<img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" title="Faith No More" src="../site_images/102/medium.jpg" alt="Faith No More" width="300" height="225" />Faith No More have confirmed that they will play Christchurch's Westpac Arena on February 16th and Auckland's Vector Arena on February 18th. The Christchurch show was initially announced to be held at Wellington's TSB Arena and was even stated as such on Faith No More's website.  Last week however, Wellington was changed to Christchurch and as of yet no Wellington show has been added.   Pre-sales for the concerts start on November 6th.  Auckland fans should sign up at <a title="Ticketmaster" href="http://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/promo/qotdck" target="_blank">Ticketmaster</a> and Christchurch fans at <a title="Ticketek" href="http://msn.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=FAITHWAIT" target="_blank">Ticketek</a>.  Prices have yet to announced. Faith No More's Sydney and Melbourne tickets went on sale this morning and sold out in just seven minutes.

2009-10-29T20:09:12+13:00

Faith No More - Auckland and Christchurch 326

No Wellington show

2009-10-29T20:09:12+13:00

WOMAD 2010 will be held at New Plymouth's 'Bowl of Brooklands' on 13th -15th March.  WOMAD (World Of Music And Dance) have just released the line up for the New Zealand show.  The acts confirmed are -  1814 • Amal Murkus • Anna Coddington • Babylon Circus • The Bellbirds • Blue King Brown • Calexico • De Stijle • Dub Colossus • Eddi Reader • Eliades Ochoa • Ethiopiques • Gochag Askarov • Gyuto Monks • House of Shem • Hypnotic Brass Ensemble • Iva Lamkum • Kamel al Haraachi Chaabi Music • LA Mitchell • Ladi 6 • Lepisto & Lehti • Mairtin O'Connor Trio • Mariem Hassan • Nickodemus • Nortec Collective • NZTrio • Ojos de Brujo • Pacific Curls • Ross Daly & Ensemble • Skatalites • Te Whanau-a-Apanui

2009-10-29T15:53:08+13:00

Bands for WOMAD 2010 Announced! 325

<img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" title="Calexico" src="../site_images/247/small.jpg" alt="Calexico" width="150" height="113" />Calexico confirmed in line up

2009-10-29T15:53:08+13:00

The Stone Temple Pilots are preparing to head back into the studio and finish their first album since 2001's 'Shangri-La Dee Da'.  The band are currently on a small North American tour which winds up in January and according to lead singer Scott Weiland the aim is to get head to the studio as soon as they are back.   Talking with <a title="Spinner" href="http://www.spinner.ca/2009/10/27/stone-temple-pilots-plan-new-album-and-long-tour-in-2010/#at" target="_blank">Spinner.ca</a> Weiland said "When we get back, we're going to finish the album, and then when we finish the album, there will be a big tour around its release and that will probably be a long tour." Weiland speculated that the tour would probably last about a year.

2009-10-29T12:03:08+13:00

Stone Temple Pilots Planning New Album 324

<img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" title="Stone Temple Pilots" src="../site_images/246/small.jpg" alt="Stone Temple Pilots" width="150" height="113" />Long tour also in the works

2009-10-29T12:03:08+13:00

We've just been informed that the 2nd Big Day Out Announcement will be shared with the public a week later on November 11th.  It was initially set to be announced on November 4th.  All the Australian shows have sold out, but there are still tickets left for the Auckland show.

2009-10-28T12:28:28+13:00

Big Day Out 2nd Announcement Now on November 11th 323

2009-10-28T12:30:21+13:00

Jarvis Cocker has denied that Pulp are reforming.  Addressing the rumours, Cocker told <a title="Teletext" href="http://www.teletext.co.uk/planetsound/news/581de2a8baf0f33822868fbf53985d81/Pulp+deny+reunion+rumours.aspx" target="_blank">British Teletext</a> "I can categorically tell Teletext that Pulp have no plans to get back together. Someone asked me if I fancied playing at the 40th anniversary of Glastonbury, I said yes, they twisted that into a 'Pulp reform' story. It's not true." Jarvis Cocker will play Auckland's Powerstation on December 4th.

