OHMYGOSSIP — Aretha Franklin is releasing a new album which features The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on classic tracks such as ‘Respect’, ‘Think’ and ‘Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)’.
The LP is titled ‘A Brand New Me: Aretha Franklin With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’ and will be released via Rhino Records on November 10 as well as streaming services and digital download.
The record, which marks the 50th anniversary of the 75-year-old soul legend’s singing to Atlantic Records in 1967, was recorded at the world famous Abbey Road Studios in London with acclaimed producers Nick Patrick and Don Reedman.
The pair are known for two Elvis Presley records with the orchestra, ‘The Wonder Of You: Elvis Presley With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’ and last year’s ‘If I Can Dream: Elvis Presley With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’, which topped charts across the world and sold 1.5 million copies.
Nick Patrick said: “There is a reason that Aretha Franklin is called the ‘Queen of Soul.’ There is nothing more exciting than that incredible voice taking you on an emotional roller coaster ride through her amazing repertoire of songs. To have the opportunity to work with that voice on this project has been the greatest honour and to hear a symphony orchestra wrapped around those performances is breathtaking.”
Don Reedman said: “I was 15 years old when a song came on the radio called ‘Rock A Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody.’ It blew me away; the power, the soul. The feeling that went through me got me hooked on Aretha and I have been ever since. To be able to make this album and be able to select songs from hits like ‘Respect’ to ‘Think’ then blend them with classic songs like ‘Let It Be’ and ‘Border Song’ and create an album which is versatile and fresh is truly an honour.”
The songs include brand new backing vocals led by Grammy-winning singer Patti Austin.
Aretha is also releasing a studio album, which she hopes will drop in January.
It will feature collaborations with the likes of Sir Elton John, Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder.
The ‘Natural Woman’ hitmaker said previously: “Lionel’s working on his piece, Stevie’s working on his piece; they’re both originals.”
The two records will be the icon’s last before she retires.
The track-listing for ‘A Brand New Me: Aretha Franklin With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’ is as follows:
1. ‘Think’
2. ‘Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)’
3. ‘I Say A Little Prayer’
4. ‘Until You Come Back To Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)’
5. ‘A Brand New Me’
6. ‘A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like)’
7. ‘Angel’
8. ‘Border Song (Holy Moses)’
9. ‘Let It Be’
10. ‘People Get Ready’
11. ‘Oh Me Oh My (I’m A Fool For You Baby)’
12. ‘You’re All I Need To Get By’
13. ‘Son Of A Preacher Man’
14. ‘Respect’

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OHMYGOSSIP — Blazin’ Squad are reuniting.
The ‘Flip Reverse’ group might play the odd festival show but once Marcel Somerville – known as Rocky B in the 10-piece hip-hop outfit – leaves ITV2 dating show ‘Love Island’ the noughties stars have plans to get back together and pen some new tunes for their fans.
However, Oliver ‘Freek’ Georgiou says he doubts it will be all of them.
He said: “It will be the original line up, obviously there’s 10 of us. I’m not sure if all 10 of us will be doing it, but there will be a good chunk of doing it.
“It’s been a long while since a lot of us have been on stage and toured. Fingers crossed! We’ve had the offers from promoters so hopefully. If it can come together then all good.”
The ‘Crossroads’ stars are waiting for head songwriter Marcel to write the new material once he leaves the show’s villa in Mallorca, Spain.
Ollie told Metro.co.uk: “If we do a tour and start getting it all together then there will be new music.
“We wouldn’t rely on old stuff and a lot of it would be done by Marcel because he’s very creative.”
While the group are having discussions and are serious about reforming, it’s been difficult because there are 10 people involved.
Oliver told The Sun newspaper: “There are talks and offers, but we have to wait and see about Marcel’s time in the villa and have a chat.
“We’ve had record labels, we’ve had promoters and meetings with various people. There are a lot of diaries to consider, a lot of people to consider, it’s not just two or three people, it’s ten diaries to consider and it’s been a long time since we’ve done it properly, so there are a lot of options to weigh up.
“That’s the one thing – that’s the deciding factor.
“If it’s something we can make happen and it works around everyone then we will.”
The lads have got back together in various forms since they disbanded in 2009.
In 2005, Strider, Flava and Kenzie signed a record deal with Polydor records under the name Friday Hill.
However, they were soon dropped in July 2006.
Meanwhile, Rocky-B, Reepa, Spike-E, Melo-D and MC Vyper (formerly Danny-B) reformed as Blazin’ Squad.
They released single ‘All Night Long’ in August 2006.
As Blazin’ Squad they released four albums, their last was their Greatest Hits in 2009.

