OHMYGOSSIP — Michael Eavis has dropped a huge hint that Sir Paul McCartney will perform at Glastonbury next year.
The music festival’s founder is hopeful the Beatles legend will take to the stage at his Worthy Farm venue in Somerset, south west England, for the spectacle’s 50th anniversary.
He said: “Paul’s on good form at the moment.”
When asked if he had “spoken to him” and if he was coming to Worthy Farm, Michael told BBC Somerset: “Hopefully for the 50th, yeah.
“Don’t make a big thing of it though will you?”
Last June, the 76-year-old star admitted he would “probably” headline Glastonbury if he was asked, but he thought his daughters Stella, 47, and Mary, 49 – who he has with late ex-wife Linda – must have been “drunk” when they announced plans to launch a campaign for their father to top the bill on the iconic Pyramid Stage.
He said: “I think they were drunk weren’t they?
“They have said to me actually, ‘Dad you’ve got to do it, you’ve got to do it.’
“I haven’t really spoken to anyone about it. It’s a little while since we did it. And we did enjoy doing it. The conversation hasn’t gone any further.”
Quizzed on what he would say if he was asked to headline Glastonbury, Paul – who last topped the bill at the event in 2004 – replied: “Yeah probably, probably.”
But Paul’s daughters weren’t successful with their plan this year as The Killers, The Cure and Stormzy will headline the event in June.
OHMYGOSSIP — Cathy Dennis is to perform her first concert in 20 years.
The 50-year-old singer admitted she has “neglected” her own live performances in recent years at the expense of writing songs for other artists, so she’s excited about marking her 30th year in music with a performance at London’s Mighty Hoopla Festival in Brockwell Park on June 8.
She told The Sun newspaper: “I haven’t done it for a very long time and I enjoy it. It’s just another side of my life which I feel, I don’t really understand why I’ve neglected it as much as I have, but it’s time to put that right.”
The ‘Too Many Walls’ hitmaker is grateful to still have a “passionate” fanbase and admitted she would prefer to have a small loyal following than a huge sea of fans that many of the artists she’s written for – such as Britney Spears, Katy Perry and Jonas Brothers – frequently perform in front of.
She said: “I’m so grateful and I feel so lucky. They’re really nice fans and they seem to be really passionate about my songs and my work.
“I’d rather have that number than have excessive amounts of people who don’t really care as much. I mean I can’t believe how lovely my fans are, I really cannot.”
Cathy, who will be joined at the festival by the likes of Chaka Khan, All Saints and Tove Lo, loves the “challenge” that comes with trying to pen a huge hit pop song.
She said: “It’s hard every day. I’m trying to push myself and do my best work every day so I’ve always been very hard on myself. It’s a very competitive arena and writers are I find generally quite territorial.
“They want to protect the relationships they’ve already established with artists and it’s a great challenge to try and break into or break down those walls and try and get into new circles. I just love the challenge of it. I think I naturally thrive in situations where I feel that I’m the underdog – that’s the kind of thing that drives me.”
OHMYGOSSIP — Shawn Mendes has a British roast dinner every Sunday.
The Canadian pop star has roots in the UK, with his mother Karen hailing from Yeovil in Somerset, south west England, and the family have kept up traditions such as eating the traditional meal – comprised of roast meat, roast potatoes, vegetables and gravy – weekly.
The ‘Stitches’ singer has even acquired the country’s dry sense of humour.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper about his heritage, Shawn – who was brought up in Ontario, Canada, with his English mum and Portuguese dad Manuel – said: “My mum’s British, so I’ve been having roast dinners every Sunday for as long as I can remember. I definitely inherited my sense of humour (from her).
“Sarcasm, and understanding that people aren’t going to take it easy on you sometimes, that’s kind of the British culture — in a good way.”
Many of Shawn’s relatives reside in Sturminster Newton, Dorset, and the ‘In My Blood’ hitmaker was able to bring a large number of his family to London’ iconic Royal Albert Hall for the ultimate British experience, seeing him play Queen Elizabeth II’s 92nd birthday concert last year.
Shawn said: “It was insane. My grandad and my nan were there and it was a massive deal for them.”
The 20-year-old pop star – who has invited his family to his shows in London next month – previously revealed he spent 10 “awkward” minutes backstage with Her Majesty at the show.
Before he went on stage, the ‘Treat You Better’ singer bumped into the Queen, but because she did not spark up a conversation first, which is royal protocol, they were left in “silence” for some time.
He recalled: “I’m in this backstage area before you go on stage…and I’m standing there waiting to go on stage and the Queen just walks up next to me.
“You’re not allowed to speak to her unless she speaks to you first, so it was like this every – 10 minutes of awkward silence between me and the Queen.”