2009-10-28T11:41:00+13:00

Despite The Rumours, Pulp Are NOT Reforming 322

<img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" title="Jarvis Cocker" src="../site_images/16/small.jpg" alt="Jarvis Cocker" width="150" height="100" />Jarvis Cocker says his words were twisted

2009-10-28T11:41:00+13:00

Them Crooked Vultures have posted their debut single 'New Fang' on Youtube for the world to hear.  The single is to be officially released in mid November, along with their debut self-titled album.   Them Crooked Vultures consist of Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and John Paul Jones.  They are <a title="Them Crooked Vultures confirm NZ shows" href="156" target="_self">set to play Wellington and Auckland</a> at the end of January. Click <a title="Them Crooked Vultures - New Fang" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7_vH3H8LPI&feature=player_embedded" target="_blank">here</a> to listen to the track.

2009-10-28T11:04:52+13:00

Them Crooked Vultures Debut Single Posted Online 321

<img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" title="Them Crooked Vultures" src="../site_images/131/small.jpg" alt="Them Crooked Vultures" width="150" height="113" />The band present 'New Fang'

2009-10-28T11:05:32+13:00

Lily Allen has confirmed that she is not retiring from music, but may "retire from music for a bit".  When talking with <a title="BBC 6 Music" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/news/20091027_lilyallen.shtml" target="_blank">BBC 6 Music</a>, she stated "I love working in music, I like to help other bands and stuff so I'm thinking about....well we're in talks about setting up my own label and dedicating the next couple of years to that.  I've got lots of bands in mind but I'm not going to say, because lots of people will steal them off me."  The singer also confirmed that she is in talks to star in a West End show. Allen is set to play the Big Day Out festival in New Zealand and Australia over January.

2009-10-28T01:52:48+13:00

Lily Allen Wants To Set Up Her Own Record Label 320

<img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" title="Lily Allen" src="../site_images/237/small.jpg" alt="Lily Allen" width="150" height="110" />Keen for something different

2009-10-28T01:52:48+13:00

The songs that Michael Jackson was working on before his death are currently the centre of a bidding war.  Jackson's long-time attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain are speaking with Sony Music and Universal Music in regards to releasing the catalogue.  According to the New York Post newspaper, the estate is believed to be keen to extend the deal Michael had in place with Sony Music to cover the 70 songs he wrote, produced and recorded after 2004.  However, it's thought the estate wants more money than Sony is prepared to offer.  Currently Sony Music has control over Jackson's work that was recorded before 2004.

2009-10-27T20:21:24+13:00

Michael Jackson Tracks In Bidding War 319

<img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" title="Michael Jackson" src="../site_images/236/small.jpg" alt="Michael Jackson" width="150" height="97" />Sony and Universal the front runners

2009-10-27T20:21:24+13:00

Sublime are still allowed to perform under the name 'Sublime'.  Last week the family of Bradley Nowell (the late lead singer from Sublime) tried to <a title="Sublime hits a snag" href="309" target="_blank">prevent the band from using the Sublime name</a>.   Surviving members Eric Wilson and Floyd "Bud" Gaugh were billed to play the 'Smokeout Festival', with new singer Rome Ramirez, and performing under the name 'Sublime' prompting the Nowell family to take legal action.  Recently the band released a statement informing their fans that Sublime could legally continue.  It reads -  "On behalf of the band Sublime, founding members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson are thrilled by the opportunity to reconnect with their fans around the world. While we all mourn the passing of our brother and bandmate Bradley Nowell some thirteen years ago, Sublime still has a strong message of hope and love to share - a message that is especially important in these difficult times. Brad's heirs apparently do not share this vision and do not want the band Sublime to continue and tried - unsuccessfully - to file a temporary restraining order to prevent the band from carrying on. Despite those objections, we are pleased that the United States District Court has allowed us to perform as Sublime for all of our fans." We urge everyone to join us in our message of peace and love, and we look forward to sharing the music we created - the music that defines us."