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OHMYGOSSIP — Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s ‘Despacito’ has become the most streamed song in history.
The Spanish track was remixed featuring pop superstar Justin Bieber and now has combined global streams in excess of 4.6 billion plays across all streaming platforms.
Commenting on the achievement, Luis Fonsi said: “Streaming is a connector for audiences worldwide and it has helped my music reach every corner of the planet. It is truly an honour that ‘Despacito’ is now the most streamed song in history.”
For Bieber, 23, it means he has surpassed his own record for ‘Sorry’, which with its associated remixes, which have accumulated 4.38 billion plays as of now.
Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group, said: “Luis Fonsi already had the undisputed, biggest song of the year – and now he’s setting even bigger records. Streaming has opened up the possibility of a song with a different beat, from a different culture and in a different language to become a juggernaut of success around the world. My congratulations to Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber, as well as everyone at Universal Music Latin Entertainment, Republic Records and Def Jam, on this tremendous accomplishment.”
Jesús Lopez, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Latin America & Iberian Peninsula, added: “Streaming has democratized music consumption, it has made Latin music increasingly relevant on the charts and it has amplified our songs and videos to a world stage.
“‘Despacito’ has broken every record thanks to Luis Fonsi’s talent and creativity, which have positioned him as a pillar of Latin music for the past 20 years.
“I also congratulate Erika Ender, Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber for their valuable contributions, as well as the different teams involved in the success of this song.”

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OHMYGOSSIP — Metallica’s James Hetfield has taken aim at bandmate Kirk Hammett for his work on ‘Hardwired… to Self-Destruct’.
The heavy metal band’s frontman has hinted he has some doubts over the lead guitarist’s “claims” that he lost 250 riffs he’d written for the group’s 10th studio album when he mislaid his iPhone in 2015.
Speaking on the Meltdown podcast, he said: “That’s what he claims. I’m sure he did [lose the phone], but it doesn’t make sense that he wouldn’t have [the music] on his computer, either.
“But, whatever … Yeah, Kirk had some riffs that he … I guess submitted — it’s not a very nice word to be used if you’re in a band.
“But you know, we all submit our tapes, and we sit there and we listen to them and we pick the best stuff. There was not much stuff from Kirk. Whether his phone was lost, or whatever …”
This comes after the 53-year-old singer previously admitted Kirk wasn’t involved in the writing process for the record, and that his riffs “weren’t there”.
Last year, he said: “Kirk was not part of the writing. Kirk obviously came in and did the solos. Lars and I always have done this, but with contributions from other people on their riffs and things.
“Kirk’s riffs weren’t there.”
Kirk, 54, previously admitted he was devastated after losing his phone and didn’t have the device backed up.
He said: “I was crushed. It didn’t get backed up. When it happened, I was bummed out for about two or three days.”
Metallica are also made up of drummer Lars Ulrich and bassist Robert Trujillo.

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OHMYGOSSIP — Red Hot Chili Peppers’ bassist Flea has slammed retirement rumours as “silly talk”.
The ‘Californication’ hitmakers sparked speculation of the demise of the band last week after drummer Chad Smith claimed he “didn’t know if the band could continue” to tour.
He said at the time: “We were riding in a van after a gig and Flea was like, ‘How much longer do you think we should … How do you think we should end this?’ I was, like, ‘I don’t know!’ I want to make records, I still love making records, but the touring part … I don’t know if we can continue.
“I mean, three of us are 54 years old — Anthony [Kiedis, singer], me and Flea. Josh [Klinghoffer, guitarist] is 38 or 39, so he’s a young man. But I don’t know if we can continue to do the long tours — the year, year and a half we normally do. That’s a good question.”
But now, 54-year-old bassist Flea – real name Michael Peter Balzary – has claimed the notion the band are due to split is just “silly talk”, as they very rarely look beyond “the immediate future” and don’t know what’s in store for them just yet.
Speaking to TMZ.com, the ‘Can’t Stop’ musician said: “I don’t know if you know it, but that’s just silly talk. We never really look past the immediate future, but we’re on tour right now, we’re rocking out, we feel in the spirit, letting the music move us.
“To be honest, since we first started this band 35 years ago, I’ve never ever known what’s next or round the corner or anything. I think the power of the band lies in that – just staying in the moment and the energy that’s moving.”
Meanwhile, Chad furthered rumours of a shorter touring schedule when he pointed out the ‘Under The Bridge’ rockers also have families to think of and don’t like being away from their children for too long.
He said: “We all have families and different things, your priorities shift a little bit. You kinda see that what’s gonna work for you maybe doesn’t necessarily work for other bands.
“But again, we’re just so grateful that people want to come and see us play, and we love to perform. I don’t know in the future how that’s gonna look.”

