OHMYGOSSIP — The Wombats, Mimi Webb and Bombay Bicycle lead the new additions to Boardmasters 2022.
The annual surf and music extravaganza in the picturesque seaside resort of Newquay, Cornwall will return between August 10 and 14.
Joining headliners Kings Of Leon, George Ezra and Disclosure are the ‘Let’s Dance to Joy Division’ hitmakers, ‘Dumb Love’ star, and the indie rock band.
Plus, the likes of Self Esteem, The Lathums, JC Stewart, Jax Jones, Mall Grab and Kurupt FM.
US rockers Kings of Leon, ‘Shotgun’ hitmaker George and electronic music duo Disclosure – consisting of brothers Howard and Guy Lawrence – will be closing out the main stage on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
The likes of Bastille, IDLES, Declan McKenna, and Tom Grennan were also previously confirmed to play at the Watergate Bay festival.
The coastal event was due to be headlined by Florence + the Machine, Foals, and Wu-Tang Clan in 2019, but was cancelled due to the inclement weather conditions which were expected to hit Cornwall that weekend.
The 2020 edition was also axed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, it made a triumphant return last summer, with Foals, Gorillaz and Jorja Smith headling the sold-out festival.
Kings of Leon returned in March with their long-awaited eighth studio album, ‘When You See Yourself’, and festival-goers can expect a career-spanning set.
Meanwhile, frontman Caleb Followill recently admitted he is “sour” that the band didn’t have more kudos before they released their 2008 landmark single, ‘Sex on Fire’.
He said: “There comes a point when you can either be proud of what you’ve accomplished or you can still sit back and be sour over it. My sour side was never because of the music itself, it was because I thought we should have gotten that kind of recognition earlier on in our career.”
The musician also admitted that Kings of Leon might not still be about now without ‘Only By The Night’, the acclaimed LP featuring the hit.
He added: “When lighting strikes, it strikes. There’s no way you can recreate it or bottle it up. Without that album, who knows if we’d still be making records today.”
For ticket information and the latest Boardmasters news head to www.boardmasters.com.

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Noel Gallagher is reportedly set to play Glastonbury, 18 years after Oasis last played the festival.
The 54-year-old rocker is “pencilled in” to play the Pyramid Stage with High Flying Birds on Saturday, June 25, as the warm-up for the yet-to-be-announced headliner.
A source told The Sun newspaper: “Noel has never played a music gig at Glastonbury outside of Oasis.
“This will be a monumental moment for him and it will be an incredible moment for the festival.
“He is currently pencilled on the list for the line-up for the Pyramid Stage on the Saturday of Glastonbury and will perform just before the headliner.”
The insider claimed sister trio Haim will also perform before Noel.
They added: “Haim, who are best pals with Taylor Swift, are also scheduled to be on just before him. They played a live-streamed set from Worthy Farm last year and were a huge hit.”
The Britpop group’s former guitarist was due to make his first-ever solo appearance at the iconic music festival in 2020, for the 50th-anniversary iteration of the Worthy Farm extravaganza, before it was axed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
With Oasis, the ‘Some Might Say’ hitmaker played Glastonbury three times, first in 1994 on the NME Stage, when the group was still relatively unknown.
The ‘Wonderwall’ hitmakers – who split in 2009 following a backstage bust-up between Noel and his estranged sibling and former frontman Liam – graduated to headliners of the Pyramid Stage a year later, for the 25th-anniversary event, at the height of the Britpop craze.
The Manchester legends last performed in 2004, when they closed out the festival.
Liam, 49, has performed at Glastonbury both with Beady Eye – the group he formed following the demise of Oasis – in 2013, and as a solo artist in 2017 and 2019.
Billie Eilish is set to headline on Friday, June 24, while Diana Ross will play the Sunday afternoon legends slot on Sunday, June 26.
Little Simz has also just been confirmed to headline the West Holts Stage.

