteem and more – an honour they described as “crazy!” “We are so happy,” said singer and guitarist Amy Love. “It’s a bucket list moment, for us. You know when you’re younger, you manifest and you think of things. Getting a Mercury was high up on the list. For us to now be here is a little bit insane.” Advertisement Asked about what the shortlist said overall about music in 2022, bassist Georgia South replied: “It’s such a prestigious award, and every year we always run to look at the shortlist because it always sums up what’s happening in… Read More →

26JULNews

Countryside estate featured in BTS reality series ‘In The Soop’ to become an Airbnb

The property featured in BTS reality series In The Soop will soon be hosting two lucky fans for an overnight stay through Airbnb. READ MORE: J-Hope – ‘Jack in The Box’ review: bright BTS rapper delves into darkness on sublime solo album On July 26, Airbnb and In The Soop announced that the estate BTS stayed in during the reality show’s second season will soon be available for booking. Located in Pyeongchang, South Korea, the expansive countryside home will be hosting one lucky applicant and a guest for just US$7 on August 29. relax, unwind and live like BTS at the @INTHESOOP_TV countryside estate in pyeongchang, south korea ? booking opens on aug 2nd at 11am KST: https://t.co/uXoWJf8cOw pic.twitter.com/jw15GfQaCY — Airbnb (@Airbnb) July 25, 2022 Advertisement According to the listing on Airbnb, the property will be partially furnished with the furniture and amenities enjoyed by the boyband during their stay. These include a karaoke machine system with all of BTS’ hits, as well as access to its pool and basketball court. The stay will also include specially catered meals like charcoal grilled Korean beef, tteokbokki and egg tarts produced by Bang & Bakers, served at HYBE’s music museum, HYBE Insight. Applications… Read More →

26JULNews

Girls Aloud run charity 5k in honour of late bandmate Sarah Harding

The surviving members of pop group Girls Aloud have taken part in a charity five kilometre run, in honour of their late bandmate Sarah Harding. READ MORE: Sarah Harding 1981-2021: The rockstar of Girls Aloud who transcended pop’s confines Participating in the Race For Life For Sarah event on Sunday (July 24), Cheryl, Nadine Coyle and Nicola Roberts of Girls Aloud ran the 5 kilometres across London’s Hyde Park, while bandmate Kimberley Walsh joined virtually. The event was held to raise money for cancer research and celebrate the life of Harding, who died in September of last year after revealing in 2020 that she had been diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. Advertisement Speaking at the Cancer Research UK-organised event, which was watched on by over 1,000 attendees, Cheryl commended the fan turnout before commenting on the lingering grief in the wake of Harding’s death at 39 years-old. “[It] doesn’t feel like she’s gone at all,” the singer said, “I’ve never experienced or anticipated this grief…I still can’t quite believe it’s real.” Sharing a similar sentiment, Coyle told press at the event that she “was completely in denial right up until the day [Harding] passed.” Taking to Instagram yesterday (July 25),… Read More →

25JULNews

Ex-Suicidal Tendencies bassist Bob Heathcote dies after motorbike accident

Bob Heathcote, former bassist with Suicidal Tendencies, has died at the age of 58 following a motorcycling accident. Heathcote’s son, Chris, confirmed the news in a Facebook post published yesterday (July 24). Part of his message read: “I cannot put words together other than the fact that this is a loss I will hardly recover (if ever), and the fact that he was a hard working father who raised five children, including me.” The post said that Bob died from a motorbike accident. Both the nature of the incident and the time that it happened are unknown. Bob played in Suicidal Tendencies in the late ’80s and contributed to the band’s third album, 1988’s ‘How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can’t Even Smile Today’. He also appeared on three tracks on the band’s 1989 album ‘Controlled by Hatred/Feel Like Shit… Déjà Vu’. “His interests included music, traveling, race cars and attending race tracks. He was also a supporter of the Dodgers,” Chris’ message continued. “In addition to his work in the technology and photography industries, dad gained a bit of publicity in the late 80’s as the bass player of the legendary punk/metal act Suicidal Tendencies. His tenure with… Read More →