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OHMYGOSSIP — Brandon Flowers’ idol Bernard Sumner of New Order serenaded him at the urinals the first time they met.
The Killers frontman has revealed he came face-to-face with the 80s new wave pioneers at the toilets at their first appearance at the NME Awards in 2005.
The ‘Blue Monday’ singer left the 36-year-old rocker speechless when he burst out singing the American band’s hit ‘Somebody Told Me’ whilst they peed.
Recalling meeting his hero, Brandon told Radio X: “It was our first time going to the NME Awards, and we were starstruck.
“It was an incredible experience for us. We were just happy to be there. I’m in the bathroom. I’m at the urinal. And Bernard Sumner, who’s one of my heroes, steps up next to me.
“And he starts singing ‘Somebody Told Me’ in my ear. It was so surreal, you know? Was it a good rendition? It was decent, yeah! He can carry a tune. That is so out of this world to have that happen. It was incredible!”
The Killers named themselves after a made up band in New Order’s music video for ‘Crystal’.
Meanwhile, Brandon recently admitted he “regrets” his attitude when he first found fame.
He revealed the group’s latest single ‘The Man’ – from forthcoming record ‘Wonderful Wonderful’ – is about the beginnings of the band and explained he wasn’t giving people an “honest representation” of who he really is because he felt so insecure.
He said: “Around about the time that The Killers started I guess, – that’s where ‘The Man’ harkens back to, and years after as well.
” can live with it, you know. It was nice to sort of go in and inhabit that character, and that figure, and that version of myself for much longer.
“I think a good chunk of [the new] album is making peace with that. I’ve been cleaning it up for a long time. I don’t think that was really a great representation, an honest representation of who I am. It came from a place of insecurity and I would just puff my chest out and say things and put a lot of negativity out there. I basically came to regret that and I’m sure a lot of people can identify with that.”

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OHMYGOSSIP — Sky Ferreira has explained the long wait for her new record ‘Masochism’.
The 25-year-old singer and actress has promised fans she is dedicated to the creative process of her second album, but has admitted she’s had to go through some setbacks, but is now raring to go making songs she’s proud of.
The ‘Baby Driver’ star says being “at the mercy of other people” is partly to blame for the delay in releasing her follow-up to 2013’s ‘Night Time My Time’.
In a lengthy Instagram post, she wrote: “I have been very quiet about what’s going on with my music for a few reasons. Mostly it’s because I’ve been working on it. I have been working on several other projects. I’m very excited about it all. I was genuinely stuck at the mercy of other people before (for almost years at this point). No matter how hard I tried, it was beyond me.I couldn’t say anything because of the possibility that it would make things worse. Being silent or “politically correct” wasn’t much help either. It felt way worse tbh. It has been genuine tasking on my soul & so frustrating. I stuck to my guns & that makes the process a lot longer than you would expect it to. There are so many factors to it all that would be silly to get into. I didn’t wait this long to put out something that meets the bare minimum for some.GOD BLESS a majority of those people are now out of my way & those problems are being fixed … (sic)”
The ‘Sex Rules’ singer says her new music will be different from previous work but has promised it is “wholehearted”.
She continued: “For the first time in a very long time I have a support system to help me (music wise). It’s only up from here. I’m starting to be in a good place creatively/overall & I’m very excited to put out new stuff & I can’t promise that you’ll like it ~~everyone is different~~BUT I can promise that anything I put out myself is & will be whole hearted & 100000000 dedication. I am planning on making something and putting out something soon. xoxoxoxoxxx ****Also I gotta point out something: I don’t know why this happens every time I make a record after a decade (yoinks) of doing this because…I MAKE POP MUSIC?!?? It’s not THAT complicated? (sic)”