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Janet Jackson has hinted at releasing new music.
After fans heard a clip of the unheard song ‘Love I Love’ during the rolling credits of the music legend’s eponymous-titled Lifetime and A&E documentary, the ‘Rhythm Nation’ hitmaker has said “we’ll have to see” with regards to whether there will be more material on the way.
During an appearance on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ on Wednesday (02.03.22), Janet said: “It’s so funny because that’s — it was a song that I recorded, like, three years ago.
“And, in the documentary, we thought, ‘Oh, this would be cool to put this song right here in this moment, this piece in the documentary.’ And, everyone started reacting to it. So I dunno. We’ll just have to see. Maybe.”
In the candid two-part docuseries, the 55-year-old star lifts the lid on a tumultuous private life for the first time, including feeling “guilty by association” when it came to her late brother, King of Pop Michael Jackson’s abuse scandals, as well as the fallout from her 2004 Super Bowl performance.
She told the host: “I’m very thankful that so many people watched it and enjoyed it.
“It was all such a surprise to me. I was not expecting any of it … I was just really so, so worried that people would find it boring, to be quite honest with you.”
On why she decided to release the doc now, she added: “It’s been almost 50 years that I’ve been doing this.
“I thought it would be best to tell my story, if I can, as opposed to having someone else tell it for me.”
Janet had announced her 12th studio album called ‘Black Diamond’ in 2020, which would have marked her first LP since 2015’s ‘Unbreakable’.
At the time, the ‘Scream’ singer explained that ‘Black Diamond’ is a reference to the inner “strength” she has following her split from ex-husband Wissam Al Mana, with whom she shares five-year-old son Eissa.
She said: “Black Diamonds are the toughest of all the diamonds, the hardest to cut. I see that as the hardest to hurt or destroy. There is a lot that I have endured. I see myself as a Black Diamond in its purest form. I’m a rock, I have ruff edges but I keep moving forward. I want to show you my strength as well as give you strength.
“I love u guys so much and I’m #SoExcited to share this new era with you. See u soon! #BlackDiamond (sic)”
However, there’s been no more news regarding the release.
The star was also set to embark on the ‘Black Diamond World Tour’ in 2020 before it was cancelled, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Damon Albarn is featured on Flume’s new album.
The 30-year-old Australian record producer-and-DJ has unveiled details of his first studio album in six years, ‘Palaces’, which is released on May 20.
Blur and Gorillaz star Damon, 53, is featured on the record’s title track, while Caroline Polachek makes an appearance on ‘Sirens’.
The lead single, ‘Say Nothing’, featuring fellow Aussie MAY-A, is out now.
The Grammy-winner – whose real name is Harley Streten – said in a statement: “This song is about feelings of post relationship clarity.
“We wrote the song midway through 2020 while the pandemic was still pretty new. I was really excited about the initial idea but it was only once I got back to Australia in early 2021 and linked up in the studio with MAY-A that the song really came to life.”
Flume’s return comes after he revealed he nearly quit music after severe anxiety drove him to self-medicate.
The music star noticed similarities in the way he was dealing with his mental health to those of the late Avicii – whose family said he “could not go on any longer” after years of health worries caused by stress and alcohol abuse.
Flume admitted he would drink booze and get high to make himself feel confident enough to go on stage.
In a candid interview in 2020, he said: “I mean I used a lot of alcohol.
“Like, when performing, I would drink to calm nerves.
“I would drink to make it bearable, which sounds crazy but really it’s the truth.
“I’m just not a performer and I’ve definitely used alcohol to feel comfortable on stage in front of people.”
Flume has changed his ways and no longer drinks before his concerts, but that hasn’t stopped him feeling anxious.
He continued: “Now I don’t drink before shows, because I kind of realised that was a pattern, and it was getting pretty bad.
“The second I enter the festival I’m riddled with anxiety.
“Even to this day, after I’ve done thousands of shows, I still get anxious.”
On how similar his behaviour was to the ‘Wake Me Up’ hitmaker – who tragically took his own life aged 28 in April 2018 – he said: “I think people like Avicii and things, are literally the same as me.
“And he died because he was medicating himself just like I was, with alcohol, drugs, whatever. He wasn’t happy.”
Flume came close to quitting music until he decided to face his issues head-on by seeing a therapist.
He said: “I was at a point where I was like ‘I don’t wanna do this anymore.’
“When I have to use alcohol, like, I’m not having fun with this.
“I think I wanna quit unless I can figure something else out.
“I went to a therapist and I was like ‘I hate my job, and it’s f***ed that I can even say that because I have an incredible job that people dream of having.
“I feel like a bad person for saying that, but I love making music but I hate touring.'”
The ‘Sleepless’ star had doubts about going on medication for anxiety, but admitted without it he would’ve had to quit touring.
He concluded: “I’ve always had anxiety problems, like social anxiety problems and I was really against taking anything for it initially because that’s my natural stance.
“Whether its meditation or practicing going out and becoming comfortable with it over time like this was my last resort.
“Like literally if I didn’t go on this medication, I would have quit touring forever.”
Flume’s last studio album was 2016’s Grammy-winning ‘Skin’.
Stream ‘Say Nothing’ now on all major streaming platforms.