2009-10-27T16:42:35+13:00

Sublime Are Still Sublime 318

<img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" title="Sublime" src="../site_images/227/small.jpg" alt="Sublime" width="150" height="98" />Court rules in favour of the band

2009-10-27T16:42:35+13:00

Muse won the award for 'Best Act In The World Today', with the Arctic Monkeys taking out 'Best Live Act' and Lily Allen claiming 'Best Track' for her single 'The Fear'.   Held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, the Q Magazine Awards are known to be one of the most intimate awards ceremonies, with the guests made up mostly of musicians.  Camera's were banned and the awards not televised.   The full list of winners are as follows - Best New Act: White Lies Breakthrough Artist: Mr Hudson Best Video: Lady GaGa - Just Dance The Q Idol: Spandau Ballet The Q Inspiration Award: The Specials Innovation In Sound: Sonic Youth from Zane Lowe Best Track: Lily Allen - The Fear The Q Icon: Marianne Faithfull Classic Song: Frankie Goes To Hollywood - Relax Q Legend: Edwyn Collins Best Live Act: Arctic Monkeys Classic Songwriter: Yusuf formerly Cat Stevens Outstanding Contribution To Music: Robert Plant Best Album: Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum Best Act In The World Today: Muse

2009-10-27T11:51:26+13:00

Muse, Lily Allen and Arctic Monkeys Win At The Q Awards 317

<img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" title="Muse" src="../site_images/53/small.jpg" alt="Muse" width="150" height="111" />Full list of winners

2009-10-27T11:51:26+13:00

Raggamuffin is set to take place for its third consecutive year.  The reggae festival will feature well known international and local acts, including Herbs reuniting under their original name 'Pacific Herbs'.  The line up thus far includes -  Wyclef Jean Julian Marley Shaggy Sean Kingston Stell Pulse Sly & Robbie Katchafire Sola Rosa Iva Lamkum Pacific Herbs Sweet & Irie Tickets go on sale 9am Wednesday 28th October, and are available from <a title="Ticketmaster" href="http://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/Raggamuffin-tickets/artist/1162624" target="_blank">Ticketmaster</a> with earlybird prices up until Christmas.   For more information about the festival click <a title="Raggmuffin Website" href="http://www.raggamuffin.co.nz/2010/index.html" target="_blank">here</a>.

2009-10-27T11:15:48+13:00

Wyclef Jean To Headline Raggamuffin Music Festival 316

<img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" title="Wyclef Jean" src="../../site_images/235/small.jpg" alt="Wyclef Jean" width="150" height="92" />25th January, 2010 - Rotorua Stadium

2009-10-27T11:28:10+13:00

Morrissey has now been released from hospital after he <a title="Morrissey Collapses On Stage" href="312" target="_self">collapsed on stage</a> during a concert.  A spokeswoman for the 'Great Western Hospital' in Swindon stated "Morrissey became unwell, and he was admitted overnight as a precautionary measure.  He's been seen by the medical team, much improved and now discharged home." A note has also been posted on his <a title="Morrissey Website" href="http://www.itsmorrisseysworld.com/" target="_blank">website</a> stating - "Morrissey is in stable condition after his collapse in Swindon Saturday night. Thanks go out to all his well wishers, more information will be posted as soon as it is available."

2009-10-26T13:12:39+13:00

Update On Morrissey 315

<img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" title="Morrissey" src="../site_images/232/small.jpg" alt="Morrissey" width="150" height="97" />Singer released from hospital

2009-10-26T13:12:39+13:00

British composer Andrew Lloyd Webber has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.  It's been said that his condition is in very early stages.  A spokesman for Lloyd Webber released a statement saying "Andrew is now undergoing treatment and expects to be fully back at work before the end of the year". Lloyd Webber, 61, is best known for his musicals 'Phantom of the Opera, Evita and Cats.