Asked if she even looked at him, Shawn laughed: “She didn’t look at me at all. I looked over a couple of times and I was like, ‘I probably shouldn’t be looking.'”
Unfortunately, Shawn didn’t get to meet Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan who were also in attendance, after he chickened out of going up and speaking to them.
He said: “This is going to be my biggest regret forever.
“I was walking down the halls, and I see them in one room. And they’re just talking…and I walked in with this confidence and the second they kind of felt me coming, I just turned around. My body went numb and I was like, ‘I can’t do it, I can’t do it.’ I didn’t stop. It was like one flow of motion.”
OHMYGOSSIP — John Newman is launching his own celebrity food series.
The ‘Feelings’ hitmaker and car fanatic has come up with the unique concept for ‘John Newman’s Fast Food Challenge’, a YouTube series which sees his A-list pals feast on a “posh” three-course dinner whilst he is speeding them around a race track.
The 28-year-old star is on Keith Lemon’s outrageous UK comedy panel show ‘Celebrity Juice’ on Friday night (12.04.19), and the show’s host is the first in the hot seat on John’s series.
Keith shared a picture with the singer on the track and admitted he felt queasy after completing the challenge.
He captioned the Instagram snap: “Been doing the fast food Rally challenge with @johnnewmanmusic today. Me back hurts and I feel sick but by eck! We laughed!”
There is also talks of John’s pals Ed Sheeran and ‘These Days’ hitmakers Rudimental filming their own respective episodes.
An insider told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column: “John wanted to put his driving to good use. He’ll be taking the stars around a track while they try to scoff a posh dinner, it’s going to be carnage.
“Keith Lemon has filmed his episode and John’s pals Ed Sheeran and Rudimental are lining up their schedules so they can have a go.”
The ‘Love Me Again’ hitmaker previously revealed he hopes that he can use his music career to “get into other avenues” such as acting and launching his own record label.
Speaking in 2016, he said: “I want to get a label going and I did have a meeting about getting into acting. It never came through but it’s something that I want to look at.
I just want to do some stuff that ticks off my bucket list. I want to use my music to get into other avenues.”
Food has certainly been a great way for John to get to know his showbiz pals, as he previously revealed he came to collaborate with Calvin Harris on ‘Blame’ after they met at Tescos, where the Scottish DJ was buying flapjacks.
He said: “I met him when he was going to Tesco to buy flapjacks and a bird had s*** on his car and from there we became mates and made this tune together.”
OHMYGOSSIP — Avicii’s posthumous single ‘SOS’ featuring Aloe Blac has been released one year after his death.
The Swedish DJ – whose real name was Tim Bergling – tragically died by suspected suicide in Oman on April 10 last year, at the age of 28, and his family released the first song from the upcoming album ‘Tim’ in his memory on Wednesday (10.04.19).
Aloe took to Twitter to share the video for the track, which features a series of tear-jerking tributes from Tim’s fans, and vowed to “carry on” his legacy with their music.
He captioned the Twitter post: “Thank you, Tim. Today we share your creativity with the world once again. I’m honored to have worked with you and I promise to carry on your legacy through our songs. #Avicii #SOS #WakeMeUp #LiarLiar #ForgiveMe #Free #BlackAndBlue @Avicii (sic)”
The forthcoming 16-track album contains previously unheard material and is set to be released in June.
A message from his representatives stated: “He left behind a collection of nearly finished songs, along with notes, email conversations and text messages about the music. The songwriters that Tim was collaborating with on this album have continued the process to get as close to his vision as possible.
“Since Tim’s passing, the family decided not to keep the music locked away – instead they wanted to share it with his fans all around the world.”
Coldplay’s Chris Martin – who previously worked with him – provided vocals on a song named ‘Heaven’.
Net proceeds from the album will benefit the Tim Bergling Foundation, which was set up by his family to help those struggling with mental illness and also to support the prevention of suicide.
His family said in a statement: “Tim wanted to make a difference. Starting a foundation in his name is our way to honour his memory and continue to act in his spirit.”
At the end of April 2018, Avicii’s family released a statement which seemingly confirmed the star had taken his own life.
It read: “Stockholm, 26 April 2018. Our beloved Tim was a seeker, a fragile artistic soul searching for answers to existential questions. An over-achieving perfectionist who travelled and worked hard at a pace that led to extreme stress. When he stopped touring, he wanted to find a balance in life to be happy and be able to do what he loved most – music. He really struggled with thoughts about Meaning, Life, Happiness. He could not go on any longer. He wanted to find peace. Tim was not made for the business machine he found himself in; he was a sensitive guy who loved his fans but shunned the spotlight. Tim, you will forever be loved and sadly missed. The person you were and your music will keep your memory alive. We love you, Your family.”