The track-listing for ‘Palaces’ is:

1. ‘Highest Building’ (feat. Oklou)
2. ‘Say Nothing’ (feat. MAY-A)
3. ‘DHLC’
4. ‘ESCAPE’ (feat. Kučka) – with Quiet Bison
5. ‘I Can’t Tell’ (feat. LAUREL)
6. ‘Get U’
7. ‘Jasper’s Song’
8. ‘Only Fans’ (feat. Virgen Maria)
9. ‘Hollow’ (feat. Emma Louise)
10. ‘Love Light’
11. ‘Sirens’ (feat. Caroline Polachek)
12. ‘Go’
13. ‘Palaces’ (feat. Damon Albarn)

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Lionel Richie has cancelled all of his summer 2022 UK and European gigs, including his headline slot at the Isle of Wight Festival.
The 72-year-old music legend has been forced to pull out of his planned performances across the pond this year, due to the “impact” of COVID-19.
In a Twitter statement, he said: “As COVID and its variants continue to impact the world, I have decided to hold off on my European tour this summer.
“The most important thing to me is the health of my fans, band and crew. I hope you all understand and I hope to see you very soon when we can all gather safely.”
The ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’ hitmaker was due to co-headline IOW with Lewis Capaldi on June 17.
However, a post on the festival’s page read: “Unfortunately, Lionel Richie will no longer be playing at cinch presents the Isle of Wight Festival 2022. Watch this space for more info soon. We can’t wait to see you all this summer!”
It’s not known if he will be replaced or whether the ‘Someone You Loved’ hitmaker will be the sole headliner that night.
The ‘Hello’ tour dates affected also include Lionel’s Eden Sessions gig at the Eden Project in Cornwall planned for June 14.
The rescheduled run was intended for 2020 but, like most tours, was delayed owing to the pandemic.
Ticketholders will be able to apply for refunds from their point of purchase.
Several other artists have decided to cancel their tours this year.
On Tuesday (01.02.22), Aerosmith axed their European 2022 dates due to the “uncertainty” of the pandemic.
Steven Tyler and co were due to hit the road in June and July, but decided to call off the gigs because of the “continued presence of COVID restrictions and other issues”, and to safeguard their fans and crew.
In a statement issued to their social media pages, the ‘Sweet Emotion’ rockers said: “It is with deep regret we must announce that our European Tour, scheduled to take place in June and July 2022, has been canceled.
“We have continued to monitor the ongoing COVID situation, and with the related uncertainty around travel logistics and the continued presence of COVID restrictions and other issues, it has become clear that it will not be possible to go ahead with our summer shows in the region.
“The health, safety and well-being of our fans is our number one priority.
“We will be back to rock out with everyone and we hope to have some exciting news to announce soon. (sic)”
The rock legends had already postponed the shows, which were originally due to take place in 2020, twice before.

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Robyn has cancelled her performances at Way Out West, Bergen Fest and PiPfest.
The ‘Show Me Love’ hitmaker has revealed she won’t be playing at the festivals this summer after “circumstances have shifted”, thus preventing her from being part of the lineups.
She wrote on Twitter: “It is an understatement to say that I was looking forward to headlining at Way Out West, Pip and Bergen Fest this summer, but circumstances have shifted and I unfortunately won’t be able to for this year. I’m so sorry about this.”
However, the 42-year-old singer promised to “reunite” with fans once her upcoming album is finished, and she’s looking to get back on the road “as soon as I can”.
She added: “But there are many exciting things to come and even though it is taking a little longer, I can’t wait to reunite with you as soon as my new album is ready.
“I’ve missed playing for you so much and I’m still planning to go back on tour as soon as I can. All my love, Robyn.”
Her most recent release was ‘Call My Name’ – a collaboration with Swedish duo Smile – which she released in October.
At the time, she hailed the song as a “true pleasure” to work on.
She said: “I love singing ‘Call My Name’, and it was a true pleasure to record it and rave around in this beautiful song together with Joakim and Björn.”
Fans can’t wait for Robyn to drop the follow-up to 2018’s ‘Honey’, and back in 2020 she opened up about how she’ll be choosing the tracklist for the next LP.
She explained: “There are leftovers. Some of them I’m going to record this summer, I hope.
“Usually, I finish songs. If I start them, I finish them.
“The last album took eight years. I hope it won’t take that long next time.”