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OHMYGOSSIP — Fatboy Slim says Adele is finding it hard to pen lyrics for her fourth record because she is so “happy”.
The 53-year-old DJ – whose real name is Norman Cook – is neighbours with the ‘Hello’ hitmaker and the pair often go round one another’s houses for a catch up on their music and to ponder life’s ups and downs.
The ‘Praise You’ hitmaker agrees with the 29-year-old singer that they both write better songs when they are “depressed”.
He said: “Adele told me how she’s having difficulty writing her fourth LP.
“She said: ‘I write all my best songs when I’m depressed, and I’m just really happy now.'”
Norman – who hasn’t released a new record since 2010’s ‘Here Lies Love’ – also teased that he is working on a song with a “hideously famous” pop star, but is keeping tight-lipped on who it is.
Meanwhile, the producer – who broke up with wife Zoe Ball, with whom he has children Woody, 16, and Nelly, six, in September after 18 years together – has complained of having a “wonky back” after decades behind the decks.
He told the Daily Star newspaper: “I have a slightly wonky back. It’s from years of titling my head where my DJ headphones sit, and controlling the laptop I DJ on.
“I have to see a chiropractor once a month. But I had my hearing tested for the first time recently, and the doctor was amazed how good my hearing is! So, really, I can’t complain.”

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OHMYGOSSIP — Lana Del Rey has announced a surprise London show to celebrate the release of her new record ‘Lust for Life’.
The ‘Video Games’ hitmaker will return to UK for an intimate performance at O2 Academy Brixton on Monday (24.07.17) in support of the album which drops on July 21.
Tweeting the exciting news, Lana wrote: “What’s up London I’m going to play a show July 24th at Brixton Academy, pre-sale registration starts now here https://store.universalmusic.com/lanadelrey (sic)”
The 32-year-old pop beauty recently unveiled two tracks with A$AP Rocky from the LP called ‘Summer Bummer’ and ‘Groupie Love’.
The record includes collaborations with rapper The Weeknd on the album-titled track, Stevie Nicks, who recorded vocals on ‘Beautiful People, Beautiful Problems’ and ‘Tomorrow Never Came’ featuring Sean Lennon.
Speaking about teaming up with the Fleetwood Mac legend, she previously said: “She was amazing. She’s just everything you hope she’s gonna be. She’s so contemporary, and she knows all the new music that’s out weekly. She loved the track and she added so much to it.”
The ‘Born To Die’ singer previously said she needed “space” to create the forthcoming record and needed to be as “far away” from “real life” as possible.
She said: “You know in this time an artist really needs a lot of space when they are trying to create something special.
“A place to cultivate a world of their own away from the real world that is around them.
“Luckily for me, I live right inside the middle of the edge of the Hollywood sign.
“And this is how I spend most of my nights, perched high above the chaos that swirls within the city of angels below.”
‘Lust for Life’ is the follow-up to 2015’s ‘Honeymoon’.
Tickets for the Brixton show will go on sale on Wednesday (19.07.17) from 12pm.

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OHMYGOSSIP — Matt Terry has teamed up with Enrique Iglesias and Sean Paul for a collaboration.
The 24-year-old singer has recorded a new version of the Latin legend’s track ‘Súbeme La Radio’ – translated as ‘Turn Up The Radio’ – with the 44-year-old Jamaican rapper, which drops later this week, and looks set to give Justin Bieber, Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi a run for their money after they released number one hit ‘Despacito’.
Matt – who won last year’s series of ‘The X Factor’ under the guise of his mentor Nicole Scherzinger – revealed: “Enrique asked me to be part of this track, which is amazing.
“I sing the second verse and the second chorus. We did it out in Miami. They said, ‘Enrique wants you.”
And fans of the dark-haired hunk – who melted hearts with his rendition of Sam Smith’s ‘Writing’s On The Wall’ on the talent contest – has teased that he has been hitting the gym hard to get ready for a “sexy” music video for the track.
Referring to ‘X Factor’ boss Simon Cowell’s love of wearing his shirts unbuttoned, he told The Sun newspaper: “I used to sing his songs as a kid in my room in English and Spanish. I’ve been working out a lot. I’m prepping myself for a sexy Spanish music video. Forget Simon Cowell’s unbuttoned shirts — I’m taking all the buttons off!”
Matt’s Latin record will also feature Spanish beauty Ana Men, who he has “grown close to” after spending time together in the studio.
The pair have a lot in common as the brunette beauty won Disney’s ‘My Camp Rock’ singing contest.
He gushed: “I went to Madrid to do a collaboration and got to meet this amazing girl, Ana.
“We hit it off straight away and get on really well. She’s going to be on my album.
‘We had a spark. She’s huge in Spain and she’s really hot as well. It was win-win!
“We had a spark, we text and we’ll see each other outside of work.”
And Matt – who is from Bromley in Kent, South East England – is even contemplating moving out to Spain to be nearer to his new love interest.
He said: “I’d love to go back. Let’s see how things go with Ana. Maybe I’ll end up in Madrid.”