OHMYGOSSIP — Mahalia was moved to tears by the love she felt from her fans as she performed at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London on Wednesday night (10.04.19).
The singer took to the stage at the iconic venue for the second show on her ‘Do Not Disturb Tour’ and it was an emotional evening for her as she performed for the sold-out audience, which included members of her family and friends.
After finishing her set, Mahalia took to Twitter to thank her fans for coming out to her London concert and for coming along to her opening gig in Manchester on Tuesday (09.04.19) and making them two of the most special nights of her life.
She tweeted: “My voice is outta here gaaaan w the wind right now but Manc & Ldn !!!!! You made me cry 2 of the most beautiful nights. I will never forget you. Thank u so much !!! I’m currently on tour w the best boys ever … This is only the beginning my friends (sic)”
Mahalia’s set was made up with her own brand of electronic tinged R&B and soul and highlights included ’17’, ‘Surprise Me’, ‘Honeymoon’ and ‘One Night Only’, on which she was accompanied by British poet-and-rapper Kojey Radical.
The English melodic maestro also stripped things back at times and she delivered a spellbinding acoustic rendition of ‘Silly Girl’, which saw her alone on stage with just a guitar accompanying her haunting vocals.
Without a doubt the highlight of Mahalia’s set was when she performed break-up track ‘Sober’, which prompted a mass sing-along amongst her fans.
Mahalia is now heading to Europe for more dates on her ‘Do Not Disturb Tour’.
OHMYGOSSIP — Billie Joe Armstrong thinks it was an “honour” to work with Morrissey.
The Green Day frontman has teamed up with the ‘Last of the Famous International Playboys’ hitmaker to record a version of The Fifth Dimension’s ‘Wedding Bell Blues’ for the former Smiths singer’s upcoming covers album ‘California Son’ and he’s thanked his collaborator for inviting him to be on the single.
He wrote on Instagram: “Hey y’all!! I had the honor of sharing a microphone with Morrissey on a song! Unreal! Thank you Morrissey ! You are truly a legend (sic)”
‘California Son’ will be released in May and the tracklisting for the record was revealed in February.
As well as Billie Joe’s song with Morrissey, Bob Dylan’s ‘Only a Pawn In Their Game’ will be performed by the former Smiths frontman and Petra Haden.
Petra will also appear on a cover of Carly Simon’s ‘When You Close Your Eyes’, with Sameer Ganhia of Young The Giant joining in on ‘Days of Decision’ by Phil Ochs, and LP – whose real name is Laura Pergolizzi – taking on Roy Orbison’s ‘It’s Over’.
In a statement, LP said: “[I have] great respect and appreciation [for Morrissey]. However, I soon realised when I hung out with him and he played me all the songs he was putting on this record that behind this was the heart of an audiophile and a deep fan of his own musical heroes. He is well versed in so many genres and knows deep cuts of artists I thought I knew so much about. It is inspiring to see the enthusiasm and intellect he brings to people through his own musical journey.”
Also joining in the collaborative effort is Ed Droste of Grizzly Bear, who performs Jobriath’s ‘Morning Starship’ with Morrissey, and Ariel Engle of Broken Social Scene, who joins in with Joni Mitchell’s ‘Don’t Interrupt The Sorrow’.
OHMYGOSSIP — Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien is planning to release his debut solo album in September.
The ‘Creep’ hitmakers’ guitarist first started working on the record three years ago, and he has now given fans an idea of when they can expect the currently untitled effort, which will feature The Invisible’s Dave Okumu, touring bassist for Eric Clapton, Phil Collins and Toto, Nathan East, and drummer Omar Hakim, who provided percussion on the late music legend David Bowie’s ‘Let’s Dance’.
Further special guests are set to make appearances also.
Ed, who will sing, play guitar and bass on the project, has worked with U2 producer Flood and Catherine Marks – who is best known for her work with The Killers and Wolf Alice – on the album.
Appearing on an episode of the ‘That Pedal Show’ YouTube series recently, Ed said: “You’ll make a little connection. There will be textures. There’s quite a lot of depth to it. It’s a little bit magical realist, slightly psychedelic, a lot of colour.”
The Oxford-born musician is currently in the process of scouting a label to release the album and the plan is to hit the road with a “funk and jazz focus” band, which he is also on the look out for.
The 50-year-old musician previously revealed his plans to channel his inner rock god away from Radiohead – who are fronted by Thom Yorke – in 2016.
He said: “We’ve attempted to do something like a full solo album – you know, stand there on the mountaintop with the hair going and the Les Paul and create a whole Ed O’Brien. I haven’t up until two years ago but I am going to now. I’m gonna do one next year.”