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Pete Doherty hopes The Libertines will release new music in 2022.
The frontman has revealed he and his bandmates – Carl Barat, John Hassall and Gary Powell – decided to “hold off” their first studio effort since 2015’s ‘Anthems for Doomed Youth’, and though he has no idea “how or when it’s going to happen”, he’d like to think they can share something with fans before the end of the year.
Pete said: “At the end of the tour we did that ended last month, everyone was really upbeat by the fact that we were all still alive after the various quarantines and John coming and going. We were all really upbeat about the future, so I don’t know how or when it’s going to happen but I think it will.”
The indie legend – who is touring Europe with French musician Frédéric Lo this May – also teased one “cracker” of a song called ‘Mustang’.
He added to NME.com: “I like to think so. There was one song that was getting finished called ‘Mustang’, which was a cracker and definitely up there with the greats. I kept saying, ‘Let’s do it tonight’, but everyone was more keen to hold back. I really hope you get to hear it all this year.”
Co-frontman Carl previously admitted it was tricky finishing the record amid the global pandemic, with Pete living in France and bassist John in Denmark.
In an update on the LP, he said: “It’s been going well, but it’s been difficult with COVID. We started writing here, and that was going really well but John [Hassall, bass] is in Denmark and Pete [Doherty] is in France. It’s been a f***** to travel.
“We’re just waiting to get back on it, really. We’re all writing and it’s all positive. We’re just waiting to get back and lay stuff down, it’s just a matter of when. It would be nice if we could do it here. That would make a lot of sense. We’ve never been readier. We just need to get together and do it.”
The Libertines were working with The Prodigy’s Liam Howlett on their long-awaited new album in 2019.
The ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’ hitmaker explained how they stepped “out of their zone” after their sessions with the ‘Firestarter’ hitmaker and record producer.
He said: “You can’t hurry it up but yeah, it’s [the album is] coming.
“We’ve been doing some really interesting stuff, working with Liam [Howlett] from The Prodigy, which on some tracks are out of the zone of the stuff we’ve done before.
“I think we’re taking a different approach where we just go in and everyone just does what they’re feeling in whatever style. We don’t limit ourselves.”
It was previously revealed that The Prodigy’s touring guitarist Olly Burden was also involved.

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Anne-Marie, KSI and Digital Farm Animals are set to perform a medley at The BRIT Awards 2022 with Mastercard.
The ‘Don’t Play’ hitmakers – who are in contention for Song of the Year – are the final names to be added to the star-studded bill for the music ceremony held next Tuesday (08.02.22) at London’s The O2 arena.
Pop star Anne-Marie said: “Performing at this year’s BRIT Awards!! Yaaaaay. Can’t wait for you to see what we have planned!!”
Rapper KSI commented: “I’m honoured to be sharing the stage at The BRIT Awards 2022 with my friends, the very talented Anne-Marie and Digital Farm Animals – what better way to celebrate our nomination for Song of the Year!”
Pig helmet-wearing producer-and-DJ Digital Farm Animals – whose real name is Nick Gale – added: “I am so excited and grateful to be a BRIT nominated artist for ‘Don’t Play’ this year! I’ve been fortunate to have worked with and written for so many talented artists over the years, which is a privilege in itself, but never thought I’d be performing alongside so many of them!! I’m also the first pig to ever perform on the BRITs so I hope this opens the door for others in the future. Thank you to everyone who has supported my music. Love you x.”
The final announcement comes hours after Adele confirmed she will also take to the stage at the star-studded bash.
The 33-year-old megastar wrote on social media: “Hiya, so I’m really happy to say that I am performing at the Brits next week!! (sic)”
The ‘I Drink Wine’ singer’s BRITs gig comes after Adele made the decision to postpone her Las Vegas residency less than 24 hours before opening night, due to “COVID-19 and delivery delays”.
In a tearful video posted to Instagram, she said: “I’m so sorry, but my show isn’t ready. We’ve been absolutely destroyed by delivery delays and COVID.”
‘Say So’ hitmaker Doja Cat was forced to pull her appearance at the BRITs, owing to COVID cases among her crew.
The lineup also boasts Ed Sheeran, Liam Gallagher, Grime star Dave, Rising Star-winner Holly Humberstone, Sam Fender, and Little Simz.
The BRIT Awards 2022 with Mastercard will be exclusively broadcast on ITV and ITV Hub and hosted by Mo Gilligan.
Clara Amfo and Maya Jama are set to present ‘The BRIT Awards Red Carpet’ broadcast on ITV2 from 7pm to 8pm.
YouTube Shorts is the Official Digital Music Partner and YouTube will host a live-stream and behind-the-scenes action.