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OHMYGOSSIP — Dizzee Rascal has slammed Radiohead for not getting the same “response” he got during their Glastonbury headline slot earlier this year.
The 32-year-old rapper has previously expressed a wish to headline the iconic music festival held at Worthy Farm, Somerset, and has now slammed both Radiohead and Gorillaz – who headlined in 2010 – for not getting the crowds as excited as he did when he was forced to play on a smaller stage at the same time.
Speaking to The Guardian newspaper about his desire to headline Glastonbury, the ‘Bonkers’ hitmaker said: “What more have I got to do now? Because, sorry Gorillaz did not get the reaction I got. They’re not as big as me, they’ve not done as much as me culturally, know what I mean? And, not being funny, but that set was sleepy.
“Not to be rude, right, but I was on another stage while Radiohead headlined [this year] and they did not get the response I got. Let’s just be honest, if we’re gonna be doing that?”
Dizzee’s comments come after he said in an interview shortly after his performance this year that Glastonbury’s organiser Emily Eavis “needs” to book him as a headliner.
The ‘Dance Wiv Me’ musician – whose real name is Dylan Kwabena Mills – said: “They need to have me headline this thing. They’ve had no British rappers headline this festival … You can always count on me. Put me on that main stage.”
Meanwhile, Dizzee recently claimed he invented the grime genre, and says ‘Big For Your Boots’ hitmaker Stormzy has told him he’s been a big influence on his music.
He said: “I get people moaning like, ‘Ah, you’re trying to come back to grime, now?’ What are you talking about? I was making grime before anyone else.
“That’s not something that’s even really out there as a fact, but at the same time you’ve got people like Stormzy bigging me up, saying that I’m the one who influenced him. And you can hear it.”

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OHMYGOSSIP — Ringo Starr is still living his dream.
The 77-year-old former Beatle had admitted that while he might not always be as “happy-go-lucky” as some people might assume, he continues to love making and performing his own music.
He shared: “I love joy. I love the light. I’m still doing what was my dream at 13, and that’s playing. I think that helps. I promise you this, though – I’m not this happy-go-lucky every day.
“But overall, my general demeanour is peace and love and joy.”
Ringo is poised to release his new solo album ‘Give More Love’ in September and the cultural icon has given an insight into how he writes new music.
Speaking to Billboard, he said: “What usually happens is with the writers I write with, one of us will have a line.
“I usually have a whole list of lines, and then we sort of just think what we’re gonna do.
“The best [new track] to talk about is ‘So Wrong for So Long.’ Somebody said that to me in 2008, and I just thought, ‘that’s a great line,’ and finally turned it into a record, into a track.”
Recently, Ringo has been working with former Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart on his new music.
But he admitted that regardless of who he’s collaborating with, he always tries to direct the tunes towards a feeling of “peace and love”.
Reflecting on the collaboration process, he explained: “What usually happens is – it doesn’t matter what people are doing. I direct it to the place I want it to be. Which is usually peace and love.”

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OHMYGOSSIP — Ed Sheeran has had 10,000 tickets for his shows being sold by touts shut down.
The ‘Shape of You’ hitmaker’s 2018 tour sold out in minutes leaving thousands of fans disappointed that they won’t be able to see their favourite pop star next year.
However, he is putting them back up for sale on his own reselling site, Twickets, for face value opposed to the extortionate amount they were up for.
One of the ways the 26-year-old singer/songwriter is tackling the issue is by refusing entry to ticket holders who cannot show four valid forms of ID.
A representative for Ed told the Mirror Online: “Most ¬profiteering companies heeded promoters’ warnings not to trade and resell tickets that would instantly be cancelled.
“This resulted in 90 per cent of tickets being delivered into fans’ hands at the face value.
“The process of analysing sales and cancelling tickets purchased for purposes for resale will continue until the tour takes place.”
The flame-haired star added seven new dates to the high-in-demand stadium run, two dates in London, Belfast, Glasgow, Newcastle and Manchester for May and June 2018.
In February, Ed was left fuming after tickets for his Teenage Cancer Trust charity concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall were advertised for anything up to 5,000.