He first got the idea while he was living in Brazil with his wife Susan Kobrin and their two children, son Salvador, 15, and daughter Oona, 13.
The family lived in the countryside of the South American nation and the simplicity of his life their inspired him to write the bulk of the songs that will feature on his solo album.
He shared: “It starts in Brazil … the kids were born 2004 and 2006. And I said to the guys, in five years time, me and my wife are gonna go and live in Brazil for a year … I was really aware that I’d had so many adventures with this band; I wanted to have an adventure with my family … So we went to live in Brazil, in the middle of the Brazilian countryside, and we lived on a little farm in basically a hut. Life was really simple. The kids went to the local school. No one could speak English, so they picked it up, the language of play and stuff. And life was reduced to its simple parts. For me, it was music and my family. And I would go each day, walk up the hill to this beautiful little hut next to this lake, and I started writing. All I wanted to do was sit there and play guitar.”
Ed also took a trip to Brazil’s famous Rio Carnival and the joyful nature of the music that is played at the event had a “profound” effect on him and he wants to replicate that on his solo tracks.
OHMYGOSSIP — Damon Albarn has taken up meditation and yoga.
The Blur and Gorillaz star has revealed he has swapped the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle for the healing powers of holistic therapy to manage his anxiety.
The ‘Song 2’ hitmaker has called for schools to start teaching the mindful practice used daily by Buddhists, which can help reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.
Speaking to Gemma Cairney on BBC Radio 6 Music, he spilled: “Meditation is really holistic for the whole body. They should teach it in primary schools.
“There is such an epidemic in anxiety now, it seems.
“Having been someone who has taken many different ways of conquering anxiety over the years, this is definitely the best one.”
As well as meditating, the 51-year-old star keeps fit and maintains good posture through yoga.
He added: “I started yoga for posture, then I realised it was really difficult and I didn’t have to do anything else if I did that all the time.”
The ‘Parklife’ singer has certainly changed his ways, as he was one of the most notorious rock ‘n’ roll hell-raisers back in the 90s, dabbling in a serious amount of drugs and booze.
However, it’s no surprise that he has taken up the Buddhist practice, as when he was bullied at school he used to read books on the religion.
Damon previously revealed he read literature by German poet and novelist, Hermann Hesse and ”various books on Buddhism” as well as trying to find solace in the countryside where he would search ”interesting trees where I could make little shrines”.
The ‘County House’ hitmaker said his childhood inspired his 2014 solo album ‘Everyday Robots’, which reflected how he got to where he is.
He added: “I definitely delved into that period in my childhood for the new album. I honestly think it’s what set me up to be the person I am now. It’s me saying ‘This is where I come from and how I got to be who I am.”
OHMYGOSSIP — Halsey is set to receive the Hal David Starlight Award* at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala. The ‘Bad At Love’ hitmaker “can’t believe” she is following in the footsteps of the likes of Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Alicia Keys and John Legend in being selected as this year’s recipient of the prestigious prize, which was created in 2004 to honour David’s influential work as a lyricist.
Halsey** tweeted: “Can’t believe I’m saying this but I’m honored to be receiving the Hal David Starlight Award at this years Songwriters Hall Of Fame Gala joining this list of writers who have inspired me is top 10 career moments for me (sic)”
The Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Chair, Nile Rodgers, commented, “I’ve watched Halsey grow over the last five years and every record seems to be better than the last one, so I’m delighted that she’s being recognised in this much-deserved way.”
Whilst The Hall of Fame’s President and CEO, Linda Moran, praised the 24-year-old pop star – whose recent hit ‘Without Me’ has spent 20 consecutive weeks in Billboard’s Hot 100’s top five – for baring her soul with “heart-wrenching, rebellious and complex lyrics” and said the ’11 Minutes’ singer is “more than worthy” of joining the previous recipients.
She said: “Halsey bares her soul with heart-wrenching, rebellious and complex lyrics that come from a place of creativity and strength where not many songwriters are comfortable going. She is more than worthy to join the roster of the young songwriters who have received the coveted Hal David Starlight Award.”
Halsey will join this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, which include Dallas Austin, Missy Elliott, Tom T. Hall, John Prine, Jack Tempchin and Cat Stevens, at the ceremony on June 13 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Sara Bareilles was honoured with the Hal David Starlight Award last year.
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* The Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) was founded in 1969 by songwriter Johnny Mercer and music publisher/songwriter Abe Olman and publisher/executive Howie Richmond to honor those whose work represents and maintains the heritage and legacy of a spectrum of the most beloved songs from the world’s popular music songbook. It not only celebrates these established songwriters, but is also involved on the development of new songwriting talent through workshops, showcases and scholarships. There are many programs designed to teach and discover new songwriters. Nile Rodgers serves as the organization’s chairman.