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Mark Owen is reportedly working on his first solo album in nine years.
The Take That singer – who has been on a break from the ‘Greatest Day’ hitmakers since 2019 as they work on their own projects – is said to have been busy writing new material for his first LP since 2013’s ‘The Art of Doing Nothing’.
An insider told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column: “Mark has had some free time during COVID while Take That have been on a break to think about what he wants to do next.
“He has been writing some songs and they are sounding pretty good.”
It’s said the singer will be performing at the Isle of Wight Festival in June, and while “nothing is nailed down”, he’s got one eye on a potential new album.
The source added: “It is early days but he is dipping his toe back in with his set at Isle of Wight Festival and is toying with the idea of another solo record.
“Nothing is nailed down, but given he has done a solo album every 10 years or so for the last two decades, now feels like a nice time to think about it again.”
During Take That’s break, Gary Barlow has dropped two albums, and Howard Donald has kept on working as a DJ, while Mark has been relatively quiet.
In November last year, Gary suggested the ‘Shine’ band are hoping to reunite next year as he looks to “get back to [his] day job”.
He explained “It’s been a while since 2019. I’m ready to get back to my day job now. That’s my thing – being in the group.
“We’ll have a nice planning year in 2022. I don’t think we’ll release anything or tour but the following year, 2023, will be a big year for Take That.”

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Doja Cat has pulled out of performing at The BRIT Awards 2022 with Mastercard after several members of her crew tested positive for COVID-19.
The ‘Woman’ hitmaker has been forced to cancel her planned performance at the ceremony at London’s The O2 arena on February 8, as a safety precaution.
Doja tweeted: “Unfortunately, due to cases of COVID within my crew, I will no longer be performing at the Brits.
“It’s simply not safe for us to continue to rehearse together and put each other in harm’s way. I can’t wait to perform for my UK fans as soon as I can. Take care of yourselves.”
The rap star – who received nods for International Artist Of The Year and Best International Song for her SZA collaboration ‘Kiss Me More’ – herself tested positive for the virus in December.
Doja had to scrap her performances as part of the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour that month, after catching the virus along with members of her production team.
She told fans on Instagram at the time: “As most of you probably heard earlier, a few members on my production team tested positive for Covid 19 and I had to cancel a couple of my upcoming performances as a safety precaution.
“Unfortunately, I’m sad to share that I just tested positive as well and will no longer be able to perform on the rest of the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour.”
The 26-year-old star admitted her “spirits” were “down” because of the cancellations, but she reassured her fans that was “doing OK”.
She concluded: “While my spirits are down since I can’t be there to celebrate the holiday with my fans in Philly, DC, Atlanta and Miami, I’m doing ok and look forward to recovering and getting back out there as soon as I can! The rest of the tour stops have some really great lineups, wish I could be there. Much love XO. (sic)”
Ed Sheeran, Liam Gallagher, Grime star Dave, Holly Humberstone, Sam Fender, and Little Simz are still due to perform at the BRITs.
The BRIT Awards 2022 with Mastercard will be exclusively broadcast on ITV and ITV Hub and hosted by Mo Gilligan.
Clara Amfo and Maya Jama are set to present ‘The BRIT Awards Red Carpet’ broadcast on ITV2 from 7pm to 8pm.
YouTube Shorts is the Official Digital Music Partner and YouTube will host a live-stream and behind-the-scenes action.