25JULNews

Watch Kendrick Lamar bring out Kodak Black for ‘Silent Hill’ at Rolling Loud Miami

Kendrick Lamar invited Kodak Black onstage at Rolling Loud Miami to perform their ‘Mr Morale & The Big Steppers’ collaboration ‘Silent Hill’. READ MORE: Kendrick Lamar – ‘Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers’ review: a cathartic, soul-baring autobiography Last night (July 24) Lamar told the crowd to “make some noise for my mothafucking n***a, Kodak mothafucking Black”, before the rapper appeared. Black’s performance came days after he was put on house arrest following a drug charge. He was able to make the cameo at the Miami festival, with his ankle monitor in view. Advertisement Watch their performance below. Kendrick Lamar just brought out Kodak Black at Rolling Loudpic.twitter.com/XUCT7L0svt — XXL Magazine (@XXL) July 25, 2022 .@KodakBlack1k has just hit the stage with @kendricklamar @RollingLoud ? pic.twitter.com/nHWiOAbW9R — KENDRICK LAMAR BIBLE (@dakendrickbible) July 25, 2022 Lamar is currently touring his latest album with Baby Keem and Tanna Leone on support. The tour kicked off in Oklahoma City last week before heading to Austin, Houston and Dallas. This week the rapper heads to Tampa, New Orleans, Atlanta and Nashville. Meanwhile, according to reports in the US, Black (real name Bill K. Kapri) was initially pulled over by police on July 15 for… Read More →

25JULNews

Adele announces details of rescheduled Las Vegas shows

Adele has today (July 25) shared details of her rescheduled Las Vegas shows. The singer was due to start the residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on January 21, with the run of shows extending through to April. However, Adele postponed the gigs the day before the opening night, telling her fans in a video that her show wasn’t ready. Now it’s been announced that all the previously postponed ‘Weekends With Adele’ concerts have now been rescheduled. In addition to the 24 previously announced shows, a further eight new shows have been unveiled. Advertisement The residency will run from November 18, 2022 to March 25, 2023. In the first instance, priority will be given in the pre-sales to fans who held tickets for the original shows. A statement on the musician’s website explained: “Access will be limited with priority given to fans who held tickets for the original show dates or had previously registered and been waitlisted for the ‘Weekends With Adele’ Verified Fan Presale. A note on Ticketmaster added: “A select number of tickets will be available across all 32 performances. There will be two opportunities to purchase tickets for these shows. “Access to each presale will be limited with… Read More →

25JULNews

Amazonica on supporting The Libertines at Wembley: “It was a glimpse into 2002”

DJ Amazonica has spoken of her experience supporting The Libertines at Wembley Arena this weekend, as well as sharing some exclusive behind-the-scenes photos. READ MORE: Pete Doherty interviewed at Glastonbury 2022: “I’ve been spearheading indie sleaze for years!” The DJ, solo artist and longtime friend of the band was invited to join the band when they celebrated 20 years of their seminal debut album ‘Up The Bracket’ at the iconic London venue this weekend – where the likes of The Cribs were also performing as special guests, and Jamie T even made a surprise appearance. “You know those people who you may not see for years but when you do see each other it’s as if no time has passed?” Amazonica told NME. “You like the same stuff, you understand each other intrinsically and you just love hanging out with them. That’s how I feel about The Libertines.” Advertisement She continued: “It’s a bit hazy but back in the day before ‘Up The Bracket’ was released we all used to hang out and get up to mischief. There was a special spirit in the air, rock was back and there were some incredible bands changing the world – most of whom… Read More →

25JULNews

BIBI apologises for making fans “concerned and worried” after tearful Instagram livestream