The Hall of Fame only existed as an online virtual collection until 2010, when it was first put on display as a physical gallery inside The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. With an under-construction basement installation at the Brill Building in New York, the Hall does not have a permanent place and the awards are not televised.
Through 2019, 461 individuals had been inducted into the SHOF.
There are numerous examples of collaborating songwriters being inducted in unison, with each person being considered a separate entrant. The inaugural year featured 120 inductees, many of whom had a professional partnership, such as Rodgers and Hammerstein. Burt Bacharach and Hal David followed in 1972. Betty Comden and Adolph Green were selected in 1980, and Lieber and Stoller were inducted in 1985. John Lennon and Paul McCartney were inducted in 1989 along with Gerry Goffin and Carole King as well as Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Motown’s Holland-Dozier-Holland team were honored the following year. Elton John and Bernie Taupin were among those chosen in 1992, and the pop music group the Bee Gees had all three brothers inducted in 1994. 1995 saw Gaudio and Crewe and Gamble and Huff. The Eagles’ Glenn Frey and Don Henley were co-inductees in 2000. Queen was the first rock band to have all their band members inducted in 2003. Five members of Earth Wind & Fire were in the class of 2010, and four members of Kool and the Gang were honored in 2018.
** Ashley Nicolette Frangipane (born September 29, 1994), known professionally as Halsey, is an American singer and songwriter. Her stage name is a reference to the Halsey Street station of the New York City Subway in Brooklyn, and an anagram of her first name.
After gaining attention from self-released music on social media platforms, Halsey was signed by Astralwerks in 2014. She then released her debut EP, Room 93, in October 2014. To promote the EP and her upcoming album, Halsey toured with larger acts. Her debut studio album, Badlands, was released in 2015. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Badlands released three new singles, all of which were certified Platinum and achieved commercial success; it also produced a rereleased single, which was certified Gold. To promote the album, Halsey embarked on her debut headlining world tour.
In 2016, Halsey was featured as a vocalist on The Chainsmokers’ single “Closer”, which achieved major commercial success, topping the charts of over 20 countries and gaining Halsey greater prominence. Her second studio album, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom, was released in 2017 and debuted at number one in the US and Canada. The album consisted of more “radio friendly” music than her previous releases; four of its singles charted on the Billboard Hot 100, with “Now or Never” peaking at number 17 and “Bad at Love” peaking at number five. In 2018, Halsey sang with Khalid for Benny Blanco’s debut single “Eastside”, which topped the charts of five countries and peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. Later that year, she released a single titled “Without Me”, which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and also reached the top five of sixteen other countries’ charts.
Halsey is noted for her distinctive singing voice. Her music focuses on her personal experiences and telling a story. Her awards and nominations include four Billboard Music Awards, two iHeartRadio Music Awards, one GLAAD Media Award, one Global Award, and a Grammy Award nomination. Outside of her career, she has been involved in suicide prevention awareness and sexual assault victim advocacy.
Ashley Nicolette Frangipane was born on September 29, 1994, in Edison, New Jersey. Her parents dropped out of college after her mother discovered that she was pregnant with her. Her mother, Nicole, works for security in a hospital, and her father, Chris, manages a car dealership. Chris is primarily of African-American descent with some Irish heritage, while Nicole is of Italian, Hungarian, and Irish descent. Halsey has two younger brothers, Sevian and Dante. She played the violin, viola, and cello, until moving on to the acoustic guitar when she was fourteen years old.
Throughout her childhood Halsey’s family moved frequently, and her parents worked many jobs. By the time she reached her teen years Halsey had been enrolled in six different schools, stating that the frequent moving during her childhood caused her to be “used to packing up and leaving, to condensing myself into a digestible version because people don’t have much time to get to know me.” In high school Halsey participated in theatre, and was the yearbook editor. She was also named “Best Artist”. During high school Halsey was bullied for her tattoos and shaved head, and struggled with body image. A nude photo of her was once stolen from her locker and shown around her school, causing ridicule from other students. Also during high school Halsey was a fan of “emo” music and attended a Panic! at the Disco concert where she received a unique wristband, which she lost to a bully at school. After Halsey became famous she met the lead singer of the band, Brendon Urie, who in response to her story gave her two wristbands and a bouquet of flowers. At seventeen Halsey attempted to commit suicide and survived, which led to a seventeen day hospitalization. Following this, she was diagnosed as bipolar, stating that her mother also struggles with bipolar disorder. She began using recreational drugs soon after, claiming her bipolar disorder caused her to become an “unconventional child” who grew up to be an “inconvenient woman.” Also when she was seventeen, she started seeing a man who was twenty-four and lived on the Halsey Street in Brooklyn. Halsey stated “That’s where I first starting writing music and where I started to feel like I was a part of something bigger than my town in middle of nowhere New Jersey. Halsey is kind of like a manifestation of all the exaggerated parts of me, so it’s like an alter ego.” She also stated that the word “stuck out” to her. In 2012, Halsey graduated from Warren Hills Regional High School in Washington, New Jersey.