2009-10-26T12:36:58+13:00

Andrew Lloyd Webber Diagnosed With Cancer 314

<img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" title="Andrew Lloyd Webber" src="../site_images/233/small.jpg" alt="Andrew Lloyd Webber" width="150" height="100" />Condition in very early stages

2009-10-26T12:36:58+13:00

Most bands would be happy if they sold a million copies of an album.  But if you're band like U2, you find yourself competing with past successes. Previous U2 albums in the last 10 years have been selling in the 3-4 million range, so the fact that 'No Line on the Horizon' has only sold 1 million, has disappointed the band.  One reason for it, according to lead singer Bono, is the lack of a hit song.   Bono told <a title="Spinnermusic" href="http://www.spinnermusic.co.uk/2009/10/23/u2-disappointed-by-no-line-only-going-platinum-once/" target="_blank">Spinnermusic </a>-  "We weren't really in that mindset.  We felt that the album was a kind of an almost extinct species, and we should approach it in totality and create a mood and a feeling, and a beginning, middle and an end. And I suppose we've made a work that is a bit challenging." Bassist Adam Clayton added - "The commercial challenges have to be confronted. But I think, in a sense, the more interesting challenge is, 'What is rock 'n' roll in this changing world?' Because, to some extent, the concept of the music fan -- the concept of the person who buys music and listens to music for the pleasure of music itself -- is an outdated idea."

2009-10-26T12:10:57+13:00

U2 Displeased By Sales Of Latest Album 313

<img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" title="U2" src="../site_images/26/small.jpg" alt="U2" width="150" height="113" />Sales have slumped by U2 standards

2009-10-26T12:10:57+13:00

Morrissey collapsed on stage after performing just one song.  He had just performed The Smiths hit 'Charmless Man' at the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon, England, before falling to the floor.   Two of his band members rushed to his side and dragged him off stage.  A bemused audience started to boo as the stage lights came on and after about half an hour the crowd were told that Morrissey had been rushed to hospital.   One eyewitness told the UK's <a title="Daily Telegraph" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/6427052/Morrissey-collapses-on-stage-during-concert.html" target="_blank">'Daily Telegraph'</a> "The stage went dark and he was taken off the stage and then his band then all left the stage.  There was a wait of about 25 minutes before one of the stage crew came on and said Morrissey had left the building, and that he was seriously ill. Everybody started booing, thinking 'here we go again'. He has a bit of a poor track record for cancelling his concerts."  Morrissey had cancelled previous concerts this year due to an unspecified illness.   The singer has been admitted to the Great Western Hospital and is said to be in a stable condition.

2009-10-25T14:14:01+13:00

Morrissey Collapses On Stage 312

<img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" title="Morrissey" src="../site_images/232/small.jpg" alt="Morrissey" width="150" height="97" />Has been taken to hospital