South Korean singer-songwriter BIBI has apologised to fans for a “concerning” Instagram live session where she spoke about being “so exhausted”. On July 21, the 23-year-old musician held an impromptu livestream on her Instagram account where she broke down in tears while talking about being unable to sleep or eat due to her hectic schedule. BIBI recently gave a string of festival performances in South Korea and is currently preparing to release her first studio album. “I’m just so exhausted, I can’t. I want to eat, I wanna – I wanna take a nap. I want to rest, but I can’t,” she said, before bursting into tears, as seen in a clip archived on YouTube. “Nobody allowed me to wash my face,” added the singer, who cried for several minutes before ending the livestream. Advertisement The following day, BIBI returned to Instagram Live after fans raised concerns that she was being overworked by her agency, Feel Ghood Music, and later uploaded snippets of the livestream on her Twitter account. “Maybe I’m [an] artist because I’m this dramatic. I worked myself too hard, that’s why I was ridiculously crying. Even I said it, this is ridiculous,” she later clarified. “This is… Read More →

25JULNews

OneRepublic announce 2023 ‘Live In Concert’ Australia and New Zealand tour

OneRepublic have announced they’ll be heading to Australia and New Zealand next March for their ‘Live In Concert’ tour. The American pop-rock band will be joined by Sydney rapper Masked Wolf for the run of Australian shows, kicking off on March 10 at Melbourne’s Margaret Court Arena. They’ll play Sydney’s Super Aware Theatre the following night, wrapping up at Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall on March 14. They’ll then fly to Auckland to perform at Spark Arena on March 16, finishing in Wellington on March 18. Advertisement Registered fans can access pre-sale tickets from 11am AEST this Wednesday (July 27) while general tickets will be available here from 12pm AEST on Friday (July 29). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Masked Wolf (@maskedwolf) OneRepublic’s most recent single ‘I Ain’t Worried’ arrived in May, appearing on the soundtrack for Top Gun: Maverick. It marked the second original song from OneRepublic this year, following on from the release of ‘West Coast’ in February. Last week, the band’s frontman Ryan Tedder teased a collaboration with BLACKPINK, revealing that he’s worked on their forthcoming album. “I think one or two of my songs have made the album,” he said in an interview… Read More →

24JULNews

Pearl Jam cancel third consecutive show due to Eddie Vedder’s vocal issues

Pearl Jam have cancelled a third consecutive live show due to frontman Eddie Vedder‘s ongoing vocal issues. On Wednesday (July 20), the band scrapped a scheduled performance in Vienna after Vedder’s throat was damaged by the “heat, dust, and smoke from the fires” at Lollapalooza Paris last Sunday (July 17). READ MORE: From the archives – Pearl Jam rock for freedom and equality in the free world at Mad Cool 2018 “He has seen doctors and had treatment but as of yet, his vocal cords have not recovered,” Pearl Jam wrote in a statement at the time. “This is brutal news and horrible timing…for everyone involved.” Advertisement The group subsequently cancelled their planned concert in Prague, writing: “[Vedder] is continuing the treatments for his vocal cords, but unfortunately, there is still no voice available.” This afternoon (July 24), Pearl Jam confirmed that their show at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam would no longer be going ahead this evening. “In spite of continuous medical treatment, Ed is regretfully still without a voice and unable to perform tonight’s show at Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam,” Pearl Jam said in their latest update. “This is again the worst possible scenario for the band.” Thank you… Read More →

24JULNews

Kanye West appears at Rolling Loud after canceling his headline slot

Kanye West appeared at Rolling Loud festival on Friday (July 22) having cancelled his headline slot there less than a week earlier. Kid Cudi replaced Kanye West on the bill at the Miami event when West, who is now known officially as “Ye”, “decided that he [would] no longer be performing”. It marked the ‘DONDA’ star’s second festival cancellation of 2022, following Coachella. Despite this, West turned up at the event to join Lil Durk for their recent Cardi B collaboration ‘Hot Shit’. They also performed ‘Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1.’ Advertisement You can see the moment here: Meanwhile, Kid Cudi, who replaced West for his headline slot, walked off during his headline set at Rolling Loud after crowd members repeatedly threw items onto the stage. West and Cudi were previously close friends and collaborators, but have had a tumultuous relationship since the mid-2010s. They fell out again earlier this year, supposedly due to Cudi’s friendship with Pete Davidson, the current partner of West’s ex-wife Kim Kardashian. The ongoing feud appears to have spilt out into the crowd during his set. According to Consequence, people in the audience repeatedly interrupted Cudi by chanting West’s name and throwing objects toward the stage. It’s said… Read More →