After graduating, Halsey enrolled at the Rhode Island School of Design; however, she withdrew due to financial hardships and attended community college instead. Prior to college, she had relationships with other women, but stated that in college she started identifying as bisexual. Halsey eventually dropped out of community college and was kicked out of her home by her parents, stating “They just didn’t agree with a lot of things about me”. Soon after she started living in a basement in lower Manhattan with a group of “degenerate stoners” who she knew through her then-boyfriend. When she wasn’t living there, she occasionally lived in one of New York’s many homeless shelters. When describing this period of her life, Halsey stated, “I remember one time I had $9 in my bank account, and bought a four-pack of Red Bull and used it to stay up overnight over the course of two or three days, because it was less dangerous to not sleep than it was to sleep somewhere random and maybe get raped or kidnapped.” She would occasionally stay with her grandmother.
OHMYGOSSIP — Wolf Alice felt guilty about winning the Mercury Prize. The Beautifully Unconventional hitmakers – comprised of Ellie Rowsell, Joff Oddie, Joel Amey and Theo Ellis – were awarded the prestigious accolade for their second LP, ‘Visions of a Life’, in September and though they were proud to be recognised, they were quickly deflated following a backlash that accused the panel of making a safe choice.
Ellie said: “It’s hard. Because winning was great – we celebrated. I felt proud. Then you read all these things and you deflate. I felt guilty. ‘I’m sorry I won this, please give it to someone else.’ And I don’t want to do that.”
And the quartet don’t understand why they were seen as the “safe” choice and think they were actually chosen because they represented a middle ground that wasn’t too mainstream to be obvious or so leftfield that the vote would alienate the public.
Joff recalled in an interview with the thetimes.co.uk: “People were angry. They thought we were the safe option.”
Ellie – who was on the 2016 judging panel – added: “But the safe option is always the left-field choice, because nobody can be angry. They go, ‘Oh, it’s nice to give them a boost!’ ”
But Joff mused: “I don’t know. The award was in a position of losing public interest had they done that again.”
Ellie admitted: “We were the middle thing. So, basically, we didn’t win because we were good. But critics were more annoyed with the prize than with us. ‘No offence to Wolf Alice, they seem nice, but f*** the Mercurys!’ ”
Wolf Alice – whose debut album ‘My Love is Cool’ was nominated for the 2015 Mercury Prize – beat off the likes of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Arctic Monkeys, Florence and the Machine, Lily Allen, and Jorja Smith to be crowned the winners of the iconic award.
OHMYGOSSIP — Lamont Dozier believes the enduring power of the music of Motown is that it brings people together. The 77-year-old musician was responsible, along with his songwriting partners Brian and his Eddie Holland, for creating some of the record label’s biggest ever hits such as ‘Baby Love’ and ‘Stop! in the Name of Love’ for The Supremes, ‘Nowhere to Run’ by Martha and the Vandellas, and ‘It’s the Same Old Song’ and ‘Reach Out I’ll Be There’ by The Four Tops among many more.
Motown was founded in 1959 by Berry Gordy Jr. and Lamont believes the songs that dominated the charts in the 60s played a part in healing some of the racial divisions in America throughout that decade and they still have that ability to create love now.
In an interview with the new issue of Mojo magazine, he said: “What Motown mostly did was bring people together. Because those were really troubling times in the 60s and people were at odds with each other. Music, it’s a cure for a lot of the ills and the prejudices and all that stuff. Can it happen today? Well it’s changed, it’s a whole new thing now. But the music is always there, lurking in the background, and music always has that healing thing. When everything seems lost you can put on a melody or a song. Doctor Music, I call it.”
The Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting trio penned numerous songs which told the stories of heartbreak and lost love for women and Dozier admits he always considered himself an “advocate for the woman’s plight in their love life”.
Dozier learnt about ladies’ problems with me from working in his grandmother’s beauty parlour and overhearing the conversations of the customers. He said: “We were writing for a lot of girls because bought the records more so than guys did in those days. And I was good with the story ideas, because I was always the one listening for what girls had to say about what they were going through. I always considered myself an advocate for the woman’s plight in their love life. A lot of the ideas for those songs came from listening to women at my grandmother’s beauty shop. They’d come in and they would ask her for advice about unrequited love, and I’m sweeping up the hair in the place, learning how women were being mistreated by their boyfriends and husbands.”