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Aerosmith have axed their European 2022 tour due to the “uncertainty” of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Steven Tyler and co were due to hit the road in June and July, but have taken the decision to call off the gigs because of the “continued presence of COVID restrictions and other issues”, and to safeguard their fans and crew.
In a statement issued to their social media pages, the ‘Sweet Emotion’ rockers said: “It is with deep regret we must announce that our European Tour, scheduled to take place in June and July 2022, has been canceled.
“We have continued to monitor the ongoing COVID situation, and with the related uncertainty around travel logistics and the continued presence of COVID restrictions and other issues, it has become clear that it will not be possible to go ahead with our summer shows in the region.
“The health, safety and well-being of our fans is our number one priority.
“We will be back to rock out with everyone and we hope to have some exciting news to announce soon. (sic)”
The rock legends had already postponed the shows, which were originally due to take place in 2020, twice before.
In a previous statement, they said: “Due to current conditions and for the safety of our fans, the 2021 European Tour has been rescheduled to 2022.
“Please stay tuned for more information regarding the new dates or contact your point of purchase. All tickets will be valid for new dates.”
The concerts were to follow their ‘Deuces Are Wild’ Las Vegas residency at Park MGM’s Park Theater, the last performance of which was on February 15, 2020.
Meanwhile, guitarist Joe Perry previously said he’d like to record a new album with Aerosmith “when the time is right”.
The 71-year-old musician said he was feeling inspired to make new music with the group – also including Joey Kramer, Brad Whitford and Tom Hamilton – after his time in the studio with his Hollywood Vampires’ bandmates Alice Cooper and Johnny Depp working on their 2019 LP ‘Rise’.
He said at the time: “I had just finished working on my last solo album [before the new Hollywood Vampires album], so I had been in the studio for the three or four months before we started on the Vampires record.
“So I was already rolling in the studio. It doesn’t take much to get me going — I love to record. So, when the time is right, Aerosmith will come around to do another record.”
Aerosmith’s last studio album was 2012’s ‘Music from Another Dimension!’.

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Ed Sheeran has been named the most-played artist on the radio worldwide.
The 30-year-old Grammy-winner’s hits received an impressive 4.3 million plays on the airwaves over the past 12 months.
Ed was all over the radio over the festive period with his and Elton John’s festive hit ‘Merry Christmas’, and the LadBaby charity version of the track called ‘Sausage Rolls For Everyone’ topped the Official UK Chart.
Dua Lipa secured just 100,000 spins less than the ‘Bad Habits’ hitmaker over 12 months, while The Weeknd placed third place with three million.
The data from Viberate, who analysed 24000 radio stations in 150 countries, placed Queen in fourth place with 2.9 million, followed by 2.8 million plays of Maroon 5.
Music industry insights platform Viberate said: “We crunched the annual numbers behind every relevant music and social media channel, from Spotify to Beatport and TikTok, and drew conclusions regarding music industry trends and markets in 2022.”
In 2021, rock legends Queen were top of the airwaves.
The ‘Radio Ga Ga’ group’s drummer Roger Taylor is quoted by The Sun as saying: “I take great joy in the fact there’s an awful lot of love for us still. It constantly surprises me.”
Queen have continued to appeal to the masses despite the passing of late great frontman Freddie Mercury – who died in 1991 from HIV/AIDs-related illness aged 45.
And guitarist Brian May – who has continued the ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ hitmakers’ legacy alongside Roger – previously said he credits former ‘American Idol’ star Adam Lambert, who performs in Freddie’s place at their shows, for their longevity.
He said: “In no way does he imitate Freddie but he provides that piece of the jigsaw puzzle. It’s stupendous, we would never be doing this now if it weren’t for Adam.
“Sometimes I stop playing because I think ‘what did he just do?’ He’s so free with his interpretations and it’s just spine-chilling. The sound he makes and way he interprets a song.”
The 40-year-old star joined the line-up after he sang with Queen during the talent show’s season eight finale – which saw him finish runner-up – and then joined them for an award show in Ireland.
Brian explained: “There was something about Adam, this chemistry was instant and it was like we were already in a band with him.