22JULNews

Marcus Mumford announces 2022 North American tour

Marcus Mumford has announced a North American headline tour for 2022 – tickets will be available from here. The Mumford & Sons frontman will hit the road stateside this autumn in support of his debut solo album ‘(Self-Titled)’, which is due to arrive on September 16 via Island (pre-order here). READ MORE: The NME Big Read – Mumford & Sons: “We’ve thought a lot about mortality this year” The tour is set to kick off in Boulder, Colorado on September 19 ahead of further shows in Denver, Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles throughout the rest of that month. In early October, Mumford will resume the stint in Ventura, California. Advertisement He’ll then make stop-offs in cities such as Austin, Dallas, Chicago, Detroit, Nashville, Portland, New York and Boston. The final gig will take place in Toronto, Canada on November 10. Tickets go on general sale at 10am local time next Friday (July 29) – you’ll be able to purchase yours from here. Fans can access a pre-sale at the same time on Tuesday (July 26) by signing up here. Danielle Ponder will open for Mumford at the September 19–October 14 concerts (except October 9), with The A’s supporting from October 17–November 10… Read More →

22JULHit Singles

The Walkmen – You & Me: The Sun Studio Edition

Of all the bands that burst from New York in the early ’00s, The Walkmen were the least defined by locale. The city’s nervy post-punk heritage fed directly into the kind of music popularised by The Strokes, Interpol and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, just as its dynamic club culture motored LCD Soundsystem and The Rapture. The Walkmen, by contrast, seemed aligned to another place and time. ORDER NOW: Wilco are on the cover of the latest issue of Uncut This may be partly due to pure geography. All five members – Hamilton Leithauser, Paul Maroon, Walter Martin, Matt Barrick and Peter Bauer – had initially met at school and played in bands around Washington DC, 200-odd miles away. More pertinently though, there was a shared predilection for vintage gear and studio dynamics patented during the first flush of rock’n’roll. Once in New York, having formed from the remnants of Jonathan Fire*Eater and The Recoys, The Walkmen offered a riveting (if sometimes wayward) mix of ’60s minimalism and voluminous art rock, at its most potent on 2004’s killer single “The Rat”. By 2006, however, after deciding to cut an ad hoc version of Harry Nilsson and John Lennon’s 1974 album Pussy Cats, the… Read More →

21JULNews

Elvis Presley’s ex-wife Priscilla says he was “not racist in any way”

Elvis Presley‘s ex-wife Priscilla Presley has claimed that the late musician was “not racist in any way” while speaking about ‘cancel culture’. READ MORE: Elvis review: Baz Luhrmann’s bold biopic of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll During a recent interview on TalkTV’s Piers Morgan Uncensored, Priscilla shared her thoughts on Baz Luhrmann’s new biopic Elvis, which sees Austin Butler portray the titular King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Later, host Piers Morgan asked her whether she believed there would be “a campaign to try and cancel [Elvis] for inappropriate statements, inappropriate behaviour [or] inappropriate lyrics”. Advertisement Elvis has been criticised by a number of Black artists in the past. Last year, Quincy Jones said that he wouldn’t have worked with the star, claiming he “was a racist”. “He was not a racist – he’s never been a racist,” Priscilla told Morgan. “Elvis had friends, Black friends, friends from all over. He loved their music. He loved their style. He loved being around, you know, Black musicians.” She cited Elvis’ friendships with Fats Domino and Sammy Davis Jr, saying that they would “always come into the dressing room” when Elvis was performing in Las Vegas. Priscilla continued: “He was just not… Read More →

20JULNews

James Blunt to star in new documentary described as Spinal Tap meets Alan Partridge