2009-10-25T14:14:01+13:00

Press Release - International superstar Ronan Keating will undertake his first concert tour of New Zealand in years when he returns to our shores in February 2010. In news that will thrill his legions of New Zealand fans, the charismatic Irish star will perform three outdoor concerts here at Mudhouse Winery + Café in Waipara, Church Road Winery in Napier and Villa Maria Estate Winery in Auckland. The tour's very special guests will be the wonderful Peter Urlich Sextet and performing solo, up and comer Matt Joe Gow. Ronan will arrive in Australia next week for a promotional tour to launch his new album ‘Stay' (released on Universal Records on November 13), and to announce the Australasian concert dates. The 2010 tour through Australia, New Zealand and the UK is his first solo outing since 2004 and Ronan is incredibly excited about putting the show together and having the opportunity to perform all his classic hits like ‘Life Is A Rollercoaster', ‘Lovin Each Day', ‘When You Say Nothing At All', ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes', ‘The Long Goodbye', and ‘I Love It When We Do' plus the songs from ‘Stay'. New Zealand has always embraced Ronan's music and to date he multiple popular releases (‘Ronan', ‘Bring You Home' and ‘Songs For My Mother', ‘Destination' and ‘10 Years Of Hits') and two Double Platinum albums ‘10 years Of Hits' and ‘Songs For My Mother' which debuted at #1 on the NZ Top 40 album chart earlier this year. With record sales in excess of 22 million albums globally, an enviable Guinness Book Of Records listing for being the only artist ever to have 30 consecutive top 10 singles in the UK chart (beating the likes of Elvis and The Beatles!), an Ivor Novello and BMI songwriting awards, an autobiography and an extensive and much-applauded list of charity endeavours, Ronan's triumphant career shows no signs of slowing down just yet. This year he has climbed Kilimanjaro for the UK charity Comic Relief, raising an outstanding £3.5 million, ran the London Marathon, completed a hugely successful two month arena tour with Boyzone, and was honoured with a Special Achievement Award from Cancer Research UK to recognise his on-going work for The Marie Keating Charity (began after his mother's death from breast cancer in 1998). Most recently he has recorded ‘Stay', a set of traditional and modern festive classics that evoke special memories of Christmas for him. Peter Urlich has long been one of our best known local artists. From his days of performing as frontman of legendary band Th' Dudes until more recently as George FM's longtime breakfast host and now Saturday morning host of 95bFM, as well as appearing as a contestant on Dancing with The Stars, Peter Urlich is a man in the spotlight. His most recent creative collaboration is with band The Peter Urlich sextet performing classic songs such as ‘Ain't No Sunshine', ‘Fever', ‘Spooky' and many more. The Peter Urlich Sextet will definitely be crowd pleasers with their smooth style and unforgettable tunes. After first making his name internationally, Matt Joe Gow is a kiwi musician that NZ is fast becoming proud to call their own. His debut album ‘The Messenger' with band The Dead Leaves was released here last August to five star reviews and a truly embracing audience. Since the release, Matt Joe Gow and The Dead Leaves have graced the pages of nationwide newspapers, websites and magazines and appeared live on national television and radio performing their first two singles ‘Come What May' and ‘The Light'. This October saw Matt play to long awaiting crowds in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. The first of many NZ tours to come for this uprising talent. Ronan is thrilled to be heading back to New Zealand for this national tour, and with the sublime Peter Urlich Sextet as well as NZ's hottest new star Matt Joe Gow as special guests, this is a night not to be missed! RONAN KEATING with The Peter Urlich Sextet and Matt Joe Gow CONCERT DATES Fri February 5th ‘a day on the green' MUDHOUSE WINERY + CAFÉ, WAIPARA Sat February 6th CHURCH ROAD WINERY, NAPIER Sun February 7th ‘ day on the green' VILLA MARIA ESTATE WINERY, AUCKLAND TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY NOVEMBER 6 From<a title="Ticketmaster" href="http://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/search?tm_link=tm_homeA_header_search&q=ronan+keating&search.x=0&search.y=0" target="_blank"> ticketmaster.co.nz</a> (09) 970 9700 Or for information on exclusive members pre-sales go to <a title="A Day On The Green" href="http://www.adayonthegreen.co.nz/" target="_blank">www.adayonthegreen.co.nz </a>

2009-10-25T11:28:06+13:00

Ronan Keating New Zealand Tour Confirmed 311

<img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" title="Ronan Keating" src="../site_images/231/small.jpg" alt="Ronan Keating" width="150" height="111" />With Special Guests The Peter Urlich Sextet And Matt Joe Gow

2009-10-25T11:28:06+13:00

Paul Heyman, the former owner of ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling), has accussed Rihanna of copying his idea.  For her latest single, Rihanna is pictured wrapped in barbed wire, which appears very similar to a wrestling album cover that Heyman's ECW released in 1998 where wrestler 'The Sandman' was also wrapped in barbed wire.   Heyman commented to UK paper <a title="The Sun" href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/usa/2694579/Rihanna-has-been-accused-of-taking-her-single-cover-by-former-ECW-boss-Paul-Heyman.html" target="_blank">'The Sun'</a> - "From the barbed wire and the right arm up in the air to the blood dripping off the logo.  Hey, I don't blame them. If you're going to copy someone, copy from the best.  By the way, Rihanna... you're welcome!"   <img style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 10px;" title="Rihanna - Roulette Single" src="../site_images/218/medium.jpg" alt="Rihanna - Roulette Single" width="300" height="300" />  <img style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 10px;" title="ECW Album Cover" src="../site_images/229/medium.jpg" alt="ECW Album Cover" width="300" height="300" />