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — George Ezra once bought a complete set of Pokémon cards on eBay after “a few drinks”.
The ‘Shotgun’ hitmaker has insisted he’s never been one to splash the cash on sports cars and designer clothes because he doesn’t have “expensive tastes”, but he once got a shock when he woke up after a drinking session to find he’d bid on some of the sought-after trading cards.
Speaking to Dave Berry on Absolute Radio, George said: “I haven’t got expensive tastes I wouldn’t say, but I remember once waking up after having had a few drinks and I’d bought a complete set of original Pokémon cards on eBay, but it was at the right time. There has been a bit of a renaissance recently, it was before that, so it wasn’t too insane … there was a point where I checked my emails and was like you what.”
The 28-year-old singer-songwriter has just returned with his new single, ‘Anyone For You’, taken from his upcoming third studio album ‘Gold Rush Kid’.
And George recently admitted he became “overwhelmed” by the idea of touring during lockdown.
He explained: “In the last two years I’ve allowed myself to be overwhelmed by the idea of touring and doing stuff publicly.
“It’s not going to last forever, so I just need to enjoy it while it’s here. I’ve met people, seen things and been to places that I never should have, and I’ve loved that.”
George quipped that the silver lining of being stuck at home amid the pandemic was that he was able to switch up his hairstyle.
The ‘Budapest’ hitmaker said: “Lockdown sorted the hair out because I had no choice but to grow it. I was like, ‘Dude, you should have been doing this ages ago.'”
George previously suggested that the pandemic has enabled him to cut loose.
The star – who has been open about his struggles with anxiety and OCD in the past – said: “I’m having a lot of fun at the moment and I feel like, let’s turn it up a gear.
“Having missed out – all of us having missed people, experiences – it’s just, lean into them, now knowing what it feels like without them. When opportunities arrive, grab them.”
Listen to the Dave Berry Breakfast Show Monday to Friday from 6am.
Find the station on absoluteradio.co.uk, your smart-speaker or in the Absolute Radio app.

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Lady Gaga’s ‘Jazz & Piano’ residency is returning to Las Vegas.
The 35-year-old megastar will be back on stage at the world-famous Dolby Live Park MGM hotel and casino in Sin City this April and May.
The original run started in January 2019 and will once again “celebrate her love of the Great American Songbook”.
What’s more, the ‘Million Reasons’ singer will be performing songs from her acclaimed second duets LP with jazz icon Tony Bennett, ‘Love For Sale’.
Some dates of the residency had to be shelved in 2020, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new run kicks off on April 14 and wraps on May 1.
Love For Sale’ – the follow-up to 2014’s ‘Cheek to Cheek’ – marked Tony’s last ever album.
The entertainer is battling Alzheimer’s disease but has no idea he has the progressive neurological condition, which causes memory loss.
Gaga recently shared her delight at the 95-year-old music legend understanding her every word when she told him the news they are up for six Grammys, including the prestigious Album of the Year prize.
The ‘A Star Is Born’ star was left “utterly speechless” after finding out they are up for several accolades at the 2022 ceremony.
The duo are also in contention for Record of the Year for ‘I Get a Kick Out of You’, and best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Traditional Pop Vocal Album, Music Video, and Engineered Album Non-Classical.
In a lengthy statement on Instagram, Gaga gushed: “Thank you so much to the @RecordingAcademy for these 6 nominations for Love For Sale. I am stunned and shocked and beyond grateful. I don’t know what to say. I just keep crying and am utterly speechless.
“This means so much to me, @itstonybennett, the Bennetts, my family, jazz music, and the great Cole Porter who wrote all these timeless classics. I’ll never forget today and congratulating Tony on his 6 nominations.”
On Tony’s reaction, she continued: “I’ll never forget that today he could track every word I was saying and understood the world was celebrating him and celebrating jazz – a genre that embodies the joy, abundance and imagination of Black music throughout history.
“Thank you to all the Grammy voters for recognizing me and Tony’s dedication to jazz music and for also recognizing it in major categories where this music is often not nominated. (sic)”
Tickets go on sale on Friday (04.02.22) via gagavegas.com

Lady Gaga’s 2022 ‘Jazz & Piano’ residency shows:

April 14, Dolby Live at Park MGM, Las Vegas
April 16, Dolby Live at Park MGM, Las Vegas
April 17, Dolby Live at Park MGM, Las Vegas
April 21, Dolby Live at Park MGM, Las Vegas
April 23, Dolby Live at Park MGM, Las Vegas
April 24, Dolby Live at Park MGM, Las Vegas
April 28, Dolby Live at Park MGM, Las Vegas
April 30, Dolby Live at Park MGM, Las Vegas
May 1, Dolby Live at Park MGM, Las Vegas

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Ali Campbell of UB40’s upcoming UK tour will go ahead in memory of his late bandmate, Astro.
The multi-instrumentalist – who played percussion, trumpet, and sang in the legendary reggae-pop band – sadly passed away after a “very short illness” aged 64 in November.
And Ali, 61, has confirmed his upcoming dates as UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell will honour his dear friend.
In a statement, he said: “I can’t wait to get back on stage and see all our wonderful fans. It’s going to be incredibly difficult without Astro by my side.
Remembering Astro, let the music play on.
Big love, Ali.”
The run kicks off at London’s The O2 arena on February 25 and wraps in Sheffield on March 6.
UB40 formed in Birmingham in 1978.
Duncan Campbell, 63, replaced brother Ali in 2008 after he left over a disagreement about management.
Ali and Astro went on to tour as UB40 Featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey, along with Mickey Virtue.
Astro left the group in November 2013.
Duncan was replaced by KIOKO’s Matt Doyle in 2021, after he was forced to end his tenure in the ‘Red Red Wine’ group to focus on his recovery from a stroke in August 2020.
The news of Astro’s passing was confirmed on the official UB40 Twitter account.
A statement read: “RIP ASTRO
“We have heard tonight, the sad news that ex-member of UB40, Terence Wilson, better know as Astro, has passed away after a short illness.
“Our sincere condolences to his family
“UB40 (sic)”
Ali admitted he was “completely heartbroken” in his own post.
He tweeted: “We are absolutely devastated and completely heartbroken to have to tell you that our beloved Astro has today passed away after a very short illness. The world will never be the same without him.
“We ask you to please respect his family’s privacy at this incredibly difficult time.”
Reggae Roast Soundsystem are special guests on the tour.
Tickets are available from www.myticket.co.uk

The UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell tour dates are:
February 25th, London The O2
February 26th, Brighton Centre
March 4th, Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
March 5th, Birmingham Utilita Arena
March 6th, Sheffield City Hall

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Darren Hayes was “deeply sad” at the height of his fame.
The former Savage Garden frontman, who has made a comeback with his new solo song, ‘Let’s Try Being In Love’, came out as gay in 2006 when he married his husband of almost two decades, Richard Cullen, and he’s admitted not being able to show his true identity during the ‘Truly Madly Deeply’ hitmakers’ heyday made him unhappy.
He said: “I’ve been married to Richard [Cullen] for almost 17 years, [and] I’m in this really comfortable place in my life. But at the same time at mid-life I’m grieving the fact I never got to celebrate who I really was at the period of my life where I was most famous.
“I look at this world we live in now, where someone like [gay singer] Lil Nas X can push forward his true self, full of pride and self-love and have the chance to be loved for who he truly is.
“I was realising with great sadness I didn’t get that experience.
“A lot of the time when I was my most famous, I was deeply sad.”
Darren was previously married to actress Kathleen De Leon, 44, and his new single is about leaving behind something so “beautiful and innocent” for his freedom, and becoming “proud of the gay me”.
He explained: “I’m looking back on that first period of my life where I’m married to a woman.
“I’m realising that in order to be free I have to destroy something beautiful and innocent. Scott’s character represents the freight train of my future sexuality and that’s gonna emerge no matter what.
“I wanted to show I love the feminine in me, be proud of the gay me. There’s a dance scene that is so passionate, everything’s alive and thriving and blooming. That’s how I feel in general about music. And that’s a hugely sharp contrast to how I felt 10 years ago.”
Australian pop duo Savage Garden – in which Darren was joined by Daniel Jones – shot to fame in the mid-90s and early 2000s, topping the charts with a slew of hit singles, including ‘I Want You’, ‘To the Moon and Back’ and ‘Truly Madly Deeply’.
The group disbanded in 2001, and the following year, Darren released his debut solo album, ‘Spin’.
The singer-songwriter’s last studio album was 2011’s ‘Secret Codes and Battleships’.

Source: IconInsider.com