OHMYGOSSIP — Bono has joined forces with a host of Irish musicians to record a new charity single. The U2 frontman has collaborated with stars including Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody, Villagers and The High Hopes Choir for a cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s song ‘Homeward Bound’, which will generate funds for the homeless in Ireland, rte.ie mediates.
The stars have joined the Street Lights collective, which will also release an eponymous compilation album on December 7th, featuring songs from Bell X1, Snow Patrol, Saint Sister, Richard Hawley with Lisa Hannigan, James Vincent McMorrow and The Frames. All proceeds will go to the Peter McVerry Trust, Simon Community Ireland and Focus Ireland.
Speaking about their involvement in the project, Annmarie Brennan of Dublin Simon Community said: “With the support of everyone involved, this will have a life changing impact to the lives of vulnerable people living in unimaginable circumstances. The funds raised will enable us to continue delivering more permanent homes, ensuring that people never have to face the uncertainty and anxiety of homelessness again.”
Peter McVerry Trust said, TheSun.ie mediates: “It is brilliant to see so many people come together to help three charities working to provide solutions to the homeless crisis day in and day out. Any proceeds received from Peter McVerry Trust will be an enormous help to our work and the money raised will go into our housing led response to homelessness.”
‘Homeward Bound’ is now available across all digital platforms and the album Street Lights will be available from Friday, December 7.
OHMYGOSSIP — Gary Barlow has warned Robbie Williams he has some “hard work” ahead of him on ‘The X Factor’ judging panel. The Take That star has told his former bandmate that being a panellist on the talent show – which Gary was for three series from 2011 to 2013 – is “tiring”, but assured him he will have a top time on the programme.
He told The Sun newspaper: “It’s going to be great, but I know what’s to come with that show. I know what it does to you. He’s got some hard work ahead, that’s for sure. I’ve told him it’s a lot of hours – more than people realise. It’s tiring.”
The 47-year-old star has also warned his 44-year-old pal about the editing that goes on, but believes fans will be in for a treat watching Robbie on the panel. He said: “They film you for eight hours until you’ve had enough and then you say something bad – and that’s what they use when it goes out. You’re definitely going to see him turning the air blue, so tune in. He’ll be disappointed if they don’t let him.”
Robbie is expected to be confirmed as a new X Factor* judge alongside his wife Ayda Field, singer Louis Tomlinson, and show boss Simon Cowell later today (17.07.18) – and Take That singer Howard Donald believes the ‘Let Me Entertain You’ hitmaker and his significant other will bicker on the show.
He said: “I think they’ll be at each other’s throats. That’s why they’ve asked them to do it as a pair.”
Ayda recently sparked further speculation she and Robbie are to join ‘The X Factor’ panel by refusing to deny the claims. When asked if she is joining the show as a judge, she said: “It’s very rare that I am speechless but I have no comment.”
Robbie – who has five-year-old daughter Teddy and three-year-old son Charlton with actress Ayda – recently sparked speculation he could be joining the panel, but admitted “nothing has been signed” for ‘X Factor’, although he would “love to do it”.
He said: “I’ve read these reports too and I would understand, because I’ve read the articles too, that people would think I’m doing ‘The X Factor’ and so is my wife. As it happens people say it every year and I always say ‘no comment’. There’s a lot of me that would love to do it, there’s a lot of talking but nothing has been signed. Me and Simon and Lauren and my kids and little Eric hang out a lot and we talk about a lot of things. Nothing is signed, but watch this space.”
__________________________________ * The X Factor is a television music competition franchise created by British producer Simon Cowell and his company SYCOtv. It originated in the United Kingdom, where it was devised as a replacement for Pop Idol (2001–2003), and has been adapted in various countries. The “X Factor” of the title refers to the undefinable “something” that makes for star quality. The prize is usually a recording contract, in addition to the publicity that appearance in the later stages of the show itself generates, not only for the winner but also for other highly ranked contestants.
The similarities between The X Factor and Idols prompted Idol creator Simon Fuller, along with 19 Entertainment, to file a lawsuit against Cowell, SYCOtv, and FremantleMedia in 2004. An out-of-court settlement was reached in 2005 allowing Fuller to gain a 10 per cent share in The X Factor format, and preventing an American version until 2010. Fuller later filed another lawsuit in 2011, claiming that he had also been promised that he would be credited as an executive producer of The X Factor USA, but that Syco, FremantleMedia, and Fox Broadcasting Company had failed to fulfill that promise; that lawsuit is pending.