2009-10-24T19:36:08+13:00

Wrestling Promoter At Odds With Rihanna 310

2009-10-24T19:36:08+13:00

Family members of Sublime's late lead singer Bradley Nowell have warned the reformed band may face legal action should they perform under the name 'Sublime'. Nowell died from a Heroin overdose in 1996.  A statement was posted on Sublime's <a title="Sublime Myspace" href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=4019425&blogId=515560779" target="_blank">Myspace Page</a> from the Nowell family.   It reads -  "It was recently announced that Sublime bassist Eric Wilson and Sublime drummer Floyd ‘Bud' Gaugh are ‘reuniting' and teaming with singer and guitarist Rome Ramirez in a band they intend to call ‘Sublime.' Prior to his untimely passing, both Bud and Eric acknowledged that Brad Nowell was the sole owner of the name Sublime. It was Brad's expressed intention that no one use the name Sublime in any group that did not include him, and Brad even registered the trademark ‘Sublime' under his own name. As Brad's heirs, and with the support of his entire family, we only want to respect his wishes and therefore have not consented to Bud and Eric calling their new project ‘Sublime.' We have always supported Bud and Eric's musical endeavors and their desire to continue to play Sublime's music. We wholeheartedly supported Bud, Eric and the many talented members of the Sublime posse that formed the Long Beach Dub All-Stars, soon after Brad's death, to honor him through their original recordings, live performances and Sublime music until they disbanded in 2001. But, out of respect for Brad's wishes, we have always refused to endorse any group performing as ‘Sublime,' and now with great reluctance feel compelled to take the appropriate legal action to protect Brad's legacy. Our hope is that Brad's ex-bandmates will respect his wishes and find a new name to perform under, so as to enhance the ‘Sublime' legacy without the confusion and disappointment that many fans have expressed upon seeing the announcement." Sublime are set to perform today at the 'Smokeout Festival' in California along with Bad Brains, Cypress Hill and Pennywise, among others.  There has been no word concerning what the band will do as of yet.

2009-10-24T15:22:48+13:00

Sublime Comeback Hits A Snag 309

2009-10-24T15:26:20+13:00

Noel Gallagher has confirmed to the UK's <a title="Daily Mirror" href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/10/23/noel-gallagher-out-on-lash-for-first-time-since-oasis-split-115875-21766817/" target="_blank">'Daily Mirror'</a> that he is looking forward to releasing solo material.  Gallagher told the paper "I'm having a good time, and the support from my fans has been great. I'm looking forward to doing my own thing, bringing out my own music. I'm glad that's what people want to hear. I am not thinking about much else, Oasis or Liam, I'm just having a good time." Gallagher famously quit the band in August after stating he could simply not work with his brother Liam anymore.

2009-10-24T12:38:03+13:00

Noel Gallagher Confirms Solo Career 308

2009-10-24T12:38:51+13:00

Ravi Shankar will perform next year as part of the New Zealand International Arts Festival in Wellington.  The 89 year old is coming as part of his 90th birthday celebration tour and marks the first time in 30 years that Shankar has played in New Zealand.  He will play the Michael Fowler Centre on March 12th. He is best known as a Sitar player and composer and first became famous outside of India through his association with The Beatles.  He also worked with The Byrds and performed at Woodstock.  Ravi Shankar's daughter Anoushka Shankar will also perform with him.  Ravi Shankar is also father to singer/songwriter Norah Jones. Alternative Country band 'Calexico' from the US are also confirmed for the festival.  The rest of the line up for the three week event will be announced on November 3rd.  The festival runs from February 26 - March 21.

2009-10-23T15:21:50+13:00

Ravi Shankar To Perform At The New Zealand International Arts Festival. 307

<img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" title="Ravi Shankar" src="../site_images/225/small.jpg" alt="Ravi Shankar" width="150" height="100" />Calexico also to appear

2009-10-23T15:24:50+13:00