James Blunt is set to star in a new feature documentary, which has been described as Spinal Tap meets Alan Partridge. The new project comes from Lorton Entertainment, who previously produced the BBC film Bros: After The Screaming Stops, the Oasis documentary Supersonic and the soon-to-be-released George Ezra film End-To-End. READ MORE: Soundtrack Of My Life: James Blunt The upcoming documentary was filmed on the road during Blunt’s 2022 Greatest Hit Tour, and will explore the singer’s backstory, from his time in the British Army to recording the biggest-selling album of the noughties. Advertisement James Blunt. CREDIT: Frank Hoensch/Redferns The official synopsis reads: “This the story of an ageing, British popstar, still fighting for relevance some seventeen years after his star momentarily twinkled. No one has a more extraordinary story than James Blunt. The soldier turned singer has one of the most inspiring trajectories in the history of music. “Filmed on the road during his 2022 aptly named Greatest Hit Tour, director Chris Atkins is given access all areas following James Blunt across Europe. Delving into James’ unique backstory, from witnessing the genocide of the Kosovo War, recording the biggest selling album of the noughties, enduring the harsh backlash that… Read More →

20JULNews

The Cult’s Ian Astbury breaks up fight at Washington D.C. show

The Cult singer Ian Astbury recently broke up a fight at one of the band’s show’s in Washington D.C. Footage emerged on social media of frontman Astbury jumping into the crowd to intervene after a fight broke out between two fans, one of whom was held in a chokehold. “Brother, never ever put a chokehold on somebody,” Astbury said after getting back on stage, per Stereogum. “It’s not fucking cool… Stop crying. It’s a fucking rock show.” Advertisement Take a look at the footage here: Astbury then called out one of the fans, pointing out his height, saying: “You don’t like it? Go stand at the back. You’re tall. You’re bigger than everybody. You’re standing at the front of a rock show. What do you think?” Earlier this month, The Cult announced their forthcoming eleventh studio album with new single ‘Give Me Mercy’. The eight-track LP, titled ‘Under the Midnight Sun’, is set to be released on October 7 via Black Hill Records. Guitarist Billy Duffy said the lead single “has all the hallmarks of the new classic Cult to my ears”. Adding to the statement, Ian Astbury said: “I was absolutely enamoured with this piece of music Billy had… Read More →

20JULNews

Elton John adds five Australia and New Zealand shows to Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour

Elton John will play five special ‘encore’ concerts in Australia and New Zealand next year, extending his ongoing multi-year Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which will mark his final run of shows. READ MORE: Elton John: “I’m not interested in the past – not even Elton John’s past” John will kick off the new round of dates in Newcastle, New South Wales on January 10, 2023 before heading to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. He will then head to New Zealand to perform in Christchurch on January 24. He will then fly to Auckland to perform two rescheduled shows on January 27 and 28. “In 2020 I promised that when I came back to finish my interrupted farewell, I’d perform some encore shows,” John said when announcing the new dates. “I love your part of the world dearly and cannot wait to share these concerts with you!” Big news Australia & New Zealand! ? In 2020 I promised that when I came back to finish my interrupted farewell, I’d perform some encore shows. I love your part of the world dearly and cannot wait to share these concerts with you! Full info at https://t.co/ikmIg8t9zV pic.twitter.com/lLDRaloRKX — Elton John (@eltonofficial) July 19, 2022… Read More →

19JULNews

Sam Fender opens up about who might play him in a biopic

Sam Fender has opened up about who might play him in a biopic of his life. READ MORE: Sam Fender live in London: a special celebration of the Geordie star’s heroic ascent Speaking to The Sun, Fender said he would like to see Evan Peters from American Horror Story play him if a film was ever made of his life. He told the publication: “Who would I want, compared to who would actually play us, is probably very different. Advertisement “I’d want that kid who stars in American Horror Story, Evan Peters. That’s who I would want to play me, but I’m not that cool or sexy. I’d want him playing me because he’s got that kind of dead look behind his eyes that I’ve got.” He went on to joke that “in reality they’d probably get Michael Cera.” Sam Fender said he’d like Evan Peters (above) to play him in a biopic of his life – CREDIT: Getty Last weekend, Fender gave his new single ‘Alright’ its live debut at his huge Finsbury Park gig. The singer-songwriter played the biggest gig of his career to date last Friday night (July 15) at the North London venue, where he was joined by Fontaines… Read More →