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OHMYGOSSIP — Boy George is set to sign his first record deal in 22 years.
The Culture Club frontman is joining the Sony BMG roster – home to the likes of Beyonce, Britney Spears and Celine Dion – and has promised fans he’s working on new music.
The 56-year-old singer says it is the most “bonkers” thing he’s decided to do, but that it was an offer he couldn’t refuse.
Appearing on UK TV show ‘This Morning’ on Monday (17.07.17), he announced: “I’m about to sign with BMG which is the most bonkers thing. I never thought I’d sign a deal again, I haven’t had one since 1995. When this was presented to me I thought it’s bonkers I have to do it.”
The ‘Do You Really Want to Hurt Me’ hitmaker was previously signed to Virgin Records in 1995, when he released solo record ‘Cheapness and Beauty’, which only made it to number 44 in the charts.
George previously teased he has been working on tunes both for his solo career and with Culture Club.
He previously said: “I am about to make my own record and then I also have a Culture Club record in the pipeline, which we have kind of half written and half recorded.
“We have this strange kind of alchemy when we are together. “It’s a funny thing about bands.”
Culture Club return to the UK for three exclusive live shows as part of The Jockey Club Live series, which sees them perform at Epsom Downs, Newmarket and Haydock Park Racecourses this month.
The iconic 80s pop band, lead by the flamboyant frontman , have racked up seven straight top 10 hits in the UK and nine top 10 singles in the US. The band also won multiple awards including the 1984 Brit Award for Best British Group.

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OHMYGOSSIP — Blink-182 have cancelled their concert in Bournemouth, England tonight (17.07.17) on “doctor’s orders”.
The pop punk band were due to perform at the town’s International Centre (BIC), but were forced to axe the show because one of the members has been struck down with a mystery illness.
All gig-goers will be provided with a full refund for their tickets.
A statement from the trio – comprised of vocalist and guitarist Matt Skiba, bassist Mark Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker – reads: “It is with deep regret that Blink-182 have to cancel their show this evening at Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) due to band illness, on doctor’s advice. Refunds will be available from point of purchase.”
The ‘What’s My Age Again?’ hitmakers are still expected to perform at London’s The O2 on July 19 and 20.
Their tour in the UK is a rare chance for fans to see drummer Travis in action, as he doesn’t fly after being involved in a plane crash in 2008 that almost saw him lose his life.
The 41-year-old sticksman previously opened up about how he turned to drugs to deal with his fear of getting on a plane, but he is completely sober and drug-free now and only tours where he can get a boat to.
He previously said: “I started using to deal with my fear of flying. I hate flying. I would get a bunch of drugs to get on the plane.
“I thank God I got through it – I’m so happy to be here. I totally got a second chance.”

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OHMYGOSSIP — The Script are done with partying.
The Irish band would much rather enjoy one another’s company than go to swish bars packed with celebrities as they admit they are the “most anti-social” band in the industry.
Frontman Danny O’ Donoghue – who is joined by lead guitarist Mark Sheehan and drummer Glen Power in the group – said: “We’re probably the most anti-social lads and don’t really hang out with anyone in the business.
“We party with our mates in private. I couldn’t give a f*** about other famous people.”
The band are gearing up to release their first album in three years – the follow-up to 2014’s ‘No Sound Without Silence’ – but they won’t be accepting invites to swanky parties with expensive champagne to celebrate its release.
Mark told the Metro newspaper: “We are very anti-VIP bars. We get invited to the top clubs with Cristal champagne, but we’re like, ‘No.'”
One event that ended Danny’s desire to hit clubs was seeing a famous person – who he chose not to name – having their publicist phone up paparazzi to take pictures of them leaving a bar.
Ever since, he can’t stand it when celebrities moan about being papped.
He said: “When were kicking off you’d see pictures of celebs coming out of the back doors of clubs and you realise their publicist has called the paps.
“They are moaning about paparazzi but the paparazzi are not everywhere – I could go to my local pub, fall out and no one is taking a picture because I’m not calling anyone.
“I’m not saying who it was, but I was present for a call from somebody to tell the paparazzi where they were going to be. They were very open about calling them, ‘I’m going walk out now’. I was like, ‘See you, I’m not hanging out with you.'”
The band recently dropped new single ‘Rain’ and say they had around 70 songs to whittle down to 14 solid tracks for their as yet untitled fifth studio album.
Danny, 37, said: “We wrote about 70 songs over a year and a half and had to pick 14. We’re constantly f***ing around with words in our head all day long.”

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