Unlike Idol, where the judges only critique the contestants’ performances, on The X Factor each judge “mentors” the finalists in a particular category, aiding them with song selection and styling, while also participating together in judging the contestants in the other categories. Not only Idol, but also new singing shows The Voice and Rising Star have become rival shows to The X Factor.
OHMYGOSSIP — Paul Simon has reworked a selection of his old songs for his new album. The 76-year-old musician – who is currently in the midst of his ‘Homeward Bound – The Farewell Tour’ in the UK – has announced that his 14th studio album ‘In The Blue Light’ will be released this September and contains new versions of several of his relatively unknown solo tracks, such as ‘Darling Lorraine’ and ‘The Teacher’.
Paul admits his motivation was to get the music sounding more like the versions he had in his head of what they should be like on record, Sonymusic.com mediates.
In a statement, he said: “This album consists of songs that I thought were almost right, or were odd enough to be overlooked the first time around. Re-doing arrangements, harmonic structures, and lyrics that didn’t make their meaning clear, gave me time to clarify in my own head what I wanted to say, or realise what I was thinking and make it more easily understood.”
The record features a tracklist of 10 songs produced by Simon along with Roy Halee, his frequent collaborator since the 1960s, and a host of guest musicians, including The National’s Bryce Dessner who has provided an original arrangement on ‘Can’t Run But’.
Describing the LP, Paul – of Simon & Garfunkel fame – added: “It’s an unusual occurrence for an artist to have the opportunity to revisit earlier works and re-think them; to modify, even completely change parts of the originals. Happily, this opportunity also gave me the gift of playing with an extraordinary group of musicians, most of whom I hadn’t recorded with before. I hope the listener will find these new versions of old songs refreshed, like a new coat of paint on the walls of an old family home.”
Paul Simon ‘In The Blue Light’ tracklisting:
1) One Man’s Ceiling Is Another Man’s Floor
2) Love
3) Can’t Run But
4) How The Heart Approaches What It Yearns
5) Pigs, Sheep and Wolves
6) René and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War
7) The Teacher
8) Darling Lorraine
9) Some Folks’ Lives Roll Easy
10) Questions For The Angels
OHMYGOSSIP — Lauryn Hill will be joined by M.I.A., Busta Rhymes, Nas and other guest support acts on her ‘Miseducation’ anniversary tour. The ‘Doo Wop’ hitmaker is performing a world tour to celebrate 20 years since the release of her debut solo album ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ and has announced a star-studded line-up of special guests for the North American shows, Variety.com mediates.
Lauryn will also be joined by Dave Chapelle, De La Soul, A$AP Rocky, SZA, Big Boi, Santigold, and Kelela on a rotating list of support acts during the first leg of the tour. The 43-year-old singer will kick off her shows at the St. Kitts Music Festival in the West Indies on June 30, before playing Virginia on July 5 and touring the US throughout July, August and September.
In October and November she is to bring the tour to Europe, but the support acts are not expected to join her.
It is not known if she will announce a different line-up for the European leg of the tour. Lauryn said: “This album chronicled an intimate piece of my young existence. It was the summation of most, if not all, of my most hopeful and positive emotions experienced to that date. I loved and believed deeply in my community’s ability to both love and heal itself provided it received the right amount of support and encouragement. Our world today, both complex and changing, is in need of the balance between moral fortitude and cathartic expression. I hope the love and energy that permeated this work can continue to inspire change with love and optimism at the helm.”
A portion of ticket sales go to Lauryn’s MLH Fund, which supports education, health, agriculture, technology, and community based businesses and development initiatives.
Lauryn Hill 2018 Tour Dates: Thu Jul 05 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
Sun Jul 08 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Wed Jul 11 – Boston, MA – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
Fri Jul 13 – Philadelphia, PA – Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing
Sun Jul 15 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Wed Jul 18 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Fri Jul 20 – Detroit, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
Wed Jul 25 – Charlotte, NC – Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre
Thu Jul 26 – Raleigh, NC – The Red Hat Amphitheater
Sun Jul 29 – Tampa, FL – Al Lang Stadium
Tue Jul 31 – Miami, FL – Bayfront Park Amphitheater
Thu Aug 02 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place
Fri Aug 03 – Atlanta, GA – State Bank Amphitheatre At Chastain Park
Sun Aug 05 – Nashville, TN – Nashville Municipal Auditorium
Wed Aug 08 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
Fri Sep 07 – Las Vegas, NV – The Joint
Sun Sep 09 – San Diego, CA – Open Air Theatre
Wed Sep 12 – Portland, OR – Portland Memorial Coliseum
Fri Sep 14 – Vancouver, BC – Festival Lawn at Deer Lake Park
Sat Sep 15 – Seattle, WA – ShoWare Center**
Thu Sep 20 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
